The Treasure of Gwenlais, page 135
part #1 of The Rienfield Chronicles Series
Caleb then smiled lovingly at Laurel, as he waited for her to be told to recite her vows. Giving her hands a gentle squeeze as he saw her becoming nervous.
“Princess Laurel will you please now, recite your vows to Prince Caleb,” the Elder Scribe now instructed Laurel.
Laurel took a quick breath and then began to recite her vows in old speak, clearly and steadily, her voice not shaking as she herself was.
“I Laurel ghlacdh anois Caleb…” Laurel paused for a moment, her eyes wide as she suddenly forgot the words.
Phineas looked up, as everyone held their breath for a moment, waiting for her to continue. King Fergus and Queen Alana held hands, and glanced at each other with nervous smiles.
“Leat a bheith,” Caleb whispered, smiling at her adoringly.
Laurel smiled back as her mind cleared, and she once again remembered the words they had practiced together every day for almost a fortnight.
“I Laurel ghlacdh anois Caleb leat a bheith ar mo fhear…” Laurel continued, no longer nervous.
“Faithful and loyal wife to you as long as we both shall live,” Phineas concluded, his voice filled with emotion.
“The couple will now recite the Vow of Unity in common speech,” the Elder Scribe informed everyone present.
Caleb and Laurel smiled at each other once more, and then recited the Vow of Unity together.
“We swear by peace and love to stand, heart to heart and hand in hand. Mark O’ Maker and hear us now, confirming this our sacred vow,” they recited together in perfect unison.
“I, by the right as Elder Scribe of the Kingdom of Heathwin, now pronounce you Prince and Princess of Heathwin and husband and wife. You may now kiss your Bride,” the Elder Scribe announced, with a beaming smile.
Caleb then took Laurel’s face in both hands and kissed her passionately but tenderly in front of all present. The entire Hall suddenly burst into applause as well as cheering and whistling coming up from the crowd. The Pipe Players and drummers began to play once more, as they then proudly marched forward and out into the courtyard, where they would play and march for the crowd, gathered just a short distance in the roadway, marking the wedding ceremony was now concluded. All the Bridal attendants and Groomsmen, came forward hugging, kissing and congratulating the happy couple. Their parents were the next to come up to them. Queen Alana embraced and kissed Laurel and then Caleb.
“You did beautifully my dear. It took much courage to begin again and continue to recite your vows in old speak. No one would have blamed you if you had chosen to continue in common,” Queen Alana praised her warmly.
“Caleb gave me the courage. He just whispered the next two words and I remembered,” Laurel replied smiling at Caleb, with bright luminous eyes.
“I knew she would remember, with all the practicing we did,” Caleb stated in a warm and loving voice, leaning over and wrapping his arms around Laurel’s shoulders and kissing the side of her face.
“You were amazing my girl. I am so proud of you,” King Garron spoke up with pride, as he stepped forward to embrace Laurel and kissing the top of her head.
“Thank you Father. I am just happy it is over,” Laurel replied with a tired laugh, as everyone laughed with her.
They spent a joyful but exhausting time being greeted and congratulated by the guests, the Chieftains and their wives being the first to do so. Chieftain McCullan proudly introduced his new lady acquaintance, who Laurel recognized as one of the Physician’s attendants she had met, when she was at the Infirmary after the Scimitar attack. A young and vivacious woman of thirty seasons, with sparkling blue green eyes and long curly auburn hair.
“It is so nice to see you again Roisin. I look forward to working with you in the coming months,” Laurel exclaimed happily, as she took her hands.
“It will be an honor your Highness. I look forward to learning more of the Ollams’ ways of practicing the healing arts,” Roisin replied back, with bright enthusiasm.
“I am most happy for you my lad,” Chieftain McCullan said bawdily, hitting Caleb on the arm. “My heart melted watching your little lass up there reciting her vows in old speak, and then doing it again when she forgot the words. I nearly yelled them out to her myself,” McCullan laughed.
“Thank you McCullan. I am happy for you as well. Roisin seems like a very lovely and warm woman. I remember her caring for Laurel at the Infirmary,” Caleb looked over smiling, as Laurel and Roisin were still engaged in animated conversation.
“Aye. That she is lad. That she is. She has done much in healing my tired worn heart. I met her as she was tending to a new Keeper in training. His Hunter took quite a liking to the lad, and did not wish for him to leave when he did. So she grabbed on to his shoulder and dragged him back in her den and held him a bit longer. He is fine but he needed a few stitches for his wound. Roisin was the attendant they sent over. She had no fear whatsoever of the Scimitars. I was quite smitten after that,” McCullan said smiling proudly.
“Good for you McCullan. You deserve a bit of happiness,” Caleb replied, patting him on the back.
“Aye, I feel we all do lad,” McCullan spoke back with a warm smile.
The warm wishes and congratulations continued for a bit longer, until music begun by the minstrels, signaling it was soon time to begin the feast. The announcer then instructed everyone to take their seats at the tables, as servants began to enter the Hall, and to pour drinks at all of the tables. Everyone was very impressed with all the lovely decorations and flowers. Much to Eavan’s delight and Cahir’s pride, leaning over and kissing her whenever something was mentioned concerning the decorations and flower arrangements. Servants started to disassemble the archways so as to make room for dancing later on. Queen Alana had mandated they be placed in storage to be used later on at some time, for when Caleb and Laurel had their first child, during the naming ceremony. The servers then began to bring out the first course of baked stuffed apples, filled with nuts and dried fruit, served in a warm honey spiced syrup. Various cheeses, warm breads, savory chutneys, fresh grapes, and pickled vegetables of all description were also placed on large trays for each table. The Grand Hall was filled with music and cheerful talking and laughter. Caleb and Laurel would often steal kisses between eating. Caleb was either stroking Laurel’s hair or touching her face, being quite open with his affections, paying no mind to the snickering or teasing he was being given for doing so. King Garron would occasionally glance over and roll his eyes, as he saw Caleb yet again, kissing Laurel, or brushing his finger across her cheek.
“He is most pathetic Ellos. He cannot keep his hands off her,” he whispered with a wry smirk, as Lady Ellos merely laughed quietly at her husband.
Wendell sat on the bottom step of the staircase, busily sketching everyone seated at the Head table, his face sometimes intense with concentration. That intense look would melt away instantly into a warm smile, whenever Clare would offer him a morsel from the plate she was holding, as she sat next to him. Clare was doting and caring to Wendell, often going back for more sumptuous tidbits and cider. She found him charming and sweet. Clare often received attention and admiration by other men, with her working in her father’s pub. She paid little mind to them, as they were very frequently too daring or outright rude in their complements. Wendell was different. He was shy at first, and even after having a bit too much ale, he was still polite and surprisingly eloquent in his speech. His small stature and frailty only endeared him to Clare more, as it was in her nature to be nurturing and caring. She would lean in to look admiringly at Wendell’s work, much to his delight. Wendell no longer felt awkward or shy, now a sense of calm and a happiness he had never felt enveloped him, especially with the knowledge that Prince Caleb himself invited him to stay in Heathwin.
The servers soon brought out large tureens of rich pureed pumpkin chowder, and a hearty barley and vegetable soup, with warm soft freshly baked rolls and sweet cream butter. The guests were all pleased and delighted with the menu so far, already talking of what was to come. Caleb looked over and saw that Laurel had only taken a few bites of her chowder, even though it was her favourite. He knew she would not eat if she became nervous or anxious, even if it was a happy nervousness.
“Here my love. Take just a few more bites. Indulge me,” he said in a loving soft voice, offering her a bite of chowder, as she smirked at his attempt to get her to eat more.
She took the offered bites to appease him, as he softly kissed her lips.
The servers next brought out the third course, of roasted root vegetables, creamed onions and mushrooms, boiled buttered potatoes, a rich corn pudding, succulent roasted beef, chicken and platters of sliced roasted gork on each guest table. The head table itself had a whole roasted gork, as well as all the other accompaniments. Everyone was soon enjoying the delicious feast, as talking was a bit more subdued, with everyone concentrating on the festive fare in front of them. A short time later, everyone’s attention was drawn to King Fergus standing up at the head table, lightly tapping his fork against his wine glass.
“Family and friends. I would like to offer a toast to the happy couple,” King Fergus announced as he raised his glass, with everyone following suit, as Caleb and Laurel looked over at him, smiling. “To Caleb and Laurel. May your love be that which the poets write of. May you always remember to find solace in each other’s arms, even if you yourselves are the cause of the other’s strife. And may you have many children to fill this house, and do not take too long as your Mother is most impatient,” King Fergus said with a broad smile, as everyone laughed, with Laurel blushing brightly with Caleb laughing as well.
King Garron was next to stand and offer a toast.
“To my dear girl. I shall miss your laughter and yes even your scolding tone. Life will be quite different without seeing you there at breakfast every morning and dinner in the evening. I am however most happy for you, as you have married your Prince that you have loved, I dare say since you first met. May you indeed find happiness in your new home with your new family and people, who to my abundant comfort, obviously love you a great deal. To Caleb, my new son-in-law. I gladly give my daughter over to your capable care and keeping. I said to you before, you will never grow bored with Laurel, but I assure you, you will most likely become exhausted,” King Garron told Caleb with a knowing smile, amid good natured laughing.
Aiden then stood up to offer his well wishes, as Caleb looked at him with a mordant grin.
“To my brother Caleb. Congratulations on finding a girl that will put up with your moods, your bad temper, and all around annoying demeanor. To my dear Laurel. I wish to thank you in behalf of all of us, for helping to greatly improve Caleb’s overall general disposition. And for being such a delightful distraction for him that he leaves the rest of us alone. You will forever have our heartfelt respect and gratitude for this, as we all know what a difficult pain in the arse he can be,” Aiden finished, smiling wryly at them both.
“Here, here,” Caleb replied raising his glass, as everyone once again laughed.
Phineas then stood, pausing for a moment thoughtfully, looking down at his glass before slowly raising it and looking over at Caleb and Laurel, with a soft smile.
“I would like to propose a toast if I may,” Phineas announced, very unassumingly.
“This is going to become emotional, love,” Aiden whispered to Marina, who was seated next to him as he handed her a clean napkin.
“To Prince Caleb,” Phineas began. “I have known both of you for most or all of your lives. I have seen you Sire, go from an eager and headstrong boy, to a capable, respected, and well-loved leader of your people. I watched your love grow for her Highness as you became her love, her protector, and I dare say at times, her counselor. For that you will always have my utmost respect and admiration,” Phineas then paused for a moment, looking down at his glass again, before looking back up and smiling with unabashed affection at Laurel. “To you my beloved, Princess Laurel. I am most happy and most proud of you today. You have proven yourself to be, the woman your mother always knew you would become. I have seen you grow from a precocious, adventurous child, into a beautiful, brave and selfless woman. You have become the youngest Ollam, Gwenlais has ever had, and I have enjoyed the privilege and honor of serving as your counselor. It is with a most heavy but gladdened heart, that today I relinquish my role as your counselor, and allow you to move on with your life without me. I wish you to know however that I have always believed, as your mother did, that you are the child the Olden Scribes hoped for and wrote about. For I have seen that you do indeed hold the heart of Heathwin, and you shall always hold mine. I will forever remain your most loyal and faithful servant. You truly are the Treasure of Gwenlais,” Phineas spoke his voice strained with emotion, as Laurel smiled at him, with tears streaming down her face.
Aiden looked over and smiled as Marina sniffed and wiped away her tears. Aiden then began to clap as everyone soon followed, the Hall all at once erupting into applause, as Phineas smiled and sat back down, with King Garron leaning over and patting his shoulder.
King Fergus then stood up again, as he glanced over and smiled at Phineas for a moment, before speaking.
“Well, seeing as Master Phineas has successfully brought us all to tears, I say it is now time for one more surprise, Announcer if you please,” King Fergus said, as he gestured over to the royal announcer.
“May I have your attention please, beloved family members and dear friends. We will now begin the evening’s festivities with Princess Bebhinn singing the ancient wedding song of enduring love as a gift to the Bride and Groom,” the announcer’s rich booming voice echoed throughout the Hall. Caleb and Laurel and the rest at the tables all smiled and looked in the direction of the front of the Hall. Bebhinn then stood there her eyes cast downward for a moment, as she waited for the minstrels to begin playing the lovely melody. Bebhinn then raised her face and looking at Caleb and Laurel, smiled as she began the beautiful song. Her voice was clear, and sweet, each note was reached to perfection. The song was of a young couple who promised their love to each other, only to be cruelly separated, when the young man was captured while fishing on his boat. He did not return to his home for several seasons, not expecting his love to have waited for him. To his great delight she had indeed waited for his return. He had a beautiful pendant of silver made for her, depicting two hands holding a crowned heart, representing undying friendship, loyalty and love. After giving it to her they were then happily wed and remained in love for the rest of their days. When Bebhinn finished her song the Hall burst into applause, with Bebhinn walking up to the Head table receiving a kiss from both Caleb and Laurel. The announcer was soon standing again to announce it was now time for the Bride and Groom’s first dance as a married couple. Caleb took Laurel’s hand and led her to the dance floor, and taking her in his arms lovingly, began to move in perfect harmony as the minstrels then played a lovely waltz. Caleb and Laurel began to dance gracefully together, smiling adoringly at each other.
“How are you feeling mo stor? You look utterly enchanting,” Caleb spoke, in a low and tender voice.
“Thank you Sire. I am feeling wonderfully happy, and a bit tired. As you can imagine I did not sleep well, I was far too excited to sleep. I did not think to ask last night, did you enjoy the bachelor dinner?” Laurel asked, with bright smile.
“Yes I did. Remy and Phariss were their usual irritating selves, but in all, still enjoyable,” Caleb answered with an adoring smile, as they both looked up for a moment, with the announcer inviting all at the head table to join them on the dance floor.
Laurel smiled warmly as she noticed Phineas walking over to one of the guest tables, and extending his hand out to Adele, inviting her to dance with him. When Laurel mentioned it to Caleb he just looked over shaking his head and grinned knowingly, saying they needed to announce their relationship and be done with it. When the dance was finished, King Garron came over to them.
“I was hoping I could steal your Bride away for just few moments as I dance this next waltz with her,” King Garron mentioned with a broad smile, as Laurel took his hand.
“Yes I suppose I could bear a few moments,” Caleb smiled, as he kissed Laurel’s forehead and walked over to where Aiden, Marina, Cahir and Eavan were standing.
“So old man, you are certainly looking a bit more relaxed than earlier,” Aiden remarked with a wry grin.
“I am feeling a bit more relaxed. She looks beautiful, she is happy and content. Aside from not being able to see Laurel all morning it has been a glorious day,” Caleb replied, with a calm and happy smile.
The evening continued to be festive and entertaining, Oriel was elated to dance with Aiden, then to be asked by Ardal to dance as well, made her quite happy with herself. Owain and Tulla either danced together exclusively or talked quietly together all evening, not leaving each other’s side. Wendell continued to sketch most of the night until his hand grew tired. Clare stayed with him throughout the festivities, and once he finally concluded his drawings, she leaned over and whispered to him, as they watched everyone dancing a lively and jovial dance.
“Do you dance Wendell?” Clare asked, in a soft alluring voice.
“No, unfortunately I have never had the opportunity to learn,” Wendell answered back, swallowing hard as he looked into her luminous eyes.
“That is of no matter Wendell. Come, I will show you,” Clare stated with cheerful enthusiasm, as she took his hand and led him to the dance floor.
In just a short time with Clare’s help, Wendell was actually enjoying himself, even though he was often stepping on her toes or moving in the wrong direction, he was still overjoyed by Clare’s jubilant demeanor.
After the dance ended the announcement was made that the wedding cake was now being brought out. No sooner, had the announcer stopped talking did the Master Baker and his assistant bring out the enormous wedding cake.
