Chapter 77 [Inside of the Banquet Area]
Even though the guests of honor had yet to be introduced, the party had kicked into high gear, it seemed. People circulated more so than they might have in light of the spontaneous announcement. They shook Gawain's hand congratulating him on his choice. They kissed Britomart's hand, disregarding her armor and knight rank while already shoving her back into the female courtesan role in their minds.
Meantime the royal servants skillfully attempted to put the ship of state back on its intended course. They navigated through the shoals of conversing nobles and heads of state urging the conversations back toward the long tables and the designated seating arrangement. Slowly they edged the scattered denizens back into their places.
Such as the pond is when the rock is tossed in. One could only wait for the ripples to settle down….
Britomart slumped in her seat; her chin resting sullenly in her hands. She really wanted to sink through the floor in embarrassment. She couldn't believe how the courtiers and heads of state refused to treat her as an equal despite having earned her role. She chastised herself for allowing her temper to get the better of herself.
She'd upstaged her dear friend's wedding night….
She'd torpedoed a decent proposal on Gawain's part. Granted the oaf might never have asked (or may have after he'd wenched his way to that point) but he would have….
She sighed and watched him talking with people. Several times she'd observed him getting impatient with people regarding her as little more than an arm ornament and a piece of meat. At that point she saw the conversation quickly end and he'd find another person to talk with. At least he does treat me like an equal. I have to give him that…even if he is an oaf. She snickered to herself feeling a sliver of warmth in the winter of her despair.
A cup set down next to her hand disrupted her reverie bringing her back to the situation as it was.
Her eyes turned in that direction to find Gawain looking intently at her. "Had enough bragging, have we?"
He rolled his eyes. "Brit, let me enjoy the moment. Okay?" He raised his goblet. "To a fine woman even if she nags me to death." He saucily tipped it and then took a hearty draught before setting it down again. "I've fought beside you. I know you're not like those pretty flowers around here. Get over it already!"
"We've upstaged Prince Merlin and Princess Mithian! This is their night!" she countered.
"Lance and Elaine did it this morning. Bloody hell! The Princess herself helped push them together and adopt the kid. I know Merlin. He's happy when everyone else is too." He reached over and rubbed her hand. "And he's happy for us too. I'm happy for us." He grimaced. "Even if you're going to stop me from drinking."
She arched an eyebrow. "We can drink with our comrades, Gawain. I just don't want you wenching after we're officially married." She sighed. "I love you. I…want you to take that seriously."
"Don't worry. Case you haven't noticed, I've been setting these clod poles and prats straight where you're concerned. You're my equal. You're my partner. Maybe share a drink with me in private?" he assured her.
"That I will do. Thank you," she conceded while raising her goblet and clinking it against his. Then she downed its contents.
"That's more like it!" he praised.
"Don't get any ideas," she retorted firmly. Seeing Regis standing by the door, she noted, "It's time."
"Then we be happy for our friends. We can talk to Rodor and the others tomorrow about the other stuff?" he indicated.
"Tomorrow. For tonight belongs to the Prince and Princess," she asserted firmly as they watched the drama unfolding.
Regis stood primly in front of the room. He watched his associates corral the party guests and shepherd them to the seats. When he was satisfied that everything was in order, he motioned to the heralds.
Trumpets majestically propelled their notes through the air grabbing the guests' attention and turning their eyes toward the front.
"Good evening, Honored Guests, Heads of State and Members of Nemeth's Court! Thank you for accepting my sovereign's generous invitation and joining us tonight. It is his hope you will enjoy the sumptuous fare and entertainment. And now, I present our host, His Eminent Highness, King Rodor." Regis turned and bowed toward the door. "Sire?"
Rodor strode forward with a practiced gait; a practiced smile covering his face. He nodded regally while walking to his place at the high table. He smiled briefly to Hunith who stood two chairs over him. Then he surveyed the chamber. "Good evening, Everyone. Once again, thank you for joining us on this most eminent day in our kingdom's history. Speaking as a proud father, ruler and also as a friend, I am deeply honored and excited to be here hosting this event. I do not have to tell you about Nemeth's dark times over the past month. As recently as a week ago, I lay unconscious, my heirs, Prince Kay and Princess Mithian, were imprisoned and usurpers pillaged this fair land. Fortunately our friends stepped forth into the breach driving back the darkness, sacrificing valued resources and knights and restoring our position." He raised his goblet. "As one of you told me, his kingdom was nothing without its friends. I would say the same of Nemeth. To all of you allies, Nemeth salutes and thanks you. Enjoy with our joy and thanks."
"HEAR! HEAR!" the guests retorted boisterously raising their goblets and cups in response before taking a healthy draught.
Rodor allowed that sentiment to flavor the air for a long few heartbeats. He cleared his throat. "In fact the darkness surrounding our lands has a silver lining. During the crisis, Princess Mithian discovered her feelings for a most unique individual. It surprised me to hear about her attention toward King Arthur's former manservant, Merlin. In most cases, I would never have allowed such a match. Prince Merlin, however, as you all are aware is a truly special individual. I do not have to belabor his good qualities. In light of his achievements in Camelot and the two times he helped to preserve our rule, I have granted him a special circumstance comprised of the knighting back in Camelot, his crowning this morning and the Princess' hand. He and Princess Mithian are our future now. As they seek to look after our people, they shall work alongside all of you, my friends. And now, may I present our special guests? Prince Merlin and Princess Mithian!"
The guests clapped enthusiastically. They cheered in wild support. They raised their cups once more beckoning the newlyweds inside to join them.
Once Gimwald opened the door, Mithian and Merlin walked in unison; their nerves blown away by the supportive reception they received. They squeezed their clasped hands in amorous unison. Their hearts, soaring on the heartily warmth in front of them, beat together as one.
Can you believe this? Merlin queried incredulously through the link.
Believe it, my Warlock! They are here to celebrate with us. Our love is special! You see? Mithian reassured him with a confident smile. Come on. Let's not keep them or Father waiting. She gently urged him forward toward the waiting Rodor.
Rodor beamed warmly as the couple bowed before him. "Good evening, my Children. Now that the day's toils and challenges are done, may you now enjoy the pleasures of our company. This is yours now."
"Thank you, Father," Mithian accepted dutifully.
"Our thanks, Sire," Merlin acknowledged gratefully.
"You're welcome. Please rise and enjoy the evening," Rodor replied pleasantly. He then took his seat.
Merlin nodded. An anxious tremor shot through him. He sucked in a reassuring breath for his wife's benefit. He helped her into her seat courteously. "For you." He raised the back of her hand; his lips brushing Amor's gentle brush strokes across it.
Mithian blushed happily. Admittedly her mind still flashed back to the feast during her first visit to Camelot. She struggled hoping that this would be the time that would supplant that uncomfortable memory. Promise me you won't make Arthur or me start belching, she teased telepathically.
Somehow he stifled the laugh rising within himself. He only offered a smile in response before moving onto his mother. In similar fashion, he raised her hand and kissed it as well out of love and reverence for her.
Hunith's eyes sparkled brightly into his. Her heart overflowed with relief and joy at her boy's change of fortune. Granted he'd found a refuge of sorts with Arthur and Camelot. However this turn represented far more than either of them really had a right to expect. She smiled reassuringly knowing of his butterflies. Be happy, Merlin. Life gives us enough misfortune! Cherish this moment of all!
Merlin grinned gratefully before sliding between her and Mithian. He nodded to Rodor offering tacit thanks to his sovereign for the great turns given him.
Rodor nodded back to the new Prince and added a comforting smile. He clapped his hands offering a cue to the waiting servants. "Eat and be well, my Friends! Music!"
On cue, the minstrels' rebecs and wind instruments serenaded the air and the attendees' ears with the gentle soothing tones of ancient ballads. Accompanying singers added their own well-crafted contribution displaying their knowledge of events and peoples gone by.
The servants brought out the wares for the event's participants. Platters of roast beef, pork and capon settled onto the tables. Fresh grapes and apples heaped into bowls tempted their stomachs as well. Wine refreshed partially drained goblets.
Truly it was a change in atmosphere from the dismal and problematic to the celebratory and warmth. And that was something they could all get behind.
[Author's Note—The next chapter features the toasts from various characters. So don't worry, I'm not leaving the feast at this point…at least not yet….]