by Northstar. » Sat Mar 15, 2025 5:38 am
fable name: Pippa
prompt:
The wind carries the sweet scent of flowers from the wall of the castle. The sky is clear and blue, and spring flowers pop up between the cobblestones in the capital.
"I dare you," a fable giggles, pushing along her quiet friend.
"But - but -"
"I double dog dare you," the other fable laughs, casting sneaky(obvious) glances at the guard at the castle gate. His armor is black and they can't see what he looks like beneath the ornamental helmet. He's leaning against the wall in the shade, alert yet relaxed.
"Fine," Pippa gives in. No one can turn down a double dog dare. She's collected a small bouquet of flowers from a neighbor in return for her fresh baked cinnamon bread. Pretty blue forget-me-nots, small pink roses, baby's breath, and sunflowers adorn the handmade bouquet.
Her cheeks flush with nerves and embarrassment as she marches right up to the knight on guard duty.
"These are for you," she announces brazenly, shoving the bouquet into his chest armor, practically covering the slats for his eyesight with the blooms. "Have a fantastic day." She goes to spin away in embarrassment when his gloved hand taps her elbow.
"Thanks... no one's ever given me flowers." His voice is softer than she expected and her cheeks turn even more red.
"Yup, you, too!" And with that Pippa rushes back to her friend. Once they're safely in the shadows Pippa grumbles. "Yup, you, too? Brilliant."
"What did he sound like? Was he cute?" Her friend questions rapid fire.
"Like he could use a nap and couldn't tell."
A loud fit of sneezing erupts and the girls peak around the corner.
The guard is sneezing. And sneezing and sneezing.
"Oh no," Pippa gasps, horrified.
"Guess you'll have to bake him something to make up for that!" her friend chirps.