"GET A ROOM!" someone yelled and there was a trickle of laughter. The two couples broke apart and moved towards one another.

"All the times you told me to forget about Rosemonde, you were going through the same thing I was, weren't you, Theodora?" Drew was amazed. "Mum told me how stringently you defended Myrddin when he flew away. Myrddin you should have heard what she said to the detectives."

"I bet! She's a real spunk." Myrddin kissed the top of Theodora's head. "When you led that prayer for me, and later, when you didn't freak out over Vlad's transformation, I thought you were pretty special; but it was the kiss that did it for me."

"Same. My attraction to you was instant. I thought you were SO HOT Myrddin, but almost fainting when you kissed me...phew! I couldn't stop thinking about you after that. I had to be near you, so I'd visit you every day to um...cheer you up."

"Grab a drink," Drew said "I want to propose a toast to plutonic friendships."

"Don't you mean platonic." Theodora giggled. She was already a little tipsy.

"No, I mean plutonic as in plutonium. Wow, I think I might actually have a song title there!" He laughed, and Rosemonde clapped her hands excitedly. "But I digress...the connection that we have made, over the past few weeks, it's — explosive. We all care about one another, deeply, and I know that we always will."

Libuse approached and joined in their laughter. "This is what it means to be a Luminous Warrior — this level of friendship, that depth of love. You are beginning to understand it, Drew. Oh, I am so delighted for you all! Dinner is about to be served, but I need to have a word with you, Drew, before we sit down to eat."

"Of course, Libuse." Drew followed her to a quiet corner.

"I wonder what that's about," Rosemonde asked.

"It's pretty obvious- "

"Dora no!" Myrddin cut her off with an anguished whisper. Theodora swore under her breath.

"What's going on?" Rosemonde asked again. "You're keeping something from me. Myrddin, since we've been so honest with one another tonight, you tell me."

"Um...well...even though you killed in self-defence, you may still have to go to trial and..." He exhaled, nervously. "If you do, it would be best for you to remain a virgin until it's over. Libuse is just reminding Drew what's at stake."

"OhmyGodthat'ssoincrediblyembarassing," Rosemonde stammered, turning every shade of red imaginable. "But what has my sexual status have to do with anything?" She posed the question to Theodora, who looked mortified.

Drew chose that moment to return. Hugging Rosemonde from behind, he kissed her neck and whispered in her ear, "How about we enjoy this scrumptious food and forget about the real world for a while?" Rosemonde couldn't see the scowl that Drew was giving Theodora.

"But-" She felt sure now that there was something that they weren't telling her.

"Later Ros'." Drew was relieved when the food began to be laid out on large buffet tables.

"DINNER IS SERVED!" A thin elf boomed in a voice that belied his slight frame.

"Libuse and I will talk to you about it later, I promise. Let's just enjoy tonight?" Drew pleaded.

"You're right, I'm sorry," she replied.

So much had happened since Liam and Ben had brought her to Tweldor. Rosemonde had all but forgotten that she still had to go home and face — what exactly? She shivered involuntarily and Drew put a protective arm around her.

"Whatever fears we may have about the future, this time we face them together, okay?" He made her look at him, and she nodded. "But right at this moment I fear that if we don't get in line the food will be gone," he said in mock seriousness.

"Not likely!" She laughed, knowing that he was deliberately distracting her from her thoughts. She was thankful and complied. "Just look at this incredible feast!"

There were food dishes to satisfy every palate. The werewolves enjoyed trying dishes like kibbeh nayeh - a raw lamb mince dish seasoned with bulgur and spices, while the vegan guests were able to indulge in dishes made from every fruit and vegetable imaginable. It was as if the produce from the Garden of Eden had been delivered directly to Tweldor for this banquet.

To start, Rosemonde chose a colourful salad that contained rocket leaves and pomegranate. For the main, both she and Drew had the Roman Venison. She didn't think she had room for dessert but when Drew suggested they share a coffee liquor ice cream, she caved.

"Oh, c'mon there's always room for ice cream," he said. She had to laugh at his child-like enthusiasm. He proceeded to completely hog the bowl and she barely got a few mouthfuls. "Mmm ice cream mmm fav-mm-ourite mm food!" he slurped.

Mairead seated on his other side, was horrified. "Honestly Andrew, what has gotten into you? You have the table manners of an untrained puppy!"

He winked and nodded towards Rosemonde who was almost crying with laughter. Mairead realised what he'd been up to and suppressed a smile. Rosemonde was having so much fun this evening. She was completely at ease with her son, carefree. Mairead hadn't seen her laugh like that in a long time...

When all the guests had finished their exquisite meals, the sound of a gong reverberated through the banquet hall. Everyone directed their attention to the middle of the room where Libuse stood on a large raised dais to speak.