Warm kisses danced lazily across Day's arms and neck as she woke; a smile already on her face and she mumbled happily. Tristan had his arm fixed firmly around her waist and she turned to face him. His dark eyes traced across her until they finally came to gaze deep into her own. No words needed to be spoken as they lay in each other's arms; revelling in the warmth of one another's bodies and staring lovingly into their eyes. Day toyed with one of Tristan's braids and softly dragged a slender finger over the tattoos on his cheeks; mirroring what Jade had done to him only a few days ago. Tristan watched her silently, his eyes studying her face as she smiled in wonder at him.
"I should probably get dressed." Day whispered finally and let Tristan kiss her fingertips as she brushed her hand over his lips.
He watched from his position on the pellet as she dressed quickly and marvelled at her silky hair as she brushed it under some sort of control. She looked beautiful in his eyes and he wanted no more than to stay like this forever. He would remember these moments until the day he died.
Day joined him back amongst the furs, her fingers tracing his many battle scars but her eyes were fixed solidly on his own. Day's nimble fingers ran along his chest, travelling over the ridges they encountered and feeling the smoothness of his skin against the harsh roughness of his old wounds. Eventually Tristan could hold himself no longer and pulled her down into a tender kiss, the two stifling laughter as he pulled Day sideways and rolled her under him.
The sun broke through the trees just as Tristan and Day appeared from the tent. Both were smiling contentedly as Day laced her hand through the dark scout's and set off through the village. Tristan gazed protectively over Day as they strolled down the leafy paths but at that moment in time he was too happy to care about anything other than her. She walked him to his horse which someone had kindly tied up for him and he embraced her lovingly as they stood in the shadow of the towering pine.
"When will you return?" Murmured Tristan huskily into her hair, his eyes closed in bliss.
"Soon." Day replied gently as she reached up to kiss him softly before he mounted his steed.
Eiger watched from his position in the village as Tristan looked down from his steed and caressed his daughter's face tenderly. The scout then kicked the horse's ribs and the pair went galloping off into the forest, with Day watching after them. He smiled fondly as his eldest started to make her way back into the village, humming a melody and staring dreamily up at the dappled canopy.
"I see the feelings are most certainly mutual." Eiger spoke with slight amusement as he brought his arm round his daughter's shoulder and strolled with her.
Day looked up at her father and nodded thoughtfully with a small smile before letting her head rest on her father's broad shoulder. Eiger would do anything to protect his daughter but seeing her happy made his heart glow with fatherly pride.
Galahad woke from his dreamless slumber and sighed restlessly as he struggled to move from the bed. He rubbed his face with his hands roughly and went to wash, hoping to wash away all the bad feelings from the previous night. It had done him good to finally let it all out after all this time but the agony of his grief still lurked beneath the surface. Galahad pulled himself together and strode out of his room with regained confidence and entered the Table room where the Knights were eating. Day was sat in the seat between Galahad's and Gawain's and she ate silently as the Knights discussed business. Galahad bowed his head respectfully to the room before taking his seat and ignored the careful gazes of his fellow men as they attempted to judge his mood. They could all still remember the vision of the distraught Knight at the tavern and felt his suffering but tried to ignore it and concentrate on the upcoming mission.
Gawain leant his head forward from his seat to look upon his friend who smiled to reassure the Knight and turned to listen to Arthur.
"There have been some reports of Saxon attacks on both Woad and Briton villages further north. Since we are now allied with the Woads they have assured us safe passage through their territory and any Woad tribe and clan we meet will assist if we do so wish. We ride out tomorrow." Stated Arthur firmly and looked at the mixed expressions of his Knights.
Many were relieved to be going on another mission, just so they could get away from the fort ad be out in the open. Lancelot had a shadow of anger tinted across his features but he seemed happy enough and Galahad was simply expressionless. Arthur's scout, however, was nowhere to be seen and he smiled to himself when the dishevelled Knight arrived promptly in the room and seated himself at the Table. His face was flushed slightly from riding in the harsh chill of the air but his countenance was as cool as ever.
"I was just telling the others Tristan that we will be riding north tomorrow after reports of Saxon attacks." Commented Arthur and he watched silently as his scout nodded and his eyes glittered with something between bloodlust and love. "Now if you have any more questions I will be in my chamber." Arthur called before departing the room and heading off down the corridor.
"Where have you been Tristan?" asked Lancelot slyly with his usual smirk.
All eyes turned upon the ominous Knight who stared back at Lancelot carelessly.
"None of your business." He replied in his deep voice.
Lancelot smirked again and leant back in his chair, bringing his arms up to rest behind his head. The Knights began talking amongst themselves quietly before one by one they left the room to go and prepare for tomorrow's mission. Some went off to the practice field to get themselves in the right frame of mind for the possible battle whilst others went to pack.
Anise sat upon the benches that surrounded the practice field and watched Gawain sparring with Galahad. Jade had been playing nearby and after spotting the young woman had rushed instantly to her side and climbed into her lap. There was something about the woman that appealed to the young girl's nature and she clung tightly to Anise and mumbled excitedly; telling her of the past few days' events. Anise laughed at Jade's adventurous nature and played with the girl's hair to style it for her. Jade had eventually decided on having some plaits rolled into a bun and Anise's nimble fingers braided the auburn hair softly as the two sat and watched the men practicing."You'll have to do better than that Galahad!" teased the younger Knight as he dodged his vicious attack.
Gawain's laughter rang out across the field as Galahad growled and swiped savagely at his friend. The two danced around each other; their swords clashing in a fit of angry sparks and their grunts echoing with the force of their blows. It wasn't long before Gawain had knocked Galahad's sword from his hand and the two stood panting after the strenuous workout. They strolled over to Anise and heaved themselves down on the bench, much too Jade's enjoyment. She let herself climb over to Galahad and laughed at his tired expression before dragging him away to go and see Lancelot. Galahad followed reluctantly if only for Jade's tugging on his hand and Jade laughed as Lancelot grabbed her playfully and tossed her into the air. He tickled her mercilessly and her childish screams echoed in the walled area until she finally escaped his grasp and ran from the two chasing Knights.
"Lancelot is very good with children." Laughed Anise as she watched the three running around the grass.
"Yeah, but he has too much of a wandering eye to settle down and have his own." Gawain chuckled, pulling Anise next to him. "You're not too bad with them yourself." He murmured playfully into her curls.
"Well only time will tell." She replied with a wicked smile and kissed the blonde hard upon the mouth. Gawain dragged her away from the field quickly as his temptation threatened to take hold of him and Anise giggled loudly as he ran with her through the streets and towards his chamber.
It was early the next morning when the Knights mounted their horses and rode out of the gates. Anise and Vanora watched them disappear into the distance from atop the wall and returned to the tavern to clear up. Anise had taken to helping Vanora often with the children and her chores and the woman was grateful at the extra pair of hands.
"It isn't often I get some time to myself." She called out from her position behind the bar.
Anise smiled as she wiped down the tables and looked up as Vanora walked over to her with two mugs of hot tea. They sat chatting idly in the warmth of the tavern, drinking their hot tea and listening to Vanora reminiscing about all the times Bors had gone away. Sure he was a brute but she didn't half love him and was always glad when he returned unharmed. There had been many a time when he'd come back with gashes and wounds and Vanora had almost died of worry but then she remembered what a swine he was and how he'd never let Lancelot get his hands on his woman and she always laughed at that thought.
"Ah well." Sighed Vanora into her steaming mug. "Only time will tell and we shall see once they have returned." She smiled at the young girl seated next to her and gripped her hand with a comforting squeeze, before bustling off to finish her chores and clean the tavern.
Anise sat for a while longer in thought until Jade pulled her towards the battlements; her china blue eyes glistening with excitement and fear and her hand yanking on Anise's forcefully. There was something outside the walls and Jade wanted desperately for Anise to see it.
A/N: Some nice heart-warming fluff there, hmm.Twas a tad bit boring lolbut there will be some more action in the next chapter hopefully! I might even add some angst! Getting adventurous now lol. What ever whould we do if someone got hurt! Mwaa lol. Thanks x