The reception was full of lively music and feasting. The cook from the Tor had out done herself and the wine was flowing freely. Faren and Samantha danced every slow dance and Nimue had elbowed Maric more than once at the young lovers’ embraces. Even Layla was enjoying her time with all the horses in the paddock. She kept touching noses with not just the Black but the others as well. Nimue had tied a garland of daisies around the golden neck of the dragon and if dragons could smile, Layla was beaming.<br/><br/>The guardian worked her way through the crowd and gave Nimue two white baby blankets that had been crocheted from the softest white wool. Around the edges were satin ribbons, one in mint green and the other in the most delicate peach.<br/><br/>“Thank you, Old Mother, but what are these for? We have no child forthcoming.” Nimue said, kissing her on her wrinkled cheek.<br/><br/>“I have seen two born together in the waters of the reflecting pan. You will be doubly blessed. So be it.” The bent, blind woman chortled and then turned to the refreshment table for punch.<br/><br/>Nimue stood in shock, the exquisite blankets draped over her arms.<br/><br/>“Did you hear that Maric? We will have twins. It is foretold. They will be blessed.” She squealed, flinging herself in his arms.<br/><br/>The changing of a knife against a glass called all attention on Lord Varatt.<br/><br/>“It’s about time for the couple to cut the cake!”<br/><br/>Nimue and Maric went to the banquet table where the three tiered cake towered over the platters of sweetmeats and bowls of roasted nuts. She still couldn’t believe the way so many people had worked so hard for her and for Maric, of course, but still, she had never seen such an outpouring of love in her life.