Surprise Speech
It was near the end of dinner when a few murmurs started near the back of the cookhouse. A familiar man walked between the tables, cane in hand. Someone passed him a drink and he nodded a thanks as he raised his glass. “Not to take attention away from the lovely couple...” he started, drawing the eyes of everyone else who fell into a stunned silence. “But, despite my invite being lost,” he chucked. “I had to share a few words about this wonderful couple.”
Kristoph approached the table where Ben and Fitz sat. Fitz’s hands were at his mouth as he tried to hold back tears. “I remember when. I first met you two. Can I share?” He asked, getting a nod from the men he continued. “I wasn’t in that suit shop by chance. A certain bird told me you’d be there and that you two might need help. All I knew was that I’d have my pocket picked, and wouldn’t know when it happened. So, I planned ahead. I put a business card in my wallet with a delayed illusion spell on it- making it appear as money. I had no idea I’d been robbed until later- imagine my surprise when I found out it was a small ferret doing the stealing.” He gave Fitz a kind smile. “When you two joined our family, I was so happy. I knew right away you both would bring something special to Zion. The world is such a unfriendly place and you both had seen some of the worse. Not just because of what you are... but who you love.”
Kristoph walked behind the table and placed his hand on Ben’s shoulder. “Know that here, everyone is accepted. And let your union be a sign that love is bigger than us- and we should never fight it- even if society says it’s wrong. You both have huge hearts and have shown Zion so much love and helped so many here... I hope that we can show you just how much we appreciate it.”
He raised his glass, joined by everyone else. “To Ben and Fitz. May we all find love as true ourselves one day.” Words of agreement and cheers rose front he tables as others clapped.
As the rest continued, Kristoph leaned down to speak to the two men. “I hear some pooled resources together to get you a room in town for a honeymoon. Enjoy it, you two deserve it. When you get back, come and see me. I have something special for you.” He smiled, gave the men two quick hugs and went to get something to eat himself- insisting that he’d talk with anyone about what happened ‘tomorrow’ as not to distract from the happy couple.