Chapter Text
The horns of the house of Balan gave it away- Camelot had a visitor. "Bloody hell" Matthew shouted over his shoulder, a look of excitement and shock etched upon his face.
Talia stood from the round table before bolting up onto the windowsill next to Matthew both stood looking down to the gates of Camelot. "Is that-?"
Matthew nodded in shock, staring at the figure in the courtyard.
"How the hell did he get here?" Talia asked.
"Horse?" Matthew deadpanned, shrugging.
"Twit," she chuckled before jumping down and bolting for the doors. Matthew quickly followed, both of them ignoring the knights and Arthur around the table mid-meeting.
"Guess we better go see?" Percival questioned the room.
**********
"Lord Tolan!" Talia's yell came quickly as she bolted for the old man. He was plump, yet sturdy, with a white beard and steel blue eyes; his broadness bellied his age as he caught Talia with ease. She collided with the old man for only him to pull her close as one would a young relative, he was quick to spot Matthew behind her at a more sedate pace, though still attempting to hide his enthusiasm.
"My gods it's good to see you two," he chuckled, pulling Matthew into the unprotesting hug along with Talia as one would a bear to his cubs. "Why are you here? Just what are you doing here? How long are you staying?" Matthew asked a million questions spilling out as Talia bemusingly watched her partner in crime.
"Now, none of that. All you need to know is that I'm here and to settle an old man's mind," he chuckled again before pulling away, only to spot the knights and Arthur watching them from the gates.
Breathing a sigh of relief at dodging their questions Tolan approached the soon to be king, unknowingly being watched as a guard from the house of Loran glared at Talia before he passed his horses reins to the stable hand to quickly follow Tolan's own entourage to the barracks.
"Sire, I am Lord Barron Tolan, I was an advisor to Balan la Savage," Tolan said still with remorse in his voice upon mentioning the old lord.
Arthur studied the old man. The strange closeness he showed to the two youngsters was enlightening both wrapped around each arm protectively and possessively.
"Arthur." Tolan grinned at the first name bases as hands were clasped and greetings made.
"Arthur it is."
"What brings you here, Lord Tolan?" He inquired as they entered the castle at more of a sedate pace, leaving two Lord Tolan's travelling guards to settle in the quarters within the castle as a lord does.
The question was answered as they slowly made their way through the halls, Lord Tolan toying with his answer to the future king, knowing full well he couldn't dodge the question and what upheaval it would cause.
"Mainly to check on two wayward troublemakers,” he shrugged, a soft smile etched upon his face. “The last I saw of them…" he paused, unable or unsure how to carry on or even on what Arthur and his knights were informed of what happened, looking over to the two who both looked somewhat annoyed and hurt he internally gulped knowing full well the proverbial crap was hitting the fan.
"He means to say we were not doing so good back then, and we were packing very quickly due to other lords fighting over the land" Talia filled in, looking away, hiding the hurt she felt like a sharp stab of a dagger. The loss of Balin and Balan was still raw.
"And none of it was your fault child you did what you had to, Loran and Tulp were up to no good even back then, I'll have none of that blaming yourself, Talia la Savage, " Tolan growled as he frowned.
The other knights looked to one another, a little out of place, wondering just what was going on.
"If I only if we just..." Matthew started
"If you what? Stayed, stopped Balan? Persuaded Balin to stop being an idiot? Stopped them from killing one another? Yes, I'm sure another dead body would have done so well. Join the pile of bodies, already!" Lord Tolan vented, standing his full height, looking hard at her.
The tension grew thick as he forgot his promise to keep his temper in check.
Talia glared at Tolan, lost for words as to how brusk he seemed with Matthew this is why they had left in the first place, before turning to storm down the hall.
Matthew was quick to follow, looking as hurt as she felt.
"Lancelot," Arthur called over his shoulder with worry, watching the knight quickly chase younger two, though not after glaring at the older lord in disapproval.
"Damn it, Matthew, Talia," Lord Tolan yelled, throwing his hands in the air before groaning, shaking his head in despair, looking at Arthur.
"Give them time, Lord Tolan. Perhaps you should settle in first? I'm sure the travel has made you tired," Arthur's reasoned with the older man, clapping him on the shoulder.
"Yes, I suppose you’re right. Me and my damn mouth once again."
**********
Lancelot found them on the training ground. He watched as arrow after arrow struck the target in anger as Matthew stood beside Talia, looking just as lost as his sister in all but blood. When the quiver was finally spent, Lancelot approached as Matthew retrieved the arrows from the targets, pulling Talia to himself the bow tumbling carelessly to the floor.
Her grip was overwhelming upon his shirt as she gripped it; she leaned into his shoulder, tears spilt from hazel eyes. The hurt spilt freely as soft sobs filled the air as though mourning for the first time. He held her close, his fingers running through her red hair.
"It was in anger, words were spoken in haste," he reassured softly, holding her close as Matthew approached the two, but relieved that she finally had support for someone so strong-willed.
They sat sometime later as Talia calmed, Lancelot's hand held hers as Matthew leaned on the shoulder as any annoying brother in arms would, Lancelot sat listening to the full story of what had happened after the brothers Balin and Balan's death, it seemed Lord Loren was bitter over the passing of lordship to Talia of Balan's lands yet the worst to come was Balin had followed his brother bypassing his lands to the young lady,
Lord Tulp who was expecting to take over Balin's land also caused trouble sending various ambushes yet they had no evidence, it wasn't until Matthew was attacked that Talia went to Tolan who was still in mourning and would not hear of Tulp and Loran planning their demise which left one choice,
so with the only choice being Talia and Matthew left in the middle of the night as the only choice they had before something worse happened as there only support abandoned them, it was a month later through there travels they had met Lancelot and Percival, something Lancelot felt internally blessed by the deities about.
Lord Tolan found them as they sat silently he studied Talia how much she had changed in strength she radiated, how stronger and healthier Matthew looked how still they supported one another, Balan and Balin would be proud, and then there was this Lancelot in the mix, from what Arthur had said Lancelot was the bravest and truest of his knights and Tolan was beginning to see just that, with a heavy sigh he began his approach "I didn't mean to be so blunt..." Lord Tolan found Talia, Matthew and Lancelot in the training ground sitting with one another in silent support as lover and brother sometime later.
"Forgive an old man. I allowed my anger to take over." He said as he approached closer mere steps away.
Talia slowly stood, unsure of how to approach the subject at hand so she stayed silent.
"When you ran away I knew you were right, my trust in the other lords was wrong. I was so grieved with the loss of Balan and Balin that I forgot your own pain." His eyes became misty before he embraced Talia as one would with a grandchild.
**********
"I should have told you," Talia spoke up as the four sat in Lancelot's chambers. All had calmed, and even though the tension was settling slowly, it was still tangible.
"Why did you not, child?" Tolan asked softly as he nursed the goblet of honey mead in his hands.
Talia sighed, leaning into Lancelot, his arm around her shoulder in silent support. "Fear, shame, I'm not sure."
"Shame of what?" Lancelot asked before Lord Tolan could ask, smiling at the two at their closeness.
"Of not stopping them, allowing Balan to change his armour before the battle," she shrugged unhappily as a soft sigh left her lips.
"You could not have stopped that stubborn man and you know that. I’ve known those two since they were nippers," Tolan reasoned, shaking his head and standing as he began to pace. Talia looked to Matthew and Lancelot rolling her eyes.
Matthew covered the chuckle as Lancelot looked curious.
"Here we go again- rant time," Matthew whispered to Lancelot, who frowned.
Sure enough, Lord Tolan began, "I'll have none of this, no more blaming oneself. You’re both safe, both of you look well...gods, you both look better than well! I've never seen you two so healthy! I'm not here to cause pain, but to cherish the time I can have with my two trouble makers before I bash heads together. I'll be damned if I go back there allowing a bunch of liberty lords to dictate me!"
"And just what was the dictation?" Talia asked curiously as ever as she sat forward.
"As if you didn't know, Talia!" Tolan grouched rubbing his forehead
"For us to come back, but you're a Lord baron you out vote them by just being a Barron" she groaned, making Lord Tolan chuckle; it was deep as a lion’s, warm to the soul.
"Yes but they are liberty lords their favourite is being sheriff of their own dismal lands, Now, show me Camelot, children! I wish to know it well," he addressed all three, making Lancelot look up, surprised at being included.
**********
Lancelot found that he liked Tolan, as he was told to call him on a number of occasions as they explored the markets.
After the rough start on arrival, he found the older man jovial and true with a boastful attitude to his proudness. Lord Tolan included the young knight in everything- from the market to the stables, he was quick to find where Talia and Matthew got their humour and wit from slight envying there upbringing with the house of Balin and Balan.
He watched as Tolan made himself at ease with the servants and people of Camelot as they explored the castle, finding himself liking the old man more and more, the subtle pats on the shoulder as he walked besides Lancelot to the gentle nudge as he pointed out new things were all soothing to the knight's mind.
The market was more entertaining than anything else as Lancelot quickly learned that Lord Tolan had a thing for the material. He stood with Talia as the older man bartered with the market stallholder, only to signal one of his guards who wore the colours of Balin’s house to approach.
"Find a tailor, ask for the usual measurements for them, and get the usual clothing," he muttered, watching the guard nodded.
"You never change," Talia grinned easily.
"I like good material, plus you both need new garbs," he chuckled, before guiding the three youngsters to the next stall which sold small trinkets.
"It’s gonna be a long day," Matthew good naturally muttered as the old man approached the next stall, making Lancelot grin as Talia joined Tolan at the stall both oogling at the different trinkets.
~evening meal~
The food was delicious, the company was friendly, and the mood beyond anything that the morning had predicted. Lord Tolan regaled stories of Talia's past- some were happy, some sad, but most ended in laughter.
Most of the knights found themselves laughing at the prospect of a young Talia getting herself into so much trouble and Matthew tagging along as well.
"How did you meet Talia?” Arthur asked as Lord Tolan sat back, enjoying a goblet of wine. The meal had ended, yet no one wanted to leave the round table. Lord Tolan pondered how to answer.
“Well it's a long story,” he said. "One day Balin came racing through the castle gates with a young child, no more than nine years old, quite a small thing- dirty and grubby. I looked at the poor little waif. I knew then there was something about her. How could I ignore the spark in her eyes?" He sighed, looking to Talia smiling wistfully. "I remember seeing her young face, knowing that she needed as much help as we could give her. It took a long time for the trust to come, the pain of healing from those damn bandits...training."
Talia looked down as Lancelot's hand grasped hers, a smile easily reaching her hazel eyes.
"I tried to steal his horse."
All eyes looked to Talia as she leaned back.
"So that's what happened?" Tolan asked, sitting forward slightly.
"Yeah, I was watching him set up camp on the way back from wherever. I decided the horse was more important than the food, but I was quickly caught by Balin's knights." Tolan's laughter rang out around the large hall. "No wonder he was so smitten with you, you had the brazen attitude to steal Asif!"
Talia shrugged easily, a grin upon her soft features, goblet in hand as she curled up on the seat. "I was grabbed from the back, came face to face with Balin as he spun me around. I remember his face was like thunder till he saw how old I was, I guess."
Tolan nodded softly, eyeing the others as they sat, silently listening to their story, all wanting to know more about Talia it seemed.
"He saw the spark in your eyes, that you weren't beaten, that you wanted to live,” said Tolan.
~that night~
Sleep was elusive to the young lady that night. Her thoughts twisted and turned, sweat beaded upon her brow as she sat up sharply, the noise beyond the door awaking her. "Damn it," she huffed, swinging her legs off the bed, greeting the cold floor.
Her hands ran through her hair as she sat there. She needed peace, quiet and time to think.
Tolan turning up brought so many memories back to the surface. Sighing, her mind made up, Talia quickly braided her hair before standing to dress.
"Tolan requests a meeting." A guard stood before the door, bowing slightly, dressed in garb showing that he came from the House of Loren.
"Where?"
"Just beyond the gates for privacy."
Talia frowned slightly, staring at the guard before nodding slightly. "Let's go."
The moon was still high as her feet deftly stepped down the halls with the guard behind her.
Her cloak swished with each stride silently as she paced down the stairs leading to the stables; Talia ignored the guards as they questioningly watched her and the guard, with slight concern as she threw her longbow over her shoulder before saddling her horse.
Hooves clipped upon the pavement as she willed them to be quieter before mounting the stead, silently begging the stead to gallop out of Camelot's gates, the freedom of the fields and the trees calling her to clear her troubled mind.
She just wanted this meeting over with, yet a nagging feeling said something wasn't right as the hairs stood on the back of her neck. Glancing back at the guard, he smirked, and she felt a cold chill down her spine.
~the morning~
The morning had arrived at chaos, Matthew upon finding TaIia missing a sense of worry took over the protector, as midday approached they gathered in the main hall, Matthew paced back and forth as Lancelot worriedly looked to Merlin, Arthur and Lord told studied maps as a just in case as the other knights stood watching the scene before them "Where is she?!" Tolan demanded as Lancelot worriedly looked to Matthew. The young man shrugged worry etched in his blue eyes.
"I don't know, when I got up she was gone."
They watched as Tolan paced with worry, his feet heavily landing upon the stone floor. "She’s probably clearing her head," Leon spoke from the standing beside Arthur, looking out at Camelot.
"It’s nearly midday." Lancelot’s worried frown graced his brow as he spoke up.
"I shouldn't have come, damn it, " lord Tolan groaned aloud
"A bit late now for overthinking things. I’m going to go look for her,” " Matthew shrugged, glaring at the old man before heading towards the doors.
"Lancelot, Gwaine, go with Matthew and see if you can find her," Arthur ordered, both bowing slightly, quick to leave. "Lord Tolan, what happened?"
"I know not! After the meal, I bid her good evening to rest, nothing happened...must be dancing in her mind after we spoke of her childhood!"
"Any idea, Matt?" Lancelot questioned as they rode out the gates of Camelot, looking over to the forest and fields. Matthew sat in the saddle looking around, frowning deeply before his eyes lit up.
He knew Talia well like one would a sibling, yet she still held secrets close to her heart, mostly ones she was fearful of. Frowning heavily, he looked around once again, an epiphany hitting him like a rock to water.
“Are there any brooks or streams nearby?” Matthew questioned, looking sharply towards the two knights.
"Yeah, about a few hours’ ride," Gwaine answered before the horse took off. Matthew and Lancelot were quick to give chase; trees surrounded them, tall and imposing. Matthew glanced around slightly on edge.
"If I didn't know any better, I'd think Leshy is watching," Gwaine frowned as Lancelot looked over to Matthew nodding silently.
"The deity of the forests," Lancelot filled in, looking over his shoulder to Gwaine.
~brook, the valley of the kings hours before~
The horse galloped fast as Talia felt the guard gaining on her, cursing herself for believing the guard as she coaxed the horse to hurry. She could hear the mercenaries joining the guard- it seemed the lords of Balin and Balan finally lost their patience. Glancing over to the Valley of the Kings, the forest was easy to spot. She changed direction; she had to lose the idiots and wait for help.
The breeze danced among the trees, toying with the leaves as they danced to and fro, the birds sang among the leaves calling the sun to warm their feathers as they greeted the day. The sun rose slowly over the forest, casting soft colours upon the clouds as shadows on hazy gold between the leaves cast upon the brook, it bubbled and trickled softly over rocks and pebbles echoing on the trucks and brunches, Talia sat back, breathing deeply as the sun warmed her chilled skin.
The breeze toyed with her loose hair as she sighed softly, closing her eyes just for the moment.
The horse stood grazing, glad of the respite.
Talia’s bow and quiver rested by next to her lap;
the cool stone beneath her fingers grounded her as she washed away the sweat and dirt she had acquired in the chase... A soft sigh left her lips as she looked around.
"What the hell am I doing?" She muttered to no one in particular as she sat back on her knees, sighing once again. No sign of the mercenaries or guard had been seen for an hour, yet she still was on edge.
The sound of hooves caught her attention as she looked over to the forest. Quick to stand, she grabbed her bow, her senses heightened and ready- she had enough of hiding.
"Well well, what have we got here? The little girl all on her own," a voice said.
Talia counted four, the guard included.
By their grubbiness, she was pretty certain they were bandits for hire. The leader was the guard; it seemed one by one they jumped off their horses as they approached.
"Seriously, four against one? What's with you, dimwits, how much are they paying you?" She grinned, her eyes sharpened, bow at the ready.
"Lord Loran said a pretty penny for your head, dead or alive," one spoke up, his build was slim with missing bottom teeth and wilting hair.
"Somehow, I think not."
They raced towards her, but her bow was quick to rise, taking out the nearest bandit in the chest before throwing her bow to the side and grabbing her sword.
The second bandit was quicker, slicing at her arm as she dodged, feeling the blade hit her skin.
She winced in pain, and a kick to the face, brutal and true, toppled her attacker over as her sword found its target- his throat.
The third man from behind swung as she ducked, dropping to her knees, raising her sword behind impaling his chest with a grunt.
The final was the guard; he approached, grabbing Talia from the side as she stood.
She was quick to kick his kneecap, watching him topple as she spun around, kicking him in his chest, watching him fall.
Her sword rose and he blocked her- she was quick to back up as he smirked, standing as pain etched in his features.
"Not that clever, brat," he snarled eyes cold with anger and hate, he stood at full height the crest of Loran house standing out in the stark sun almost toying with her, she edged backwards slightly studying his impatient movements allowing her to catch her breath as droplets of blood graced the forest floor
"Really? a look, you are the last one of your lord's men left! They’re nothing but cowards who can't even do their own dirty work!" Talia smirked as fury took over the guard.
He swiped his sword in anger, allowing the last blow of her sword to strike true, running her sword through the guard's stomach, as his lifeless eyes glaring at her.
"They really should send better men next time," she muttered, allowing the body to drop to the floor as she cleaned the blood away from her sword before she retrieved her longbow and quiver.
Talia hissed as cool water cleaned the blood away from her lower forearm, watching as it blended with the trickling water downstream.
She winced as she examined the wound,
a deep gash on her upper arm from her elbow, halfway to her shoulder dripped blood.
Unwilling to stop, sighing she sat back on the bank as hooves approached the open area of the brook.
"They’re late," she muttered to herself, looking over as Matthew, Gwaine and Lancelot came into view.
"What happened?!" Lancelot cried.
He was quick to dismount and approach, kneeling beside her and examining her wounded arm.
"Lord Loran's guard and some hired mercenaries," she shrugged, wincing in pain as droplets of blood dripped easily to the forest floor.
"You definitely finished it" Gwaine whistled, examining Talia's handy work.
"Yeah, well can't get any peace nowadays," she groaned as Lancelot began wrapping the wound as best he could with his torn shirt.
"We need to get back to Camelot. Everyone’s worried about you," he said, his voice laced with concern as he tied off the makeshift bandage as bloody easily began seeping through
"They shouldn't be," Talia huffed, standing uneasily.
Her body was still catching up with the battle.
Matthew was quick to silently support his friend and sibling "Why was Lord Loran’s guard here?" He asked, glancing at the body.
"The guard said Tolan wanted a meeting. I pretty much gathered after we left the gates, I shouldn't have followed, I was an idiot."
"You have nothing to be guilty over. You didn't know what was going to happen, Talia," he replied.
"But I should have known something wasn't right."
"You had no choice. No doubt, he would have killed you then and there, " Matthew stated without dancing around the subject, stopping her from worrying any more than she would have to.
Talia nodded softly, looking away towards Gwaine and Lancelot.
"Let's go home, I have debts to settle."
~camelot~
"Where the hell have you been?!" Tolan roared as he barged through the door, which hit the wall with a bang.
Gaius glared disapproval in his eyes before continuing to clean Talia’s wounds.
"Oh, I don't know, being almost killed by Lord Loran's guard and paid mercenaries." She stated it like a fact, watching the old man grow pale. "Sit before you fall down, Tolan."
He growled, standing firm and tall, proving more to himself that he was just as strong to prove Talia wrong.
"That contentious old goat! I'll bloody have his head..." Said Tolan growled.
"Not unless I do first," Arthur declared from behind the lord as he eyed Talia's wounds as Merlin helped Gaius ready the needle and thread.
"Lord Tolan, send word for Lord Loran to come to Camelot. I will not have any of my knights harmed for petty gain," Arthur winced, unable to watch as Gaius approached the young lady before taking his leave.
"Matthew, a word," the young servant sighed before following Arthur out of the room.
**********
"Drink," Tolan muttered, sitting opposite Talia as Gaius stitched the large gash. "It’ll numb the pain and warm the fires."
Talia nodded through beads of sweat grabbing the waterskin, downing a mouth full of surah as her fingers dug into Lancelot's arm while he held her firm.
Arthur stood behind the closed door; they could hear everything. Matthew stared at him, tears swimming his blue eyes as he looked away.
A cry of pain from her lips escaped and hearing Lancelot hushed echoed down the hall even though the closed chamber door Arthur looked to Matthew in a hope to understand Lord Loran's mind on willing to kill Talia "Sire, Lord Loran is an evil old man. He never hid his hate for Talia, not even when we were younger, Balan was always able to handle the bastard before..well you know, Loran thought he would take over the lands but with the decree by the brothers handing the lordship we both knew her life would be at risk, Tolan was grieving at the time so we ran" Matthew spoke as he leaned upon the wall.
"And for you?" Arthur replied.
Matthew shrugged, wincing at the sound of Talia's cries beyond the door.
"His hate for me is nothing I can't handle, I have only deemed a servant to talia there, he knows not what I'm capable of."
Arthur frowned in concern, straightening to full height. "What does that mean?"
"As Talia says, ask me no questions, I'll tell you no lies."
"One day I will find out" Arthur sighed rolling his eyes before walking away.
Just how long had these two suffered under Lord Loran was the question that bounced around his mind as he went to gather his knights.
**********
"You're a clotpole, " Arthur muttered as she blinked, looking over to the windowsill.
"That’s the best insult you got? Stealing Merlin’s insult," he rolled his eyes, at Talia's come back, approaching the young lady by the window.
She looked better, though still looked like hell, not that he would voice it for his own safety.
"It works for Merlin, so I'm using it." Arthur reasoned
"Merlin's a servant, Arthur." She argued rolling her eyes
"Your point is?" He questioned
"You're a future king, twit." She shook her head as Arthur sat beside Talia on the windowsill.
"What happened? I need the whole story before Lord Loran arrives," Arthur said.
Talia sighed, toying with a thread between her fingers as she began explaining what happened with Loran's guard.
By the time she finished, the sun had begun to set and Merlin had arrived with food and drink, allowing the two to continue their discussion.
"What will you do with him?" Talia eventually asked after leaving Arthur to mull over her words.
"Strip him of his lordship and land, for one." He glanced over for her reaction, watching her shrug in agreement.
"He hates the dungeon you know. Loves to put others in it, but can't deal with the place himself." Talia grinned at Arthur like a tiger after it's prey.
"Well then, it looks like we have the darkest, most horrible cell to find."
Laughter spilled from her lips at such a serious statement from Arthur.
Oh, how she had come to love Camelot.
~meanwhile~
Tolan watched as Lancelot ran through drills; His sword gracefully sliced through the air like dance to deities themselves.
There was no anger, just fluid movement as feet fell true while the sword swiped at an imaginary enemy.
"Coin for your thoughts?" Tolan spoke loudly enough as Lancelot stopped, his breath racing, sweat gracing his brow, but peace was reflected in his blue eyes. Tolan approached, clapping the younger man on the shoulder.
"Why did she not seek help, knowing it was a trap? I wasn't…" Lancelot started.
"Far from her? Always there to listen?" Tolan answered as he huffed, watching the worried young man sheath his sword. Both men slowly walked to an awaiting bench.
"Yes. Sometimes I wonder if I truly know her." Lancelot replied.
Huffing as he scratched the back of his neck, he looked away, allowing Tolan to gather his thoughts for a moment.
"She's not used to asking for help, son. She never has been."
Lancelot looked over in shock, even though it was simple terminology.
The word 'son' shocked him, though it went unseen by the older Lord.
" All I can advise, son, is to just wait. She eventually comes to those who she trusts and loves. Years of training is hard to break." He smiled reassuringly, once again clapping him on the shoulder, though this time his hand did not move away as both watched Camelot in the evening sun.
**********
"Just say it."
Talia looked over to the door watching Matthew stand leaning on the door frame. Arthur had left not an hour before, allowing her to gather thoughts that raced upon the mind.
"You’re an idiot?" Matthew said.
Rolling her eyes, Talia huffed. "Thanks."
"Anytime, " he grinned, walking into her chambers. He studied his young friend.
With her arm wrapped, she looked dishevelled in an uncaring way, which told him that she was still in shock over the last day.
He couldn't blame her, yet he would not allow her to wallow in the past. Huffing, he readied himself for the mental battle of wits.
"Come on, you need to clean up, Tal, and then possibly seek out a touch-starved knight that's blaming himself."
"What?!" She sharply looked over to the windowsill.
"Oh yeah, he’s well full of need, and you're up for the job, girl! Now let's go, hair wash time!" He grinned, making her laugh softly, rolling her eyes.
"What are you, a beautician?"
"This evening yes, and you need it," Matthew spoke as he pulled her up and nudged his long time friend towards the bathing chambers...it was time to be a brother.
He was right, Talia decided as she stared in the mirror, watching Matthew braid her hair.
She felt more herself after getting cleaned up- the ambush and attempted assassination had shaken her to the core.
Lord Loran was an arse and a bully, and now a killer playing to win, she had to up her game, it seemed.
But for now, she had things to settle and sort before the storm that was Lord Loran arrived.
"Talia."
She stood by the door mirroring Matthew's actions from some hours ago.
She watched as Lancelot turned from sorting the swords, the training ground quiet, but the storeroom even more so.
"I wish I could explain..." she stated softly. "But I can't, not in full detail. I thought I was doing the right thing by following that bloody guard...hell, I didn't know he was going to try and kill me, but hey there you go." She shrugged from the doorway, while Lancelot approached, his eyes never leaving hers as his calloused fingers ran down her cheek.
"You’re safe. That is all I want, but next time-He started.
"There won't be."
“If there is a next time, come to me. You are everything that is brave and noble in this world, and I will not lose you."
Talia grinned like a lovestruck loon leaning into his touch. "Why do I get the feeling you've said that before?"
"When I was more foolish and in haste, I was also rescuing a damsel."
"Ah, a damsel huh? Well, we all do one time or another."
They both laughed softly, leaning towards one another, lips met as bodies connected, Lancelot pulling her close, his need to feel her skin on his strengthening by the moment.
**********
Three days had passed before the horns of Loran echoed towards the castle as things slowly went to a comfortable pattern.
"Dramatic arse," Talia hissed as the other knights glanced over to her.
"Be nice..for now." Tolan's warning came sharp with wit as he looked over to her.
"Really?" She groaned, rolling her eyes, as Tolan huffed, mirroring rolling his eyes good naturally.
"I said for now...not forever Talia"
"Does impaling the idiot with my sword count as nice?"
Tolan closed his eyes, mentally begging whatever gods that listened to give him the strength of patience.
"No, Talia."
"Target practice with his head?"
"Talia..."
"Dodge the knife throwing?"
"Tal..."
"Yes?" She grinned innocently over at the old man before eyeing the others in various states of humour.
"Behave," he muttered before watching Lord Loran dismount his horse before joining Arthur.
As Arthur and Lord Tolan approached the discredited-and-attempted-murderer Lord Loran, Talia grinned, her eyes lighting with fire.
"Time for the fireworks," Matthew muttered from behind her, his voice dripping with venom against Loran.
"Good, the twat deserves it," Talia answered back with excitement in her hazel eyes.
They watched from afar, not that they wanted to, but a promise to a future king was a promise.
Loran's face seemed to become red with anger or guilt, no one really knew nor cared as Arthur seemed to become more and more agitated.
Tolan paced around Lord Loran like a caged lion.
"Bets..." Matthew muttered, looking to Talia. "I’m personally thinking, Tolan's sword through Loran’s gut."
"Really, Matt? Fist in his face. From there, who knows?" Matthew looked over, shrugging indifferently.
"I'm in on this" Merlin spoke up, grinning over at them. "Arthur, fist in the face"
"No, throwing him in the dungeons," Leon spoke up, making Gwaine huff.
"Nope, Arthur's fist, and then the dungeons."
It went downhill from there.
Talia stood next to Lancelot as the group argued just who would do what to Lord Loran for five minutes straight.
It wasn't until a startled cry of pain that made Talia look over.
Arthur stood, shaking his hand out as Lord Tolan mirrored his actions.
Lord Loran kneeled on the floor, holding his face, crying out in pain as the guards approached.
Talia could only gather to escort Loran to the dungeons.
"Damn, we missed it!" She muttered under breath, leaning into Lancelot, huffing in annoyance.
"Can’t have everything," he whispered into her ear, making her shiver as she looked slightly up to her knight.
"Yes, I can. I got you didn't I?"