I could not help but laugh at the sight of my father with two children hanging from his tail, three on his back and a young girl about three years old sitting on his snout laughing her head off while others screamed and laughed as they were being chanced by Abiageal around father avoiding her as best as they could till she caught one tickling him then yelling, "Your it," then running from the child she had just tagged. it all was a very pleasant change of scene from what i had just come from and I soon joined in the games.
Later that night in the castle court yard.
The celebration started right after the sun set and my sister, father, and I ignited a large pile of wood at the center of the yard to start the celebration. With the pile burning brightly the music started and the food was brought out to the tables that were set against the castle wall to the left of the court yard, and the theater troop's stage was in the spot where father had been chained to the ground with tables and chairs for everyone to watch and eat. The performance would start when every one had gotten a plate of food and were seated. When the show began I didn't really pay much attention to the show, I was never really into plays even when I was a child, but I stayed seated to be polite to the performers.
There was on actor who caught my eye during the whole performance. He was a little taller than the other thespians, had broader shoulders and actually knew how to wield a sword. He played Bowen in the play and though the two looked nothing alike he played him ever well. The actress who played me had too high of a voice for my liking but my sister giggled at how they portrayed us on the stage. The rest of our guests thought the same thing as most of them would laugh at the performance.
I kept my eye on the actor playing Bowen listening to every word he spoke and more than once our eyes met and I would look down at my plate while he continued his performance. Father say how I was acting during the show and out of the corner of my eye I saw him lean closer to Bowen and whisper something to him. I ignored them not really knowing what they were talking about. After the performance was done the musicians began playing and everyone found a partner to dance with. Bowen and Kara danced together while my sister talked to some other girls who were lacking partners to dance with. I sat in my seat watching the dancing balancing my drink on my knife to keep my self entertained. I was so busy focusing on balancing the near empty cup I didn't notice the actor who played Bowen in the earlier play walk up behind me.
"Good evening Ava," he said startling me causing me to jump throwing the cup into the air spilling the left over wine onto the performer head.
"Oh my I am so sorry," I said jumping up grabbing the napkin that laid next to my plate.
"No it is fine my fair lady I should not have snuck up behind you," he smiled at me as he took the napkin I afforded to him wiping the wine out of his hair.
I only smiled back at him. When his hair was dry he set the napkin down then asked me, "So did you enjoy the play."
"Yes though I must admit that so parts were greatly exaggerated from what really happened."
"We meant no disrespect," he started to say but I stopped him.
"No no," I interrupted, " I found the exaggerated parts the most entertaining."
"Really," he blushed a little, "I'm glad you liked them."
We were quiet for a moment then he spoke up, "If you don't mind... would you like to dance with me."
I smiled at him nodding, "I would not mind at all."
He smiled at me bowing at the wait then took my hand leading me to the dance floor.
"I must warn you I'm very much out of practice," I blushed as we started dancing.
He smiled at me pulling me close to his chest, "Don't worry I'll lead."
I felt my cheeks heat up as I looked up at his face as we started dancing. I wasn't even focused on the music playing or the other couples I was just focusing on his face. His jaw line was strong, his eyes were the same color the leaves no the trees during the first days of spring, his hair was like the sun in the light of the fire, and was the same length as Bowen's. His shoulders were square and I could feel his muscles even under his clothes.
"By the way," I said as he twirled me then pulling me back to his chest, "You know my name but I don't know yours."
"My name is Aurther," he said in a soft voice.
"Aurther," I said smiling back at him, "It is a pleasure to meet you Aurther."
"The pleasure is all mine Ava Dragonscale," he said as he dipped me then the music stopped. We spent the rest of that night talking together walking around the castle. Even when everyone else had left to go home or were passed out all over the court yard, the two of us stayed up watching the stars on top of one of the towers. We sat next to each other against the stone pointing out constellations we new and even making up our own. Till we fell asleep on the tower leaning against each other.
The next night I watched Aurther play out when King Arthur pulled the sword from the stone and became king. He played Arthur and he was the only one I rely payed attention too. After the performance we danced together then walked along the castle walls talking about everything and nothing at all. I told him stories of my sister and I growing up with father and he told me stories of his travels with the theater troop.
"So you really did see Avalon," he asked.
"Hard to believe right," I smiled at him as we kept walking.
"What was it like," he asked.
"There is not much to tell," I told him looking at the ground, "It was dark with mostly ruins, and grave stones. Brother Gilbert could go on and on about how wonderful it was. It felt good to speak the Old Code at its' birth place but when ever I think back to my brief time there I can't help but feel as if that was going to be the last great memory I would have of my family."
His face went from joy to a sorrowful look, "I can't imagine how that must feel for you. But you won against Einon so it was a good sign."
"Einon still was my brother I can't help but feel upset about his death, yet I'm happy his evil is gone from this world. But he still was my baby brother."
"Lets not think about such things,"Aurther said taking my hand in his, "Like you said this is a time of celebration. So let us be happy."
I smiled at him nodding back, "You're right let us celebrate together."
He smiled back at me, "Come lets have one more dance."
I smiled at him then we both ran to the dance floor still holding hands. We then danced all the rest of the night till we both became very tired. I can't remember what happened after our last dance but I did wake up in my own bed still dressed in last nights gown and there was a letter on the nightstand next to my bed. It was from Aurther saying that I fell asleep in his arms and he carried me to my room while one of the servants showed him the way. I smiled as I read over the letter then tucked it into my stand, then got changed into a new dress for the day.