"Would you hold still!" Sapphire said for what seemed like the hundredth time.

"I am very still, my lady wife. It is you who keeps moving." Tristan said lazily as he yet again moved slightly to the left.

For the past hour or so, his wife had attempted to clean and re-dress his wound. However, Tristan kept moving half an inch to the left or right, much to Sapphire's vexation. The movements were enough to distract her, but not enough for her to say Tristan was behind the disturbance. She was close enough to the wound not to notice whether he had moved, or her eyes were playing tricks on her.

"I beg to differ, my dear husband." Sapphire retorted, her words dripping with false sweetness.

"You keep moving!"

Sapphire glared at him. She was highly irritated with his behavior. She was absolutely certain he was moving!

"Did someone have a bad morning?" Tristan teased, his warm gaze glowing with laughter.

Sapphire blew a stray lock of hair out of her face.

"My morning was quite nice, it is my husband who is causing my spirits to damper." Sapphire said acidly.

The arrogant oaf would not hold still! In the single hour she was with him, she only managed to clean his wound. She still had to apply the ointment and then the bandage. A task which required no more than ten minutes, would most likely take her a day to finish.

"My lord-" Sapphire began only to be cut off by Tristan.

"My lady, you are wasting precious time. I have responsibilities to attend to." Tristan said, a ghost of a smirk on his handsome face.

Sapphire stared at him incredulously, her cheeks flushed.

"It is you who is delaying the matter, my lord!" Sapphire all but screamed. How dare he turn this around and say it was her fault! His precious time! His precious responsibilities! As if he was the only one who had tasks to attend to!

"I can see something is distraught in your mind, you have been quiet for far too long."

And this time, Tristan didn't hold back his smile. And he knew that she knew. Her captivating sapphire orbs turned to slits as her plump lips thinned. Her bosom heaved in her anger, or rather irritation.

"Quiet for too long?" Her perfect eyebrows arched, awaiting his response.

"Well, when you do not speak every second or so, I have reason to worry. You see, you, my dear, can never stay quiet."

Tristan smiled with mischievous glee. One which only enhanced his hauntingly beautiful features. If one were to take a closer look, his face looked thinner, although it did nothing to hinder his beauty. And at the present moment that beautiful face was adorned with a wicked smile, a wicked sort of happiness.

"Are you mocking me, my lord? Claiming I speak too much? If that being the case, I shall refrain from talking to you."

Sapphire spoke fast, not stopping to breath. Insolent man! How dare he say she spoke too much! She hardly spoke at all! only when she had to! he made it sound as if she was a blubbering buffoon. she would show him the appreciation of her voice. Vile man!

Tristan pulled her flush against him, quickly seizing her lips with his own, being completely careless with the wound on his chest. He smiled thinking of how she would admonish him as if he were an errant child.

Sapphire let out a small gasp, granting Tristan instant access into her mouth. She melted against him as their tongues tangled in a dance as old as time. Sapphire moaned softly as his hands began to follow the action of his tongue. He was a wicked man, this husband of hers.

Of their own violation, Sapphire's hands found Tristan's hair , pulling slightly.

Tristan made a low, guttural sound low in his throat. She was a siren, driving him insane every second of the damn day!

One hand tangled in her silky locks, while the other wrapped around her waste, not letting her go, not that she wanted or was planning on it.

After what seemed like a mere few seconds, but was much more, Tristan pulled back, breathing hard.

"Making you angry is a pleasure in its own." Tristan husked as he placed a stray curl behind her ear. His assault had left her hair disheveled.

"You like seeing me angry?" Sapphire asked softly, her breathing still very much effected. Her anger had left just as quickly as it had appeared.

"Not angry per say, a tad bit annoyed, yes. Your eyes light with a blue fire, fierce in its intensity, yet smoldering in its wake. Your cheeks stain with a color which varies from your blush. A small line forms here."

Tristan said as he ran a finger in between her brows. Sapphire watched him speak, afraid to make a sound, afraid to have him stop. This was his way, saying things without meaning to, without noticing. Nevertheless they were just as true as if he had meant to convey them.

"Your lips stay partially parted, as if the air can not get into your lungs fast enough. The way your bosom heaves brings back to mind that I am a man. And then other areas are brought to attention. Then your smart mouth opens, and you say the most charming of things. Your hands seem to move of their own violation when you speak about something you are quite passionate about. A different kind of flame lights your sapphire gaze, as if you can not get your thoughts out fast enough. And when you eat, by God! it is the most hilarious as well as intoxicatingly captivating thing I have ever seen. You look so very happy when a particular meal is made, and when you begin to eat, you have me wishing to be the utensil itself. It's difficult not to rile you. It's amusing. You, my love, have a tendency to have one provoke you."

Tristan finished as he hugged her towards him, his arms wrapped around her waist, holding her close, tightly. Afraid to let her go. He was by no means an emotional man, and yet, this little wench had him questioning himself.

Sapphire gave him an ill aimed punch.

"It appears, my lord, you only desire me for one thing." Sapphire said as she pulled back to look him in the eye.

Tristan smirked, although his gaze held curiosity and a tinge of confused wonder.

"I desire, as you so kindly phrased it, from you many things, my lady wife." Tristan said as he looked at her in open wonder, and then more softly so, he said.

"Like a sirens call. You captivate me, I would accuse you of being a witch." Of their own violation, his finger went to her jaw, stroking softly.

"You act as if I have bewitched you." Sapphire said, equally as quietly.

"You have," Tristan whispered.

"Nonsense. As it is, I have told you not to do any tedious activities. Sapphire said sternly, coming back to the matter at hand. If this carried on, she wouldn't be leaving her chambers at all.

"You are drawn to me just as I am drawn to you, my lady. There is no denying it."

Instead of ravishing her as one would have expected, Tristan pulled her towards him, planting a soft kiss to her hair as he hugged her close, not ready to let her go just yet. They stood in silence for a few moments before Sapphire spoke.

"I do not see how delaying dressing your wound had anything to do with this." Sapphire mumbled into his bare chest.

The feeling of her lips on his bare flesh had gooseflesh erupting on his skin.

"Perhaps, but I wished to do so, and it was a very nice opportunity."

"May I finish your dressing if you are done amusing yourself?" Sapphire questioned, trying and failing to sound stern as she pulled back to look up towards him.

"I am yours to command, my lady." Tristan whispered as he spread out his arms, a boyish smile on his not so boyish face. Sapphire nearly swooned. Her husband was very handsome, more so when he smiled as he was doing now, and his eyes shined with happiness. Light and carefree, not plagued by his demons.

"Cretin," Sapphire mumbled with a smile as she put his arms down and began to work.

Her husband was something else entirely.

*****

"My laird, how are you today?" Andrew questioned as he walked into the castle grounds, making certain Tristan's back remained towards the forest. He would have Jacks head for this. Bastard that he was. Ruining everything with one careless action! If they were to be found, it'd be their end before anything had begun.

He watched the men spar. They were fierce, if it were not for the blunted swords, arrows and other various weapons they battled with, Andrew was certain they would be many fatal injuries. They fought with a type of restrained viciousness, although one would have to look rather closely to see if it was indeed restrained. Nevertheless, lord Knights army was one of the best in the country, perhaps the world. After all, rumor had it his lordship had learned from the bloody devil himself. Damn Rivers!

Tristan looked towards Andrew, not bothering with a response, no matter how rude and ill mannered it would seem.

"What is it that you require?" He had no time for necessities or pleasantries. They were a bothersome, needless task, one he had no use for, at the moment.

Andrew bristled at the cold response. It seemed his lordship had not an ounce of warmth in him. Directly to the point. A characteristic to be admired, Andrew thought grimly. No matter, he still disliked the way in which he was received. He should have been welcomed, if not warmly than at least someone of some importance.

"I require the knowledge of your well being." Andrew answered with a low bow, not noticing Tristan's dark look.

"Hale and healthy, much to the displeasure of my many enemies."

Andrew flinched upon hearing the words. They were not said in fury, hate or misery. But rather as a fact which could not be changed, a fact one had to live with as they lived with the snow. A fact one did not care of.

Perhaps it was this ruthlessness, this coldness which had fear thrive rapidly in Andrew's cold heart, as well as his enemies. The person who does not fear death has indeed nothing to worry over, always emerging victorious.

"We were worried in the village, thought I would come see you myself."

"As I noticed you have done so."

An easy dismissal. And yet Tristan did not turn his back. He knew Andrew would not be easily dismissed. He came here with a purpose. It was evident in the way his shoulders were drawn, the way he held himself, in the way he walked, the tightness around his eyes.

This was a man who was desperate to attain something. And desperate men could either be made fools or turn victorious. Fate was a funny thing indeed. He would have to patiently see what fate favored for Andrew.

"The good health of his lordship effects his people."

"So it would appear so." Tristan said in his quietly deadly voice.

Andrew resolved not to be deterred, although his clipped answers irritated him to no end, he would not be stopped. It was as if he was trying to get milk from a rock. A bloody nuisance.

"The injury is healing along well?"

Andrew asked as he tilted his face to Tristan's bare, bandaged torso. The man needed to learn to wear clothing!

Tristan nodded his head.

"Remarkably well. An ill aimed shot endeavored by sheer luck, or a play of faith. Which ever way one chooses to look." Tristan said in his quiet way.

His complete answer had Andrew recoiling more so than his clipped answers from earlier. It seemed his lordship intimidated his adversaries without trying. The bloody bastard!

At that moment Asher came purposefully towards Tristan, not bothering to hide his dislike of Andrew as he gave him a wide berth.

Tristan ran a hand along his thick mane, his steely gaze still fixed on Andrew, peeling away the many layers to catch the man beneath.

Andrew shifted his feet.

"Magnificent beast ye have there."

Asher snorted. As if such praise was beneath him. The horse could be quite arrogant when he wanted.

"It appears my friend is not very fond of you. Good day, Andrew."

And this time Tristan left no room for argument, the dismissal was instant, not to be bargained with. A dismissal Andrew could not ignore, not if he valued his life. And being the coward that he is, or perhaps intelligent, he accepted it.

With one last bow, Andrew turned to leave while grinding his teeth and not a moment too soon. For he had seen sir Alexander enter the forest with something in his arms. By God! If Jack had not removed the men, he would pay in blood.

***

"Alexander, I had warned you. Do not act as a coward." Tristan called to the forest in general.

"I am no coward, rather a sane man who values his life." Alexander's voice rang from amidst the forest. The git actually thought he had a chance, although is ploy was rather clever.

Tristan smirked.

"Rather a man who can not keep his friend in check." Tristan mumbled as he scanned the tree tops.

"Do you see him, Robbie?"

"Aye, my lord. He's big feet can be seen from that tree." Robert said as he pointed towards a tree opposite Tristan.

Tristan looked at the tree for a while before shaking his head.

"Nay. Tis only a shoe meant to trick us. Look here." Tristan said as he pointed at different clothing items hidden quite craftily amongst the trees. Easily hidden to give the viewer the deception someone was hidden, and by some misfortune, exposed.

"I never would have figured sir Alexander to have a mind." Robert said in awe.

For he honestly had thought Alexander more brawn than brain. A brawn who exceeded in the art of swordsmanship mind you.

Tristan cast a look towards Robert.

"Never underestimate your opponent , Robert. It is a mistake that has cost many men their lives. Always think your opponent knows more than they are letting on, only than will victory be truly yours." Tristan advised as he readied an arrow and pointed to a tree far to the right. The tree was smaller than the rest, but held a set of thick branches and was quite sturdy. Add to that, the leaves and flowers which grew on it made a very nice shade.

Tristan waited for a millisecond before aiming. His arrow launched into the air before hitting it's target.

"Ye bloody bastard!" Alexander snarled as he fell from the tree, his right arm covered in blood, the arrow still perfectly placed.

"I warned you it was not blunted." Tristan said with a shrug.

Alexander grunted but got to his feet, walking towards Tristan while holding his stinging arm.

"How did ye know?"

Tristan smirked.

"I am no fool. I tell you today and tomorrow you will use my knowledge to your advantage."

"Fair enough." Alexander grunted.

"I hope her ladyship is awake, I reckon the arrow had gone deeper than intended."

Tristan snorted.

"I had already warned you. Consider yourself lucky, your arm was not my intended target. "

Alexander winced slightly, knowing very well what was his lordships target.

"Why can you not attend to the healers in the village?"

"Her ladyship does a better job. Her craftsmanship in mending flesh is unlike any I have seen."

Tristan grunted but opted to stay quiet. Alexander was up to something, and he'd be damned if he didn't find out.

After a moments silence, Alexander spoke.

"I was merely jesting earlier."

"As was I." Tristan answered.

The three men left the forest side by side. Tristan occasionally glancing around. There was something off about the forest. It seemed still. Where were the animals? Odd.

They walked into the castle gates, Alexander grumbling while Robert excitedly told anyone who would listen, Alexander's tale, much to Alexander's displeasure.

Tristan was lost in thought. He glanced up to see snow falling, a slight smile on his lips. Sapphire was very fond of snow. Perhaps they would go out and have some fun.

"Sir Alexander, what happened to your arm?" Sapphire fussed as she rushed him to a chair near the hearth.

"Get me linen and warm water, as well as some brandy."

Turning towards Tristan, Sapphire said, "may you pull the arrow out please, my lord."

Tristan grunted incoherently but obliged. Making certain to cause Alexander more pain than necessary.

The bloody git was trying to get him jealous by having his wife fuss over him. Arrogant berk! He was annoyed, yes, but certainly not jealous as Alexander had wanted him to be.

"That was quite painful, my lord." Alexander muttered with a grimace. taking the arrow out indeed had caused him more pain than the arrow lodging itself into his body.

"What are you? A lass?" Lord Rivers muttered with contempt.

"Can you not handle an arrow?"

"Uncle John!" Sapphire admonished while cleaning the wound, her back towards the men. They were such children at times.

"Do not be so hard on him. The wound is not very deep, but painful nevertheless. How did you get hurt?" Sapphire asked, now addressing Alexander.

Lord Rivers grunted, sharing a glance with Tristan.

Alexander sent a smug smirk Tristan's and lord Rivers way when Sapphire was not looking.

Lord Rivers lifted a brow, promising retribution.

"I'll tell ye, my ladyship!" Robert said excitedly while Duncan spit his ale. This were to be interesting. Gerald, along with a few other men, had arrived as well, all eagerly awaiting.

Alexander glared daggers at Robert while he spoke.

"Sir Alexander was taunting lord Knight this morn, because lord Knight would nay spar with him. Then lord Knight took out his arrow and told him he would attack him by noon."

Robert paused to take a breath.

"Did he now." Sapphire said while looking towards Tristan. He had the grace to grin sheepishly.

"Yes, and then sir Alexander kept saying lord Knight is 'bound' and he is unable to do anything. Said he was afraid. Then when noon time came, sir Alexander was hiding in a tree. He was afraid of lord Knight. But lord Knight found him very quickly and attacked.

"Although sir Alexander attempted to be clever and trick lord Knight, but he failed." Robert finished off with a broad grin.

Duncan's laughter could be heard from a great distance as he laughed in abandon. Cook, Sarah and the rest of the occupants of the castle were also having difficulty in keeping their laughter at bay.

"A brilliant deed has been done today." Lord Rivers said broadly.

Alexander grimaced in pain, his ego had been brutally hurt.

"You where attempting to hide?" Gerald questioned as he sat opposite of Alexander.

"What would you have done if it had been you?"

"Not taunted Tristan." Gerald said bluntly.

Alexander used a few choice words, opting to stare at the wall ahead. He would not answer them.

"Sapphire darling, you don't need to clean his wound, it is very minor."

Lord Rivers said as he tried to pull Sapphire to her feet.

"I have only to wrap the linen, uncle. It will only be a second."

Lord Rivers grunted, pulling Sapphire to her feet.

"You're coddling him. He is not a babe."

Sapphire rolled her eyes heavenward.

"Besides, he only wants to be coddled to have a final blow at Tristan." Lord Rivers said as he cast an arrogant smirk Alexander's way.

Alexander scowled.