Adrian had beet sitting inside of his small tent all day, trying to beat back the heat. He was laying down, shirtless, waiting to begin wrestling. They expected him to wrestle in this heat, something he could not comprehend. There would be more sliding than grappling. He decided to pull on a rose red shirt, not bothering with his doublet or anything else. He smiled as he slipped on a few newly aqquired rings. He strode outside, walking in the way that only he walked. He looked down at his feet, currently clad in leather sandals. There he spotted a pavilion he immediately recognized as the Rochesters. Rose popped into his mind, their first meeting. The Memory made them chuckle, except for the end....he hoped that she had kept her promise....He sighed and walked foward, stopping near the pavilion. He looked at how he was dressed and wondered if she would even recognize him at all. He chuckled at the though. So he sat there, waiting for her to appear.

Tough Rose did not care much for bloodshed, she could not help but enjoy the tournament. At least no one had seriously been hurt. To think if someone did frightened her, especially considering the upcoming match between Duke Westley and Duke Alden. Of course, she knew whom she should wish to win, after all they were to be married soon, but she could not help but want that honor to go to Alden. It was a complicated situation that Rose would rather not deal with. However, the match was still a few away, so there was no need to worry just yet. Yes, she would try to calm herself and enjoy the wonderful scenery.

Taking a few steps, she found herself at the edge of the pavilion, looking out across the wide green expanse. The rolling hills, and the sun placed right above them certainly did make for a wonderful prospect, that caused a small smile to form across Rose’s face. In the distance she could hear a few cheers, some laughter, even some yelling, but that was all in the back of her mind. As she let her eyes wander slightly she moved away from the open area, to where all he action was taken place. The whole filed was full of people, tens, pavilions and rings where the tournaments were to take place. It was all so exciting, that Rose could not help but feel someone rouse within her simply seeing the huge crowd.

All the people seemed to blur together in Roses eyes, until she came across a certain man. Rose had to stop. The man...seemed awfully familiar. Had she met him before? Rose tilted her head in curiosity and stared at the man for a few seconds. Yes, she had met him before, but that revelation did not give her any satisfaction as she recalled their last meeting. Oh, she had been a senseless naive fool! He was a stranger that night at the Pemberton ball yet she had poured her heart out to him. How could she have done such a thing?

Looking back now, Rose regretted ever letting those tears escape. She was sure he thought her a fool now. Who wouldn’t. Oh, she would give anything to avoid meeting him once more. No, it would be better to step back into the shadows. Maybe he would not notice her. So, quickly, without any hesitation, Rose turned and headed back into the pavilion where she could avoid being seen by him.

He smiled as he saw her duck out of the way after seeing him. She probably remembered the meeting, and thought that he thought her a fool. May as well leave her thinking that for the time being... He thought, with a malicious smile on his face. However, he walked over to a wooden face with a passive fence. He leaned on the fence and watched a joust with feigned interest. He would have to leave immedately after the wrestling match, he thought. He wanted to get home and be with his true love in peace and quiet. She had wanted to come...but the child had prevented that. He grimaced slightly before returning to passiveness. He turned around so that his back was on the fence. When he was finished, he started directly into the Rochester Pavilion. Well...more at Rose than anything. He smiled to her and then pretended to look at other things. This is going to be fun, he thought. Very fun indeed...

For the time being, Rose felt sure that Lord Adrian had not spied her. He couldn’t have. Not when she had not seen him for an hour or so. Would he not have come to her immediately after seeing her? Well, maybe that would be jumping to unreasonable conclusions. After all, she barely knew him. The whole time, that Rose watched the tournament, she felt a different agitation, and wondered if he really had seen her. Maybe he did not come because he did not remember. Could that be possible, though? She had burst in tears…how could one forget such an encounter? It was all odd, and though Rose tried to push those curious thoughts aside, she could not. The tournament was not as enjoyable, for she barely paid any attention to what was going on. Her mind was distracted.

Suddenly, she saw, out of the corner of her eye, Lord Adrian again. He seemed a little distracted, but then when his eyes met hers, Rose immediately looked away. If he didn’t recognize her the first time, she was not going to give a chance for him to remember that tearful scene. She hoped with all her might that he would not recall it. After a few seconds, though, Rose noticed him moving. She did not worry, because she thought at first he was walking away, but then, she noticed he was walking nearer, and what is more, he had a small smirk on his face. There was no doubt in Rose’s mind that he remembered her, and Rose’s humiliation grew ever more. Oh, why could he not simply forget her face? If only she could turn back time, she would certainly have behaved properly.

As he got nearer, Rose wondered what he might say. Would he laugh at her? Treat her civilly? Interrogate her? It was hard to tell, because she had only been with him for a mere hour. That was hardly enough time to make any sort of character judgement, at least for her. From what she had seen of him, though, she highly doubted he would laugh at her. He had certainly not laughed while she was crying. He had even tried to calm her down and offered encouraging words. Rose could not help but wonder if that had been the real Adrian. Finally, Rose knew that she could not act as if she had not seen him any longer. She turned around and with a smile she gave a small bow.

“Why, Lord Adrian. Such a surprise to see you. I had not expected another encounter,” Rose declared, pausing in attempts to sound as civil as she possibly could. “And how are you these days?”

"Nor had I."


He said, half to himself.


"Ah, I am good, I am good. Yourself?"


He said looking at her, now leaning on the post that was holding up the Pavillion. His rings glinted in the sunlight. His rose-red shirt was clean and well pressed, thanks to his manservant, George. That man can work miracles... He thought. He turned his attention back to Rose, who seemed to be enjoying the tournament.


"Well, what has been afoot in the Rochester household?"


He asked, somewhat jokingly.

OOC: Happy Birthday!

Well, there was no question now in Rose’s mind; Lord Adrian did remember her. Now, Rose wondered what he would say. It almost tortured Rose to wait so. She wanted to get the humiliation over with as soon as possible. Would he let her go that easily? It was too soon for Rose to tell. For all she knew, he could avoid ever mentioning the Pemberton Ball. Rose wished that, but she found it highly unlikely. Now that she was sure tat he recognized her, there was no avoiding the inevitable.

Might as well get it over with as soon as possible, though, Rose thought, the smile still on her face. It took every might of her being to keep that composure. She wanted to

Rose found it somewhat comforting to know that their meeting took him by surprise, despite the fact that Lord Adrian’s eyes did not show that. They had a glimmer in them, one full of jest and teasing. Had time changed his perspective on the situation? Now that he had time to think it over, did he change from a consoling, sentimental man, to one who would make fun of her? It was certainly hard to tell, but his eyes seemed to play around at that thought. Would he go through with it, though? Or were her eyes deceiving her, and she only imagined that playfulness.

Hearing his reply, made Rose even more confused as to his character. His words were quite polite, and she could not, in the least bit, detect any hint of his desire to “embarrass”, but something about the tone, made her wonder. He had that sly smile, that Rose was so surprised to see. It was the first time she had seen him like that, but of course, there were probably a lot of things about Lord Adrian that she did not know. Curiosity was aroused in her, though, and she could not help but wonder what this Lord Adrain was like. So, Rose replied in a way that any other polite courtier would.

“I have been doing well. Things have been quite busy in Ashton, considering the fact that the big midsummer’s festival is underway. My sister, Duchess Lucy, has been working nonstop to prepare for it. It’s a wonder she made time for this event.” Rose paused, “And how are things with you? Anything new happen?” Rose hoped her response would distract Lord Adrain from any comment he had previously wanted to make.

"Ah, the Ashton Midsummers Festival! I've been waiting for it. I've only been to it once before, when I was a child."


Adrian proclaimed, beaming.


"Well, I moved to Pemberton after the plague struck in Harleston. I sent a fore notice to the Duke, and we became quick friends, so, I got the station of Marquess."


He said, glancing around at all that was happening. He sighed and looked at Rose again.


"I'm also due to get married after this tournament."


He said, dragging over a camp chair that was set a little bit away from the Rochesters Pavillion, not really caring who's it was. He sat down upon it and thought for awhile. He thought about Serenity, their child, and other things.


"How about your promise to me? That you would control your own life, and let no one else control it for you?"


He said, staring out into the sky, looking out over the expanse. He saw a hawk gliding around, and whispered "Have a safe trip, Myrddin Bach.". He used the words of his ansestors, because he thought them beautiful words, better than speaking English, he thought.


"So, who is fighting to win you over this day?"


He asked, a glimmer in his eye, due to the sun.

Rose had to admit that she was surprised that Lord Adrian had attended the Ashton Midsummer festival. Of course, she did not know why. Maybe, she figured that the event was only held for Ashton citizens, and she was quite positive this man was not one. But, she could not know that, because who had the talent of known every person in a certain duchy? She could have easily missed him. However, this doubt was soon pushed aside as she surprisingly told her of his new title. Rose could not help but smile at this. Who wouldn’t be proud of someone who had gained a high honor? Of course, she had not even known his title when she first met him. Knowing that he had come from Harleston and now presided in Pemberton created uncertain emotions. Harleston would soon be her home. It would not be long now, and even though she hated to think of it, she could not divert her mind from it when he mentioned the duchy. It was inevitable. Rose could feel the wave come over her, but she knew she should stop it. Yes, she must. She would not let herself fall apart in front of him again, and in front of so many people.

Lord Adrian said this with such ease, and moved to a nearby chair as if it was his own. Rose let her head tilt and watch him look out with a glimmer in his eye. Then, yet Rose was surprised once more with hi announcing that he was engaged. That was certainly news. Was he engaged to her at the Pemberton Ball? Rose did not know, for he never mentioned her. Now, Rose could not help but find herself quite curious about who this woman was. She wondered if he really loved her, like she desired to love the man she married. She wasn’t sure if she wanted to know that answer though. Either would provoke some sense of sadness. If he said he loved her with all his heart and she, him, Rose would feel a pang of hurt in her heart for having to marry Duke Westley, where no love existed. If he, however, said he did not, she would not be able to stop herself from pitying him. Rose decided to leave that question be, and Lord Adrian made it easier, for he asked yet another question. Of course, he would ask about her

In order to regain her composure, Rose tried to smile, but she was not completely sure if it was convincing. It was even harder to keep the smile genuine when he asked about her promise to him. Her heart almost sank. Had she? Things had not changed, expect that she was truly beginning to accept her fate. Did that mean she was being true to herself? As much as Rose hated to admit it, it wasn’t. She still wanted that romance in her marriage, a romance that did not exist between her and Duke Westley, as admirable as he may seem to be. How could she respond to him, in the meantime, though? She could not lie, yet what was the truth? With a small sigh, Rose figured there was no way to hide it. She was sure her eyes gave the answer away anyway.

“I…well, I am still engaged.” Rose responded, being sure not to mention whom the man was. “If that is what you are asking. I am not nearly as torn about it, though. I suppose I’ve learned to accept it.”

"Aye, aye. Accept what life throws at you and turn it into what you can."


He said, sighing. Life had recently given him much to work with. With life he had become a sculptor, one of great renown. He had turned a simple meeting into a lifelong love. He paused for a moment, he had heard something. There it was again! It sounded like something was trashing about in a bush next to the Pavilion.


"Excuse me for a moment, Lady Rose."


He said, as he slowly walked over to the bush. Sure enough, a young hawk had gotten tangled in the branches of the rose bush. He attempted to take it out but it pecked at his fingers.


"Shh, Myrddin. I am here only to help you. Here, let me assist you."

The bird calmed somewhat as Adrian slowly untangled it's wings. He lifted it out and it tried to fly from him. It only got a few feet before falling again. Adrian picked it up and noted that it's left wing was broken. He proceeded back to the Pavilion and sat down again, by that time he was stroking the hawks head feathers and was soothing it. After about a minute he looked up again.


"Magnificent creatures, hawks are. I used to rescue them when I was hunting in Harleston...when I found them trapped."

Yes, lately that was what she had been forced to do: make something good out of what she had. It certainly wasn’t easy. In fact, it was becoming more difficult than she could have ever imagined. Unwillingly , Rose thought back to the moment she was tld of the engagement. She remember how angry she was, now upset she had been. She had wanted to cry, but she could not, not in front of Duke Westley and Lucy. Things certainly did seem better, but she still managed to feel depressed about the situation almost every moment. It was like a disease that would not go away. Everything she did made her think of him, and that reminded her of her lost dream of marrying for love. She of course, knew all the benefits of the arrangement, and that was what Rose did her best to hang onto.


Suddenly, Rose heard a noise, but she could not place it. Though Rose was aware of the sound of birds and fluttering wings, her mind was so wrapped around her current situation that she failed to realize where the noise was coming from, only a few yards away. She only noticed the poor caught bird when Lord Adrian excused himself and gracefully made his way to help the poor creature. At first she felt bad for not noticing, but she told herself that at lease the bird was able to get help. She certainly was glad that Lord Adrian had been here, not only because she might not have noticed it, but because though she like animals, she had not a clue how to handle them. Lord Adrian quickly untangled the bird with great precision that Rose admired, not once bothered by the birds flapping wings or squawking voice. He did not seem frustrated at all that this poor bird did not seem to want assistance, and continued to work and weaving it out of the thick Rose bush.


Rose was awed further to see him tenderly soothe the poor bird in a soft comforting tone. He did seem like a rather nice guy. Of course, Rose realized that he certainly did have experience, a reason for his precision and patience in dealing with the bird.


With a smile, Rose looked up and him. “That’s nice. I never knew that.” She replied. “Tell me, why did you call that bird, “Myrddin”? Any particular reason?” Rose asked curiously.

"Oh...there is a particular reason..."


He said, not completely concentrated. He continued to stroke the bird and started talking again.


"Myrddin is in my ancestors tongue. It means Merlin. Which, in turn, means Hawk."


He said, getting up slowly. He stroked the baby hawks head a few more times.


"Would you like to hold him? I promise he won't...peck."


He asked, chuckling. He placed the Hawk on his shoulder so that it would only claw at cloth, not skin.

Ah, so there was a reason. Rose felt better, now knowing it, and wondered if what native tongue he was referring too. She was brimming with curiosity and glad that Lord Adrian was distracted by the bird. It was really amazing to see how calm it was now. Who would have thought? The poor bird, however, still appeared slightly injured, though not permanently damaged. Poor Hawk. If only it had stayed still, if only it had known that the man was only trying to help, the bird might not be in any pain now. However, Rose could not blame the bird for all the squawking and wing flapping. It did not know better. It was a natural instinct...just like it was a natural instinct for her to sacrifice her own desires for her family. It was a complicated connection, for she saw the results of fighting against, and how it would have ben better just to be calm and let the person untangle you.


This alone confirmed in Rose's mind that she was doing the right thing, as painful as it may seem at first. She would get through it. She knew this for certain...at least she hoped she would. Oh, why could she not look into the future and see where she should turn. She was getting closer and closer to the point of no return with each day, and soon, she will have to make a decision, possibly not the best one either. She was still just as much undecided as the night of the Pemberton ball, but he did not need to know that. Sure, she had become more used to the idea, that was certain, as she remembered she shock and pain she felt upon first hearing the news, but she still was uncertain if it was right.


Looking up at him, Rose decided to push those thoughts aside and look at the magnificent bird the Lord ADrian's hand. It was stunning. Never before had she been so close to such a bird. When Adrian offered her to hold it, Rose was a little worried. He was an expert. What if he handed the Hawk to her and she somehow harmed it further, or what if the bird chose to go crazy and harm herself? But she did want to hold it...more than she was worried. She had always loved wodland creatures and Hawks were no exception. With a smile, Rose nodded ever so slighly holding out her arm waiting to recieve the bird.