He didn’t understand, but as he waited for her reply he used the two tined fork to lift out the best pieces of meat he could find and placed them on her trencher. He chose a piece of smoked salmon like that which he had tasted earlier. He also chose pieces of bread and lifted the small bowl of the brown substance toward him so he could smell it.
“That’s gravy,” she said. “We pour it over our bread, or you can dip into it.”
“Which do you prefer?” he asked.
“I like to pour it over everything,” she said. “Well, maybe not the salmon.”
He nodded and drizzled the gravy carefully over all her food leaving the salmon off to the side. He sat back and waited for her to eat.
She laughed. “Now you must fill your own trencher and we will eat the first bites together.”
This was far more complicated than he preferred. Magnus took mostly the same as he had given her and when his plate was full, he drew the gravy bowl near, but did not pour any out.
“I will not ruin my food if I do not like this gravy of yours.”
“A good plan,” she said. “Now take a piece of meat.”
Once he had it in his hand she encircled her arm around his and motioned to put her food in her mouth. He did the same and they ate the first bites together. He’d taken a piece of the wild boar which was the most tender and juicy meat he was sure he’d ever eaten.
“Take a piece of your bread and dip it into the gravy. The juices they use to make it would likely come from the rabbit, which is my favourite.”
“Then we will always be well stocked in rabbit as well,” he said.
He’d need to make a list.
* * *
Elspeth loved watching him explore all the different food laid out before them. She had enjoyed the feast on Islay, and their cooking was delicious, but different and the presentation somewhat less formal.
Magnus filled his goblet with wine a second time and offered to fill hers again but she put her hand out to stop him.
“I prefer to sip mine. It has a tendency to sneak up on me.”
“The taste is growing on me.”
The next couple of hours were filled with guests offering their gifts and congratulations. Magnus was quizzical every time someone came by with their tokens which aligned with that particular person’s trade. Though the item may appear small, the intent was grand. Osgar had always taken great care to ensure those who worked for the success of the castle and their lands were always cared for. He never abused his people and the outpouring of well wishes this day was a testament to it. Elspeth smiled at the sight of the smiles on everyone’s faces. Only Father Fothad seemed offended by Magnus’ beliefs. Not one other person had expressed concerns over his faith or his heritage.
“You seem lost in thought,” he said to her.
“I am wondering how I became so fortunate to have so many blessings.”
“I hope I am counted among them.”
She turned to him and met his gaze. Uncertainty rested in his expression. “You are my grandest blessing. Truly, I do not care whose god sent you to me.”
“Your brother offered me lands and title,” he said.
She hadn’t wanted to get into any of the details of that aspect of their marriage yet, but it appeared he did.
“You are sure you want to talk about this now?”
“I am,” he said. “What we do once this feast is over is too important to leave it until the time comes and I want to be sure we understand each other.”
She wasn’t sure she liked the sound of that or where the conversation could be heading.
“Magnus, I know your brother has also offered you lands.”
“He has. On the southern portion of the island. There is stone to cultivate for building, and lush farmlands not yet tilled.”
