The gorgeous fanart 'The Maiden's Tryst' belongs to myrddinwylt on Tumblr. All rights reserved by him etc etc.
The Midsummer Hunt was an ancient and revered tradition amongst Camelot's nobility, and Mithian was delighted to take part. Mounted on her mare with the crossbow bouncing at her hip, she felt at ease in her skin in a way that eluded her during more princess-like activities.
Dusk-shadows bathed the forest in secret blue, mingling with the distant whiff of bonfires, and the moon was golden.
Her cousin Philip reined up beside her, "I see your father is still indulging your improper penchant for hunting."
"I see you're still an insufferable oaf."
She had never been overly fond of Philip, but lately his constant comments about marriage and womanliness were needling her more than usual.
He frowned, "It's ill fitting that our princess should ride out with the men," then lowered his voice, "Would you like to be called a unwomanly, and a witch?"
"No," she drew up her reins, "I'd like to be called a woman who could best men at their own sport."
She kicked off without waiting for his response. The tale of Prince Arthur's defeat at Lady Morgana's hands had spread quickly, sowing whispers of witchcraft that were unabated a year later. Only fear of Uther's power kept men like Philip from doing so outright, but Mithian knew the names they reserved for the lady in private.
Brie loped beside her horse, then gave a short bark and took off in an excited spring.
Mithian galloped behind her, letting the rush of wind and speed scatter her anger. It would irk cousin Philip no small amount if she was first at the kill, again.
She didn't know why discussions of the lady Morgana rankled her so, or why the memory of indolent green eyes brought a flush to her cheek.
Mithian urged her mare expertly through the thick undergrowth, dodging root and rock with ease. Her lucky token would win out, she could feel it.
Brie paced restlessly by a small brook and she dismounted, crossbow at the ready. This close to the fox, it was sometimes easier to approach on foot.
"Good girl," she murmured while the hound lavished her hand with affection. They picked their way across the shallow, pebbly water and she crouched behind a tree. She could hear a distinct rustling in the undergrowth ahead, and her lips curved in triumph.
You'll owe me a new horse Philip
With the practiced ease of many hunts, Mithian crept along the trees. The blood pounding through her veins was sweeter than wine.
She thrust herself forward, crossbow poised. A fox crouched beside the bushes, a beautiful copper-pelted thing with a streak of silver down its back. And stroking the velvet ears, her mail-shirt glistening, was the Lady Morgana.
Mithian lowered her weapon, "You," she managed softly.
"Were you expecting someone else, milady?"
The other woman stood, her lithe form unfurling easily in close-fitted black trousers and boots. A silver corslet cinched her waist so she was all sharp grace and clear lines, like a new-forged blade. Only her white neck, exposed by the neatly upswept hair, appeared soft and vulnerable.
The fox darted away and Brie shot after, but for once Mithian paid no mind. She was transfixed by a hundred unspoken words, by the memory of a hot summer afternoon and sweat beading between her breasts. She fumbled for words.
"You were very brave at that tournament."
Morgana gave a short, sharp laugh, "Bravery had nothing to do with it."
"Why did you do it then?"
The lady raised an eyebrow, "Fight the prince? or ask for your token?"
"Yes,...everything, all of it." Wind rustled through the trees, bearing the faint sound of hunting bugles.
Morgana's green eyes narrowed, but a playful smirk twisted her lips, "I did it because I could." She closed the distance between them and Mithian felt the same odd flutter low in her belly.
"Don't you ever want to?" Morgana traced a single finger down her cheek, and she swallowed against the sudden dryness in her throat. "I know you do. I saw it in your face that day, forced to sit pretty and watch grown men play at war. I felt your impatience, so much like mine."
A long finger slid under her chin, and Mithian was compelled to gaze into those ice-green eyes. Except there was no trace of ice in them now. Rather they glowed like rain-moist leaves. Her own breath came quicker. She reached a slow hand and touched the smooth porcelain cheek, tracing the memory of a bloodstain.
"I didn't think you were real," Mithian whispered. She half expected the other woman to vanish like dust, but Morgana made no effort to move and her skin was warm and soft to the touch.
"What are you doing in the woods?" she asked, wetting her lips and unwittingly drawing that green-eyed gaze.
"Something I want." And she felt the rough tree bark against her back before Morgana's lips claimed hers, swiftly and with consummate ease. Her shock dissolved beneath the soft entreaty of the other woman's mouth and her own responsive desire. Morgana kissed very much like she fought, effortlessly and with teasing skill. When their tongues touched she grew light-headed, senses drowsing from Morgana's taste and scent: cool mint and honey and the sharp golden moonlight. Flavors of conquest.
The crossbow slid from her fingers and she gasped when Morgana's hands travelled beneath her skirt.
What am I doing.
The leather gloves ghosted light kisses on the sensitive skin of her thighs, making her shiver. She felt the lazy strokes stop when they reached her upper thigh and Morgana drew back in slight surprise. Her eyes were dark-jade and those indolent lips were slightly swollen. She caressed the ribbon knotted tight around soft flesh, then pulled it loose , drawing it slowly down her leg in a silken lick.
Mithian sighed.
But now the distant barking of hounds drew nearer, followed by the shouts of men and the thud of horses.
Morgana ran a slow hand down her cheek, then tucked the ribbon back under her shirt. Her smile was without arrogance this time, brief and wistful.
"Until next time, my huntress."
And melted into the shadows like a dream that leaves nothing but the empty ache of sweetness.
Please leave comments if you can! This was a tough chapter to write because I wanted to balance out the erotic elements with more contemplative ones without weighing down the narrative. The next chapter will be longer and somewhat more introspective on Mithian's part.
Hope this was enjoyable! xoxox
My first femslash fic! Please comment if you can, I'd love to hear your thoughts. xoxox