Traditions, thankfully, would not allow my suitor, Tynan Pendragon, and I to be alone. If it had, I fear I would have been highly affronted by my peers. Luckily, mother had chosen to accompany us and would be surveying his potential at length even though from slightly afar as she would be keeping pace behind us. Though she had knowledge of the baron's intentions before and had heard highly of him from many mutual consorts, she still preferred to take him in of her own accord.

"Cead mile failte," he greeted, bowing slightly as he approached the lake at which we were waiting.

"You as well, sir," replied my mother with her dark head bowed in respect as she curtsied. "If it pleases you, my lord, I would like to present my daughter, Helena."

With the meeting of our eyes, there was a spark, akin to that of a lightning bolt. My, he was a striking figure, with a face that was pleasant to thine eye, his dark unruly hair falling into his limpid brown eyes slightly.

"Would thou accompany me for a short gait to a small hamlet just down yond hill?"

I looked to my mother for her answer, which she gave with a slight nod. As I bowed, I prettily splayed my skirts and replied, "Yes, my lord." And with that we began the trail to Hogsmeade, mother following shortly behind.

"My lord, if I might inquire what brings your journey so far North?"

"I heard tell of a fair lass whom was more handsome than any other, with hair as black as the raven and eyes as blue as the sky, yet those who spoke of her also spoke of her abundant knowledge. I have been in search of her since that time, nearly thirteen moons have passed and I believe my quest has ended. The beauty that was spoken of stands before me but I ask what of the brilliant mind, fair lady? Art thou the lass that was spoken of?"

"You make me blush, my lord, you are quite forward," I said with a slight grin. "Of this lady you seek, she sounds quite unusual my lord. I did not know that a nobleman, such as yourself, would want, much less seek out a lady of such a description. Excuse me for being so forward, my lord, but I have always been under the impression that you proffered women of less mental stature."

My slight had hit it's mark as I heard him gasp beside me. However, when I stole a glance in his direction, it was not shock that I saw gracing his face but a look of triumph.

"Please, my lord, do tell what has made you smile so?"

"Well, dear lady, fair lady, it is just that I do believe my quest is over."

We continued, the three of us, in amiable silence for the rest of the walk to Hogsmeade. I learnt the following week that Baron Pendragon had requested my hand in marriage and my mother had accepted.