My Dearest Lady Cotton

Ship Away

  She earnestly wrapped the scarf around his neck, a somber sigh leaving her lips. The tall Knight adjusted his fur cloak with a tender smile, disregarding the summer winds aggressively brushing against his face. Behind them, a large ship filled with cargo swayed back and forth upon the frothy waves.

   "Do you really have to go..?" Says the lavender woman, heart sinking into the ground as she gazed into her Husband's handsome face.

   "I must." He sighs, ruffling his silver locks.

   It was another sunny day in the Kingdom of Icetonia. But not a happy one. Puffy clouds drifted above, looming over the couple stalling by the docks. Cotton gripped the red and orange fabric between her fingers tightly. She was sick of it. Over and over they requested him like no one else mattered. Just why? Why couldn't it be anyone else?

   Almost as if sensing her dilemma, Louis gently lifts her chin, bemused of her mirthless expression. "My Honeydew, do not--"

   "--Fret." She seethed, her calm ocean hues now a stormy grey as her shoulders shook with misery. "You are sailing away through the Thorn Beast's Pass! How could I not be?"

   The Thorn Beast's Pass. Such terror that single phrase brought into the eyes of the sailors. The jagged stones and whirlpools within the chaotic waves was what brought the name about. One single puncture of those rocks can sink the whole ship into its blue depths. There were many popular beliefs of the area, and one tells of a ferocious sea creature who lives under the pass.

   So why wouldn't she worry? Her own irreplaceable, precious Husband was going on a whole journey to protect these merchants through such a place. Cotton shakily breathes. And do not fret he says! What nonsense does he think he's spouting?! The thought of her Knight in Shining Armor drowning scared her to bits. Clutching her lover, the lavender haired woman leaned into his chuckling chest with frustration. Her eyes watering at the single image haunting her visage.

   How dare he laugh! Her conscious shouts, angry and upset upon her Husband's amusement. Can he not see how scared I am for him?

   The silver haired man reached down and affectionately rubbed the top of her head. As he spoke, his soft whisper filled her ears with warmth and adoration. Blue meeting blue, Louis brought a gloved hand upon her tear stained cheeks. He sighs, lovingly wrapping his large arms around her whimpering form. "I will be alright. I will return. Have faith." He promised, tucking a crumbled parchment into her dress pocket.

   Faith. Have faith indeed. How could she when he might never return? It was hard enough with all the duties dumped into his hands. How dare he tell her to just wait?

   A gurgle of distress caught in her throat as another wave of tears flowed from her. She couldn't bear the thought of his death, or his disappearance. She hoped he would return safe and sound as he says. The Summer Festival was in one week. If he doesn't come back in time for the festivities... What would she do?

   Lifting his head, he pecked her scrunched brows. "It is only for a few days. I promise to return. Besides, we all have a special enchantment to help us." Removing himself from her trembling body, he wiped her tears and pulls out an Enchanted Blue Lace Agate, cut like a seashell and sparkling like the sea. "Many sailors use this Enchantment to help guide them through the Thorn Beast's Pass. And they all lived."

   Louis hung the necklace over his neck, tucking it under his scarf. "We'll be alright My Dear. You just wait and see." She sniffled despondently, eagerly meeting the Knight's sweet comforting kiss. Their lips lingering upon each other's far longer then the sailors wanted.

   The bell of departure rung. Knights and trading merchants boarded the readied ship as her husband waved a final goodbye. Cotton watched in despair when he made his way up the wooden planks, a pessimistic frown coating her hopeful face.

   Oh Stars, she prayed he would be alright. She pleaded that Enchantment would do its job and protect them. It's been years since anyone has ever attempted to ride along the Thorn Beast's Pass. The lavender lass could only hold desperately onto his promise, watching as the ship rang it's final bell in departure.

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My Dearest Lady Cotton,

   It gives me great joy to see how much you care for me. I cannot help but wipe my own tears when I see your somber face wave goodbye before every mission. How I wish her Majesty would prolong the days before the Journey, but such a wish is forbidden for this job. For without it's Knights, who would be guarding your loveliness from harm?

   My darling, do not fret. I will return, please. Have faith in me. In us. The charm will protect us. I promise. So please my Sweet Honeydew, continue to smile even after I return. I will be back for the Summer Festival. I promise you.

Forever Yours,

Your Handsome Husband in Shining Armor,

Louis.