Disclaimer: See first chapter.
Caley opened her eyes and pulled back looking at him. She couldn't believe what he had just said. The very same Tristan that the other Knights said showed no emotion and let no one in to his heart of ice just told her that he loved her.
He detached himself from her when he saw her shocked face. "Forgive me. I was out of line." he said starting to turn away. "I knew you wouldn't feel the same way about me. You love Lancelot, you deserve him, he will take better care of you." he sounded as if though someone had stabbed him through his heart.
He started to walk away from her, his head cast down. She looked at him leave still in shock, but quickly came to her senses. "Tristan!" she called after him, starting to run to catch up to him.
"I'm sorry I did that Caley. I hope you can forgive me, as well as Lancelot." he said, not even stopping or turning around to face her.
She caught up to him grabbing his arm to make him stop. He looked at her, but was surprised when she threw her arms around his neck, practically jumping into his arms, and kissed him hard. He wrapped his arms around her and began kissing her back passionately.
They broke apart, foreheads touching, breathing hard. He still held her off the ground. "Why do you men never wait for the other to speak, and jump to conclusions. Lancelot is a friend and nothing more." she whispered and pecked him on the lips. "You are the one that I love, Sir Tristan." she smiled gently at him.
He smiled, a true genuine smile that reached his eyes. It looked good on him and she smiled back at him. "I've learned my lesson," he said and kissed her again.
She smiled at him, as he set her back down onto the ground gently, as she remembered what Lancelot had told her earlier in the day. "Lancelot told me that you were my protector, watching over me like that hawk of yours. It seems as though he was right. I am glad for it."
He smiled at her, he never felt so wanted and loved in his life and he liked it. He kissed her on the forehead again, and then grabbed her hand and led her back towards her room. He opened the door and picked her up, causing her to gasp slightly. He closed the door behind him with his foot and took her over to the bed.
He laid her down on it and helped her take off all the weapons she had on and she helped him with his. He then climbed in bed next to her and pulled her towards him. He kissed her deeply and then parted. "I love you." he said quietly.
"And I you." she replied, and settled into his arms, and that is how they fell asleep that night. In the arms of the one that they loved and finally confessed too.
Caley woke the next morning and froze when she felt arms around her. Her grogginess left her immediately and she was about to start fighting against the person, but stopped. She smiled when the events of the night before came back to her and she knew that it was Tristan's arms around her. She smiled to herself when she remembered the feel of Tristan's lips on hers and how it made her so happy and complete.
She carefully and gently rolled over in his arms so that she was facing him. She smiled at the sight that greeted her. He was relaxed with his eyes gently closed, and the tiniest hint of a smile graced his lips. He seemed to be asleep and she lay there just watching him and listening to his light breathing. This was the Tristan that few if any had ever seen and she was grateful that she was able to see it.
She watched him for a few more minutes until temptation took over and she reached up to gently caress that tattoos on his cheek. Just before her fingers made contact with his skin, his hand shot up and gently gripped her wrist stopping her movements.
"I know you've been watching me." he said quietly.
She smiled at him, he brought her hand up to his lips and placed a gentle kiss on the back of her hand, then opened his eyes.
"How long have you been awake?" she asked him before moving closer into his embrace and resting her head on his chest. His arms were gently wrapped around her shoulders holding her to him.
"Since two hours before dawn." he answered.
"Why so early?" she questioned him as she played with the laces on the front of his tunic.
He replied in a quiet voice. "I'm a scout. I'm used to waking up early."
She raised her eyes to him and studied his face again. His eyes were closed yet again and she raised her hand to gently brush her fingertips across the tattoos on one of his cheeks. "Tristan, what do your tattoos represent?" she asked him softly.
He opened his eyes and looked at her. He smiled as her gently before replying. "The tribe I come from in Sarmatia is mostly scouts and hunters. When a man reaches of age and proves themselves as an excellent scout and hunter they receive these tattoos. I received mine when I was only 13 summers old." He lifted his hand to her face and ran his fingers over her matching tattoos. "And you? I have never heard of a woman receiving tattoos in Sarmatia." he questioned her.
She smiled at him. "The men in my tribe receive their tattoos when they become capable warriors in the art of sword play. No woman has ever received them in my tribe. I remember begging my father when I was 18 summers old to let me take the warriors challenge to receive my tattoos. He refused initially, not wanting me to get hurt, but I eventually convinced him. Needless to say, but I passed the test and received mine." He nodded at her and kissed the top of her head. "It's funny, don't you think?" she began. "That we come from two different tribes that have two different rites of passage, yet we receive the same markings?" She looked up at him and just smiled at her, before they resumed a close position. There was no need to answer her question. It was just a passing thought.
Neither wanted to move from their sweet moment that they were sharing. They each had their eyes closed, and were enjoying each others company. Tristan was slowly moving his hand up and down her back and Caley just laid in his embrace enjoying his touch.
Even though they didn't want to move they both knew that they had to rise and prepare for the battle that was going to occur. That brought a new question to Caley's mind: What about the other Knights?
She looked up to Tristan's face, and loathed to disturb the relaxed and content look on his face.
"Tristan." she said softly. He opened his eyes and looked down to her, showing that she had his attention. "What of the other Knights? What should we tell them about us?" she asked softly.
He thought for a few minutes before answering. The Knights would find out eventually no matter how hard they tried to hide it, so there was no point in doing so. If they didn't tell them, they may become angry at them for keeping it secret. Though with an upcoming battle and the knowledge of them might effect the Knights by being more protective which could lead to mistakes and death. Tristan didn't want to lose any of his brothers, he would rather have them mad at him. Even when they found out they would still be protective, but he hoped not overly so.
He looked down at Caley, who was watching him come to a decision. "We won't tell them," he said quietly. "for now, not until we are back to the wall." he continued.
She nodded at him slightly and then leaned up to steal a kiss from him. She understood his reasons, she was thinking along the same lines as him at the moment. When they broke the kiss she looked at him and smiled. "Then if we are to keep this a secret you best go back to your own room, so there are no suspicions. Though I believe Jols might suspect something since you were supposed to be sharing a room with him tonight."
He smiled and nodded at the point she made . "Do not worry, I will handle that." he said, then he moved his hand up to where she had the cut on her cheek and then to the bruising around her neck. Caley swore that she saw anger flash through Tristan's eyes as he looked at her injuries. "I believe the other Knights will ask about what happened when they see this."
She smiled at him slightly, before answering. "I will handle that. I will tell them exactly what happened. About the man and then when you came and saved me and escorted me back to my room. It will be fine I promise. Don't you trust me?" she said innocently.
He smiled slightly at her and kissed her on the forehead as his way of saying yes. He started to move up from the bed. She laid in bed and watched him put his brown leather jerkin back in place and then his light armor on over it. He then pick up his weapons and put them in the proper places. When he had finished he leaned back down on the bed and gave her a sweet yet passionate kiss. When he broke the kiss he smiled and placed a quick kiss on her forehead before heading to the door.
He reached for the door handle, but stopped when she called out his name. "Tristan." she said softly. He looked back to her still sitting in bed and waited for her to continue. "I love you." she said with sincerity in her voice.
He smiled at her, then noticing that he only smiled for her. 'How quickly she got to my heart, I have no idea.' he thought to himself. "I love you as well." he said. He nodded at her once and then left the room, quietly closing the door behind him.
Once Tristan closed the door Caley smiled broadly and fell back against her bed and closed her eyes. 'It finally happened!' she thought excitedly to herself. 'After silently loving him and hoping for it in return, I got it. He loves me!'
She continued to smile to herself, not believing that she really had this incredible man to herself and they loved each other, even through the short amount of time they had known each other. He was hers, and she was his.
She opened her eyes and sighed. She wished he was still there with her, but if he wanted it secret for now, then she would oblige. She would do anything for him. She sat up in her bed then climbed out. She quickly put on her light armor and boots before placing her weapons in various places on her body. She made sure that the dagger Tristan had given her was at the small of her back, something she now cherished even more, before leaving her room. Once ready she headed to the tavern hoping that was where the other Knights would come when they woke, but keeping a watchful eye hoping not to repeat what almost happened the night before.
Tristan made his way back to his room completely happy. The only woman he loved, loved him back and he couldn't be happier. He thought he didn't deserve her. He was a killer and not a gentlemen. He thought Lancelot would have been a better choice for her, perhaps Gawain, but no. She chose to love him and he thanked the Gods for blessing him with her love.
When he reached the door to his and Jols' room, he stopped before gripping the handle, trying to think how to explain his absence through the night. He really didn't have to say anything. He knew Jols was smart and if Jols figured it out he knew that he would be quiet and not say a word to the other Knights, but he would ask a few questions. Tristan sighed and just figured he would take it as it came.
He turned the door handle and walked into the room. Jols was already up and going through his pack. He looked up when the door opened and nodded to Tristan in greeting which he returned. Tristan walked over to his bed silently and pulled out his extra daggers he kept in his pack. He proceeded to put them in his boots, thankful that Jols hadn't said anything, but knew it was to come.
After a few more minutes of silence Jols spoke up. Tristan grinned slightly, though it was hidden beneath his hair, that his thoughts were correct.
"Where were you last night, Tristan?" Jols asked. Tristan heard the concern in his voice. He knew Jols cared for all the Knights and wanted them to be safe, even though that was not possible all of the time. Tristan didn't answer, but continued on with his task at hand. Jols was used to Tristan's silence, but kept going. "Were you with Caley last night?"
Tristan stopped what he was doing when he heard that question. 'I knew Jols would figure it out.' he thought to himself. "Yes." Tristan said, without looking up, then starting up with his daggers again.
"I knew you were. I've seen the way you two looked at each other back at the wall and I knew that you too would eventually get together." Jols stated as he watched the Silent Scout. Tristan finished up with his daggers and looked up at Jols, keeping his face void of anything. "I knew from the moment she was brought here that you two would get together. She's perfect for you." Jols continued as he watched Tristan. "I also know how you are and that you don't want the others to know about it right now. I will keep quiet and not say a word to any of them. You have my word of honor." he finished up.
Tristan nodded his head, "Thank you." he said barely audible. He knew Jols would keep his word. With that problem solved he got up and went to the door and left, heading to the tavern, knowing that was where the others would be.
Caley looked up from her conversation with Dagonet, when she saw Tristan walk in and head towards them. He nodded at Dagonet and then nodded at Caley, as he sat down across from her. Dagonet asked how Tristan was faring and they went on in friendly conversation, well mostly Caley and Dagonet speaking, as they waited for the other Knights to join them.
The others came to the tavern together, and took seats with Caley, Dagonet, and Tristan. Lancelot was the first one to jump at Caley about the cut on her cheek and the bruises on her neck. "How and who gave you that cut and those bruises?!" Lancelot practically yelled at her. The other Knights looked at her waiting for her explanation. She quieted them down and told them what happened, leaving out the details of her and Tristan out, that were personal.
"If I ever find this man, I'll run him through." Bors said angrily, becoming protective of Caley.
"As will I." Lancelot agreed.
Gawain looked at Tristan and smirked. "I didn't think it was in you, Tristan." he said. Tristan looked up at him as did the other Knights. "You to be so noble to save a damsel in distress." he finished smiling. Tristan shot him a glare, as the other Knights laughed at his expense.
They ate their breakfast talking amongst each other, and exchanging friendly banter. When they were finished, Arthur stood up and addressed his Knights. "The time has come for the fight that awaits us. Make sure you have all of your things. We are only stopping back here to tell the village elder that we completed the task we're charged to do."
The Knights nodded and got up to retreat to their rooms and collect their things. Caley walked with Tristan, Gawain, and Galahad to their rooms. Gawain and Galahad went to the room they were sharing, and Caley and Tristan went in the directions of their rooms. Caley stopped at her room, and looked at Tristan, but he quickly kissed her and she almost melted in his embrace. When they broke apart she looked at him.
"I had to steal another kiss from you before we set out on this mission." He said, lovingly looking into her eyes.
"And I am not going to argue against that." she said smiling, then stealing a kiss from him.
When they broke apart again Tristan spoke, "Now, gather your things, we don't want the others to find out just yet. Jols is the only one who knows, and he guessed it. I'll meet you at the stables with the others in a few minutes." He kissed her on the forehead and then let go of her as he backed away towards his room, until finally turning away.
Caley smiled after him, and waited until he was out of sight before going into her room. She smiled to herself. She was ecstatic about what she had with Tristan, though she thought that maybe it was going to fast, but she loved him so much and was surprised at how much she did. In the short month she had known him she fell for him, and then not even 24 hours after they confessed she loved him a million times more. She sighed again, and picked up her pack and made sure everything was in there.
She met the other Knights at the stables. Arthur, Bors, Dagonet, Tristan and Gawain were already atop their horses, ready to leave. Galahad was almost finished saddling up his horse, she smiled at them and went to go to her horse, but Jols led Agama to her already saddled.
She smiled her thanks to him, and then looked over at his horse that wasn't saddled. "You are not coming with us?" she questioned Jols.
He smiled at her, "No, I'm a squire, not a Knight. I'll wait here until all of you come back. I'll see you when you come back." he then lowered his voice just so she could hear him, "Tristan will watch over you." he whispered and then walked away.
She gaped at him, but then remembered that Tristan said he knew. She mounted her horse, and made sure that he quiver, arrows, and bow were secure, before looking at the other Knights, as Galahad mounted his horse.
Arthur looked them over, "Knights." he addressed them. "Let us fulfill this mission and return home. Prepare for battle at any moment." He kicked his horse and followed after the guide, that she had just now noticed. A young man, about the same age as her, with dark hair and eyes.
She felt a wave of anxiousness wash over her as she gently kicked her horse and followed after the Knights, Lancelot in front of her, and Tristan behind her. She remembered that Lancelot was supposed to stay close to her for this battle, but knew Tristan would be right beside her as well. She turned in her saddle and looked at Tristan. She smiled at him and he returned it. She was excited about what was to come and she had one thought going through her mind, 'My first battle.'
