A week had passed by the time Aylin was ready to depart. She wanted to be certain the towns people were in good health and they would be able to manage without her. Cal waited patiently for Aylin, so they could travel together. The journey to Cal's home would take an entire day by horse back. However, Aylin did not know how to ride a horse and would have to ride with Cal.
They both got up early on the morning of their departure to provide ample time for travel in case anything unexpected happened. At first, the horse ride was awkward. They were close to each other and didn't say anything beyond simple small talk. Eventually, the crisp autumn air warmed up melting away a little of the existing awkwardness.
"Why does this have to take so long. I wish places were closer to each other or I could go quicker." Cal blurted out, breaking the silence.
"Be patient, we'll get there." Said Aylin.
"I know, but I want to be there now and get this over with." Responded Cal.
"There is no need to feel rushed in stead try to enjoy the scenery. It is a beautiful Fall afternoon. The sight of the autumn color, the tall grass and the sound of the leaves wrestling in the wind. Not every day is like today." Said Aylin.
"That was really mature and poetic. Where did you
learn to talk like that?" Asked Cal.
"Through my years of experience. It has taught me many things." Said Aylin.
"Your years of experience. You look like you're my age." Said Cal.
"I'm older than you are." Said Aylin.
"Then how old are you?" Asked Cal.
"I'm twenty-eight." Aylin said reluctantly.
"That would make you eight years older than I am. You don't look your age." Said Cal.
"A lot of people think that." Said Aylin.
"Twenty-eight is not that old, yet you talk like an old lady." Said Cal.
"I know. That's because I had to learn to grow up quickly because I didn't have any parents to raise me. I rushed through my adolescence to adulthood and now I feel like I'm a middle aged lady. My point is don't be afraid to take time to enjoy things for what they are. I wish I had when I was younger." Said Aylin.
"I think I understand what you mean." Said Cal.
They had left the forest where the village was located and were now at the top of a hill looking over the plains ahead of them. The tall grass, and withered wildflowers rustled through the wind creating waves in a sea of grass. Sending a chill through their bones while plains whispered in their ears. A feeling of relaxation overcame them as if there was nothing else other than this moment.
As the day went on the sun dipped below the horizon and the moon arose. Cal and Aylin arrived to the estate past time for dinner, yet there was a meal waiting for them because Cal had sent a letter informing his father and the staff of their late arrival a week earlier. They sat across each other when they ate their meal. When they finished eating a lady's maid arrived. Cal had explained to Aylin the maid was there to help her with a bath and escort her to her room for the night.
Aylin felt uncomfortable with the maid's help with the bath. She never had someone to help bathe her. She didn't know how to act in this situation. The maid washed her hair and scrubbed her clean as she sat there in the bath. After the bath was over, she was given a night gown to change into. The maid informed her that her clothes would be washed for her tomorrow, and she would be given a set of clothes to wear for the day. Aylin was then escorted to her room.
Aylin entered the room and saw it was nicer than anywhere she has had the privilege of staying before. The floor had carpet, and the room was furnished with a bed and a desk with a chair for writing. The maid placed a candle on the desk for Aylin and then left the room. Aylin plopped herself on the bed. She felt like she was floating on clouds. She had never slept on a bed this soft before nor had she ever been subject to any kind of luxury she had experienced that night. She thought Cal was spoiled growing up with life like this. After getting herself comfortable in the bed she heard a knock coming from the door. She got out of the bed and walked over to the door and opened it to find Cal on the other side.
"How is everything, is it all to your liking?" Asked Cal.
"Everything is great. The bed is the softest thing I had ever laid upon and I don't even remember the last time I took a hot bath." Replied Aylin.
"That's good to hear." Cal said.
He stood there for a moment. Aylin looked a little different to him with the candlelight shining on her and wearing the nightgown. Aylin had this soft natural beauty that he never noticed before.
After a brief moment of silence Cal said, "I came to tell you, breakfast will be served in your room tomorrow morning and afterwards I'll come find you."
"That works, I'll be waiting for you." Said Aylin.
"I'll introduce you to my father the Marquis of Westwood. We'll tell him about our findings and our plan." Said Cal.
"That is what we came here for." Said Aylin
"I should be going now. It's getting late we both should get some sleep." Said Cal.
Just as Cal was turning around to leave Aylin said, "Goodnight Cal" with soft voice.
Cal turned back around to Aylin and said, "Have a goodnight too, Aylin."
Cal turned around again and started walking towards his room. Aylin stood in the doorway for a moment before closing it. She felt warm inside. Not often does she have the chance to say goodnight to someone. She walked to the candle and blew out the flame and then walked over and crawled into her bed. She fell asleep with a smile on her face.