Forbidden Love (Rewritten) | Arthur Pendragon

26 • THE KNIGHT TOURNAMENT

The tournament day was getting closer and closer, and the people were overjoyed by the news. The streets of Alvenes Hjem had been decorated by the people, especially for the event. Garlands and colorful bouquets were hung on the walls and the children, costumed as knights with wooden swords were playing around, pretending to be participants. Eowyn could not help but smile as she watched her people so blissfully, their attention on this joyous event rather than the harsh reality. Sometimes, all deserve to treat themselves and take a break from work. It was necessary.

Eowyn was strolling in the streets, a long clock hiding her figure. She had taken the habit of touring the town undercover. Though she was supposed to remain in the castle, Eowyn simply could not comply. Staying locked, even inside of the castle, inevitably would make one feel caged and trapped. Luckily, Himmelsk Vind was full of secret pathways so it was fairly easy to come in and out of it when you know them all and know how to open them.

Strolling in the city reminded Eowyn of the time she would wander in Camelot's royal city's lower town. And it made her feel normal, just like a normal girl who was not burdened by a destiny greater than her. It made her feel like part of the people like she had a simple life. Had she not been favored by the gods, Eowyn liked to think that she might have been a physician. Perhaps she would have had her own little house where the people would come to her for help, or she would have moved to Camelot to take after Gaius. Perhaps she would have found herself a husband, built a family and grown old with her beloved. It was quite ironic how, when still in Ealdor, she yearned for a greater life, for finding a purpose and a goal. Yet now that she had just that, she was now yearning for a simple life, the very thing that she had had. It was quite funny how when one wants something, and that they suddenly have it, they find out that the gold was nothing but false. Eowyn had worked her all life to get what she believed she wanted, but she already had everything she needed.

Her mother, her brother, the man she considered a father, her friends, even a lover. Now her world was hectic, even electric, and she missed her loved ones a great deal.

Eowyn inhaled deeply. Sacrifices were to be made for the greater good. There was no going back anymore. So readjust her basket of yarn and dye plants on her arm. Not having seen her friends for a long time, Eowyn had started weaving a tapestry months ago. It had helped her relax a great deal in the midst of this new life. She was almost done after nine months of hard work but had run out of yarn and dye plants. Hence also the reason she left the castle.

"I believe this belongs to you," she heard.

Eowyn was a little startled when she suddenly saw a man appearing before her and handing her a rose. He was taller than her, his medium brown hair let loose and falling into soft waves stopping right below his ears. His lips were stretched into a seductive smile as his eyes twinkled with a sort of cockiness. Eowyn stared at him for a second before her brow wrinkled into a soft frown.

"I don't think so. It's not my color," Eowyn said as she tried to walk past him. But the man stepped before her again.

"Ah, well....let us see,"

Before Eowyn could react or protest, the man casually tucked the rose behind her ear and in between the locks of her hair. He took a step back and looked proudly at his doing.

Eowyn's eyes narrowed a little, suspicious. "I suppose most ladies must fall for your flatteries,"

"I know not, you are the only one my heart desires,"

No words came to Eowyn's mind, too stunned at his confidence or perhaps shamelessness. So all she did was step aside and walk past him. However, the man followed quickly after and nonchalantly grabbed her hand, and blocked her way again.