Emma wasn't really looking forward to spending her Saturday at the Renaissance fair. It was Kay's thing, not hers. He was the history nerd who loved all that medieval stuff. She humoured him and agreed to go, but figured she'd be bored out of her mind.
When they got there Kay made her put on an elaborate masked costume. "Come on babe, you have to get into the spirit of it!" he said. At first, she felt silly all dressed up, but the mask did have its perks. "No one will recognize you this way. We can just enjoy ourselves without you getting mobbed by fans," Kay pointed out.
Emma had to admit, wandering through the fairgrounds in her disguise was kind of fun. Everyone was so into their characters, speaking in an old English accent and acting like they were really transported back in time. She laughed watching the jousting tournament, and even joined in cheering and booing like the hardcore fans.
Kay took her all around, explaining the history behind different exhibits. Some she actually found pretty interesting, like the medieval weapons display. "I had no idea axes were that big back then," she remarked. He just grinned, happy she was starting to get into it.
By the afternoon Emma was really starving. "Let's grab a bite to eat," she said. Kay led her to the food stalls. "Ooh, they've got turkey legs as big as your head!" she laughed. They stood munching on the giant drumsticks, people watching as the crowds got rowdier.
After filling up on turkey legs, Emma was feeling energized. "Come on, I want to try one of those old-timey carnival rides," she said, pulling Kay along eagerly.
The first one they came to was a rickety spinning swing set. "Oh this one looks fun!" Emma exclaimed. As they sat side by side, the attendant cranked the huge wheel to get it moving. Faster and faster the swings spun, pressing Emma back into her seat. She was laughing and screaming with delight as the trees and sky blurred together.
When the ride slowed to a stop, Emma was dizzy but exhilarated. "That was awesome!" she gasped, leaning on Kay for support. Their next stop was the rickety carousel, packed with fairgoers on elaborately carved wooden horses. Emma picked a regal white steed and Kay hopped on a black stallion beside her.
As the merry-go-round creaked into motion, Emma hung on tight and whooped with glee. She couldn't remember the last time she'd felt so carefree. By the time the ride ended, her cheeks hurt from smiling so much under her mask.
"Come on, I hear music this way," Kay said, leading her toward a crowd. They pushed to the front of the stage just as the band was kicking into a rousing tune. Emma watched in awe as the pipers, fiddlers and drummers played with gusto. She clapped and stomped along with the dancing onlookers, swept up in the lively vibe.
"This is awesome, I can't believe how talented these guys are!" Emma shouted to Kay over the noise of the band.
The pipers were going wild, their cheeks puffed out red as they blew ferociously into the bagpipes. The fiddlers' bows were a blur as they sawed away at top speed. Even the drummers were working up a sweat, banging out a thunderous rhythm.
Emma found herself tapping her foot and swaying to the beat. It was infectious Celtic music that just made you want to move. She watched the other spectators dancing and clapping. A few couples were even kicking up their heels in an energetic jig.
"Come on, dance with me!" Emma said, pulling Kay out amidst the swarm of revellers. At first, they just jumped around laughing, but soon she was twirling and spinning to the fast reels. All around people were whooping and cheering, fuelled by the music's passion.
Emma was having the time of her life. Dancing to the music with Kay had left her feeling exhilarated. "This is the most fun I've had in forever!" she said, catching her breath.
They wandered around taking it all in as the sun started to go down. Emma admired the craft booths, laden with pottery, paintings and homemade jewellery. "Look at these, they're so beautiful," she remarked to Kay. He smiled, happy she was appreciating the artistry of the period.
As night fell, the fair took on a magical atmosphere with glowing lanterns lighting their way. Emma and Kay snacked on cinnamon pretzels and mead as they strolled hand in hand. "Thank you for bringing me, I can't believe I almost missed out on this," Emma told Kay.
The sky was darkening when Kay said "We should find a good spot to watch the fireworks." He led her to a secluded hill away from the crowds. They sat close together under the stars. "It's so peaceful out here," Emma sighed contentedly.
Soon colourful explosions lit up the night. Emma watched in awe as showers of sparks painted the sky. Reds, greens and golds fizzled high above the trees. Beside the booms and crackles, she could hear distant "oohs" and "aahs" drifting over from the fairgrounds.
As colourful explosions lit up the sky all around them, Kay gazed softly into Emma's eyes. "I'm really glad we're here together," he said in a low voice.
Emma could feel herself getting lost in his tender stare. "Me too," she replied almost in a whisper. Overcome with emotion, she leaned in closer until their lips met in a gentle kiss.
Kay sighed contentedly and wrapped his arms around Emma's waist, pulling her in tight against his body. She kissed him back with growing passion, sliding her hands up his chest. Their kiss deepened as the fireworks burst in the sky above them.
Kay just couldn't stop kissing Emma. Her lips were like a drug, each taste only making him crave more. He kissed her deeply, tenderly exploring her mouth with his tongue. Emma kissed him back fervently, twining her fingers in his hair. She moaned softly into his mouth, sending a shiver down his spine. Kay pulled her tight against him so she could feel his growing arousal.
