Chapter 27 [Grand Hall—Noon]
Bells tolled in the watchtower. People lined the cobblestoned ways and cheered. Beauty's garlands and flowers prettied up the Upper Town and passage toward it. Sol shone his warmth down upon the town in his robin's egg backdrop.
Truly a day for the ages…
Excitement buzzed about the throne chamber. The visiting dignitaries stood in front of Nemeth's knights and nobles. Kilgarrah and Aithusa poked their heads through the open windows under Rodor's explicit protection. Malodius reclined beside Ywain. And toward the front, the priestesses congregated to the left of the three thrones dominated that part of the chamber.
A process long awaited was about to reach its fruition. Achievement sang of splendor indeed.
Regius watched the assembled crowd. He allowed them to have their conversations. He exchanged a few glances with Freya. He peered back into the passage. There he noticed Merlin waiting for his cue. He saw Jocelyn's signal that Rodor and Mithian waited further down the hall and behind the Prince. He walked over to Freya. "Pardon me, Priestess Freya. I believe we are ready. Are you all prepared for me to begin?"
"We are indeed," Freya told him. "Please proceed."
Regius nodded to them. He walked back toward the center of the dais. He cleared his throat. "GOOD MORNING, HONORED GUESTS AND ESTEEMED SUBJECTS! WELCOME ONCE AGAIN TO NEMETH! TODAY OUR KINGDOM CELEBRATES THE MARRIAGE OF OUR ESTEEMED PRINCE AND PRINCESS! SIR GALAHAD?"
Galahad turned to his fellow knights. "KNIGHTS! ASSUME POSITIONS!"
To the left, Gawain, Ywain and Britomart stood alongside a number of their cohorts.
To the right, Josiane, Boeve, Cligés and several other Nemethian warriors formed the honor guard's other side.
"DRAW SWORDS!" Galahad commanded.
The knights drew their blades and held them overhead forming a tunnel of sorts.
"PRESENTING HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, PRINCE MERLIN!" Regius announced.
Merlin looked about the hallway. Although he couldn't see anyone, he almost felt as if he was being watched. His heart beat faster and faster. Sweat beaded on his forehead. Just remember they're here for Mithian and you. This is our day. I can do this. He cleared his throat. He moved his feet slowly. Somehow they didn't feel as heavy as they had a couple of heartbeats earlier. He advanced into the chamber and through the sword tunnel.
Along the way, his friends and comrades exuded Support's boost. Their eyes sparkled warmly. Smiles sprouted up along the way.
Thank you, everyone. Merlin exhaled again. He continued onward. His eye met those of his current royal counterparts in the audience. He beheld a range of reactions among them. Some refused to acknowledge him. Ambivalence exuded from others. Approval came from most. He kept his pace down the aisle between the groups of assembled onlookers. He slowly ascended the dais and stood before his designated throne. Then he turned to face the audience.
"AND NOW OUR ROYAL SOVEREIGN AND PRINCESS, KING RODOR AND PRINCESS MITHIAN!" Regius announced.
Rodor led Mithian around the corner and down the hallway. From when Merlin had first shown him the exquisite gown and veil, the King knew she'd be a sight to behold in that attire.
Even prepared as such, she blew away any and all expectations.
She pursed her lips together. Nerves struck hard at her as well. She trembled ever so slightly. Insecurity ate at her. She trembled.
"Are you all right?" Rodor whispered.
"I'm overwhelmed," she retorted low. She bowed her head. "I would tell Merlin to be more secure. Now I hesitate."
"That's completely normal. You're experiencing what every other person in your situation has. Just breathe. It will be all right," Rodor assured her.
She inspected herself. Despite the fine gown and her mother's necklace, Inferiority still nagged at her. "I just can't believe this is happening. Father, it's like a dream."
"It is. You're a vision to behold, Mithian. There's a special young man in there waiting for you. Take confidence in that. No longer are you the pawn or the spurned one. I am about to escort you to your fondest desire," he continued. "Just have faith."
She nodded. "All right."
"Very good." Rodor guided her down the last bit of hallway and into the chamber. They passed through the honor guard's gauntlet.
Around them, the guests responded accordingly. The royals nodded. The others bowed or curtseyed. They stared at her. Admiration, Shock and Awe lit up in their eyes. They tried to guess at the nature of the dress' material. They wondered how Rodor could afford such a gown for her frankly.
Mithian sucked in another deep breath. Unlike Merlin, her eyes didn't drift left or right. While she could feel everyone's glances and probing eyes, she kept her attention locked straight ahead toward the dais and her waiting Prince. She managed to keep walking. Her feet meandered slightly. Still she wouldn't allow herself to lose nerve or hesitate. She was so close to her heart's desire.
Rodor patted her hand and led her onward. He maintained the Mask of State. He felt glad that the veil covered her face. He led her up to the dais. There he nodded to Merlin. "Prince Merlin."
"Sire, thank you." Merlin nodded in response. Gratitude warmed his heart. A smile formed across his lips. I'm a lucky man. He allowed himself a minute to collect his thoughts and to quell his own inner butterflies. "And thank you, my Princess. You look great!"
"I can't believe you did this, Merlin. Once again, my Prince, you exceed your own expectations. Just stand tall and we will get through this ceremony," Mithian advised.
"I will if you will," Merlin rebutted.
She was glad the veil covered her face particularly her rolling eyes at that juncture. She sighed and made her way to the left hand throne. There she turned to face the audience as Merlin did on his side. She held herself straight. Purpose numbed Bewilderment's assault on her sensibilities. She stole a look across the dais.
In response, Merlin did the same. Attraction pulled at him. He wanted to just embrace her. His mouth longed to touch her lips. Even if they were actually joined already, he wanted to clear the last hurdle already.
Rodor observed all of this of course. He allowed the couple their heartbeat or so. Then he cleared his throat. "Greetings, Fellow Rulers, Good Knights and Subjects! I appreciate you all joining us at this juncture. Today is a special day for us. As the rulers in this chamber know, our dynastic households require continuity to survive." He sucked in a deep breath. "It is fortunate indeed that Princess Mithian strongly stands for us and her subjects in many virtuous ways. Through her, our royal blood will flow forth. It is also a great stroke of fortune that a man has arisen from the shadows to prove his own virtue to our royal eye. His father's virtue and his own only add to his worth. He overcame great injury and prejudice to do so. And not by coincidence, the Princess has chosen him for her intended."
Hunith beamed. Pride swelled her chest and heart over Rodor's praise.
Merlin inhaled deeply. He smiled warmly at his veiled beloved for an instant once more.
Mithian blushed under the veil. Her heart skipped a beat at his affirmation of duty to herself and everything she held dear. Somehow she managed to restrain Giddiness' and Pride's respective onslaughts in the process.
As if they needed encouragement, the assembled onlookers applauded spontaneously. Their hands clapped in loud unison. Their eyes sparkled. Together, they all had seen the Princess' and the newly minted Prince's worth and value….
"And now, Prince Merlin, I believe you are ready for the crown jewel of our house." Rodor turned and extended his hand toward his daughter.
Mithian somehow maintained her regal bearing. She trembled at the realization that all of her hopes and dreams were about to be realized….
…that her father had just opened the long disputed door and motioned her toward her beloved Sorcerer-Prince….
She smirked sarcastically at the nobles skulking along the chamber's back wall. With satisfaction, she accepted the regal hand allowing her father to assist her to the designated spot.
Rodor placed her hands in Merlin's. Then he implored earnestly, "I know you have already vowed such back in Camelot. I have to ask this of you both again. Love and protect each other. Serve the Kingdom and our allies together. Remember our subjects."
"All of them are my greatest honor, King Rodor," Merlin agreed while trying to keep his voice even and stately-sounding.
"I live to serve, Sire," Mithian concurred while gazing through the veil. "Merlin, never doubt that we are here for each other."
"I won't ever again, my Princess!" he vowed.
Rodor tacitly nodded accepting their vows. He then stepped back. "To consecrate the union, the High Priestess Freya of Avalon will now step forth if she would?"
Freya strode from the middle of the crowd toward the awaiting couple. As she did so, her heart felt a momentary twinge. You know the goddess holds your love and vow. Mithian will love Merlin as he deserves as he will her. It is your duty to see him happy and to bless them both.
Your devotion to the goddess and Avalon are to be praised, Freya. Thank you for being here, Merlin added.
It is my duty and honor, my Friend. Freya stepped up to her position between the couple. She inhaled deeply allowing the goddess' presence to fill her. "Thank you, King Rodor. Honored Rulers of Other Lands, Citizens of Nemeth and Other Realms, on behalf of the triple goddess and the Hidden Isle, I am here to confirm the bond between two very unique servants to the goddess, Prince Merlin and Princess Mithian of Nemeth. Marriage can serve as a political tool for lands, dynastic claims and titles. Those things, as with the bond itself and the privilege of being with one's true love, comes to us through the goddess in her own time and design." She reached into the pocket of her robe to produce two cloth strips dyed green with red Celtic inlays across them. "Are you both of one mind? Do you wish to proceed?"
Both participants nodded in affirmation.
"Very well. Then hold up your clasped hands," Freya instructed. When the couple had done so, she bound each joined set of hands with a strip and secured it with a slip knot. Afterwards she continued,
"Now you are bound one to the other
With a tie not easy to break.
Take the time of binding
Before the final vows are made
To learn what you need to know -
To grow in wisdom and love.
That your marriage will be strong
That your love will last
In this life and beyond."
Merlin without hesitation nodded to his former love. He squeezed his bride's hands affectionately.
Mithian nodded and returned the gesture. "We are for each other, Priestess Freya."
"Very well then. It is time for you both to exchange your final vows. Prince Merlin, will you proceed?" Freya pointed out.
He nodded earnestly. He looked deeply through the sheer veil into Mithian's eyes. His heart danced with nervous energy. Then he began, "I, Merlin, with the blessing of the triple goddess and the universe, do give myself to you, Mithian. I will love and cherish you above all others. May we walk the road together; our love carrying us on from age to age from lifetime to lifetime. May we be blessed in our love and bless others as well."
Mithian sighed contentedly. He did it. He vowed himself to me. I can do no less now!
"Thank you, Prince Merlin. Princess Mithian, will you proceed?" Freya requested.
Mithian nodded demonstratively. She returned the poignant look from him with one of her own into his dark pools. At that point, she vowed, "I, Mithian, with the blessing of the triple goddess and the universe, do give myself to you, Merlin. I will love and cherish you above all others. May we walk the road together; our love carrying us on from age to age from lifetime to lifetime. May we be blessed in our love and bless others as well." I seal that bond with our love across our link so that everyone in our order may know.
As do I, Merlin concurred.
Freya smiled in affirmation giving both participants a nod before proceeding. "As the bond has been tied and the vows made, now I ask the goddess to bless this union. May she provide you, her servants, with the pleasures of hearth and home, a friendly path on which to stride and welcome allies to aid and assist that way. May she grant you both the compassion to look out for your subjects as your extended familia. May she make you fruitful with healthy children to serve her as well. This I, Freya, her High Priestess and humble servant, do request for you both on this day and forever more."
"As do we," the couple murmured together reverently.
Freya nodded reverently. She untied the cloths freeing the couple's still clasped hands. "Then my office is done except to request one more thing from you, Prince Merlin." She motioned toward Mithian. "You may lift the veil and kiss your wife."
Merlin stood numbly; his mind swimming in disbelief.
Mithian's eyes watered behind the veil. She wanted to embrace him tightly allowing for the moment's full emotion to crash over them both. Still she maintained her regality. "Merlin?"
His nerves crashed about loudly; the butterflies creating static through his mind.
"Merlin, you heard her. Right? Lift my bloody veil please!"
"Huh?" He jarred himself back to his sense at her reminder." Oh yes! I'm sorry."
"I thought we weren't going to keep me waiting?" She offered a snort yet also an affectionate twinkle in her eyes as well.
He sighed deeply while reaching for the sheer veil. He slowly pulled it up allowing her face and then glittering eyes (not to mention an arched eyebrow) for his consideration and pleasure. "Thank you. I love you."
"And I you. Forever," Mithian concurred. She embraced him tightly. Her lips defied tradition and pressed tightly onto his, yearning to seal their bond so to speak. She flooded his sensibilities with her energy as her head swam with joy and pleasure.
Just as enthusiastically, his lips matched her effort with their own. His heart floated to the highest peaks possible. He felt as if he was flying.
Around the couple, a crimson and white streaked aura shone brightly dazzling the audience. For generations thereafter, chroniclers and bards would marvel at the display attributing it to many things. The onlookers would point to the groom's magic….
…in truth it was their love on display….
Rodor nodded and stepped back into view. "I thank you and the goddess, Priestess Freya."
"It is my pleasure to perform my duty, King Rodor. For my goddess and friends, it is my joy," Freya bowed her head and stepped back allowing him the central position once more.
"Then may I congratulate you both." Rodor embraced his daughter affectionately. "My Precious One, may you be happy always."
"I will be, Father. Thank you for helping to make this day possible," she expressed with a tear in her eye.
Rodor smiled and kissed her forehead. Then he stepped over to Merlin. "Now you are my son in fact as well as in my heart, Merlin." He embraced his new son-in-law. "As I said, no more doubts."
Merlin grinned at his wife and let his eyes sparkle. "No more doubts."
"Excellent!" Rodor faced the crowd allowing the Prince and Princess to turn and do the same. "It is done!"
No sooner did he say it then the whole hall exploded with celebratory applause and well wishes. Another thunderous round of clapping threatened to deafen the onlookers. Affectionate whistles and cheers filled the air.
For Merlin, only his Princess mattered. He could finally lose himself in her eyes. He stole another kiss off of her pouting lips eagerly.
"That's more like it," she declared with relish. "May we, Sire?" She motioned toward the onlookers.
"You may." Rodor treasured the moment as the couple stepped toward their friends and allies. He enjoyed watching them accept the hearty congratulations and well wishes.
"It is something special. Is it not?" Freya queried.
"It is indeed." Rodor looked earnestly to her. "As they have said, my kingdom is open to you, Freya of Avalon. I value your friendship and that of your order. Please stay and take refreshment."
"I shall indeed. If you will excuse me, I believe I shall join in the festivities," she concurred with a bow before heading into the frenzy for her own exchange of personal blessings.
It is truly amazing what they have created. May you both see the greatest fruits of our kingdom, Merlin and Mithian. You deserve to be happy. Rodor eyed the now empty seats and the open doors in the back of the room. He knew of the brewing fight to come with his nobles. Still he didn't care at that moment.
For now, they had their achievement. The couple had their love and union.
And for everyone, that's all that mattered…