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Eclyse Christian · Posted: Thu Sep 02, 2010 8:09 pm Post subject: Faith By Moonlight

Night had fallen softly across the valleys of Stonegate. As soft as the whisper of snow on this night. The time was approaching ten hours past midday, and Eclyse hastened her step toward Sir Kaylor’s manor. She approached the door, noting only the faintest glimmer of candlelight eminating from inside. Quietly, she opened the door and peered inside. Her eyes adjusted from the glimmer of the moons on the snow to the soft candlelight gradually until she could see Sir Kaylor watching her from the main hall.

She stepped into the hall and bowed her head respectfully, still unclear what task he had for her that would bring her to his side so late on the night before the jousting tournament. There was some measure of apprehension in his eyes, which touched his expression in a way that seemed to Eclyse altogether foreign. Never had his gaze betrayed anything beyond fierce dedication and discipline. Eclyse met his gaze quizically and tilted her head.

Sir Kaylor steeled his gaze, but spoke softly to her. “I have asked you here to assist me in a pre-tournament ritual, Eclyse. It is your role as my squire, if you so choose.”

Eclyse’s expression brightened in the soft candlelight, as she smiled and nodded enthusiastically. Kaylor’s visage remained solid as he handed her a rune and scroll. “Very well, please meet me at this location.”

Eclyse Christian · Posted: Thu Sep 02, 2010 8:12 pm Post subject:

Eclyse nodded once and did as he asked, blinking as she found herself on the edge of a forest, ankle-deep in soft grass. The moons raced one another overhead, nearly to the apex of the velvet sky. A river flowed gently not more than ten paces to the east. Kaylor was already waiting between her and the water, his face a serene mask as he watched her.

“First I will pray for humility and valor, and the safety of the tournament contestants. Afterward…” he paused, the faintest glimmer of apprehension creeping into his gaze again. “Afterward I will cleanse.”

Eclyse nodded once, kneeling several paces away from him in the soft grass and allowing him silence as his prayers flew heavenward upon silent lips. The moons shone on his dark hair in a pale blue sheen as his earnest and wordless pleas closed his eyes on a world that knew not his God, but allowed his prayers safe passage nonetheless.

Watching him intently, Eclyse startled herself from her reverie as he raised his head again and opened his eyes. His gaze had become focused and peaceful as he rose and looked upon her, a cue for her to rise as well. Kaylor looked to the river and back to Eclyse with a deep sigh.

“It is your duty as squire to assist me in this endeavour, are you willing?” Eclyse took a deep breath and steeled her nerve, stepping forward with an obedient nod. “Very well, please help me off with my armour.”

Without hesitation, Eclyse set about unbuckling and loosening, removing his chestplate and gauntlets, and helping him out of his sleeves. She stepped back a moment as he removed his shirt and the arcane headpiece he wore. She knelt again before him and helped him off with his boots, then stepped back, watching Kaylor hopefully for some sign that she should stop there. He gave no such signal.

“Please finish.” He spoke without looking into her eyes. Eclyse again nodded obediently and unfastened his belt, kneeling as she helped him off with the chain leggings, and averting her eyes as she rose.

Finally, she understood what she had taken to be apprehension in his eyes, as the glimmer again returned. Squires were usually male. She had taken the position and all that it entailed. All that he asked, she would freely do as a tribute to her respect for him, and the discipline that he had taught her.

Eclyse Christian · Posted: Thu Sep 02, 2010 8:13 pm Post subject:

“Please come.” Kaylor waded into the water until he was waist deep, a gesture which Eclyse was thankful for, whether or not it was done on her behalf. Eclyse removed her boots, gloves, and sleeves, then waded into the icy water of the river, with a faint gasp.

Kaylor turned his gaze to her, unaccustomed to her making any sound, and she blushed slightly, thankful that the moonlight would wash the pink from her features, and unable to keep from noticing the way the moonlight defined his musculature. She hoped he knew the cold was the reason for her gasp.

His expression again a mask of serenity and focus, he spoke, more softly than before. “Your hands and water only. Pure.”

Eclyse bowed her head slightly, raking her fingers through her hair, quickly plaiting it loosely down her back to keep it out of her way. Then she dipped her cupped hands into the water and poured handfuls over his shoulders, and across his chest. She followed the rivulets over his flesh with gentle fingertips, occasionally dipping her hands into the water again to rinse. He bowed his head to her, and she poured double handfuls of the crystalline water over his head, wetting his hair as his deep blue eyes closed.

Ultimate trust. Eclyse though to herself, smiling faintly. He has made himself utterly vulnerable. This is the bond of a squire to her knight.

Eclyse Christian · Posted: Thu Sep 02, 2010 8:17 pm Post subject:

Eclyse averted her gaze as Kaylor made his way from the water, and followed only when he was beginning again to dress himself on the soft grass of the riverbank. He left his armour piled neatly as she had left it, choosing a soft shirt of Stonegate blue instead of his chestplate.

When he was dressed again, he took a dagger from his belt and quickly slid the blade across the palm of his left hand. Eclyse startled at the action, and opened her mouth to speak, the first time she’d made such a move since she vowed seven days of silence. Kaylor watched her a moment, apparently reading her thoughts as they registered on her face.

“I spill this blood in exchange for that of any opponent that I may spill on the morrow.” He held out his hand, allowing the blood to fall in rivulets and drip onto the grass.

Eclyse took out a soft pink kerchief and watched him with pleading eyes, that he might allow her to tend the wound. He noticed her silent plea and held his hand out to her.

“If you desire.”

Eclyse knelt before him and pressed the soft cloth against the wound to stem the flow of blood. Once it had begun to slow, she turned the cloth over and wiped the worst of the blood away.

Kaylor smiled genuinely down at her as she looked up at him. “You are learning well. Thank you.”

Eclyse rose and picked up the bundle of Kaylor’s armour, hugging it securely to her chest. Kaylor watched her for a moment and nodded in approval. “Let us return to the manor. Tomorrow will be a full day. Tonight, it is time to rest.”