The Spilling of Seeds

A Knight's Wish

A/n - I had to write this for an assignment and decided to put it here. It's lowkey angsty asf tho- HA. Took me twenty-three minutes. It took way too long-

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"It's two in the morning, what are you doing up?" A soft voice sounded from behind Darrow. Turning to face the voice, Darrow turned his head to be greeted by a tired Calista in her morning robe. A dash of pink flushed over his face in embarrassment. He didn't think standing on the balcony would cause so much of a disturbance.

"Ah... I-"

Calista sighed. "No need to apologize, Darrow. Although staying up is going to make you look way older than you are," she said, emphasizing the 'way.' Slowly, she made her way next to him. Leaning on the detailed railing of the master's house, Calista not-so-gently yanked the much taller Darrow's head down to her chest level, gently stroking his soft silver locks. Darrow's eyes widened, why would she, of everyone even bother to comfort him in some way.

Deciding on the wrong route, Darrow replied, "Your chest is still as flat as ever." His comment was immediately followed by the iron fist of his lady.

"Tch. Still a snarky brat I see," Calista muttered, offended at such a comment. "Do they not teach you any manners at Mr. Henderson's manor?"

"Who knows? They obviously don't teach us to handle such rude ladies such as yourself," Darrow chuckled, kneeling in an awkward position in front of his mistress.

Calista snorted. "You're an arse."

"Thank you."

For a few minutes, they stayed in comfortable silence. Darrow finally managing to relax a bit under the welcoming and warm arms. They watched how the silhouettes of the trees outside of the mansion swayed ever so slightly in the midnight wind; how one could just make out the borders of the grassy plains; the gates and the well-trimmed bushes of the garden the master took great pride in.

"I don't want you to leave," Darrow suddenly said, hand tightening into a small fist.

Calista sighed for the second time out of distress that night. "You know I don't have a choice, right? Be a lady and be married off to a man. That's the life I was fated to live."

"But you can fight it-"

"But you can't change it."

"Listen, Darrow," Calista started, gripping Darrow's shoulders, and turned him to face her. "My life is something that was set in stone years ago. Yours, on the other hand, has countless possibilities. I don't want you being stuck as a knight forever. Once you're twenty-five, retire. Go find a pretty maiden who will treat you like you're the world's greatest hero."

"But Calista-"

"That's Ms. Calista to you," Calista warned, and Darrow choked back a retort.

"...How many more days?"

"Tomorrow."

"...I'll miss you."

"As I will to you."

Soon, too soon, the first ray of sunlight peeked over the mountains. Shifting from Calista's warm embrace, Darrow stood up, careful not to wake Calista who had fallen asleep on the armchair they had moved to. Carefully lifting her up, Darrow walked back inside and tucked his mistress for the last time. Pulling her sheet to cover her chest, Darrow composed himself and straightened his uniform. Walking out the door, he gave one last glance to the sleeping figure. She still looks just as elegant when she's sleeping. Darrow thought fondly. Darrow closed the door and bowed deeply in the red-carpeted hall.

"Dear Ms. Calista,

These words will you never hear or see. These unspoken wishes will only and forever be known by me only. I would like to thank you, for all that we have been through. For the thirteen years of unforgettable bliss, to the moment of your departure. It has been the greatest pleasure of mine to grow up alongside you and to serve you.

From the moment I set my eyes on you, I knew that we were never destined to be. Yet I found myself praying to the gods above even for the slimmest of chances of your hand. Now I look back and laugh at myself for such an absurd thought.

May you find nothing but happiness in health with your partner.

The next time we meet will be by the gates and you probably won't spare me a glance. But you don't have to, just remembering me every now and then is enough for me.

Forgive me for such a selfish request.

Your loyal knight,

Darrow."

"Sleep well, dearest."