My Friend Loki: Strange Magic

Chapter 24

December 21, 2018. Hamilton House Orphanage Auditorium. 6:45 pm EST.

Those who are residents of Winnipeg would know what a social is. It's a fundraising party, often for a wedding, charitable or community organization. Usually held at a community centre or a Legion hall, there would be music and dancing, liquor, food, raffles and draws. Well, the way they had set up this auditorium, it reminded me of such an event, but with some subtle differences.

Instead of the long communal tables that were rectangular, they had round tables with festive tablecloths. Each table was stocked with some chips and pretzels on a paper plate. There was to be no alcohol served because children would be present - although they did have a bar in the far corner of the room, offering a variety of 'mocktails.' The food served was buffet style on a couple of long tables located at the back of the room, featuring items like sausage, other luncheon meats, rye bread, pickles, cheese and salads.

Displayed on tables on one side of the room were the raffle prizes, which were donated by local companies. Ticket takers at the door were selling tickets for the raffle.

As several groups of people entered the auditorium, popular Christmas tunes played from the audio system, and the lighting was somewhat dimmed for ambiance.

Loki and I had to have a look around this area because how our routine now started, it would not be able to be done from the stage. And what they had set up for one was simply fantastic - it was a long covered stage, with shiny red and green curtains on either side to create 'wings.' One of the wings hid a door on the right, which led to a 'green room' where the performers would take their turns in which to emerge.

We acted nonchalant around the people as they took their seats around the tables, pretending we were attendees to watch the show.

After figuring out where we needed to be, we slowly made our way up the stairs to the stage and opened the door to the green room. Many of the talent were already there, sitting at tables and chairs that had been provided. There was also a table set up with cold drinks, along with a tea/coffee service.

As we entered, Lewis Barry came up to us.

"We have some news, which you can either take as good or bad," he said to us, "two of the acts, couldn't make it. We've all been given a few extra minutes to stretch our routines. Does that work for you?"

Loki looked at me then back at Lewis, "I'm sure we can manage something," he said, with a benign smile.

Seating ourselves in the corner of the room, I slipped my arm around Loki, "are you okay?" 

The walk through the auditorium couldn't have been conducive for Loki's back due to the embedded micro-tech.

"I'm fine, Beverlee," he replied, allowing himself to lean on me a little. "I didn't realize how big that auditorium actually was."

"Well, you can keep off your feet for now," I pointed out. "If you need anything, I'll get it for you."

"I just need you, my clever girl." He lightly kissed the top of my head.

We soon got word that the show was about to begin...

Kelly, who had helped at that first rehearsal had now returned. Moving between the wings and the green room, her role was to inform each of the talent when one act ended and the other was to move along and get on stage.

Loki and I got comfortable, it was going to be a long - but fun - night.

****

While we were waiting, we talked with some of the acts. It was exciting to learn we were playing to a full house! So far, from what we heard, everyone was enjoying themselves - both acts and audience.