Whoops! Sorry guys, I accidentally uploaded the same chapter twice, I should really stop trying to work when I'm really tired, I just end up making an idiot of myself. Oh well! Thanks for letting me know guys, here's the real Chapter 13, hope you enjoy!
*Warning - Tristan lovers, you'll probably end up squealing.
The bond between Tristan and I only grew closer after that day. We were the best of friends and the greatest of enemies. We still went out of our way to infuriate one another but never did we end up despising each other afterwards. Indeed, we only ever grew closer. It was a wonderful feeling.
Distracted by some daggers on display I did not sense Tristan coming up behind me until I was blinking at the apple that he held before me, his other hand resting neatly on my hip. Smiling I reached forwards and took a bite, juice sweeping into my mouth as I drew back with my share then turned to face him. Munching on my snack, I smirked at him.
"The others are looking for you." Tristan murmured quietly to me. "On Vanora's behalf. She wishes to see you."
"Well then, I suppose we had better go find her." I answered smoothly then stepped around him, his hand falling back from my hip and I suddenly wished I had stayed still as it felt cold without his hand there. We walked together to Vanora's house, which was not far from the tavern. Along the way I saw jesters practicing their tricks as well as gypsies putting up decorations of giant wreaths and ribbons, stalls being set up for tonight's festivities.
Without knowing I stepped closer to Tristan, lowering my head and he looked down at me before glancing to the gypsies as they continued to set up everything. "They are not your family, are they?"
"No, but I recognise a few of them." I replied quietly. "And I'd rather they not be going a-telling my kin where I be settled well and proper." Tristan frowned at me and I blinked. "Did I just speak like a gypsy?" Laughing shortly at me he nodded his head as I shuddered. "It's been years since I've spoken like that. Ugh!" Leading me away Tristan placed an arm around me, drawing me close until we were in Vanora's street.
Children played outside and they stopped to wave at me, calling out my name. "Kat! Kat come play with us!" One of the older girls tugged on my hand and I chuckled, pulling her quickly into my arms to hug her, making her squeal with surprise as she grinned.
"I can't today, love, I'm here to see your mama." I said to her and her face crumbled slightly into a pout of disappointment. Feeling guilty for depriving her of my attention, I smiled. "But perhaps later I could join you all for the festival games?" Instantly she brightened, nodding her head then skipped away, crowing to the others about my promise.
"You are good with children." Tristan noted as I approached Vanora's house. I threw him a grin.
"They allow me to feel younger once again." Chuckling quietly Tristan regarded me carefully.
"You cannot be much older than eighteen, why would you have cause to need to feel young again?" Blushing slightly I lowered my head, holding my arm with one hand.
"I'm older than I appear." Cocking an eyebrow Tristan waited for me to continue. I was reluctant, so I turned away but he caught my waist and turned me back to face him, smirking slightly.
"Do not make me force you." He blinked when he realised how differently his words could be interpreted. Laughing at the look on his face I placed my hands over his and drew them from my waist, holding them loosely between us.
"I am twenty four." Now he was shocked. Obviously he had not expected this.
"But you're tiny." I laughed again at his blunt reply, the laughter reaching my smile as my eyes shone brightly. Tristan sometimes came out with the most serious replies that were altogether too funny not to laugh at.
"Yes, I am tiny." I agreed with him, continuing to smile. "Something I inherited from my mother, unfortunately." Tristan smiled slightly at me then glanced around to the children who were playing and to the redhead who was striding over our way. Lifting a hand he brushed his fingers against a lock of stray hair that rested against my cheek, stubbornly refusing to stay in the bun I had purposefully tried to tame it into.
"I love your laugh." He murmured to me and suddenly I could only stare up at him as he leaned closer to whisper into my ear. "Never stop laughing." And with that he stepped around me and walked away just as Vanora reached me. She arched an eyebrow at me, folding her arms across her chest then pursed her lips.
"Am I seeing things or is Tristan courting you?" Instantly my jaw dropped.
"No! Of course not. We are just very close." Her expression did not change. "As friends. That's all."
"Uh hmm." She pursed her lips further before smirking. "So what was he whispering into your ear?"
"He told me I had a ridiculous laugh." I answered. Alright, so it was a lie, but I'd rather that Vanora did not get any ideas and start to meddle with things. She was known around town as the greatest matchmaker there ever was. Sometimes she did really well, other times it all went horribly wrong.
"Alright then." She relaxed then smiled. "I'm glad you came around, I want to take you to the shops." I frowned.
"What for?"
"Dresses! We have to look as pretty as roses for tonight, it's the grand opening of the festival!" Blinking as Vanora linked my arm through hers I walked with her back towards the market.
"Won't this do?" I asked her and she ran a disapproving eye over my dark brown wool dress.
"Not one bit. Come on, I'll help you find something suitable for dancing." Grinning from ear to ear Vanora led me forwards, where I just dreaded what she might thrust into my arms. I couldn't wear anything revealing, I had had enough of those dresses back in the pleasure house and I preferred to be modest.
The seamstress was a stern looking woman with a hooked nose but when she saw Vanora, a glimmer of a smile tugged at her lips. "Vanora my dear, I knew you would be in here sooner or later. Come, I have just the thing for you. Your friend too." With that we were swept away into the back where several closets of premade dresses hung ready to be inspected and tried. Vanora squealed and darted forwards, rummaging through the dresses whilst muttering to herself. The admittedly frightening woman looked to me, her iron grey bun tightly pulled back from her face, sharpening each feature. "Well?"
"Oh, thank you ma'am." I curtseyed to her and stepped forwards, slowly inspecting each garb. Vanora stepped back, holding a dark orange dress against her, the beige underskirt threaded with golden leaves which brought out the colours and complimented each other nicely.
"I shall try this one." She declared decisively then stepped behind a screen. I smiled at her then turned back to my task, searching through another closet but found nothing that leaped out to me. When Vanora stepped out, my jaw dropped as she spun in a circle, smiling as the head seamstress nodded her head in approval.
Vanora's shape was flattered down to the last curve, the dark richness of the orange bringing out the intensity of her hair and the rosiness of her lips. The square neckline was laced with a beaded design which ran over her shoulders then another identical band circled her upper arms as the sleeves flared out when she lifted her hands. "You look beautiful Vanora." I told her and she smiled proudly.
"Now, let us find something for you." She dived back into the closest and even the mistress began to search. Sometimes they would lift something out for me but I could always find a fault with it. Too ornate, too low cut, too noticeable or too simple.
Finally, when we were on the verge of giving up, I noticed a dress tucked at the far end of one of the wardrobes, hidden by those brighter around it. Sliding my hand inside I drew it from within the closet then shook it out. It must have been in there for a long time as a slim layer of dust clouded around me, making me cough. I turned it over to cast my eye over it. The fabric shimmered darkly at me with a tone of sapphire blue but when I moved, the light caught a gleaming green like the colours in a peacock's tail.
"I'll try this one." I informed them, taking the dress behind a screen. I slid out of my day dress and the moment I had slipped into the fabric of this beautiful gown, I knew it was perfect. I pulled the laces taut at the front, running one hand along the shaping grip of the sleeve then stepped forwards. The rustling skirts caught the women's attention and when they saw me, their eyes widened. "Oh Kat…" Vanora breathed as I lifted the skirt and turned a circle for them.
I let go then touched my neck self-consciously, glad that my shift covered my chest otherwise I would flush an even brighter red. "I think it is perfect." The mistress declared simply, stepping forwards then began to lift my arms and tug on the dress in various places. "It does not even need altering."
"It was made for you Kat!" Vanora exclaimed, holding her dress in her arms which she had already paid for. "You must wear it tonight, you will look so surreal!"
"I would never wear it again, Nora." I replied but she merely smiled.
"There are three nights of the festival and there will be many more to follow. Besides, you deserve to treat yourself to something since you work so hard every all the time." Thinking about it, I did really like this dress. I had never worn anything so fine that I genuinely liked. Why not treat myself? Just this once?
"Alright. I shall take it." I agreed and Vanora beamed happily. I handed over the sum, my purse now feeling noticeably lighter, then left with my arm wound through Vanora's, our gowns wrapped away and tucked under our arms.
"I'll come over to the healers at six to meet you. It gets a little confusing if you're not with someone there with you and also a little frightening. I would advise not to bring much coin and if you do, hide it well." Vanora was saying to me and I nodded my head.
"I know. I was raised by these kind of people." I reminded her with a soft smile. "I know their ways."
"The boys will probably already be there so we will just have to try and find them. No doubt Bors will be at the drink and wrestling with any man brave enough to try. That's one of the events, wrestling. Bors is undefeated for three years running." Vanora informed me proudly and I grinned.
"I can see why. You have yourself quite a man, you know." She gave me a sly look.
"And the same to you, love." Blinking in confusion I frowned.
"What do you mean?" Rolling he eyes she smirked further, stopping to draw me aside and look at me closely.
"Honestly, don't you know me better than that? I see the way you look at him. I see the way he looks at you. Why don't you just tell him how you feel?" My mouth dropped open then snapped shut quickly again.
"Well, because I am not entirely sure how I feel." I admitted with a bowed head. "It is all so new and strange, I cannot quite understand it." Vanora's smirk slackened as she nodded her head in understanding. "And I do not want to change the way things are. What if we're both wrong? It could ruin everything I have with Tristan and that is the last thing I want."
"True, Tristan sometimes is a little hot and cold but I think that is just his way. I am almost certain that he harbours feelings for you." I arched an eyebrow at her.
"Almost?"
"Almost." She affirmed then sighed deeply, taking my arm again and we stepped back onto the street, returning back to her home. When it came for us to depart, I kissed Vanora's cheek then returned to the healers. I hid the dress under my mattress where Belinda or the other two girls wouldn't find it then started my shift. I had a deal with Antonius. I would be permitted to go to the festival for the first night but I would work the other two nights. The other girls had fought to get all the nights off and some of the day but Antonius had put his foot down and organised a rota that involved everyone but gave each of us at least one night to go enjoy the fun.
The day stretched on and I found myself anticipating the evening, smiling all the while I worked. When the time came to change, I swept out from behind the screen and Belinda's jaw dropped. "Where did you get that?"
"I bought it." I answered flatly, pulling my hair back and plaiting it. "Make sure you look after that boy with the fever, he looks rather frail." She snorted at me then turned her back. She wasn't pleased to know that she was stuck here on the greatest night of the festival whilst I was permitted to go.
Vanora was already waiting for me outside so I hurried down to her welcoming arms. "Ready?" She asked and I nodded my head, excited. As a child, I had always been a part of the entertainment so I had never actually been able to go and enjoy the festivities myself. I could not wait to see everything. Arm in arm we walked through the streets, the loud murmur of the crowds soon reaching our ears alongside the laughter, calling and sounds of wild cries.
Fire burst into the sky and I watched with fascinated awe. I had forgotten what it felt like to be a part of such a spectacular display. Overhead a small man walked on a tightrope, balancing a long pole as he crossed, people watching him from below with gripping fear for him.
With a gasp Vanora pulled me over to a fire user, who twirled his batons with flaming ends whilst sweat gleamed off his body. Vanora threw me a smirk then watched as the entertainer then blew onto one end, sending a jet of flames into the sky as girls shrieked around us. Grinning from ear to ear I looked around. "Nora!" I squealed then pulled her over to a large open square where men threw daggers at a target, trying to get as close to the centre as possible and those who could earned thrice back what they had paid.
"Oh! Go on, show them how it's really done." She shoved me forwards and I laughed, stepping up to the host who frowned at me. When I flashed him a coin, he rolled his eyes and accepted my money. He handed me a dagger but when I stepped up, the men laughed at my gall. Rolling my eyes I turned my body at an angle then flicked my wrist lazily, placing my hands on my hips as it struck dead centre. Their mouths dropped open.
Smirking I lowered myself into a graceful curtsey as Vanora burst into a fit of laughter, grinning as I collected my prize money then sauntered away with her, shocked expressions following after me. Next Vanora played a game where she had to hook a wooden float out of a large basin to find the one marked with an 'X' where she would then receive a prize. I tried to tell her that there was no marked float, that it was all a scam but she brushed me off and demanded to see the marked float, which the host obliging revealed then dropped back into the water.
"You see?" Vanora said then grabbed the pole.
"He's switched them now." I tried to explain as she kept a careful eye on the supposedly marked float. "He never put it back in."
"Oh tosh." She snorted then hooked out the right float. With a smirk she turned it over then stared at the blank bottom. "But…"
"I warned you." I sighed then grabbed the host by the collar, drawing him close to me. "Didn't I?" He gulped, unable to meet my eyes. "Now, we wouldn't want to make a dandy mess with the gutters and you fella, do we? How bout's you hand back the filly her junk and I won't dig you fella a bed in mother's cradle. Huh?" His eyes widened further.
"You're a gypsy?" Nodding my head I let go after pushing back then clucked my tongue. Hastily he handed back the money Vanora had paid then slunk back. "Meant no harm, meant no harm." He muttered, waving us on. Once we were away Vanora spluttered with laughter.
"How come you never talk like that?"
"I prefer a tongue of elegance." I answered her simply. "Eloquence and literate words demand greater respect." She laughed further.
"What did you say to him? I couldn't quite catch what you meant."
"I said that I did not wish to leave his pummelled body in a gutter and suggested that he returned your money to you unless he wanted me to dig him a grave." I explained to her then scowled. "I hate cheats."
"Well, that means we can't play any of the games." Vanora pouted but I took her hand and pulled her along.
"Not it doesn't, come on! I'll show you the best games to play." So we dived into the fray. We played catch the rat, egg race, spun on the round wagon until we were dizzy and visited the fortune teller. I did not want to speak to her but Vanora insisted so grudgingly, I agreed. Vanora went first, sliding into the tent and I waited outside for her, glancing around in search of a familiar face of some kind. When she came out, she was beaming. "She said that I was eventually going to ensnare the man I desire in matrimonial bond. You hear that? Bors is going to marry me one day!" Laughing I began to pull away but she caught my hands. "She wants to see you. Said you had to see her."
"I do not want to, Vanora. I am quite happy not knowing what is in store for me." I told her but she turned and pushed me inside before I could argue.
"Come." The mysterious voice murmured and with a sigh, I waked forwards. "Sit." Obeying, I took the chair opposite the woman. She had raven hair and wore pretty golden discs in her hair on a fine chain, her lips pursed in thought as her sightless eyes glazed over. "You are strong, I sense great power within you. Your tongue can control even the wildest of men." Suddenly she smirked. "I am impressed."
"Please, lady seer, I do not wish to know anything." I said to her. "May I leave?"
"I see you are afraid of what might be." She mused, pulling her shawls closer around her. "As you should be. There will be great distance for you, which will cause you pain."
"Distance? From what?" Without realising it, I was interested. What did she mean?
"Those who you love. You will lose them if you do not remain strong. Your strength will hold back armies, it will save those closest to your heart. You must remain strong, child." Nodding my head I sighed, leaning back in my chair. I believed this woman. She was one of the few seers that was true to her world. She truly did have a gift. I had only seen one before and she had been the most enchanting woman I had ever met as a child, she had been utterly transfixing. "There is more." I arched an eyebrow.
"I do not think it wise to know too much of what will be." The seer smiled at me.
"You are wise. This is good, it will help you just as much as your strength. So you do not wish to know anything about a romance in your future?" Suddenly I paused, yearning to know the answer. Something held me back though, a nagging in the corner of my mind telling me that this was not wise. With a deep sigh I answered.
"No."
"You are sure?"
"Positive. What will be will be." Smiling again she nodded her head in approval.
"Most girls come in here demanding to know their future lover's name, how many children they will bear and how soon it will come to pass. It is good to know that there are still some sensible women out there." She waved a hand at me. "You may go." I rose to my feet and dropped a coin into her jar.
"Thank you. Have a pleasant evening." I said to her then left. Instantly Vanora pounced on me.
"Well? What did she say? Did she mention Tristan?" I shook my head.
"She said nothing of consequence, nor about romance." I gave her a teasing look. "Perhaps I am destined to die a virgin lover." Rolling her eyes Vanora drew me close to her.
"I have found Bors, he's wrestling, just as I suspected. Come and watch him with me?" Nodding my head I allowed her to lead the way. The raised platform was surrounded by men and women all cheering and shouting as Bors wrestled with man after man, his brutish force and skill ending in his favour every time. As Bors slammed yet another man into the ground, Vanora jumped up with a cheer. "That's my Bors!" Hearing her voice Bors looked around then grinned, quickly jumping down and swept her up as everyone stepped back to give them room. "Bors! No you're all sweaty and disgusting!" She shrieked but didn't complain further as they began to kiss.
When he set her down Vanora pulled a handkerchief out from within her bodice then presented it to her lover with a smile. "For my champion."
"It is my honour, my little flower." He answered, taking it from her then bowed with a flourish, tucking it into a bracer before climbing back onto the stage, everyone closing in again as another challenger rose up, taking off his shirt. Vanora gripped my arm as they began to wrestle. This man looked fairly matched against Bors for strength, both of them struggling to push the other backwards. "Go on Bors!" I yelled and a twitch of a smirk lit his face as he suddenly wrenched his opponent to him, getting underneath then twisted, throwing him over his head with a roar then pinned him down. Both Vanora and I cheered, clapping our hands as Bors won yet another round.
He finished three matches later, wiping the sweat from his body with a towel then drained a flagon of ale, burping once its contents had shifted into his stomach and he pulled on a tunic. "Well my little flower, the night is still young." Bors said to Vanora, tracing her jaw as she gazed lovingly up at him. "How about you and I dance it away?" He suggested then leaned closer to whisper in her ear. "Then later, we can dance on the sheets of our bed." Vanora giggled then allowed her lover to sweep her away into a dance with other couples, holding her close.
"It seems as if you are in need of company." A smile lighting my features I turned around to Gawain.
"Gawain! Don't you look handsome?" I said to him, brushing my hand against his sleeveless leather tunic to rid of some hair that had fallen astray.
"And you, you look very lovely." He returned with a smile, placing a hand on my back. "Come, we are this way." He gestured so I let him guide me forwards a fool on stilts walked out in front of us so we waited for him to pass. "How are you enjoying the festival, Kat?"
"Very much, it is nice to participate as a spectator for a change." I said to him. "It is far more fun."
"Kat!" Galahad called in greeting, smiling. "We have been wondering where you and Vanora were."
"Well, I have now lost Vanora to her lover's arms so I am here now." I said, embracing him. "My, my, I had no idea you could all brush up so neatly." I teased them, winding one of Galahad's curls around my finger then butted my hip against his. "You all look like proper gentleman."
"Us? Gentleman? We are all mere peasants in your presence." Lancelot proclaimed, catching my hands and swinging me into him as I chuckled. "Where has this shapely figure come from?" I lightly smacked him upside his head, giving him a warning look.
"You may be surprised to know that I have always had it, merely hidden it under clothes that do not flatter."
"I can see. Well then, beloved Kat, I shall steal into your room and take away all unflattering dresses to burn them. Then I shall make you replace them all with dresses as fine as this." Smacking his arm I stepped away from him.
"If you do such a thing, I shall cut your hair until there is nothing left." I warned him but he merely grinned at me. Kai suddenly leaped on me and I squeaked in surprise.
"Come! Dance Kat! Dance!"
"I do not dance!" I cried out but he swept me up into a fast paced gallop, my eyes wide until slowly, I began to enjoy myself. Kai's infectious laughter settled into me and I smiled broadly as he spun me around until I was dizzy. Not allowing me to escape, he continued to dance with me when the music changed, guiding me through the steps as my uncertain feet slowly got the hang of what they were doing. "Kai! Don't even think about making me dance again!" I gasped for air when the music chimed to a stop. "I can hardly breathe!" He laughed again, his bushy beard dripping with sweat as I recovered from the exercise.
"Follow me, we shall find you something to drink, dear Kat." He said, placing an arm around me then led me forwards. When one man tried to step in front of me and take my arm, Kai suddenly growled, his character darkening without warning. "Unhand her pup!" He commanded and the man leaped back and rushed away. "Stupid flounce." Kai muttered but was suddenly smiling again. "Tristan! Thought you would never make it!" My eyes snapped up and Tristan turned his head. His eyes drew in my appearance and he arched an eyebrow at me.
"Savour it whilst you can, scout." I informed him, lifting my chin with a smirk. "It will not be here tomorrow."
"In that case." Lancelot said, slipping an arm around me as Kai moved away to joke with Bors and Dagonet. "Once you have recovered your breath, allow me to snatch it away from you again." I smiled with a sigh.
"You are terrible, you know that?" I informed him and he nodded.
"But I am better." He told me proudly. "I keep my hands to myself these days." I looked pointedly down to the hand which was gripping my waist rather tightly. "Mostly." He amended and I laughed, then laughed louder as he lifted me up into the air and spun. When he set me down, he reached across to a table and plucked an ale for me, letting me drink deeply before he swept me up into a dance.
This one was a little slower and not as complicated as the others so I picked it up rather quickly though I had to concentrate really hard not to step on Lancelot's feet. I lost count how many times I danced and how many ales I drank. When Arthur came I danced with him, glad that he had enough skill and grace to keep me from making a fool of myself. He walked back to the others with me, a hand on my shoulder. "How do you like your life here Kat? Are you happy?" He asked me kindly and I nodded my head.
"It is better than I could have ever wished for." I assured him then squealed. "Look! They have a knife juggler!" Completely enthralled I ran forwards, Arthur's laugh following me as I bounded over to the juggler, watching his technique carefully. He was rather good, though he did not juggle as many blades as I could. Glancing my way he shot me a wink which I balked at slightly.
When the dancers leaped forwards, their skirts billowing around I instantly held onto my purse, sliding around them and their sneaky little fingers. When I turned around, the knife juggler stood right before me. "Well, well, well, if it isn't little kitty Kat." I frowned at him in confusion then my eyes widened.
"Eustace!" I gasped, a hand clapping to my mouth. An old childhood friend, one who had chased after me and vied for every moment of my attention. He had been rather annoying, to be honest but…I was rendered speechless with how tall he had grown. I felt like I were a mouse and he a lion. It was rather intimidating. "Eustace, it's been years. How did you recognise me?"
"Who else would watch a knife juggler with such a critical gaze?" He asked, sliding his hands forwards to hold my waist and draw me to him but I pushed his advances away. "What's wrong little kitty Kat? Not going to greet an old friend?" Lifting my chin I narrowed my eyes.
"Hello."
"Just a hello? No kiss? Not even an embrace?" When I did not reply he gripped my shoulders and lowered his head to mine, making me yelp then slam my knee into his groin as Arthur swept forwards.
"I'll thank you not to manhandle her." He growled as he drew me backwards, carefully placing me at his side. Eustace instantly stiffened, narrowing his eyes as he looked at Arthur then to me. Suddenly he snarled, his voice ringing with anger.
"So this is how you keep yourself? In the pockets of others?" Without thinking I strode forwards, balled my fist and swung it. When it connected with Eustace's jaw I knew I had made a huge mistake, mainly for the fact that my hand suddenly burst with pain but also because Eustace was more dangerous than a rabid wolf. Jerking backwards he growled, rubbing his jaw as I faced him down.
"I'll have you know I am a perfectly respectable lady." I informed him, lifting my chin and placing my hands on my waist, giving him my stern glare. "And I heal the sick and wounded for a living, not by lying on my back and lifting my skirts."
"Your own father sold you because you were too much trouble, now I can see why. You're flawed, Katlyn, flawed, stubborn, headstrong and a burden." Arthur took a step forwards but I lifted a finger, stopping him as I levelly met his glare. His words stung but I did not allow him to see the infliction on my features, rather I masked my face against them.
"Think what you will. I am happy here with my family." I gestured a hand to Arthur then to the knights who were slowly making their way over, frowning with concern. "They are the brothers I needed, the family I wanted and nothing is going to pull me away from them. So keep your insults, you shall not drive me away." Taking a large, intimidating step forwards Eustace stepped back, gulping slightly as he saw the knights surrounding Arthur. "And if you see my father, you may tell him that I escaped the prison he sent me to with my virtue and pride still intact. Tell him that I am nothing to him as he is nothing to me." With that I spun around and strode forwards. Suddenly I stopped then gasped. "Magicians! Vanora come and see!" Grasping her hand I dragged her over to the centre stage where several magicians were performing magical tricks, making things disappear then reappear, turning one thing into another and pulling random objects from up their sleeves.
At my giddiness the knights laughed, relaxing as they followed, Vanora's mouth dropping open as one magician threw his hands down then disappeared into a cloud of smoke. "Isn't that dangerous? They're openly performing magic!" Vanora whispered in slight fear. "They're wizards!"
"No, Vanora, they are nothing of the sort." I assured her gently, placing an arm around her. "It's all tricks and illusions. There will be a trapdoor where he is standing and the powder he uses creates a large cloud of smoke for him to hide his escape." Relaxing Vanora settled and enjoyed the show. When one jester bounded towards us and pulled a rose from within his sleeve, he leaned down and offered it to me with a grin. I took it with a grateful nod then snapped the stem, took one of Vanora's pins then placed it in her hair, sending a clear message to the jester who sighed then pretended to die from heartbreak.
It was amusing to watch, I soon found myself laughing. We moved on after a while when the crowd became too thick for comfort. A hand touched my waist and I turned my smile to Tristan. He pulled me to the side out of the way of over excited women then we followed the others. As the music struck up a merry but slower song, Tristan suddenly grabbed my hand and twirled me around, making my eyes widen with surprise as he then tugged me closer to him, smirking cockily.
"Tristan! The common practice is to seek a lady's permission to dance before sweeping her away." He chuckled. I loved the sound of his laugh, it was melodic and meaningful.
"So you admit I am sweeping you off your feet?" I arched an eyebrow at him, tilting my head back as he began to guide me through the steps. I stepped on his foot but he merely laughed at me. "Come Kat, dance with your greatest friend you ever had."
"I'm beginning to regret being that drunk more and more." I muttered but then smiled as he lifted my hand and twirled me several times before replacing his hand at my waist, guiding me to float dreamily around with the other dancing couples. I was lost in the music, closing my eyes and smiling as Tristan lead me, seeing as I had very little idea about what the steps actually were.
As the music began to pick up the rhythm as it drew to an end, Tristan dropped my hand then lifted me up into the air, making me laugh as he spun with my, the skirts of my dress flying as I lifted a hand and brushed it against the ribbons before Tristan dropped me. He caught me under the arms at the last moment, setting me gently on my feet then smirked. "You are not too bad of a dancer. A little clumsy in places." In answer I stepped on his foot then shoved at his chest with my hands, making him grin and laugh.
"You are a horrible partner, teasing my inexperience." I told him, affronted then smiled as he took my elbow then pulled me back over to the others. He sat down and without thinking I claimed his lap as my seat, seeing as there weren't any other spare save for one next to Lancelot and I did not particularly want to be next to him as he was intoxicated beyond belief.
Tristan blinked at me in surprise as I lifted an ale to my lips and began to drink deeply. "Whoa, how many have you had?" He asked, pulling it the mug as I protested with a squeak.
"No idea, completely lost count." I answered then tugged it back, finishing it. He shook his head with a sigh as he slowly wrapped his arms around me, shifting me into a more comfortable position. Banter shot across the table where Galahad was the main prey. Lancelot was teasing the young boy for his lack of wenches on his knee. "You do not have the charm a man needs to reel in a woman." Lancelot slurred, half slumped onto Arthur who shoved him away with a smile.
"May I take this moment to point out that you do not have any ladies on your knees either, my friend?" I laughed at Lancelot who frowned, looking to his vacant lap before grinning.
"Why don't you come over and fill it for me?"
"I have already found a vacancy." I replied tartly, leaning back into Tristan pointedly, making Lancelot roll his eyes then drain his drink.
"In that case, I see several pretty dancers over there. Do not wait up for me!" Shaking my head at Lancelot I drank another ale, despite Tristan trying to stop me. I waved off his hand seeing I was so thirsty and it helped to relax further. Hiccupping I giggled then curled up into Tristan, wrapping my arms around his neck. It was extremely late but everything was a blur. Shapes melded into each other and all noise just became a distant hum.
When I felt myself being lifted up I stretched out, laughing as I felt giddy to the core. I skipped towards the bright lights before me and their warmth but hands grabbed my waist and pulled me away, despite my protests. "No! I want to see the pretty lights!"
"No, Kat, you want to go to bed." Tristan answered, steering me through the crowds firmly.
"No!" I whined, trying to wriggle free but he trapped me to him, making me walk although my legs began tremble a little. I was not tired, I was wide awake! The noise rose back to life and when the bright music strummed through my body I shot forwards away from Tristan, spinning around repeatedly but he grabbed me before I could trip over, my laughter still ringing in my ears as I beamed.
When I was dragged down an alley everything became eerily quiet and I did not like it. I was suddenly scared. The darkness loomed around me and I whimpered, clinging onto Tristan as he sighed then stopped, turning me to face him. Blearily I frowned up at him, swaying on my feet as he spoke to me. I couldn't understand or even hear what I was saying, but I was captivated with his mouth as it moved though I was still laughing and giggling.
Without thinking, in my delirium, I grabbed Tristan's jacket and yanked him down to meet me. I couldn't feel him tense in shock, all I could feel was the warm taste of his lips on mine, the sweet wine on his breath as my mind dropped out of thought, unable to think anything. A part of me still did not know what I was doing, unable to remember that this was Tristan I was kissing, my best friend.
His hands lowered to my waist and gripped onto me tightly and at first I thought he was trying to push me away. Maybe he was but I just clung onto him tighter, moving my lips slowly against his though I couldn't tell if he was kissing me back or not. I was that drunk. Oh great, history repeats itself.
Suddenly exhausted I slumped against Tristan who caught me, his secure arms lifting me safely up as he then carried me away. My head rolled onto his shoulder and I sighed, completely losing focus and consciousness as the darkness swallowed me but this time, I was not afraid. Not with my scout's arms protecting me.