Party at the Manor

By Donna and Abs

The kitchen at Methos' Manor was a virtual hub of activity as Ginger and Mary made ready for the big celebration that was to be held there that evening. The greenhouse had been made ready with tables for all the food, and the gazebo in the garden all decorated up for the musicians to perform in. Both the Fab Four and the Monkees were going to be playing, as well as Monroe, Joe, Tess, and many others of the folks with musical talent. 

A cow-eyed Brandon was helping too, though they all knew he was only there to catch a glimpse of the "Lady of the House".  Despite her being married to Methos, Brandon still had a major crush on Crystal. Mary grinned knowingly every time she saw him gape at the mistress of the manor, and she often winked at Ginger, making her giggle. 

The leprechaun men were there, setting up the dance floor near the gazebo. They had been bribed with the prospect of good food, abundant ale, and an all night party! Not that they would have stayed away from a party, once they had heard one was going on! 

And it was about time they had a good party.  "It was just about this time last year," ruminated Methos as he held his new son, Amon-Ra.  Crystal was nursing Sallie and Lupe was trying to curb Sherah's enthusiasm.  She had shown her forms to be leopard (black but still with the spots showing through), dark bay horse, jackal, and falcon. 

The only concern was the lingering threat to the town from the raiders. That problem was solved by having the soldiers patrol Edan in shifts, allowing them all to come enjoy the festivities sometime during the evening at least! 

The threat to the women of the town *from* their own army, of course, was solved by having all of the women there, at the party! 

As in any frontier town, a party was a much-anticipated social occasion! Already, women from the nearby farms were showing up with carts laden with goodies to share with their neighbors and friends. Katherine was one of them, and as Connor unloaded the items, she went to go check on all the babies and to see how Crystal was faring. 

She was doing amazingly well, considering how soon it was after the birth.  All of the babies were well and healthy, though Moriah looked like she could use a break! Katherine assured her that she could go out and dance with the other leprechaun girls, even if she had to watch the babies for her! 

"Thank you, Miss Katherine," she said politely.  "I do enjoy the dance, so I do!  But I love the wee ones, too." 

"Just make sure Flannery gets out on the floor too," Kat teased. "If you can peel her away from the twins that is!" 

"Oh of course I shall!" said the girl.  She knew her friend was devoted to Grey's girls. 

The afternoon passed quickly, with many people coming and going. With all that help, Methos really didn't have that much to do, other than to tell everyone where to put things. Even the Grand Banshee showed up, with a group of Trooper Faeries, all carrying lovely garlands of fresh spring flowers. 

One of the Troopers who was not so encumbered was the Count, Grogan.  He flew in like he owned the place, his nose in the air.  "Are you sure he will be here?" he asked Bannie. 

"Yes," she said with a smile. "He promised me a dance. We go way back." 

"Good," said Grogan.  "Because I will have no other!" 

Bannie shook her head. "What am I to do with you, boy?" she sighed. She then left to go help with the decorations, where of all people, she seemed to strike up an instant friendship with Tess! 

People kept showing up.  Although it was mostly from the immediate area surrounding Edan, there were still a great many people!  Soon the music began and the food and drink flowed as people mixed, got reacquainted, and met the new arrivals.  So many new babies since the previous year! 

There was a lot to celebrate. Even Fiona, who was now positively huge with her twins, showed up! Her husband, Father Philip was at her side constantly, worried that she was going to over do it. 

Of course he had reason.  Parties in this place were invitations to delivery!