Quote 10
Yet until All Saints’ Day he lingers in court,
[. . .]
And after the feast, sorrowfully he addressed his uncle,
Raised the matter of his quest, and openly said,
"Liege lord of my being, I must ask for your leave;
You know the terms of this matter, and I have no wish
To bother you with them, saving one small point;
But tomorrow without fail I set out for the blow,
To seek this man in green, as God will direct me."
(536, 543 - 549)
By setting out right after All Saints’ Day (on Nov. 2), Gawain gives himself a full two months to reach the Green Chapel. This seems like lots of time, but keep in mind that Gawain doesn’t know where he’s going. He has to go on horseback, a much slower method than by car, plane, or train.
Quote 11
Then the lord politely enquired of the knight
What pressing need had forced him at that festive time
So urgently from the royal court to travel all alone,
Before the holy days there had completely passed.
[. . .]
"I have now for my business only three short days,
And would rather be struck dead than fail in my quest."
(1046 - 1049, 1066 - 1067)
Lord Bertilak seems to find it strange that Gawain has traveled away from Arthur’s court alone on the holidays, so entrenched is the custom of celebrating that feast at the court of one’s liege lord. But Gawain feels an increasing sense of urgency as New Year’s Day draws nearer.