Let the Crown Prince's 25th Birthday Banquet Begin! *Action Sequence* 15th November 1005

[not_a_clotpole]

The great Banquet Hall of Camelot has been decked out for this special occasion, banners of Pendragon red with the golden dragon in the centre.

The various nobles and knights of Camelot are dressed in their best tonight and the tables are laden with delicious food and dozens of candles flickering in golden candelabras. The servants (and Merlin) are in the background.

The King, the Crown Prince and the Lady Morgana are at the head table and the King rises to deliver a speech.

It's one of King Uther's better days, because magic isn't even mentioned once! Not even in reference to Morgana's disappearance and Arthur's finding her after all that time.

And so the party shall start! The wine will flow and the guests might get a bit rowdy after a while...

Feel free to approach the birthday boy!

Comments

[neverlostfaith.livejournal.com]

Gwen was behind the head table, close to Morgana at all times, refilling goblets and helping with the food where she was needed. When she wasn't busy with her serving duties, she was with Merlin, the two of them having fun providing commentary for each other on some of the rowdier guests.

And, of course, there was Arthur. Gwen was almost thinking up excuses to keep going up to him; there was a spill on the table, his goblet needed refilling, someone had made a mess of the food on the platter nearest to him...

[not_a_clotpole]

And don't think Arthur doesn't notice...

Fortunately for them, Uther tends to get into his cups on ocassions like this, so he's doesn't notice Arthur paying so much attention to Guinevere. And everyone else is having too much fun to notice either.

He leans close at one point as if to ask for a refill. "We're not working you too hard I hope?"

[neverlostfaith.livejournal.com]

"Not at all, Sire." Gwen smiled at him, and, to keep the illusion, poured him some more wine. "Would you like anything else?"

[not_a_clotpole]

A sly little smile lifts the corner of his lips.

"I would...but it would be most inappropriate to say what it is to a lady."

[neverlostfaith.livejournal.com]

"In that case, perhaps Merlin should start coming over here, instead of me." A blush spread over Gwen's cheek's, and she looked around the table, to make sure nobody was paying too much attention to them. "I should probably go back now."

[not_a_clotpole]

Arthur's got into the wine a bit, so he's a little less careful at the moment.

He pouts. "You'd inflict Merlin upon me on my birthday? Have you no mercy?"

[neverlostfaith.livejournal.com]

"I have plenty of mercy. I just don't want people to notice the extra attention I'm paying you." Arthur being less careful than usual meant Gwen had to make up for it. "Cleaning spills and refilling your drink can only take so long before it starts to look suspicious."

[not_a_clotpole]

"I'll behave, I'll behave," Arthur promises, looking a little desperate.

"If anyone asks I'll tell them I'm trying to get you to reveal Morgan's surprise."

[neverlostfaith.livejournal.com]

Gwen, noticing the slightly desperate look on Arthur's face, smiled. "I suppose that's a believable excuse."

[magicalskeptic.livejournal.com]

Of course, Morgana is dressed beautifully for the event. Not that she would ever be less than impeccably dressed, but still, here she is, seating to the left of the King, applauding at the right time.

[not_a_clotpole]

Soon enough the wine is flowing and people are moving about to talk to others.

And Arthur will be one of those - having dispensed of his circlet (God he hates that thing).

"Enjoying the revellery?"

[magicalskeptic.livejournal.com]

"Very much so." She smiles and lifts a goblet. "Happy birthday, Arthur."

"Have you received many gifts yet, today?"

[not_a_clotpole]

"Why thank you," He toasts her with his goblet which he's carrying around - it's good wine this year.

"Well, Merlin's wearing his hat, so there's one." Gestures to the poor hapless Merlin.

[magicalskeptic.livejournal.com]

Merlin in his hat makes Morgana laugh, genuinely laugh her don't-you-dare-call-it-a-giggle laugh.

"Are you ever going to tell him, one day, as the Prince's servant, he is not required to wear that, should you wish otherwise?"

[not_a_clotpole]

Arthur laughs himself and then looks shifty.

"Now why would I do that? Most feasts aren't as fun as this...and what would we do for entertainment otherwise?"

[magicalskeptic.livejournal.com]

"I am certain there are better forms of entertainment than turning the servants into unwitting jesters." Morgana looks at Merlin, and there is the smallest of grimaces, and the briefest look of malice.

"Though Merlin can often do that on his own."

[not_a_clotpole]

Fortunately (or unfortunately? Who knows) Arthur is admiring Guinevere - who's pouring someone drink and doesn't notice Morgana's look.

He turns back. "But I'm waiting with baited breath for your gift."

[akamanservant.livejournal.com]

Why should he have to wait in the back? He makes a mental note to remind himself to try and steal as much food as he can, this is a birthday party after all. Arthur is his friend, at least Merlin thinks this over and over to reassure himself the Prince is not an ass, though for the most part he still is. When he can finally approach the other he does so from behind.

"Beautiful party." His next comment is just a bit on the sassy side. "So these are all your friends?"

After scanning the people around the table, Uther and Morgana in particular he reached stealthily toward something sweet near Arthur's place at the table.

[not_a_clotpole]

He better have his silly hat on! That hat's going to be important.

"Why thank you, Merlin." Grin, grin! Arthur's in a fine mood. He pokes Merlin in the arm, but not because he spots him stealing food. "'Course these are my friends! I'm the future of Camelot!"

He's a little tipsy...

[akamanservant.livejournal.com]

Merlin is wearing the ridiculous hat and outfit, much to his disappointment. Just because of that he ignored the poke and stole his sweet, shoving it in his mouth before anyone can see him.

"How come I've never seen them around?"

[not_a_clotpole]

If it makes you feel any better Merlin, you do wear the outfit and hat well!

"What, you haven't seen the knights before?" Eyebrow raise. "Perhaps you need to have your eyes checked."

[akamanservant.livejournal.com]

"But they're not necessarily your friends, are they?" Merlin was under the impression they were more like Arthur's subordinates.

"Anyway, when do you get to open presents?"

[not_a_clotpole]

Arthur is hurt, Merlin, truly hurt! "They're my friends, you've got to be able to depend on your knights! They'll have your back in battle."

He shakes his head, really, Merlin (although he's got a point...they're more...co-workers).

"I've all ready started opening them, you'll never guess what Morgana got me."

[akamanservant.livejournal.com]

"Oh I don't know? Some old piece of jewelry, a new shirt?" Whatever it was Merlin made a mental not to check that it was curse free

[not_a_clotpole]

"What?" Arthur gives a derisive sniff. "Nothing that boring. No, she gave me a horse!"

And he's very grateful indeed.