The Knight

[Sky Jade]

Rose finished eating and pushed the tray away. One of the servents would pick it up and clean up. She sat there for a litttle longer watching the princess.

Gathering her courage up, she stood up and made her way towards the princess, stopping a few feet away.

"M'lady..Is there something that brings you to the hall right now? If you wish to be alone, I can leave."

 

[shadowoftheheart]

Isabelle was startled, and she jolted up, knocking her chair over with a clatter. She blushed a deep red, and looked at Rose.

"Umm... um... no... no, that is... um... you can ... stay. I ... I didn't know you were ... in here ... Um.. did you ... hear me?"

Her blush deepened. She was acting 12 again. Why? She had wanted to talk to Rose. Now that she was here, with her, she could do no more than stammer and babble like an idiot!

Isabelle remained quite confused, but she did try to gain composure. Now, or never.

"No um ... Rose. I would ... like you to stay. I ... I understand you ... are leaving soon?"

 

[Sky Jade]

Rose blinked a couple of times at the way the princess was acting. This was exactly like her. She shook her head gently.

"No, I didn't hear you. I was further down the hall. And yes, I'll be leaving soon. My Liege placed me in charge of the troops for this campaign. We'll be heading out in three days, but we shouldn't be gone more than a month."

She sighed softly, having to be away for so long.

"I was just trying to figure out some complications in our plans, that's all."

 

[shadowoftheheart]

"Complications?"

No, nothing like that. No, it was bad enough that Rose would be gone a month. A month of war. Complications?

"What kinda complications? I mean ... I don't think I could be of any help, but ... maybe it would help to ... think out loud? Umm ... Did you want to sit down?"

Please?! She thought, but knew she could never say. She wanted to be close to Rose as long as she could be.

She was nothng like her big, blond, fantasy Knight. Why then did Rose's face send her stomach twisting into knots.

She absently fingered the ruby necklace ... then realizing what she was doing blushed again, and put her hands behind her back.

 

[Sky Jade]

"Of course, I'll sit down. It' not very urgent for me to be anywhere right now."

She placed her hands on the table, her fingertips slowly brushing back and forth over the wooden wurface. It was more out of habit than anything.

"Well, I'm not dealing with them personally. I gave the travel details to Lt. Fergin to plot the best route through the desert. I am more dealing with the fighting aspect of things. We haven't done any sort of fighting in a desert and that's exactly where Norve is located. Water will be the main problem I believe."

She was silent for a few moments before speaking again.

"And then there will be the possiblity of having to deal with the mercenaries that were said to have abandoned Norve."

 

[shadowoftheheart]

Isabelle hadn't really heard anything Rose said.

"Uh huh ... Oh no! ... Um... right."

Appropriate sounding responses.

And yet ... listening to Rose, Isabelle felt sadness rise. No, not just sadness. Depression. She must have misread the entire situation. Here was Rose sitting next to her ... and Rose wasn't talking about anything but the war. Rose didn't look uncomfortable. She didn't stutter or stammer, blush, or anything.

She knew it. She sighed as she realized the magic spell hand't worked right. No, Rose couldn't be the Love that had sent her everything. She just wasn't acting the way Knights acted in story books.

"So ... how dangerous is it going to be?"

A stupid question! But Isabelle still felt, somehow, that Rose Might be the one. She was still very worried for her safety.

She looked over at Rose, couldn't keep her gaze on her, blushed, and looked down at the table.

 

[Sky Jade]

Rose got caught off-guard by the question, since she had just told what was going on. She sighed gently for a moment, looking over at Isabelle.She looked at her gently, waiting a few seconds before speaking softly.

"Brave warriors will die. They will die protecting the ones they love."

She lifted a hand a little from the table, as if to move it, but laid it back down on the table once more. She was still uncertain to fully approach Isabella, but she felt this was at least a start.

 

[shadowoftheheart]

"Brave warriors will die. They will die protecting the ones they love."

Isabelle heard this clearly, and looked up at Rose.

"Yes. Many ... noble men will die."

She grimaced and looked down at the table.

"I'm sorry. I meant ... noble knights. I hope ...."

She almost said it. But didn't.

"I hope no one dies. I know some will, but I don't want anyone to die."

Especially not you, she didn't add.

She glanced back up at Rose, trying this time to hold her gaze. Her face felt hot as she blushed again... but kept her gaze on Rose.

 

[Sky Jade]

She smiled back softly as the princess looked at her. Her fingers curled up as the princess stayed looking at her, rather than give the usual glancing look.

"I will do what I can to keep as many alive as possible. I would not wish to see your beautiful face etched with sadness for losing someone."

Her fingers slowly relaxed, pressing lightly into the wooden table. She was quiet as she gazed softly into the princess's eyes, looking into them deeply.

 

[shadowoftheheart]

"I will do what I can to keep as many alive as possible. I would not wish to see your beautiful face etched with sadness for losing someone."

Isabelle shivered, transfixed by Rose's gaze. She opened her mouth, as though to say something, but no words came out.

She held Rose's gaze. Still. Feeling the depths of her eyes. Feeling drawn in to a part of Rose's soul.

She raised her hand again to the ruby necklace, touching it, sighing softly.

"Rose," finally finding her voice, "I ... do not ... want to see you ... hurt. I ... I don't think ... I don't want ... I don't want you to ... be hurt."

She felt awkward, and blushed again. Yet, her gaze never dropped from Rose's. She felt as though she could never look anywhere else ever again.

 

[Sky Jade]

She smiled and shook her head gently.

"Don't worry princess. I won't get hurted that easily. Besides.."

Rose was cut off in mid-sentence by a sharp whistle from the enternce of the hall. She moved her gaze from Isabelle's to see her Lt. waving to her. She sighed and nodded before looking at the princess. She stood up and bowed to her for a moment.

"I am sorry M'lady, but I am needed now. Perhaps we shall talk more later."

She stood for a moment longer before she made her way to the front to talk to Fergin for a few seconds. After a short conversation, Rose looked to the princess with a soft smile before leaving her behind.

 

[shadowoftheheart]

"Don't worry princess. I won't get hurted that easily. Besides.."

A shrill whistle interrupted her words, and shattered Isabelle's train of thought.

Rose stood, and bowed to her.

"I am sorry M'lady, but I am needed now. Perhaps we shall talk more later."

Perhaps? Her heart sank, with the strange and painful feeling that she'd never see her again. Alive, at least.

"I'd like that ... Rose."

Isabelle's eyes never left Rose. She watched her speak with her lieutenant, then her heart stopped when she looked back at her and smiled. Then it sank when she turned and left.

Isabelle sat in the banquet hall, now feeling profoundly alone. She was almost entirely sure it was Rose. But ... she felt an eqally profound depression.

She had found her True Love, met with her before she had chosen a Husband. But what good did it do? Neither one had really said anything to the other, not really. Almost. But one thing, and another thing, had stopped it.

She rose, and made her way back to her room. She closed and locked the door, picked up the letter, and read it through again.


Dearest Princess Isabelle,
I am sure by the time you have recieved this, I will have left the castle for a short while. I have otfen watched you from a far and near, mesmerized by your beauty. I have often imagined what it would be like to feel your soft skin beneath my fingers or feel my lips against yours. I hope that one day we shall be able to meet face to face. As much as I hope this will come true, I fear that that day will come when you have choosen a husband. It is getting late, and I must go. I wouldn't be able to go very far, before needing to make camp, but wish me a safe journey.

She sat at her desk, and pulled out a parchment.

Dearest Lady Knight Rose,

I wish to thank you dearly, sincerely, for all that you have Given me. The many little presents, the Letter, and the Assurances of your Safety, and desire to Protect me from Harm.

We have met face to face, though I fear it was not so much as either of us would have wished. I have pledged, not to take a husband before before what I do not know how to express.

By the time you read this, you will be well out on your way to War. My Dear One, think of me. I wish to see you again, I cannot bear the thought of you perishing alone in the deserts without my eyes ever again gazing into yours, becoming lost in your gaze. Please, for my sake, for the sake of my love for you, live that I may see you again!

Love,

Princess Isabelle.

Tears were streaming down her cheek by the time the letter was sealed in an envelope. She marked it with a drawing of a rose, as near to the one she used to sign her letters as she could make it. Below she wrote: "Open only when Gone on thy Journey to the Deserts, my Brave Knight."

She handed it to the squire that she had summoned.

"Give this ... to the Knight, Lady Rose. Tell her ... not to open it til she is fairly away from the castle. And ... do not tell her whom it was gave you it."

She, the squire, nodded, her clear green eyes sparkling with pride at having so important a duty as to deliver her princess' missive, and ran off to fulfill her duty.

Isabelle closed and locked her door, reread Rose's letter to her again, sighing, and laid down on her bed, on her back. Soon, she had drifted off to sleep, though it was still just afternoon.

 

[Sky Jade]

Rose took the letter from the squire with a smile and placed iit in her saddle bags.

"Thank you. Tell the princess that I recieved the letter and I hope to see her soon."

However, things didn't not go quite as planned. Rose really didn't get much free time from making preparations, barely able to find the time to sleep. It was on the day they were to move out that she was able to get time to herself.

There were still a few hours till the army was to move out just after noon. She knelt in front of the alter in the castle church, praying. She prayed for the saftey of her men and of herself. She was deeply involved in the praying that she didn't notice the door to the church open..

 

[shadowoftheheart]

Princess Isabelle had spent the days before the knights left the way she had spent most other days: Studying small amounts to satisfy her parents, sneaking into the wizards' old lab to study magic on her own, and thinking about her love.

There was an important difference. When she had awoken from her nap after writing Rose the letter, she had sat up, and looked at Rose's letter to her.

And realized that she was being silly. She sighed, carefully folded the letter, and placed it in the envelope she had received it in. She then placed it reverently in the treasure chest, as she put it, that held a lifetime of trinkets, jewelry, and nick-nacks. It also held everything that Rose, for whom else could it be, had given her over the last year. Everything, that is, except for the ruby necklace that she had refused to take off, and one ring that she wore on her index finger.

She sighed, and closed the chest. She had allowed the letter to throw her. Throw her like a little girl having a crush. No more! She was 18, and was on the verge of marrying. This wasn't a story-book. This was her life, and time she started acting like it.

She carried this resolve with her the next day when the three (open) suitors that were going campaigning called on her. Separately of course. She started to see them for what they were. They were genuine, strong, young, and handsome. They were each one a good catch, and any of them would have made a good husband. She realized that was what she needed. Yes, a True Love was a nice luxury, but when you were in line for the throne, with the pressure to take a man who would give you a son and heir to be the next king, sometimes you had to look past love and look at practicality.

Isabelle hadn't chosen any of the three over anyone else, but she had given each one a Token to remember her by, and a chaste kiss on the cheek to warm his soul before departing, perhaps forever.

The day the king and his army were to depart, Isabelle felt her soul droop. She realized she would likely never see Rose again, and she would certainly lose at least one of the people who cared for her in the coming war. She wanted to talk to them all, but they were all busy. Busy like Rose had been these three days. As she feared, she hadn't seen her. She would watch on the rampart as they rode off, and maybe, just maybe, she would be able to toss her Token to her as she rode off, or if she were lucky, Rose would ride close by, and she could place her Token on Rose's lance, or sword, and be able to stop long enough to accept a chaste kiss on the cheek.

Isabelle wandered to the castle church, intending to pray to Auntie Holde. Yes, she was the child's goddess, but she didn't have a relationship yet with any of the adult's gods. She felt bad about this, and wanted to ask Holde to help her talk to one of the others, perhaps the god of the knights. Who better to have a relationship with when so much of her emotion rid on the lives of her knights. Rose in particular.

She entered the church, placing a gold coin in the offering-casket at the door as was the proper custom, and started to walk towards the altar ... when she saw Rose there, kneeling and praying quietly.

Isabelle almost turned around and walked off. Almost. But something ... some sigh, some scent, maybe some word from Rose that she just barely heard ... made her walk forward quietly. Isabelle walked all the way to the altar, reverently bowed to the Eternal Flame that was said to house the Ancestral Goddess of the castle's people, lit a candle from it, and placed it alongside the only other lit candle on the fire alter -- presumably Rose's candle.

Quietly, to not disturb her, she walked alongside Rose, and knelt down, beginning to pray silently to Auntie Holde. Praying not so much as she had planned, but that Rose would see her, and would talk to her honestly before she left .... perhaps never to return. If she was her True Love, they had to .... just had to! ... talk before that. Her heart ached as she realized that even if she were, even if they talked now, there was no way to be sure that they would ever have another chance after this to talk, and to tell each other what they really thought of one another.

"And, protect my Love from harm," she said a little too loudly ... on purpose.

 

[Sky Jade]

Rose blinked for a moment as she was taken from her prayer as she heard a familiar voice. She looked around for a moment and smiled when she saw the princess nearby.

"I didn't expect to see you here m'lady. I'm sorry I wasn't able to see you earlier."

She shifted from kneeling on one knee to sitting on her knees facing the princess.

She paused for a moment, licking her soft red lips before speaking once more.

"I recieved your letter, but I haven't opened it yet, as per your wishes."

 

[shadowoftheheart]

"Rose ... You weren't supposed to know it was from me. I suppose ... I guess it was kinda obvious though, right? You know ... you know that ... that I know the letter I got was from you?"

Isabelle held her breath. She looked into Rose's eyes. Now or never. She scooted closer to Rose, hoping they would not be interrupted this time.

 

[Sky Jade]

Rose giggled softly for a moment.

"Well, the servent I had given the pendent to was the same one who delivered the message to me. It wasn't hard to figure out. As far as you knowing...It was a matter of luck really."

She grinned softly and reached a hand out, placing it softly on Isabelle's leg and giving a soft squeeze. She kept it there for a few moments longer, gazing into the princess's eyes deeply.

 

[shadowoftheheart]

Isabelle placed her hand over Rose's, as she returned her gaze levelly.

"I hoped I would be able to talk to you before you left. I ... I have something for you. For you to wear close to your heart as you march and fight."

Isabelle unclasped a long chain, that had at the end of it a ring that held a small emerald, and was engraved recently.

True Love Sustains thru all Hardship.

"It ... it isn't much but ... I hope it helps."

Rose closed her eyes, and lowered her face.

"What ... what now?"

 

[Sky Jade]

Rose smiled when she saw the necklace.

"I shall wear it and always think of you."

She took a deep breath for a moment, looking at the princess shyly for a moment.

"Well, you would mind putting it on for me?"

She turned her hand over on top of Isabelle's leg, clasping her hand gently in hers, intertwining their fingers.

 

[shadowoftheheart]

Isabelle gave Rose's hand a tight squeeze, and then pulled free.

"I will ... but I need both hands."

Isabelle slid closer to Rose, slipping the chain around her neck ... feeling Rose's hair brushing her hands, and her soft skin beneath her fingers.

Her hands shook, and she tried twice to work the clasp behind Rose's neck without success.

She giggled, and took a deep breath.

"I'll get it...."

And she did. Third try, she got the clasp working right, and the chain finally rested against Rose's neck, the weight of the ring resting against her.

Isabelle rested her fingertips lightly on Rose's neck, not quite able to pull herself away. She looked back into Rose's eyes, a light blush coloring her cheeks.

 

[Sky Jade]

Rose giggled and closed her eyes as she let Isabelle try and put the necklace around her neck. She stayed still till she felt the wieght of necklace around her neck and felt the princess's fingertips on her neck.

She reached up and placed on hand gently against the princess's cheek, holding it there gently. She could feel her heart beating faster being so near the princess, her cheeks a soft red. She took a deep breath for a moment, uncertain of what to do. She finally leaned forward a little, her soft lips brushing lightly against Isabelle's.

 

[shadowoftheheart]

Isabelle was surprised by Rose's boldness. The feeling of her lips against hers made her breath quicken, her pulse beginning to throb. She sighed softly, and in her turn pressed her lips to Rose's. It was a quick, soft kiss, but it was a kiss.

She pulled back from Rose, smiling. She had a sense of peace, and a certainty that Rose was indeed her Love.

"I am glad we were able to find each other. I ... am sorry that I didn't realise it was you sooner."

 

[Sky Jade]

Rose smiled and shook her head gently.

"There is no need to be sorry m'lady."

She reached down and brought Isabelle's hand to her lips, kissing the top of it gently.

"I wish I could stay longer with you princess, but we must head very shortly. I will think of you till we are able to be together once more."

She released Isabelle's hand gently before she stood up, picking up her helmet in the same motion.

 

[shadowoftheheart]

Isabelle stood quickly, shivering, and not wanting the moment to end.

"I ... I will think of you every day. And I will pray for your safety. I just found you ... I do not want to lose you so quickly."

Sbe closed her eyes. Maybe ... it would have been better if they hadn't met ... no, that was foolish.

"Fare well. I will watch you leave from the ramparts, and await your return."

 

[Sky Jade]

"And I shall look for you M'lady."

She gave her a soft smile and bow before heading out of the church. She pulled on her silver helm as she walked, her hair disappearing under it completely. She paused for a mometn at the door to look back at Isabelle and then was gone.

The next time the princess saw her knight was as she was leading the the army out from the castle. She gave a wave to the princess and then to the crowd gathered around. The King rode bside her, waving as well. The parade was long, lasting for quite awhile, several covered wagons singaling the last of the army. The gate was soon shut for the night at the army rode out of view.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was only about a week before they reached the mountains which form the border of Russle and their own kingdom. They linked up with King Rishard's army as well, going through the mountains with some difficulties. A few of the footsmen died from the cold of the mountains, but they were soon through them in a matter of days.

Things weren't quite what they expected to see in the desert. IT seemed Nouve was more better off than they said, at least resources-wise. Each of the lakes on the map were actually large basins for water, each one connected by stone trenches, which connected to the city. They stayed close to the water line and made their final preparations for the confrontation.

Rose had read the letter and smiled. Though she wasn't able to write back, the King send back messages to let the Queen and princess know how things went along the trip, at least one letter every few days. He told that Rose sent her best wishes to the princess and that she would come home safely.