In Days of Yore

 Once upon a time, in days of yore,
the troubador, Eldric Verseborn, from Stratford on Avon,
 rode to the court of the Indigo King, Elwyn the Blue.
He oft ventured there for the fine victuals and wine.

The ladies enjoyed his company,
 and the knights asked favors.
The favor most oft sought for was songs of courtly love and devotion.

Late, one snowy night, Sir Magnus Trueblade
came to the bard to beg a song to be written
 with which to woo Fair Eleanor, known as Skywatcher.

He held little hope that she'd look upon him with favor,
since he wasn't as nobly born as other knights.
No matter, though, because his ardor for her
was giving him nights bereft of sleep and
filled with the torture of relentless concupiscence.

The Troubadour Eldric readily agreed and
 sat with quill and parchment -
to bring to song the words of love,
while playing down the knight's lust.

He idealized her beauty and wit,
not saying much of her sharp tongue.
He claimed that Magnus felt noble devotion,
while putting aside his wild libido.

He mentioned that the Lady, being high born,
would spurn the love of Sir Magnus.
This was only to be expected.
However, nobody knew Eleanor's heart
 but the lady, herself.

Come the evening of the Feast of Christmas,
Eldric sat in the Great Hall with the court and King in attendance.
Came the moment he'd sing the song of Magnus,
He pointedly glanced at the Lady Eleanor who sat surrounded by eager suitors.

Magnus quaffed a goblet of wine and steeled himself for her reaction.
Eldric announced that the song was meant for the lady.
He mentioned Magnus.
A hush descended on the hall as eye met eye in shocked surprise -
this love was beyond the pale.

The song was lovely and calming.
It showed deep yearning, Eternal love was vowed.
The longing was sincere. The future promise was pled.
Eleanor glanced at Magnus with changed expression.

What no one knew is that Eleanor had ever pined for Magnus.
She craved his warmth and kindness.
She admired his strength and wisdom.
She felt safe in his presence.

Even though Eleanor and Magnus were not expected to wed,
they did that on the first day of Spring.
All were charmed by their loving dedication.
They may have lived happily ever after. 
 

©Ellen Pepper 2026