My Dearest Lady Cotton

To Be, or Not to Be?

   Dumping water into the cauldron, Cotton stirred a pot of ingredients fitting for winter squash soup. With little excited jumps to her steps, she removed the vegetable from it's corner in her kitchen, eager to finish the meal and prepare for her Husband's return.

   This time, she was sure. Cotton was sure that he wouldn't be late. Her giddy smile broadened at the image of her Handsome Knight sitting across from her, devouring the dinner she lovingly made for him.

   Wiping her brow, her ocean hues set themselves over the setting sun, watching the light dim under the dark night. It wouldn't be long until he arrived, she better hurry. Sharpening a dull knife against an iron surface, she speedily chopped away at the vegetable, failing to hear the sounds of rapid tapping over her humming.

   Peacefully plopping pieces of winter squash into the mix, her soul lurched against her lithe chest, quivering and heaving in bewilderment from the frantic pommeling that resounded against the cracking entrance.

   Ignoring the fallen basket of Sudland cabbages and the bottle of rare Estland spices, which rolled between her shaking legs, the young wife stared aghast at the slightly crooked door where a middle aged man heaved from outside. 

  What had he done?! Now the house had frosty wind seeping into the warm apartment, what was she to do? And who was this stranger??

   "Miss Cotton! 'Tis an urgent matter!" A thick accented voice screamed from the now splitting door frame, huffing and puffing from the sudden strength they used. Carefully setting aside her chopped squash onto the wooden counter, said lass briskly walked towards the cold breeze angrily, quite peeved that someone had barged in without any manners. And breaking her door for that matter.

  What urgent news could there be? She was in the middle of preparing dinner for her hungry Husband, who no doubt was starving and cold from his Knightly duties! And now look-- there was a giant crack groaning within the old wood!

   Opening her mouth to scold the fellow, Cotton jolted back as the man practically slammed the rugged thing further. Now that she looked closer to the rugged man, he seemed a little familiar. The shaven beard...his long hair tied into a braid... Yes! Now she recognized him! The lad was usually with her Husband during his breaks or.. helping him instructing the newest recruits.

   What made Sir Elsker come all the way here? Especially in that state? Had..had something happened?

   "It's Sir Louis!" He exclaimed breathlessly, his bloodied fingers gripping the splintered hinges of the heavy entrance, wood chips digging into his nails. "He asked me to get ye!"

   At the notion of her Husband, the lilac haired maiden felt her stomach drop to the floor. Quickly springing into attention, she abandoned the plans for a romantic dinner and pulled on her shawl and gloves, her pulse racing at the thought of anything terrible happening to the Knight.

   "What happened?? Tell me now!"

   "We ain't got no time, hurry Missy!"

   As they both dashed towards the biggest clinic in the City, the frigid Icetonian frost swirling in the air rushed past her senses, leaving the young wife, perhaps even Widow, numb with chills of fear and deviation. Was he alright? Was he breathing?? Oh she hopped he wasn't in any pain! Death couldn't take him! Especially now!

   Little weak throbs hammered against the cage of her chest, desperately pleading that her Knight had not danced with death. Sweaty fists bundling into her dress, she raised the fabric higher to push herself faster towards the infirmary.

   Oh Louis please live! Please be alive and well! She prayed, stinging tears springing at the thought of his sparkling and mirthful sky colored hues fading into the void. Please, don't go! Don't leave me alone! Stay alive!