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Saedie and Toni were in their room getting ready when there was a knock on the door. Saedie went to answer it and on the other side stood her two sisters in their matching ugly sweaters. Though similar to the one Saedie had attempted earlier, they were very well done. Most likely Gwen had embroidered them, and her skills had become even better since her apprenticeship in Meridilath. The sweaters were dark green with silver images on them.
“You look amazing!” Saedie exclaimed. “Though I don’t think you’ll win the ‘Ugliest Sweater Contest’. These are too pretty, Gwen.”
Gwen shrugged. “Okay, maybe they’re more random than ugly, but they’ll do.” She walked into the room as Saedie opened the door wider. “Are you two ready?”
Toni’s head popped through the top of her sweater. “I believe so,” she said. “What do you think?”
“It’s awesome!” Cory said as she came closer and her eyes swept over the designs.
Gwen nudged Saedie and whispered, “I don’t think either of you are winning the contest either.”
Saedie gazed at her sister and her girlfriend excitedly pointing out different parts of the other’s garment. “I think I’m alright with that.” A soft smile spread across her face.
Toni looked over at the elder Sumner sisters. “What?”
“Nothing.” Saedie’s words were as soft as her eyes.
Toni rolled her eyes and gave a half smile. She knew Saedie too well to believe that. “Do you think the others are ready?” she asked.
“Oz and Siggy were already downstairs,” Cory said. “We can check on the others?” She looked between the other women in the room for confirmation of what to do.
Toni spoke up first. “Why don’t you and Gwen check on Dusty. Saedie and I can get Cricket and Willow.”
The others agreed, and they went to the rooms of their friends. Dusty took a minute or two longer, but Cricket and Willow were exiting the room when Saedie and Toni arrived.
“Oh, Hi!” Willow greeted them as Cricket closed the door to their room. “Everyone ready?”
“I think so,” Saedie said. “Some are checking on Dusty, and everyone else is downstairs.” They made their way to the stairs. “I wonder what Balgus’s shop looks like without all the instruments and shelves. Do you think it’ll be big enough for everyone coming?”
Willow shrugged. “Babs said they do the party nearly every year, so I’m guessing it works.” She takes in a deep breath. “She told me about the first time her and Alvie went to the party after they got married. It was sweet.” A bittersweet smile played across her face for a moment before shifting back to upbeat once again. “Babs spoke highly of how much fun they have.”
“Can’t wait to see it in person!” Cricket piped in as the group reached the main floor of the tavern. The others stood in the main tavern area waiting for them. It was oddly deserted as most of the current occupants were headed to the party. Those who weren’t were in town to see family and at their own festivities.
Saedie turned to Siggy. “Are Motthew and Nakani still getting ready?”
“Motthew insisted on going early to help Balgus set up the space, and Nakani went with him,” Siggy replied. “We should get going too if we don’t want to be late.”
They walked out into the night. The cold air stung slightly as it hit their faces. The groups pulled their warm coats and cloaks around them a little tighter and headed for the music shop.
When they turned down the street, the shop was buzzing. Smoke billowed from the chimney. The scent of bread, vegetables, and meat fresh from the oven wafted halfway down the street. And the music could be heard before they even turned the corner. Delight hit them as their senses were engulfed in the most comforting and joyous smells, sights, and sounds. Siggy raised his hand to knock, but the door swung open before his knuckles hit the wood.
“Well, hello there,” Jodi greeted them. “Get in here.” She ushered them through the door then shut it again to keep the cold out. “There’s places to hand warm clothes over there. Drinks are at the back. And dancing is happening across the floor.”
“Jodi!” a tabaxi woman called from the edge of the dance floor. “Are you coming back for that dance you owe me?”
Jodi smiled coyly. “If you ask nicely, Stakala.” She sauntered over to the other woman. Stakala took Jodi’s hand and spun the woman to her. One hand in Jodi’s and the other on her waist, Stakala guided Jodi across the dance floor. The pair swayed to the music with the occasional classy dip or twirl of each other.
The group put their warm clothes on some chairs. Saedie smiled at her old boss having so much fun. Siggy wandered off to find Nakani and Motthew. Gwen went off to find Tizzy. The younger three Sumner siblings disappeared into the crowd.
Cricket turned to Willow and extended a hand to her. “May I have this dance?” he asked with a slight bow.
A soft blush bloomed on her cheeks. She placed her hand in his. “Of course.” The made their way to the dance floor and began moving together to the music.
Saedie and Toni stood there for a moment, smiles beaming as they watched their friends and family enjoy themselves. But it only lasted for a moment before Saedie looped her arm through Toni’s and led her toward the bar.
However, Toni knew how much Saedie would want to dance and had other plans. As they arrived on the edge of the dance floor, Toni placed a hand on the small of Saedie’s back and took the lead. Guiding her and they two glided around to the beat of the music.
About halfway through the night, the winner of the "ugliest sweater" was revealed to be Oz. He’d worked with Artius to make dancing lights appear at random across the silliest of patterns. Embroidered trees that were upside down with wyverns flying across them pulling a flying caravan, and one of them had a glowing nose. The sweater wasn't conventionally ugly, but it was the most amusing and therefore received the most votes from the other partygoers.
The night continued on with dancing and drinking. Stories were shared of recent adventures and those long past. It went well into the night, and some even stayed til the early hours of the morning before heading back to their homes or accommodations. The Dawntakers were one of the last to head out, and as they did Barbara reminded them to come round for Solstice dinner the next day.