This is a bit longer than my normal chapters. Originally, it was two, but they were shorter, so I combined them.
Enjoy!
#17 Surprises
The peace of the afternoon was broken when a man rushed silently from the trees straight for Gawain. In his haste, he bumped Kirra -- who had risen in alarm, with his shoulder and sent her sprawling on the ground. She lay still for a moment catching her breath before shoving dusty tendrils of hair from her eyes long enough to see the man launch himself at a startled Gawain in a bone-jarring -- if not spectacular, tackle. Gawain fell back hard and was barely able to get an arm up to protect his face before the man started pummeling him.
Kirra pushed herself to her feet and raced behind the man still beating on Gawain. He had attacked silently, but now that she was closer Kirra could hear a string of curses coming from him. She looked around in a panic for something she could use to stop him when she remembered the knife in her hand.
Miraculously, she had neither dropped it nor fell on it when the man had raced by and knocked her down. It was small but sharp and could cause a lot of damage if applied to just the right spot – and Kirra knew all the right spots.
Just as she had reached out to grasp the man's fair hair, Kirra saw another emerging from the forest and take a step in her direction. Tightening her hold in the fistful of wheat colored hair; she hauled the man's head back until he was looking up at her. His light brown eyes widened in surprise and the stream of obscenities that had been flowing from him suddenly dried up. The forest became silent as he tried not to breath or swallow for fear Kirra's knife would cut him. Already the keen edge had drawn blood that shown ruby in the late light and trickled down his throat.
The fair man's companion had slowed his advance but had not stopped it. He moved warily toward Kirra, his hand dropping almost casually to grip the hilt of a sword hanging at his hip. His green eyes flicked from her, to the man she held, to Gawain, and back to her again, unfaltering but indecisive. His steady advance was halted only when Kirra spoke.
"One more step and your friend will be breathing through his neck," She hissed in a low voice that carried through the suddenly oppressive air of the clearing. The implacable glint in her darkened eyes left no mistaking that she meant what she said.
To everyone's surprise it was Gawain who spoke. "It's all right, Kirra." He coughed lightly, wincing as he did so. "I know them."
A slight frown creased Kirra's brow as she turned his words over in her mind. Finally, she released the fair man's hair and backed away still keeping a tight hold on her little knife. The man touched his throat tentatively and slowly got to his feet followed by Gawain.
The latter was grimacing as he wiped at the blood flowing from the re-opened cut above his eyebrow and his lip was split and bleeding, as was his nose. Kirra heard a slight wheezing noise as he breathed and guessed that the wincing wasn't only from the cut. If she was right then Gawain had a couple of cracked ribs to go along with his soon-to-be shiner. All of that would have to wait though because she wasn't going to move another foot until she had some answers.
Already she could feel herself trembling uncontrollably as the adrenaline receded from her bloodstream. She stood still concentrating on breathing normally and willing her heart to stop pounding. The rush of blood through her veins was almost deafening and she wanted desperately to sit down. Gawain noticed her distress at once and turned to face her, effectively shielding her body with his from the angry, but curious eyes of the other knights.
He grasped her shoulders tightly, looking her over, checking for injuries, "It's all right, Kirra. Everything is all right." His hand slid down her arm to the knife she still clutched in her hand. "The fair one is my brother, Gareth, and the other is his best mate, Galahad."
It was Kirra's turn to be curious. She had been told a little about each of them and was interested to see if they were anything like the legends. She peeked around Gawain's large form and stared at the two men. Except for the fierce expression in their eyes, they -- like Gawain, looked nothing she would ever have pictured King Arthur's knights looking like.
The fair one, now that she knew, did resemble Gawain quite a bit. It could be seen in the shape of his eyes and the set of his jaw. He was, perhaps, not quite as tall or as broad through the shoulders and chest then Gawain was. His hair was more of a wheat color and cut shorter then Gawain kept his and was secured at the nape of his neck and unlike his brother, he was clean shaven. His eyes, which were hard and angry at the moment, were a light brown.
His companion, Galahad, stood shoulder to shoulder with Gareth, but was more slender in build then either of the two brothers, and he was darker, with an unruly mop of dark curls. His had folded his arms over his chest and was regarding Kirra and Gawain with eyes that looked to be green, but were no less furious then Gareth's were.
Gareth spoke first, "Where in the name of the gods have you been?" He took an aggressive step forward. "We thought you were dead. We were out here looking for your pathetic scrap of hide and instead find you sporting with a wench."
Kirra's face reddened in humiliation. Gawain had called her that before but never with the venom with which Gareth used the word. His tone caused Gawain's eyes to glitter dangerously and he scowled as he turned to face his brother, still carefully shielding Kirra with his body. "Careful what you say in regards to Kirra, brother." He warned.
Gareth exploded, "What care I for the wench?"
He was livid and for a moment Kirra thought he was going to launch himself at Gawain again and perhaps he would have had Gawain not moved to the side so that the two knights could see Kirra properly for the first time. Galahad placed a restraining hand on his friend's arm and both the men both gawked at the young woman.
"Who … How …?" Gareth asked in shock.
Gawain spat a bit of blood onto the ground and smiled painfully through his bruised and torn lip, "This is Kirra."
He placed his hand on the small of Kirra's back and nudged her forward as if she were some kind of offering. She could read the shock and disbelief on the faces of his brother and fellow knight and she was a bit annoyed at being thrust forward like some sacrificial lamb, but she held her tongue as Gawain continued.
"Kirra found me and healed me after that last fight."
Gareth's brown eyes snapped back to meet Gawain's blue ones, "Then why did you not send us word?" he asked accusingly, betrayal written over his features. "I was …" -- his jaw clenched convulsively as he fought back his emotions -- "we mourned you."
Kirra's heart dropped at the admission and she took a hesitant step forward, "I am afraid that is my fault." Gareth turned his attention to her; Galahad had never looked away and was still staring in astonishment.
"You see," she faltered, "I didn't know at the time and even if I had, I wouldn't have known how to get word to you."
Gareth looked to Gawain for confirmation.
"It's true. We were unable to send a message. And besides," Gawain grinned, "who would have thought you would have been that upset over my death. You should have been rejoicing, it would have meant less competition for female companionship."
Kirra rolled her eyes as the men chuckled. Gareth, accepting his brother's apology, for the moment, came forward and embraced him followed by Galahad who, Kirra had been told, was like a brother.
Gawain grimaced and swallowed a groan at the exuberant embraces, but Kirra saw the flash of pain as it crossed his face and knew something must be done. She also wanted to take a look at the thin cut she had given Gareth and check over his bruised and torn knuckles. And as she was still feeling shaky and faintly nauseated, Kirra knew that it would help her relax if she had something to focus her energy on. She delicately cleared her throat to get the men's attention.
"What is it Kirra?" Gawain asked. The others, having momentarily forgotten the woman, turned back to her and were surprised anew at her resemblance to Tristan.
"Well, you are bleeding all over the place and I am pretty sure that you have some broken, or at the least bruised, ribs and I want to check over that cut on Gareth's throat and look over his hands. You have a pretty hard head and it wouldn't do to have him return in less then perfect condition."
"I am fine," Gawain protested, even as he dropped a hand to steady his aching side.
Kirra's eyes darkened in an expression that Gawain knew all to well. One that said she was not fooled by his acting abilities and that she was going to tend to him whether he liked it or not. She surprised him by smiling and asking innocently in a honeyed voice, "Well, in that case could you please hand me my knife so that I can finish with dinner?"
Gawain moved carefully to retrieve the knife that he had dropped when his brother had embraced him but could not refrain from sucking in his breath from the movement. He rose to see Kirra staring at him, unmovable, with her arms folded across her chest.
Kirra raised an eyebrow, "That's what I thought." She took the knife from him. "Go sit by the fire before you hurt yourself further."
Gareth and Galahad exchanged a knowing grin when Gawain meekly turned to do Kirra's bidding, but their amusement was cut short when Kirra turned back to them.
"You," she said sharply, gesturing to Gareth, "join your brother; I want to take a look at that cut and check your hands." Her tone and the fierce expression in her eyes were so familiar that Gareth left at once. Galahad's laughter ringing in his ears until Kirra turned on him.
"Glad you think that's funny. You get to finish chopping vegetables." She handed him her knife and walked away, calling over her shoulder, "Oh, wash that thing off before you use it on the food."
It was Gawain's and Gareth's turn to laugh at Galahad's hang-dog look of obedience when Kirra left him.
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Later that night the men sat around the smoldering fire and talked quietly. Kirra, having used more energy then was perhaps needed in healing the two men, had retired right after she had eaten and was sleeping nearby. All that could be seen of her was a shock of dark hair which glimmered faintly in the moonlight. Finn was sprawled at her side and snoring softly.
Gawain quietly and almost thoroughly recounted the events of the weeks that he had been away. He left out a few minor details, thinking that Kirra would probably not appreciate all that had transpired between them shared with the two men, even if one was his brother. Occasionally his eyes would flick toward the lump of blankets that was her. When this happened Gareth and Galahad would exchange a knowing glance. The night was silent as the men absorbed the narrative.
"Well, I still can't believe that she is able to do what she did to us." Gareth said in stunned tones as he examined his knuckles. There was some slight discoloration and a couple of small scratches, that looked like nothing more then the scratches given by rose thorns, to show that he had even used his fists at all, but he felt no pain, not even the residual ache of an older bruise. He felt as good as new.
Gawain nodded. He was weary, his body tired from the healing process and he wanted to go to sleep, but knew that he had a lot of questions to answer. "Aye, Kirra is amazing."
Galahad nudged Gareth, "If I didn't know any better, I would say that you were in love with the girl." He said in attempt to goad Gawain.
"Aye," grinned Gareth, "you've been making calf-eyes at her all night." He chuckled, "if that's the case, there are going to be quite a few very disappointed maids back at the fort. That is, until they realize that Gal and I are still around."
Galahad nodded, "I figure we'll be enough to take the sting out of it."
Gawain looked at the two younger knights thoughtfully, "You two together, perhaps, but then again they are used to real men."
Gareth snorted as he stirred up the fire and added a log. It was good to be joking with Gawain again, but he was not about to allow him to change the subject. He sat back and glanced at his older brother.
"So, are you?" he asked.
Gawain looked up from the twig he was shredding, "Am I what?"
"In love with the girl."
The twinkle didn't fade from Gawain's eye; rather it sharpened until it was hard and piercing. He looked from Gareth to Galahad to Gareth again. They sobered instantly as he said, "Aye, I love her, but it is more then that." He paused and tossed the twig into the fire, watching it blacken and curl before he spoke next. "Kirra and I, well…she's my wife," His words were met with stunned silence. "We married before we left her home."
Gareth found his voice first and shook his head in mock sympathy, "If you weren't a dead man before, you will be when Tristan finds out."
Gawain sighed heavily, "I know, but that can't be helped now. It is done and," He looked up his eyes fierce once again, "I'll not let Kirra go for any man. Be he brother or commander."
Galahad scratched his head, "I am betting that you won't have to worry about Arthur because Tristan will slit your throat while you sleep and feed you to that bird of his before Arthur has a chance to do anything. What do you plan to do when we reach the fort?"
Gawain ignored Galahad's first comment, "Kirra will be set up as our healer and you two will never again speak of what I just told you. It is between her and me and no one else. When the time is right we will reveal the truth." He stood to leave and retire for the night and Gareth stood with him.
"I would not be you, brother, for all the ale and all the soft women in the whole of the damned Roman Empire, not with both Tristan and Arthur about." He clapped Gawain on the shoulder and laughed as Gawain rubbed his jaw ruefully.
"That may be, Gareth, but then you have never known such a woman."
Gareth became serious, "I see the love you bear for this woman in your eyes. You'll not be able to keep it from the others." Then his eyes grew sad for a moment, "I pray that I will be able to live long enough to know that kind of love." Then as quickly as it had come, the sorrow was gone, replaced with his sparkling smile, "Gal, you taking first watch tonight?" he asked.
"Aye," his friend called. "Go and get some sleep. I'll wake you later for your turn."
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Galahad sat back and watched the two brothers who were like his own as they retrieved their bed rolls and laid them out. Gawain looked over Kirra for a moment and deciding to leave her undisturbed, lay down a respectful distance away.
The young woman's big gray dog woke at the slight scuffling of the two men and left his mistress's side to join Galahad by the fire. He gave the knight a big grin as he lay down and with a thump of his tail he was soon chasing rabbits in his dreams. What a guard dog, Galahad thought as he watched the dog. The animal hadn't even alerted Gawain or Kirra to his and Gareth's presence and they had been waiting and watching all day.
There was a storm coming. Galahad could smell it on the wind and hear the distant roll of thunder. The moon rose higher only to be covered with the quickly amassing clouds and he said a brief prayer asking the goddess to spare them the misery of a wet night and all day ride in damp clothing. He pulled his cloak a little tighter around his shoulders as the wind picked up, certain that the goddess had once again considered him unworthy of an answer.
The wind whisked the glowing embers of the fire high into the trees and Galahad stared at them, thinking of the tale Gawain had told him. It sounded quite unlikely, but he had never known the man to lie in all the years they had been brothers. And Kirra, with her too familiar face and strange powers, which were truly amazing, was impossible to rationalize away.
They needed her, especially now, so close to the end. But, he wondered, why would the goddess send her now? Why hadn't she sent her earlier? Galahad's green eyes hardened in anger. How many of their brothers could have been saved from a grisly death? How much sorrow and guilt could have been avoided if the woman had come to live among them earlier?
An owl hooted softly as if in reply to his angry questions and the thunder sounded again, closer this time. Galahad cocked his head at a small, feminine gasp and saw Kirra sit bolt upright, her back to him.
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Kirra's heart was pounding as she shook her head to clear away the remains of the same old dream. Still the firelight, water, and shadow stayed with her, this time accompanied by the sound of thunder. She looked into the dark forest as fear trickled down her spine and shivered when the wind turned it to a shaft of ice.
Turning, she spotted Galahad watching her silently from beside the glowing fire and gave the knight a weak smile. He didn't return the gesture only sat and continued watching her intently, an indecipherable expression in his eyes and she wondered what it was that Gawain had told him. Or perhaps it was only the wariness of a person unused to her particular talents.
She cringed involuntarily at the next crack of thunder -- tired, cold, and completely out of her element and looked around for Gawain. She could see two still forms not far from her, but was at a loss as to which was Gawain and which was Gareth. She turned her head and looked back at Galahad when she heard the young man clear his throat.
He pointed to one of the still forms and Kirra got to her feet pulling her blanket tighter around herself to ward off the chill of the ever increasing wind. She nodded her thanks to the silent knight and padded over to the sleeping figure and knelt to hesitantly touch the man's shoulder.
Gawain came awake immediately, "What?" He propped himself up on his elbow, eyes alert and dark with concern, "What is it Kirra?"
Kirra's breath caught and she looked toward the sky as the thunder cracked over head and Gawain understood. Smiling he shifted to allow Kirra to lay on the blanket warmed by his body. She laid facing him, shivering and tangling her legs with his until she was as close as she could get without crawling into his skin. Gawain lay down next to her and pulled her even closer. He could feel her heart pounding against his own and smiled in the dark as he stroked her long hair.
"It's just a little thunder, wild one."
Kirra was beginning to calm and felt safe and protected in his arms. "I don't do outdoors in the dark very well." She nipped his skin in response to his gentle teasing and Gawain could feel his body tighten in response.
"None of that," He whispered in her ear. "This is hardly the time or place for such teasing."
Kirra didn't answer but Gawain felt her sigh against his neck. Her breath was warm. She brought her hands up, one she tucked under her cheek and the other moved restlessly against his shirt until she found bare skin. She relaxed her palm against his heart and found it beating in time with her own.
"I am sorry. Really, I am." She whispered, not sounding the least bit sorry. "It's just you are such a temptation. I can't help it. It's not every girl that gets her very own knight and I am afraid that I like to take advantage of that fact."
Gawain gave a low chuckle and buried his face in Kirra's fragrant hair, "Under normal circumstances I would let you take full advantage of that fact, but as my brother is not two feet away and Galahad is watching us, I think we had better save it for later."
Kirra sighed dramatically, "It's just as well. You need to rest and let your ribs finish healing." Unerringly her hand found the bruised spot of flesh and gently stroked it, effectively easing more of the ache.
"What are you saying, Kirra?" Gawain asked in amusement.
She nipped at him again, this time her tongue lingered to soothe the sharp sting, causing him to shiver and she whispered breezily, "Oh, just that it might be too much for you in your present state and I wouldn't want to wear you out."
"My present state?" Gawain chuckled again and squeezed the small woman until she gave a small squeak to show her his present state.
As close as Kirra was to him, it was impossible for her not to feel how he desired her. It was comforting thing to know. She giggled as he loosened his hold on her and rolled to her other side, which was a relief to them both, but Gawain nestled her close again and both fell almost immediately into a deep sleep in which neither dreams nor the gathering storm could disrupt.
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Kirra awoke the next morning to find that the storm had passed them by. Gawain's arm was draped over her waist and for a moment she snuggled closer relishing his weight and warmth. Finally, when she could no longer stand it, she rolled over and watched him as he slept. It was her favorite time.
Sleep took the hardness from his jaw and softened his mouth. And, she brushed a lock of golden hair from his forehead; he looked rather like a small boy with the flush of sleep on him. Kirra kissed his lips softly then gently slid out from under the weight of his arm. Gawain frowned and for a moment she was afraid that he might wake, but he quieted and she got to her feet.
Padding in her bare feet to the banked fire, she saw Gareth watching her from his vantage point higher up, near the trees. Kirra stirred it to life and threw some wood then collected the two small pots and her comb and walked over to him. She smiled a greeting and was relieved when the knight smiled back at her. She saw he had a dimple in his left cheek.
"Good morning," She said in a low voice as not to wake the ones still sleeping. "Thank you for watching out for us last night."
"I was just doing my duty." He said in an equally low voice.
Kirra's brow creased and she gently touched his arm, "But it was more then that to me. I could never have done that." She shivered and glanced up at the lightening sky, "I've never much liked storms, or the dark for that matter."
Gareth chuckled, sounding surprisingly like Gawain, "You get used to the dark and being out in the storms."
Kirra scratched her nose and looked at him doubtfully, "I don't know about that. I have never gotten used to storms."
"Maybe they won't be so bad now." The young man said softly looking over at his brother.
Kirra smiled in understanding, "No, they haven't been that bad lately, now that you mention it."
"You love him, don't you," He stated more comment then question.
Kirra's smile softened and she found it impossible to lie, not about this, "Very much so."
"Good. Gawain needs a good woman to look after him."
"I don't know about the good part, or the woman, but I'll try. Is it safe to go down to the stream for a bit? I would like to start breakfast and need a bit of water. And," she gestured to her sleep mussed hair, "I would like to wash up a bit."
Gareth peered into the shadows of the forest. The stream was not far, its gentle babbling could be heard from the camp. "I think that would be fine, but stay alert and call if you have need. I will be there in an instant."
"Thank you, Gareth." Kirra said before turning to walk down the slight hill to the clear stream.
Gareth watched her go. His eyes panning from side to side of the path she was walking. He examined the tress and breathed silently so as to hear anything the forest might have to tell him. For once he wished he was as good at seeing things not meant to be seen as Tristan was. There would be no forgiveness either of himself or from Gawain if anything happened to her.
As hard as he tried, Gareth found himself distracted by the woman he was attempting to guard. She moved gracefully through the thick undergrowth almost gliding, not making a sound even in her long skirt. It would seem that Tristan's grace and ease in the forest was an inherited trait because Kirra possessed it also. She paused now and then to reverently touch the waking petals of a flower or to peer into the trees to find the source of the bird's song.
"She's beautiful, isn't she?" A quiet voice asked from behind him.
Gareth turned to find Gawain staring after the young woman. He seemed calmer then he had in a long time. And softer. The small worry lines that normally creased his face were fading and Gareth had no doubt that it was because of Kirra.
"Aye, she is." He agreed. "It is strange to watch her, though. You can see a lot of Tristan in her."
Gawain cocked his head in contemplation, "You are probably right, but I have since gotten used to it and don't see it much any more. I see only Kirra. She resembles Tristan, but not any more then you resemble me." He grinned, "Except in certain looks she gives me. There are a few of those that have me wanting to run for cover."
"How do you think he'll take the news?"
Gawain rubbed his jaw, "Probably like anyone of us would take it." He looked at his brother, "He is only a man, after all, just as you and I."
Kirra had finished with her morning ablutions and had filled her two pots. She waved to Gawain and started up the hill toward the two men.
"No," Gareth shook his head, "He is different then us. I am not sure how or why, but he is different and that same difference is even more profound in Kirra."
Gawain clasped his brother's shoulder and squeezed it, "Maybe, but you'll find that she is not nearly so secretive."
"Who's not so secretive?" Kirra asked coming to stand beside him.
"You, pretty girl," Gawain said.
And she was pretty, beautiful even, standing there in the early morning sun. Her hair was damp and had been combed out. It hung, rippling like black silk down her back. Her cheeks were pink from the scrubbing she had given them and her eyes were sparkling like jewels in the early light.
Standing next to Gawain, Kirra looked much smaller then Gareth had first thought. She slipped her small hand in Gawain's and drew up on tiptoe to kiss him. He touched her hair and let it slide through his fingers in a surprisingly intimate gesture that almost had Gareth looking away.
"Good morning," Kirra greeted Gawain breathlessly. She didn't exactly ignore Gareth, but had eyes only for Gawain. "I was just about to start breakfast."
"Don't worry over that this morning. We will just have some bread and cold rabbit before we start out." Gawain looked around, "It's the third day. I think it would be best if we got out of this forest as soon as possible."
Kirra grimaced, she like cold rabbit even less then warm rabbit, which wasn't a lot. "I'll eat your rabbit, but don't expect me to enjoy it."
She took a few steps to the side and emptied the larger of the two pots. She was about to do the same with the smaller when Gawain stopped her.
"Just because we are going to have cold leftover rabbit doesn't mean that you can't have some tea."
She raised her eyebrow, "You sure we have time for it? I thought you wanted to leave ASAP."
Gareth didn't understand the foreign word she had interjected, but apparently Gawain knew what Kirra was talking about because he glanced over at Galahad's unmoving form and chuckled. Galahad was about as easy to wake as a rock.
"It will take us that long just to rouse Galahad."
Kirra contemplated the sleeping man for a few moments then turned with a wicked gleam in her eyes, "I know a way to wake him up in a matter of seconds."
Gawain knew the look and asked suspiciously, "What are you thinking of?"
"Come and see," She tugged on his hand to get him to follow and gestured for Gareth to accompany them.
Once they were standing close enough, Kirra calmly walked over to Galahad and poured the contents of her small pot on his head. Then she tossed the pot to Gareth, who caught it out of reflex and casually sauntered away, just as Galahad jumped to his feet swearing to make their ears burn. Water dripped from his dark curls and into his eyes. He looked at the two men; eyes darkened in rage and stopped when he spotted Gareth standing beside him looking stunned and grasping a pot that Galahad knew had been used to give him a good dousing.
Gareth, seeing the rage in his friend's eyes tossed the pot to Gawain and ran for his life. Galahad tried to follow but tripped over his blankets and fell with a impressive thud right on his face. Kirra sank to the ground, hugging herself and shaking in silent laughter. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she watched Gareth try and avoid his friend.
Gawain crouched beside her, "That was quite possibly the cruelest thing I have ever seen you do, Kirra." He watched as Galahad tackled Gareth and the two rolled on the ground like boys in a playground fight. They weren't really hurting each other, just shouting curses and smacking each other around. "But it has provided good entertainment. Do you want to refill your pot or shall I?"
"Don't worry about it, but you could go and make sure Galahad doesn't kill Gareth."
Gawain handed her the pot, "Leaving me to clean up your messes, are you?"
Kirra's smile lit her face and she leaned over and kissed him, "You are my knight in shining armor."
She got to her feet but was tripped up when the two men rolled into her. She fell in a heap shrieking laughter and trying in vain to scoot out of the way before she was crushed. Finn raced around barking and adding to the din. Gawain watched for a few moments, letting Kirra get thoroughly mashed -- to teach her some manners, before going and pulling Galahad off Gareth and Gareth off Kirra. Kirra sat up laughing at the expression on Galahad's face when he was told it had been her who had woken him in such a damp manner.
The wet knight looked at her, "You really are a wench, aren't you?"
Kirra laughed and stood to shake the dust from her skirt, "I have been called that from time to time. And I suppose it's true, but you should have seen your face." She giggled helplessly at the thought of him sitting up with water dripping from his hair and off the tip of his nose.
Galahad looked over at Gawain, who was chuckling, "Can't you control your woman better then that?" he asked.
Gawain shook his head and Kirra moved over to Galahad and put out her hand to help him up, "Oh, I am sure that I'll make it up to you sometime. Come on; let's go get ready to leave. Gawain has a great surprise for us for breakfast -- cold rabbit." She let go of Galahad's hand still chattering away, "I am just so thrilled, really. He just goes all out for us."
Galahad looked at Gawain and raised an eyebrow at Kirra's slightly hysterical prattle. Gawain shrugged, "I think she's nervous."
She stopped suddenly, "Well, wouldn't you be?" She looked from Gareth to Galahad, "Look how you reacted to our coming. Next time I'll be facing an unknown brother and Arthur. And I am not even sure what I am supposed to be doing here."
Gareth grinned and threw his arm around her narrow shoulders, "Oh, I wouldn't worry over it too much, little sister, after this morning's display, you'll fit right in."