"Now, now, Gisborne, who should be my guest of honor at the joust today, hmm?"
Guy leaned against the side of the sheriff's desk as he looked over his guest list again. "Why not Lady Kensington?"
"Because she is married you dolt!" The sheriff smacked the desk irritably. "I need someone unhinged!" He took a deep swig of wine. "Ah, yes, here we go. Lady Faelyn of la-di-da-di land. Give her a note telling her she is my guest of honor tonight. Make sure you please her, Gisborne, I'd like her all nice and buttered up for tonight."
"Yes my lord." Guy stomped off, riding spurs clinking.
He found Lady Faelyn's quarters easily enough and knocked smartly upon the door. "Lady Faelyn, a message from the sheriff." He called in through the door. There was shuffling inside and the door was opened by a servant. He stooped under the doorway and began relaying his note. "Lady Faelyn you are requested at the side of the sheriff this afternoon as his-You!"
The troublesome maiden from earlier stood with arms crossed in the center of her room, tapping her foot impatiently. "Yes, I. Are you going to stand there gaping at me like a frog or do you have something to say?"
Guy's jaws snapped shut. "You are Lady Faelyn?"
"I am. You have not introduced yourself as of yet though it is our third meeting." Faelyn straightened to appear as tall as possible as he approached slowly. She felt so tiny under his blue gaze.
"Sir Guy of Gisborne." He bowed dramatically, eyes never leaving hers. "At your service."
"Lady Faelyn of Amberly. At yours." She curtsied with equal flourish. They straightened simultaneously, just staring at one another. Finally, Gisborne smirked.
"You're quite a lot of trouble."
"Thank you." Faelyn returned his look, eyes glittering. "Now what was it you were sent here to say?"
Guy sneered. "You are to be the sheriff's special guest of honor at the joust this afternoon."
Faelyn mulled this information over. "Alright, fine."
Guy snorted. "It's not a choice." He spun on his heel and strode out of the room, remembering just in time to duck under the doorway.
Faelyn fell onto her bed in a fit of laughter. "Did you see his face Cherry? What I'd give to see that shocked expression again!"
Cherry shot her a frown of disapproval. She was mastering that look, thought Faelyn. "Which dress m'lady?" she asked in a stern voice.
"Oh, how about the cream one? I'll wear my silver necklace, my hair up in that pretty little bun thing you do, and my silver belt."
Cherry stared at her. "You want me to put your hair up?"
"Just for the joust!"
Cherry frowned more deeply and did as she was bade.
...
The midday sun shone brightly in a sky of endless blue. A slight breeze ruffled the banners but failed to serve any purpose of cooling. Most of the guests were already seated when the sheriff, Guy, and Marian took their places. The sheriff shooed Guy from his chair.
"Where do you think my guest of honor is to sit?"
"But then where will I sit my lord?"
"Oh stop whining Gisborne. Just stand there for all I care. Lady Faelyn! You look a vision!"
Guy had resolved to completely ignore Faelyn, but he turned to look automatically. She was indeed a vision. Her crocheted dress was a lovely cream, her hair nearly all held up in a bun with a few strands waving lazily in the weak breeze. When the sun shone on her she glowed. He swallowed.
"Thank you my lord. I was quite flattered at your summons. To think you'd notice me."
"Ah ha ha! Yes, well, it's just for today mind you." The sheriff motioned for her to sit and took to his own, calling for wine.
Guy had absolutely no idea what made him do it, he must have been out of his senses, but just as Faelyn stepped up to her seat he held out his hand to help her. She looked to him with surprise and their gazes locked.
"Come on then, let's get started!" The sheriff shouted joyously, completely oblivious.
Faelyn quickly took her seat. She clasped her hands together and concentrated on steadying her breathing.
Guy stood stiffly behind her. Why had he done that? What a stupid thing to do! He shifted. This was going to be a long day, standing in the sun in all black leather. He mentally berated himself. He'd been through worse. Far worse. This was just another day in hell. Nothing new.
He steadied himself and prepared his resolution. But then, that scent...The tiny breeze picked up and threw a faceful of perfume at him. What was that smell? Something sweet? Sugar? No, sweeter smelling. Wildflowers? No, more specific. It reminded him of something...something pleasant.
The wind picked up again and he breathed deeply. So beautiful. And then he realized with a start that the scent was emanating from Faelyn. He watched her curiously. Who was this woman? She gave him an uneasy feeling in his stomach.
Sir Guy did not watch the joust at all. He spent the entire time staring at Faelyn and pondering. What was that scent? Why did she make him so...so...What was that feeling? Almost like being sick after bad meat, but different.
She intrigued him. Yes, that was it. That must be it. She ate differently from other women, she didn't care about her dress. And she had the gall to take an attitude with him! That must be it! She was just different and that intrigued him. Well not for long. All new things wear off in time.
"Gisborne! Fetch water! Don't just stand there looking stupid!"
Guy jumped in alarm. Water? What had happened? Was there a fire?