The afternoon had turned into early evening, and the skies were a light gray and the wind cold. It had snowed that morning, so the blanket of snow outside was fresh. Rae was in her bedroom, dressing for dinner. She and the rest of the Knights had been at the Roman embassy for a few days now, and since their arrival, she had not worn her armor. Her wardrobe was now more like Guinevere's, with delicate dresses that showed femininity. Rae chose a particular one tonight -- pale blue silk that exposed the shoulders but was modest everywhere else.
Why did she feel this sudden need to look exceptionally nice? To that question she knew the answer but denied it. She would not think about such feelings -- feelings that confused her and kept her awake at night. Yet she could not tolerate the thought of looking repulsive in his presence -- even though he had seen her covered in blood many times during battle. Nevertheless, she did all she could to look her best. Rae smiled at herself, satisfied with how she looked, when her eyes fell on her armor. Staring at it, her head was suddenly flooded with thoughts and memories. True, she liked dressing beautifully, but she missed her armor, which had protected her for so long. And yet she could not help but feel that it would not be long before she would wear it again...
A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. "Yes?" she called.
"Rae?" said a man's voice from the other side. "It's Arthur. I have something important to speak to you about. May I come in?"
"Of course," said Rae, and the door opened as Arthur appeared.
Arthur was already dressed for dinner, and he smiled at Rae as he said, "You look very nice, Rae. I'm sorry for bothering you at this time."
"It's no bother," said Rae lightly. "I was finished anyway."
"Good." Arthur smiled again, then paused, as if he was not sure as to what to say next. "I shall tell you what I came to tell you then. You have been loyal to me, as the other Knights have been, and I owe my life to you. But all of you have done more than enough for me. So tomorrow, Rae, you and the others are free to go home."
Rae, caught off guard by such an announcement, was speechless. She looked at Arthur, who was smiling, but Rae could see some sadness in his eyes. "Arthur--" she began, but Arthur cut her off.
"I will miss you," he said, his expression gentle. "You were always a fearless one...and as good as any of the other knights." He beamed at her, and then he said, "Rae, have you seen Lancelot? I've looked everywhere for him, and he is the only one of the you to whom I've not told the good news."
"I will tell him," said Rae. "I've not seen him, but I shall find him before dinner."
"Thank you, Rae. I will see you in a while then." Arthur nodded as a sign of farewell, as did Rae, and he exited the room.
Rae was left with confused thoughts. She was now free...she would go home tomorrow...and Lancelot too. But he did not know. She had to go tell him. Thinking of where he could be, she put on her cloak and left her chamber.
The sun was starting to sink in the pale sky, and Rae could see where it was passing the horizon. And it was cold outside, but Rae was used to this weather, which persisted almost year-round in Britain. Not shivering in the least, she tread across the castle grounds, her posture tall and noble, as it always was. Her cloak and dress fluttered in the wind, along with her long, raven hair. She walked toward the setting sun, and it was a while before she stopped to look back at the castle, which was then small and distant to her eyes.
Turning around, she faced a great river. This river, unlike other wide and deep rivers, was not loud and violent. The blue waters ran quietly toward the sunset, and the peaceful sound of the gentle rushing was soothing. There was a wide wooden bridge built across it. On this bridge stood a young man with dark curly hair, and he was leaning against the railings of the bridge, facing the sunset and staring out into the waters. Rae stepped onto the bridge, and she stood a few feet from the man. Acknowledging her presence, the young man turned his head and looked at her. He looked as if he had been distressed before she came, but he smiled warmly when he saw her and waited for her to speak first.
"We leave tomorrow," said Rae, not smiling nor frowning.
Lancelot looked at her. With her hands behind her back, Rae looked so sweet and innocent. "You look beautiful," he said. Beckoning her over, he added, "What's the occasion?"
"Dinner," Rae said simply as she joined him.
"Only dinner?" he said, chuckling. His smile faded almost as quickly as it had come. "But I suppose this dinner is special."
"Our last dinner," said Rae vaguely. "Arthur looked everywhere for you. It's no wonder he could not find you. I thought I would never reach this place."
"You remember this place?" asked Lancelot.
"Yes, you brought me here when I first joined the Knights."
Lancelot nodded. "You were only fourteen then."
"You called it your 'Thinking Bridge'. It was your secret place where you came to settle your thoughts when you were troubled. And you told me it was your favorite place in the world...except for home."
After a silent moment, Lancelot said quietly, "And tomorrow we go home."
Neither one said anything. Lancelot and Rae stood side by side on the Thinking Bridge, and together they watched the sun slowly disappear beyond the horizon.