I do not own the Knights… or Arthur… they are the property of King Arthur 2004 Touchstone pictures. I only own the sole rights to my own characters and I love them!
Thank you for all the wonderful reviews I have received both via email and viewable! They are most appreciated. I am glad you are enjoying the unfolding of this tale as much as I am.
Enjoy! This chapter picks up after Tristan has come back and made his report to Arthur. He is then sent out on night patrol duty.
A Great point was brought out in a review..Thanks so much "TL" ! You rock... I had in mind a different ending to this chapter but somehow the scene with Marcin, Arthur and Lancelot morphed into something different... so I have gone in and added the conversation I had originally intended between Tristan and Morlang to take place (see the scene when all four men are at the table).. so if you are rereading it I hope you like this version better...if you are reading it for the first time I hope you like it anyway.. let me know... and thank you for the reviews...they are truly appreciated...
Chapter 10: The Vow
It had been a long night of patrol. He was hungry, hungry for more than just food for his belly or wines to sooth his throat. He was hungry for the scent, touch and taste of his woman. As he arrived back at Badon Fort he reflected on the task that lay before him this day. That was the task of seeking Morlang out to ask for his daughter's hand in marriage. Tristan dismounted leading Aron to the stables where Jols retrieved the mare from her master.
"Welcome back Tristan." He said as he took the reins
"Take good care of her, I'll be heading out again shortly" He nodded his head as a jester of greeting then replied "How fair things here."
"All is quiet for the moment. Arthur and Lancelot headed out early this morning. There was some small bit of trouble reported from Caistershire." The page informed him
Tristan only grunted as he walked out of the stables. He was tired and restless. Spending the night in the saddle was beginning to wear thin especially now that he had the prospects of a loving warm body that would lie next to him. He smiled at the thought of his woman laying there in his bed waiting for him. Soon she would be his.
Looking down he realized just how filthy he was. After dusting some of the dirt from his sleeves he walked toward his quarters. If he was to going to ask for her hand he had better at least clean himself up. Gathering some fresh garments he headed for the bathing house for a good soak, washing up. After a good soak in the hot baths which soothed his aching muscles he finished dressing and headed out to claim his woman from her father. He was anxious to see her again to hold her in his arm. Taste the sweetness that was her mouth.
He was not concerned that he would receive any objections from Morlang when he asked for her hand. Morlang liked Tristan and he knew it. They had much in common, very similar in so many ways. Surly Morlang would not find objection to his marrying his daughter.
Returning back to the stables he gathered Aron and began to head out the stable doors.
"You off again so soon…you just only arrived back." Asked Galahad with a smirk on his face "And all cleaned…where exactly are you going my friend?" he added
"I have business to tend to, pup. As do you." He responded gruffly without turning around
"What sort of business… some sort of the female kind?" he chuckled
With that Tristan stopped, turned his head as he peered over his shoulder at the young Knight giving only a grunt before continuing on his way. He mounted Aron and headed south toward Morlang's.
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Willow was outside playing with Sharma. She was being minded by her older sister Mary who was eleven years old. Mary looked most like Lorna and her mother having raven colored hair and big blue eyes.
"Good day Tristan!" shouted Willow with a giggle as she ran toward him followed closely by Sharma
"Good day Willow- Mary" he said with a nod
"Good day Tristan" Mary shouted with a wave and a smile
As he dismounted he felt the small arms of Willow wrap around his leg tightly. Looking down at her beaming face he returned the smile. She was always glad to see the knights. He reached down giving her hair a tussle. Then he reached over and gave Sharma a rub between the ears. Looking up at him her smile brightened as Sharma began to lick her small cherub cheeks -causing her to let out a giggle. The two run off toward Mary.
Grinning, he took the reins in his hand and lead Aron into the stables expecting to find Morlang busy with his duties. Instead he found his lady grooming a black mare. Catching her eye he smiled, she returned the smile. Letting out a soft giggle as he moved closer toward her, she continued grooming one of the horses that she has been training. He led Aron to an empty stall where he removed her bridle and saddle. Only glances and smiles were exchanged between the two as they each tended to their tasks at hand.
After his task was complete he slowly strolled over to where she stood. As she rubbed the mare's face Tristan placed his hand on top of hers so they moved in rhythm as they stroked the horse. The feel of her hand under his was tantalizing. Positioning himself behind her he bent his head down covering her neck with kisses and intermittent nips. His whiskers tickled her skin causing her to let out a soft laugh while she moved to the side.
"You're not trying to escape from me are you little rabbit?" taking hold of her hips with his hands he held her still
"Your beard tickles my neck, Sarmatian."
"Perhaps you will find this more to your liking then." he whispered in her ear
Pulling her hair up he tenderly positioned his mouth to suck the back of her neck as he wrapped one arm around her pulling her close. Leaning back on a post he pulled her away from the horse so she now fell against his body. She lowered her head giving him complete access to her neck as she willing lend into him.
"There's a good girl then" he moaned as he kissed every inch of the back of her neck "You already know your place" he half laughed as she spun around to face him
"My place?" her brows knitted and she placed hands upon her hips
"Yes your place in submission to your man." He said letting out a laugh as the tip of his tongue touched his upper lip
Not taking any chances that she might aim for his jaw again he gently grabbed both her wrists as he pulled her close, and then quickly engulfed her with his arms. Smacking her ass playfully he wrapped his right leg around hers at the ankle ensuring she could not escape him.
"I've got you girl. What will you do now?" he whispered in her ear as he held her tight
"I shall bite you." She whispered as she wrapped her arms around his waist and nipped the bottom of his collar bone
"Mmmmm" he softly groaned "Careful, I bite back remember that." He murmured in her ear
She tilted her head exposing her sleek neck line as he once again heeded her request and gently bit her neck nearest her collar bone. Smiling at his triumph as he heard her release a sigh of pleasure. Releasing his hold on her he took her hand and walked her to the bench against the stable wall. Sitting down he guided her into his lap. Her arms made their way around his neck as her fingers filtered their way through his hair. Taking his left hand he crossed her lap holding her hip as his right hand grabbed a fist full of thick hair, he pulled her toward him for a kiss. Slow fervent kisses were placed on her lips. She reciprocated with her own amorous touch as her tongue found its way in to explore his mouth. Heat flowed through his veins like fire as desire swept throughout his body. He instinctively began to rock his hips back and forth as his hands roamed her back as well as her hips. He firmly pulled her close to him. Feeling his excitement pressed against her she broke away from his mouth to catch her breath and gaze into his eyes. His strong hands pushed her hips firmly down as he as she gingerly covered his beautiful face with kisses. Moans escaped from deep within his throat.
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Marcin stormed through the door of his home, slamming it forcibly behind him as he exclaimed in sheer disgust-
"WOMEN!" he exclaimed as he stormed over to the table "A perfectly good Knight ruined, and by the hands of my own sister at that!"
Arthur, Lancelot and Morlang each looked up from their meal and drink toward young Marcin who was making his way toward the table. Standing between Arthur and Lancelot he placed his hand on Arthur's shoulder as he continued:
"Sorry to bare the news that you will be in need of a new scout, Arthur" looking into his eyes as he shook his head in disbelief
"Why say you this Marcin? I have a perfectly good scout now. Why have I need to find another" Arthur chuckled under his breath
"He is ruined I tell you- ruined!" he insisted "And by my very own sister!"
"What are you blethering about boy? Which sister and what has she done?" Morlang inquired with a smile on his face
The three men exchanged humored glances between themselves as the boy peered between the shoulders of Arthur and Lancelot toward his father.
"Lorna that is which sister I speak of father." He reported "And she has ruined Tristan forever!"
Laughter filtered out of the mouths of the three men as they looked at the disheartened young boy.
"I ask what she has done to ruin Tristan forever son, speak now and tell us." Morlang asked trying to fight back his laughter as his son was apparently very distraught
"They are kissing!" he said as he looked at each of the men with his nose crinkled, his mouth contorted as he pointed toward the direction of the door
"Yes they are in the stable… and she is on his lap… and they are kissing…. ON THE MOUTH! Disgusting!" he mimicked what he had observed them doing
"Lorna and Tristan are kissing?" All three men stated simultaneously with shock in their voices
Moira approached with another pitcher of wine. She set it down on the table as her husband began to lift himself from his chair. Placing her hand firmly on her husband's shoulder she encouraged him to remain seated. She looked disapprovingly into her young son's eyes.
"Marcin…it would be wise for you to go outside to finish your chores." Motioning with her head the direction of the door "And mind you stay clear of the stable while you are at it young man."
"Yes mother." He replied as he made his way toward the door "I still say he is ruined" he mumbled under his breath
As commanded by his mother he quickly left to complete his chores. Looking down at her husband's apparent confusion she let out a laugh.
"Oh husband, honestly you cannot tell me that you have never suspected your daughter's feelings for Tristan?" she said as he lend down and kissed his forehead "Lorna has been in love with Tristan since she were eleven years old." She chuckled as she took his face in her hands "Honestly, you call yourself a scout? You haven't noticed what was right under your nose this entire time."
Looking up at his wife bewildered she bent down to kiss him.
"It is a smart match, husband." She continued "They are well suited for one another."
Taking the pitcher in her hand she leaned over the table to pour wine into first Arthur's cup then Lancelot's. None of the men uttered a word still taking in this revelation. She moved to her husband's cup and filled it. Taking her place next to her husband she stroked his arm. Moira looked across to Arthur who was seated to the right of her husband and then to Lancelot who sat to the right Arthur.
"It is a smart match." She said firmly looking at the both of them "Besides which, what other woman do you know could handle Tristan's temperament? Not to mention what other man do you suppose could tame your daughter?" saying as she looked back at her husband
Pointing her finger at Lancelot she shook it and stated:
"And as for you…. Do not tease either one of them or you will have to contend with!" with that she stood up and headed back toward the kitchen area.
As she neared the door Lorna walked in alone. All eyes immediately landed upon her in a most uncomfortable manner. Lancelot had his usual skirmish grin and twinkling eyes, Arthur plainly smiled from ear to ear and Morlang had the look of bewilderment still laid across his face.
"Why is everyone looking at me like that?" she questioned standing straight with a stiffened back "What am I accused of doing this time?"
She headed toward the security of her mother who stood near the hearth.
"You have been discovered." She whispered with a smile "Marcin saw you and Tristan in the stable just there and reported to Arthur his need for a new scout as you have certainly ruined his knight." She softly giggled
"What a little toad he is." She laughed pressing her forehead to her mother's "So they know then?"
"They do. I am afraid your dear father is in a state of shock." She added humorously as they both looked in his direction "Just look at him, poor man."
Just then the door came open and in walked Tristan. Casting his eyes toward the table he was taken back to see his commander and Lancelot seated there. Catching his breath he scolded himself for not noticing their horses stabled. Although he had been preoccupied in sweet seduction, this should not have gone undetected by him. Out of the corner of his eye he noticed Lorna approaching him. As she passed in front of him heading toward the stairs she stopped.
"They know." She whispered looking up at him "Marcin saw us and told" continuing as she passed by him
Gently grabbing her left wrist he softly spoke "And where do you think you are going?"
Laughing she said "To leave you tend to your duty. Why you aren't afraid are you?" puckering her lips in a mocking manner as she lightly tossed her head back and forth "Remember you are a Sarmatian Knight… you can handle anything." She said as she moved her right hand upon his and released his grip on her. His eyes widen as he watched her continue up the flight of stairs to her bedroom. She smiled as she glanced over her left shoulder watching his facial expression.
"You're a knight remember that. You can handle anything." She mouthed to him as she winked
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"Tristan" Morlang firmly stated "Come sit… join us in a cup of wine. For it seems we have cause for some celebrating." His eye cocked as he pulled the chair out next to him motioning with his hand "Come….. sit." His long index finger pointing to the chair
Meshing his lips together tightly several times he took a rather large gulp in his throat as he looked toward the three men. As Tristan walked toward the table he glanced toward Moira who smiled at him and motioned with her eyes for him to take his place at the table. It was only a few strides from the door to the table, one he had made countless times. On this occasion the distance seemed more than a mile. His eyes happened upon Lancelot who sat their grinning at him from behind his cup of wine. He could see the taunting radiate from his eyes, while Arthur looked at him with a half cocked smile.
Reaching the table he took his place in the chair. Moira had brought over a cup and placed it in front of him. Placing her hand on his shoulder she gave him a tender squeeze as reassurance he would be fine as she poured wine for him. The four men sat in silence for several lingering awkward moments just exchanging looks one from another.
"So Tristan...you and my daughter." Morlang stated looking at the scout
"Yes Morlang...your daughter... and I." he returned confidently eyeing him back
"Just what are your intentions with my daughter?" he asked firmly as any father would to any suitor come to court his daughter
"I want her." he said stoically as he looked in the direction of each of the men "I want her."
"You want her." he repeated "You want her!" his gaze was one of near contempt
Morlang stared at Tristan as he thought to himself just what was it he wanted his daughter for. As he had always know Tristan to never be particularly maudlin when it came to the female gender. He now found distaste in his mouth at the thought of his own daughter involved with this man. His fists became clinched as he continued to stare at the knight.
Tristan looked at Morlang who was now sitting leaned straight as an arrow in his chair. His demeanor had changed drastically as he glared in the direction of the scout. Glancing over to catch Lancelot's expression he saw a look of a half cocked smile and raised eye brows in astonishment. Looking toward Arthur he saw an expression of caution upon his commander's face. Tristan himself had now changed his posture. He began to realize his meaning was not taken in the manner he had intended it to.
"Morlang" he said firmly "Yes it is true that I want your daughter…" he was interrupted by Morlang
"Yes Tristan you said that already." He retorted
Tristan took his cup and drank from it as he did he looked across the table at his comrades in hopes that he might find some sort of relief from them but found only quizzical looks of amusement upon their faces. They both sat leaned back in their chairs with their arms crossed upon their chests. Finding no reprieve he lowered his cup and leaned back in his chair. He reflected back to the evening when the miller's son Stephan had come to court Lorna. He thought of how he must have felt facing her father and all the knights. Indeed a rather precarious position to find one's self as he now found himself.
He rubbed his chin whiskers as they all eyed one another for some time in silence. Looking at Morlang Tristan could see her father's uncertainty. Had he been so wrong about there not being any objections to him marrying his daughter? He felt so confident this morning when he left Badon Fort, but now he felt that perhaps Morlang did not see him deserving enough of Lorna. How could he have been so wrong in his thinking?
His tongue tipped just to the top of his upper lip as he glared at Lancelot. That was it, he was done with this play. He was a Sarmatian knight as well as a warrior not to mention a grown man not some insecure child. He took a final sip from his cup and placed it down on the table. As he rose he kicked the chair back with his boot. Placing both his palms face down on the table he took a deep breath as his head faced down with his hair dangling. He finally spoke with affirmation in his voice.
"Morlang…. I came here today to ask you if I might…." Clearing his throat he continued "That is if you would give your blessing…" standing up straight he looked into her father's eyes "Morlang, I came to ask for your daughter's hand in marriage. That is my intentions for your daughter." He stood with his arms crossed before continuing-
"I am not a man of wealthy means but I have enough. What I can offer you is the promise that I will care for your daughter…that I will protect her… What I will vow to you is this"... he leaned on the table toward Morlang once again he locked gazes -finally stating with conviction- "I will love your daughter all the days of my life."
Picking his chair up he took his seat back at the table as he leaned back and crossed his arms waiting for a response to his proposal. Morlang looked up at his wife who was now standing at his side. Lacing his arm around her waist he pulled her close as she placed her arm around her husband's back. They smiled at one another. Morlang looked at Tristan and smiled. The atmosphere in the room relaxed greatly. For that he was most greatful.
"So it is your wrist band that my daughter wears then? I thought it of her own making." Morlang said with a smile
"Yes it is mine." Tristan said firmly, looking at both her parents after a brief pause he continued "And so is she."
After a few moments of reflection Morlang looked at Tristan who had taken his cup in hand and drank to quinch his parched throat he spoke once again-
"My daughter will remain a virgin until your wedding day -do I have your word on that." Morlang stated to the scout. Looking out of the corner of his eye toward Tristan he continued "You can ….still make that vow to me can you not?"
Looking up from his cup Tristan tilted his head toward Morlang. "Yes I can." He replied with a half smile on his face
"Then I have your word." Morlang extended his hand out
"You have my word." Tristan took hold of the out reached hand firmly as the men shook and smiled at each other letting out a laugh
"Well then. You may have my daughter's hand in marriage and mine and her mother's blessing!" Raising his cup with a laugh as he slapped Tristan on his back then squeezed his shoulder
"Congratulations Tristan. You have made a wise choice for a wife. Here's to many years of happiness to you both." Arthur said as he raised his cup
"Yes congratulations my brother, although you don't deserve her you ugly mutt!" Lancelot chanted with a laugh as he too raised his cup
"Lorna child…come here…" Morlang shouted to his daughter who by this time was standing on the landing looking down with an enormous smile on her face "Come!"
She quickly came down the stairs to the table and fell into her father's arms. As she wrapped her hands around his neck he held his daughter tightly.
"Finally…. I am to be rid of you girl…" he said with a smile as he hugged his eldest daughter
"Nonsense, it shall be a sorrowful day for you when he does come to claim her, husband." Moira said placing her hand upon her husband's head
Hugging her father's neck tightly she placed a kiss upon his cheek before leaving his lap. Taking her place she moved to sit in Tristan's lap. He placed his arm around her waist holding her close. She draped her right arm over his left shoulder. Smiling in Arthur and Lancelot's direction she let out a giggle. Looking lovingly into her betrothed's eyes she kissed his cheek and rubbed the back of his neck as she felt him squeeze her waist.
"I think you right wife, indeed it shall be, and indeed it shall." Her father said with a heavy sigh
"Oh papa… I will always be your daughter… and besides… you have four more left at home." She heartedly reminded him
"Yes, I do that don't I. Four more daughters" he replied with laugh as he scratched the back of his neck looking in Lancelot's direction
"Oh no!" Lancelot let out a weary laugh
"Congratulations Lorna. You shall be a welcome addition to the fort." Arthur said with a smile
"Thank you Arthur." She smiled
"Yes, best of luck to you. Remember….. I shall be but only three doors down from you if ever you need the company." bowing his head Lancelot continued "I shall always be at your service, my lady."
"Lancelot, do you want a right thrashing?" he heard Moira shout "Arthur, smack the back of his head hard."
Tristan glared at the dark knight as he held his woman closer to him in utter possession. The room filled with the sound of laughter. As afternoon lingered the conversation continued. As all too often it happened, time to return to the fort approached. Duty called once again.