A/N: Yeah Dustin notices, shows he's not too dumb, just dances to his own drummer. No one has though, not even Blake. The details of medieval life here, are real.

Hunter was sitting astride a stallion riding through the countryside. It was a warm summer day, and the sun was shining brightly. A long sword hung at his side, and he was dressed in fine silks and thigh high boots.His tunic was crimson, and the undershirt was a soft blue with full sleeves. Black hose on his long legs, and a black cloak over his shoulders with his family crest holding it together over his right shoulder. His blond hair shining, there was a far away look on his face.

There were workers in the field, tending crops, and he could hear the water from the stream nearby. He was headed to the castle to compete in a tournament. There he intended to win, and the coins from that he would add to his savings. Then he would go next year to court and woo a fair maiden. The next tournament after this one, was offering land and estate for the winner, and Hunter intended that to be him.

He rode at an easy pace, and his horse took time to take a bite of grass here and there. He would arrive sometime before supper. When something flew threw the air, and his horse suddenly reared and threw him to the ground hard. Hitting his head on a rock he lay there, as the world faded out.

A blond young woman was out collecting flowers in a basket. Seeing the horse standing there in the tall grass, she went over to it. It was then she saw the young man lying there. He was quite handsome, and she went down on her knees beside him. There was blood on the side of his head, and he was still unconscious. Glancing around she saw no one to help her.

Going to the stream and dipping her handkerchief in the cool water she ran back to the man. Again going down on her knees, and she wiped his brow, as she blocked the sun from his handsome face. "Can you hear me? Wake up." Her voice urgent, as she waited. He moaned softly and opened his eyes, and she smiled down at him.

Hunter opened his eyes to a sight that he hadn't expected, a beautiful girl bent over him. She wore a kirtle of soft cream satin under a gown of sky blue velvet. A veil covered his pale hair, and a coronet held it in place. "Are you alright?"

"My head hurts, my lady."

"Can you get on your horse, I can help you get to the castle if you can."

Hunter sat up, and winced at the pain in his head. "If my lady could help me, I think I can. Tori stood up and bent to help him to his feet. He was unsteady at first and then stood straight.

"I am Sir Hunter. Thank you for helping me, my lady." She put an arm around him and helped him towards his horse.

"I am Lady Victoria. I am glad I could help." He put his foot in the stirrup, and pulled himself into the saddle. Then he leaned down and offered a hand to her. She took it, he pulled her up behind him, at the same time gritting his teeth. They rode towards the castle.

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Later that evening Tori was getting ready for dinner, as her maid helped her dress. She couldn't quit thinking of the handsome knight. Why couldn't he be the one to win her hand? Her cousin was offering up her hand in this tournament in the next few days, as a bonus. He wanted her gone, she was in the way as far as he was concerned. He was getting married and he wanted his cousin to have a home of her own. He didn't think she could pick for herself, so made the decision.

Hunter had dressed and gone downstairs to the great hall.There were already a lot of people there, at the tables. Attendants went around with washbowls and towels to clean up for dinner. There were pewter cups on the table, along with spoons. Long wooden platters sat for every two people to share. Round loafs of day old bread was hollowed out for bowls.

A servant came over to him, and bowed. "Sir Hunter, my master wishes you to join his table this evening. Follow me." He followed the main to the main table, and to a empty chair. He bowed to his host and sat down. It was then he noticed that the seat next to him held a familiar face. Lady Victoria. She smiled at him, and he returned the smile. He would be sharing the platter with her, and the cup. He certainly didn't mind that at all.

A servant came around with platters of meat, starlings, eels and meat pies on the tray. Hunter looked to Tori and she pointed to the pies, which he took two of them and one of the starlings. Then he waited for the vegetables to come. He took cabbage, peas, and placed them on the platter.

"I am glad that you are feeling better, Sir Hunter."

"Thanks to you, and call me Hunter."

"Only if you call me Tori." Hunter smiled and using his knife began to section the starling, and handing her a slice of it. She took it with her fingers and began to eat. The wine server came and filled their cup.

Hunter lifted the cup to her. "To you my gracious lady." Then put it to his lips and drank. He ate and talked with the girl. A minstrel began to play and sing, both listened and enjoyed the evening.

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Hunter had gotten up and walked to the door leading out to the court yard. When a hand on his arm turned him around. "Good evening Sir Hunter, I am glad you have come to my castle. I wish you good luck tomorrow."

"Thank you Lord Martin. I am looking forward to the competition." The lord of the manor was about forty with a slight ponch and little hair on his head. "I hear my cousin rescued you earlier today, after you fell from your horse."

"Yes, she did. A good girl." He wondered if the older man was getting at something.

"Did you know that I have a surprise for all you single knights? The winner tomorrow gets my cousins hand in marriage." Hunter blinked and looked at him like he was nuts.

"You are using her for a prize?" Hunter had heard of that custom but didn't like it. A lady won by some lout who would mistreat her. He glanced over at the table and saw her sitting there talking to another girl. He was not going to let that happen to her.

"I see you favor my cousin. Perhaps you will win her favor, young knight." The older man walked off.

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