Chapter 1.5 - Winter King Idres Christmas Court (505 AD)
The fields have been harvested and the food stuffs stored. Animals moved inside for the winter. The knights work on repairing equipment, patching or replacing clothing, and plotting out manor improvements for the coming year.
The weather is cold and there is little to do outside. By Christmas, everyone is a little tired of hanging around indoors with nothing to do but chores and the thought of a feast is a fine one that is eagerly anticipated. To be invited to King Idres's court is a special honor, especially having only been newly knighted.
The four knights, accompanied by Earl Guinier and a few other of his knights, make the journey to Tintagel. Having experienced the wonders of their knighting ceremony, the group feels prepared for what is to come. They are very wrong. (Note: Tintagel is where their fathers are buried.)
Entering the castle is like stepping into another world. The cold, mono-chromatic world outside is replaced by a blast of heat and a dizzying array of colors, smells, and sounds. There are hundreds of knights here and seemingly as many ladies. All of them dressed in their finest clothing, which is very fine indeed on some of the better off knights, lords, and ladies.
There is the smell of honeyed mead, and roasted meats, exotic perfumes, and flowers from who knows where. There is a cacophony of sound, from casual conversation to musicians and entertainers, the clatter of plates, and the cheers of welcome.
It takes the four knights 15 minutes just to find their seats, which are off to the side in the somewhat less desirable section, but far more desirable than not being invited.
Other than those with whom you are traveling, King Idres (obviously), Prince Mark (Idres's son and heir), Lady Blodeuyn, Sir Manhogan, Lady Gwendolyn, Sir Enodoc, and Lady Loorette are all here. You do not immediately recognize anyone else. You are free to react or do something prior to the start of the feast.