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Gawain always showed interest in the state of Orkney, after all it was the land he would inherit. That said he never paid much attention to the gardens, always letting his mother take over, till a few years ago.
Nobody knew why, but one day the young lord insisted upon growing roses. Specifically red roses. And over the course of three springs, he got a working rose garden. The bushes were cared for deeply by the knight. He would attend to them when he could and when he couldn’t he always doubled his gardener’s pay.
He even built wooden gates for the roses to grow on. More often than not it was the pink and orange ones that were mingling. However, he made sure to have a red rose gate in the center, that one was the hardest to do.
When asked why roses, Gawain always said he liked the challenge. But given how often he would curse anytime a bush would die the people questioned how much he liked said challenge. Most of all his brothers.
“I think you are at court too often,” said Agravain, “It inspired you to grow these ridiculous roses.”
“They’re not ridiculous.”
“There are plenty of other flowers to grow but you are loyal to roses and only roses.”
“Loyalty is a good quality,” said Gawain trimming a particularly stubborn bush.
“I don’t blame you for growing roses, the tales of courtly love are inspiring,” said Gareth trying to defend his brother.
“You’re on to something,” said Gaheris, “Which lady capture your heart?”
“No lady, I’m just growing flowers.”
“Do you think it’s Elaina?” asked Agravain
“Which one? Corbenic, Garlot, Astolat-”
“There is no Elaina, nor any lady that has capture my heart,” said Gawain interrupting Gaheris.
“But you wish there to be one,” said Gareth sympathetically.
“Nonsense, a man doesn’t pine without there being an object for their affections,” said Agravain.
“I do,” Gareth muttered.
Gaheris ruffled Gareth on the head, “Sure you do but Gawain doesn’t.”
“I just like roses,” said Gawain with the tiredness that only an older sibling could have.
“You called them bastards when you pricked your finger yesterday,” Agravain pointed out.
“I was just frustrated.”
“I think it’s the baker’s daughter,” said Gaheris.
“It might be, she looks to be his type.”
Gawain gave his brothers a glare, they were only this close when it came to taunting him.
“Hey, is that Lancelot?”
The four turned to where Gareth was pointing. It indeed appeared to be Lancelot riding his noble steed.
“What is he doing here?” asked Agravain.
“I invited him,” Gawain muttered standing up.
“Why?”
“I thought it would be nice to have him stay for the spring till the king calls him back.”
“I think it’s a wonderful idea,” said Gareth who secretly admire the Frenchman.
“I too think it’s a wonderful idea,” said Gaheris to annoy Agravain.
“Promise me that you all will be on your best behavior,” said Gawain giving them the big older brother stare.
“I shall,” said Gareth.
“He already met us, if he agreed to this then he knew what he was accepting,” said Agravain.
Just then Lancelot entered their garden on his horse. He was only a few quick strides away from them. The knight hopped off his horse before giving them a bow.
“Gawain, I can’t thank you enough for your kind offer.”
“The pleasure is all mine.”
“The garden is even more beautiful than how you describe it.”
“Thank you,” his cheeks turned a deep red, and the fact didn’t escape his brothers.
“Sir Lancelot, if you don’t mind me asking, what do you think of roses?” asked Gaheris.
“I think they are lovely, reminds me of home actually,” the knight knelt down to give them a sniff, “They are wonderful.”
“Aren’t they,” said Gareth trying to talk to his hero, “They make me think of courtly love.”
“Me too, I guess that’s why they’re my favorite.”
“Your favorite flower,” said Gaheris looking at his brother.
“Yes, and I have never seen them look as beautiful as they do in your garden.”
“Thank you,” said Gawain his cheeks turning as red as the roses.
“My dear friend, are you overcome with fever?”
“No, I assure you I feel perfectly healthy.”
“Gareth, you should show Lancelot the guest room,” said Agravain. His little brother’s eyes lit up, and he was quick to grab the Frenchman’s hand practically dragging him away.
“I’ll tend to your horse,” Gawain shouted. The Frenchman shouted his thanks as he let Gareth take him to the estate.
As soon as they were out of earshot Gaheris and Agravain turned to face him with knowing grins.
“Do not-”
“You weren’t lying dear brother; no lady conquered your heart.”
“But we have a right to believe a Frenchman did.”