Hey Everyone! I'm back! I'm so sorry that it has been ages since I've update, I've just gotten so unbelievably busy!

I want to thank each one of you for the completely heartwarming reviews! They have really touched my heart and inspired me more than you'll ever know.

Here 's the next Chapter!

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Chapter 34

Stitched Together

As the warm rays of the sun shone through the archways of her stone windows, Elaine sighed and closed her eyes. The early morning air of that particular fall day held a strange sort of sweetness, that was indeed pleasant to the senses. Elaine smiled as she let the warmth emitting from the sun heat her face, sighing as she brushed back a loose strand of her curly hair. She sat on a low bench, her woven basket of sewing supplies at her feet, as the beginnings of a dress lay draped across her lap. Igraine had taught her many years ago, when she was still just a tiny girl, how not only to construct her own gowns, but also how to sew in elaborate designs and beading. Elaine wasn't immediately fond of the craft, nor was she particularly good. She usually escaped Igraine's daily lessons by escaping away with the young boys of the tribe and Gaelan to train in the arts of war. Yet, after a few years of hard study and plenty of practice, especially when Igraine was quick enough to catch her before she ran off to the fields, Elaine had slowly polished her skills.

A especially soft, strong pomegranate colored fabric swayed back and forth as Elaine's busy fingers stitched a band of small designs around the top. It was to be a pair of long, flowing sleeves she would eventually add to a deep dark blue bodice and gown. Elaine had awoke that morning, completely refreshed with a warm smile spread across her face, and she knew it was most likely the same smile she had the night before as she lay her head down to sleep. The sun was shining, birds were chirping right outside of her chamber window, everything making Elaine wonder if she was still in the world of her glorious dreams. Oh, and what dreams she had dreamt that night. Elaine's finger paused as her smile grew even larger.

Sighing another sweet, happy sigh, a slow tune began to play on her lips. She hummed a old Celtic song of a pair of lovers torn between rival tribes. It had been her most favorite of all the tales that the elders of the Celtic tribes would tell. The two young lovers meet one day in the thick woods and instantly fall in a deep, everlasting love. Unfortunately, there had been a feud between their two different tribes for a hundred years, and the two are torn between love and family. Elaine had always desired a love that great and eternal. A soft chuckle slipped from her lips. Maybe she had. 'Please let it be,' she prayed.

As the lady lost herself in her happy, wishful thoughts, she failed to notice that her chamber door silently opened as a dark figure slipped effortlessly into the room, closing the door behind him. Elaine continued humming the second verse of the romantic song, Tristan smirked leaning his back up against the fall stone wall. His dark eyes peered at her, taking in every inch of her face, her body, the melodious sound of her voice. Everything about her he loved. Tristan fought hard against his growing smirk when he noticed that she still wore her crisp white nightgown beneath a thin blue robe. It was past midmorning and she still hadn't been out of her room, not even bothered to dress. She was such a silly woman. One he'd never understand completely, but one he'd never, ever give up trying to.

Elaine sighed yet again, finishing her last stitch on what would be the right sleeve of her gown, and placing he fabric on her vanity. She did a double take, looking back at her reflection in the looking glass that hung just above the table. Tristan stared back at her from his place on the fall wall, his face emotionless but his eyes, the dark eyes that only she could fully comprehend now, shone with a mystical light.

"You know, scout," she said, looking back down as she set her sewing needled away, pretending not to care, "if my brother knew you liked to sneak into my chamber, I'm sure you'd be in very hot waters."

Elaine looked back into the mirror, her heart skipping a beat when she saw that not only was Tristan stand closely behind her, but that his mysterious eyes had a very heated look in them that sent strange sensations throughout Elaine's whole being.

Tristan leaned down, speaking softly in her ear, "I'll take my chances."

Before she could even close her eyes to enjoy his warm breath on her exposed neck, Tristan's slender hand swiftly scooped her up and turned her to face him. Elaine gasped, shocked at his agile power, but was silenced by a crushing kiss. She moaned against his lips, which she had surprienly found the night before to be sort of soft. Urged on by her pleasure filled response, Tristan took a chance, slowly letting his tongue brush against her smooth lips, secretly asking for permission. Elaine's eyes shoot open, as she was completely taken off guard, but she slowly opened her mouth, her toes secretly curling beneath her gown when he took her completely.

After a few long moments, the two hesistantly broke away, panting from the passion that they brought out in each other. Tristan huffed, brushing away another one of her strands of hair that had made it's way in her eyes. Elaine blushed as she felt him smooth his palm over her cheek. He would always make her feel this way.

"Tha...That was...um.."

"Good?"

Elaine's blush deepened, "Yes. Absolutely good."

Tristan smirked, "I'm here only to serve, my lady."

Her small hand swatted his chest as she giggled once again, "Don't make jest Scout, or I might have to punish you."

Tristan's eyebrow cocked up in response, making Elaine giggle so much that she had to bury her head in his chest.

"So," he said when they finally broke away, "Do you plan to stay in your nightgown all day, or what?"

Elaine's eyes grew wide as her hand immediately shot to the collar of her blue robe to gather it closer over her exposed shoulders. Yet. she was stalled when she discovered that Tristan's hand had drifted down from her cheek to the creamy skin of her shoulder blocking her way. She stopped allowing him to explore the parts of her body he had only dreamt of touching before. Before last night, they had both only dreamt of being together, touching each other.

"Don't," he said, his eyes meeting hers. "Don't ever hide from me."

Elaine smiled placing her hand on top of his, stroking his rough, warm skin with her fingers, which sent tremors straight through his entire body.

"Tristan, last night was...you just don't know how long I've wanted you to kiss me. I never thought that you felt..."

"Really? You wanted me, before last night?"

"Yes, for years."

Tristan huffed, "Well..I want...I had too have..."

"At a loss for words scout?"

Tristan smirked, a sudden boldness entering him once more, "I wanted you too. I wanted to touch you, to kiss you for so long." It was so hard for him to form these words, but he knew they needed to be said.

Elaine reached up, taking his head in her palms timidly. His deep dark eyes met her own deep brown ones, fire blazing between them.

"Elaine, are we...I mean, we're now.."

Elaine smiled, "Yes. I think we are."

Tristan shook his head seemingly indifferent, "Of course. It's not like I'd give you much choice with any other man."

Elaine giggled as the scout lowered his lips to hers, "Oh is that so?"

A loud knock interuppted the two as they looked up at each other.

"Elaine, are you awake?"

The sound of Arthur's strong voice through the heavy planks of wood in her door, caused Elaine's heart to practically stop as her eyes looked to Tristan in fear. He remained absolutely calm, as he smoothed her hair out of her face.

"Oh, no. If he finds you in here.."

"Shh."

Tristan gave her a hand a squeeze before he slipped into the shadows of the corner of her room behind her large chest.

"Elaine, may I enter? Are you al right?"

"Um..yes Arthur."

Her brother quickly opened the heavy door, peering around with a worried look before he looked back to her.

"Are you well, little sprite?" Arthur said, a small half-smile slipping across his hansome features.

Elaine smirked, placing her hands on his hips, and slowly making her way to stand nonchalant in front of her chest.

"Little sprite? You haven't called me that since I was a little girl."

Arthur chuckled taking her small face and cupping it in his large palms. "You shouldn't stay up here all morning or I'm afraid poor Vanora will go insane. She's been asking about you all morning. Come, get dressed and come down."

Elaine smiled, despite the fact that the slight pressure from Arthur's hands mushed her cheeks together, distorting the smile. "I will, I promise you. But go now!"

Arthur chuckled, "Trying to get rid of me? What dear sister, do you have a secret your hiding from me?"

Elaine gulped, "No."

"Well, come down soon or I'll let Vanora loose on you."

When Arthur finally left, Elaine heaved a sigh of relief. A soft hand rubbed her back, as Tristan lowered his lips to the top of her head.

"We have to be more careful."

"Should we not just tell them all, Tristan?"

"Not yet. Too many people are involved right now, that it would only hurt."

Elaine shook her head as she felt Tristan make his way to her door.

Before he slipped silently out, he turned giving her a wink. As he left, Elaine couldn't help but smile, falling back in her soft bed with a happy sigh. Things would certainly be much different now that Tristan and she were together.