Kingmaker

Fireside #1

It had been several days since Ava arrived at the castle with the Lancastrian Knights. She had since been given permission to stay in the castle for her own protection, but on one condition. And that condition was that she was guarded 24/7. Sometimes she would be guarded by the knights, and other times she would be guarded by regular soldiers. She hadn't complained. In fact, she probably never would complain. At least she was with those that she wanted to be with.
As she sat outside with Sir Neville and Sir Plantagenet, she tucked her knees to her stomach; her arms wrapped around her legs as she watched the flames of the campfire dancing in the gentle breeze. Her horse rested quietly on some hay not too far from her. Silently, she gave a small yawn; burying her face in her knees as she did so. Sighing softly, she closed her eyes, moving her arms to rest atop her knees to form a resting spot for her head. As she did so, Sir Neville and Sir Plantagenet spoke softly after Sir Neville had moved silently to rest his soft, velvet cape around Ava's shoulders. It got cold out here, and the last thing he wanted was for her to get sick.
"What do you think her family think of what she's done, Plantagenet?" inquired Neville softly as he returned to his seat to the left of Ava whilst Plantagenet sat on her right. "It depends on how they found out what she was doing. If she spoke of it, then they shouldn't despise her too much as they would've seen it coming. But if they heard of it from Stafford and Howard. Then they will despise her for as long as she lives. It is sad, really. That a family will turn against a child for wanting to change their path in life. I know Ava is not a child, but she is still a daughter to them" Plantagenet gazed over at Ava as he spoke, keeping his voice low so as not to disturb her slumber. "I never thought the Woodville's would be the ones to experience this kind of thing. They always seemed like such strict parents. And with such a high standing in the House of York, it is quite surprising that Ava was even able to get past the guards at her bedroom door. I overheard some talk a few days ago, before all of this began. Ava's father had been speaking with Stafford. The man had given Ava's hand to Stafford, and it had been said that all that was left to do was for her to say yes. This must have quickened the pace at which she desired to leave. I had spoken to Ava at the previous jousting tournament. She expressed such fear and disinterest in marrying Stafford. At one point I think she even feared saying his name. Plantagenet, I fear that this will bring around more than we think. It is all such a confusing and troublesome matter. And we will need to discuss it with her further. But for now, let her rest. She looks as though she hasn't slept since fleeing the House of York" sighed Neville softly as he leaned back against the wooden stump behind him.
"She looks most comfortable with your cape around her. It is probably the only warmth she has had for some time. But I too fear the outcome of all of this. I will not be afraid to fight, but I fear what will happen as a whole. Neville, Ava has only ever spoken to you of her disinterest in Stafford. She has only expressed her fear of loving him to you. I saw the smile creep to her lips when she spoke to you, and when you spoke to her. My friend, I believe Ava has fallen for you. And probably has fell for you many times. That may be one of her reasons for wishing to defect to the House of Lancaster. There may be more to it as well, but we will have to wait to hear it from her" murmured Plantagenet softly to his fellow knight as he glanced over at Ava once more. The soft rise and fall of her chest signified that she had indeed fallen asleep. "It would be wise to move her into the tent. The night will soon grow cold, and the flames of the fire will soon fade. The tent is large enough for her to sleep inside"
Neville now gazed over to Ava. She slept peacefully, looked uncomfortable, but she slept nonetheless. "My friend, I will return. She can take my bed tonight, and I will sleep on the ground beside her. Should any enemy enter the tent, I will protect her" whispered Neville as he moved to Ava, lifting her into his arms carefully. She remained asleep as he carried her into their tent, heading over to his section; and laying her gently in the bed. It was a simple bed, really. A mass of pillows and cushions from the castle, surrounded by fabrics for warmth and extra comfort. A majority of the pillows, cushions and fabrics were the colours of the House of Lancaster. Even just laying amongst the colours, Neville thought they suited Ava.
Once he had made sure she was warm and comfortable, he quickly made a place for himself to sleep not too far from her; before heading back out to Plantagenet. "She sleeps silently. Plantagenet, we must protect her. The House of York will want her back. Maybe not for a good reason, but they will want her back regardless. I will sleep near her tonight. We will probably hear an attack before we encounter any enemies, so we will be able to wake her before it strikes. But should we not hear an attack, I will be there to guard her"
"You are so intent on protecting her, my friend. Your feelings are showing more and more. It has been several days since she has been with us. When will you speak with her?" asked Plantagenet, finally speaking to Neville about his feelings for Ava. "When the time is right. I do not wish to force so much onto her within such a short period of time. I believe she knows how I feel, and I am sure I know how she feels. But the time will come when the words will be said. And that day is one that I can wait for. Love can wait when a war is a possibility. Some confess their love in fear that the war will take their life. Others will wait and confess their love once the battle is over. Should a war come of this, I will wait for Ava. She will fight alongside us, and we will see her true potential. Only then, will I confess to her how I truly feel"
Plantagenet nodded to Neville's words, directing his eyes once more to the flames of the now dying fire. He couldn't blame Neville for wanting to wait to speak to Ava. There was a lot going on, and maybe love and feelings weren't the best thing to speak about.
But some things were worth waiting for.

[Authors Note: I'm back after a what felt like a super long break from this. I needed time to think, and after being through the War of The Roses in the Blackpool Tower Dungeons, I feel like I can write some more.
I personally like the idea of Ava and Sir Neville as a couple. And before anyone freaks! They're not going to become a couple just yet. It's far too early in the story. But they can speak of it. I like Ava's personality, and Neville's. And Plantagenet's. I like a lot of the personalities here. But yeah, Ava and Sir Neville]