Fallen From Grace

Part 2

Emilia and Bash were inseparable from that point on. When she wasn't with her father she was with him. He was patient with her as she asked her many questions and as she tried to learn the things he know. He taught her how to track, hunt, and even using the bow, which she found she was rather good at. Bash's half-brother Francis would often ask her why he would teach her the activities meant for a boy and Bash would always respond with a "Why not."

"If she is willing to learn then what is the harm?" He would ask his brother only to be met with a shake of his head and leaving them in peace. In truth Francis was never unkind to her just slightly indifference. He had more things to worry about than his older brothers little friend. It really didn't bother her she just wished he wouldn't dismiss her so quickly. This just made her more determined to learn, more determined to prove them all wrong. Seeing her determination made Bash more willing to tell her anything she wanted to know. Then one day she finally got up enough courage to ask him how to fight. She wanted to learn to use the sword, how to defend herself. She knew someday she would need this skill if nothing else then to secure her survival. When she had asked him he had been hesitant at first.

"Why do you want to learn princess?" No matter how many times she had asked him not to he still called her princess.

"I need to know so that I can defend myself." She said trying not to get angry. He had never told her no before and it bothered her. Seeing he riled her up he flashed her, his dangerously dashing smile and added.

"So I take it once you know then you won't need me anymore." She suddenly had a slight panic attack at thought of Bash no longer being there. Seeing the sudden change in her face he quickly dropped the smile and looked down at her. He was so tall she had to crank her neck to look him in the eye. She we determined not to let him see that this bothered her. Unfortunately he was the only one who was ever able to read her guarded expression.

"Have no fear, sweet girl. You shall always have me. I will always protect you. But if you must learn than I would rather it was taught by me. If it wasn't me you would find someone else and that just will not do." He gave her a soft smile as her mood lightened considerably.

"I'm sure someday, some beautiful royal will sweep you away and I will need to be my own protector." Before he could respond in protest she answered with a sly smile. "Do you realize that even now girls at court are hatching plans on how to snag the kings beloved bastard son as a potential husband?" His brow creased due to the sudden frown of disgust which caused her in turn to let out a laugh. She then couldn't help but add. "Even my dear sister Brigitte has expressed interest in your hand." She then tried to dart away as he made a grab for her in retaliation, but didn't quite move quickly enough as he grabbed her waist from behind. Throwing her in the air she landed in a soft hay stack only for him to dive in afterwards. The air was filled with their squeals, giggles and laughter. As he made a grab for her again only to have her twist from him so that she was able to stand behind him. Before he could react she grabbed a handful of hay only to shove it down the back of his shirt. He yelled in protest only to set herself into another fit of giggles as he jumped around trying to dislodge it. Once done he looked down at her as she lay in the hay.

"You are a spirited little imp aren't you?"

"Well it is said that my mother was truly crazy, as wild as the moors themselves."

"Well like mother, like daughter I suppose." He said laughing as he dropped down beside her.

"I'm not sure if that should be considered an insult or a compliment."

"Why a compliment of course. It makes you more fun." He said as he looked down at her. His eyes full of mischief and teasing. She matched his smile and they both flopped back into the soft hay as they stared up at the clouds that were moving very slowly in the late summer afternoon. They were silent for a bit, just enjoying being in each other's company and the warm summer air. In her thirteen years she had never felt this relaxed, this comfortable and this safe. It would be quite some time before she felt this way again. Suddenly Bash broke the silence.