Bachelor's PartyA Chapter by Eddie DavisEleazar receives some advice about marriage.56. Bachelor’s Party
In one of the two private
dining rooms of the Muddy Boot, Eleazar was the guest of honor at a banquet
hosted by King Haroldris. They had
spent several minutes learning of the status of the rebuilding processes in
King’s Reach, Aegoppa and
Haroldris was very pleased
to hear about Aurei’s geis on the bandits and promised to put them to work
immediately when they arrived in King’s Reach.
Then the banquet proper began. The King kept the dinner lighthearted and
jovial and the guests took turns roasting the half-Drow with good humored
ribbings. They ate well and all
enjoyed the evening. As it neared
completion, the talk turned to more serious matters and after many of the
guests had left, Eleazar sat staring down at the table top smiling somewhat
distantly.
Haroldris, Lute and Alvis
after spending some time speaking to Aeric, Thorm and Pectros before they left
for the evening, then came over and sat around the groom to be. “How are you doing?” Lute asked the Elf, “Are you nervous?” Eleazar looked up at the
Half-Ogre, “Extremely nervous, Lute.
It’s funny, actually. I’ve not
been this nervous in all the times I’ve been in battle. Those times I just let my training and
skill-at-arms lead me forward. But you
can’t be trained to be a husband.” “No, not until after you’re
married, then your wife does all the training.”
The Half-Ogre kidded.
“Well, Aurei will have a
lot of work to do, then.” “She’ll hammer out all the
flaws.” Lute assured him, “I think she’s
eager to get started.” “Yeah, I’m sure she is.” He
fidgeted a bit in his chair, which the King noticed. “Eleazar, I think I know
why you are nervous.” He told him, and
without looking up, the half-Drow nodded. “I imagine you do, Your
Highness. I know it’s rather
pathetic. Aurei is just such a… perfect
woman, I guess. We’ve bonded so well in
other ways, yet I can’t help but worry that I’ll somehow disappoint her.”
The King leaned across the
table to speak more privately, “Eleazar, I’m quite sure you won’t disappoint
Aurei in any way. She may be under this
dark Elven condition, but I still believe that she is in love with you for more
than physical reasons. All men are
nervous before their wedding, and especially before their wedding night.”
“I would counsel you to
relax and you will be surprised to see how quickly everything happens
naturally. Aurei doesn’t know any more
than you do and is probably as scared as you are of your initial encounter. Trust me, it is certainly meant to be that
the two of you are united in marriage.
Relish the experience tomorrow.”
Eleazar nodded, “I will,
Your Majesty. I have to tell you how
honored I am that you have shown such kindness to both Aurei and me. I have known several Kings and rulers, and I
can say honestly that you are by far the most kind of all of them. Thank you, sir.” Haroldris patted the
half-Elf on the shoulder, “Eleazar, you are a fine knight and a fine man, and
Eioldth and I are honored to call both, you and Aurei, our friends.”
Eleazar smiled at the King
and the four men rose and retired to quarters in the Knight’s Keep, but Eleazar
laid awake on his bunk for many hours mulling many things over and thinking
about his bride.
© 2014 Eddie Davis |
StatsAuthorEddie DavisSpringfield, MOAboutI'm a fantasy and science-fiction writer that enjoys sharing my tales with everyone. Three trilogies are offered here, all taking place in the same fantasy world of Synomenia. Other books and stor.. more..Writing
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