17. Gaining the Grace of the Knights

GAINING THE GRACE OF THE KNIGHTS

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The Estate of Duke Walterus,

The Town of Crimsonton,

Kingdom of Velicia,

Early hours of the morning,

The Eighth Day of the Month of November,

Thirty Third Year of the Reign of King Jesse Crestings

"I'm quite close to Roden, who's one of the Knight's men. He should be able to lend us the support of getting you in", said Daren, taking Amelia outside to the courtyard. The damsel hasted to press the wrinkles off her skirt and vest, hoping to look presentable enough for their favour.

Once the two were outside in the garth, the young lad led her swiftly towards the oak trees where the knights were basking in the cool shade and chattering away.

For the scandalous news that was mastering the towns regarding their slackness in laying watch against the beasts that attacked the village of Drift-combe and their inability to deal with the vigilantism and capture the unknown lawbreakers, the men seemed far too carefree.

Her eyes subconsciously searched for Knight Erion, although she knew he wouldn't be there. He was present at the Estate in order to meet the Prince and be confronted regarding the vigilante activity that escaped the surveillance of his charge.

"Hey!" Daren called, winning the attention of the blithe knights.

"Daren", some of them smiled, in casual invitation. "Have you brought us your treats?"

"Not food", her blue haired friend chuckled, "but certainly a delicacy for company. This is my friend Amelia", he introduced, stepping aside and allowing her to be presented.

The men nodded, giving her glances and judgements, for they seemed not to know her. The dame had wondered if they were the ones that had been in the vigilantism that previous night, for they were quite close in duty to Knight Erion.

She curtsied and smiled, "Hello"

"She writes stories for leisure", Daren continued, "And I was wondering if you could add her to your Literature association. I believe she will make a great member." This he said, to Roden, a knight of olive coloured, dishevelled overgrown hair, like it was more unkempt than maintained to be long, beards and moustaches mastering his face at will and unseasoned, but a clean face with an adventurous expression.

The man, in response, rubbed the nape of his neck, giving her a once over. "You aren't amongst the nobles though, are you?" he asked.

Amelia shook her head 'no' in response. The men exchanged glances before looking back to her. "It is with Miss Charlene to add or remove members at the club, but I can ask her, since you are a blooming writer. Do not let your expectations of hope exceed you though", he shrugged.

"Well, I thought perhaps adding commoners to your society would make it more pleasing and gain the favour of the townsfolk for you", Daren suggested.

Roden gave a slow, contemplative nod, before nodding again, saying, "I will make mention of that notion with Miss Charlene. The end, however, rests with her decision."

"We have a conference this after-noon, after the Prince's visit as well. May-be you would be invited there", another man, by the name Cylass, said.

"I would be honoured", the damsel of chestnut hair smiled.

"So, what do you write?" Jerish, one of the men asked, curious.

"Well", Amelia felt a smile of pure passion take control of her lips. "I write of my most cherished experiences and paint pictures to suit them, but I write these as if it has happened to some other fictional personage. And I will add a touch of fantasy to it to seem like it is a work far from reality or even myself. I weave these into a collection of stories and sell them to children's caretakers such as the local School House for money", said she. A dreamy expression lingering in her eyes betrayed that what she spoke of was from what was of deep happiness to her heart.

"And do you ever wish to publish them with your name on it some day? As a renowned author?" Cylass asked.

"It would be a dream come true, should such take the guise of reality", the damsel spilt a shy chuckle.

"Well, if you were to make publication, then what would you write? Childish fantasies or some other genre of real story for the attention of the older?" Roden asked, resting against the tree's bark.

Amelia fell silent for a moment, feeling foolish about her writing. She had never thought of it to be childish, for it was most adored and received by her people at the village. But since they were all her dear ones and well-wishers, she was unsure of whether their praise was true to the works. "I-I do not know, per-haps", she responded, thoughts and emotions scattered.

Just then, one of the maidens that had been around rang a call, running over to the company gathered in the shade of the oak tree and cried, "The Prince is coming! Head Knight Erion called the Knights to assemble at the front entrance to the main halls for greeting!"

~