Chapter 28 [Camelot—Dining Hall]

Celebration warmed the air. Streamers bobbed along Chamber's edge. Garlands adorned certain spots. Nobility and knights clapped goblets. Gaiety and Revelry raised spirits. Laughter echoed up and down the passages. Goblets touched Goblets. Toasts wished Luck and Fortune upon others.

Wedding linked Camelot's and Tintagel's fortunes. Opportunities laid at hand….

Morgana sipped from her own goblet. Contentment lifted her spirits up. Caution and care ensured nary a drop marred her fine gown. Audrey's capon and beef excelled usual standards. Well wishes and congratulations elicited smiles and pleasant overtones. Her eye turned toward Accolon's still empty chair. I'd have expected him to be back by now. We have the celebratory toast soon! Her fork speared a piece of meat and carried it to her mouth.

"More wine, Milady?" Gwen sucked in a deep breath. Professionalism maintained a strict poker face over her feelings. Depression and protests weighed on her heart. The marriage gladdened her sure enough. Still, her eye drifted several places down toward a certain brooding Prince. She forced herself to look at Morgana again.

"Aye. Thank you, Gwen." Morgana held her goblet out. She picked up on Gwen's feelings. Her eyes followed toward Arthur as well. Perhaps, Dear Brother, you might get your priorities straight? She kept a straight face. The goddess' plans remained in motion. Her suggestion for Merlin's 'regifting' laid Goodwill's foundation between Tintagel and Nemeth. (Besides, it ensured Mithian had someone at long last.) She glanced toward Uther and then Aredian. Then, she turned back toward Gwen. "I do appreciate you." She motioned toward Arthur. "Can you check on the Prince's goblet?" Sympathy moved her in that heartbeat.

"Of course, you do. I am grateful for everything. Tintagel's a nice place. They have a great many things and places to explore. I look forward to it." Gwen curtseyed. Then, she moved on toward her Prince. She noted George moving in with his own pitcher. "I have this."

"But! But!" George stiffened. Indignation puffed through his chest and brown-bespeckled nostrils. Perfection and abundance moved him to heap everything for Arthur. He pranced about the area. Goblets overflowed. (Efficiency and Generosity were to be valued after all.)

Dirty looks and curses however unsettled his way.

"George, Gwen has the matter in hand." Arthur's hand shot up. Patience for his new servant frayed quickly. Father, so help me! Merlin may be an idiot. But even he knows how to fill a goblet properly! Icy sparks set in his eyes. "I think…you have served enough wine tonight. Perhaps there are some silver pieces to be polished in the West Wing?"

"If that is your wish, Sire. Of course!" George bowed. Wine sloshed about in the pitcher. Drops jumped into the air.

"Just…go!" Arthur ground his teeth. His frown curled in on itself. Resentment burned within him. Admissions came hard. He missed Merlin. Gwen's impending departure tore at his heart. Uther's triumphant smugness burned at him most. He pointed toward the door. "Polish or whatever!"

George slunk off toward the aforementioned portal. Resentment and Jealousy burned at him. I only want to serve him! How can he compare me to those…*peasants*? Revulsion shuddered at his back and shoulders. Rejection burned in his eyes.

Muttered 'thank yous' and expletives followed his departure. Caution guided guests to sip at overflowing goblets. Eyes checked sleeves. A few leveled off goblets raised in Gratitude's toast in Arthur's direction. Conversations and spirits resumed after that.

"Thank you, Gwen." Arthur raised his goblet. Relief eased his mindset. His fingers brushed over hers. His heart skipped a beat at her presence and touch. Longing shone in his eyes…meeting its counterpart in hers. Desire and Instinct wished to abduct her. Together, they'd slip away in Celebration's buzz. Perhaps, they cross the Severn before Pursuit could catch them…. Then again, perhaps not….

Hopelessness, it seemed, ruled supreme amidst Celebration's tide on that night.

"Of course." Gwen filled the goblet to proper depth. "There you are." Service gladdened her own heart. I would give more to Camelot and you, Arthur! Why do they not see us as a proper match? As if those gray beards have done any more than we have? Or Merlin? Uther is so unfair! "I will be back around."

Arthur nodded ever so slightly to Gwen. He raised his goblet to Morgana. Gratitude prompted another nod and toast in her direction. Hopefully, they will let me meet Gwen in some secret location. We just have to wait Father out. One day, I will be King. Then, I will redo the laws.

A wry smile crossed Morgana's face. Already Arthur's plotting against Uther. I wish I could say that is unexpected! She sipped once more from her goblet. She noted Accolon's approach. Be careful, Dear Brother, of what you wish for.

The goddess only wants co-existence. The Purge is Uther's insanity not Arthur's. I know about what Morgause and Igraine said to him. Accolon raised Morgana's hand. "My Princess and Soon to Be Queen. My Partner." Lips whispered Amor's notes across her knuckles.

What Morgause and Igraine said….? Memoria recalled Morgause from her victory over Arthur in the arena well enough. Questions, however, remained as to Accolon's exact meaning. "My Partner. My King." Morgana's heart skipped a beat. "Is all well? I missed you." Her eyes moved toward his waiting chair. "Uther's been waiting for the toast. You should eat."

"I believe I will." Accolon slid into his seat. "Thank you for allowing Guinevere her service tonight as well. I am not a monster. Nor are you, Milady." He raised his goblet toward Arthur. Then, he took a long draught. Merlin will be below soon enough. All that is left is for Uther to realize his full potential.

Irony caught at Morgana's throat. Excesses had defined Uther's reign. I believe he is there now.

We shall see. I have no idea. In my own defense, I do not know how that will happen. Just that it will. Accolon tapped his fingers on the table. That is why I wanted Merlin and Guinevere away from here. I know how you value her service. I would reward her for that as well.

Aye. I do. I want that as well. She is a dear friend. I wish we could have Arthur live in exile at our court. I would not have a war. Pity. Morgana glanced toward Uther. "The King seems ready." Still, something felt off at that point. Accolon? Uther almost feels like…. She did a double take.

Accolon ate a few more bites. His eyes met Gwen's. He raised his goblet toward her. After she'd filled the goblet, he nodded to her. "Thank you." Ill At Ease, however, strummed across his senses. Energy burned at his own senses. He sloshed his wine about. Then, his eyes turned toward the table's head.

Toast was about to be unforgettable all right….