FRANCIS SLEEP STORY #1

Sailing on the calm, gentle sea.

Find a place where you feel comfortable, a nice oasis where you can peacefully relax and fall asleep. Make sure your space is rid of all distractions and noises...Find a comfortable position to lay in and relax. Close your eyes and take a deep breath in...and blow it out. Again breathe in...and out. Feel your body relax into the softness of your mattress. Feel your blanket warm you, feel the stress in your muscles melt away as your mind starts to quiet down and you ready yourself for the peaceful, serene adventure that awaits you...Let your mind take you back...back to a time of kings, queens and knights

It's the year 1558, at the Royal Court of France. It's a warm, sunny day in late spring. You feel the warmth of the sun on your cheeks and the gentle breeze in your hair. As you walk across the Court lawn you see the trees and the grass softly swaying in the wind. You see some people sitting on blankets taking in the beauty of the day. Others are spending time with their children, playing games, you hear laughter fill the air, as you continue on you smell the sweetness of flowers in the air, you hear the buzzing of bees as they fly from flower to flower. As you near the shore, you look up at the beautiful blue sky, not a cloud to be seen. Your feet softly hit the sand, you look out at the calmness of the water, you start to smell the saltiness of the sea, you quickly close your eyes to take it all in and as you open your eyes, you see Francis preparing the boat he built for its maiden voyage. His soft blue eyes meet yours, he smiles at you and a feeling of happiness comes over you and you can't help but return the favor. You both get lost in conversation about the beautiful weather and the long, warm summer days ahead. You feel the stress of the courtly life fade away. He asks if you would like to go sailing with him, you joyfully say yes. He offers his hand to you...His hand is soft, gentle nothing like how the hands of a man who works with wood and steel would usually be. You pull your self up and  into the boat. The soft, warm breeze overtakes you, the sun feels warmer on your face than it did before. Even just sitting in the boat you feel a peace come over you as well as the sense of security Francis gives you when you're around him. You watch as Francis quickly and gently pushes the boat into the water. The waves slowly bounce the boat up and down. You look out at the water, taking in the serene view, feeling the breeze on your cheeks and in your hair, stronger now, but still gentle. The smell of sea salt inraptures you. There's a comfortable silence in the air. You and Francis enjoy each other's company without the need for words. Only the sound of waves crashing around you and birds flying by and singing their sweet song. Your eyes make their way to the horizon as the day ends. The beautiful sun slowly setting in the distance, you feel the last of its warmth as Francis brings the boat safely to the shore. Again he offers you his silky soft hands, helping you out of the boat. He anchors the boat and you walk side by side, making your way back to the castle, you softly whisper to each other as if you are telling secrets you don't want others to hear. The castle lawn is quieter now, many people have finished their day and went inside to the warmth of the indoors. Francis holds the door open for you, you thank him for his chivalry. As you make your way to the dining hall, you and Francis recount your day on the boat, you both agree that the gentle waves could lull  both of you to sleep if you had let them, it was a wonderful day. You sit at the dining room table, the delightful smell of roast, vegetables and freshly baked bread fill the air, a heavenly aroma. Eating, is much better than smelling, all the roast is flavorful and falls apart in your mouth, the vegetables taste fresh, with just the right amount of seasoning and the bread, the warmth of it as you take a bite fills your body, soul. You become full, satisfied with the meal that has been cooked for you and the wine that has been poured for you. Francis offers to walk you to your bed chamber.

As you walk out of the dining room together, you notice that day has turned to night. You stop to admire the stars above you for a moment, before continuing your journey. The light of the candles is beautiful and peaceful, there's something about a simple light that brings feelings of joy and serenity into your heart. You finally make it to your chamber door. You and Francis say your goodbyes. As you enter your room, the light of the fireplace fills the room with light, you feel its warmth as you ready yourself for bed. You crawl into your big, comfortable bed, you lay the soft sheets over and close you eyes. You take a few deep breaths, feeling yourself relax, your mind recounts the days joyous events before settling. Your body slowly, yet quickly drifts into a light unconsciousness, before continuing to fall deeper into a state of rest and peace.