“Shhh!”

“You go!” She giggled.

“No, you!” And she shoved the flowers into her friend’s hands.

“Um, good day, sir,” She said shyly, approaching the hero. “This is for you.”

She presented a shabby bouquet of wild flowers, wrapped with a length of cord. She blushed bright crimson as the young man regarded her.

“Thank you, my lady,” The lad said, delicately sniffing the flowers. “These are lovely.”

The boy took out a choice flower and placed it behind his ear.

“Would you and your friends care to join me, for a little?” He asked.

They joined.

“So, what are you doing later today?” One girl asked.

“Oh,” he said. “Today I am resting. Tonight, I set off.”

“No!“

“Awh.”

“Pooh!”

“Now, now, girls.” He held up his hands. “I’m sorry, we knew this day would come.”

“But, sir,” Another girl spoke. “You can’t leave us.”

“Yes,” The flower giver said. “You can’t leave! We need you! What will come of this little grotto?”

“I am sorry, my darlings,” He said, and he truly was. He had deflowered half of the present young women. “But, there is another grotto. There are more that need saving.”

The lad grew uncomfortable at their protestations and feigned tiredness. He moved on to nap.

“We can’t allow this, girls.” The flower giver whispered.

“No,” They agreed.

They hatched their plan with rapidity.

The young adventuring lad awoke to find his wrist shackled to his bed, his weapons all stolen, and a food bowl and water bowl provided within arms reach.

And life went on, much the same.