To Be of Good Cheer

The warden's watched the wedded couple's families raise toasts of fine wine and offer good wishes. Soon the bride's father, Ser Cedric called everyone's attention and two men brought out a large roasted boar on an ornate platter. The ale kegs were tapped and the musicians could be heard tuning their instruments. Servants went round lighting lamps as the earlier evenings of the season darkened the sky. It filled Juliette with happy memories.

The musicians began in earnest and the dance floor was flooded with smiling people. The fiddler of the players began a familiar old reel and the dancers broke into lines and followed the steps with enthusiasm. Juliette passed Anders and then found her hand in that of the new groom.

She looked and was glad to see he had sturdy legs.

Oghren was seated by the ale keg and was soon enjoying a good arm wrestling match. Cheers from the men surrounding him would rise and fall and she could hear his booming voice calling for challengers.

The people were warm and inviting. The food and drink flowed freely. Juliette sought out the bride and groom between dances and offered her congratulations. She gifted them with five sovereigns, much to their happiness.

Nathaniel was watching her closely. He knew that this night would make her nostalgic for a different time.

Highever Castle had always been a place of music and dance. The Teyrn Cousland and his wife had opened their hall whenever the opportunity to celebrate arose. Each year in honor of their wedding anniversary they would open the castle to all and host an elaborate banquet. Musicians and dancers, artists and bards would come from all over and add to the event. Her parents would dance and sing with the lot and their obvious love for one another, coupled with their generosity had endeared them to all of Highever.

He could remember Juliette dancing with her father and brother. She and Delilah would hold hands and spin to the music, falling over with laughter. It was something that he remembered fondly. He realized looking at her now that he would very much like to share days like those with her again.

A gentle lover's song was begun by the singer and Nathaniel led her out for a slow turn. Juliette smiled at him as her body fell into the dance with his.

"I was thinking of the anniversary parties your parents would host." he said gaining her attention. "I would look forward to the next one before the first ended."

Juliette smiled and nodded. "They loved planning those banquets. I remember them sitting alone in a corner pouring over the details, laughing together at a memory from an earlier one." Her eyes took on a faraway look.

"I'm sorry they are gone, Jules. I miss them." Nathaniel said quietly.

Juliette's eyes shined for a moment and she blinked rapidly and smiled at him, taking a deep breath, "They loved you, Nate." she told him.

Nathaniel took her hand and led her to the edge of the party, under a set of glowing lanterns.

"Jules, if you would have me, I would give you all that." he reached for her other hand.

Juliette looked up at him her eyes full of unshed tears. "Nate, honestly I'm alright, you don't have to"

"I love you Jules," he stopped her. "I love you more than I can say." he gently pulled her to him and she lifter her chin, looking at him, as a tear finally broke free. He caught it with his thumb and dried it.

Juliette looked at him searchingly and finally answered what she couldn't deny. "I love you too "she whispered.

"Will you take me then, Jules?" he asked his voice full of emotion. "Will you be my wife? Dance in the Keep with me until we reach the end of our days?"

"Marry you?" she breathed, looking away.

A shadow crossed his face. "I, I would understand Jules, if you said no, if you wouldn't want my name."

Juliette shook her head. "Oh Nate, I don't care about your name. It's just" and she looked up at him, to say he was asking too soon, that it was too fast, but looking into his eyes, she knew that there was only one answer.

Smiling slowly she nodded her head. "Yes. I will."

Nathaniel eyes went wide. "Yes? You will?" She nodded and he lifted her off her feet and held her. He kissed her under the stars.

The rest of the evening was wonderful. Anders had met a pretty girl who seemed capable of out flirting him and Oghren was well into his cups. Nathaniel danced with her until her feet protested and then he sat with her talking, eating and laughing. It was the happiest either had been in a very long time.

Hours later as they walked back to the camp, Juliette sighed with contentment. Nathaniel was walking at her side, her hand in his. He smiled at her and laughed.

"What?" Juliette asked, smiling at him.

"Nothing, it's just you have made be remarkably happy." he answered. "I had not imagined I would ever be happy again, when I arrived back in Ferelden. Yet here we are."

Juliette stopped him and wrapped her arms around his waist. He kissed her and she responded with such passion, he fought with himself to break the kiss. "I love you Nate." she said softly.

He pulled her close. "I love you. Now let us get home so I may speak with your brother, I find it harder and harder to leave you at your door," looking behind her" or tent flap as it were."

"The sooner the better," she said pulling him in for another kiss "for I may not be able to just let you leave me at my door much longer."