Tristan rode into the barn. He knew Aria would beat the hell out of him later for taking Teleri. But he had no choice. He knew she would try and stop him from speaking to Arthur. Most likely using the technique he had and using Teleri and her un matched speed to get to the fort first. He got off Teleri who snorted at him in reply to his hijacking before taking her saddle off and resting it on a gate. He turned and stopped seeing Gawain resting against a pillar.
"Where is Aria?" He asked.
"I out rode her so I could speak to Arthur first."
"Being a man I see… Bout time… He's in his room." Tristan just glared at him as the young knight walked away. Tristan straightened out his clothes as he began to walk from the barn up the stairs inside the fort. When he got to Arthurs room directly across the way from Arias he stopped and stared at the old grain. He wasn't sure how Arthur would react, or what would happen, but Aria did trust Arthur, and he guessed now was the time he should trust him as well. He knocked on the door and heard a shuffling from inside.
"Come in." Tristan slowly pushed open the door and watched as Arthur stood up from his desk.
"Tristan." He greeted. "Any trouble on the quest?" He shook his head. "Do you want to come in?" Tristan looked down to see he hadn't stepped over the threshold. He slowly moved over it and Arthur tilted his head. "Did you need to speak with me?" He nodded. "Go ahead and close the door then, Lancelot isn't around, so we'll have privacy if it's something which calls for it." Tristan slowly closed the door before taking a breath and turning to look at him. "Tristan what is it?"
"I care for Aria." Arthur looked him over for a long moment.
"We all care for-."
"Not like I do." He said and Arthur slowly nodded.
"I know…" He said and Tristan looked off instantly. "Does she know?"
"We have… A relationship…" Arthurs jaw clenched.
-o-
Bors laughed as he threw back a glass of Meade. He and the other knights were sitting in the barn talking over their plans for that night.
"I will be with my woman." Bors said.
"As will I." Lancelot said. "Well one of my many women." The men laughed.
"I've got me a woman…" Galahad muttered feeling left out.
"Is her name your right hand?" Lancelot asked and the men howled in laughter even Dag who was usually very quiet. He eyed Gawain for a moment to find the young man only smiling mildly. It seemed he had something on his mind. He suddenly looked up and Dag followed his gaze to see Aria riding in on a horse that wasn't Teleri.
"Aria there you-."
"Where's Tristan?" She asked jumping off his horse.
"Tristan is back?" Galahad asked. "I thought it was only you who were back because Teler-."
"Where is he?" She asked with an alarmed look.
"Aria what is it?" Lancelot asked standing.
"You all are no help at all." She said her eyes wide. "I need to find Tr-."
"He's with Arthur now." Gawain said slowly standing and she stared at him. "Then again, he could already be getting taken to the dungeons…" Her bottom lip trembled as she stared at him wide eyed. "Hell he could have already lost his head."
"You're awful…" She said with such a heartbreaking tone it took all the men by surprise. Before she could run up the stairs to see to Arthur the man in question came down. "Arthur…" She said softly and the knights stood hearing only fear in her voice. She looked over his shoulder to see Tristan was nowhere in sight. "Arthur no… Please…" She said her eyes wide with fear and sorrow.
"Aria-." She moved forward and dropped to her knees as she took his hand in hers and bowed her head against it.
"Please… Please it wasn't him." She said softly. "It wasn't him…"
"Yes it was."
"It was both of us but the blame is on me… Please don't… Don't kill him." Her voice broke. "Punish me not Tristan please…" She begged.
"What the hell is going on?" Lancelot asked never seen Aria beg for anything in her life.
"Please… Arthur…" Tears rolled down her cheeks and dripped to the floor below making the knights stare wide eyed. "If you have to take a life to make it right I pray it be mine, just… let him live..." Arthur slowly knelt before her as she continued to stare at the floor.
"Aria…" He set his hands on either side of her beautiful face.
"A thousand lashings, more than that, until I die whatever the punishment I'll take it gladly… Just so long as he lives…"
"Aria Adne…" he said slowly making her look to him.
"Please Arthur…." She said softly with a heart breaking tone. "I love him…" His expression turned soft.
"Tristan told me your feelings for one another were strong he didn't say the word love though."
"I'm saying it… For the first time, though it's been true for years, I just was too afraid to speak it…" She said softly. "Please don't kill him."
"I have no intentions of killing any of my nights. Now stand, you kneel to no one…" he slowly lifted her onto her feet. She took a deep breath as she spotted Tristan standing high up on the stairs a soft expression on his face.
"Tristan…" she said softly and he moved down the stairs quickly. Aria moved around Arthur and ran to Tristan who wrapped his arms around her tightly.
"I thought he had sent you to the dungeons…" She said burying her face in his chest. "I feared the worst." As Tristan held her, his hand on her hair he looked to the knights who were staring at him with clenched jaws except for Dag who had a soft smile upon his features.
"I would never send one of my knights to the dungeons especially for something as letting their heart lead them to their soul mate." She turned in Tristans arms and looked to Arthur. "Besides…" he walked to her. "You came to me and asked if you ever found someone you cared for if you would be allowed to cherish them, I said yes… You've done what you asked why would I punish you for such a thing? Besides, I saw this coming… And I wish you all the happiness…"
"Are you kidding?" Lancelot asked moving forward. "She could become with child-."
"Do not call into question her honor." Jameson said before Arthur could. "She's proven it more than a hundred times, she would never do something so below her station…"
"It's not her I'm worried about." Gawain muttered as Lancelot nodded.
"Tristan is an honorable man, Aria would not have chosen him as her life partner if he was not." Arthur said.
"So you give your blessing?" Dag asked.
"Yes." Arthur said. "I do. They have both proven themselves trust worthy more times than I can count… Now… This is big news for most of us, though I can see on some of your faces you too saw this coming." Bors and Dag nodded. "Still let's all take some time apart and think on this and then if we still feel the need too we can discuss it." The nights slowly disbanded and Tristan glared back at anyone who dared give he and Aria a disgruntled look. When they had left he looked down at Aria to see she had a soft expression as she looked up at him. "You two must be tired from your hastened journey."
"I know I am…" Aria said before turning to look at Tristan. "I'll see you later, maybe at one of the watering holes?"
"Yes." He said with a nod. She smiled softly before heading up the stairs. When she was out of ear shot he turned and looked to Arthur. "Will you still send me away?" He asked his jaw clenching.
"No…" Arthur said before looking to him. He had told Tristan up in his office that he would be sent away to another outfit to serve the rest of his 15 years. His punishment for falling for Aria, banishment from her sight.
"What changed your mind?" Tristan asked.
"Who am I to stand in the way of love?" He asked before walking off. "You know the rules Tristan… Do not compromise her honor…" he stopped at the door of the barn before looking over his shoulder. "Or I will have your head." He said before walking off.
-o-
Aria dried off her hands for the hundredth time. It was all she was sure she could do at that moment. After all she had just admitted something close to her heart, and had done so in front of a group of men who she had known for years. A group of men who seemed to wish her to be with no one at all. She could see their anger plainly, and she knew in some ways she deserved it.
It wasn't all about the fact that she had fallen in love with Tristan. Something she still couldn't believe she had announced to the world before announcing it to just him. No they were mad because she had lied about the relationship. But what other choice had she been given thanks to the way they had acted towards her as of late.
"Ariadne…" She turned to see Tristan stepping in from the window.
"Tristan…" He crossed the distance between them and kissed her deeply as he pulled her to his body. She pulled away as she cupped his face in her hands. "I'm so sorry for saying what I said in front of everyone, but I thought he had sent you to the dungeons to await execution."
"I am glad for you admission…" He said as he cupped her cheek in his hand. "He was going to send me away, to another commander… To be away from you would have been my death." Aria moved forward and held him tightly.
"I've never been more frightened in my life…" She said softly.
"Nor have I…" he admitted his jaw clenching as he thought about the separation that had nearly occurred. His eyes then moved down to Aria who he held in his arms. She had fallen to her knees and begged for his life. Aria who had begged for nothing before had done so in an attempt to save him. She had even offered to trade her own life for his, a woman who he thought knew only of survival, and only cared for that. It seemed though she did care for something else, and that something else was him.
"Did you mean it?" he asked and her eyes slowly opened.
"Did I mean it when I said I loved you?" She asked quietly.
"Yes…"
"I wouldn't have said it if I didn't mean it Tristan…" he slowly nodded. "You don't have to do anything with it…" He tilted her chin up to make her look at him.
"Why would you think I would not?" He asked with a sincere expression as his thumb brushed over her bottom lip.
"I just mean… You don't have to say it if you don't feel it." He moved forward and kissed her deeply. After a long moment he rested his forehead against hers and stared into her eyes.
"I do love you… Ariadne…" he said quietly and she smiled softly as she moved forward and captured his lips with hers.
-o-
He had left early in the morning as he always did. Just after he had gone Arthur had called upon her. A meeting was being called, apparently he had gotten very exciting news from Rome. News that affected all them. In truth she hoped it was news that they were free, but also in truth she knew that that was impossible. Still she got ready and headed down, nervous at what she may receive.
"Aria." Jols greeted at the door way to the meeting hall which held the round table inside.
"Jols." She said with a smile. "Any idea of the news?"
"Only that it will surprise you the most." He said with a wink and she smiled before walking inside the room. As the door closed behind her she stopped seeing all the men turning to look at her. Only five had smiles. Dag, Bors, Jameson, Tristan, and Arthur. Gawain Galahad and Lancelot wore heavy glares, and it was those expression she could only find herself noticing.
"I see the princess has finally shown her face." Lancelot said.
"The Princess was tending to the horses per her duties…" Aria muttered as she walked past him. "You can tend to your own horse if you like."
"Here at this table we are equals and we set our problems aside." Arthur said.
"I think we should have that meeting about Aria." Lancelot said.
"Hush up your just mad she chose Tristan over you." Bors said. "You all are." He said looking to Gawain and Galahad as well.
"This meeting is in fact in a way about Aria." Arthur said.
"Sir?" she asked.
"Relay your message." Arthur said to a sweaty looking Roman who nodded as he moved forward pulling a parchment from out behind him. He unrolled it and cleared his throat.
"I Ceasar having heard of the great triumph over British Rebels who threatened to take a jewel of the military forts issues great praise over Arthur and his Knights. I especially send my praise to the female knight of legend Aria Adne of Sarmatia for her true bravery against the evil of the British savages. With this letter of praise comes gifts befitting that of Arthur and his brave knights. The carriage will be arriving in three weeks time at Hillards crossing on the north side of the wall. You are to accompany your gifts and its company back to the fort where upon you can receive them formally… Signed Ceasar." The messenger bowed his head and backed up.
"A woman receiving praise from Ceasar himself!" Arthur said clapping and she smiled. "Who knows what treasures may have been sent your way Aria."
"Our way, it was us not I who won the fort."
"Without you, we would have never gotten inside…" Gawain muttered his jaw clenching.
"A banquet will be held." Arthur said. "A grand banquet to receive our roman visitors."
"I wonder how grand these visitors will think Aria once they know she has a man at her side-." Arthur slammed his fist against the table silencing Lancelot.
"You will not spoil this." He said with a point.
"It's fine I deserve the resentment." Aria said making Arthur and the others look to her. "I'd like to speak freely…"
"I'd welcome it." Arthur said. Aria slowly stood. "I formally now would like to offer penance for the lies I have told… I lied to you all by not telling you that Tristan and I had formed a relationship much deeper then Friendship… So I will give up any body part you see fit… an ear… an eye… whatever. Whatever it takes to make this right."
"Absolutely not." Arthur said instantly.
"This apology was to the knights Arthur… It's their decision."
"A finger." Lancelot said. "Nay… Two. One represent you the other representing Tristan."
"No this isn't right." Galahad said instantly.
"I second this, it's wrong." Gawain said with wide eyes. Arias jaw clenched as she pulled an ax and set two fingers on the table.
"No." Tristan said pulling the ax from her hand. "They can have mine."
"No." Aria said covering his two fingers with her hand so he couldn't chop them. "Give me the ax Tristan."
"No one is chopping off any fingers!" Arthur yelled. "Lancelot why are you so against this?"
"Maybe because he cares for her…" Tristan said and Lancelot glared into him. "He has nearly kissed her now twice, each time she protesting."
"That's it." Lancelot said pulling his sword making Tristan do the same.
"We are nearing true stupidity here!" Aria said.
"I quite agree." Arthur said.
"It's not fair that you lot can go fuck whichever wench smiles and winks your way first but Aria can't even just stand at my side without you calling her into question." Tristan said his eyes narrowed.
"Well said…" Arthur stated. Lancelots jaw clenched as he slowly put down his sword.
"Alright…" Aria said shaking her head as she planted her hands against the table. "Alright…" She took a deep breath. "I look at all of you and I see not only brothers in arms but brothers in blood… You all are… The only family I have…" Dag smiled softly. "I would do anything for you all… Even end this now." She said and Tristan looked to her wide eyed. "I will end what Tristan and I have right this moment, if it's what you all want from me." Lancelot slowly sat down. "So… We'll put it do a vote."
"Ariadne…" Tristan said softly.
"No… It's the right thing to do." Aria said her jaw clenching. "All in favor of my relationship with Tristan stand up." She smiled softly when Dag, Bors, Arthur, and Jameson instantly stood. Her eyes then travelled to Gawain Galahad and Lancelot who were staring at her. "I won't stay with him if not everyone is on board…" She said. "As much as I love Tristan just like he is a part of my heart all of you are as well and I cannot give it away in whole if not all parts are on board." Galahad slowly stood with a soft expression.
"I'll be keeping my eye on you." Gawain said to Tristan as he stood.
"All that leaves is Lancelot…" Aria said looking to the black haired knight. He stared forward for a long moment before slowly standing.
"Tristan is right…" He said. "You should get to love who you want without us calling into question your honor." Aria smiled brightly as she looked around the room at the standing men.
"I think we should just marry you two off." Dag said and Aria laughed as she shook her head.
"So we're all good with this?" Arthur said.
"Yes." They all said.
"Then I think we shall spend the rest of the night feasting and toasting to the happiness of our knightess and her knight." Arthur said with a smile and the others clapped.
-o-
Aria smiled as she walked into her bedroom. The night had been long, and after a while any awkwardness about her and Tristan had been disbanded. She knew it would have when she saw that nothing had really changed. In truth she didn't get to spend a lot of time with Tristan during the celebration because the men were taking up so much of his time, but she was glad they were at least talking. She turned and closed the door and smiled at her guards.
"Night boys." She said.
"Night Aria." They said much more cordial to her now that she had saved their lives during the rebel uprising. She closed the door and locked it before taking off her cloak and tossing it aside. She heard a noise and turned to see Tristan at her window.
"Tristan…" She said with a smile. "I was hoping you'd…" her voice trailed off. He could see it in his eyes. The anger. "Tristan what is-."
"I'll end it now?" he asked his jaw clenching.
"I needed their support." She said quietly.
"Why?" He asked walking to her.
"Because…" She said softly. "They're… Family."
"What am I?"
"You're my heart." She said walking to him.
"If that's true then why does it matter what they think?" Tristan asked.
"You don't want the support of our allies, our friends, our brothers in arms?" She asked.
"I wouldn't have thrown you aside like you would have me without their permission no." he said.
"I didn't mean to hurt you, or make you angry Tristan." She said. "I was just trying to do what was right…"
"You acted as if it was so easy."
"It wasn't." she said walking to him. "Saying those words took every bit of strength I had within me. It wasn't easy not at all and I'm sorry you thought it was." Tristan's jaw clenched as he turned and went to walk away. "Tristan." She moved forward and took his hand stopping him. He took a deep breath before turning his mouth crashing against hers as he pulled her into his arms.
"Never say it again." He said cradling her face in his hands as he looked her in the eyes. "Never say you'll end it again…"
"I'm sorry I ever did, I was just trying to do the right thing…" he kissed her deeply his arms wrapping around her pulling her to his body tightly.
"Never again Ariadne Promise me."
"I promise." He pushed her back on the bed and she sighed contently into his mouth. He pulled back. "Promise me…"
"Of course I promise…" She said and his mouth instantly crashed against hers hungrily.
-o-
Tristan sat at Venoras newly built watering hole. A week had passed since everything had come out into the open. Things weren't like how they orrignally were with the guys. They had continued to treat Aria the same though. But they were still distant when it came to Tristan. That is except for Bors and Dag who had seen this coming for a long time. So now they all sat. In silence. As they did most nights.
"So… This isn't awkward or anything." Lancelot said and Bors just laughed.
"Let's just address the elephant we've all been ignoring for the past week shall we?" Dag asked.
"Are you calling Aria fat?" Galahad asked blinking and Bors just threw a role at him.
"No but I am speaking of Aria." Dag said.
"How should we address it?" Jameson asked.
"I know is she a good kisser?" Lancelot asked and Tristans eyes instantly shot to him. "I've always wanted to know what those soft lips of hers would feel like."
"Don't test him…" Jameson said. "Your throat will be slit before you even know what's what."
"I'd like to see him try."
"Then see it you shall…" Tristan said.
"Now now boys no scruffing about." Venora said refilling their drinks. She smiled as she spotted Aria walking in. "Oi Aria boys are over here!" She called and Aria nodded walking through the crowd. Tristan didn't miss the way the roman men stared at her as she moved past. A roman went to slap her ass, Aria spun grabbed a hold of his wrist and pressed a dagger into his neck.
"I was only fooling about…" He said.
"Funny… So was I…" she said pulling the knife away as blood trickled down from a knick on his neck. She turned away from the Roman and walked over to the table full of knights.
"I'm starting to wonder if this fort was better off with a little less romans…" She muttered taking a seat.
"Dangerous words Aria…" Dag said looking her over. He had noticed something shift deep within the female knight as of late.
"I know…" She muttered.
"Drink Aria?" Venora asked.
"Oh no, I'm okay thanks." She said with a pleasant smile.
"You sure, you drink free here."
"All the more reason for me to say no, you need coins to stay afloat Venora."
"Don't I know it…" She muttered.
"Something the matter?" Aria asked.
"Oh it's nothing…" She said before walking off.
"Excuse me boys…" Aria said getting up and following Venora over to the bar. "V everything okay?" She asked.
"Yes… Yes of course…" Aria looked at her for a long moment.
"You're lying…" Venora looked to her for a long moment and she watched as a heart breaking expression flashed across her features. "Did something happen to you and Bors?"
"No… Just to me… So much is happening…" Venora said.
"Okay well tell me, lay it on me."
"You don't want none of my troubles-."
"Of course I do, we're friends that's what friends do we share burdens and support one another…" Venora took a shaky breath as she looked off.
"I'm… With child." Aria took a deep breath as she looked over the woman who was only a year older then she.
"With-With child?" Aria asked softly. "Does… Does Bors know?"
"No of course not… He'd leave me in an instant."
"He's going to find out Venora…"
"I know…" she said a tear slipping down her cheek. Tristan sat forward in his seat as the other knights continued to drink. He watched Aria from across the bar as she wiped a tear away from Venoras cheek. Something was going on, something serious. "I just don't know what to do… And now I have this coin taker breathing dwon my neck."
"Coin taker?" Aria asked.
"See that man sitting in the corner of the bar?" Aria spotted him.
"Yeah?" she asked seeing the built young man who could have easily passed as a roman soldier.
"Well him and his goons are shaking me down."
"Shaking you down for what?" Venora asked.
"My dad had debts they say the debts have passed to me but they've raised them… I… I can't keep up. If they continue taking my money my child and I will be out of house, home, and coin. Every time I'm late with a payment he lays the fist upon me."
"Well… That won't do…" Aria said instantly moving forward.
"Aria what are you doing?" Venora asked.
"Something's happening." Tristan said making the other knights turn and watch as Aria marched up to a table full of men. She grabbed a hold of the table and threw it aside before Pulling her blade and setting it against a mans throat.
"Aria!" Dag said as he and the other knights rushed forward as the men surrounding him pulled weapons and pointed them at her.
"You like to shake down women?" Aria asked.
"What's going on here?" Lancelot asked.
"Put down you weapons!" Bors ordered the men but they wouldn't budge.
"I asked you a question pig." Aria said. "Do you like to shake down women?"
"The wench owes me money." Aria slammed her foot into his chest making him flay back out of his seat to the ground. She rushed forward and stabbed the blade through his shoulder making him cry out in pain.
"That woman you call wench is no such thing!" She yelled. "She's my friend and she owes you nothing of the sort!"
"Back up boys if you cherish your lives…" Gawain said his axes held at the ready.
"Her father-."
"Was her father and not her. Whatever debts he had does not pass onto her." Aria said. "Now listen here and listen well... If I ever spot you in this watering hole again I will cut that greasy head from your body." She said. "If I ever hear of you trying to shake her down or hitting her again!" She yelled making him cry out as she twisted her blade in his shoulder. "Well, death will come but it won't be on swift wings for you mate…" She pulled the sword from him. "Get out." He cradled his shoulder as he kicked up onto his feet.
"You'll be sorry for this!" He yelled.
"Then I'll kill you now and seal my fate!" She yelled going after him only to have Tristan hold her back.
"Not tonight…" He said quietly though he could practically hear the rage rolling off her in waves.
"Aria what the bloody hell is that about?" Bors asked.
"Everyone heed my words now!" Aria yelled looking around at the bar full of men. "This woman!" She pointed her sword at Venora. "Is under my protection, you treat her well, you pay what's owed, and you keep your heads can we agree!?"
"Agreed!" The romans yelled.
"Enjoy your nights." She said with a pleasant enough look as she gave a small curtsy before walking over to Venora as she sheathed her sword.
"What the hell did we miss!?" Lancelot asked.
"That's one problem off the table… As for the other, what happens is entirely up to you." Venora slowly nodded as Aria rubbed her shoulders. "And you." She turned and looked to Bors. "What kind of man are you?"
"Excuse me?" He asked. "You're mad at me now?"
"Of course I'm mad at you, here your lady is being shaken down by the likes of snakes, and you just sit idly by as he lays his fist upon her."
"I didn't know."
"Well you should have… Tristan would know if I was in that sort of trouble."
"I would." He said.
"I liked it better when you were quiet." Bors said glaring into him.
"Protect your lady Bors… Or you shame us all." Aria said before walking off. Venora quickly walked after her and took her hand in her stopping her.
"Thank you Aria…" She said.
"Of course…"
"Also… Promise you won't tell-."
"On my honor as a knight no secret of yours shall ever pass these lips." Venora smiled softly. "But you should know… Bors is a good man, and he's always wanted a family of his own… I think he'd be happy you were with child, and I don't think he'd leave you at all… After all he didn't run from knighthood, why would he run from fatherhood?" Aria smiled softly at her friend before she slowly nodded and walked away.
"Gods… I wish I was like her." She said to herself as Tristan walked by to follow Aria.
"Venora… Why didn't you tell me?" Venora slowly turned and looked at Bors for a long moment.
"I didn't think you would help-."
"Of course I would…" He said instantly. "If you think this then I must wonder if you trust me at all when I say I care for you…" Venora took a shaky breath.
"I need to talk to you…" She said. "After I close the watering hole tonight… I need to talk to you."
"This sounds serious."
"It is…"
"Well…" Bors looked around. "Watering hole is closed go home you saps!" He yelled. He looked to the knights. "Boys…"
"Right you heard the man!" Gawain yelled.
"Come on love they'll shut things down, let's speak of what is on your mind." He said taking her hand in his and leading her off.
"Ariadne that was very dangerous." Tristan said catching up with her.
"Sorry I kind of lost it." She said. "Who the hell does he think he is though!?" She asked. "Shaking down a poor young woman who has no way of defending herself…. I tell you one thing though I'm going to start training Venora, by the time I'm done with her she'll be way better than I ever could be."
"Think she can, wield a sword I mean…"
"Of course she can." Aria said coming to a stop. "She's a woman just like I am… I can wield a sword why can't she?"
"I didn't mean because she's a woman… I meant because she's with child." Aria stared at him for a long time before taking his hand in hers and pulling her to a dark corner.
"How do you know?" she asked.
"My mother was mid wife, I know the signs…" He said.
"You can't tell anyone."
"I haven't yet…" he said and she slowly nodded. "Is it Bors?"
"Of course it's Bors." She said quickly.
"She won't be able to hide it for long." Tristan said.
"I've implored her to inform Bors of her condition…" Tristan looked her over.
"You seem upset…"
"It's not right." She said.
"That they had sex?" He asked.
"No no no of course not…" Aria said looking to him. "They love one another, and what an amazing way to show your love for someone… What's wrong is the child… How can Bors leave her with a child?"
"Leave, he isn't going to leave her?"
"Not willingly no but a woad arrow can steal her away from Venora and his child." He nodded.
"I see you think it unfair that he has placed this burden upon her."
"Yes." She said. "Then again it takes two to… Well… You know… too… Uhm…" She cleared her throat and looked off. "Sleep together." Tristan smiled to himself. She could be very shy on some matters. "Well we both agree on discretion when it comes to Venora?" He nodded. "Excellent… I'm going to head up to bed… Arthur has placed a new curfew for me upon realization of us…" she kissed him on the cheek. "Good night Tristan…" He tilted his head as he watched her walk off.
He couldn't stop thinking on one thing she had said to him just a few seconds ago. Something that made his feet carry him to beneath her window. She wasn't expecting him, but he felt the need to speak with her. Tristan scaled the wall easily and came to the shutters of her window. He pulled one open and instantly froze. Aria wasn't inside. His jaw clenched for a long moment. She should have gotten to her room by now. He climbed inside to await her return and to speak on the matter which plagued him. Little did he know it would be many nights until Aria could bring herself to speak.
Tristan was worried when an hour past and Aria hadn't arrived back in her room. He was distraught when the morning lark had sung its song and Aria had refused to return. He snuck out of her bedroom and headed to the barns hoping that maybe she had taking Teleri out for a ride. Though he couldn't forget what Aria had said about a curfew. Aria always followed Arthurs orders, even if she didn't like them. He came to a stop in a barn to see the knights and Arthur gathered.
"Is she with you?" Arthur asked.
"Aria?" he inquired.
"Yes of course Aria." He said instantly.
"She left me to head back to her room, she said something about a curfew."
"A curfew she didn't meet." Arthur said.
"She wouldn't disobey your orders Arthur…" Gawain said.
"I know…" He said his jaw clenching.
"I've looked everywhere sir…" One of her guards said walking down into the barn. "I can't find her anywhere sir. Kilns is still looking."
"As we all should be…"
"What if she ran?" Jols asked.
"Hold your tongue." Arthur said before any of the other men could.
"Aria wouldn't do that… She wouldn't leave us." Dag said.
"More so she especially wouldn't leave Tristan." Lancelot added.
"Bors!" They all looked to see Venora rushing in.
"Venora…" Bors said rushing to her, she looked distraught.
"Your lady may see you later we have other issues to attend to." Arthur said.
"Is this issue a missing Knight perhaps?" Venora asked.
"You know of Aria?"
"They won't let the cart in… You have to let them let the cart in." Venora said.
"What of a cart, I care not for a cart, where is-." Venora rushed forward towards Arthur. "Aria is in the back of the cart covered by a sheet, no one should see her in such a state."
"Jols the cart, every roman clear the area!" Arthur ordered as Venora rushed back to the cart which was being led into barn. A sheet covered the back and when the doors to the barn closed. Arthur went to pullt he sheet.
"No!" Venora said stopping his hands. "She's… Indecent… Whoever did this, they stripped her sir. Get me a dress, something to cover her with…"
"I'm on it." Lancelot said knowing where her room was.
"What is the damage done surely you have seen?" Arthur asked. A pained noise sounded and Venora moved and put her hand under the sheet. Instantly Arias hand gripped onto hers.
"There was soo much blood… I could not see sir…" Venora said softly. Another pained noise sounded and everyone stared at the sheet. "Sir if she doesn't get help soon I fear the worst."
"We can't wait for the dress everyone turn their backs Venora assist me." Arthur said and everyone did as they said. "Aria I'm sorry for what I view but know it is out of need and not want…" The mens eyes shut tightly, Tristans the most as they heard Arthur remove the sheet and slowly begin to maneuver a cloth around her body. They jumped as they heard Aria let out a shrill scream. "I'm sorry I'm sorry!" Arthur said quickly.
"Hold on Aria…" Venora beckoned. "You may all turn." Everyone did as she said and watched as Arthur carry a bloody Aria up the stairs wrapped in a bloody sheet.
"Gods what happened to her?" Gawain asked as Tristan quickly followed up the stair.
"I tried to ask…" Venora said. "But… She just… She wouldn't speak…"
"Thank you for hiding her state…" Dag said.
"The least I can do… Also I saw who dropped her off, and he was smiling as he did… I think this man may have been who did this to her… I recognize him from the watering hole."
"How is it Venora?" Galahad asked his jaw clenching.
"One of the goons of the man she beat up last night."
"I'll kill all of them…" Bors said.
"First we see to Aria…" Dag said and everyone nodded.