Author's Note: And part two right off the bat! Woot!
REASON #02
Galahad is right – Tristan is gone as soon as the sun rises. He doesn't go very far, though. The weather is getting colder, and his cough is growing worse. He arrives at the stables long before the other knights awaken. As a way to pass the time, Tristan grooms and pampers his horse. It doesn't seem like long before he hears footsteps behind him.
"Tristan." It is Arthur's voice. "I see you are feeling better."
Tristan looks at his commander and nods. He knows that Arthur can tell that he is lying.
"Are you going to join us for breakfast, then?" Arthur motions to the door.
"How could I refuse?"
Tristan gives his horse a light pat and exits with Arthur. When he arrives at the "breakfast" table, he is greeted by a jovial bunch of knights. Lancelot is poking fun at Bors, with occasional help from Dagonet, while Galahad is twisting about Gawain's hair. Tristan sits and begins eating a piece of bread, surveying the others.
"Tristan!" Galahad exclaims suddenly. "How do you do that?"
"I have many answers for that question. Exactly what are you asking about?"
"How do you braid your hair?"
"I twist the hair around itself."
Galahad frowns. He goes about attempting to use that instruction to braid Gawain's hair. Tristan leans back and watches with amusement. He enjoys watching Galahad act so carefree. It's something that he can achieve better than the others, which Tristan credits to his youth. He grins partially when Galahad throws his hands up His grin fades slightly as Galahad makes his way over to him.
"What are you up to now?"
Galahad takes one of Tristan's braids.
"I'm learning." He proceeds to undo the braid. He takes his time, working out the way that the pieces of hair are woven around each other. Once the braid is completely undone, Galahad attempts – and fails – to make a new one. "This is impossible!"
By now all of the knights are watching. They are light heartedly harassing Galahad.
"What's the matter, Galahad?" Tristan takes his hair in his hands. "You've been victorious in countless battles, and yet a tiny braid is too much for you. Watch closely – I'm only doing this once." Very slowly, as if teaching a small child, Tristan begins braiding his hair. When he is done, he returns to his breakfast.
Galahad watches intently. He returns to Gawain and braids a section of his hair. A large grin splits across his face.
"I did it!" He looks at the others proudly.
They all cheer and whistle for Galahad, and Tristan discreetly hides a cough. The logical part of his brain tells him to get some more rest, but he doesn't listen to it. It isn't often that the knights have such a laid-back day. Besides, he loves it when Galahad is so cheerful, and it makes him love Galahad all the more.
Author's Note: Reviews are love. Please no flames. I'm learning as I write.