Fountain Fun

“Alison, I’m getting married tomorrow. How do you like that?” He said sharply paused, then sputtered out a laugh.

“I’m delighted for you Beldin.” I said rather suspiciously. I had a feeling something might be wrong. Jenjen and Beldin were crazy about each other and tomorrow we would marry them on the beautiful beach of Purgonorgo Isle with all their friends and family there to witness and celebrate. It was going to be beautiful. I wondered if he had some pre wedding jitters.

“I’m going to have a party too and you’re invited. You can be the guest of honor Miss Chaperone. Why don’t you come on over and join us now? We are enjoying a jolly good time in snooty San d’Oria.” With that I heard a loud splash and giggling over the linkshell pearl and Beldin’s connection was lost.

“Anyone else think that sounded like trouble?” I asked.

“Yes, let’s go join him!” Willowkarr said with a smile as she hopped down off the bookshelf where she had been looking rather bored while studying her finance records.

“I think we should all go. A wild party is just what we need today.” Moltov said as he pulled his boots back on.

“Who doesn’t love parties?” I tried to reassure myself. Nothing wrong with a bit of a party the day before to get the excitement pumping.

Beldin’s last transmission was from Southern San d'Oria and that is where I found him. Saturated boots lay across the bench and Beldin the dragoon lay in a fountain with a bottle of rum comfortable as if he was in his own bath tub. It was a rather warm sunny day and it did look like a wonderful idea even if it was a bit unconventional.

I chuckled as I took off my boots, “They are going to come arrest you soon. You know how Elvaan love their rules.”

“Nope, this dear woman, is all mine today. You think you are so smart. I have permission from the king himself to use this area. There is much you do not know about his charming young pirate.” Winking he offered me a drink.

“You really should learn to teleport. It’s so much faster.” Willowkarr was walking out of the pub with what looked like a fudge ripple milkshake. “Try this. It’s my special mix.” She handed me a glass and I was captivated in one sip. It was fudgy creamy intoxication and I drank it in one long pull.

“Oh my goodness that is the most delicious thing I have ever tasted! More! More!” I cheered. I was already sitting on the edge of the fountain letting the water roll down my legs. It really did feel wonderful.

Linkshell members started showing up and joining our impromptu fountain party. Moltov came with Kammy riding on his shoulders. Kjarbo, Martin, Zhirin, Yamari, Arcon and others started arriving and making themselves comfortable strolling in and out of the nearby pub. There was even a bard playing there just for the occasion. A bit of jealousy might have crept into my brain considering my party for Jen was not going to be quite so flashy. I chuckled to myself. Ok, maybe more flashy in some ways but less in others.

A dripping wet bar maid arrived with drinks and Beldin stopped and looked at her like she was filet mignon being served to a starving man. His mouth gapped a bit as he googled her with his eyes in an almost frightening manor. I guessed she was the giggling splash I heard over my pearl.

I glared in disapproval. “So Beldin, how is Jenjen?”

“Don’t know.” He replied simply while turning away from the attendant to look at me. “I haven’t seen her all day. She’s probably picking up flowers or talking to the baker or something. You need to stop worrying so much.” Reaching up he caught me by the front of my vest and the attendant by her skirt and rolled us into the water with him with an enormous splash. “Now this is more what I had in mind for today”

The bar maid laughed in delight as she threw her arms around him. “Sir Beldin, you naughty man.” She giggled as she batted at him with her hand then pulled a few gil out of his pocket and tucked them in her shirt.

“Lets get food for everyone.” He smiled as he lifted the maid out of the fountain by her waist. Taking a long drink he looked at me and laughed with his whole body. I was sopping wet as I sat letting the fountain cascade down my back. My hair style was ruined and plastered to my face. Rubbing my hinney I was feeling very very unhappy. I would have stabbed him already if I wasn’t in charge of his wedding the very next morning. “Let me make it up to you.” He said with a sly smile.

Leaping at me like a wild cat he caught my head in one hand wrapping his fingers in my loose hair and cradling my waist with the other arm. Spinning around in one smooth motion he kissed me as if it has been years in the making instead of the drunken foolish whim that it was. I sheepishly admit that I probably could have struggled a little harder to break free but all I managed was to weakly slap at the water behind me.

I heard a glass break and then Beldin fell onto me submerging me into the cold pool of water. He leapt off drawing his gun and I came up sputtering and making death threats. Seeing a large rock next to me and looking up to see Jenjen angrily shooting daggers out her eyes at us with clinched fists I realize she had lobbed the rock at his head when she arrived and saw what he was doing.

“Holy Crap” kept repeating in my head over and over again as a feeling of guilt stricken panic welled up from deep in my gut. I was horrified and sat with my mouth gaping open.

“Jenjen my love.” Beldin said as he smiled at her innocently.

“This party is over.” She shouted. “Everyone leave now!” He tail was stiff and erect and her face and fist were so tight I looked like she might explode at any moment.

I was petrified. It certainly wasn’t my idea but at that moment I was sure I was going to die for this all the same and I felt so guilty death was starting to sound like a nice fast way out.