Summary: An ordinary day turns into a grand adventure when a young woman gets hit by a bus and is pulled into the world of King Arthur and his knights. But things are not always what they seem. Melanie soon learns that everything happens for a reason. Pairing is TristanOC.
Disclaimer: I do not own King Arthur.
Author's Notes: Hello, hello, hello to all! I have another story for you guys. Like before, reviews are welcomed by all readers and any constructive criticism is appreciated. I hope you like it!
Chapter I: It's Always Snowing
Melanie finished the last of her lemonade as she stood up from the booth. Placing the empty paper cup on the plastic tray, she walked over to the nearest trash can, discarding any leftovers from her meal. And most of the meal was on the tray when she tossed it. The chicken salad she tried to consume was dry and on the menu, the so-called fresh fruit cocktail she ate was no were close to being such.
Food from the Kelly's was usually very good. It always held that distinct quality of flavor and it possessed just the right amount of seasonings. And, to make it even more appealing, it was only a few blocks away from Melanie's job. It was very convenient on those days when she just had to leave the shop for lunch.
Melanie was used to disappointments, even in something small like a one hour lunch break. It was just another day in her life, another ordinary moment.
Walking toward the exit of the restaurant, Melanie could see a smiling couple through the door. A man and a woman, no more than 30, holding hands and looking so in love. Some words were passed between the two and the young blonde reached up and gave the man an endearing kiss which lasted longer than Melanie expected.
Some things are to be kept private.
Pushing the door lightly, careful not to knock them down, she couldn't resist. "You know there's a hotel is right up the street. Maybe you two should get a room." The couple, so lost in the moment, didn't even hear what Melanie had said.
Are they trying to make me sick, thought Melanie as she walked past them, continuing on her way. She hated public displays of affection, mainly for the simple reason that it's never happened to her. Melanie was jealous of all the happy couples, though she would never admit it to anyone. The thought of poking her eyes out came to mind every time she bared witness to such scenes. Though, she often wondered why she never found happiness. Why did she never fall in love? She must have thought about it hundreds of times, but she never could quite explain it.
DAYS GO BY…I CAN FEEL 'EM FLYING LIKE A HAND OUT THE WINDOW IN THE WIND…
Melanie's cell phone began to ring. She could hear the tune of Keith Urban's Days Go By from inside her purse. It was one of her favorite songs. She moved her head to the music as she began to dig inside her bag.
…SEE CARS GO BY…YEAH ITS ALL WE'VE BEEN GIVEN-
"Hello?" she said waiting for a response.
"Melanie, it's me."
Melanie furrowed her brow. "Who is me?"
"Very funny. It's your mother, silly."
"Oh yeah, you did leave me a message." said Melanie as she made a right turn onto Kipling Street
"Well, thanks for replying."
"Not a problem, Mom. So, what did you want?"
"It's more on the lines of what your sister wants."
Melanie sighed. "Let me guess, the mall?"
"This weekend if you can."
"Alright, I'm on it. See you Saturday." And with that their conversation was ended. Melanie snapped her phone closed and dropped it back in her purse.
The phone call from her mother brought Melanie to her next turning point. A simple walk across the street would land her directly in front of her floral shop, Stop & Smell The Roses. Melanie was a quick study in entrepreneurship, so she did the next best thing. She opened her own business. Not bad for a 24 year old.
As she waited, along with a crowd of other strangers, for the crosswalk light to change…
DAYS GO BY…I CAN FEEL 'EM FLYING LIKE A HAND OUT THE WINDOW IN THE WIND…
"Who is it this time?" Finding her cell, Melanie looked down on the caller ID before she picked it up and saw that it was Sara, the new girl she had just hired for the front desk of the flower shop. "I'm right across the street. She can't wait two seconds!" An old man, wearing a vintage gray suit with a matching hat, on her left looked over at her when she spoke, an attitude clearly in her voice. "Do you mind buddy?" He quickly turned away when she gave him a more than lethal glance. The crosswalk light signaled for the pedestrians to cross the street. Melanie didn't move.
"Yes Sara, what's the problem?"
"Miss Weathers," began Sara, "I'm sorry to bother you on your lunch break-"
"Never mind about that, Sara. What's the problem?"
"Well, there is a gentleman here stating that he ordered four dozen yellow roses for his daughter's wedding."
"Yes, that is Mister Mason if I'm not mistaken. They've been on reserve since March, along with four bridal bouquets."
"Yes, they have. I looked over the records. I was able to find the bridal bouquets, but…"
"But?" Melanie began to pace on the sidewalk.
"But," Sara laughed nervously, "I couldn't find the roses."
Melanie pulled the phone away from her mouth, and whispered "You're so fired…"
"What did you say, Miss Weathers?" asked Sara fearing she had missed something important.
"I'll be their in a minute, Sara. And if possible, could you please persuade Mister Mason to stay. He isn't a very patience person." Before Sara could respond, Melanie hung up the phone "Idiots! I have to take Laurie to the mall, despite the fact that she can driver herself. And now I have this to deal with! How hard is it to locate 48 roses? Is she blind? What else is going to go wrong today?"
At that moment Melanie decided to step down from the sidewalk, preparing to cross the street. Only when she heard a loud horn suddenly go off did she turn her head. But is was too late. The Grey Hound bus collided with Melanie, knocking her unconscious and three car lengths down the street.
The trip to Marius' estate was anything but pleasant. The knight's only purpose was to retrieve young Alecto and bring him back to Hadrian's Wall. A simple mission, if you subtract the Saxons. After walling the monks in the prison in which the knights had found the Woad and the small boy, they left the estate, taking with them the family and the small village of people.
The daylight was slipping away from them and the Saxons were close behind. The carriages paused for a moment.
"We'll sleep here tonight." said Arthur. "Take shelter in those trees. Tristan."
The scout looked to his left, speaking to his hawk. "You wanna go out again? Yeah." The other knights watched as the bird flew off into the sky, while Tristan galloped into the forest.
She wore nothing but a lavender gown, no over coat or shoes. Her dark brown hair seemed to glide across the ground as she lay there. A light dusting of snow covered her body when he found her. Her skin was pale and probably cold to the touch.
He could see the steady rise and fall of her chest. Odd, he thought. How could her breathing be normal in conditions like this? And even more strange there is not one injury on her entire body.
He surveyed this entire area a dozen times and now, receiving no warning, he finds a woman lying unconscious on the ground.
He walked over to his horse and went into the large satchel. He pulled out a wool blanket and began to walk back over to the woman.
The sun was rising and Tristan could hear the sound of Saxon drums in the distance. They were close. Too close.
Bringing his attention back to the woman on the ground, Tristan slowly went to his knees. He easily draped the black blanket over her body. The snow fall began to cover it immediately. He then proceeded to bring his hand down to her face, planning to brush away the snow on her cheeks. He was within an inch's length when a soft moan escaped her lips. Tristan quickly withdrew his hand.
The woman moved her head toward him; the falling snow seemed to awaken the sleeping beauty as it continued to descend upon her face. And slowly but surely, her eyes fluttered open.
The last thing she remembered was speaking with Sara on the phone and then there was a bus. And it knocked the living day lights out of her. She knew she must be dead. How else could she explain the cold? Melanie could feel the sting of ice hit her face. But for some reason, the rest of her body wasn't frozen.
But why would she be frozen? Its summer time, she thought.
Sighing softly, she willed herself to open her eyes. White specks covered her delicate eyes quickly and she instantly closed them. Breathing deeply, she said, "It can't be snowing…"
"It's always snowing." Melanie heard another's whisper as clear as day. She believed herself to be alone and on her way to death. Perhaps this person was the sprite to guide her to the gates of heaven, if there really was such a place.
Opening her eyes once more, like the first time, her vision was fuzzy, but the man kneeling before her gradually came into view.
He seemed to look through straight through her, piercing her mind. Brown eyes, Melanie thought they were; though it was too difficult tell. For his hair, also brown, some pieces were braided, nearly concealed his entire face. A beard, not too heavy, covered his chin and the lower half of his cheeks, while he sported a pair of dark blue tattoos on either side.
Melanie didn't know why, but she felt she could trust him.
"You're a strange looking angel." she said to him softly. "Do you have a name?"
"Tristan." he said simply.
"Tristan." she repeated, letting her mind linger. "Tell me Tristan, when did it start snowing?"
"It's always snowing." he said once again. "How did you wind up in the forest, Lady?"
She smiled. "Are you English? I can hear your accent."
"English? No Lady, I am Sarmatian." said Tristan getting a little bit annoyed. "Now, you must tell me, how long have you been in the forest?"
Melanie began to laugh at the very idea of beginning in a forest. She didn't even like the park. Too much noise with all the children and dogs…
CRACK
Tristan placed a hand over Melanie's mouth, her soft laughter put on hold. He could hear the low crunch of snow and the breaking of sticks.
"Saxons." he whispered. And like lightening, Tristan pulled himself and Melanie from the ground. He kept her closed against him, still wrapped the blanket. It was romantic at a stand still, but Melanie became suddenly very angry at this man called Tristan.
"How dare you handle me like this!" she yelled at him. He paid her no mind as he unsheathed his sword, his eyes constantly moving, searching.
Melanie saw the blade shining in the sunlight and was speechless. It was then Melanie also realized she was indeed in a forest. Trees of all sizes surrounded them. From a warm, busy New York City street to a snowy, cold forest in no mans land.
And it was time for yet another realization on Melanie's part. A shiver went through her body, starting at her toes. She looked down at her feet and found she had no shoes. Nothing was there. Nothing but a light purple material, soft and silky. Her eyes traveled upward and saw the intricate designs of flowers and leaves only on the right side of the garment, and sleeves covered her arms completely, flaring out at her wrists.
Melanie could not believe it! She was wearing a dress. She gets hit by a bus and she goes from black slacks and a red blouse to a lavender, princess style gown.
How was it all possible?
He's going to kill me, Melanie thought hopelessly, nearly fainting from the ideas of what he could do. He could do anything. She was almost certain no one could hear her scream.
"What are you going to do?" she asked him, fear clearly noticeable in her voice.
Tristan said nothing. He was still searching the trees. He knew they were out there. He looked to the sky suddenly, hearing his hawk's cry. There she was, circling overhead.
"Well, well," came a voice from behind them, "what is this?" Tristan quickly turned, sword in hand, moving in front of Melanie, shielding her with his body.
Now he wants to protect me?
Before them stood five Saxons, with dirty faces and messy beards. They probably never comb their hair. They were heavily suited in animal furs, armor and helmets. The two on the left were armed with crossbows and ready to fire, while the pair on the right had swords and shields. The man in the middle possessed only a sword. His weaponry and armor looked to be the strongest. He was bald and the biggest of the five. He had no shield or helmet.
"You ride in the company of Arthur, do you not?" asked the Saxon in the middle. Tristan didn't answer. The man then noticed Melanie. Her eyes went wide as he spoke.
"Pretty girl." he stated. Tristan moved backwards, causing Melanie to follow suit. In any other circumstance, Melanie might have blushed. But not this time. It was sweet to be look after so. She would thank him later…if they made it out alive.
"You know," the leader of the pack began again, "my men could use a girl like that." The other four Saxons began to spread out, moving to form a circle. "How about you give her to us, and we let you go."
Tristan heard a bird's cry in the trees and within seconds his hawk swooped down on one of the crossbowman. The Saxon cried out as the bird clawed at his eyes causing him to drop the bow. He fell to the ground as the hawk let go.
While the others were preoccupied at the moment, watching the bird circle its prey so to speak, Tristan took down the other bowman, who stood just beside the one in agony on the ground. Knocking the weapon from his hands, Tristan stabbed him in the gut without think twice.
On his killing spree, Melanie was left out in the open, unshielded and vulnerable to attack. Turning quickly, he saw the leader of the group approach her. She stepped backward and nearly fell over one of the discarded crossbows. The bald man still moved forward and out of instinct Melanie slapped him across the face. He paused for a moment, but then she saw the angry weld in his eyes.
Tristan grabbed her as soon as he could reach her arm and pulled her behind him before the Saxon could strike with his own fist. Melanie moved backward until her shoulder lightly grazed an oak tree, trying her best to keep out of the way.
"Kill him!" yelled the bald man, tried of this game.
The only two Saxons left circled the knight with their swords, twirling them ever so often. The one on his right struck first. He easily blocked the attack and kicked the Saxon to the ground. The left attacker tried the same move and Tristan blocked his blade while removing a dagger from one of his holsters. Jamming the small blade into his chest, Tristan was pulled on from behind, having his sword knocked from his hand.
The bald Saxon thought himself cute to challenge a Sarmatian Knight, so of course Tristan would oblige his wished. While the two men went through a series of punches, no one saw the man Tristan had knocked down earlier regain his footing. No one but Melanie. The Saxon stammered a little as he shook his head clear, but easily began his trail over to Tristan. Melanie had to do something.
And then she saw it. A discarded crossbow lying in the snow. Melanie couldn't let this man. She just couldn't. She quickly ran over a few steps and picked up the bow. It was already loaded, so all she had to do was figure out how to use it.
"Archery in gym class was so much simpler." she said frantically as she tried to release the bow.
Knocking the big brute to the ground, he cowardly ran into the safety of the trees. Thinking of following him, Tristan decided against it.
He turned to see were the girl was. He couldn't find her for his vision was blocked by the other Saxon he was fighting earlier. He lunged at him with his sword but fell short a couple of steps short when he tumbled to the ground with an arrow in his back. It went right through his armor.
Tristan looked up quickly and saw her holding the crossbow, looking like she had done it before. He smiled briefly at the thought.
"Thank you, Lady." he said.
"Melanie," she said, "my name is Melanie-" She instantly dropped the crossbow when she felt a cold steel blade press against her neck. Tristan ran to his horse and grabbed his bow, and in no time it was load with an arrow.
"I would not if I were you." The Saxons just kept coming. The coward he fought only minutes ago had returned with two more of his men. Holding on tightly to Melanie, he backed away slowly.
"You're not me, Saxon" said Tristan. "I never miss." The blade moved closer to Melanie's throat.
"You may hit me," he stated, "but she'll die."
Tristan could do nothing. And Melanie knew that. "At least you tried." she said holding back tears. Tristan only stood there contemplating whether or not to shoot. It was true, he never missed, but he couldn't risk them hurting her.
Why all of a sudden was he so sympathetic?
He lowered his bow. "Touching, is it not?" said the Saxon as he slowly began to step backwards. "Don't wait for us." he said with a menacing grin.
Melanie immediately began to struggle. The Saxon turned her around to face him. "Now, come quietly, or you we kill you here and now."
Melanie was looking into the eyes of a killer. He would kill her if need be. She said nothing to him and simply walked in step with this murderous villain.