"Lancelot!" hissed a voice from the darkness as Lancelot stumbled towards his door after another night at the tavern.
"W-what?" he hissed back, trying to discern who was there.
"It's Galahad." Came the voice again before the knight stepped out into the dimly lit corridor.
"So it is!" cheered Lancelot before Galahad shoved him roughly into his chamber and closed the door. "Hey what's going on?"
"You're drunk." Sighed Galahad as he watched Lancelot throw himself onto his bed.
"I'm not drunk…I'm just enjoying myself!" Lancelot argued; his words slurring and he hiccupped slightly into his pillow.
"Look I need to talk to you Lancelot. Seriously." Galahad dragged a chair across to the bed and sat himself down in it; resting his elbows on his knees.
"About what?"
"About Anise." Galahad muttered darkly and saw the frown that ensued on Lancelot's striking face. "Don't you think its funny how she went with that Woad so easily?"
"What are you suggesting Galahad?" grimaced Lancelot as he attempted to sit upright, and then stopped suddenly as Galahad's eyes met his. "You think she's a Woad don't you!"
"Keep your voice down Lancelot!" hissed Galahad as he checked to make sure the door was closed. He sighed heavily and ran his hands over his face and up into his dark curls.
"Why do you think she's a Woad? You saw how she was when she arrived here." Hissed Lancelot. "Don't you remember what she did that day? She had a bloody sword!"
Galahad shrugged his shoulders and leant back against the high back of his chair; eyeing his friend with an indifferent expression.
"She could just be part of some Woad scheme to try and force the Romans out." Galahad retorted with boredom.
"Oh yeah and I'm sure Merlin loved the idea of being killed." Spat out the dark knight in frustration.
Galahad glared at his friend before leaning forward in his chair and near to Lancelot's hunched form.
"Well if she hates them so much why did she go with them?"
Lancelot raised his head from his hands and stared into his fellow Knight's angry face.
"To face her fears?"
Galahad snorted and leant backwards into the chair again; letting one of his legs hang over the arm and eyeing Lancelot with a smirk.
"Fine believe what you want Galahad but she isn't a Woad. She's doing this for us, so that we won't have to fight anymore."
Galahad's smirk slowly slipped from his face and he stared at the ceiling; his eyes clouding over with his memories of Sarmatia.
"We'll see." He finally muttered before abruptly leaving and swinging the door shut behind him.
Lancelot growled in frustration and flung himself backwards onto his bed, where he soon fell asleep thanks to the effects of the ale.
Tristan awoke suddenly. His dark eyes flashing open and seeking his surroundings for the source of his discomfort. He sat up slowly and pushed a few unruly braids out of his face so he could see better; his movements silent in the suffocating darkness. Anise slept peacefully on his left and didn't stir when he stood up and moved to the other side of the tent, still searching for the noise that had caused him to awake.
"Is she alone?" a voice whispered harshly in gruff Celtic.
"No, she has the scout with her." Replied a second hushed voice.
Tristan stood next to the flap that covered the entrance to the tent and listened intently to the conversation just a few feet from him. He glanced over to Anise quickly to check she was still asleep and after being satisfied she was he gently pressed himself to the tent wall further. If he tilted his head slightly he could see through the gap where the flap didn't quite touch the exterior of the tent where two Woads stood in deep conversation. He recognised one to be Eiger and the other he assumed to be one of the elders due to their greying hair and hunched form, supported only by a gnarled staff. His hand gripped the hilt of his sword naturally and he watched as the elder shifted awkwardly before continuing his discussion.
"Do you think he'll interfere?" The gruff whisper reached Tristan's ears and he smirked in the darkness.
"He seems unconcerned as to the situation. He's more interested in any signs of ambush." Eiger stated shortly, glancing over his shoulder as an uneasy feeling settled over him.
The elder seemed to contemplate this for a moment, his head resting on his wrinkled hands which gripped the staff.
"She will meet with you in the morning." Whispered Eiger finally and watched as the elder bade him goodnight and hobbled away.
The Woad glanced back once more at the tent before walking away; all the while feeling as though he was being watched.
Satisfied that nothing was afoot Tristan returned to his pellet and lay there for a while; his eyes drinking in the darkness. He shed his tunic as it was irritating him and took to sleeping in only his breeches, his weapons never more than arm's reach away.
Anise murmured incoherently as she blinked open her eyes and rolled over in her pellet. It was morning and faint shafts of sunlight pierced the tent; dust dancing through the beams before disappearing again. It took her a moment to realise where she was and after running a hand through her tousled curls she was able to sit up and stretch; her muscles gradually joining her in her awakened state. She had forgotten about Tristan until she tilted her head in an attempt to wake herself up and he came into view. His bare chest was strewn with battle scars; deep purple and shocking white rivulets curling across his taut body. He looked so calm in his sleep, his eyelids hiding his intense eyes and his posture relaxed for once and Anise couldn't help but marvel at the scars he held. After a few moments of watching him she gathered her thoughts and managed to fumble her way as quietly as possible over to where she had dropped her bag.
"You'll have to be quieter than that if you don't want to wake me." Chuckled Tristan as she tiptoed across the array of cushions and rugs.
Anise turned to see him raised on his elbows, fully awake and with a smirk on his passive face.
"I'm sorry I didn't mean to disturb you." She replied quietly and he shrugged at her response, yawning slightly.
"I've always been a light sleeper." He replied; his deep voice hoarse from his state of slumber. "Here let me allow you to get dressed." He muttered quickly, pulling his tunic over his scarred torso and leaving the tent.
Anise smiled at his politeness and delved around the scattered tent to find her belongings. She spied a jug of water set upon the small table and washed herself hastily before shrugging a flimsy forest green dress over her head and dragging a fine comb through her deep brown curls.
Tristan stood outside, resting against the side of the tent and gazed steadily as people made their way through the leafy paths that ran amongst the huts of the village. Their tent was set apart from the village; positioned on a slight brow of a hill as not to attract attention from the villagers. Upon hearing the girl fumble around and curse as she dropped her hair pin Tristan entered the tent swiftly and immediately found what she was looking for.
"Thank you Sir Tristan." She muttered kindly and took the pin from his outstretched palm and pinned it firmly into her thick curls. "I'll be outside if you need me." She called as she ducked through the flap, giving him some privacy to change.
After a few moments Tristan joined her outside too, smiling lightly at her as she waited for him.
"Good morn Sir Tristan and Lady Anise!" called Eiger as he made his way toward their tent.
Anise curtsied at his approaching figure and Tristan bowed his head slowly, his hand always resting on the hilt of his sword at his hip.
"The elders are ready to meet you now. Breakfast is awaiting you." He remarked whilst bowing his own head at the pair and smiling as he straightened up. Pointing an arm he led the two through the village and after a journey of a few minutes came to a large circle of logs in a clearing; the floor layered with auburn leaves and a number of men roaming the clearing. Eiger motioned for the two to enter the circle before he followed suit and approached the steaming pot hung over the small fire in the very centre of the circle.
"Wait here and I'll gather everyone for a formal introduction." Eiger commented and set off to coax the elders into the circle, smiling broadly.
Tristan kept alert all the time, scanning the trees for any movement or foreign objects and glancing into the surrounding woodland. Anise curtsied once more as the elders gathered before them and bowed against their staffs. Tristan looked upon the whole ordeal with a small amount of disdain and welcomed the chance to sit as everyone took their seats on the bordering logs.
"We welcome you both to our humble village." Smiled the chief elder who sat nearest to Anise and presented both her and Tristan with a steaming bowl of oats. Both took the clay bowls gracefully and ate quietly as they listened to the elders.
"As you know Merlin was our leader. He was a dark magician and we looked upon him as though his gifts were given to him by the Gods. These are our beliefs." Stated the chief elder, Baudoin, and stared gravely at the young girl before him. "As you have proven your powers to us and are come of a suitable age we wish for you to give us guidance."
Anise choked slightly on the oats as Baudoin finished speaking and a startled expression faced them.
"Well I," began Anise as the elders continued to look at her expectantly. "I see it is obvious you need a new leader but I am not the one for the job."
The elders murmured amongst themselves in Celtic before turning back to her.
"But you have the powers we seek." Exclaimed another elder with fervour.
"But I know nothing of your culture." Anise replied and the elders nodded in agreement; murmurs arising quietly from them. "I have a few suggestions though and I will try to give you guidance if it is what you seek." She continued and hesitated for the elders to give her a sign to carry on.
"Continue child." Nodded Baudoin and smiled warmly.
"Well I would suggest that you make one of your kin your leader. Someone with wit and strength that will be able to lead your people. Perhaps someone like Eiger. He has proven his abilities as a leader already by coming to the fort and negotiate my arrival." Anise said warily and all eyes turned to the Woad who stood stunned near to the group.
The elders seemed to consider her words and beckoned Eiger to them. He followed their command and knelt before them, his head bowed in respect.
"Would you be willing to accept the responsibility of this role Eiger?" asked Baudoin, his gruff voice stern and sombre.
"Yes, my elders it would be an honour." He replied just as solemnly.
"Then it is agreed. You are to be the Woads new leader. You have fought for your kin and you have proven your worth. We shall celebrate this night!" cried Baudoin and the other elders shouted in joy.
Eiger stood and smiled his many thanks to Anise who blushed at his heart-warming expression and watched as he moved away to the village.
"There is something else I would call forth too." Anise stated calmly as the elders subsided and returned to the conversation at hand.
"And what might that be child? You have already given us impressive advice." Goaded Baudoin as he shifted his staff to rest more easily on it.
"That you make a treaty with Badon Hill."
The elders gasped at her defiant request and murmured fiercely in Celtic. Some shaking their wrinkled heads, others tapping crooked fingers across their staff. Anise turned to look at Tristan who carried on with his oats, giving her a small glimpse but nothing more. After a few more moments of harsh whispering and mutterings Baudoin turned back to Anise; a frown playing across his troubled face.
"We have been enemies for decades child. We have fought the Romans for many long years; we have fought for our freedom and our rightful land. Why do you ask this of us now?"
"I ask you not to make a treaty with Rome but with Badon Hill, with Arthur and his Knights. You have your argument with Rome, not with these men and think of the benefits that would come of having such a treaty. No more fighting, no more bloodshed but a stable environment whereby you would have an ally if needed. The power of the Saxons from the north is growing and if the time should come neither you or the Romans would you survive fighting them alone." Stated Anise with passion; her momentum seeming to build as she went on, but still with the same calm countenance.
The elders huddled around once again; snippets of Celtic escaping the circle and drifting out into the clearing. Anise sat firmly and smiled gently and with expectance as Baudoin faced her.
"We have considered your request child." He spoke sternly and pulled thoughtfully at his long beard. "We will take your advice as you are with powers and have given us reason to listen. However, if anything should go amiss then we hold the right to return to our rival status."
Anise smiled at his strict words and bowed her head in thanks and respect.
"Of course my friend. I thank you."
"Arthur!" called Jols as he entered the Table room.
Arthur turned at the sound of his name and watched with concern as Jols paused and panted after his frantic dash.
"Arthur they've returned." Jols finally huffed out. "Two horses ride toward the fort; they look to be those of Tristan and Anise."
Arthur smiled at the mention of his loyal scout and the girl and patted Jols heftily on the back.
"Thank you Jols, we'll follow you to the battlements."
Anise looked up as they neared the fort and smiled to see Arthur and his Knights awaiting them on the battlements. The gates creaked open gradually and the two riders ploughed through into the courtyard; the horses whinnying and their hooves thundering, before dismounting. Arthur led the group as the filed down the stairs and nodded to Tristan and Anise; a smile plastered across his usually serious face.
"How did it go?" he asked with anticipation.
"Very well Arthur. I have appointed Eiger as the Woads new leader and they have agreed to a treaty with the fort." Smiled Anise with a casual expression.
Lancelot's mouth fell open in surprise and Anise laughed at his shock before excusing herself to take her horse to the stables. Arthur turned to Tristan who was watching her go.
"Did she really?" asked Arthur with slight amazement.
"Aye Arthur. She handled them well." Replied the dark knight before he too took his leave and retuned his horse to the stables.
Anise had just finished tending to her horse and left the stables by the back entrance to find Gawain leaning against the wall where they had been just the day before.
"You surprise me." He commented; a wicked smile gracing his lips.
Anise chuckled at his antics and headed for her room; Gawain falling into step beside her.
"How was it?" he asked as they walked amongst the busy streets of the fort.
"Fine. Everyone was very attentive and kind to us and did everything in their power to make us feel welcome." Replied Anise softly as she dodged a chicken that was being chased by one of Bors' small boys.
"And Tristan?"
Anise stopped to face Gawain and sighed at his serious face.
"He was a significant help. He was constantly alert and made me feel safe, and we talked some."
"You talked to him? Wow that's a feat in itself." Exclaimed Gawain in mock-surprise and laughed when Anise nudged him with her elbow.
"He was very gentlemanly, unlike some." She muttered as they passed by the tavern and saw Lancelot with a barmaid nuzzled into him. "And his scars are amazing." She added thoughtfully as they traced their way towards her chamber.
"How did you see them?" asked Gawain; jealousy tingeing his voice.
"He must have removed his tunic at some point in the night and I saw them when I awoke. Don't fret, nothing happened." She chuckled as she pushed open the door of her room.
"I should hope not." Growled Gawain as he closed it shut and advanced on her like a predator. "But I still think you should have taken me." He whispered before pulling her into a tender embrace and kissing her intensely; his hands roaming through her curls and down her back.
Tristan smirked to himself outside after hearing Anise's comments about him and walked off towards the practice field.
A/N: Tada! So the Woads have made a treaty with Badon Hill and everyone's friends, awwww...but will it stay that way? Who knows. What did we think of the Tristan interaction there? And aww Gawain's happy she's back, but Galahad is suspicious dun dun daaa anyway yup so tell me what you think! Thanks x