Second day of Helos, 1030

It was now Helos, the second month of the year. The days were becoming warmer and the trees were blooming. The sun shone brightly through the castle windows, and the fireplace was not needed as much. Because of the warm weather, men were busy with repairs to the stables while the women bustled around collecting clothes, perparing to sew new ones. The castle was bursting full of life as the servants scrubbed and polished the floors.

Eleanor loved spring, it was the beginning of new life and a fresh new year. Indeed, come next fall her mother would have a squalling red-faced babe in her arms. Eleanor was thrilled for the new addition to her family.

Through the whole day she danced around the castle, singing her favorite song. Jonas moved after her, room to room, begging her to shut up. She laughed him off and continued to dance around their sitting room. He groaned and threw a book her way. Unfortunately, for Jonas their father, Lord Blade Lacholm, entered the room as the book whirled over Eleanor’s shoulder.

"Jonas!" He snapped. "You should not be throwing things at your sister! Have I not taught you anything? Perhaps you need a sound lashing with my belt."

"Nay, Father, I shall not throw books at Eleanor again." He said, hanging his head in shame. Jonas hated disappointing his father. Blade nodded in approval.

"You must be kind to women, both noble and not. Chivalry is part of being a good and honorable knight," Blade said kindly, placing a hand on his only sons head. "Never forget that mercy is your greatest weapon."

"Mercy is your greatest weapon," Eleanor mocked Jonas once Blade had left. "Probably because your aim is dreadful."

Jonas glared. "No, I just did not want to hit a girl." He sniffed. "But I see I had nothing to worry about."

Eleanor merely laughed at Jonas and made her way to her bedchamber. She sang to herself as she sifted through her dresses. They would need to be altered, some might need to be cut up. And she would need a new one for her wedding dress. Ahhhh, her wedding dress. She imagined herself and Prince Lance in royal blue on their wedding day. She smiled dreamily and sat back on her bed, thinking how wonderful it would be to be married to Lance.

After their late night meal Eleanor headed off to her bedchamber. Her maid helped her undress and brushed out her long brown hair. She smiled and bid her maid farewell. She climbed into bed and fell instantly asleep.

Prince Lance's laughter filled her ears. They were in her family's sitting room, playing a friendly game of darts. The winner would receive a kiss. Prince Lance was sure he would win, and Eleanor was sure she would let him. Her aim was far better, but she just barely missed. It would not do for her to kiss him first, otherwise she would seem rather foward.

"Ah, my sweet lady, how you do tease me," Lance said, after he had thrown the winning dart.

Eleanor had managed to sidestep his kiss, trying to play hard to catch. It was working quite well. She blushed and pushed her left cheek into her shoulder. He came closer and she stepped further back. The dance continued until she was cornered.

"Put out your palms," he commanded, suddenly.

She did as she was told, and his hands covered hers.

"How small your hands are," He whispered, looking down at her with his soft green eyes.

"Aye m'lord" she whispered back.

"And how soft they are," he said, rubbing his thumb slowly over her palm.

She blushed and looked down. He smiled and put his finger under her chin, tipping her face upwards. She closed her eyes and he pressed his mouth tenderly to hers. She stood letting him kiss her, but not kissing back.

He grabbed her and spun her down, his arms wrapping over her elbows, locking her arms in place. His mouth was hot and heavy over hers, but she still did not kiss back. He righted her and smiled.

"My dearest lady," he bowed and placed a small kiss on her forehead.

Eleanor opened her eyes and sat up, her heart was racing. She found herself in bed, in her dark chamber. Was it only a dream? Alas, it was. She found herself torn between embarrassment over what she dreamed and longing for it to be real. Eleanor rolled over, closing her eyes, imagining Lance's face smiling before her. A small sigh escaped her lips and she fell into a deep dreamless sleep.

The next morning Eleanor rode out to Nieven Castle to find her friend Lady Ellana Vaughan. The two girls were only a year apart in age, but worlds apart in other areas. Lady Ellana was fifteen and married to a thirty-five year old knight. They had been married for a year now and Eleanor was curious as to what married life was like.
Ellana came out and greeted her laughing and smiling. She was so tiny! Eleanor was amazed at how a tiny girl had so much energy. The two girls embraced tightly.

“How good it is to see you again!” Ellana said with a giggle in her voice.

“And you as well!” Eleanor and Ellana looped their arms around each other and made their way up the castle steps. Ellana led Eleanor to a small room with a large fireplace and a bench. They sat beside each other.

“How are you?” Eleanor asked.

“I’m well,” Ellana replied, picking up her sewing, her eyes suddenly downcast.

“You are lying!” Eleanor exclaimed smiling at her friend, trying to lighten the mood.

“Aye,” Ellana gave a small sad smile.

“Does your husband treat you well?” Eleanor said lowering her voice to a whisper.

“Aye, he treats me very well. I am just melancholy today, but less so because you are here!” Ellana wrapped her arm around Eleanor’s shoulders, pulling her close.

“What’s it like being married?” Eleanor asked, staring into the fire.

“Ah….Well….”Ellana’s freckled skin flushed red. “Tis almost like having a father in some ways. In others, tis like having a companion who knows your whole heart and soul.”

Eleanor’s eyes widened and she turned to look at beautiful Ellana. Her blue eyes were alight as she talked of her husband, and her soft red hair was elegantly pinned to her head in the fashion of matrimony. Her face was small just like the rest of her. She was as delicate as the petals of a flower. She was filling out her gown, nowadays, but still looked as though a strong wind would blow her over.

“You love him!” Eleanor clapped and laughed gleefully.

“Aye and I will love him all the more in late fall.” Her eyes were soft and dreamy.

“Are you with child?!” Eleanor gasped.

“Aye,” Ellana smiled.

They embraced once more and Eleanor felt a mixture of emotions. She was happy for Ellana, but jealous. She wanted a child of her own. Perhaps the year after next, she mused. It would be such a long wait!