At Last! Ronmael, You Took Your Time!

Bretlyyr 2

It was midday, and we were all swimming in a nearby lake. Broyel was resting on a large rock. I saw Ronmael approach Cole, who nodded, then attracted the attention of Cori and Ray. All three approached the rock, quiet as mice. Broyel, whose eyes were closed, did not notice a thing. Ronmael hid behind a large tree, waited for a moment, then signaled the boys. They clambered atop the rock, and each grabbed an arm or leg of Broyel. When she protested, I heard Cole merrily cry out, "Oh, it's just a dip in the lake. No harm done. Honestly, you haven't touched the water!"

(As a side-note, I saw Cori's expression as the lifted her off the rock. It was amazing. A whole other person was hiding behind that sullen scowl of his. It was as if his face suddenly became exposed to light, when all his life it had been in shadow. A lopsided grin was plastered across his face, and his eyes were sparkling and full of life.)

They swung her out toward the lake, but didn't let go. Back and forth she went, all the time laughing, "Boys! Put me down! Help!" When at last her momentum was great enough, they let her loose, and she soared through the air and landed with a splash in the lake.

Ronmael waited till her sodden head came above the water, then charged the boys, waving a wooden sword and yelling with words of scrolls from olden times, "Dost mine eyes decieveth me? For those young men yonder hath let fly a beautiful lady into the water-filled depths!" He began dueling them, fiercely, and, one by one, the boys were pushed by (faked) superior swordmanship into the lake. Broyel remained treading water where she had landed. Ronmael looked at her with such tenderness, I knew that this was much more than just a childish game. "Fear not," he cried triumphantly, "I shall rescue you, fair flower!" And with those words, he dove into the lake and swam strongly towards her. In a moment, Broyel disappeared under the waves.

Soon, they reappeared on the far shore, both laughing heartily. "I have never seen such a radiant beauty!" Ronmael exclaimed. "Even this flower holds not a candle to her." He reached behind him and pulled out a single, red rose. Around it's stem was a ornate band of silver, engraved with swirls and set with tiny pearls. He knelt before her, and handed her the rose. While she stared, unbelieving, at the flower's gift, Ronmael asked her softly, "Broyel, darling, will you give me the most extreme honor and highest pleasure I could ever ask for? Will you marry me?"

I watched crystalline tears fall from her hazel eyes. "Ronmael," she whispered, "How could I refuse?"

A great roar came from those gathered on the shore, and the two newly-engaged lovers rode back to camp on our shoulders.