A/N – I hope many of you are feeling relieved after reading the previous chapter. Man, it has been a LONG and winding road to get to this place, hasn't it?

Well, all of you wonderful readers have waited long enough for this moment, THE WEDDING.

Also, so you know, the next chapter (thirty) will bring us about half a year into the future, and in the epilogue — which comes right after that — we will see the characters ten years in the future. And perhaps in this future, many of our favorite characters did NOT die.

Lastly, there's a special little dedication at the end of this chapter that's very important to me and I had to include.

Chapter 29 – In the Garden

The shock of the news that Fleur was pregnant almost knocked Percival over. He blinked several times and took a long, deep breath before replying. "With child? I thought it was impossible."

"As did I. But the midwife confirmed it. She agreed that my womb is an odd shape, and the fact I conceived is a near miracle, but we're going to have a baby, Percival."

Percival did not bother holding back his tears of utter joy. Overwhelmed with happiness, he drew Fleur to him and crushed his mouth against hers. He wondered if there would ever be another moment as wonderful as this.

During the kiss, Gwaine and Anaed burst back into the cottage, cheering and jumping up and down.

"I sent a runner into the Darkling Woods to collect Geoffrey and Rion for the wedding," said Anaed, her dark eyes shining with happiness. "Geoffrey to perform the ceremony and Rion because your boy has to be here for it. Obviously."

"Sorry we listened in," said Gwaine with a shrug and a playful smile. "Couldn't be helped. And I sent the blacksmith's son up to the castle to inform Cook to get started on the wedding feast right away."

Percival chuckled. "The poor boy. I hope he survives Cook's wrath."

"Oh, you know Cook," said Gwaine. "She'll bluster and storm about, but in the end, she'll love it." He turned to Fleur. "And the boy's retrieving your wedding dress from your chamber. I figure you want to look nice on your wedding day."

Percival's elation dwindled. What was he thinking? He should have waited one more day to marry Fleur. It was not fair of him to insist she marry him immediately in the brothel. Perhaps they should wait until tomorrow…

"Fleur, come out back." Anaed grabbed her hand. "And you, too, Percival. I want to show you something."

Anaed dragged them out the back door and into an unexpectedly beautiful little flower and herb garden. It was not as lavish as the castle's, of course, but it was still vibrant and colorful, offering two lush birch trees for shade. Percival breathed in; it smelled like mint and violets. Patches of yellow and purple wildflowers graced the edges of the stone path, and Anaed started picking.

"Come, Fleur," said Anaed. "We must make your crown! And I'll fix your hair."

Fleur rushed over and plucked flowers. "And you'll be my bridesmaid, Anaed."

"I…" Anaed stopped picking and her lips twitched. "You want me?"

"Yes. I want you. Why wouldn't I? You're my friend."

XXXX

The next hour or so passed in a blur of activity. Word spread that Percival and Fleur were to wed straight away, so people turned up at the brothel. Leon and Merlin arrived, and the two of them, along with Gwaine and Percival, stood guard outside, not allowing anyone in.

"Sorry, all," Gwaine told the burgeoning crowd, "the garden can hold perhaps twenty people, so very few of you will make it in. But feel free to wait out here and wish the new couple well after their nuptials are over."

"But can we see the bride?" a young girl called out.

"After, yes. You're all welcome at the castle for the wedding feast."

Leon rolled his eyes and groaned. "Cook will kill you, Gwaine."

"Right. Better send up another runner to make sure there's enough food."

"Excuse me," came a proper, authoritative voice from the center of the crowd. "Please allow us to pass."

Percival peered over the heads of the people who had gathered. He spotted Geoffrey, Rion, and Angan standing together. Percival instructed the people to make way, then ushered the trio inside. He'd allow Gwaine and his friends to take over guarding for now.

Rion tripped over the threshold in his excitement. "This is a surprise wedding? I love it!"

"Yes." Percival grinned and ruffled Rion's hair. "It is. And are you ready to be one of my best men?"

"I am. Sorry I'm a little messy."

That was an understatement. Rion's tunic and trousers were stained with dirt and grass, and his shaggy hair was more tangled than Percival had ever seen.

"Rion!" called Anaed with excitement, striding into the room. "So glad you're here. Come with me and let me fix you up a little."

Meanwhile, Gwaine came in and took Percival aside. "Who are we allowing into the garden for the ceremony?"

Percival chewed on this thumbnail. "We'll be lucky to fit twenty. Already, we have me, Fleur, Rion, Geoffrey, Anaed, and you, obviously Leon and Merlin… I promised Angan he could be there, so that leaves eleven spaces." He rubbed his hands over his face. "I hate to leave people out."

"Rather than drive yourself mad, why not just leave it at the nine guests? I've already told everyone they're invited to the wedding feast at the castle," said Gwaine. "Have your small wedding without a lot of worries and deal with the throng afterward."

Percival nodded his head up and down slowly. "You're right. Good plan."

From behind a privacy curtain, Anaed still fussed with Rion and Fleur. Moments later, Rion emerged, clean, his hair slicked back, wearing a fresh, bright-white tunic. Percival did not want to think about where or from whom Anaed might have obtained the shirt. Regardless, Rion looked handsome and mature.

"All you men, please take your places out in the garden," Anaed ordered from behind the curtain. "The bride will be ready shortly."

As instructed, Percival, Rion, Gwaine, Angan, and Geoffrey went out back. After Leon and Merlin secured the front of the home, they joined the small group.

"Are you nervous at all?" asked Geoffrey, as he and Percival crossed the garden, stopping once they reached the birch trees.

"No. I'm eager to marry. I've waited a long time for this."

After dusting off his hooded traveling cloak and withdrawing his black prayer book from his belt, Geoffrey motioned for Percival to face the door. "Your wish is about to come true."

Percival looked up and saw Anaed guiding Fleur down the short stone path. Fleur looked, in a word, radiant. The queen herself could not have appeared more ravishing. And it was not the beautiful, gossamer dress Fleur wore that made her look so stunning, nor the way her soft blond waves framed her face, nor the crown of vibrant wildflowers resting on her head; it was her smile of pure joy that stole Percival's breath. No man in the known lands could love a woman the way he loved Fleur.

She made her way to his side and they clasped hands. The moment their fingers interlaced, Fleur's eyes welled up with emotion, but she blinked away the tears and smiled.

"Gods, Fleur," whispered Percival, running his thumb over her knuckles. "I love you so much."

They gazed at one another with adoration as the ceremony started. Geoffrey spoke words that Percival barely heard, as Percival was too absorbed soaking in Fleur's beauty. Geoffrey mentioned something about the heart's passion, a blessed union, then honoring and protecting. Percival repeated vows, and before he knew it, he and Fleur were being handfasted by hemp cords.

"And so the binding is made," said Geoffrey, closing his prayer book. "By the laws of Camelot, I hereby pronounce you married. Percival, you may seal your vows with a kiss."

Percival did not hesitate. With his left hand still bound to Fleur's, he pulled her to his chest. She melted against him as he kissed her long and hard. Let everyone see our love, he thought.

"My mum and father are married!" Rion cheered.

Finally, Fleur and Percival separated. While Geoffrey removed their handfasting cords, Percival motioned for Rion to approach. He dragged his son and wife into a family embrace, and they held one another, smiling, laughing, and rejoicing in the fact they were, by law, now a family of three.

After many hugs and well wishes, the newlyweds and their guests strode through the brothel and out the front door. "Throng" did not seem to adequately describe the number of people who had gathered; there were hundreds and hundreds.

"Goodness," muttered Leon. "This is a lot of people to feed."

The crowd shouted their congratulations and tossed flowers at Fleur and Percival. Immediately, Leon took charge and guided the exuberant group of well-wishers up to the castle. He and Gwaine led everyone into the Great Hall while Percival, Fleur, and Rion stood outside on the stone steps to catch their breath for a moment.

"There are LOTS of people in there," said Rion. "Do you know what that means?"

"No. What?" asked Fleur.

"That everyone loves the two of you. Just like I do. Now let's eat! I'm hungry after three days of bread and goat jerky…"

Arm in arm, the three of them entered the Great Hall. Percival had never seen the vast room so packed with people. King Arthur and Queen Guinevere were the first ones to offer their congratulations. Next came Gaius, several knights, the castle nursemaids, and little Lila and Lew.

"I tell you go get her, and you go get her!" said Lila with a grin. "Now, you married!"

Percival knelt down and hugged her. "Thank you, little Lila."

Rion rushed off with Angan and their friends. Meanwhile, Percival and Fleur went in separate directions, greeting people and thanking them for coming. During a quick break in the action, Merlin tapped Percival's shoulder.

"Remember what I said last year at the Gathering Day bonfire?" asked Merlin.

"I'll never forget. 'When you find love, hold onto its reins and do not let go for any reason.' Those words helped me more than you'll ever know."

Merlin winked and moved on.

Food came out, so Percival and Fleur took their seats. Percival could not believe the incredible feast Cook had produced on such short notice. They started out with braised fennel and buttered root vegetables, then moved on to salads dressed with fish sauce. For the main course, they dined on chicken stuffed with bread and oysters. It was the finest meal Percival had ever consumed.

Percival was just about to go to the kitchens to thank Cook personally when she and a kitchen maid brought out the wedding cake on a carved wooden platter and set it down on the table.

"I'm sorry, Sir Percival and Lady Fleur, that the maids and I did not have time to make the traditional tower of honeyed buns, but we hope this will do."

It was a thick, round cheesecake, redolent with the aroma of honey and fragrant spices. In the center of the mouthwatering dessert sat a heart made out of raspberry jam. The servants brought out palm-sized cakes for the rest of the tables while Percival stared at his treat. Without delay, Percival shot to his feet and embraced Cook.

"You've done a marvelous job, Cook. Thank you for everything."

And for once, she did not scoff nor stiffen. "The pleasure is mine. You and your lovely bride deserve it."

The guests wolfed down their desserts, and right after, the music and dancing started. One could scarcely move in the Hall, as it was that packed, but people seemed to have the time of their lives as they danced to the festive wedding tunes. The Hall echoed with music and laughter.

Percival and Fleur sat back and held hands, taking it all in.

"Where's Rion?" asked Fleur. "I've not seen him since he finished his dessert."

"That's a good question…"

Gleeful puppy barks rang out in the Hall, and Percival and Fleur turned to the commotion. Rion stood at the entry doors with Banon squirming in his arms.

"No, wait, Banon!" cried Rion, but it was too late. Banon had shot from Rion's arms into the crowd. The puppy tore down the Hall, yipping and leaping. People tried to catch the black, scruffy pup, but she was too fast. First, she scrambled up onto a table, stole a half-eaten chicken breast off a plate, and gobbled it down. Angan dove for her, but she skittered away. Next, she ran down the center of the banquet table and polished off a round of bread, slipping through people's hands as they tried to grab her. At the very end, she lapped up wine from a goblet.

"Oh, no," groaned Percival. "That dog is in for a stomach ache later."

Banon hopped off the table and ran over to Percival and Fleur. The dog stared up at Percival with hope in her one eye, then let out a huge burp, and fell asleep at his feet.

The dancing and music stopped. All the attendees went silent, staring at Percival's table in wide-eyed surprise.

"Father, I'm sorry!" Rion rushed over. "I didn't mean –"

Percival and Fleur giggled, followed by Gwaine. Everyone else joined in, and eventually the Hall shook with laughter. Percival allowed Banon to remain as their "fierce guard dog," but at the very end of the celebration, Rion brought her back down to the kennel. She needed to remain there for one last night before she was ready to join her family.

By the time the wedding feast wound down, it was late at night. A few couples remained, including Gwaine and Anaed. Though the music had ended earlier, they swayed in one another's arms in front of the dim hearthfire.

As servants cleaned up, Queen Guinevere approached Percival and Fleur's table. "You two must be exhausted."

"It just hit me, Your Highness," said Fleur. She squeezed Percival's hand. "I think I'd like to retire."

Percival tried not to leap out of his seat with excitement. Although his head ached thanks to fatigue, he wanted nothing more than to share his bed with his wife, naked. That would be the perfect ending to their day, even if they made love only once and then passed out.

"I hope the two of you have a wonderful evening and a blessed marriage," said Guinevere. "Oh, and by the way, Caron – that horribly disagreeable woman – is gone."

"Gone?" asked Fleur with surprise.

"I am afraid so. She packed up and left for her parents' in northern Camelot. I strongly suggested she would be far happier there than here. Don't you agree?"

"I do!" said Percival. "Very much so."

"I also mentioned that it would be quite unwise for her to return to the castle. Ever," added Guinevere.

Fleur gave a small frown. "I feel for the woman. I hope she can find happiness one day."

Percival didn't reply, but patted his wife's hand. Fleur was too kind. He was nothing short of elated that Caron had left the city. It was as if a huge burden had been lifted. Caron's departure was one less aggravation to deal with, and would not miss her for a moment.

Queen Guinevere bid them a good evening when Gwaine strolled up, his hand on Rion's shoulder. "Rion and I will have a man's night together in my quarters, a night full of…" Percival narrowed his eyes at Gwaine. "Full of dragon stories! Please, big man, I know what to do with my nephew."

"Goodnight Mum, Father," said Rion, yanking Gwaine away by the hand, clearly all too eager to spend the night with Uncle Gwaine.

"Thank you Gwaine!" Fleur called out, and Percival repeated the same. Percival was truly grateful to have his wedding night alone with Fleur.

Percival leaned close to his wife. "Let's sneak out. I've had enough revelry for one day."

"I agree."

They slipped out the side door of the Great Hall and made their way up the stairs and to their bedchamber with no one noticing. Percival opened the door, then lifted Fleur. She squealed as he carried her over the threshold. As she giggled, Percival gently deposited her into bed, then barred the door. They would not leave the chamber unless the castle was aflame.

Yearning thrummed through his body. He was thrilled to finally have his wife, in their bed for the first time, that he unbuckled his belt and had his tunic off in a few heartbeats. Then he paused, recalling Fleur carried their child.

"Um, Fleur?" He took a tentative step toward the bed. "Is it all right for us to, ah, be together intimately? With the baby and all? If it's not, that's fine…"

She leaned over and blew out the candles next to the bed, then crooked her finger and gave him a seductive smile, her pale face illuminated by the bright silver moonlight pouring in through the window. "Very all right. Now help me out of this dress."

Fleur did not have to ask him twice.

Despite the fatigue from their long wedding day, they spent most of the night making love. Every time her hands roamed his body, he grew lightheaded with desire. In the recesses of his mind, Percival recalled some of his comrades complaining that married sex was dull, but Percival could not have disagreed with them more. These were the moments in life to be treasured, those spent in the arms of the woman one loved, reveling in her sweet softness. Percival was lucky and would spend the rest of his days thanking the gods for his good fortune.

Eventually, total exhaustion took hold, and Percival and Fleur drifted off, tangled up in an embrace.

XXXX

"Hello? Hello? Open up, I'm home!"

"Dear Mother Goddess," muttered Percival, half asleep the morning after the wedding. Could it be dawn yet? He opened his eyes and Fleur was already dressed.

"Oh, good, Rion's home!" she said with a smile.

Fleur unbarred the door before Percival had time to object. He remained undressed beneath the covers, which Fleur must have forgotten. The instant the door swung open, Banon charged in first, followed by Rion and Gwaine. The puppy hopped onto the bed, then proceeding to play tug-of-war with the sheet covering Percival. She growled playfully, shaking her head back and forth with the fabric between her teeth as Percival tried to keep himself covered.

"Will someone please control this animal?" asked Percival, wrestling the sheet away from the puppy. "I need to dress."

"Why aren't you dressed, Father?" asked Rion, his brow furrowed in confusion. "It's late in the morning." He pulled a face. "Never mind, I know why you're not dressed… Disgusting," he muttered, while Gwaine laughed in the background.

Rion called over Banon, and obediently, the animal hopped off the bed and pranced to Rion's side.

Meanwhile, gathering the bedsheet around his waist, Percival rose and ducked behind the privacy curtain. He did a quick scrub down and dressed.

"Did you have a lovely evening?" questioned Gwaine.

"Oh, yes," said Fleur. "And what about you, Rion? How was your evening?"

"The best!"

Rion told Fleur every detail of his night with Gwaine, and how they retrieved Banon in the middle of the night, and the Kennel Master said it was all right.

"Banon's here for good!" said Rion. "Isn't that wonderful?"

Percival stepped out from behind the curtain. The puppy wagged her tail and whined, then ambled over to him. She rubbed her head against his knee and grunted like a happy pig. Any bit of irritation Percival felt about the sheet tug-of-war vanished. She was a sweet and loving puppy, perfect for them. Percival bent down and patted her head.

"It is wonderful to have her," said Percival.

Gwaine stepped out of the room. "If it's all right with you, I'll be on my way."

"Yes, and thank you for taking care of Rion last night," said Percival.

"Please, I loved it. Rion and I will spend another night together soon, right?"

"Yes!" Rion gave a huge grin. "We had the best time."

With a wink, Gwaine closed the door and strode off.

"Well, family, we have the whole day off together," said Percival. "What shall we do?"

"Can we take Banon for a walk in the woods?" asked Rion excitedly. "She'll love it. We can pack a picnic and maybe even build a fort by the creek. Doesn't that sound good?"

"It sounds perfect." Percival beckoned for his son to approach. "Come here, you. And you too, wife."

Percival pulled them down onto the bed and squeezed them against his body. While they laughed, Banon hopped onto the bed and wriggled her way between them.

"I love you both so much," said Percival, pressing kisses to the tops of their heads. Life offered only a few moments of perfection, and this was one of them. He would never, ever forget his good fortune.


End note — While I was in the midst of writing this chapter, my dog, Maggie, unexpectedly passed away at age twelve. Although she was older, she had been in great health up until her last day, and her loss devastated me. In an effort to cope with the pain, I expanded the section of this chapter in which Banon goes on her banquet-table frenzy. It was something Maggie would have done, if given the opportunity, because she was a wild, wonderful, loving dog, just like Banon.

Thank you, Maggie, for twelve years of joy. I think of you every day.