Chapter 10

The following morning the men kissed their beloveds and left heading to their old training grounds, which to their surprise had been fenced off, mowed, and brand new modern weapons and targets set up. Arthur suspected Liz used it often as the archery target had multiple holes in it. Heading to each of their respected spots then men spent the morning retraining their bodies to reacquaint themselves with sword fighting and archery.

Liz felt contented but sore as she made her way to Vanora's tavern for breakfast. She smirked as she saw Vanora in bad shape as well.

"Rough night," Liz remarked cracking up laughing as Vanora smacked her arm.

"Dont think I didn't notice you limping as well miss never touched a man. I take it you and Tristan coupled as well," with those words Liz blushed and ducked her head down.

"Proud of you girly about time you opened your heart and to the man you have loved so long,"

"As am I Vanora I love Tristan, and I love the others like family I finally feel...complete,"

"I know what you mean I felt the same way when I saw my Bors and the boys,"

"Excuse me," came a quiet soft voice from behind them.

"Yes dear what can we do for you,"

"I couldn't help but hear through the village is it true the knights are home?,"

"Yes it is, my name is Vanora the girlfriend of Bors, and this is Elizabeth the girlfriend of Tristan,"

"My name is Anna, I grew up hearing tales of old about the knights, I truthfully fell for Dagonet, so brave, so gentle a giant,"

"Aye he is, he loves with all his heart, passionate about his brothers and now us his sisters and will make any woman very lucky to have him as their spouse,"

"I believe that Miss Vanora, I am just but a stable girl but I hope to at least gaze upon him for I know I am not worthy of his heart,"

"Do not put yourself down so Anna, I thought the same of myself with Tristan and if he can prove me wrong aye Dagonet will prove you wrong too if you should tell him,"

"Thank you for the kind words Miss Elizabeth but all I can do is hope," as Anna said that she turned and made her way down the street heading for the stables to lead the horses out to their graze.

Liz looked at Vanora with a gleam in her eye. Vanora knew that look the look of mischief that meant Liz had matchmaking in mind.

"Liz no I am not doing it again we got smacked by Jesse last time we match made,"

"That's only cause he took too long to see what we saw and hated that we showed him up,"

"Your thinking of Dagonet and Anna aren't you,"

"Yup, they be perfect together and I saw a part of myself in her the longing to belong to someone she has loved from afar from another era,"

"Alright but if this gets out of hand I'm sicing Bors on you," laughing Liz and Vanora began to enjoy their breakfast that had been delivered while they had spoke to Anna.

Six hours later Liz was in the clothing shop when she noticed the guys walking by. Shaking the shopkeeper's hand she left the shop walking up behind Tristan wrapping her arm quielty around his waist surprising him as she walked cuddled up to him. The guys smiled at the display as Liz began her plan.

"Hey Dag,"

"Yes sister,"

"Have you ever loved someone or have feelign towards someone?,"

"Why do you ask little one,"

"Well ok straight to the point there is this young lady Anna from the stables who has loved you as I loved Tristan and she feels she is not worthy of your love or your attention just cause she isn't important,"

"Nonsense if she is pure of heart and same traits as me then I will love her, I do believe I will pay a visit to the stables excuse me," Dagonet said spilting from the group making his way down the streets to the stables.

Anna was brushing Star when she heard the stable door creak open. Assuming it was one of the knights coming to find a horse to claim she continue to brush star keeping to herself.

"Excuse me, I'm looking for Anna," came the heavily raspy voice from behind her. Pausing in shock she turned and curtsied to him.

"I am she, Anna McBride at your service Sir Dagonet,"

"I was informed from others that you had spoke of me earlier today," blushing Anna nodded as she laid the horse brush on the shelf by the door of the stall and exited it.

"I was wondering if you would like to join me for dinner,"

"I...I would be honoured," Anna replied happily as she smiled sweetly up at Dagonet.

Taking her hand he kissed her knuckles and agreed to meet her at the tavern in a hour giving them both enough time to get ready. Anna nearly fainted in shock as Dagonet left the stables as Anna practically ran from the stables to her house just two doors form it.

Running upstairs she quickly stripped off her work clothes and jumped in the shower. Making sure she had no grime on herself she dryed off, applied a bit of eyeshadow and eyeliner, pulled her hair up into a bun with bits of hair tumbling down in waves under it, and then made her way to her room.

Once she was standing in front of her closet she remembered she didnt own much clothing and had to settle on a short strapless peace coloured gown, a pair of black ballet flats, a pair of black onyx heirloom earrings, and a silver choker. Once ready she took a nervous breath and began to make her way downstairs and outside praying she made it to the tavern with no incidents. Who knew tonight would be her fairytale happy ending.