Traveller

for Shiraw's Weekly Challenge (Week 2: Traveller) :>

This is country bumpkin Marie
/BEWARE, wall of text

Marie was working in the fields on a burning hot summers day, when the blurred shape of a rider appeared on the horizon. He took his dear time coming closer, but Marie felt like she was stuck in a hazy dreamworld.
The closer he came, the more details she could make out. He had silvery golden hair that was flowing in the breeze like finest silk. Clad in a beautiful mantle, red like poppies, he rode a shining white mare through the fields of gold. Marie was breathless when he came to a halt just a few yards from her.
"Marie," he said with a thundering voice, "I am King Adalbert. I have come to ask thee to come to my castle and become my queen!"
Marie was speechless still. It took her a while to cough out an answer, her heart hammering in her chest, her mouth dry, her voice tumbling:
"YES! I will! - But, my king! There ain't no way I'm gonna leave before the harvest!"
Adalbert was furious: "That thou shalt choose crops over a King's hand! But, Marie, I am forsaken in love. Come to my castle as soon as thy work is done. I will wait for thee. Farewell, my love!" And he left as quickly and ominously as he had come.
Everything went blurry and bright around her then.
Marie awoke in the bed at home. There was a cold wet cloth on her face and the sun was setting outside. She jumped up and ran downstairs to tell her family all about what had happened.
One of her siblings dared to consider she'd just had a really bad heatstroke, but he was told to shut his yapper, and everyone was eager and happy to believe her.
After the harvest, everyone gave Marie their most comfortable clothes and helped her gather provions and equipment for travelling. She drew a picture of King Adalbert so she could ask people for the way to his castle.
When the first leaves fell, she was all set and ready to embark on her journey. Her siblings gave he a flower crown so she could practice for wearing one when she becomes queen.

What wonders and what difficulties will Marie encounter in her way?
Will she ever find her beloved King?

That is a story for another day.

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