Tristan's Peace - Chapter 13
Disclaimer: I do not own any characters that you may recognize from King Arthur. Nor do I own any that you may recognize from the Dark Hunter Series by Sherrilyn Kenyon. I am merely playing with them for a time. So please don't sue me, I have no money. Nada, zippo, zilch.
KnightMaiden - Here you go! And if you need anymore ideas, just let me know.
op - No need to beg. Here's more! (grin!)
melosine - So happy that Victor came across as evil. Tristan's reaction? Though not good, has it's purpose. He'll explain later.
June Birdie - Good, that's what I wanted everyone to do - hate that man on sight. And yes, they are finally together, but the fight is not over
Cardeia - Yes, more loose ends tied. And more to come. Yes, the men are gone. I neeed them to be away so Victor could be introduced and I thought that it wouldn't quite work if everyone was around her. And since an old friend is coming back, I wanted to give them some alone time.
Think why Tristan would react the way is did. Think about his temperment, his past, his personality.
And your one remark about how you see their relationship? That they let the other just be? I've learned that lesson a long time ago. The hard way. And yes, Teagan is stubborn, just wait...
2005
Carrick stepped out of her car, her sneakers crunching on the gravel as her foot moved. She swung the car door closed, wincing as she heard the familiar rattle of it's hinges. She really should get a new one. It wasn't as if she didn't make enough money. She did, Teagan paid well. It was that this car had once belonged to her father. Maybe she would buy a new one, then put this one up and have it restored.
Maybe.
The familiar sadness washed over her as she walked up the porch steps to Teagan's home. She loved this house. She had spent so many years just running around is many rooms. And if she thought the house was huge now, it had seemed so much more so when she was little.
When her father had been killed, Carrick had been sent to live with her grandmother. Her Gram had been best friends with Rosie McArland, the owner and caretaker of this lovely home. A boarding house. Or school. If memory served Carrick right, it was a school for those girls who had had a rough time in their home lives. Some had been raped by a family member or assaulted. Or some had just found themselves pregnant and had nowhere to go as their families had shut them out.
Rosie had taken them in. Given them a kind and loving home. Teaching these girls that they were worthy to be around and that they could be functional members of society.
But, how did Teagan come to own this house and it's vast property?
According to the rumors that Carrick had heard, Teagan was once one of those girls. Something about a horrendous happening in her past. She had been remembering something horrible. But, not fully. From what her Gram had told Carrick, Teagan was brought in by some man name Ash. A friend of Rosie. Finding herself here in Rosie's house, the two had apparently become great friends. According to what her Gram said, Teagan has been living in this house for as long as she could remember.
Then the school had fallen on tough times. Rosie was going to have to sell the house and property. Teagan, unbeknownst to everyone, was loaded. She had bought the property and given it back to Rosie. Not asking for a cent.
Gram said that eventually, girls stopped coming to the house. Especially when Rosie became sickly. As Carrick came to live with her Gram, she spent many years running in this house. Playing with the horses. Or swimming in the pond. Or spending time in Teagan's library. When Rosie died, she left Teagan the entire property.
And though the red haired woman didn't continue to take wayward girls in, she opened her home to those who were in need. It seemed, to Carrick's young mind, that Teagan had special powers. That she was some witch or something.
For those to came to her house usually, were those whom never should have lived. Most were injured so badly that any normal human never would have survived it. Or sick. Carrick remembered on man who had gotten poisoned. His hands and feet had turned a sickly black color.
But he survived. Even some that had seemed to go mad. She even took in humans who had been attacked by the most evil of monsters.
And that was how Carrick was introduced to Teagan's world of Dark Hunters and Daimons.
Instead of pushing the memory away, Carrick let it wash over her. Sitting down on the steps as she remembered. She had learned long ago to accept what had happened. You didn't dwell to much on the past, it made you bitter.
Carrick had been thirteen when it happened. The day her father had been mortally wounded by that Daimon named Jan.
It had been late at night, nearly midnight. There had been a blizzard that day. On October 31st no less. Carrick remembered this well, for it didn't snow like that very often
She and her father had been shopping in the mall for several hours. After that, enjoying a pizza from Pizzeria Uno's. Stepping outside the mall, they had gotten a huge surprise. Not only was the parking lot empty, nearly a foot of snow had already fallen. They had had fun, having a snowball fight on the way to the car.
Carrick had been laughing so hard, that she fell into the snow when it happened. Which, according to Teagan, had been a good thing. There were three of them, she remembered. All of them tall and all of them with the hair so light it was almost white.
It happened so fast that Carrick didn't really see much. She had hidden herself under the car, burying herself into the snow. A cold chill wracked her body as she remembered the feel of the cold snow seeping into her jeans, sweater and sneakers.
Her father was yelling, keeping the attackers away from Carrick. Their attention solely on him. Carrick heard shouts, taunting, swearing as her father tried to attack the creatures. For that is what Carrick thought they were.
Then there was a loud grunt and Carrick saw her father fall into the snow. Blood making all that whiteness a bright red.
But, she did not come out of her hiding place. Not until she heard the voice of the woman who she came to know as Teagan. The woman who had the swirling silver eyes and hair as red as the blood in the snow.
They, Teagan and another man named Spurius, took her father to a house. Not a hospital. Someone had said that it was a better place for him than a hospital. Here, he had a better chance at survival than at the hospital where they wouldn't know what his wounds even were. She had spent over a week tending to Carrick's father. A man she didn't even know.
Carrick didn't even know what wounds they were until she turned eighteen. Her father had been attacked by a Daimon. A vampire to the unwary. That creature was after her father's soul. And apparently succeeded.
For though Teagan was able to save the body, she was unable to save the soul. At Carrick's request, she had been able to sit with her father as he died. And though Gram wasn't to happy at that, Carrick was so glad that Teagan had let her do it. It gave her a chance to tell her father every thing she had ever wanted to say to him. All her love was poured into that time while she sat by her father's side.
So when he took his last breath, little Carrick was not surprised. She was saddened, yes, but not bitter. He wouldn't be able to see her graduate college or even get married. But, she would always hold him in her heart.
After they took him away, Carrick sought Teagan out. To thank the strange woman for all she had tried to do. To tell her that she wasn't angry that her father couldn't be saved.
When finally Carrick found her, she was in the library, curled into one of the large leather chairs. The fire going at full blast. Tears were running down her cheeks from her now blue eyes. And in her lap was the prettiest sword she had ever seen. It looked so old, but so well taken care of.
And Teagan sat, staring into the fire, her hands lightly caressing the sword.
0o0o0o
Carrick gave her head a small shake, bringing herself off the step. She was here for business, not a stroll down memory lane. The papers she held in her hand flapped in the slight breeze that had picked up. It was an order that needed to be placed today and Teagan's computers were the fastest way to get it done. Then she could sign them when she woke.
She didn't bother knocking. She had her own key to the place. Working for Teagan all these years brought a bit of trust. And Teagan wouldn't be awake at this time of day. Not usually.
Carrick wasn't sure if Joachim was home from class or not. She looked at her watch. 3:30pm. Maybe. Maybe not. Stepping inside she got her answer.
He had himself bent over, searching for something in the fridge. His generous backside wrapped nicely in a loose pair of khaki pants. He had on a black polo type shirt and no shoes. He smiled warmly at her as he straightened, a can of Mountain Dew in his hand.
Carrick nearly dropped her papers and purse at the sight of him. She had to swallow hard. He was so handsome. The blush started to move up her chest and she was sure he could see it as it made it's way up her neck to her cheeks.
But if he did, he didn't say. "Hey, Carrick. What brings you by today?" His voice was ever so friendly. Almost flirty.
She lifted her papers. "Got to place that order that T forgot about." She moved past him, leaving the kitchen to find the computers. "How was your exam today?" She called as she turned the machines on.
Carrick nearly jumped twenty feet as his voice came form directly behind her. "I'm pretty sure I flunked." His voice was so deep that it sent goosepimples down her arms. "Math is just not my thing"
"Sorry." Carrick muttered as she fiddled with the program, setting her information for the order.
Joachim plopped himself on the couch, his feet coming up to the coffee table. He groaned as he pulled the huge math book into his lap. "We've been offered a chance to take it again tomorrow. The prof said that he'd take the better of the two grades."
Carrick smiled, she'd been there. But maths were always one of her better subjects. Now English and the written arts, no way. And right now she was taking this writing class. It was murder. She was barely holding onto a C.
"Sounds like he doesn't have much faith in you guys. But it's awful nice of him to let you torture yourselves again." She told him as she pushed the send button, placing the important order.
"Oh, happy my day will be." Another groan as Jac opened the book. "Hey, Carrick?"
"Hmmm?"
"Help me?"
0o0o0o
Teagan sat up in the big bed, Tristan's hand falling off her waist as she did so. She looked down at the dark headed man, her eyes taking in every line of him. He was laying on his stomach, one arm resting above his head while the other lay to his side. The one that had been holding her.
Carefully, Teagan pushed his longest braid out of his eye, her fingers then tracing his spine. She couldn't resist touching him. It gave her such a comfort. Smiling at him, she scooted off the bed, her bare feet making no noise as she stepped onto the carpet.
Quietly rolling over onto his side, Tristan watched as she made her way to the bathroom. Watching her as her hips gently swayed. Thinking to himself that she was way to thin. That she needed to gain some weight. He noticed, not for the first time, that she didn't walk fully on her heals when she was barefoot. More on her toes.
Tristan smiled to himself, settling his head on his arm, continuing to watch her. He watched as the tail of the dragon flowed over her rounded rear. He was still looking at her as Teagan entered the bathroom, squinting as the bright light came on.
Teagan padded softly to the bathroom, trying not to wake Tristan. As she passed, her eyes found the large oak clock that was mounted against the pale wall. It read 8:25 pm. The sun had set. She glanced back at Tristan. He had rolled over, but his eyes were still closed.
"Let him sleep." She softly told herself.
Quickly relieving herself, Teagan turned the faucet on, washing her hands. As she was about to leave, she caught her reflection in the mirror that hung on the door.
"Lancelot!" Teagan called to the dark haired knight. He was the first she came upon.
Lancelot looked at the very pregnant Teagan, barefoot and holding her boots. He broke out into a huge grin. Her dress was only covering her legs to her ankles.
"Why are you barefoot?"
Teagan grinned back at him and held out her boots.
"Because I can no longer bend over to lace them." She pouted at him, knowing full well that she could get him to do anything for her.
Turning around she looked closely at her nude body. She had once had children. At least one child. Her hand ran over her flat stomach, wondering how. Her body never shown any signs. Her tattoo still in the same places on her body as when they were first applied. Her breasts had never changed their shape as far as she could remember.
Teagan craned her body around, trying to see her backside. Her body was still smooth, no stretch marks that she could see. You would think that her tat would change shape as her body did. She just couldn't believe that she had a child.
But, everything in her mind was screaming that she had.
Teagan let Tristan sleep, pulling on a fresh pair of jeans and a t-shirt. She was still bone tired, but her stomach was telling her that she needed to get something to eat. Her bare feet made no noise as she came down the stairs, taking the back route to the kitchen. It was dark and empty, so that meant that Jac was either out, downstairs or in the den.
Setting on a pot of coffee, Teagan decided that there was nothing that she wanted to eat. She grabbed the cordless and headed out of the dark kitchen. If Jac was still home, maybe she could convince him to order out. It wasn't that she didn't like cooking, she did. But, with things buzzing around in her head, she just didn't feel like it.
The den was brightly lit, nearly all the lamps lit. On the largest couch, Joachim sat. All his textbooks spread out around him on the cushions. There were loose papers, notebooks and Joachim's handheld spread out like a tornado had hit it.
"Hey, Jac."
"Hi, Aunt Teagan." Jac raised his hand in welcome. "Oversleep?" He didn't want to ask about the Hunter that was in her bed. Before Teagan had gotten home from her chat with Ash, Jac had noticed the sleeping man as he passed Teagan's room. It was none of his business.
And he'd find out eventually what they were to each other.
"Just a bit. It's been a busy day." Teagan told him as she ran her hands through his dark curls. She was very happy that he didn't put that styling gel stuff in it today. She loved it when he went natural. It was then that she noticed Carrick sitting on the floor, her nose also in books. "Hello, Carrick. I didn't see you down there."
"Hi, T." She also raised her hand, not looking up. She looked like she was cross referencing math textbooks. Teagan gave a cringe, she hated math. "You're order is done. Just sign and I'll fax them before I leave."
"Thanks." Teagan sat in the swivel chair that was next to her computer center. Not really a center, it took almost the entire wall. "Do you guys want to order out tonight?" Her chair creaked as she moved it closer to the desk.
"Sorry, T. I'm going to the club for a few hours. Shay says there was a delivery and I want to make sure it's all there." Carrick mumbled as she jotted down a figure, then handed the notebook to Jac.
"Sure. What?"
"I was thinking subs." With Joachim's head nod in approval, Teagan ordered the sandwiches from the local deli that just happened to deliver. Remembering that Tristan was here, she ordered enough for an entire army, not really knowing what he would like. The food wouldn't go to waste. The subs were quite good as leftovers.
Teagan opened her e-mail, thankful that Acheron hadn't sent her anything. In fact, she was quite lucky, there wasn't anything of any great importance. Since the club was also closed for the next two nights, this meant that Teagan would have some down time. No rush for anything.
Teagan didn't bother shutting down the computer. She or Joachim would be on it at various intervals, it would be more of a bother to turn it off then on every time someone wanted to use it.
"Jac, I'm going out back. Since I'm not going to bring the cell, let anyone know that I'm off duty tonight and to find their own ride home."
"Sure T." He didn't miss the tiredness in her voice, nor the hint of worry. He wondered if it had anything to do with the Dark Hunter named Tristan.
He hoped not. From what he had gotten from the dark man, he seemed like an interesting man. He didn't seem to mind when Jac asked to interview him. Nor did he care that Jac taped it to listen to later.
He did know Lancelot, Arthur, Gawain, Galahad and a bunch of others. Whatever questions that Jac asked Tristan, he had answered. Most of the fairy tales that he had heard were false. And it had been so interesting to speak to someone who knew them first hand.
There were advantages to bing immortal. Just the amount of history that one would have seen was phenomenal.
But, the largest drawback was the fact that they generally didn't have a soul. That and they usually had something dreadful happen in their human lives to bring them to this point.
Joachim wondered at Tristan's story. And from what Carrick had said earlier, Teagan acted like she knew him well. Jac hoped, with Tristan here, that the unknown in Teagan's life would become clear.
A/N: Well, what do you think? I thought I would explain how Carrick became involved with Ash and his crew as most humans aren't allowed to know. And I want to give her and Jac some time together.