Return to Camelot

And so Sir Gawain returned to Camelot with his bride. He had married the loathly lady to defend King Arthur’s honour to the horror of both king and courtiers but now he was rewarded a thousand fold. His heroic chivalrous act had released her from a spell and she was now the most beautiful young woman he had set eyes on. How he had dreaded their night in the castle bedchamber, strewn with fresh rushes and decorated with greenery for the occasion. Slumped in a chair, he prayed for courage to face his bride but as he turned, on hearing the rustle of silk, he felt he must be dreaming. The hag was nowhere to be seen and in her place stood the fairest of maidens. The pale girl’s fair hair cascaded to her slender waist. He took her in his arms and she thanked him for releasing her from the magician’s evil charms that turned her into an ugly hag. Only Gawain, a true and gentle knight could undo the spell. He caressed her gently, untying her gown and kissing her pale shoulders.
They climbed into the huge carved bed draped with velvet and he took her to be his wife with the utmost gentilesse. The young girl marvelled at her tall handsome knight and caressed his fair hair. His blue eyes were wet with tears as they embraced again on waking. They lingered long in the chamber then sat by the open fire longing to tell the king how the spell had been broken yet not wishing to leave their place of love making for all the world.
There was much feasting and dancing that night. All the knights of the Round Table envied Gawain his beautiful bride instead of pitying him, as they had done the night before, for being brave enough to marry the old hag. The young couple, so in love, stood entwined and the grateful king honoured his loyal knight with property and riches.
The day they came into Camelot Gawain rode a white charger, garlanded with roses. His lady sat in front of him as all the court scattered rose petals in their laps and lavender at their feet, cheering the handsome knight for his chivalry. They passed under many sweet-smelling bowers laden with roses of palest pink until they reached their chamber. The knight dismounted, lifted his bride down and held her close, then kissed her tenderly to the joy of all those around them.