Rehearsal Dinner
While Liliana was at class on Wednesday afternoon, Aukai finished up the last few preparations for the rehearsal dinner that night. As well as serving as another family get together, it would give them an opportunity to go over the play for the day of with their wedding party.
Vanessa and Teodor had agreed to host the dinner on the farm in Ravenwood, so as soon as Liliana got back they were going to pack up the food and head over.
Liliana got home as Aukai was packing up their dishes, and immediately went to change into her dress. It was truly incredible how fast she could go from college girl to princess! And Aukai loved every version of her- she truly was the most beautiful woman in the world, and he couldn't believe how lucky he was to have her.
It was cool and cloudy when they reached the Constantin Farm in Whispering Glen, the crisp chill in the air hinting that winter wasn't long to come in this particular kingdom. For Liliana, it was the first time she'd been back home since she left for Britechester that summer.
She hadn't quite realized how much she'd missed it.
There wasn't much time to dwell on it, though, as before she knew it her family was arriving! Aukai had made a massive bowl of apple cider punch that afternoon, and Liliana had spent the previous night preparing some of her favorite dishes, mostly native to Ravenwood- mamaliga and polenta specifically, as well as hot cross buns and her favorite dessert, a strawberry custard.
Lis was thrilled to see Liliana, and very excited for her role as flower girl in the wedding that weekend.
"I've been practicing!" She told Liliana proudly. "I've got a basket and everything!"
"That's wonderful." Liliana laughed. "I'm sure you'll be a very good flower girl."
Vanessa and Teodor had brought in additional tables for the party, and it wasn't long before everyone was gathered in the dining hall to share food and conversation. Liliana's attention was pulled in every direction- everyone had questions about the wedding, from the menu to dress code- did people really assign their wedding guests specific color schemes? Apparently that was a thing in San Myshuno, her aunt Carin told her.
Liliana and Aukai had decided on a menu, but they were keeping that a surprise! She did assure Leia that they would absolutely have vegetarian options, so she didn't need to worry about that.
In the middle of the party, Liliana noticed that Eirwen slipped off into the night. Nobody else seemed to notice, but Liliana had to wonder what could've pulled her cousin away in the middle of the event.
Oh well, she was sure it was important.
Aukai received his fair share of attention as well. Everyone wanted a chance to get to know their newest member of the family, after all! Everyone was eager to hear about his degree, his plans for after university, if he planned to travel...
He did his best to answer all of the questions as they came. "I'm pursuing a Language and Literature degree." He told Carlos, one of Liliana's many cousins.
"My dream career is to be a Private Attorney." He answered one of her aunts- Arabella, he thought? There were so many relatives, it was hard to keep track!
Midway through the party, Teodor called everyone's attention to him. "I'd just like to take a moment to raise a glass to Liliana and Aukai, and their happiness. I couldn't ask for a better son-in-law, and I'm sure he'll take good care of my daughter."
"Aw, Papa, you'll make me cry!" Liliana laughed as everyone else raised their glasses.
"Wait till the actual wedding day." Teodor winked at her. "This was just a warmup."
As the party returned to general chatter, Liliana caught a chance to finally introduce herself to Kit. She knew that he'd grown up in the orphanage with Aukai, and she'd heard from Ava that Ella was dating him now, but hadn't had a chance to make a proper introduction.
Just from talking to him for a few minutes, it wasn't hard to see why he and Ella had clicked. They both had the same cheerful, optimistic demeanor. Liliana wouldn't mind it if she eventually added him to the roster of cousins.
The dinner continued late into the evening, but all good things must come to an end and so did their event. Liliana and Aukai waved goodbye to everyone as they started to head home, thanking them all for coming. Everyone was very excited for the actual wedding now, and Liliana couldn't believe there were only two more days!
Of course, Liliana and Aukai stayed after everyone else had left to help clean up the mess left behind. No matter how respectful your guests were, this type of event was bound to leave behind mountains of dishes!
"I hope you know that the sentiment Teodor expressed earlier is mutual." Vanessa told Aukai as they helped gather up the dishes. "We're very glad you and Liliana have each other."
"I'm glad to have her too, ma'am." Aukai answered. "I couldn't imagine life any other way."
Vanessa smiled. "Good. You two will make a lovely family someday. Take care of her."
"I absolutely will."
When the dishes had been done, and the leftovers packed away, Liliana bid her parents goodbye. She and Aukai had a long trip back to Britechester, and classes to get to tomorrow.
"I'll see you on the big day." She told them, beaming.
"Come visit whenever you want, alright?" Vanessa told her. "And good luck on your finals."
"Thanks, Mama."
Aukai and Liliana's Thursday classes didn't start until 3pm, so they had plenty of time to sleep in after their busy night. When they woke up, they found out that the season premiere of Waltzing With Celebrities was on- which, oddly enough, contained neither waltzing nor any major celebrities, but did involve a mummy.
Misleading title, but still a fun watch.
Other than their classes, and studying for finals, Liliana and Aukai took the day pretty easy. Most of their preparations were finished, and there was nothing to do but wait and enjoy each other's company.
Just one day left to wait.
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