Taking a slow step forwards Amaya smiled when she held her own weight. After two weeks of bed rest, she finally had her strength back. The wounds were still healing but she didn't care for those, all she was interested in was getting back on her feet. Looking over to Tristan's sleeping form she bit her lip. He had been sleeping since she had awoken, which was early this morning and it was now late afternoon. In that time he had not eaten so she slowly, with slight shyness, crept over to him then placed herself on his lap.
When he did not stir Amaya brushed away the hair from his face then turned his head to the side to seal her lips to his, kissing him slowly and melodically until he groaned then inhaled quickly as he awakened, lifting his head up and Amaya went with the movement, opening her eyes to looked at him as their lips embraced, arching her eyebrow challengingly.
Gods he had missed that look she always gave him. Pulling her closer Tristan fisted one hand in her hair as the other kneaded her thigh, making her gasp lightly against his lips and desire flood through him though he kept himself in balance, not wanting to push her too far and hinder her healing.
When she drew back her eyes bore into hers and Tristan felt slightly intimidated. Maybe this was what it felt like to receive one of his notoriously piercing looks. He didn't like it much until he had grown accustomed to it after a few moments. "Is Arluin alright?"
"Safe." Tristan nodded his head, his hand still caught in her hair. "You?"
"Still aching." She murmured to him, fingers stroking his beard pensively. He watched her calmly, content to simply sit there forever with her in his arms…well, technically on his lap but he was surprised with how at ease with the contact he was. Had it been anyone else to wake him in such a way, he would have shoved them off without a thought. One girl had made the mistake before many years ago. He never saw a hair of her again.
"Tristan you need to go and eat something." Amaya murmured to him. "No doubt you haven't moved very far since that day. Am I correct?"
"Perhaps. Define very far." He retorted then pressed his hungry mouth to her face, teasing her skin which was still pale but it was not unusual for her so Tristan did not worry. Amaya moaned softly and the sound was almost his undoing so he pulled back quickly.
"Please?" She whispered and for a moment, Tristan received mixed pleadings. Please go and eat? Please keep kissing her? Please what? In truth, Amaya did not know either. She felt so strongly for this man that her brother's words echoed in her mind. She did love him. Very passionately too. "You need to eat." Amaya finally clarified, running a hand down his chest. "And in the meantime, I am going to bathe, change then see Arluin, whom I have missed almost as much as you."
"Almost?" Tristan teased. "Do not let him hear such things. You will hurt the beast's feelings." She rolled her eyes.
"Do not make me change my mind, scout. Almost is so small a word, it can easily be shifted out of the equation." Suddenly Tristan gathered the woman up into his arms and kissed her ferociously, stealing all breath from her lungs as she gasped and clung to him for support, curling her toes as she moaned into him, answering the sudden inferno that blazed within him with the fire that rose within her just as strongly. When he dropped her carefully onto the bed Amaya felt a twinge of fear but it was quickly swept aside. That had only been a dream. Tristan would never harm her, if Amaya asked him to stop then he would.
Tristan's hand wandered her body carefully, avoiding all wounds as he kissed her senseless, his breath fuelling the fire in her gut as it raged within her. Abruptly Tristan pulled away and whispered huskily in her ear.
"Are you sure you didn't miss me?" His seductive growl and teasing lips made Amaya whimper as she turned her head and asked for more, reuniting with Tristan fully. She had suffered an entire month without him, it was enough to have driven her mad so she was making sure that this moment was real, that she really was alive and Tristan was with her.
Her heart, which had previously been as quiet as a mouse, hammered proudly in her chest and she did not care if Tristan could hear it, not even when he tugged at the neckline of her shift with his teeth as Amaya arched her back at his hands on her waist and thigh.
"You are distracting me." Amaya accused him breathlessly as his lips kissed her stomach through the shift.
"Am I?" He questioned innocently, drawing in every touch and sense of the woman before him as he could. "Maybe." He shrugged as he suddenly darted forwards, his eyes fixing on hers. "What you going to do about it?"
"This." Amaya answered then bit his neck quickly but lightly, not enough to cause a mark but enough to make him draw back quickly in surprise, allowing Amaya to dart to her feet and race for the door but Tristan recovered quickly, grabbing her waist carefully and trapped her to his chest, refusing to let go as she struggled against him.
"Easy now my little snake, let's not harm yourself again." She hissed at him and he laughed richly, slowly getting used to the physical contact and harmless teasing that he had watched Lancelot do for years. It did not seem so difficult after all.
Amaya twisted in his grip and arched an eyebrow, pouting slightly as well and she felt Tristan stiffen at her look. He began to draw away but she trapped him to her, reversing roles. "No, don't let go." She murmured to him softly. "I'm sorry Tristan but I'm going to be a little clingy for a few days. I really have missed you." Tristan sighed but nodded his head, accepting her warning before lightly kissing her face.
"And I missed you also." He whispered and a shiver ran up her spine. Suddenly he grew serious, trapping her chin in his hand to force her eyes to lock with his. "Don't ever do something so reckless like that again." He growled menacingly at her. "You could have died."
"There was no one else to lead, Tristan. I had to." He shook his head.
"I do not believe you." She growled at him, narrowing her eyes. Suddenly she flung herself backwards from him, breaking the contact and Tristan stiffened, narrowing his eyes also.
"Believe what you will. I only did what I thought right and guess what, scout? It saved all of our lives!" Her voice rose a little but Tristan's remained level and low.
"Nearly killing yourself in the process."
"That did not matter to me, I was willing to sacrifice my life to defend this kingdom, this city because it is where I have felt truly at home for years. Do not speak to me as if I had no idea what I was doing, I know the chances and threats in war just as much as you do. Do not speak to me as I were a child!"
"Damn it woman, you were not meant to be there, you were never meant to be in harm's way!" Tristan hissed at her, taking a large step closer but she did not back down from his intimidating and threatening stance. "Can you not see how dangerous it was for you? You who can barely hold her own against a couple of knights."
"I survived two weeks of that hell!" Amaya shot at him loudly, flinging her hand out in rage. "I survived longer than the average man!"
"You still nearly lost your life!" Tristan's voice raised a tiny notch as he tried to make the woman see sense of her actions. He could not afford to let her do something so risky again, he could not lose her, not for anything but she just would not see it his way.
"And you could have lost yours." She snapped back, lifting her chin defiantly. "It makes no difference."
"Gods woman, you are infuriating!" Tristan snarled, turning his head away from her. "It's a wonder I even began courting you." Amaya flinched visibly at his words though he could not see as his back was turned to her. Did he really mean that? Amaya watched him for a moment, half expecting him to turn around and try to explain what he really meant but he never turned. After an agonising silence, Amaya spoke.
"Tell me true, scout, is the only reason you asked to court me was because you wanted me to lay with you?" He stiffened but did not answer, ignoring her for the moment as he tried to gather his thoughts. This was not where he had wanted this confrontation to go. He had not meant to say what he had but not his tongue was completely tied, as if bound by magic and he could not speak. "Do you feel anything at all?" Amaya demanded in a whisper. "Are you even capable of anything other than lust, rage and bitterness?" Shaking her head, Amaya drew all her courage to her to keep her voice from shaking. "If this is the case then I think it wise we part ways. I shall not ruin myself for a man, it has happened too many times before for me to take the pain again. You shall not be my destruction, scout."
Suddenly Tristan was in rage. What did she mean by that? Who had harmed her? If Tristan ever found out, he swore he would rip the man to pieces limb from limb. Then he realised what Amaya had said. Shock flooded through him and Tristan spun around to call out her name but Amaya was already gone. Undeterred he followed after her, glancing down the hallway before going left towards Amaya's rooms.
He caught sight of her pale shift sweeping around the corner so he quickened his pace to follow and catch up to her, his eyes narrowed as his voice called out in a sharper tone than he wanted, making him grimace. "Maya." She did not stop or even look back so Tristan's hand darted out and caught her arm, firmly pulling her back to him but her glare met his cool gaze and the friction that grated between them intensified. "I have never told you a lie." He tried to explain but she turned her head away, not wanting to listen. "And I never will." He lifted a hand to touch her face but she pulled back and the movement hurt Tristan inwardly, though he hardened his face to keep it from showing. "I do not know what it is I want from you Amaya. All I know is that I do not wish to be without you."
"Then think on it." Amaya shot at him coldly. "Think well and hard because I am not letting you anywhere near me until you have an answer. Then we shall talk." She turned and began to stride away but Tristan quickly untied his cloak from his neck and stepped behind her, placing its warm folds around her shoulders and she tensed, a slight gasp leaving her and Tristan burned inwardly at the sound.
"It is cold and you are not properly dressed." He whispered to her. "I shall respect your wishes. For now." With that he turned and strode away with long, lithe steps with the grace of a wild cat. Amaya shivered though the cloak brought her warmth and she tugged it closer, lowering her head as inside, she began to break. Was it so easy to mistake love for hate? At this moment she couldn't tell which emotion was burning in her chest towards the scout but all she knew was that it hurt to feel such a way. Why did everything have to be so complicated? Why could she not just continue with her life in solitude and peace? Maybe that's what she needed to do.
Find somewhere to either buy or build herself a small home in the woods where no one would disturb her and when she wanted to visit Galahad and the others, she would go to see them. Shaking her head Amaya returned to her room. She did not seem to need a wash as her body was rather clean and smelled of roses from an oil Vanora must have rubbed into her skin so Amaya simply changed into a fresh dress, folded Tristan's cloak away to wash as it was caked in mud and blood mainly at the hem then went off in search of the other knights.
As she passed a pair of guards she stopped and greeted them with a nod of her head. "Gentlemen. May I enquire as to the whereabouts of my brothers?" They just stared at her.
"Forgive us milady, but you're the Wolf Maiden, aren't you?" Amaya watched them carefully before slowly nodded her head.
"It appears so." Without warning they both dropped to their knees and bowed their heads low, startling Amaya who stared down at them.
"We wish to express our gratitude. You saved the city and our families, milady, you forever have our respect. We all owe you our lives." Amaya stooped down and gripped their arms, lifting them to their feet.
"No one owes me anything. I knew the sacrifices and possible outcomes of war and battle but it did not deter me from standing with you men. I was proud to fight alongside you, as one of you, so do not praise me anymore than you do your fellow who also stood at your side. We are all heroes in this tale." She informed then sternly but with a smile. "Now, where are my reckless brothers?"
"In the training grounds milady." One of then answered. "Would you like an escort?"
"No, thank you." She nodded her head to them. "I know the way." Turning Amaya came back the way she came and descended some stairs, spiralled her way through the castle then walked out into the training grounds with a confident, strong step.
The men were all training in the arena, sweat glistening from their bodies but when Maia sensed someone approaching, she screamed when she saw who it was. "Maya!" Dropping the shield she was holding without a care she ran to Amaya who smiled beautifully and Maia was never so glad to see someone smile. Amaya ran forwards and opened her arms, colliding with Maia so that they slipped and tumbled to the ground, laughing though inwardly, Amaya struggled to hide the pain that shot up her ribs and shoulder. "You're alive!" Maia sobbed, pinning Amaya down with her hug. "Last I saw you were barely breathing and that was this morning!"
"Aye sweet dove. I realised. Why else would you be so glad to see me?" Amaya laughed aloud, glad that her friend could so effortlessly lift her spirits. The next thing she knew Galahad was dragging them both to their feet and went to crush Amaya in his embrace when she yelped, arching her back as he grazed a wound in her side.
Instantly Galahad softened, exhaling softly before gently guiding her head to his chest. "Maya." He croaked and the pitiful sound almost broke Amaya.
"I promised I would not leave you." Amaya murmured to him. "I gave you my word."
"You were dead, Maya, you stopped breathing!" Galahad whispered to her, cupping her face and rubbed his thumbs into her cheeks as he gazed down at her with utter love and adoration. Suddenly Amaya felt content. If Tristan decided that he did not want Amaya as an honourable companion or even an eventual wife, Amaya knew that she would be alright. Because Galahad's brotherly love alone was enough to warm her heart and chase away her troubles and he was just the start. There was also Maia, who's mere presence brought a smile to Amaya's face and also the rest of the knights that came swooping down to greet her.
"Be careful!" Dagonet barked protectively, standing at Amaya's side as he slipped a strong, supportive arm around her waist. "Amaya is still healing."
"Maya!" Everyone cheered, giving her embraces and kisses. Even Lancelot sighed and wrapped his arms loosely around for a moment before pulling back abruptly. In all honesty, he was glad she was alive. Seeing her so close to death had actually frightened Lancelot. He wanted no ill thing to happen to Amaya and when he had visited her once whilst Tristan was sleeping, he could not help but feel sorry for her.
Bors shouldered his way through then lifted Amaya up into his arms, cradling her close before setting her on a bench to take the weight off her feet. "So Maya, what's between you and our dear scout?" Amaya did well to cover the flickering pain in her chest with a smile.
"What do you mean?" She asked innocently and Bors laughed.
"He hasn't moved from your side in near two weeks!" He gave Amaya a pointed look as she pretended to look confuse. "Is there something you're not telling us?" The others all glanced to each other as Amaya frowned before laughing aloud.
"Oh, you mean the life debt?" This time it was the knights who frowned, looking to one another in confusion before back at Amaya as she smiled easily and leaned back with a sigh. "You see, I have saved Tristan's life two or three times and he has saved mine once before. He is still in my debt, though I try to tell him he is not, so he must have stayed by my side to ensure I did not pass over into the light." Amaya lied easily but only Gawain and Galahad detected the slight roughness to her tone. They looked to one another knowingly and silent agreement passed between them. Questions were in order.
"Maya, you must eat something." Maia murmured to her, sitting at her side and taking her hand. "You have lost weight again, you have been fighting too hard this last month and now you need rest. As your friend, I forbid you to going back to your duties. You are going to rest and bathe in the sun whilst it lasts and eat five meals a day until you can no longer fit those drab dressed you wear." Amaya chuckled, smiling to Maia.
"My, my, where has this authority come from? I pass out for a few days and suddenly you have the fire of a redhead? I miss all the fun." The knights laughed but Dagonet agreed with Maia.
"No work, you need to put on weight and heal properly, Maya." Dagonet told her calmly in his soothing voice and when he sat next to her, Amaya leaned into his solid form as she began to feel overwhelmingly weary.
"What was it like?" Ector asked suddenly and everyone look to him. "Dying?" Amaya frowned.
"Dying? I did not die, I am here am I not?" They all slowly looked at her until Dagonet placed his arm around her.
"Maya, you stopped breathing and your heart did not beat for a few minutes at one point. You had us all in hysterics and panic until you suddenly started to breathe again." Amaya stared at him in shock. She had actually died? Tristan mentioned she had stopped breathing but she had just assumed she had taken pause to allow the pain in her chest to ease before taking another breath. Dead? Amaya had actually been dead?
Kay smacked his brother upside the head. "Great going you little runt."
"Sorry Maya, I didn't think."
"No, it's alright. I just did not know." Amaya frowned thoughtfully, rubbing her head. "Well, I do not remember much save for a bright white light and voices in my head trying to coax me forwards. The only reason I turned away was because I could hear your voices, so I followed them." Amaya slowly began to remember the valley she had travelled through.
"There was a valley. One full of darkness and sharp stones that cut into my bare feet and the air was cold. So cold that it hurt to breathe." With a sigh Amaya shook her head. "I guess I walked through there until I found the way out." She remembered the exit she had taken clearly now. It had been an arch of spiked brambles and the skeletons of twisted figures all arching over her head, some still holding the flesh as the eyes followed her as she walked through. That was when she had first woken up and seen Tristan above her, like a shadowy angel sent to carry her from that horrific place where screams would fill your ears until they bled from the shrill cries.
"Sounds ghastly." Daniel remarked. "There wasn't any ale, was there?" Amaya shook her head, swallowing the sandy texture in her throat from lack of water. Maia, seeming to sense Amaya's discomfort drew a pitcher from the table as well as a mug and poured the cool drink for Amaya to drain in practically one gulp.
As everyone crowded around Amaya listened to everything that had happened since she had been wounded. The dead were all buried or had been burned on a pyre, including the enemy soldiers and the generals who had followed Lazarus had surrendered to Arthur the moment they saw the battle was lost.
"What about Lazarus? Where is he?" Amaya asked and Gawain frowned at her.
"Don't you remember?" Gawain questioned and when he saw her blank expression he continued. "You killed him with your own hand, Maya. With an arrow into his lungs." The woman stared in utter bewilderment. She had killed him? Looking back she did vaguely remember the sword coming down upon her head but the face was lost to her in her delirium.
"No." She shook her head. "I do not recall."
"Well, you're a hero lass." Lionel said to her. "Everyone is singing and talking about the Wolf Maiden who prowled the walls, keeping the enemy at bay with her gnashing teeth and ghostly howls." Amaya arched her eyebrow then folded her arms.
"And which of you encouraged these stories?" Her eyes picked out the guilty looking faces of Lionel, Bors, Gawain, Daniel, Ector and Kay. "I should have guessed as much."
"You should hear some of them." Maia said to Amaya with a grin. "The favourite one seems to be where you threw all sorts of horrid things over the wall."
"Yeah! Where'd you come up with that one?" Bors demanded then grinned broadly. "It was brilliant." Amaya blushed.
"I was desperate for ideas at the time and besides, Maia came up with the plan. I merely put it into action. Anything seemed like a good plan to me and we needed to get rid of the waste somehow." Suddenly she grinned. "You should have seen the looks on their faces!" Everyone burst out laughing and Amaya smiled before wincing, her hand darting her side and she saw her vision go black, slumping against Dagonet who caught her.
"Alright, try not to laugh so much." He murmured to her gently and everyone stopped, looking with worry at Amaya who nodded her head, keeping her eyes closed until she could see straight again.
"Where is Arthur and Percival? Has he been pardoned?" Galahad nodded his head.
"Do not fear for him, he is now Sir Percival." Amaya glowed with pride, smugly shooting a look to the knights.
"Told you so."
"Alright, alright, so maybe you were right about him." Galahad waved hand at her dismissively. "Just because you're a woman." Amaya chuckled carefully then looked to Maia as she rose to her feet.
"Perhaps it is time you went to see Arthur. He did say he wanted an audience with you as soon as possible." Maia suggested softly and the knights, adoring the sweet dove as they did, nodded their heads in agreement. "Then afterwards we can get you back to bed with a hot bowl of stew or something that Vanora has cooked up for you." Amaya licked her lips.
"That sounds wonderful." She stood up, rolling her tense shoulders slightly before nodding her head. "Where is he?"
"In the main hall, dealing with damage and other matters of state." Maia answered, taking Amaya's arm and looping it through hers. "Come, he is anxious to see you. He feels guilty for what happened." Amaya snorted.
"Everything was of my own doing. He had nothing to do with it." She said sternly then strode forwards with surprising strength and vigour, once again reminding the knights that there was no end to this woman's surprises. She continued to astound them even to this day, when only this morning she had been struggling to breathe.
Amaya soon felt herself grow wearier so she slowed the pace and took deep breaths, keeping herself balanced and pacing herself so that she would be able to make it back to her room without fainting before she got there.
At any point Amaya passed some guards or even the servants, they would all stop and bow their heads to her with respect and let her pass first before moving on. "Everyone is talking of you." Maia whispered. "You were their inspiration. It is because of you that Camelot still stands and the dragon of Arthur still flies and not the eagle of Lazarus."
"I am just one. The real people who defended this city were the men. Those who lived and especially those who died." Amaya murmured then stopped, gasping slightly as she pressed her eyes shut and rested her head against her arm which she propped against the wall, trying to keep herself composed. "Tell me the truth, Mai, how many died?" Maia lowered her head, biting her lips before answered.
"We lost one hundred and eighty three men, seventy four more remain wounded and the death rate continues to rise." Over two hundred and fifty men dead or wounded. It was too many to believe. "Only thirty seven remained alive by the time Arthur charged." Amaya felt her knees buckle and she sank to the floor, lowering her arm and simply rested her head against the cold stone which soothed her aching head slightly.
"It is too many." Amaya murmured with a shake of her head. "I lost too many." Maia lowered herself down and touched her shoulders, holding her gently.
"But you saved hundreds. Thousands even. This city is the home of over ten thousand villagers and you saved every single one of them. Try not to dwell on the cloud, see the silver threads that run through. You have no reason to feel guilty." Amaya turned her face to Maia then nodded once.
"I just wish I could have saved more. Those men had families, children and wives whom will never see their men again. All because of another man's greed." Amaya swallowed the lump in her throat as she struggled not to break down into tears. "Why do men destroy everything?" Maia did not have an answer for that so instead she simply helped Amaya to her feet and together they approached the hall.
Taking a gulp of air for comfort, Amaya nodded to the guards and they bowed their heads before pushing the doors open for the ladies. The moment Arthur saw Amaya he stood, lifting a hand to silence the court who all turned to stare at the woman who stepped away from Maia's arms with a soft smile before walking forwards slowly, each step becoming a pain to her side and she rested her hand against the wound to try and soothe it, though to no avail. "Lady Amaya." Arthur greeting, guilt crushing his features as she sank low to the ground in a respectful curtsey but Arthur stepped forwards and lifted her up, holding her arms to support her. "How can we ever begin to repay you?"
She just looked up at him with a puzzled expression. "My king?"
"You saved the city and not only that, you led my men into battle everyday as the threat outside our walls raged on. You showed unparalleled strength, courage, valour and wisdom and I shall have you rewarded." Arthur said to her determinedly. "Name your wish and I shall grant it." Amaya looked to her feet, shaking her head.
"I want nothing."
"Nothing?" Amaya nodded her head and Arthur groaned inwardly. She was not making it easy for him to ask forgiveness. "My lady, you went through a great ordeal, is there nothing I can give you that will help ease the burden you had to carry." Amaya slowly lifted her head and smiled.
"A few days away from my maid duties would be greatly appreciated." Arthur blinked then laughed as the court did also, though some of them remained glaring hatefully at the woman.
"Granted. Take all the time you need to rest and recover. There is no rush." Arthur sat down on his throne then looked to a courtier as he stepped forwards and pointed an accusing finger at Amaya.
"She should be punished for starving us! Gruel and muck that woman fed us! Look at this, my tunic does not even fit anymore!" He bellowed in rage, poking at the tunic that was now a little roomy around his wide belly. Amaya looked back over her shoulder.
"There was an entire city to feed. Consider yourself lucky I did not put you on quarter rations to cut down your appetite and slim down that paunch you seem to wear so proudly." Arthur snorted but quickly recovered himself, the smile dropping from his face as he tried to remain serious.
"Insolence!" He snarled and stepped forwards but Arthur lifted a hand, making the nobleman stop in his tracks. "You should not have even been allowed into the battle chamber, we advisors were all blocked from participating in the planning of attacks." Arthur straightened up and looked to Amaya.
"Is this true?" She nodded her head.
"Only because I did not trust their judgement. When it comes to the lives of ordinary men, nobles are careless. When it comes to their own lives, they are careful. Besides." She shot the noble a dark look. "That one suggested we pay Lazarus to leave with peace offerings. Including a selection of pretty women from the commoners." Arthur's blood boiled and he turned an enraged look to the advisor who paled.
"I shall deal with this later. For now, you need to heal." Arthur said to Amaya who bowed her head. "You are revered and respected now, Amaya, you have earned your title of lady whether you want it or not. I also hear the name Wolf Maiden circling around the city." Amaya scowled.
"It was not of my doing." Arthur chuckled then nodded his head, lifting a hand to signal she had his permission to leave. Amaya curtseyed then walked away, returning to Maia who tried to pull her in the direction of the servant's quarters to get her into bed but Amaya shook her head.
"No, I want to see Arluin."
"Maya, you need rest so you can heal." Amaya shook her head again, pulling towards the main doors to head towards the stables.
"Horses are good healers. I need to see him." Amaya pleaded so Maia reluctantly agreed though she kept a careful eye on Amaya, who was beginning to limp slightly as she took sharp breaths on the intake. The woman rushed to the stables as fast as she could, eager to see her friend again.
"Arluin! Where are you?" His answering call came from his usual stall so Amaya flung the door open and threw her arms about his neck, burying her face into his silky coat as she shuddered.
"How I have missed you, Arluin. You have no idea how much I have needed you this last month. Did you enjoy your trek across the country all for naught?" Amaya asked, smoothing her hand against her horse's face as he whickered softly in answer, closing his eyes and pressing his velvety lips into Amaya's neck as he turned, nibbling at her hair then stepped closer with an affectionate nudge.
Maia stood in the doorway but when Amaya mounted up, her hands gripping Arluin's mane she gasped. "Maya! Get down this instant! You are not meant to be riding him."
"I shall not go faster than a walk, Maia, just trust me. It is the best method for me to get well again. Horses always calm me and when I am calm, I heal faster." Maia scowled but nodded her head, stepping out of the way so that Amaya could walk out into the stables then guided Arluin with her legs towards the arena where Maia darted forwards and opened the gate for them.
Amaya sighed contently, closing her eyes as weariness overcame her. With Arluin's familiar scent washing over and the lull of his powerful body smoothly moving beneath her Amaya began to slump forwards, her head going limp as he circled quietly around the sand school.
Without warning Amaya slipped forwards and her body went limp again Arluin's neck so he stopped and called out for help, sensing his mistress was unresponsive. "Amaya!" Maia squeaked then looked around for someone to help her but saw no one. Knowing that she would not be able to move Amaya herself without hurting her, Maia decided the best thing to do would be to find help. Glancing back to the woman she gulped. "Arluin, stay there." She ordered, lifting her hands up to signal the horse who snorted then went perfectly still.
Maia dashed back into the stables, looking for someone that could help her. "Jols! Jols where are you? Maya needs help!" She called then leaped out of her skin as Tristan cantered up behind her, making the woman whirl around as the horse snorted at her with a glare.
"What's this?" Tristan demanded in a low voice, calmly dismounting. "Why are you shouting?"
"It's Maya." He stiffened then looked around the stables, noticing that her horse was gone. Inwardly he cursed. She hadn't gone out riding had she? "She's in the school with Arluin but she's fainted from exhaustion on his back and I am not strong enough to get her down without possibly hurting her or opening one of her wounds though they should be healing over nicely by now but she needs to go to her room so that she can rest properly..." Maia babbled so Tristan growled.
"Slow down woman." He jerked his chin in the direction of the school. "Stay by her side and make sure she does not fall. I'll be there shortly." Maia sighed with relief then darted away, causing Tristan's horse to start. "Women." He cursed under his breath and his horse shot him a look. "Not you." He amended gently then led her into her stall, untacking her and making sure she was uninjured before approaching the school.
When Amaya slipped a little Maia squeaked like a small mouse and tried to hold her up but she seemed to be struggling as it was. Rolling his eyes Tristan grabbed the fence and swung himself over in one graceful leap, striding forwards. "Away now. I have her." Tristan grabbed Amaya then lifted her up, pulled her from the horse then held her in his arms. Clucking his tongue Arluin lifted his head and followed Tristan at his command, keeping his nose lowered to his rider's face whilst gently nibbling at her skin with worry. "Stop that." Tristan shot at the horse who snorted at him, giving the scout a dark glare.
"Come Arluin, this way." Maia murmured, taking a handful of Arluin's mane then guided him back into his stall which he obediently entered, quickly turning around to call after Amaya.
"Hmm…Arluin…" Amaya whispered, shuddering. "Take me back to my horse…whoever you are." Tristan said nothing, keeping his eyes away from her face as she drifted away into darkness again.