Damsel in Distress (Closed)

[cbelle02]

It was a beautiful day, perfect, one might say. The sky was a stunning shade of deep blue, not a single hint of a cloud to dampen it's hue. The sun shone brightly through the trees, illuminating Mariann in a glow such that she felt almost angelic as she walked the path toward the village market. She laughed at herself for thinking such things. A simple peasant girl like herself was far from heavenly. She was 26, yet she still lived with her ailing mother and younger siblings.

Today, she was sent to the market, with only enough money for a few pounds of grain and maybe a treat for the kids. No, circumstances weren't the best but the exquisitiveness of the day kept her worries at bay. Who could be sad on a day like this?

She wore a simple cream colored dress she had made herself along with a beautiful lavender shawl her mother had made for her when she was much younger. Her feet were covered in plain brown flat sandals. Her only jewelry was the flowers she had picked along the way, dotting her hair. She had tried to brush through her wavy brown hair, but gave up and pulled the ratty mess into a bun. Not so much a sight for sore eyes, but presentable enough for the public anyway.

Mariann finished up at the market, delighted that she'd been able to snag some fresh fruit, a rarity for her family. She was a wanderer, loving to dally and explore the world around her, so as she often did, on the way home, she took a detour. The woods were absolutely gorgeous, lush green all around and she knew them well. Exploring the woods was a favorite past time of hers and she could nearly always be found there. She never worried. She knew the woods like she knew her own home and it was usually daylight anyway.

She was humming a lovely tune as she traipsed through the forest today, taking a bite out of a juicy pear she'd just purchased. She didn't hear anyone approaching her and if she had, she would have been naive enough to think it a friend or an animal. It wasn't until a dirty hand was over her mouth, dragging her back that she realized her danger.

"Hey pretty girl!" A short, husky man in a mask sneered at her. "What ya got there?" He grabbed the bag from her. She tried to scream but the other man's hand pressed harder against her mouth. "Only bread! And fruit!" He cried, disgusted. "You dirty peasant girl, of course you only have mere crumbs!" He threw the food to the ground, ruining the fruit and breads.

"I bet she's got something even sweeter to offer." The other man jeered from behind her and reached his other hand around to snake up her stomach and maul at her breast through her top. That movement freed her hand and she elbowed him in the stomach, breaking free. But he recovered in time to pull her back in and drag her to the ground. "You little bitch." He spat, jerking her against him. The other man, grinning, came close, laughing at the fear in her eyes and slid a hand under her dress, moving up a creamy pale thigh.

Somehow, she managed to press her teeth hard into the hand that covered her mouth. it was jerked back with a loud curse and she was able to scream loudly. "HELP!" She yelled before the shawl was ripped from her neck and shoved into her mouth. "You fucking bitch!" The larger man slapped her face hard. The hand on her thigh moved further upward to shove two dirty thick fingers inside her painfully, while another hand accosted her breast, ripping the material around them. She whimpered, trying to scream through the cloth and fight the men off at the same time, hoping someone would be in the woods to hear.

 

[KiwiD82]

Roland relaxed in the saddle and let his horse guide him down a familiar forest path. It wasn't often that the handsome young lord was able to travel without guards, but these were his lands, and it was his people who inhabited them. If he couldn't be safe here, he couldn't be safe anywhere.

He wore fine clothes that befitted a man of his status: brightly coloured fabrics from the Holy Land had been intricately interwoven with scale mail, enabling him to remain sufficiently protected without becoming unencumbered in the process. His horse wore the same, resulting in an appearance of blues and yellows that showed off Roland's heraldic colours. A longsword rested on his left hip, with a hunting knife hanging from the opposite side. Nothing adorned his head, allowing his loose, dark brown hair to catch the breeze while his bright blue eyes studied all that he saw.

His occasional rides by himself in the countryside were unconventional to say the least. A lord was supposed to remain in his castle where he could be protected. But Roland was far more interested in the people who worked his lands, and this bold approach earned him admirers and detractors in equal measure.

The time away from his advisors gave him the space he needed to think clearly without outside influences clouding his judgment. It also meant he could interact with the local peasantry.

In truth, Roland knew that it was only his martial abilities that enabled him to roam as he pleased. His exploits for the king on the battlefield were well known - and any ignorant fools who dared accost him would receive a firsthand lesson.

The young noble had not gone far into the forest - enjoying the cool of the shade from the canopy above on an otherwise hot day - when he heard a scream for help. Without even pausing to think, he kicked his heels into the sides of his horse, the beast lurching forward and taking them deeper among the trees at pace.

After only a few moments of navigating the at times narrow path, Roland happened upon two men and a woman, his horse crushing the half-eaten pear on the forest floor as they came to an abrupt halt.

It didn't take more than a moment to recognise what was going on. His eyes narrowed angrily and his mouth twisted as he let out a snarl.

"Knaves!" he yelled, drawing his sword and pointing its tip at the nearest man. "Leave the woman alone, lest you pay a dear price!"

 

[cbelle02]

Mariann closed her eyes as the shorter man untied his pants. The sound grating against her ears. "Please, don't!" She begged, tears now streaming down her face as the man fished in his pants for his nasty member. They only laughed at her begging. She had fought back, and she still tried to kick and scream, but she was quickly realizing they had the advantage.

The sound of someone else approaching filled her with hope and dread at the same time. Hopeful for a rescue and dread that it might be another savage. But when she heard the man's voice, ordering the other two to let her go, she felt a surge of relief. She wasn't out of trouble just yet though.

"Back off you noble filth!" The taller man yelled. "Get yer own woman!" She opened her eyes in time to see the new arrival draw his sword. She didn't recognize him right off, but knew he was of royal blood.

Both men made the mistake of letting her go to draw their own weapons and she scrambled to her feet as quickly as she could. Then she ran, through the trees and bramble. It wasn't until she was several yards away that she turned back to see the scene she left behind.

 

[KiwiD82]

Roland was angry. Nay, he was furious. It was clear what the two men had been attempting, and it was a crime that the young noble considered unforgivable.

He had fought enough pitched battles and besieged enough castles to know what men could get up to when they were able to run rampant through the enemy populace, but Roland had never been interested in any of that. Such "spoils of war" were deplorable as far as he was concerned.

When the men threatened him, the mounted noble couldn't help but smile. Had they begged for mercy, he would have been compelled to let them live and undergo a trial. But now they had challenged a noble's authority, and that gave him the right to respond with force.

"Fools!" he hissed, digging his heels into his steed's sides and forcing it forward again at pace across the small clearing.

Roland tightened his grip on the hilt of his sword as he charged his mount directly at one of the two men. A well trained and highly disciplined soldier armed with a long weapon such as a spear might stare down a charge, but these worthless brigands didn't fit the criteria. The first man took a poorly timed swing but the armoured chest of the horse ran through him before his blade had come around enough to be threatening. The cracking of his bones resulting from such a collision filled the clearing.

The noble then pulled his horse to a sudden halt, dropped from his saddle to his feet, and approached the other assailant. A smart man would have run, potentially living to fight another day. But blinded by rage at the death of his friend and presumably still angry that his would-be victim had escaped, he displayed his stupidity by attacking.

Roland's surcoat swirled around him as he raised his blade to block, blues and yellows forming a blur of movement. His loud parry drained all the power from the brigand's assault, enabling the lord to spin the opposite way and drive his weapon home.

The second man fell and lay still, silence threatening to fill the clearing. The young noble ran his blade through the long grass to wipe it clean of the man's blood, before sheathing it and looking in the direction that the peasant woman had fled.

He thought he saw some movement, but couldn't be certain that what he was looking at was her. But he spoke anyway - if it was a deer, it would run away and he'd be no more a fool for trying.

"Come here," he spoke warmly, his gentle voice a world away from the one he had used with the men. "I'll not harm you. Tell me what happened."

 

[cbelle02]

Mariann could hear the commotion in the distance after she fled. She was compelled to stop though, drawn to the scene behind her. She couldn't see what was going on but from the sounds of of metal and crunching bones and loud yells, she knew the display was grotesque.

Soon, silence followed that told her how it ended. When he called to her, she stayed frozen in fear. She knew the nobleman had saved her life but he was also so capable of dispatching her assailants so quickly and seemingly effortlessly that she couldn't deny her fear of him. But his voice was gentle and soon she slowly stumbled toward him, holding her ripped dressed around her body, trembling in fear and shock from the ordeal.

He'd promised not to hurt her, but could she trust him? When he found she was a mere peasant would he treat her as the attackers did? She, as most of the other peasant folk, did not have much trust in the nobles. Most of the royals treated the poorer citizens lesser, unworthy members of society. At least, under the current King's rule, they were barely above the animals.

But still, he'd seemed genuine so she continued toward him, at least to thank him. She got close enough to see the dead men, surrounded in their blood and shied back with a gasp. She turned her head. When the man approached her, she made sure to curtsy in respect. "Th-thank you, Sir." She stuttered. "I was returning from the market when those...men...attacked me. I only had fruit and bread so they said they'd take me instead..." She shuddered and bit her lip, unable to look the man in the eye.

 

[KiwiD82]

Roland waited patiently for the figure to respond to his invitation. That it hadn't fled deeper into the forest confirmed to him that he was not talking to a deer, but when the peasant girl stepped into the clearing, she looked just as frightened as a fawn.

A torn, plain cream dress, dishevelled hair with a handful of flowers tangled up within, and a nervous curtsy all greeted him. The young noble's brow immediately furrowed in concern, and more so when she told her story.

"They'll not harm you again," he stated the obvious as if it might provide some consolation.

Roland turned to his saddle pack and unbuckled his travel blanket, then handed it out for the frightened woman.

"This will keep you warm and covered," he said, turning his head away lest he see something he shouldn't when the young damsel let go of her dress.

The blanket was simple in design, bearing his livery, and worn. Roland had used the blanket many times while travelling or waiting out a siege. The sight of it wrapped around a peasant woman might cause something of a stir with some people, but it was the only way to ensure she kept her modesty - and with that, her honour.

"If you will permit me," he added, "I will take you back to my court to have your dress mended and to get you some food to replace what has been spoiled."

Roland smiled gently, then stepped back, pointing at his saddle to invite the young woman up.

"But first," he added, "I'll need to know your name."

 

[cbelle02]

Mariann watched the man dig through his bag. She flinched when he layed the blanked over her shoulders, but then allowed him to do so. He respectfully turned away and she wrapped the blanked around herself. The fabric, though worn, was lusher and warmer than any she'd ever owned herself.

"Thank you, Sir." She said, indicating he could turn back. "My name is Mariann."

Wait, he was offering to take her back to his court? Her? A dirty, lowly peasant girl? He must be playing an awful joke. But he did give her the blanket and he did sound genuine.
But she couldn't go there. She'd be eaten alive. The stories she'd heard...

"No...no that's quite alright. You don't have to do that." She assured him, the fear still in her eyes. "Besides, I'm sure the King wouldn't allow me in."

She looked down, scuffing the soil with her worn shoe.

 

[KiwiD82]

"Mariann," the young noble echoed, as if sounding out the name to himself. "And you can call me Roland."

He wasn't sure why he had invited her to use his first name. It was more than unconventional for a lord to allow a peasant to do such a thing - it was unheard of - but something about Mariann's plight had struck a chord with him. For some unfathomable reason, he felt no need to recite his titles to her.

As she averted her gaze once again, Roland took the opportunity to study the peasant woman more closely. Despite her ordeal and her class standing, he could see that her features were that of an attractive beauty. Perhaps with a new dress and a bath...

"Although I'll not compel you," he replied, once again not asserting his authority when society stated that he had every right to, "I insist. Your dress is torn and your food is spoiled. With nobody to protect you, I fear what might happen."

Roland's tone was sincere, his brow furrowed in worry. That eased, however, when Mariann mentioned the king. His uncle had left the castle the previous day.

"The King is away for a number of days," he smiled. "You have nothing to fear."

 

[cbelle02]

Roland. He had not insisted she use any of his titles or even offered them. That was unusual for someone of his status. In fact, the man didn't seem at all pretentious, and he appeared to be sincere in his concern. His offer was tempting and apparently genuine enough that she very much wanted to accept.

But still, she wasn't quick to trust. She almost went on the defensive, telling him she didn't need handouts from the court. But the trust was, he was right, she did need it. And he'd offered, not commanded that she come with him, when she knew that he very well could.

Still, she was cautious. He'd told her the King would be out for several days. But would anyone else treat her any differently? She raised her face to his, taking in his features, illuminated by the sun. He was rather handsome and she couldn't help but be taken by his generosity.

"Ok." She said finally. "I guess that would be ok. Do I have your word that I will be safe there?" She asked him, pulling the blanket more tightly around her body.

 

[KiwiD82]

Roland found himself smiling at Mariann's boldness. Society called her a peasant woman - ranked higher than a serf but below everyone else. For her to even attempt to barter with a nephew of the king was improper - and alluring.

Were she born to a different class, she would have fit in perfectly in a noble court.

"I swear by the royal blood that runs throughs my veins that I shall ensure you are protected," he said quietly.

Roland's blue eyes studied her once more, unable to ignore the natural beauty that her otherwise plain attire had attempted to mask.

"If you wish to not stand out," he added thoughtfully, "I had best ensure you are given a fine dress, and I shall refer to you as 'milady'. And until then, no harm shall come to you while you wear my livery."

It was a simple idea, but unconventional. But then, Roland had never been one for keeping with convention.

"Now," he added, bending on one knee and offering the peasant beauty a step up to his horse, "I would be honoured if you would accompany me to the castle, milady."

 

[cbelle02]

Mariann bit her lip in hesitation. He had offered her protection. He'd offered her new clothing to "fit in." He'd offered her no reason to decline except for her own stupid pride. Would she really let her pride stand in the way of hopefully helping her family? Finally, the maiden stepped forward.

"I appreciate your generosity, Sir. I would very much like to accompany you. It's just that...well, what about my family? My mother and younger siblings will worry if I don't return soon." But she found herself accepting the aid of the kneeling man and climbed up onto the horse.

 

[KiwiD82]

Roland was pleased to see Mariann accept his invitation, and he helped her up onto the horse with ease. Her beauty belied her status. From where Roland stood, looking up, the peasant woman - wrapped in his blanket with his livery upon it - looked almost regal. The sight caught the young noble off guard for a moment.

Her talk of family and worry brought him back to the present, however. He took hold of the horse's reigns as he pondered his response.

"I suppose we have two options," he mused. "I can send a messenger to your family to assure them you are fine and well, and he can take them food at the same time. Or we can go there ourselves - but this will mean it will be longer before they receive more food."

There was a third option, too: have the entire family brought to the castle. But that would come later, if at all. Roland would be letting his initial impression of Mariann have too much influence if he was to invite all of her relatives to court any time soon.

"What would you like to do?"

Once again, the noble was handing power over to the peasant. And going by the conversation so far, Mariann had best get used to it.

 

[cbelle02]

Mariann was not used to this treatment. Sure, she was pretty much the head of her household, other than her mother, but to be given such decision making power from one of such high status was unheard of.

Yet, here he was, not telling her what to do, but letting her decide what would be best. She thought a moment. She wasn't sure how her mother would react if some messenger came with word that her daughter was in the hands of a nobleman of the court. Would she believe she wasn't in danger? But they badly needed the food and there was no need to make them wait any longer than necessary. She hoped that the goods brought to her would ease her mind. And she was sure she would get back to them soon anyway.

"Ok." She said finally. "I'll go with you."

 

[KiwiD82]

Roland patiently awaited Mariann's answer, then nodded quietly when it came.

"Very well," he spoke quietly, slowly turning the horse around to face the direction from whence he came. "I will ensure your family are well taken care of."

The young noble then led them out of the forest, his blue and yellow armour making small clinking noises as he walked. The saddle stayed tight to the horse's back, which shifted side to side with every step. Mariann's pale feet rested by the stirrups as the small group of travellers moved slowly forwards.

Even from here, the castle loomed large, standing atop a steep hill from where it could act as a sentry over the surrounding countryside. Their walk would take a good hour or so.

"So tell me about yourself, Mariann," Roland spoke without looking up so he could ensure he and the horse had a sure footing. "What should I know about you before you arrive at court?"

In truth, Roland was especially interested to know whether or not Mariann was betrothed to anyone, but he did also wish to know where she was from and more of who she was.

 

[cbelle02]

Mariann nodded. "Yes, thank you." A bit of uncertainty remained in her voice, but she didn't object anymore. She knew this was her best option. She rode sidesaddle on the back of the strong steed, as Roland had placed her. Often, she rode her horse, Angelica, around the countryside of the village. She'd never ridden her sidesaddle though. Far away from the propriety of the court, she hadn't cared much about being a "lady." She just liked to feel the breeze on her skin and in her hair as she rode, one of the few solitary pleasures she had privy to.

But now, this handsome nobleman was treating her like a lady, and she quite liked it.

She looked ahead at the looming castle. She could see it, even from here. It was intimidating as it drew closer with every step. She was nervous, butterflies floating in her stomach. She shifted her eyes to watch the man that led the horse and herself. Even in his armour, she could see the broadness of his shoulders, the strength of his arms, the chiseled line of his jaw....stop it, Mariann! She scolded herself. He is way beyond your league, in looks and status.

She couldn't be fantasizing about a member of the royal court! What use was that? She blinked when she realized he was talking to her again.

"Well, uh, I'm not sure there's much to tell. I live with my mother and 3 younger siblings. My mother is often ill, so I have to help out around the house and with my brothers and sisters as much as i can. I take odd jobs around the village to help support our family. I love to draw and paint. Sometimes I sell them as well. I love books and spending time outdoors. Um...that's about it, I guess..." She shrugged, knowing the man would not be impressed by her simple life.

 

[KiwiD82]

Roland listened intently as the peasant beauty told him of who she was. There was much that appealed, and many of her interests would not be out of place at court.

He noted that she had not mentioned a husband or a betrothed. The omission of such a piece of information caused a burst of excitement to rush through him, even though he hadn't expected such a thing to happen.

The young noble was tempted to slow their walking to a mere amble; to find a time-consuming distraction that could keep him away from courtly affairs in the king's absence. It would mean more time to spend with Mariann.

But with her family needing food and her mother ill, he knew that to dally would be irresponsible and selfish.

"I will have the royal physician attend to your mother," he replied after a brief pause, before looking up at Mariann with a warm smile. "And perhaps you would honour me with a drawing or a painting? I will of course pay you for it."

 

[cbelle02]

Mariann felt a bit more at ease when Roland promised her the physician would attend to her mother. The village physician saw her often, but he was limited in medicines and procedures he could perform for her. Surely, someone of higher status could provide her with much better care.

She perked up when he mentioned that he wanted her to paint for him. "I...I would be honored. But, it is just a hobby for my spare time. I'm not certain it would be to your liking, or worthy of your praise." She was modest, but also excited at the idea of this man's interest in her work.

"Perhaps I could do a portrait of you, Sir." She blurted out, instantly blushing. "I mean, if you wished." She added quickly.

 

[KiwiD82]

Roland took a few moments to contemplate Mariann's almost unintentional offer. Firstly, there was her boldness - completely inappropriate for a commoner, but somehow that only made the young noble like her more.

Then there was the proposal itself.

Roland had never had a portrait painted of himself. Certainly, there were several of the king, and a few of Roland as part of the royal family, but he had never been the central figure of a piece of artwork before.

Having Mariann's undivided attention would no doubt be a bonus.

"A portrait would be wonderful," he smiled as they turned a corner in the road and began the long, slow climb up the hill towards the castle's main entrance. "And if your fellow villagers are willing to part with what few spare coins they might have for your artwork, I have no doubt that your talent will be more than sufficient."

 

[cbelle02]

Mariann blushed at his compliment. "Well thank you, Sir. I would be honored. I apologize if I've overstepped any bounds. But I don't really have much else to repay you with for your kindness."

She looked up, noting the palace looming in the distance. Part of her was nervous but another part was excited to actually see it in person. The stories she would have to tell when she returned to the village!

And then there was the handsome nobleman himself. She hadn't had much experience with men in the village. Even though her mother had told her time and again that she should be getting married and having children at her age. She'd had a few suitors, but most of them were just interested in pawing her whenever they got the chance. She never gave them the chance to break her heart.

As they walked on, a natural lull in conversation developed, during which Mariann found herself lost in thought. Fantasies began to form in her mind. Dreams in which she was able to bring food and riches back to her family and they never had to live in poverty again. Dreams of beautiful clothes and purebred horses that she could ride as she wished. And then those turned to fantasies of the handsome lord falling in love with her, making her his bride to live forever in the lush palace with him. Then he was kissing her, caressing, touching her in ways she often craved at night...in ways she often shamedly touched herself. She blushed deeply and pushed the thoughts aside, chastising herself for letting her mind stray so far. A man like him would never want anything like that with someone like her!

She cleared her throat. "How much further?" She asked finally.

 

[KiwiD82]

Roland shook his head lightly with the gentlest of chuckles when Mariann remembered her place.

"There is no need for apologies," he spoke warmly. "Your offer was daring, and I rather like that."

The young noble wasn't lying. As plain as Mariann's attire and upbringing were, she was enchanting - not least because of her personality. For a commoner, she had a determination that enabled her to speak with nobles almost as if they were her equals, and Roland was surprised by how attractive he found that. She was beautiful, too - no amount of plain clothes or village dirt could disguise that.

Unaware of where Mariann's mind was travelling to as their conversation quietened, Roland focused on the castle ahead of them and ensuring his new companion and her family were taken care of.

It wasn't long before they reached the hilltop fortress, its white-coloured towers looming high above them as the guards manning the drawbridge ordered other travellers to step aside so that the nobleman and the woman wearing his surcoat as a cloak of protection could pass by unhindered.

Once over the drawbridge and beyond the formidable gatehouse, it didn't take long before one of several royal retainers to appear.

"Have the cook prepare the finest meal he can make with what he has at hand," he instructed the servant. "Also have the kitchen servants gather apples, dried meats, cheese and honey - and whatever else he may have spare - and prepare them for travel. Then send the captain of the guard to my quarters."

"Yes, m'lord," the servant said with a nod, then turned to leave just as Roland's afterthought caused him to freeze in place.

"And have the royal dressmaker attend my quarters also."

"Yes, m'lord," came the repeated reply as the servant once again started to rush away.

Roland then turned horse and lady towards the stables, handing the reigns over to the stable boy and turning to Mariann with a warm smile, his hands lifted to help her down to the ground.

"Are you hungry, milady?"

 

[cbelle02]

As they rounded the top of the hill and the full size of the palace loomed in front of her, Mariann's heart pounded faster. It was absolutely stunning and intimidating at the same time.

They approached the drawbridge and the guards made others move aside for them. For her! She'd never seen such beauty up close nor had she ever experienced such formality upon arrival anywhere in her life.

Once inside the grounds, a servant approached them. It was all so overwhelming! Mariann was in silent awe as she studied the exquisiteness around her. She took in the conversation between Roland and his servants. To be able to get what you needed in just a few orders! Whatever Roland said, it would be done. And he was requesting a dressmaker! She could only imagine what a dress of royal caliber would feel like!

She gently took Roland's hand as he helped her from the horse. It took her a moment to realize he was speaking to her.

"Are you hungry, milady?" He asked and she almost giggled in spite of herself. She wasn't a 'milady.' She was just Mariann. But she just smiled. "I...I guess I am a bit hungry. This is just all so new to me, you'll have to forgive me." She said shyly as they walked away from the stables.

Mariann stayed close to Roland as they walked, not wanting to draw much attention to herself. Still, she couldn't keep her eyes from wandering as they made their way into the castle proper.

 

[KiwiD82]

Roland guided Mariann across the courtyard and into the keep at a stroll, rather than his usual determined pace. He knew the peasant woman was still taking in the sights from presumably her first time in an inner bailey, and he didn't wish to end her moment of wonder prematurely.

"Another unnecessary apology," the noble whispered with a smile. "Stay close to me and you'll be fine."

Once they found themselves within the fortified tower that formed the heart of the castle proper, however, they moved faster. The spiralled stairways were narrow - as with most aspects of the castle's design, they functioned as a defensive measure.

Servants and soldiers alike stepped aside to give the pair room to pass: he was their prince and she was wrapped in a literal cloak of protection emblazoned with his heraldry.

They were near the top of the keep by the time Roland led Mariann away from the stairs and along a short corridor. They approached a wooden door guarded by two soldiers bearing the royal crest. Both stepped aside and allowed them entrance.

The room inside was large and looked comfortable. A large four poster bed rested directly opposite the door, with chests of drawers, carved from the finest timber, resting either side. Two fine chairs sat opposite each other, either side of a small wooden table. A doorway to the left hinted at the nobleman's wardrobe, while shuttered windows opposite gave a distant view of the surrounding countryside.

Already in the room stood the captain of the guard, easily identifiable by his royal surcoat and fine armour. The man was older than Roland and looked as though he had plenty of battlefield experience - but he still followed the younger man's orders dutifully.

"I am having an urgent delivery of food prepared," Roland began matter-of-factly before his door had even been closed. "It is imperative that it reaches its destination unharmed. Select half a dozen men to attend it. Also, the bodies of two criminals can be found in a small clearing just off the main path, approximately one hundred yards inside Harrowleaf Forest. Have a nearby priest see to their burial."

The nobleman had taken his seat and invited Mariann to take a rest in the seat opposite.

"Return once the wagon has been loaded," he added.

The captain nodded, then turned and left, leaving the pair alone for a brief moment in Roland's chamber.

"The royal dress maker will be here shortly," the member of royalty advised Mariann, his voice returning to its soft tone that he had so often used with her. "Please take advantage of this opportunity, Mariann. Do not let your modesty or shyness hold you back. Request the most extravagant dress you can imagine. Even if you refuse to wear it, you could sell the material at the local market..."

He was only able to offer a warm smile before there was a knock at the door and the royal dress maker was granted entry.

A slim and elegant woman, dressed in fine green clothing with interwoven golden threads stood, looking at Roland expectantly. Her hair was grey and she looked to be in her fifties.

"This is Lady Mariann," the nobleman stated as if the title were fact, indicating the peasant woman who sat opposite, draped in his blanket and with flowers loosely in her hair. "I would have you make a dress for her. Ensure you use the finest materials. I want this to be the most beautiful dress you've ever made."

"Certainly, Your Highness," the woman nodded, before turning to face her newest client with a gentle smile. "I'll have you looking like a queen in your own right. Would you prefer me to use any particular colours or styles, milady?"

 

[cbelle02]

Mariann was still astonished when people just wordlessly moved aside for her. People who were clearly much higher rank than she could ever be. The cloak he'd put around her seemed magical in that it seemed to make her invincible.

Her eyes explored the room as they entered. It was nearly as big as her entire house! The furniture in the room was big and the wood shone from polishing. She was a little embarrassed at the gasp of awe that escaped her lips, but she didn't care in the moment. She slid her hand along the smooth finish of the arm of a chair, spinning around to take everything in again.

"Amazing." She breathed. The man in the room glanced curiously at her but his attention turned to Roland as soon as he stepped in behind her. At his encouragement, she sat in the chair opposite him. Somehow, the commanding tone he took with the captain, the authority in his voice, sent a small shiver down her spine. Roland dismissed the captain and spoke to her again, reverting back to the tone she was used to.

She listened as he told her of the dressmaker, urging her to not hold back in her choices. The idea excited her but would she even know where to begin? He was cut off when the door opened and a pretty woman dressed in the most beautiful dress Mariann had seen walked in. Realizing she was staring, she stood as Roland introduced her. A blush crossed her cheeks when he referred to her as "Lady Mariann."

It was a dream. At least that is how Mariann felt. One minute she had been at the market buying what little food for her family she could afford and the next, she'd was being swept off to a royal palace, with a handsome prince, and having a beautiful, expensive dress of her choosing made for her! It was like a whirlwind.

"I'll have you looking like a queen in your own right. Would you prefer me to use any particular colours or styles, milady?"

The woman was speaking to her and she nodded. "I don't even know where to begin!" She couldn't keep the excitement out of her voice. "I like lavenders and blues." She told the woman. "I guess I like flowing dresses, but I don't know! Yours is very pretty." She was sure she must sound like an imbecile.

The lady just chuckled. "I think I can work with that. Would you like to join me and we'll see what we can do? Do you mind, your Highness?" She looked to Roland for approval and once received she took Mariann to a room full of dresses, fine fabrics and jewels and other dress making materials.

Mariann ended up choosing a dress of a smooth silken material, lavender in color a long flowing bottom. The dressmaker, whose name she learned to be Sylvia, tailored it to fit her body, a slightly corseted, but comfortable top with an embroidered pattern on the front, lace up the sides. Sylvia took a few moments to brush out her hair, leaving it long and flowering down her back. She gave her a necklace of pure white pearls which she tied behind her neck. Mariann had never felt so beautiful in her life.

Once done, Sylvia led her back to Roland's chambers. "Your Highness, I present to you Lady Mariann." She said with a grin and ushered a blushing Mariann inside.

 

[KiwiD82]

Roland had seen hundreds of beauteous women at the royal court over the years. From noblewomen to queens, from the daughters of aristocracy to eligible foreign princesses. Most were adorned with expensive jewellery and wore intricately designed dresses made from the finest fabrics.

But none had entered a room and caused the young nobleman's mouth to hang agape like Mariann was doing in that moment.

He had been able to see her natural beauty from the moment she had stepped into the small forest clearing, her plain dress torn and wild flowers loosely attempting to escape her hair - but now, dressed as if she were royalty, he was temporarily speechless.

Now, in the comfort of his own quarters, all he could manage was to slowly approach as if in a stupor, take her hand and, with a bow, kiss the back of it in greeting.

"Milady," he said quietly as he looked up into Mariann's eyes.

Then Roland seemed to regather himself, standing upright and letting Mariann's hand escape his grip.

"Sylvia," he said to the dressmaker, his voice rediscovering its volume and confidence. "You have outdone yourself. I shall commission you to make two more dresses for Lady Mariann, but we can discuss that tomorrow."

"Yes, Your Highness," Sylvia replied, offering Mariann a warm smile as she turned to leave.

Roland returned to his seat and motioned for Mariann to do likewise. Between them, on the table, rested two plates of steaming hot food: freshly carved pork with spices, smoked chicken, bread, beans, almonds, and an apple, with two goblets of deep red wine. A knife and fork sat beside each plate, and Roland carefully watched his guest taking in the sight.

"After you, Lady Mariann," the young noble smiled.

 

[cbelle02]

Mariann blushed when Roland bowed and kissed the back of her hand and quietly addressed her as "Milady," again. She'd never felt so beautiful in her life and it seemed that Roland was quite taken as well.

The delicious scent of the meal before them had invaded her senses since she walked int the door. After Roland dismissed Sylvia, and she'd thanked the woman again, Roland invited her to sit. It wasn't until the food was right in front of her, that Mariann realized how hungry she really was and gave an embarrassed smile at the growl of her stomach.

She'd never seen this much food on a table at once in her whole life! Even at holiday and family celebrations. And wine! She must have been staring at the food for quite several moments until she heard Roland clear his voice. "After you, Lady Mariann."

Mariann looked up, her face still flushed. "It all looks so lovely. I don't know where to start!" She laughed, but ultimately, she dug into the pork first, closing her eyes and moaning at the flavor explosion in her mouth. It was divine. The rest of the meal was no less delectable and she savored every bite. The conversation with Roland was just as enjoyable and she felt it easy to be herself with him. The wine helped with that as well, of course.

Soon, the two had cleared their plates and Mariann looked up at Roland. "I'm sorry, you must think me a pig!" She laughed, embarrassed. "But I've never in my life eaten such a heavenly meal!"