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Perceval's Harvest Festival

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Perceval kissed Joan on the cheek before he left their chambers. She was in such a fine mood, as were most people of Camelot these days. The annual Harvest Festival, to be held on the vast castle training grounds in just a few days, coincided with Joan’s birthday. Further, King Arthur had just announced that he and Queen Guinevere would attend the festival in its entirety, a special occurrence. While Arthur often opened the castle grounds for various festivals and events, he and Guinevere rarely attended larger events for any length of time, because the king knew it put a great strain on the knights to provide security for an entire evening. But the Harvest Festival held special significance this year; Morgane had perished and Camelot had …show more content…

He knew she’d enjoy herself with Carina; the ladies would play games, drink, and feast, but still, this was her first birthday as his wife and she deserved a thoughtful gift. Thus, Perceval left the castle to go call on Carina, since he was in a quandary about what to give his wife. Joan was on her way to go train with Pawl anyway, so this provided Perceval enough time to slip down to Carina’s cottage without Joan asking many questions. On the gorgeous autumn evening, crisp leaves danced in the cool breeze and the nip of wood smoke permeated the air as Perceval ambled to Carina’s cottage. He drew closer and took a quick glance inside of the window (Carina had the bad habit if leaving her window hangings open all the time) and noticed Carina had a guest, presumably for an early supper, and a male guest at that. Perceval didn’t want to snoop, but upon closer inspection, he realized the companion was none other than Ulrich. The two seemed to be enjoying a rather cozy, intimate evening meal, as evidenced by the way Carina leaned in and laughed and smiled when she spoke to Ulrich, and Ulrich gazed at her with affection in …show more content…

As a knight, he was sensitive to furtive movement, and he placed his hand on his belt dagger. “I heard something outside.” He stood up. “I’ll be right back.” Ulrich stepped out of the cottage door to find none other than Perceval standing there with an apologetic look on his face. “Ah, caught,” said Perceval. Ulrich dropped his grip from his knife handle. “Are you here to see Carina? Sorry, I thought you might be an intruder.” “Yes. It’s Joan’s birthday on the Harvest festival and I hoped Carina might have some gift ideas, because I’m stumped. But I can see you’re busy; I’ll come back a different time.” Perceval’s discomfort pleased Ulrich a little. For once, Ulrich had the upper hand, and it was a pleasant feeling. He no longer wished Perceval ill, and they’d gotten along well enough during the last month, but still… “No, come in,” offered Ulrich. “It’s just supper. Carina and I have been spending a little time together.” He took a deep sigh. “All right, that’s not true. I’m actually quite mad for her.” Ulrich had to stop himself from laughing at the look of relief that washed over

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