Revelations
Maybe he was a little excited.
Tristan doubted Arthur meant for him to start so soon with his new responsibilities, but he kept thinking about it. That's how he ended up walking along the wall, right after speaking with Arthur.
Tristan studied the guards who had the watch. Some he made a note to find out more about—perhaps they had a use for his purposes. Many of the watch guards could scout as well.
He would need at least three or four scouts, to start. He didn't know anyone well beyond the knights, so tomorrow he planned on asking about new potentials. There were the usual scouts already in use, and Tristan would use a few, but he didn't want to miss others who could be just as good if not better.
Selecting the scouts was a necessary step, but Tristan recognized he also needed to glean from Arthur the reports and goings-on in the last few weeks. From there, he would set up regular scouting schedules, especially to the north and the south, by the seas. For now, he didn't see a need for more beyond that, but that could change with what he learned from Arthur.
He wondered why he ever deserved this—between his new purpose in Britain and his budding relationship with Jaelynn, he half expected it all to disappear. Maybe he would wake up tomorrow and find himself surrounded by vengeful Romans and marauders.
That sliver of pain hit his heart and mind, reminding him of his misdeeds. His body tensed and stilled, but his stomach hardened sickeningly.
Let it go. Instead, images ran through his mind of people screaming, that first scream of a loved one who found the target he'd killed. He could hear it.
He shook his head.
Stop thinking about it. He let out a long breath.
Suddenly something moved and landed in front of him on the dark wall. Tristan flinched, ready for a defense, but it was only his hawk. She cocked her head to the side as if to greet him and question what was wrong. Tristan rubbed his finger beneath her beak at her neck. She nipped at his finger. Tristan grinned—it was a sign of affection.
Just as unexpectedly, the hawk hopped off the wall and took flight. He watched her soar into the sky. She would probably go find a snack now.
It's late. Tristan left the wall, and headed back to the residence area. He went to Jaelynn's room, but stopped outside of it. Hardly anyone stirred. I stayed out longer than I thought. He didn't want to wake her. Yet he couldn't resist making sure she was all right. Carefully, he opened the door, and peered into the room.
Jaelynn was asleep. He could hear the steadiness of her breathing. He smiled, and left the room.
-0-0-
The first thing Jaelynn wondered when she woke was what Arthur wanted to speak to Tristan about. It must have been important. She didn't see Tristan before she turned in for the night.
He probably went straight to his room. She didn't mind that. She wasn't ready for them to constantly be together. But she did love being with him.
She wasn't sure if she loved him, not entirely sure, anyway. She long suspected it, before he reciprocated any sentiments for her. But without actually having a relationship, she felt it was silly to even think of her feelings for him as love. And now . . . well, now she wasn't sure if she should quite label her feelings for him yet.
She loved a lot about him, though. And she was excited at the thought of seeing him. She just hoped he was all right, and not dredging up his own past to torture himself. Their conversation yesterday made Jaelynn realize how much Tristan was still hurting, even though the stoic knight in him made him hide it.
He hid too much. Jaelynn hoped to change that. Especially between her and Tristan, and with everyone knowing about their relationship. Dinner was quite awkward around all their friends. She didn't appreciate Galahad goading Tristan about a woman, either. Maybe that was a slight jealous streak coming out in her . . . .
She had to see him. Grinning, she quickly threw on fresh clothes, and made her way to his room.
She knocked on the door quietly. It was still early.
He didn't answer.
Maybe he's asleep. She tried the door.
Amazingly, he didn't wake up. Tristan was in his bed, with a blanket twisted around his legs. He lay on his side, and had one arm across his torso. Jaelynn frowned. His fists were balled tightly.
He shifted onto his back. His face was creased with a heavy frown. He exhaled loudly. It was like he was panting.
He's dreaming.
She didn't imagine it was a good dream. Jaelynn went to his side and knelt by his bed.
"Tristan," she whispered, not wanting to startle him if he woke. But he didn't. His body rocked from side to side, as if he were dodging someone in his sleep. Jaelynn laid a hand over his forehead, her fingers brushing aside his hair.
"No." Tristan was still asleep, but the word came out as a miserable plea.
"Shhh," Jaelynn soothed, caressing his face. "Tristan, it's all right." She let her hand wander to his hair and ran her fingers through it. Slowly, he stilled. She watched the rise and fall of his chest, and it became slower, steadier.
She smiled. The knight looked peaceful now. Instead of the lines of worry and fear in his face, he looked relaxed. She leaned over him and kissed his forehead.
"Sleep," she whispered. She watched him a moment longer, and then left.
-0-0-
He did not sleep well. He didn't remember the nightmare this time, but he knew it wasn't pleasant. Someone had been there too—not in his dream, but he felt someone near him.
Ordinarily that would bother Tristan, but he had the sense of peace when the person was near. He wondered if it was Jaelynn.
His stomach grumbled. Tristan combed his fingers through his messy hair, his only attempt to ever look presentable, and left his quarters. It was past time for breakfast, but he could scrounge up something suitable to eat.
Despite the hunger bothering him, he wanted to find Jaelynn. He checked the healing rooms, but Hilden said she was cooking. Intrigued, Tristan headed to Vanora's. Jaelynn most likely would go there to cook. But she wasn't there.
"I've teased her too much," Vanora said. "Perhaps she'll never cook again, not 'round me." She grinned and turned back to whatever it was Vanora did.
Tristan tried Gawain's next. Before he even knocked on the door, he smelled something . . . fresh baking. Tristan let himself in. He didn't see Lucinda or Gawain, but Jaelynn was busy in the kitchen. Her back was turned to him. She was humming too. Tristan smiled.
"Hey," he said. Jaelynn jumped, and something fell from her hands. It was a dark loaf, and she scrambled to pick it up. Despite the glare she sent him, Tristan grinned.
"Sorry," he said.
"No you're not," she shot back. He didn't deny it, and Jaelynn swatted at him. He watched as she cut into the bread. "Here, taste this." She passed him a piece.
Now when he said it was a dark loaf, he really was trying to overlook that it was a blackened loaf. Even so, Tristan stood steadfast and took the piece of bread offered him. It felt doughy in the middle, while the crust was hard. It crunched when he bit into it, jarring his teeth. The taste assaulted his tongue—slightly sour, maybe rotted or like mushrooms.
Jaelynn's eyes were upon him. Tristan swallowed the piece, feeling the rough crust of the bread scrape his throat, but he managed a smile too.
"Good," he said. Jaelynn grinned.
"You're lying." She turned away. "I just can't figure out what's wrong."
Tristan blinked. How had she—
"How did you know?" he asked. She turned back to him with a grin.
"I can just tell." She leaned over the black loaf. "Want another piece?" He smirked, noticing the gleam in her eyes. "How did you sleep?"
Her tone changed, he noticed. It was light, though he detected the strain in her question. He smiled to himself. She was there.
"You know," he said. "Thanks for being there." She seemed surprised, probably that he'd known she was in his room, but she nodded. Jaelynn turned to something hidden beneath a cloth, and she pulled it back to reveal some delightful-looking treat. She grinned mischievously.
"Lucinda's," she explained. "Want some?" He raised an eyebrow at that. "It serves her right, after teasing me last night."
He chuckled, and she cut some of the treat. Tristan almost groaned at the taste of it. It was sweet but with some sort of fruit in it, surrounded in a thin, light bread.
"So how long are we going to keep things a secret?" she asked. Tristan swallowed the food. He wasn't surprised she brought this up already. Last night proved uncomfortable for them both, even without everyone knowing. How much more uncomfortable could it be with them knowing?
"Don't know," he said, mumbling between another bite of the pastry. "When it feels right, I guess."
She half-glared at his vague answer.
"What did Arthur want?" she asked. She busied herself to remove the dark loaf she'd ruined. "If you don't mind me asking."
He shook his head. A smile came over his face, and he couldn't really suppress it.
"Arthur wants me to control the scouting around here," he said. It wasn't quite as impressive as how Arthur presented it, but Tristan didn't want to boast. At Jaelynn's confused look, though, he elaborated. "I manage the scouts. Send them out. Talk to Arthur about what's going on in the land."
Her eyes lit up. "Really? That's wonderful!" She stepped towards him and hugged him tight. He found himself sighing contently at the gesture. Suddenly she pulled back. "Isn't it?"
He nodded.
"It keeps me here more too," he said. Jaelynn tilted her head to the side with a frown on her face.
"You won't scout yourself?" she asked. He shook his head. "Won't you miss it?"
Tristan shrugged. "I have a reason to stay here." He stared directly at her, and after a few moments, Jaelynn blushed. He loved it when she blushed—he found he loved a lot about her. Tristan took a step towards her, ridding themselves of the distance between them. He snaked one arm around her waist and kissed her gingerly.
"Something smells—" Quickly, Tristan pulled away. "Jaelynn?"
It was Galahad, of all people. Tristan tried to act like nothing happened, but one look at Galahad's face told him it wasn't working. The young knight's eyes were wider than the moon, and he kept looking back and forth from Jaelynn to Tristan. Tristan glanced at Jaelynn; she fidgeted with her hands.
Galahad turned to Tristan. "You? And Jaelynn?" He drew a sharp breath. Tristan felt his heart pounding with adrenaline. "How . . . Bors is going to kill you!" He shouted that, and Tristan pounced.
He clapped his hand over Galahad's mouth and shoved him against the kitchen wall. Galahad groaned but his eyes glared harshly at Tristan.
"Tristan!" Jaelynn hissed behind him.
"Quiet. Don't say anything," Tristan said in a low voice to Galahad. The knight just kept up his glare. "No one knows yet."
"Tristan, let him go," Jaelynn said. He felt her swat his shoulder. Galahad muttered something beneath Tristan's hand, but it came out garbled. Tristan smirked.
"Swear it," he said, his eyes leveled at Galahad's. The young knight's eyes narrowed further, and then he suddenly pushed his weight against Tristan's. Tristan stumbled back just a little, but Galahad kneed him in the stomach. With a groan, Tristan went to one knee. He couldn't be terribly angry about it—he was amused by this scuffle—but Galahad didn't seem to find the same humor. Galahad stood over him.
"I won't swear anything until I know more!" The stupid knight was still shouting. Tristan swiveled his body around, using his knee as his anchor point, and kicked Galahad low at his calves. As soon as his body hit the ground, Tristan was upon him again, covering his mouth with his hand and pinning him with his other.
"I care for her," he muttered between clenched teeth, "more than you've ever cared for a woman." He heard Jaelynn gasp lightly. "You need know nothing else."
Jaelynn stood over them both. "We'll tell everyone soon, Galahad," she said.
Galahad stared at Jaelynn for several moments. It was bothering Tristan, but then the knight's eyes moved to focus on Tristan. Galahad nodded once.
Tristan released him and leaned back for Galahad to get up. He didn't miss the annoyed and angry looks Galahad shot him. Tristan grinned.
"That was fun," he said. Galahad rolled his eyes. He turned to Jaelynn.
"You sure you want this troll?" he said. Jaelynn smiled and nodded. Galahad faced Tristan again. "Bors won't be happy."
The smirk came naturally to his face. "He'll be fine."
-0-0-
Jaelynn found that she stayed by the window in the healing rooms, watching over the town. Her eyes followed Tristan as he walked about the town, even as her fingers numbly worked over leaves for more ointment.
Tristan mentioned he had to go speak with Arthur, and find some scouts. She heard the underlying excitement there. She was happy for him. But she worried too—would this make his life more dangerous?
He'd said he wouldn't go scouting as much, or at least that's how she understood it. He wouldn't quit scouting altogether. She knew him well enough for that. Part of her feared he would take on the more dangerous assignments for himself. It was just his nature, whether because he didn't trust anyone else to do it right, or because he was protecting others.
She sighed. He would be happy, and there was no guarantee of safety for any of them. Even in times of relative peace, there was always danger. She just rarely knew it, until she became close to those who protected her and all the people.
"Do you know what you're getting into?" came a voice behind her. Jaelynn well-knew who it was. She faced Galahad, and not surprisingly, he was scowling.
"You mean Tristan," she said. Galahad gave a brisk nod.
"I don't want to see you hurt."
Jaelynn frowned. "Hurt is a part of life, Galahad," she said. "But I don't expect any hurt to come from Tristan."
The young knight tossed his head to the side with a degree of exaggeration. His brown curls bounced with his movement.
"Tristan only knows pain," he said. He started to say more, until Jaelynn quickly interceded.
"All the more reason why he deserves better," she said. She couldn't believe Galahad was so concerned. Sure, she appreciated it, but— "I thought you supported this. You and Gawain both knew how I felt, didn't you? Why fight this now?"
Galahad sighed heavily and fell into a chair by the door.
"I'm not fighting it," he said. "I just never thought it'd actually happen. Tristan . . . well, he's not the easiest person to get along with."
She smiled, though with some sorrow, as she thought about what Galahad had told her on their journey to that first village, where Morlo was. There indeed was some bad blood between Galahad and Tristan. But Galahad wanted to move past that, didn't he? And she'd seen the same with Tristan, though maybe not specifically with Galahad. Tristan just wanted to move on, and rightly so. Their little fight today probably did not help. She almost laughed at how ridiculous and childish they'd seemed, even though there was some seriousness behind the encounter.
"I really care for him," she said. She ran her fingers through her long hair, which she'd let down earlier. The herb leaves she'd been crushing before got caught in her hair. She ignored it for now. "I love him, I think." She couldn't suppress a grin at the thought.
Galahad scowled a bit more, but he remained quiet.
"And we both want this," she added.
"Then why hide it?" Galahad asked. He had an air of confidence around him, slightly haughty as if he'd just caught her in something. "If he's serious about you, why hide it?"
"He's not ready. And is it any wonder that we'd want to hide it," she said, half-glaring at him, "when you acted like you did?"
"He attacked me!"
Jaelynn scoffed. "That's not what I mean. You being here now says enough about how you feel."
He quieted at that. His eyes were downcast, and he folded his arms across his chest. Slowly, he gave a nod.
"If you're sure," he said, standing. "But if he ever does anything to hurt you, I'll set him straight." She saw his muscles tense as if to prove his strength and resolve. She tried not to giggle.
"Thank you, Galahad."
He left, and Jaelynn gave in to her laughter. It was a relief, really. She shook her head, and went back to the window. Tristan was out there again, this time talking with one of the native scouts. Lennor. He was one who rescued them from the marauders.
She wondered if Tristan was asking him to be a scout for him.
-0-0-
"Yes," Lennor said, grinning. "I want to help."
Tristan nodded reservedly at him. "Good. You know anyone else who's good to scout?"
Lennor nodded and rattled off five names. Tristan wasn't crazy about two of them, but the other three he would pursue.
"We'll meet later," he said. From the corner of his eye, he saw Arthur. Good. Lennor nodded.
"Thank you, Tristan," he said. Tristan didn't miss the man's sincerity. He nodded back, and left to follow Arthur. He wanted to go over everything about the scouting and security of the land.
He walked steadily towards the king, weaving through some women gathering water for chores. He ignored their wide-eyed looks, and went past the smithy and towards the market. Arthur was strolling through there.
"Arthur," he called out. The king looked around for who called him, and smiled when he saw Tristan.
"Good morning, Tristan," Arthur greeted, clapping him on the back as soon as he was near enough. Tristan fell into step with him. "How are you this day?"
Tristan nodded, as if that were answer enough. "I wanted to hear the recent scouting reports. Do you have time?"
Arthur chuckled. "Of course. Already thinking about your new duties?"
"A little. I have two scouts I'll use," he replied. "A few more to check out."
Arthur stopped. "Did you sleep at all last night?"
Tristan grinned. "Enough."
With a sigh and a smile, Arthur shook his head. As the men continued through the market, vendors bowed and offered the king the option on the finest products. Arthur politely shook his head at a necklace that the vendor offered for Guinevere.
"No, thank you," he said.
Tristan hid a smile behind his long bangs.
"Sire, a new delicacy from the sea?" inquired another vendor. Tristan stopped in his tracks, and he saw Arthur glance sharply at him. In the vendor's hands was a blackish creature, with long spikes jutting from its small round body.
Twinges of pain crept through his body. He could feel the fire and piercing torment again, stemming from the wounds in his calves, arm, side . . . Tristan held his breath. It's just an animal, nothing more than a 'delicacy.'
He felt Arthur's gaze on him. Tristan released his breath, and stepped forward to take the creature from the vendor. The vendor had held it carefully with wooden tongs. Tristan merely grasped it by one spike and weaved his fingers between the other needles. The creature was light, despite the large span that the spikes gave it.
"What is it?" he asked calmly. The vendor shot a confused glance to Arthur, but answered:
"A sea urchin," he replied. That was it. Arthur called it the same once. Tristan turned his hand at different angles to study the creature. "Be careful. The spikes are sharp."
Tristan resisted the urge to glare at the man. He was well-aware of how sharp the spikes were.
"How do you eat it?" he asked. Despite the man's previous confusion, he now seemed quite confident as he launched into his role of a merchant.
"Quite simply, my lord," he said. Tristan wondered why he called him 'my lord.' "You remove the spikes, cut them or pull them off. Women can use them as hair decorations."
That was one thing he would never buy for Jaelynn.
"Then, you cook the body in hot water. It becomes soft, and ready to eat," the vendor finished.
Tristan glanced at Arthur. The king was studying the exchange, no doubt concerned about the sea urchin and its 'history' with Tristan.
"What about the poison?" he asked. Surely, it couldn't be good to eat. The vendor looked surprised, maybe because Tristan knew the creature was poisonous.
"When you cook it, the poison does not affect you," he said. Tristan eyed the creature again. He felt the sharp points against his fingertips. Slowly, he held it out for the vendor to take back. The man was quite slow and cautious as he regained his hold over his product.
"No thanks," Tristan said. He turned to keep walking, and Arthur with him. They were several feet away when Arthur said;
"I almost thought you were going to eat it."
Tristan chuckled.
-0-0-
Word was out about Tristan's new position as Arthur's advisor. Vanora had snagged Jaelynn in the afternoon, telling her that everyone was gathering to celebrate at the tavern. Jaelynn thought that was funny—Tristan was not one to celebrate. But an evening with friends was always great.
Except, yet again, she would be near Tristan and have to ignore anything between them. She sighed, tossed her hair over one shoulder, and sought the group.
Bors' laughter drew her to a table off to the side of the main serving area. Arthur was there, which surprised Jaelynn. She didn't see the king often in the tavern. Guinevere was not there, but Gawain and Galahad were, with Lucinda and Vanora as well. Tristan was sandwiched between Bors and Gawain, and from the look on his face, he was either mildly enjoying himself or hating life.
Was it just her, or did his eyes light up a bit when he noticed her? She took a seat by Lucinda, the only spot really available and sadly the furtherest point away from Tristan.
"It's about time you give him something to do around here!" Bors said to Arthur. The others laughed.
"He does more than you do," Vanora said, smacking Bors up the back of his bald head. A serving wench came up and filled their glasses. Jaelynn saw Galahad grab the girl, and she gave him a kiss. No one blinked an eye at it. So unfair.
The knights were teasing each other as usual, although Galahad was avoiding Tristan with barely concealed disdain. Jaelynn, though, ignored it and hardly heard anything. There were a few men who played music, and it combined with her thoughts drowned out a lot. She kept glancing at Tristan. She would sometimes catch his eye, and sometimes he was already staring at her.
A fourth round of drinks came, and Jaelynn sighed. As much as she was glad for some merriment, this was tiring her already. Gawain's drink was frothing on his beard, and Galahad enjoyed grabbing the serving girl each time she came. Jaelynn had no doubt that he was aiming for her further attentions later. Probably to taunt Tristan.
She sighed, and glanced up at the sky. How much longer? She might as well return to her room. She glanced around the table next, and saw Tristan staring pointedly at her. His mouth was turned downward, and for once, it was very clear he was frustrated.
"So Tristan," Galahad said loudly, "I have a lady for you." He nodded at a wench in the corner, and everyone turned to look. Jaelynn glared at Galahad, but the young knight quickly avoided her look. The woman looked at Tristan, and confidently winked in his direction! Jaelynn rolled her eyes and renewed her glare to Galahad.
"Ahh, Tristan, there's a buxom lass for you," Bors said loudly. Vanora hit him again. Gawain was losing his drink in between his laughter, but Lucinda hit him too, and he quickly sobered up.
"What do you say, Tristan?" Galahad challenged. Jaelynn understood he was angry with Tristan, but this was hurting her too. Foolish man, she thought. He's purposely goading us!
As all eyes were on Tristan, he stood in response. He ran a hand through his hair, and the knights whistled, assuming it vanity. Jaelynn held her breath as he walked a few steps in the woman's direction, around the table. But then he turned and came straight at Jaelynn.
Jaelynn noticed the confusion on everyone's face, but not for long. Her gaze locked with Tristan's. He took her hand.
"Let's dance," he mumbled. She let him lead her, noticing now the ballad that was being played by the musicians in the corner.
He grasped her hand tightly, and pulled her around to face him. She couldn't wipe the grin off her face as he held her and slowly they began to step lightly to the music. She was surprised at his ability.
"I thought you couldn't dance," she said. He stepped to the side, turning them together, and she saw Arthur, Gawain and Bors gaping at them. Vanora and Lucinda smiled happily and clearly with some astonishment.
"I never said that," he said. "Just rather dance with you." Her face grew hot and pink, but she loved it because of what he said. With two quick steps, they turned again, and Jaelynn saw Galahad at the table.
Galahad smiled. He nodded at her with that mischievous twinkle in his eyes. Slowly, she understood and grinned back. He was trying to get Tristan to act.
"Dance is a well-known fight," Tristan said. Jaelynn focused back on him, and scoffed.
"A fight?"
He nodded, and his warm brown eyes looked upon her. She felt her body tingle just at the affection in his eyes.
"Steps, left, right, forward, back," he said with a shrug. She felt his hand against her back, pressing to bring her closer. She could feel the warmth of his body.
"You don't fight this close together," she said, raising an eyebrow. He merely grinned, and took another few steps to twirl them around. She loved the feel of the world spinning, but with her eyes on Tristan. Fitting, she thought. Maybe love was like this.
Suddenly he stopped. He drew her close, and kissed her. She tasted the ale and some sort of fruit on his lips. She kissed him back even as she heard gasps from more than just their corner of friends. Her heart raced excitedly. Everyone knew for sure now. It would all be all right.
The music came to an end, and Tristan drew back. Before more than two notes were played in the next song, Bors was by their side.
"All right, enough," he said, grabbing Tristan by the back of his tunic. "C'mere, you sly bastard." Given the force behind Bors' meaty arms, Tristan had no choice, and quickly released Jaelynn so she wasn't pulled along.
She rolled her eyes. But Vanora and Lucinda quickly followed, and each took one arm and led her away.
"You have a lot to tell us!" Lucinda almost squealed. Vanora laughed, and Jaelynn went along with a glance back to Tristan.
-0-0-
Gawain eyed him suspiciously, apparently not bothered at all by how roughly Bors pushed Tristan to his seat. Tristan felt the tension from all of the knights, though Galahad had a smirk on his face. Arthur, however, bore a grave expression.
"You better not've bed her," Bors growled at him. Tristan rolled his eyes.
"You bedded Vanora when she was 15," he said back.
"He was only a few years older than her," Gawain brought up. The mistrust hadn't died down from his eyes. "You shouldn't toy with her that way."
Galahad was almost laughing. He had his hand conveniently over his mouth. Tristan glared at him.
"I'm not toying with her," Tristan said.
"You're old enough to be her father!" Bors roared. As if there wasn't enough attention directed at him before, there certainly was now from the whole tavern.
"Three months ago you were pushing me to go after her," Tristan said. He leaned forward in his seat, and shifted his challenging eyes to Gawain. "You would even court her."
Gawain looked around in a panic. "Lucinda could take that the wrong way, you idiot."
Tristan smirked at him.
Arthur cleared his throat. "Do you really care for her, Tristan?" he asked. "I think that is the concern of everyone here."
"Yeah, if you're just using her for your—" Bors started.
"Shut up," Tristan muttered. He shook his head to clear his hair to the side, and he didn't bother hiding how annoyed he was. Bors sat back a bit. "I'm not using her, I haven't bedded her, and I do care for her."
"She's not a child," Gawain stated, sounding very much like he was speaking to a fool. "You protect her, but is that all there is to your . . . relationship?"
Tristan shut his eyes. Maybe he was dreaming. He almost wanted to have another nightmare to make this one go away.
"You're not her father, Tristan," Bors said. Tristan shook his head—did the loud knight even realize how circuitous his arguments were? Not even thinking, probably.
"Neither are you," he said.
"I know we teased you about her, Tristan, but it's just because we thought you'd suit," Gawain said.
Tristan frowned. "So do I."
Gawain shook his head. "Don't do this to make us happy, because it'll just hurt Jaelynn. If you really feel—"
Exasperated, Tristan snagged his dagger by the hilt, and slammed its point into the table.
"Shut up so I can answer!" he hissed. Astounded, the knights and king did. "I love her. I'm not sure how much or what will happen. Maybe I'll marry her." He couldn't resist a goading look to Bors at that. "Let us decide."
He leaned back, leaving his dagger stuck in the middle of the table. The knights eyed it and Tristan, back and forth.
Slowly, Galahad started laughing. Tristan pointed a finger at him.
"You should have helped," he mumbled. Galahad shook his head.
"After you threatened me not to tell?"
"He threatened you?" Arthur asked, though not upset at all.
"I walked in on him and Jaelynn—"
"If you say anything other than kissing, I'll run him through," Bors said. Tristan snorted.
"You couldn't find the sharp end of the sword," he said. Arthur was the first to laugh, and with Gawain and Galahad joining in, Bors could not be angry. From across the tavern came Vanora, Lucinda and Jaelynn, each with a gleeful look on her face. Tristan nodded at Jaelynn, and she came to sit by him. Tristan pushed at Gawain so he'd move to make room.
She raised an eyebrow and glanced around the table.
"Is everything . . ." she started.
Tristan nodded. "You have many protectors." He shot a glare in each of the knight's directions.
"Jaelynn, you sure about this?" Bors asked. Tristan was well beyond tired of everyone doubting them, but he made himself stay still. She smiled sweetly, not with the innocence everyone was used to, but with a bit more confidence and maturity.
"I'm sure."
She settled against him. Tristan could smell her hair, and he noticed this time she had her comb in it as well. Briefly he closed his eyes and pulled her closer to him. They sat comfortably together, and as the awkwardness wore off, the knights, king and friends fell into their normal banter.
Tristan smiled.
-0-0-
a/n: No, not quite the end. I will include an epilogue. I apologize for the delay on this chapter. Craziness in my schedule didn't help. But let me know what you think! I will work on the epilogue to have up soon. Thanks!