Duke Gareth stood and raised his glass. Instantly the room of nobles quieted. He smiled wryly and cleared his throat.
"Good evening, everyone. Right off I'd like to make a toast to my sister and brother-in-law, congratulating them on their 25th year anniversary." The King and Queen nodded graciously as the nobles in attendance clapped politely. Duke Gareth waited for the noise to subside before he spoke again. "Also, to my son and his year-mates, including Prince Jonathan, Raoul of Goldenlake, and Alex of Tirragen for completing their knight's training and achieving their shields. Looking around, I realize how much I have to be thankful for, and how much Tortall means to me…to us all. May all the new knights be credits to that. Happy Midwinter."
The room irrupted into applause as he took his seat and sipped deeply from his cup of wine as everyone followed suit. At their own table, Jon, Raoul, Gary, Alex, and Alanna all grinned and drained their goblets. The musicians started playing and most couples got up to dance. The newly-made knights and the squire remained at their seats, talking about all manners of things. A servant walked by with a tray of wine. Jonathan beckoned him over.
"Five drinks, please," he ordered. Alanna blushed and looked down.
"Jon, I don't think I should--"
"Nonsense, Alan," Gary interrupted. "It's a night for celebration. Drink!" He thrust a glass towards her. Raoul, Jon, and Alex chorused agreement.
She drew a breath and hardened her resolve, then drained the cup. Her companions cheered and finished their glasses, as well.
By the time Jon called for their fifth glasses, Alanna was swaying in her seat. Alex noticed this and laughed, a little too loudly.
"Come on, Alan. Learn to--to drink," he bellowed as Gary plunked the drinks in front of everyone.
She glanced at the quiet Raoul. He was grinning as he downed the wine, oblivious to the social function going on around them.
"Raoul?" she called to him. He looked at her. "You…you okay?" The room spun and she gripped the table frantically.
Raoul laughed. "Never been better. I haven't drank this much in…Mithros… A while!"
Jon grinned along with Alex and Gary, They seemed to like the effects of being drunk. It made Alanna uncomfortable.
"Um…Jona--Jonythen…Jon…I think I'll go to bed now," she muttered.
"Aw, c'mon Alan! Don't go t'bed yet 'cause we hafta party!" Gary was close to falling off his seat. Alanna was preparing herself to attempt to find her rooms when Duke Gareth made his way to their table. He stared at the four knights and the squire, all riotously drunk, through wide-eyes.
"Get to your rooms," he demanded tersely. They all bit their lips nervously and hurried to obey, almost falling over in their attempt to reach the doors. Unfortunately, considering the state they were in, they did NOT make it to their suites….
(a/n: dun dun DUUUN! Lol to be continued. I promise it wont be so weird and un-believable.)