Take me on a journy; Galahad

[Princess Aurelia Augustus]

The field between the city of Hadrian, and Hadrian’s Wall;;

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The young Princess had, had a long day, and the tension that followed the arrival of the Saxon’s made it even worse. Aurelia mounted her horse, Calaini, and allowed the horse to go at her own pace. The clouds had actually moved to the South, and now the Sun was out and shining brightly, warming Aurelia’s bare shoulders. Raising a hand, the girl shielded her eyes from the glare of the Sun; trainee’s were out training harder the ever, it was Arthur’s orders. Aurelia tugged on the reigns gently, turning Calaini into a smooth circle, directing her to a less ‘populated’ area. Right now, she needed to be in peace and quiet, away from the clanging of swords.

As the horse and rider came nearer to a group of boulders, large enough to sit on, Aurelia slid her fingers underneath the saddle, pulling out two letters. Once the horse came to a stop, she slid off her, allowing the reigns to hang loosely, and sat down onto one of the boulders. Aurelia sighed as she peeled the wax off the parchment, and unfolded the letter gently, and began to read softly to herself. Once she had finished the first letter, Aurelia moved on to the next letter, dreading to read what it said. A few seconds later, she rose and slid the letters back underneath the saddle, then took her place on the boulder, folding her arms across her chest.

”Looks like we won’t be going back home for a while, Cal. Seems as if a group of the Gaulish that are allies of the Saxons have started to raid passing caravans.” She said, her head tilted as she watched the horse graze. Aurelia didn’t care if the horse was listening or not, she just needed to say something, relieve her troubled mind. In a way, she would much rather be here in Galahads company than back home, within the Roman Court. Sighing, the woman’s thoughts went back to Galahad, she had barely been able to seen him; in other words, Aurelia missed him dearly. [/blockquote][/size]

[galahadd]

"Your wrist needs to be slacker, Jack." Galahad snapped impatiently, tapping the boys wrist with the edge of dulled blade. Jack, no more then fifteen years of age, smiled up at him, uneffected by the knights irritability. Galahad looked back with a serious expression, and gradually a soulful and remorseful look appeared on Jack's face. Galahad sighed, and the boy's smile returned. "Again," Galahad said, holding his sword at the ready angle. His grip was loose, thought ready to tighten at a moments notice. The boy scrambled to be ready - less graceful then Galahad - holding his sword at an awkward angle.

A quick succession of thrusts and parries followed suit, resulting in Galahad disarming him. Still, the boy had placed a well aimed hit at his stomach, which was now read and throbbing. After catching his breath, he eyed the cheerful boy, who was looking at him cautously, unsure if he was going to get another lesson or a congratulations. The silence stretched for a few moments, before the Knight gave the boy a short pat on the shoulder and an almost resentful, "Good job," The boy, again, burst into a grin before scampering away to train with the spear.

In the distance, Galahad caught sight of a lone figure sitting atop a bunch of boulders. His curiosity aroused, he made his way to his horse. No other trainees would be coming to train with him for a while now, most had gone to practice the spear for the time being. Riding quickly, he tugged back on the reigns of his horse. The creature was smaller then the average war horse, long of the leg and slender of body, built for speed then brute strength, and a handsome red in color. Slowing now, the usual annoyance he felt at the general population melted from his mind when he caught sight of Aurelia atop the rock. His expression deadly serious, he stole up as quietly as possible behind her. "Does you horse make excellent conversation?" He asked, a teasing tone to his voice, the smallest of smiles playing on his lips.

[Princess Aurelia Augustus]

Aurelia pulled her lips into a smile, as the mare made her way up to her owner, nickering sweetly. The horse was small of stature, and her pelt was bay with splotched white patches, her mane was ebonite with strands of white. Raising her hand, Aurelia gently placed it along the horse’s neck, stroking it gently. ”Your such a good girl.” She said, her voice barely audible. Calaini inhaled deeply, as if she was getting ready to sigh, and twisted her head so that she could look at lush grass, longingly. Aurelia narrowed her brow, before patting the mare’s neck, and watched as she continued to graze. ”Go on then.”

Aurelia turned her gaze, listening to faint clang of swords, and yells, as she gazed at the knights and there students. A few yards away, she watched as one of the students through a spear, obviously hitting the target by the way he reacted. Shaking head slightly, Aurelia folded her arms against her chest, her thoughts returned the Saxon’s stationed just outside of the wall. These boys and girls were training to fight them, and deep down, Aurelia knew some wouldn’t return to their families as the war, that was just the way of war. Blood was shed, people were injured, and many even died.

She had not heard somebody come up from behind her, and when the person spoke, she flinched. Aurelia smiled slightly as she recognized the voice, Galahad, she had nothing to worry about. ”Well, she contradict you if that counts.” She said, turning around to face Galahad, a bright smile upon her face. Aurelia tilted her head, eyes sparkling, as she continued, her voice tinted with a playful tone. ”But, I’m positive you’d be the better one to have a conversation with.” The young lady was glad to see him, but he had given her such a fright. At first, she had thought a Saxon had slipped in and was planning to kidnap her or something, but those thoughts faded away shortly afterward.

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[galahadd]

His smile widened as she jumped, pleased with being able to sneak up on her. He did feel a touch guilty though, not wanting to frighten her. His worry that he might have panicked when she turned around, a pretty, brilliant smile on her face. So strange, how easily that smile could erase all the irritability at the world, that annoyance which only progressed as the day went on. He could, luckily, keep his wits about him when he talked to her, which was more then most men could claim. His horse nickered at the horse, stamping his foot and tossing his head arrogantly, obviously showing off to the mare.

"Don't let your horse hear, she'll get jealous." He said in a teasing voice, sliding off of his horse. The sorrel colored animal lowered it's head as his masters feet touched the ground, nibbling on the grass and all the while eyeing Galahad with a calculating brown eye. No doubt waiting for the grip on the reigns to slacken so he could greet the other horse. "I'm sorry if I may have frightened you," He said in remorseful tones, sliding his hands into his pockets as he walked the short distance the boulders. "You were sitting on the boulder, unaware, I simply couldn't resist." An impish grin crossed his handsome features.

A lanky and tall man, Galahad was easily able to cross his arms atop the boulder and be only a few inches shorter then Aurelia. Looking up at her he quirked and eyebrow before asking, "Watching anything particularly entertaining?"

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[Princess Aurelia Augustus]

Aurelia held back a laugh as his own horse started to show off for her mount. Calaini lifted her crania, nickering softly, before resuming back to her grazing. She shook her head back and forth, smiling as she watched him slide of his mount. ”Oh, I’m sure she won’t care.” Aurelia said, her voice had a teasing tone to it. Aurelia quirked an eyebrow as he slid his hands into his pockets, and made his way over to her, speaking once more. Her heart felt like it was going to beat out of her chest, he was so handsome. ”I’ll remember that one day.” She said, playfully.

Aurelia looked ahead, eyeing Calaini as she was starting to edge further and further away; the horse had a habit of running away, and half the time, Aurelia would just let her go. Calaini knew her way back home, so Aurelia wasn’t entirely worried. ”Not entirely. I needed to get away from the city, it’s been so tense lately.” She said, her voice was soft, any softer it would sound like a mere whisper. Lifting a hand, Aurelia brushed a strand of loose hair back, before turning her attention back to Galahad, a sly grin upon her face. ”What about you?” A nicker diverted her attention over to Calaini who had galloped off, and was now near the shady parts of the wall.

Sighing, Aurelia shook her head, her hands barely brushed Galahad’s as she folded her arms. ”And there she goes, once again.”

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[galahadd]

Galahad's horse seemed to be a bit put out when Calaini went back to grazing, ignoring him. The sorrel horse stamped it's foot and whinnied piteous before snorting and lower it's head to the ground in order to graze, occasionally glancing at the other horse. "I hope not, I fear I might loose," He said quite seriously, although the teasing grin still played across the corner of his face. She was simply so relaxing to be around. True, she retained the unique ability to twist his stomach into a knot and cause his heart to do funny things, but life seemed so less irritating around her.

The impish smile faded slightly at her next words. What was worrying her? Apart from the obvious threat of invading Saxons. Come to think of it, it probably had to do with them. A flicker of anger licked inside of him, furious that they might be causing Aurelia to be worried or nervous or sad, but he soon quelled it. "Will drive the saxons out eventually," He said, confident for her benefit, "And then everything will be back to normal." Not entirely, of course, but he wasn't about to say it. An answering smile appeared on his lips at her grin, unable to resist. "Training," He said, rolling his eyes. "The squires simply can't hold their sword." He shook his head ruefully.

He chuckled as her horse ran off, watching her run away. His fingers twitched as her hands brushed against them, compulsively wanting to hold them, but she had her arms folded. "Told you she'd get jealous." He teased.

[Princess Aurelia Augustus]

The mare looked up once more as other horse, her ears flickering back and forth as the steed began to act all mopey. Snorting, she tossed her mane up in the air, and then returned to grazing, edging away from her owner and the man. Aurelia smiled slightly, it seemed as if her horse acted more like a stud than a mare, she hated being around other horses, much less studs. Calaini tended to blow things off, kind of like Aurelia did. She always waited till the last minute, before speaking up, but now, she was different, much different.

Turning her head, Aurelia gazed up as Galahad talked about the Saxons, his voice was confident; she felt a tad better, but still, she was worried. The lady was worried about her life, his life, and all of the other innocent lives that resided in the city. ”And in the end, what if you and your brethren are not here, but in a grave somewhere. Where does that leave me, lost and insecure? Aurelia asked, her voice wavering slightly as she fought to hold back tears.

Her mood lightened as she talked about the squires. Aurelia smiled playfully, placing her hands on the bolder, gazing up at Galahad. ”I’m sure they feel intimidated by your skill though.” Turning her gaze, she watched as her horse wandered away from the pair, not even looking up from her grazing. ”She’ll live, she’s a tough horse.” The young lady said, turning her gaze back to Galahad, as she slid her fingers under his, enjoying the comfort.

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[galahadd]

Galahad's horse swished his tail back and forth irritably, nickering mournfully before dropping his head to graze. He was used to getting rejected by the mares, and soon fell back to grazing, taking the opportunity to eat as much grass as possible before the knight dragged him away for more training. A few shouts could be heard from the training field, followed by a loud peel of laughter and then the sharp smack of a sword. Galahad was grateful to already be a knight, already having fought his first fight. The worst fight was always the first - the second was exciting, the third and forth got old.

A sad expression crossed his features at her next words, eyebrows knitting together in worry. Times were tense - one could never be sure when the saxons finally attacked - and when they did, how many would die. Depressing matters that Galahad tried to force to the back of his head, not wanting to think about such matters. "Aurelia," He said softly, reaching out with one hand to touch her's, wanting to comfort her, reassure her that everything was okay. "Don't think of such things, the war will be over soon and - and I'll be here. Please - don't worry, it'll only depress you." His tone was soft, reassuring, although a tingle of fear ran through him. What if such things did happen?

He snorted, "I wish - no respect. There's this one boy, Jack. By god, I swear he'd smile on his death bed." He was glad to be talking about more light hearted matters, about overly cheerful boys rather then death. The smile widened on his face as she slid his fingers under his his, and he shifted his own - lacing their hands together.

[Princess Aurelia Augustus]

Aurelia looked down, running her fingers along the scars on his hand as he spoke. He had a way of calming her, that no one else carried, not even her own mother. The young woman closed her eyes for a split second, repeating his words in her mind, she trusted him. ”I can’t help it that I have fallen head over heels for you, that I just want you to be safe.” She said softly, a slight twinkle reflected off her eyes. Turning her head, Aurelia watched as a squire knocked the sword out of his opponent’s hand, yet she continued to listen as Galahad spoke.

Quirking her eyebrow, she just imagined a boy on his death bed, just grinning away. ”I think I’d rather have overly cheerful kid, than a grumpy one. I’d hate to imagine what that would be like.” Aurelia didn’t have patience to train; she barely had patience for everyone around her, well, with the exception of Galahad. She was always in a playful & good mood when he was around. Smiling, the young lady leaned over, her face a few inches from Galahad’s, and brushed her lips against his in a soft kiss.

Pulling back slightly, she rested her head against his own, drumming her fingers on the stone in a polyrhythmic way. Aurelia placed a smile upon her lips as she savored the moment. ”My lady, may I have a word?” Aurelia glanced at Galahad, before turning to look at one of her servants who had snuck up on them. ”Not now, now leave us be.” His message couldn’t be that important, he could wait; it wouldn’t kill him. Aurelia sighed, before turning her gaze back to Galahad. ”He can wait.”

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[galahadd]

At first Galahad made no remark when she said she had fallen head over heels for him, instead tightening the grip on her fingers. A contented smile crept across his face, lightening his eyes and wiping away the stress and anxiety and annoyance that had recently accumulated throughout the day. A part of him didn't want the war to end. While it was going on, or at least while it was threatening, Aurelia would be trapped here with him. When it ended, the roman princess would have to return to Rome to help rule and organize. She had responsibilities there - and he has his here. Though he hated himself for thinking of it, he was almost glad the saxons were about to attack.

Galahad harrumphed, "At least a grumpy kid doesn't feel the necessity to narrate everything thought," He argued, a playful tone to his words. His eyebrows rose slightly as she kissed him, though more then willingly kissed her back. Her lips were soft and perfect, and he pouted slightly when she pulled away, the picture of remorse. A servant interrupted him, causing Galahad to scowl in his general direction, a fearsome expression on his face. And then he recalled that Aurelia was beside him, and that scaring her servants was not the diplomatic thing to do. The scowl vanished from his face. He was curious to what the message was; but he had more important matters on his hands. "I'm glad," He said when she said the servant could wait.

[Princess Aurelia Augustus]

God forgive her, but Aurelia didn’t want the war to end. She was trapped here with Galahad until the war ended, and truthfully she wasn’t entirely sure if she would return to Rome after. By law, Laelia was still Queen until Aurelia married, she could rule by herself, just until Aurelia felt the need to return. Her mother was capable of ruling the country by herself, she had to when ever Cassius has been away to war. Aurelia wasn’t the admirable and gentle Princess of Rome right now, she wanted the Saxons wiped off the face of the Earth, and to stay at Hadrian’s Wall, where she truly felt safe. Yes, the Roman soldiers were ok, but they wouldn’t know what to do if they were attacked out of the blue.

”Good point.” She said, smiling at him, as she gave into the playful argument. Aurelia held back a smirk as she noticed the fearsome expression that Galahad had pulled upon his face, but it soon disappeared; he was amusing. Aurelia watched as the poor servant scurried away as she sent him off, feeling slightly cautious; had he been listening in on their conversation? A slight smile played upon her lips, turning her gaze onto Galahad as he replied. She listened to the whooping of overly excited trainee’s, and the clanging of swords before, releasing her breath quietly. You, don’t think he was listening in on us do you?” She inquired, turning her body so that it was facing his, drumming her fingers across the top of his hand.

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[galahadd]

A falsely triumphant grin swept across his face when she gave into the argument, though of course it was purely playful - and it soon turned into a contented smile. As always, his normally irritable, condescending and cynical side seemed to melt away when she was near. Except, of course, when someone had the nerve to interrupt them - no matter how dangerous the situation. Which was why his eyes narrowed fractionally as the servant hesitated, a beseeching look in his expression, before turning around and scurrying away. Galahad tended to have that effect on people, except for overly optimistic boys and Roman Princesses.

Another loud shout came from the training field, gleeful and victorious. Someone had just one a mock-duel. The gleeful whoop was soon cut short, followed by thwak and a sharp squeal, and then an outbreak of giggles and laughter and the trainer shouting for the trainees to be serious and modest. Galahad turned his attention away from the training field as Aurelia spoke, before turning his eyes briefly to the servants retreating back and then to her again. "I hope not," He said, catching her drumming fingers in his hand once more. "I can check though," He volunteered, half jokingly. He was more then willing to - but thought that Aurelia might not appreciate his methods.

[Princess Aurelia Augustus]

Aurelia pulled her lips into a smile, as the sound waves entered her ear drum from the fields; squeals, clangs, groans, and much more could be heard. Her gaze went back to Galahad as he offered to find out, Aurelia was glad that he volunteered, but part of her told her not to accept, his ways were, brutal to some. ”No way, I wouldn’t want you to scare my servants away, then where would I be?” She asked playfully, her eyes sparkling.

By now Calaini was starting to come near the couple, grazing quietly as she wondered around lazily, her ears flickering back and forth. Aurelia jerked her head as she heard whoops and horses whinnying frantically, and watched as a group of soldiers galloped out of the city wall. The frown upon her face was soon replaced with a smile, as she stood up, gently tugging on his hand. ”Come on.” Glancing down, she adjusted the golden pendant on one of her sleeves.

Aurelia smiled warmly at Galahad, and started to walk alongside him. She was tired of sitting, which was the only thing she did; sitting at meeting, sittings at banquets, and so much more. The girl slid her right arm behind his back, and leaned her head on his shoulder, as they walked down the path. She wasn’t worried about the horses; they’d stay where they were. Aurelia closed her eyes as memories of Rome flooded her mind, the busy and sometimes cruel city.

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[galahadd]

He laughed. "I'll behave," He promised, his expression light and playful. A light breeze swept across the slightly hilly field, a bit chilly but not unpleasant. All in all, it was a nice day out. The sun, miraculously visible, was high in the sky. But it was a warm day out, not to cold and not to hot. Perfect for training. Or, in Galahad's case, spending time outdoors with Aurelia. He couldn't think of a better way to spend the day, even reading in front of a fire place with a cat and a cup of tea couldn't compare. His horse looked up as Calaini approached, snorting before the sound of pounding hooves caught his attention. At the sound, Galahad looked up, frowning as well when he caught sight of the soldiers.

Galahad knew he should see what was going on, but - the frown vanished when Aurelia tugged on his hand, completely forgetting about his responsibilities as a knight. Besides, there were plenty of other well armed, well trained knights to pick up the slack. The castle wasn't going to come crumpling down because he went on a walk. He stood up as well, muscles protesting from crouching besides the rock. "My pleasure," He murmured, more then willing to walk beside her. His smile softened when she laid her head against his shoulder. His left hand slid around her waist, tugging her close to her gently. He buried his nose in her hair, kissing the top of her head.

[Princess Aurelia Augustus]

Aurelia tilted her head as a smile flickered across her face; he’d behave, that was good to know. ”I hope so.” She said as she forced herself to keep a serious expression upon her face, but her voice was tinted with a playful tone. A light breeze swept across the field, blowing her hair back behind her shoulders. They were lucky to see the sun today, most of the days in Britain, were cold and rainy, or in this case, cold and snowy. Rome was much different, well, climate wise; they sun was out everyday, and shining. The sound of hooves filled her ears as the soldiers thundered by, causing questions to form in her mind.

The Princess smiled slightly as he buried his nose in her hair, giving her a kiss on the top of her head. One of the previous letters from Rome had been bothering her; one stated that she needed to wed to become the official Queen of Rome. Aurelia knew who all was behind this, it was all Laelia, her own mother, trying to play match maker. She knew that she loved Galahad, yet she still chose to do this, but the real question was, for whose benefit? Aurelia glanced up at Galahad, before slipping him a soft kiss, throwing her arms around his neck. ”You have no idea how long I’ve been longing for this.” Aurelia murmured, tilting her head to the right as she gave him another kiss, before continuing. ”To be in yours arm.”

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[galahadd]

It was so easy for Galahad to forget about the future while he was with Aurelia. It was as if it simply vanished, there was no future. No impending war, no relationship troubles. And then, when he did think of the future, problems sprang up like robins after a rain. The threat of invading saxons, his duties of protecting the people, defending Hadrian's walls, the worry that someone he loved might die.. And love was another matter all together. He was a british knight, and not a particular rich one at that. No land he could promise Aurelia, though he was fairly sure Arthur might give him some if he asked. If he did propose to Aurelia, what would Laelia think? Truth be told, he was a bit frightened by the women.

Galahad's eyebrows rose in pleasant surprise when she kissed him once more, though it quickly disappeared. Instinctively he wrapped his arms about her waist, pulling her closer, half holding her. "Mmm," He responded agreeably, before they kissed once more. "Your astoundingly beautiful, you know." He whispered back, before kissing her for a third time, attempting to put all of his love into the kiss, running a hand through her hair. He hoped, quite fervently, that the moment wouldn't end. That they wouldn't be interrupted again. Unfortunately, he doubted that they would be alone for very long.

[Princess Aurelia Augustus]

Aurelia beamed as he wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her closer. She wished they could stay like this forever, frozen in time, but she knew it was impossible. The Roman Princess felt safe in his arms, safer than any other place she had been, and it seemed like Britain was starting to feel more like home, than Rome itself. She would have to return one day, but it seemed that it wasn’t in the near future; Laelia could take care of the affairs herself, she had been the Queen. After the death of her father, it seemed as if everything had went downhill, up to the point until Laelia gave the crown to Aurelia.

Even now, Aurelia was known as the Princess, not the Queen; she would be known as Queen whenever she decided to wed someone. To Laelia, it seemed as if Aurelia had found a forbidden love, but if it seemed that she married, this Galahad, she had been talking about, she would still grant her blessing. Aurelia pulled her lips into a smile, fighting to hold a blush at bay, ”So I’ve been told, but I must say, you’re not all that bad yourself.” The young woman tilted her head ever so slightly, returning the kiss, pressing up against him slightly. Aurelia was just glad this moment hadn’t been interrupted yet, but she didn’t have her hopes up.

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