Chapter 71 [Next Morning]

Perhaps in knowledge of the day's brimming schedule of events, Natura arranged quite the show that morning. The air moved refreshingly yet not enough to muss any hair or documents. The birds sang with more vigor it seemed than usual. Sol streaked the sky with his rainbow brush shooting streams of crimson, orange and gold to greet onlookers….

…the goddess had arranged a special day for her servants and their guests….Either that or she was predisposed to offer the warriors a suitable day for the tournament to follow the double ceremony.

Travelers from near and far trekked into Whitgate on that day. Farmers and humble folk journeyed to pay homage to their beloved Princess and her Intended. Nemeth's officials and rulers from other realms poured into the city prior to witnessing the events and participating in the great feast to follow.

[Palace Garden]

[A/N: Okay at this point, I'm about to really warp a major thread in Arthurian lore. Just bear with me….]

Despite the celebratory spirit emanating throughout the palace, Lancelot drifted into the gardens forlornly. He'd thought that being back from the Other Side would've eased his feelings for Gwen. He'd hoped that coming to Nemeth and becoming Rodor's knight would make things easier…

…neither unfortunately had been the case….

Fate, you play me for a fool? I have served well. Am I doomed to be alone with this broken heart forever? I know I cannot be with Gwen. She loves Arthur. I will not destroy their kingdom. He sighed deeply. I need to give it more time. It's only been a week, Lancelot. Still Rodor will want me to make a match at some point. He sniffed deeply of the blooms enjoying the shades of rouge, red and white there. Granted he knew Camelot had more hues and varieties of flowers in its garden….

…still he knew that Gwen's wedding present to the happy couple of plant shoots from Camelot's prized garden would add to the paradise-like quality of that place…

…even if it would be another thorn in his heart so to speak….

Just as his moods sank lower, he heard a scuffling noise on the cobblestones to his left. He turned to find a young maiden slowly pulling herself off of the ground. "Forgive me for not noticing you. Can I assist, Milady?"

The maiden adjusted her patched threadbare blue dress. Despite being combed and coiffured, her chocolate brown hair still had a few straggly strands poking out. "I…I'd appreciate it, Sirrah. Thank you, most noble knight." She shyly blushed; her pale skin flushing with a rosy hue. Her dark eyes glanced down anxiously. "I'm sorry I disturbed you…."

"You are not disturbing me, Milady. I am glad for the company in fact." He flashed a reassuring smile as he helped her to her feet. "Were you at the feast last night? Strangely I don't remember." He assessed her deliberately feeling an almost angelic quality to her. The heaviness in his limbs and heart lessened ever so much. His skin tingled ever so slightly.

"Nay. Look at my appearance! Even as nobility, I am barely more than a threadbare pauper. My father instructed me not to be overly seen lest I be ashamed by my dress." She sighed desperately; her eyes watering with shame. "King Rodor, in his kindness, has tried repeatedly to find me a match. Sadly I have no dower."

"A lady such as yourself brings beauty and bearing to a potential match." He shrugged. "Perhaps Princess Mithian herself might assist you?"

"Oh, Sir Knight, please don't trouble her on her wedding day! I will linger in the back of the throne room before making my leave," she disagreed. "I do not even have someone to bear my token at the tournament later."

"The I shall have to do so if I have your leave to be your champion," he offered gallantly. "And you will most certainly not haunt the back of the room like a forlorn spirit either. I have no companion for the feast. Perhaps you would like to sit with Lady Britomart, Sir Gawain and myself at the wedding feast?"

She blushed in embarrassment. She felt a strange warmth blossoming within her heart. Her eyes sparkled into his in spite of herself. "You…want to be with me?"

"I do." He smiled at her. "I am Sir Lancelot of the Lake. And you, Milady, are?"

"I am Elaine of Astolat, Sir Lancelot." She curtseyed to him as eloquently as she could manage. "I do thank you for your kindness." She smiled dreamily almost like a schoolgirl dealing with a crush.

"Thank you for allowing me the sight of your visage, Lady Elaine," Lancelot smiled before raising her hand and kissing the back of it. "Forgive me for saying this but you're being here is the answer to a prayer. Perhaps you might do me a boon as well?"

"Of course."

"Princess Mithian goes to feed the masses. Perhaps we might assist? You do realize that she does not consider nobility in the clothes or rank but in the heart and soul," he explained.

"Do you think she would allow me to do so? I would most desire to do so!" She quivered anxiously. "I don't like seeing people hungry, Sir Lancelot."

"Nor do I. That is why I am going to assist her in this worthy endeavor," he noted. "Prince Merlin is out with the people right now."

"Prince Merlin is a fine man…even if he's a sorcerer. He made the skies turn dark and rode a beast into this city. They say he cast a spell on the Princess," she doubted.

He laughed pleasantly at those assessments. "I have known the Prince for several years. Yes he rode a dragon over the wall to save the Princess and this city. Yes he cast the spell you mention but to intimidate the Cawdorian occupiers. None of our people were harmed by his efforts. Still he is normally not like that."

"He…isn't?" She scrunched her brow in confusion. "Then what did he do if he wasn't a rogue servant of that witch?"

Lancelot sighed. "He labored as King Arthur's servant cleaning chamber pots and serving meals for years. Yes he could have manipulated his way out of that life. Still he did not. His bravery in battle is second to none. I have fought alongside him on several occasions. Prince Merlin is nothing but brave and earnest. He sacrifices himself for others without second thought. He won the Princess' heart through such kindness and warmth. As King Rodor stated, Prince Merlin's deeds merited special consideration." Seeing her flush with embarrassment, he assured her, "Such thoughts are easy to have in light of the continuing distrust toward magic. Perhaps you might give him and yourself a chance? Now follow me."

"I shall," she concurred with a bit of marvel in her voice. She couldn't believe Lancelot had let her off of the hook after that misstep. Her heart skipped another beat. "I apologize for slandering the Prince, Sir Lancelot."

"It is forgotten, Lady Elaine." He smiled warmly for her benefit; his own heart lightening with her companionship. "May I?" He held his hand out.

She nodded shyly and grasped his hand softly. "Thank you." With that, they headed for the courtyard below.

[Palace Square]

Even though her father had authorized otherwise, Mithian set a wicker basket full of bread at the base of the granite stairs. She smiled knowing that her special day was there at last. Unlike many of her peers, she did not look at the feeding of the masses as some drudge duty….

…in this regard, she agreed with her late brother, the hungry should be cared for readily and affectionately….

She straightened her sackcloth dress and the bare piece of rope cinched around her waist. I will not be haughty before my people. Never!

You don't have to be. You're beautiful no matter what, a familiar voice assured her over the link.

She arched an eyebrow and snorted. You'd best not be looking at me, Merlin! You'll jinx everything!

I didn't. My basket's already distributed. I wanted to reassure my bride is all, he insisted.

Oh. Well… She bit her lip. I'm sorry. I just want everything to be perfect! I…

It will be. Trust in us. And, Princess?

Yes?

I love you.

She giggled. And I love you too. She inhaled a breath before gazing out over the assembled throng in front of herself. "Good morning!"

"Princess! Before you start, can we add to your efforts?" Lancelot called as she and Elaine pulled another basket like it into view.

"Of course! My thanks, Sir Lancelot!" Mithian eyed Elaine. "She seems familiar but I can't quite place her. Forgive me, Mistress, if I don't…."

"The offense is mine, Princess." Elaine bowed in due reverence. "I am Elaine of Astolat. It is a pleasure. Forgive me for intruding upon your privileged time. I wish to serve the people is all. Where would you like us to start?"

"And serve we shall." Mithian agreed. In her mind, she ruminated over Elaine. I know her name from somewhere! I shall have to speak with Father about her. She pulled the cover from her own basket before turning back to the crowd. "Forgive me. We have plenty to distribute!" She pulled a loaf from it and tore it in thirds. Then she handed each piece to a waiting child or woman before repeating the actions over and over again.

Elaine pulled the cover off of her own basket. "Forgive me for taking the initiative. I want them to eat."

"So many women are vain and self-serving, Lady Elaine. To see someone enjoying service is bliss indeed," Lancelot complimented. "Let us help them." He tore a loaf into pieces and handed them out.

She nodded feeling her heart warming as she spied a limping little girl about four rows back in the crowd. "Wait!" She tore off an especially big piece and worked her way into the mass.

The onlookers, bemused and feeling passed over, grumbled. Some spat in disgust expecting their portion as they'd waited in line.

"Lancelot?" Mithian queried.

"I don't know. Lady Elaine went into the crowd for some reason and…." He spied the companion assisting the handicapped red headed girl through the sea of pulling hands and grasping actions. "Lady Elaine!"

"I am here, Sir Lancelot! She hasn't eaten in days from what it looks like!" Elaine noted with concern.

"Lady, others…need help too." The girl collapsed onto the cobbles beside the caring noblewoman.

The people, seeing the piece of bread in her hand, swarmed at Elaine while pressing over the crippled girl.

"Princess! Sir Lancelot! I am sorry but….HELP!" Elaine called frantically almost seeming to be smothered by the mass of hungry denizens therein.

"Lady Elaine!" He shook his head furiously before descending the stairs and fighting his way into the angry swells for his companion and her newly appointed charge.

Mithian stopped as well lecturing them, "PEOPLE OF NEMETH! PLEASE! WE WILL DO WHAT WE CAN! RELEASE THE LADY ELAINE SO SHE MIGHT HELP YOU!" She fought down the urge to use her magic in that regard recalling Talesin's advice on the matter. Remember they're still fearful of Morgana's example. "LET THE OTHER RULERS SEE OUR VALOR IN SUCH EXAMPLES!" She rolled her eyes knowing that such an uproar to attract an armed putdown by Camelot's knights or her father's few soldiers. We cannot let that destroy this tradition!

Fortunately the people relented slightly allowing Lancelot to pull the two women from their angry undertow. Still they muttered and mumbled about not getting their due.

"I…am sorry, Milady," the girl apologized tearfully. She attempted to hand the piece back to Elaine.

"Perhaps an exchange, Mistress?" Mithian offered. She handed a full loaf to the young girl and accepted the disputed piece in its place.

"Princess! I can't!"

"Yes you can and shall." Mithian smiled at her. "Wait up on the stairs. We shall speak later." She placed her hand on Elaine's shoulder. "Thank you for doing that."

"It is my duty, Princess. Y…You're welcome." Elaine quaked nervously feeling conspicuous for making a scene. She glanced anxiously at Lancelot before taking another loaf and ripping it apart. "I'm being an idiot."

"How so? I see a brave yet caring woman," he admired and assured. His eyes twinkled into hers. "You're no charity case, Lady Elaine." He handed out more bread to the crowd but stole a few looks at her in the process.

Elaine blushed before resuming the feeding. Despite their careful rationing, she and Lancelot had emptied their basket in the next half hour. She handed out her last two coins to a mother with two small children. She felt warmed by the grateful expression on their faces. Perhaps she'd have to walk back to the manor instead of taking the barge upriver but she didn't care. To the others in the crowd, she put her empty hands up, palms open to show they were empty. "I'm sorry! That's all I have!" She waded through the dissipating mass back toward the stairs.

He marveled at this woman. From her account in the garden not to mention her appearance, he had deduced that she didn't even have the four coins to properly attire herself. He knew that she had just given away her fare to get home without hesitation. He held out his hand to help Elaine toward the stairs. As he did so, he noticed Mithian walking toward them. "Forgive her, Princess Mithian. She wanted to help more."

"Forgive what? Her compassion or kind heart? Her desire to sacrifice herself for others?" Mithian smiled kindly. "It seems we have two more for the feast, don't we?" As Elaine stumbled toward her, she felt a slight surge of energy surprising her. She has magic! Really? Yet another reason for us to include her…as if Lancelot wasn't having thoughts of his own in that regard! "Lady Elaine, welcome and my thanks. Perhaps Sir Lancelot might guide you to the dining room? I shall change and get my father. I believe we all need to speak."

"Thank you, Milady. What of the child? May she sit with us as well?" Elaine queried thinking of the handicapped child still sitting on the stairs and eating from the bread.

"Of course!" Mithian arched an eyebrow and pronounced regally, "I will see you shortly, Lady Elaine of Astolat. Sir Lancelot will take care to guide you both to our next meeting." With that she carried the empty basket back into the castle proper.

I can't believe she really wants me to be at the feast! She…wants me there? How? I'm so unworthy! Elaine stumbled anxiously. Her nerves sparked making her eyes glow.

Almost on cue, rose petals drifted down from the skies covering the entire area and the people therein. Hues of red, white and pink petals blanketed the ground causing the throng to look frantically around themselves.

"You have magic?" he realized.

Elaine bowed her head. "Yes," she admitted. "Father considers it demonic. Forgive me."

"There is nothing to forgive. I think it's beautiful. Come. We have a meeting to attend, Milady," he assured her warmly while taking her hand. He led her up the stairs to where the child awaited them. "Want a ride to our meeting with the King?"

"He wants to see pretty lady not me," the girl disagreed while motioning toward Elaine.

"Princess Mithian specifically has requested to see both of us, Precious," Elaine corrected her gently. "Sir Lancelot, perhaps we can both help her to our engagement?"

"Oh! Can I go with you both? We can play family and…." The girl started to reveal before clamming up in embarrassment.

"You're an orphan then?" he asked in realization.

"Aye, Sir Lancelot. My parents died in the plague last winter. I work where I can. Mostly I sleep under the stone bridge three leagues out of the city," the child noted sadly.

Elaine and Lancelot exchanged sympathetic glances at each other. They both saw how weak the girl looked. They knew she would be lucky to survive another winter. They each took a hand and slowly assisted her toward the dining hall.

Something needed to be done…on all fronts….