The Treasure of Gwenlais, page 126
part #1 of The Rienfield Chronicles Series
Phineas stepped forward and he and King Fergus and King Garron began to engage in conversation, as Aiden walked over, still holding Jamison in his arms, to the three young women giggling happily together, admiring Laurel’s matrimony necklace. Caleb smiled down warmly at Oriel, who was standing alone and looking drowsy and lost. Caleb crouched down in front of her, reaching over and playfully tugging on her pale gold curls.
“And how are you my little Orrie? Did you enjoy your trip from Gwenlais?” Caleb asked her, in comforting low voice.
“It was very exciting to sleep in tents by the river, but it was a bit scary riding on horses the whole time. I am also feeling hungry,” Oriel answered, with a tired whine in her voice.
“Well come with me darling, and I shall remedy that for you,” Caleb replied kissing her gently on the cheek, then standing up and taking her hand.
Walking over to the group still happily talking together, Aiden looking on in obvious amusement, Caleb then suggested they all walk over to the refreshment tables. They all made their way over, as other family members made their way over as well, to enjoy the festive fare laid out before them. Owain walked over and taking Tulla’s hand, kissed her on the cheek.
“Welcome back to Heathwin dear Tulla. Perhaps after you have had a bite to eat, you would care to join me for a walk in the garden. The night lilies are still in bloom,” Owain suggested, his warm blue eyes, were all that Tulla could see at that moment.
“I would enjoy that very much Owain,” Tulla replied, in a shy soft voice.
Aiden smiled drolly, as he glanced with amusement at this exchange.
“Brilliant idea Owain. Marina and I shall join you as well,” Aiden announced, as Owain looked over and smirked at him.
“Here you are children. Now come over and sit down so you can enjoy your meal,” Caleb instructed Oriel and Jamison, as they followed him to a small couch and handed then a plate of various delicacies from the tables, as Aiden brought them over each a glass of punch.
“I am most impressed with the kind attention your sons have shown my children this past season, Alana. They were quite anxious to see Caleb and Aiden once again,” Lady Ellos looked over smiling warmly, as she watched Caleb and Aiden tending to her children.
“As you can see Ellos, children are a large part of our lives,” Queen Alana said with a light laugh as she gestured to all the children running about the Hall. “My sons have always had younger cousins about. Caleb has helped in raising and looking after several of his younger cousins since he was a boy. In fact he is helping my dear cousin Ealish with her two young sons currently,” Queen Alana explained, pointing Ardal and Beacam out amongst the playing youngsters.
Just then the two young boys turned in the direction of Caleb’s voice, as he called them over to him. Smiling, they both ran over happily to see what he wanted.
“Ardal, Beacam. I would like to introduce you to Laurel’s young stepsister and stepbrother. This is Oriel and Jamison,” Caleb introduced them as Aiden, Owain and the three young women, looked on smiling in amusement.
“Hewoa,” Oriel spoke with a mouth full of food, waving at the two brothers, as Jamison smiled taking a bite of steamed pudding.
“Hello,” the brothers answered back with delighted smiles.
“I was hoping Ardal that after Oriel and Jamison have a bite to eat, you and Beacam could introduce them to the other children,” Caleb suggested, with a friendly grin.
“I would be happy to Caleb,” Ardal answered, with an enthusiastic voice.
“I would be happy too!” Beacam joining in, with his brother’s excited manner.
“Very good. Have a wonderful time then,” Caleb laughed lightly, as he walked over to join Laurel and the others.
“Well it appears Sire that you have favorably arranged their evening,” Laurel said to Caleb, with a bright smile.
“It appears so. They both looked a bit overwhelmed when they first entered the Hall. The other children are all quite friendly so they should have an enjoyable time,” Caleb replied, as he glanced over at them for a moment, noticing the group now engaged in very animated conversation with Cinnie and Quinlan’s twin girls.
Caleb smiled at them, then began to look about the Hall, looking for something.
“Where is Deaglan?” he asked Aiden curiously.
“At the Sentinels Headquarters, with the rest of the Gwenlais guards. Father did have quite the meal prepared for them all, with plenty of hard cider of course. He said he would be here tomorrow. He felt he should spend the evening with the rest of the guards to settle in. In all honesty I think he was too tired from babysitting the little hooligans to socialize tonight. He mentioned they were quite the handful at the camp,” Aiden explained, laughing at Deaglan’s earlier description of the children’s behavior.
Marina and Tulla laughed as well.
“Yes, they did give Deaglan and the guards, as well as the escorts from Heathwin, a difficult time. Mother had a headache and she and Garron stayed in their tent most of the evening. They would not listen to anyone, myself and Tulla included. They kept running to the river’s edge to throw rocks. Playing too close to the fire, and just being a general nuisance. It was not until Deaglan raised his voice and threatened to spank them, did they finally settle down. He has never done that before, so they were both quite surprised by it,” Marina giggled, at remembering her siblings’ startled expressions.
“He would have done it. You are familiar with Deaglan’s sister Edeen or you not?” Laurel asked Marina, smiling meaningfully.
“Yes, I have met her several times before, she has begun to visit weekly now, after you moved to Heathwin, as Deaglan encouraged it,” Marina smiled back in bemusement, of Laurel’s expression.
“Well then you are aware that Edeen is twelve seasons younger than Deaglan, and he has helped to raise her with his mother, especially after their father’s death. He adores her but has no patience for her silly impulses, he is also very protective of her. I remember last season, I had just become a doe med, and she went to a gathering Deaglan specifically told her she could not attend as she was much younger than the others invited. Deaglan does not care for the nobleman’s son who was hosting it, as he has a less than an admirable reputation. Alas, Edeen is quite the little social butterfly, and still felt she should go and wished me to talk him into it. I told her I would not, as Deaglan would not be that easily persuaded and then would be upset with me for trying to do so. I invited her to spend the evening with me instead. She said she would and I thought that was the end of it,” Laurel explained, her retelling, growing more animated. “Well since her mother was away visiting an ill relative, Edeen had a servant bring her to the gathering in spite of Deaglan telling her she could not go. When he returns home to bring Edeen to visit me, he discovers this. He is furious at this point, he rides over to the noble’s home and drags Edeen out in front of everyone. He brings her home and spanked her quite soundly for it, then the next day he brought her to the House of Healing and made her apologize to me for lying. I was not angry at her of course, but I made no fuss and just accepted it to appease Deaglan. The poor girl was still overwrought and was quite tearful when she related all that happened,” Laurel smiled sadly, at recalling the event.
“Well she would have been far worse off if I had been Deaglan. I would have spanked her right there at the gathering itself. Deaglan actually related this to me. Edeen of course leaves out the part that she was helping herself to a rather large glass of wine, that the snot nosed son of the noble, had given her. Deaglan knocked the pompous, already drunk fool, unconscious. So I have no sympathy for the little brat whatsoever,” Caleb spoke up, shaking his head with a look of complete annoyance.
“Well of course you do not my Prince. Though, yes I do admit, she could have placed herself in a very compromising situation. However since Deaglan’s reaction, Edeen has been very careful of how she conducts herself, she has not gotten in any trouble since. In fact with my encouragement she became an attendant for the doe meds shortly after, and to the best of my knowledge has been doing quite well,” Laurel stated, with a satisfied smile.
“Yes she is, as I still volunteer as an attendant two days out of the week. You would be proud of her Laurel, she was just made an apprentice,” Marina informed her happily.
“That is wonderful. I knew she would do well, she has a very sweet and caring nature. The poor dear is just sometimes silly and impulsive,” Laurel said, with a gratified smile.
“I suppose poor Deaglan deserves a bit of rest then. That way he will enjoy the Bachelor dinner much more. Oh, there is the Elder Scribe, right on time. Well prepare yourselves everyone, Mother will be having us all standing at attention, while the Scribe tells us all how we are supposed to stand, walk and carry on in general during the ceremony,” Caleb grinned mordantly, as he watched his mother happily greet the Elder Scribe, who would be preforming the wedding ceremony.
As Caleb had expected, within a short time of the Scribe’s arrival, all members of the Bridal party were indeed directed to their places for the wedding. Laurel was overjoyed that Caleb had arranged with Mistress Gavenia to walk Laurel through the archway and halfway down the aisle, in place of her mother. As was the custom Laurel would be presented by her mother, or in this case Mistress Gavenia. Laurel would then be escorted by her father to King Fergus. King Fergus would then place over Laurel’s shoulder, a sash made from all five of the Clanns’ tartans, and then King Fergus would finish escorting Laurel to stand with Caleb. After which the wedding ceremony would take place. Oriel and Jamison were asked by Laurel to be junior attendants, and would lead the Bridal procession. The procession was practiced several times as Oriel and Jamison became a bit distracted with the twins dropping their baskets of rose petals and would have to stop walking. Oriel being quite precocious, would walk over and grab handfuls of petals off the floor and place them back in the baskets, showing the giggling little sisters ‘the proper way’ to hold their baskets. The adults did not mind these interruptions as the children were quite charming and clearly enjoying themselves. Caleb of course relished each time Laurel was escorted to him, as he would take her in his arms and kiss her passionately.
“I am practicing,” Caleb would say, with every sarcastic remark given by Aiden or Rian.
“Must he maul her in front of everyone Ellos,” King Garron grumbled in a low voice, as Lady Ellos smiled at him, gently patting his arm.
After all the rehearsing for the ceremony had concluded, Brecon and Glenda as well as their children Addis, Bebhim and little Aoife, arrived at the Lodge. Glenda praised Queen Alana and Eavan’s success at transforming the Grand Hall into a fantastical forest. A few moments later several tall and brawny young men came into the Hall with the couple’s first wedding present. The oversized wardrobe was made of oak and varnished to a soft natural sheen. The two doors on the wardrobe were hand carved by Brecon himself. On the left door a carving of a flowering Laurel bush, on the right door, a likeness of Caleb’s beloved stallion, each door signifying the separate sides of the wardrobe. Laurel opened the wardrobe with delight, amazed at how many shelves and drawers had been placed in it, everyone laughing good naturedly that she was unable to reach the top shelf. The couple thanked Brecon warmly and the wardrobe was slowly and carefully carried upstairs by the young men, being led by Brecon and Lucas to Caleb’s room. Soon more refreshments were served as a trio of minstrels arrived and began to play lighthearted music. Aiden suggested to Owain to bring Tulla and Marina to the back garden, Owain then gave Aiden a wary grin.
“Are you sure that is wise? You know what is back there,” Owain remarked, with a laugh.
Aiden sighed and rolled his eyes, as he looked over, and getting Caleb’s attention spoke up for Caleb to hear him above the music and talking.
“Caleb. Is mian liom a thaispeaint Marina an puball,” Aiden relayed in old speak grinning broadly, as those who understood what Aiden was saying smiled, waiting for Caleb’s answer.
“Aon!” Caleb replied, back with a frown.
“I knew he was going to say that. I will just suggest he come with us,” Aiden said with annoyance, as he walked over to where Caleb and Laurel stood.
“What did they say?” Marina giggled, as she and Tulla looked over at Owain.
“Aiden asked in old speak, so as not to let Laurel know, that he wished to show you the surprise Caleb had placed in the back garden for their wedding night. I have not seen it yet either. Caleb of course said no,” Owain chuckled and shook his head, as he watched the two brothers conversing intently together.
Kissing Laurel lovingly and whispering in her ear, Caleb then turned giving Aiden an annoyed smile, as they both walked over to where Owain, Tulla and Marina waited for them. Suddenly, Cinnie and Quinlan, as well as Ione, Rian and Kerrie, Cahir and Eavan all met up with them also.
“We all wish to see it as well, stop making that face,” Ione scolded Caleb, putting her hands on her hips.
“Fine. No one is to say anything to Laurel,” Caleb spoke, with obvious frustration, as he led everyone out towards the back terrace.
Imagin, Addis and Bebhim waited for them to leave the Hall, before following them out sneakily, the girls giggling as they went. The younger children had been watching the entire time and followed them as well.
“Where are they all going Laurel?” King Garron asked in utter bemusement.
Laurel giggled at her father’s expression as he looked over watching them all disappear out the side entrance.
“Apparently they all wished to see the surprise that Caleb has planned for me in the back garden, for our wedding night,” Laurel answered, smiling shyly.
“Surprise? What sort of surprise?” King Garron asked, with a quizzical look on his face.
“I have no idea. I have not been allowed in the back garden since my arrival to Heathwin. He has not even given me a hint as to what it is,” Laurel laughed gleefully.
“Well seeing as we now have a few moments alone, I too have a surprise I wish to give you,” King Garron announced with a gleam in his eyes, reaching into his vest pocket.
He then pulled out a lovely silver bracelet that had beautiful green stones made from Connemara Marble, found only in Gwenlais. Laurel looked at her father in surprise as she recognized it once belonged to her mother. He placed the bracelet on Laurel’s wrist, fastening it carefully, holding her arm to admire the gift he had surprised her with.
“I was told it is customary for the Father of the Bride, to present his daughter with a gift. I gave this to your mother on our wedding day, it is only fitting you wear it on yours. It is what she wished,” King Garron spoke softly, in a voiced filled with emotion.
“Oh Father….thank you. Thank you so much,” Laurel said tearfully, as she embraced him warmly, her shoulders shaking with her silent weeping.
“You are most welcome my dear girl. Shh, there now. No more tears,” King Garron directed, gently pulling Laurel away slightly to look at her.
“I miss her so much Father,” Laurel stated, in a soft weepy voice.
“I know you do, as do I. Let us not think of her with sadness these next few days, as she would have been most happy, to see you marry your Prince from Heathwin,” King Garron reminded Laurel with a warm smile, his eyes no longer sad.
“Yes, she would have. I shall keep that in my heart and mind Father,” Laurel replied, smiling as she wiped the tears from her face.
“Oh, there is your Prince now, looking rather irked,” King Garron said chuckling, as Caleb walked back into the hall, followed by the rest of the group all laughing and talking excitedly.
Little Jamison was walking beside Caleb, when seeing Laurel he excitedly cried out, “Laurel there is a big whi…” suddenly cut off, by Caleb picking him up by his waist, and covering Jamison’s mouth with his hand.
Caleb then could be seen whispering into his ear, as everyone looked over in surprised amusement. After Caleb finished talking to Jamison, he placed the boy back on his feet, and released him from his grasp.
“Never mind,” Jamison then announced with a happy grin, which caused everyone to laugh.
Caleb shook his head and smiled sardonically as he walked over to Laurel. King Fergus, Cahir and Eavan had joined Laurel and King Garron, only a moment ago.
Laurel very excitedly showed Caleb the bracelet her father had just given her, explaining its poignant significance.
“It is quite beautiful mo stor. Connemara Marble is it? This is only the second time in my life I have actually seen it,” Caleb remarked, holding Laurel’s wrist and smiling over at King Garron.
“Yes, it is a most precious commodity in Gwenlais. The quarry it comes from is ancient and it can be quite dangerous. I choose not to have lives lost, and have only small amounts mined for,” King Garron stated, looking back at the bracelet with fondness.
Aiden, Owain, Marina, and Tulla walked over, as Lucas also approached the group.
“Excuse me Sire. I wish to inform you that the wardrobe has been placed in your room. The maids were kind enough to move your things into the new wardrobe. The young men then placed your old wardrobe in one of the guests’ rooms,” Lucas informed Caleb, his blue eyes twinkling, as he noticed Laurel’s excited expression.
“Thank you Lucas. Please inform the men who were kind enough to move the wardrobes to help themselves to the refreshments,” Caleb said to the Head of the staff, in a warm voice.
“I most certainly will. And may I again, in behalf of the entire staff, congratulate you and her Highness on your wedding,” Lucas replied with a benevolent smile, then walked over to the young men just coming down the stairs.
“Girls. Do you wish to come with me to help me place my things in the new wardrobe?” Laurel asked excitedly.
Before the two young women were able to answer however, Caleb spoke up wearing a look of gentle impatience.
“Dearest, I could have the maids do that for you first thing in the morning,” Caleb stated, with a knowing grin.
