It was time for Theadric to grow up; and he was happy he could bring his new admirer with him.  The pain of emptiness he had felt for losing dream weaver was being replaced.  Such could only be explained by the Festival of Trees.<br/><br/>He gently grabbed Lillian's hand and together, they knelt before Lady Averlee.  Under humble breath, he said, "Your servants are here to serve you as you wish Lady Averlee.  And if you see fit to call me your companion, I am most honored.  But your servant cannot read or write, has a bad temper, and sometimes doubts himself.  Your servant also knows not how to joust or ride a horse as attested to by yonder armor bearer, but I would entertain her ladyship in any competitive task thou ask of me.  Please know I am willing to learn these things so I might serve you ... and the poor to whom I am a kin."  Why did Theadric always have to INSERT his own "things" in there?  He wanted so bad to belong somewhere, but he felt strongly that he was not to be a knight of a certain house forever.<br/><br/>Looking up, Theadric rose though Lady Averlee had not yet given permission.  It was like a compromise, he hoped she saw it that way.  He was on both knees, now he rose to one leg and with the other still knelt, he laid his elbow on his raised knee and placed his face on the upturned hand as a resting stool for his head.<br/><br/>"I cannot promise her ladyship that I am a yes man; but, in exchange for times that you see fit that I may speak freely to you ... unhindered ... I promise to be truthful to you in all your questions." (of course, he had to add the smirk.  Would Theadric ever learn?)<br/><br/>And then quickly returning to the first posture of both knees kneeling as if paying homage at a shrine, he finished, "It would please your servants to be under your watch care if in return we could serve thee, your majesty."  He squeezed Lillian's hand, realizing something special might just have begun.