When someone burst through Amaya's door, Demon was the first to spring to his feet and snarl. "Oh hush you, I brought you some supper." Vanora tossed some meat onto the ground and Demon lunged for it as Amaya blinked in confusion.
"Vanora?"
"Hello there, it's time to dress for the feast." Amaya groaned.
"No. I am not going." Vanora snorted then dragged Amaya from the bed with a grin. "No! Everyone will stare at me now they know…oh gods! You don't hate me now do you?" Vanora laughed brightly.
"Bors let it slip by accident what happened with Merlin." Amaya clapped a hand to her head.
"I'll throttle him." Vanora laughed again, draping several dresses on the bed for Amaya to look at.
"No need, he was a little drunk and I didn't let him go until he'd told me. He walked away with a few bruises, so don't blame him. Now, you are going to this feast, though you may need a wash before you go, so that Tristan can see you looking beautiful and radiant." Amaya frowned.
"I don't need to look beautiful and radiant. What's the point?"
"Hell, you're terrible at this love thing aren't you?" Amaya blushed. "Just trust me, if you want that scout to be yours then you're going to dress yourself up and hold a civil tongue and not speak a notch over a murmur. That's the only way you two will ever get yourselves sorted." Vanora looked out the window and pursed her lips. "The sun is yet to set for a few hours but the feast will start soon. So hurry up and pick a dress whilst I start heating water."
"I can do that." Amaya grinned, rubbing her hands together and they glowed bright red at her palms, which she showed to Vanora. "It'll save us time."
"Good! I can wash your hair then too. Pick one! Hop to it!" Vanora commanded with a smile, going to begin pouring the water into the basin. Amaya turned her eyes towards the dresses. There was a bright red one, a sickly yellow brocaded one, a few more in purple, blue and a mixture of the colours but her eyes set firmly on the emerald green dress at the end.
It was the plainest, with no adorning hemming or threads but the sleeves had a gold lace crossing up the sleeves to the elbow and a similar patterned girdle hung at the waist with a few pearls sewn into the darker background between the gold cords crossing one another. "I have chosen." Amaya announced, picking up the green dress and draping it over the screen.
"Good. Now heat up this water. Let's see that magic of yours." Amaya showed Vanora a few tricks she had taught herself, including growing flowers up her arms like adorning bracelets. Once she was scrubbed clean Amaya dried herself off in a few minutes, surrounding herself in a hot wind before sliding into a clean chemise and then the green gown.
"No more magic, I think. I'm starting to feel it drain." Amaya murmured softly as Vanora lent her an arm then guided her to the vanity table. Amaya allowed Vanora to brush though her soft curls before opening a drawer and pulling out several jewellery boxes. Amaya frowned. "Since when did I have these?"
"You've always had them. You just never cared to look." Vanora answered. "Guinevere asked me to see that you were well supplied with all the needs of a woman and I made sure I covered every aspect." The redheaded woman opened a long, thin box to reveal several strands of pearls glistening in ropes on the velvet cushion. Amaya stared at them as Vanora lifted them up by the two pins, leaving another set behind as the three ropes of the tiny moons gleamed in the light, curving downwards at perfect distance from one another.
"Vanora, I cannot wear those. They are too grand."
"Too grand for a lady?" She questioned with a smile as she slid the pins into Amaya's hair, securing the pearls to her hair so that they nestled like tiny stars in the midnight tresses of Amaya's locks. "Now I have heard everything."
"I mean it, Vanora, I am not comfortable dressing myself up like this." Amaya fussed but Vanora continued.
"It is just for one night. You look pretty every day, Amaya, but tonight you are going to look unearthly and angelic. So hold still." Amaya allowed Vanora to fix her hair, keeping perfectly still as she arranged the pins in the knot at the back Vanora had pulled some of her hair into, securing it in place then stepped away. "Now, I would suggest a necklace but you'll probably feel like its chocking you, so I won't make you." Vanora sighed.
Once Amaya was ready she stood and twirled at Vanora's command though she felt like a fool, her hand rising to grip Lucan's gift in one hand as she bit her lip nervously. "Marvellous! Now you're all ready for the feast, I'll get myself sorted. I'd wear those adorned slippers of gold if I were you, it would work perfectly." Amaya arched a perfectly plucked eyebrow at Vanora who grinned. She had insisted on taming Amaya's eyebrows the moment she had arrived at the castle and had visited her every week with tweezers and attacked them into shape. Now the hair didn't even grow back. "Or at least clean your boots. Can't have mud in the hall now, can we?" Amaya chuckled then rose to her feet.
"Thank you Vanora. I may hate it but you have done a wonderful job." Amaya said to her gently. "Maybe one day I'll get used to this."
"I doubt it. Still, you're not quite the wild little thing you turned up as these days. You even walk like a lady sometimes." Vanora mused then turned towards the door. She glanced to Demon. "And please leave the dog here."
"But he'll get lonely." Amaya argued but one look from Vanora silenced her. Sighing in defeat Amaya whistled to Demon and waited until he came to her. Good, he was learning. She let her magic flow to her fingers as she touched Demon's head. "Go to Arluin and keep him company. Watch over the mare for me too, it seems you will be sleeping in the stable tonight." Understanding his mistress, Demon barked then licked her cheek gently before bounding over to the door. Amaya let him out then closed the door behind him, sighing. She pressed her back against the door and closed her eyes, lifting a hand to touch the string of pearls in her hair.
There was still time before the feast began, there was no need to rush. Amaya strode over to her closet and flung open the doors, looking at the armour that gleamed before her. The chest plate had been fitted to her body perfectly with the metal engraved with beautiful patterns within the two lines that sloped inwards at her chest in a triangular shape and at the bottom. There was sloping shoulder guards also with similar design though less prominent. They had offered to do more but Amaya now had all that she needed.
She had tested it at the blacksmiths and even with the armour on, she had full range of her movement which allowed her to shoot normally. Taking a step back to admire the armour, Amaya felt slightly out of place in the court at that moment.
Although wearing finery and a dress of fine cloth, she was still a warrior and in her heart, Amaya knew that she would always be a warrior. In other words, she was never going to fit in with anyone but the knights. They understood the way of life, the heritage that flowed through her veins.
When a soft bird call came from Amaya's window the woman shut the doors of her closet and walked over, opening the shutters to let the hawk fly inside. "Hello there my beauty. How are you?" Amaya welcomed, extending her arm and letting the bird land there. She stroked the soft feathers as she returned to the bed and sat down, the dresses having been whisked away by Vanora. The bird cawed at her and gently nipped her finger.
Comforted by the bird's company, Amaya decided that she may as well begin walking slowly to the throne room, which was in fact on the other side of the castle. Amaya carried the bird carefully, making sure not to jolt her. As she passed some maids they stared at her then quickly began to whisper and Amaya did not even bother to pay attention to their words as they hurried past.
Taking all the time in the world Amaya continued to stroke the hawk's chest who was obviously enjoying the attention. "Where's your master, my beauty? Is he still knocked out?" The hawk chirped softly in reply to Amaya's soft tone. She enjoyed listening to the featherless creature talking, she was not loud and aggressive like some of the others, her voice was always warm and soothing much like her master's. "You had better keep him company then. I do not think he would like to wake up alone." Amaya whispered then turned towards the open walkway of the parapet, letting the hawk glide from her arm and into the setting sun.
As Amaya approached she heard music and laughter, the strong smell of wine and roasted meat making her stomach roil and she almost turned to leave but the guards had noticed her and were already opening the doors. She had no choice but to enter.
When the loud groan of the doors disturbed everybody's chatter they looked around to see Amaya standing, looking breath taking in the dark gown she wore and the tiny pearls gleamed in her hair. She paid no heed to the courtiers, content to simply ignore them as her eyes scanned for the knights. Dagonet's tall frame stood out to her so she walked towards him, conscious of the fact that there were hundreds of eyes watching her and she fought to keep the blush from her face.
When the music started playing once again, everything returned to the bubbly atmosphere it was before as if nothing had happened. "Maya, you look absolutely wonderful." Gawain said to her kindly. "You need to dress up more often."
"I blame Vanora for this." Amaya declared, pouting slightly. "She made me come."
"Good thing too, otherwise you would have wriggled out of not eating again." Lionel boomed, already filled to his head with wine as he slapped a hand to the table. "Eat girl! Eat!"
"Or dance, we'll make you do either." Galahad grinned, Maia sitting on his lap. "So choose your preferred form of torture." Amaya chuckled, relaxing slightly as she lifted her skirts to elegantly sit down on the bench next to Daniel who grinned.
"Who are you and what have you done with-"
"Oh stop it." Amaya swatted at him. "Save your charm for the ladies to reap whatever reward you will." He laughed, grinning still as he got up and did just that, greeting a group of already flustered ladies with Lancelot paying them every attention. Amaya selected only the plainest of foods and Kay was good enough to hand her down some bland chicken Vanora had added to the table for Amaya, who ate a little more than usual much to everyone's cheer.
She did not touch the wine, remaining comfortable with water as Kay and Ector told stories for the children who gathered close. Lucan sat next to Amaya, wriggling his way onto the bench then looked up at her. "Is it true you can do magic?" She nodded her head.
"Yes Lucan." His face fell a little.
"Why didn't you tell me? I could have kept your secret, I wouldn't have told anyone." Amaya smiled softly down at him.
"I did not want to frighten you." She answered then glanced around. "Would you like me to show you?" He nodded his head ardently, scooting closer as Amaya shifted around, cupping her hands together then let the light begin to grow in her hands until she was holding a tiny star, which flickered in her cupped hands and Lucan stared at it in awe.
"Are you doing magic?" Gilly demanded loudly then leaped across the table, scattering plates and spilling several cups in his haste. "Let me see!"
"Gilly!" Bors shouted then yanked the boy back, growling at him. "Not so loud." Amaya chuckled then bit her lip, lifting a hand then began to swirl her fingers in a hypnotic motion. The spilled wine rose up from the table, rushing together and built up until it pulsed with life, drawing all the knights' attention as Gilly stared in awe.
"Do more!" He commanded but Bors hit him upside the head.
"Another time." Amaya answered, turning the wine into a single rose which Vanora picked up and sniffed.
"Now I'm impressed." She laughed, tucking the flower into her hair then sat on her husband's lap. Maia smiled to Amaya, taking her hands and pulling her up so that they could walk about the room.
"How do you feel? Galahad told me about the new law. You're a very quick thinker, Maya."
"I feel fine. For the moment." Amaya flinched away from a dancing couple. "I will not remain long." She looked around, frowning when she could not see a face she had expected to see. "Where is Ragnell?"
"She is in her rooms." Maia sighed. "She told me she did not want to frighten anyone, especially the children." Amaya wished Gawain would hurry up and go to her. It was his wedding night after all and the surprises were only just beginning.
"A shame. Perhaps I should go and see her?" Amaya murmured quietly. "Just to make sure she is alright."
"Yes, shall I come too?"
"No, you enjoy yourself. I think it wise if you just stay with Galahad tonight, give him a champion's feast." Amaya smiled as Maia giggled then nodded her head, returning to Galahad as Amaya turned and made to leave out of a side door when her way was blocked by several men. Startled by their presence, Amaya took a large step back.
"Sweet mythical being, pray dance with me!" One begged but another pushed him aside.
"Heed him not, 'tis I you deserve. Let me bathe in your glorious presence and I shall spin you away into a night of your dreams." Amaya's eyes narrowed sharply at their words, all of them staring at her hungrily so she took another step back.
"I am not at liberty to dance with anyone tonight, so I must refuse you all though you have my gracious thanks." Amaya replied as smoothly as she could. "But I fear I am needed elsewhere. Goodnight to you all." She curtseyed and before they could either chase after her or trap her again, Amaya slipped onto the dance floor and lost them, weaving her way through before darting for the small door behind the thrones, sliding through then bolted.
She drew air back into her body, the panic in her chest dying away as she was left alone in a large open corridor, allowing her the freedom to relax. She headed towards Ragnell and Gawain's new chambers, hoping to soothe any worries she may have.
Amaya turned around a corner and was about to climb the stairs when she saw a shape moving quickly towards her. Instantly she tensed, clenching her fists but her jaw dropped when Tristan stepped into the light, striding towards her. "Are you with someone?" He demanded in a low growl and Amaya blinked, stumbling at first for her answer.
"I…no. No I am not."
"Good. Because you are mine." The thrill of his words jolted through Amaya and she barely had time to register his hands grasping her face before his lips had crashed against hers, her natural reaction to gasp which allowed Tristan full access to her mouth, which he attacked relentlessly with his lips, his tongue and his teeth until Amaya was practically breathless, gripping onto Tristan as his ravenous kiss caused her lips to swell but Tristan continued, growling deeply as he fisted one hand in her hair, claiming her soft locks along with her mouth without giving any sign of drawing back any time soon.
He pushed her back into the wall, pressing his body against hers to let her know how much he desired her, how much he had missed her these last few weeks. A familiar fire burned in his body which he only felt when kissing Amaya. No other woman had made him feel like this and he was starting to consider the fact that he had fallen for her completely. Nevertheless, no man was ever allowed to touch her again. She was his, his woman and his alone.
Amaya moaned loudly, driving Tristan further to the brink of insanity and his hands began to wander down her body, feeling every curve and shape as she writhed beneath him, fingers tangled in his hair. His lips moved across her face and down her neck, kneading the soft and tender skin as she lifted a leg to grip onto him, drawing the scout closer as she reacted to his rough, slightly wild handling but she did not care. It was what she wanted.
"Tristan…" She gasped his name and he growled in reply.
"Maya." He pulled back his head to gaze into her eyes, holding them unwaveringly as she took the break in his kisses to regain her breath. "You were willing to sacrifice yourself for me." Unable to find the words to answer Amaya reached upwards and kissed him, taking the initiative to slowly move her tongue against his mouth, probing at him before she drew away. He drew in a deep breath, still holding Amaya closed as he pressed his brow to hers. "To give up your freedom and your life." He looked into her eyes. "For me."
"You are such a moron, Tristan." She said to him, kissing him quickly and firmly then pulled back her head again. "As the scout, you're supposed to see things others miss."
"I saw." She blinked at him. "I saw, Maya, I just did not believe." His husky voice sent shivers down Amaya's spine. "And I wanted you to do better than me." She arched an eyebrow.
"What could be better than a Sarmatian archer with unparalleled skill?" She questioned him sharply but smiled all the same. "Because if you do know something better, I am curious to know." Tristan sighed, lifting a hand and caressed her face.
"One who knows how to speak to you." Closing her eyes Amaya rested her hand against Tristan's, trapping it to her cheek and she turned to kiss his palm.
"This is speaking to me, Tristan. More than words ever will." He looked at her simply, his eyes revealing nothing and Amaya realised that he was simply regarding her, trying to read her thoughts.
"One who can comfort you when you need someone there." She shrugged.
"If I need to cry then I shall cry. If I need to cry and hold someone, I'll be sure to get the message across." A small smile tugged at his lips as he slowly reached forwards and whispered into her ear.
"One who can tell you how they feel about you without saying the wrong things." Amaya grabbed Tristan's hair and he found that he liked the sharp tug Amaya made as she forced her lips to his once more, passion blinding them both as they inhaled one another with every sense. Pulling back slightly, Amaya lifted her eyes to meet his.
"I think that told me everything I needed to know." Then she kissed him again.