Mask of Pain

by Rachieloo

Ever wondered why Tristan never lets his emotions show? Well now he has to explain after torturing and killing someone. Lots of violence, torture, angst and friendship.

1. Chapter 1

Mask of Pain

Walking silently through the trees, I search around me for a sign of my quarry, the half-frozen grass beneath my feet making it harder to sneak. Remembering Arthurs words to me, "Tristan, I'm sick of this stupid game of hide and seek these people are playing. Go scout them out, but don't engage." I roll my eyes. Arthur and the rest of the knights are all royally pissed, what with the constant downpour of rain, mist and the occasional snowflake. In my opinion, they should be used to it by now. "Bunch of girls," I mumble.

Chuckling quietly, I begin scouring for tracks but something catches my eye. Blood. Moving a clump of grass, I see a woman's fingernail. Ignoring the slight twang of sympathy, I find a barely distinguishable track.

Looking back in the direction of the knights, I think, 'They can wait a bit longer.' And so I begin walking with the trail, pausing only to inspect my surroundings.