Exiles in Elseworlds

Erik has become very adept over the years at reading the currents of social events. This is something that took him a long time but he has slowly overcome his tendencies to dominate the room and become the force of the movements. Now he reads that the party has come to a natural pause and steps towards the front of the room to the stage. Someone nearby taps their fork against one of the champagne glasses and the pure crystal tone rings out in the room gathering everyone's attention.

"Greetings and welcome to all and thank you for coming. Today we celebrate the upcoming union of my daughter Lorna to her intended Alex Summers. It is our fondest wish today that you enjoy the festivities and become involved in every facet of the celebration so that you may share with us the happiness that we feel on this day." Most of his accent has been trained out over the years leaving him with a mellow tone that is almost musical to listen to. Today emotions are a little higher and along with his slightly unusual speech manner there is an audible hint of his beginnings in his voice.

"Lorna was a gift I never thought to receive after the blessings that I had already had in my life. From the first time she was laid in my arms she has always been a constant source of joy in my life. She is the child that I have been able to be near and raise from the moment she was born and I believe that her siblings and I have always felt incredibly lucky to have her with us.

She has always been our interpreter to the modern world in a way. Her ability to move through this world and understand all it’s interpretations through eyes untouched by war has been something very helpful to our family.

I am more proud of her than I could ever express to you.

I welcome her soon to be husband to our family and hope that he will be as much a teacher to us as Lorna. From this day on their new life together will evolve from a fresh beginning. During each day they will strive to grow and adjust to each other and establish a foundation for the home that is their marriage.”

He raises the pure crystal champagne glass he has held in his hand to Lorna and Alex with a smile slightly tinged with sadness. He would never express it in public but there is a feeling he wishes she could have a marriage of her own making as he had with Magda, but as that is never to be he will never let anyone else know of his wish.

“Join me in toasting Lorna and Alex and wish them a life of love, health and happiness.”