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Summer solstice
Jun. 23rd, 2017 06:19 pmThe Born King had reclaimed the throne of England, and through the land the news spread like wildfire. Celebrations were held everywhere, from the largest cities to the tiniest hovels out on lonely moors, and hope filled the hearts of those who had lived under the tyranny of Vortigern.
Guinevere rejoiced as well, not for this new king that she knew nothing about, but for the hope that Carmelide might now be released from its bonds and her father restored to his throne.
So they traveled to Camelot, both to pay their respects and to hopefully begin the negotiations to separate Carmelide from England once more. Leodegrance had always been a faithful ally to Uther, but who could say whether or not that would mean much to a king who could probably barely remember the man who sired him. Guinevere certainly only had the most dim recollections of one long-ago visit to the shining city that was the greatest jewel in England's crown.
The king was a busy man, and when they arrived he was not available to give them an audience. They were, however, shown every hospitality and offered quarters most fitting visiting royalty. A good enough start.
The great keep was buzzing with activity, as preparations were made for a festival in celebration of the winter solstice. The area around the fortress filled up with tents, and bonfires were built in several locations.
Guinevere dressed finely, but not so much so that it was immediately apparent that she was royalty. It did not seem fitting to celebrate the shortest night of the year by making herself be apart from everyone else. This was a night for merriment, and perhaps just the slightest touch of transgression.
Groups of people were carrying about big wicker giants that would be used to light the bonfires, and the air filled with the smell of food and sweets. Many different tunes mingled as she moved past one group of musiciants and drew near another, and here and there friendly (and sometimes less friendly) fights broke out between those who felt the need to prove their strength, perhaps to win the favor of some pretty thing they had spotted in the crowd.
It was all, in a word, exhilirating.
Guinevere rejoiced as well, not for this new king that she knew nothing about, but for the hope that Carmelide might now be released from its bonds and her father restored to his throne.
So they traveled to Camelot, both to pay their respects and to hopefully begin the negotiations to separate Carmelide from England once more. Leodegrance had always been a faithful ally to Uther, but who could say whether or not that would mean much to a king who could probably barely remember the man who sired him. Guinevere certainly only had the most dim recollections of one long-ago visit to the shining city that was the greatest jewel in England's crown.
The king was a busy man, and when they arrived he was not available to give them an audience. They were, however, shown every hospitality and offered quarters most fitting visiting royalty. A good enough start.
The great keep was buzzing with activity, as preparations were made for a festival in celebration of the winter solstice. The area around the fortress filled up with tents, and bonfires were built in several locations.
Guinevere dressed finely, but not so much so that it was immediately apparent that she was royalty. It did not seem fitting to celebrate the shortest night of the year by making herself be apart from everyone else. This was a night for merriment, and perhaps just the slightest touch of transgression.
Groups of people were carrying about big wicker giants that would be used to light the bonfires, and the air filled with the smell of food and sweets. Many different tunes mingled as she moved past one group of musiciants and drew near another, and here and there friendly (and sometimes less friendly) fights broke out between those who felt the need to prove their strength, perhaps to win the favor of some pretty thing they had spotted in the crowd.
It was all, in a word, exhilirating.
