Tales from Royaume

Gwynevere of Lillia

White blossoms float through the air, falling gently at Gwynevere's feet. "Gwen!" she glances up, dropping the flower chain she had been working on. "Rosie?"

She tilts her head as she speaks, a thick accent that seems unfit to come from such a small woman. "'es here, Arthur's arrived 'erly!"

" Already? I thought it t'was another week before e'd arrive!" Gwynevere stands, dropping the flower chain as she runs to the edge of the road.

"T'was s'posed to be! Rumor 'as it that Arthurs 'ere fer you!" The girl bites her lip as they begin to make their way down the warm brick road towards the center of town.

"Fer me? Rosie, you mustn't jest like that! There's no way 'ed come all the way from Edinbrough jus fer me," A light blush forms across Gwynevere's face. "Most likely 'ere to deliver the goods erly."

"Gwen yer blushin! You do fancy 'em don't ya?" Rosie cups Gwynevere's face, grinning. "Why else'd you be makin that flower crown, eh?"

"Well fer fun of course! Not everythins got to be about finding a suitor, Rosie. I'm not ready ta settle down, still got me whole life ahead." Gwynevere tucks a loose curl behind her ear as the pair enters the town. A large wagon drawn by two white horses sits surrounded by their fellow halflings. Next to the wagon stands a tall human man, laughing and drinking along with the townsfolk.

"There 'e is! You should say somethin to 'em while you've the chance!" Rosie gently nudges Gwynevere's arm.

"Rosie I told ya I am jus not ready yet!"

Gwynevere and Rosie stand on the edges of the crowd, listening to Arthur speak. "There I was, facing down the largest orc I'd ever seen! I was weaponless and cornered. As the orc approached, swinging his mighty sword down upon me-" Arthur lunges towards the crowd as he continues. "Bam! I rolled out of the way, the sword shattering against the rock behind me!"

The children squeal as he continues. "I stumble to me feet just as the orc charges towards me! I look around frantically, searching for something-anything- I could use as a weapon." Arthur picks up a stick from the ground, tossing it to one of the halflings before picking up one for himself. He motions for the halfling to swing at him. "I grabbed a tree branch from off the ground, just as the orc lunged at me with his broken sword."

The halfling lunges towards him, swinging the branch as he does. Arthur blocks just in time as he continues his story. "Using only the tree branch I fought the Orc back, knocking his blade from his hand!" Arthur knocks the tree branch from the halfling's hand before I ran him through with his own sword." The crowd erupts into cheers as he drops both branches, taking a bow.

He stands, his eyes landing on Gwynevere. A small smile crosses his face. "Ah, excuse me, friends, I must attend to some personal business." Arthur makes his way through the crowd towards Gwynevere and Rosie.

"Arthur! So good ta see ya!" Rosie curtseys, smacking Gwynevere's arm as she does so. "Rosie...Gwynevere...It's been too long." Arthur takes each of their hands. He bows before placing a kiss to each of their hands.

"Hello, Arthur." Gwynevere gives him a small smile before taking back her hand. "Yer here 'erly."Arthur rubs the back of his neck, a slight blush creeping onto his cheeks. "If it's not too forward of me, Gwynevere, may I speak to you in private?"

Gwynevere takes a step back, running a hand through her dark curls. "I-I s'pose that'd be fine...Arthur," He smiles and takes her hand, leading her away from the crowd.

"Gwynevere, I have something I must ask. No longer can I keep my feelings hidden," He pauses, tucking a strand of hair behind Gwyneveres ear. "I've known now for quite some time, that I have deep feelings for you. It would mean the world to me...if you'd allow me to court you."Gwynevere lets out a shaky breath. "Arthur...I just knew ya were goin to say that. I cannot accept yer courtship offer. I'm sorry," she pulls her hand away.

"I figured you'd say that. But it's alright, I know you feel as though you're not ready for something like this. I promise you, Gwynevere of Lillia I will wait until you are ready." Arthur bows to her, placing a gentle kiss on her hand before turning away.

"Arthur I appreciate yer offer but I do not share your feelings." She bites her lip, walking past him and back to the crowd.

"Did 'e ask?" Rosie grabs onto Gwyneveres arm, following her towards the tavern.

"Unfortunately 'e did. I told 'em I could not return 'is feelins. Seemed to take it pretty well,"

"What did 'e say?"

"That 'ed wait til I was ready." Gwynevere sighs, shaking her head. "But I do not think I'll ever be ready ta settle down with the likes of 'im,"

"Never mind that, lass. I'm sure 'e will move on an find some other girl ta fancy!" Rosie grins, handing Gwynevere a pint of ale. "As ye said, we're still young!"

"As is the night!" The two clink glasses before taking a drink.

"I 'eard some high and mighty dwarf king is comin through here soon," Rosie leans across the table, grinning. "Folks are sayin 'es looking for someone to join his company."

"A dwarf? Looking for adventurers in Lillia?" Gwynevere nearly falls from her chair laughing. "No one round 'ere would take any interest in that."

Rosie laughs, taking another drink of ale. "That's what I said when I first 'eard the news! No halfling round these parts would be willin to risk their lives fighting orcs in other kingdoms!"

Gwynevere nods. "Then again...I've always dreamt of leaving Lillia. Goin on adventures, seein the rest of Royaume! Just imagine- comin back home a hero...the choice of any man in Lillia!""Now that would be somethin, the day when you finally court and settle down! I best be around to see that," the girls chuckle to themselves as the sun sets beyond the horizon.