Chapter 2: The Tavern

We were unpacking, well, actually, I was just watching, in the stables when the sound of laughter and slurred drunken men sounded through the street heading to the tavern. It did not cause me alarm but made me more comfortable that the public here were not ruthless for the most part or bleak which I most dreaded. I brandished my legs across the bale of hay in which I was sitting upon, my eyes lowering by the minute for desire to sleep although I hoped it wouldn't show... I truly did not want to spoil Galahad and Gawain's fun. Plus, I had to meet... well; everyone else first before I was aloud to where supposedly is my new home for at least a while.

"Are the two of you done yet?" I whined, pouting my lips like I did when I was a little girl... far too long ago to remember the exact age.

"Just a minute Larissa, although, I am to doubt you can wait that long."

Gawain laughed humbly at his own banal joke, which in itself made me stick my tongue out playfully at him and wrinkle my nose. Standing from my seat, I flicked the few traces of straw from my cornflower blue dress that matched my eyes in a glass like way, hints of dirt rubbed at the ends that suggested I had walked for a while in a cleared area. Humming to myself, I twirled around in my skirts in a bored statement.

"How about now?" I ventured, the slightest quirk in my voice's softness. This time, Galahad answered.

"Yes, I believe we are both ready to head over."

"Finally! Now, if only someone would offer to escort me. Oh, did I just say that out loud?"

I raised my brow playfully and turned out a half smile on my lips, raising my arm into the air for one of them to take. Surprisingly, it was not Gawain who asked to attend me for I had thought he would take my mild humor, but it was Galahad.

"Would you, Larissa, share me the honor of accompanying me?"

"Why yes of course, it would be to your credit, eh? What with a pretty girl like me..."

We started walking the minute round to the tavern and I soon felt a pull on my long, dark hair which was now coiled in waves.

"Gawain, Stop!" I laughed.

"It wasn't me, it was Galahad, I swear!" he replied with his hands raised in the air in a way that signified he was un-guilty.

I shoved Galahad in the side and then smiled up at his face, which was in the same state of mine. I did not notice we entered the tavern until much was silent except the exceptional jests here and there. Most of the eyes were on the three of us. Gawain cleared his throat briefly and folded his hands behind his back.

"Mates, this is Larissa."

There were few whistles and raises of the hands in a greeting of hello, shouts of welcomes here and there. One of whom, came up from his seat and headed towards our small party. He looked clean shaven with sparkling green eyes and tousled dark brown hair. He wore what only a night would where... I suspected he was...

"Larissa this is Arthur," Gawain started and made a gesture of his hand.

I bowed my head acknowledging him and smiled amiably.

"We found her alone in the woods... she said she was good in..." Galahad trailed off and I could tell by his face that I had to have a reason for staying. I didn't know how I felt about this but, the rush was overpowering my thoughts.

"Archery... and I am well with a sword. I used to teach the young of my town how to fight if ever in battle and self defense," I said optimistically, my eyes not leading any sense of a lie for it was true, I was one of the best in my settlement. What I failed to clarify was that since the men were taken and there were very few, there were practically only women left. I was like an Amazon you heard of in tales, forceful and strong although now I am not sure if that is all true from what happened earlier.

Arthur stared directly at me, his brows furrowed and eyes unsure. After moments of silence, he parted his lips to speak.

"Archery and a sword? You could serve a great deal teaching Vanora and Bors's children."

By the way the men were laughing when Arthur empathized the name Bors, I was curious as to why. My reverie soon left though and my face showed much thanks as Arthur walked away to his table of chatter.

"What am I to do now?" I asked, swinging my arms about my sides.

"Well, since Vanora is at home with her children tonight, and let me tell you that you have your work cut out for yourself..."

"How many children does she have?"

Galahad smiled to himself as Gawain walked off to get a few drinks and settle with the barmaids.

"12."

"12? Are they all Bors's children?"

"Well... the baby that was just born a few weeks ago, is suggestively looking like Lancelot."

I nodded my head for this was common amongst our era. Galahad pointed to a smiling knight at the table sitting left of Arthur, his hair dark and coiled with skin tan and polished. A yawn escaped my lips idly and my eyelids began to become heavy.

"Eh, Larissa! Come join us!"

My eyes lifted to see Gawain smiling, much too long to know he was drunk and yet the other men looked placid enough. I guess he was really looking forward to a pint of ale in the forest. I saw Galahad already heading towards them and sitting down next to someone I did not recognize... ah well, it was just one more person to meet.

I walked over and sat next to Gawain, a spot already cleared for me. I tucked my long strands of hair behind my ear as it lay upon my chest and pressed my cherry red lips together if I ever had to yawn again that night. It would just have to settle in my throat.

"This is Lancelot, Dragonet, Tristan..." Gawain went around, even naming off the barmaids.

My smile came out warm as I looked around the table.

"So, tell us about yourself," Tristan said, barely hearable with a coy grin on his face.

"Well..." I started, thinking of the exact words of my life. It was long and of detail that I just wanted to snap at Tristan for asking such a question for I had only known him for a minute... 2 at the most.

"I grew up in a small village with my father, I was first born and my mother died of giving birth at the young age of 15. My father, young himself, was taken when I neared ten, so I was then handed in the hands of our neighbors and when I turned 14, I was turned to live in my own house..."

I caught my tongue, none of them were really truly listening and by the way I said it, it made my life sound about as exciting as a dung beetle. I laughed at myself... I knew they would probably have the intention span of a child at this point. Can you say a little bit too much rum?

Author's Notes: I am sooo sorry this took so long! Just hadn't have enough time... thankyou for all who reviewed! Muchos gracias!.