Creiddylad could not begin to form thoughts. The kiss ended and they parted lips. Galahad stepped back, "Let us rest now." Creiddylad followed silently. They went to bed silently. Of course, Creiddylad rested her heavy head against the makeshift bed. She forced herself to fall asleep because of what lies ahead. She woke up and found Galahad still sleeping. Creiddylad noticed the space between them. She got up and ate breakfast and retrieved some for Galahad. She placed it by his side and went outside to make herself useful. Creiddylad was attempting to keep her mind focused by making her body busy. Gaiwan spotted her and wanted to know what was happening. "We are better," she said but did not want to share Galahad's confession.

"Good, because honestly, it would be hard to pick sides if you two should ever go separately."

"Thank you, but hopefully we will not have to test it." The group packed and headed on their way. During the entire time, Galahad was somewhat avoiding Creiddylad with short answers or sharing attention to others. Naturally, it confused Creiddylad because he said he didn't care if she didn't return the feelings. Yet, he distanced himself in response to.

Lancelot sensed this and decided to take this into his own hands, for the moment at least. He directed his horse next to Creiddylad's. They started to talk. Galahad observed but made no motion or emotion about it. Lancelot began to speak louder and more flirtatious to get Galahad's attention. Creiddylad was unaware of Lancelot's doing. Galahad did draw more into their interaction. Is Lancelot taking advantage of her position?! Galahad took his reigns and forced his horse between Lancelot's and Creiddylad's.

"Lancelot, I believe that Bors would like a word with you."

"He has many words with me, and more actually for me, and I've heard of them all by now. Besides, I like the present company better," he looked at Creiddylad daringly.

"Leave," Galahad was about to show his infamous temper. Lancelot got what he wanted, Galahad's attention to Creiddylad. So, he trail off to taunt Bors about his children.

"You haven't a need to worry. I can't fall as prey to Lancelot's charms."

"I know, but Lancelot does like a challenge. It wouldn't deter him, in fact it would inspire him," Galahad said neutrally.

"Galahad?" she pleaded for his attention. "This is the first time I don't understand you," she confessed.

"Maybe you do, and you don't want to admit it."

"Galahad, I know you understand the events of last night. You said I didn't need to act upon it immediately. Yet, you avoid me."

"No, I didn't."

"Galahad," Creiddylad looked at him all knowingly.

"Fine. It is only because I don't know what to do as I wait and how long should I wait for. This idleness will lead me to madness," Galahad galloped off. Creiddylad felt burdened to answer. The rest of the ride was uneventful until dusk. Near camp, a hot spring was discovered. After when most retired to sleep, Creiddylad decided to take a bath in the spring to not be interrupted. She undressed and placed a drying linen by the water edge along with clean clothes. The very warm water was soothing comforting against the cold and troubles. It was to be alone because it is rare with a large traveling group. However, she was unaware of the pair of eyes that were among the brush. Galahad followed her not to spy on her compromised position but ensure protection. When she was done, she wrapped herself with the linen and sat there in deep thought. Creiddylad untied her hair. Galahad involuntarily took a step to her. Crack! He stepped on a dry branch. Creiddylad looked up to the sound but couldn't see in the dark. He stood silently not to be discovered.

She stood up still in the drying linen, "Who is there?" she asked blindly. She knew who it was but started to make a game out of it. "Is it Tristan? No, he wouldn't make a mistake with a sound. Bors? No, he would've made a sound sooner along with cursing."

Galahad smiled silently. "Arthur or Dagonet? No, they are too proper to look onto a bathing maiden. Gawain? No, he would have giggled by now. Is it Lancelot? He would spy on a naked woman. Did he come to seduce and ravage me? Or did he come because I ask him to?"

Galahad was alerted. She asked him to meet him here?! He came out of hiding. "You asked him to come?!" he accused.

Creiddylad giggled at her plot. "No, I knew it was you all along. Just wanted to tease you."

"How did you know I wasn't Lancelot?"

"He has eyes for someone else. And he only sees me as a sister."

"How did you know it wasn't someone else?"

"Galahad, since we were younger, I know you used to look at me at my intimate moments. And still do, I see."

"I was only making sure you were safe."

"Didn't you enjoy the view as well?"

"I see no complaints in it," he joked. It was nice for both of them to back to themselves.

"I have miss this between us," Creiddylad admitted.

"Me too."

"Galahad, I thought about... us. And I am afraid of something."

"Of what?"

"I am afraid that you will see Creiddylad, a woman instead of Creiddylad, your friend."

"Creiddylad, you are my best friend. My love comes from our friendship, not lust or opportunity."

"But Galahad didn't you have someone in mind? Who you have yet to speak to?" she backed away.

"It was you who I was speaking of."

"Me?"

"I was describing you." Creiddylad didn't know she was shivering from the cold or his words. Galahad again approached her.

Galahad held her face, "I am sorry if these aren't the words you want, but it is how I feel." He turn to leave.

"Galahad!" He stopped and turn back to her. There were no other words she could say. So, she kissed him with all of herself. Galahad put his arms around her. They broke gasping. "I dreamed of this," Creiddylad confessed.

"I have too," he said as he kissed her forehead. They stood embraced. Galahad felt her shiver, "Are you cold?"

"I cannot tell if it's from the air or this."

Galahad picked her up, "Well, let's get you inside the tent before you're frozen." He threw her over his shoulder.

"What of my clothes?"

"They can wait." Creiddylad laughed during her journey upside down. She helped with the flap as they went inside. He plopped her down.

"Where are you going?" she asked about his departure.

"To get your clothes that you whined about." She dismissed him with her hand. As she was waiting, she was playing with her hair. She decided to braid it again.

"Leave it down," he said as he came in with clothes in hand.

"Why? It gets in the way when I sleep."

He knelt by her and set her clothes next to Creiddylad. "I don't mind it." She unwind the beginnings of the braids.

Some of the hair fell in front of her face, "See?" Galahad smoothed them away. She leaned her face into his palm. They started to kiss in a fiery passion. "Mm, Galahad, I have to say something before we," she said between kisses and moans.

"What can you possibly say now?" he said in mock frustration. She paused and back her face a few inches.

Creiddylad looked at him, "I love you, Galahad." Galahad fell in sudden ecstasy.

"Truly?"

"Even before I kissed you when you left."

He nuzzled his way back to her face, "And I love you."

"Can I dress now that we had our confessions?" she breathed huskily.

"It makes no sense to."

"Oh really, are you to presume that I will succumb to physical desires just because you say you love me?"

"Perhaps." She placed her hands on his chest and started to untie his shirt. "Are you sure?" he asked.

"Yes." Galahad had only his pants on and her with her linen. They barely could see each other through the filtered moonlight that shone through the tent material. They undress each other further.

They took a moment to look at each other. "I was hoping that your front side was just as beautiful as your backside. Which reminds me, if you knew I was looking at you undressed, why didn't you stop me?"

"Perhaps, I wanted you to see me like no other has seen me." Galahad lowered himself and bonded with her. As old as they were, this act unwound the years that were spent apart. Creiddylad moaned her passions into his chest or blanket to keep it on the quiet side. They shook from the cold climate, from the heat of passions, and the pain and pleasure of their union.

After many raptures, they rested on each other for the duration of the night. Galahad woke up in the middle of night. He found Creiddylad and him entangled in bare skin. "Go to sleep, Galahad," Creiddylad softly moaned.

"Can you ever be asleep when I'm awake?"

"No, but I can sleep now, if you want," she put her head back down onto his chest.

"No, I want you again," he said with a faux seducing, boyish voice. She pretended to sleep. He let his hands roamed down her side onto her hip and the other one on her back. He rolled himself over.

"Well, I don't want you," she lied.

"You are a terrible liar," Galahad let his nose caress on her face.

Creiddylad petted his beard, "I spoil you too much."

"You spoil me? I spoil you," he said as he kissed random spots on her face, "But I'll never stop."

"Galahad, my love," she cooed when he kiss her neck. Creiddylad calling him her own made him retaliate by physically saying that she is his. They became intensely amorous as they engaged in another physical act of their love.

The sun was bright and warm. Galahad woke up practically refreshed. In his arms, was the only person who matters to him. He looked to her. She was asleep! The first time he was awake before her. Creiddylad reminded him of his home, his heart, his faith, and his strength. He started to kiss her back in a delicate way. She stirred and turned to him almost confused. "You were awake before me?"

"Aye."

"Well, it was a rather exerting night. How well did you sleep?" Creiddylad felt almost guilty that if Galahad had a bad night and she slept through it.

"As if I was a young boy in our village. The most peaceful I have ever known. I think I am in debt to you for that."

"Good. I'll call on that debt when needed. But for now, we need to rise." She sat up and started to dress.

He sat up and started to brush his lips against her back, "Just a few moments."

"Galahad, you must remember where we are and what we are doing."

"Aye, aye," he ceased his attempts but embrace her from behind.

She turned to him, "Galahad, I'm not rejecting you... I accept all of you. And part of you is knighthood and you need to finish what you have started."

"I know." Creiddylad found his tunic and placed it over his head. Then, she kissed him lightly. "All right, Cunning Creiddylad, you win." He got up to finished dressing. Then, he peeked at Creiddylad.

She sensed his eyes, "No looking." She teased.

"Like I haven't see it before," he rolled his eyes and pretended to turn around. Creiddylad then sensually put on her garbs with feminine, delicate movements. "None of that," he said as he felt aroused.

"How would you know, unless you're watching," she replied. Creiddylad ceased the taunting.