A Tasteless Meal

Dinner was a lot different from usual. Merlin was still gone, so it was Igraine, Uther, Aurelius, and myself. We ate mostly in silence, which never seemed to happen before to my knowledge. Perhaps it was Merlin's absence that silenced everyone, but I would think Igraine and Uther would just go on with their wedding conversation. Aurelius didn't seem to be eating much, but simply sat there and nudged at the food a bit, staring down at his plate. He was wearing red in place of his green and his hair was slightly damp from being washed.

Mid-way through the meal a brown haired messenger with rosy red cheeks came through the doors panting. He bowed before the table, and Aurelius motioned for him to come forward.

"What is it that troubles you, Fredrik?"Aurelius asked with his eyebrows furrowed.

"The saxons are already on the move, sire. If we are to be set up before their arrival we must leave first thing in the morning." Fredrik was breathing a little easier now, but his distress was all over his face.

Aurelius nodded. "Yes, I felt as much would happen. Go on and find the other knights and let them know we are to set out with the sun tomorrow."

Fredrik bowed once again and backed out of the room.

No one said anything, and Aurelius simply went back to nudging his food. I began to grow upset at the apathy present within the room. Surely they felt the same despair I felt at this news.

Uther looked to Igraine and then to Aurelius. "We must be on our way now, we shall meet you at the stables in the morning to say our goodbyes." Uther spoke with no emotion behind his voice.

Aurelius simply nodded.

These were not the brothers I had known before, and it angered me so. Upon Uther's leave with Igraine I turned to Aurelius, unhappiness clearly written upon my own face. "I do not understand, how can you sit there as if nothing in the world has happened? Are not you distraught?"

Aurelius looked to me, a kind of pain etched in his face. "I am filled with so much anguish that none of it can release itself."

I stood up and pushed my chair back in. I was filled with so many emotions I could not even understand, and all I could think to do was just leave. I then proceeded to sit back down, feeling to heavy to move. "I do not know what to do, Ari. I do not wish you to go."

A small, sad smile crossed Aurelius' pale face. "It is my last night here, would you do me the honor of taking a walk with me? At least for a little bit?" He asked softly.

"If you so wish it." I whispered.