Author's Notes: I know you all have been eagerly waiting for a new chapter, and here it is! Hope you guys enjoy!
Just as a heads up, this romance is going to be a slow burn. I came to realize this when I wrote this story, and in honesty, I welcomed it for the development of the story and the characters. Two people don't just develop a relationship immediately, and that's how it supposed to be. Without further ado, enjoy the chapter!
Chapter IV
Iliana, six, was running on the grassy plain and towards the sandy shoreline of the beach, proceeding to join a few of the kids her age. She squealed in delight as the pale, white sand hit her bare feet and got stuck between her toes, and in combination with the salty scent of the ocean, it was like she just entered her ideal paradise.
"Ili!"
She turned as one of the little girls by the name of Daphne waved at her from the shoreline, and she waved back with the biggest smile she could muster.
"Come play with us!"
She nodded and ran as fast as her little legs could carry her to the water. Something about the cool water in combination with the damp sand beneath her feet made her feel like she was on top of the world.
The girl called out to her and splashed her with water, snapping her out of her thoughts. With a pout, she crouched down and scooped some water in her little hands, returning the favor by getting it directly in the girl's face. Soon, two other little girls, Iris and Phoebe, joined them, and it turned into a four-way fight between them as they splashed each other and ran amok in the shallow water that occasionally crashed down on the shoreline.
After about twenty minutes, all four of them exhausted their energy, and they sat down on the dry end of the sand. Iliana lay down on her back, staring at the clear, bright blue sky and taking in the sand's feel against her back.
"That was a lot of fun," Iris said with a smile as she attempted to catch her breath.
"And nothing beats catching your breath while enjoying the view of the ocean," Phoebe stated.
"Something on your mind, Ili?" Daphne asked, noting the distant look Iliana had as she gazed out towards the ocean.
"I'm just hoping I'll be beautiful when I grow up. I would love to catch the eye of a man."
"Ili, you're already beautiful. Your Sarmatian and Greek heritage seals the fact that you will blossom into a beautiful woman when you're older," Daphne pointed out.
"Daphne is right, Ili. You have nothing to worry about," Phoebe said.
Iris moved to sit on her knees behind Iliana as she began fixing her hair.
"The boys would have to be mad if they didn't steal at least one look your way."
"Really? You all think so?" Iliana asked, giggling at the thought of a man being utterly speechless at the sight of an older version of her.
"We know so," Daphne replied. "We all share the same dream of being swept off our feet by a man, but if it doesn't come true for you when you're older, then I wonder how truly mad the men are."
"If none of you girls get swept off your feet, I really will question the sanity of the men," Iliana announced.
The four girls all shared a laugh as Iris finished tying Iliana's hair in a ponytail.
They soon heard a galloping horse, and Iliana tilted her head to the side as Daphne, Iris, and Phoebe smiled.
"Looks like your knight in shining armor is here, Ili," Phoebe announced.
"Welcome to the Greek island of Corfu, my lord," Iris greeted.
Tristan galloped up atop Siria with his hawk perched on his left arm, surprising Iliana.
"Take good care of her, my lord," Daphne announced.
She opened her eyes as the larks chirped from outside her window, showing that it was finally morning. She buried her head deeper into her pillow as the sun crept in through the window; the brightness blinding her for just a moment.
A dream. It was just a dream, she thought as she stretched under the cover of the blanket. At that moment, Iliana realized she slept soundly for the first time in quite a while, and she felt refreshed. Unfortunately, the calm feeling didn't last too long, for she found her thoughts turning to the dream she just had as she rolled onto her back, staring at the ceiling.
What did they mean when they said that Tristan was the man I would be with? I only came to the Wall just to fulfill Father's last wish he had for me. I didn't come here looking for love, and I highly doubt that I'll be finding a man soon. My main purpose now is to settle down into my new life here. I don't really want a relationship right now.
She then heard rattling from her window, followed by a familiar cry that filled her ears and snapped her out of her daze. When she sat up, Tristan's hawk greeted her at the sill, surprising her. She flung the blanket off and swung her legs over the edge of the bed, stretching her arms over her head as she stood up. She then smoothed her slip and her hair before approaching the sill, opening the window to let the beautiful bird in.
"Good morning, beautiful," she greeted in awe and with a small smile, to which the hawk flapped her wings and let out another cry in response. She reached for a nearby satchel and pulled out a few dried seeds, holding them in her palm and extending it out. After a beat, the hawk scooped them up in her beak one by one, adding to her smile.
"You are such a beautiful bird," she commented, stroking her chest with two fingers from her free hand. "Tristan has taken good care of you and Siria."
A part of her cringed at the fact that she had yet to learn the hawks' name (if she had one at all), and she hoped she would come to learn it fairly soon.
When the bird finished all the seeds she had in her hand, Iliana gave her a friendly knock under her chin. With another cry, the hawk took off into the bright blue sky. She watched it go and she decided to change to greet her first morning behind the Wall after shutting her window.
She rummaged through her organized trunk, debating on a couple of dresses until she came across a particular outfit that she hadn't worn for a while. It was one of her many belly dancing outfits that she had stashed away. It comprised a royal blue choli top with bell-shaped sleeves and cut short to reveal her slender midriff, and a pair of matching, fusion style dance pants. She also found a simple, black sash belt adorned with gold coins, and after giving it some thought, changed into it after finding a shawl to cover herself. If Vanora's children wanted to see her dance, she dressed properly and was prepared for it.
She had a few other belly dancing outfits in which the tops tied in the back, but she saved those for when the children behaved for a reasonable amount of time. Plus, she wasn't too comfortable in flaunting her figure just yet, since she was still fairly new to town. The children she encountered throughout her journey loved it when she danced for them, and she could only hope Vanora's children and the children at the Wall would love it, too.
After tying the coin sash to her waist, Iliana wrapped the shawl and tied it in the front before she left the room and headed outside. The morning light welcomed her as the sun shined, and she smiled at the sight of Vanora's children in the center of the tavern. The girls were tending to each other's hair, while Gilly played with three of his brothers. He saw her, smiled, and ran over to her.
"Auntie Ili!"
She crouched down so that he could hug her, and she didn't hesitate to pick him up and spin in a circle the same way her father did with her when she was his age. Gilly held on, screaming in delight as she spun, and when she stopped, he pulled away so that he could look at her.
"Well, good morning to you, Gilly," she greeted. "Did you sleep well?"
"Yes, I did. How about you?"
"Aye," she replied.
Bors's loud groan caused them to cut the moment short, and they turned to see him stumbling into the area, one hand atop his bald head as he plopped down at a nearby table.
"Ugh! My pounding head!" he yelled.
"I think Pa had a little too much to drink last night," Gilly said, causing Iliana to giggle.
"Let's go grace him with our presence and see if that helps him feel better."
She set him down on his feet and the two of them made their way over to the rounded knight. He smiled at the sight of them, and Gilly went to sit by him as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders from behind.
"There's my Gilly," he greeted, pressing his nose while patting Iliana's arm with his other hand. "And good morning to you too, Ili."
"Good morning. You look like you've seen better days, Big Boar."
"Ain't my first time getting that drunk, little lassie. You have no reason to fret, but I appreciate the concern."
"Of course. Considering you all watched my back last night, it's the least I can do to return the favor. So, thanks."
"Anytime, little lassie. Anytime."
"Good morning, Ili. I see you slept well."
She looked up as Vanora approached them, holding a baby in her arms that she assumed was the three-month-old the redhead spoke of yesterday.
"Good morning, Vanora. I wish I could say the same for your man here."
She gave Bors a pat on the chest, and he gave a sheepish smile that made Vanora chuckle.
"Well, let me go put that remedy you love so much together, and I'll also get breakfast for Ili and Gilly," she announced. "Ili, would you mind tending to Eleven here while I take care of that?"
"Of course," Iliana replied, pulling away from Bors and holding her arms out. Vanora passed the baby over to her, and once she had him, she left to collect some food. Iliana gazed at the baby as he looked at her curiously, and she leaned forward, bopping his nose with hers.
"I see you being a wonderful mother someday, little lassie," Bors commented as he and Gilly watched her.
"I used to babysit a lot back in Sarmatia, and I learned a lot about what it's like to be a mother," Iliana explained. "Maybe one of these days, but I'm not considering it right now."
"And when you are finally ready, you'll enjoy it."
Vanora's chiming in cut into the moment as she came back with a bowl of stew and two plates that had a chicken leg, cheese and half of a small loaf of bread. She set the bowl down in front of Bors, and she set one plate down in front of Gilly and the other plate next to his before proceeding to take her baby back from Iliana.
"Eat up. You'll need it to make it through the day, dear."
She nodded and sat down next to Gilly and across from Bors, who was attempting to eat the stew. The disgusted face he made at each bite he took was amusing to her, and there was an instance where she had to refrain herself from choking on a bite of chicken as she stifled a laugh.
"That's Ma's remedy for hangovers," Gilly whispered to her. "It's very bitter and bland, but once you finish the bowl, you're feeling better in no time."
She nodded; she knew stews like that fairly well, and one bowl usually cured a hangover fairly quickly.
"So, what's your impression of the knights last night?" Vanora asked, sitting down next to her.
"Really goes to show that there's more beneath the surface of the tales I've heard," Iliana replied. "I never thought they would be so friendly and chivalrous. Definitely a bit too friendly where Lancelot is concerned, though."
"Don't pay any heed to him, little lassie," Bors said after taking another bite of his stew. "He flirts with every pretty girl he sees, including the wenches. You're not the first, and you definitely won't be the last."
"I thought so," Iliana said with a nod. "I understand the behavior of men like him in the past."
"At least you have the smarts to not fall for it, and I mean that as a compliment," Vanora said.
"My father taught me that if the right man wants you, he'll want you for life."
"The wisest words a lady could go by in this life," Vanora said, rocking baby Eleven in her arms while also eyeing what Iliana was wearing. "What is it you're wearing, Ili?"
"I'm wearing one of my belly dancing outfits," she replied, before taking a bite of both bread and cheese.
"You know how to belly dance?" Vanora asked.
"Aye. I learned as a child."
"Would you be willing to show us sometime?" Gilly asked.
"I would love to," Iliana replied with a smile. "First, I would like to go spend some time with my horse. I haven't seen him since I left him with Jols."
"I want to see your horse too! Ma, can I go with Auntie Ili?"
Vanora smiled.
"Of course you can. Show her the way there, okay?"
He nodded and placed his hand in Iliana's before leading her out of the tavern and towards the stables. Hiding in the shadows, Tristan watched the two leave together, noting how Talia circled high above them. With nothing else to do, he followed them, keeping a distance as he watched Iliana.
The stables were in a courtyard north of town, and it was a medium-sized barn that appeared could house about fifty to sixty horses. Gilly pulled her towards the door, and Iliana saw it was open. Despite his small stature, he could open the door all the way.
"Uncle Jols!" Gilly called, his voice echoing throughout the perimeter of the barn, and when the man in question turned around, his eyes lighting up at the sight of them.
"Gilly! Good morning, and good morning to you too, Ili!" he greeted with a friendly smile.
"Good morning, Jols," she greeted back as the two of them approached him. "Good to see you again."
"Likewise," Jols said with a nod.
Iliana smiled and took a moment to study the interior of the barn. She counted forty stalls (twenty on each side), a few rows of benches off in the corner, and a saddle rack in which she saw her saddle hanging with seven others that she knew belonged to the knights.
"Are the horses out in the field?" Gilly asked.
"Aye, and I'm sure you're wanting to see your horse after being away from him all night," Jols replied.
"You read my mind," Iliana replied. "How was he?"
"He was a little restless at first, but he calmed down. He befriended the other horses fairly quickly."
"Oh, good."
"Show her the field, Gilly. I know you want to see the horses."
"Yeah!" Gilly exclaimed, taking Iliana by the hand and leading her through the open gate that led to the field. Iliana followed with Jols trailing behind them, and when she stepped out into the field, the scent of fresh grass and hay greeted her. It was a gorgeous stretch of greenery that was fenced in and provided enough space for the horses to run and stretch freely.
"Where's your horse, Auntie Ili?" Gilly asked. "I want to see him!"
Iliana put her hand over her eyes to shield them from the sun as she scanned the field. It didn't take her long, for she spotted Arion and his massive frame off in the distance with Siria. The two horses nudged each other affectionately, and Siria rubbed the top of her head under Arion's chin. She couldn't help but smile at the sight; she had a feeling that he would harbor affections for the mare, but she didn't realize how deep those affections ran and the fact that Siria reciprocated them. However, it also made her wonder what it could mean for her and the man Siria answered to down the line.
"Is it the white horse with Siria?" Gilly asked.
"That's my horse, aye," she replied.
Since he hadn't noticed her yet, Iliana whistled a simple, soothing tune that carried off into the distance. Arion's ears perked up, and when he looked in her direction, he didn't hesitate to take off running towards her. He sniffed her hair once he was close enough, his hot breath tickling her cheek and making her giggle.
"Hi there, handsome," she greeted him in Greek, causing him to press his face against her brow in response. "Oh. I've missed you too," she cooed, stroking his cheeks tenderly.
She enjoyed his affection for a moment longer before he turned his attention towards Gilly. She turned to look at the boy, and when he nodded, she scooped him up in her arms so that he was at the same level with Arion.
"Gilly, I want you to meet Arion. Arion, this is my new friend, Gilly."
The stallion sniffed the boy in curiosity, and Gilly couldn't help but giggle as his breath tickled him. After taking a moment to sniff him, Arion pressed his face against his brow, and Gilly stroked his face.
"He's beautiful," he said in awe.
"And he likes you. Besides me, he's very fond of children. When I first saw you, I knew he would warm up to you almost instantly."
"I like him too. He's very sweet."
When Siria wanted some affection of her own, she cut her way in and soon cut the moment short. The two of them giggled as she nudged them both, and even Jols found it amusing as they showed the mare some love.
"Hey, hey. I haven't forgotten you, my gorgeous friend," Iliana cooed as she and Gilly stroked her neck. Jols watched the exchange between them before proceeding to pull out two apples from the satchel tied at his hip, handing one to each of them. Iliana fed her apple to Arion, while Gilly fed his apple to Siria.
"Siria really likes you, Auntie Ili," Gilly pointed out. "Usually, she isn't open to new people, but something about you has caught her attention."
Iliana chuckled as she watched the mare chew the apple Gilly gave her, wondering what it was about her she found so appealing.
I'm not as interesting as you think, Siria.
Gilly giggled as Siria snorted; however, Iliana knew why she was snorting, and their interactions caught the attention of Tristan as he observed them from the entryway back into the barn.
"Seems like she's settling in comfortably."
The scout didn't say a word as Dagonet came to join him; the interaction intrigued the healer.
"That great white stallion hers?"
"Aye. She calls him Arion," Tristan replied.
"Arion. Greek for 'brave'. He gives that vibe."
They heard a familiar cry, and Tristan smiled slightly as Talia swooped down to land on his arm. She flapped her wings as she stole a look at Iliana, tilting her head.
"Looks like Siria isn't the only one drawn to her, and I sense there's more to the girl beneath the surface," Dagonet commented with a chuckle. "You wouldn't be curious about her if that wasn't the case."
While Tristan didn't say a word, he didn't have to, for the glint in his brown eyes confirmed the healer's words.
Talia let out a sharp cry at them, and Iliana turned with Gilly in her arms. Her bright blue eyes lit up at the sight of them, and Gilly pointed at the bird. When the two exchanged a look, Iliana set him down and held her left arm out. She whistled a soft tune, and with another flap of her wings, Talia flew from Tristan's arm straight at her. He watched as she pulled some seeds out, and Talia didn't hesitate to gobble them up.
"I think Lancelot was right. You better keep her close or someone else might try to sweep her off her feet, including him."
Once again, the scout was silent, but Dagonet smiled slightly upon seeing the look in his eyes as he studied the blonde girl that was slowly getting to know Talia.
"Hello again, gorgeous," she greeted, giving the bird a friendly knock under her chin. "Didn't I just see you a little while ago?"
"You're making many friends today, Ili," Jols commented as he picked Gilly up off the ground.
"Uncle Tristan calls her Talia," the boy explained.
"Talia. I was hoping to put a name to the face finally," she announced. "Hebrew origin, which means 'gentle dew from heaven'."
"You're very knowledgeable, Ili," Jols commented.
"I possess a thirst for knowledge, and it seems the more I learn, the more I want to know."
Arion cut the conversation short when he let out a whinny, and Iliana turned to look at him. She chuckled at the familiar glint she saw in his eyes, and she couldn't help but smile.
"Do you want to ride around the field, love?"
He let out another whinny, which only widened her smile.
"Am I going to see you ride, Auntie Ili?" Gilly asked in anticipation.
Rather than answer, Iliana smiled at him before turning on her heel to head back towards the stables, passing by Tristan and Dagonet along the way.
"Good morning, gentlemen," she greeted with a nod of her head as Tristan took Talia from her.
"Good morning to you, Ili," Dagonet greeted back. "I see you've had an eventful morning already."
"You could put it that way, aye," she said with a small smile as she grabbed the reins, but not her saddle.
"Is there a reason you're not getting your saddle?" Dagonet asked.
She looked at him with a grin, and after letting out a giggle, returned to Arion with the two knights following behind her.
"Can you do me a simple favor, Gilly? Would you mind holding my shawl?"
He nodded, and she untied the fabric that covered her, handing it to him before tending to Arion. It took her a minute to get him ready, and with a click of her tongue, the stallion lied down. Taking a deep breath, she mounted him, swinging her left leg over his frame, not missing the surprised looks on the faces of the others. Siria and the other horses whinnied, and with a smile and a firm grip on the reins, Iliana kicked her heel into Arion's flank, and he soon took off running with the others watching her.
She then flashed back to the first time she rode Arion bareback as she felt the wind in her hair…
[Sarmatia, land of the Roxolani tribe, 458 AD]
"I'm going to ride Arion bareback?" a nine-year-old Iliana asked, surprised as she glanced at the young stallion she called her horse.
Leoric nodded, crouching down before her and placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"Aye. Andres and I will observe."
The man in his mid-forties that stood next to him nodded.
"It's best that you learn, since the two of you have developed a close bond. He won't let you fall, Ili," he announced.
When Arion whinnied in agreement, Iliana let out the breath she didn't know she had held until now. Considering what Andres just said and sensing Arion's determination, she nodded and turned to face him.
"I trust you wholeheartedly, Arion. It's just that I have never ridden a horse bareback before."
He whinnied again and nudged her with his nose, causing her to smile slightly as she stroked his neck.
"All the more reason to learn now, especially while the both of you are still young," Leoric announced.
Arion laid down, and with another deep breath, Iliana mounted him. Once he was up and she was comfortable, Andres nodded to her.
"He trusts you to ride him bareback, and it takes a great deal of trust for a horse to trust their rider to ride them bareback," he explained. "In addition, there will come a time where you may find yourself when there won't be any time to saddle him up and you've got to take off after your foe.
"You should prepare yourself should a time like that ever come."
Iliana nodded in response.
"Okay. Ride for a bit, and direct him only when you feel you have to," Leoric announced.
With another nod, Iliana kicked her heel into Arion's flank, and with a whinny, the stallion took off.
She felt the anxiety that coursed through her at the time as Arion ran laps around the perimeter of the gate that closed off the field. However, she didn't let it deter her; this was to serve as a reminder that she trusted Arion to have her back should a dire time ever come. If anything were to happen, he would have her back when it was necessary. She could only hope that it wouldn't be soon.
Meanwhile, Tristan was watching the way Arion moved and how she only directed him when need be. Not only did he look majestic, but his agility was also impressive. Add the beauty and grace of Iliana mounted atop him and it completed the picture. The only thing that didn't fit was the sad look behind her eyes, which he was trying to figure out the cause behind.
Their eyes locked when Arion slowed down next to Siria, holding contact until she looked away when Gilly called her name. She smiled at the boy, but once again, Tristan saw it didn't reach her eyes. Unfortunately, he had little time to dwell on it, for a fresh voice interrupted the moment.
"Excuse me, Sir Tristan and Sir Dagonet."
They looked to see a Roman servant standing before them.
"I apologize for interrupting, but Sir Arthur has called a meeting," he announced.
"I wonder how hungover the rest of the men are, considering how much they drank last night," Jols commented.
Both Iliana and Gilly exchanged giggles, causing the others to look at them.
"Bors won't be too happy about that, considering how hungover he looked when Gilly and I left him back at the tavern," Iliana explained.
Dagonet laughed, surprising the young girl.
"Typical man to drink as much to where his head is pounding come morning. Don't worry your pretty head too much, Ili. He'll come out of it in due time."
Iliana nodded.
"I figured as much. Well, I think the both of you better head off to this meeting. Pass my greetings on to Arthur."
"We shall. Enjoy the rest of your day, Ili," Dagonet said before he and Tristan followed the servant out of the stables.
"So, Jols," Iliana began, turning to look at the man. "What can Gilly and I do to help you?"
He looked between the two of them and smiled.
"Well, here's what I can have you do…"
End Notes: The next chapter will be out in a day or so! Check back!