Author's Notes: As promised, here's Chapter Twelve! Sorry about the delay. A couple events from yesterday tuckered me out, and I ended up sleeping in. Enjoy!
Chapter XII
Iliana was the first to leave the shop, as Elsie wanted to talk to Vanora about preparing some new clothes for all eleven of her children. She inhaled a whiff of fresh air when she heard the bell ringing from afar.
"Make way! Make way! The knights have returned!"
She felt her heart leap at the announcement, and she didn't hesitate to take off running towards the stables, where she knew the men would regroup upon returning from one of their many missions. She maneuvered out of the way of the townsfolk that were passing by and the children that were playing, not wanting to stop until she arrived at her destination.
Eventually, she arrived at the stables, and she could hear the bustling as the men chatted with each other and got their horses settled in. The main door was open, and as she slowly made her way towards it, Iliana breathed out a sigh of relief at the sight of the men safe and unharmed. She leaned against the doorway, watching the bustling for a moment before turning towards the stall where Arion was. Siria was giving him her usual affection as Tristan unbuckled his saddle from her fit frame. She nudged his cheek with her nose, whinnying at him, and he didn't hesitate to return those affections.
He soon turned towards Iliana, letting out a whinny that flooded the whole of the barn as he gestured towards her direction. When the men and the horses turned her way, she couldn't help but smile and giggle as she shook her head.
"I was enjoying the moment between you and Siria, love. Leave it to you to make my presence known and ruin my moment of fun," she spoke to him in a teasing manner.
"I don't know what she said, but something tells me you're in trouble, Arion," Dagonet said with a chuckle as he gave the stallion a gentle stroke on the neck before going to put his saddle up, causing Iliana to giggle as she made her way towards them.
"Welcome back," she greeted the men once she reached Arion and gave him some love and attention. The stallion lowered his head and pressed his brow against hers, looking into her eyes as she stroked his neck tenderly. Siria then nudged her nose against Iliana's cheek, tickling her ear, and with a giggle, Iliana gave the mare some attention.
"Don't worry, gorgeous. I haven't forgotten about you, either," she cooed to her.
The clearing of someone's throat soon caught her attention, and she looked to see Gawain and Galahad eyeing her with mischievous smiles on their faces.
"Okay. The horses got their love. Now, it's time to give your brothers some love, Little Sister," Gawain announced, letting the Greek language roll off his tongue, which she couldn't help but smile at.
When she stepped away from Siria and Arion, Iliana opened her arms out to the two knights she called her brothers. Gawain didn't hesitate to scoop her up in his broad arms, and she laughed as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders. She let out a small squeal of delight and then laughed when he lifted her off the ground and spun her around in circles. Just as he was quick to put her down, it was Galahad's turn, and she equally enjoyed the moment with him as he spun her in circles before setting her down and letting her go.
"Words cannot describe how relieved I am to see you all safe and sound, considering what happened the last time you tangled with the Woads," she stated.
"The second their patrolling group saw us, they retreated," Galahad explained. "We checked the nearby forests to make sure there weren't any others lurking in the brush, and thankfully, there was no trace of them. Once we confirmed it was clear, we came back here as quickly as we could, and it's a good thing because we get to enjoy the festival with you tomorrow."
She smiled at the thought of the men enjoying the festivities tomorrow. Considering this was one of the rare moments in which they could unwind in between their many missions, she hoped they would have the time of their lives.
"Speaking of the festival, I wonder if my lady already has a man to escort her," Lancelot mused. "If not, I would be more than happy to accompany you for the entire evening."
He bowed to her as he spoke to her in his usual flirtatious tone, and Iliana shook her head as her lips formed into a thin line.
"Back off, you flirtatious cad."
Iliana giggled at the sound of Tristan's voice coming from behind her, and she smiled at the feel of his hand on her shoulder.
"Sorry, Lancelot. Someone has already asked me," she replied, smirking even more at the shocked reaction on the jovial knight's face. She stole a glance at each of the men, who were just as surprised.
"And once again, you wound me, my dearest Ili," Lancelot stated. "My days of flirting with you have just about reached their end."
This statement caused the other men to chuckle in amusement.
"You two play nice tomorrow," Bors announced, causing Iliana to chuckle.
"Well, I'll be on my way and leave you gentlemen to finish up your business," she announced. "I'll see you all later."
She then glanced over her shoulder at Tristan.
"I'm looking forward to enjoying the festival with you tomorrow."
Giving him her sweetest smile, Iliana left the stables, waving and smiling at the rest of the men before officially taking her leave.
"Well, it's nice to see her in better spirits, especially considering what just happened to her the previous night," Dagonet commented.
"Even in death, Leoric is watching over her," Arthur pointed out. "Following what became of Gregor, none of the men are even bothering to look in her general direction."
"And with the knowledge of Tristan escorting her to the festival, they sure as hell won't be glancing at her," Gawain said.
The men all looked at Tristan, who gave them his usual silent glare before taking his leave.
"Tomorrow night is going to be an interesting one," Galahad said with a chuckle.
Iliana made her way back to the tavern, intending to get changed for yet another night of work. Just as she arrived, she was about to head up to her room in the loft when a familiar voice stopped her.
"Lady Iliana!"
She turned around to see the messenger that she met back at the graveyard just a few days ago.
"Oh! Hello, sir! Good to see you again," she greeted with a smile.
"I apologize for interrupting, but another letter for you arrived," he announced. "It's from an Andres of Sarmatia, and it came from the coast of Ireland."
He took the letter out of his satchel and handed it to her.
"Thank you, sir."
He bowed to her.
"May we meet again sometime," he said before taking his leave, and she watched him go before making her way upstairs.
Once she was in her room, she tore into the letter and opened it, dying to find out what Andres had to tell her.
My dearest Iliana,
I must admit that I'm intrigued by what's been going on with you, especially regarding Tristan, the knight that's ensnared your attention. To think a man of my fellow tribe has captivated you, and to add to it, he's a scout, and thus, my successor. I'm dying to know all the details regarding him, and I'm sure I'll hear all about it when I finally see you.
I also want to inform you I'll be touching down in Britain the morning after tomorrow with the Greek survivors that I've aided. We'll be staying in a village off the southern coast for at least a week, as I expect more survivors to sail this way within that time frame. Once they're all here, I'll be recruiting the help of Arthur and his men to escort us to the safety of Hadrian's Wall.
I am hoping to see you soon. Amongst these survivors are four girls the same age as you that are warriors and possess feisty spirits. However, their escape and this relocation has put a damper in those said spirits, and they could use a lift in you. If it's possible for you to get here the day we arrive, it would be wonderful. I will see you later, my darling pupil.
-Andres
A wave of emotion flooded Iliana's heart after reading the letter. To think that her tutor would not be too far from her come the morning after the festival, and all it would take was a ride on Arion for a few hours for her to get there. Feeling the yearning to see him again grow, she gathered her belongings into her bag, readied her bow, quiver, sword and the new set of riding clothes she got from Elsie just a little while ago. Her intention was to leave early the morning after the festival. Most of the townsfolk would likely have passed out from drinking, so it would be the best time to head out.
Her thoughts turned to the men, Vanora and the children, and she felt a sting in her heart. Her plan prevented her from saying goodbye to them, but she wanted to travel, see Andres again and be near the beach again after being away from it for so many years.
At the thought of Tristan, Iliana was sure her heart was going to break at the fact that she was going to be away from him for at least a week, maybe longer. If she still had any doubt about her feelings for him, that doubt was quick to dissipate as her heart pounded madly in her chest. Even when they don't say a word, they hear each other loud and clear, echoing her words to him in silence, speaking the loudest message that could ever be told.
Now that she mentioned Tristan to Andres, he was going to want to know everything that transpired between them, and she planned on telling him the whole story. If there was anyone that she could confide in other than Vanora, it would be him, and this only added to her eagerness to see him again.
However, there was still one thing she had left to do, and that was to enjoy herself at the festival tomorrow. She wanted some wonderful memories to go by before leaving, and that way, she would have more to tell Andres when she finally saw him.
Iliana was up early the next morning and in the stables. She greeted the horses and gave them some attention like she always did, but her primary aim was to tend to Arion and ensure he was fit and healthy for their journey tomorrow morning. When he resisted her trying to check on his hoof, she stood up and cooed him, patting and stroking his neck.
"It's okay, love. It's okay. We'll be taking a trip first thing tomorrow morning. I need to make sure you're in tip-top shape and you'll get to see Andres again. I'm sure you remember him."
His ears perked up at the mention of Andres, and he whinnied in approval as he relaxed beneath her touch. She smiled, but it was short-lived when she heard Siria snort in protest. She peered around Arion, seeing the concern in the mares' eyes, and allowing a small smile, she approached her to give her some attention.
"You have nothing to worry about, gorgeous. Everything's fine," she said in a gentle tone. Siria's whinny showed her unconvinced state, prompting the other horses to look at her in concern and whinny their protests.
"How about I sing a song for all of you? Will that appease you?"
When they all whinnied their approvals, including Arion, Iliana cleared her throat and sang. The song was one she had made up as a dedication to her father after he passed.
"In this world, you tried, not leaving me alone behind. There's no other way. I prayed to the gods, let him stay.
"The memories ease the pain inside. Now I know why.
"All of my memories keep you near. In silent moments, imagine you here. All of my memories keep you near. Your silent whispers, silent tears."
She sang in a soprano voice that really allured the horses, and she allowed herself to smile as she continued.
"Made me promise I'd try, to find my way back in this life. Hope there is a way, to give me a sign you're okay. Reminds me again it's worth it all, so I can go on.
"All of my memories keep you near. In silent moments, imagine you here. All of my memories keep you near. Your silent whispers, silent tears."
The horses whinnied, as if they could sense and feel the raw emotion that was clear in her voice and lyrics.
"Together, in all these memories, I see your smile. All the memories I hold dear. Darling, you know I will love you, 'til the end of time."
"All of my memories keep you near. In silent moments, imagine you here. All of my memories keep you near. Your silent whispers, silent tears. All of my memories."
Right at that moment, the tears flowed, and both Arion and Siria nudged a cheek with their noses to catch the droplets.
Who knows when I will sing for you again when I leave, but I hope it will be soon, she thought, wondering how antsy they were going to be before returning to tend to Arion.
The afternoon had come fairly quickly for Iliana thanks to the time she spent at the stables. When she was done, she headed to the bathhouse for a much-needed bath, and now she was on her way to the tailor shop to meet with Vanora. Being fresh from the bath, she smelled like fresh apples and lilac, and it was a nice switch from what she had grown accustomed to.
When she finally arrived at the tailor shop, Vanora was waiting, and her eyes lit up when she saw her.
"There you are, dear. I was fearful you were going to be late," she said, reaching out to give the young girl a hug.
"Sorry about that," Iliana said. "My time in the stables took a little longer than I had expected, and as a result, my bath took longer too."
"It was worth the time. I like what they used this time. Apples and lilacs?" Vanora asked, to which Iliana nodded.
"A nice one. I think that might turn popular with the ladies fairly quickly. Anyway, let's get inside. Elsie is waiting for us."
When Iliana nodded, Vanora led the way, and Elsie was waiting the second they walked in.
"Hello, ladies," Elsie greeted. "Your dresses are ready in the back. Go get changed and I will pamper the both of you once you're ready."
The two of them nodded and made their way to the back, where Elsie had their chosen dresses laid out and ready for them. They each stepped behind a screen to change, and when Iliana looked at the dress she chose, she realized Elsie had done some altering to it besides the wrapping to where it hung off her shoulders. When she slipped it on, she came to realize that she looked like a phoenix that glowed from the fire radiating from its feathers. She added some touches to the sleeves to make it look like there were feathers, and when she spun in a circle, it was as if she was dancing in a circle of fire.
I beg to wonder what you had in mind when you were altering this, Elsie, she thought. Whatever it was, it was brilliant.
"Ili, are you ready?" Vanora called.
"Coming!"
She smoothed out the skirt and then came out from behind the screen. Vanora gaped in surprise when she saw her.
"Oh, my word. Elsie did some serious altering to this. You look beautiful, Ili."
"After the two of you left yesterday, I immediately thought of a phoenix when I looked at this dress, and I spent the rest of the day making the adjustments," Elsie explained from the doorway. "I have to say that I'm very proud of the result."
"It's impressive, Elsie. I barely recognize myself," Iliana said.
"Well, now that the two of you have your dresses on, let's get your hair fixed," Elsie announced.
Elsie began with Vanora, spending about an hour with her on ideas on what to do with her hair, with Iliana giving feedback and offering her help. Eventually, they agreed on a high bun with a few of her wavy auburn curls hanging from the back. They reserved an hour for Iliana, but it ended up taking a tad bit longer than intended because neither of them could agree on which hairstyle would suit her best and compliment the dress. After listening to them go back and forth for a moment, Iliana suggested the braided crown updo bun, explaining that it's of Greek origin and would compliment the dress since it is Greek inspired. She guided the two of them on braiding her hair, and they pulled out two strands to hang down either side of her cheek.
"Oh, Ili. You look so beautiful," Vanora said in awe.
"Bors will lose his head once he sees you, Vanora. You look absolutely stunning yourself," Iliana said with a chuckle.
"I have to say that your Greek roots have come out with this result," Vanora commented. "Tristan won't be able to keep his eyes off of you now."
This statement caused Iliana to blush, causing Vanora and Elsie to giggle.
"Speaking of those two, I told them to come here around this time," Elsie announced. "They should be here at any moment."
As if on cue, there was a knock on the door.
"And that must be them."
Iliana and Vanora exchanged looks with each other.
"Are you ready?" the redhead asked.
"As ready as I can be," Iliana replied with a nod.
Elsie opened the front door and poked her head outside, signaling to the two men that they were coming. With a last look exchanged with each other, Iliana followed behind Vanora as they left the shop. From over Vanora's shoulder, Iliana saw Bors and Tristan waiting outside. Tristan was leaning against a wooden beam holding up an empty stall, while Bors was sitting atop a barrel. At the sight of the two of them, Bors stood up and scooped Vanora in his arms, giving her a passionate kiss that made Iliana giggle.
"My little flower, you are looking as lovely as ever," Bors said as he gazed into Vanora's eyes lovingly, making the redhead giggle before he stole a glance at Iliana.
"And the same goes for you, Ili. That dress highlights your Greek roots. Tristan will have to really keep you close to ensure Lancelot and the other men don't sweep you off their feet."
That statement caused the scout to look up and give his comrade a look, which made the rounded knight laugh in response. He then turned to look at Iliana, and when their eyes locked, she was sure she caught something behind his gaze as he studied her from head to toe. She didn't move as he walked towards her, and her breath hitched in her throat when he leaned in towards her ear.
"You look beautiful."
The way his smoky accent sounded in such a low whisper in combination with the compliment made her heart skip several beats. He then offered his arm to her, and she linked her arm in his. A part of her was nervous at the fact that she was going to be escorted by the intimidating scout of the knights that most stayed away from, but she was also excited, and she let that excitement be the drive to her enjoying herself tonight. Together with Bors and Vanora, the four of them set off for the plaza.
The first thing Iliana took notice of when the plaza was in view was the bright, pretty lights that were set up all over the area. Many people set up many stalls for games and for merchants to sell their goods, and the band set up amongst an opening for couples to dance. There was a lot for her to do tonight, and she wondered if she could enjoy everything this festival offered in just one night.
The sound of her stomach growling interrupted her thoughts, reminding her she had eaten nothing today.
"Are you hungry?" Tristan asked.
"Very," Iliana replied.
"Then let us head to the tavern," Bors announced. "I could use some food and plenty of ale myself."
They headed towards the tavern, where they saw Arthur, Jols and the rest of the men seated at one of the vast tables, and they soon joined them.
"You made it," Arthur called, announcing their arrival and catching the attention of the men.
"Sorry we're late. It took Ili and I a little longer than we expected to get ready," Vanora explained.
"At least we're here," Iliana said with her sweetest smile as she went to greet each of the men with hugs, getting a little extra affection from Gawain and Galahad.
"Ili, you are looking absolutely fetching this evening," Jols commented in awe. "Elsie has outdone herself again."
The men all nodded in agreement as they each took a moment to study her from head to toe. She even twirled twice so that they could see her in full.
"My, are we mere peasants to this gorgeous goddess before us," Lancelot said, giving her his usual leer and wiggling of his eyebrows. "I am so envious that Tristan is your date for the evening."
"As you should be," Iliana said, flashing her sweetest smile that made the other men chuckle in amusement before taking a seat next to Tristan.
They enjoyed dinner that comprised deer, fresh fish, chicken, freshly made bread, and cheese. Iliana had eaten the entirety of her plate, coming to realize how hungry she really was after not eating all day. She listened to the stories the men had to share, a select few of them making her laugh to where she had tears in her eyes. As a result, Bors ensured her cup had enough ale to quench her throat when needed.
About an hour after dinner was served, a dancing troupe set up in the middle of the tavern, and a group of women performed a synced belly dance just as the musicians played. Iliana studied the dance in thorough detail, considering trying out a few moves she had never attempted before. At the very least, she could start practicing after arriving at the coastal village.
When the performance ended, everyone present in the tavern clapped, and the leader of the women stepped forward and took a graceful bow.
"Thank you. Now, we would like a volunteer to dance alongside us for this next performance. Are there any takers?"
"We have one!" Galahad exclaimed as he stood up and smirked at Iliana, causing her to shake her head as her eyes widened and she gripped the seat with both hands when he tried to pull it out from beneath her.
"No! No no no!"
"Come on, Little Sister!" Gawain said as he stood up to give Galahad a hand.
"You've danced in this tavern before, Ili," Dagonet commented, an amused smile forming on his lips at Gawain and Galahad trying to get her up.
"Just for you guys and the children!" Iliana cried. "I've never danced in front of an immense crowd before!"
"All the more reason to get up there!" Lancelot said. "Ili! Ili!"
Except for Tristan, everyone else joined in the clapping and cheering of her nickname. Breathing out a heavy sigh, giving each of the men a look and a shake of her head, Iliana loosened her grip on the stool and stood up. She exchanged a look with Tristan over her shoulder, and she saw the amusement in his eyes. Before she joined the women, she hid her smile that formed on her lips. She shook hands with the leader, and she explained that she and her girls will let her take the lead. She further explained not to fret, for they're quick to catch on.
Nodding, Iliana turned around so that she was facing the crowd, feeling their eyes all focusing on her. She brought her arms up over her head and closed her eyes, and when the music started playing, she imagined Tristan's gaze staring right at her as she swayed her sides and hips. The women soon followed her lead, and she opened her eyes so that they were visible to the crowd.
Tristan watched as she danced, his eyes never leaving her and watching the way she moved. Even in the dress she wore, seeing that it hugged her slender figure, in combination with the belt around her abdomen, highlighted her movements. She moved gracefully, and while the performance was a little different from the dances she usually did for the men and Bors's children, it still showed her sensuality and charm that always drew people in, including him. His heart was pounding, and when their eyes locked, he felt the organ stop beating altogether for a moment.
The surrounding men chuckled upon realization that he was under her spell, but he had tuned them out the second she started dancing. How is it he had fallen under her spell so quickly and easily? She didn't even have to try; even the smallest of gestures she did made his mind reel and his heart race.
She performed a pose in which she raised her arms up over her head and tilted her head back, looking up at the sky. When the song ended, everyone applauded, and she smiled and bowed before making her way back to the men.
"Wow. Even in a dress, you still can pull off belly dancing. Well done, Ili," Arthur said as he raised his cup, to which the men and Vanora mimicked.
"I learned from my younger years growing up in Greece," Iliana explained.
At that moment, one barmaid came around with a fresh cup of ale for her.
"Courtesy of your man," she said with a smile, causing Iliana to look at Tristan in surprise. His expression was unreadable, but she saw it in his eyes, and she chuckled before taking the cup and downing it heartedly in a few gulps.
"Ooh. Gawain, Galahad, look," Lancelot said, gesturing off to Iliana's right. When the young girl looked at what the jovial knight saw, she pressed her lips together at the sight of three wenches that she had seen several times before while she was working.
"Sounds like we got some mingling to do," Gawain announced, nudging Galahad's arm, to which the youngest knight nodded.
"Hey, Ili," Lancelot called, catching her attention. "Don't be too jealous that I won't be gawking at you as much."
Iliana scoffed and shook her head, and she felt Tristan giving him his silent death glare as he smirked at her and went off to join the wenches, with Gawain and Galahad following.
I wonder who these girls Andres have taken under his wing are like, she thought as she watched the wenches offer themselves to them. Maybe once I get to know them, I can play matchmaker and see who pairs well with who. They deserve better, and at the very least, I think highly of them.
"Something on your mind?"
The sound of Tristan's voice snapped her out of her thoughts, and she looked to see him staring right at her through his wild bangs. She willed herself to keep her fantasies at bay, for it wasn't the time to get lost in them.
"It's nothing," she said.
"Dancing won't start until sometime later in the evening. At the very least, we can all check the stalls set up until the time comes," Arthur announced.
Without another word, Tristan stood up from his seat after finishing his ale and gestured to Iliana that they were heading out. She nodded and linked her arm in his, letting him escort her out of the tavern and back to the plaza.
"I beg to wonder if this is the start of something between those two?" Arthur mused. "It's obvious that he has feelings for her."
"He has the chance to tell her tonight," Bors chimed in. "Instead of talking about it, they've avoided it and just dance around it and around each other."
"It's because Ili believes herself to be cursed and thus, doesn't deserve to be loved," Dagonet commented. "She believes herself responsible for the deaths of her parents."
The healers' words shocked the men, except for Vanora.
"On the day she took Gilly out to ride Arion bareback, she had this sad look in her eyes," the redhead said. "I never would have thought it would be such a crippling guilt she brought on herself, especially when she has no reason to be feeling that way."
"If anyone can find their way through the darkness surrounding Ili's heart, it's Tristan," Arthur chimed in. "He understands what she is going through, and not only will he guide her to the light, he won't let her fall. All we can do for now is allow things to play out between them. So, let's allow them to sort it out and enjoy ourselves tonight."
Everyone else nodded in agreement.
Tristan watched as Iliana attempted a game where she had to throw a sandbag and at least land one of them into the makeshift hole out of three attempts. She tested the weight and the feel of her arm as she swung it a few times. Taking a deep breath, she threw it, and she landed it. Although she won, she asked if she could see if she could land the two remaining bags she had, and the host agreed. She repeated testing them and her arm, and following a deep breath with each one, swung her arm to throw. She landed them, and it impressed even the host that she landed all three tries. For winning, she received a red rose that he put in her hair.
The next game to catch her eye required firing a bow. He watched as she tested the string, feeling its elasticity, and then she picked up an arrow, taking her stance. He sensed and saw her hesitancy in her face and body language, and he stepped up, standing right behind her. When she realized how close he was to her, he heard her breath hitch in her throat.
"Lower your elbow just a little."
She lowered it slightly until his hand stopped her movement, and he placed his hand over her left, which was gripping the stick.
"Relax your hand, and your arm will follow suit."
Under his hold and within his proximity, he felt her go lax, and the trembling he saw throughout her arm had subsided. His free hand found her right shoulder, and he stroked the exposed skin, liking how soft it felt beneath his calloused touch.
"Breathe in."
She slowly breathed an intake of air into her lungs, and when she let it out, she relaxed completely.
"Release the arrow."
She sent it flying, and it hit the target dead center. He smiled, taking notice of her surprised reaction from the corner of his eye, and when she turned to look at him, he saw her eyes were glowing with happiness that he had never seen before. Being so close to her, he could kiss her, but he resisted. It took all of his willpower to do so, for her sensuality and charm made it extremely difficult not to close the small gap between them.
The sound of cheering from a few meters away broke the moment, and the two of them looked to see an arena set up for sparring with wooden swords. Bors, Dagonet and Vanora were amongst the crowd, watching as the two opponents shook hands following the conclusion of their match.
"Who's up to spar next?" the host called.
One of the townsfolk turned around when the crowd was trying to decide, and he saw the couple looking at the arena.
"Hey, there's Tristan! He should spar next!"
Bors let out a cry of "Rus!" as the crowd cheered for Tristan to spar. Iliana couldn't help the giggle that left her lips as she turned to the scout in wonder. Exchanging a look with her, Tristan stepped forward in silence and made his way to the arena, which only added to the crowd's cheering as he got a wooden sword in his hand and was ready to fight.
"Who will your opponent be, Tristan?"
He didn't have to think it over, for his eyes fell on Iliana, and he pointed the tip of his sword at her.
"Iliana, daughter of the legendary knight Leoric, I challenge you," he announced.
The crowd gasped in surprise as they turned to stare at the adolescent girl that had an intrigued expression on her face. She took a moment to study Tristan's expression, and seeing that he was serious about challenging her, announced her decision.
"I accept, Tristan, knight of the Hamaxobii tribe."
When she stepped up to the arena, they gave her a wooden sword, and she heard whispers of conversation break out.
"This is going to be the spar of the century."
"Tell me about it. The most feared Sarmatian knight against the daughter of the deadliest Sarmatian warrior known."
"It's a shame I didn't bring any coin. I would have placed my bets on who would win."
From the corner of her eye, Iliana saw Bors, Dagonet and Vanora, and Arthur soon joined with Lancelot, Gawain and Galahad following with the wenches that were ogling at them earlier in the evening. She gave them a small smile as she swung the wooden sword a few times to get a feel of its weight, coming to realize that it wasn't too heavy.
"Oi! Just in time, boys!" Bors hollered at the sight of Arthur, Lancelot, Gawain, and Galahad. "Tristan and Ili are going to spar!"
"I beg to wonder who will win between those two?" Gawain asked.
"I say Tristan," Lancelot replied.
"My bets are on Ili," Galahad said.
"I also say Little Sister," Gawain said.
"I think Ili will win too," Dagonet commented before taking a sip of his ale.
"I'm with Lance on this. I say Tristan will win," Bors said.
"Good thing you all have placed your bets. They're about to begin," Arthur announced.
Tristan pointed the tip of his wooden sword at Iliana, and she did the same thing. When the edges touched, the host announced the beginning of the match, and Tristan swung first, almost catching her off guard as she blocked the strike and countered. Their spar was almost like that of a dance as their swords clashed, and their moves were so graceful that the crowd was watching in awe and intrigue.
Iliana knew she was fighting against a skilled warrior, being reminded of her father. She was also fighting a man from the same tribe as Andres as she dodged an attack with elegance and grace. For her to beat him in this match, she would have to think the same way Andres has while also putting what her father taught her to the test.
As for Tristan, he sensed a warrior in her since they first met, but never had the chance to see it for himself until now. When she blocked an attack and then pushed him back to where he was open to be struck, he barely dodged a blow that would have earned her a point. He had to be quick to reposition himself before she had a clean chance to strike.
Luckily, he did, and he blocked her counterattack at the very last second and pushed her back.
"Blimey. She's evenly matched with him," Bors commented as he held a stunned, silent Vanora in his lap.
"She might give me a run for my money at this rate," Lancelot said, squeezing the waist of the wench on his lap.
"Arthur's been the only one of us to match Tristan in combat," Galahad commented. "None of us have lasted as long as Ili has."
Listening to the comments of his men and watching the match between Tristan and Iliana, Arthur could see why his scout harbored feelings for this beautiful, young, adolescent girl. She complemented him in so many ways and saw right past the facade that he always kept up. In the fifteen years of fighting together, he had never seen Tristan care so deeply for a woman the way he does for Iliana. She found her way into the depths of the darkness surrounding his heart and breathed her light and life into it.
At that realization, Iliana took advantage of the focus he had on her and swung her right foot forward, knocking the scout off balance and causing him to land on his back. She moved quickly, placing her foot on top of his sword, and then pointed the tip of hers at his throat.
"I win," she declared.
Tristan nodded his head, admitting his defeat and surrendering.
I've already surrendered to you, my ray of light.
She handed her wooden sword back to the host, and she offered her hand to him. He looked at her for a moment before he put his hand in hers, and she helped him up to his feet.
"Good match, you two," Dagonet called. "It's the first time we've ever seen Tristan evenly matched, much less beaten in a spar. You gave Lancelot a run for his money, Ili."
Iliana looked in Lancelot's direction, and she giggled at the fact that he lost a good chunk of his coin to Galahad.
"That's what he gets for betting against me."
"Folks! Can I get your attention, please?"
The call of the bandleader caused everyone to turn in his direction.
"Everyone, grab yourselves a partner, because it is time for some slow dancing!"
"My lady."
Iliana turned around at the sound of Gawain's voice, and he offered his hand to her in a bow.
"May I have the honor of getting the first dance?"
"Only if Tristan is okay with it," she replied.
The two turned to the scout, who nodded.
"I claim second!" Galahad announced.
"I'm third," Lancelot called.
"I got the okay from my little flower. I'm fourth!" Bors exclaimed.
"I'll happily be fifth in line," Dagonet announced.
"I'll go after Dagonet," Arthur stated. "Tristan, you'll dance with her last."
Iliana smiled at each of the men before turning to Tristan.
"My father told me to always save the best for last."
With those words, she placed her hand in Gawain's, and he took her out to the floor to dance. Tristan grabbed a seat, leaning back against a wooden post just as the music began playing. His gaze was on Iliana, noting how beautiful she truly looked and how she glowed in the orange hue of the flames that lit the lanterns as she danced with each of his comrades. His heart, which he believed to have died so long ago, was beating loudly in his chest, threatening to burst out of his ribcage, and it was all because of her.
She made him feel something again after all this time, and now that he realized his heart belongs to her, he would not let her go, much less give her up without a fight.
When her dance with Arthur was nearing its end, Tristan stood up and made his way to the floor and towards them. Arthur took notice, and with a bow, passed Iliana's hand to him before taking his leave. The two bowed to each other before he held her right hand up and set his left hand on her waist. The band played the song, Scarborough Fair, which included a female vocalist, and once the music began, it was as if they were the only two people left in the world as he danced in a circle with her. She focused her blue eyes on him, and he saw the familiar longing that he had caught several times before when he observed her.
However, he also saw something else within that longing expression, and when she leaned forward and brushed the tip of her nose against his, he saw the faintest hint of desire reflected in her gaze. He pressed his forehead against hers for a moment and then he spun the two of them in a circle yet again. Her scent radiated off her person, slowly intoxicating him the longer he breathed it in, and when the song ended, he took her by the hand and slipped away from the crowd quickly and quietly.
They came to an empty alleyway that was a short distance away from the crowd and festivities, and when he pressed her against the wall behind her, they simply stared at each other without uttering a word.
"Tristan…"
The call of his name on her lips sounded so utterly sweet, and it was just enough for him to lean towards her, slowly closing the gap between them.
End Notes: Sorry to have to end it on a cliffhanger, but you'll have to wait until next weekend! However, I will treat you guys to three chapters next week as well to make up for the cliffhanger, and then it will be back to the usual two chapters. Check back! The song Iliana sings to the horses is accredited to the song, Memories by the band, Within Temptation.