The sun shone brightly in the sky, a light breeze had fallen leaves scurrying about. Men went about doing their business while women occupied the small streets. Venders were calling out ,trying to lure people towards them. The laughter of children could be heard as clear as day, their happiness bringing a sense of joy to ones own heart. One sight in particular had the people passing by stop to stare with a fond smile on their faces.

"Faster! Faster! You so slow!"

"Aye? I'm slow? How do you like it now?"

Duncan laughed in delight as Tristan spun him around faster.

"That's enough lad, or else you shall throw your breakfast on me."

"Okay.." Duncan said dis heartedly.

"Cheer up boy, we will have fun again." Tristan reassured him with a light pat to his back.

"Can ye teach me the sword? Pweez?"

"All in good time." Tristan smiled.

Tristan had kept his promise to the young lad and had shown up just after the morning fast to play with the boy. His mother had been very surprised Tristan had shown up, if the shock on her face was anything to go by. They had been playing for a good two to three hours now. Duncan had Tristan running around for the better part of their time together. Tristan even taught Duncan how to climb a tree. All the while Duncan watched Tristan with large, admiring eyes. Never having a male figure in his life, Duncan was very happy to be spending time with Tristan, not worrying about a beating was also a big improvement, leaving him truly care free.

Tristan had learnt Duncan's father was indeed a man who was very fond of his drink, not caring who he hurt in the process. Nothing could come in between him and his drink. Tristan made sure he had left his land and was never to be seen again, Tristan detested those who drank with vigor, loosing all sense around them.

Tristan finished putting on a fresh pair of clothes, all the while his thoughts occupied by a certain blue eyed beauty, causing his loins to react. At times being a man was very hard, literally. He was to be in the Rivers Manor in less than an hour, he really hated Xavier.

"Good afternoon, my lord." Alfred bowed as he greeted Tristan. Tristan nodded in acknowledgement. Alfred took him to the settee, and as he offered Tristan snacks and drinks, Tristan could not help but stare. The butler looked very familiar, but for the life of him, he couldn't remember. Tristan was still musing over the butler when lord Rivers arrived.

"And what do I owe the pleasure?" lord Rivers asked with a wide smile, he was beyond happy with Tristan's arrival.

Tristan stared at the smiling lord blankly,

"wedding preparations..."

Lord Rivers let out a low chuckle, " I suppose the purpose of your visit should have been obvious."

Tristan's eyes narrowed as he questioned, " Xavier hasn't arrived as yet?"

"Well, he did and they all left. They told me to tell you where to go, once you arrived that is. Its only-."

Lord Rivers paused as Alfred came in the room.

"My apologies, my lord. Lord Benton has arrived and he said the matter is very urgent, and it may take time."

Lord Rivers let out a low curse while turning towards Tristan.

"Listen, I must go, but I need a favor. You're the only one I am able to trust, meaning no one else can do it."

"How very touching."

"Shut up, lad. I need you to joust with Sapphire, she's in the room over there." Lord Rivers said, pointing towards the far left.

"She's experienced with the sword, although she hasn't practiced in about four days, I can not waste another. Do not, under any circumstances, go easy on her." Lord Rivers said sternly.

Tristan stiffened, it'd be a cold day in hell before he would joust with the delectable female.

Tristan cussed every single foul word known to mankind as he drew his sword. Sapphire stood with a tunic which reached about mid thigh and breeches which did naught to hide her form. Tristan clenched his jaw. He was livid. The way her body moved as she practiced her sword had him paralyzed. Apparently, lord Rivers knew damn well how to get his way. Was the man insane? Could he not see that any hot blooded male would pounce on Sapphire once given the chance? Him included. Tristan stared as she tucked a loose tendril behind her ear, which had come loose from her braid. Taking a much needed deep breath, Tristan entered the room.

Sapphire stopped mid thrust at the sound of the door opening. She turned around to find lord Tristan Knight walking towards her, sword in hand. His beautiful face laced with fury, his jaw ever so taunt, Sapphire feared he would need a physician.

"Your uncle told me to be your partner until he returns."

"Did he now?" Sapphire asked warily, she wouldn't be able to concentrate with him!

Tristan studied Sapphire, truly studied her. She was by no means petite, yet if she were to stand behind him, he would have easily hidden her. Tristan was well over six feet, and equally broad and muscled. Positioning himself for the inevitable, Tristan raised his sword.

"Ready?"

Sapphire gave a slight nod, and so they began.

Despite lord Rivers warning, Tristan went easy on the fair maiden, a mistake. He should have expected it, lord Rivers was a brilliant teacher, Tristan himself had learnt the art of sword-ship from him. He shouldn't have thought any less of Sapphire. What she lacked in strength, she made up for in strategy and speed.

"Focus." Tristan growled. She had made a beginners mistake.

Sapphire faked a right, turning at the last minute and attacking Tristan's left knee, causing him to tumble to the ground. But he was quick on his feet, no sooner had Sapphire turned around, Tristan was on his feet.

Sweat made Sapphires clothes stick to her delectable body, making Tristan's own body react. Her face was flushed, as was her breathing labored. Tristan stared at her bosom heaving up and down, and he nearly groaned, she was a very good fighter, very skilled, but Tristan was better. Being in war did that to a person.

"Would you like a break?" Tristan asked in his quiet nature, although right now it was due to a different cause.

"No thank you, my lord." Sapphire answered while blocking a blow to her face. Her muscles were protesting, and while she was covered in sweat, not a single ounce of perspiration was noticeable on lord Knight. Sapphires wandering thoughts cost her. Tristan kicked left, causing Sapphire to fall on her back. As Tristan went in for the blow, Sapphire kicked his left knee, causing Tristan to fall on her.

Tristan held on to his self control by a bare thread. Her lying underneath him, pressed ever so intimately, and with her flushed face and irregular breathing, Tristan had to pray with everything in him that he didn't do anything rash.

Sapphire stared as his eyes went from a beautiful light silver to an almost black gray. His beautifully sculpted face seemed to be twisted in pain. Sapphire moved her hand slightly, Tristan quick to notice the movement. Mustering up all the sanity he head left, Tristan rolled off of Sapphire. Putting distance between her and himself was imperative.

Sapphire grabbed her sword, attacking Tristan's upper arm, leaving a light scratch. Tristan smirked. Not caring about the small scratch, Tristan brought his sword down hard, forcing Sapphire to block the blow. Sapphires knees bent under the pressure. She wouldn't be able to last long under her current position. Sapphire tried with all her strength to hold her own.

Tristan felt a pang of guilt at seeing Sapphire struggling under the weight of not only both the swords, but his weight as well. But he knew it was necessary, lord Rivers would never have told Tristan to put Sapphire under such strain if he didn't deem it important. Especially knowing Tristan's battle expertise, which made him all the more curious as to why?

The door opened with a bang. Tristan quickly removed his sword and turned towards the intruder. Sapphire, however, being caught off guard by the disappearance of the weight so suddenly, had her loose control of her sword. Unable to hold it back, Sapphire's sword made a cut on Tristan's neck.

Tristan let out a low hiss as the blade made contact with his neck, he looked towards Alfred, the intruder, with a raised brow.

"Pardon me, my lord, my lady, I thought you might have been tired so brought refreshments." Alfred said while holding a tray of white chocolate chip, macadamia nut cookies, and drinks along with little pieces of cake and cookies, completely oblivious to the injury he unintentionally caused.

" I am so, so very sorry, my lord!" Sapphire cried, horrified.

"Its alright." Tristan shrugged while making sure to thank the butler for his thoughtfulness.

"Come with me, please. I don't want it to get an infection."

Sapphire said while she grabbed Tristan's hand and pulled him with her to her room. Once there, Tristan leaned against her vanity; a picture of male perfection waiting to be appreciated.

"This is hardly necessary, it's only a scratching, really." Tristan said, feeling uncomfortable at being cared for.

"I must make certain of that myself." Sapphire said.

She was so worried about his wound, although it only trickled a small portion of blood. Only thinking about his injury, Sapphire was a mere breath away from Tristan, their bodies teasingly touching. She swiftly undid the buttons of his shirt, leaving him in his bare chested glory. Applying salve to the cut, Sapphire said,

"Thankfully it's not bad, it does not need to be stitched, the salve will help with the infection."

While Sapphire didn't notice their close proximity, Tristan did. He could feel himself hardening. He kept his hands tightly clenched to his sides. His devious mind conjured images of her soft hands on other parts of his anatomy.

Sapphire finished applying the salve, as she went to make sure their were no more wounds, she felt her breath caught in her throat. With slightly shaky hands, Sapphire lightly traced the scars which marred his chest. As far as she could see, Tristan's entire torso was covered in scars.

"I suggest you stop touching me." Tristan growled lowly.

Tristan was surprised to see her questioning glance towards him, her eyes shone with unshed tears. Another factor he wasn't used to seeing.

"Why?"

"Because I might do something you'll regret."

"Like?" Sapphire questioned, while continuing her exploring.

Tristan grabbed her wrists, halting her torturous hands. With one smooth movement, he had both her hands locked behind her back with one of his. Her body pressed intimately against his, Tristan brought his lips down hard on hers. Surprised at the assault, she gave a slight gasp, which had Tristan thrusting his tongue in the sweet haven of her mouth to start a dance as old as time. Tristan kissed her as a starved lover would kiss their beloved. Never had he tasted something so sweet. Her soft sign had him hardening even more, he had to stop. Before Sapphire had the chance to respond, Tristan pulled away.

"Like this." Tristan breathed, as he let her go and left the room.

Sapphire stared at his retreating form, one hand to her kiss swollen lips.

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