So, turns out this chapter is going to be a lot longer than I thought it was going to be. However, in reconciliation, you guys deserve it ;) Also, the next chapter turned out to be even longer still! So drop a few comments and I'll post it ASAP!
And as I was reminded, I shall do a recap of the previous chapter.
So basically, Lancelot broke his vow to Amaya and went to see Guinevere and Morgana, knowing that he would, used magic to disguise herself as Guinevere then went to Arthur in the evening. She slipped a potion into his drink and took some herself and then she lay with him which guaranteed her a child because of the magic. So that's basically everything that happened, on with the chapter!
Looking up to the Lady Morgana, Amaya once again received the warning sensation that ran down her spine she only ever got when danger was nearby. She was trouble and by the look on her face, it appeared she had been making mischief already. Amaya was not eager to find out what it was.
She sat atop her pale grey horse, dress sweeping to the side as she angled her body to gaze out apparently innocently to the court, smiling as she waved before riding away, her escort of six following with a small wagon and mule pulling her chests and supplies with them. Maia grunted.
"I'm glad to be rid of her." Amaya nodded her head in agreement, looking to the young woman by her side who looked up with a soft smile. "What now?"
"I have work to do. Specifically your room." Amaya answered, returning the smile Maia gave her as she began to walk with her. "I need to dust, sweep and clean."
"Shall I help?" Amaya shook her head.
"Do not ruin your hands." She murmured gently, looking to her own which were calloused and broken in places whereas Maia had perfectly clean hands, pale and polished and as smooth as a dove's wing. "I can manage."
"If you insist." Maia sighed, reaching for her long hair and began to run her hand through the long tresses, dreamily thinking. "Maya, do you think Galahad is in love with me?" She was surprised by the question but did not show it.
"I have never seen him more in love with anyone. Why do you ask?" Maia blushed and looked down to her feet.
"Well, I know I have fallen for him. I just wasn't sure, you see." Her blush deepened as she gulped. "I've been having…dreams about him and desires I know a lady should not be even thinking. Should anyone be able to hear my thoughts, I would be shamed for life." Amaya chuckled, touching Maia's shoulder tenderly.
"That, my friend, is all a part of falling in love. Do not fear, Galahad loves you very dearly. You can see it in just the way he looks at you." Amaya paused, stopping for a moment before continuing. "There is someone I must see first. You enjoy your day, Maia and do not worry your pretty little head for anything." Maia nodded her head with a smile and glided away, hair floating behind her like a wisp of golden cloud.
Turning Amaya descended some steps then headed for the lower halls beneath the ground where the wounded men of Lazarus's army were being treated still. She walked through them until she found who she was looking for, still wrapped up in her cloak. Percival looked better so Amaya knelt by his side and touched his shoulder, wakening him. He frowned at her. "What are you doing here?"
"I said I would be back for the cloak." She said to him quietly, glancing around to the other wounded. "I did come to visit you before but you were fever stricken and could not wake up." Percival blinked at the handsome looking woman.
"You did?" He looked up at her gratefully. "Thank you." Slowly he began to sit up, pushing his hands against the ground and he grunted as his wound twitched but he carefully continued with Amaya's help until he was sitting perfectly upright. "How long have I been here?"
"Four days." She replied. "You have not woken since the battle. You did well to prove the physicians wrong, they thought you were done for but I ordered them to keep treating you." She reached into her pocket and lay out a handkerchief on his lap, unwrapping it to reveal some chicken she had taken from the kitchens and slipped away with. "You looked like a fighter and I was right."
"How can I repay your kindness?" Percival asked as he placed a large strip of chicken into his mouth. Amaya shook her head.
"Kindness is not something to be repaid, it is something to be given. Freely and selflessly." Nodding his head Percival finished the chicken then looked around to the many others that lay about him, some paler than white silk whilst others slept peacefully, their wounds healing.
"But why me? Why me out of all of these men?" Amaya looked into his tawny eyes, focussing on him for a moment before answering.
"Because I can sense greatness in you. I think you are meant for great things, Percival. I have a way of being able to read people and when I saw you, I could tell that you were something. You are good, honest and polite. Any other man would have spat on me for even trying to help them had they had the breath left or the will." Percival nodded his head slowly.
"Will I be able to speak to the king?" She shook her head.
"No, but you may speak to me and I shall speak to the king. If you fear for your life then do not worry. It makes no sense to save your life then have your sent to the executioner's block." A smile tugged at Percival's lips as he quietly chuckled.
"I wish to speak with him about Lazarus's defences. If he will allow it, I will turn my cloak."
"There are those who despise a turn-cloak." Amaya warned him but he shook his head.
"My loyalty to Lazarus was taken by force when my own father sold me to him. It is what he does, takes boys from families too large to feed all their children and trains them to be soldiers. The king is in danger. He does not know the strength of numbers that the coward has, nor the strength of his walls. If Arthur is to attack, he will need help." Nodding her head, Amaya rested her hand on his shoulder.
"I shall inform him. Whether he chooses to hear you, I do not know. Rest now and regain your strength." She advised him softly, helping him to lay back down. Pulling the cloak to warm his arms and shoulders Amaya touched his brow, comforted to feel its normal temperature. "You are safe here, Percival." He nodded his head and closed his eyes as Amaya stood and left, climbing the steps to continue her work. She would speak to Arthur tonight without Guinevere close by. He was always in a more listening mood without her nearby to influence his thoughts against her.
Humming a tune to herself Amaya walked down the deserted hallway, looking ahead of her but stopped when hands gripped her waist and held her back, lips crashing against her neck as she gasped. "Tristan." She breathed then spun around, staring at him. "What are you doing?" He shrugged, grabbing her sides and pulling her back to him.
"I just wanted to touch you." He whispered huskily, making shivers shoot up Amaya's spine as she closed her eyes into his caress, lips warmly trailing down her neck. A shuddering moan rippled from her chest and Tristan smirked at the sound, brushing his tongue lightly over her skin before he pulled away. Amaya looked to her feet, a slight rosy hue rising to her cheeks but she looked up when Tristan flicked her chin with his fingers. "I see you've been busy talking to the wounded." She detected a hint of jealousy in his tone which made her smirk.
"He has agreed to help Arthur in his attack on Lazarus. He knows the fort and the numbers within." Tristan arched an eyebrow at her, his face remaining expressionless.
"You are too trusting."
"And you are too cynical." She retorted easily, lifting her chin as a fire began to dance in her eyes. "Your point is?" He growled at her, taking a large step at her but she did not back away, merely snatched her hands to his chest to hold him back. "Do not think you can frighten me, scout. I do not cower like the simpletons this court calls ladies of refined quality." His lips curled into a snarl slightly, lust and anger spiking in his chest simultaneously.
He began to speak angrily but Amaya silenced him by grabbing his collar and pulling his head down to hers, melting her lips into his as his words were snatched away with his breath. Forgetting his jealousy and anger, Tristan held onto Amaya and returned her lips' silky caress, wishing he could have all of her right there and then.
When she pulled back Amaya cocked an eyebrow at him, smirking. "You were saying?"
"Damn you woman." He snapped but lowered a gentle kiss to her lips again, brushing against her before pulling back. "We cannot keep doing this." Silently Amaya nodded her head, looking down at her feet. "It is not right."
"Since when have you cared before?" She challenged haughtily, pursing her lips as she folded her arms across her chest. Tristan sighed. He was saying it all wrong again. Why couldn't he just commune like a normal human being? "If that is how you feel then fine. I shall not interrupt your perfectly peaceful and solitary life." She turned to walk away and for a moment, Tristan let her go. Then he snapped into his senses. What was he doing? He couldn't let her walk away!
"Maya. Amaya wait." He called after her softly but she only stopped when he folded her arms around her, trapping her back to his chest as she began to struggle.
"Release me!" He held onto her tightly, not relenting his grip as his hands found hers, holding them down to her chest as he lowered his head to her ear.
"Maya listen. I want to court you." Her movements stopped as she blinked in shock, frozen in place. Court her? Tristan wanted to court her? Slowly she turned around to face him and he let her go but did not pull his hands back from her body, anchoring them on her shoulders to ensure that she did not fly away from him. Her eyes were slightly wide but her lips were set in a hard line.
"Court me." She repeated. "You want me to be your lady?" He nodded his head, lifting a hand to gently cup her chin, his thumb brushing against her lips.
"It is the only way forwards." He murmured gently to her in his rich, alluring voice. "And I want to move on with you, Maya." Amaya breathed in deeply, her heart skipping several beats as the breath escaped her mouth, passing her lips as she gazed up at the scout in wonder.
"You are serious?" He nodded his head. "Damn it Tristan, do not toy with me." In answer he leaned towards her and rested his brow against hers, speaking volumes without even using words. Her eyes closed of their own accord as she drew in Tristan's scent, her hands rising to rest upon his as they held her face tenderly. She whispered his name and he opened his eyes to look at her. "If you truly want this then I do too." She murmured to him. "But do not feel that this is the only way for us. If you do not wish to be tied down then I shall not blame you if you want to walk away. I may loathe your for some time but my pride will heal." He chuckled softly, kissing her face briefly before sighing.
"I want this. I have already sought Galahad's permission." Amaya's eyes flew wide open as she gasped, staring up at Tristan who smirked.
"When? What happened? What did you say?"
"I told him that I wanted his blessing to court you. At first he simply stared at me as if I were insane." Tristan began, still holding Amaya close where he liked her to be and wanted her to be always. "Then he attacked me. Gave me a few bruises before I threw him onto the ground. The he shouted to the gods above, swore he'd castrate me then kill me if I even touched you." Amaya chuckled to herself. "But then he calmed down and we talked, he told me that if I truly cared for you, he would give us his blessing, so long as I never harm you." Looking up into Tristan's eyes Amaya touched his face, brushing her thumb across one of his tattoos. "And I swear I never will."
"I know that Tristan." She whispered to him gently, continuing her caress so that he leaned into her chest. "I know." The scout touched his lips to hers and tenderly embraced them as lightly as a butterfly touching a flower to drink its sweet nectar.
"So my feisty she-wolf, what is your answer?" Amaya smirked into his chest which she now leant against.
"I accept." She replied simply then lifted her mouth to his once more in a demanding, heated kiss. Tristan readily answered her wanting lips, pressing his mouth harder against hers until they both stood breathless in each other's embrace.
Slowly Tristan let her go and Amaya suddenly felt a chill run down her spine at the loss of his warm arms. "Will you ride with me tomorrow?" He asked her quietly. "At dusk?" She nodded her head.
"I will. Good day, Tristan." She murmured and half turned to walk away but stopped and looked back to him. Unable to resist she bounded back to him and threw her arms around his neck, smiling broadly as she kissed him one last time. Amaya heard his deep chuckle and she groaned at the sound, wanting more of him.
Finally pulling herself away the woman continued with her day, unable to stop smiling and humming merry tunes to herself. As she flung out the dry shirt sharply she looked up when she sensed someone standing behind her. "Hello tiny mouse." She welcomed Lucan who smiled and approached her. "What can I do for you?"
"Amaya, I cannot stop thinking about that lady, Lady Morgana." The boy said with a slight blush to his cheeks. "She frightened me." Amaya folded the shirt she was holding and reached for another, glancing to the boy who continued. "I couldn't help but notice, she had eyes very similar to Arthur's and I think I saw her use magic. What does it mean, Maya?" Amaya paused in her folding before continuing, tossing the shirt onto the pile then faced Lucan, lowering herself down to his height.
"Who else have you spoken to about this?"
"Just you." Lucan answered quietly, lowering his head. "I didn't know how pa would know what to do but I thought you might, seeing as you're so wise and clever." She chuckled to him then pushed back his soft hair comfortingly.
"I don't know about that." She mused then thought deeply for a moment, realising the boy was right. "You just forget about her, tiny mouse, we shan't be seeing her for a while now so you can relax. Nothing is going to harm you."
"But what about the magic?" She frowned at him.
"What did you see?" He gulped.
"I saw her in her room when I was hiding from Gilly. I didn't know she was staying there until she walked in. I was hiding under the bed but I watched her open a small box and she picked up a glass sphere. At first I thought it was just an ornament but then she spoke in a different language and her eyes lit up like fire." Lucan shuddered at the memory so Amaya placed both her hands on his shoulders. "And the glass ball began to show her pictures. I couldn't quite see them all but I know I saw Guinevere and Arthur in one of them." He gulped then looked up to Amaya fearfully. "I also saw you." Without batting an eyelid Amaya smiled.
"Alright, you leave this with me." Amaya murmured to him softly and he sighed with relief, relaxing as Amaya drew him to her in a close embrace. "I will take care of you Lucan, so you do not need to worry and I shall not let that woman do any harm to anyone." Nodding his head Lucan looked up at her.
"Is this what it feels like to have a mother?" Amaya stared down at him in shock. Did he really think of her like that? Instantly Amaya was touched to the soul, her chest warming with pride as she smiled down to him.
"I guess so, tiny mouse." She whispered then kissed his face. "Go on, I'm sure you have some lessons to attend." He nodded his head and darted off without another word, not wanting to be late. Amaya pondered over what Lucan had told her as she continued to sort the washing. She could not go to Guinevere or Arthur, the former would not believe her and probably send her away to do a mountain of jobs until Amaya collapsed with exhaustion and the latter had enough to deal with already. Besides, who would believe her anyway? Amaya was just a maid.
She snorted to herself, lifting her large basket then travelled to the knights' quarters to put away their now clean washing. None of the knights were in as they were training the boys and men in preparation for battle. However when Amaya entered Tristan's room, she did stop and smile to herself before continuing her duties.
All day she laboured, scrubbing floors and polishing the silver until she was utterly exhausted. As she entered her room she felt a deep pang of regret in her chest, looking to the empty bed beside hers which had remained cold for a few days now. Greta had been so young and full of life. She had run to that feast expecting a night of bliss and joy only to meet the cold glare of death. It was not fair. Not fair for her to have been taken.
Shaking her head Amaya shook out the sheets to get rid of the dust then lay down on her own bed, thinking deeply as the night wore on. She still could not quite believe that Tristan had asked to court her, more so that he had sought Galahad's permission first. A deep rosy blush rose to her cheeks which she quickly hid from herself.
Not two moments later, someone knocked on her door. "Amaya?" Maia's shy little voice chirped from the other side so the woman rose and opened the door. Maia looked up at her then smiled nervously. "May I come in?"
"Of course." Amaya answered, stepping aside. "I have no seat to offer you save for the beds, however."
"Oh, that's alright." She answered, stepping over to Greta's bed and slowly sitting down. "I just wanted some company." She admitted quietly as Amaya sat down next to her. "And I wanted to ask you something." Maia took a deep breath then looked up to Amaya. "If in the future, Galahad did ask me for my hand, would you object at all?" Amaya would have laughed at the coincidence of it all. Maia was asking for her blessing.
"Of course not Mai. I can see that you are good for my brother. He is less morbid when around you. You fill him with a light that had long been diminished by years of fighting." Amaya stroked Maia's hair as she leaned into her shoulder, letting all her worry go with a sigh. "I would be proud to have you in our family."
"You mean it?" Amaya nodded her head. After a moment Maia continued slowly. "Arthur has been able to recover my inheritance. I do not have any land save for a large keep down in the midlands where I grew up but I have a lot of wealth. I would be glad to share it all with you. My father's second is bringing the entire fortune over as I asked Arthur to put it in the vaults here were I can access it more easily and I was wondering if you would like an inheritance." Amaya blinked in surprise. Inheritance? "In repayment for all that you've done and given me."
"I do not want your gold, Mai my sweeting. All I want is for you to be happy." She murmured gently. "Gold means nothing to me. I have what I earn and it is enough. More than enough." Maia continued to gaze up at her.
"But still, if you ever needed anything, you will ask won't you? You won't sit in silence and suffer? Please tell me you will ask for help if you need it." Amaya chuckled, leaning her head against Maia's whilst continuing to stroke her hair.
"Of course Mai. You have my word." With a gentle sigh Amaya kissed her brow. "Now, not that I don't love your company and you but I should really get some sleep. It has been a long day and I have an early start."
"Oh! Oh yes of course, how selfish of me." Maia said whilst jumping up, blushing deeply. "Forgive me Maya."
"Think nothing of it. Just remember you have my blessing to accept my brother should he get around to asking for your hand." She waved off Maia's nervousness with a smile. "Goodnight sweeting."
"Goodnight, thank you Amaya." Maia murmured then slipped away quietly, blushing but happy all the same. She had worried that Amaya would think her not ready to accept her brother fully in matrimony as she was young and rather useless and not really the right type of wife a Sarmatian knight would expect. Maia supposed their wives back in their homeland were all warriors, tough to the core and able to survive any hardship.
Ascending the stairs Maia continued to wonder to herself, imagining a life with Galahad. Think of the children they could have, they would all be such pretty little things. The boys would all be strong warriors and grow up to be knights and the girls would be pretty little angels, perhaps one or two with the strength of their father and the skills of weaponry to match. Maia did not think she would be able to manage knowing that Galahad would be going to war soon but that was why she was so desperate to be with him as much as she could right now, so that she could cherish each moment like a priceless jewel.
"Mai? Are you alright?" Maia blinked in surprise up at Dagonet, who had caught her shoulder. "I have been speaking for a few moments now." Instantly a heat rose to her face in shame.
"Oh I am so sorry, Dagonet. I was in a world of my own." She offered him a smile which made him chuckle. "Honestly, I did not mean to ignore you."
"I know. Just be careful on the stairs. There have been many accidents and I would not want you to join the count." He said to her gently then gestured down the hall. "Galahad was in the stables last I saw of him a few moments ago." Gratefully Maia nodded her head.
"Thank you." She said, touching his arm. "I'm sorry again."
"Never mind. All you women seem to dream the day away." He chuckled good naturedly. "Now go find your knight in shining armour." Blushing again Maia giggled quietly then hurried away. She smoothed down her dress then pulled her hair into a respectable position, the plait hanging low beneath her hips as she walked. She had never cut it since her tenth birthday. The servants had all told her that her mother had worn her hair so long that it would trail to the floor and that Maia looked so much like her, so she had never cut her hair and let it grow as long as it could.
She wished she could have known her mother, who had died when Maia was very young. She had been raised by her wet nurse and later by her governess, who had been stern faced but warm hearted, doting on Maia and comforted her whenever her father grew into an angry rage and often struck Maia, who was very small and often got hurt. Shuddering at the memories she pushed them away and focused on finding Galahad. She had to speak with him, or more importantly, tell him something.
When she walked into the stables her heart lifted with the comforting scent of horses. She had always adored the fine looking creatures, watching them whenever she could. They always seemed to move with such grace and elegance that you could not help but believe they were designed by God himself, for no other being would have the skill to create such fine animals.
"Galahad?" Maia called softly and the knight turned his head, smiling to her.
"I am here." He stretched out a hand and she took it, walking forwards until she stood at Carlo's head. She smiled and reached out, stroking the horse's neck as his eyes slid shut lazily, enjoying the attention he was receiving.
"Did anything happen on patrol?"
"Bors's horse was frightened by a rabbit that shot across our path." Galahad shrugged dismissively. "Nothing exciting, unfortunately. It was rather amusing when he was thrown and landed in a pile of mud." Maia giggled and Galahad gazed at her adoringly, feeling his chest fill with awe at the woman beside him. Suddenly his eyes darkened and he looked away, lowering his head and Maia noticed the change.
"Galahad? Is something wrong?" He did not answer for a moment so Maia reached out and touched his shoulder. The contact brought Galahad immense comfort, enough so that he exhaled and his body went lax as he turned to face her, touching his brow to hers.
"We are marching soon." Galahad murmured and Maia pressed her eyes shut, shuddering with fear. "Arthur has agreed to speak to one of the soldiers we had captured as no others will willingly relinquish information. Once we have learned all we can, Arthur will march the moment the scouts have returned to confirm all they learn, which will be in a few days. No more than a week."
"Oh Galahad, I wish there was something I could do." Maia whispered to him, cupping his neck with her hands. "If only I were braver, I would lift a sword to stand by you." His hands snatched her waist and tugged her close to him, making Maia gasp as she looked up into his eyes.
"No, you must never think or say such things. I do not want you in danger, Maia, it is bad enough that my sister came last time. If I lost her, I would be broken, if I lost you however…I…I would rather die than even think about what I would do." Maia closed her eyes again, feeling tears rush forwards as Galahad stroked her hair. "You are the light of my life, Mai, I cannot do without you." Lifting her head again Mai took his hand.
"Walk with me? There is something we must talk about. Something I must tell you." Nodding his head Galahad gently placed her hand in the crook of his elbow and walked with her. They climbed the steps and walked along the battlements, gazing out to the city but stopped to watch the glittering lake, its silky blankets catching the moonlight serenely until it shone with a thousand stars in its arms.
"What did you wish to talk about, my angel?" Galahad asked her softly, his eyes turned only to her. Mai blushed then touched her cheeks, wishing she did not get so flustered and embarrassed so easily.
"I need to tell you something, Galahad, before you go off to battle." She turned to face him, taking deep breaths to try and calm her hammering heart. "And it is only right that you should know, though it may be too early to say such things but I feel in my heart that it is right." Nodding his head Galahad stepped forwards.
"Then speak your mind." Taking one last deep gulp of air Mai closed her eyes.
"I am in love with you Galahad." She blurted then clamped her mouth shut, eyes widened as her hand jumped to cover her lips. Galahad arched an eyebrow in amusement then chuckled, smiling to her as he took off his cloak and wrapped it around her, pulling her close to him.
"Is that what has you jumping like a rabbit with the fox close by?" She nodded her head, wondering if she had made a fool of herself. "Well then, my frightened little rabbit, I must say that I too have fallen for you. Very much so. I love you Mai, more than anything else in the world." Like in the stories, Mai swooned, her heart becoming as light as a butterfly and her knees weakened slightly but Galahad's strong arms supported her, his cloak warming her chilled body as she gazed up at him.
"Truly? You mean it?"
"Every word." He whispered then reached forwards, placing his lips softly against hers, letting her decide what she wanted. Maia instantly answered by drawing him closer, moving her lips against his in a smooth, rounded motion as his hands trapped her waist, holding her close as they kissed, not caring who was watching.
When she pulled away, Maia gasped. "I love you." She blinked as the burning feeling settled in her chest. "I love you." Suddenly she beamed from ear to ear, mirroring Galahad's smile as she kissed him again. "I love you."
"Aye, I know." Galahad chuckled, running his hand through her hair. "My frightened little rabbit."
"But don't you see? I'm not frightened anymore!" Maia gushed, holding onto Galahad as her fingers tangled into his hair. "I'm not afraid of what has been or what will be, I'm not afraid to watch you go to war because I know you'll come back to me." Galahad gazed down at her lovingly, wondering how he had come to deserve such a sweet, innocent and beautiful woman to love. Even know he could not shake the feeling inside him that screamed for him to touch her however she would permit, even if it was simply holding her hand in his arm to escort her somewhere. Every time he saw her, the feelings of love and desire would rush through him despite knowing that she was his anyway.
"Never worry for that, Mai, I'll always fight for you." Galahad murmured to her, tucking his head next to hers as she inhaled his scent. "I'll fight to come back to you always."
"I know. Which is why I am no longer afraid. I shall worry for you and pray you do not get hurt but I shall not be afraid of losing you." Galahad chuckled, turning his head to look up to the stars. With nothing more to say Maia kissed her knight once more then let him lead her back inside to a hearth where she could get warm, the evening having been colder than she had expected but inside, she was warmer than a summer day, a bright fire burning inside her and chased away all her fears as she proudly walked with a raised head, Galahad at her side. Her Galahad.