Helpless, but not Hopeless (open)

[Elaine of Astolat]

The mischievous grin delighted her. Elaine herself was often prone to mischief and to find that this knight, this Sergeant, as serious as he could be, could also be prone to mischief. It spoke to his character. "Very well," she conceded with a nod. "I shall simply have to wait. The test of time is the greatest test of all. I shall be interested in hearing is I have exceeded your expectations."

Elaine had to look away from Phoebus. He was far too charming for his own good. She smiled. That was rather bold to wish to apply as her body guard. "I will of course have to consider other applications," she teased. "Though of course, you will be the only knight that I have seen kill a wolf so that will work in your favor. You are very capable."

She pressed her lips together to keep from laughing. Poor Phoebus. She truly believed that he meant what he said without the extra sentence tacked on the end. "Well, you are very kind for your concern," she said gently. "But if we stay together then we will have nothing to worry about."

[Phoebus]

"And I am positive you will, my lady." He grinned again, unable to stop his thoughts continuing the sentence. I'll do whatever it takes to make sure you do.

He felt pride swell in his chest as she complimented him. He was slightly surprised at himself; he knew he was more than capable, and he'd been complimented many times before, by ladies, fellow soldiers, superior officers - but hearing a simple compliment like that from Elaine and he couldn't suppress a pleased smile appearing on his face. "Of course, you must make sure you hire the best candidate, my lady." He said with a smirk. "And I will just have to work exceedingly hard to ensure that's me."

"I don't plan on leaving you alone for a second." He said quietly as they reached the treeline at last, looking at her seriously, feeling his breath taken away momentarily as he took in her beauty once more. He allowed his eyes to linger on hers for a moment, before pulling his gaze away, his hand on his sword as they stepped out from the trees. He looked around, blinking in the brighter light; they appeared to be on a road, and as he looked up and down the road he saw the high turrets and walls of a castle not far away. He pointed it out to Elaine.

"Seems the most sensible place to head towards I think, my lady." He said, his hand still on his sword while his other arm supported her. "It may the home of a nobleman who can assist you properly." The smile he offered her was a little sadder than his previous - reaching the home of a nobleman would force their time together to end, would force them to return to their different stations, Elaine where she belonged at the noble's table, and Phoebus below stairs, with the servants and soldiers. It was proper and it was right, he knew, but it saddened him nonetheless, the thought of having to walk away from this beautiful, intelligent and intriguing girl.

He glanced down at her ankle, concern on his face. "Do you think you can make it?"

[Elaine of Astolat]

It didn't seem to take much to make the Sergeant smile. A simple compliment produced a pleased grin. Perhaps ladies did not compliment him often in his skills, which would be a shame. The Sergeant would make an excellent knight if he could find someone to knight him. She would certainly back him if needed. After all, she has witnessed how brave he was against a wolf.

She gave a little laugh. She has no doubt that Phoebus would truly out in the effort required to be the best. "Perhaps I'll make it a competition," she teased. "And then you would really have to work hard to ensure you were the best."

The serious tone caused Elaine to look up, lifting her eyes to meet his. He meant it. Of course he did. She didn't quite know how to respond to this though. His eyes were intense and for a moment she felt lost looking into them. And then he pulled his gaze away and breathing became inexplicably easier. How very strange. She hadn't realized that something had changed.

She turned to look at the castle up ahead. It was a fine looking place, though it had few fortifications that she could see, but those could be built. And it was a relief to know that there would be a roof over her head tonight after all. "Well," she said, putting aside the strangeness of the previous moment, "I am thankful in that we shall both rest comfortably tonight."


She nodded, the corners of her mouth turning up in a smile. "With you by my side, I will be just fine."

(Fin)