Author's Notes: I'm sure this was an agonizing wait after leaving you all on a cliffhanger last chapter. Well, wait no longer, because here's Chapter Thirteen! Enjoy!

Chapter XIII

Only when Tristan leaned towards her did Iliana realize he was going to kiss her. She was nervous as he closed the small distance between them, but she also felt longing and desire, which was something she had never felt before. She let the longing be her guide, and allowed herself to lean towards him, despite feeling her entire body tremble. When their noses barely touched, she closed her eyes and pressed her lips to his. It was a slow, passionate, first kiss, the likes of which she never experienced before, and her heart was pounding so hard she was sure it was going to burst from her ribcage at any second.

As she slowly became intoxicated by his familiar scent of pine, wood and earth, Iliana finally realized what she had been denying thanks to fear of the unknown. She had fallen in love with this silent, observant scout that saw right through her facade and read her like an open book.

When they pulled away, they stared into each other's eyes, her bright blue gaze boring into the pair of brown eyes she had grown to love looking into. Iliana felt her cheeks burn up like a raging fire, and she wondered if his sharp gaze could see the blush that was probably adorning her face, despite the darkness of the evening. Feeling awkward, she tried to pull herself away, only to be stopped when Tristan grabbed her face with both hands and kissed her again.

She felt her breath escape, her knees threatening to buckle beneath her as a gasp tore from her lips. One hand reached up to grasp his coat, while the other found its way to the back of his head, her fingers tangling in his wild hair, which she had wanted to do for quite some time. Tristan pressed her back against the wall as he deepened the kiss, wanting to savor the sweet taste of her mouth while it was anything but a dream. She kneaded her fingers into the back of his head, tangling in the strands of his hair and further messing it up as he swallowed the many gasps that emitted from her throat.

She had to tear her lips away from his begrudgingly when she so desperately needed air, heaving a huge intake of it once her lips were free. However, she didn't pry herself away from him, keeping a hold on his shirt while her other hand continued to knead his head. He pressed his forehead against hers, looking directly into her eyes, and she saw the desire she was feeling reflecting right back at her as his palms moved down to her neck.

"You haunt my every thought, Ili. When I'm not on a mission, all I have been able to think about is you," he announced, feeling his breath hitch thanks to the awkwardness of it all. "I am not a man of many words, as you already know. All I will say is that you're the only woman I will ever want."

The word, "speechless" didn't even come close to the shock that coursed through Iliana's veins at his confession of his feelings for her. She waited for it to wear off before she spoke, not wanting her voice to falter during this moment.

"I harbor feelings for you, Tristan. I just wasn't sure of how you felt about me, and with the uncertainty of what the future had for us, I simply denied it, not realizing that my feelings for you were only growing stronger with time."

She took a deep breath before continuing.

"I also feel like I've been a burden to you all this time, considering you've spent a good chunk of it following me around town."

Her resolve shattered at that very moment, and she began to cry. While this night couldn't get any better for her, the knowledge that she was going to be leaving the Wall and him come morning was a lot for her to take in all at once. However, she wanted to see Andres, tell him everything that transpired, and have a clear mindset of it all when she returned.

Tristan held her face with both hands once again, and when he leaned towards her, Iliana closed her eyes as she felt his lips kiss her tears away from her cheeks. It was a bittersweet feeling, but she willed the bitter part of it away. She wanted to savor the tenderness of this moment while the opportunity was right in front of her, for she didn't know for sure when she will feel it again when she leaves.

It startled her when he wrapped his strong, broad arms around her and pulled her into a hug, her chest colliding with his hardened physique, hiding underneath his shirt. She let out a breathy sigh at the feel of his warm, chapped lips and the scratch of his beard against her skin, causing him to growl against the base of her throat. She imagined feeling his lips ravaging every part of her delicate body as she removed her dress and bared it all for him. This only added to the heat raging her cheeks, but it also calmed her down and help her regain her composure. At the very least, she could live in and find comfort in the fantasy until they saw each other again.

"Tristan?"

Dagonet's call from off in the distance had broken the moment, bringing the two of them back to reality. Iliana felt Tristan sigh against her throat, an indicator that he did not want to pull away from her, and she breathed out a sigh of her own. Giving him a gentle pat on his shoulder, she pulled away from him and gave him a brief, gentle kiss on the lips. With a last look, she took him by the hand and led him back towards the crowd. She spotted Dagonet right away, who was looking around for any sign of Tristan.

"Over here, Dagonet!"

The healer looked towards her call, and his eyes lit up at the sight of them together and holding hands as he approached them.

"I sincerely apologize for interrupting, but it seems another mission has come for us and Arthur has requested a meeting," he announced. "Come to the conference room as soon as you can."

With that, he turned and made his leave, and Iliana felt Tristan breathe out a heavy sigh into her hair. She gave his hand a gentle squeeze as she looked over her shoulder at him.

"Seems like you're going to be calling it an early night tonight," she stated. "Would you be so kind as to escort me back to my room?"

"Nay," Tristan replied with a shake of his head, causing her to tilt her head and give him a look of confusion.

"I would much rather you spend another night with me in my quarters. Will you?"

Her eyes lit up at the offer, and she nodded her head.

"Escort me back to my room and I'll get a slip to change into."

Iliana got lost in the music's sound that was playing in the plaza as she sat on Tristan's bed with her knees close to her chest. As she waited for him to return from the meeting, she wondered how long he and the men were going to be gone on this new mission assigned to them. Depending on what it was and where they were going, she knew they could be gone for as long as a few weeks from the stories Vanora had told her.

However, the time didn't truly matter. Knowing Andres and what he probably had in mind, the men were going to find out about her leaving the Wall and trekking on her own with no one accompanying her other than her sword, bow and Arion.

She pictured every one of their expressions: Arthur's fatherly concern plastered on his face, Lancelot chastising her in his flirtatious manner, Bors calling her an idiot in his way of expressing his care, Dagonet showing his concern via his silence, Gawain and Galahad giving her their bear hugs, and Tristan wrapping his arms around her and kissing her lips hungrily in a mix of worry and anger. She was going to have to explain herself eventually, but she hoped that when Andres finally reached out to Arthur, it would ease some of the concern that she knew would come to the men.

She imagined Tristan holding her chin up as he pulled her towards him by the wrist and kissed her so passionately that he was afraid she would disappear. She gripped the sleeve of his coat and tangled her other hand in his hair, while he anchored his hand at her waist, keeping her close to him. It was so clear and vivid in her mind, but considering how private Tristan usually was, it was probably only going to happen in her wildest dreams. At the very least, it was another thought to get her through her time away from the Wall.

She then remembered Vanora, Gilly and the rest of the children, and she felt a pang of pain tug at her heartstrings at not seeing them for a while. She was going to leave a note for Vanora explaining what she needed to do, hope for the best, and worry about the men when the time came.

The sound of the door opening snapped her out of her thoughts, and she turned to see that Tristan had finally returned. After staring at her for a moment, he closed the door behind him and prepared to sleep. He sat down in the nearby chair and removed his boots and his coat, draping it over the chair. He then stood up and reached behind him to pull his shirt up over his head, and Iliana felt the pace of her heart pick up at the sight of his toned, fit physique. While the feeling was like when she patched his wound, it was different because he wasn't in a weakened, vulnerable state.

She noticed that the wound she tended to had finally scarred over the past few days, and it was another one added to the collection of the many scars he gained over his servitude.

They locked eyes as he walked towards the bed, and she pulled the sheet back so that he could lie down next to her. Iliana felt her cheeks grow warm as she took a moment to study his physique properly up close. The thought of running her fingertips over the marred skin of every scar made her heart pound even harder, and she rested her hands under her head to refrain herself from touching him. With this still being new to the both of them, she didn't want to be so hasty and jump into something right away, especially if he wasn't ready yet.

"So, what is this new mission all about?" she asked, wanting to break the silence and the awkwardness between them.

"We have to escort a noble Roman to a port on the northern shore," Tristan replied. "Based on how far north we have to go, it could take about as long as a week before we get back."

Iliana nodded, averting her gaze downwards as she bit her bottom lip.

"What is it, Ili, and don't tell me it's nothing. I can see it in your eyes and how tense you are at the moment."

Breathing out a small sigh, Iliana looked up, meeting his eyes. She saw a loving look behind his gaze, and she felt herself relax.

"I am worried that you and the men have to travel north, especially considering what happened the last time you guys tangled with the Woads," she explained, allowing herself to reach out to touch the wound she patched up, the tip of her index finger tracing the scar. She heard him hum as she touched him, the sound ringing through her ears to her internal delight.

"We will be careful on the road, and we will come back safely," Tristan announced. "The Woads won't catch me off guard again."

He wrapped an arm around her and pulled her close to him, her body pressing against his. The hand that stroked his scar moved to brush his bangs out of his face so that she could see his eyes better. After a moment of staring, he leaned forward to kiss her. Iliana sighed against his mouth as her hand caressed his cheek, his beard tickling her palm as it moved to tangle in his hair. He securely wrapped his arm around her back, his palm resting at her waist and keeping her close to him.

As she got lost in a world where it was just the two of them, Iliana couldn't help but wonder what it was all going to mean for her down the line in the future. He was still in this servitude to Rome for who knew how much longer, and she knew that anything could happen in that remaining period. However, one thing was for sure: his feelings for her were real, and she felt the same way about him. The doubt that had been lingering in the back of her mind since tending to his wounds had dissipated, and she had no regrets about everything that had transpired tonight.

At the very least, when she left the Wall in the morning, she would be content.

She touched his lips with her fingertips to pull herself away, pressing her forehead against his.

"Can I ask something of you?"

"What is it?" Tristan asked, reaching up to stroke her hair.

"Kiss me to sleep. I want a reminder of how real this is when the morning comes."

He wasted no time capturing her lips yet again, holding her close as the two of them got lost in the taste of each other.

It was late into the night, and Tristan was still up after kissing Iliana to sleep as she asked. Stealing her breath for probably the umpteenth time tonight, she had finally fallen asleep in the comfort of his arms. Her scent flooded his nostrils as he took a whiff from her hair, running his fingers through the strands that were fanned out upon her shoulder blades. Under the moonlight, her ivory skin and sleeping expression glowed, and if he could, he would just stare at her for all eternity and never look away.

Gazing lovingly at the sleeping girl he held, Tristan wished that their upcoming escort mission never came, much less the sun even come up from the horizon. After being trapped in the turmoil of darkness and agony for so long and when he least expected it, Iliana came along and shined through those dark clouds. He had always been protecting her from the cover of the darkness, believing he was better off loving her from a reasonable distance. However, Gregor's attempt to assault her that night changed everything. He realized he couldn't keep his distance any longer, nor could he keep quiet about how he truly felt about her. Gregor tried to take her away from him, and he fought not just to protect her, but to ensure she didn't slip away from him. Had it not been for the men making him see reason, Gregor would have been dead where he stood.

However, he was grateful that he didn't kill him, for the punishment he received after being locked up was much worse than death.

He felt her rub her cheek against his bare chest, and the sound of her breathy moan, which resembled his name in her sleep, startled him out of his thoughts. He wondered if she was dreaming of him, and what that dream comprised.

He took a moment to gaze at her figure, which her slip highlighted, and flashed back to when he caught her half-naked in the spring that day. Even with the cloth covering her, he mapped out the outline of her body (thanks to memorizing it from her belly dancing performance), and having touched her skin a few times before this moment, he imagined the rest of her being soft underneath the touch of his calloused fingertips.

His thoughts turned to parting the fabric of her slip from her body, his hands mapping out her exposed skin to memory before ultimately replacing them with his lips. He imagined her squirming and writhing beneath him in pleasure and hearing her moan the same way she did in her sleep, and he gripped the hem of the sheet with his free hand to keep himself in check. As much as he wanted her, he would not pressure her into something she wasn't ready for. He had been patient with her and with himself, and he would continue to be patient until she was ready.

His eyelids felt heavy, and he knew he needed to get some sleep and be fresh to scout come morning. With a last look at Iliana, he placed a gentle kiss on the top of her head before letting himself drift off to sleep.

Morning came too soon for Tristan, the early rays of the morning sun waking him up from a deep sleep that he hadn't been in for a long time. During the late hours of the night, Iliana had rolled off of his chest and onto her side with her back to him, using his arm that was stretched out as a pillow besides the fluffy fabric. He stroked her hair, the exposed part of her neck and her shoulder for a moment before having to pry himself from her. He moved his arm slowly, taking care not to stir her from her slumber, and he used his free hand to rest her head gently atop the pillow. Thankfully, she didn't stir, and he stared at her for a little longer as he propped his elbow on the pillow.

Oh, how he could stare at her sleeping this whole time, but unfortunately, he had to get dressed and prepare for this escort mission. He wanted to wake her and let her know he was leaving, but she also looked so peaceful that he didn't want to ruin the serene moment in front of him. Besides, Iliana already knew about the mission and that he would leave first thing in the morning. It was best to let her sleep and enjoy the sight, since it would be awhile before he could gaze upon her again.

He was careful to get out of bed so that she didn't stir, and he prepared himself for the journey. Once he had strapped his sword, bow, and quiver to his shoulder, he pulled out a piece of parchment and used a quill to write her a note for her to read. He then placed an apple next to the parchment, and he placed a kiss on the top of her head, resting his brow against her shoulder before taking his leave. Before shutting the door, he allowed one last look at her, wanting to return to her safely and soon so that he could hold her again.

Tristan nodded to the men in greeting as he arrived at the stables and prepared Siria. As he attempted to buckle his saddle, she whinnied and stamped her foot in protest, shaking her head. As he stroked her neck to calm her, Arion leaned over from his stall and nudged her cheek, letting out a small snort, hoping it would comfort her. The mare whinnied again in response, nudging Arion a few times, causing the scout to look at the great white stallion. The two stared at each other as he stroked his neck.

"Is there something you know that I don't?"

The stallion didn't react, much less even make a sound. He simply stared into Tristan's eyes. However, he was almost certain that he glimpsed sadness in Arion's eyes, and for a moment, he saw Iliana's sad expression, and it made his heart sink into the pits of his stomach.

"Is something the matter, Tristan?"

Dagonet's voice broke the moment, and he looked to see him and the rest of the men looking at him in concern.

"Something's off. I can feel it, and it has something to do with Ili," he replied. "Unfortunately, there's nothing I can do about it until we return."

"Now that you mention it, the horses have been restless, including Siria," Gawain commented. "She said nothing to you?"

"Nay," Tristan replied with a shake of his head.

"Let's hope this feeling is just coincidence and nothing more," Arthur announced. "The sooner we leave, the sooner we return. This mission can take about up to a week, but if the odds are in our favor and the Woads don't ambush us, we may return sooner.

"Tristan, I know you are worried about Ili, but I need you to focus. Ride ahead and make sure the road is clear once Siria is ready."

He nodded, cooing his mare before buckling her saddle. If anything, he hoped Arthur was right, and the sooner they fulfilled this mission, the sooner he would return to Iliana and find out what she's hiding from him.

The sound of horses galloping off into the far distance woke Iliana from her slumber. She blinked a few times to clear her blurred vision, and the empty side of Tristan's bed greeted her. As she breathed in his faint scent, she felt the emptiness crashing down on her like a tidal wave. Yet, she could still feel the warmth of his arms wrapped around her, and her lips still tingled from the kisses they exchanged the previous night.

She sat up and stretched her arms up over her head, feeling her bones crack slightly from the tension. After rotating her shoulders, she took notice of an apple next to a piece of parchment on the nearby table. Swinging her legs over the edge of the bed, Iliana stood up and made her way to the table. Swiping the apple, she saw that the parchment had a note embedded in ink, and she inspected it up close.

I wanted to wake you so that I could bid you goodbye, but you looked so peaceful in your sleep that I just couldn't do it. By the time you read this, I'll have already left with the men to go north, but I hope to see you once we get back.

I want you to know that you are my ray of light, and if I'm ever in the darkness, your light is there to shine and guide me through it. I love you, Iliana, and I will see you soon.

-Tristan

His words touched the depths of her heart, and a lone tear escaped the corner of her eye as she took a hearty bite of the apple. She hardly expected him to be so poetic, but then again, she knew there was more to the man beneath his silent, stoic nature. If she was the only one to whom he reserved this side of himself, then she would happily keep it a secret.

She took the time to eat the apple he left her in full, throwing the core away in the nearby basin. She then changed back into the dress she wore for the festival and made her way back to her quarters. The first thing she saw was her new set of riding clothes, and with a look at her packed traveling bag and weapons, reminded her of what she needed to do.

While she knew the men would not approve of her taking this trip on her own, Iliana had a promise to keep. She made this promise to the man that was her tutor, her father's comrade and friend, and considering she hadn't seen him since she left Sarmatia, this was the best opportunity for the two of them to catch up on their respective journeys.

If the men ended up journeying her way, they would have the chance to see the beach and the type of village she was born and raised in. She wished that Gilly and the kids could see the beach as well, but she hoped to take them someday when Rome finally left Britain for good.

Having spent enough time lost in the depths of her thoughts, Iliana changed into the new set of riding clothes she got from Elsie. They fit her figure perfectly, and with her lace-up boots, she looked like a rider ready to travel across the land. She allowed herself a look in the mirror, seeing both her Sarmatian and Greek heritages reflected at her. She hoped that her Sarmatian blood would officially awaken with the time she would spend with Andres. Throwing her travel bag over her shoulder, Iliana left a note for Vanora on the table that was off to the side and was on her way towards the stables.

Thanks to the bustling and entertainment of the festival, most of the townsfolk passed out from dancing, drinking, or a combination of both. She hoped Jols wouldn't be present once she got to the stables, and to her surprise and relief, he wasn't. Letting out the breath she held, Iliana approached Arion's stall and gave him a fresh apple and with a stroke along his neck.

"Hope you're ready, love. We will ride south of the Wall to meet up with Andres."

His whinnying in approval at this news caused her to smile, and she saddled him up. Once she finished, she allowed herself one last look at the empty stalls that housed Siria and the rest of the horses. She didn't know how long it would be before she sang for them again, but she swore she would the second they reunited.

Clicking her tongue, Arion lied down, and Iliana mounted him. Once he was up, she kicked into his flank and he was on his way. Luckily, the southern gate was open, which she assumed was for the Roman soldiers patrolling first thing in the morning, and to add to her luck, there were no soldiers patrolling atop the Wall to ask her questions. Once she crossed through the gate, she allowed herself a reasonable distance from the Wall before halting Arion and looking over her shoulder at the place she called home for the past month and a half.

Her eyes widened slightly when she saw Talia flying in a circle, and she heard her crying out in her direction. She breathed out a small sigh, and when Arion snorted, she patted his neck in response.

To everyone at the Wall, I bid you farewell on this day. I don't know how long I will be gone, but never fear. I will return, and I will see you all again.

Her resolve set, Iliana faced forward, and with a sharp kick into Arion's flank, the stallion took off at a majestic gallop.

End Notes: The first kiss! Plus, they finally admit how they feel! Of course, leave it to a mission on both their ends to get in the way! Check back tomorrow for the next chapter!