Midnight Meeting

He galloped along the beaten dirt path, a bow upon his back and a sword strapped to his hip. The stars above lit his way as he made his way along the path. It was several minute sbefore he reigned his black horse to a stop and bid him to stand silently while the knight looked upon a starlit feild. "This is the place." He whispered to his steed, the horses ears flicked back in response.1

The knight dismounted and gave the horse a soft pat, "She'll be here. Wait for me." The horse lowered his proud head as the knight turned and walked softly through the tall grass. His eyes scanned the field, examining the shadows cast by sparse trees, searching for a maiden's figure.2

His eyes caught a small movement in a great oak tree, but he pretended not to notice as he continued to walk. Finally, he came to a stop underneath the branches of the oak tree and turned around. "I'll just wait here." He muttered, just loud enough so that anyone nearby would be able to hear him.3

There was a small snicker and then a crunch as a young woman jumped from the branches of the tree to land in front of the knight. "Good sir," she said with a playful smile, "I didn't expect you to be here tonight."4

The knight smiled back, "I almost didn't make it. A battle still rages down on the plains, but you were more important."5

She laughed, "You were in no battle, you haven't a drop of blood on your armour or sword."6

He tapped the bow on his back, "No, but I am short some arrows, my dearest." He took a step towards the woman and reached out to pull her close.7

"Wasn't the battle important?" She asked bringing her face close to his.8

"I care not, you are the only thing that matters." He smiled and softly kissed her. "I shall love you until the end of time, my lady."9

"And I shall love you, my darling." She threw her arms about his neck and pressed her head close, "I missed you so much. Please don't leave me that long again."10

"Then come with me hen I go again. You can fight as well as any man I know."11

She smiled faintly, "I am a woman, I cannot fight in the armies. No king would hire my sword."12

"Then dress as a man! Cut your hair short, bind your breasts. I cannot live without you, I cannot stand the distance in our lives."13

Tears shone in her eyes as she pulled away and gazed at him, "We shall see." She said simply, and kissed him hard.14