The First Age

A sly grin tugged at Jay’s mouth, his mind flickering with a handful of risqué jokes he’d never say out loud (in present company at least). “It’s more of a nickname than anything meaningful, really,” he said, his voice low and teasing. “Magic? Sure, if that’s what you want to call it. The rest… well, you’ll have to ask Emily.”

He looked toward the bride and groom, catching them mid-laugh as the song wound down. Normally, he’d be out there too, throwing himself into the fast numbers just to get the blood moving, but tonight he felt anchored in place, weighed down by a heaviness he hadn’t been able to shake. When Kiriena murmured something about wanting a drink, he latched onto it as an excuse to escape the dance floor. “Yeah, alright. Let’s get you that drink.”

He trailed after her toward the bar, feeling strangely grateful for her company. Other than the bride and groom, she was the only person here he actually knew, and maybe the only one who wouldn’t expect him to be anything he wasn’t. Still, he turned down a third beer—two had been enough to soften the edges, and he didn’t feel like pushing his luck.

When they reached the bar, he leaned over to catch the bartender’s eye, using his height to his advantage. He gestured toward Kiriena, giving her a warm look that was only half an invitation, the other half a dare. “What’ll it be?” he asked, forcing himself to engage.

Kiriena led Jay to the bar. Occasionally it seemed her companion would become momentarily distant. She had seen it when he mentioned his old girlfriend. The man was a soldier - it was fully possible he had seen a lot of things no one else should have seen.

"An old fashioned for me," she said. We was usually a wine drinker, but at this moment, wanted something a little harder.

The bartender moved to make her drink and she stepped closer to Jay. "Hey are you doing okay? I know we just met, but I don't know. I just want to make sure you're alright."

She couldn't help who she was, and a big part of her was kindness to all. It was after all a wedding, he should be having a good time. And Kiriena thought he was, but sometimes - he had that look behind his eyes she couldn't explain.

Rachel would be fine. Emily knew that now, but it was hard to believe she was thinking about sex. It hadn't seemed so long ago that she was playing with dolls. In reality, it had been, but times had changed, and changed quickly. When her parents died, Emily had sort of taken over the mother role for her sisters. It hadn't really been intentional, but it had happened nonetheless. Still, Emily had to remember she wasn't their mother. She was their sister and she should learn to trust their judgement and offer advice when asked.

Emily readied herself and reentered the hall. The music was going now, a fast paced song with a good beat. Emily moved quickly, joining people on the dance floor. Excited to see the bride entering the mix, several of her bridesmaids and girlfriends joined. Feeling the energy of the group, Emily smiled. She spotted Jared relaxing by the bar, enjoying a beer. He raised it to her as she looked at him. She gave him a grin and continued dancing.

Jared took a moment to enjoy his beer. Emily had come back, and everything seemed fine. Jared prided himself on reading Emily well. Whatever had happened with Rachel had been dealt with. Emily ran to the floor and began to join in the festivities. As everyone knew, the bride controlled the party and the crowd responded to her enthusiasm. When she looked his way, Jared raised his beer to her and took a drink.

Jeremy approached him with a familiar small box. "Smoke?" he asked opening the cigarette box.

"Nah," Jared said. "I quit."

Jeremy gave him a surprised look, mentioned he'd find him for a beer later and left to poison his lungs. Quitting had been a good idea. Jared really felt like he could breathe again - and Emily barely ever refused kisses anymore. Jared smirked at the thought and made his way to the bar. Jay and Kiriena were talking and it looked like Kiriena was drinking an old fashioned.

"I'll have one of those too," Jared said, pointing at Kiriena's drink.