What Is A Youth?

Capulets and a Joust

Everyone started laughing and clapped as Mercutio and I returned to a relaxed standing position. I looked over and Benvolio's stormy grayish-blue eyes met with my deep brown ones as we smiled. At that moment I felt as if I was in trance and my heart stopped if not for a moment before the spell was broken. 

"Well do the two lovebirds need a room?" Mercutio chuckled patting my back as both Benvolio and my cheeks became a blazing red and we turned our heads downward with shy smiles adorning our faces. Though slightly embarrassed we snuck glances at each other until we raised our heads once again to meet with the others.

Romeo started the conversation with, "So Mercutio are you nervous about the tournament today?"

"Why would I be nervous? Tybalt is about as scary as a kitten and rides just about as well as a child."

I butted in saying, "And I'm sure he would say the same for you Mercutio. Though there is the possibility that he would go even further to say that you are like an ant. Simple and not in the least bit dangerous. Also, very easy to squish and conquer."

"Oh really? And what do you say, cousin?"

"I say that you both portray certain traits that will lead to success if used properly as well as traits that shall lead to your demise in this competition."

"So you're saying you don't believe I stand a chance against Tybalt in this competition?"

"I never spoke those words nor so much as hinted at the statement which has come from your mouth."

I felt Benvolio's kind eyes and smile never once leave me throughout this conversation between older and younger cousin. As I turned to look at Adriana who was about to speak I met his eye again and we smiled in recognition before turning our attention to Adriana.

"So I heard that there are rumors in which Tybalt Capulet is to choose you as the lady in which he shall compete for the hand of against Mercutio."

I chuckled and replied, "Well if he approaches me and asks those words I shall kindly accept for it shall not confirm anything official. To say the least, I am quite sure that Tybalt can wait a bit longer for his ambitions for me which practically the whole city is aware of."

Benvolio finally spoke in his soft, kind voice, "Alessandra, are you fond of Tybalt?"

"If you speak of love then no. At least not as much as a certain other at this very moment."

We both smiled and gazed into each other's eyes before I asked, "May I enquire to anyone as to the time?"

"I believe it is about an hour until the tournament," Adriana replied.

"Well then, I promised Juliet that I would accompany her to the tournament field and Mercutio needs enough time to retrieve his armor and steed. I presume that I shall see all of you at the event?"

"Of course!" Adriana replied.

"I shall be there as well to support Mercutio," Benvolio replied. Even though his statement was simple and only held Mercutio's name in it I knew in the way he looked back at me that he would be looking for me in the stands beside my uncle as well.

Romeo quickly asked me as I turned to leave, "While you are at the Capulet household. Could you possibly do me the favor of possibly saying hello to Rosaline for me?"

I smiled and replied, "I will make sure to follow through with your wishes, Romeo."

Romeo's love for Rosaline was in vain and we all knew it including him for she had followed the path of the goddess of the hunt Artemis and refused to involve let alone love any man in her life because she is to take on the role of a nun in the monastery.