Anise spent the night in Gawain's chamber, waking only at dawn to creep back to her own room.
"Don't go, I was having a nice dream." Moaned Gawain as she slipped herself from his warm embrace.
"I'll see you at breakfast. But first I need to get changed." She whispered with a smile at his pout. "Now where's my dress?" she murmured as she stumbled around the dimly lit room.
"I think I threw it over near the chair." Chuckled Gawain throatily as he watched Anise fumble around.
"Aha!" came a cry of triumph from over the other side of the room and he laughed to see a dress suddenly appear in the air.
Anise struggled to get it over her head quickly before she leant over the bed and kissed Gawain goodbye. After she left Gawain sighed and threw himself back into the pillows, allowing himself to revel in his memories.
Day had woken early as was her habit and found herself taking her bow and arrows and heading for the practice grounds. She remembered the way vaguely from Anise's brief tour and hummed a leisurely tune as she ambled through the streets. Life was just starting to appear in the form of stalls being set-up and talking from behind closed doors. Unfamiliar sounds and objects greeted Day as she gazed around in astonishment at all of the new things that she had to see.
She had chosen a light dress to wear that morning so she could move freely when practicing her archery, but had also grabbed a thick cloak from her wardrobe that she had found filled with things she might need. Day had tied her long hair up into a loose bun, a few tresses falling out across her face and down her neck as she walked. The air was still relatively cold and her breaths formed white mists in front of her as she walked, but she was used to cold weather seeing as she had lived in the forest with no more than her warrior clothing on.
She reached the practice field after a few minutes and was pleased at herself for remembering the way; a small smile edging across her face as she clambered over the wall. Day landed with a slight thud as her boots made contact with the ground and she looked around at her new surroundings. The field was large with benches sat before a considerable stone wall and targets set deep into the grass for archery. Next to the grass was space for sparring and wrestling and another section with posts and straw dolls for sword and axe training. Day made her way towards the targets and set down her bow and arrows as she removed her cloak. The chill air thick with early morning dew swept across her arms and face and she shivered under its touch. Dropping her cloak on the ground and grasping her bow confidently, Day reached for an arrow and fixed it in place on the bow. She pulled the bow back slowly and waited a moment before letting it go with a sharp 'twang' and watching the arrow fly through the air and land itself firmly into the target. She continued in this fashion for a few more minutes until she had run out of arrows, and placing her bow on the ground she went to collect them. Once she'd returned she positioned herself again and fixed the arrow onto the bow as before.
"If you raise your bow slightly you can get a better aim." A voice suddenly whispered next to her ear as Tristan moved silently behind her.
His body came up close at her back and his hand slipped round to grasp her's on the bow. She followed him as he gently brought the bow back and tilted it upwards slightly. A moment later the arrow was flying through the air and landed with a dull thud into the bull's eye exactly. Tristan removed his hand after it landed and backed away from Day a touch. Cold air hit her back again where Tristan's warm chest had been and she turned her head to see him stood next to her. He was studying her arrows that lay on the ground and picked one up gently to get a better look. He arched his eyebrows as he twirled it in his hands before coming back to stand behind Day and fixing it in her bow. He gripped her hand again softly but with firmness and drew the bow back. She felt the bowstring spring back and watched as it hit the bull's eye once again.
"Now you try." Rumbled Tristan's voice in her ear; his hair brushing lightly against her's.
Day picked up another bow and leant back against him as she brought her bow up and let the arrow soar. He smiled in satisfaction as it landed next to his arrows and saw her own smile.
"Very good."
Day let her eyes slip close as his deep voice glided into her ear again and sent shivers through her body. After a few moments she felt it necessary to turn around and face him but he stopped her by placing two powerful hands on her shoulders.
"See if you can do it again." Tristan whispered huskily and swivelled Day round slowly.
He kept his position at her back as she bent to reach for another arrow and secured it within her bow. Again she rested back against his broad chest as she lifted her bow and released the bowstring. The arrow soared through the air and pierced the bull's eye; almost slicing one of Tristan's arrows down the middle.
"You learn quickly." He murmured against her and she nodded in agreement.
Day came to her senses after a few seconds and scurried off to fetch the arrows from the target; giving herself a chance to breathe although she could still feel his intense gaze watching her. She walked back slowly towards him with her head down and bent to pick up her belongings, deciding that was enough practice for today. Tristan bent down to help and handed her bow to her; his warm hand brushing against her's before moving away gracefully.
"I had better return for breakfast." She murmured quickly as she stood and watched him rise to meet her.
"I'll show you where we eat," said Tristan coolly. "Let me help you carry your things." He added as he reached out his arms to help her.
"Thank you Sir Tristan." Day replied softly as she passed some of her arrows over to him.
Tristan smiled at her warmly.
"Call me Tristan."
Galahad watched dismally as Day entered the Table room with Tristan and sat in the seat next to his. They didn't speak to one another but the silence seemed mutual and both comfortable in the other's presence. Galahad pushed his food around his plate grimly and Lancelot could see the difficulties he was having in his thinking. True, Galahad had since come to terms with what Lancelot had said about Anise but having an actual Woad in the fort made him uncomfortable. He hated the fighting but having a person who represented one of the enemies they had been fighting these past 14 years confused him. It was difficult for him to accept her as an enemy one day and an ally the next. Galahad sighed irritably and sat back in his chair and stared around the room. Lancelot caught his gaze in a small smile and Galahad half-heartedly returned it before shifting his gaze to Gawain. His blonde friend was smiling to himself in some unknown memory of happiness and Galahad caught sight of him stroking Anise's hand affectionately against her thigh under the table. Galahad stared for a moment in confusion; his friend's happiness and his uncertainty towards Anise battling. Finally he was brought back to reality as Arthur entered the room and began talking to those gathered. Galahad glanced towards Gawain once more who smiled fondly at Anise before catching Galahad's eye and smiling to his friend instead. Galahad returned the friendly gesture and restored his attention to Arthur's words.
"Lady Anise!" called Day as she rushed out of the Table room after Anise and Gawain.
The two were talking quietly and laughing as they walked together; their hands laced together and their eyes only for each other. Anise turned at Day's shout and smiled as the girl ran up to them.
"Lady Anise I was wondering if you would like to train." Panted out Day, her hair falling across her face. "I could train you in swordsmanship."
Anise looked towards Gawain who encouraged her with a smile and squeeze of the hand before she returned her eyes to Day's expectant face.
"I'd love to."
Day beamed at her words and told her to meet her at the practice field in 10 minutes whilst she went to change and fetch her weapons.
"So now I'll have my own little warrior on my hands." Chuckled Gawain playfully before kissing her lightly upon the mouth.
"Come let's to the practice field." She murmured and the two strolled off down the corridors off the fort.
Day was already on the field when Anise arrived, having changed into her Woad attire and redone her hair. She stretched gently and watched the other knights practice with intent. Arthur and Lancelot were sparring once again and Tristan joined Galahad in archery practice. Dagonet was hacking one of the sticks with his large axe whilst Bors was nowhere to be seen. Anise let go of Gawain's hand and after a gentle kiss strolled over to Day.
"Ah Lady Anise!" called out Day as she finished her stretching and threw Anise a sword.
Anise caught it with enthusiasm and watched as Day wielded her own sword in a deadly fashion.
"We'll start off with some basics before sparring. But first I want to work on some footwork with you." Smiled Day and Anise nodded eagerly.
The two women worked for a while and gradually drew the attention of the Knights as Day taught Anise techniques they had never encountered before.
"Lady Day!" called out Lancelot.
Day raised her head in recognition and looked at the sultry Knight in surprise.
"Yes Sir Lancelot?" she replied uncertainly.
"I was just wondering if you would like to spar with one of us!" he called back and smirked when the other Knights laughed, not unkindly but with doubt of her skills.
"I accept your challenge Sir Lancelot." Day grinned and walked to meet the group of Knights. "So who am I to spar with?"
Lancelot smirked and gazed around his fellow Knights; trying to pick a victim.
"Galahad." He announced with a grin.
The young Knight jerked his head up and met Lancelot with a glare before moving towards Day. He smirked at her as she moved into position and she returned his gaze.
"Go!" shouted Lancelot.
The two instantly moved; their swords clashing with a resounding echo. Galahad darted forward with his sword which Day dodged easily and brought her own sword round to his back. He deflected her attack though and pushed her away with his sword. The two stood eyeing each other impatiently for a moment, judging the other's stance and possible attack. Their swords met again with a scraping of metal and Day used her body to twist their swords and cause Galahad to stumble. The Knights laughed at her move and Galahad simply growled in frustration before coming at her with fierce intent. He managed to knock her to the ground and raised his sword high above his head before being it crashing to the ground just as Day rolled out of the way. Her eyes widened briefly in surprise before Galahad turned to face her and she jumped over his low swipe. The two battled it out for a while longer, the passion building before they ended with each other's swords pressed against their throats. Their bodies glistened with sweat as they stood there; their chest heaving with heavy breathing and the tip of their swords resting against the other's throat.
"She fights well!" jeered Lancelot all of a sudden and the Knights broke out into cheers and claps.
Galahad and Day stood eyeing each other with defiance for a moment longer before each removed their sword from the other's throat and backed off.
"I'll be returning to Lady Anise now." Murmured Day as she bowed her head in respect and strode off to her awaiting friend.
"She gave you a run for your money there Galahad." Taunted Lancelot with a smirk before patting the young Knight hard on the back.
Galahad watched as Day walked away before swiping playfully at Lancelot with his sword; causing the older Knight to jump back and laugh.
"Anyone going to buy me a drink?" croaked Galahad as he wiped his sweat away with a towel.
"I will." Replied Tristan to everyone's surprise as he watched Day training with Anise.
A/N: Tristan getting up-close and personal there with some archery tips...wouldn't mind him teaching me lol. And a nice fight between Galahad and Day, very civilised though of course lol. You know what to do, review! lol nice rhyme, and I see many have been pleading Day's involvement hehehe.Thanks x