Chapter 4
Lyndsey awoke the next morning feeling better than ever. She had to find a job today or something. She couldn't stand around all day and do nothing. She got up and put her old clothes back on. They had finally been cleaned and looked a lot better. She first put on black leggings that Tristan had given her, then her pink peasant skirt. Then her black tank top and black zip up. She put her boots on and decided to leave her hair down.
She left the room in search of Arthur. She found him in the hallway talking with Lancelot. It must have been something important because they fell silent as she approached.
"Am I interrupting anything?' she asked.
"No, not all. What can I do for you?" asked Arthur
"Well I was wondering if there is anything to do around here. Like a job or something to keep me occupied."
"Well, Vanora could always use help in the tavern. If you'd like, you could help her with that."
"Yes, that would bewonderful. Thank you." And she made her way down to the tavern. She wasn't quite sure where she was going so she made it look like she was just strolling along. What she was really doing was taking in her bearings and familiarizing herself with the town. She soon found the tavern, and also a screaming Vanora. She was yelling at one the bar maids for something Lyndsey didn't know of. Once she was done, she approached Vanora calmly.
"Hi Vanora."
"O hello luv. What are you doin here?"
"I'm here to help you. I'm so incredibly bored, I need something to do or I will go insane."
"Well, then, lets get you started 'eh?"
Lyndsey spent the entire afternoon learning the tricks of the trade at the tavern. Soon nightfall came and everyone began to come about. Roman guards were spread around, asking for drinks and anyone who would warm their bed. 6 of the 7 knights came into the tavern that night. Arthur was nowhere to be seen. So Lyndsey took 6 mugs of ale over to them. They all thanked her graciously and she went back to the bar for more drinks. She was finally getting the hangof this so called waitressing thing. Back home it was completely different. But hey, that was back home. No need to think about that now.
As she was waiting at the bar she looked around the tavern. She saw all of the knights spread around. Dagonet and Bors were talking, Lancelot was betting money and losing badly. She saw Gawain and Galahad having a knife throwing contest. This was the most amusing thing to watch because they were both drunk. Although it was a little dangerous for them to be throwing knifes, they were having a good time. All of a sudden a third knife came flying through the air. Lyndsey looked up to see Tristan standing their eating his apple acting as if nothingwas wrong.
"Tristan, how'd you do that?" inquired Gawain.
"I am for the middle." Said Tristan. Lyndsey couldn't help but laugh at this. Tristan heard her and looked over in her direction. When he saw her, something inside of him flipped. He couldn't think straight when she was around. Tristan was so confused he left quickly without a second glance to anyone. Lyndsey saw this and immediately went after him.
"Vanora I'm taking my break!"
"So how long do you think it will take for them to get together?" said Bors.
Lyndsey went outside and had no clue as to where to look for him. She decided on the stables. 'Why not' she said. As she approached, she saw him, standing their brushing his horse and talking sweet soothing words into her ear. Next to him sat a hawk. It was beautiful. She had always seen them flying around, but never saw one that close before.
The hawk cried and Tristan looked over at Lyndsey. Lyndsey froze. She didn't know what to do.
"I'm sorry, I don't mean to disturb you." She said.
"Yes you do." He said with a small smile.
Lyndsey smiled at this. He seemed to have her figured out before she even knew what they were talking about.
"I just saw you leave the tavern in a hurry and, uh, I just wanted to make sure you were okay."
He looked at her. Did he just hear that she cared for him that much to make sure he was okay? She started to walk over towards him.
"What a beautiful horse." She said
"Can you ride?"
"Yes. But I haven't in awhile."
"Why?"
"Haven't had time."
As she looked at the hawk, he saw the fire dancing off of her face and her eyes. She looked so mysterious. Now he knew what he must look like at times.
"Beautiful bird. What's her name?"
"Mya."
"She's gorgeous."
'So are you', Tristan thought.
Lightly Lyndsey started petting Mya. Mya seemed to not mind her and welcomed the sensation.
"Usually she doesn't like people touching her."
"Well I have a way with animals." She said with a small smile. It was in that smile that Tristan knew he was in love.
"Lyndsey…"
"Yea?"
"Um, well, I, uh, I think that I'm falling in love with you." He said
Lyndsey stood their dumbfounded. Was he really falling in love with her? I mean, it's only been like 2 weeks! She didn't know what to say. Tristan took this as rejection and slightly bowed his head and began to leave. Finally Lyndsey snapped out of her stupid head.
"No wait, I'm sorry, I should have said something, I,"
"No, it's okay. You don't have to say anything."
"No, but, I think I'm falling in love with you too." There she said it. It felt like a huge elephant was lifted off of her shoulders.
Tristan looked up at her when she said this. He couldn't believe it. Did she just say what he thought she said? She's in love with him?
"Really?" he said.
Lyndsey just smiled and said, "Yea."
Right then and there, Tristan grabbed her and kissed her. He didn't care if anyone saw. He was in love with this woman and by god he was gonna make it known.
Lyndsey thought that she would faint if he kept kissing her like this, but she couldn't care less. Everything was finally working out for her, and it couldn't have been for the better.
Later that evening, Lyndsey was finally able to pull herself away from Tristan and return to work. Tristan sat in the corner like always watching her every move. Everything about her kept him in a trance and he loved it.
Lyndsey was smiling from ear to ear. She had never been happier in her life than this moment right here. As she was serving drinks, she didn't notice the Roman guard grab her until she was sitting on his lap.
"Hello beautiful, why don't you forget the drinks and come to bed with me."
"I'm sorry but I am not that kind of woman."
She tried to get up but the Roman guard would have none of it.
"Listen you little wench, I asked you nicely."
"I don't care, I am not sleeping with you!" she yelled and punched him right in the nose. She heard something crack and instantly regretted it. The Roman guard advanced on her.
"Why you little," and then he slapped her. He slapped her so hard that she felt like her whole face would fall off. She hit the ground with such force that it knocked the wind out of her. Before the guard could do anymore damage, a dagger was pointed at his throat, and he looked into the eyes of Tristan. Every Roman guard knew not to mess with Tristan. He was a deadly heartless killer and would spare no one. Quickly the guard left, but not without one last lustful and heated glare towards Lyndsey. Tristan sheathed his dagger and picked Lyndsey up. The whole tavern was quite as Tristan and Lyndsey left.
"I believe you lost the bet Lancelot." Said Bors.
Tristan carried Lyndsey to her room. He placed her on the bed and was about to leave when she grabbed his arm. He saw the panic in her eyes and knew he couldn't leave her tonight. So he lay down with her in his arms. 'I could get used to this' he thought to himself. Tristan knew that he couldn't protect her forever. She would get in trouble sometimes and he wouldn't be there to help her. He planned that tomorrow, he would teach her how to fight and defend herself. He pushed that all off to the side and enjoyed the warmth of her body next to his, and the sound of her steady breathing, let him fall into a blissful and enjoyable nights sleep.
