The Harvest Feast

[King Uther Pendragon]

NOW OPEN

It is time for the yearly harvest feast! Hooray and Hurrah. All of the best foods will be served here to the royals and nobility of Camelot's Court. The King sits at the head of the large oak table, where various dishes of tender meat and roasted vegetables sit steaming atop a velvet red runner. The centre piece: a large boar with glazed eyes and an apple in it's mouth. Prince Arthur sits to Uther's right, the Lady Morgana to his left. Servants hurry about, refiling goblets of wine and to-ing and fro-ing to the kitchens. Two armored guards stand either side of the Dining hall doors.


This is an open thread for all nobility [and to the castle servants who will wait upon them.]

[Prince Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur clapped his hands together in glee at the thought of tucking in to the beaultiful meal that lay before him. He was surrounded by all of the nobles in the city, half of whom were his friends, and the other half he hoped would become friends after tonight. The food was lavish and expensive- Uther had had no qualms in paying for the highest priced meat and fish imported from overseas, and Arthur couldn't say he was disappointed!

Morgana sat opposite him, looking happy and content and he was glad she was looking healthier than the last time he had seen her. His own legs still pained him, but Gaius had leant him a wooden crutch to use for the meantime as he outright refused to stay in bed any longer.
Uther looked happy too, he was still not particuarly enthused by a group of noble magicians sitting further down the table, but it was more a cautious dislike than a blatent hate for them these days. Arthur was proud that his father had managed to overcome his fear.

Hopefully after the meal there would be entertainment from a court singer or dancer. Arthur always loved that part of a feast the best- the music, the laughter, the smiling. He couldn't wait.

A bell sounded from the opposite end of the room, signalling for the guests to begin dining. Arthur instantly grabbed a plate of venison. He hadn't had any since the last feast Uther had held, and he couldn't even remember when that had been!
The table was full of other meats and fish, although vegetables were few and far between (they were usually considered a poor mans meal). Platters of fruit and cheeses were strewn about, as well as stews or pottages made from meats and rice. It was all delicious and Arthur took a great helping for himself.

He had to admit, it was a good feeling to see so many happy residents of Camelot in one place and he was also looking forward to the bonfire later.

[Lady Morgana le Fey]

The night of the harvest feast had finally arrived and Morgana couldn't have been any happier. She knew the food was going to be delicious and it was going to be a time for the members of court to interact on a more social nature. Gwen, had helped her dress for the evening in a gown of golden yellow and shades of orange and Morgana decided to leave her hair loose/curled and her circlet. The time came for the feasting to start and Morgana found herself in her usual chair- to the left of the King with Arthur sitting on his right as crown prince.

She held back a grin as out of the corner of her eye she Arthur clap his hands together in glee. Would he ever grow up? Sometimes she wondered if he had any sense of decorum at all. Although Morgana was as excited as Arthur, she didn't display it outright. She was grateful that her health had recovered to allow her to attend the feasting and actually enjoy the food. It certainly had not been fun being ill for the week that she was. While she waited for the signal to begin eating she cast her gaze around the room. There were so many nobles of the court in attendance- it truly was wonderful to see.

Just prior to the bell sounding her gaze went to that of her guardian- the King. She noted that he was looking out at the guests and she followed his gaze and noted who he was looking at. Further down the table where some nobility who now openly practiced magic. There was a time when they would have had to practice in silence so as not to have their heads cut off but that was no longer the case as he had gotten over his hatred of magic and she was grateful for it. She had only recently started admitting to herself that her nightmares were actually prophetic dreams and she was in no way ready to test the King's tolerance yet especially since she had no ability to control the visions.

As soon as the bell sounded the sounds errupted as people began to help themselves to the platters of food. No one could have asked for a better spread of food- venision, other meats, fish, fruit, cheese and stews graced the table. Morgana took a plate of venison that was also sitting infront of her and added some fish, fruit and cheese on it. She let her gaze wander amongst the guests with the occasional nod of her head and a smile as she also cut off meat and ate it in small bites.

[Merlin Emrys]

Merlin stood on the outskirts of the dining hall with the other servants, a cloth over his arm and a pitcher of wine in the other hand. He felt very scruffy compared to the nobility, the women especially, who looked like paintings in their brightly coloured dresses and flowing curled hair. But the food, Oh the food! Merlin's mouth watered to see the meat spread out on the table- he couldn't even remember the last time he had eaten meat- probably in one of Gaius' questionable stews. Somewhere a bell rang loudly, and the nobles spurred into action, the men ripping and scooping meat onto their plates. The servants began distributing the wine and Merlin scuttled over to where Arthur was sitting, his mouth already full of food.

"Wine, Your Highness?" he asked politely, for Uther's sake, and without waiting for an answer leaned over alongside Arthur to fill his empty goblet. He grinned across the table to the Lady Morgana who looked beautiful as always. Then under his breath, so only Arthur could hear he added- "fancy saving some for me?" looking poignantly at the venison.

[Prince Arthur Pendragon]

"Ummfumffshishmf!" Arthur nodded, food spraying out of his mouth. Morgana was right, he really had no manners at all. He took a deep sip of wine from his newly filled goblet, before turning to respond to Merlin.

"Yes thank you Merlin, the food is delicious." Arthur replied, with a wink. Merlin would know what that meant and hopefully, Morgana and Uther would not.
He waited until Merlin was just moving past, and then sent his goblet tumbling across the table nearly landing in the King's lap.
"Oh Merlin! You really must be more careful!" Arthur yelled standing up. The king was literally fuming, and Arthur half expected smoke to start pouring from his ears any second. While the comotion was still rife, he grabbed a large slab of meat from one of the platters and handed it to Merlin in one swift motion.

"Fetch a cloth quickly!" Arthur ordered, he could hardly hold his laughter in as he looked at Merlin, he hadn't expected this to be half as amusing as it was. Still, it had worked and that was something he supposed.

"Are you enjoying the food Morgana?" Arthur asked, after the head of the table had settled back down and were filling their bellies once more. His plate was now piled high with an assortment of cheeses. With the way he ate, it was a wonder the Prince was not twice his size!

[Lady Morgana le Fey]

Was Arthur saying he was famished? It truly was hard to tell with the stuffed mouth. Men and manners- she may not have had her mother around growing up but she had somehow managed to learn manners. Arthur sitting across from her had obviously missed those lessons...Although that was considered typical of male behaviour at the dinner table so at least he fit in with his species. In between bites of food she would occassionally reach for the goblet of wine in front of her and take small sips.

When Merlin came to refill Arthur's goblet he cast a nervous smile in her direction and she returned it with a genuine smile. Although Merlin was technically a servant, both he and Gwen held a very special place in her circle of friends. Both were people that she would trust with her life and she hoped they knew that. Next thing she knew the goblet infront of Arthur went flying almost into the King's lap spilling the wine as it fell. In reaction she pushed her chair slightly away from the table although it wasn't really affecting her. Arthur scolded Merlin quite loudly and then ordered for a cloth to come. She didn't have to be sitting next to the King to note that he was furious- sure enough she turned to look in his direction while servants scurried around to get the mess cleaned up and the King looked like smoke was about to pour out of his ears. A young servant girl came up beside her to help clean the mess up. -Did any get on you milady?- Morgana shook her head no. She was fine as she had managed to get her chair out of the way fast enough. The girl nodded, then turned her attention back to the table.

Once the mess had been cleaned up her and the rest of the head table settled back into their plates of food. Despite the chaos that had just happened and the King's anger, things settle back down quickly. Morgana returned her attention to the food that was sitting infront of her and listened to the conversation that was going around the table.

"Are you enjoying the food Morgana?"

Morgana looked back to Arthur who had refilled his plate with a selection of cheeses. Prior to speaking she took a sip of wine. "The palace kitchens have really outdone themselves. Don't you agree?" She always loved the feasts that the court put on, however this year seemed to be one of the better ones.

[Merlin Emrys]

Merlin turned red as a beetroot when Arthur exclaimed: "Oh Merlin! You really must be more careful!" and sent his own chalice flying. He opened his mouth to protest his innocence when Arthur slid him a massive slab of venison. Merlin suddenly understood what Arthur was doing and panicking, stuffed the meat up his top when he was bent over mopping the wine. He hoped no-one had seen.

"I am so sorry your highness!" he jabbered, addressing the King mainly who looked so angry that a servant was causing such a scene. The meat was burning his stomach and Merlin hopped from leg to leg.

"I meant save me some after!" Merlin hissed, unamused at Arthur who was clearly concealing laughter. He couldn't stay mad though, the Prince after all had done exactly as he had asked. Merlin backed away from the tables with apologies, under the pretense of refilling the pitcher of wine. He really hadn't thought this through, the meat was very hot- and the gravy began to soak through his top. He backed up against the wall, eyes searching for Gwen or another servant who was free to help him smuggle the meat out of the hall.

[Prince Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur watched as the gravy started to seep through Merlins thin tunic. Why he hadn't thought to hide it under the cloth he was holding was beyond him, but then that was Merlin.

Arthur turned back to Morgana as he left, and nodded in reply to her question.
"You're right. This feast is fantastic!" He stuffed yet more food into his mouth, and glanced at his father, who having recovered from the wine incident was beaming away at someone down the other end of the table.
Arthur leaned forward, trying to work out what had made the King so happy. Nothing stood out so he gave up and went back to stuffing his face.

"Good evening!" The King suddenly boomed, making Arthur nearly fall of his chair. He stood up in surprise, eyes wide in shock- before turning to find himself face to face with a beautiful lady. Embarrassed, he brushed himself down and returned to his seat. His cheeks were scarlet and he was aware of Morgana's eyes boring into him.

"Hello there Arthur," The mysterious guest smiled down at him, "I trust you are well?" There was a hint of sarcasm in her voice, and Arthur nodded with a gracious smile before he turned to Morgana and rolled his eyes. It wasn't funny.

It turned out that the guest was the night's entertainment, a singer from far off lands and an old friend of Uther. When she took to the stage Arthur forgot his earlier dislike and was completely enchanted from start to finish by her beautiful voice, which accomplished both the high and low melodies that rolled off of her tongue. Arthur usually liked the entertainment, but this was an exceptionally talented lady. He wondered to himself just how the king had met her.

When the singing had finished, Arthur excused himself allowing the lady to take his place at the table. He had enough food to feed an entire kingdom, and had even had to loosen his belt a little! Besides, he felt it was his duty to visit the bonfire and greet the other members of his future court, for they mattered as much as these nobles did.

"Care to join me Morgana?"

[Lady Morgana le Fey]

"Good evening!"

The King's over-exuberant outburst causedMorgana and pretty much everyone else in the hall including his Royal Highness across from her to just about jump out of their chairs. While she had expected such an outburst as such when the wine was spilt this sudden outburst entirely caught her off guard. She had to stiffle a laugh as Arthur stood up to find him face to face with a rather beautiful lady and although he had his back to her, she could see the embarassment radiating from him as he then proceeded to re-take his seat.

"Hello there Arthur, I trust you are well?"

If one were to look at Morgana right now they would see the look of a quiet demure woman but inside she was throughly enjoying the circumstances that Arthur was facing. It was even funnier when he turned to her and rolled his eyes. She gave him a look that said 'be nice' and smiled in welcome to woman who she learned would be the evening's entertainment.

Morgana was entirely taken with her once she took the stage. The woman's voice was remarkable regardless of what she was singing. It was very easy to see that Uther was enamoured with the singer. She glanced down the table at the rest of the nobility and could see similar reactions on their faces. As each song came to a close she joined in the more than deserving applause.

After the final performance the woman approached the table and Arthur being the gentleman that he was gave his seat for her. Once again Morgana gave the lady a smile and a nod of her head. "The singing truly was wonderful m'lady." Arthur then proceeded to excuse himself from the court to attend the bonfire outside- in support of the general populace and upon Uther giving his acceptance he turned and asked if she cared to join him. Morgana had been hoping to go, but hadn't made the final decision whether she would attend or not. At his request she couldn't see any reason to deny him. "Care to join me Morgana?" Morgana cast her glance to the King and then back to Arthur who was waiting for her answer. "I would love to my lord." Morgana pushed her chair from the table and followed him out of the hall.

[King Uther Pendragon]

Uther left the dining hall content with how the evening had played out. He retired to his chambers, where he would watch his people enjoying the bonfire from his window.

[This thread is now closed]