Chapter Twelve EQUINOX
Leoma and I sauntered - yes, sauntered - through the corridor, then down the spiral staircase into the Great Hall where the party was already set to begin. Food - oh the aroma! - made my stomach lurch as hunger pains stabbed me in full force. A feast was gloriously laid out by the platter-full on oblong tables that lined the back of the room. Meats and cheeses, fruits and breads. Vegetables and potatoes and - oh - the decadence. A chocolate sculpture of an elk graced the middle of the head table. It bugled while walking down an embankment of mint leaves, surrounded by miniature trees of pine. Other delicate edible wonders of forest creatures dotted the room. I spotted an eagle, a bear, and an owl at first glance. At the end-caps of the serving tables were beverage carts with casks of wine, bottles of brown elixirs, and barrels of beer.
The decor was clearly autumn. Reds, oranges, and browns reigned, accentuated by the earthly glow thrown off by candles and the enormous hearthfire ablaze on the far side of the room. Pumpkins, gourds, and squash were piled in random places on tables that were set along the edges of the room. Baskets of multi-colored apples were placed as centerpieces on smaller two-tops for standing grazers.
But my eye lingered longest on the glowing red and orange roses artfully wound around the banister and woven into various parts of the wall tapestries throughout the Hall. Opulence with rustic style, I thought. Hunting lodge meets rich Hollywood party.
The Hall was already bustling with people of all shapes, sizes, colors and classes. Everyone seemed jovial, smiling and laughing, sloshing wine over shoes and catching up on trivial conversations. Some wore festive masks while all were bedecked in dresses and ornate finery of amazing craftsmanship - again with a very autumn flair. The intricate patterns of gold thread woven into dresses, coats, and scarves of sienna, cedar, and umber made me think of my sister and the garments she used to sew.
Cora…I started to get wistful again but was distracted by Leoma pinching my left side. I turned to scold my new best friend but stopped in my tracks when I saw what she had been signaling.
Will stood motionless a few feet away, eyes cemented to my figure.
Leoma smiled, looking a little too self-satisfied.
