A huge thank you to MedievalWarriorPrincess, Knightmaiden, Morwen12 and Lucilla for all your kind words. It means so much. Hope you all continue to enjoy this tale.

WARNING - It is not my intention to offend anyone and I would be mortified if I ever did.

But this story is rated 'M' and the following chapter is the reason why. Therefore I take this moment to warn readers that this is a rather unpleasant chapter in parts, which contains swearing and violence of a strong sexual nature.

If this upsets or offends you in any way, please DO NOT read.

CHAPTER 5

Prue stifled a weary yawn as she straightened the last of the tavern benches & stools. Rubbing her tired, swollen eyes gently with her hands, she made her way back into the kitchen where she had stood with Dagonet, just a few short hours ago. What had passed between them seemed almost a dream now to Prue and she wished desperately that it had been so.

Vanora had left much earlier on that evening, escorting an intoxicated and enamoured Bors back home to their bed. Prue had smiled as she watched them stumble away together; Bors slobbering his vows of eternal love & sloppy, drunken kisses all over Vanora as she laughingly pushed his face away.

"I lave ya, Vanora…..I really lave ya, ya know that?" he drawled, eyes half closed and his face flushed from drink as he swayed and staggered, held up only by Vanora's tiny frame.

Much to Prue's relief, the last of the stragglers in the tavern that night had finally made their way to their beds and she was now thankfully alone.

There was nothing left to do now, in the tavern, but despite her exhausted body and mind, there would be no sleep for Prue tonight. She dropped down wearily on a stool that stood next to the large wooden table in the centre of the kitchen. The night had not gone well.

She rested her aching head upon her hands and stared absently into the dying embers of the stove fire as she reflected on all that had evolved that night.

What a fool she was to have thrown away the chance of happiness Dagonet had laid at her feet. And for what? Her senseless adoration of that cold-hearted Scout!

But it was no use trying to fool her own heart; the first thought of that damned man set her spirit racing, despite her exhausted body. If only he hadn't touched her, then maybe she would be with Dagonet right now.

She shivered at the memory of Tristan's hand upon her own. It had felt so warm and strong just as she had imagined it would as she lay in the secrecy of her bed, night after night, dreaming of those same hands caressing her body. How she yearned for his touch. Closing her eyes she allowed herself a secret moment of pleasure as she lay next to her scout, his hot lips trailing down the length of her body.

She let out a gentle sigh of arousal as she glided her hands over her forehead and slowly down the length of her long tawny hair.

"Shall I take it…..from that sigh at your lips; He did not disappoint you, Madam?"

Prue jumped up from her chair! Her chest pounding, she swung round to see a dark and familiar silhouette stood leaning in the dimly lit doorway behind her. She had not heard his approach and wondered frantically how long he had been there.

Prue was stunned into silence for a moment and before she could gather the breath to speak, the intruder spoke once more in an equally low and sarcastic tone.

"Forgive me, my lady. I startled you, how rude and un-chivalrous of me!"

The voice was calm but Prue could sense a dangerous snarl lurking deep down within and she trembled a little as she watched the figure lean up from the door frame and begin to saunter deliberately over towards her. The slight, uncharacteristic waver in his step sending another shiver of unease, rippling through her body.

He stopped when he reached the table.

"As you know, I have never possessed the good manners you 'ladies' admire so much in a man." His tone grew chillingly dark as he snorted contemptuously "A man, say… like my dear friend, Dag!"

The deliberate jibe at Dagonet sent an angry rush through Prue enabling her to quickly gather her courage. She pulled herself up tall and snapped back

"What do you want, Tristan?"

She watched him as he stood with his shaggy, braided head tilted downward to his chest, carelessly running a finger up and down the table-top. His face was emotionless, his eyes she could not see.

At the sound of her voice he turned his head to look at her. The glowing embers of the dying fire reflected in his dark and forbidding eyes and Prue could see a tempest brewing. Nerves again took hold of her senses and she swallowed involuntarily as the realisation of Tristan's precarious mood swept over her.

He advanced silently towards her and then, slowly and deliberately, began to circle where she stood. Prue stayed motionless as he stole his way around her. She sensed all to completely what dangerous humour he bore, but despite herself, the closeness of his body to hers left her tense and trembling all over with anticipation of his touch.

He prowled menacingly around his prey, his deadly gaze rising and falling across the full length of her quivering body. Never in his life had he desired anything the way in which he desired this woman before him now. The ache in his loins stirred the thoughts with every step of how it would feel wrapped tightly between her long, beautiful legs. The ecstasy it would be to thrust himself deep inside her and hear her scream with passion. He swallowed as his mouth began to water.

She could hear the steady pant of his breath; she could feel his eyes brushing the hot skin beneath her clothes. She knew his thoughts and was both aroused and terrified by it.

With a quiet, disturbing laugh he leaned close and whispered in her ear "What do I want?"

At the sound of his voice Prue closed her eyes; she could sense his growing desire and the knowledge of it rendered her breathless.

She lifted her trembling dark lashes and looked upon him as he came around again to face her. A small gasp escaped from her lips as he reached out and carefully took a lock of her tawny hair in his long slender fingers and leaning his face so close to her own, she felt him breathe in her scent. With the intimacy of the moment, Prue felt her body begin to respond. She was powerless to protest as a dull throb began to pulse between her thighs. Her body ached for his touch. So close was he now, that Prue felt the whiskers upon his chin gently stroke against her soft white cheek. She impulsively moved her mouth towards his, desperate to feel his lips upon hers.

As she did so, Prue smelt the alcohol upon his hot breath.

Then, viciously and without warning Tristan's hand shot out and seized her delicate chin. He grasped her face tightly and with a whispered fury hissed

"I can still smell that son-of-a-bitch all over you!"

Prue gave a startled cry of pain, and then instinctively smacked his hand away from her face.

"You drunk, animal thing you!" she screamed "What manner of man are you? Get out! Just get out!"

Tristan stared at her, an unwavering steely glare. Then, stepping up close again and snarled "I'm warning you woman, do not provoke my temper. You shall unleash the devil in me and I will not be responsible for my actions"

Ignoring his threats, Prue angrily replied

"How dare you treat me this way? I am not one of your penny whores!"

"Oh, I don't know" he retorted with a deadly smile on his whiskered lips "The only difference I can see is that I'd get you on your back for free"

With an almighty crack, Prue struck the scout across his insufferable face. It took him completely by surprise but as the sting from the blow raged through his cheek, he stayed deadly still. The only movement he made was to run his tongue along his mouth to taste the sweetness of the tiny droplet of blood that oozed from his lip.

Prue, wide eyed and gasping with hurt and shame, made a move to escape the room but there would be no escape from the hunter tonight.

"Where you going, little rabbit!" Tristan snarled as his hands shot out and seized her shoulders; She heard the rip of her dress as he dragged her back and swinging her off her feet he slammed her weightless body up against the wall as if she were a mere rag doll.

He wanted to hurt her so badly at that moment, he wanted to her to feel pain like the agony he suffered thinking of Dagonet's hands caressing her beautiful body. His head was throbbing madly and his heart tearing into pieces, treacherously fuelled by the lethal combine of jealousy and alcohol. He wanted to take her now, wanted to pound every last memory of that bastard's touch from her flesh!

She thought him no better than an untamed animal; he would show her just what a wild and pitiless beast he really was, alright. He would have her beg at his feet for his mercy.

But even then, as he looked once again into her wide and terrified eyes and saw the glistening tears trickle down upon the skin of her delicate neck, he felt flames love tearing wildly through his rampant fury, imploring him to stop. But it was too late, so lost was he now in his vehement passion. He had too taste those tears.

Her body ached with pain as he leaned so heavily upon her, she could barely move. She felt his raging lust as he feverishly began to kiss her throat that was now wet with tears. His hot, passionate mouth moving down hungrily to her now, bare shoulder. It wasn't enough for him. He had to have more. Tristan grabbed the tattered flap of her dress collar and tore at it viciously until he had his prize. My god she was so beautiful. He gave out a pleasured groan at the sight of her rounded heaving breasts.

"Please don't! Tristan please…." Pleaded Prue desperately, as she struggled vainly to free herself from his grasp, her terrified heart pounding rapidly as he held her pinned with his powerful, lean hands.

He tore his gaze from her body and looked into her pleading, tear filled eyes. All was silent for a moment. Silent, except for the rhythmic heaving breath of both as they eyed each other closely. Tristan then shook his head slowly and growled in a low, husky voice,

"No! I know you want me. I can see it; I can feel it….. I can smell it. Dagonet may have won you now but tonight you are mine, woman!"

He kissed her mouth with his scorching, ravenous lips and Prue could feel her own arousal stirring again, burning and moist between her legs. She was in a confused state of fear and lust. It wasn't supposed to be like this. This was not what she had always imagined between them. She knew this was wrong but she wanted him so badly. Her urgency filled her with shame. This was a wanton lust she had never experienced and in her innocence, did not fully understand.

His tongue searched furiously around her mouth, she tasted so wonderful.

"Say you want me." He whispered between passionate kisses." Say It!"

Letting up his grip with one hand, she felt him reach down, grabbing frantically at the hems of her dress. He yanked up the material exposing the milky white flesh of her trembling thighs. Forcing one leg between hers he prised them apart whilst his eager hand feverishly caressed her skin, moving closer and closer up towards the heat between her legs.

Prue let out a moan and gasped "God help me!" as Tristan's finger tips found her silky wetness throbbing and inviting him in. Her head was reeling and she was totally unaware of Tristan fumbling expertly at the ties & buckles of his breeches.

It was then she felt the searing pain tear through her body as Tristan ruthlessly plunged his throbbing, length into her. She cried out in agony as he thrust mercilessly over & over again, Tristan groaned wildly, every carnal stroke robbing her of her innocence. The desire he had awakened in her fled from her body from the first taste of pain and as he continued his frantic and cruel pounding of her virgin body, she plummeted into a sphere of hurt & fear.

It hadn't lasted long before Tristan fell from her trembling & gasping, sweat pouring from his brow. But it had been an eternity for Prue.

Tristan thumped back upon the wall gasping, his body totally spent and rapid breath & racing heart slowly calming. For a moment he was lost, his mind still tumbling painfully, then his confused thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a tiny, quivering voice.

"Why?..."

Being drawn reluctantly back to reality, sobriety fought its way back, bringing with it a sudden, furious sense of disgrace. Hardly daring to turn his head, he looked upon Prue who still stood by his side, her head hanging down, her tiny trembling hands clutching together the tattered dress vainly trying to cover her modesty. He heard a little sob escape her lips and he felt such shame.

What had he done? What sort of demon was he? He hadn't thought to find her untouched, truly he hadn't. Did that make what he'd done any less wicked? So consumed with jealousy and rage was he, hadn't he wanted to punish her? Hadn't he wanted to hurt her and make her suffer? Hadn't he wanted to make her scream and beg him for pity? All he had thought of was his own selfish lust, the moment he had entered her body and felt himself tear into her maidenhood he could have stopped, couldn't he? He knew the pain he was inflicting upon her, but instead of showing the kindness and tenderness a lover should, the feel of it had inflamed his carnal appetite even more, driving him on cruelly & viciously. He was an animal. He was the worst kind of animal.

Contempt & disgust swept through him in overwhelming haste, leaving him nauseous. Tristan slid down the wall to the floor and dropped his reprehensible head upon his bended knees and began to weep for the first time in his life.

Prue, her body aching and sore, her heart full of shame, felt like a wounded bird in the clutches of a wild-cat as she stood in the now silent and oppressive room. Her legs trembled, threatening to give way beneath her but she fought with every last grain of dignity she had left, to stand tall and brave.

She gathered her courage and made a move to leave but just as she did, Tristan sunk to the floor and to her bewilderment; she heard the sound of weeping.

Against all reasonable sense, instead of fleeing the room, the spectacle had forced Prue to stop before him. The terrifying beast was gone and all that was left before her now was a broken little boy. As she watched him weep she could hear mumbled cries of regret and pleas for forgiveness. Instinctively she reached out and lifted his bowed head from his knees. Tristan hadn't realised her still there and gave a slight start at the touch of her hands.

Prue stared into his shamed, pain filled eyes. Motionless for a moment, she then slapped him swiftly and violently across his face. Tristan sat there stunned, his cheek burning but welcoming the pain, longing for anything to cleanse his guilt as the blow became two then three, then a raging attack.

Prue struck him over and over with every ounce of strength she had left, until she finally collapsed into a heap of exhausted heart broken sobs before him. Scrambling up weakly from the floor, she turned to flee. Tristan immediately threw himself toward her, desperately grabbing at her dress. Catching his hold he dragged the distraught woman back in to his arms and held her sobbing to his breast. He was panting wildly again. He knew if he let her go now he would loose her forever. She struggled in his grasp but he refused to let go. All the time desperately begging her forgiveness and swearing his love.

Slowly her frantic struggles and sobs began to quieten and eventually she lay still and peaceful in his arms. They stayed this way for what seemed an age, Tristan never once letting her from his embrace.

Prue, now calm leant up for Tristan's arms. She felt his momentary panic as he tightened his grip, afraid she would run from him once more but then Prue's whispered words of assurance, allowing him the nerve to reluctantly let go his hold.

Prue stared into the scout's tear stained face and saw how wretched & shameful he looked. Gingerly, she reached out and pushed aside the shaggy braids from his eyes and wiped away the tears from his tattooed cheeks.

Tristan stared back with wonder. He saw the love still there in her eyes and it tortured his soul to see it so.

"How can you bear to even look at me, Prue?" he whispered huskily. "I have done you such wrong"

She knew she should want to scorn him, spit at him, and run him through with a blade. But for all dishonour and hurt he had inflicted, the sound of this man's tears drove away any such feelings of hatred and vengeance. She did not know why she felt this way and at that moment, didn't really care.

She felt a wave of compassion and reaching out gently once more, took his whiskered face in her tiny hands.

For a short time she did not answer him but continued to hold his gaze and then replied,

"I love you, Tristan. I have always loved you. If that be my cross to bear, then so be it. You hold my heart and soul, my lord and I am powerless to fight it"

Her words crushed at his heart and seizing the moment he reached out and kissed her sweet mouth with the lips of a gentle lover.

"I am no better than the dirt at your feet, my lady. I do not deserve one such as you" he whispered and kissed her again.

Tristan realised what a rare and precious gift he had now in his hands. This woman, this beautiful woman, whom he had offended and dishonoured in the most wicked way a man could – had sat before him and declared her ceaseless love. He knew from very moment that he loved her more than life itself.

"I swear to you" He spoke earnestly, taking her face gently in both of his hands and looking deep into her glistening, brown eyes "I shall never hurt you again. I shall spend my life proving myself worthy of your love and your forgiveness, my sweet lady"

Prue felt her heart come alive, unfolding like the petals of a new spring blossom at the sound of those words. "You have always had my love, Tristan and forever shall."

Tristan rose from the floor and quickly gathered Prue up in his arms. Carefully, he carried her out of the tavern and across the courtyard to his room. She felt so light in his arms; he felt he could almost glide. As he reached the door he stopped and looked down at the woman in his arms.

"Please do not fear me, I will not touch you, you have my word. I need only to have you close to me."

Prue smiled up at the scout and considered how beautiful he looked, his face so earnest and full of emotion.

Her smile was all he needed to see and he carried her through the door.

They had lain together through out the night; Tristan wrapped around her body, his head nuzzled amongst her soft brown hair, whispering words of love in her ear. He felt so safe and content for the first time in his empty life. He vowed to himself over & over that he would never let this wonderful woman go. True to his promise, he had made no advances upon her. He just held her close to him, afraid she may slip through his fingers at any moment

When Prue had shuffled around in his arms to face him, he felt his heart soar. Without a word she kissed him, the gentle touch slowly building into a deep, passionate embrace.

She needed to know what love really felt like; she wanted desperately to show him her love and to have him show her his in return. Tristan was in no doubt of her silent call, but still cautiously asked

"Are you sure, my lady?"

She had nodded shyly and then with the utmost tenderness and care, Tristan began to make love to her. Every now and then she would hear him whisper "are you alright, am I hurting you?"

This was the man she had fallen so deeply in love with. This generous, loving, beautiful man. She always knew he was there somewhere behind that cold and emotionless facade and at last she had found him.

In his whole life he had never experienced emotion such as this with a woman. Such selfless pleasure. The longing to please her. The need to touch her and to be touched by her. Hearing her gasps of delight as he kissed her body and caressed her warm flesh made him breathless from his power. When he entered her so slowly, gently and a little nervously to begin with, she had cried out with desire and he felt such a rush of love and pleasure, never before known to him. She had entwined her legs so tightly around his body, thrusting herself up faster and faster to meet his every stroke. At the feel of her body's trembling climax and her cries of rapture, Tristan felt his own release bursting forth and shuddering with ecstasy, he finally collapsed breathless and sobbing into her loving arms.

For what remained of the night, Tristan lay like a child, in the comfort of her embrace as she lovingly stroked his hair and they whispered words of devotion to one another. This was what he had been searching for all his life. He hadn't known it until now. His soul had been nothing more than an empty vessel but she had come along and re-awakened his long dead spirit and he loved her so.

---------------

With the dawn light bursting through the room, Prue had stirred a little. Her lashes gently flickered open and she became aware that she lay alone. She shot up in the bed a little distressed but quickly gave a sigh of relief as she spied Tristan, sat naked on the end of the bed, stitching away at her torn dress with a concentrated frown upon his brow.

The sight of him made her giggle and he smiled at the sound as he turned to look at her.

"I'm much more used to stitching flesh, but it's the same principle" he spoke as he continued his task.

She regarded him in silence for sometime. What a magnificent looking man he was. She watched the ripple of every perfect muscle in his slender white body, as he worked away. Her eyes traced the journey of the scars upon that body, each telling their own tale of pain and suffering past. She wanted to go to him now and kiss away the memory of every one.

He was beautiful and he was hers, she thought with loving pride.

All of a sudden, the sound of loud rapping upon the wooden door snapped Prue from her thoughts.

She heard Gawain's familiar voice call out.

"Tristan! Get your stuff together, my friend. Arthur's called an urgent meeting at the table."

She heard Tristan grunt in reply. He put down his stitching and then began to dress himself. Prue felt an unease creep through her body. An urgent calling of the knights to the round table could only spell one thing. Dear Lord, she had found him at last and now he was to leave her again.

There was silence between them the whole time Tristan was putting on his clothes and Prue thought he was about to leave her without a single word. But as he reached the door he turned to look at her. The dark look on his features told Prue that he was feeling the same pain as she.

"Prue, I am a difficult man, I know and I have a difficult life. Things can not always be as wonderful as these last few hours have been. I have nothing of value to give to you; I am not even free to give you my name. But you will always have my heart, always. Remember that."

With those words he smiled lovingly at his woman and then was gone.