Here's To The Future! (Alex, Arthur)

[Brynn Reade]

If any day or night had ever called for a celebration, it was this very day. Arthur Pendragon was king, and even without the kingdom having to mourn over the loss of the previous monarch. Uther was still alive, just stepping down, and so there was nothing that could spoil the exuberant joy of this day. The day itself had passed in a blur, first the many many final adjustments to the decoration and the feast that followed afterwards with which the servants had been busy until almost the very beginning of the coronation ceremony, when the few lucky ones allowed to witness the act itself had rushed inside the Great Hall, face flustered and out of breath, squeezing into the sternmost part of the room, as the main space had of course been taken up by the many resident and visiting royal and noble guests, and the knights.
Then the feast had followed, for the nobles inside, for the commoners outside in the courtyard. Brynn didn’t mind not getting to stay inside. What did she want with all that formality probably spoiling the excitement of the event? Out here no one cared for conventions, there was cheery music instead of courtly, stiff dances and soon she would be whirling around in her beloved Alex’ arms once more.

Wasn’t it funny that the first night they had danced together had also been a feast in Arthur’s honor and name? Back then – it seemed a lifetime ago – it had been to celebrate his official pronouncation as the Crown Prince, and now he was king. The King. King of Camelot. Sometimes it was hard to wrap your head around it, even for a calm and collected type as Brynn. Today, she was anything but calm and collected. The excitement had completely taken over her and she was practically bouncing with every step, as lively as the two little girls in her close vicinity, her sister Elinor and Alex’s sister Lita who had become best friends due to their older siblings spending so much time together.

A mug of mead in one hand, the other wrapped around Alex’ waist, Brynn now sauntered over the large courtyard that had been transformed into a fair ground. Benches and tables allowed people to sit and eat and drink what was being distributed at some booths, and in the center there was a large area for those who wished to dance, with a little platform of musicians.
Brynn wore her finest gown today, one she had been making herself with the kind assistance of both her own mother and Alex’, in a dark red to honor the Pendragon’s colors. The apron was a fine yellow fabric for the same reason, embroidered with flowers and even a few little stylized dragons. Her long red hair was falling down to her waist, showing her maiden status still, and like always the top of her head was sporting a flower wreath. In her eyes, it had become the most splendid and rich one she had ever made herself, formed out of Pheasant’s Eyes and dandelions which had taken a long time to find in such multitude. But the outcome had been well worth the effort, and wasn’t the best only worthy for such a splendid day?

“I still feel like I’m dreaming”, she confessed with a little smile, leaning closer to Alex so he would hear her over the noises of the feasting crowd. “I feel so extremely happy and I can’t even begin to understand why. Just imagine… Arthur, King! I mean… he’s just a few years older than you are…” she broke off with a chuckle. Maybe it was bold comparing her love to the newly crowned King, but then again, they both had had experiences with the former Prince that had reached beyond the usual servant-royalty encounter. And who knew what the future might bring?

Tag: Alex, Arthur
Timeline: The Coronation
Time of Day: After the ceremony, later that day
Setting: In the courtyard
Note: SO excited for this Oh and it's my 111th post xD Wicked...

[Alexander]

Alex was still reeling from the events of the day. To know that they now had a new king and one who commanded the respect of the people like Arthur. It was almost as if reality had taken a vacation and dreams had been allowed to come into being. Alex could feel little else other then pride and joy that seemed to burst from his very seems. He still recalled the chef's look of amusement as he had stumbled over excuses before he was finally allowed to rush out of the kitchens and go find Brynn before the ceremony. Luckily the chef seemed to favor Alex a bit more these days. He even let him help more in the actual cooking department instead of washing dishes. With this and the coronation, Alex did not think anything could be more perfect.
And then he saw Brynn by his side and once again marveled at how many times he could be proven wrong in one day. Although everyone seemed bright with joy, no one could compare to Brynn, of this he was sure. Then again he could be a bit biased on the subject. For once everything felt perfectly in line and Alex allowed himself to move beside Brynn and let her lead them both out to the courtyard.

The comparison between their first dance and now was not lost on Alex. Although, it was brighter outside and Alex was wearing a darker and more subtle red then he had on that night. Plainly dressed with a bright highlight of yellow, Alex could not even complain of the color. Perhaps he could do worse then red when now it reminded him of his first dance with the woman beside him. As he thought of colors he couldn't help but admire Brynn's dress. He had only seen peaks of it before this day, as his mother and Brynn's had shut the door in his face telling him that men were no use in that department anyway. Alex was glad of it, because now he could allow himself to be in awe of his luck at having this beauty on his arm. No noble woman in all her bright jewels could sway his gaze as they moved further into the courtyard.

Alex let himself laugh at all the people who swelled around them dancing and chatting with the energy of a wild fire. The mood was infectious and Alex could hardly let up smiling enough to say anything.Even Brynn who was usually very thoughtful and not overly outspoken seemed to buzz with the energy's hum. Alex heard her words and saw that his own thoughts on reality seemed to be shared.
"Then dream my love, for this should never end!" He replied with a brief laugh as he spun her quickly before setting her down.
"A few years older, and the finest king to ever grace this castle. Though not to worry my dear, when I am his age I shall rule over the kitchens and then you may be my queen of the geese." Alex joked. He knew that many people might be a bit shocked by their casual references, but Alex cared little for propriety.

[Arthur Pendragon]

An extremely important aspect of tonight -- apart than the actual crowning of course -- was for Arthur to include the citizen of Camelot. He wanted to ensure that today was not only about the nobles and royals, but also about the commoners. For they too made up the kingdom; they too played an essential role in Camelot even if their lack of ranking limited them. Well, such was the case before. Despite the tensions surrounding the new knights, he was what he hoped to bring Camelot to in the future: a kingdom that emphasized equality, one that judged people by the strength of their heart, not by the blood that ran through their veins. He knew that knighting commoners was a good place to start, and marrying a woman who used to be a servant, would only be a continuation. For now though, he was focusing on tonight, for Guinevère had insisted on making it a joyous occasion, rather than a rushed celebration. And she had been right. For he saw the smiles on people's faces, the uplifted spirits after they had just come out of a difficult time . . . and it made every effort worth it. He felt the highest honor, knowing that they were celebrating the beginning of his reign as king. That they were here because they supported him.

It meant so very much to him and this was why he was out in the courtyard, mingling with the crowd, and not limiting himself to those within the castle. He did not recognize everyone, but loved them all the same for they were his people . . . those who were loyal to his family's name, despite any disagreements they had with Uther's ruling; despite what they had suffered at Morgana's hand. Guinevère had told him that this was his chance to re instill their faith in the Pendragon name, and that was what he intended to do. Among his scan of the crowd, his eyes rested on two individuals, two that he knew separately, two that he had come to call friends. When he had met them however, the line between statuses was not so thin. It had not been so easy to neglect rankings and seek them out to hold a casual conversation for it was stigmatized, even though he had pursued the woman he loved. But now, what did it matter. Both of them had helped him in ways . . . ways that he was unsure he could properly thank them for.

First was the goose maiden. Her impeccable timing had left her conscious when all the rest of the city had fallen victim to a sleeping spell. The two of them had indeed butted heads in the beginning by the end of it, they had saved each other. A very small smile played on his lips when he thought back to what shall never be discussed -- as they both agreed -- in the moment that she had slapped him. It was a strange thing to smile about, for Arthur did have his pride after all. But she had saved him with such a strike, and she had lived through the spell. It had been a relief to see her alive and well afterwards, even though he'd lacked the opportunity to hold a conversation at length with her. And then of course, there was Alexander. A servant that he'd had such a strong feeling about upon first meeting him when there was a water and food shortage in the kingdom. One he had appointed several duties to, and which he did not disappoint in fulfilling. But the reason he felt more indebted to him, was for saying Guinevère. For fighting off the skeletons when Arthur himself had not been there to protect her. He did not know if Alexander knew the nature of his relationship with Guinevère; he only knew that they were friends and from his actions, he'd become a man that Arthur safely and confidently called a friend as well.

He just watched the two a distant for a moment, seeing him pick up Brynn in his arms and spin her. Arthur slightly raised an eyebrow at this embrace and wondered if the the two had found a love between them. Perhaps he would go up and inquire as to such a thing, even though he knew he had no business in doing so. It was actually quite noticeable; they way he could see them gazing at each other, even from here. The way she leaned into him. Either way though, he would not pass the opportunity to speak to them as he made his way through the crowd, nodding to those who acknowledged his presence, while others were distracted by the entertainment of food, dance, and song. And that was the way it should be. He did not want everyone to stop, stare at him, and wonder how to act in the presence of royalty. He wanted them to enjoy. To take advantage of this opportunity to celebrate. He finally managed to reach them, having to have approached them from behind. He stood with their backs turned to him, and a smile held his lips. "Brynn, Alexander," he said, in a rather casual manner. One that clearly demonstrated he knew the two from previous times. Both had saved his life: Brynn for making sure he stayed conscious and Alexander by saving the woman he loved.

[Brynn Reade]

Brynn was very well aware of how Alex was looking at her and it never ceased to make her blush like a maiden, just like it had been ever since their first meeting. It seemed there were things that would never change, however much you had to grow used to them after some time, though Brynn was sure the day she would get ‘used’ to Alex’ gazes and comments would be a very sorry day indeed, because that would mean she took him for granted. No, she swore a solemn vow to herself, never ever would she take this gift for granted! Sometimes she still wondered to which star and which divine entity she owed the love in this man’s eyes. Which grace- and merciful God up there had wanted them to meet and be so happy? Regardless who it was Brynn was sure she would worship him for the rest of her life!
“Why are you always looking like that?” she murmured lowly and grinned. “Didn’t I know you better I would accuse you of turning into some wild creature and wanting to eat me up on the spot."

Just seeing her happiness mirrored in Alex’ eyes was enough to let Brynn smile all over again. Gone was the collected and pensive girl, at least for today and when Alex took her up to spin her around once again, the very thing that she decided had made her fall in love with him so deeply and irrevocably, Brynn felt she could burst and die of sheer happiness. She knew Alex would never drop her, that his hands were strong and secure, and so she actually took her steading hands off his shoulder where they had landed automatically the minute he started to lift her up, and just threw them out, together with tilting her head back and just gave herself to the dizzying few seconds of the wild spin, a little whoop of unmasked joy escaping her lips. She didn’t care for people staring or hearing that over the music, in fact, she did not care about anything right now.

Brynn was glad Alex took up the joke she had made with good grace, even spun it further. However cheeky he may be, of course he was humble enough not to draw the comparison to Arthur himself, but the compromise he suggested was just like him: Funny, slighty out of order and absolutely adorable. King of the Kitchens and Queen of the Geese…
“Well, that’ll be a royal pair for sure, as we would rule an important part of every king’s life”, she stated, grinning up at him and pecking his cheek briefly. “Though I’m sure we would have a royal argument every time you would need one of my fosterlings for a feast.” A quick pang of sadness in her guts reminded her of the five geese she had needed to let go for this splendid occasion, now filling the noble’s bellies. Aeldgyth, Martha, Silverdown, Cranky and Tessy… names that never would be forgotten and would leave a gap in her herd. But then she pushed the pain aside, as she didn’t want any shadow to be cast on this glorious day.

“Imagine”, she continued with a giggle, “King Arthur having to seek an audience with the King of the Kitchens in case he wanted to know the menu in advance…”
But then a voice pulled her from her idle joking, a voice she did know very well and would not mistake for any other in the world, and with the guilty conscience of a cat caught stealing the cream she turned on her heels, facing their new king with a curtsy.
”Your Majesty! What an… unexpected pleasure!”

[Alexander]

Caught watching her, Alex merely laughed it off. He shrugged sheepishly and let one of his hands tweak her nose.
"Why would I not look at you like this?" He asked in a teasing manner. How he loved to pull these smiles from her. If he could, he would have her smiling all of the time. In fact, it would be his new job to make that happen.
"A wild creature? Now isn't that an image. I suppose that would make you the damsel in distress then? Funny, I never figured you to be particularly helpless. Do you think I match up to one of your ferocious geese? For I do know they get the better of me nine times out of ten. What beast am I then if geese are my undoing?" He joked with her. Alex kept his hands on Brynn's waist after he had set her down and had only eyes for her now. He barely noticed the many others around them who seemingly were so used to these antics that they themselves payed no heed.

When she had let out an excited yell at the spin Alex had not been able to keep from laughing as well. He could see now that a few people had cleared a small space around them to avoid a collision. Alex noted this only so that he could prevent another mishap like the first time they had danced.
Alex was content to soak up the joyous atmosphere and wondered at how he had found Brynn. He did not think any decision could have affected his life as much as going to that festival all the time ago. A simple choice to stay at home could have cost him all he saw right now. Alex would not give this up for all the wealth and stature in the world. Alex could not even imagine anything that could be of more value then the simple sound of Brynn laughing or the way the light hit her hair just so when she spun through the air. There were not even words to describe such things.

Alex could tell that Brynn had not been overly happy when the kitchens had called for five of her geese. Alex had refused to be a part of that part of the preparation stating that he could not do something that would upset her. Even as she joked, Alex knew that it was not far from her mind.
"Perhaps then, I could make a royal decree that geese are sacred. Chicken makes an adequate substitute anyway. Plus, I have grown fond of your little flock. Far more then they have grown fond of me I'm afraid." Alex said with a small smirk. He could not count the number of times Brynn's geese had chased him from their mistress. Alex insisted that one day he would grow on them. No one could resist his charms for long. It had gotten to the point where he brought gifts for Brynn and also tidbits for the geese. Alex had thought himself so lucky that Brynn's parents had liked him only to find that they were not the ones he should have worried about. Then again, Alex could see why they were so protective. Alex himself would face anything for Brynn.

Alex was laughing at Brynn's last joke when he too heard their names spoken. His laugh caught in his throat as he noticed who it was and then doubled when he saw Brynn's expression. He knew that Brynn also knew the prince turned king but had never heard the full story. He himself smiled brightly at their new king. Catching onto the casual tone Alex relaxed and threw an arm around Brynn's shoulders as he turned to fully face the new monarch.
"We were just talking about you! Then again it is your party so that's not much of a surprise. Brynn had the funniest idea about monarchs not two seconds ago. I'd elaborate, but I would hate to steal her thunder." Alex said. He grinned and couldn't help but tease Brynn again. The situation was just perfect since the king had walked in at just the right time.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur gave a nod to both Brynn and Alexander. But judging from both of their somewhat alarmed reactions -- Brynn more so than Alexander's -- . . . Arthur felt like he was missing something. Brynn seemed as if she had been caught doing or saying something -- which technically she had not since he'd not heard whatever had been said to elicit such a reaction. It seemed he would not have to bring it up either for Alexander offered the beginning of the explanation, or at least an opportunity for the goose maiden to explain a funny idea about monarchs. Something he would disapprove of? Probably not. He may not know her well, but he knew she held respect towards others, whether they be a higher ranking or not.

Besides, the use of his title when she referred to him was proof enough that she would not say anything dreadfully offensive. And if so . . . surely Alexander would not had brought it up. What Arthur did not miss however was the casualness in his tone, and it was something that Arthur felt that instant ease in being able to talk to them. Not as just their king . . . but a man. A man no greater than anyone else here. He decided however to play along, and so, raised an eyebrow, skeptically looked back and forth between the two of them. "I'm not sure if I should be flattered or wary of such a thing," he said jokingly when Alexander told him that they had just been speaking about him. As he previously concluded, he was not wary, but why not encourage a light hearted conversation in jest and good humor.

This was after all a celebration. And he'd rather the people be smiling and laughing, than crying and distraught. It was why there was such an elaborate celebration to begin with. Guinevère's wise words had made him realize that there was a need to give the people hope . . . something that would give them cause to celebrate. He did not wish to destroy that attempt in creating such an uplifting and jovial mood. So why not encourage jokes and teasings? "Dare I ask what this supposed humorous idea is?" He asked, sounding overly dramatic in his question, to the point of exaggeration. There was a teasing tone on his voice, more so placed on Brynn rather than Alexander since she seemed to be the one who was being put on the spot . . . which Arthur had no complaints about for his curiosity to find out what their previous conversation about monarchs entailed.

[Brynn Reade]

Brynn just shook her head at Alex’ silliness, but then she also found it quite contagious. Showing him the tip of her tongue for his tweaking of her nose – oh he knew she didn’t like that, but since whenever could she have been angry at him? – she then chuckled at his comment about her not being particularly helpless. No, she had never thought herself very helpless as well, apart from one certain situation… or rather two. Both dark memories, but grazed with a silver lining. The first had been the attack of the dark riders when only Prince—King Arthur’s swiftness and chivalry had saved her from becoming minced meat, and the other had been when she had been shot by that crossbow bolt just a few short weeks ago, during the nightmarish rain of Lady Morgana.
“Awww, they DO have a weakness for you though”, she teased, nudging him lightly. “They just have… difficulties expressing it. It’s not a shame to be bested by them. They ARE vicious.” But the fondness showing clearly in her tone belied her words. Brynn loved her geese with all her heart, it was who she was: the goosemaiden of Camelot.

Her eyes lighted up with pure love as Alex made this suggestion about the royal decree. Both knew that it most likely was never going to happen, but even just joking about it showed how much he indeed cared. She was sure of it, he would do anything just to make her happy, and that was a treasure Brynn often enough didn’t even know how to value to the fullest. How could she have deserved this incredibly handsome, funny and caring man? But apparently fate was of the opinion she did in fact deserve him.
“Like I said, they secretly love you. And it’s mostly Martin the gander making the trouble and stirring the others up”, she explained, winking. “Cause until you came along he was the only man in my life. Now he’s only second best.”

But however much Brynn loved Alex, at this very moment she just wanted to strangle him! How could he bring up the subject that was so very embarrassing! And the way he talked to the new king, just like they were amongst friends! Well, given, Brynn had used improper tones with Arthur Pendragon before, but that had been in the heat of a life threatening situation, not a casual conversation where the counterpart had only just been crowned king!
However, Alex’ visible ease calmed the goosemaiden down as well, and so far Arthur seemed more amused than offended. So maybe… she could give it a try?
“I cannot steal all the glory, for we practically happened upon the idea together”, she returned Alex’ favor of digging her grave, but then she realised she could not postpone it any longer, and at least tried to make it sound as funny as possible.
“It all started with Alex saying he wanted to rule the kitchen when he was your age. Then we made myself Queen of the Geese and voilà, we have a royal pair to match you and Guinevère.” She laughed against her will, again finding the fun in this idea. “What I came up with in the end basically is that Alex could grant you a royal audience whenever you wanted to know the menu of the day. So, there you have it, my king. No offense of course.”