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Maia went to the stable every day to see to her horse and diligently took care of her every need. She had named the mare Aquila and she was the only companion she could be calm around save for Amaya. Everyone else frightened her, save for Vanora though she was a little overbearing sometimes. Even the queen made Maia nervous to be around. Although she looked pleasant and nice, her dark eyes and slightly vixen-like persona disturbed her. Shaking her head Maia combed through the long mane that Aquila possessed, smiling as she horse snorted then shook out her glossy locks before proudly lifting her head.
Maia stepped back to simply gaze at the gift Amaya had given her. It was more than she could have ever dreamed of and she adored this horse with all of her being. Aquila inhaled deeply then turned her head around to face her mistress, nuzzling the girl's hand gently until she giggled and stepped closer, running her head over Aquila's head and neck.
"Maia? Are you in here?" Maia lifted her head with a smile at the sound of her friend's voice, stepping to the stall to wave. "Ah, found you." Amaya smiled, walking over to the stall then looked Aquila over. "You're doing a fine job with her, you could pass for a Sarmatian with the care you give your mare." Maia blushed and looked down but was grateful for the compliment all the same. "I am going to collect a dress the queen has ordered. Would you like to come with me? It's a beautiful day." Maia nodded her head then bent to pick up the brushes and combs before putting them away.
She walked close to Amaya's side, a little closer than necessary but Amaya did not seem to mind. As they walked out into the courtyard a boy ran up to them, beaming brightly. "Maya!"
"Hello Lucan. Have you met Maia?" Amaya asked, gesturing to the lady beside her who gave a polite little curtsey in greeting. "She's not very talkative at the moment." Lucan looked up to the blonde angelic woman then smiled warmly. He gave a sweet little bow then rose up again.
"It is always an honour to meet a lady." He said sincerely. "I hope you are in good health." Maia smiled and touched her chest, looking to Amaya who chuckled.
"Yes, Lucan is very much the gentleman. He is going to be a great knight one day." Amaya said, ruffling the boy's hair as his fellows came running from the kitchen doors, Vanora's angry shouts bellowing after them.
"And don't come back until supper!" The children all laughed, giggling with guilt with flour plastering their faces and clothes. Amaya sternly placed her hands on her hips, arching an eyebrow to the young children who grinned up at her.
"What have you all been up to? Not terrorising your mother, I hope."
"We were only playing." One of the littler ones said, pouting slightly as she brushed her thick red hair from her eyes. "We knocked over a sack of flour."
"But then we started to play in it like snow!" Another continued, bouncing up and down. When the older girls were working, these little ones were absolute terrors. Sighing softly Amaya crouched down in front of them.
"You know not to play in the kitchen. You may hurt yourself."
"We didn't mean to, Gilly started it." One of his brothers claimed, pointing to the eldest boy. Amaya stood up and faced the boy who blushed and looked down guiltily.
"Gilly, as the eldest boy it is your duty and responsibility to ensure that the younger ones behave when in the kitchens and at all other times." Amaya told him sternly. "I do not commend your behaviour, you should be an example to your brothers and sisters. If you want to be a knight like your father and uncles then you need to show that you deserve such an honour." Gilly's eyes widened in fear.
"I want to be a knight! I'll be good, I promise."
"Good." The woman nodded her head. "You may play all you like, just stay out of your mother's way and try not to get into too much trouble." Amaya paused before lowering her voice. "Though I think if you want to be helpful, there will be pales of dirty water lined by the laundry room. Perhaps you should drain it away from the battlements as the guards walk by?" Gilly looked to Lucan who suddenly grinned.
"Let's go!" Amaya gave Maia a comical look of silent laughter as the children all rushed away save for three of the girls, who looked up to Maia with enthralled awe.
"You're beautiful. Are you an angel?" The taller one asked, making Maia blush. "Can we play with your hair one day? Please?"
"Yes! Please let us plait your hair, it is so long and golden…" The other said dreamily, reaching out to touch a long lock that floated on the light breeze.
"Pretty." The youngest agreed, propped on the taller girl's hip. "Pretty!" Maia nodded her head and the girls all squealed before racing after their other siblings. Amaya touched Maia's shoulder and together the two women made their way into the market. At the familiarity of bustling streets and simple chatter Maia could feel at ease, stopping to look at a few items at the stalls before moving on again.
Amaya was silent, mainly because she was comfortable with the quietness between them and also because she was unsure of what else she could say. She wondered why Maia never spoke and what had caused her so much terror. The first night Maia had stayed she had been found screaming in her bed because of nightmares and only calmed down when Amaya was summoned to comfort her.
The two nights since Amaya had slept in a cot in Maia's room since that was the only way she either slept through the night or could quickly calm down her terrified cries. Glancing to her now you would guess that only four days before she had been a filthy mess of terror and fear. She seemed happy, smiling as she gently stroked the fur of an ermine cloak before drifting forwards again, light as a breeze.
Amaya felt someone touch her shoulder and she smiled when she saw her brother. "Good morning little wolf." She greeted warmly, reaching across to kiss his cheek. "How do you fare?"
"Well, sister. I am well." He answered distantly, watching Maia as she lifted a bottle of perfume to sniff its contents, grimace at the sour smell before placing it back. Amaya followed her brother's line of sight before chuckling.
"She is a very beautiful lady, is she not?"
"You would have to be blind not to see." Galahad answered simply, still watching her. "Has she spoken yet?"
"No and I would advise not to approach her yet. She is still nervous around men." Galahad's eyes narrowed as he clenched his fists. Whoever had broken this creature would feel his wrath, he swore. Looking to his sister he saw a great difference in her. She smiled more easily and he had even heard her laugh the other day. She seemed more at peace, less tired and happier within herself. Almost the way he remembered her. "But give her time to heal and she will turn back into the sweet little dove I see in her."
"Is she happy? Does she need anything?" Galahad asked his sister, craning his neck to watch Maia as she stopped to watch some street musicians, smiling at the pleasant sound they emitted. Amaya moved closer to the girl protectively before glancing back to her brother.
"She has not asked for anything so I am presuming she is well content. However there are a few things we need to think of." Galahad looked to Amaya with a frown. "She is alone with no money to her name, her family are a threat to her freedom and, as you say, plan to rebel against Arthur." Amaya explained. "Maia will need to find a way to earn a wage to pay for her own dresses and necessities. Arthur is a kind man but it would not be right for her to continue like this."
"I shall provide for her." Galahad declared simply, lifting his chin. "We can be her guardians, adopt her as our ward." Amaya had hoped Galahad would say this so she beamed up at him.
"I am glad you say this." She looked over to the lady who was now walking cautiously back over to them. "I shall discuss it with her." Suddenly she smirked and nudged her brother gently. "Besides, I know you are smitten with her." Galahad blushed and looked down, respectfully taking a step back as Maia approached and she watched after him with a little disappointed look as the knight walked away. Amaya arched an eyebrow. "My, my, do you have eyes for my brother?" Maia's mouth dropped open and her hand instantly flew to cover the gape before blushing deeply. "Do not fear, I shall not tell him I said such a thing." Amaya assured the woman and she sighed with relief. "Come, the seamstress is just over this way."
The two women walked leisurely down the street but when a stall of daggers caught Amaya's eye she stopped, letting go of Maia's arm to look a little closer at the many fine blades whilst her companion continued to walk, dreaming in her head.
Maia reflected on the pleasant day and also upon the knight that was Amaya's brother. Sir Galahad. He was a very fine looking man, not as tall and intimidating as the others and his eyes were so light and welcoming. She secretly admitted to herself that she would like nothing more than to touch his curly hair. Oh and his smile! He had such a wonderful smile, one that touched all of his features from eyes to lips.
Lost in her own little fantasy Maia sighed wistfully. Without warning gloved hands clapped over her mouth, cutting off her scream as she was then dragged down the street, her feet lashing out as two other men flanked the one restraining her, one arm wrapped over her middle to trap her arms. "Gag and bind her, quickly!" A voice hissed over Maia's panicked whimpers, eyes wide as she ceased her struggling out of pure terror.
One of her captors drew out a red cloth and was about to make her bite on it when a stone came flying out of nowhere and hit him in the side of the head. He bellowed in pain, falling to the ground as another stone struck the captor holding Maia. The moment she was free she darted forwards to Amaya who strode forwards, another stone clutched in her grip. "Maia!" She grabbed onto Amaya with a sob, hiding into her arms as Amaya slowly drew back, facing the six men who growled at her.
Seeing that a fight was starting, the street cleared and everyone watched with curiosity though no one came to the aid of the women. Most cowered in their homes, seeing the heavily weapon clad men and knowing that it was best to simply stay out of the way. Amaya pulled Maia back then pushed her behind, telling her to run. The girl remained rooted to the spot "Maia, you must run. Now!"
"Get them!" The scar faced man shouted and the five others shot forwards. Amaya sprung forwards, spinning past the first then grabbed the back of his belt, wrenching him back whilst kicking out his feet to jump on him, grinding him into the dirt as she grabbed onto the wrists of her next opponent, dragging him down with her as she rolled onto her back then kicked him over her head, twisting as Maia screamed. She threw the stone gripped awkwardly in her hand and it struck one of the three who had escaped her, sending them to the ground but the man beneath her turned, trapping her to the ground. "You…" Before he could insult her Amaya slammed her palm into his nose, breaking the cartilage and blood poured over her dress.
"Do not swear in front of a lady." She reprimanded then kicked him off as he howled, drawing his blade from the scabbard then turned, swinging it as her second opponent returned at her with his own blade. She lifted the heavy blade to block the first blow then turned underneath and slashed into his chest and side, the blade cutting in deep and more blood poured onto her.
Amaya kicked this one aside then turned, lifting he blade to block the other two as they both gripped Maia's arms, tears streaming down her pale face. "Release her." She sensed the scarred man shift behind her so she spun around, parrying his blow with a strike to his chest but he leaped out of the way, grabbed her wrist then turned so that his back faced hers then jabbed his sword hilt at her head.
Amaya ducked then spun under her right arm, kicking her opponent in the gut as Maia was dragged towards the horses that stood waiting by a tavern, tethered to the posts. "Maia!" Amaya called out and the girl gave a wordless scream. A fist connected with her face and Amaya felt blood pour down her face from her nose, ripping back her head as she was flung to the floor from the blow.
Dazed and confused, Amaya stared up at the clear blue sky, squinting at the light as a shadow loomed over her, lifting something long and shining. As her vision cleared Amaya jerked backwards with a gasp as the sword descended towards her.
Suddenly a man darted from the shadows at full pelt, tackling the scarred man to the ground just as Amaya rolled out of the way, blinking against the ringing in her ears. She turned over onto her belly, staring at Tristan as he drew his sword then locked into an intense fight against the scarred abductor. Amaya wanted nothing more than to stay and watch Tristan as he fought with the grace and skill of a dancer, each movement smoothly rolling together into the next with each strike landing a blow. He never moved unless it were necessary.
However Maia's echoing scream forced Amaya to her feet and she stumbled still disorientated towards the horses. Two had been taken, leaving four behind. Amaya, though her mind was still a little addled from the blow of her opponent's swing and striking her head on the ground, selected the most athletic looking horse then mounted, whimpering slightly as the pain in her head throbbed but she turned the horse around and sprung into a gallop, racing after the riders and Maia.
Amaya wiped the blood from her face with her sleeve, smearing it further across her skin but she did not care. All her attention was focused on bringing Maia back. Her stolen horse bounded down the street, breathing deeply but the even pace rewarded Amaya with a closure of distance. She saw the riders pass through the main gate at speed, knocking a cart over with the contents spilling onto the ground.
The guards bellowed in rage but could do nothing with only spears. Several of them ran to mount their nearby horses but by this time Amaya had already soared over the cart, leaning forwards in her saddle as the horse landed. Her mount was not as flawlessly gaited as Arluin but he was certainly faster, which was a blessing.
The woman leaned low in the saddle, chasing after the two riders just ahead of her. The moment they broke into the trees, Amaya knew that she had only a few bare seconds to catch up before she would have to rely on tracking to find them again.
As she rushed under the thick cover of the forest Amaya saw them disappear around the path corner so she urged her horse forwards and leaned even lower, hoping this horse was as fast as it looked. The stride lengthened and the snorting breaths increased in pace as the horse stretched to run faster at his rider's command, eyes fixed forwards as they rounded the corner.
They had abandoned the path. Cursing in her native tongue Amaya quickly followed the trail left behind, pulling her horse back into a slow canter to weave through the trees, keeping track of every hoof print. They were certainly not stealthy, they made it easier to follow than if Amaya had been merely two steps behind them all the time.
The distance between each print reduced and Amaya guessed they had slowed down to let their horses breathe. Seeing the ravine and the tracks heading down into its belly, Amaya turned her horse to ride over the rise, cantering forwards then looked down, spotting the two riders with Maia thrown carelessly over one of their laps, his hand anchoring her down. Rage burned within her as Amaya silently rode her horse away, snaking down the slope before waiting, watching the mouth of the forest ravine patiently.
Their talking reached her ears and she lifted her head slightly, straining to listen. "All this just so that old Lazarus can have a bit of meat to screw with."
"It's more than that, she's the heir to her pa's fortune. Once we've dealt with that sack of wine we'll be able to take over without him. Our master will be king and we will bathe in women, riches and glory until we're too fat to even move and the girls we take to bed will have to do all the work." Amaya rolled her eyes. Was women the only thing men ever thought about?
"Still, if she's going to get married then why not have our fun with her first? I mean, if her belly gets filled then no one's going to notice?" Amaya's skin went deathly cold as her blood heated in her veins. She was going to de-man them before she slit their throats.
Suddenly Amaya realised she did not have a weapon. Cursing inwardly she lifted her reins, preparing to launch forwards with all the speed this horse had. "You hear that girl? You're going to know what a real man feels like before you go to that ancient bastard you're to marry." Soft whimpers of fear reached Amaya's ears and as the horse's heads walked into view, she kicked her mount forwards.
With no time to react Amaya turned her horse at the last moment, slamming into the two riders with all the force their pace had gained. The first horse reared, causing Maia to scream but Amaya reached out and grabbed her arm tightly, pulling her away as the horse dropped down and she kicked her mount forwards, awkwardly dragging Maia onto the horse's rump.
Instantly Maia corrected her seat and wrapped her arms around Amaya's waist as the woman rode her horse through the ravine, cantering carefully as not to lose the horse's footing on the rocky ground as the riders behind them bellowed in rage.
Once they were free Amaya pushed on for a gallop, sharply changing direction to swing through the trees and try and shake off their pursuers as Maia cried loudly, sobbing into Amaya's back. "I know you are frightened, sweeting but you must stop crying." Amaya said to her. "We need to lose them and that means we must be as quiet as possible." The girl made a strange gulping noise before swallowing her sobs, calming herself down as she gripped even tighter onto Amaya, making it difficult for her to breathe.
Amaya directed her horse through the trees, expertly keeping a slower pace to keep from slipping or ramming headfirst into the trees. The canter allowed them to gradually draw further distance from their pursuers, who had no skill whatsoever and struggled to control their horses through the thick mass of trees.
"Over there!" One of them roared and Amaya risked a look back over her shoulder, seeing them power through the trees, stopping and starting but somehow managing to keep up with her.
"Damn them!" She cursed then turned forwards, urging her mount on as they headed for what Amaya hoped was freedom. Suddenly the trees broke away and Amaya yelped in fear as the cliff edge suddenly loomed before them, forcing her to yank back on the reins and the horse reared, screaming aloud and both women were flung from the saddle, Amaya completely taken off guard.
When they both crashed into the ground Amaya cried out in pain, landing heavily on her back as the horse bolted, fleeing in fear away from the cliff edge and leaving the women behind. Amaya gasped for breath, clutching her screaming head before quickly turning onto her front. "Stay here. Don't move a muscle." Amaya whispered to Maia who nodded her head. "Even when they find you, don't run away. I'm going to get rid of them once and for all. Just trust me." Maia watched as the woman struggled to her feet then ran towards the treeline, positioning herself behind some bushes and kept low as the sound of horses approaching reached their ears.
Maia lay there on the ground, trying her best not to tremble. She lay face down to hide her tears and gave the impression of stillness, as if she had been knocked unconscious by the fall. Maia wanted to be home, soaking in the bath with Amaya's pleasant voice either talking in the beautiful language she sometimes used or singing softly to her as she stroked her hair, a feeling Maia remembered from when her mother did the same thing when she was very small.
When the riders slowed to a halt at the small clearing by the edge of the cliff, they dismounted and approached the unconscious girl in front of them. "I want her first." The taller and broader of the two said, striding forwards but his companion stepped forwards and grabbed his arm, wrenching around.
"You always have first go." He snarled darkly and the two suddenly faced off, glaring at one another. Slowly the taller rider slipped his hand for his sword, his eyes narrowing.
"Do you want to fight over it?" The smaller, redheaded rider glanced down before shaking his head, looking away. "You'll get your turn. I'll warm her up for you." Sickened to the stomach Amaya crawled forwards like a cat, stealthily moving towards one of the horses then slipped between them, murmuring a word of assurance before pulling herself up into one of the saddles.
Without waiting she kicked the horse forwards. As the taller man began to crouch down beside Maia he heard one of the horses moving towards them quickly and darted around to his feet. Amaya slammed her heels into the horse's sides and pulled back on the reins, encouraging it to rear up. The horse let out a loud whinny as his legs thrashed, kicking the taller of the riders back and he tripped over Maia's small frame, crying out in petrified fear as he tumbled over the edge.
Pulling the horse around Amaya caught the second mercenary, one of the hooves glancing off his shoulder which made him stumble backwards as he gripped it, crying out in pain as he teetered over the edge. With one well aimed kick of her foot after wheeling the horse around, Amaya sent him flying over the edge also. Both screams echoed through the valley as Amaya backed up her horse, breathing heavily. Suddenly her body crashed, falling into blackness as the second blow to her head finally finished her off.
Maia cried out and tried to catch Amaya as she fell from the saddle but only managed to catch her head, which was only a slight relief. Fear gripped her already racing heart as Maia looked around, suddenly alone. With Amaya knocked out cold, there was no one left to protect them. Inwardly Maia cursed herself for being so useless, she was not even strong enough to lift her friend into a saddle like she had done for her on their first meeting.
Not knowing what else to do, Maia tried to shake Amaya awake but she did not respond, completely taken from the world. Her breathing was steady which comforted Maia. Should she try and search for help? But if she left, how would she know the way back?
Grateful that it was a warm day Maia cuddled close to Amaya, crying quietly as she huddled into the woman's shoulder, curling into a pathetic, sobbing ball. She was not sure how long she lay there, only that Amaya was her only source of slight comfort. Amaya would wake up soon and then they could go home. Maya knew the way, she knew how to ride and she was brave, braver than any woman or man Maia had ever known before.
When Maia had awoken in the arms of a stranger those several days ago, she had initially been frightened but the warm voice and gentle tone had soothed her and when she realised it was a woman who was helping her to escape, Maia had instantly latched all of her hopes for freedom onto that woman, who was now her solace from the nightmares that her memories plagued her with every night.
Shivering slightly as Maia's constant weeping brought on an ache in her mind, she lifted her head when she heard the sound of a horse's call. It was faint but certain and Maia could feel the vibrations running through the ground of horses passing by. Suddenly she knew what she had to do. She had to get Amaya attended to by a healer and safely resting in a warm bed if she was to avoid taking a fever. Taking a deep breath Maia sat up then called as loudly as she could.
"Help!" Her echo rang through the trees and she paused before calling out again. "Help us! Help! Please help us!" When the vibrations got louder, Maia protectively curled her arms around Amaya, lowering herself over the woman's body and watched the trees as time passed slowly.
When she saw the scarlet capes flickering in the distance, Maia almost cried out with relief. "Here! We're by the cliff!" When they stopped just within the foliage Maia watched several men dismount, including Galahad and the scout that Amaya obviously held affection for.
"Amaya!" Galahad called out and Maia watched as he ran forwards, glancing to Maia as he dropped to his knees and lifted his sister into his arms, her head rolling back as she remained limp and seemingly lifeless. Galahad stared at the blood staining her dress and face, cupping her cheek as he searched for a wound. "You sweet fool, sister." Galahad whispered, lifting Amaya's head to touch her brow with his, exhaling deeply.
"Galahad, we need to get her seen by a healer. She could have injured her head." Tristan spoke calmly but impatiently, eager to return Amaya into someone's capable care. Galahad nodded his head then fixed his eyes on Maia, who blushed and looked down.
"You take her Tristan. You are the faster and better rider." Galahad decided reluctantly, standing with his sister in his arms. The scout blinked but did not refuse as he carefully took the woman into his arms, cradling her close to his chest before turning and striding over to his horse.
Galahad took off his cloak and slowly reached around Maia to draw it around her and was surprised when she did not flinch. She sniffed, wiping her face with her sleeve to dry away the tears. "You spoke."
"May…Maya needed help." She shivered, clutching the cloak close to her as Galahad stood then offered her his hand. Maia took it tentatively, swallowing her nerves as he helped her to stand.
"What happened? Where are the riders that took you?" In answer Maia turned to look at the cliff then faced the knight again, licking her chapped lips.
"She is an impressive rider." The girl whispered then her eyes widened in fear. "Is she going to be alright? I was so useless, I couldn't do anything to help her and if anything happens to her then I shall never forgive myself! I should never have entered into her life, or anyone's! I'm nothing but trouble, I should just…"
"Hush." Galahad told her kindly but forcefully. "Don't say such things. Not now nor ever. It is a blessing to have you enter our lives, Lady Maia." Maia gasped softly, staring up at the knight before nodding her head obediently.
"Mai. My friends call me Mai." Galahad smiled then gestured towards his horse.
"Are you fit to ride?" She blushed deeply and Galahad thought it the sweetest thing he had ever seen.
"I am not much of a rider." She admitted quietly and he smiled.
"Then you can ride in front of me. I'll keep a good hold of you so you won't fall. You have my word of honour." Nodding her head Maia reached out and placed her hand under Galahad's arm, drawing close to him slowly. He seemed so different from any man Maia had ever met before. His words were honest and kind, he looked at her with such care and concern that it warmed her shaking body from the core. As he lifted her up into the saddle Maia admired the strength in his grip and then again when he settled himself behind her and the men all turned their horses to return back to Camelot.