Disclaimer: Don't own so don't sue.

A/N: You guys rock! Thanks to all who reviewed! Borrowed the term "the Thorn" from Crown Duel (or Court Duel). I think all SS readers can all guess what the next drabble will be called!


Prompt: The Thorn

Gary of Naxen bowed elaborately to the lady and raised her gloved hand to his lips in a kiss. "Lady Roxanne," he murmured, his keen brown eyes veiled but his low voice admiring. "The roses pale in comparison to your lips." And you certainly have a sharper thorn for a tongue than any rose! he added inwardly, then reminded himself that ten gold nobles were at stake here, and gave the lady a charming smile. "Would you care to take a stroll in the gardens with me?"

Lady Roxanne of Elden - more commonly known as the Thorn - nodded brusquely, obviously flattered by the squire's attentions but not particularly willing to admit it. "Fine," she replied brusquely. "If I must."

The squire winced. He was going to have to kiss this holy terror? Gary sure didn't want to think about that. He was pretty sure that even Roxanne wouldn't kill Duke Gareth's son, but that wasn't very reassuring: Duke Gareth would probably skin him alive if Roxanne didn't kill him. The things I do for money and pride.

Once they reached the garden, Lady Roxanne turned on Gary, hands on hips. "Alright, Gareth, we're at the garden. What do you want?"

"I only wanted to admire your beauty by moonlight, but I find that the moon dulls in comparison to your radiance," murmured Gary in a silken voice. He could swear that a blush appeared on Lady Roxanne's cheeks. Taking his advantage - and praying to Mithros that they would find his will later - he moved closer to the lady.

Unfortunately, he tripped on a pebble and stumbled forward toward Lady Roxanne so that his mouth accidentally bumped against hers, before he crashed into her and they both tumbled to the ground, Gary still on top of Lady Roxanne.

The said lady screamed and slapped him hard on both cheeks. "You - you dog!" she screamed, whacking him as hard as she could, struggling to sit up. "Get OFF of me!"

A blush suffused Gary's cheeks as he hastily sprang up and offered the lady his hand. She grabbed it and hoisted herself up, then slapped him hard again. Gary groaned inwardly. He was never going to live this down.

At least I'll get the gold nobles.