Waterfall Eclipse

Wedding ~ Part One

Chapter Ninety-Six:

Wedding ~ Part One

In the morning, after Rani got ready for the day, she headed over to Kuchiki Manor. She was let in and informed that Lily was in her room. Safely tucked in her Shihakusho was her heirloom comb should she get a chance to speak with her captain or Lord Kuchiki later, she wouldn't have to attempt a drawing. Rani headed over to Lily's room quietly and slowly.

"Knock knock." Rani said softly as she lightly tapped on the open door's frame.

"Rani! I am so glad you are here! What's the plan for today?" The ten year old said excitedly and with a large grin.

"Actually, I was thinking of just hanging here for a little while." Rani started. "I have some news to tell you, but since it's so nice out, why don't we go for a walk?"

"Sounds good."

The two walked silently to the gardens and then to the bridge that went over the small creek that made its way through the manor grounds.

"So what did you want to tell me? I am dying here!"

"Okay, so the news is that Toshiro and I are now engaged." Rani said slowly as she watched a cherry blossom petal float down on the surface of the water.

"WHAT! Really?" Lily asked in shocked and then embraced Rani into a hug. "That is so great!"

Rani then started to be bombarded with questions from the over- excited ten year old, so she willingly answered them with joy.

"And to add to this conversation, Lily, would you like to be a part of the wedding by either being a junior bridesmaid or a flower girl?"

"OH! I WOULD LOVE TO RANI!" Lily exclaimed as she hugged her. "So, where on the grounds would you want to have the ceremony?"

"Well, the ceremony would have to be at the shrine on the grounds. But I have no idea where we would or should have the reception here."

"We have a large common room." Rani looked at her and smiled.

"I somehow do not doubt that." Rani said and then paused. "Ultimately it would be up to your father." She added as she noticed a few of the manor staff walking briskly to the front entrance. "What is going on?" She asked as she stood up.

"I don't know. Maybe daddy's home early?" Lily questioned as Rani started to walk to get a better view.

Lily followed and watched to see six men line up at the front and the doors open.

"You know, I think he IS home early." Rani commented. "But I wonder why."

"I don't think I want to know." Lily stated and then grabbed Rani's hand. "Come on. Let's walk some more. I can show you the common room I am talking about."

Rani agreed as Lily gently pulled her through the grounds, much like she did the first time Rani came to visit her. They came up to a building Rani had never seen before and Lily opened the door.

"See?"

Rani hesitantly walked inside and looked up and around.

"This place is rather big."

Lily giggled as she heard shuffling and then frowned recognizing the shadow that was approaching.

"Miss Tómasu? Why are you in here?"

"Hello Captain Kuchiki. Lily wanted to show me for the wedding." Rani answered as he approached her and then looked down at his daughter and back to Rani. "Is something the matter?"