Good-bye, My Lady - Part I

I came across Lady in the holy cathedral in the providence of Madison. It was a chance meeting that I could never forget only for the fact that I had been challenged to a duel of words over the Holy Scriptures by Count Draco. As it happened as determined by fate the Lady was in attendance to this spectacle with many other dansels of the realm. Little did I know the consequences of this duel for as I dueled with the count, everytime I scored a point I unwittingly cast a smile and then a wink in the direction of the Lady. Unawares to me I was capturing her heart with every glance.

One week later while leaving the cathedral I saw Lady riding on a beautiful coach pulled by a pure white stead which pranced with the grace of a pure Mustang. I couldn’t help but call to her as she passed by to inquire about the fine stead pulling the coach. Before I knew it she challenged me to take a ride in the country with her in exchange for a ride on my black stallion Shadow. Not to be outdone in front of my peers I accepted the offer.

Within the week we were off on a journey in her coach. Lady wished to visit the apple orchards in the province of Jackson. Since neither of us had ever actually traveled there we took the path that we knew passed by the orchards. While on this journey as Lady and I conversed it occurred to me that Lady was much younger in heart and mind than her age indicated. This intrigued me and further endeared her to my heart. As we progressed in our journey the twin towers of the holly woods loomed upon the horizon. At that point Lady and I had to agree that we had apparently missed the entrance to the orchards long ago. Such is the hazards of traveling with such a charming companion.

Lady suggested that we forget about the orchards today and take a detour to the golden pond of Gunter village and obtain sustenance there for it was reported to have the best inn in the realm.

Neither of us being hungry at the moment of arrival, we decided to sit along the bank of the golden pond. Far into the pond we could see a strange looking man swimming far from shore. Lady said: "Isn’t it strange for a man to be swimming so far from shore during this season.” And yes I did think it strange but I had seen many stranger things before. All of a sudden from an apparent ledge near the edge of the water appeared a most wondrous sight. It appeared to be a bare lady playing in the edge of the water. Lady and I were most shocked to see such an inappropriate sight. Lady blushed and I averted my eyes as the lady at the waters edge bobbed up and down in and out of our view. Just as we were about to depart out of modesty the man swam toward shore. The lady on shore dove into the water followed by two young boys. Or so it seemed. As we saw them swim away Lady noticed that they appeared to have no legs. Further observation revealed that they had fins instead of legs.

What a marvelous sight!!! We had often heard the legend of Mermaids but to actually see Freshwater Mermaids was especially rare. Needless to say the conversation over the meal and the journey home was especially special.

Arriving near Lady’s home she inquired if I would be so kind as to detour to the local blacksmith’s house because her elderly father was receiving leach treatments for a severe illness. Upon our arrival we approached the cot where her father was resting. After cordial greetings Lady’s father drew me near to him and asked of my intentions with the Lady because he knew that Lady was of young heart and mind and could be easily decieved by smooth talking men. I reassured him that I was a man of honor and was wise enough to not take advantage of his daughter. He made me swear on pain of the sword that I would not disgrace his daughter.

Taking our leave we arrived at Lady’s abode where I gathered up my stead and bid my lady: “Good-bye My Lady until we meet again.”