Cain POV
"Do you have everything you need?" I watch Eirik as he fixes a few other things within his tent.
"Yes, I've got everything I need. What about you? Do you have all that you need?"
"Yea." I turn to where my tent stands. Both of our tents are set up and darkened enough so that we will be safe from any sunlight during the day. "Still think we should have gotten one of the larger cabins. We could take better care of the sun that way."
"True but we are suppose to be reliving the good ole days. Living out in the encampment. Among other knights. Though, these humans never held such titles as us." We both laugh. We each have held just about every title there is to hold within a European court. All but royalty that is. "So do you know anything about where Lilianna and Miss Alora went to for their week off?"
"Not even a hint. Need some help there?" Eirik is getting done up in his armor. "We are due in the lists soon."
"Yes, and yes I know we are."
Walking over I give him a hand getting ready. He decided to use my wolf armor and I brought my armor. I help him finish getting dressed and get everything in place. "That should be everything. Come on or we are going to be late."
"Should I ask for a maiden's favor or are they not doing that here?"
"You know the people that are here. You didn't ask anyone?"
"No, not really. I just let them know that me and a close friend wanted to join in the jousting and sword fight. That they needed to be prepared and have a place for the two of us. Don't worry I'm the only one going into the sword. You are just jousting."
"Do you want your hair braided or do you want it left to fly about?"
"Just leave it be for now. It shouldn't be too difficult to manage. But I have to say, you look rather dashing with your long locks once more. Do you miss your hair being this long?"
Rolling my eyes I turn to face the mirror hanging in his tent. "At times I do, yes, but I don't miss what it took to maintain it." I pull the length over my shoulder and quickly braid it. Tying it off, I toss it back over my back.
We leave our tents, climb on our horses, and make our way to arena. Eirik had suggested a few cosmetic changes to ourselves. Somehow or another he talked me into getting extensions. Saying we would blend in better with the others, and to get us into the spirit of the old days. After all both of us had long hair back in the earlier centuries. Of course, I kept my hair silver. He changed his to a dark black cherry red. I laughed at him while we were getting our hair done. Teasing him about dying his hair. Though honestly, it does suit him better. We both agreed that we would wear a covering over our mouths to not only keep out any dirt, but also to help hide our identities should anyone we know show up.
As we ride through the crowds, we garner a few stares from the women attending. I'm assuming because of the hair, horses, and overall mysterious appearance. A man approaches Eirik and I can see that's Henry. Catching up to Eirik I pull down my covering. "Good evening Henry. What are you doing here? I figured you'd be up north taking care of Enigma."
"I was. I wanted to come down and see this for myself. I thought Eirik was joking when he said the two of you were jousting in a ren faire." He looks between the two of us. "I stand corrected. Though this is quiet hilarious. Too bad Lili can't see you like this. She would die laughing her ass off."
"It's no different than in the earlier centuries. If I recall you would beg Eirik to teach you how to joust and swordfight." I jest with him as I look around. We are close to the arena. I can see people starting to gather, taking their seats.
Henry rolls his eyes at me. Eirik and he both converse more. Sage, my stallion, is becoming more agitated. Wanting to move around. "I'm going to take Sage for a trot around the faire. He's getting agitated."
"That's fine just don't be late. You know where you stand in the lists. I'll see you on the field."
Without another word I take Sage and head off into the actual ren faire. Sage is happy just to be moving again. After being cooped up in the trailer he wants to stretch his legs. We ride around the faire without any problems. Stopping every so often to let some girl or child pet him. Of course, he eats up the attention like any other male would. He had good taste and liked certain women that would pet him. Though, he loved children. Being very gentle when they are around him, and there are plenty of children around the faire.
The two of us walking around I note a blond and red head that make my heart stop. It's Lilianna and Alora at a stall that is selling crowns, tiaras, and circlets. They are laughing and trying on different types of headpieces. The sound of Alora's laughter is like honey on a warm day. She is happy, and so beautiful. She is wearing a dress styled after the actual middle ages. A long gown, dark green in color. It sits just off her shoulders. Trimmed in a rich fox fur around the top, bottom, and along the opening of the trumpet sleeves. She is truly a vision to behold.
To my surprise Lilianna is in full armor. It looks like a dragon on her armor. It looks like real armor made for her. I'm both impressed and surprised. Turning my attentions back to Alora. Looking at her in the gown reminds me so much of Airianna. My hand goes the choker around my neck. Airianna's circlet. A light goes off. I make sure my 'mask' is in place and nudge Sage over to where they are.
"Excuse me ladies. Miss…." I dismount from Sage. Walking up to Alora, taking her hand and kissing it lightly. "I'm Lord Cain. I think this would be most beautiful on you." I take off the choker and put it around Alora's head. As soon as I step back, it's like I'm taken back to the 13th century. It's like Airianna is standing in front of me. "There…a perfect princess."
"Alora, my name is Alora." She pauses for a moment. "Thank you sir, but I couldn't except something so beautiful." She reaches up to take it off.
"No, no Miss. It suits you so well." I caress her cheek. She gives me a full genuine smile. It reaches her ears. She's so beautiful.
"Sir, please. This looks expensive. Let me pay you for it at least." Sage nudges me. "He's a beautiful horse." She walks over and starts petting and scratching between his ears.
"His name is Sage." Paying attention to how the two interact.
"Please, at least let me pay you for the beautiful circlet." She starts digging into her little bag.
Taking her hands I smile. She truly is beautiful. " Miss please don't worry about."
"No please let me pay you back."
"Miss if you want to pay me back, come watch me at the joust, and let me wear your favor."
"My favor?" the look on her face says it all.
"Alora, a favor is when a 'maiden' gives a knight a piece of fabric to wear into battle or a jousting tournament." Lilianna comes to the rescue. She looks me up and down and arches her eyebrow at me. "Do I know you?"
Trumpets sound off in the distant. "Excuse me ladies I need to head back to the arena. Come watch and let me wear your favor. I'll come get it from you once they announce me in the arena." I take her hand once more placing another kiss on the back of it. I mount back onto Sage, turning him around. "I hope I'll see you soon my dear." Alora's face goes completely red. She becomes shy and bashful.
"We may see you there. I'm fighting in the sword." Lilianna pipes up. She looks over to Alora, seeing her reaction to me. She gives her a smirk and nudges her.
"If you can find me, you may wear my favor dear lord." She curtseys gracefully. I can't stop the smile that spreads across my face. I turn Sage around and make him rear up neighing and whinnying.
Making my way through to the back where everyone else has gathered, I search out Eirik. Excited to tell him about my little discovery. Spotting Eirik with Comanche, I make my way through the crowd of men waiting for their turn. "Eirik…." I call out. He looks up waving me over.
"Well nice of you to finally show up. We are about to go out. They are making a few announcements. Then we start having some real fun. You and I are about midway through the listings." He mounts Comanche. "So…What took you so long?"
"Sage was getting restless. I took him out and about in the faire." The announcer starts calling out names. I fall in line next to Eirik. "I just so happen to see a couple of very beautiful young ladies."
"Are they agreeable?" He wags his eyebrows.
"Very much so. As a matter of fact. It's Lilianna and Alora."
He's silent. I look over at him to him picking his jaw up off the floor. "You can't be serious."
"I'm very serious. Lilianna is competing in the sword. I believe you are as well. You may go up against her at some point." I give him an elbow. Our armor clinging together.
"Dear god above."
"Exactly my own sentiments. However, I spoke with them an-"
"Wait a minute you talked to them? Did you reveal yourself to them? Did you tell them anything?" The look in his eyes spoke volumes to me.
"Yes, I did speak with them. Lili thinks she recognizes me. Luckily I was saved by the sounding of the trumpets. Alora just thinks I'm someone who likes her."
"Lord Cain and Lord Lucas."
I look over to Eirik. It's a name he's used before, though I can't stop the laugh that escapes me. He pins me with daggers. Again I laugh. "Come on. I'm suppose to retrieve Alora's favor. We need to look for them." I pull down my visor, taking a deep breath. I've fought in many wars and battles, but talking to this girl
We sit there looking for them. Scanning the crowd carefully. I had explained already what they were wearing. Of course, I'm not expecting to see Lilianna with Alora. Considering she is suppose to be competing. Then again, that could have been a rouse of sorts. The two of us scan the crowds around the arena. Both carefully looking each person over trying to see if they have shown up. My eyes land on her and I elbow Eirik. "There in the front…"
Turning his horse around to face the same direction as me. "Is that…" he trails off. I know what the last little bit of the question is.
"Yes, I think it suits her perfectly."
"Doesn't she realize? I mean hasn't she seen that before?" He pauses staring a bit more before turning to me. "You've never taken that circlet off for as long as I've known you. Why now?"
"Because it suites her perfectly. Knowing Alora she won't keep it long and insist that she gives it back to me. Which means she will seek me out. She'll come to me."
"Whatever you say." I can practically hear him rolling his eyes at me.
We make our way over to Alora. I cant help the grin that is plastered across my face. She looks so much like Airianna, yet I see the beauty of Alora shining through. She is so breathtakingly beautiful sitting there. Her emerald eyes meet mine. I can't help myself. I urge Sage forward. I pull up along side the edge of the arena. "M'lady…"
She stands and ever so carefully walks over. "M'lord." She bows her head gracefully. I return the curtesy in kind.
"M'lady would you do me the honor of letting me wear your favor in this tournament." It's unconventional, and a bit out of the normal. Still. It brings back memories and a rush of emotions. I've never felt more myself than I do now.
"You may M'lord." She take the circlet off her head and presents it to me. My eyes widen. No…no. She can't give it back. Not yet. "I expect this back when you are done tonight. Don't make me come looking for you." The smile on her lips is genuine, heart warming. I take the circlet and put it back around my neck.
"I promise to return it to you once I've won this tournament." With that Sage rears up neighing and we're off back to the encampment behind the arena. Eirik and I make our way through the crowd of participants. Who would have thought such a large number of people enjoy this kind of thing. It's like we are back in the middles ages. All we need is absolutely no technology and modern clothing and it would feel like we are back in the days of old. Tying up the horses we make our way into our tents. We don't have very long before we are to compete.
"Well I have to say she does look very beautiful tonight." He removes his helmet and I follow suit.
"Yes. She's mesmerizing." I finger the stone around my neck. The leather is warm, and still so soft.
"Well that was refreshing."
"Huh" Shaking the day dream from my head. Too bad what a beautiful image to make disappear.
"I said that was refreshing. You sure you don't want anything?"
"No, I'm fine thank you brother. Come on lets get out there. We have a tournament to win." The both of us laugh as we replace the fabric over our mouths and our helmets. Leaving our visors up. We walk back, with our horses in tow, through the crowd towards the arena. My nerves start to hum under my skin. Knowing Alora is so close yet so out of reach. We joke and laugh as we walk back to the arena. Hearing the sound of metal clashing with metal. We both see the sword arena and I smile as I spot Lilianna fighting. "Eir…Lucas look over there third arena, dragon armor. See her." I point out to where I see Lilianna.
"This is where I leave you dear friend. Good luck." With that we grab one another's forearm. Parting ways. I watch him make his way over to the arena to watch Lilianna. Shaking my head I can't say anything about his doings. I'm doing the same thing. I make my way to the lists and start preparing for my joust. Catching a glimpse of Alora I smile. Throwing my visor down, I take my lance, and charge forward. I knock him off his horse. Damn, I've still got it. Of course the fact that I'm ten times stronger than these men would have an effect on the outcome. Guess I need to take it easy.
The next few rounds go off without a hitch. I let a few of my opponents get a couple lances, but I win each match without signs of fatigue. With my set over, I make my way towards the edge of the arena again. Looking for Alora. A few of the women stare and watch me some of them yelling good job and the such. Approaching Alora she stands and walks over to the railing.
"M'lord…"
"Please call me Cain. I was wondering if you and your friend would like to join myself and my friend Lucas tonight?"
"I'm not sure. My friend is competing in the sword and I don't know when she will be done. We are suppose to go and get something to eat then watch some of the entertainment." Her eyes meet mine. A smiles grows on her lips.
"Then perhaps I can accompany you while you wait on her. Just to keep you company." My offer sounds desperate even to me. I can't help myself. I want to be with her, near her. I want to hear her say my name.
"Ok Mr. Cain."
"Great! Let me get out of my armor and I will meet you by the entrance to the encampment. I promise I won't keep you waiting too long." I'm filled to bursting with pleasure, excitement, and nerves. I want to woo her so badly. Things between us in the office were awkward to say the least. Making my way back to my tent I can't help but to be overjoyed at the possibility of being able to gain Alora's affection. For some reason the idea of being in disguise emboldens my actions and thoughts. Who knows maybe I can steal a kiss or two or three. Quickly tossing my armor off I change my linen shirt, check my pants and boots, and I'm back making my way back to Alora. Before I reach her, I replace the fabric over the lower half of my face.
She's waiting right where I asked her to wait for me. Seeing me she gives me a smile. Taking a bow at the waist. Placing a soft kiss on the back of her hand. "You came."
"A handsome gentleman asks to escort me and keep me company. Why shouldn't I have come? Should I leave then and go about my way?" A knowing smirk plays on the corner of her lips.
She goes to leave but I pull her into me. Her hand landing on my chest. The warmth of her touch. The shock her fingers send through me. I hold her close to me. "No please." My voice is husky with desire. I let her go and she hesitantly takes a step back, then another. She looks up to me, her eyes sparkle beautiful in the light.
"Shall we."
We head off together towards the arenas. I see Eirik fighting in one, and Lilianna in another. We make our way over to where Lilianna is. Alora walking in front of me. My eyes follow the lines of her body. Her arms moving back and fourth. Her hourglass figure. The sway of her hips as she walks. She is a vison to behold. I could watch her all night long. She is so very beautiful, and looks so much Airianna. She stops just short of the railing and watches. Turning to look at me every so often. I assume to make sure I'm still here with her. I place my hand on the small of her back. A soft reminder that I am here with her.
"Congratulations Lili." She hugs her neck. Lilianna takes off her helmet and wipes the sweat from her brow.
"Thank you Alora." She pauses looking to me. She gazes directly into my eyes. Looking for something anything to tell her who I am. "What's your name?"
"His name is Cain."
"Cain huh" I see the expression on her face change ever so slightly. She knows something is up. I can see the wheels turning in her head.
"Yes, I've asked Miss Alora to join myself and my friend Lucas tonight. While also extending an invitation to you as well."
She eyes me up and down. "How thoughtful. And where is this Mr. Lucas at?" I can hear the sarcasm dripping off every word.
"He's over in another arena, fighting. We can either stay here until he is finished or we can go over and watch. I'll leave that to the two of you."
"Come on Lili let's go watch. I find this all so fascinating." Alora is barely able to contain her excitement.
"Alright, alright, let's go watch. I should be done for the time being." Lilianna concedes to Alora.
The three of us walk over to where Eirik is fighting. Watching Alora I can't help to think about what Eirik said. About Alora being a descendant of Airianna. However, she just resembles Airianna so much. It's so hard for me to imagine that she isn't Airianna. Finding our way over to Eirik. I make a spot for the girls to stand and watch. His match is almost over and then we can all go and spend time together.
Eirik fights his opponent fairly. Though, I can tell he's holding back letting the young man believe that he may actually win. Just as I finish that thought Eirik finishes the match. Winning obviously. After going through the motions of congratulation, and shaking hands Eirik spots not only me, but the girls as well. Pulling off his helmet, Eirik makes his way over to us.
"You did good…ahh…" Alora looks a bit confused.
"Lucas, m'lady" Eirik bows. Straightening back up he looks over to Lili who is wearing a skeptical look. "And you Miss. I hope to see you soon in the sword arena. You appear to be a great fighter."
"And I you good sir. What was is again? Lord Lucas?" Alora elbows Lilianna. I smile waiting for her to figure it out. Wanting to see what she's going to do. Personally, I think it would be an entertaining show.
"Yes, but you may call me Lucas. No need for titles. After all, that kind of stuff is for the attendees."
"Well we are attendees." Alora pipes up looking up to me. I give her a reassuring smile as best as I can.
"Come on Lucas." Saying his name as conspicuous as possible. "This beautiful lady said she was going to get food after her friend was doing fighting."
"My name is Lilianna, and yes, I know I'm hungry. So, I'm sure Alora here is hungry as well."
We all agree to head off to the food area so the girls can get something to eat. Eirik and myself already had something before we fought. I of course, topped myself off when I was changing out of my armor. Eirik walks next to Lilianna, and myself next to Alora. We keep the girls on the inside of our little group with us protecting them.