When something wet and warm dripped onto Amaya's face she groaned and turned over, slowly opening her eyes. She stared at the dog which barked at her, licked her face then jumped down off the bed, shaking out its fur. Amaya sat up with a gasp, staring at the filthy sheets around her, large paw prints printed shameless on every available scrap. "You little demon!" Amaya laughed, getting up and approaching him. "Is that what I shall call you, hm? Demon?" The dog barked, jumping up but she smartly stepped back and lifted a finger. "No, no jumping. You have to be polite around here or Arthur will send you away. Now sit." It blinked at her blankly so the woman sighed. "Alright. How about we start with a bath?"
So Amaya hauled the basin from one of the side rooms and began to fill it with water from her own pump which dragged water up and she began to fill buckets, throwing them in before rubbing her hands together, getting them warmed until there was a bright fire glowing between her palms and she smiled. "You're about to either bask in heaven or experience the worst of hell. Let's find out shall we?" She magically heated he bath, something she had practiced well then clucked her tongue. "In you jump." Curiously the dog walked forwards, sniffing the water then jumped up, regarding it before looking pleadingly up at his mistress. "Go on Demon, in your get or I shall make you."
The dog barked then jumped in, soaking Amaya's dress as she gasped, looking down at her before grinning. "That's it." She laughed then grabbed the bar of soap, rubbing it into the dog's fur as she hovered her hand over him, her glowing fingertips searching for any diseases, ticks, fleas or lice.
If she found anything living that should not be there, Amaya whisked it away then drowned it in a bucket of boiling water before spreading her hands at the room and at herself, clearing all evidence of the stray dog's little neighbours. "Doesn't that feel better?" Amaya asked as the dog barked gruffly with a sulky look on his face.
"Maya?" Maia's voice called with a light knock and she entered. "Where are you?"
"Through here, come and meet my new friend." Maia trotted into the wash room then gasped.
"Oh! He's gorgeous!" Maia fussed, rolling up her sleeves and began to scratch the dog under the chin which instantly made him relax and sit down in the water, tail thumping against the side. "What is his name?"
"Demon." She answered and Maia blinked. "You wait and see. I bet he's worse than all of Vanora's kids all put together." Amaya said, looking down and seeing the mischievous look in Demon's eyes. He whined softly and Maia fussed over him again, helping to scrub all the dirt from him until his black coat was thick, glossy and clean. Demon walked about the room with a proud step and Amaya regarded him carefully. "He has wolf blood in him. See the shape of his head and body? Perfect alignment of a wolf save for the straight tail." Amaya sighed. "Isn't he beautiful?"
"Yes, perhaps I should ask Galahad if I could get a puppy." Maia teased with a grin. "A little wolf pup to be your dog's companion and playmate." Amaya chuckled then stood up.
"I'm going to introduce him to Arluin. Are you coming?" Maia nodded her head eagrly and jumped up but frowned.
"Have you eaten?"
"I shall eat later, come on! I want to see how they react to one another!" Smiling broadly Amaya jogged away with Demon bounding at her heels, Maia giggling as she raced beside them to keep up. They slowed as they reached the front doors, frowning as they heard a commotion outside.
"You cannot sell him! He is not yours to barter with!"
"When the lady sees the fine mare I have replaced that old mule with, she will be glad!" Amaya blinked when she heard Jols shout, never having heard him raise his voice before.
"She will murder you!" When Amaya saw the cause of Jols frantic argument, her blood went cold. Someone, a complete stranger, was leading Arluin away and that bastard, Lord Percy, was holding onto the reins of a mare who was nothing in comparison to her Arluin.
"Bring my horse back!" Amaya roared, startling Demon and Maia at the sudden volume change. "Or I'll toss you from the turrets!" She raced forwards, not caring that her dress was still soaking wet. In all honesty she had forgotten but now all she wanted was to get her horse back to her safe hands.
"Ah! My beloved starlight, do not worry for that old sack of bones. I sold him on your behalf, I have the contract here." Amaya snatched the contract and tore it up, dropping the ripped pieces to punch the man in the face.
"Warned you." Jols mused as the Lord's head ripped back and Amaya darted forwards.
"Arluin! Arluin come back!" Amaya pressed her fingers to her lips and whistled shrilly. The horse's ears flicked backwards and hearing his mistress calling, Arluin reared up with a cry, tearing the rope free from the man leading him away then spun around, galloping back to reunite with Amaya, the horse shuddering with relief. He knew she would not have abandoned him, would not have given him away. He trusted her, his mistress, his rider.
Amaya ran forwards but Percy caught her waist and held her back. Rage filled eyes turned on him but he did not see. "Now, now, you are being unreasonable. I have a new, prettier mare for you to ride to suit your fine face. That ugly gelding does not become you." In answer, Amaya punched him in the jaw once again, this time hard enough to send him sprawling to the floor.
As the handlers tried to recapture Arluin he reared up, screaming for Amaya to save him, fighting them back and Demon barked, snapping his jaws by Amaya's heels and she looked down to him. "Stay!" She ordered then ran forwards. "Arluin! Arluin please calm down!" Amaya called out, shoving the handlers aside as practically the entire court flooded outside to see the commotion as well as the knights. "Easy, easy!" Amaya lifted her hands, signalling to get Arluin's attention and once he saw her before him, the horse dropped down and went perfectly still, save for the ragged breaths he took. "There now my beloved friend, they were wrong to try and take you away from me. Do not listen to them, you are not ugly, I think you beautiful. More beautiful than any horse in the world." Amaya murmured to him, resting her head against his as she stroked his nose.
Percy staggered to his feet, clutching his bleeding nose then strode with a snarl over to the woman who dared to make a fool out of him. He did not get very far. A great massive beast launched at him, flattening him to the ground with the large paws digging against his chest, the snarl mere inches from his face and he cried out in alarm.
"Demon!" Amaya called sharply then whistled. "Come here." When he did not respond Amaya growled. "Come here you oaf!" She clicked her fingers behind her skirt and a faint glow touched them as she focused on Demon. Suddenly he stopped snarling and left Percy cowering on the floor, sitting by Amaya's side as she rested her hand on his head, stroking the soft fur as she held onto Arluin's rope. Then she fixed her eyes on Percy. "How dare you sell my horse? I paid for him out my own pocket you think you can swan around thinking you have the right to my companions? You have no idea! You know nothing of horses! Arluin is an ex war stallion, his speed outmatches that of practically the entire herd of horses here, he is loyal to a fault and I love him!" She let go of the rope, slinging it over Arluin's neck to keep it from getting tangled around his feet as she strode forwards. "And you tried to sell him. For that cart mare?" She spat and the knights began to inch closer, registering the murderous look in Amaya's eyes as Percy scrambled backwards. "I should gut you where you cower!"
"Amaya, that's enough now, please calm down." Galahad said to her and she took a deep breath, closed her eyes then relaxed.
"Get out of my sight." She hissed to Percy who leaped to his feet, glared at her then strode away. Maia looked up at Galahad from the safety of his arms then relaxed also. Amaya remained standing, composing herself until a gruff voice spoke from behind her.
"We're still taking the horse. We paid good money for him." Without warning her fist connected with his face, throwing him to the floor.
"Tell that to my fist." She spat then strode towards her horse. "Arluin, come." She ordered, clucking her tongue and lifted a hand. The horse walked forwards to meet her where she took his lead rope and brought him to the sand school where she walked off her temper, Demon padding at her heels.
She let Arluin off the rope and instantly he lowered his nose to greet Demon, who sniffed him curiously before growling softly, wagging his tail before jumping up, licking Arluin's neck then bounded away, looking back over his shoulder and Arluin followed, sprinting away like a reckless colt. Amaya smiled, watching them interact and get used to one another.
"Where did you find the dog?" Percival asked as he approached her, leaning against the fence beside her once he was at Amaya's side.
"Followed me home." She answered truthfully, just not the entire truth. "And was still there when I woke up."
"You're keeping him?"
"Yes." He answered simply, continuing to watch them. "I named him Demon."
"Demon…how fitting. He looks quite ferocious." Percival mused then slowly turned to look at Amaya. "You need to eat something."
"How do you know I haven't eaten already?" She challenged softly, her eyes fixed on her two companions.
"Maia voiced her concerns. You didn't eat yesterday and no doubt you're going to try and not eat today. What is wrong, Amaya? Why are you not eating?" She shrugged.
"I'm not hungry."
"Hungry or not, your body needs nourishment. You cannot expect to develop your powers if you do not keep up your own strength, Amaya. It is not all about the mind, you know. Your body has a limit too that needs to be pushed." She sighed, nodding her head.
"I shall get something in a minute." Suddenly there was a white handkerchief in front of her and when Percival opened it out, she saw a small but delicious spread of chicken, cherry tomatoes and a small slice of bread.
"Until you reach the kitchens." He explained to her and she chuckled smoothly.
"Thank you Percival." She said to him, glancing his way before sliding the small assortment into her hand and began to pick, chewing slowly. Percival was not satisfied until she had eaten the entire thing.
She cupped her fingers to her lips and whistled, walking over to the gate where Arluin cantered over, Demon following behind. "Good boys. Arluin, I hope you can teach Demon here some manners." Amaya said lovingly and quietly, kissing his muzzle gently. "Show him how to heed my commands when I need him to." Arluin snorted, making Amaya chuckled as she clipped on his rope then led him away, Demon trotting at her heels.
Percival joined her back to the stall where she struck up a new topic. "Will you joust today?" He nodded his head. "I wish you luck."
"Thank you. I will need it." He smiled weakly. "Your brother is a formidable opponent."
"Which one?" She returned with a smile, letting Arluin into his stall before shutting it behind him. "Be good." She whispered, kissing his velvety nose one more before whistling. This time Demon lifted his head from his paws, cocking it to the side as Amaya began to walk away then bounded after her, walking at her heels and she was comforted by his daunting presence.
They parted ways, Amaya to the kitchen where she made Demon wait outside as she went to collect their breakfast, namely his. She put down a battered saucepan of water for him and then fed him large bits of chicken she had managed to scrounge, giving him most of her breakfast as well.
"You know, that mutt is going to simply starve you to death." Amaya looked up in surprise as Tristan approached, carrying a bunch of hares and rabbits which he handed over to a kitchen boy then clucked his tongue at Amaya. "Go and eat something proper."
"I am not…"
"Hungry. No, you're not. You're malnourished. Underfed, underweight and starving." He told her sharply, narrowing his eyes and Demon lifted his head, growling at Tristan's tone. "Down mutt."
"His name is Demon." Amaya shot at him, remaining on her stool she had adopted and looked out to the servant's yard where girls were hanging freshly washed clothes on the line. She remembered being up at the crack of dawn to do that same job. Some part of her did not envy them, another wished she could go back to her old life, where she wasn't anyone. Not the Wolf Maiden or a lady, where she was just a maid and Tristan was her…Amaya pressed her eyes shut.
"Maya?" His voice penetrated her mind. She's forgotten he was still there. She felt something drop into her lap and she looked down to see a large apple. "Eat."
"This is hardly going to make me gain weight." She argued but he glared down at her.
"Eat." Demon began to growl again but Amaya touched his head, soothing him instantly so he found a sunny spot and lay down to bask in its warmth. Slowly Amaya lifted the apple to her lips and took a large bite. It was slightly sour at first but Amaya soon found the taste replaced by the core sweetness of the juices and she chewed slowly. "Why are you not eating again?" Tristan asked her a little more gently, crouching down beside her to lower his height so that she felt less threatened by him. Amaya shook her head.
"I do not know." She answered honestly so Tristan sighed.
"You will make Galahad and the others worry if you do not take care of yourself, they will force you to let them do it for you." Amaya said nothing, turning the apple around to offer him an uneaten side but he shook his head. "I'm not like your mutt." She smirked and caught her laughter in time but the scout still frowned. "What?"
"Nothing." She answered quickly but glanced to him. She could not understand how easy it was to both love and hate this man. It were as if the two emotions where locked together, neither able to exist without the other but slowly, she could feel the anger dying out, leaving the only other emotion to remain standing.
When she saw the look on his face, she realised she had been staring so she looked away and stood. "They will be mounting up soon. She began to walk away but turned to look at Tristan who was watching her leave. "Are you not jousting?" He shook his head.
"I have better things to do with my time than to wave a stick at my opponent." He answered gruffly and Amaya smiled, a real smile that was becoming rarer and rarer to see these days without the entire group of knights joining in with the attempt to lighten her spirits, yet Tristan could do it almost effortlessly.
He missed her.
"Well, are you coming to watch?" He paused, wondering if she was quietly inviting him to join her.
"Later." He decided. "I'll come later. For the last joust." Amaya nodded her head, eyes fixing on him before whistling shrilly. The dog didn't move and Tristan chuckled as Amaya groaned.
"Come on Demon!" The dog, starting awake almost tripped over its own feet to catch up to his new friend, bounding along happily. Tristan watched Amaya leave then thought about pointing out that the dress she wore was soaked. With a smirk, he decided not to.
Amaya had the sense to change into a clean dress, this time the dull brown one that hung off her form loosely which she felt more comfortable with, so she walked with Demon to the arena were the rails had been set up and the first jousters stood waiting, mounting their horses.
Instantly she could tell that they were both amateurs simply by the way they mounted their hoses, unsure and shakily. Amaya found the seat next to Maia who smiled at Demon, greeting him with tickles to his chin as he then settled down calmly at their feet. "Who is first?" Amaya asked.
"A Sir Fredrick Cattermole on the bay and his opponent Lord Gregory of the Hallow Downs."
"Hallow Downs?" Amaya frowned, looking to the emblem. A griffin of black on a yellow background. "I have not heard of such a place."
"Neither have I." Maia agreed, plaiting her hair over her shoulder as she watched the flagman signal the riders then darted away to safety as they charged forwards. Amaya frowned, unsure of really what to expect. Where they supposed to knock one another off?
Before she could ask they had collided and man of the women cried out in alarm as the lances splintered and Sir Cattermole was flung from his horse, landing heavily on his back as the bay kicked up its hooves in shock then bolted to the other side of the arena.
"Lord Gregory will now keep the horse as a prize for unhorsing his opponent." Maia explained. "It was a lucky shot, Cattermole obviously had no clue what he was doing and left his entire torso open for the blow." Amaya stood slowly, looking down to the unmoving man.
"Is he alright?" She asked and Maia swallowed, looking down. When the flagman signalled that he was alive, Cattermole was dragged off, completely knocked out. "So how else do you win?"
"You strike various parts of the body. If you can catch the shield plate, you receive one point. Catch the chest, that's two and unhorsing the other rider wins the match at a knockout. First to three wins." Maia explained simply over the roaring crowd. Amaya shifted uncomfortably, pulling her shoulders closer away from the man who was leaping out of his seat beside her. Perhaps this was not such a good idea.
She kept her seat, however, as she did want to be there to support the knights. Amaya watched with little interest as the first pairs jousted for the winnings and title of champion. It appeared men had come from all over the country to compete and the streets were buzzing with excitement.
Amaya clapped her hands over her ears at the noise and pressed her eyes shut, trying to block out the closeness of bodies all around her as she struggled to breathe. Maia looked down to Amaya when she heard Demon whine and she gasped. "Maya?" The woman was rocking in her seat, hunched over low and Maia worried if she felt sick.
"Mai, get her to me." A strong voice commanded and Maia looked to Tristan who held out his hand.
"Come on Amaya, let's get you out of here. I'm so sorry, I forgot you don't like large crowds. This way, go this way." Maia prompted Amaya who stumbled forwards, hands clamped tightly over her ears as she kept her eyes shut, Maia's hands the only thing that was keeping her from walking into someone.
Amaya whimpered, trembling as she struggled to draw breath. There was no air, there were too many people here! Demon butted his hand to her leg, pushing her forwards and suddenly someone's hands were at her waist and lifting her down. "Take your seat, I'll take care of her." Tristan said to Maia who nodded her head, watching as Demon jumped down and followed Tristan as he pulled Amaya through the stadium and to the quieter tent pitch, where he rested her back to his chest and held her arms away from her to keep her fingers from clawing her throat.
"Breathe Maya, you can breathe now." Tristan said to her and the familiar voice and tongue soothed Amaya and she found it easier to draw breath into her body and stop her shivering. "Stop shaking, you're upsetting the little demon over there." Amaya opened her eyes and Demon whimpered, lifting a paw to fawn at her with large brown eyes.
Taking a deep gulp of air Amaya relaxed against Tristan who suddenly realised the compromising position they were in. His fingers were brushing against her hands as he held her in his arms, her body lax against his. Slowly he slid away from her, letting the woman drop to her knees and bury her face into Demon's neck as he sat there patiently, licking her ear carefully then closed his eyes.
"Thank you Tristan." Amaya murmured to him softly, interrupting his pacing with her soft voice and he nodded his head without looking at her. It was easier if he just did not look. "I though you said you were only going to watch the last joust?" She tilted her head to the side curiously and the scout shrugged.
"I remembered you panicked in large crowds." Amaya was touched and she smiled for him before resting her head against Demon. Taking a deep breath Amaya slowly got to her feet. Tristan did not face her but he did speak in a gentle tone. "If we go back now, we should be in time to see Galahad joust." Amaya nodded her head, stepping a little closer to signal she was ready to follow so Tristan walked ahead, taking her back through the tents then gestured to the side of the arena fence, were many people gathered at the stand sides but at the top and bottom end, the way was clear and Amaya found it easier to relax without so many people pressing up against her. Just as Tristan had suspected, Galahad was just mounting up at the opposite end to where they stood and Amaya watched closely, frowning.
"I do not understand." She declared suddenly, looking around to Tristan with a frown. "What is the point of this in combat?"
"Not much." Tristan replied gruffly. "Sometimes if two enemies agree to settle their differences in a one on one battle, they will joust then when one of them is unhorsed, they will fight with swords." Amaya cocked her head to the side.
"I would just stick an arrow in their eye socket." He chuckled involuntarily but quickly recovered himself, crossing his arms as he leaned his back against the face. "Are you not watching?"
"Galahad will win." Tristan answered blandly, picking dust from his nails.
"You don't know that, anything could happen." Amaya answered then blushed slightly and turned her head away just as Tristan looked at her. Slowly he huffed then turned around, shooting her a look but watched the pup as he hounded down upon his broad shouldered opponent then struck the shield piece on the arm, gliding past as the lance glanced off him seemingly harmlessly.
Galahad grinned when he saw his sister watching him, having been disappointed to not see her among the crowds. "Sweet sister! Do you have a gift for your beloved brother?" Galahad called as he rode up and handed the broken lance to a squire to receive a new one.
"Perhaps, you shall to come here and claim it however." She called back with a smile and Galahad trotted up to her, leaning down in the saddle and she reached up, kissed his cheek then smiled again. "Good riding little wolf." She said to him gently. "But you pull too much on the reins. Use your legs to guide your horse to free your concentration for the lance. It may make it easier." She grinned. "I may know nothing about jousting but I do know much about riding."
"As my dear sister commands." Galahad laughed, sweeping his horse around then stood at the line, waiting for the flag to raise. When it flashed at them, Galahad rode hard at his opponent but did as his sister suggested, using his legs and thighs to manoeuvre his horse and he concentrated on where the blow would land. Sure enough, he found it easier as he was now not trying to do two different things with his hands.
Jerking his lance forwards at the right moment, Galahad slammed it into his opposition and the force of the blow unhorsed him. He laughed, taking up Carlo's head to slow him down then looked back to the roan mare he had now gained. She looked fair enough but he had no need for another horse. He would most likely sell her unless either Amaya or Maia wanted her.
The crowd roared in appreciation of the hit he had landed and he saluted Arthur, who was laughing and nodding his head proudly. Maia's face glowed with joy as she stood on her feet, cheering loudly whilst waving the write rose he had given her.
Amaya smiled warmly though she did not clap, merely continued to lean against the fence before looking around to find Tristan but he had gone. A pang of loneliness hit her and Amaya's smile faded when she saw that she was now alone, saw for Demon but he was fast asleep at her feet. She remembered Tristan holding her in his arms and had savoured the sensation which still felt familiar to her.
Sighing in discontent, she lowered her head and looked to her hands which she slowly opened, feeling the warmth that never seemed to leave her. Amaya only looked up when Gawain's name was called.
The knights jousted fairly, Galahad, Gawain and Lancelot proceeding forwards whereas the others lost with grace and chivalrous smiles. Percival lost to Galahad, though he remained horsed and the two trotted back to one another after the match to clasp hands and chuckle together as the crowd cheered and booed as they pleased.
Amaya had never realised how good her brother was. He was a prodigy, unhorsing practically every opponent and soon he had a fine stream of horses that Jols took care of once the match was over, keeping them close in case the previous owners offered to buy them back.
The tournament was halted so that everyone could eat a meal at noon but when Amaya tried to slip away, Dagonet grabbed her around the middle and lifted her cleanly off the ground. "Dagonet! This is ungentlemanly!" She reprimanded him as he laughed, carrying the struggling woman over to the table the knights had claimed with a spread of food before them.
"You need to eat."
"But it makes me feel sick." She argued but Dagonet did not listen. Demon growled at the larger man, wondering if he should attack but Amaya quickly soothed him. "No Demon, Dagonet is a good friend of mine. All these men are, you must never hurt them." She ordered and he stopped, sniffed the air then leaped forwards.
He grabbed the leg of ham from Lionel's hand then darted away as the look of pure shock spread across his face. "Come back here you mangy animal!" He roared and everyone burst into laughter as he scrambled to chase after the dog, who wagged his tail at the game of chase then raced away, leading Lionel all around the tents before the mutt came trotting back to Amaya's side, prize still clutched in his jaw with Lionel puffing and panting behind him. "I'll snap his neck, the mutt." Amaya rested her hand on Demon's face.
"I shall not be best pleased if you do, may I remind you that I am now a woman of many talents?" Lionel growled again, glaring at Demon who felt guilty, so he walked over and dropped the ham at Lionel's feet, sat down then wagged his tail with a hopeful grin. Lionel blinked then sighed.
"Bah, you have it. Little monster." Without waiting Demon snatched up the meat and began to chew on it, ripping the meat greedily and Amaya chuckled, turning her head as Dagonet placed a rather large assortment of food in front of her.
"Eat." He ordered. "And you are not moving from this seat until I am satisfied you have nourished yourself." Sighing in defeat Amaya picked at her food, starting with the grapes as they were her favourite fruit. Demon licked his bone clean then gnawed on it but when Amaya tried to slip him some of her pork, Dagonet snatched her wrist and gave her a sharp look. "No cheating." She pouted sweetly at him.
"But I am no longer hungry." Shaking his head Dagonet placed an arm around her, rubbing her arm gently as she leaned into him.
"What are we going to do with you?" He murmured affectionately then looked up as Lucan and Gilly came running over.
"Whoa! Look at that beast!" Gilly breathed in awe. "Whose is it?"
"Mine. Demon, say hello." Amaya said to her companion who jumped up and began to sniff the boys carefully. "Gently now, mind your manners." She said to him with a slight growl as she then nibbled on some ham.
A light chatter started as Gilly leaped onto Bors's knee and Lucan sat on Dagonet's, Amaya slipping him some of the sweeter foodstuffs that lay just out of reach and chicken bits to Demon when the giant was not looking. Feeling slightly sick Amaya excused herself to take a walk, hoping that some fresh air would help settle her stomach. She was not used to the rich foods that the court presented her. Amaya was used to the leathery taste of rodent and tough meats such as Sarmatian deer or the oily meat a fish provided. Not all the seasoned, rich food which her stomach could not take.
Amaya stopped when her stomach lurched, gripping onto a nearby horse who started slightly but allowed the woman to lean against him for support as she felt her stomach threaten to yield up all she had just eaten. Once her stomach settled again, she patted the horse's neck and moved on, Demon still at her heels.
The next time the retching sensation came Amaya groaned and sank to the floor, hunching over to try and soothe the ache. "Maya? Are you alright?" Arthur's kind tone made Maya look up but instantly regretted her decision.
"This is why I do not eat." She murmured weakly and Arthur crouched down before her. "Your food is too rich for me. I cannot stomach it." Nodding his head in understanding, Arthur looked to Demon then offered out his hand for the dog to sniff in greeting. The dog sniffed continuously, familiarising himself with the king's scent before licking his hand once then turned his attention back to his mistress.
"I shall ask Vanora to prepare only simple meals for you." Arthur told her gently. "Without the dressings and seasoning. We should have thought of this for you, Maya, I am sorry."
"It is not your fault." Amaya answered softly as her stomach began to settle. "I am merely used to a diet of bland meat and tough vegetables at best." She shuddered slightly. "I will not even begin to tell you the horrific things we had to eat in the winter."
"Can you stand?" Amaya nodded her head, getting up but Arthur caught her hands and gently helped to lift her to her feet, keeping her steady until she was settled.
"I am fine, Arthur, honestly. I thought a light walk would do some good." She wrapped her arms around her stomach. "Obviously not."
"Do you need to sit down? Perhaps Dagonet can give you something?" She smiled at the king, patting his arm gently.
"You worry too much for me." He smiled to her gently, resting a hand on her shoulder.
"I am indebted to you boundlessly. Without you and your noble sacrifice, we would not be here today, so of course I feel rather protective over you, Maya, you are not my good friend for nothing." Amaya smiled up at him gently then looked towards the arena as the crowds began to chant.
"I think they are summoning you, my lord." She said to him jestingly and Arthur sighed.
"May I escort you to your seat?" Amaya shook her head.
"I cannot breathe in such a thick array of people, I stand at the head of the arena to watch my brothers joust where I also have a better view."
"Well then, allow me to escort you there instead." Arthur smiled handsomely down to her then offered his arm, which Amaya took then looked down to make sure Demon was following. Arthur walked the woman back to her place and asked if she wanted a seat to be brought to her but she declined politely.
"I am better standing in my current condition." She told him with a smile, touching his arm. Arthur took her hand and kissed the back of it gently, bowing his head to her.
"Should you need anything, you have the right to ask anyone and they shall give you what you want." Amaya chuckled.
"I think I could get used to being a lady." Arthur chuckled in return, bowed his head once more then returned to his wife, starting the tournament again. Amaya saw a couple of maids standing at the fence, looking at her with wide eyes before they scurried away. Amaya thought nothing of it, she was used to the looks by now.
Amaya watched as Gawain was the first of the knights to be defeated, then Lancelot until finally, only Galahad and a mountain of a man remained. Amaya bit her lip, watching with slight fear as her brother faced his final opponent, Carlo pawing the ground ready for the charge. When the flag flashed, Galahad sprung forwards.
The towering man was broad in every sense and Galahad knew that he relied purely on muscle, however when he advanced and lashed out, he always opened his other arm to give him more room to move in that heavy armour and he also twisted too much to gather more power.
Galahad half halted Carlo to drop a beat back before continuing forwards, making the crowd gasp as they saw the horse apparently falter before surging forwards again. The moment rushed to him and as the other ride drew his arm back, Galahad had already thrust his lance forwards with all the strength in his arm.
It landed heavily against the man's chest, pushing him off the side of his horse as his unbalanced weight pulled him down. Saluting victoriously Galahad beamed at his success, pulling Carlo to a halt then turned to face Arthur, bowing respectfully.
Amaya cheered, beaming proudly but when she saw the man get up and drag his sword from his squire, her heart stopped in her throat. "Galahad!" She tried to shout in warning but the cheering was too loud for anyone to hear her singularly. Without pause Amaya leaped over the fence and began to rush forwards as Galahad's defeated opponent grabbed him and yanked him from Carlo's back, tossing him to the ground with a snarl of rage, lifting his sword up high.
Dazed, Galahad only just rolled out the way as Arthur roared. "Stay your blade!" His brothers came running forwards but Amaya was closest and although unarmed, she was determined to save her brother as he struggled to his feet, gripping his side as he remained winded and in shock.
"Carlo!" Amaya called boldly and the horse turned his head towards the sound of her call. He trotted forwards and Amaya mounted up, lifting herself elegantly into the saddle then galloped at the armour clad warrior who continued to advance on unarmed Galahad. Amaya pulled Carlo to the side slightly and before he could turn, the mountainous man was shouldered to the ground by the great war horse, who reared up in rage at having his rider attacked.
Before the hooves could come crashing down upon him, he rolled out of the way then spat as several guards restrained him, dragging the sword from his grip. "Take him to a cell. We shall deal with him later." Arthur bellowed, absolutely enraged.
Galahad strode to his sister who reached down for him, letting him lift her from the saddle for her to embrace him. "Thank the gods." Then she drew back and shoved at him. "Just can't stay out of trouble, can you little wolf? I didn't realise you still needed your big sister to save you."
"I had it all under control." He assured her with a grin, turning to Maia to send her a kiss which made her relax to see that he was unharmed. Amaya held Carlo's reins and patted the horse's neck, stroking the soft fur as Guinevere presented Galahad his prize. A purse of gold and a wreath of laurels which she set on his hair then kissed his cheek.
"I commend you on your victory, Sir Galahad. Let the strength of your arm and the skill of your aim be known!" She cheered and everyone thundered in reply. Amaya laughed.
"If only your aim were as good when playing at daggers."
"Oh be quiet." He shot at her but smirked all the same, taking Carlo's reins and leading him away. Demon was barking for Amaya, unable to slip through the fence so she coddled him when she jumped back over, ruffling his fur as Maia ran to them. "Galahad! Oh my goodness, I thought you were going to die!" She screeched as she flung herself into his arms and kissed him, not caring who was watching.
"Such little faith." He murmured into her lips and she sighed, whimpering slightly before drawing back.
"Do not ever let me see you get thrown to the ground like that again! Or I shall do it myself!" She declared boldly and Galahad laughed, pulling her back to him and whispered in her ear.
"I do not think I would mind such a thing." Maia gasped then blushed at his meaning and he chuckled once more, kissing the top of her head as Amaya slowly stood, frowning. "Maya? What is wrong?" She could not shake the feeling that someone was watching them. Cold eyes, vengeful eyes, eyes that wished to cause harm.
"Nothing." Amaya smiled, letting the feeling go but did not completely ignore it. "Come, how do we celebrate?" Galahad beamed then slipped a hand around their waists, drawing his ladies closer.
"Why, with singing, dancing and feasting of course! Did you not guess there would be a grand feast these three nights with such festivities?" Amaya groaned.
"Then I shall sit in my room and let you all have the fun." She decided firmly, taking Carlo's reins. "You go and have a wash, little wolf, for you stink to high heaven. I shall take care of our real champion here." Amaya wound a lock of Carlo's mane around her finger as Galahad laughed.
"As you wish." He walked away with Maia and Amaya watched them, their heads bowed together with their arms wound around one another. Pride filled her as she watched her little brother cart his lady away, the complete and unwavering love resonating between them making Amaya smile before she turned her head and led Carlo away.