Out of Darkness Comes the Light - Chapter 24
Disclaimer: I don't own anything or anyone you may recognize. I don't even own the title. If you think I have ripped you off, sorry. This came purely from my own imagination, such as it is. I don't even claim that my story is any good...
A/N: Isca is a town in the book 'Winter King.' Which I am reading right now. So for any of you out there who want to nitpick because you have read the book and say "There is no way for them to travel from Hadrian's wall to Isca. It's to far..." Remember that this is fiction. I needed a name of a town and that was the first name to pop into my head.
Sorceress Misha - Thank You! I just love Lancelot very much. He's such a fun character to play with!
Lady11Occult - Your thoughts are shared by the men. They want to tear into the jerk. And yes, Lancelot is leaning towards Cass.
dellis - Thank you and here you go!
tracy137 - I'm happy you think I've kept him in character. I'm trying, but it's hard. I hope you still think so after reading this chapter. And I'm happy that you like Lancelot. And don't you dare say that you haven't kept him lovable. I like him in 'Fallen Knights Return.' The interaction between him and Amila was absolutly wonderful. I was on the floor alughing several times with them. I'm just now reading 'Wild Child' and 'Heart and Soul." And so far I love both!
Cardeia - Thank you! I plan on having a nice quiet time. NOT! The PTB have decided to fix me up on another blind date. So, we'll see. I plan on bringing my notebook with me.
It's funny that you mentioned mystery. I personally hate surprises or suspense. But will happily put everyone else through it. LOL!
I'm glad you like the Bors one. He's another one that's fun to write.
And, I think, that you are the only one so far who gets the "Amo" bit. The way I wanted it to come across anyway. He's still confused about her that he can only open up in small increments. With some prodding at that. He's not comfortable in the whole "We" thing. And he hasn't told her flat out that he loves her. But, then again, neither has she.
Oh, I put something in here I think you'll like. I read that part of your review and couldn't help myself.
Again Teagan found herself in the stables. This time, though, she was securing her saddle and what little weapons she would need to carry on the trip to Isca.
On one hand, Teagan was happy to be going to the town. It was always a bustle of activity, with so many things to see and do. She had spent time working there and hoped she would enjoy the visit back there.
On the other hand, she really wasn't in the mood to be going anywhere. Arthur had decided that she, along with Cassandra, would be going along. Cass because she had slipped into this role of seamstress and wanted to gain supplies for her trade.
Teagan was happy for her friend. It had seemed for a while that Cass would not settle well into life, here at the fort. She had spent most of her time in her rooms. She would only come out if she was hungry or needed to use the privy.
Then Arthur had given her the chore of helping the washerwomen. Turned out, that had been a wonderful idea. Cassandra had enjoyed the company of the other women and then realized that she could sew.
Teagan smiled, remembering. She had been out riding. Upon returning to her rooms, Cass had had all her clothes washed and mended. And had even made herself a tunic of a soft material that been left over from a dress that Guinevere had made.
Most of the knights had found out that she could sew and had her mending their clothing.
Now, Cassandra spent most of her free time with Noel, the fort's aging seamstress. She seemed to be doing well. And was quite happy at making her own money.
So, Cassandra was coming on this trip. Which would be good. Teagan was looking forward to spending time with her friend.
But, her friend had found herself an admirer. Cass had gained the attention of Lancelot and he was on the prowl. Which was probably Teagan's fault. She had put the idea of each other into their heads. But, she hadn't thought he would actually pay attention to her.
"She's cleaned up well." Was all that wretched man would say to Teagan when she questioned him about it.
Teagan shook her head again. He was such a cad. But one day, a woman was going to catch that man's heart. And when she did, Lancelot was going to shine.
She frowned. She really had no purpose in coming on this trip. Arthur had said that she was going to be an extra bow if needed.
Horsecrap. She was going along because they all felt as though she needed protecting from the big bad Woden.
Dagonet had confirmed her suspicions after the meeting. Her long lost betrothed was a problem he didn't want to have to worry about while they were away. He didn't want any trouble from the man.
But, Justus had decided to accompany them to Isca. He had claimed to Arthur that he would give Teagan the time to think things over. That he had business to attend to while there.
The only business that Justus had was to report to Victor, telling him what Teagan had been up to.
But Guinevere thought she just needed time to get away and have some fun. The Queen was aching for some female company.
It was decided Bors, Galahad and Dagonet were staying at the fort. Mainly because Arthur didn't want to return and find the place a burned out hole. Bors' bood had been known to set a small fire or two. And as Teagan was coming along, she could do the healing if need be.
Gilly, Bors' eldest was coming with them, to act as a squire as Jols was also staying. Arthur wasn't worried about attackers as they had done it many times.
Arthur felt the boy was old enough to start learning the ways as Gilly wanted to be a knight like his father.
Swinging onto her horse, her mind went to Tristan. She still needed to talk to him but hadn't had any chance to yesterday. He had been sent ahead to scout their way. He would meet up with the caravan at the camp spot.
And she had been so busy with Vanora, getting her supplies lists together. There were several things that the tavern needed and Teagan was responsible for that now.
He hadn't said much to her that day, only that he would see her on the trip. And if she needed anything, Lancelot and Gawain would be there to help her.
Teagan couldn't shake the feeling that he was avoiding her again. He seemed to be doing a fine job of that.
Sighing, she swung Aodh out of the stables, into the bright light of the morning. Squinting as it hit her in the face,warming her features. She was fast becoming a morning person. She realized that she liked the quiet that the morning could bring.
"Are you ready to go?" Gawain brought her out of her thoughts.
She smiled brightly at the blonde knight. It would be good to get out with these men again. She had missed their company.
"Of course. Lead on."
0o0o0o
The caravan wasn't that large to begin with. There were only two supply wagons. Arthur said that the rest would be purchased when they arrived an Isca. It would make for faster and safer travel.
Teagan spent most the day riding with Gawain. Lancelot was somewhere in the rear of the caravan, guarding back there.
'More like he was keeping a certain blonde woman company.' Teagan mused.
She didn't mind though. Gawain was lovely company and while they were toward the front of the group, he kept her entertained with stories of the knights as they were growing up.
She didn't have to say much, her friend kept up a rousing conversation. Teagan loved the sound of Gawain's voice. So calm. It's deep reverberations gently rolling.
Arthur was near the middle, keeping Guinevere company. Though the Queen had left her husband's side several times to visit with Teagan and Gawain. She had mentioned that Arthur was being a little 'clingy.' She hoped he wasn't like that the entire trip.
As the group stopped for lunch, Teagan found herself alone. Cassandra had decided to stay with Guinevere and Teagan just wanted to be alone for a bit. Gawain, Lancelot and Arthur were doing checks of equipment and taking head counts. Making sure everything and everyone was in their place and accounted for.
Teagan felt glad that Justus was keeping his distance. Avoiding her, it seemed. She wasn't looking forward to spending any time with him. And she wouldn't if she had anything to do with it.
Grabbing some bread and cider, she wandered to the edge of the small lake that they had stopped near. Aodh following her, taking the opportunity to play in the shallow water near the edge of the lake, drinking his fill.
Sitting next to the water, she extended her legs in front of her. She let out a long sigh.
Her muscles and behind were tired. It had been a long time since she had spent that much time in the saddle.
And it was nice to enjoy the out of doors without the bustle of fort in earshot. She loved the fort and it's life. But every once in a while, she liked the solitude that the open land could offer.
Teagan could appreciate why Tristan loved being out as much as he did. It did a soul good to get out.
As she was waiting for the call to mount up, she let her mind wonder at what Tristan was thinking. Being out and alone like he was.
0o0o0o
Tristan was enjoying the run. It hadn't been often lately that he had been able to get out, to let his horse run.
He was out doing what he did best, scouting. Making sure that there were no hazzards for Arthur and the others as they made their way to the camp site.
So far he saw nothing of concern. He had even had the time to shoot a few rabbits, enough to supplement the dry meat, bread and cheese for their supper. The rabbits bumped against his horse's flank, secure. By the time the others made it to camp, he would already have the animals skinned and roasting on the fire.
It felt good to feel the wind on his face, the sun at his back.
Right now, Tristan felt mostly contented. But now, something was missing.
He wished that Teagan was riding alongside him.
0o0o0o
Tristan sat by the fire, letting the warmth of the flames warm his face. He was tired and the warm feel on his face was causing his eyes to close.
The caravan had gotten to the site about an hour before. Everyone was now eating and making camp. Lancelot and Arthur were putting up a tent that Arthur and Guinevere would share.
Tristan had helped set up a similar tent that Teagan and Cassandra would share.
He was startled by the sudden sight of a plate of roasted rabbit in his face. He almost made a grab for the wrist holding the plate, but realized that he wasn't in a hostile situation, that he was not being attacked. He forced himself to relax.
Craning his neck, he noticed that it was Teagan holding the plate. He took it from her, again facing the fire.
Tristan moved over a bit as Teagan sat down, straddling the log. Her legs on either side, facing him.
The look on her face was solomn. He knew she was expecting him to say something. Anything.
He couldn't.
Maybe he was afraid to. Afraid that if he did talk, he would dull her with his lack of speaking skills. It wasn't like he was good at conversation. He wasn't. That was why he didn't talk much to begin with. He only said what needed to be said.
Mostly, he was afraid that she would wake up from this dream of hers and realize that he, Tristan, wasn't the one she wanted.
That, he couldn't fathom. Lancelot and her were more suited. Their personalities were so similar. Yet, they acted like they were brother and sister. There was no lust when they looked at one another.
Yet, when she looked at him, it made his head swim. He had trouble thinking around her.
And right now she was looking at him, expecting him to speak.
He couldn't.
Instead she did. Her voice sounded timid, almost frightened.
"Are you avoiding me again?"
Tristan shook his head. "No." He wasn't. He just didn't know what to do or to say to her.
Tristan watched as Teagan looked at him. He could see her thinking, her brow furrowed at times.
She looked so pretty sitting there, watching him. Her eyes sparkled in the firelight. Her cheeks, skin made flush with the heat of the fire. The way the fire played with the colors in her hair.
The flames made her hair more orange in places. More red in others. The curls holding bits of gold that he couldn't resist touching.
He reached out, his fingers grasping a portion of her hair. The softness felt like warm water running over his hand.
He had always liked red hair. And her hair was his. If only he had the courage to take it.
He wasn't so sure he did.
"You're not ready for this, are you?" Her voice bringing him from his thoughts.
"What do you mean?" He felt his voice crack. He released the curl he had been holding.
"I mean, you are not ready for us. What there may be between us." Her voice heavy, full of sadness.
Tristan could only shake his head as Teagan hug hers.
He watched as she fiddled with the hem of her leather riding tunic.
"Do you know what you want?" It was a whisper, he barely heard her.
Again Tristan shook his head, his own hair falling to cover his eyes.
"No." He didn't know what he wanted.
Or rather, he didn't know how to go about getting what he did want.
"Do you." He asked her. Something he had always wanted to know, she was so sure of herself.
She looked up at him them, tiny tears glittered in her eyes.
"I want..." She took a breath. "I want to own my own tavern. To make a life for myself. I have that. I want friends. A family." He watched as a small smile curved her lips. "I have that. Not the way I expected it, but I wouldn't change a thing."
He watched as her face grew dark with worry. Concern flooded him. He didn't want to see her worry.
"I want to be free of Victor. To not have to run every time one of his toadies comes looking for me." She looked up at him. "I won't run anymore." She resumed fidgeting with her hands.
Tristan resisted the urge to take her hands in his. To stop the worrying he saw in her.
"What else do you want?"
This time, Teagan looked away from him, into the fire. She spent long moments staring into the flames before she answered him.
"Look into the fire and tell me what you see."
He did. He only saw flames.
"I see flames. Sparks. Wood burning." Was his answer.
Again she hung her head, taking in a breath. When she again looked up at Tristan, he could see that the tears that were once clinging to her lashes, were now falling.
He reached out, brushing a tear from her cheek. It was warm to his touch.
Teagan pulled back. Her eyes again finding the fire.
"When I was with Guinevere's people, Merlin taught me something. Look into the flames." She pointed to the fire. "But look with more than your eyes. Use your heart, your head." She brought her face to look at him.
"He told me that each of you had a reason for coming back. Each for a different reason. Merlin told me that the fire would tell me why I was led back to the fort. Back to you."
Teagan reached up, her fingers lightly caressing his cheek, his tattoos. It caused his body to shudder.
"Look, Tristan. Maybe it will tell you why you came back. Maybe it will help you find what you truly want." She said as she dropped her hand, and her eyes.
She was afraid to look at him he realized.
He wondered why.
But he didn't need to read the flames. He had already done that with the old wizard. He knew why he had come back from the dead.
Teagan was that reason. He had seen her image in the flames.
His fingers found her chin, his other hand coming to the back of her head.
Carefully her drew her close, his face bent to hers.
His eyes stared into her deep blue eyes.
"I want you." He said as he bent to kiss her, pulling her close to him. His arms holding her tight.
0o0o0o
Tristan didn't realize that he had fallen asleep until he felt Arthur's hand upon his shoulder, waking him instantly.
He tried to move but realized that he couldn't. Teagan was so tight against him that he couldn't move and not wake her.
Arthur stopped him.
"No, my friend. I will stand your watch tonight. You sleep."
Tristan nodded, his hand coming to Teagan's hair as his eyes closed. He shifted further against the log, bringing her closer to him. He inhaled her scent deeply.
Yes, he wanted her and would do his best to keep her.
A/N: Well? What do you think? Did I get him right? Was it to much?