“Say, Clive,” Colin wrapped his arm around his shoulders and led him to the door. “Let’s get you introduced to everyone on their way out and over to the pub.”
“Like a receiving line?” Clive questioned.
“Sure. It’s fast and efficient. Afterward, Gloria and I can slip over to The Conjure House restaurant and you can make yourself at home. We’ve got the apartment upstairs all ready for you. Rest, freshen up. Then come ‘round the pub when you feel like it.” Colin had the evening all planned and Clive was grateful. The day’s travel was wearing on him.
Clive agreed with a nod, took his place beside the purple door, and began shaking hands and getting to know the friends of Colin Scott and Gloria Pendlebury.
Among the many townsfolk attending the send-off at Spellbinders was Leahnora Loveridge, the town High Priestess. Clive was surprised by Leahnora's unassuming presence. She was intensely beautiful, but quiet. And had not once announced herself over the course of the afternoon. Which seemed, to Clive, out of character for such a powerful witch. Several other townsfolk greeted their new resident, Sally Swanton, the local newspaper owner, Tabitha Tilbury, owner of Tab’s café, and Gregg Abbott, the local wandmaker, who offered his business up as the first Clive should study. Last, Clive was greeted by Miles Montgomery, the local herbalist.
“You must include me in your studies. I’m a very interested in your research. Cauldron falls has so many craftspeople. A bunch I’m sure you’ll be interested in talking to, but like Lily, I’m a raw materials man. I’m your hook up for everything herbs.” Miles winked and shook Clive’s hand with gusto. Leaving his palm a bit damp and tingling from the tight squeeze.
“Certainly.” Clive winced.
“Please, consider me more like a colleague. You see, Dr. Wimpleton as the local herbalist, I can be more help than most. I have a catalog of all the indigenous plants around the area. You never know when you might need such information.” Miles smiled broadly.
“How kind of you to offer, Mike.” Clive was not interested in his help. He’s never taken kindly to those outside of academia who purported to be an equal. In his mind, there was no such thing.
“It’s Miles.” The man smirked.
“Of course. Slip of the tongue.” Clive blushed at his failing memory.
Honey Hadwin was the last person to shake Clive’s hand. “Hello. I’m here to help you get settled. As a member of our welcoming committee, I’m your guide to Cauldron Falls. Anything you need, just let me know. We’ve left you a map, and descriptions of every place in town in the welcome basket in your apartment upstairs. I hope you don’t mind, but there is an agenda for the rest of your evening. I know how overwhelming we can be. So, I thought it best to write everything down for you.”
Clive instantly liked this witch. She was all business, like an excellent teaching assistant. He’d try his best to remember her. “Thank you, Honey, was it?”
“Yes, sir. I’ll let you get to it. See you at the pub.” Honey left him standing by the purple door.
Clive craned his neck and stretched to see if he’d missed the lovely Lily. If she was sitting in one the wingback chairs by the fire, or had wondered off to a different room. There was no one else left in the shop. He shut the purple door and climbed the stairs to his new home.
Goodbye at the Pub
Honeyslidintothebooth at the Boozy Cauldron next to Rhoda and Edgar. Colin and Gloria were busily buzzing around the pub, chatting it up with everyone. Despite the whirlwind of activity around them, they appeared calm and collected, handling each conversation with practiced ease. The air buzzed with anticipation as the townspeople of Cauldron Falls gathered to bid their final farewell to the newlyweds. Witches, warlocks, and magical creatures alike chatted animatedly about the couple's upcoming adventure, speculating on their exotic destinations and the enchantments they would no doubt encounter.
"Did you hear? They're heading to Ireland!" one witch whispered excitedly to her companion."Really?" the other responded, eyes wide with wonder. "I've always wanted to go there! I heard it’s the most magical place on earth, besides Cauldron Falls, of course!"
"Indeed," confirmed a nearby cat familiar, puffing out his chest and adjusting his tiny spectacles. "The magic is potent in Ireland. I’ve been there myself."
Honey couldn't help but be swept up in the infectious energy. She found herself reflecting on her own experiences with Colin and Gloria, grateful for their friendship and the wisdom they had shared.
"Everyone!" Colin called out from the bar, his voice strong and clear. "We just wanted to thank you all for coming to see us off. We're looking forward to our honeymoon adventure and can't wait to share our stories when we return."
"Safe travels." Cried out a chorus of voices as the townspeople showered the couple with well-wishes and magical confetti that danced through the air like tiny, iridescent butterflies. As Honey watched the whirlwind of colors swirling around Colin and Gloria, she couldn't help but feel her heart swell with happiness for them. They were embarking on an enchanting journey together, and she wished them nothing but joy and love as they ventured into the unknown.
"Have a wonderful trip," Roam O’Reilly the Chief Inspector clapped Colin across the back, his eyes sparkling with excitement for the couple's future. "And may your love only grow stronger, no matter where the winds may take you."
“I better say my goodbyes before they transport.” Honey smiled at her parents and pushed herself out of the booth.
Honey's cheeks flushed with warmth as she approached Roam, Colin and Gloria. The couple, hand in hand, radiated love and excitement for their honeymoon trip, while Roam stared at her with an intensity that made her blush.
"Hey, you two lovebirds," her voice bubbling with enthusiasm. "I just wanted to tell you both how happy I am for you. Your journey is going to be incredible, and I can't wait to hear all about it when you return."
"Thank you, Honey," Gloria responded, her eyes soft with gratitude. "We truly appreciate everything you and Roam have done for us. And thank you for being such a wonderful friend."
"Of course!" Honey beamed. "Your friendship means the world to me."
Colin leaned down and adjusted their luggage, double-checking the contents of each bag before securing them with an enchanted lock.
"Colin, are you sure we've packed everything?" Gloria’s voice filled with a mix of excitement and nerves. Her familiar, a cat named Blewy, sat perched on a large suitcase and offered a nod of approval.
