Caswyn watched as the Knights sparred competitively on the training field. She always looked forward to this time of year when the tournament came around. She loved to stand beside the armor tents just out of sight watching the men practice battling.
One knight in particular was her favorite. He was tall in comparison to her; he was very handsome with a well chiseled jaw line and nose. His arms were powerful and he had large hands.
She observed him swing his huge claymore to block and parry his opponents’ blows and attacks, each time sending the rival knight buckling backwards against the force. Caswyn blushed shyly when contemplating his strength and prowess.
Suddenly the knights stopped fighting which was a sign that this training session was finished. Sir Trewen tossed his large broadsword to the ground and wiped his sweat soaked brow with the end of his red cloak. He started toward the armor tents, which sent Caswyn into a panic. She quickly turned and nearly tripped as she attempted to bolt. Her clumsy move knocked a nearby armor rack ajar causing Trewen to flick his gaze toward where she was. He peered inquisitively at the now empty spot beside the tents. Caswyn had a strong liking of Sir Trewen but was very shy and reserved. In addition, she felt unworthy of his attention if he were to ever give it to her, because she was a peasant with no royal bloodline, while Trewen was one of the King’s knights. Caswyn’s escape was successful and she was able to evade the knight’s sight for now. He quickly turned away intent on getting refreshment for his parched mouth.
Caswyn stayed low to the ground until she did not see Trewen anymore. She had an idea of how she might be able to speak to him. Caswyn then headed straight for the marketplace to pick up some sort of gift or trinket he might find worthy. She grasped her coin pouch and browsed the vendors. Some were selling expensive cloaks and tunics, others sold bronze wares, dishes and chalices, While many sold food and spices. A small dragon shaped brooch caught Caswyn’s eye. She ran over and asked the merchant: “Sir, how much for yon dragon brooch?” The merchant replied “yon brooch will be 20 shillings.” Caswyn dug into her pouch and took out all of her coin. “Will this do?” she asked. The merchant scratched his chin and nodded. “sure that should do.” He took her money and handed her the brooch. It was smooth, made of hammered bronze. She held it and took a look at it closely. She prayed that it would be a worthy token of affection for Trewen. She rushed through the crowd of shoppers toward the practice field. She scanned the field for the knight but strangely did not see him. Then all of a sudden she felt someone behind her, turning around abruptly only to find Sir trewen towering over her. “Greetings, fair maiden.” he said calmly and smoothly. His voice sent her hurtling to the ground, landing on her rear, heart racing like a warhorse running toward battle. she took a few seconds to catch her consciousness and her vision slowly cleared. Trewen then leaned forward and lent her his hand. “well young lass, are you going to speak or did I scare you so?” Caswyn gulped. “y- yes Sir.” she managed. “I am much sorry.” Trewen laughed. “no needeth to be sorry ” he said “it seemeth I am the one who shouldst be sorry to thee”
Caswyn allowed a small smile. “indeed.” she said “thou literally giveth me a heart seizure.” Do you always sneak up on people like that?
“Not always.” he said in all seriousness. “Just the maiden who seemeth to fancy watching me practice.” Immediately aware that he knew she watched him she blushed. “Oh!” she exclaimed suddenly.
“ I have but a small gift for you. “ “A Gift?” He raised one eyebrow inquisitively. “Ye-yes, its right here!” She dug into her pouch and pulled the small brooch out of it. The bronze piece with the intricately detailed dragon caught Trewen’s eye. The dragon held in its foreclaws a large sword. “I much fancy it miss!” He exclaimed and held out his hand. She nervously dropped the brooch into it. Unsure what to say for her words were still failing her, she simply gazed upward at his face. He was indeed more handsome up close than she had realized when observing him from afar. She was perplexed at his attractiveness. He had a ruggedness about him that was tempered by nobility. His face looked as if it had been sculpted by a skilled craftsman, and indeed it had been by The Lord. His height went a good 5 inches above hers which forced her to look up at him. She sat speechless staring at him for a good few seconds before he pulled her to him in a tight embrace. “Miss I believe your name has evaded me”. He said cooly, Wouldst thou please give me the honor in knowing it? She gasped and caught her breath. “its Ca-Caswyn!” she said a with a little too much emphasis. Trewen chuckled lightheartedly still clutching her in his arms. “Well, Ca-Caswyn, it is indeed most certainly a pleasure to meet your company.” “My name is Sir Trewen.” She of course caught his name many times while watching him on the field but she decided to play all the less knowing. “Trewen,” she said. “It is wonderful to know you bett-I mean know you as well.” He smiled mischievously. I Thank you for the gift lass, he told her. “But I must say I have nothing of such to give you I am afraid.” “The real shame is that such a piece had to have cost you all the coin you had.” he said regretfully, “However, I can give you this”. He said as he lifted her up into his arms and planted his lips onto hers in a kiss that to her seemed to last an eternity. She was breathless and truly believed she would faint for sure. He sat her on her feet again and she swerved. He said to her in a casual tone, “See, That’s all I have, miss, I doubt it came anywhere close to what you have given me.” She exclaimed breathlessly “No it is way better my lord!” He smiled and offered her his hand. “Caswyn, fairest, what dost thou say about accompanying me for my next training session, this time you can have a real view of the action, much better than behind a dodgy armor tent, aye?” Caswyn’s eyes widened. Of-of course my lord Trewen! She shrilled. She took his hand and he led her to the large open field near his training spot as they walked hand in hand together. Caswyn smiled thinking to herself how blessed she was to win the favor of Sir Trewen, and a kiss from him too.
The end.
Casey F.
The Wallflower Pendragon 