A/N: Sorry about the lateness with this update. I have a lot of SACs (School assessed course work) and studying is taking up most of my free time because I want to maintain my B average for the year. If I don't update for a while I'm sorry because I am either studying, writing, or planning the second part to this story :)
~Khailin.
***
Chapter twelve.
For the last week it had been relatively quiet the only visitors she received were Gaius who brought along Merlin and to her surprise the Queen – at which she had almost died of shock. Queen's, well to Aislinn's understanding never visited the lower towns to see lowly servants or bothered enquiring about them, servants like Aislinn were disposable and worth nothing. Although despite everyone's good intentions the faces which make an appearance do not belong to the person she wishes it did, in fact that face never made an appearance.
She would be lying to herself if she didn't say she wasn't upset about him not making an appearance but then again she could understand why he didn't, she doesn't really blame him either. He'd risked his life for her and was probably sick of her or busy, it didn't exactly bother her either way just a quick five minute stop in would have made her day.
Despite that she didn't go looking for him. Mordred was in fact the furthest thing from Aislinn's mind at the time until she passed the window overlooking the training ground and spotted him by himself attacking one of the training dummies. At first she didn't realize it was him until her mind racked through who it could be and who it couldn't be; she had ruled out Leon, Elyan and Gwaine because she had walked passed them only moments ago and had stopped to talk to them before heading back home for the night.
Without seeing his face or being within ten meters of him she can feel his anxiety and that is when she remembers the upcoming tournament. Instead of going straight home like she had originally intended she made the decision to go and see how he was. She stands a few meters behind him waiting for him to finish and for a long time he doesn't notice her so she decides to make it known she is here. Aislinn picks up a sword twirling it around her hand before she speaks "you're footwork needs some work but apart from that you've improved" she says eyeing him.
Mordred stops and turns towards her staring at her for a moment before he pulls of his helmet. His hair is sticking to his face the sweat dripping down his face keeping it there "I have a feeling I shouldn't be feeling as insulted as I do" he says smiling at her before his stabs the blade of his sword into the grass, leaning on it. "Take it as you will" she says smiling back at him "you shouldn't be walking around, you should be in bed resting" he tells her and she shrugs. "How is my leg supposed to get better when I have to stay off it?"
He smirks "point taken" suddenly he is feeling guilty about not coming to see her "so" she admires her sword "how about some last minute practice?" she asks smiling at him. "You're injured" he says wiping his hair from his forehead "and so are you, what is your point?" Mordred laughs "my point is" he trails off "exactly you have none" she butts in a smug look crossing her face. "You're persistent" he says pulling his sword from the ground "and you give in to easily" she bites her lip "only you princess" he teases readying himself.
Aislinn smiles attacking him first by slicing for his shoulder but he blocks it then replicates her exact move. She blocks it throwing him backwards before he steadies himself then attacks her again but all she can manage to do is dodge the blow "your footing is still horrible" she taunts and he frowns at her slashing at her. She is enjoying herself maybe a bit too much at his expense but doesn't care, Mordred starts throwing all his weight behind his strikes and Aislinn ends up having to do the same. She takes a step back struggling now "so what was that about footwork?" he hisses hearing her grunt as she blocks another of his blows.
She smiles licking her lip "I'm still not as horrible as you" she retorts attempting to strike him again but she tumbles backwards grabbing onto his arm and pulling her on top of him. "Ugh" she groans as he lands on top of her winded "geez...Mordred" she whispers as he pushes himself off her slightly "why is it that we always end up on top of each other?" he ask smiling at her. "You plan it" she says pushing him off her then jumps to her feet and Mordred joins her she goes to attack him but he has his blade pointing at her stomach.
Mordred smirks at her "that was dirty" she says when she realizes what has happened "do you submit?" he whispers leaning his face closer to hers but before she can reply he kisses her. It's only brief but he feels likes it's a century. Aislinn smiles against his lips and seconds later Mordred is on the ground winded and gasping for air with the blade tip at his chest. "I should have seen that coming" he groans rubbing his palm over his face "you of all people should know never to let your guard down" she pants before helping him to his feet.
"You threw me off" he chuckles brushing some grass off his pants "oh I threw you off? Sorry but I don't believe I was the one that kissed you" she says sarcastically raising her eyebrow.
"It's still your fault" he says placing his sword with the rest against the rack and Aislinn frowns "how the hell is you being pathetic with footwork my fault?" she places the sword she was using down next to his. "Ouch that was harsh" he laughs but stops when he realizes her has offended her "I'm sorry Aislinn I didn't mean it like that" he pauses "I'm just nervous" Aislinn sighs and brushes a strand of hair behind her ear. "It's alright, I was only teasing" she says feeling slightly guilty in only thinking about herself and not him "when is the tournament?" Aislinn asks as she picks up his helmet and follows him back towards the castle.
In truth she knows when the tournament is, she has been helping Guinevere with her preparations for the last few hours. Mordred takes a few more steps and his foot hits the pavement "tomorrow" he sighs running his hand through his hair "it's my first tournament and I am so nervous." Aislinn laughs taking a larger step to keep up with him "I would be worried if you weren't" she says as he slows down for her "it's hard to explain I guess" he begins "I just don't want Arthur to think any less of me than I know he does." Aislinn stops and it takes a few seconds for Mordred to realize she isn't following him then he turns around "what makes you think that?" she asks as a couple of servants weave their way around them.
"I just" he shrugs "I know he isn't happy with me" Mordred pauses and a look of disgust crosses his face but it isn't disgust for the King its disgust for himself. "I disobeyed an order" he adds Aislinn takes a few choice steps towards him "Mordred I highly doubt that Arthur will think any less of you for that, did he not do the same thing?" she asks. Mordred rocks on the balls of his feet "yeah he did" he answers in a tone that tells her it's basically not the same thing "then he cannot condemn you for it" she tells him an accent he's never heard forming on her words.
Mordred nods and then thinks of something "what are you doing tonight?" he asks observing her "heading home" she says crossing her arms "why?" she asks a few seconds later. "Oh, I thought you were still working" he says realizing that this wouldn't be the best time to ask her to dinner "I should get going" she says handing him his helmet "I suggest you get some sleep" she tells him. Mordred smiles taking it from her "I will, promise" he says "I'll see you tomorrow won't I?" Aislinn nods crossing her arms "I'll stop by your chambers sometime tomorrow morning" she says smiling a little. Mordred's face lifts when he hears that "alright I'll see you tomorrow" he tentatively takes a step forward and kisses her on the cheeks before walking off.
***
Aislinn runs her hand lightly over one of the dark brown curls in Guinevere's hair while tuning in and out of Arthur and Merlin's conversation about Mordred.
"I told you he would turn out to be a fine knight" Arthur says throwing his t-shirt over the screen at Merlin "didn't I?" he asks confidently and Merlin makes some sort of face that causes Aislinn to smirk. "You did sire" Merlin says agreeing with him reluctantly "I'm curious to see how he goes today" Arthur adds stepping out from behind the screen "he has been training like mad" Merlin nods folding the kings shirt and placing it on the bed.
"So am I" Guinevere chimes in observing her hair in the mirror as Aislinn fixes up the back of it before she places a necklace around her neck and does it up. "What about you Aislinn?" the queen asks and she jumps a little looking at Guinevere's reflection in the mirror "uh – I" she stutters not really knowing what to say "I believe and hope he will do well" she says simply not wishing to say anymore in case they go prodding. Aislinn moves away from Guinevere and collects the washing from Merlin and places it in the basket which she will take home later today.
"I still don't understand why knights bopping each other around the head is considered entertainment" he whispers and Aislinn snorts "neither do I" she says smiling a little "but I mean I imagine it must be entertaining for others" Merlin nods. "But not for us aye?" he asks throwing some more washing on the pile "don't know, I've never watched one" she admits feeling a little sheepish. Merlin smiles "you're not missing out on much believe me" Arthur stops and walks up behind him "he's lying Aislinn it's fantastic" he says "Merlin just has no appreciation for anything" Arthur wacks Merlin over the back of the head.
"Who needs a tournament when she can just watch you both?" Guinevere asks taking a graceful seat at the table "I'd think she would rather the tournament" Arthur comments joining his wife moments later. Aislinn and Merlin place their breakfast in front of them and stand off to the side "I'm only kidding about the tournament" he whispers seeing the worry on her face "I know" she gives a disengaged laugh. "I promised Mordred I would see him before the start of the contest" she whispers and he nods "going to give him another last minute practice?" he asks laughing a little.
Aislinn shoves her elbow into his side "it's none of your business" she hisses her face turning red "I saw you two out the window last night, you two should really keep a low profile people may start to talk" he says sarcastically. Aislinn shrugs "people are already talking" she tells him "I've got no problem, rumours are fun you find out things about yourself that you didn't know" Merlin nods not really understanding what she means but yet against understanding it fully. "You two may go" Arthur says dismissing them lightly with a wave of his hand shortly after with Merlin and Aislinn file out the door.
He's standing by the window looking out across the grounds as knights from other realms ride in while he tries to put on his vambrace. He is nervous half of these men look like they have years on him, some look like they even have years on the king himself. Mordred hears the door open then close shut almost without a sound he doesn't need to look back to know exactly who is there but his heart still flutters when she joins him at the window. "You're wearing a dress" he says surprised at the fact she isn't in her usual get up but in fact wearing a lavender coloured dress, her dress is a lavender colour with short sleeves and a purple velvet bodice"you're extremely observant" she chuckles as he fumbles with the strap.
Aislinn sees his finger fumbling with the straps on his vambrace so she grabs his arm and does it up for him "here let me do that" she says doing up the strap. "Thank you" he smiles, Aislinn begins to tighten up the strap of his elbow cap then she moves up to his rerebrace tightening that for him and then she moves up to his pauldron sitting on his shoulder. Aislinn disappears for a few seconds and returns with his cloak draped over her forearm and Mordred' sword wedged between her body and upper arm. She sets down his arm and moves in front of him again flicking his cloak over him before resting it on his shoulders then doing it up.
The entire time she does so he can't take her eyes off her, this morning she is something all together different but can't figure out what. It isn't the fact she is wearing a dress – however it does look amazing on her it's whatever is flooding her eyes. Maybe she doesn't realize her eyes are doing that thing it always does, showing more emotion than her face.
"I think you know what to do with this" she says handing him his sword. Mordred stills staring at her face and is oblivious to whatever she has just said "wha...huh" he blinks a few times and then see's that she is holding his sword. "Oh, yeah thanks" Mordred says laughing dryly as he takes it from her and places it in its sheath. "You ready?" she asks walking over to the table in the middle of the room and pours a goblet of water for him. "As ready as I can be I s'pose" he says shrugging as he takes it from her Aislinn watches as Mordred downs it in one go and places it on the window sill.
"Want some more?" she asks picking up the goblet "you don't have to" he says walking over to the water jug "it's my job" she says simply reaching the jug before he does pouring him another glass but instead of giving it to him she takes a sip of water. Mordred laughs at her eagerness "well at least one of us is excited" he says his laughter dying down and turning into a crooked smirk "actually I don't know what I am" she says tilting the goblet towards him offering him some. He choicely takes the goblet from her and takes a small sip "join the club, I'm excited but nervous" he tells her.
"I'm feeling those nerves" she says scoffing "however I am pretty sure Arthur will have bets going by the end of the day" Mordred laughs "I know the knights do" she adds. "And what would the odds be?" he asks inspecting her "I don't know actually Gwaine and Percival were mumbling something about it when I passed them yesterday" she tells him adjusting his cloak. Mordred frowns "I can't believe they didn't let me in on it" he groans and Aislinn laughs at his disappointment. "Well SirMordred" she says bowing slightly "I must get going, I'm probably needed somewhere" yeah, you're needed here he thinks as she heads towards the door.
"Aislinn" he calls stopping her "yeah?" she asks turning towards him "come see me before the tournament starts" he says "I mean you have but...right before please" he asks his heart practically begging her. "Of course I will" Aislinn smiles at him "I mean I've got to scope out the competition for you" she winks playfully at him before leaving him alone in his chambers.
Merlin and Aislinn are walking towards the stands that have been set up for the tournament but they are not alone Yvonne one of the girls that worked in the kitchen had decided she would join them on their journey down to the stands. "Everyone excited?" she asks flicking her bright blonde hair over her shoulder as her steps sink with Aislinn's own. Merlin raises his eye brow and inhales "oh yeah utterly thrilled" he says sarcastically as his gaze shifts to Aislinn "what about you Aislinn? I bet you're excited" she says her brown eyes suggesting something other than what her words are meant to.
It takes Aislinn a few seconds to catch on and she gives a nervous chuckle "um, yeah I guess I'm looking forward to it" she says dodging a woman carrying flowers towards the castle. "You'll be cheering for SirMordred I hope?" she asks again the topic of her conversation heading to a place she doesn't really want it to go "uh-" she goes to begin but Merlin butts in "oh of course she will be" he taunts and Aislinn jabs his ribs with her elbows. "And what gives you that idea?" she asks glaring at him but it isn't Merlin who answers "because you two are y'know" Yvonne says yet again suggesting something else.
"We are not!" Aislinn exclaims her face turning almost the colour of her hair "oh come on Aislinn" Yvonne says "you're almost always together, you've kissed, he almost got himself killed for you." Yvonne pauses letting that all sink into Aislinn's head "I certainly can't imagine any man ever doing that for me" Aislinn is beginning to feel uncomfortable with Yvonne's constant nagging. "I can understand why" Aislinn says to Merlin who pulls the corner of his lips into a smirk "be nice" he replies and she has to repress a laugh.
Aislinn takes a deep breath as Yvonne goes to add more to her speech "and the way you look at each other" she says as they reach the bridge just before the stands. "Um, I need to disappear" she says "I promised to go see Mordred" Aislinn smiles and Merlin and makes a sharp turn heading towards the tents that have been erected for the knights. She weaves her way between the sea of knights and tents trying to find Mordred, after five minutes of walking around aimlessly she finds him sanding with Gwaine leaning against some rails.
As she draws closer she hears Gwaine whisper something about a girlfriend and walk off as he pokes his tongue out at her. Aislinn pokes her tongue out at Gwaine in return but then returns her facial expression back to a smile "hey" she says leaning against the bar before she pulls herself up on it. Mordred smiles at her "hey, you know you shouldn't be doing that in a dress" Aislinn shrugs picking a bit of fluff from her cap sleeve "there are a lot of things I shouldn't be doing but I do anyway" she says.
"I know you do" he chuckles turning his attention to the other knights who are bust training. "I have something for you" Aislinn says pulling his attention back to her as she reaches up to her hair and undoes the purple ribbon holding it together. Her hair falls down over her shoulder and frames her face almost perfectly, she slides it around his leather belt and double knots the material to it "for luck" she says smiling up at him. Mordred smiles back at her as she slides down from the bar landing on her "I gladly accept your token of good fortune m'lady" he grabs her hand and kisses it. "Stop it" she whispers "people are staring."
Mordred smiles against her hand and looks up at her "let them stare" he says straightening up "they are just jealous because I have you and they don't" Aislinn purses her lips and rolls her eyes. "That was really cheesy" she laughs neither of them letting go of each other's hand "I specialize in cheesy" he jokes "I noticed" she says pulling her hand out of his when another knight – one who is not from Camelot walks by.
"Where is he from?" Aislinn asks looking over the knight who is clad in yellow with a shield occupied by three intertwined green snakes bearing their fangs. "Oh him" Mordred says turning his concentration to the knight who gives Mordred a nod "he's from the Western Isles." Aislinn nods looking back at Mordred "I better get going" she says walking away from him when he realizes there was something he wanted from her "Aislinn" he calls and she turns back towards him. "Is it too much to ask for a kiss?" he asks and Aislinn scoffs "how much do you want from me?" she asks chuckling.
"You know, for luck" he says shrugging and Aislinn smacks her lips crossing her arms over her midsection "I'll make you a deal" she begins "if you win I'll give you a kiss" she tries to bargain with him. "What I have to win the entire tournament to get a kiss from you?" he asks leaning back against the fence "no, win a match and I'll give you a kiss" she says simply. "What do I get if I win the entire tournament?" Mordred asks raising his eyebrow and in retaliation Aislinn laughs "Mordred" she says "yeah?" he asks "don't push your luck."