Winterfall

Once we stepped outside the castle doors the world around us amazed me as it was bathed in a soft silvery glow. The morning air, was cool and crips. Just as I felt through the crack of my window. As we walked along the cobblestone path, that was brushed with a hint of morning dew.

Breathing in the fresh air, the scent of morning dew was a welcoming sensation in my nostrils. The air brushed against my skin lightly, leaving trails of goosebumps with each burst of wind.

Looking in the sky, there wasn’t a cloud in sight. Crystal clear night with countless shining silver stars that formed various constellations. From Pegasus to the Knight, some located in the skies apex while others rested closer to the Earth’s curvature.

The buildings gave a faint shadow amongst the glow of the moon. As some showed life as other members of the kingdom were waking up this early morning hour. The streets however, still remained ever so silent as most folks remained inside their homes until the sun came into view.

I took in a deep breath of fresh air as we continued our five minute walk to the colosseum. “Beautiful morning isn’t it?” I glanced up at Théoden.

He looked down at me with a soft smile upon his face, “Yes it is. Nice and quiet. Which works best in our favor for training.”

I rolled my eyes, “What are you afraid, magic training will draw attention?”

He looked back in the direction we were heading, “Perhaps. I mean I know I would be curious if I heard loud banging coming from a building that is typically empty.”

“Fair point.”

I couldn’t argue with that. Honestly, I am surprised no one has checked in on the arena yet. We have been causing a ruckus during training sessions.

It fell silent for a minute as we embraced the cool morning breeze. I couldn’t help but think back to the conversation we had prior. I couldn’t help but think about what he was planning to do to protect our kingdom. I wanted to ask him. I needed to ask him. But I doubted I would get any answers. “Theo I-” I began to speak but stopped myself when I felt his eyes fall on me once again.

He groaned, “Maria, if this is about what we discussed last night, I am not saying anything yet so forget it.” He sounded annoyed. I didn’t blame him. However, he knew my curiosity levels all too well. He knew I was impatient.

I remained silent and just stared ahead of us. It bugged me not knowing. The bugging wasn’t out of not believing in him or trusting him, it was just out of the curiosity bug that resided within me.

He grabbed my shoulder, stopping me in my tracks. “Maria, look at me.” I glanced up at him cautiously, “You trust me don’t you?” I nodded. “Then why the pressure to reveal what I want to say?”

I glanced away from him just as he asked, “I…I can’t help it.”

He chuckled, “Of course.”

I glanced back up at him, “Are you mad at me?”

“How could I be mad at those green eyes of yours? I know you can not help but be curious.” Théoden said amused. “Just promise me you won’t ask me again alright?”

I thought about it for a moment. I knew it would be hard not to. However, I knew in time he would tell me. I can accept that. “I promise I will try not to bring it up again.”

He smiled at me, “Thank you Maria. We have a lot to focus on right now as is. I can not have you distracted with your training.”

At this point we had reached our destination. He opened the door to the colosseum and let me walk in first. The arena was dark, as the workers had yet to rise.

Since it was early in the morning, we decided to leave the arena dark. As both of us could see well in darkness, light wasn’t always necessary but was helpful.

“Alrighty, you remember the rules. Ten paces for equal distance. Let me set up my shield first. Choose your gem perhaps one we haven’t used first.”

“Got it captain.” I said as we began to set up the space. We stood back to back and counted. One. Two. Three. And so forth. Once we were ten spaces apart we turned around and faced each other.

I sad the magical shimmer of his barrier appear around him and he looked at me with a smile, “Okay Maria now choose your gem.”