King Atrius grinned, "Approach young lad your prize in gold and the Lady of your choice to accompany you at the ball and banquet."

Kate climbed under the fence. "Will knows few people for his family. If he will have me, I accept the invitation."

"I'd uh-I'd like to request Lady Kate to attend with me," he said nervously, it would be the first time going to a ball, especially with a girl. Back on his farm, it would be work all day with meals in between. Once a year they would enter the town to sell their crops, so he couldn't get out much for his own needs.

_________________

Jonathan was shocked to hear Kate mentioned at to see Kate curtsy between himself and Will. "Kate, you know this farmer?"

Kate bent her head down, "Your Majesty, I am very honored to be escorted by Will. He is very gracious."

Kate rose and looked at her brother as they walked out of the arena. "You can learn a few things from this man. He knows about soil and crops. It was I that suggested he be trained by Sir Edmond to his father a few years ago. Ever noticed our horses eat better hay and we eat better vegetables. The ones Ann grow are given to the poor and orphans."

Kate placed her am over Will's and releasing her healing mana. "I know you sword arm feels like a heard of horses ran over it. Will, do you want me to with you and shop for a formal for tonight? Please join our camp for lunch. The archery contest will be after lunch. You have time to rest too."

Jonathan put his arm around Will. "Now I know how you bested me, Sir Edmond. I thought he gave up training years ago. I should have known Kate did her magic. She has a way with people. Do not worry, I am not a bowman. The best place to buy clothes is Snead's fine clothes."

"I'll gladly shop with you tonight, Kate. And I don't think I have much of a choice. I hardly know where things are in this town," he said and smiled. Even though Will had a lot of stamina, the fight exhausted him. Lunch sounded like heaven to him. With the thought of food in his mind, he headed back to the camp for lunch.

_________________

Kate walked with Will to her camp Will was greeted with slaps on his shoulder, back, and hand shakes. The towns people wanted to congratulate and give accolades to Will. The mage knew strangers coming up to the shy champion had to be nerve racking.

"Gentlemen, you will get a chance to meet Will tonight. He is not accustom to people and needs rest. I will make formal introductions later, give him time to recover."
The crowed began to slowly scatter. Kate walked with Will to her camp, "You alright?" The mage he led him to a cluster of chairs by the cooks tent; then brought him a large flask of cold water; and handed the flask to Will.

The mage asked before entering the tent of smells of cooked pork and venison, " I know you can get your own food. I know your worn out. Here drink not too fast, you will get a headache. Would you like boar or stag ribs or little of both?"

"Thank you, boar should be-," Will began and noticed a rather large object speeding towards Kate's head. There was no time to block it.

"Kate, watch out!" he said and pushed her to the ground, but he accidentally fell on top of her while doing so. Before landing, Will put out his arms to stop his fall. The rock barely flew over them and landed on the ground beside them. Will looked down and saw Kate a few centimeters from him. Quickly, he stood up and blushed.

"M-my apologies, Kate," he stuttered. There was another voice that came in the direction of the thrown rock. A boy stood there holding a slingshot.

"Sorry you two, my slingshot broke and I couldn't control the direction of the rock," he apologized and bowed.

_________________

Kate was stunned a moment, she was on the ground on her stomach with Will on her back. A boy around eight years old held a sling shot.

"No harm done. Will your fast on your feet. Are you alright?"

Kate adjusted her pink long chemise, petticoat, and long over dress with a darker pink with blue, yellow, and green small flowers. She held onto Will's arms as she stood and brushed off dried dirt and debris. Kate picked up the rock and handed it to the frightened boy. Jonathan was standing in line to get food.

Kate leaned down to the boy. See that knight standing with a grey tunic and reddish-brown hair, "Go ask him to fix your weapon and help yourself to food."

Kate watched the boy run into the tent and Kate was still holding Will's arm.

Kate held Will's arm a bit tighter and smiled warmly, "You know I cannot leave your side, you saved my life."
The mage faced Will closely." Thank you."

"You're welcome, Kate. I can't let a beautiful lady such as yourself get hurt," Will said, then immediately winced. Did I just say that out loud? he thought. He groaned then tried to come up with something else to say.

"So, shall we get some food?" he asked quickly, trying to cover up what he just said.

_________________

Kate removed her hand from Will's arm. "I am hungry too. Please have ave a seat wait here. I will get us both plates. I don't think you will have to worry about flying rocks.
Kate filled both plates. She watched to see how much Jonathan filled his plate and copied her brother filling a plate for Will. The mage guessed Will too had a big appetite especially after competing. Katherine returned with both her hands holding plates.

"Here you are." Hate handed him a large plate full of food, napkin, and utensils. Do you want lemonade? I am going to get a mug."

Will nodded his thanks. "Lemonade would be nice," he said and dug into his food, eating quickly. At that rate, there would be no food left on the plate within a few minutes. Fighting really took a lot out of people.

_________________

Kate returned and saw Will finished his plate. "Would you like more. The is plenty left."

The mage handed him the mug her finger brushed Will's sturdy fingers. "Sir Edmond has a unique style of fighting. I have seen him practice many mornings before school. He does not know I saw him. I also saw how Sir Artemus trains Papa's guards. Both men have simulacra techniques, but I like Sir Edmond's finishing moves."

Will felt Kate's fingers brush up against his, and his heart skipped a beat.

"I don't think I need more food, but thank you for asking," he said. The amount of food he ate got him stuffed. He sat there and leaned against the table to rest before the archery contest.

_________________

The temperature was getting warmer as Kate took a few bites food and drank her lemonaid. She eyed Will as they ate. "I know you know, I think you gave a splendid performance today. You certainly showed the knights a thing or two. The town will be talking about you. I am sure bards are writing song about you as we speak. I wish I could give you advice on the upcoming competition. Alas, I do not how to use a bow and arrow. I can use magic to hit or deflect an object. Mages help guide the arrows in battle. Would you be willing to teach me?"

Will took a sip of his lemonade. "I could give it a shot," he said and shrugged. "Although, I just started practicing with a bow myself this morning."

_________________

Kate nearly spit her drink, "This morning? Will, it is not a required competition. You will be up against experts. May ask why your competing?"

"I'm not sure," Will said slowly, "I guess you could say I'm doing it to impress you." He laughed nervously and gulped down the rest of his drink.

_________________

Kate leaned toward him, "That is very sweet Will. I am happy just being with you. The way you carry yourself and manner you speak to me, Will I like you. I wish we had met sooner. I watched you grow up. You are what every father wants in a son. You work hard; train harder than anyone I know ; and rarely cross your father. I am not saying your perfect. You already won my admiration. You impressed the whole town."

"I- uh, thanks," Will said and blushed. He leaned over and quickly kissed Kate on the cheek. Before she could say anything, Will stood up and winked. "I'll see you tonight then; I've decided to back out of the archery contest and rest for the remainder of the day." Will walked over to his tent an slept.

_________________

Kate touched her cheek. She wanted to stop him. She could tell he was happy and saying things was not easy. The kiss was all he had to do. That the mage knew had to take courage. It was no surprise he ran. Kate saw the bravest warriors became word stumblers around girls.
Kate could not wait until that evening all she thought of was Will; and how nice it would be not hearing Jonathan gloat at breakfast, until the summer tournament.

The mage picked up Will's plate and fork and gave the dishes to a servant. Kate refilled her mug and joined her friends watching the archery contest. An unknown man dressed in green won the purse of $300 and maiden of his choice. Some girl named Marion was chosen.

Will woke up and looked out of his tent. The moon and stars were out; it was night time. Will attempted to exit his tent, but he regretted it. His face turned pale and he bent over, almost throwing up. The food he ate earlier must have been too much. He stayed still until the nauseating feeling disappeared. Will crawled out of his tent and still felt a bit sick, but he couldn't let Kate know. He was supposed to go shopping with her, and Will didn't want to dissappoint her.

"Kate? Where are you?" he shouted, a bit of nausea in his voice.

_________________