Silvestre Pendragon

Coming of Age

Ribbons of warm sunshine leaked through the thick curtains and soothed Silvestre awake, the melody of the bird song and the homely smell of freshly baked bread persuaded her to rub the sleep from her eyes. Silvestre smiled contently as she lay in her nest of blankets and cushions: today was going to be a good day. 

"Good morning, my Lady" recited Evelyn as she quietly entered the room and drew the curtains to reveal a crystal sky dotted with clouds, "Happy Birthday Silvestre, looks like a fine day for  your birthday celebrations" She smiled.  Evelyn was always smiling, her pink, rosy cheeks forever grinning and her two littles dimples always seemed to brighten up those around her, she had blond wavy hair that trickled to her shoulders and reminded  Silvestre of the streams she played in as a child. 

"Good morning Evelyn, busy day  I guess?" 

Moving elegantly like a swan Evelyn swirled about the room, putting clothes in the wardrobe and tidying up the dressing table, " Oh yes, the Kings guests arrive at noon and of course we have your Coming of Age ceremony, followed by a feast and then followed by the ball, lots to prepare." she sighed. Once satisfied with her quick tidying she turned to Silvestre, 

"Will you be eating breakfast in your quarters today, my Lady?" She inquired, a slightly nervous glint behind her eyes. 

"Well, I suppose my father has summoned me, particularly after yesterdays... events..." Silvestre replied.  An odd expression of sympathy spread upon Evelyn's face, 

"I'm afraid he's very busy today, my Lady" 

"Oh." Silvestre murmured, attempting to hide her disappointment, "Never mind. If its ok with you, I think I'll eat downstairs in the kitchen." 

"Of course, my Lady." said Evelyn before existing the room. 

Pulling on some breeches and one of her brothers old shirts, Silvestre tamed her hair into a messy bun before fastening her sword belt around her waste. Grabbing her weapon she examined its hilt once again, where the dragon lay sleeping in its metal, identical to the symbol on Milo's ring. If today couldn't be a good day, please let it be an interesting one, Silvestre hoped desperately as she swung open the door and welcomed her sixteenth birthday. 

Trotting down the spiral staircase, Silvestre came to a swift halt at the wooden door and after two sharp knocks, entered. Upon opening the door, the one and only little Leisel bounded into her arms, a huge grin on her face, Silvestre picked her up and playfully swung her around before softly putting her down, 

"Oi! Non of that in my kitchen!" Cook exclaimed but the bright beam on her round red face contradicted her words, "Happy Birthday dear" 

The kitchen was rather quiet that morning, only Cook, Evelyn,  Liesel and another maid named Florette were all standing, smiling and wishing their Princess a happy birthday. Silvestre was often in the kitchens, and the people surrounding her now were the family she joked and laughed with.

"Lady Silvestre" Leisel groaned, tugging at her sleeve and leading her to the oak table where a plate of bacon and eggs sat waiting. After one heavenly mouthful Silvestre thanked Cook, 

"This is amazing, what would I be without you ?" She asked rhetorically.

" Well, you'd be starving for one!" Cook laughed, " I tried to teach you to cook, but some how you managed to set the curtains of fire!" 

"How did you do that?!" Leisel exclaimed, her huge eyes widening,  

"Magic." Silvestre smirked, the truth, a beautiful word on her tong, but it was cut short when Florette interjected, 

"Shhh! Don't say that! She might actually believe it!"  

"Of course, just fooling with you Leisel." sighed Silvestre, watching as the panic and horror drained from the girls face. An overwhelming feeling of sadness surged through Silvestre but she quickly changed the subject. 

"There's a new boy, Milo I believe is his name, anything worth knowing?" Silvestre asked, attempting to keep a casual tone. 

"I 'ear he works at the blacksmiths." Answered Cook.

"Run away, I heard." Added Florette. 

"Tried stealin' bread or somethin' , Prince Albert locked him up" 

"Nah, I thought 'e was in the stocks?" 

"Anyone know where I can find him?"  questioned Silvestre. 

"At the grooms" 

"The blacksmiths" 

"The inn." 

"Great. Thanks guys" Silvestre chuckled as she opened the back door, leading through the alleyway, out of the castle and into the city. Seems like Silvestre would have to scour the city searching for Milo...