The Catalyst

Lenore Blackwood - Her Only Friend

 "Marry me?" Osferth asked the beautiful redhead nestled against his chest. Her bright green eyes reflected starlight and surprise as she looked up at him.

"I -" She began, surprised by the suddenness of the offer. "Of course I will!" she replied, a bright smile lighting her face. "What brought this on so suddenly?"

"Well, I asked your father earlier today. After I studied this," He shifted in place, producing a folded paper from the pouch at his side. "I found this at market a few days past. It points to a cave, on the South Banks of the Misty... There's treasure in it, Len. It should be plenty for us to marry, and purchase gear for a proper adventure." The excitement in his voice reached her, but still, Lenore looked hesitant.

"You're leaving?" She asked softly, shifting to sit against the back of the hollow tree they had made their hideout years before.

"Don't say it like that, Len. I won't be gone long, I promise." Osferth said, reaching for her hand. "I know it's your dream to adventure too, but that's why I'm going; so that you can get what you need. You're a good shot with a bow, but you need your own bow - and a proper blade instead of the stick you try to beat me with." He smiled, blue eyes seeming to absorb the moonlight.

The comment seemed to break the shock she still felt. With a laugh, Lenore poked him in the chest "You beat me more often than not with our 'swords'!" She laughed softly. The moment lasted briefly before concern returned to her eyes "But, the South Shores are dangerous. Neither of us know how to fight properly. If you go, I'd prefer us to go together."

"There's a few men willing to take me across the river, and get me in a few days. I'll be fine. The blacksmith sold me a blade, and I have a dagger. I won't be gone more than two weeks. I've already told Mam the same thing, she won't stop worrying either." He gave a short laugh. "It'll be quick, and once I get back, we can marry properly. And your stash of gold can be used for other things."

Lenore regarded him, searching for arguments or any way to talk him from it, but couldn't find anything. He was nearly as stubborn as her, and had dug his heels in about this.

"You've made up your mind then." She said finally. "When do you plan to leave?"

"After tomorrow. Tomorrow is for packing my bags and making sure I have what I need." He said. Leaning over, he cupped her cheek in his palm, brushing his thumb against her soft skin. "It's alright. I'll be alright, Len." He promised her again.

"I'll ask Meiliki to watch out for you." She finally whispered, leaning forward to kiss him.

He returned her kiss, "Then I'm sure she will, if you have made the ask."

Moving close to him once more, she kissed him again. "Then... if you are leaving after tomorrow... let us celebrate our engagement tonight." she murmured, more brazenly than she normally would.

"What did you have in mind?" Osferth asked with a smile, his hand sliding from her cheek to rest against the curve of her waist.

"An advance on our wedding night..." She whispered, her lips inches from him.

"You're sure? Your heritage says--"

"I know what it means - I was the one who told you." She pointed out with an amused smile. "I'm only a half-elf, though. It means something to me, but not to the same extent as my kin. Besides, we're to marry, right?" She teased softly, kissing him again.

The conversation ended there, replaced by the passion of young love for the night.

Two Weeks Later. . .

Lenore wiped her brow, as she passed the large fireplace in the common room of the Witch & The Wolf. The fire wasn't lit, as it was a warm day, though the brick stove was lit in the back, simmering a large roast for the dinner special.