Me - Whoa guys, sorry for the large time gap again, I'm bad at this though I was on holiday so...forgive me? Please? Pretty please?
Maia - Of course we forgive you Silver, make sure you take your time.
Me - Thanks Mai!
Amaya - Mai is too nice to you. You need to get your head down and start working. You owe these good people chapters!
Me - But I try my hardest...
Amaya - Try better then.
Maia - Amaya! Don't be horrible.
Me - Yeah Maya, or I'll go tell Tristan that you...ARGH! Gets tackled to the ground by Maya.
Putting on her only decent dress, the dark green one meant for riding in, Amaya left her room then went to the round chamber for breakfast, intending to join the knights. When she got to the door she smiled to Jols who blinked in surprise. "Good morning." She greeted softly and he nodded to her politely.
"My lady." He replied then opened the door, bowing to her as she entered before calling out to get everyone's attention. "Lady Amaya." He announced and everyone blinked in surprise as the woman walked forwards gracefully, bowing her head slightly.
"I hope you do not mind." She murmured apologetically. "I thought I might share a meal with you before you all left." Arthur smiled welcomingly at her as Galahad rose to his feet, taking his sister's hand to guide her into a chair.
"We are glad you came to join us, Maya." Arthur told her kindly. "Come, let us all eat together as friends, a family closer than any other." Everyone lifted their drinks to Arthur's toast and Amaya drank the water she had quickly poured for herself, sighing as the cool droplets trailed down her throat before she sat down, smiling a greeting to Maia who returned it angelically though her eyes were rimmed with red from crying.
She reached out and gripped her hand, giving it a comforting squeeze before letting go and partaking of the food that was spread before to break her nightly fast. Everything was quiet, even Bors was unsure of what to say. Not even the musicians who played in the corner could find the heart to play anything light and cheerful, remaining with a sombre song that droned on and on. The mood was dark and melancholy, a great shadow looming over them before Galahad slammed his goblet down loudly, dragging all attention to him as he turned to his sister.
"Sing Maya, lighten our spirits before we go to battle." Unable to refuse, Amaya nodded her head.
"We drink to our youth, and to days come and gone.
For the age of oppression is now nearly done.
We'll drive out the Empire from this land that we own.
With our blood and our steel we will take back our home.
All hail to Arthur! You are the High King! In your great honor we drink and we sing.
We're the children of Briton, and we fight all our lives.
And when heaven beckons, every one of us dies!
But this land is ours and we'll see it wiped clean.
Of the scourge that has sullied our hopes and our dreams.
All hail to Arthur! You are the High King! In your great honor we drink and we sing!
All hail to Arthur! You are the High King! In your great honor we drink and we sing!"
The familiar song encouraged everyone to smile and sing along until by the last verse, the chamber was alight with the joyous tune. Bors slung his arm over Dagonet's neck and lifted his cup, bellowing out the words as they swayed, the other knights joining in with broad smiles, thumping their fists on the table and stomped their feet on the ground.
Vanora and Amaya looked at one another and they shared a moment of pain through their strained smiles before relaxing into the song, lifting their heads to lift the roof with their voices. Tristan murmured the words under his breath, leaning back in his seat as he looked up to Amaya from under his fringe. She looked lovely today, wearing a dress that actually fitted her figure. Though her face was strained to keep up a cheerful countenance, her eyes did light up as she sang as they always did. Her voice was one to covet, a voice sent down from the gods for certain.
He did not want to go to battle and leave her here with the rift between them but he had no choice. Tristan knew he had completely destroyed his one chance he had with Amaya and there was no way back. Damn his pride. Why did he have to feel so strongly for this woman? It was torture, a pain in his chest that threatened to crush all breath from his body. Yet he welcomed the sensation as it kept him full of determination to live, he would return. For her.
Amaya finished the song then looked around the knights who laughed at their folly, satisfied that she had given them a little heart. When the meal finished the knights, already dressed in their armour, walked down to the courtyard where the army was beginning to assemble. There were hundreds of men and more yet to come out of the barracks.
Arthur had ordered Lancelot, Ganis and Bors to remain and keep the city fortified along with enough men to protect them. Guinevere was to stay as well, on account for her pregnancy. She did not look impressed but she kept a calm composure as she kissed Arthur lovingly, holding him close to her.
Confusion spilled through Amaya at that moment. She was almost convinced that she could see the love between them, especially from the Queen who clung to her husband and begged him to be safe. She turned her head to Galahad who kissed Maia gently on her brow, crushing away her tears. "Make sure you come back." She whispered to him then pulled a silk favour from her sleeve, the white fabric glistening in the light with the image of a swan gracefully gliding across the sea of white. "It is my emblem. I want you to take it for me, a token for luck." Maia said to him, tucking it into his breastplate as he touched the silk.
"Do not worry, I will return." He promised her then placed the lightest of kisses on her lips and Amaya politely looked down to her feet. When she sensed Galahad looking at her she looked up and smiled weakly. "And don't you fear either, you and I both know I am the better fighter out of the two of us." Amaya chuckled as she stepped up to him, his hands holding her arms as she kissed his face.
"Do not challenge, me little wolf, I am yet to see you best me in archery." He smiled then planted his lips on her cheek before drawing back and mounting his horse, wheeling Carlo around to face Maia again. Amaya stepped back and allowed them their privacy as Maia gripped onto his hand and leg, gazing up at him with fear and love.
Looking about Amaya could not see Tristan. A large lump rose to her throat and worry panged in her chest, quickening with the pace of her heartbeat. Lifting her skirts Amaya walked towards the stables, glancing in the stalls before heading over to where Tristan's horse was stabled. He was standing outside, preparing to mount when he heard someone approaching him.
Turning his head he was surprised to see Amaya walking towards him, her hands letting go of her skirts as she stopped before him. They watched one another in silence, the woman drawing her courage to speak, though she did not know what she was going to say.
"You will watch out for him, won't you?" She asked him in a quiet voice, lacing her hands together to grip them tightly until they were white from the strain. "I couldn't bear to lose him now, not after so much time waiting for him." Curtly Tristan nodded his head then turned to mount up. Amaya's hand darted out before she could stop herself to touch his shoulder, making Tristan tense but take his foot from the stirrup again to turn and face her fully. "But take care of yourself also." She told him firmly, fearlessly lifting her chin. "And do not do anything ridiculously moronic." He arched an eyebrow at her, continuing to say nothing.
Amaya sighed. She was not saying what she wanted to say, it was coming out completely wrong. Electing to follow Tristan's preferred technique, she remained silent and acted instead. Her hands went to her neck and lifted the cord slipping it over her head then stepped closer to Tristan who watched her carefully, his piercing eyes flickering between her and the pendant. "Take this. May it bring you good fortune." She said to him gently as she slipped it over his head then let it rest against his chest, lowering her hands.
With a slow sigh Tristan reached out and touched her shoulder, warmth spreading across her skin as the weight settled on her and she looked to the contact briefly before slowly offering him a gentle smile. "Ride well." She said to him then touched her hand to her chest. "Rus." Tristan nodded his head in agreement then turned, mounting his horse and guiding his head around, the powerful creature pounding his hooves into the ground before the scout cantered out of the stables, leaving Amaya behind as she shook her head. Why was she such a fool?
Taking a moment to pull herself together Amaya followed, slipping her way through the courtiers to stand beside Maia who instantly gripped onto her and sobbed as the King and knights led the army out into the city, the people gathered at the sides and tossed flowers into their path as they departed. "Hush now, he'll be alright."
"But what if he gets hurt?" Maia whispered in fear, holding onto Amaya's waist tightly as the woman watched after them. "Or he is attacked by more than one enemy? What if he falls when his horse bolts? There are so many things that may happen!"
"They will not. I shall make sure of it." Maia gasped, looking up to Amaya with a start to the woman's perfectly calm face.
"Surely you don't mean…"
"I will keep them all from harm, even if I must sacrifice my life to do it. I made a blood promise, Maia, you cannot understand how important that is. If I break it then I am forever shamed, my ancestors will turn away from me and I will carry such a dishonour for the rest of my life. I must follow them and do what I can to ensure their safety, especially Galahad's."
"But…but it is too dangerous!" Maia whispered fearfully but Amaya hushed her gently, kissing her brow.
"I am used to danger. Whilst I am gone, however, I need you to do something for me." Nodding her head Maia listened. "I need you to accompany the queen wherever she goes. Do not leave her alone for a single moment." The younger woman frowned at the request. "Even at night, say that you are too ill with worry to be alone when you both retire. You must not let her leave your sight. Can you do that for me?" She nodded her head.
"Yes of course, but why?" Amaya paused, frowning slightly.
"I suspect her of harbouring a secret. When I return, you will need to tell me everything suspicious she does and who comes to see her or who she goes to see." Maia was confused but nodded her head a final time.
"I shall do it. You have my trust and I owe you my life, this is a small repayment I cannot refuse." Amaya smiled at her.
"I am asking as a friend, not as a payment. Thank you Maia. I shall be leaving shortly so please, take care of yourself and try not to concern yourself. Galahad will be perfectly safe in my care."
"Alright. Please, take care of yourself also. I shall not forgive myself if something were to happen to you and I knowingly let you leave." Someone cleared their throat behind them and Amaya turned to a scowling Vanora, who hand her hands on her hips.
"And when were you planning on telling me you were intending to follow?" Amaya offered a guilty smile.
"Will now do?" Vanora rolled her eyes then clucked her tongue.
"You'd best gather some supplies from the kitchens then, hadn't you?" She turned and strode away, clapping her hands to hurry some maids along. Amaya sighed with relief then let go of Maia's hands.
"Farewell Mai, I shall return in two or three days." With that the woman strode away to the kitchens. She backed some dried meat, bread and several things left over from breakfast whilst also packing some apples for Arluin. She then filled a water-skin with fresh water, found a few blankets to keep her warm then carried these to her room where she then changed.
Slipping into her breeches and a coarse shirt of tan, she pulled on her cloak and lifted the hood, covering her face as she fixed her quiver to her back and carried her bow in the other hand. Next she went to the training grounds, grateful that it was abandoned due to the fact that the army were mainly gone. When she did hear someone approaching, Amaya would slip into a doorway and hide in the shadows until they were gone before hurrying forwards again.
Listening at the door she made sure no one was inside before slipping into the changing chambers. Instantly she strode over to the pegs which held several leather body guards, slipping one that was her size onto her body after dropping everything from her hands and removing both cloak and quiver.
She tightened the straps at her sides and at her shoulders, making sure it fit her comfortably. Testing the movement Amaya was satisfied when she found that she could move with the same freedom with the armour on as when she was not wearing it. All she needed now were a few more weapons. Looking at the training swords she pursed her lips. Amaya needed a real blade, one that could pierce flesh, not simply bruise skin.
Gathering everything up Amaya walked from the chamber, walking close to the wall as she headed for the armoury. This was a little harder to remain unseen from so Amaya elected to lower her hood and simply walk in. The guards blinked at her. "My lady, are you lost?"
"No." She answered simply, lifting her head and drawing back her shoulders. "I require a sword and possibly some daggers. I have been asked to scout around the city to make sure Lazarus does not pull a dirty trick and attack us whilst the main army is not here to protect us." They looked at one another.
"Who ordered this?" Amaya arched an eyebrow and narrowed her eyes, thinning her lips into a thin, displeased line.
"Are you questioning my honesty?" She demanded with a growl then gestured to herself. "I am not in the habit of dressing up for scouting only to be scorned by men who cannot believe the words of a woman! Shame on you." They gulped at her harsh tone. "I was ordered by Arthur himself before he left. Now, move out of my way! I need to leave before noontime." They jumped at Amaya's command then slid aside, allowing her through. No one questioned her further so Amaya went inside and browsed through the weapons. She considered taking a spear but decided against it. She needed to be as swift and light as possible and a spear was difficult to conceal when stealth was the key.
Finally selecting a centurion sword, similar in style to Lancelot's and attached it to her waist, looping the leather straps through her belt then buckled them securely on. Next she found two daggers so she slid one into her boot and the other joined the sword at her hip. Bracers were next, which she fastened securely then sighed. She was ready to leave.
Nodding to the guards as she left, Amaya stole away to the stables. No one bothered to look up from their work, too busy looking after the gestating mares as they snorted and stomped their feet proudly, their swollen stomachs fit to burst. Sensing his mistress approaching, Arluin lifted his head and sniffed the air.
"Hush now my friend, we are to slip away quietly." Amaya explained to him, entering his stall then quickly began to tack him up, securing the girth then slung the saddlebags over his rump, looping the bindings into his saddle before tugging on the bags to make sure they held fast. Satisfied, she put on his bridle. "Come now my friend, we must follow Galahad." Amaya whispered then led him out of the stable after checking him over, running her hands over his legs and shoulders to check for any hurts or strains then looked to his hooves also, making sure his shoes were intact.
Once she was sure Arluin was fit to ride Amaya led him out then mounted up, keeping her hooded head bowed as she walked calmly from the stables. The last of the soldiers had long since left so Amaya walked through the courtyard, not drawing attention to herself then continued down into the streets.
A few people glanced to her way but said nothing. Children gathered the flowers from the ground in large posies, smelling the fragrance deeply then looked up to Amaya with wide eyes. One little girl reached up and offered Amaya a stem of lavender, making the woman turn her head towards the child who flinched under the intimidating look.
Reaching out with a gloved hand Amaya accepted the offering with a slow nod of her head then continued on, her eyes fixed forwards. Arluin snorted against the strong scent of flowers, the overwhelming smell tickling his nostrils so Amaya patted his neck comfortingly.
It was to take the army a full day's march to reach the battlefield before Lazarus, who had been sighted crossing the river just outside the southern border. With no need to hasten herself Amaya tried to plan her day's ride. She would need to keep a fair distance from the army so that no scouts would find her, especially Tristan, who was very hard to elude. However she would also have to be near enough so that Amaya would be able to hear anything that happened or keep track of exactly where they chose to hide themselves and their horses.
Taking a deep breath Amaya looked at her hands. She was nervous. Though competent at shooting a bow, Amaya had never been in an actual battle before and her other fighting skills were still lacking. She would have to depend very heavily on her bow but in close combat, it would be hard to move and keep alive with so much happening around her.
It was slightly daunting thinking about it so Amaya pushed all thoughts from her mind and focused on the road ahead. Amaya passed through the open gates as the last of the outside villagers ran inside, carrying all of their supplies and belongings in their arms whilst children dragged reluctant livestock through or carried the little cages for chickens, geese and ducks.
Amaya kept out of their way, slipping through unquestioned before trotting towards the trees, riding under the cover of the familiar foliage took Amaya away from sight. She weaved through the trees, remaining fairly close to the open space where she could see the army had left obvious tracks for her to follow.
With nothing left to do except follow, Amaya began to him a tune under her breath, scanning the area ahead of her before moving off at a canter, sitting back in her seat to go in search of a place to camp for the night.
Well guys, thanks for being so patient!
AnadoraBlack - Sorry you were in despair :( I shall aspire to make it up to you, promise! X