Wrought Iron, Book 1 of Merlin's Message

Chapter 18 - Party is a Verb and a Noun

Flint led the guys back out into the central area. They found a place to stash the armor vests, bows, and quivers. Gavin worried they might seem obnoxious by keeping their hand weapons belted around their waists. However, he was relieved to see that quite a few of the men and women present held weapons close to hand.

The four of them paused for a moment and inhaled.

Abstract shadows flitted across the tent walls and carpets. Colors abounded in the clothes of the people who were sitting, eating, or milling about.

The sweet scent of fresh bread mingled in the air with the savory smells of grilled meats. Tantalizing hints of spring onion, garlic, and butter floated in the air currents. And underneath these tempting aromas flowed a soft touch of roses from the lamp oil.

Distant thunder and heavy rain beat upon the canvas hall like percussion to the strings and woodwinds of voices laughing and talking.

Gavin opened his senses and drank it all in like cold well-water on a summer day. Saliva flowed in his mouth, and his stomach grumbled, as did those of his friends.

Then, all was forgotten as a fresh vision captured their attention.

"Whoa and wow!" Mike gasped.

"Indeed, and quite," Dafydd concurred.

Gavin just gave a silent whistle.

Flint let out a heavy sigh.

Taeko, Hannah, and Saya were gliding toward them. The ladies seemed to float across the carpets, feet barely touching the surface. They were resplendent in long shimmering dresses of what could only be silk.

Taeko wore black with purple trim and a dazzling necklace of silver links. Her raven hair cascaded down her back in an elaborate braid held together by silver wire.

Hannah was radiant in a ball gown of deep indigo. Golden embroidery decorated the collar, cuffs, and hem. A delicate gold chain, polished to brilliance, adorned her neck. Her honey locks bounced on her shoulders.

Saya wore a simpler dress, in crimson with black trim. A string of glimmering black pearls encircled her neck.

The guys stopped in their tracks as the ladies sauntered up. Taeko stopped and placed a hand on her hip while Hannah did a short curtsy. Saya held out her hand to Flint.

"Your mouths are hanging open, gentlemen," Taeko smiled. "Are you going to escort us to dinner before you start drooling?"

Hannah and Saya giggled. Flint took Saya's hand without hesitation and led her towards the food tables.

Gavin recovered quickly and offered his arm to Taeko.

"Shall we, m'lady?" He asked, trying to sound serious.

"We shall," Taeko responded with one of her rare smiles.

She locked her arm in his, and they headed after Flint and Saya.

Dafydd and Mike stared at each other. Hannah saved them from any discomfort, or combat, by walking up between them and locking arms with both of them.

"Come, my knights in shining armor. Don't let me expire from hunger."

There was a wealth of fish, fowl, beef, and lamb. Different dishes of rice and potatoes sat beside baskets of warm bread. Greens and other raw vegetables were tossed into a salad. Fruits, cheeses, and sweets filled a separate table off to one side.