"Did you tell them everything they need to know for tonight?" the elder asks Aiden's mother, his voice carrying the deep, resonant weight of a man who has guarded the family traditions for decades.
The long mahogany dining table of the Laurdy family is once again filled with joy as they celebrate the new beginning of a member of the family. The dark, polished wood reflects the warm candlelight, casting a golden glow over the faces of the gathered clan.
"Yes, I already guided them to the bedchamber," Aiden's mother replies, smoothing the front of her elegant robes as she takes her place. "The night is still young for us to talk at the dining table. We must prepare everything they need before moving out to their new home. As the mother of the manor, it is my responsibility to send my child and let him spread his wings."
"That is right, my wife, but we can't talk with empty stomachs," the head of the house added, his severe features softening slightly as he looks around the room. "We can't let the food wait for us. Worry not, for everything will be fine. The children are waiting; we must eat now."
Servants move quietly through the shadows of the dining hall, filling the crystal chalices with rich, dark wine. The tension of the grueling two hour outdoor ritual begins to melt away, replaced by the comforting warmth of a shared feast.
Aiden's father stands up at the head of the table, raising his glass high. "Raise your glass, for tonight we will enjoy ourselves and cherish this moment. A momentum for the acceptance of our new daughter-in-law that will bring blessings to our family. A cheer for the future of the Laurdy family. A toast for our prosperity and longevity. My son Aiden is finally going to be a man of his own family. I sincerely give you my heartfelt greetings and thank you for your support to make this event successful and meaningful for my son and to the family."
The glasses of the fifteen elders clink in perfect unison, a sharp, metallic ring that echoes through the grand hall. The younger children of the bloodline sit politely at the far end of the table, their dark blue eyes shining with curiosity and excitement.
Aiden's mother stands next, looking out over the relatives who traveled from the furthest corners of the valley to witness the union. "You have traveled so far to get in here," she says, her voice rich with hospitality. "We offer you our best sincerity and the best quality of treatment for the time you are in this manor. For once it becomes your home, beginning, and where you came from. Let us enjoy this very momentous event to remind us of the past, where we came from. Let us reminisce about the night we once had and experience being part of this family."
The elder who had spoken first raises his hand, silencing the soft murmurs of the table. He turns his sharp, ancient gaze toward the younger generation sitting at the end of the long table.
"For the future of the young ones that are here in this moment," the elder intones, his words carrying the chilling gravity of the Laurdy legacy. "Let this be the lesson for you to have. For you to make our tradition keep going and alive. You will be the future of this house and for this family. Enjoy the privilege of the youth that has been given to you. The freedom that you have today won't last long. For your responsibility in the future will cling to you and will chain you for the rest of your life. Choose the path that will make you happy and stand strong for what you believe."
The young ones listen in absolute silence, the heavy reality of their lineage pressing down on their small shoulders. Yet, the warning does not dampen the spirit of the evening for long.
Aiden's mother smiles warmly, breaking the solemn spell with a gentle wave of her hand. "Let us enjoy the food, and we shall take our rest, for I know all of us are exhausted. Thank you so much."
With those final words, the feast begins in earnest, the laughter and music of the Laurdy family continuing late into the night while the moon shines brightly over the quiet manor.