Chapter 7: Bitter Partings

Rhiane woke up to the pale light of dawn drifting through her window. Her eyes felt dry as though she'd been crying. The events of last night came flooding back to her. She had hoped it had all been a terrible nightmare. She sat up and stretched. She'd go down and watch the knights depart. She wanted to talk to Tristan anyway. She found him in the stables sharpening his blade. He glanced up as she entered.

"Hello, Rhiane," he said as he returned his attention back to his sword.

"Tristan, about last night I-"

"Don't apologize," he sighed, "It was my fault. I got carried away."

"No, I brought you in the middle of this," she said, "I was the one who got carried away. I made a big deal out of a crush."

"I never should have gotten involved," his voice sounded bitter, "It was better that way."

"You said that love was too strong of an emotion to-"

"I said a lot of things, Rhiane," he said sternly, "I said too much."

There was a long awkward pause before Rhiane finally spoke, "Did you mean anything you said?" Tristan did not answer, yet Rhiane thought she knew what the answer was.

"Please answer, Tristan," she pleaded.

"I never wanted you to get hurt," he said standing up, "No one should ever suffer."

"Tell that to the Woads you've killed!" This was ridiculous! Why couldn't Tristan give her a simple answer? Why did he have to be so…. Tristan?

"I don't torture them." He faced her, eyes sharp and piercing. "Killing and torturing are different."

"Are they, Tristan?" she snapped, tears rapidly filling her eyes. She wanted to hate him. She wanted to hate the confusion he caused.

"You would know torture, Rhiane!" he hissed, stepping closer.

"What are you talking about?"

"The years I spent gazing at you from afar," he grabbed her shoulders, "seeing you, but knowing I couldn't ever have you. Seeing you torture yourself over young, naïve Galahad."

"You tortured yourself, Tristan!" She hit him in chest. It had very little effect. "You kept that secret inside! You told me that it wasn't good to keep things like that inside, but you did! I'm not worth that!"

"You're worth more than you know!" He gave an exasperated cry. "If Galahad can't see that then, he doesn't deserve you, or your love!"

"And you do?!" she asked.

"No!" he said harshly, "I never did!"

"Are you trying to renounce everything you said to me last night?"

"No!" He'd rather die.

"Then, who should I choose, Tristan? You or Galahad?"

"There is not a decision for you to make," he growled, "I am not an option."

"Oh, really," she said, "What if I were to choose you?"

"Don't be daft, Rhiane," he scolded as he released her.

"Why else would you would you say you loved me?"

"You asked, and I answered."

"You didn't have to. You love to complicate things."

"You don't know what you're accusing me of, Rhiane." His eyes penetrated into her own. "You don't know what you're saying."

"Your always right, aren't you?! You always know everything and have all the answers. I don't know anything, and it's all because of you!" she cried, "You said you didn't want to hurt me. Well, it's too late for that because that's all you've done to me!"

Tristan stood there, eyes fixed on the ground. He was pale and appeared as though he had suddenly taken ill. Rhiane felt her anger and hatred vanish, and guilt and regret take their place.

"Tristan," she said apologetically. She never meant to say any of those things. She never meant to hurt him. She did care about the scout.

The door to the stables opened and Galahad walked through. He raised his eyebrows as he spotted them. His eyes narrowed at Rhiane.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt. I'm just getting my saddle," he said mildly as he crossed the room. He grabbed his saddle and stormed back out of the room.

Rhiane turned back to Tristan who's eyes were still focused downward.

"Tristan, I-" she started.

"Go to him," his voice shook.

"Tristan..." She reached out to him.

"Go to him," he repeated as he moved out of her reach. He gathered his effects and hurriedly left, not looking back at her.

Rhiane never went after him or Galahad. Instead she wandered aimlessly over the grounds, and collapsed by an old willow tree. She sighed miserably. What was happening? Everything went from bad to worse all because of a stupid childish crush. She never wanted to hurt Galahad or Tristan. She thought of what Tristan had said. She never would have guessed about his feelings. What made a great warrior such as Tristan love an emotionally challenged, childish tavern maid such as herself? Her thoughts were interrupted by the thundering of hooves. The knights were leaving. She watched them until they disappeared, and prayed to any god that would listen that she'd have the chance to apologize to Tristan and Galahad.

Sorry about all the fighting, but there is a method to my madness. Try and put yourself in her situation. Wouldn't find Tristan's mysterious and confusing way a bit frustrating at times? Trust me. I have a vague idea of what I'm doing. Stay with with me, please!