Evening was falling, and the orange harvest moon was rising. It was a beautiful evening, not too warm or cool, and the town center was alive with the merry sounds of laughing children and playing minstrels, and the fresh scents of baked goods, fresh fruits, and cooked meats. Large tables had been brought out and pushed together, decorated with baskets of fruits and sweets, and ale was brought out by the barrel and served in plenty to the many revelers.
It was the first harvest festival of the year, a time when folks from all walks of life flocked to the town center to celebrate and enjoy the year's crop. Many soldiers returned home during this time--some staying to help their families through the winter, many returning to service after a few days of leave, so it was an especially important time for many families, who got to see their sons for the first time in months--or even longer.
Delwyn remembered those days fondly, what it had been like to come home for the festival after being on the field for so long, and even though it had been two years since he'd come home for good, it was still special to him. It was a time for catching up with old friends, enjoying some good ale--
And, you know, dancing with a pretty girl or two.
A large, grassy area had been cleared out to serve as a makeshift dance floor, and after several mugs of ale, Delwyn found himself out there, dancing with a pretty innkeeper's daughter. She was rather cute, her braided hair laced with colorful ribbons, and her large breasts were certainly an added perk, heaving with her every breath against her tight bodice. He certainly wouldn't object to spending a night in her inn.
Preferably in her bed.
As the current song came to an end, Delwyn took her hand and tugged her inward, twirling her into his arms and then dipping her while she squealed and threw her arms around his neck. He flashed her a bright grin and wiggled his eyebrows at her teasingly, then pulled her upright again so she stumbled and fell against his chest, panting and laughing. Bringing his hand to her chin, he tipped her head up so he could meet her eyes, and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
"That was fun," he told her, while she flushed--from exertion, and a fresh blush. Taking a step back from her, he caught her hand in his and brought it to his lips. "Thank you for the dance, m'lady. It was a pleasure--and, I hope, the first of many. Would my lady like to join me for refreshments?"
"Oh!" The girl laughed, taking her hand back with a deeper blush, and motioned helplessly toward the crowd. "Oh, I'd love to, but I should go check on my husband!" she said, and Delwyn's eyes widened. "Make sure he's not drinking himself sick!"
Well!
"Ah. Ah, yes, of course!" Delwyn said, with an awkward laugh, his sexy thoughts instantly crushed. "Well, m'lady, it was certainly a pleasure! Er, good luck!"
Damn!
Frowning, Delwyn watched her go, then headed to the table, poured himself more ale from the tap, and took a long swallow.
Tonight was just not his night.
