Page 22 of Chivalry in the Meadow
“Did you discover anything while I was gone?” Lilly asked. “Sorry I took so long.”
“I was enjoying the fountain when Sir Cedric surprised me,” Mia said, blushing.
Lilly’s jaw dropped. “Really? The minute I step away.”
“Really.” Mia said, smiling.
“Well, what did he say?” Lilly’s eyes lit with excitement. “And how did he surprise you?”
“He came up behind me. Maybe he followed us,” Mia said.
“And what did he say?” Lilly asked again.
“He called me fair Lady of Flame.”
“I leave you for five seconds.” Lilly shook her head. “And a handsome knight finds you.”
Mia smiled. “It seems so.”
“Five seconds.” Lilly threw her hands up. “And he’s already nicknamed you”
Mia giggled.
“He said my hair was like coals before they spark, or a sunset that refuses to end.”
Lilly lifted the ends of Mia’s hair. “You do have glorious hair. He’s not wrong.”
Mia tipped her head, looking down at the wavy red tresses.
“I keep telling you that,” Lilly said. “Now maybe you’ll believe me.”
“He said something about our eyes meeting, and that the best things begin in mystery.”
“Your eyes did meet,” Lilly said with a nod. “I saw it.”
Mia smiled and ate another chip.
They began walking away from the public areas, strolling slow as they nibbled.
“Did you see any knights?” Mia asked.
“No,” Lilly said. “But I was told there’s a knight’s circle, where they hang out at night.”
“Where?” Mia asked.
“I don’t know,” Lilly said. “Did you see any other knights?”
“No,” Mia said. “But I think they’re all tall. Sir Cedric must be over six foot.”
“More?” Lilly asked, holding the paper bowl of food out.
“No thanks.” Mia shook her head. “I’m full.”
Lilly finished her food as they walked around seeing how evening at a Ren Faire looked.
They bought cups of hot apple cider before looking for the knight’s circle.
Night fell soft over the encampment, the air warm for spring and edged with the cool scent of cut grass and woodsmoke. Torches lined the paths between the tents, their flames wavering in the light breeze.
