"A lovely dance," Gendry remarked. The dancers' bodies were very supple. He ate and drank, but remained as clearheaded as ever.
When the roast aurochs arrived as the final course, it was time to cut the pigeon pie, another specialty.
"The pigeon pie is here." Seven beaming cooks carried the enormous pie slowly into the long hall. Everyone stood, shouting cheers and clinking cups.
The pie was a full two yards across, golden brown with a crisp crust. From inside came the sounds of birds shrieking, fluttering, and squabbling.
"Come on." Gendry took up a long silver table knife and brought it down together with Daenerys. A hundred white pigeons burst out eagerly, flying wildly in every direction before flapping onto the windows and rafters. Feathers drifted through the air.
"To love." Thunderous cheers filled the hall, while fiddles and bagpipes in the gallery struck up a lively tune.
Gendry lifted his bride into his arms, and they spun joyfully.
Everyone ate the pigeon pie together, topped with a spoonful of lemon cream cheese.
The singer Arik of Ithys took the floor. This time, his song was "The Bear and the Maiden Fair," which was also Robert's favorite.
"...A bear!" the singer cried, his merry voice shaking the rafters. "Oh, they all said, come see the maiden fair! A maiden? He knew, but I'm a bear! All black and brown, and covered with hair!"
"Along the road from here to there. From here! To there! A boy, a goat, and a dancing bear!"
"The bear, the bear, that bear." The revelry reached its height, and everyone followed the singer's rhythm.
The king raised his gold cup. The blended wine still tasted rather strange; mixing it robbed it of its original flavor.
"Let's dance," Gendry said. The servants cheered as they