" That is great to hear, the event is just around the corner" Meera knew that their roles in gaining information about the attendees would be their priority along with their children's safety and their own in case someone would see the event as an opportunity to gain the upper hand
"We know, as of right now we can all agree that the Yagorites are our primary suspects but we cannot rule everyone else out. Rena and I will handle Yura, Elise will help with occupying his son. We will discuss the others later," Elijah heard footsteps in the distance knowing the children were near. They came bursting through the door with the bags in their hands.
"Grandpa, grandma may I open my present now?" Eon believed that if he was the first to ask politely he would receive his gift first.
"We will open them together" their grandmother spoke softly to them, taking the bags from them as they sat down. Meera got up from her seat and informed the kitchen staff that they can begin serving.
"For our beloved grandchildren, armbands for each of you from the Decota Isles, are engraved with your initials and a few of your favourite things." All of them expressed their gratitude in unison, all of the bands were made of gold and had an adjustment for their arm size. Eon's engravings were a ship, waves to represent the sea and an arrow and bow. Renner's were an arrow and bow, a horse and astronomical symbols of the sun and moon. Elise's were a horse, a sword and a replica of the castle in Elensia. Each of them hugged their grandparents.
They gave Jessica a book with medicinal mixtures and plants from Desi, which was Far East of Elensia. Elijah was given an axe, lightweight and also had the feature of a boomerang. Jasper received one of the three maps in the entire world of Caspardia. Luka and Meera gave Alexi a golden dagger from Locumin decorated with jewels and a spyglass. Rena was given a necklace and it was unlike anything she had ever seen.
"We bought it in Vinous, but the merchant said that it was not made there. We have never seen a gem quite like it and because of that, we thought of you," after hearing what Her Grace said Rena felt honoured that they had compared her to something precious and rare. She could not imagine what it must have cost, she kept staring at it.
"Thank you, I will treasure it and wear it at the celebrate," everyone placed their gifts back in the boxes to admire them further in their own time.
"Speaking of celebration, Jasper and Jessica should announce your expectancy," they looked at each other and agreed with Elijah's request, they needed to show their allies that their family was growing and only getting stronger.
"Great, I know Ash said he would be late, but I thought he would be here by now," suddenly Ash and Ariah sprinted through the door hand in hand.
"We're sorry we're late," he saw the bags and remembered he still had his presentation to give.
"Oh right, I brought you guys chocolate from Locumin, I know how much you love it," you would think he was talking to his niece and nephews but everyone enjoyed it. There was some difficulty trying to keep Luka from sneaking away.
"I'm sorry to interrupt your family time but Ash practically dragged me here," Ariah broke the silence after his first statement should be why they were there together.
"It's okay, you know you are always welcomed" Rena often would invite Ariah to family dinners but she would always decline either saying that she was not hungry, she did not want to intrude or that she was not feeling well. Ash pulled Ariah to stand beside him, their hands remained intertwined.
"I have asked Ariah to marry me and she accepted," they were surprised and happy, claps and cheers filled the room, Elise and her brother ran towards them.
"Does this mean you are our Aunt Ariah now?" Eon asked already knowing the answer but wanting to begin calling her that before it was official
"Yes, I guess that would mean I am your aunt," hugging the three siblings now as a member of the family.
"Not only that but we have to have the ceremony to her your godmother" Rena explained since Ash was his godfather it would be an appropriate title for Ariah. The children began jumping and screaming, Ash made his way towards Luka who gave him a small box. He got down on one knee and opened it to reveal a diamond, the most beautiful she could have ever hoped for. When she first met Ash she never expected an expensive ring but rather just to be with him and to have a family. He slowly placed the ring on her finger, she jumped into his arms and spun around.
"We have a lot to celebrate" Rena whispered to Elijah looking on as Ash and Ariah were being congratulated by everyone.
A Few Days Later
Everything that was needed for a grand event arrived by shore and carriages, from drapes to dresses, flowers arriving in exquisite vases and some of the finest ingredients needed to prepare the best sweet and savoury dishes. The communication flowed among everyone to complete each task. This was said to be the event of the year and would have a lasting impression for years to come.
Every citizen had their assumptions as to why the King and Queen would host an event such as this one, normally they prefer to enjoy national celebrations with their people. The fact that royals and nobles from other nations were in attendance did spark a topic of conversation. Vendors sat the opportunity to showcase their products, some of the nobles and heads of the family believed that the political benefits of possible alliances and future marriages could be an explanation.
"Again!" Elise barely had time to catch her breath when she was ordered to get into position again by her mother. Elise had gotten up and picked up her sword. Though exhausted she knew that the intense training her mother was putting her through was for a reason. But this time it was a bit different, the student-teacher relationship had been established since the first day Elise had picked up a sword. Rena would treat her no differently than if she was training someone else and Elise understood the difference between Rena, the teacher and Rena, her mother.