Lisieux Family/Escort to the Festival

Noah was lost, somewhere between Colasan and Taop. He had foolishly sent his men ahead after meeting some particularly interesting women in a wayside tavern. Little did he know, his captain had arranged for them to 'entertain' him as a present for his 20th birthday. In his drunken stupor, Noah had ordered his troops to march ahead to Edairn, telling them he would catch up later, but at this time, that seemed rather improbable. He was heading south, but had no idea where he was. A few peasants informed him he was in Lenamaziel and that Azros was further south, but that was all the help he had received.

He scoured the horizon, looking for Arcaean or allied banners, and much to his joy, he spotted a particularly familiar one. In the distance, he spotted a good two dozen soldiers, carrying the standard of Tapaliez. He squinted and saw the longbows slung over their shoulders. Then, he spotted their commander... Desiderata! He spurred his horse and thundered in her direction, his heart filled with more excitement than he thought he would feel.

"My lady!", he shouted, but his voice was drowned out by the noise of hooves striking earth. "My lady!", he shouted again when he was closer, and this time, she turned her head towards him. "My lady, I cannot tell you how glad I am to find you here!"

"Sir Noah?", she asked, with wonder in her voice. "What brings you here, all on your own?"

Noah now rode at her side. "Ahh... it's a bit embarrassing, actually...", he said shyly. "I, uh... I lost my men."

Desiderate chuckled. "I see... well, such things happen, Sir Noah. You are most welcome to accompany me."

He smiled and nodded... it was an offer he did not have to think twice on. Her choice of words made him realize something else... something that made his heart skip a beat. He stared at the ground for a moment, working up the courage to speak his next words.

"My lady...", he said, and then hesitated. He took a deep breath, and continued, all but blurting out the rest. "My lady... the Spring Festival is soon, and I was hoping you would do me the honor of having me as your escort for the festivities!"

His heart pounded fiercely, and his throat was parched. Had he been too frivolous? After all, she was no ordinary lady... she was his liege, and a good eight years older than him. Still... the question had been uttered, and he could not take it back... he could only hope for a positive answer, or otherwise a light penalty for his frivolousness...

Noah Capet (Knight of Tapaliez)