At the mid level before leading up to the top of Amon Sul, Strider gazed out toward the hilly open land before him, from where they once came from just moments ago, uneasiness tickling his senses yet not to the level that would require swift action, but he had to make sure.
Strider turned back to the exhausted, collapsed Hobbits, who drinked from their canteens and snacked on what they had on their persons to stem their hunger. Strider watched until their breaths were steady, before pulling a bundle from his pack which was taken from his horse, Bill the Pony, and laid it on the rock floor before them.
The Hobbits were quick to pay attention as their eyes darted to Strider wondering what it was that he placed on the floor. Within a moment Strider unwrapped the bundle revealing four sheathed blades, each differing from the other in design.
Strider then tossed each sheathed blade to the Hobbits, each reaction from the Hobbits varying, from Merry almost missing the chance to catch the sheathed blade, while he munched on an apple, to Sam catching it without a moment's hesitation. Frodo and Pippin though reach forward taking one of the two that were left.
"These are for you. Keep them close. I'm going to have a look around." Strider said picking up the blanket used to hold the four blades, and made his way up to the top of Amon Sul for a better view of the surroundings, leaving the four Hobbits armed.
"Oh gee, something to fight off any would be robbers now eh?" Pippin jokingly said as he looked over his new found sword, admiring the look and feel of it. While Frodo tiredly layed on the rocky floor more exhausted than usual.
"I think I'll rest first everyone" Frodo thus grabbed his blanket from his backpack and used it to cover himself while he fashioned his backpack as a pillow.
Sam couldn't help but worry about Frodo, from time to time, he could see Frodo daydream at times out of the norm even as an excuse, while they hiked across the land, sometimes Frodo would unknowingly continue hiking while the group was coming to a stop to rest or when they had a meal together, something preoccupied Frodo deeply, to what end Sam did not know.
Night had fallen, all around darkness surrounded the watchtower of Amon Sul, lit only by the moonlight which sparsely shone far and between. Yet on the lower side of it there was a small bonfire acting as a beacon of light in the night. "Even if I am freed from Dark Souls, there will still be traces that follow me huh?"
The Ashen One continued his long march carrying the FireKeeper within his arms, he did not tire, yet he could feel the thirst for water coming ever so steadily. It was a feeling he did not enjoy but it was a sign that he was human once again, free from the undead curse.
Although freed from the curse, he wondered if he too had freed the FireKeeper from the burden of being a servant to the First Flame, the thought lingered as he pondered long and hard about it, but it was laid to rest after a glance at the slumbering FireKeeper within his arms.
"I guess I'll need to wait until you wake up for an answer to that question… For now I'm just glad that I'm not alone in this new world. Even if you don't wake up" Saddened by that prospect the Ashen One changed the subject, speaking aloud of how open the hilly field was and how it was relaxing when compared back to the world of DarkSouls.
[Nazgul screech]
A deathly screech erupted through the silent night, throwing his memories to the back of his mind, fear permeated the chilly night air inducing fear and dread in all who heard it. Yet fear was nothing new to the Ashen One, he had grown accustomed and fearless of the horrors and monstrosities that DarkSouls had to offer.
If this was the world of DarkSouls the Ashen One would have prepared for battle and searched for the originator of that horrible noise, but this wasn't the world of DarkSouls anymore and he had someone to protect.
He did not stop and take a gander for the originator of that screech, as was the norm for him, instead he quickened his pace and made way to the bonfire, which was all but extinguished now, almost as if that horrible screeching noise was responsible for snuffing it out.
Though knowing that he needed to reach that bonfire, the Ashen paused for a moment and inserted a ring onto the Firekeeper's finger, protecting her from any fall damage if she so happened to fall from his arms.
Now with a free finger slot, the Ashen one without a look took a ring from his inventory and wore it upon the free finger, allowing for another spell to become available for use.
From atop of Amon Sul, the three hobbits huddled together in front of Frodo, unknowingly protecting him from the five Nazgul Wraiths who seeked the ring, from which its presence was felt ever stronger. "Get back you Devils!"
Sam shouted bravely charging forth swinging at the nearest Wraith who easily parried two blows from Sam, before being thrown aside toward a stone pillar stunning him. Merry and Pippin simply froze in fear from the looming dark shadow figures, and were thus tossed aside with no resistance whatsoever, leaving only Frodo to fend for himself.
Frodo held his ground in front of the five Nazgul but the fear they possessed overwhelmed the Hobbit, who's last step back held no strength within his legs, falling backwards onto the stone floor.
'Frodo…' a deep raspy voice echoed in Frodo's mind, causing him to unconsciously pat his breast pocket that held the Ring, this action unbeknownst to Frodo was the confirmation that the Nazgul needed, as the center figure of the five Wraiths marched toward Frodo drawing a dagger from it's shadowy cloak.
Its stride toward Frodo was deathly menacing as the steady beat of its blackened metal sabatons clattered loudly with every step that drew closer to Frodo, who in his state of panic used his strengthless legs to pushed himself away trying to put distance between himself and the Nazgul.
The fearful Hobbit soon had no more room to retreat, for all that was left was a fallen pillar that pushed against his back. Frodo watched in horror as the dagger wielding Nazgul raised its dagger high, ready to plunge its blade into the fearful hobbit, who somehow still clung to his sword in hope of fighting such a foe, yet soon dropped it with a noticeable clang off the stone.
The Nazgul with the dagger towered above Frodo relishing in the fear that he exuded, but remembered its task upon seeing the Hobbit take out a gold ring from his chest pocket. Once the ring was in his hands, Frodo struggled to keep the ring from slipping onto his finger, the voice from the ring beckoning him with the promise of protection against the Nazgul who led the others.
The voice soon turned to a deep evil tone as words of an unknown language bombarded his mind, loosening whatever sanity of reason Frodo had left that told him not to listen to the voice.
Elsewhere, Strider was ambushed by a sixth Nazgul at the steps leading up to the top level of Amon Sul; this rider was buying time for the others to finish their job, meaning Strider had little time left before the Hobbits met a gruesome fate.
Strider's blade was locked with the Wraith's Morgul-blade and could feel the cold darkness that it exhibited, from both the Wraith and the blade, but it wasn't the only thing felt. A strong sense of uncomfortable dread emanated from the Wraith's very existence which incurred fear in any mortal who faced it, yet Strider was no ordinary mortal. "I DO NOT FEAR YOU!"
The Wraith was taken aback by this fierce declaration, which held such a strong conviction that it was stunned for a brief moment, allowing for Strider to push back the Wraith as he retrieved his burning torch which was knocked from his hand from when the Wraith attacked him.
Without a thought Strider thrusted the flaming torch into the body of the Nazgul sending the Wraith off the cliffside turning into a fireball with its screams echoing into the now moon lit night.
Strider did not bask in his accomplishment and instead quickly turned around only to barely knock aside a stab from a seventh Wraith. He fell to his back but quickly prepared to mount a defense only to thus spot an eighth Wraith emerging from the corner located by the snuffed out bonfire.
'They have come in full force! I do not have the strength to battle The Nine!' He thought to himself knowing he was at a disadvantage. Strider could fight possibly five out of the nine without too much trouble but even he had limits.
The Seventh wraith moved to the end of Strider's feet and pulled its right arm back in preparation to lunge at Strider, but without warning the Wraith combusted into a ball of flames "I certainly hope that wasn't a person"
A man's voice said in a worried tone, while having a hint of a jovial ton. But that tone was drowned out by the terrible screeching coming from the burning Wraith, as it backed away from Strider believing it to be his doing.
While the Wraith burned in pain, Strider seeing his chance stood again to attack the distressed Wraith but watched it leap off the edge following its comrade into the moonlit fields still burning in the dark.
Turning his attention to the unknown helper, Strider had initially believed it to be a Eighth rider but from hearing his voice, and seeing the flickering remnants of fire coming from his left hand. The Prospect of the unknown helper, whose figure was still hidden within the shadows, being that of another Nazgul was dismissed.
Strider squinted his eyes to see the figure with the dim moonlight, but it did not help in identifying the man who was shrouded in darkness. Though strangely an orb of light appeared above him, revealing a crouched shadowy figure, with a tattered gray, dark cloak with worn out blackened armor covering its body, while the shadows from his cloak hid the finer detail of what was underneath his robes.
Strider was stunned by this stranger, but did not examine the stranger in depth, despite only getting a brief glance of his apparel, the intuition Strider had viewed the person before him not as hostile, but took note of his ability to conjure light and fire.
Though he would have liked to question the stranger, there was a matter of utmost importance above him at the top of the watchtower. "I thank you stranger but I must go help my companions above"
There was no reply, but felt there was a nod of acknowledgement, just as Strider turned to the staircase and climbed his way up with his torch, leading the way through the darkened stairwell, leaving behind the stranger who looked as if he was catching his breath after climbing his way up and using magic to fight off the Nazgul.
Unbeknownst to Strider, the reason why the Ashen One was crouched over was because he needed to free his left hand from carrying the FireMaiden, to cast the pyromancy spell of fireball to help him in his fight against the blackened robed figure.
The Ashen One also had to angle his body so that he may be able to throw the fireball resulting in better accuracy, despite having thrown plenty of spells with his left arm, involving a plethora of pyromancy, miracles, and spells that he has used in the eternity that was the DarkSouls world.
The Ashen One now known as Stranger to Strider, was surprised about his encounter with the Man fighting the cloaked monster. If he didn't know any better he would have mistaken the blackened robe monster as a [Carthus Swordsman], or a [Hollow Assassin], but the screeching scream it had was almost similar to that of a [Pus of Man], hopefully, he thought to himself, there was no such thing as a [Pus of Man] version of that blackened robe monster.
Lifting the FireMaiden up into his chest again, the Ashen One made his way to the once lit bonfire, finding it to be nothing but a regular campfire much to his relief and dismay. "Either I'm not close to a bonfire checkpoint, or I really am free…"
Not knowing whether this world had respawnable enemies or roaming enemies in the area, or if the bonfire checkpoint was instead above at the top. The Ashen One went to the staircase that Strider moments ago climbed, and he too began to climb the stone steps with his ball of light leading the way.
In the ethereal realm of the ring, Frodo watched helplessly as his left hand, now balled into a fist with the golden ring, lifted itself toward the dagger wielding Nazgul now showing its true form of a gaunt undead corpse of white.
The voice of the ring echoed louder than before, while Frodo fought hard to pull his fist away, the boney hand of the Wraith came closer drawing the ring toward its hand, yet it did not grasp at his hand.
No, the ring itself moved, initially it was a small movement from the base of Frodo's finger but it then began to move up to the middle section of his middle finger, as if it was alive and trying to be free from Frodo's grasp. The Wraith waited as the ring came closer to coming off of the small Hobbit finger, and seeing how close it was to claiming the ring the Wraith moved its boney leather hand in to claim the ring.
'NO!' Frodo shouted to himself defiantly, his right hand grasping his dropped sword, only to then swing it at the Wraiths hand wounding it with a small cut. The Wraith recoiled its hand in pain and in response stabbed Frodo with its dagger, aiming for his heart but missed its mark.
The Hobbit screamed in pain as the dagger was twisted within the wound it created, the Wraith who was wounded, became furious that a small being such as a Hobbit wounded it, but more so the fact that it feared the Hobbit confusing the Wraith to no end.
The Nazgul again reached its hand for the Ring to forcefully remove it, but was stopped by the courageous roar of a man who jumped fourth from the fallen pillar behind Frodo. By sword and flame, Strider fought the Nazgul with a blinding fury that they did not react accordingly to him, each Wraith closest to Strider was ultimately lit aflame and danced in pain, while any blows directed to Strider were parried or simply cleaved through the night air missing their mark.
While the Wraiths were distracted by Strider's courageous attack, Frodo removed the ring, sending him back to the normal world where the night stars and moon greeted his sight. Once back Frodo let off a pained scream, the likes which he had never experienced before in his life.
Sam, who heard the scream of his friend, immediately shook away the pain and confusion, and scampered to Frodo's side while looking for the cause of his pain. Sam called his name asking what was wrong only to hear Frodo's lament with his name through bated breath. Asking Sam for forgiveness, to what, Sam did not know.
Merry and Pippin soon joined Sam in trying to comfort their pained friend and also asked Frodo where he was injured only to then spot a dark wet stain right where his left arm connected to his body. Sam in a panic turned to look for Strider, only to see him fighting an unlit Wraith who retreated with every step that Strider took.
Unbeknownst to Strider, one of the five Nazgul was making its way to Frodo and the Hobbits. It's sword drawn, ready to reclaim the ring for its master, catching the attention of the three Hobbits. One of which shouted a name, "STRIDER!" Sam's shout brought the attention of the Ranger who had just driven a wraith off the side of the tower top.
Without thought, Strider cocked his left arm back, wielding the torch and threw it directly into the faceless black abyss that was the face of the Nazgul, causing it to release horrid screeches which soon became more intense as the small flame that spread its body erupted into an inferno.
Strider was taken aback by this sudden eruption of flames, but soon noticed a ball of light off to the left corner of his sight belonging to that of the Stranger he had met before his way to the top.
"Strider help us, Mr. Frodo is hurt!"
Not wishing to delay treatment, Strider marched toward the Hobbit group and immediately looked over Frodo's body and spotted his wound. He was just about to commence treatment but found a small black dagger with an aged rustic look by his side.
Picking up the blade, Strider knew immediately that the wound inflicted upon Frodo was a grave one. "Help you him, Strider" Sam begged as he turned to the Ranger who looked at the dagger in his hand.
"He's been stabbed by a Morgul-blade. This is beyond my skill to heal. He needs elvish medicine to help him" The Morgul-blade thus disintegrated into nothingness in Strider's hand, leaving only its grip, and in disgust he threw it to the ground with an audible clatter.
"Quickly, gather what you can carry, we must leave this place before they come in full force" Strider said while he scooped Frodo up into his arms, and walked over to where the kneeling cloaked Stranger was.
The ball of light faded just as Strider was a few feet away from the Ashen One, but another ball of light appeared illuminating all those around him. This light then gave Strider the opportunity to see the Stranger in full detail but came to a stark realization that the Stranger was not alone.
In his arms was that of a slumbering Woman of porcelain pale skin dressed in, black, and blackened blue robes with long pale blonde hair weaved into that of a thick ponytail, with whatever loose hair, hanging above and underneath a silver crown which encompassed around her head and eyes.
"Good Stranger, I must apologize but you may have been brought into our troubles for helping in dispatching the Nazgul. I fear that they may attack you while we leave these ruins. I ask of thee to travel with us only till we reach a refuge of safety" Strider offered to the Ashen One who in turn asked where the refuge was located.
"Rivendell" The name uttered by Strider did not bring any immediate sense of familiarity but could faintly recall hearing some place bearing that name nonetheless, it was most likely a town or fort. From there the Ashen One could get answers as to where or what world he was in, while also caring for the FireKeeper until she wakes up again, if not ever.
"Then we are in agreement" The Ashen One agreed, nodding his head in acknowledgement of this agreement, only then for Strider to hurry the three children behind him along, before the Nazgul returned in greater force.
Though while they evacuated from the ruined fort, the Ashen One took notice that the three he mistook for children at first were in fact adults. Though their voices sounded like that of young lads coming of age, their voices carried maturity and were filled with wariness, using any chance they had to steal glances at the armored Ashen One who carried his slumbering FireKeeper.
Their skeptical and wary gazes were ever so prevalent through the long march, with softly spoken accusations of him being a spy or an enemy, but such rumors were soon quelled down as Strider spoke to dissuade any more accusations. Even if he too did not trust the Ashen One completely, he could tell that they were travelers from afar due to how unrecognizable the armor was.
There was also a feeling that there was more to this new Stranger and his slumbering companion than what is shown.
After a few days of marching, the group finally came to a stop at what appeared to be three statues, only for Pippin to shout "Oy, those are Mr. Baggins trolls he told us about!"
Strider, taking this as a chance to rest and assess Frodo's state, gave the order for everyone to rest for however long they were permitted to. Strider who kept a watchful look out for the Nazgul did not like how they were unharassed despite their long journey, it puzzled him greatly as they were easy pickings in the open fields before entering the forest. 'This is not like the Ring Wraiths to be cautious to this level of magnitude, despite how close they are to the ring'
Glancing over to where Sam, and Pippin were, the voice of Sam spoke in a comforting tone to Frodo as he looked around at the troll statues "Look Frodo. It's Mr Bilbo's trolls. They're huge just as he said they would be"
Strider could tell that the condition of Frodo was worsening and was made evidently clearer as Sam exclaimed how cold to the touch Frodo had become. Pippin, noticing Strider's glance, asked worriedly "Is he going to die?"
Strider glanced back to the Forest behind him briefly, then back to Pippin to answer his question "He's passing into the shadow world. He'll soon become a wraith like them."
The gasp of air and groans of pain from Frodo made it ever more prevalent while his eyes turned to a milky light blue. Seeing this Strider quickly called to Sam who answered immediately "Do you know the Athelas plant?"
Sam stood up and moved to where Strider stood and listened intently while giving a confused look "Kingsfoil"
"Kingsfoil, aye, it's a weed" Exclaimed Sam wondering why this plant was needed by Strider, as to all herbalists it held no use.
Strider handed Sam his torch while he went over to Bill The Pony, pulling out an unlit torch from one of his many satchels "It may be a weed to you, but it may help to slow the poisoning. Now hurry!"
While Strider and Sam went into the forest, Merry comforted Frodo to the best of his ability while Pippin stood on watch, but he too also stayed close to the ailing Frodo "Don't worry Frodo, Strider and Sam will get you some medicine soon. Just hang in there"
The gasps and moans were the only response given to Merry by Frodo, his weakened pale self saddening and frustrating himself due to his inability to fight back against the Wraiths on top of Amon Sul.
"Was he poisoned?" The Ashen One called out to the two while he walked over to the two Hobbits leaving behind his FireKeeper who rested on his tattered cloak. Now remembering that he was there, Merry's soft demeanor of comfort switched to a cautious one, seeing that now Strider and Sam had left.
"I thank you for your sympathies but my companions went in search of medicine, they'll be back any minute now" Merry said dismissively of him still showing his distrust to the black armored Ashen One.
The Ashen One simply ignored the tone of voice despite finding it discourteous to him "Please, can you help our friend?" Pippin asked displeasing Merry who gave him a scolding look to which Pippin whispered to him.
"Come on, Frodo needs some help now, who knows when they'll be back!" Pippin.
"I know that Pip, but we don't know anything about this guy or thing in front of us! Who's to say that he isn't with the Ring Wraiths?" Merry being the most cautious of the four Hobbits was right.
They didn't know much about the black armored Stranger, his armor bore no similarities to anything they have seen. Also the fact that they never saw his face once during their march away from Amon Sul, nor see him struggle despite carrying another person in his arms.
Their suspicions were founded, but while the two Hobbits faced one another, they did not notice the Black Armored Stranger kneeling before them. "What are you doing?!" Merry Inquisitively asked, seeing that Frodo's wound was pressed on by a darkened gray leathered hand.
Frodo gasped in pain from the touch, to which both Merry and Pippin voiced their concerns to the Ashen One who simply brought his right hand to his chest as he leaned forward into a form of prayer.
The Hobbits who watched this action noticed that there was a miniature bell of some kind hanging from his right hand, Pippin being the ever curious Hobbit, questioned the Ashen One to where he had such a thing hidden away, that it did not make a sound in their march away from Amon Sul. "Where did ya, keep that thing? Quite surprising that it hasn't made a noise until now"
Pippin's question was answered by the sudden glow forming from the Ashen One's right hand which held the miniature bell, the small glow steadily glowed until a wave of light washed around the Ashen One. Soon after a large cluster of small lights sparkled as they ascended above the blackened helmet of the Stranger, the light by now gone.
"Frodo?" Merry looked to the gasping Hobbit questioning him, but saw that the milky blue from his eyes slowly faded, returning some life back into his eyes.
"Frodo! Are you alright now?! Tell us, do you feel anything? Frodo?!" Pippin bombarded Frodo with questions, earning the ire of Merry.
"Pippin! Give him some time!" Merry scoldingly said to the excited Pippin who believed Frodo to be healed.
"What in the world was that?" Sam's voice echoed to the three who were huddled by Frodo.
"S-Sam?" A weak voice called to him prompting Sam to rush over to Frodo's side.
"Don't worry, I'm here Mr. Frodo" Sam assured him as he grabbed a hold of Frodo's hand, which was now warmer than what he had felt earlier, before leaving with Strider to find the weed Kingsfoil.
Frodo had a small smile across his face as he spoke with Sam about how large the trolls were in person, his voice of amazement though weak sounding it may have been, was a great relief to the Hobbits.
Though this brief moment of brevity was shaken the moment the sound of horse hoofs trotted closer to their position, "Little ones, protect Cecilia and don't leave your friend's side, is that understood?"
Hearing how serious his tone was, the Hobbits jumped to action, Pippin and Merry both scurrying over to protect the FireKeeper, while Sam stayed by Frodo's side. The Horse rider came ever closer prompting the Hobbits to draw their short swords while the Ashen One approached the coming noise.
Drawing his Astorian sword and gripping it with both his hands forming an aggressive stance he faced the direction of the noise, which was all but close to becoming visible in his sight, but what came through the morning dark was Strider leading a pure white Horse with a Woman riding atop of it.
Spotting his alerted companions Strider quickly spoke up "It is only us my friends, she is here to help" at the end of Strider's explanation, the Woman slid off her horse and rushed to Frodo's side who was then followed by Strider himself carrying a bushel of small white flowers and green stems.
"Here you go Strider, that was all I could find" Sam handed him his share of Kingsfoil only to watch as Strider tore off a small bit off his own bushel of Kingsfoil and that of Sam's, combining the two before placing them within his mouth. Chewing on the plant until it was close to a rough salve, which he thus took from his mouth and placed it upon the open wound earning a groan from Frodo.
"Who is she?" Merry asked aloud while sheathing his short sword as he drew closer to see what she was doing to Frodo.
To which Sam answered as he observed her closely spotting her pointed ears along with her sparkling clean clothes spoke in awe "She's an elf"
"You said he was stabbed two days ago?" The Elf Woman asked, seeing the life exhibited from Frodo's eyes which held no signs of long term corruption.
"Yes, stabbed with a Morgul-blade, why do you ask?" The Elf only then pointed to Frodo's eyes and spoke in a language that the Hobbits nor the Ashen One could understand.
The Ashen One, remembering that he had his sword still drawn, inserted it back into the sheath, while he made his way over to where Pippin stood guard watching the scene by Frodo "You can relax now little one"
Pippin who was concentrated on what was happening by Frodo looked to the now kneeling Armored Stranger to his left "Oh, quite so Mr.-err, actually, I've been wonderin if you have a name by chance?"
The Ashen One thought long about his name, but said "Ashe… You all can call me Ashe." Though that wasn't his real name nor his title, the Ashen One could not recall his name, as it was already forgotten so long ago.
"Ashe? Nothin else? No surname, middle?" The Ashen One shook his head only to then see Pippin glancing at the FireKeeper.
"Then this must be Lady Cecilia then?" This confused him as even he did not know the name of the FireKeeper, nor has he ever gotten a hint about it.
"Is that her name?" Pippin seemed offended by that line of question and chuckled in response to show how crazy it sounded.
"Sir Ashe, don't you remember? You told us to protect Lady Cecilia and Frodo before the Elf lady over there came with Strider" There was no recollection of the Ashen one saying her name, only the order to protect his FireKeeper and the little one's friend.
"I have no recollection…" Pippin was confused by his statement and wondered if there was something wrong with the mind of this Armored Stranger now known as Ashe.
"Where are you taking him?" Merry's raised voice caught the attention of both Pippin and Ashen One to which they saw Frodo sitting atop of the white horse. While both Strider and the Elf Woman continued their conversation, only for them to then stare into one another deeply, only for Strider to smile in defeat as the Elf climbed up the horse in victory.
"Please be safe out there" Merry said as Arwen turned her horse around, and galloped off into the brightening morning sky above.
Strider watched as she disappeared from view, only to then turn back to the rest of his companions "That was Arwen daughter of Master Elrond, she had come to investigate what had happened to us. And do not worry about Frodo he is in good hands, now come we must hurry to Rivendell"
The Hobbits then picked up their packs and prepared for their long march to Rivendell "Well back to marching without a hefty breakfast again. Oy, Merry, you wouldn't happen to have any dried sausage left now would you?"
"Come on Pippin, we need to make this last the next couple of days until we reach Rivendell" Merry and Pippin's bickering of food helped to ease the minds of the traveling group, but the ever clear and present danger was still out there somewhere.
Laying in a field of green grass, a young man in his white tunic stared up at the great blue sky. His thoughts lost in the wide open blue, "I'm finally going to become a real knight now"
His voice, gentle and quiet, just like that of the summer breeze. The young man then raised his hand toward the sky as if to grasp the great blue beyond but instead found his hand clasping onto a feminine hand which he immediately pulled to himself.
A feminine voice screamed out in surprise but there was a very content giggle which was then followed by a noticeable flowery smell that tickled his senses.
"Oh dear Knight has thou-st already forgotten? A Knight must be ready at all times, even when one is not in armor" The golden blonde hair came into view as the young knight ran his fingers through the young maiden's hair.
"When my opponent is you, how can I lose to any foe?" Without warning the young lad hugged the fair maiden tightly and rolled across the green grass while both giggled in joy before dizziness set in.
Both young man and lady kept their eyes closed yet both knew that they were face to face with one another despite the darkness they saw with their eyes shut. "Can thyself see through the dark"
The young lady's hand moved to touch his cheeks but was quickly seized by his left hand surprising her yet she left hand immediately shot fourth to his cheeks again only to thus fail "One shouldn't attack the same place when the foe knows of such a move"
His taunt resulted in her head butting him, sending both reeling from one another in pain "What was that for?!"
Sitting up the young man turned to the young lady demanding an explanation but was met with soft lips which pushing upon his own, ridding him of the pain across his forehead as the soft sensation was all he could focus on.
Parting from his lips the young maiden breathed deeply as the young man stared at her in a daze, only then for her to dive into his chest knocking him to the ground in pain with lungs burning from the lack of air "Lest this be a lesson to you that I am still a fair maiden not some beast!"
She declared loudly, before she was thrown to her side as the young man embraced her with both their legs tangling onto one another in a fight for dominance, yet soon both lovers just stayed in a loving embrace with one another "Congratulations on becoming an official knight Liam"
The two did not need to speak more on the accomplishment, both were proud of the accomplishment as they needed only to look at one another's gaze to understand yet a saddened voice inquired "Will we continue seeing each other again Liam?"
"I am a Knight now, when I swear an oath I will follow it to the end" He said boldly which did not help the slightest in assuring her in fact it didn't make sense.
"If that was your vow it was sorely lacking" She said pouting in annoyance as she broke away from his gaze. In which a smile formed across Liam's face as he held her hand, bringing it up to both of their eyes.
"I, Knight Liam, pledge upon this ring, that I shall have Lady Sheila's hand in marriage, no matter how low or high either of our status are. If love still exist between us then I will find a way for our union"
Removing a bright red gemmed ring from his finger, Liam fitted the ring onto Sheila's left ring finger, followed by him removing a less lustrous red gemmed stone ring from her right hand and wearing it too on his left ring finger.
Sheila did not speak and simply stared in disbelief at the impromptu engagement oath but the smile she saw plastered across Liam's face irked her so much that she felt as if she saw a smug grin instead of one of joy plastered across his face.
"F-F-FOOLISHNESS! How dare you make this your first Knight oath without the consent of the other party!? How foolish can this new Knight be! By the Gods you are foolish!" From how red she had become, Liam could tell that she accepted his oath of marriage despite how harsh her words were.
"You foolish Knight" she said softly, hiding her face within his chest to ensure he did not see her visibly red face and tears of joy .
.
"Ashen One, is this not familiar to you by chance?" A calm voice inquired.
