Disclaimer: I am poor and own nothing. And because I'm poor, this is my only source of entertainment, so please do not sue.
Authors Note: This story is dedicated to Tracy137.
LANCELOTTRISTANBABY – No don't cry! Cause then I'll cry and I won't be able to type cause I won't be able to see the screen. Thanks for the review.
Tracy137 – You worry too much my friend. How could I kill him after that lovely character you added in Heart and Soul? I knew you'd love that line. And so far you are the only one to notice it. I just had to put it in there. This was the first time I watched where he died in months. I always stop the DVD right before he faces off with Cerdic because it makes me cry otherwise. In truth, I got kinda teary writing it last night. Sorry, didn't mean to cause any new mayhem though. Really I didn't. And I busted my butt to get this chapter up as quickly as possible. And stop worrying so much. This is just some suspense that all stories need. Thanks for reviewing though (and again for Heart and Soul cause yeah, that was just great and I can't wait for more of that. And Wild Child too, cause it makes me laugh so very much.)
Dw – Thank you for your praise. Glad you liked it. And thanks for the review.
Priestess of the Myrmidon – Glad you're still loving it. Hope this chapter is just as enjoyable. Thanks for the review.
TriGemini – Glad you liked it. I can't resist putting in a Tristan/Roxana moment whenever I can. They make me happy. I thought about having her kill Cerdic and then decided against it, merely because it was Arthur's job, and she needed to get to Tristan. But she wasn't about to let him kill her husband either. So I had a compromise. Glad you liked it. And you're right, she hasn't given up on him yet. Thank you for your confidence in me and your review.
Dellis – Don't worry about it. The site was having a lot of problems there for a while but they finally seemed to have ironed them out. Glad you liked it and thanks for the review!
Cardeia – Wow, no one has ever told me that about cliffhangers before. Usually they yell at me for doing it. But I'm glad you liked it. Thank you for your kind words on my battle scenes. I was writing it at about 1 this morning, so I wasn't sure how it would come out, but overall I was not displeased with it. Thanks again for the review. I appreciate it a great deal.
Evenstar-mor2004 – Well, I can't speak for others, but I use them because I am inherently evil and torture is fun. :o) Hope that by your review, that means you liked the last chapter. Thanks for the review.
Texasgrrl – Well, I really don't want to spend several hours crying over this story, and the wounds I would receive (as well as the strong words) from my reviewers, so that's all in Tristan's favor. Thanks for the review. Hope you like this chapter.
FlamezBlaze1 – Don't worry, I won't tell your French teacher. Hope you did well on the test! And thanks for the review.
Babaksmiles – Thank you for having faith in me. It is much appreciated. And thank you for your kind words. I'm glad you liked the battle scene so much. The product of inspiration at 1am. Thanks for the review!
Lunawolf – Don't whimper. It's going to be okay I promise. Read on and find out. I try not to kill my favorite characters too often (although, if you look at some of my X-Men stories, I have been known to do it) because I just cry and cry and cry before during and after the writing of the story is complete. It's not pretty. Besides you're right, there's still Cornell to deal with. Wouldn't want to forget that. Well that should teach him not to move. Thanks for the review again!
Lucillaq – Glad you liked it. Don't worry I'm sure he'll make it through. I don't feel like crying over this story today. Thanks for the review.
Sorceress Misha - No, it seems he can't. And those are the only faults I have with that movie. Why kill the three best knights like that? And Tristan's death was simply an insult. There is no way that guy would have been able to take him that easily. And how did you know my weakness? If everyone offered me chocolate I might be able to post two chapters a day. Or then again, I'd be busy eating all that chocolate so it might slow me down…oh well either way I'd be happy. Thanks for the review.
Countess Jackman – I know, that's my evil side showing. But thanks for the lack of death threats. I was kinda worried people would threaten to lynch me or something. Glad you liked the chapter and thanks for the review. And for the record, I get teary every time during that part and Dag's death as well.
KnightMadien – Yes ma'am. Just kidding, I take it you like this story then?
Megan – You whore! LOL. You definitely caught me off guard. Well here's your bleeding update. :o)
Chapter Fifteen: Aftermath
It was several hours later, and everyone had already been stitched up and tended to, and Roxana still waited outside the sick room door, as Eirwen, Dagonet, Merlin and even Vanora continued to work on her husbands' injuries. Around her in the hallway, the knights and ladies stood, watching, as she stood before them, completely emotionless. Even her eyes were blank as she stared at the door of the room her husband was lying in.
No one was sure what to do or say, or how to even begin to comfort her, and so they remained silent, just being there with her as she awaited news. Lancelot stood leaning against a wall, Brenna not far from him, her lips moving silently as Sybil bowed her head, her hand sneaking into Gawain's. Guinevere stood, her arms wrapped around Arthur's abdomen, her head resting against his shoulder while Galahad and Bors stood next to one another, leaning against a wall, each with their arms crossed over their chest. Even Jols stood quietly nearby, watching nervously. All of them were staring at the unmoving woman in the middle, her arms crossed over her chest, her husband's blood dried on her hands as she waited.
It was then the door opened and Vanora stood there, tears in her eyes and blood covering her dress. She looked at Roxana and opened her mouth to speak, but was unable to find the words. Silently she closed her mouth again and ran to Bors, burying her head in his chest and crying softly as he held her.
Roxana remained unchanged as Eirwen stepped out next, Dagonet at her side. "We've done all we can," Eirwen began, taking a breath to steady herself. "But he has lost so much blood," her voice trailed off and the tears began to fall from her eyes. Dagonet quickly took her into his arms, trying to sooth her as she clung to him, still watching Roxana. "I am so sorry."
Merlin came out next and stopped before Ana, looking at her with kind, saddened eyes.
"Is he dead?" she finally asked, staring unemotionally up at the old shaman.
"No, he yet draws breath," Merlin replied tiredly, still looking at her.
"Will he live?" she asked, trying to ignore the blood that covered them all, knowing whose it was.
"It is too soon to tell," he answered her honestly, watching as she nodded slowly, understanding settling over her. "If he survives the night, and the next few days than there is great hope child." He reached out and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Take heart."
She looked at him for a long moment before turning to the others, who were still standing there. "Brenna, Sybil, I am trusting you to do what needs done if he does pass," she began, looking to the stronger two of her three sisters. "Sybil say the blessings, and Brenna throw the torch."
"No Roxana please," Eirwen began, moving from Dagonet towards her sister who merely held up a hand to stop her.
"It is my wish," Ana replied calmly. "If he dies, than I go with him as I always intended. Now please," she turned back to Merlin, "may I sit with him?"
"Of course child, but first let me tend your own injuries," he began only to be cut off.
"It is not necessary, thank you," and with that she walked slowly into the sick room, closing the door behind her.
As soon as she was through the door Galahad spoke up, looking confused. "What is she talking about?"
"She intends to kill herself," Gawain answered quietly. "If he does not live."
"Why would she do that," Galahad asked, his voice fearful. "Tristan wouldn't want that."
"Give her heart Sybil," Brenna said, whirling on the younger girl, her fists clenched at her sides. "Tell her he will live. End her suffering and reassure us all!"
"I cannot," Sybil answered sadly, looking down at her hands.
"What do you mean you cannot!" Brenna screamed leaping towards her. Lancelot grabbed her around the waist and held her back while Gawain stepped protectively in front of Sybil.
"Do you not think I would tell her if I could?" Sybil asked, pain and anguish in her voice as she glared at Brenna, tears silently falling down her face as she continued to speak. "Do you not think that I would not give my very life to see him in my mind, playing with his babe and all well? I cannot tell her what I cannot see! What I do not know!"
They glared at one another for a moment before Brenna growled and removed herself from Lancelot's arms. "I'm outta here," she stated, stalking off down the hall.
They all looked at each other helplessly before Lancelot turned and went after her. "It's not your fault," Gawain whispered to Sybil, placing a comforting hand on her arm. She nodded slowly, wiping at the tears that had managed to escape her eyes, refusing to look directly at anyone.
"What can we do for them?" Arthur finally asked, looking to Merlin for counsel.
"Just be here for her," the old man replied with a sigh, feeling much more than his years as he turned to head down the hall. "And pray, to whomever you pray to, that he lives."
They all watched him move away and shared sad looks as the sounds of breaking furniture came from inside the sick room.
xoxoxoxoxoxox
By the time Lancelot had finally caught up with Brenna she had made it all the way to a small alter just outside of the fort, hidden in the nearby woods. Some of the still pagan villagers had set it up, and he knew that some of the others frequented it. Especially Galahad.
He wasn't sure how he knew to go to this place, but that was where he found her, kneeling, tears streaming down her face as she spoke to the Gods.
"Please, she could not bear his loss, nor could any of us," Bren chocked out between sobs. "And I could not bear her own. If you must take my life in exchange than take it! Just please, let my brother live. Let him return to us."
Lancelot watched on in shock, unsure of what to do next. He'd never seen this side of Brenna before. The frightened little girl. He felt a presence next to him and looked down to see Sybil standing by his side, watching Brenna with sad eyes.
"She has always been close with the Gods," Sybil smiled a little. "Once she told me all I had to do was start talking and the Goddess would listen. When I was called to train as a Priestess, I knew they had chosen wrong, that it should have been Bren, but she smiled and said she had not the patience for study." She paused and looked over at him. "Go to her. She needs your comfort now." Slowly she turned and walked back towards Gawain, who stood waiting near the fort.
Lancelot sighed, running a hand though his hair before he began walking over listening to Brenna plead for Tristan's life. "Please take me in his stead. They need him so very much, especially Ana, you know this as well as I. No one would miss me as they would miss him," she continued, as Lancelot stopped next to her and chose to speak.
"That's not true," he said softly, looking down at her where she knelt. "I would."
Startled she turned and looked up at him with her tear filled eyes, a certain innocence about her, and as suddenly as the breeze that swept her hair about her face, he knew he loved her.
Silently he held open his arms to her and she rushed into them, burying her face in his chest and sobbing loudly as he soothed her hair, whispering nothings into her ear. As she clung to him, crying, he sent his own silent prayer to the Gods for the first time in his life.
xoxoxoxoxoxox
Roxana stood silently by the door for a bit, staring over at the bed where her husband lay. His chest was stripped and many new bandages covered the skin, and a clean blanket rested over him, covering his legs and waist. His chest rose and fell steadily, albeit shallowly and his eyes were closed. It was almost as if he were merely sleeping, but she knew in her heart it was more than that.
Fear gripped her very soul and anger clouded her mind as she picked up the basin sitting on a table near the door and looked at it slowly, staring at her reflection in the water before screaming and throwing it hard across the room, into the opposite wall. The force of the impact shattered the delicate pottery and sent it raining down on the floor.
She leaned back against the door, a sob escaping her throat as she watched Tristan, her heart breaking that he still remained motionless. "YOU PROMISED ME!" she screamed at him. "You promised me," this time it was softer as she slowly made her way across the room, sinking into the chair next to his bed and taking his hand in her own, placing it over her breast, next to her heart.
"Do you feel that Tristan? My heart beating in my breast? Each beat it takes while you lie here, far away from me, pains me more than you will ever know," she paused, hoping that he would wake up and call her a wench and to stop disturbing him while he slept. Or to tell her everything would be alright. Take her into his arms and comfort her the way he always did.
He remained motionless, his chest rising and falling slowly.
"So you intend to take me with you then?" she asked him, leaning forward, anger in her eyes and voice as she intertwined their fingers. "Because I swear to you now, before every God and Goddess in the universe, if you die on me, I will throw myself from the battlements and do not think for an instant you could stop me."
She watched his face closely, her heart breaking further as she still saw no change. Finally, more than a little defeated she held his hand against her cheek, kissing the palm before resting her head on his chest, crying softly. "Please, come back to me my love," she murmured, crying harder.
xoxoxoxoxoxox
Later that night, after an afternoon spent curled in Lancelot's arms, crying softly, Brenna and he made it slowly back towards her room. It was late and her eyes were puffy but she didn't much care as she held onto his hand tightly, resting her head on his shoulder as he kissed the top of it softly.
"Well, here we are," he said, trying to smile at her.
She nodded slowly and wiped her eyes, listening closely at the door. On the other side they could hear Dagonet trying to comfort Eirwen and she knew she did not want to intrude. "I don't want to go in there," she said after a moment, her face still unbelievably sad.
"Well," Lancelot began, unsure of how to properly do this. He'd never felt like this towards a woman. Ever since that night in the tavern he had been strangely drawn to her, like a moth to a flame. She was different than all the other women, he knew that much, but this was new territory for him and he didn't want to mess it up. "You could sleep in my room this evening if you like," she looked uncertainly up at him, so he quickly continued, "I could sleep on the floor and you could have the bed. Or if you prefer I can find another room for the night."
"Thank you I'd like that," she said after a moment, still looking at him. "But you don't have to sleep on the floor, or leave," she paused and looked down at her hands, noticing that she had begun to ring them together unconsciously. She frowned down at them, knowing it was an act she only did when nervous. Why was she nervous? When she looked back up into his eyes, she had the answer.
She was falling, and fast, and it was not something she was used to. And of all the men it had to be Lancelot. The love them and leave them type, the type she used to be. That's just perfect, falling in love with a guy who would treat her the way she had treated so many. She should just say no. Say goodnight and walk away, but his eyes. "I don't want to be alone tonight."
Lancelot nodded slowly, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and leading her down the hall towards his room. He opened the door and led her inside, wondering what he'd gotten himself into. Following her in, he lit a candle and started the fire, heating the room quickly. She looked around slowly, noticing the unmade bed, cloths hanging everywhere including on the open trunk and armor and weapons scattered about.
"Sorry, I was not expecting company," Lancelot stammered, rushing around to pick up the room.
"It's okay," she smiled, sitting slowly on the bed. "I don't mind the mess."
He smiled at her a bit, nervousness showing on his face as he threw the armor, weapons and clothing into the trunk, shutting it quickly. "Yes, well," he ran his hand through his hair again, the nervousness becoming even more evident.
"How is your arm?" she asked after a long awkward moment of silence.
"Better," he sighed, coming over and sinking down next to her, leaning back and resting against the wall. "And you?"
"I'm fine, thank you," she smiled, resting her palms on the bed and swinging her legs slowly, thinking. Suddenly she started speaking, faster than usual. "Look, I don't want to be one of your flings okay."
"I'm sorry?" he asked, looking at her confusedly.
"Look, people talk and I know about all the women that frequent you're bed, and I don't plan on being one of them," she looked down and saw she was wringing her hands again. How was he able to do this to her? She barely knew him, but felt like she had known him forever.
Suddenly she felt his fingers under her chin, forcing her to look at him. Their eyes met and they regarded each other for a long moment. "You could never be that to me," he answered honestly. "You're so much more," slowly, going against all his better judgment, he leaned forward and kissed her softly. Her arms went around his neck and she held him closer, kissing him back. They broke apart after a moment, uncertainty in both their eyes as they regarded one another.
"Hold me?" she whispered, not breaking his gaze. Not trusting his voice, he nodded slowly as they both crawled into the bed, her spooned against him as they drifted off to sleep.
xoxoxoxoxoxox
Sybil sat on the battlements, Gawain's cloak around her shoulders, and him at her side as they watched the stars twinkle in the sky.
"There was nothing you could have done," he said softly, as if reading her thoughts.
"I saw it. I should have been able to prevent it," she shook her head slowly.
"Even if you had found a way to warn him, to stop him, he would have done it anyway," Gawain said, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and pulling her to him, resting his chin on her head. "Believe me, I know your brother."
"I know, but still," she began as Gawain caught her chin in his other hand, turning her to face him.
"Still nothing. There was no more you could have done," he stated firmly, his voice leaving no room for argument.
She nodded slowly after a moment, resting her head on his shoulder, his chin returning to her hair. "Thank you Gawain, I could not ask for a better friend."
"Think nothing of it," he answered, inside his heart breaking. He was only a friend to her.
xoxoxoxoxoxox
"Father says it is up to her now," Guinevere said, as she and Arthur lay on his bed, wrapped in the blankets as he stared into the fire and she snuggled against him, staring up into his sullen face. "Only she can bring him back from the realm of the dead."
He nodded slowly, still looking into the flames. Tristan was one of his dearest friends. One of his brothers and one of the finest warriors he had ever known. And now he was lying there, clinging to life, his wife at his side, a shell of who she once was. He looked down at Guinevere then, who had turned her attention to the fire he had been watching so intently and sighed. She had captured his heart like no other woman ever had, and he had no idea of how to tell her. And if he should. He was a warrior, same as the rest of his men and he could have just as easily been the one lying in the sick room bed tonight as Tristan. How could he do that to her?
She looked up at him, and smiled sadly. "What are you thinking?" she asked, resting a hand over his heart.
"How much I love you," he answered honestly. "And how I could not bear the thought of you going through what Roxana is."
Guinevere sighed and kissed his lips gently. "I love you to. Nothing can change that, and I would gladly sit by your side," she rested her head over his heart now. "But please try not to make me."
xoxoxoxoxoxox
"Daddy, where Uncie Tristan?" Ten asked as Bors tucked her into bed with the other children. "He no come see me today," she looked up at her father with innocent eyes that broke his heart.
"He's sick right now pumpkin, but he'll be better soon," he leaned over and kissed her forehead and ruffled her hair. "Now off to sleep with you my little vixen."
"Night-night daddy," she grinned, kissing his cheek before snuggling underneath the covers. Bors sighed and blew out the candle, rising and going to the doorway where Vanora stood watching them, tears in her own eyes.
He gathered her into his arms and led her to their room, sitting on the bed and pulled her into his lap. "There, there pet," he cooed as she cried against his shoulder, clinging to him.
After a few minutes she stopped crying, and rested her head on his shoulder, still clutching onto him. "Do you think she'll really throw herself from the battlements?" she asked, not ready to let him go yet. She'd seen the injuries he'd taken during the confrontation with the Saxons, and they scared her. Especially when she had had to help with Tristan.
"Nay, do you?"
"Aye that I do," she answered honestly.
"Why?" Bors smoothed her hair back and looked into her eyes.
"Because I would," she answered, wrapping him in a hug while he held her just as tight, their children sleeping soundly in the next room.
xoxoxoxoxoxox
Dagonet was leaning back against the wall in Eirwen's bed while she sat in his lap, with Lucan in her own, both man and boy trying desperately to comfort her. Eventually Lucan had fallen asleep and Eirwen continued to hold him, her arms around the small child as she rested her chin on his hair, kissing his head periodically as she gazed ahead, leaning against Dagonet.
"He's a fighter, always has been," the giant said softly, his arms wrapped tightly around them both.
"I know, I watched him grow up," she smiled slightly at the memory of him and her sister, tromping off when they were mere toddlers, hand in hand as they went on one adventure after another, her laughing as she chased after them. Then she saw him, lying in the bed, and the look on her sister's face. Roxana had never looked so lost in her life. She had always been a leader, and the look on her face had scared Eirwen more than anything else. "I just feel so helpless."
"I know," Dagonet murmured against her head, placing a small kiss there.
"She'll do it you know," Eirwen continued. "If he dies in the night, we'll find her on the other side of the wall in the morning."
"He won't let that happen," Dagonet answered firmly.
"I wish I could be so sure," she sighed, leaning back and snuggling against his broad chest, closing her eyes as tears began to fall again.
xoxoxoxoxoxox
It was six days later and Roxana still sat by Tristan's side. She had left only when necessary and then forced one of the others to sit with him until she returned. Little had changed in his condition. The most important thing was he did not burn they way an infection makes you burn, and he was still breathing.
She rested her hand over her stomach, smiling despite herself as a part of her could feel the life thriving within her belly. Merlin had told her she was at least two months with child, which lead her to believe it had happened the night he was returned to her. She gazed out the window, lifting his hand and resting it over her stomach, lacing their fingers, hoping that wherever he was, he would feel that life force as well, and be drawn back to them.
"Eirwen and Dagonet have come together as have Brenna and Lancelot," she began talking, same as she did everyday. "Only six days and the latter two already fight like they have been married as long as we have. She sleeps in his room every night, but they both swear nothing has happened between them. I believe them, but Eirwen is unsure." She smiled and looked down at him. "They remind me of us. Remember before we wed? And we would spend the night in one another's arms, watching the stars? And our fathers would find us in the field each morning, and pretend to be angry while they tried not to laugh?"
Tears came to her eyes again as she leaned forward, gazing at him. "What keeps you from me my love? What is so much better there than here in my arms?"
"How fares he today Ana?" Arthur's voice interrupted as he walked into the room.
"The same I fear," Ana straightened and wiped at her eyes. "Forever the same."
"I thought you may like a short break," Arthur said, placing a hand on her shoulder comfortingly. "Vanora and Eirwen have drawn you a bath."
"He may wake," she stalled, not wanting to leave him.
"Then I will come for you, or one of the others will," Arthur stated. "He will not be alone and it will be good for you and the baby."
Roxana sighed, rubbing her fingers over his hand, which was still over her stomach. "Very well," she leaned over and kissed Tristan's lips gently, settling his arm at his side. "I'll be back soon," she murmured to him, running a finger over his tattoos before rising. "Thank you Arthur," she said, kissing the commanders cheek before walking out the door.
When they were alone, Arthur let out a long sigh and sank into the chair that Roxana had just occupied. He leaned over and rested his elbows on his knees, regarding the scout closely. "You're killing her Tristan, you know that don't you?" he asked after a moment. "This is not like you. As long as I have known you, you have been a fighter. So I am ordering you to fight now." He sighed again in frustration and leaned back, looking out the window for a moment before continuing.
"You will be able to see the baby soon. Merlin and Vanora are both sure it will not be that long. Fight for them Tristan if you will not do it for yourself," he rose and began to pace. "Besides," he paused at the end of the bed and regarded his friend. "Bors is anxious to take care of Cornell," he turned and stopped at the window, resting his arm on the frame and staring out of it. "And the others are tired of keeping him alive for you."
"You mean Ana hasn't killed him yet?" a hoarse voice asked.
Arthur spun to see Tristan, looking at him through half closed eyes, a small smirk on his face.
"JOLS!" Arthur yelled, running towards the hall. "Vanora! Someone!"
"Arthur what is it?" Brenna asked rushing in with Lancelot Vanora and Bors, Gawain and Sybil at their heels.
"He's awake! He's awake!" Arthur exclaimed excitedly, running back towards Tristan, who was already struggling to get up. "Your wife is going to kill you," he said grinning as he moved to help the scout.
"If I don't kill him first!" Brenna exclaimed, coming to his other side. "You had us all worried out of our minds," she slapped him lightly on the arm as they got him to sitting, Vanora rushing off with Jols to fetch Roxana and Eirwen.
The others all rushed in, gathering around the bed. Smiles on all their faces as they looked at him, clapping each other on the back and laughing.
"What kept you boy?" Bors asked, slapping Tristan's foot lightly.
"It was quiet there," replied the scout with a smirk.
"I knew you'd come back," Dagonet said, moving to check Tristan's injuries.
"Aye, we all did," Galahad added grinning at him.
Sybil walked up next to the bed and leaned forward, hugging him gently. Tristan hugged her back with his good arm, squeezing her tightly. She pulled back and looked at him, her face impassive as she spoke. "You ever do that again, and I will kill you where you stand."
Laughter broke out through the room when suddenly the door slammed open, revealing Ravana in a thin white dress, her hair dripping wet and Eirwen grinning wildly at her side. All the knights parted, giving her a straight look at Tristan who sat staring at her, mirth in his eyes.
"You sorry bastard!" She growled, rushing across the room and throwing herself at him, burying her head in his chest as she sobbed silently.
"Wench," he murmured kissing her hair and holding her close.
Silently the others began to exit the room, closing the door behind them and leaving the couple alone. After a few moments she pulled back and gazed up into his eyes, tears falling from her own. "What was so much better that you would spend six days there rather than here with me?" she whispered, wrapping her arms around his neck.
He brought his arm around her waist and pulled her into his lap, ignoring the pain as he held her. "Time is different there," he answered after a moment. "Slower. I saw him Ana."
"Who?" she asked, gazing at his face and shifting to sit next to him, helping to ease the pain he was feeling. He kept his arms around her as she settled and looked down at her, resting his hand over her stomach, smiling at the life that was thriving within.
"Cadogan. He was there waiting for me, with our daughter," he smiled as he thought back to seeing his son again, standing in a field that looked so much like their home in Sarmatia, flowers everywhere and a feeling of peace that surrounded everything. "It was to be a girl," he kissed her temple, referring to the child that she had lost. "Our ancestors are tending to them there. He was just as I remembered, but different. Older. We played in the field and I held them Ana," his voice was passive as always but there was a certain joy and sadness in his eyes.
"You wished to stay with them?" she asked quietly.
"Aye, I did. But one thing was missing from paradise," he looked down at her and smiled. "There was no light there without you."
"I would have followed," she answered, tears in her voice.
"No. Not like that my Ana," he said, kissing her head. "I would not have that."
She snuggled against him, trying to mind his stitches as they held one another. "Don't ever scare me like that again," she stated, grateful to listen to the steady beat of his heart once more.
"I'll try," he murmured as his eyelids began to sag.
"Tired already?" she asked, moving to rise, only to have him hold her in place.
"Wench I have slept six days without you in my arms," he growled, sinking into the bed a bit and keeping his hold on her. "You are not going anywhere."
Smiling she leaned forward, kissing him gently as he drifted off to sleep. She laid next to him, watching him quietly and thanking any deity that would listen for returning him to her.
Authors Note: Told you all to have faith in me. And because I'm kind, you did not have to wait for long. Actually, Tracy137, your updates really gave me a happy so I posted one of my own for you. Let me know what you guys think.