I love Greil. And I love Elena. It's only normal I love GreilxElena. Weehee, I can do math!
Chapter Two
"So, when and where is the battle going to be held?" Korgan asked tiredly when the Four Riders got within hearing range.
"Who said we were going to battle?" Tauroneo answered casually as he walked past, his hands shoved down his pockets.
"Well, let's see." Korgan counted on his fingers. "This was a meeting between Daein and Begnion, I saw Begnion Generals ride away shouting triumphally, and you four are starting to creep me out with your dirty looks. Is this enough?"
Gawain sighed heavily and patted his horse's neck. "You guessed right," he said simply, but Korgan caught the meaning behind those words. War had been declared. Begnion wanted those lands, but King Runtar wouldn't give them up. Not that he wanted to keep the lands to himself, far from it: he just didn't want to let the people who lived there in Begnion's clutches.
Our King is too kind, Gawain thought as he pushed the bit into place in his mount's mouth. If it were anyone else, war would have already been declared months ago. That or those lands would have been given to Begnion long ago. Lost into thoughts, he then noticed his pupil giving him a strange look. "What's the matter?" the knight asked.
"The harness… why are you putting it on Rakham?" Korgan inquired. "Are you going somewhere?"
"Actually, we were asked to go to the Frontier Land to make sure Begnion won't try to attack it while we get ready for war," Gawain explained as he saddled his stallion. He put his pack behind the saddle, and tied an axe to it with one of the many ropes hanging from the seat. His blessed sword, Ragnell, was as usual in its sheath and tied across his back. "We have to leave now in order to reach the Lands by nightfall, we've got no time to waste."
Korgan nodded frantically. "Agreed, master! Just give me ten seconds!" The blond-haired young man turned around and began to run off when Gawain grabbed him by the collar of his shirt. "Ugh! What was that for, sir?"
"You're not coming, Korgan. This is far too dangerous for a young apprentice such as you. I don't want you to get hurt, or worse. You are staying here."
Korgan's eyes widened. "What! Why in the name of the Goddess would I get hurt! No, please no, master! Let me come with you! I'll be quiet, I won't bother you or Bryce or Petrine, and even Tauroneo!" the young one pleaded.
But Gawain just shook his head. "Too much danger. Besides, we won't be gone for a very long time, just use this as a chance to improve your skills and surprise me when I come back and train with you." When Korgan pouted, the knight smiled a bit. "I heard you made acquaintance with the King's youngest son last month. Why don't you train with him, or just hang out like friends?"
"Ashnard's not my friend," the teenager retorted. "He creeps me out. Having him as a training partner wasn't my choice: I knew he was one year older than me, and he was taller and broader too. I got beaten to a bloody pulp, no more for me please. The King can have him, I'm fine with that."
Gawain chuckled and patted the young man's head. "Then go to your friends."
Korgan sighed. "I don't have friends, master. They're afraid."
"What are they afraid of?" Gawain blinked.
"They fear you. They say if we ever quarrel, I'll ask you to murder them." Korgan's gaze lowered to the ground. "They don't believe me when I say it's not true."
Gawain crouched down in front of his pupil. "Listen, this is something we'll have to work on when I come back. I just want you to understand I can't have you standing in the middle of a battle all alone. I know, I know," he added when Korgan opened his mouth to reply, "you know how to fight. You are a good fighter. But this is war, Korgan, I'd like to go on two or three less dangerous missions with you before that. We'll get one as soon as I come back, is that all right?"
"I guess… But still I don't like being left behind."
"Who does?" Gawain smiled up at his apprentice. "I've been training you for over a year now, and I care about you. I'd rather leave you behind for a few days than forever." He patted Korgan's head and rose to his feet. "Well, we should get going soon. When I come back, I want to be told all about how you kicked Ashnard's butt, all right?"
Korgan laughed. "No problem."
Gawain nodded and led Rakham to the other Riders. Bryce was having problems with his saddle as usual, and Tauroneo was busy making fun of him.
"Are Gawain and I the only sane ones here?" Petrine sighed as she shoved Bryce away and strapped up the saddle herself. "You big-handed apes really don't have a clue. Where would you three be without me?"
"In Heaven," Tauroneo grinned, leaning casually against his horse.
"Love you too, sweety," the woman retorted as she mounted her black mare.
Gawain was already waiting at the door of the stables. His jet black stallion was tapping his front hooves against the ground, clearly impatient, and kept shifting his weight. The tall knight lowered his hand to stroke his mane and turned to his fellows. "Would you please hurry up a little? We have to get there by nightfall, and it's almost nine."
"Can it, Gawain," Petrine growled as she pulled to a stop next to him. "Don't make me take back what I said earlier."
"Wouldn't even dream of it."
"Good boy. Now what's taking you so long, you rodents!" Petrine hissed at the remaining two Riders. "We have to get there by nightfall! It's already nine! Why are you trailing behind! You really want me to chew you two out!"
Gawain shook his head, amused, as the two men scurried off to their mounts. Petrine could be scary enough to make the best fighter wet his pants, if she really wanted to.
The day long trip went well – minor fighting and bickering took place. Mainly, it had been Tauroneo who had kept on making sneaky comments on how Bryce was always staring at Petrine, and asking if he could be the best man at the wedding among other things. Luckily Bryce had remained silent, and Tauroneo finally stopped when Petrine threatened to shave his head when he was sleeping.
Gawain was leading the way. They had been travelling all day, not stopping for a single break, and his horse was getting tired of galloping through the plains. The knight really couldn't blame his mount; given how sore his butt felt from hitting the saddle, the road had been quite bumpy indeed.
"I swear, if I don't see this forsaken village in less than ten minutes, I stop and sleep right on the spot," Bryce whined, and his horse neighed as if to agree with him.
"You sound quite pathetic for one of the Four Steadfast Riders of Daein," Tauroneo snorted.
"Because you think you're any better?" the other man growled. "Mr. I'm-the-oldest-so-I-can-say-whatever-the-hell-I-want? Who do you think you are?"
"The oldest of the bunch, now that you mention it," Tauroneo smirked, holding the reins with one hand and scratching his nose with his free one, feeling smart. "Do I need to remind you that you're the youngest, therefore the most inexperienced of us?" The emphasis on the hated word was done on purpose.
Bryce growled; a whole day on horseback, no lunch, no break, and now he had to stand this moron's comment? Like hell! "I'll tell you what, you… you…"
"You what? Lost your tongue already, kid?" Tauroneo grinned smartly.
Bryce's anger colored his cheeks a nice shade of red and he began growling insults at the other Rider. Lost as they were in their argument, neither had noticed they had just stepped into the village. Several faces were looking up at them quizzically; after a few seconds, the two men realized they were being watched, and stopped bickering altogether to shift nervously atop their horses.
"Um… hello?" Bryce began, his features settling into a nervous smile. When finally people just went back to whatever they had been doing before the Riders' arrival, the young man looked around and realized only Tauroneo was standing beside him. "Where do you reckon Petrine and Gawain have gone?" he asked.
"Like I would know," Tauroneo shrugged. "They were right behind us the entire time… ah!" The knight finally spotted Gawain and Petrine; they had dismounted and tied their horses to a barrier to unload their packs. "Guys!" he called, nudging his stallion their way. "Why didn't you warn us? We made fools out of ourselves back there!" Bryce nodded furiously to show he agreed with what Tauroneo was saying.
Gawain shrugged. "You were exchanging sweet words of love, I didn't feel like cutting in. Besides, making fools out of yourselves is something you're used to." The blue-eyed Rider spoke again before his friends could snap at him. "I'll find a stable for the horses. Bryce, go find some food and Tauroneo, go find us rooms at any inn that looks good to you."
Tauroneo made an annoyed "hmph" and jumped down his horse. "And in that dream of yours, do you want a stuffed pony too?" he growled, pushing his reins into Gawain's open palm. "I'll try to find rooms, but don't complain like that time in Crimea…"
Petrine crossed her arms over her chest. "Tauroneo, the sheets were rotting and there were at least ten rats in there…"
"Those weren't rats, they were mice. Anyway, I get the idea," he added hurriedly when he saw Petrine frown angrily; he had forgotten her hate for the smelly critters. "I'll try."
Gawain put his pack down on the ground beside Petrine's. He then walked past his friends, leading the four horses by the reins. "By the way, be careful of what you might say," he warned. "Some people here are from Begnion, so don't say anything harsh about them, alright?"
"Okay, I won't say anything bad about a state which strength resides in an army of flying pony-riding girls , and which happens to be the reason why we're here in the first place," Tauroneo groaned. "We spent the day riding, Gawain, cut me some slack will you."
Gawain nodded and tugged gently on the reins to urge the horses forward. He had told Petrine to wait for Tauroneo with the packs, so the two of them could bring their supplies in their rooms. So the young woman sat on the barrier to wait for her colleague to come back.
So the broad-shouldered Rider was leading their mounts through the city, looking for a stable. The four horses were so tired from their trip they just followed him obediently, knowing that when Gawain was involved, there was always a nice stable, a large share of hay and a big bucket of water waiting for them in the end. The sharp sound of hooves hitting the paved path sounded in the village as Gawain made his way through the streets.
On the way, he recognized a smithy; it was good, Bryce's lance was getting old and having it break in the middle of a battle would not do. Next to the smithy, there was bookshop; at least Gawain thought so upon seeing books of various colors and sizes on display. There were a few magical tomes too, he found out.
A bell rang nearby, and all four horses' ears jerked up, startled by the loud sound. Gawain stroked their muzzles to soothe them, whispering to them until they stopped neighing nervously. Patting his own stallion's neck, the tall Rider turned around, curious as to where the metallic sound had come from. His answer came quickly when people began to flow out of the little church he hadn't noticed was on the left side of the street; he had been busy observing the right side. On closer inspection, though, the church wasn't all that small: it had been built in length rather than in width, and the elegant columns told Gawain that it was probably a small temple, and not a church.
The chatting mass of people, mainly citizens but with a few priests among them too, was coming his way. Gawain tugged on the reins to make the horses step out of the way, but he had underestimated the stealth and speed of a pack of humans, and soon they were around him. The Rider wasn't all that bothered, but now there wasn't enough space for him to manage four horses in the street.
However Gawain tried to step through, stopping every ten seconds in order to avoid bumping into other people. His snail-like progression finally irritated him; he was tired, he was hungry, his muscles felt sore and his patience was wearing thin. He just stopped and decided to wait until the path was clear once again. Now unmoving, standing with two horses on either side of him, Gawain took his time to really look at the passers-by. He couldn't help but notice some of them were giving him strange looks, or whispering among them. Had they recognized him? Or were they just wondering what the hell a man could be doing here, holding four imposing warhorses in the middle of a street?
I wonder if they were even warned we would come, Gawain mused absently. Scratch that. I wonder if they even know they are in danger.
The young man felt the horses shifting behind him, probably worried by the crowd. They weren't used to seeing so many people at once, unless they were in a battle, and if they were in a battle then the lack of their respective Rider's comforting weight on their back was making them nervous.
"Hush," Gawain said firmly, turning to face them. "Stay still. I know you all need to rest, I do too, but just wait a few minutes more." He took the reins in one hand to reach up and scratch the horses' ears. The animals let themselves be soothed by Gawain's reassuring strokes, and they neighed peacefully. "Good boys. And girl," he chuckled, petting Petrine's mare. "There, stay calm, I think we can go now."
The street was a little bit less crowded, and Gawain turned around to resume searching. However, he didn't even take a step before he bumped into something that was standing right behind him. When it gave a yelp, however, Gawain figured out that it was someone, and not something. "Ouch… sorry," he apologized, opening the eyes he didn't know he had closed.
And what a sight he would have missed if he had kept them closed; a young woman was standing in front of him. The first thing he noticed was that she was a priestess, or a healer, because she was wearing the telltale white robes. The other thing he noticed was that she had beautiful blue eyes. Her deep blue hair looked soft, and her sheepish smile was kind of cute, but her eyes were just mesmerizing. Gawain almost forgot he had senses right then until she spoke up. "No, it's my fault, I shouldn't have been standing so close," she apologized softly.
Gawain scratched the back of his head. "Well, I turned too fast…"
"It's my fault anyway, I wasn't looking," they echoed together. Both fell silent, then they chuckled lightly.
"Talk about a way to meet someone," Gawain smiled good-naturedly. "I didn't even get to say hello."
The young woman giggled. "Indeed," she nodded. Then she looked up at him quizzically. "I don't think I ever saw you here in Toska. Are you new here?"
"Well, yes and no," the Rider answered, fidgeting with the reigns. "I did just arrive, that's true, but I'm only staying for a few days, I'm not settling down here."
The woman's beautiful eyes lit up. "Oh, you're a traveller then?"
"Well, I…" Gawain thought fast; he didn't want to lie to her about his social status, it wouldn't be fair, but he didn't know which country she was from. Begnion people tended to despise the Riders of Daein, and, although he didn't know why exactly, Gawain just couldn't have her hating him. There was something about this woman that he just couldn't identify just yet. "Well, you could put it that way, yes." He thanked Ashera he wasn't wearing his combat gear right then. "By the way, my name is Gawain."
She smiled and put a lock of dark blue hair behind her ear. "Mine is Elena," she told him.
Elena. Daein ring. She's from Daein, Gawain thought, relieved. Now he felt bad about lying to her, although it wasn't a real lie. He tried to make it up by complimenting her. "That's a pretty name, it suits you well," he said truthfully. When she blushed a little, he smiled. She really was kind of cute.
"So," she began again, fiddling with one white sleeve. "You seemed a bit lost, so I wondered if I could help you."
"That would be great," the Rider smiled thankfully. "Actually, do you know where I could find a stable for my and my companions' horses? They are tired and I don't think they will hold on much longer."
Elena smiled and reached out to stroke Rakham's soft nostrils. "They do look exhausted. I actually know somebody who may help you, his house is near mine. He's got a nice stable and even a little field for his horse, I'm sure he won't mind."
Gawain nodded his thanks. "Could you lead me to him? If that's not too much trouble…"
"Not at all," she assured him with a smile. "I was going home anyway, so it's no problem at all. This way."
She surprised him when she took his free wrist to lead him through the streets. The contact of her soft skin upon his rough one was something new to Gawain, and he let her lead the way.
By the time they arrived there, Gawain had learnt quite a lot of things on Elena; she was actually a healer working at the temple, and she lived with her parents. Her father was a lumberjack and her mother was a baker; she was an only child, just like him. Gawain was however surprised to learn that she was twenty year-old.
Only three years younger than me… she looks so much younger, Gawain thought to himself, his eyes trailing along Elena's body involuntary. She was at least one foot shorter than him, and she was pleasantly thin; not downright skinny, just thin. He would have gladly spent more time gazing at her other curves, but he felt like he was invading in on her privacy, so he adverted his eyes.
"And you?"
The sudden question threw him off guard. "What about me?" he asked, stammering a little.
Elena smiled kindly. "I spent all this time talking about myself, you must be feeling left out. Tell me, where are you from?"
"I'm from Nevassa," Gawain told her. "I was born and brought up there."
"Nevassa? That's quite far… are your parents still living there?" the young healer inquired politely.
Gawain's smile faltered a little. "My father does, at least I think so. But Mother died when I was but a child. I don't remember her too well."
On impulse, Elena slowed and touched Gawain's hand that was holding the reigns. "Sorry for asking," she apologized.
"It's alright, you didn't know," the Rider smiled. "And it's not like talking about it will make it worse."
"True."
The next minutes were spent in uncomfortable silence, both too nervous to strike up a conversation again. Night was slowly beginning to settle in; Gawain figured his friends had found rooms and food, and he would soon be joining them.
"We are here," Elena finally announced.
Here was a small row of four houses in the middle of the village. They had been built all around a little square with a horse-shaped fountain in the middle. Teenagers were chatting near the fountain; one of them pointed at Gawain and they began whispering among them.
The Rider ignored them; he was used to being stared at, after all he knew he looked imposing, and the four horses he was leading were bound to attract attention. The young man just kept talking with Elena, who led him to an old waving man who was standing near one of the houses, watering plants.
It turned out Mr. Hettwon, the owner of the stable, was more than eager to provide shelter for the four horses. The kind gray-haired old man loved horses, that much Gawain could tell, because when he brought up the question of payment the man waved the idea away. He was already too happy to have four handsome warhorses staying in his stable, and to help him out. The old man told Gawain to relax, and that the horses would be well taken care off.
"I'll come back tomorrow morning to tend to them, don't worry," the brown-haired warrior told Hettwon, who was leading him out of the stable by the arm.
"Tssk tssk, young one, don't mention it," the man answered as Elena giggled. "I'll take care of everything, I owe gentle miss Elena that much for helping me. Besides, you look like a nice lad, and it's written somewhere that we elders have to help people like you."
"Are you sure you won't-"
"Young one, you better get out of here before things get nasty," Hettwon grinned, pushing Gawain outside despite the Rider's physical protests to stay in the stable. "Come by tomorrow if you want, but I can assure you they will be fine."
Gawain sighed. "Fine, thank you sir," he smiled at least. "Good evening to you."
"Good evening, lad, and you too Elena," the old man nodded. "It's getting dark, you should head home before good ol' Marcus comes looking for you. Might want to ask this young one here if he can walk you back."
"Mr. Hettwon," Elena smiled softly, but a soft hint of pink tinted her cheeks. "You know that I live near here, don't you? I'll be alright."
"Fine, fine. Goodnight, young ones."
Elena and Gawain waved to him and walked back in the small square. Night had fallen and a few stars could be seen in the darkening blue sky; the teenagers from earlier were gone.
"Sometimes he's a little strange, but he's really sweet," Elena explained to him. "He really has a big heart and he's always willing to help. I take care of him and his sons whenever they get sick, although now it's mostly him since his sons are grown-up and left home."
"Oh, alright." Gawain fell silent, not knowing what else he could say, when he realized they were standing next to the fountain and it was really getting dark.
Elena seemed to realize that too. "Well, goodnight then, you probably have to go back to your companions," she smiled.
Gawain felt gallant right then. "You helped me find shelter for the horses, the least I could do is walk you back home," he offered. "I owe you that much."
Elena blushed, but thankfully it was too dark for the man to see. "Why not," she agreed.
She giggled when Gawain bowed and offered her his arm. "Perhaps the young lady might want to lead the way, since I have no idea where she lives," he grinned.
Elena chuckled and gingerly took his arm. "It's right over there, kind sir, if you would just please follow me."
Gawain laughed and let her tug on his arm. The two of them made their way over to a cream-colored – at least Gawain thought so, but in the dark he couldn't be sure - house in the corner of the small square. The lights were on and shone through the closed windows.
The young man walked the healer to the portal of a low white fence. "Thanks again for the stable," he told her when they stopped walking. "It was really nice of you."
"You're welcome," she smiled back.
The way they talked, the way they smiled at each other, you'd think they'd known one another for a few years at least.
"Well, goodnight then," Elena said, opening the portal. When the lock clicked, however, a bark rang into the night and a white blur came running up to her. "Malabar! Hush don't be so loud," she giggled, reaching down to scratch the big dog's ears. The barks were reduced to happy doggy panting. "You were that worried for me? You're such a sweetie." Elena stopped stroking the dog to look up at Gawain. "Will I see you tomorrow?"
"I guess so, this village isn't too big so it's likely we will run into each other again. I just hope it won't be literally that time," he chuckled. He scratched Malabar's ears when the dog extended his head to sniff at Gawain's leg. "And I'll check up on the horses too, so it's safe to assume we will see each other again."
Gawain probably couldn't see it in the dark, but he felt it all the same; Elena's smile was radiant. "I hope so! Goodnight, then, see you tomorrow."
"See you tomorrow."
The knight didn't know why he waited until she had entered the house and closed the door. He just did.
"Well I wouldn't be throwing your things around if you hadn't opened your pack on my bed, you moron!"
"This is my bed too, in case you forgot, I'm going to sleep here too! Not that I enjoy it, mind you."
"Not that I'd expect you too!" Bryce hissed between clenched teeth at Tauroneo. He waved his boxer shorts in one hand to emphasis his point. "And why do I get to sleep with you, of all people!"
"Because this room only has two medium-sized beds, and Petrine said she didn't want to sleep in the same bed as you."
"Then go sleep with her! I'd rather sleep with Gawain than you!"
At this Tauroneo looked outraged. "I've got a fiancée! I won't sleep with another girl!"
Gawain chose that moment to step in, breaking the argument. His two friends looked up at him, Tauroneo kneeling on the bed unfastening his pack, and Bryce standing next to the bed with one hand on his hip and the other waving his boxer around. "Well, look what the cat dragged in," the eldest Rider mocked. "Found a stable in Crimea or what?"
The blue-eyed fighter shrugged. "Is there any food left?"
"Yeah, on the table. You get to sleep with Petrine."
"Mhmm mh."
Gawain walked over to the small table and plucked one apple from the basket there. Then he plopped down on the side of the free bed his pack had been settled on and took a bite of his favorite fruit.
Tauroneo blinked; he had expected Gawain to laugh and tease them about the fact that he was getting to spend the night with a pretty woman and not them, but he had been proven wrong. "Gawain?"
"What?" the Rider said, munching.
"You're sleeping with Petrine."
"Yeah I know, I heard you the first time." Gawain took another bite and munched. "You've already got someone and we know Bryce would try something, so I'm not surprised she chose me. She know I'm not interested." He kicked off his boots and lied back on the bed, with one arm behind his head. I wonder if she said that to be polite or if she really wants to see me tomorrow. She looks so nice, too… Fidgeting with the core of the apple, he gazed absently at the ceiling, idly wondering if she would be wearing something other than her white robes. He was sure she'd look nice in a simple dress…
Tauroneo and Bryce were looking at their companion quizzically, their previous argument about Tauroneo's things flying around completely forgotten.
It wasn't like Gawain to shut them out and just relax. Normally the knight would have been yelling at them to clean up the mess they had made, whining over the small share of food they had left him, teasing Petrine to no end, but just not… this. Something had happened.
Tauroneo's eyes took on a knowing glint and he smirked. "So… what's her name?"
The apple core flew and hit Tauroneo's forehead. "None of your damn business!" came from the other bed.
The eldest Rider laughed. "I knew it!" he boasted. "So what's her name?"
"How does she look?" Bryce inquired.
"Where does she live?"
"Is she pretty?"
"What's her job?"
"Is her dad a tall and muscled meanie?" He gained one strange look from Tauroneo. "What? That's important too."
"That's not, no matter how strong her father is, Gawain can take him on easily," the other man said. "If he objects, of course."
Bryce waved his finger. "It's not nice to beat up your girlfriend's father."
"Well, there are things that have to be done and this is one of them."
"I wonder how Jasmine ended up with you."
The two Riders started bickering again, and clothes began to fly around once more. Gawain sighed and tuned them out, settling on his side. He'd just let Petrine fry their bottoms when she came back from wherever she had gone to.
He closed his eyes, with only one thought in mind.
I can't wait until tomorrow.