Stars blanketed the sky, and the full moon watched over the wedding below. Oswald, Percival, and everyone else had placed their gifts on a designated table. The atmosphere was lively with music and the gentle clatter of silverware. Aelindor's mother, alongside the maid, was helping with the food.
As he'd expected, Oswald and Percival sat at a corner table—Oswald feeling awkward in the sea of the bride and groom's relatives. Hours later, Aelindor joined them with his bride, and the group spent the evening conversing and laughing. Oswald laughed along, his joy genuine yet underscored by the quiet ache of the mask he wore.
Finally, the bride and groom kissed, and they set off in a fancy carriage.
After the wedding, Percival, Oswald, and the maid stood together on a bridge outside the hall, the river flowing beneath them, with the moon's reflection wiggling on its surface.
"Events like these really make you picture yourself in their place," Oswald said, his own wiggling reflection staring back.
"Indeed. With every action today, I found myself imagining her and me doing the same."
"Heh. Yeah… I bet." He turned to Percival. "I'd like us to return to Aurelia for a day or two."
"For what reason? I am not opposed, but my curiosity remains."
Oswald's gaze drifted from Percival to the giant blue moon overhead. "I know our talk about the castle and manor's food was just a passing thought, and how your staff must work to match that royal standard. Well, I'd like to taste your manor's cooking and see how it compares. And finally…" His voice softened, almost shy, his gaze disconnecting. "I-I have a gift for someone present there."
"Is that so…" Percival squinted slightly.
Haaah. He knows.
"Man, stop it. I'll tell you when the time is right."
"Heh. You intend to keep me in suspense until then."
"Haha. Such is the way. I'll keep you on your toes until tomorrow…"
And so, the trio returned to Aelindor's home for one last night before their departure for the island of humans, Aurelia Dominion.
###
End of Act II
THE MASK
ns216.73.216.247da2
and then Add to home screen.