Chapter 56 [Banquet Hall—Forty-five Minutes Later]
Due to the consternation of the previous month, everyone desired a most pleasurable outcome for the celebration at hand. Well none would be disappointed….
The four tables were set up in a square. They bulged with fruit, wine, meat and capon for their guests. One had Queen Elena and Matilda along with Prince Bors. Rodor, Mithian and, at the latter's insistence, Hunith sat at the second table. The knights of Camelot along with Britomart, Hector and Galahad occupied the third table. Various nobles and other guests occupied the fourth one.
Minstrels sang of fine legends and tales for their audience.
The servants bustled about of course making sure that everyone felt satisfied.
Arthur watched the entire crowd with pleasure. He certainly wanted his guests to enjoy themselves. Besides he would definitely compliment the cooks over the preparations at hand. Still he waited for just the right moment to make the Big Announcement.
"It is nice. Isn't it, Arthur?" Gwen supposed while cutting into his interlude. "Our friends together…being friends."
"Yes. There are none of the tensions. I do wish Merlin were filling my cup though," he groused while eyeing his over flowing goblet. "I can't pick this bloody thing up without spilling it all over my hand."
"George does need to be reined in a bit with his enthusiasm." She smiled at seeing Merlin waiting on the Nemeth contingent along with Hunith. "They seem natural together, don't they?"
"They do," he conceded heavily. While he had readily adjusted to how things progressed, he grew weary of the hints in that regard. "Time to make it official?"
"Long past time," she concurred; her eyes motioning toward the goblet of plenty in front of himself.
He sipped the contents down to acceptable levels. Then he tapped his goblet to get everyone's attention before standing. "Good Evening, Everyone. I trust everything is to your liking? Once again welcome to Camelot! It is only fitting that you all should share in the bounties of our table. For without all of you, we would not have any of it. We remember those who fell in service to protect all of this so that we might enjoy it in their memory. We remember each of our roles in preserving the greater good. To Camelot's allies! May you prosper as you help us to do!"
"Hear! Hear!" the crowd toasted before savoring the sweet wine.
Arthur allowed himself a gulp before clearing his throat. "There are those who serve who have been overlooked. Due to my father's laws, they contribute in covert manner from the shadows never asking for recognition…only satisfying themselves with the role of serving those they care for. As I was reminded recently, during Morgana's first occupation of Camelot, I knighted the first members of my Round Table. Others served by me as my equals as well. Gaius, our esteemed court physician, stood tall in those days. Of course, Queen Guinevere more than proved her worth that day as well." He let his eyes meet hers for a long minute.
She let her eyes sparkle into his. I love you too, Arthur.
He sucked in a sweet breath before forcing himself to press on. "One other however, I admit, more than pulled his weight in defeating the undead legions. Sir Lancelot, you were with him, were you not?"
Lancelot stood and nodded. "Indeed I was, King Arthur."
"Can you point him out for us? It's long past time he should be brought out of the shadows, don't you think?" Arthur proposed.
"I heartily agree," Lancelot concurred. His heart beat with pride for his friend. He turned toward the warlock who served others unassumingly. "It was Merlin. He is the bravest man I know. Perhaps he uses magic in contrast to our swords. Still, as you said, none of us would be here without our friends. That is especially true in his case. Without him, we'd be dead several times over." He raised his glass. "To Merlin!"
"Bloody straight, Lance!" Gawain chimed in enthusiastically while raising his glass as well. "To Merlin!"
As one, the guest rulers and their immediates raised their goblets. Camelot's own knights did the same without hesitation.
"HEAR! HEAR!" the room shook from the hearty chorus.
Merlin blushed with embarrassment.
"Even now, he won't take credit! Merlin, it's all right! You deserve it!" Tristan asserted from where he and Isolde sat.
Don't make me get involved. I'll set any of the prats who don't approve straight! Mithian indicated straightforwardly over the link.
Merlin simply nodded and offered everyone a simple smile of thanks and appreciation.
"Thank you, Everyone. Merlin, we've known each other for a decade now. Besides the fact that you are the worst servant ever and a bumbling prat, you never cease to amaze how you manage to pull a workable solution in a mess," Arthur teased while letting everyone see him grinning as he said it. "Seriously, Merlin, I think it's time we did something about this whole thing. Don't you? Get up here!"
Merlin set the pitcher of wine down in his hands. He felt every eye in the place watching him. "Yes, Sire." He forced himself to stride forward without tripping over his own nervous feet. He passed by his Princess not daring to look at her but needing her supportive vibes and aura to assure his passage.
Mithian smiled supportively and nodded. Her eyes motioned toward the waiting sovereign. As much as I'd like to tell you to keep him waiting, be the better man, Merlin. I love you.
And I love you, Merlin agreed warmly over the link as he kept going. A dozen strides later, he stood before his monarch. "Yes, Sire?"
"See, Merlin? It wasn't that hard. Please kneel," Arthur told him.
Mithian stared in anticipation getting the gist. A smile broke out across her face. She turned to Rodor; her eyes wanting assurance.
Rodor motioned toward the dais and smiled as his surprise was about to unfold.
Arthur looked to Gwen who rose and nodded. "Queen Guinevere, can you join me?"
"It will be my genuine pleasure," she concurred while moving to her husband's side. Her eyes shone warmly on their servant.
Arthur smiled. "Merlin of Ealdor, for your service and gallantry, I make you a free man. Furthermore I raise you to noble status." He drew his sword. With a single tap on the right shoulder, he affirmed this proclamation. "Rise, Merlin." He reached under the table, produced a set of new clothes and set them on the table. "And for our sakes, please stop dressing like a prat already!" He extended his arms drawing his friend into a tight embrace. "Congratulations."
Hunith clapped her hands over her mouth. She sat in shock. Her son had earned his freedom…from peasantry and prejudice. Her heart skipped with joy.
Gaius beamed at his protégé with pride over Merlin's accomplishment.
Everyone around the table applauded loudly and most enthusiastically.
"For the next presentation, I believe King Rodor of Nemeth wanted a role. King Rodor, please join us," Arthur invited beckoning his counterpart forward.
Rodor beamed with pride and satisfaction. He squeezed his daughter's hand before rising to his feet. "Enjoy this moment. It is well deserved."
Mithian wiped a tear from her eye. Her heart skipped intermittent beats. Even if she maintained proper decorum on the outside, she was jumping up and down in exultation over her love's accomplishment. She exchanged looks with an equally disbelieving Hunith. "I hope we're not dreaming."
"If so, it's a wondrous one," the ecstatic mother concurred; her eyes shining through Delight's mists.
Meantime Rodor had reached the front. He offered Arthur a respectful nod of the head before turning to Merlin. "Well now, Merlin, this has been quite an evening. Has it not?"
"It…it has, Your Highness," Merlin stammered; his mind still spinning from his change in status. He looked into the elder king's eyes. But there is something else I want more than anything. You know what that is.
Rodor beamed at the younger man. "Congratulations on your new status. I can see you, however, being no different than our own recently elevated knight and friend, Lady Britomart. You will continue as healer, advisor and warrior. Now, however, you will do so openly in the company of your brethren. Much as you played a great role in relieving our cities' sieges, rescuing myself, Princess Mithian, your King and Queen, so shall you take this example into the future. Does this sound suitable to you?"
"It does, Your Highness. As King Arthur noted earlier, we would not have this if not for each others' contributions. My friends rescued me first from the dungeons below our feet. Sorcerers and knights worked together to make it possible. I would be proud to carry this tradition forward for the betterment of our kingdoms and the greater good of Britain," Merlin declared humbly.
"As so you shall." Rodor unsheathed his sword and let it glint in the flickering torchlight for a second. Then he gazed down on the warlock. "Merlin of Ealdor, do you swear to protect the innocent? Do you swear to serve others before yourself? Do you swear loyalty to your kings and their courts? Will you stand tall in the face of adversity even if it means your death?"
Merlin without hesitation looked into his eyes and nodded. "I so swear, Your Highness. Serving you and Arthur is my greatest honor."
"And it is good to hear." Rodor looked to Arthur.
Arthur offered a broad grin to his friend before nodding back to Rodor to proceed.
The visiting king touched his right shoulder and then his left with the sword. "Then rise a knight and a healer, Sir Merlin. You are now a knight. Take your place with your brethren." He sheathed his sword and offered his hand.
"NOW THAT'S MORE LIKE IT!" Gawain bellowed affectionately.
As one, Perceval, Leon, Elyan, Britomart, Ywain and Lancelot stood and offered Merlin another round of applause welcoming him into their ranks.
Merlin felt so overwhelmed that he could barely breathe. With Rodor's assistance, he managed to stumble back to his feet. He barely managed to keep his composure in the face of these most unexpected surprises.
His deeds and status were finally being recognized….
He was free of servile status…..
"Merlin, are you all right?" Rodor queried with concern.
"He's overwhelmed. I think we've shocked him," Arthur deduced. "He'll get used to it." He smirked at his former servant.
"It is…gracious. I'm savoring the moment. Thank…you both," Merlin expressed with effort; his lips pushing the sounds and words together and out for them all to hear. He turned to survey the group. A dreamy smile spread across his face. "Thank you all." His eyes met each of his friends in turn.
No, Merlin, thank you, my Love. Now we are free, Mithian told him over the link. Her eyes misted with joy. She trembled with happiness over the surprise from her father and Arthur.
Merlin nodded. Then there is one more thing I want. He bit his lip knowing he was about to risk everything on the next gambit. Frankly he didn't care.
What could that….? I…. Mithian's eyes went wide as she felt his anxiety and trepidation mixing in with the happiness and elation. While he was being cryptic, his intentions suddenly became clear to her.
"Princess?" Britomart queried expectantly immediately jumping to her side.
"No…It's all right. I just considered something in this moment is all. My apologies," Mithian assured her friend and the rest of the chamber. Her eyes sparkled into Merlin's. Then don't keep me waiting! Ask the Bloody Question already!
Merlin chuckled to himself allowing an affectionate smirk for her.
"Is there a joke we missed?" Rodor wondered bemused.
"It's Merlin being Merlin," Arthur noted. "I wish he'd stop with the mystery already. Merlin, would you care to share your insight with us?"
Merlin still looked at his Princess; his eyes locked in concert with hers. His heart beat in concert with hers. Together they danced in a warm waltz across the ether of their shared mind link….
Merlin?
Yes?
The Question. You are going to ask some time tonight. Aren't you?
Yes…The Question….
Merlin collected himself. "Sorry. This all is so overwhelming. I mean the thought of not having to touch bed pans again or doing every meal on the battlefield takes some getting used to. Still it is a great honor to stand alongside…truly alongside…all of you at last. King Rodor, King Arthur, Queen Guinevere, thank you so much. I have only wanted to preserve the Greater Good and serve. Now the only difference is that I can do so from the Light instead of the Shadows. I did have one other thing that I desire. If I may?"
"If we can, Merlin," Arthur relented.
"Thank you, Sire." Merlin hustled from the spot toward the Nemethian delegation. Admittedly he nearly tripped twice over his nervous feet. His heart pounded. His pulse raced. Sweat drenched his brow. While to most, he had it all now.
In truth though, there was one more thing he wanted more than everything else….
"Princess? May I?" Merlin asked hopefully; his eyes entreating her desperately.
In truth from her perspective, Mithian wanted to jump out of the seat, throw herself into his arms and just yell, "YES! YES! BLOODY HELL YES!" For Dignity's sake, however, she rose slowly as a noble should and stood before him. "Is there something you need of me, Sir Merlin?"
You know what we both want.
Form, Merlin. We do have to give them the show. All part of being a noble and at court. She rolled her eyes and gave him an impetuous smirk.
His mouth went dry. His heart tripped over its own beats. His brain could barely put two thoughts together at that point. Still he pressed on. "Despite our stations, Princess, you've endeavored to be a friend since we met several years ago. You always cared about a servant's opinion. You have the ability to see through the outer shell to a person's heart and soul. That makes you remarkable. Despite the adversities you've faced here and elsewhere, you're still special. You're still you. And you're not afraid to sacrifice to…to save others. That's why…why…."
"It's all right," she assured him; her hands squeezing his reassuringly.
He nodded while sucking in a deep breath. "It's why I fell in love with you. Being what we are, it's all the more so. I know what I want." He got down on his knees in front of her.
A collective breath could be heard around the hall before everything went silent.
Merlin's ears rang with the vacuum. His nerves hamstrung his resolve.
"And what is that, Sir Merlin? What can I give you?" she queried helping him along.
He looked up at her. "The privilege of being your Prince and husband. Princess Mithian of Nemeth, will you marry me?"
She laughed affectionately. "Oh, Sir Merlin! Why are you so nervous? Of course I say YES!" She yanked him to his feet and into a deep kiss….
…propriety be damned on that front….
For a long ten heartbeats, their lips remained locked in solemn tribute to one another. The energies flowed in empathetic bliss between them. Their hearts floated and danced as if nothing else mattered for a brief time.
When they opened their eyes, he whispered, "Fàinne!" He opened his right hand to reveal an exquisite ring. Garnets, emeralds and diamonds floated in a tight archipelago on their sea of white gold. "For you, my Princess, with my thanks. May I?"
"As if you'd need to ask?" she supposed impetuously as she extended her right hand palm down.
He carefully and guardedly slid the precious bauble onto her ring finger allowing it to settle into place before he let it go. He smiled warmly at her before climbing back to his feet.
She held the ringed hand up for all to see. "I trust this meets with you approval, Father?"
Everyone stared in awe and shock at the precious jewel encircling her finger. More than a few wondered where a former servant had acquired (some might have said stolen) the ring in question. None however would have dared voice the question. Still most felt glad to be in the circle for that glorious moment.
Rodor nodded; his eyes shining with pride. "Absolutely! Please approach, you two."
"Together then?" Merlin requested while holding his hand out.
"Together!" his newly minted fiancée agreed while taking his hand and leading him back toward the hosting royals in the front of the room.
They strode in unison much as two students might as part of a graduation march. Their hands savoring the truly accepted bonding betrothed onto them.
Eyes watched their progress. Tears sparkled and glittered in the flickering torchlight. Emotions peaked in celebration around them. Muted toasts kissed the air.
Well done, you both! Kilgarrah cheered over the telepathic connection.
The couple smiled at each other before reaching their hosts. As one, they bowed before the regal figures there.
"Thank you for accepting us, King Rodor and King Arthur," Mithian expressed gratefully.
"It is our exquisite pleasure to grant you this boon, Milady," Arthur replied. "As you allowed for my happiness, it is only fitting that I should assist you in achieving yours. Just watch out for Merlin. He does have a habit of finding trouble."
"I believe, Arthur, that he does so at your side," Gwen reminded him eliciting more than a few coughs and chuckles around the room.
"Yes…well…there are things to be said for duty after all," Arthur defended himself while maintaining composure.
"Yes, Sire. I shall look out for him as he does for me," Mithian vowed affectionately.
"And he shall do so as a member of our royal house," Rodor proclaimed. He embraced his daughter's fiancé with a royal air. "As I said this morning, you have more than earned this privilege, Merlin. I know you will take care of Princess Mithian in all things and serve us accordingly."
"I shall, Sire," Merlin concurred.
"Now rise, you two. We have a celebration to enjoy before planning the next!" Arthur chided half-seriously. He motioned to the two empty chairs to his immediate left. "Perhaps you might take those seats? Merlin, you might want to change first." He motioned to the clothes still sitting on the table.
Merlin shrugged and took the gifted outfit. "Be back." He rushed out of the room, down the hall and around the corner. Then he laid out the brown tunic and pants not to mention the new boots. His eyes glinted and then closed as the magic did its work….
When he opened them again, he found himself in his noble outfit with his former outerwear not able to be found. He shook his head. "To think such finery means so much to them. Oh let them have their fun." He heard the celebratory music beckoning him back down the hall. You all really started without me?
Not really. You know Arthur. The prat's impatient and so am I. I want to see you, my Prince!
He snickered at her emotional tugging on his heart strings as he rounded the corner again and returned to the grand affair. There he crept back toward the main table so as not to disturb the performance at hand.
Before he could reach it, however, Arthur put his hand up stopping the music. "Merlin, you never cease to amaze me. Did you really think anyone wouldn't notice you? Honestly you are being such an idiot…albeit a well-dressed one at that." He smiled and pulled the seat out for his friend.
"Yes, Sire," he accepted although he had wanted to say something more. Still, as he settled into his place at his Princess' side, he didn't care about that rejoinder. He had food, a new rank and title, two kingdoms….
…and best of all the approved love of his Princess Fair….
And that was all he really could ask for. All indeed…..