So I haven't said this in a while but I would think it was kind of obvious that I do not own King Arthur or any of its characters save for those of my own creation. Because if I did, I would not be sitting in my room all alone with only a cat to cuddle. I'd be down the pup with all the knights and having the time of my life ;) (Whilst also trying to poke Tristan into a tantrum, because I would really love to see that!)
An almighty crash brought Amaya shooting to her feet, pausing before she ran forwards. "Damn everything under the bloody sun!" Daniel cursed and Amaya laughed as she looked down the stairs to him, sprawled on the floor with an assortment of armour clattered around him. Shaking her head she descended the stairs gracefully then began to help pick things up for him.
"You really intend to wear all this?" Amaya questioned at the entire suit of armour. He scowled at her.
"No, though your brother seems to insist it wise to do so." Amaya chuckled again, dropping the helmet on his head and he cussed as it slid over his eyes and he had to tilt his head back to see. "I'm not even going to battle, why is he making me carry all this ridiculous armour to my room?"
"Because it will teach you how to take care of it." Galahad answered with amusement, striding down the corridor. He picked up one of the greaves and inspected it, tittering quietly as he saw the poor condition they were in. "Disgraceful."
"You just gave them to me!" Daniel growled and Amaya covered her mouth with her hand to hold back her laughter. "I haven't even got this pile of scrap to my room yet!"
"Well then, I suggest you hurry up and start. You have around ten years of rust to get rid of." Grumbling, Daniel pushed his way forwards and headed back to his rooms so that he could start repairing the damage and begin removing the layers of rust the armour had collected. Amaya shook her head.
"You are mean." She scolded him gently and he grinned.
"He needs to learn sooner or later. Preferably sooner." He stated then slowly his smile dropped and he folded his arms across his chest, becoming serious. "About you and Tristan…" Amaya looked to him evenly. She knew this conversation had been coming. At least she was prepared for it. "Does he make you happy?" She nodded her head slowly but sincerely, keeping her eyes fixed on her brother. "And he treats you well?"
"Like a proper lady. Do not worry for me, little wolf, I can take care of myself." She stepped towards him and he sighed, arms falling to his side as Amaya leaned into him. His hands resting around her, trapping her in a warm embrace as he rested his cheek against her head. "And I do care for him very much."
"Do you love him?" Amaya was startled by the question. She had not thought about it before.
"I am not sure." She replied slowly and thoughtfully. "I know that I have never felt so strange before, it is all very new to me and I am still learning how to understand him. From time to time I misinterpret what he means and I get angry but then I cannot help but forgive him." Amaya explained and Galahad chuckled, kissing her brow softly.
"Well, I have given him my blessing and so long as he has yours, there is nothing really I can do to stop you two. Not to mention Tristan terrifies me witless when he starts fighting. I'd rather stay in his good graces." This time Amaya chuckled, turning her head to look up at her little brother. "But I will always defend you, Amaya. Don't be afraid to come to me, even when you cannot go to anyone else. Even Tristan."
"I know, little wolf." Amaya murmured, brushing back some of his curls from his face. They were growing long now, just brushing past his ears. "You need a haircut." Galahad groaned.
"I hate it when someone says that to me." Smirking Amaya shook her head.
"Ask Maia to do it. She cut Lucan and Gilly's hair rather nicely. I'm sure she won't mind doing yours as well." Perking up a little Galahad nodded.
"I think I can suffer such an ordeal." He decided but before he pulled away he looked down at Amaya seriously once again. "You two haven't…you know. Have you?" She snorted.
"Of course not. Regardless, I doubt that is something you would wish to know, Galahad. You might start seeing unpleasant images if you worry too much." Galahad's face scrunched up in horror and he shot backwards.
"Argh! Gross!" He shook his head fiercely, clawing at his eyes. "Yes, you're right. Pretend I said nothing."
"If you insist." Amaya smirked then laughed aloud, placing her hands on her hips. "Now off with you, find your dearly beloved and have those curls of yours tamed before I come at them with knife and saw them into order." Galahad blinked in fear then fled, leaving his sister alone in the corridor as she chuckled, shaking her head before turning and walking away. She had no work to do today as it was her day of rest and Amaya was at a wonder at what to do. She had already seen to Arluin and ridden him about the town and fields so she was now lost as for something to entertain herself with.
Amaya was about to head off to find Vanora's children and Lucan when several horses came thundering through the streets, the riders splattered with mud from the hard ride, their faces pale and their eyes focused ahead of them towards the castle.
The scouts had returned. Without hesitating Amaya lifted her skirts and began to run back to the castle, weaving in and out of people as they bustled about their daily business. Turning her head to look into the next street Amaya caught a glimpse of the horses as they slowed slightly, giving way to some carts before they moved around and shot off once more.
Heart hammering slightly in her chest Amaya looked back in time to see a solid chest before she slammed into it. "Tristan!" She yelped as he steadied her. "Are you always going to just let me run into you?" He smirked then bowed his head to her ear.
"It gives me an excuse to hold you." Her eyes widened and a rosy hue touched her cheeks as Tristan slowly let go of her but neither stepped away. "What has you running so swiftly?"
"The scouts have returned." She explained simply, her face becoming dark with worry. Tristan's expression also clouded before he nodded his head and turned partially, gesturing for her to follow him. Amaya stepped forwards and walked at a quick pace at his side, slipping into the castle through the servant's door passed the guards then up to the round chamber where everyone was beginning to gather.
Amaya looked around quickly to find Galahad but Tristan placed a hand on her back and guided her into a seat before taking the one next to her. The woman blinked in surprise as Tristan leaned back in his seat and waited in silence for the meeting to begin. Once again Amaya was reminded at how the small things meant so much.
Looking around she glanced to her brother as he sat next to her, Gawain on his left then focused on Arthur who nodded to them all. "Knights, ladies." Arthur added for Guinevere and Amaya's benefit. "I have spoken with the scouts and they have confirmed everything that Percival Lazarus has told us to be true." There was a quiet murmur but Amaya said nothing, though inwardly she glowed with pride. She had been right.
"So what now?" Gawain asked quietly after the murmur had died down. "What is to be done?"
"We shall progress as we planned. We leave immediately. I cannot allow Lazarus's threat to remain in balance. He is threatening to march upon Camelot and burn every town and village he finds on the way. Assemble the army, all knights to arms." Arthur ordered. "Save for you Gawain and Galahad, you two are to remain here to protect the city." They both nodded their heads and Amaya bit her lip.
"Amaya." She looked up to Arthur who focussed his eyes on her. "This time, I am ordering you to stay here. I have decided that I cannot in good conscience ask a lady to fight in a battle. You will not follow us after we have left. Your brother shall ensure you do not." Amaya nodded her head solemnly.
"Yes my lord." She murmured and Arthur watched her before sighing.
"Everyone prepare. I shall call the army to arms. Rus!"
"Rus!" Everyone chanted in reply then rose to their feet, saying their goodbyes to one another. Amaya remained seated for a moment, utterly terrified. What if Tristan got hurt? She would not be able to keep watch over him yet she had now been specifically ordered to remain here in Camelot and she was not a disobeyer of a King's rule. She was now bound.
When a gentle hand touched her shoulder Amaya gasped quietly, dragging herself from her thoughts then looked to Tristan, who had risen to his feet. His fingers tightened their grip on her shoulder before he pulled back and walked away without a word. Swallowing Amaya turned to Dagonet who was approaching her. "Be safe." She whispered to him then kissed his face. "I want all of my brothers home without harm, you understand?" Dagonet chuckled.
"Of course sister. Take care of Lucan for me. He does not like it when I leave."
"You needn't ask, Dagonet. I shall watch over him for you." Amaya promised him, pausing before continuing. "I always shall." The knight lifted his head, understanding his meaning then relaxed. He would feel better knowing that Lucan would still have a caring guardian to watch over him even if he was no longer able to be there.
"Thank you Maya." Dagonet said quietly then drew her into a hug.
"Stop hoarding her Dag! We want embraces too." Bors growled shouldering his way forwards then pulled Amaya into a bone crushing hug as she chuckled.
"I shall miss you Bors." She told him as her arms found his neck and she hung onto him tightly. "Make sure you hammer a few of those weasels for me."
"Aye, will do." He nodded his head then stepped back as Lancelot slowly approached Amaya. The room quietened slightly, watching the two as the dark haired knight struggled to keep his emotions in check. He still loathed the woman for what she had done but still, he had come to understand her motives. All she wanted was to keep the kingdom from ruin and Arthur from devastation. His love for Arthur helped Lancelot to partially forgive her and still, in some ways, he thought of Amaya as a sister. It was all sick and twisted but the creases were beginning to smooth away.
"Farewell." He said to her, placing one hand on her shoulder then said nothing more. Amaya sighed, shaking her head as her eyes fixed on Lancelot's before she reached forwards and gently kissed his cheek.
"Make sure Arthur doesn't fall over that ridiculous cloak of his." Amaya remarked with a smirk as she drew back and a slight twitch of the mouth made Lancelot smile before it dropped again. He nodded his head then strode away, leaving Amaya behind as she faced her brother who arched an eyebrow at her.
"I won't have to lock you in your room, will I?" She chuckled weakly then shook her head. "I thought not. You always were the loyal sort."
"Father taught me well." She answered then stepped back to look at Galahad, regarding him carefully before she swallowed back the emotions that welded in her throat. "They would be so proud of you, little wolf." He nodded his head then gently drew his sister to his chest, holding her close as she struggled not to let the tears fall. Shaking her head Amaya pulled herself together, smiling up at her brother as he touched her face. "Well, I had best let you go." Amya mused quietly. "You are still to tell the good news of your remaining here to Maia." He smiled broadly.
"I love her Amaya." She arched an eyebrow.
"It took you this long to figure that out?" She laughed aloud, smiling a little more brightly as she ruffled her brother's hair then stepped back.
"Maya." She turned around, blinking up at Arthur who smiled to her. "Please forgive me for asking you to stay, I only think of your safety."
"I understand." Amaya assured him softly, touching his arm. "Lead them well." He nodded his head, rested his hand on her shoulder then went to draw away but Amaya stepped closer and embraced him. "And take care, you are like a brother to me." Slightly startled, Arthur stood there for a moment before placing his arms around the woman and holding her securely.
"I shall." He promised so she let go. Giving them all a curtsey she left the chamber to locate Tristan. She strode forwards, heading towards the barracks where she guessed he would be in his room preparing for battle. A few maids scurried past her but Amaya did not break pace, a knot forming in her chest with worry for her scout. Taking a deep breath and swallowing the bile that rose to her throat Amaya ascended the stairs, passed Lancelot's, Galahad's and Dagonet's rooms before standing before Tristan's.
Tentatively she knocked on the door and his voice answered from the other side. "You may come in, Maya." She smirked. Somehow he always knew when it was her. Stepping inside Amaya turned to close the door, lifting the latch then dropping it before looking over her shoulder to Tristan, who had his back to her.
He yanked a strap into place then reached for a bracer, sliding it on as Amaya walked up to him. She slipped her arms around his waist then leaned against his back, hearing him exhale deeply before he turned to face her. "I do not want you to go." She told him boldly, lifting her chin. "And I do not want to stay."
"I know." He answered quietly, lifting his hand to brush his knuckles against her cheek. "But it is the way it is." A small whimper left Amaya as she pressed her eyes shut then reached out for Tristan, pressing her lips to his and he did not hesitate to answer. A bright fire sparked between them and Tristan struggled to contain it.
He lifted her closer, hands gripping her waist as she locked her legs around him and held on tightly as Tristan snatched her breath away. The kiss intensified as Tristan pressed Amaya into the wall, fingers beginning to explore the curves of her form which was better fed than it used to be. He dragged delicious sounds from Amaya that drove him wild with desire, capturing any piece of her she would allow though when they both stood utterly breathless and gasping for air, he settled for just leaning into her, his head tucked into the grove of her neck as her arms rested on his shoulders.
"Please be careful." Amaya whispered to him in a voice as light as a breath of wind. "For me. I want you to come home."
"Aye, I'll come home." He said to her nonchalantly. "Don't worry. I am yet to meet my match in battle." Amaya smirked, looking up at him as he drew back slightly and touched his mouth to hers lightly, happy to simply be holding her close.
"Save for the bow. I'd say we were very evenly match. Maybe I am better?" He growled sharply, tugging her forwards to trap her to his chest, the hard armour pressing against her as he kissed her once more, firm and swift that took Amaya by pleasant surprise and silenced her.
"We shall see about that, woman." He told her gruffly but smirked all the same, reaching out and began to brush his fingers against her hair. After a moment his smirk deepened. "No token for me this time?" She blinked.
"Do you want one?" He nodded his head simply and she bit her lip. "What do you want? You can have the pendant again if you like." Tristan shook his head then pulled Amaya's hair free and untangled it from the plait. Without a word he drew a knife from the belt around his torso, pulled her hair to the side then cut a single curl from the locks, drawing back with it.
"This." He showed it to her. "I want this." Amaya chuckled then drew a handkerchief from her apron pocket, unfolding it for Tristan to place the curl into the white folds as she wrapped it up securely. She took his hand and pressed the gift into his palm, folding his fingers over it then held them.
"May it bring you safety and luck." She murmured to him, keeping herself strong on Tristan's behalf. If she broke down and cried, he would have no clue what to do and would probably think her weak for doing so.
The scout pulled his woman closer with a tender hand to her waist, gazing into her eyes as he tucked the gift into his chest armour, sliding it underneath where he could then feel it rest against his heart. Slowly Tristan bent his head, his eyes dropping to Amaya's mouth and she closed her eyes, welcoming his advance when there was a knock on the door.
Both swung their heads around to the door, Tristan cursing under his breath as Bors called out. "You ready scout?"
"Go away Bors." Tristan snapped. "I'll be out in a moment." The knight grumbled but his heavy footfalls were soon fading away as he lumbered to get the others to move. Tristan turned back to Amaya and she lifted her mouth to his once more, drawing him closer as she sighed.
"Come, you cannot tarry." She whispered to him, caressing his face and Tristan, though he did not show it, relished the touch. It felt soothing and he did not want her to stop. "I shall see you down at the stables." Stepping away Amaya headed towards the door but Tristan snatched her wrist, making her stop and look back at him.
"Maya I…I want you to know that I care for you." He grimaced slightly, unable to find the right words. To say that he cared was an understatement but he did not know any better word that he could understand. "You mean something to me." Touched by his words Amaya smiled, stepping back to him and her hand rested against his face once more only this time, his hand covered hers.
"And I you, Tristan." She murmured softly. "Which is why you need to come back safe and sound. Otherwise I shall give you hell if you come back at death's door or…" She couldn't finish her sentence as she croaked, suddenly losing the tightly woven shield she had made herself. She could not think Tristan will die. He will not. He is far too stubborn to let someone else kill him.
"Hey, chin up." He clucked at her, flicking her chin which made her smile. "I don't plan on letting some fool with a rusty blade take my life." He smirked then kissed her brow. "Most likely you'll be the one to kill me in the end." She huffed and whacked his arm, smiling up at him.
"Alright. You finish getting yourself ready." She said to him, kissing him one more time. "And I shall be waiting here when you get back." Nodding his head he let her go, watching her movements until she had disappeared from sight altogether.
Amaya strode down to the stables quickly, her pace taking her through the castle in record time before she spiralled down the staircase then slipped in through the back way, smiling as she saw Jols. "Good day Jols, how are you?" She greeted warmly and he nodded to her respectfully.
"Well milady." He answered then sighed. "Tristan's horse just threw a shoe. He's not going to be impressed." Amaya frowned instantly. "He'll have to ride a spare."
"No." She answered instantly, making the squire blink in surprise. "I shall lend him Arluin. He will be better to ride than an inexperienced mount." Amaya explained and the squire nodded his head in understanding. "He is not easily frightened and I have ridden him into fights before. He should be alright." Though she was reluctant to let her beloved companion go, Amaya knew that Tristan would take good care of him.
Walking over to her horse's stall, Arluin lifted his head to greet her. "I must ask something of you, my friend." Amaya murmured to him softly as she began to tack him up. "Will you carry my scout into battle for me? Will you keep him safe and carry him home again?" Arluin snorted but lifted his head proudly as if agreeing. "I know it is unfair of me to ask something like this of you but I can trust no other mount with his life like I can you. He is important to me, Arluin, I care for him very much." She continued to whisper quietly so that no one would hear her, in case one of the knights were close by.
Running her hand over his legs and body to check for any injuries, she then quickly cleaned out his hooves then took the supplies that Jols handed to her over the stall door to attach to Arluin's saddle, an extra quiver, some food, water and blankets. Once he was done she led him forwards to Tristan who had just arrived.
"Is she alright?" He was asking, stroking his horse's nose gently as his hawk perched on the door.
"It is just a loose shoe but it would not be safe for her to ride into battle. I am sorry Tristan, it must have happened this morning." The scout nodded his head in understanding though he was irritated. He disliked riding any other horses save for his. He trusted his mare as much as he did his bow.
"Which horse am I to take, then?" Tristan asked and Jols pointed to Arluin where Amaya stood holding the bridle. Tristan blinked in surprise, glancing the horse over before turning to face the woman.
"If you come back with even a scratch on his flank, I shall flay you." She warned him but let Arluin walk towards Tristan, who took his bridle and rested a hand against the noble horse's head. A little of his irritation died away. He supposed Arluin was a good second to his own horse, though he would still prefer to ride her. Arluin looked like a warhorse though he was doting and sweet tempered. Despite this, he knew the horse to be fearless and was satisfied he would be a fine substitute.
"He shall not be harmed." He promised her gently, reaching out and touching her face. "I swear it." Nodding her head Amaya stepped back and let him mount up. She went to Arluin's head, the horse looking to her then pressed his muzzle into her loose hair, nibbling it until she giggled quietly, smiling before placing a kiss on his face. "Take care of one another. I will not be able to forgive myself if I lost either one of you." She murmured quietly but Tristan picked up her words.
"I have a reason to come home." He answered then rode out into the courtyard, joining Arthur as the army began to assemble. They rode away much like they did the first time. The streets clear of all save for the flowers and wreaths that people tossed down before their feet.
Amaya stood with her hands resting on Lucan's shoulders, his neck now bearing Dagonet's ring on a length of cord. Sighing she looked down to his pained features, watching Dagonet as the knight looked back and smiled. Tears rose to the boy's eyes.
"Come tiny mouse, do not cry." Amaya whispered to him gently. "They will all look out for one another." Turning around Lucan threw his arms around Amaya's waist and wept quietly, clenching his eyes shut as she rested her arms around him, holding the boy to her as the army continued to march. She took him away to the stables where the horses calmed his worries. Maia followed them, bringing Aquila out of her stall then let Lucan sit on her back as the two women led him around the arena.
"When will they be back?" Lucan asked.
"I do not know, tiny mouse. Considering the distance they must travel, perhaps not for a month." With a pang Amaya realised that she would not see Tristan in all that time. She was going to miss him. Looking down at her feet Maia noticed the sadness in her companion so she touched her shoulder.
"They are all going to be alright." She promised softly. "I know it." Amaya nodded, taking a deep breath then slowly built up her walls so that she could be strong. She needed Lucan to believe that Dagonet and the others would be alright and her being sick with worry was not going to help.