Hellion's Reckoning

Ruvyn Grovewood laid out under the sun as the other warriors watched the prince and lady spar. His keen ears couldn’t miss the excitement. He didn’t wish to spend such a beautiful day watching those make eyes at each other as they danced around. After the weeks of travel, he wished to spend as much time as he could resting. A battle lay ahead of them, whether the prince wished to admit it.

His attire looked as though he had effortlessly blended with comfort and style. He wore a set of dark green trousers that were loose-fitting, allowing for maximum relaxation. His shirt was a simple white linen tunic, its sleeves rolled up to his elbows, revealing toned forearms that bore evidence of his warrior training. The sunlight played off the sleek, black leather of the boots, adding a touch of elegance to his otherwise casual attire.

As he closed his eyes, a gentle breeze carried the scent of fresh pine and wildflowers, soothing his senses and easing the tension that coiled within him. The rustling leaves overhead provided a rhythmic melody that seemed to lull him into a state of relaxation, the distant chirping of sparrows a sweet serenade to his ears. Ruvyn welcomed the peaceful respite from the chaos of their upcoming battle as he lay there, basking in the sun’s warmth. The tranquil surroundings seemed to envelop him, offering a moment of solace amidst the uncertainty that loomed ahead.

The golden rays of sunlight caressed his skin, creating a halo of warmth that melted away the tension in his muscles. The earthy scents of the forest mingled with the sweet floral notes, creating a symphony of fragrance that danced around him. Even beyond all the shouting, he could hear the violent rush of water over rocks, the waterfall crashing into the cottage pond. In the solace of that moment, his ears seemed to stretch over the entire forest, catching every little movement.

Ruvyn basked in the tranquility of the moment. A mischievous thought crossed his mind. “Ah, the calm before the storm,” he mused, a smirk playing on his lips. The whispering wind seemed to tease him, as if knowing that the impending chaos would soon shatter this peaceful interlude. But for now, he allowed himself to sink deeper into the blissful reprieve. Whatever lay ahead, the future would be fraught with adventure and danger.

Just as he was reveling in the peaceful interlude, a fiery vision interrupted his musings. Her outfit was a bold mix of crimson and gold, the colors complementing her vibrant red hair that seemed to dance in the sunlight. The fabric of her attire was both elegant and practical, hugging her form in all the right places while allowing for ease of movement in combat. A pair of boots made of snakeskin covered her feet.

With a raised eyebrow and a wry grin tugging at the corners of his lips, Ruvyn couldn’t help but admire the way Ashryn carried herself, exuding both strength and allure. “A fiery enchantress gracing me with her presence,” he remarked, his tone light and playful. Ashryn’s eyes sparkled with a mixture of amusement as she met Ruvyn’s gaze. Her lips curved into a smile as she replied, her voice carrying a hint of playful challenge, “Well, well, Ruvyn Grovewood, lounging around while the others sweat it out. You’re getting lazy.”

“I prefer to think of it as conserving my energy,” he said, his gaze lingering on her a moment as the sun reflected off her hazel eyes. Ashryn chuckled, a sound that seemed to blend with the rustling leaves and chirping sparrows in perfect harmony. “Conserving your energy or enjoying the view?” she teased, a smirk playing on her lips as she settled down next to Ruvyn. “Can it be both?” he asked, sliding closer as she sat.

Ashryn’s contagious laughter rang out across the clearing. “Trying to charm your way out of guard duty?” she asked, lightly bumping him against the shoulder. Aside from some light chatting, they hadn’t spoken much on the journey. The Grovewoods and Redwoods rarely had any reason to interact, and she only knew a couple of facts about him. He held a sword, but his preferred weapons were the twin battle axes. She couldn’t help but find his amber eyes inviting, but during their travel, she had no time for flirting.

“Who? Me?” Ruvyn placed a hand on his chest and gasped, “Never!” He wasn’t a fan of the night shift, but he was the one to draw the small straw. “Fear not, milady, for I shall brave the depths of the shadows to defend our camp from any dangers,” he declared with a flourish, accentuating his words with a dramatic sweep of his arm.

Ashryn giggled at his theatrics. “Ever the valiant hero, Ruvyn Grovewood,” she replied, “I will feel most safe.” The exchange between them felt like a welcome respite from her worries.

“I should rest. Can’t be caught napping on the job,” Ruvyn sighed and stood up, taking her hand in his and brushing a kiss over her knuckles. “Until we meet again, my fiery enchantress,” he whispered, a smoldering smile playing on his lips as he released her hand and turned to prepare for his duties.