Off to War

The rain splattered into puddles between the cobblestones of the courtyard, making pearly mud patterns that flowed among gray stone islands. A cascading line of water poured over the edge of the roof, creating a sort of curtain between those being left behind and those astride mighty war horses, clad in solemn armor.
Two of the figures dismounted, approaching the family that stood under the protection of the roof. Their mother was weeping silent tears.
"Do not cry, Mother," Spenfalla comforted as Yan embraced the older woman. When she had settled some, Yan allowed his sister to take his place as he moved down the line. He shook his father's proud hand and touched his shoulder. Lilia was next. He could tell that she was trying to be brave by not crying. He hugged her tightly.
"I'll be back."
"You can't promise that."
"Then the next best thing." She squeezed him once more as Spenfalla came for her turn. Then the two of them went to their horses that stood in the rain.
The young captain dismounted as well, going to Lilia. She smiled sadly, and, from around her neck lifted and ivory charm carved in the image of a lily and lowered it over his head silently.
"I will bring it back, Lady," he vowed. She almost let a tear spill, but caught herself. He bowed and turned, joining his steed in the rain. They all mounted, and, with many a glance behind, rode into the misty shadows of the day.
As they rode glumly under a cloudy sky, Yan hurried his steed so that he was alongside the young Captain Droln.
"I understand that you are courting my sister," he said.
Droln nodded, still affected by the gray skies overhead.
"And she gave you the ivory lily charm that you are wearing?"
"The ivory lily charm?" Spenfalla rode up to the other side of her brother. "Really, Captain?"
"What is so special about it?" he inquired.
"At least seven lads of our village have sought such a gift of Lilia," Yan informed him.
Droln chuckled.
"You must be quite the charmer," Spenfalla teased. "How did you do it?"
"'I gave her a blossom on a full moon night.' Last night's ball."
"I see you've read 'The Moonlight Minuet'," Yan always loved a literature discussion.
"I found it rather dull. Reading is not one of my pasttimes." Yan's face visibly fell. He mumbled some excuse and rode ahead. Spenfalla laughed.
"Don't pay any attention to the bookworm."
Droln smiled, and Spenfalla could see the source of Lilia's attraction to him. She smiled herself. She actually felt happy for once.