Thank you so much for the lovely reviews everyone. I can't tell you how nervous I was posting that one.
Lady Marek and Lucilla, It was a rather long chapter but I knew I couldn't leave it at the rape scene, I'm so glad you thought so too – I felt that they had to deal with it there and then, in their own way, whilst their emotions, especially Tristan's, were in such turmoil. I think if Prue had gotten away, then it would have been over – Tristan would have withdrawn again and walled up his feelings, if he'd had been given the space to calm down and her love would have ultimately turned into hatred. I was worried that maybe readers wouldn't see that and think it rather unrealistic that she stayed. I am so happy that I manage to evoke a little sympathy for Tristan or it would never have worked!phew!
Thank you Knightmaiden, I hope they stay together – They both deserve a little happiness, we'll just have to see!
Morwen22 –Thank you so much, I so happy that you're still enjoying this.
MedievalWarriorPrincess – what can I say? Me thinks Dag would definitely swing his big axe right on his head if he ever finds out! Your right! LOL! Thank you so very, very much for the wonderful words. I'm thrilled that you thought Tristan 'right' in that chapter. I was concerned that fellow scout lovers may not like that I portrayed him in such a way but I did try hard to show the emotion and pain he was going through as well, in order to separate the crime from a mere heartless, animal attack. Deep gratitude to you and everyone for reading.
Summary: I originally finished the story there, but then decided I wanted to know what happened to Prue and Tristan, so a month or so later I wrote a little more and this is the beiginning, along with some much needed improvements to my writing:)
The following takes place some twelve months later…………..
CHAPTER 6
The magnificent grey charger thundered across the soft ground which was sodden from the day's earlier torrential downpour. The wet earth flung wildly from its hooves with every stride.
Sweat boiled down the stallion's powerful flanks and hot saliva flew from its foaming, snarling mouth as the rider pushed him on faster and faster.
For 2 days and nights the Scout had driven him on mercilessly and now, nostrils flaring wildly with every heart-bursting intake of breath, the steed could finally smell the journey's end ever closer and the knowledge of it was all that kept his courageous spirit racing.
By the time Tristan reached the Fortress, the daylight had long since slipped away and a full and shimmering moon had guided him safely back to the only place he could call home.
On reaching the torch lit courtyard, the exhausted Scout gently pulled his mount to a steady halt and eased himself from the saddle, his body aching with relief.
"Welcome back, my Lord." came a hushed voice from behind him. The familiar sound of the ever faithful Jols brought a slight smile to Tristan's lips as he turned and nodded his greeting.
"All is well Jols, since I have been gone?" He asked as he began to unbuckle the filthy, wet cloak from his shoulders - handing it to Jols, as the man replied.
"All is well my Lord, yes. Your Commander still stirs in his quarters if you wish to see him."
Tristan let out a weary sigh as he stood, absently scratching his chest and pondering on his next move. He would have to take council with Arthur now, damn it. He had hoped that with the late hour of his arrival, all his comrades would be asleep in their beds and his report could have waited until the morning. He should have known Arthur would be unable to rest until he returned.
Tristan was shattered, starving, soaked to the bone and utterly filthy. He glanced across the way to the door that led to his own room. All he wanted was to go there now, to the comfort of his lady's arms. He longed to be encircled in their warmth and safety. He craved their touch.
He missed her so, as he always missed her. His sanctuary waited just beyond that door, but unhappily, he must suffer it's elusion a while longer yet.
Jols had taken hold of the exhausted stallion's reins and was now about to lead him back towards the stable.
Tristan gave the steed a loving pat and caressed his down turned ear. Such a courageous spirit, that stallion of his. Tristan had thought often what a magnificent warrior he must have been in his previous time in this world. He owed him his life many times over. Apart from his woman and his hawk, the grey stallion was the only other thing in his life for which Tristan had ever felt any true emotion.
He watched Jols's retreat with the horse and called out
"Take good care of him, Jols. He has more heart and soul than the lot of us put together."
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"Tristan! So good to see you my friend, come in, sit down. You must be hungry. I'll have Jols bring you some food" Arthur stretched out his hand in offer of a chair which sat close to a roaring fireplace.
Tristan shook his head as he stood in the doorway, his hands resting one over the other in front of him.
"I can wait. Jols is busy in the stables at present." He replied in his usual low, even tone.
"Sit down, man. Tell me what you have to report." Arthur motioned once more to a chair opposite his own.
"I prefer to stand, Arthur. I have been in the saddle for two days, my ass welcomes the relief."
Arthur gave a short laugh and began to pour a goblet of wine. Moving over to his most trusted Scout he offered him the refreshment. Tristan took the drink and swallowed a mouth full. He much preferred ale to this putrid Roman poison, but at that moment, anything tasted good.
Arthur regarded Tristan in silence, giving him a moment to drink his wine. Although it did not show, Arthur knew the impatience in which his knight stood before him now.
He had been truly concerned when the knowledge that Tristan had taken a lover had reached him. Arthur did not like the idea of his men forming singular attachments outside of the brotherhood. He believed it could prove a dangerous distraction. It was bad enough when Bors had fallen captive to that pretty red-headed Vanora, but Tristan! Tristan of all people!
Arthur had been astounded when he learnt of the Scout's union with the tavern girl. Never could he have foreseen such a thing. Sullen, silent, emotionless Tristan. Cold-hearted killer and his most expert and trustworthy knight. He trusted him with his life – would he still be able to if his thoughts were a prisoner of love? Love! If this woman had managed to reach in and capture Tristan's iron heart, it was a serious situation.
Arthur had been deeply concerned and even considered ordering Tristan to severe the relationship. But sense had prevailed and he had decided to wait and see what transpired. Rightly so, it now seemed.
Tristan never once faltered in his loyalty and duty. Much to his commander's relief, he was the just same as he always had been - a ruthless, skilled killer, flawless scout and the usual irritatingly quiet & distant comrade. Although, when away from their garrison, Arthur had noticed that of all his knights, Tristan was now the one to suggest they ride just that little further before they set up camp for the night and encouraged them all to rise, just that bit earlier in the mornings. But, Arthur had decided, that was perhaps not such a bad thing.
What he was like behind the door of his room with his woman was anyone's guess.
"So, my friend" Arthur said at length, "You have been gone almost two weeks. What news?"
"There are rumours and unrest amongst the villages all along the North Eastern borders." Tristan offered "They say the Woads are becoming bolder, raids more frequent. They are being sighted more often, no less than a few miles from the wall."
"Did you see any evidence of this yourself, Tristan?" Arthur asked, an inquisitive frown forming on his brow.
"Some…. but they proved easy pickings"
A knowing smile glimmered at the corner of Arthur's mouth and then was gone as he continued with his inquiry.
"Any idea why this is happening now?"
"The talk is that the Woads have a new chieftain. Goes by the name of Merlin. They believe him some sort of mystical being, a conjurer of magic – it is this that stokes the blue bastards' courage, I think."
Tristan had now drained the goblet in his hand and waited wearily for the next question. All the time hiding behind his much practised cloak of indifference, his desperate wish to be out of this room and instead nestled against his lady's warm & consoling breast.
Arthur considered Tristan's last statement carefully. He didn't like the sound of it, not one bit. At length he asked
"What do you think, Tristan? Do you believe him to be what they say?"
Tristan gave an amused grunt as he leant forward and placed down the empty goblet upon a table by the wall. "I say… if it breathes, you can kill it"
Arthur laughed, his mood lifted greatly as always, by Tristan's unfaltering reason.
"Thank you Tristan. I shall keep you no longer. Go now and get some rest. You look a wreck!" Tristan nodded his thanks and turned to leave. "And get a bath man, before you go to that poor woman of yours! You look & smell like a rancid dog!"
"Why do you think she likes me?" Tristan replied as he closed the door behind him.
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Tristan crept into the room without a sound. Lifting away the curved sword upon his back and unbuckling his heavy leather tunic, he lay them silently down upon the floor where he now stood. He breathed in deeply. He could smell the scent of his woman and he closed his eyes momentarily at the thought. The taste of her began to flame his spirit and reawakened his shattered body once more.
He stole quietly over towards the sounds of her breathing, discarding his clothing as he went. The feel of his hungry gaze stirred Prue from her slumber and even in the darkness she knew instantly that her wolf had returned to its lair.
She caught her breath as her lashes fluttered open. The room was still and shrouded in darkness but listening intently she could just hear the whisper of his steady breathing. She smiled and trembled slightly in anticipation as she waited for his inevitable strike. This had always been one of his favourite games.
At last he pounced! Prue let out a hysterical scream of laughter that echoed all around the Keep, as he leapt upon her and playfully ravished and nipped at her neck.
In the very next room, lying comfortably entwined between two heavenly voluptuous bodies, Gawain, stirred from his contented slumber. Hearing the shrieks and laughter, a smile crossed his lips. "Ah, the Scout has returned" he mumbled as he eased his body round to bury his head against a most welcome bosom on his left.
Kissing Prue now, with feverish lips, Tristan fell onto his back and pulled her across him. There was no wasting time with foreplay and long, teasing caresses. Their hunger for one another was agonizing. Prue sat up and climbed across his body immediately, rejoicing in the sound of her lover's ecstatic groan as she felt him slide deep into her already hot, moist and demanding body. She took complete command of every move, riding him expertly as he grasped her raring, pounding hips - pulling her down to meet his ravenous lust faster and harder.
Throwing back her head she squealed her delight as she heard Tristan's passionate roar and felt his explosive release burst through her body.
"My God……!" she panted feverishly, feeling the rapid rise of her own almost unbearable peak of ecstasy. With a violent tremble, she fell forward into his arms gasping and panting, rivers of perspiration tumbling down her hot, and quivering body.
They lay as such, silently for a moment, their voracious passion now easing to a contented air of calm. Then, Prue slid gently from her lover and snuggled down more comfortably into the crook of his arm. Neither spoke, both preferring to just bask in the joy of their intimacy. Prue soothingly circled her finger amongst the familiar dark curls upon Tristan's chest.
"I love you Tristan." She whispered as she reached up and touched his face. All she could hear now was the gentle rise and fall of his breath.
Prue smiled and shook her head lovingly. She tenderly leaned up and placed a whisper of a kiss upon his lips, and then she joined her lover in his slumber.