The Knight of the Spring

Part I; John Avorstead

Once upon a time, there was a knight who came to my spring. His face was shaken, his armor dented, and his sword bloodied. As he approached my spring, I came forward to greet him, walking gently on the water's surface.
"Hello, strange knight. Might I ask what you may be doing at my spring? I do not get many visitors."
The knight appeared frightened by my appearance. Had this brave knight not seen a beautiful woman before?
"What... what are you...?" the knight asked. A bit of a rude question, if you ask me. Nonetheless, I answered.
"I am the spirit of this spring. My body is made from its blessed waters, and I take form before you as a woman. I ask again, strange knight, why do you visit my spring?"
The knight, though shaken, steeled himself to provide me with an answer.
"My apologies, I have never seen a spirit before. I came to this spring to cleanse my sword."
The young stalwart unsheathed his blade. It shone a bright silver, though tainted with stains of blood.
"I see. So you seek to cleanse the blood from your blade, and to atone for its bloodshed?" I asked the man.
"Yes. I was told to clean my sword at this spring, and wash away its blood, along with my sin."
I was intrigued. I do rarely receive visitors, let alone a knight.
"Tell me, dear knight, is this your first blood? You smell of bravery and vigor, but also of regret and sorrow."
The knight nodded his head. "Yes, 'tis my first time taking a life. I... I did not expect the weight to bear this much on my shoulders. But I did this for my country, and I will gladly bear the sins of my actions, if it means people are safer."
I could not help but smile at his words. So noble was he, at least in his own eyes. Even with the fear of death, this man marches forward, to cleanse his blade, knowing another day will come where he will return.
"Very well. You may use my spring to cleanse your weapon, and I will relieve you of weariness." The man nodded his head, black hair falling across his face. Warily, he dipped his sword into my spring, watching as its movements carried the stained blood from its silver sheen. I watched the wonder on his face as the blood seemed to lift from the metal, disappearing into the warm current. Unable to resist this new traveler, I thought to offer a proposition.
"What is your name, knight?"
My gaze met his as he looked up at me, answering, "John. I hail from the Avorstead family."
The reply was confident, and proud.
"Dear John, who has traveled to my spring in search for atonement, I ask that you stay awhile. Please, remove the armor that burdens you so, and lower yourself into my spring. I will care for you after this traumatic event. Allow me to bring warmth into your heart. I would like to know more about you."
John chuckled at my words, finally relaxing. The expression of shock was all but gone, as he wiped the spring water from his blade. A bright light, reflected by the sun, shone on the silver steel, disappearing as he sheathed the weapon.
"Thank you for the offer, but I must return soon. I have to meet with someone."
Oh? I admit I was saddened by the rejection. Still, I tried to convince him to stay. With a gentle smile, I pleaded once more, "Just an hour, or two? I promise you won't regret it. My waters are magical, and we will converse under the sun's blessed light. You will not know a better bath in your life." I walked closer, placing my hand onto his gauntlet. Surprised by my touch, John met my gaze once again.
"Perhaps I will stay a while. It's not everyday you see a woman made of water."
I smiled, laughing at his statement. I suppose it is true. John's words were spoken softly and sweetly, very contrasting of what I believed a knight to be. I looked forward to talking with this man.

Several hours had passed as we talked through the day. John and I both knew we stayed together longer than intended, but that was of no importance. John enjoyed my company, and I, his. I learned that John had recently became a knight, at the young age of eighteen. John is the first of his family to become a knight, and he hopes to leave a worthy legacy for future Avorsteads after him. To see a man filled with such hope and promise, bravery and fortitude, confidence and pride... I nearly fell for him on that day—but I knew better than that. I could not make this man my lover. However, that did not mean I would desert him. As day turned to dusk, John donned his armor once more, refreshed and invigorated.
I clasped my hands in front of me, giving him a promise. "From henceforth, brave Avorstead, you may come to this spring whenever you are weary, whenever your blade is stained, or whenever you so desire. I will be here. It was a pleasure to meet you this day, and I look forward to your return."
John smiled brilliantly, bowing to me. I suppressed a chuckle, as it looked quite silly, but the gesture warmed my heart. This was truly an honor-bound knight, destined for great things. I was sure of it.
With a wave, I bid him a final farewell to end the day. I hoped I sparked no punishment for releasing him so late. Soon enough, that knight was all that was on my mind. I patiently waited for his return. The knight visited me every other fortnight, and each time, we spoke until dusk. I was happy to be of aid to John. However, several months would pass before I saw him again.