It took a few days for Zilo to return to his former self. Luckily Aria had been practicing her magic and she proved capable enough at healing him back to his prime. Clay meanwhile proved rather capable of keeping the tavern running while Aria stayed at Zilo's bedside.
With their time alone, they had plenty of time to plan their future together. Aria figured that the wedding could be held at her family's farm since it had finally been fully restored. While the farm was modest, and far from a dream location, Zilo agreed, but he made her agree that they would hold off on the wedding until he could get in contact with his parents back in the Plane of Shadows.
Aria agreed, and after about a week of the three looking after the bar, the rest of Swords and Sorcery Inc. came home from Shadeville and Aria showed off her new engagement ring to them. Jin, Alaroc, and Cruxis lept for joy and piled around Zilo patting him on the shoulders. Leo nodded knowingly and walked up to the bar to get a bit of wine to celebrate.
May gave Aria a hug and began pressing her on who the maid of honor would be. Aria gave her a snarky stare as May smiled in return saying, "I knew you were a smart girl, Zilo's gonna need that." Maldrek meanwhile was kneeling down and explaining to Sparky what marriage was. As Maldrek began to explain the action of "going on a honeymoon" Zilo approached him.
"So, Aria tells me that human marriages, like human duels, also require a second, a 'Best man', they call it." Maldrek clasped the bard on the shoulder with a smile and said, "You need help finding one, right?"
Zilo clasped Maldrek's shoulder back and returned, "Sure do, know anyone with some demon horns, red skin, and glowing red eyes?" The two friends embrace and pat each other on the back.
The rest of the night turned into one of the tavern's legendary nights of celebration. Revelry was had by all and with love being the prime motive for the party, love became something that not just Zilo strove for. Zilo sat by Leo, who had been looking to a blonde woman across the tavern. She was laughing with a group of friends but Leo seemed fixated on her.
Zilo inquired, "See something you like?"
"She's been here a few times before, but never with a man. I've been trying a different approach every night. None of the attempts have worked yet."
"Ah, well why not?"
"Maybe I was never good looking enough, think you can help me pick an option?" Responded Leo, pulling out his pocketbook of hair samples. Zilo nodded a few times, and closed the book back up.
"Just go talk to her as you are."
"No chance, what if it doesn't work? Rather she hate another face than hate mine."
"Look, if your that nervous, I'll give you a bit of a boost." Said the bard as he stood up from the bar and made his way to the stage in the eastern part of the tavern. The bard focused for a moment, as he rarely used this melody, but broke out into an ballad meant to Inspire Competence rather than his usual battle song to Inspire Courage.
Leo suddenly felt as though he knew the exact perfect line to use, and smiled. He stood and made his way over to the woman, pushing back his hood and revealing his face. He steeled his resolve and stood by the women, and as he was about to open his mouth, the woman interrupted,
"About time you came up to me." Leo was stunned and lost his words as she giggled and stood up to continue, "I picked you out weeks ago, but the only men who tried anything were not that tall fella with the devilish smile like you were."
Leo blinked twice, but rolled with it, and got a table alone with the woman. Zilo smiled as his friend began to work his magic, he finished up his performance and began to walk back to the bar, but was addressed by a familiar voice, "With skill like that, you would have smoked me last time I heard you play."
Zilo turned to see 4 men in peasant robes, but two of them stuck out. There stood Prince Kranoc Deneval and royal tutor, Luther Strain, along with two larger men who presumably were their bodyguards in disguise.
Luther looked rather disguised with the celebration around them, while Zilo squinted at the royal appearing in their tavern again after the last time when he was thrown out by the bard. Zilo stood opposed to the group when the prince raised his hands and said,
"Hold, I have no wish for trouble, In fact, I have come seeking your help. I hear that this celebration is from your coming betrothal, well I have an offer. I to have found a woman to marry, you may remember her from our duel in courting the fairer sex. She is Umie Xunchu, the dove of South Lidan,"
"What does that have to do with me?"
Luther stepped forward and speaks, "The prince must attend a ball in Lidan hosted by Umie's father to seal the courtship, but the Queen fears for the prince's life."
"Then why not go with the royal knights?" Luther rubbed his temples and sighed before explaining,
"The Han Kingdom would think it a breach of trust between the royals of Deneval and those of the Han if we send a whole contingent of knights." Prince Kranoc continued, "But some royal vassals to accompany me, that is allowed."
Luther speaks, " And so we come offering a deal, if you ensure that the Prince's proposal goes perfectly, we will pay you well."
Zilo's eyes widen but his gaze glances over to Aria, who has taken the stage to fill in for Zilo. Zilo then gets an idea.
"I'll do it, and you'll pay the standard rate for my allies, but I have a more personal request." The Prince raises his brow and asks, "What would that be?"
"I wish to marry Aria in the royal castle." Luther scoffs and laughs at the request, but the Prince cuts his chortling short by saying, "Done." Luther's eyes flicker to the Prince and he speaks, "Milord the common folk are not allo-"
"What harm is there Luther. The man will insure I will have lasting love in return for Me doing the same for him. I cannot think of a fairer trade."
"But-"
"I've spoken Luther. Take Sir Thomas and make the arrangements." Luther sulks. He and one of the two large men left the tavern. As soon as Luther was gone, the Prince exhaled a heavy breath and he spokes less confidently.
"Thank you so much Zilo, I thought you might still hold a grudge after our issues"
"The past is the past, and the only time to revisit it should be for a chorus."
The Prince shakes Zilo's hand up and down, thanking him repeatedly. Once he has done so the Prince remarks, "Bring those who would fit into a royal ball and meet at the castle tomorrow at noon."
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