Amorem Vitae

A/N:

Here it is, the sequel to Tristan and Ysolde as told by Yseult. This alternates between pov from Tristan as well as Yseult.

Music to listen to: Sarah Cothran - As the world caves in (cover)

Chapter 1 : Tristan

I head straight for Arthur's throne room where he equally keeps his meetings. He stands with his back to me, a hand on the round table from Hadrian's Wall.

When he turns, a smile creeps on his face. -" Tristan."

I nod. -" Arthur." My ancient commander points to one of the seats. " Sit, please." I do so, taking hold of a cup filled with wine already prepared.

Arthur takes a sip as well, still focused on me. -" Why did you summon me?" I ask. No need to exchange pleasantries, I want to know why he called me here.

The king smiles, used to my silence as well as my bluntness. - " I know it's not because you missed me at Camelot. " I continue, swirling the ale in my cup.

Arthur sighs. - " I spoke with Queen Guinevere, and we would like to offer you a official position at our court. Of course, you've been one of my knights as long as I remember, but all the others have received an official position and you haven't, since you were gone quite some time."

I look up, willing him to continue.

-" We would like you to become the official Scout of Camelot. You will receive an allowance each month and quarters or even a house in the Castle or city."

I mull it over. Once, this would have been what I wanted to do with my life. Being free and doing what I always did, albeit on my own time.

But now.. I've tasted freedom in another way, go and be wherever I want, when I want, working only for myself when I want and if I want.

Going places I want, roaming wherever I go, where I want to go. I wouldn't want to trade it for Castle life or court. I decided this once I left Camelot and spent the first months on my own, even before I went to search for Yseult.

-" I appreciate your offer." I solemnly say. -" I won't accept it."

Arthur seems astounded for a moment, but then it fades from his eyes. - " I hoped..but somewhere there was always a small part of me that wondered...knew, you could possibly say no. You've always been the most restless and free spirit off all.

That's why you became scout in the first place, because you were solitary, but also liked to go wherever and whenever you wanted.

I just wonder...Will you not become restless with no fix place, Tristan? This could be your chance to ground yourself, find hold in a world that is so wide and ever changing. I understand your need, but will you find peace, Tristan? Will you not always drift, like a ship at open sea?"

I understand what he is getting at. A life of roaming and travelling might please me now, but as i grow older, would i not regret having a place where I can come back to.

Would I not regret not remaining among friends and people I have known most of my life?

-" You mistake restless and being free, Arthur. I am not restless, I just want to enjoy my freedom." Arthur frowns but says nothing before clearing his throat.

-" I understand my friend, but would you not want a place to come back to?" I tap my cup before drinking another bout.

-" I have my own life now Arthur, and it's outside Camelot." My cryptic message says enough.

The king seems to smile, a little elated, he whispers. - " You have someone now." I nod.

Arthur clinks his cup to mine. - " I can drink to that." Just then, the doors open and in walks Queen Guinevere. The years have not diminished her beauty or wild nature in any way, she remains woad after all, even if she now lives in a castle.

She greets me with enthusiasm before looking at Arthur. - " Well husband, what is the conclusion?"

-" I refused." I say flat out. Guinevere hums and turns to me. -" Tristan has a life outside Camelot..a future not with us." Arthur says to his queen.

Guinevere has always been as receptive as Arthur. -" you met someone."She strides over and takes a seat near Arthur. - " Are you sure she would want to come to Camelot? If she's a young lady with ambition..."

I raise a brow, not pleased by her still trying to convince me.

There is no need to think of it. Whenever I mentioned Camelot Yseult shot my suggestion down. She refused, she is not willing to make a permanent home in Camelot.

Her cottage in the woodlands is enough for her. I know she would let me if i were to desire it so. We would make it work however our living arrangements. Even if I were back in Sarmatia and she in England.

I have found her now, I will not let her go again.

-" The lady in question flat out told me that the only way she would live at court, is if I chained her and dragged her here. She is not willing to live at court again." I reply.

Guinevere seems taken aback for a moment and then she laughs. - " I would not expect less from the woman you have chosen. Perhaps a small visit?"

I shrug. - " That I have to speak about with her. She's not said yes or no." That seems to satisfy the king and queen somewhat. Arthur sets himself better. - " Now, I have one last mission to ask of you, Tristan."

That evening there is a feast. I will leave the day after tomorrow to go with the scouts they trained to judge if they are good enough or need additional training.

But for now all is merry.

It's good seeing the others again. I'm taken in warmly. I nurse a cup of wine, seated beside Vanora as Bors roars loudly to the music being played in the corner, surrounded by his children.

I am updated about life in Camelot, such as Lancelot being married to a young noblewoman named Elain of Astaloth, her family's property. She was quite secluded for a large part of her life but apparently Lancelot came upon her when visiting with Arthur and had been head over heels for her from the beginning.

She wasn't easy to win over. Two years it took him. Everyone roars with laughter as Lancelot tells his adventures in winning over his lady wife. Even i have to smile at his stories.

He's not taken a look at any serving woman or lady since, focused on her and her only. I would have snorted at his story a few years ago, not believing him capable. But since Yseult, well, love can do a lot.

-" All back together! Like the old days!" Galahad grins and joins in. -" Knight at the round table again, seeing each other ever day, life can't get better."

It is a surprise to see Meira again. She smiles warmly and then takes a seat beside Dagonet. She watches everyone talking and dancing around when I tap her shoulder. -" I have something for you." She looks up as I reach out a rolled up parchment.

Her eyes grow wide as she recognizes the handwriting. -" Yseult?!" She whispers. Dagonet turns his head to me. I drink from my cup as a barely there smile fleets quickly across my lips.

Gawain watches from across the room as she reads the letter. -" You found her?" I nod at Meira's outspoken cry. -"How is she ? Is she all right?"

-" Yseult is doing well. She wanted me to give you the letter as soon as I saw you." Her eyes seem to search my face. -" And the two of you.. Are you well?"

I know whats she means. A barely there nod confirms her suspicions. -" I'm happy for you." She says and pats my shoulder.

-" Is Yseult coming to Camelot too?" I shake my head. - " No, I'm going back to her. Soon. The king offered me a position, but..It's not what I want."

-" A life with Yseult. I understand."

-" Wait..You're not staying..?!" Galahad's loud voice pierces the air. He's drunk, clearly so. Meira and Vanora wince at the volume of his voice. His cry makes the other knights turn their head as well.

I raise a brow. - " I'm not. " Lancelot frowns and comes closer, pushing Galahad slightly aside. - " Why not? Isn't this what you always wanted, remaining with us?"

-" Once I did. I say, but now, I have another life." Lancelot grins. - " it's a woman isn't it? It's the reason you left suddenly."

Galahad snorts. - " A woman ? You are leaving us for some random who-.." I have him by his tunic in an instant. -" Don't dare to call her that."

Lancelot files in between us. - " Easy both of you." Galahad still sputters . -" Tristan, he's drunk, don't mind him."

-" I do mind." I say? - " It's not because he can't hold his ale that I should accept whatever his problem is. Would you if they insulted Elain? Hmm? Your wife?"

-" Of course no!" He replies. I let go of his arm and drop Galahad. - " Than don't ask me to do the same."

I don't feel much like celebrating now. I drink another cup and then leave the tavern, and to the stables to check up on Valo. It isn't much later that Galahad arrives. He stands against the door, still drunk but eyes clear.

-" Listen..I know I went to far. I was piss drunk and shouldn't have said.. Just that you spent so long looking for Yseult and suddenly you have a wo..His ale-addled brain finally catches up.

-" Wait, it's Yseult? She is the woman?" He shouts to loud, still not completely in control over his vocal cords and his horse throws his head back, thumping his leg against the wood. Galahad winces and then shushes him.

-" I was wondering how long it would take you to figure it out." I say dryly. He sputters but the laughter in my eyes says enough.

He's forgiven. -" How is she?" He asks, starting to feed some hay absentmindedly.

-" She's well. Made an entire life of her own by making cloth and selling food. Oh, and the occasional healing as well." Galahad nods. -" Good to hear."

We spent the remaining hours in companionable silence, taking care of our horses.

It is a month later, that I go to find Meira, who is getting ready to leave Camelot. Gawain stands beside her, helping load up the cart with supplies.

After having made clear of my plans to everyone, I wrote a letter to Yseult asking if she was willing to get married, become my wife, officially.

I received a letter a few days later with only one word.

Yes.

There have been other letters since, since Arthur, the knights and queen Guinevere were overjoyed by the news and wanted to throw a wedding feast here and get married.

Yseult has accepted.

Now with the final details settled, I sent Meira with two guards on her way to go fetch Yseult. I would go myself, but I am still helping better the skills of the scouts that Arthur has hired in my absence. They are well trained and it is a mere question of days.

And it will allow me to keep myself busy waiting for my dear Yseult.

Gawain, however, does not have leave to go with his betrothed and unfortunately he has been kind of sulking the last day. Arthur isn't impressed and Galahad just pokes fun at him.

Chopper sits on my arm, impatient as I feed him. -" Go with them. Protect Meira and look out for them. And when you come back, protect Yseult, at all costs. Go." And off he flies.

With a last goodbye, two guards and Meira on the cart with horse, leave.

I wait by the gates until their silhouettes are long gone.