WOMAN KING // SWORD IN HAND (galahad)

[Abelena]

I heard an old voice say
"Don't go far from the land
The seasons have their way
No mortal can understand"

The young woman bowed her head as the inn's guests clapped and hollered her name, bring a soft smile to her face. She stepped away from the center of the room, where she had been singing, and headed back to the kitchen, ignoring the calls that begged her for another song. She let out a gentle sigh as she made her way to the cook, who laughed at her tired expression. "I should give ya a stick to beat them men off of ya!" the older man chuckled, passing a loaf of warm bread over to Lena and patting her shoulder. "But here's some bread instead!" he chuckled once more, clutching his large belly with both hands. Lena rolled her eyes and gave the cook a playful smirk, before grabbing a pint of ale and heading back into the inn.

It was a night like most others. The same scenery, the same kinds of people, the same worries. Although the people changed quite often, it was very rare when someone really caught Lena's eye. They were all burly, drunk men to her; though she couldn't deny the fact that they were usually pretty entertaining. She had gotten used to their manners by now, so very little shocked the woman these days. A calm woman, she simple shook off the whistles and the occasional inappropriate grasps; though most men knew better than to touch the Woad without approval.

Passing through the inn, Lena made sure all of her guests were happy and comfortable. It was her job after all, and though it was simple, she was happy for the change of pace. Living amongst the Woads had been a completely different life, so stepping into a new kind of daily pace was thrilling, even if it was simple. So, she went along her business, greeting everyone politely and sharing a few laughs with familiar customers, enjoying her new simple life.

CLOTHING:

[/color] this!
NOTES:[/color] i hope this is okay!
CREDIT:[/color] TILLY of caution 2.0.[/font][/left][/size]

[Galahad]

It had been a long day, too long for Galahad’s liking. He had been woken before dawn by a group of rowdy Roman soldiers marching past the wooden door to his small room. He had tossed and turned but sleep evaded him and he had decided to get up. The moment his feet touched the cold stone floor he knew he was in for a bad day.

By afternoon he was exhausted and only a fraction of his duties had been tended to. Peace was a funny thing. Galahad had thought that with peace would come a time to rest, to mourn those lost in the past and to gather ones thoughts – yet this peace, the peace at the fort seemed nothing of the sort. People bustled everywhere, Roman’s, civilians, woads. The last always caught the Knight’s attention. Woads, blue skinned men and women whom he had spent the early years of his service fighting against, men and woman that were now his comrades, even friends. Peace certainly was a funny thing.

It was evening by the time Galahad had finally finished his chores and seen to his responsibilities – why the digging of a new latrine was his responsibility he did not want to know! But what he could and would say was that he was dirty, sweaty and before he went to bath he desperately needed a drink or two… maybe three if he had enough coin!

Entering the tavern Galahad could only smile. It was a night just as any other, a mixture of voices flooding the air, the strong smell of ale instantly hitting his nostrils. Now if only he could find a barmaid to order a drink he would be a content man.

[Abelena]

The hours seemed to have slowed down at this point in the night, leaving Lena bored and a bit antsy. She found herself making more rounds around the inn than she normally would have, just to have something to do. Even though it wasn't particularly a fast night, Lena had plenty of customers that could keep her occupied. Too bad most of them were already drunk.

Grabbing another pint of ale, Lena stepped closer to the front of the inn, her eyes scanning the room for anyone without a drink. A smile crept to her face as a familiar face came into view, one that she had not seen in many days. Swiftly making her way over to the figure, she placed a hand on his arm and boldly lifted it closer to her face so she could examine it. Holding back a laugh, Lena inspected the man's arm, before turning him completely around to face her.

"Care for a drink?" she laughed, glad to see Galahad the knight back in the inn. She hadn't seen him in a long while, and hadn't had a decent conversation with the man since she tended to his wounds after the battle. He had been so kind, even though he was in a bit of pain. "Good to see you again, Sir Galahad," she grinned, filling a cup of the inn's brew and passing it over to the knight.

CLOTHING:

[/color] this!
NOTES:[/color] i hope this is okay!
CREDIT:[/color] TILLY of caution 2.0.[/font][/left][/size]

[Galahad]

There was a seat towards the back of the inn that had caught Galahad’s eye and the Knight was heading in that direction when he suddenly felt a warm hand touch his bare arm. At the touch his instincts kicked in and he flinched, his head snapping around, dark brown curls bouncing upon his forehead. But instead of caution a smile quickly spread over Galahad’s lips. Lena.

Blue eyes watched silently for a few moments as the beautiful woman inspected his arm and as she did so his mind was cast back to their first meeting. During the battle, the battle that had changed everything, Galahad had badly hurt his arm. He had been on the wrong side of a Saxon blow and the pain had shot up right through his elbow and into his shoulder. It was Lena whom had attended to his injury, her soft hands moving about his blood stained skin, washing, cleaning, wrapping. She had been strong and yet reserved, just the calming force Galahad had needed after the horrors of battle.

“I told you not to call me Sir! Galahad is fine” the brunette said with a laugh – he still could not get used to such a title. He was Galahad, simple as that, nothing more, nothing less. Taking the drink with a nod he looked down at his arm and then back at Lena, “does it pass your test?” He asked, not mentioning that his shoulder was still giving him some trouble.

[Abelena]

Lena found herself smiling gently at the man as he flinched at her touch. She was half surprised that he didn't pull back from her immediately from her touch, not that that would have stopped her anyway. She nodded to herself as she checked the arm over, noticing how healed his skin had become. She was glad to see that he was in fine shape for he had been one of the many injured that Lena worried about.

Chuckling at his comment, Lena rolled her eyes and folded her arms across her chest. "Still not used to that lavish title, hmm?" she joked, leaning against the seat that Galahad sat in. She knew he wasn't the type to brag about his title, let alone indulge in it, it was what made him charming. How this lad wasn't beating girls away with sticks was beyond Lena. "You can't tell me that you don't enjoy being a knight, do you...sir?" she laughed, her voice sweet yet mocking.

Taking another look at his arm, she smiled and nodded her head. "Ahh yes, it seems you've healed quite fast." she said, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. She knew it had bothered him because of the wound at the time, so she worried whether or not it was still a problem for him. "How's that shoulder, though? Still giving you any problems?" she asked, her head tilting slightly as she glanced at him. She was such a motherly woman, sometimes it made it seem her so much older than she really was.

CLOTHING:

[/color] this!
NOTES:[/color] i hope this is okay!
CREDIT:[/color] TILLY of caution 2.0.[/font][/left][/size]

[Galahad]

Settling himself down in the chair Galahad looked up at Lena, a cheeky smile crossing his lips as she spoke. The title of Sir had come quite surprisingly to him and it was not something that he was used to. Before the battle he had been a slave to Rome, treated as nothing more than a dog to be kicked and ill treated, dragged out when needed to fight Rome’s battles. Now, now Arthur was King, his King and he a Knight and given the title of Sir. None of it made much sense to Galahad and the title Sir seemed so strange to his ears.

Enjoy being a Knight? Now Galahad did let his feelings show and he snorted loudly, shaking his head sending his dark curls bouncing once more. There were advantages to being a Knight and then there were disadvantages. As per today, being put in charge of overseeing the digging of a new latrine – there was nothing lavish or grand about that!

His thoughts were broken however when Lena placed her gentle hand upon his shoulder. Immediately the brunette flinched but instead of shock clear signs of pain washed over his face. Deep blue eyes looked up at the woman standing beside him and he nodded slightly at her words. It should have been strange sitting here with Lena, she was of woad blood and he Sarmatian. They were sworn enemies for years and yet now, sitting here, Galahad knew there was no possible way he could look at this woman with hatred. She had helped him in a time of need and she was standing here again willing to help him.

“The pain is still there” Galahad confirmed, looking up at Lena. “I can’t seem to shake it and it’s worse in the evenings after I’ve been using my arm.”

[Abelena]

It was a funny site to see the two talking to one another. A Woad and a Sarmatian, together as friends. In normal situations, she would be sending arrows his way, or slashing at him with her ax. But no, here she was, being kind and taking care of and becoming friends with the enemies. And as much as she didn't always want to, she actually liked it.

Lena had been raised in a waring society, she knew how to fight, and better yet, how to kill. She had been raised to protect her people, no matter the cost. But the battle at Badon Hill had changed everything, and it left the young woman in a bit of confusion. There were times when she would forget where she was and who she was now allies with, and then there were times when she wondered if she was doing the right thing at all. Her father had allowed her to stay here, but did he know that she was becoming friends with these people? Would he approve? Questions such as these plagued Lena constantly, leaving her frustrated and confused.

Glancing at Galahad, Lena sighed and shook her head. "Well, that's no good." She thought for a moment, wondering what remedies she could think up for the pain. "There is a special kind of plant you should chew before going to sleep, it should dim the pain, I'll see if I can find you any. But for now, try stretching it, here, like this..." she said, before gently taking his arm and pulling it toward her slowly. It would most likely hurt him, but if he stretched his arm in this particular way, then the muscles should be able to heal. "If this hurts, then that means it's working." she smiled, ignoring the sidewards glances she and Galahad were receiving. She frankly didn't care what others thought, as long as she could help this poor fellow out, then she would be happy.

CLOTHING:

[/color] this!
NOTES:[/color] i hope this is okay!
CREDIT:[/color] TILLY of caution 2.0.[/font][/left][/size]

[Galahad]

Galahad willingly let Lena take hold of his arm, unaware of the pain she was about to inflict upon him. He was not sure he liked the idea about chewing a plant that would take away the pain, it sounded too much like woad medicine to him. But then he had to snort at that thought, Lena was a woad and instead of trying to kill him she was actually trying to help him. Well, at least he thought!

“Oh Gods!” Galahad grunted loudly as Lena began to pull on his arm. For a moment there was just stiffness then a twang of pain shot up through his shoulder, as though the muscles around his bones were moving. His face winced in pain, lips pressed tightly together as he tried to hold another groan in. Unfortunately it did not work and the noise escaped past his lips. “Enough… Enough…” he grunted, raising his right hand to try and push Lena’s hands away from his arm. He hated appearing weak, absolutely hated it, but the pain in his shoulder after a heavy day’s labour was simply too much and he was in no mood to take anymore. Maybe after a few stiff drinks his shoulder would be more complying to Lena’s torture… uh… medical assistance!

[Abelena]

Lena let out a laugh as the knight flinched and grumbled under her stretch. She shook her head and continued to stretch his arm, even as he tried to push her away, ignoring him and gently pulling the arm toward her. He would thank her later for this, even if he didn't appreciate it now. "Oh hush!" she laughed, finally releasing his arm and playfully punching the other. "You didn't whine this much after the battle, Galahad! Don't worry, you'll thank me for this later, dear." she joked. Sure, it was definitely a Woad method of healing that she was using, but she herself had used it when she had been wounded in her first fight. She had been in a scrimmage alongside her father, and had taken a blow to her left arm. She had cleaned up the wound and had stretched it every day, and now her arm was perfectly fine. Sure, it took a few months, but heal it did.

With a heavy sigh, Lena gazed to her left and noticed a man waving his cup her way. She held up a finger to Galahad and grabbed her jug of ale, stepping over to the fellow and filling his cup. "Let me know if ye be needing anything else, alright dear?" she said to the man, before smiling and heading back over to Galahad. Leaning up against his seat, she folded her arms across her chest and tilted her head his way. "So princess, what brings you to this fine inn at this fine hour?" she joked, a wide grin gracing her face.

CLOTHING:

[/color] this!
NOTES:[/color] i hope this is okay!
CREDIT:[/color] TILLY of caution 2.0.[/font][/left][/size]

[Galahad]

So apparently the beautiful woad did not understand the meaning of enough! Galahad grunted loudly again as another twang of pain shut up through his shoulder but then suddenly gave way to a slight sense of numbness, the pain calming somewhat. Alright, perhaps she was right, but damn it had hurt!

“I didn’t whine because I was so high from the battle! I barely remember what I said or did after the battle!” He protested, finally managing to pull his arm away once it was released from Lena’s firm grip. Instinctively he rolled his shoulder several times, wincing slightly as he looked down at his arm. He hated to admit it but the pain was actually less than when he had walked into the tavern. Maybe there was something behind Lena’s method.

Galahad just nodded as Lena moved away for a moment. He reached out and grabbed his cup of ale, bringing it to his lips and taking a long drink. It was the perfect thing after such a draining day! And maybe if he was lucky Lena would forget that he hadn’t paid and he’d get a free drink!

“Princess?!” Galahad snorted loudly but there was a grin curling the corners of his lips, clearly amused at Lena’s joke. “First Sir and now Princess?” He looked down towards his groin and playfully shifted his hips on the seat before looking back up at Lena. “Don’t think I have the right anatomy to be a Princess!” He laughed and shook his head.

[Abelena]

A grin swept over her face as she gazed at Galahad. She watched him as he rolled his shoulder back and forth, pretty sure that her work had been done. She had a feeling that he wouldn't admit it, but that was alright, he would eventually. She laughed as he spoke again, rolling her eyes at him and absent mindedly toying with one of her dark curls. She smirked as he explained himself, shaking he head a bit at the man. He was proud like any other gent, but Lena had found that he never took it too far. Most men were so proud that they hated to even allow Lena to help them...though it didn't help that she was of Woad blood.

"You wept like a new born child and begged for your mother!" Lena exclaimed, her face serious. She held her composure for a moment, but couldn't help but eventually let out a laugh. Of course she was merely joking; Galahad had been one of the easiest men to deal with after the battle.

"With whining like that, you could have fooled me!" Lena grinned, glad that the knight was able to take a good joke. He, unlike many of the men that Lena knew, had a sense of humor that allowed himself to be teased and to tease back, without getting angry. Most men would yell at her and tell her to piss off, but not this knight. Gazing down at his shifting hips, Lena laughed and placed a hand on her hip. "Some woman you make." she chuckled, sticking a tongue out playfully.

CLOTHING:

[/color] this!
NOTES:[/color] i hope this is okay!
CREDIT:[/color] TILLY of caution 2.0.[/font][/left][/size]

[Galahad]

The way Lena spoke, with an absolute look of seriousness sweeping over her delicate features, for a moment Galahad was convinced that the woman’s words were true. He knew his memory of the next day or so after the battle was flimsy, but had he really wept like a child begging for his mother?! Blue eyes grew wide as a lump began to form in the Knight’s throat, he had cried like a new born?! But then Lena’s resolve broke and as she burst out laughing Galahad realised she had just been joking with him. He exhaled loudly, releasing a breath of panic he did not know he had been holding. “NOT funny!” Galahad grunted, a scowl appearing over his face, but the corner of his lips twitched upwards at the hint of a smile.

“I would make a great woman!” Galahad protested loudly in defence, his natural reaction when being challenged or told he could not do something. But as soon as the words left his mouth he realised what he had blurted out and immediately rolled his eyes. “Alright… so I am no woman, but I can admire them can I not?!” He asked teasingly.

[Abelena]

Had she convinced the poor lad? By the look on the knights face, Lena was pretty sure that she had. Surely he wouldn't allow himself to believe her...unless he had a tiny amount of confidence for himself, which Lena didn't believe to be the case. She paused for a moment, waiting for him to realize that she was joking. She let out a sigh of relief as he laughed along with her, glad that he could take a joke.

Lena paused for another moment, shocked that the knight had proclaimed that so loudly. She glanced around, noticing the shocked looks and how quiet the people around Galahad had become. After a moments passing, she (and several of the people surrounding them) burst into laughter that shook the room. It took a few moments for Lena to collect herself, wiping a few tears of pure humor from the corners of her eyes. "Well Galahad," she giggled, placing her hands on her hips. "You're going to have to prove it then!" She grinned, folding her arms across her chest. She smirked at his teasing manner, raising an eyebrow his way. She nodded slightly as a reply, "Of course ya can!" she grinned.

CLOTHING:

[/color] this!
NOTES:[/color]
CREDIT:[/color] TILLY of caution 2.0.[/font][/left][/size]

[Galahad]

As the laughter in the tavern erupted around him Galahad’s cheeks turned a deep shade of red. He immediately looked down and away, reaching again for his cup and bringing it to his lips in an attempt to hide himself. He had not meant to proclaim such a statement quite so loud, but ever the sort he was always trying to defend himself against anything people said against him. That was a trait he had learnt from years spent with Lancelot! Luckily by the time Galahad had drained his cup the laughter around him had died down and he felt it safe enough to reappear from behind his cup.

“You are enjoying teasing me aren’t you?” Galahad finally grunted the hint of a smile upon his lips as he looked back up at Lena. “Come on then… if we are confessing, is there any that has caught your eye?” Galahad raised his eyebrows playfully, happy to turn the conversation away from himself for a moment.

[Abelena]

Seeing the flush that had risen to the poor lad's face, Lena smiled sweetly and patted his shoulder. She hushed the men around them, before looking back to see Galahad down the drink she had given him. She chuckled softly and took his empty cup from him, filling it back up. "You look like you be needing plenty of this!" she laughed, lifting up her pint of ale as she poured it for him. Another man nearby called for more ale, making the girl leave Galahad temporarily to fill up the other fellow's cup. It always seemed that whenever she saw an old friend, it was while she was bloody working...annoying, no? But at least she wasn't the only maid working at the inn, so she had help and could talk to the customers more than usual.

Walking back over to Galahad, she heard him change the subject. Cocking an eyebrow, she huffed as she placed the pint down on the table. She wasn't always fond of talking about her love life...ehh...lack of one. There was no doubt someone had caught her eye, but she wasn't about to tell Galahad! It was one of the knights, so she had a funny feeling that Galahad had an idea already brewing in his head. "Me? No, no, no...I don't have time for such things..." she lied, though her face blatantly said "i'm lying". No one ever said she was a good liar.

CLOTHING:

[/color] this!
NOTES:[/color]
CREDIT:[/color] TILLY of caution 2.0.[/font][/left][/size]

[Galahad]

He certainly could use another drink, even if it was just to help him forget the embarrassment he had just caused himself in front of half the tavern! Galahad nodded silently in thanks for the refill – still not mentioning that he had not paid for the first drink let alone the second! Maybe his luck was going to change and he’d get a few free drinks tonight! He kept his hand tightly around his cup, watching for a moment as Lena was called away to attend another customer. It should have felt stranger than this, really it should have. Lena was a woad and he was a Sarmatian and yet they were talking and teasing each other like old friends!


As Lena returned back to his table from attending to another customer Galahad clearly noticed how the change of subject, directed at the young woman, had affected her. From the way she placed the pint down on the table to the crossing of her arms across her chest it certainly seemed as though she had gone on the defensive. For a moment there was a twinge of guilt that ran through the Knight’s chest. He had not meant to offend Lena; he was simply trying to move the subject away from his embarrassing statement away to something else. Although her posture was on the defensive her reply and the clear expression on her face told Galahad that she was lying, and doing a miserable job of it at that!

“Has anyone ever told you that you are a terribly liar!” Galahad laughed, shaking his head and poking Lena on the arm.

[Abelena]

Being good friends with a Sarmatian warrior, let alone a knight. She was a Woad, born and raised, even though she had Briton blood within her. She was a savage compared to his people, at least, that was how they treated her kind. Thankfully Lena was a strong woman, and had enough Briton in her to help her mix well with others. She was doing fine here in the City of Hadrian, much to her surprise. She had never seen such a place as this, so new and so bold in its mere structure. She was a woodland child, so any massive city was a shock to her. But this place was a happy surprise for her, one that she enjoyed every moment in. The people, although they were far different from her, treated her with respect. And that, frankly, was all that Lena could ever ask for.

Lena stuck out her tongue like a child when Galahad poked her, huffing to herself and looking away for a moment. Damn, she really wasn't a good liar! She grimaced and glanced back at Galahad, not knowing if she should admit to him how she felt about his comrade or not. Perhaps Galahad already knew, perhaps he just wanted to hear her say. Or, maybe he was like everyone else and was oblivious to her little crush on Tristan. Good, that was how she wanted it. She didn't want many people knowing. It was a foolish feeling anyway. "Oh hush!" she laughed, poking him back. "It's...it's foolish anyway. It's nothing...really." she lied again, trying to lie a bit better this time.

CLOTHING:

[/color] this!
NOTES:[/color] sorry for the wait! merry xmas!
CREDIT:[/color] TILLY of caution 2.0.[/font][/left][/size]

[Galahad]

Galahad could not help but laugh as Lena stuck out her tongue at him and then looked away, crossing her arms over her chest defiantly. So she WAS hiding something! Still looking up at the beautiful woman Galahad found his tongue darting out and licking across his bottom lip. He was always up for a challenge – a trait he was sure he had picked up thanks to years spent trying to beat Lancelot at pretty much every task known to man! And this, just like all those times before, was a challenge that Galahad was determined to win!

He playfully flinched and moved in his chair when Lena poked him back, the grin on his lips spreading winder as she told him to hush. Galahad was never one to be known for being quite, whatever he thought, whatever was on his mind he usually spoke aloud. It was a quality that sometimes in his younger years got him into trouble. He just hoped that it would not now.

“Of course it’s something” the Knight said with a grin. Looking up at Lena he shook his head, “you’re going to make me guess aren’t you?” Interlocking his fingers Galahad stretched his arms out in front of him, palms facing outwards, knuckles cracking as he stretched his fingers. “Alright then, I’m up for a challenge! If I ask a question you have to answer me honestly, alright?” Galahad looked at Lena, eyebrows raised waiting her answer.

(OOC: Merry Christmas hun! Hope you had a great day!)

[Abelena]

Lena knew that she was in trouble when she saw Galahad laugh at her. She knew from that moment on that Galahad was not going to give up until she told him the truth. Well...if it was a challenge he wanted, he was a challenge he would receive!

Now, falling for a knight who barely spoke was not what Lena had in mind. Then again, coming to this city and becoming a bar maid wasn't what the young woman had in mind either. She was a strong, independent woman how had no time or need for romance. Not that she didn't get some if she felt like it. There were times in her life when Lena had caught the eye of a young gent, or vise versa, and things had blossomed. But obviously, nothing ever came of Lena's...conquests. Perhaps she was wild, or perhaps she was simply afraid of commitment; she didn't know. All Lena know, was that she was in a city falling for a man when she didn't want to, and it was starting to show.

Lena placed a sturdy hand on her hip as she gazed over at the knight who was beaming with excitement. She pouted slightly, irritated with herself for putting herself in this situation. She sighed and laughed softly, shaking her head gently. "Fine...ask away." she huffed, though her air was light and gentle. She would put up as good of a fight as she could, though she had a feeling she might just lose this round.

CLOTHING:

[/color] this!
NOTES:[/color]
CREDIT:[/color] TILLY of caution 2.0.[/font][/left][/size]

[Galahad]

Galahad grinned from ear to ear, his blue eyes sparkling with delight. So the challenge had been accepted! He was going to get this man’s name out of Lena or he was going to die trying! Galahad was not one whom liked to loose, and he lost far too often to Lancelot for his own liking so he hoped that this was one time he would actually win! He could see by the way that Lena pouted and then sighed and shook her head that she was not going to give up this information without a good battle! But then, had Galahad not spent more than half of his life on the battlefield?!

“Alright… first question….” The brunette paused, frowning as he pressed his lips together. First thing was he should probably find out if he knew this man or not – if he did not then certainly he had no hope of winning this challenge. Worse, if this person that had captured Lena’s attention was a fellow woad, Galahad knew he would have no hope of guessing. He had made it a concerted mission over the years NOT to get to know the woads personally and it was only in the few weeks following the great battle that he had started to speak with and try to befriend them. Lena was an exception to all the rules and after her help tending to his wounds Galahad found himself quite enjoying the light and friendly company of this beautiful woman.

“First question… do I know this mysterious man?” Galahad finally asked, biting his bottom lip as he eagerly awaited the answer.