Out of the Shadows

Part 2

Lady Jasmine of Kentwood did not know who this strange fellow was who suddenly stepped from the sideline shadows. This man who was willing to offer his trust, his love, his honesty. But something inside her made her want to listen, to really believe that he was the one she longed to find. So as she extended her hand, she was surprised that his hand was strong yet gentle while the warmth in his eyes melted her fears.

Will you tell me your name dear sir?  Yes, he said, I am called Lord Grayson, but you may call me Levi.  And may I have the honor of asking your name?  My name is Lady Jasmine of Kentwood.

You have kind eyes, Lord Grayson, Levi.  Why thank you Lady Jasmine, how very kind of you to say. 

Their day was spent getting to know each other, and Lady Jasmine felt like her head was going to spin from all the wonderful things he talked about.  Adventures on the sea to far away islands, pirates and narrow escapes.  But when it came her time to tell of her wonderful things, why she found herself tongue-tied, for none of them could ever compare to his wonders.  She told him how she often spent time reading under the large oak tree just outside the castle gates. But in her mind she had adventures, traveling with knights of the royal house, taking care of the castle and all its servants and so much more.

When he reached up to untie the mask of Comedy and Tragedy, then Lady Jasmine froze with fear. Shhhh, it’s all right, do you not remember my promise that Tragedy will no longer follow us, only Comedy?  Yes, she remembered those words, but they still did not ease her fears of the moment.  Slowly the mask was slipped away, but inside Lady Jasmine was still as frightened as ever.  Look into my eyes Jasmine and tell me what you see.  Slowly she raised her eyes and said the first thing that could come to her frozen mind.  Kind.  Warm.  And these kind eyes are looking into your beautiful brown eyes right now and telling you everything will be ok.

Slowly nodding her head, they continued talking for the better half of the day.  As they walked on the dusty path through the forest, they would stop every now and then and pick up apples to munch on.

So tell me Lady Jasmine, why did you extend your hand to me on that day when I stepped out of the shadows?  I was intrigued but what you were saying, here is a man willing to give me his trust, his love, his honesty…why?  Call me curious I guess.

Ahh, and do you regret your bold move?  No, it was time to find the better part of me.

The year is 1581, ten years have passed since that first day in the Autumn of 1571.  The day when she gave her hand to a mysterious man hidden in the shadows.  But, now she is a lady in every sense of the word.  Lady Jasmine of Grayson.  Her subjects adore her sweet manner and her husband adores her even more.  Her fears have all but disappeared these days, and she finds that his words have proved true as he promised.  Comedy fills her days, her love and trust grow each day as well.  She is happy serving her King as well as her King at home.  Her twin boys are but 5 yrs old but oh how they are true misfits.  Her days in Shadows are over, and ever more she rejoices in the Light.  Lady Jasmine of Grayson has found true love forever more.