Galahad and I
By: SarmatianKnight13
Chapter Seventeen
I do not know how long I had stayed up in that tree, but soon I realized it was dark, and sounds of music and merry making drifted from the festival grounds. I quickly wiped my eyes dry, sniffling a little, and I climbed down. Apparently, no one was missing me because nobody had come to look for me. This just made me even sadder. I straightened my gown, and sat down on a bench. It was quite dark outside and I could not see a thing. All I could hear was the faint rustle of wind through the bushes and the far off music.
I sighed. I missed my family. I missed my mother and father, and I missed Lancelot. I wanted to go home. I was such coward! I did not even fight for him! Maybe I could just pass all of this off as just a dream and go back to the way things were. I seemed to be fine then. Sure I was fine, but I pined for Galahad. Oh well, I could not win either way.
I stood from the bench and started the trek back to the castle. En route to my room, I noticed lots of people loitering about. They were most likely intoxicated by the ale and wine.
I stopped for a second and realized that I did not particularly want to go back to my room so, to find peace and solitude; I back tracked and went into the Round Table room. I thanked the gods that no one was in there.
I made a slow walk around the table running my hand along the chairs. Memories of the old Round Table filled my head.
Lancelot would be sitting there, and Arthur a few chairs away. Galahad and Gawain would be sitting across from Arthur, Dagonet would sit there, and then Bors, then Tristan would sit there. So many knights had come and gone. I dwelled too much on the past.
I sighed and sat down in Galahad's chair. I could almost feel his presence there. In fact, I was so wrapped up in my thoughts that I almost did not hear the doors open.
I quickly turned around and saw Gawain and Bors.
"There you are!" Bors exclaimed, stepping farther into the room and sitting at his chair. Gawain did the same.
"We have been wondering where you were. We were worried." Gawain added.
"Well, as you can see, I am fine." I answered, clearly not showing it on my face.
"That is a lie and you know it!" Bors said. "I heard about what happened today, Rhoslyn. It was wrong of Galahad to leave you alone like he did, and I have no idea why he did it."
"Don't you?" Gawain asked, looking over at Bors. "You remember do you not?"
Bors sighed, suddenly remembering something. "Oh yes, I remember."
"What happened?" I asked eager to know the story.
"It was ten years ago…" Gawain began, "… and we had gotten word that we had to go down south to the sea to escort a Roman family to their estate."
"I remember that." I answered. I had not gotten the full details, but I had heard about the family.
"There was a lot more of us then, but the journey back to their estate was long and dangerous. We had to stop many times because snow had blocked our route. Anyway, as soon as the fifteen-year-old Cornelia had stepped off of the boat at the port, I could tell that Galahad was infatuated with her. He had even fancied himself in love with her. He was eighteen at the time. No matter how many times Lancelot, Bors or I told him that it was just a passing fancy, he never believed us. He spent every waking moment with her and they grew quite close. I believe he even kissed her, or so Lancelot said. Her father forbade the relationship, and when we had finally gotten back to the wall Galahad was miserable."
"I remember that as well." I said. I remember being broken up over it as well because even at the age of fifteen I knew I loved him.
"I think a couple times Galahad journeyed south to see her, but one day he just stopped. He never told me or anyone else why. A few of us thought that Cornelia's father had finally given him the permanent boot, but I am convinced that she had disappointed him somehow, and he realized that he was in fact in love with you, Rhoslyn." Gawain said, smiling. Somehow I didn't believe that.
"May be, but first loves are the strongest, Gawain. They never die." I said this probably more for my own sake then anyone else's.
"No Rhoslyn." Bors spoke this time, rather firmly I might add. "He did not love that girl. All it was was a young man's lust. You are the one he is in love with, not her. He will come to realize that in time. For the god's sake, he should know that right now! Perhaps, he is just trying to see if he feels anything for Cornelia anymore. He should not, but I believe I will have to kill him though for leaving you alone."
I smiled. Mordred had been there though, I thought. Then I immediately stopped. No, do not think of Mordred.
"How has the festival been?" I asked wanting to get off this depressing topic.
"Fine! Gawain has found himself a lady." Bors said, slyly.
"I have not! She is just a friend!" Gawain argued.
"Sure, believe what you want!" Bors answered back. He stood.
"I am going to bed. Vanora and the children are coming tomorrow. I have to ride out and meet them."
I was thrilled at this news. I had missed Vanora and all of the children. Now I will have something to occupy my time.
"I believe I will turn in as well. I am going with him." Said Gawain. "And don't you worry about a thing Rhoslyn. Everything will be ok."
I was starting to hate that phrase.
"Good night!" I said, half heartedly.
And then I was alone again.
After awhile of thinking, I stood and made my way back to my room. All of a sudden, I was very tired. I walked, dragging my feet like some… dejected person. I hated feeling this way.
"Rhoslyn!" I heard a voice shout behind me. I groaned silently, and turned around.
"Yes, Galahad?" I asked. He rushed up to me, sans Cornelia I noticed.
"Where have you been? I have not seen you all day!" He exclaimed taking my hands and kissing then both. "I have missed you." He added.
I did not know whether to be angry with him or to kiss him. The worried look on his face was irresistible. I wanted to kiss his worries away. Well… maybe everything was going to be ok.
"I have been in the garden all day." I answered. "I suppose I got a little bored. So, I stayed up in my tree."
"I am sorry I left you so abruptly. I had not seen Cornelia in years." He said.
"That is alright, my love." I said. He let go of one of my hands to reach up and caress my face. I leaned into his touch. I had missed him.
"I…" Galahad said, punctuating the word with a step forward, which caused me to step backwards. "… did not get to kiss you today, did I?" He asked, punctuating each word with a step forward. Of course, I had to step back, and after he said the last word I was flush against the wall.
"Um… I do not believe so." I answered, feeling almost vulnerable now.
"Well, I guess I will have to change that." He whispered, huskily. With that he stooped his head down and captured my lips in a sweet, gentle kiss. Gods help me, I kissed him back. I snaked my arms around his neck and pulled him closer. I probably was holding onto him tighter then I should have been, feeling like I did not want to lose him, or let him go. He did not seem to mind though. But then a forbidden thought crossed my mind. Was he thinking of me as we kiss? Or is he thinking of Cornelia? This surprised me, and I pulled away, causing him to groan in protest.
"What is wrong?" He asked, his breathing labored.
"Nothing." I said, trying to cover up this new fear. "I am just tired. I think I shall go to bed now."
A flicker of disappointment flitted across his face, but then it was gone.
"Do you want me to walk you to your room?" He asked.
"No, I shall be fine." I answered, and I saw another flicker of disappointment.
"Good night, my love." He whispered, kissing me again.
"Good night." I answered back.
I walked the few yards to my room not once looking back. How could I think that? Why am I so paranoid?
I quickly entered my room, and leaned against the door. Why do I keep living like this? I am so pathetic. I slid to the floor, brought my knees to my chest, and rested my head on them. For the second time that day, I cried.
A/N: Haha! I got another update up sooner than past times! I feel so accomplished! Well, I hope that this chapter was ok. Let's see… hm… I don't think I have anything else to say so I'll just go to the individual reviews. Thanks for reading! Oh! School is almost out so I'll probably be updating faster now. Although, I'll have to work around all the reading I have to do for classes next year.
FlamezBlaze1: Here is your update, and it was sooner this time! Thanks for reviewing!
LANCELOTTRISTANBABY: Here is your update! I hope that you liked it! Thanks for reviewing!
Quietrockchic: I know, don't you just love Cornelia. I personally kind of like her for some reason. I don't know why. And Rhoslyn does need a hug doesn't she? Anyway, I hope that you liked this update. Thanks so much for the review!
NiteStar: Yerp, Cornelia is so easy to hate! Hope that you liked this update and thanks for the review!
Jynessea: Hehe, that is actually not a bad idea to shoot Cornelia in the ass. Thanks for the idea, it may happen… As for Rhoslyn going to get Galahad or Galahad turning around and apologizing to Rhoslyn… you'll just have to see what happens! hehe! I hope you like this chapter, and as always it is a pleasure to get a review from you!
KnightMaiden: Thank you so much for the information on Mordred. I'm not sure exactly what part he will play in this story yet, but I am pretty sure it may be something evil. I would like some historical facts if you wouldn't mind giving them to me! Thanks so much for the review, and I hope that you liked this chapter!
A.K. Anomynous: Always a pleasure to hear from you! Hehe, you may have to castrate him later on! Man! I have to go out and get the Fantastic Four book! I saw a picture in one of my friend's comic book magazines. Wow, he looks very nice in spandex! Go Ioan and your hotness! Well, I'm glad you think it's bloody awesome that I updated. You know what would be bloody awesomer (hehe, that's not even a word!) if you would update your stories as well! Thanks for the review! I always look forward to them!
Meraculas: You're welcome for putting Mordred in. I always thought that he was a pretty interesting character! And I think that the end result will be good. Thank you for the review! You have always been faithful!
nidriel: Thank you so much for the review! I hope that you liked this chapter!
starnat: Whoa! I didn't even realize I made a reference to Star Wars. It was deliberate. I just thought that the name was funny. Thank you for the review, you have always been faithful!
REK: Thank you for loving my story! And I agree that Galahad better watch out for Cornelia because she is evil. You'll just have to see what happens! Thanks for the review!