The weather was changing, and it was every two weeks that the Woads and the Island people went to the Market held at Hadrian's Wall. Relations were building between Arthur and Ciara more than any of the others that were going to these meetings. Folant and Warrick always were there, sometimes Troy being another presence of power, but it was very clear that Guinevere and her parents were not supposed to attend for safety.
It was late in the season, yet snow had not yet fallen, but the harvests were getting fewer and meeker. It was decided that it would be the second to last big gathering. The announcement would be made to all and they would not be seen again until the spring had come and all threat of snow was gone. Arthur was wearing a blood red cloak that was billowing behind him and Ciara was wearing one of emerald. Around her neck was the pendant that Arthur gave her as well as Folant's. Folant was the only one that stayed while Warrick had long since left with Lancelot.
"Ciara, how are matters at home?"
"They are well, harvests are grand, the meat is preserved well enough that no matter the difficulty of this winter we will be able to care about our people. We shall have a great stock of cattle and horses in the spring. And here, for you?"
"The same problems keep occurring, but the lack of battles have greatly helped with our stores."
"I am happy that you are benefitting as well from this." She smiled, her arm threaded through Folant's on entering the market. He had taken to wearing breeches and a tunic now with the cooling weather. They noticed that Dagonet and Bevin had taken to being very close to each other. They were currently on a bench sharing a sweet loaf of bread and a wineskin.
"I am just happy friends have been made. My second in command and your personal captain are inseparable. I just hope Lancelot hasn't shared everything with him." Arthur chuckled while I gave a light smile knowing what he was talking about.
"When would you like to make the announcement Artorius?"
"I think past noon, when most are out in the warm of the day."
"I am in agreement." She nodded and then shivered. She turned and noticed Tristan looking at her, not with the glare at first, but a softer expression, as a friend. "Tristan keeps to himself much."
"Aye, but he is a good scout. And if he is a little off putting, then I have no complaints."
"If you don't mind, I wish to talk to him. I shall meet back up with you in a bit." They both nodded and left me. I turned and walked to the dark man.
"Tristan, why do you always hide?"
"I don't hide, I have optimal vision of my surroundings." He said with a straight face.
"Be that as it may, I know more about the other knights than you."
His eyes seemed to get a glint. His voice dropped half an octave and added a husky tone. "Why do you want to know about me?"
"You can almost match me. That piques my interest." Her offered hand rejecting, he stood on his own.
"I care for my hawk and my horse more than my own life, my brothers coming next. This may be forced servitude, but I refuse to let my sons, if I have any, be in this life or let them know their father was a coward. I have a type of bloodlust. I am at home on the battlefield, no extra movements needed. Do you wish to see for yourself?"
Her gaze studied his form, nodding after her inspection with a smirk. "Let us go get the others, to make sure nothing too bad happens." His lips quirked enough for a smile and he went to the Roman side of the market while she went to her side, where their horses stood with their possessions. Every knight, Woad, and soldier passed was informed. Arthur and Folant were already by Sloane, as if they knew. Upon seeing her, Folant tossed a sword to her. She caught it with ease and started heading to the practice fields.
"Ciara, I must inform you he is a formidable man. Do not underestimate him."
"Thank you Arthur, I will be fine though." They flanked her on the walk and waited on the benches to watch, Folant holding her cloak.
The fight was fierce, both using all their strength and skill to throw the other off, but not succeeding. Ciara's eyes flashed dangerously as she rushed in, her sword at her side. Tristan smirked, the curved blade in front of him. She slid down and under pulling his feet out from him and she put her knee between his shoulder blades. The fight taking the better part of an hour was over.
"Sir Tristan of the Tribe of Wanderers in the High Hills, you have been beaten." I say evenly as I back away from him letting him stand. He put out his hand which I shook. The rest of the day he seemed to shadow Arthur, Folant and Ciara around. Eventually, the sun started it's descent and Arthur had the bell sounded so his announcement could be made. Many gathered for it.
"My ladies, my gentlemen, as is obvious, days are shortening and it is getting colder." Various sounds came from the crowd. "Due to the safety and health of our friends-he gestured to the visitors-next visit shall be their last until the winter is done." Boos were prominent. Once quieted, Arthur resumed, "Now! Let's enjoy today and count until the next!" The crowd dispersed and we stayed in talking amongst ourselves inside the fort.
"Arthur, what do the Romans think of us?" the only woman present asked.
His deep sigh wasn't promising. "They are lazy anyway, but now they are even more on edge and forceful than before."
"Maybe the cool weather will help." She suggested. There was good joy until the market ended, and the foreigners were leaving. Arthur, Lancelot, and Tristan rode with them while Dagonet stayed close to Bevin.
"When will we be able to see your great city," Lancelot asked as we were approaching the river.
"Maybe next year, the winter can bring much change."
"The way you describe it, it sounds beautiful." Arthur said with a smile. At the river, she split her finger and let the blood change the water color, saying strongly the spell to bring up the bridge.
"I shall see you again in a fortnight, good bye knights." She nodded at each one, Sloane walking backwards til at the bridge where he was turned on his hind legs and ran across.
Sorry it's not up to my normal standard, first free week at school and it's been a while. Next time will be more conflict! Any guesses? PM or review thoughts.