Melanie clicked her heels down the hall unable to move silently in the shoes. The dress helped hold her breasts in place though they still jiggled on display for all to see. She slipped a few times still not balanced in her heels catching herself on the walls. Amazingly she got to the front the front door unnoticed. She thanked the gods for her luck as she proceeded out into the fresh air with the afternoon sun caressing her exposed skin. Melanie sauntered down the road hips swaying seductively. The heels made it difficult to move quickly down the dirt road. She cursed that her beautiful blue dress dragged along the ground catching dirt all over it.
Melanie started to wonder just where she was going. She would hit a main crossroad soon if she remembered correctly the area. If the weather turned she would need shelter and she had no money. If she traveled to her home she would probably be caught. Logically the king’s men would watch there. Still, she remained unrecognizable lest they knew magic to see her true self. Though her handsome friend Sir Armant “the heartbreaker” dwelled not too far from here. He held no love for the king who slew his father for treason. Succor would be offered by him and companionship if she played it right. No Melanie you mustn’t think like that even if Armant’s reputation is of his ability to please a comely wench like herself. No she is a paladin who needed to seek restoration to her former state.
Melanie traveled to Sir Armant who at least could be trusted to not be turned over to King Emeril. The idea of being enticed to his bedchamber held intriguing prospects to at least part of her. Her endurance failed as she reached a trail leading to the estate. She found a fallen tree to sit upon regaining a bit of strength. Her stomach growled in hunger with her dry mouth left her in a miserable state. Melanie probably looked a state. She kicked the dirt fuming till the thundering of hooves brought head up to look for a source.
Sir Armant rode with abandon down the trail. Frustrations with a life of near exile by Emeril led him to a life of idleness. Riding horse and women his few pleasures. Today another denial letter from the lords council. His restricted travel order continued. They awaited his betrayal like his father before him. The temptation certainly stood consideration at times. Noticing the horse lathered up in near exhaustion he brought it down to a slow trot catching sight of a distressed shapely young woman at the side of the trail. He swung over his horse dropping down to the ground. He hurried over calling out, “Are you alright milady? I am Sir Armant. I will let no harm to come to you while I am near. You find yourself upon my estate and at your agreement I invite you to enjoy any of the small comforts it might provide. Your lips look parched may I offer a drink from my water sack? May I inquire after your name as well?” He felt silly for his own excitement but the prospects of a strange beautiful young woman brought him out of his funk.
Melanie brightened at the sight of the dashing young knight hurrying to her aid. She composed herself best she could responding demurely, “I call myself Melanie right now though not always. I am in need of your assistance. I am afraid I find myself with no money to pay for food and lodgings on the run from the King. I throw myself on your mercy.”
Armant laughed at the situation he now found himself in. Finding himself in an intrigue out here. Still, his interest piqued he chose to pursue it still further saying, “Well, Melanie as you call yourself now I will do what is in the power to help you. I can see you are tired I will help you onto my horse and take you to my home for food and rest. May I ask what has put you in this sorry state?”
