So this is kind of a long chapter, it's to make up for abandoning you guys for a few days, sorry about that :'(
Blinking against the bright sunlight Amaya shielded her eyes, scanning for the children she was keeping an eye on whilst hanging out the queen's bed sheets that she had been told to wash. A quiet giggle came from behind her so Amaya slowly smiled, continuing to spread the sheet out to bleach in the sun then dried her hand off on her apron, pretending not to notice the child as she tried to creep up behind her, giggling as her siblings hung back.
At the last moment Amaya whirled around and grabbed the child, making her cry out with a squeal then laugh as Amaya swung her up into the air whilst chuckling. "You shall have to be quieter than that to sneak up on me." She said to Olive, who grinned. She was Bors and Vanora's eldest child, who had changed her name to Olive when her parents had married. Amaya still could not believe that they had used to address their children as numbers.
"I was close though!"
"You were giggling all the time." Amaya informed, setting the girl on her feet, her head only just reaching Amaya's chest. "Now, if you are not going to help then take your siblings somewhere where you can all stay out of trouble." She said not unkindly, smiling gently as the younger ones held onto her waist and legs, embracing her. "I need to earn my keep."
"But we want you to play! You can keep us safe from the bad men in the fort that kills everyone!" Gilly argued, frowning in annoyance and folding his arms across his chest. Instantly Amaya frowned.
"Who told you such nonsense?"
"Papa." The boy answered with a shrug so Amaya sighed, shaking her head.
"Don't believe a word your papa says about such things. He was most likely drunk, am I correct?" The children shifted, glancing to each other before nodding their heads. "You have nothing to fear. Go on, go and play safely." She gestured with her hand and the children rushed off, leaving her in peace save for one. "Hello Lucan." The boy smiled up at her, his eyes dropping to the necklace she wore.
"You still wear it?"
"It is now my most prized possession." She replied, crouching down before him. "Don't you want to play with Gilly and his brothers?"
"I wanted to ask if you were alright. You look really pale." Lucan said to her, touching her face then frowned. "And you're cold. Papa says it's not good for someone to be pale and cold. Shall I fetch him for you? He might be able to give you something to make you feel better."
"I am well, Lucan, don't fear." Amaya assured him, standing to continue pegging the large sheets to the line. "I am normally quite pale as I come from a cold country and I did not sleep very well last night."
"Are you sure?" Lucan persisted, stooping down then lifted a heavy bundle of wet sheets to offer them up to Amaya who quickly took them to relieve his little arms of the burden.
"Perfectly sure. You are sweet to worry, tiny mouse." She said, flinging out the sheets then shook them before sliding them onto the line.
"There's one more thing…" Lucan said and Amaya looked down at him, cocking an eyebrow as he shifted nervously. "The knights wanted me to ask you if you would go to the tavern with them tonight." Amaya frowned.
"Why couldn't they ask me themselves?"
"Well, when I say the knights…I mean I'm asking." The boy blushed sweetly. "I don't want you to be left out and I know Galahad would like to see you there." Amaya chuckled quietly, turning back to her chore to think for a moment.
"Perhaps, Lucan, we shall have to see how late my chores last me for." She replied. "I may need to go to bed early to feel better and look less pale for tomorrow." Lucan nodded his head, turned to leave but paused. He spun around then wrapped his arms around Amaya's waist, making her blink in surprise and look down to him with a shocked expression, unsure how to react.
The other children had clung to her skirts just moments before but that was different, Lucan was giving her a real, warm embrace. Before she could think to put her arms around him he drew away. "Have a good day, Maya." He murmured with slight embarrassment, blushing brightly before running to find Gilly. Amaya stared after him, blinking continuously before shaking her head, awakening herself. With a small, inward glow she picked up her now empty basket, stored it away then returned to the queen who was overlooking the costing for food and fuel for the month.
Amaya curtseyed as she entered then stood, awaiting direction. Guinevere sighed, glancing up to her. Amaya sensed a coldness between them, like two alpha wolves assessing each other closely before the lunge. She did not like this queen very much, she seemed too mysterious, unearthly. It unnerved Amaya slightly but she kept her mouth shut, not voicing her thoughts though she suspected Guinevere could read them from her mind like an open book.
They watched one another coolly, her dark eyes glinting before finally she looked away, unable to hold Amaya's empty yet threatening look. "I need you to go to the market and purchase some new cloth for me then take it to my seamstress. I am looking for a new dress as my others are wearing thin." Amaya nodded her head.
"Are you looking for anything in particular?" She shook her head.
"I trust Beatrice's tastes. Simply inform her it is to be a surprise for my lord husband, one for great celebration in a week's time." Again Amaya nodded her head. "Though I shall rely on you to choose a cloth that is suitable."
"I shall search for a red cloth with gold trimmings." Amaya informed the queen. "In honour of your husband's colours."
"Very good. Now, you'd best be off. Take this with you." Guinevere retrieved a small purse from within a drawer then dropped it on the desk for Amaya to pick up. It was weighty with far more coins than necessary for simple cloth. "It should just be enough." Amaya took the purse and tucked it into a hidden pocket beneath her apron, making sure that it did not jingle as she walked before curtseying to her queen. "Oh, one more thing." Amaya paused to listen to the next request. "Try not to meddle in the matters of my husband's council, I shall know if you try to influence things, one way or another." The older woman heard the threat perfectly clear, as well as the insinuation. If she could not persuade her brother to speak for her then she might reduce herself to get one of the other knights to speak in his place through payment of some sorts. Amaya hid her scowl carefully.
"I would not dream of it, my lady." Amaya assured her blankly then left, striding away as her anger boiled. How dare she think such things? It was not her right, queen or no, to presume to know everyone inside and out. Amaya did not like her, not one bit.
Amaya strode from the castle, nodding to the guards who let her pass then went into the market. Realising that she knew nothing about buying cloth or how much she would need, she decided to visit the seamstress first.
There was only one where the royals and nobles visited as it was the best in the business, however when Amaya came in requesting Beatrice on behalf of the queen, the woman rushed forwards, red in the face from running about trying to organise the many dresses she was pouring over. "Good day! How may I be of service?"
"The Queen requires a new celebration dress." Amaya informed simply, fixing her eyes on the tiny woman with whiskers and heavy lidded eyes. "For a week's time. It must be a surprise for her husband, the King." Amaya continued. "Though I am at a loss for the materials I will need to supply you and how much."
"Oh! That is no problem at all. How about I come with you? Yes, some fresh air shall do me some good, I think." The older woman chatted easily, pushing her frizzy grey hair from her face as she trotted about, putting a few things away then called out instructions to the other girls before grabbing a cloak and ushering a baffled Amaya outside, clucking her tongue. "Hurry now, hurry or we shall not catch them before they close!"
"The stalls will remain open for hours yet, milady." Amaya replied softly and the woman blinked then looked around her.
"Gosh, it is earlier than I thought. And to think I had a candle burning in the middle of the day!" She laughed then pulled Amaya through the streets, stopping only when they faced a large stall of cloth bolts.
"I suggested red and gold which my mistress found very agreeable." Amaya said, glancing to the merchant seller who was listening to them. Having dealt and listened to dealings between merchants and customers many times, Amaya knew that the moment the merchant knew he was dealing with wealthy patrons then the prices would soar under the wings of an eagle. "How about this?" Amaya picked up a deep red bolt, feeling the soft fabric underneath her fingers then reached across to another, a gold and red brocade. "Or this?"
"I prefer this, though it is rather busy." She frowned at it, pursing her lips. "Perhaps for the sleeves and outer layer, with golden lacing up the front with this as an under layer?" She hummed and frowned, murmuring hundreds of different possibilities. Amaya, a little bored, looked around. She frowned when she saw Lancelot at a nearby stall, admiring a beautiful necklace of exquisite taste.
It had two strings of pearls, the gap between interrupted by oval rubies and between each blood red gem was another single pearl, separating them also. Quickly Amaya looked away from the knight, wondering who could have caught his attention so much as to earn such a fine gift.
After several more minutes, Beatrice decided on her original design idea. "That'll be fifty for the brocade and forty five for the scarlet silk for every arm's length." Beatrice's mouth dropped wide open before she scowled at him. Before she could shriek at the insult, Amaya stepped forwards.
"We shall pay thirty for the brocade and twenty for the silk." Her voice remained firm and cold, narrowing her eyes as she lifted her chin. "For every length." She finished and the merchant scowled.
"I have to make a living, ma'am."
"Then make an honest one." She replied, lifting her chin then pulled on Beatrice's arm. "Come milady, let us find somewhere else to deal with us. Perhaps the quality will be better also." Beatrice's mouth dropped open again, staring back at the stall as Amaya pulled her away. "Just walk with me." The woman whispered. "He will call us back."
"He will?" Amaya nodded her head confidently then continued to walk though making sure her pace was slow and lingering.
"Wait!" Beatrice cracked a smile as the merchant called out to them. "Come back, I'll deal with you, you sly vixen." Smirking Amaya turned around, pretending to be surprised.
"As you wish." She returned, lifting her head proudly as the merchant scowled at her.
"I'll do the deal if you throw in an extra five for the silk."
"No." Amaya answered, refusing to be beaten. "Twenty is my only offer. You and I both know that most of this fabric is stolen from the other silk merchants that come through here." His eyes widened before quickly recovering but Amaya smirked again, catching his falter.
"Fine." He relented then began to unfold the fabric, cutting out the lengths that Beatrice counted for him. Amaya counted out the coins discreetly as to not alert thieves of her precious coinage before handing it over. Amaya carried both materials back to the seamstress as she giggled.
"I have never seen anyone get such a good deal from that stingy man. How did you know his game?"
"Simple." Amaya answered, glancing back to the merchant who was now driving his prices up due to his financial lost. "All merchants play it." Beatrice giggled again, pushing her half-moon spectacles further up her thin nose.
"I shall only ever take you to the market from now on. Are you available for hire?"
"No, milady. I am very busy with my maid chores. I apologise." Amaya said politely to the older lady who pouted.
"A shame. I would make an even greater fortune with you bargaining behind the wheel." Amaya cracked a small smile before stepping into the seamstress's workplace with the materials, carrying them over to the only clean space available and putting them down. "Do I pay now or upon collection?" Amaya enquired, glancing around curiously.
"Collection." Beatrice answered, bringing out a mannequin. "At least I am used to cutting out her shape now. Tell Her Grace I shall need her for a fitting in three days' time." Beatrice suddenly became focused on her new task, completely ignoring Amaya who took this as her time to leave. She gave a little curtsey before returning to the castle.
The guards knew better than to challenge her now. They let her pass without so much as a word. Some glared after her but others watched her with a silent, awe filled respect. Amaya was reluctant to go back to the queen. She did not enjoy being used as an envoy to carry out even the smallest tasks like fetching a handkerchief from the vanity table. She preferred simply being a maid. It was simpler and the tasks were more time consuming, which meant that little else could irritate her.
"Amaya, will you fetch me some more ink please?" Guinevere requested as she wrote her letters. The woman went over to the larger desk, drew out a bottle of ink then brought it over to Guinevere who flourished her letters elegantly with a large feather quill. Amaya looked over the words, following the shapes and lines with her eyes until the queen jerked the letter away from her. "It is rude to read someone else's letters, how dare you?"
"I cannot read, my lady." Amaya amended simply, placing the ink down carefully. "I was just thinking how pretty the lines look." Guinevere blinked then relaxed.
"Oh, well it is still not a polite thing to do. I'm sorry I snapped."
"You had every right, my lady. I should not stare." Amaya remarked with a small shrug, drawing back. "Is there anything else you need?"
"No, no, you may go and do whatever other tasks Vanora has for you. Catharina will attend me for the rest of the day." Curtseying low Amaya escaped before the woman could change her mind. Electing to spend an hour with Arluin for the duration of her lunch gap, Amaya stole away with some bread, cheese and two apples.
Hearing his new mistress's arrival Arluin placed his head over the stall door and called out to her, making her smile. "Greetings friend." She murmured, kissing the velvety nose before stepping inside. When she saw that Arluin's water had been changed, she frowned. Had Jols done that for her?
Slightly disappointed at her lack of tasks to do, Amaya settled for eating her bread and cheese, gave one of the apples to Arluin in bites then finished the other off herself as he nuzzled her neck affectionately, breathing in her scent which brought him comfort. Amaya giggled at the tickling feeling of his whiskers.
"How about a ride in your new saddle and bridle? Would you like that?" The finely built horse lifted his head then snorted, shaking out his mane then looked to Amaya as she brought down his tack from the pegs. First she threw on a cloth to keep his back from rubbing against the leather then situated the saddle appropriately, tightening the girth and adjusting the stirrups which were a little stiff to handle, being so new. "I cannot wait to wear these damn things in a little." Amaya grunted, finally getting them to the length she wanted.
Once the bridle was on Amaya led Arluin out of the stall but stopped when she realised she was wearing a dress. Shrugging dismissively Amaya pulled herself up, leaning forwards as she swung a leg around then sat her feet in the stirrups. Glad that she had guessed the lengths right, she turned her head and began to walk Arluin out of the stables.
Arluin walked happily out into the fort, taking the straight rode down to the main gates before stepping into a canter, smoothly rolling along the path and into the forest where the trees brought great peace and comfort to Amaya. Once they were a fair way in, though still remaining on the path, Amaya adjusted her dress, lifting it up a little so that she could sit more comfortably, although it meant part of her calves were bare.
Arluin eased back into a trot at Amaya's signal, rising and falling in the saddle as she gazed around her, listening to the chirping birdsongs around her as the sunlight brushed warm fingers against her face. Tired of walking and trotting, Amaya urged Arluin into a canter, smiling at the enjoyable ride.
They had not gone far when Amaya sensed Arluin tense. He felt something was wrong, his ears swivelling forwards as he lifted his head and snorted. When a small girl shot out from the bushes, gasping for air Arluin cried out and reared, causing the girl to scream and drop to the ground, landing flat on her stomach as Amaya pulled Arluin's head around, making him drop back down with his hooves touching soil far away from the terrified girl's head. "Are you alright?" Amaya called down to the girl but when she did not move or answer, Amaya's heart caught in her throat.
She leaped down, holding onto Arluin's reins as she rolled the girl over, brushing back her blond hair. "Girl? Girl answer me!" She was breathing and there was a pulse so Amaya assumed she had fainted. Sighing, she looked around. There was no one about and this poor child looked like she had been through hell. Her dress was torn open, revealing her shift which thankfully protected her modesty but she was covered in filth and her fine slippers were ruined beyond salvation. She was of noble birth, Amaya could see, but what was she running away from?
Not wanting to hang around and find out, Amaya lifted the girl up then slid her into Arluin's saddle, flicking the reins back over his head and was just mounting up when she heard the barking of dogs and horses thundering towards them. She froze only briefly before hauling herself up and gathered up her horse's reins.
Just as the hunting party rode out onto the path, Amaya turned her horse around and fled into a full gallop, not wanting to take any chances. Arluin flew forwards like a bolt of lightning, racing on the wind as the dogs howled and chased after him. "Get them! Get both the bitches!" Snarling silently at the insult, Amaya wished she had a bow and a full quiver of arrows with her. Then she would stand and fight.
In her arms the girl whimpered then slowly opened her eyes, revealing pale green eyes. Feeling the horse's fast pace and the body behind her, she cried out in alarm and began to panic but Amaya's soothing voice calmed her. "It is alright. I am going to help you. Just stay calm and sit still. I shall not let them take you." Unable to answer the younger girl nodded her head then gripped onto Arluin's mane tightly, constantly looking back over her shoulder.
Amaya slowed down the pace to descend down a hill, letting Arluin make his own way to avoid injury then shot forwards again, Camelot just in the distance but the horses behind them were closing in.
Then, as if sent as a gift from above, Tristan and his border patrol trotted into view at the crossing where Amaya sighed with relief. Hearing a horse galloping forwards, Tristan called for a halt as he frowned at Amaya, who glided to a halt in front of his horse. "We are being followed." She informed him, looking back over her shoulder where sure enough, several dark horses galloped into view.
"Get behind us." Tristan ordered, drawing his bow and the guards instantly made a line, blocking off the route the pursuers' were taking in order to retrieve their escaped prize. They faced each other down, the dogs barking and snapping their jaws at the horses who snorted and pulled back in fear but the guardsmen kept their mounts steady as Amaya gripped the girl to her, sitting perfectly still as Arluin recovered his breath, his sides sweating from the intense run.
"Stand aside guardsmen, let us have our little rat over there." One of the men demanded and Amaya fixated her glare on him, his shaved head bearing ugly scars and one eye was milky white with a large, angry red scar running down his face. "We don't want any trouble."
"Tell us why you chase her, then I will consider." Tristan answered the girl whimpered, scrambling to run but Amaya held her back.
"Hush now sweeting, nothing can harm you now. We are safe." She whispered quietly so the men with their hounds could not hear. "These are the soldiers of King Arthur. You could be nowhere safer." Once the girl was again calm, Amaya turned back to the conversation. The ugly scarred man snarled.
"She is to be wed to my master and we are taking her to him, even if it means slicing your head from your shoulders." At the threat directed at Tristan Amaya stiffened, narrowing her eyes as rage burned in her defensively. Tristan said nothing as he regarded the several man and their hounds, lusting for blood as they snarled darkly.
"No." The scout finally decided. "You shall not have the girl."
"You bastard! The dowry's already been paid! Good money was invested in this match!" The man roared, going for his sword.
"It is obvious you have neglected and abused her. You shall not take her away again." Amaya felt a sense of pride as the scout spoke quietly but fiercely, slowly drawing back the arrow on his bowstring. Another man shouldered his horse forwards, glaring at the knight who arched an eyebrow.
"Listen here, slave, we're taking that girl with us no matter what your sophisticated ass says. We'll take the girl and that woman too and we'll have her in every way we can think of until she's broken in half and bleeding like a river out of her-" His words were snatched away as Tristan shot an arrow through the black leather clad rider's mouth, the other end protruding through his skull. Instinctively the moment Amaya had seen Tristan whip back his arm to draw she had clapped a hand over the girl's eyes to spare her the ugliness of death.
The rider dropped to the floor and suddenly, the fight erupted. Amaya drew Arluin back, wanting to flee to safety with the girl but a part of her wanted to stay, to watch and see if anyone, namely Tristan got hurt. It was a nagging worry, one she felt she should not have so she lingered, briefly, until one rider broke free and came at her.
Amaya pulled Arluin around and kicked him into a fast canter, heading straight for Camelot as the girl began to sob uncontrollably. The two women had not got very far when Amaya heard the whistling of an arrow and later the grunt of a man falling to the ground, his horse shrieking before kicking up his heels and cantering away.
Stopping Amaya turned around, seeing the arrow to be one of Tristan's. She bit her lip, looking back up the road before turning and grabbing onto the now free horse's reins, pulling the frightened creature around with gentle words in her native tongue.
At the sound of the strange language the petrified little creature in Amaya's arms sank back and relaxed, breathing a little deeper to calm herself. Opting for this effective method, Amaya continued to speak in her own tongue, murmuring gentle words to comfort the poor girl.
When she heard the sound of retreating horses, Amaya looked up to see Tristan and his men victorious. There were minimal wounds, it seemed, mere cuts and bruises so Amaya sighed with relief then pulled her new horse forwards alongside Arluin, who greeted the creature with his muzzle. "Wait here." Amaya whispered to the girl and began to dismount but she cried out and gripped onto her, refusing to let go. "I must go speak with the men and I do not wish for you to see the bloodshed. Stay here, I promise I will come back." The girl still did not relent her grip. "Alright, you can hold on. Just close your eyes for me." Nodding her head her eyes slid shut so Amaya rode up to Tristan who turned to face her, reaching up to hold onto both reins of the horses. "Are you well?" He nodded his head. "Thank you for your aid."
"What happened? Where did she come from?" He asked in a low voice and the girl whimpered, tucking in tighter against Maya who dropped Arluin's reins to hold her gently. She made the connection between Tristan's voice and her reaction. She was terrified of men. Sympathy swamped her and Amaya sighed, tenderly rubbing the girl's freezing cold skin.
"She ran out onto the road in front of Arluin then fainted when he reared." Amaya said then continued in her own language to help soothe the girl's worries. "I did not want to leave her lying in the road and I could see she was in need of care so I mounted her up on Arluin when those riders came through the trees and pursued us. I was lucky enough to run into your patrol."
"What is her name? Has she told you anything?"
"She has not spoken." Amaya replied then paused, looking down at the girl whose trembling had stilled slightly. "I do not think she is well enough to speak. She is terrified." Nodding his head Tristan signalled to mount up.
"We must complete our patrol. Return with her to Vanora. She will sort the girl's future." Without another look or word, Tristan rode off on his grey stallion, his men following behind obediently. Amaya watched after him silently, pondering on his actions before brushing them aside. This girl was more important at this present moment.
Slowly she made her way back to Camelot, giving Arluin the rest he deserved. She loathed to ask but she requested Jols to take care of Arluin and the new horse so that she could see to the sobbing girl in her arms. Jols took one look at her then nodded. "I'll see that they are well looked after."
"Thank you sir." Amaya bowed her head in gratitude then guided the girl to the kitchens where Vanora whirled around at the sound of Amaya's voice calling her name, ready to give her a thrashing and an earful when she stopped and stared.
"Oh you poor creature!" Vanora swept forwards but at the sudden proximity, the girl leaped back further into Amaya's arms and would not settle until Amaya had coaxed her into calmness with her mother tongue. "Well, let's get you cleaned up so we can make you presentable. No doubt Arthur will want to see you when I tell him of this. Girl, you had better start explaining." Vanora said to Amaya who began to tell the redhead everything she knew whilst they coaxed the girl to take a bath.
Vanora got the hot water boiling as Amaya managed to get the timid and still wide eyed girl to eat some broth, sitting by her side and talking to her softly about nothing in particular, simply using the Sarmatian language to keep her reasonably peaceful. Once the water was ready and the basin filled, Vanora and Amaya helped disrobe her then disposed of the clothes. Amaya washed the girl's back as Vanora went to find some new clothes, humming a tune as she gently eased away the filth and grime from her skin until she was pale and flawless from head to toe. Her blonde hair fell straight down her back, bringing out the light greenness of her eyes and pale golden lashes. "My name is Amaya." She murmured gently, stopping her song. "But everyone calls me Maya, unless they are angry or annoyed with me, so Vanora calls me Amaya all the time."
Her simple comment earned a small smile from the girl who cuddled herself in the warm water, one hand tracing through the silky folds. "Will you tell me your name?" She bit her lip and did not look up, keeping her silence. She had not spoken one word since Amaya had nearly ridden over her on Arluin save making sounds of either sobbing, whimpering or screaming. "You do not have to be afraid anymore, sweeting, you are safe here. If you do not trust the men then trust me. I can protect you from harm." Still she said nothing though she did lift her head and smile a little, which was enough for now.
When Vanora returned the girl rose from the tub and allowed herself to be patted dry. "You're a noble, aren't you?" Vanora asked as she slid the shift over the girl's form. "Used to being waited on hand and foot."
"Vanora." Amaya spoke sharply, surprising the redhead. "She is traumatised. Do not take such a tone with her." Vanora blinked then laughed, shaking her head.
"Oh aye, you're a Sarmatian alright. Just like the rest of my boys. You're right." Vanora turned to the girl and touched her cheek gently. "I'm sorry lass. Sometimes I just don't know how to hold my tongue." The girl nodded, offered a weak smile before dropping her head again. Amaya pulled on the warm brown toned dress then laced it up at the back for her before sitting her down in a chair then tenderly began to comb through her hair. Soon it flowed neatly down her back in fine ripples, framing her high cheeks prettily. "Oh, what I wouldn't give for hair like that." Vanora sighed as Amaya continued to comb it, seeing that the grooming also had a soothing effect on the girl, who looked no older than twenty so technically was a woman.
Amaya began to form small plaits at the side of the girl's face, setting golden clasps into each weave at various points so that they shone like tiny beads in her hair each time she moved. Gathering up the smaller plaits as well as some larger ones, Amaya then wove them all into one, large plait at the back of her head then put her hands on the chair, smiling into the mirror at the girl before reaching forwards and holding up a handheld mirror so that she could see. "Do you like it?" She nodded her head with a smile. "I'm not used to doing other ladies' hair so not a bad start, I think." She mused, putting the mirror down then looked up as Vanora opened the door to glare at the maid who had knocked.
"The King and Queen will see her." Nodding her head once Vanora turned. The girl suddenly gripped onto Amaya's arm as she stood, staring with wild eyes of fear.
"Nothing to worry about. I shall be right by your side." She promised softly, brushing the back of her hand against her cheek. "You are safe." Slowly nodding her head Amaya led the compliant girl forwards and to the great hall where Arthur sat on his throne with Guinevere by his side, the courtiers forming two hoards either side of the room, creating a spacious walkway for the women to walk down. Vanora slipped to the side, watching with concern as the girl gasped quietly and dug her fingers into Amaya's sleeve, gripping the loose fit material for comfort. "Ignore all these overdressed peacocks, they don't peck." Amaya assured her, giving her a gentle nudge forwards.
The girl, trembling still, began to walk forwards on her own. When she stood before the king and queen she curtseyed but kept her head bowed. "Welcome to my kingdom, my lady, I hope you have been well taken care off." Too nervous to speak, she nodded her head, gripping her wrist tightly as she continued to shiver.
Galahad looked to Amaya who offered a small smile before turning back to the girl. She was frail looking with simple features that when put together the way they were, made her look effortlessly pleasing to the eye, though Galahad thought her to be the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on.
"She is shy." Guinevere smiled then rose, descended the few steps and reached out to the girl who whimpered and backed away suddenly, staring at the Queen who halted, frowning slightly. "It's alright, no one here shall hurt you." She tried to reach forwards again but only received the same reaction. Amaya could not hide her smirk as the girl looked back to her.
"It is alright." She assured her then gestured for the girl to face the king again so she did. Guinevere narrowed her eyes at the interaction as she resumed her seat, a spark of jealousy igniting in her chest at her failure to comfort the girl.
"Can you tell us what happened to you?" Arthur pressed but the girl's lower lip trembled and tears strolled down her face as she began to buckle at the knees. Lancelot lunged forwards to catch her but ripped himself back when she screamed loudly, flinging herself away then ran to Amaya's arms, the woman catching the sobbing child as she sank to the floor.
"There now, it's alright, he's not as ugly as he appears. I know the hideousness is a little alarming at first." Amaya smoothed away the tears with one hand as she rocked the girl in her arms, hearing Bors and Dagonet laugh at her words. "Just dry those tears for me. That's it." Calmed by the strong presence of the woman holding her she looked up into the dark blue eyes, finding them enchanting to look at as well as her soft smile that was meant only for her. "Now, can you write?" She nodded her head. "Perhaps if you were to commune through writing. Could you do that?" Thinking for a moment, the girl nodded her head.
Arthur called for a chalk and board to be brought to the hall and it swiftly arrived. Amaya took the board from the maid as well as the chalk then held it whilst the girl wrote, the chalk scratching unpleasantly against the black slate. Once she was done the girl turned to Amaya who frowned. "I cannot read, sweeting. Here, let me give it to someone who can." She lifted the girl up then took the slate over to Arthur who read the rather elegant letters, signalling her wealthy upbringing. "Maia. Your name is Maia." The girl nodded her head.
Maia looked around the room, frightened by how many people there were and how many men. Would they hurt her? The woman who had rescued her, Amaya, had promised she would not allow anything to happen to her but how could she protect her from so many people?
Amaya brought the slate back, wiped it clean with her apron then waited for Maia to continue writing. Arthur read each word silently, shock hitting him like an arrow to the chest. This woman had been sold for the price of an army? It was monstrous! She was a woman of her own free will, not some item to be traded. "My lady, could you specify the arrangements of your matrimony?" Arthur requested and she nodded, taking a brave step forwards if only to be closer to Amaya.
She wrote down the name of her father and the man she was going to be married to as well as everything she knew about what their plans were. There was a cold silence filling the hall as these messages were exchanged, the courtiers slowly beginning to whisper with curiosity.
Out of the corner of her eye Amaya saw something move through a side door and she turned her head slightly only to meet the gaze of Tristan. There was a tense air between them and it made Amaya start to choke as she lost her breath, her lungs refusing to inhale as her chest constricted around them so she looked away, breaking some of the effect the scout unwittingly had on her.
He could only see her, in a room full of people, she stood in the light of a sunray which beamed down on her heavenly face. Gods above, she was beautiful. Why did she have to appear the way she did? Riding like a demon, shooting like a guardian angel and then breaking through all walls he had built around him the first look her unhooded eyes gave him. When that foolish rider had dared threaten to harm her, Tristan had acted without thinking by putting an arrow through his mouth, stopping all venomous words from pouring from that black tongue about his woman. Tristan forced himself to look away so that he would not get caught staring at Amaya though initially he struggled.
Two names. Bacchus Aurelius and Cornelius Francesco Lazarus. Her full name was Maia Aurelius and she had managed to escape her escort, who had enjoyed beating her for sport. Arthur nodded his head then stood, handing the slate back to Amaya who returned to Maia's side whereby the girl wrapped her arms around the older woman's waist and hid in her arms, content to become unimportant. "I shall think on all you have told me. For your aid, you shall be welcome here as my guest. Vanora." Arthur called and the redhead stepped forwards. "Ensure all of her needs are taken care of." The woman curtseyed then stepped forwards, slowly touching Maia's shoulder.
"Come now lass, this one here has work to do." When Vanora tried to pull Maia away the girl whimpered and clung onto Amaya who looked a little lost, lifting her arms up as Vanora struggled with the girl. Sighing she rested her arms around her then nodded to Vanora.
"Let her follow me around. If she feels safe with me close by then let her feel safe." Frowning Vanora caved in.
"Go on. There's plenty of laundry that needs pressing, folding and putting away before you're allowed to dally your evening away doing whatever you wish." The court sniggered at Amaya who lowered her head, blushing a little and Tristan frowned slightly, glancing to the nobles who mocked the woman as she tenderly led Maia away. Part of him wanted to knock their tongues out of their skulls. The other just wanted to crawl away and hide until he'd talked some sense into his confused mind.