p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; line-height: 100%;"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"strongPart IV/strong/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; line-height: 100%;"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"Tristan's one eye suddenly snapped open. He couldn't move his right arm at all, which was not necessarily anything new to him. That was when he remembered meeting Majidi and falling sick while escorting the younger man north to the Wall. With a frown, he sat up and swung his legs over the side of the bed, reaching for his tunic with his good arm./span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 100%;"span style="color: #000000;""/spanspan style="color: #000000;"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"span style="font-style: normal;"What do you think you're doing?"/span/span/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; line-height: 100%;"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"Startled, he looked up. A very tired looking Nova stood in his doorway, carrying a pitcher of fresh water and a plate of food./span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 100%;"span style="color: #000000;""/spanspan style="color: #000000;"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"span style="font-style: normal;"I have to get to Arthur," he explained, coughing slightly, "It is my duty to care for the emissary while he's here."/span/span/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 100%;"span style="color: #000000;""/spanspan style="color: #000000;"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"span style="font-style: normal;"You've been on death's door now for the last week. I'm not letting you go anywhere."/span/span/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; line-height: 100%;"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"Her voice, although barely above a whisper, held so many emotions that he couldn't describe. He'd had no idea. To him it felt as if he'd just woken from a very deep sleep./span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 100%;"span style="color: #000000;""/spanspan style="color: #000000;"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"span style="font-style: normal;"I'm sorry," he murmured, "I didn't intend for this."/span/span/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; line-height: 100%;"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"Within a breath, Nova was at his side, the tray of food set on a nearby chair as she threw her arms around him./span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 100%;"span style="color: #000000;""/spanspan style="color: #000000;"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"span style="font-style: normal;"Don't you ever, ever do this to me again, Tristan," her voice shook, "I love you too much."/span/span/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; line-height: 100%;"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"A pained frown crossed his face as he held her tightly to his chest, burying his face in her hair, "I love you more. I'm so very sorry I've put you through this. Nothing I say will make up for it."/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; line-height: 100%;"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"She turned her head to look up at him, smiling through relieved tears, "Just ask for help, Trist. Stop worrying so much about what other people think and do what you know is best for you. Dagonet and I can only do so much, you know."/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; line-height: 100%;"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"He stared at her for a moment in silence, then leaned in, pressing his lips to hers in a passionate kiss. His lips made their way to the nape of her neck, feverishly kissing at her skin./span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 100%;"span style="color: #000000;""/spanspan style="color: #000000;"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"span style="font-style: normal;"Tristan," she breathed his name, a soft sigh escaping her./span/span/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; line-height: 100%;"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"Smiling against her skin, he continued his trail of kisses, one hand traveling to rest on her thigh./span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 100%;"span style="color: #000000;""/spanspan style="color: #000000;"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"span style="font-style: normal;"I'm still mad at you, you know," she whispered, her emerald eyes bright, "This doesn't make that go away."/span/span/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 100%;"span style="color: #000000;""/spanspan style="color: #000000;"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"span style="font-style: normal;"I know, but I thought it might help just the same," he grinned, grunting with exertion as he turned to pin her on the bed./span/span/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; line-height: 100%;"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"Squealing in surprise, her laughter quickly turned into a moan as he continued to kiss her./span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 100%;"span style="color: #000000;""/spanspan style="color: #000000;"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"span style="font-style: normal;"Trist-" she gasped./span/span/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 100%;"span style="color: #000000;""/spanspan style="color: #000000;"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"span style="font-style: normal;"Hmm?" he murmured, running his hand further up her leg and feeling the goosebumps on her skin, "Do you want me to stop?"/span/span/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; line-height: 100%;"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"She clung to him, shaking her head, "N-No. Please."/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 100%;"span style="color: #000000;"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"span style="font-style: normal;"With a low animalistic growl, he roughly pushed her dress up, pulling his own trousers down quickly before entering her. He closed his eye, letting out a long sigh as he felt her. She gasped when he moved inside her, her body shuddering underneath him. He reveled in the sounds she made, her warm skin against his as he moved faster, harder, nearing the edge all too quickly. A long, low moan escaped him, only stifled against her neck, her body arching toward his./span/span/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 100%;"span style="color: #000000;""/spanspan style="color: #000000;"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"span style="font-style: normal;"I love you, Nova," he whispered as he caught his breath./span/span/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; line-height: 100%;"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"She took his face in between both her hands, kissing his lips softly, "I love you more."/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 100%;"span style="color: #000000;""/spanspan style="color: #000000;"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"span style="font-style: normal;"Not possible."/span/span/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; line-height: 100%;"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"Laughing lightly, she rested her head on his shoulder, "Whatever you say, Tristan."/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; line-height: 100%;"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"He smiled, "You wanted me to stay in bed, right? I thought this would be a good way to do that."/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 100%;"span style="color: #000000;""/spanspan style="color: #000000;"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"span style="font-style: normal;"Ever the charmer, aren't you?" she nestled closer to him, stifling a yawn./span/span/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 100%;"span style="color: #000000;""/spanspan style="color: #000000;"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"span style="font-style: normal;"Sleep, love," he murmured, closing his own eye as they both drifted off./span/span/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; line-height: 100%;" /p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; line-height: 100%;"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;".~~~~~~~./span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; line-height: 100%;" /p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; line-height: 100%;"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"The next morning, Tristan awoke to a calm quiet in his room. Nova was sleeping soundly next to him, the warmth of her peaceful, content smile making his chest constrict. He brushed his lips over her cheek as he tucked the blankets around her shoulders. He knew she would be mad at him for not staying in bed, but he also knew he had a job to do. He had to move, he couldn't sit idle. She should understand that./span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; line-height: 100%;"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"Standing slowly, he took his time getting dressed, belting his sword onto his right hip and straightening his leather coat. He let out a long breath, glancing at Nova who was still asleep, before quietly exiting his room and closing the door behind him. He turned down the hallway toward the direction of Arthur's quarters, frowning thoughtfully as he methodically went on his way. He was painfully aware that his right leg and arm weren't working as well as they should, so he walked slowly, taking his time to arrive at his destination./span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; line-height: 100%;"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"He knocked twice on Arthur's door./span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 100%;"span style="color: #000000;""/spanspan style="color: #000000;"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"span style="font-style: normal;"Enter," Arthur's voice sounded from inside./span/span/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; line-height: 100%;"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"Tristan opened the door, stepping into the room./span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 100%;"span style="color: #000000;""/spanspan style="color: #000000;"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"span style="font-style: normal;"Tristan!" Majidi stood next to Arthur, surprise on his face, "It is good to see you awake."/span/span/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%;"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"Tristan bowed stiffly, "My apologies, my lord. I guarantee this is not the norm."/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"Majidi shook his head with a smile, "No apologies necessary, Tristan, these things happen. I am grateful that you are better now."/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"Arthur nodded, "I agree with Majidi. Now that you are here, Tristan, perhaps I can speak with you a moment."/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"Majidi bowed and exited the room, leaving the other two alone./span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;""Are you sure you're well enough to be up?" Arthur asked quietly./span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"Tristan nodded, "Yes, sir. I am not completely back to normal, but I am good enough to do my job."/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;""You had us worried. Do you think this will be a reoccurring issue?"/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"Tristan shrugged his good shoulder, "I have no way of knowing. This was something unprecedented. I am truly grateful for Nova and Dagonet, but I fear I have embarrassed you, sir."/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;""Don't even think that, Tristan," Arthur smiled slowly, "It appears you have already made a friend in Majidi. He was concerned for your health and very understanding as to the reasoning behind your condition."/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"Tristan stood silent for a moment, "Arthur, I have never felt so afraid in my life. If I cannot trust my own body to do what I need it to do when I need it done, what good am I to anyone? If I can't trust myself, how can anyone trust me, for anything?"/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"Arthur shook his head, "One day at a time, Tristan. You have young Caradoc to mentor, remember?"/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"Tristan nodded, "How did he do while I was gone?"/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;""Not bad," Arthur responded slowly, "But not great. He has potential, he just needs direction and stability. I have reason to believe that the boy has a troubled past. Perhaps you can connect better with him on that level."/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;""Where is he now?"/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;""He was with the others in the training field this morning," Arthur told him, reaching for a scroll on the table, "Although, he may be in the stable with Jols."/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"Tristan bowed his head briefly, "Thank you, Arthur."/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"Arthur smiled, "Don't be afraid to ask for help, Tristan. Please don't push yourself too hard. You are far too valuable as a Knight and a friend to be lost over your own pride."/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;""I am keenly aware of that," Tristan shook his head, a half smile on his lips, "Nova gave me an earful when I woke up yesterday."/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;""As she should," Arthur barely glanced at him, "I gave Majidi leave to follow you if he wants. He expressed interest in watching you and the others training."/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;""Thank you again," Tristan spoke quietly as he turned to leave./span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"The other man just waved him off, now immersed in the scroll in front of him./span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"Smiling to himself, Tristan slowly made his way out into the hallway and down toward the training area./span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;""Sir Tristan?"/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"Tristan stopped, turning to look at the voice that had called out to him. He frowned. "Caradoc, why are you not with the others?"/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"The younger man ducked his head, kicking at a loose stone under his feet./span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;""Caradoc?"/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;""Are you feeling better now?" The boy asked, looking up at Tristan with worry in his eyes./span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"Letting out a long sigh, Tristan offered a smile, "Yes, I am. But you know that worrying about me doesn't make it okay to skip out on your training."/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;""I know. I'm sorry. It won't happen again."/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"Tristan shook his head, a slight smile still gracing his lips. "Look at me, lad."/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"Slowly, Caradoc raised his eyes, meeting Tristan's gaze./span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;""Don't apologize," Tristan spoke softly, "I am grateful that you care. Truly. Now, tell me what you learned while I was away."/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;""Jols has had me working in the stables. And King Arthur has been teaching me the finer points of swordsmanship."/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;""Anything stand out to you in all that?" Tristan asked./span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"Caradoc nodded, "This is going to be a lot more work than I thought."/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"Tristan laughed lightly, "It will be, but it'll be worth it in the end, trust me. Now, what are you supposed to be doing right now?"/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;""Training with Galahad," Caradoc answered with a sigh, hanging his head, "I apologize, Sir Tristan. I have no excuse for my actions."/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"The Scout rested a hand on the younger man's shoulder, "You still have much to learn, lad. Come, let's join the others in the field."/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"Caradoc followed alongside Tristan, walking nearly in step with him, something the Scout noticed. The lad could have easily left him behind, walking at normal speed, but instead stayed back at Tristan's slower pace. As they stepped down into the inner field, a cold wind rushed into them, nearly stealing Tristan's breath from his throat. He bit back a wince as he felt his leg lock up, now unable to move it even one step forward./span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;""Tristan?" Caradoc spoke his concern quietly./span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;""C-can I lean on your shoulder?" Tristan asked, his voice strained./span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"Caradoc nodded, whispering, "I won't tell them."/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"Chuckling, Tristan smiled, "And for that, I am grateful."/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"The two of them walked slowly down to the roped off section of the field, coming to a stop at the edge. All of the other Knights were paired up with their trainees, practicing different styles of swordplay against each other./span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;""Tristan!" Galahad smiled at the Scout, parrying a thrust from Bedivere before disarming the other man in one swift movement. "Alright, take a break." Galahad winked at Bedivere and turned to approach Tristan and Caradoc. "Glad to see you're back, Trist. And Caradoc found you."/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"Tristan smiled, offering a curt nod in the younger Knight's direction. "It's good to be back, Galahad. Yes, Caradoc and I were just discussing the finer points of swordplay and the importance of keeping up with daily training."/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"The young man in question ducked his head, embarrassment clear on his reddened face./span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;""Good," Galahad nodded, seemingly unaware of the unspoken words between the other two. He continued in a softer voice, "We were all worried about you."/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;""I'm fine," Tristan replied in an equally quiet tone, "But thank you just the same."/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"Galahad smiled, "Are you feeling well enough to get in here with the rest of us?"/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"Hesitantly, Tristan shook his head, "I don't think that would be a good idea right now."/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;""Maybe moving around will help?" Caradoc suggested, looking up at Tristan. "My older brother would get awful muscle pain during the cold months and Papa always made him walk around."/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;""Seems like sound advice to me," Galahad winked at Tristan, lifting the rope for him to duck under./span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"Carefully, and with some help from Caradoc, Tristan joined the rest of the Knights in the training area. He looked around, noting that most of the other men were watching him. Cursing under his breath, he stood straight, biting back a wince of pain./span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;""What are you standing around for?" He growled at them good-naturedly, "Britain won't protect itself!"/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"A scattering of laughter resounded in the area as all the men went back to their training. Shaking his head, Tristan turned to face Caradoc, pulling out his sword with his left hand as he did so./span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;""Show me what you've learned, lad."/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"Caradoc pulled out his own blade, squaring off in front of the Scout. In a quick movement, the younger man rushed Tristan, swinging his sword in from the left. Tristan deftly parried, sidestepping and knocking Caradoc's sword off to the side./span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;""You leave yourself too open," Tristan told him, "Too easy to read. Try again."/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"With a nod, Caradoc came at him again, using a slightly different approach and swinging his sword up toward Tristan. The Scout barely deflected the blade, wincing as he took a step back./span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;""Better. Again."/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"Caradoc hesitated, keeping his sword low./span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"Tristan frowned, "Don't think because I am in pain that I can't still defend myself. Hesitation of any kind can be the difference between life and death for yourself. Come at me again."/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"The younger man raised his sword, moving forward and swinging at Tristan's left before swiftly switching to attack from the right. Mildly surprised, Tristan caught Caradoc's blade with his own, pushing back offensively until Caradoc was forced to take several steps back. The Scout's muscles screamed in protest, but he continued forward, until Caradoc couldn't hold him back. With a grimace, Caradoc dropped his sword, stumbling back and tripping over his own feet in the process and falling flat on the ground./span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"Tristan stopped, holding his own blade out, the tip pointed at Caradoc. A half smile lifted his lips, fire burning in his single eye. "Better, Caradoc, much better. But you assumed I couldn't react fast enough to block you," he sheathed his sword, holding a hand out to the younger man to help him up, "Never underestimate your opponent. Never assume anything. And never be too confident that you don't see the little details that can lead you to victory... Or defeat."/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;""I understand," Caradoc let out a sharp breath, "I'll do better, Sir Tristan."/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"Tristan shook his head, "Don't do it for me. Do it for yourself. And please, call me Tristan."/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;""Yes, sir," Caradoc smiled slightly as he looked up at the Scout, "Are you feeling better?"/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;""Yes, I suppose I am," Tristan offered a smile in return./span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;""Nicely done, Trist," Gawain clapped him on the shoulder, "Remind me never to underestimate your swordsmanship. Are you up for some archery practice? I heard Ector say that he's the best archer where he came from."/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"Tristan narrowed his eye, "Well, he's in Britain now."/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;""So, that's a yes, then?" Gawain grinned./span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;""Let's see what skill he has."/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"Gawain looked back at the rest of the men, "You heard our Scout, to the range it is!"/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"The men cheered, putting always their swords and shields and filing out of the practice area. Dagonet slowed as he reached Tristan, nodding to Caradoc./span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;""Are you sure, Trist? You haven't tried much with your bow since... Badon Hill."/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"Tristan nodded, calm resolve on his face, "I'll manage. Don't worry, Dag."/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"Dagonet only nodded as he and Tristan followed Caradoc and the others out toward the archery targets. Most of the men stood back, talking quietly among themselves while they waited for everyone to gather around. Tristan watched Ector and Galahad each pick up a bow and choose a handful of arrows. He took a deep breath, stepping up to join them./span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;""Tristan, here."/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"He turned at the sound of a familiar voice, smiling when he saw Nova. She held his bow out to him, resting a gentle hand on his arm./span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;""Don't think too hard about it and you'll be just fine."/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;""Thank you," he pressed his lips to hers briefly before stepping into line./span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;""Are you sure you want to do this, Tristan?" Galahad smirked as he knocked an arrow to his bow, "You still have an opportunity to back out."/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;""Stop talking, pup," Tristan replied, "Let me show you how the men use a bow."/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"Amid light laughter from the Knights, Galahad scowled, "Well, that's not fair. You know I don't like that nickname and you do realize that you helped me perfect my shooting?"/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;""I'm aware," was all the Scout said, looking to Ector, "You want to make a bet on this?"/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"The older man looked slightly taken aback by the question, but he nodded, "If you want to lose some coin, sure."/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"Tristan smiled, a cool calculated smirk, "I wasn't thinking that. How about stable chores? Loser has to do the winner's day of stable care."/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;""I'm alright with that," Ector replied./span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;""I want in on that, too," Galahad spoke up./span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;""Alright, enough talking," Gawain stepped toward them, "Galahad, Ector and Tristan are going to show off. On my command, release three arrows in succession at your target. Then I will compare accuracy and declare the winner. May the best archer win."/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"The three men in question readied their bows, Tristan the only one with no arrow on his string./span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;""Raise your bows. Aim."/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"The field was silent as the three of them followed Gawain's command./span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;""Release!"/span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"Just as the first syllable of the word left Gawain's lips, Tristan put an arrow to his bowstring, raised the weapon and fired at his target with practiced speed and precision. He pulled a second arrow and sent it flying as he reached for his third. His right arm that held his bow steady wavered slightly and he winced, trying to regain control before firing off his last arrow./span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"Silence remained across the field. He glanced over at Ector and Galahad, frowning when he saw the latter with a genuine expression of shock on his face./span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;""Hold your bows, I have to check this," Gawain held up his hand to them and jogged down toward the targets./span/span/p
p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" align="left"span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"span style="font-size: medium;"A moment later, Gawain came back, shaking his head with a smile. "Well, Galahad, as good as you may be, you didn't even come close to these two. Ector, I must say, I did not expect this of you, but you beat our Tristan."/span/span/p