The Witches of Weston

Celebrations

It took two hours for the dinner to be cooked and by then everyone was freshly dressed in new clothes and bathed. Lord Thomas had the castle ball room filled with tables fitting every fighter of the battle. Small round tables were clustered in the large room with one large rectangle table in the center. The table was made of oak wood and could seat forty people comfortably.

Sitting at the right end of that table was Lord Thomas dressed in nice silk clothing with his sons on his right and left side. Louis was on the left end of the table and Laura on his right talking to him. I sat beside Laura enjoying the nice meal. I was ravenous since I couldn't eat before because of my nerves about the battle.

"Andy slow down there" Laura whispering as I almost choked on a roll in my mouth. Swallowing the food, I gave Laura a glare and was about to respond. But Lord Thomas tapped his glass getting everyone's attention. Laura gave me a mischievous smirk and I rolled my eyes at my friend' antics.

Thomas stood announcing to all the occupants in the room in a loud voice. " I first want to say my thanks to the future queen and her people.  Their aid in battle was vital and without their assistance our city would be in peril." Roars of agreement erupted at the statements as many soldiers clapped for the Natives in attendance. Laura only blush but with a gesture she motions for Lord Thomas to continue his speech. " And a special thanks to the witches that risked their lives in our battle. They didn't have to aid us but they chose too."

Clapping and applause was thundering in the room as the citizens cheered in appreciation. I felt myself blush with my friends in embarrassment. Thomas raised his hand and the cheering stop.

"I want to offer the Natives full citizenship and housing in our city, so they can be our neighbors and friends". At that declaration Bear Claw and Jonah became quiet as they looked shock but quickly recovered.

"That is a generous proposal, but we decline." Jonah apologized nicely as Lord Thomas frowned slightly at the response, but Bear Claw interrupted.

"I'm declining too because of my tribe' crops and lands." At that remark Thomas seemed interested. "The Tekla decided to expand our trade to new places and outsiders. And with the diamonds in our trade we should find new allies in no time." The announcement brought many murmurs of excitement and I couldn't blame people. Seeing the tribe's products firsthand I knew  they will be a commodity in the cities.

"The Tekla trade is legendary for your clothes and food. My father always wanted to be considered for your trade and did you say diamond's" said Thomas attentive.

"Yes, we have them thanks to Rachel and her brother" mention Bear Claw as he pulled a red leather bag out from his side. Looking at it I could see leaf like design on the flap of it in black dye.. "Rachel Miranda made this for you as a goodbye gift from her and Samuel."

Passing the bag to Rachel. "Miranda shouldn't have gone through the trouble for me but tell her thank you" Rachel said reaching for the bag. As my friend grabbed it the bag flap open spilling everything on the floor. Rachel's eyes were about to fallout looking at the gems scattered around her. Gems range from black and white diamonds as big as tea cups, emeralds, rubies and other rare rocks was in view for all to see.

"I thought there was only diamonds and ore in your mountain Bear Claw" asked Louis as he stared at the gems in awe.

"We found some more were Rachel and Jordan discovered the diamonds. Samuel insisted bringing Rachel some of the new ones."

"Bear Claw are you putting these gems in your trade" Mark scanning the gems with excitement. The Tekla chief nodded "Then Gallopia would be honor to partake in your expanding trade once it ventures into other kingdoms."