"Jocosta?"
"W-what?" came a muffled reply as the girl struggled beneath the furs of her pellet.
Eiger chuckled at the sight of his daughter and strode across the tent to help free herself of her bed.
"Thank you." She muttered with a chuckle as she stood up; aided by her father's strong hand and looked up at him expectantly.
Eiger stared down at his youngest daughter lovingly and kissed her on the forehead. She looked so like her mother at times that it broke his heart.
"What is it father?" Jocosta asked worriedly, and turned her head to look outside. "It's not yet sunrise."
Eiger gazed down at his daughter's upturned face and led her by the hand outside. She grabbed a cloak on the way out and wrapped it around herself tightly to prevent the chill winter air seeping into her bones, and watched in wonder at the sight before her.
It had snowed during the night and everything seemed suspended in time; a white flurry blanketed everything the eye could see and the icicles twinkled charmingly in the purple light of nearing dawn.
Eiger smiled at his daughter's awe-struck face, but gently tugged on her hand and led her away from the village.
"Where are we going father?" She asked after a few minutes of treading carefully through the frozen forest.
"It's not far now." Eiger replied mysteriously and chuckled at his daughter's perplexed expression. "Trust me."
They carried on in appreciative silence for a little while longer till they reached the brow of a hill; overlooking Badon Hill and the forest that stretched down to meet it. Eiger smiled over at his daughter and pulled her small frame towards him; shielding her from the cold. Jocosta snuggled into his warm embrace and moved her head up to look at him, questioning the sparkling gleam in his eyes. He extended a finger out towards the fort and Jocosta followed his gaze with wonder. Shafts of golden sunlight began stretching out over the shadow of the fort and gliding slowly up over the forest; setting it on fire with golden brilliance and glinting off the snow and ice covering its' canopy.
"It's beautiful." Jocosta breathed out; her voice hushed as though if she spoke too loud the spell would be broken.
Eiger pressed a light kiss onto her head and hugged her tightly as they watched the sunrise silently over the fort.
"I'm sure Day will be missing you so I thought we could take a ride out today." He said casually and laughed out loud as her deep green eyes' widened and a smile crept across her face.
"Oh father!" She cried and threw herself into his arms, causing more laughter to erupt between the two of them.
Dagonet shuffled quietly around the infirmary, trying not to wake the occupants of the room but still clean up Arthur. The wound had stopped bleeding which was a good sign and Dagonet just hoped the stitches wouldn't become infected so he cleaned them methodically. Arthur had yet to wake which was good as Dagonet could take his time and not have to worry about his commander wriggling about and causing trouble.
He looked over to Anise's bed which was nearby and smiled at the sight of her wrapped tightly in Gawain's arms. He had found them like that this morning and hadn't the heart to wake them as they looked so peaceful.
"Hmm…" Grunted Arthur hoarsely as he rolled over onto Dagonet's hand, who gave him an annoyed frown. "Oh sorry Dagonet." He murmured sleepily as the Knight rolled him back and recovered his hand.
"This is why I try to do it when you're asleep. Keeps you out of trouble." He muttered humorously and continued to clean the stitching before binding Arthur up once again. "You should be able to go for a wander today. But you are to have someone with you at all times and you must wrap up warm as it's snowed." He warned Arthur sternly and his commander sighed with a smile.
The doors to the infirmary were suddenly swung open and Arthur squinted at the silhouettes of 3 men framed in the doorway; the sun creating a heavenly aura around them. Arthur frowned at them for a moment till they walked forward and he gave a look of horror at Dagonet.
"Him?" Arthur asked distraughtly as he looked at a mischievous Lancelot.
Dagonet simply nodded with an amused smile and chuckled as the promiscuous Knight made his way over to a horrified looking Arthur.
"Healing up well are we Arthur?" Lancelot asked with a smirk and patted him on the shoulder.
"Hmm, and I'm all the better for seeing you." Came the muttered reply, to which Lancelot simply laughed.
"Artorius!" Bors shouted brazenly and whacked Arthur over the back as the commander tried to sit up in his bed. "How ya doin? You've been missing out on all the fun mate!" He laughed loudly and sat down on the end of Arthur's bed, causing it to dip heavily.
"Not too bad Bors. Yourself and Vanora?" enquired Arthur with a smile at his brute of a friend.
"Yeah, the bastards got us running around though as usual." Bors replied heartily and proceeded to shout at some playing outside with a local dog.
All those present laughed as the children scarpered and turned back to Arthur.
"Eiger is coming today Arthur, he said he was bringing someone with him." Galahad declared as a welcome and stuck his tongue out at Lancelot who muttered something like 'that was my news' under his breath.
"Ah good." Remarked Arthur and looked around the room in confusion for a moment. "Where's Tristan and Day?" He asked in quiet surprise but caught on as the other Knights gave him wicked grins and Lancelot cleared his throat importantly.
"So come on Arthur, best be getting you dressed. There's much fun to be had today!" He exclaimed with a smirk and Arthur simply shook his head at what could possibly be in store for him.
Dagonet had drawn a screen around Gawain and Anise before the others had come in, to give them some much needed privacy.
"Morning." Murmured Gawain into Anise's neck as he pressed light kisses down her throat.
Anise smiled and opened her eyes drowsily to eye him with amusement. He paused briefly in his travels and looked up at her with a wink as he moved up to kiss her properly.
"Good morning." She replied once they had broken apart and smiled as he toyed languidly with one of her tight curls.
He had crept into the infirmary last night, being careful not to disturb Arthur and had climbed into bed beside her. They had whispered to each other briefly; speaking of Gawain's jealousy and Anise's reassurance before they had eventually fallen asleep. He had felt better after his talk with her and wanted her to be back on her feet as soon as possible.
Gawain decided it was time for him to get up and removed himself from the bed, before sitting back down heavily to pull on his boots. Anise played with his long hair as he sat on the edge of the bed before calling Dagonet around.
"When can I get up?" She implored him and the towering Knight smiled down at her.
"If you feel strong enough you can leave the infirmary today as I see no reason for you to stay here." Dagonet answered and Anise immediately brightened. "But," he added sternly. "You are to not over exert yourself. So only paced walks for the moment and then in a few days you can begin training again….among other things." He added hastily and excused himself from the room.
"Well let's get you back to our chamber and then you can see the snow." Gawain exclaimed happily, swinging her up into his arms and wrapping a blanket around her as they exited the infirmary.
A light tapping sounded on Tristan's door and he groaned at the intrusive noise.
"Who is it?" He grunted drowsily and raised his head to look towards the door.
"It's Galahad." Came the voice form the other side of the door. "I just wished to tell Lady Day that her father and guest shall be arriving sometime later this morning." Galahad called quietly through the door.
"Thank you Galahad!" called back Day as she snuggled into Tristan and softly nuzzled him under the ear.
Tristan waited till Galahad's footsteps had disappeared before he kissed the young woman and rolled her against his chest; wrapping his muscular arms round her waist and staring at her intently. Day stared back with her large emerald orbs and sighed contentedly into his chest.
"Who do you think it could be?" Tristan's deep rumble vibrated against her chest and she revelled in the movement.
"Jocosta!" Screamed Day as she ran towards the girl dismounting her father's horse.
"Day!" came the reply yell and the young girl flung herself at her sister; embroiling herself into her sister's arms.
The Knights looked on in mild surprise from their position around the courtyard and Eiger smiled warmly at Arthur.
"You're well I see." He commented genially as he shook Arthur's hand and watched his two daughters.
Arthur made the connection a moment later and smiled kindly upon the scene.
"They're very much alike." He commented and Eiger nodded absentmindedly.
"They always were. Very much like their mother." The Woad replied and greeted Day with open arms as she made her way towards him.
"Father." She breathed contentedly into his chest and he pulled her back so he could look at her beaming face.
"I see the Knight has been taking good care of you." He murmured with a smile and looked over to where Tristan stood stoically.
Day nodded her head enthusiastically and Eiger chuckled at her reaction before turning back to Arthur.
The two leaders talked for a moment before setting off towards the Table Room, followed by a grumbling Lancelot and an ever brooding Dagonet.
Day watched them go before turning to her younger sister and glancing over her quickly.
"I'm so glad to see you Day." Murmured Jocosta happily as Day linked hands with her and led her excitedly over towards the other Knights who had gathered around the tavern. They all turned accordingly as the pair approached and smiled at Day's beaming face.
"Everybody this is my little sister, Jocosta." She announced proudly and everyone stood to welcome the girl and introduce themselves. Jocosta greeted them all timidly and couldn't help but notice the looks exchanged by her sister and the ominous Knight called Tristan. The deadly Knight had greeted Jocosta quietly, but she had seen the happy glimmer in his deep and intense eyes and the shadow of a smile on his lips. The teen had looked up at her sister who was seemingly lost in his eyes before Galahad was introduced to her.
Jocosta smiled at him and greeted him warmly as she had done with everyone but there was something niggling her about him. He looked so familiar, his hair and his face. She was sure she had seen it somewhere before…but where? Suddenly it hit her like a slap round the face and she couldn't stop herself from uttering her recollection.
"Loire." She whispered so softly Galahad wasn't sure if he'd heard her right, but from the look on her face and the fear in her eyes he knew he had.
A flash of pain flickered across his eyes and Jocosta watched with intrigue and sorrow at his reaction. Galahad straightened quickly and returned to his seat next to Gawain; looking rather confused and distressed. She knew something and he wanted to find out what it was.
Day had been talking to Anise and so had missed the exchange and instead smiled down at her sister, totally oblivious. Jocosta grinned back and let herself be led away to the warmth of the fort, glancing back to meet Galahad's eyes.
"Can't I please stay here for a while father? Please!" Jocosta pleaded with her imploring eyes and Eiger sighed at his daughter's pleas.
He turned to look at Arthur who watched with some amusement and nodded his head with a smile. Eiger thanked the commander graciously as Jocosta jumped around in glee and hugged her father tightly.
"Thank you Arthur Castus!" She beamed and resigned herself to shaking his hand as he was injured.
He laughed at her joy and thanked Eiger for his time of formulating defences with the integration of Woad clans.
"Don't worry father I'll keep an eye on her. She can stay in my chamber with me." Day laughed as her father eyed them warily before hugging them both.
"Any trouble Jocosta and you'll be straight home." He warned sternly but laughed at his daughter's serious face and stroked her russet locks before kissing them both goodbye.
"Send Gryfn my love." Day called as Eiger waved them goodbye and left the Table room.
"Gryfn?" asked Lancelot with a questioning frown from his seat next to Arthur.
"Our brother." Replied Day casually and watched Lancelot shrug and relax back into his chair.
"How old are you Lady Jocosta?" Arthur asked gently as he watched Day hug the girl into her side.
"Almost 15 summers Arthur Castus." Stated Jocosta with a shy smile and felt her sister's hand on her shoulder.
"You can just call me Arthur." Chuckled Arthur kindly and was surprised by the answer he received.
"And you can all just call me Jocosta. Lady isn't to my liking." She replied laughingly and earned a laugh from the three men in the Table room and a pinch from her sister.
Jocosta shot her an indignant grin as Day excused them both from the room and showed her to their chamber.
"This is where you shall be staying." Day told her softly as she showed her the room and received a warm hug from her sister. They had always been close and Jocosta looked up to Day. Day had taught her to fight, had taught her to sing, and had been like a mother to her, to Gryfn too. The two embraced in loving silence for a while longer till Jocosta spied over her sister's shoulder and spotted a chamber opposite.
"Sister?" Jocosta enquired innocently. "Whose chamber is that?"
Day turned to see what she was talking about and smiled softly at the door.
"That is Sir Tristan's chamber." Day replied before glaring at her sister's small smile and pushing her towards the basin. "C'mon wash up and then I can do your hair before we can go and spend some time with the Knights." Day said with a smile and took to helping her sister into a dress rather than her leather Woad clothing.
A/N: Lol its a whole family reunion lol, next we'll be getting Eiger aunty's cousin twice removed turning up and joining in the fun lol. Ooo so Jocosta holds a secret that Galahad wants to know, but what ever could it be? And whats gonna happen with all this snow around? Heh heh heh -mischievious grin- I might try and have some fun with the next chapter lol. Thanks x