The Treasure of Gwenlais, page 107
part #1 of The Rienfield Chronicles Series
“No matter. I am just happy she is at home here. Laurel has been alone most of her life. This will be a welcome change for her,” Caleb said thoughtfully, still smiling as he looked up the stairs.
“I know that I say she can be a brat at times, she definitely made things difficult for me in Gwenlais. However, I am still quite fond your little Princess. She is quite charming and very brave. I was most impressed with her at Leland’s trial. It took a great amount of courage to stand before you like that, and beg for his life. Though I still think she is going to need you to give her good spanking at some point,” Cahir said, grinning at Caleb mordantly.
“Oh, more than likely. She enjoys cursing and calling me foul insults in Kedesh. Of course Aiden encourages it. I am sure it is only a matter of time,” Caleb laughed.
“Have I missed something?” Aiden asked, smiling as he walked up to Caleb and Cahir, who were still laughing.
“I was just relating to Cahir, how you enjoy encouraging Laurel to curse and talk quite foully in Kedesh,” Caleb replied with a smirk.
“She does not need a lot encouragement. Cahir I really wish you could have been at the Council Chamber yesterday. The look on the old man’s face when Laurel cursed at him for laughing was priceless,” Aiden spoke laughing once again at remembering.
Aiden and Cahir had affectionately referred to Caleb as the ‘old man’ since their father had first called him that in his thirteenth season. Caleb began taking his Sentinel training very seriously, and at times was less than pleasant to be around, thus King Fergus began to compare him to a grumpy old man.
“I can only imagine. Phariss told me what she called you. How does she know all those foul expressions? For that matter, how does she know Kedesh? I thought I had heard her call me something in Kedesh when she became angry with me in Gwenlais. I asked her what she said, and she refused to tell, just gave me that sulky pout and walked away,” Cahir said, smiling sardonically at Caleb.
“One of her patients in Gwenlais is a Kedesh merchant. It seems the only way she could get him to cooperate was to have him teach her how to curse in Kedesh. Seems she caught on rather quickly, and has taking to enjoying it. She does so when she is angry, but she also does when she feels like being silly. I must admit she is very good at it, she always surprises me with what comes out of her mouth,” Caleb said, laughing lightly.
King Fergus then announced for everyone to come to their seats at the dining tables, in order to begin the evening meal. Everyone sat down at the large tables placed and set in the Hall. King Fergus led the entire family in the prayer of thanks for the meal and all that they felt grateful for, the announcement that dinner was served came a few moments later. King Fergus preferred everyone to sit and have dinner family style, having servers only to replace bowls or trays of food. With those seated, left to pass the food to one another, thus encouraging conversation. He enjoyed having his large family present, and never discouraged Queen Alana’s excuses to bring the family together. The rest of the evening passed by with the family enjoying the sumptuous meal that Queen Alana had planned for everyone, in welcoming back Laurel. As Caleb predicted several of the younger cousins, as well as Kerrie ended up requesting to spend the night with Laurel. Queen Alana was of course delighted with the proposal, and had cots moved to Laurel’s room. Caleb looked over at Laurel with a knowing smirk, which caused her to giggle at him.
“Would you like to spend the night as well Eavan? I have plenty of things for you to choose from, to wear for bed this evening,” Laurel asked, smiling warmly.
“I would like to but I am afraid my mother would worry if I did not return home tonight, as this was something I did not plan prior to coming this evening,” Eavan spoke, with a hint of regret in her voice.
Cahir taking a sip of wine, rolled his eyes at her comment, not disguising his annoyance at Eavan’s overprotective mother. Laurel noticed his expression, and decided it would be best to change the subject.
“Caleb I cannot wait to show you the wonderful ideas that Eavan has for the floral arrangements. One of the designs has the centerpieces in the shape of a castle and the other resembling the Great Lodge, which is made of grapevines. They are joined together by a lovely bridge of delicate climbing roses. It represents the joining of Heathwin and Gwenlais. Is that not romantic?” Laurel asked, in a dreamy voice.
“It sounds perfectly enchanting my love. I look forward to looking at your sketches, Eavan,” Caleb remarked, smiling warmly at both of them.
“Well I have decided that there is no need to meet with anyone else. I wish for Eavan to design all the floral arrangements, as well as my bouquet. I have no doubt Queen Alana will love the designs,” Laurel announced, smiling excitedly.
“I am sure she will dearest. Mother only wishes for you to be happy with how things are arranged and presented. She will be most pleased with your enthusiasm,” Caleb replied, back squeezing her hand.
“Good, it is settled then. All you need to do is tell your instructors of my decision,” Laurel mentioned bringing her attention to Eavan.
“I look forward to it Laurel. I will just need to make a few extra sketches to take with me tomorrow,” Eavan answered, her eyes bright and happy, with the thought of she herself, designing the wedding floral arrangements.
“Of course, we can return to Caleb’s room after dinner,” Laurel said matter of factly, which caused Caleb and Cahir as well as Aiden to smirk at each other.
Caleb knew Laurel’s confidence in not feeling the need to ask Caleb for the use of his room, came from her being comfortable, not impertinence. He found it endearing and he smiled at her adoringly, as she resumed enjoying her meal. Soon the tables were cleared and moved off to the side, as the floor was made ready for dancing. Some of the tables remained for those who wished to play games such as Tablut, Pass the Boar, or board games such as Fidchell. Two other fiddlers arrived and the spirited happy music the people of Heathwin enjoyed, commenced. It evoked the lively and joyous dancing, the Westerners were known for. After a few dances, Ione looked over and smiled, at the Queen, as she recognized the melody that began playing. It was a dance only for women. Ione encouraged all of the cousins and other female relatives to join her. Laurel of course was brought to the dance floor by both Imagin and Kerrie. Standing in a line they then began to dance lively, following the vigorous strumming of the fiddlers. The room was filled with clapping and laughing, and loud hooting. Laurel found it a challenge to keep up with them, but felt free and her heart filled with love for her new family, as they welcomed her with open arms. Caleb clapped and laughed as he watched his beloved’s obvious joy and happiness, as she danced freely with the women of the family.
“Our little Princess is doing quite well. Do you not think?” his father asked above the loud clapping and hooting.
“She is wonderful Father. Look how happy she is,” Caleb said in a voice, filled with emotion.
“Aye, she most certainly is son,” King Fergus answered, his voice sounding content and peaceful.
The dance ended with all the ladies clapping and laughing and hugging each other. The Queen than signaled to one of the fiddlers, who smiled and nodded, as he knew this gesture well. The group of musicians than began a soft and slow rhythmic melody, inviting couples to join and dance together with its soothing and romantic movements. Ione and Rian were the first to start the dance, as well as Cahir and Eavan. Soon other couples also went to the dance floor. Caleb came up in back of Laurel placing his arms around her waist, as he leaned down to talk softly in her ear.
“Would you be so kind my love, to honor me with a dance? Your last performance left me quite enchanted, and I shall not be satisfied until I have had a chance to hold you in my arms,” Caleb whispered ardently.
Laurel looked up at him, placing her hands on his as he held her waist.
“I would love to Sire,” she whispered back.
He turned her gently around to face him and then looking into each other’s eyes intensely, with knowing smiles on their faces, began to dance together.
Feeling her feminine warm body in his arms, Caleb was overwhelmed by adoration for Laurel, as she looked at him with soft, love filled eyes. By the time the dance was over, he took her face in both hands and kissed her passionately, for all to see. There was of course much clapping and laughing, and whistling as a result of his passionate demonstration of affection. Laurel blushed furiously but still smiled broadly, looking over to see Phineas smiling and shaking his head at her. They walked off the dance floor and over to one of the refreshment tables, where Caleb poured Laurel a cup of punch. Phineas followed, still smiling at Laurel, charmed by his charge’s happy and contented demeanor.
“I must tell you your Highness, that I was most impressed with you being able to keep up with the other ladies, during the Dance of the Maidens. It is quite difficult,” Phineas replied, smiling at Laurel warmly.
“I struggled to keep up, trust me, Phineas. I had no idea my betrothed’s family were so skilled in the art of dancing,” Laurel looked up at Caleb, and smiled sweetly at him, which he acknowledged by kissing her forehead. “You must dance Phineas, there is more than enough lovely ladies here for you to choose from,” Laurel suggested to him.
“I agree Phineas, you are no stranger to the dances of Heathwin,” Caleb said, with a knowing grin.
“I shall certainly think about both of your requests, and no doubt I will do so when the time calls for it,” Phineas answered, smiling slyly at Caleb.
“What he means is, when he has had a few more drinks,” Caleb said grinning wryly.
“Precisely. So if you will both excuse me, I shall go over to the next refreshment table to sample some mulled wine,” Phineas said, grinning good naturedly.
Just then Owain came over to them smiling broadly as he approached.
“I have spent the whole evening dancing with almost all the lovely ladies of our family. And have not as yet had the opportunity to dance with our Princess from Gwenlais. So my cousin may I have your consent to dance with your lovely betrothed?” Owain asked charmingly, as he smiled at Laurel.
“It is up to my lovely betrothed,” Caleb answered laughing lightly.
“I would be delighted Owain,” Laurel replied smiling brightly, taking Owain’s hand, she turned and smiled once more at Caleb, before beginning the lively waltz with Owain.
Phineas then walked back up to Caleb, and both smiled as they watched Laurel and Owain dance together. They were clearly enjoying themselves as they were laughing at the constant changing rhythm of the melody, the minstrels were playing, as if challenging the dancers to keep up with them. When that waltz was finished, Aiden then took Laurel’s hand and directed her away from Owain who simply bowed graciously, in mockingly dignified manner, causing Laurel to laugh. Aiden then danced with her in a graceful and lively waltz as well.
“My Princess is going to be completely exhausted from all the dancing and attention,” Caleb remarked, smiling wryly as everyone began clapping in rhythm to the music, as family members continued to dance.
“She most certainly will be. It will be a happy exhaustion though. It warms my heart to see her so cheerful, Caleb. She has been utterly heartbroken since her mother’s death. Thank you for giving this to her,” Phineas said, with barely contained emotion.
Caleb smiled at him, but did not speak, allowing Phineas to compose himself and walk away, as he gave Caleb a friendly pat on the back.
When Aiden and Laurel finished dancing, Aiden walked her over to where Caleb was standing.
“I feel I need to sit down for a bit Caleb. My legs are actually shaking,” Laurel announced smiling, slightly out of breath.
Caleb smiled at her endearingly, as he took her in his arms and held her close, kissing her forehead.
“Yes, mo stor. I feel you should as well. Let us go and sit by the fire, no one is there at the moment,” Caleb replied warmly.
“I would go there now, before you know it, everyone will think it is a good idea,” Aiden said with a wink as he turned a walked towards a group of relatives, laughing and talking loudly by one of the refreshment tables.
“Do you wish for anything to eat or drink before we sit down dearest?” Caleb asked in a concerned voice, as he noticed her flushed expression.
“No, I am fine. I just need to rest my legs for a bit. I have never danced so much in my life. I fear I have misplaced my shawl however,” Laurel spoke softly, as she looked about the immense room.
“Do not worry. Let me get you settled by the fire and I shall find it for you,” Caleb replied warmly, holding by the waist as he led her to the plush seats by the enormous fireplace.
Caleb chose a small couch, near the hearthside, that was slightly turned, so as not to be in direct view of everyone in the hall. Kissing her tenderly on her lips he went to find her shawl, and was back within a short period of time. He then placed it around her shoulders and sat down next to her, putting his arms around her, and having her lean against him, kissing the top of her head.
“One of the children had it, over his head. Chasing the others about pretending to be a monster. They were quite disappointed for interrupting their game, until I showed them the plate of tarts I offered in exchange. I saw them playing with it and knew I would have to bribe them with something, so as not to cause a complete display of tantrums,” Caleb said smirking, Laurel giggled at Caleb’s reasoning.
Laurel then sighed deeply as she leaned closer into Caleb’s side, a tired smile on her face.
“How are you feeling Laurel? Do you need to go upstairs and rest quietly for a bit? No one will mind mo ghra, they are all aware of how exhausting your trip back has been,” Caleb asked quietly, with concern.
“I am fine my dear Caleb. Just sitting here quietly with you for a bit will be sufficient. I do not want the girls to think I am too tired for them to spend the night. They are so looking forward to it,” Laurel answered, stifling a yawn.
“Dearest, you are too tired for them to spend the night. The spoiled ninnies can stay another night, when you have had a bit more rest,” Caleb spoke, in an irritated tone.
“No. I will be fine Caleb. Everyone has been so wonderful in welcoming me home. I do not wish to spoil the evening,” Laurel looked at him, with a sleepy smile.
“You are not spoiling anything darling. Do not concern yourself with that. Let me go and explain to Mother how tired you are, and it will be settled,” Caleb replied, starting to stand.
Laurel grasped on to his shirt to stop him from standing.
“No, please Sire. I will be fine. I promise I will not stay awake all night, I will just let them have their fun, and I will drift off,” Laurel spoke, in a soft warm voice.
“Well, so be it. I promise you this however, if they have not all settled down within a reasonable amount of time, I will come in there and carry you off. Then they can be as silly as they wish without keeping you awake all night,” Caleb said a bit brusquely, putting his arms around her more tightly.
“Very well Sire. I shall concede to your mandate, even though you are becoming a bit grumpy,” Laurel said, with a giggle.
“Yes I am. I shall always be a bit grumpy when it comes to your wellbeing mo chroi,” Caleb murmured softly, as he nuzzled her hair.
They sat together for a few moments longer, not speaking, just watching the fire and enjoying the peace they gave each other. Soon though their quiet moment was interrupted by the sound of giggling girls. Laurel looked up smiling in amusement, Caleb simply scowled at then in annoyance.
“Caleb, do you not think you are being a bit selfish keeping Laurel all to yourself? We wish to visit with her as well, and here you are hiding her away, by the fire. I think you should let Laurel alone, and go and talk with Cahir and Aiden for a while,” Bebhinn said rather boldly, the younger girls all giggling behind her, encouraging her brazenness.
Bebhinn was the daughter of his late uncle Shamus. Since entering her sixteenth season she had become quite bold and very spirited.
“I shall be as selfish as I choose to be concerning Laurel. Continue with your fresh mouth, my dear Bebhinn, and I shall inform your aunt that Laurel is much too tired for overnight guests. Then you can be pouting and disappointed all evening. Am I making myself clear?” Caleb asked her, in a very serious tone.
All the giggling ceased when they saw that Caleb was quite serious.
“Very well cousin. Laurel, we shall wait for you over by the main seating area, when you wish to join with us,” Bebhinn replied with a haughty little sniff, as she flounced away, with the other girls following closely behind her.
Laurel laughed quietly at the girl’s bold demeanor, as Caleb rolled his eyes and shook his head in irritation.
“Bebhinn has become quite the little beast in the last season. She was not always like this. In fact she was for a time, very quiet and shy. But over the last season, she has become quite lovely, and not the tall, awkward, little waif, she used to be. Bebhinn has become much more confident, and that has caused her to be quite fresh as well. She is actually more so with Aiden than she is with me. He has already informed her mother that she is in for a very sore bottom if she continues with her attitude,” Caleb said, smirking at Laurel.
“What did her mother say?” Laurel asked, laughing at his comment.
“Nothing. She just laughed, and waved it off, which is why Bebhinn is so bold. Her mother and stepfather find it amusing. Especially when it is directed at Aiden or I,” Caleb smiled sardonically. “It will more than likely never happen, as she is smart enough to stop before Aiden loses his temper. We often allow her the last word as she does not yell or curse at us. We have no tolerance for that whatsoever. Imagin has only just recently learned that self-control,” Caleb said, grinning wryly.
“Poor Imagin. She has certainly had her share of troubles,” Laurel laughed lightly.
“Yes she has, which she has brought all upon herself. So I have very little sympathy for her. I truly adore her, as I have helped raise her, but she can be and has been quite the handful. I do not look forward to the time when suitors come calling for her,” Caleb said, shaking his head.
