A tale of song, swords, and flowers

Chapter 10

Tristan prided himself on being for the most part rather unshakable. It had been part of his training, learn how to rattle your enemy without losing your own head in the process. The current situation he found himself in however, was overwhelming even for him.

"Please I mean no offense sir, but I cannot marry her. It would not be just of me." It took all of Tristan's formidable willpower to loosen the white knuckled grip on his sword as the headman move closer.

"I see neither a marriage ring or betrothal charm on your person. Tell me, are you promised to another?"

"Not currently." Tristan admitted, lining up the necessary excuses in his head one by one.

"Then it would not be right of you to refuse!" The headman smiled in a way that Tristan remembered all too well from his years at court, a brittle, false thing that those in power used win they were after something they wanted. "Since you are an outsider I will explain. If a man brings a girl back from the chasing and does not marry her, she will forever be shamed, Unable to marry, and branded by the gods as an untouchable."

In a moment of perfect clarity, Tristan understood. Rosamund was nothing more than a bargaining chip in this man's eyes, a way to make connections and gain power. It was disorienting to be on the opposite side of things, watching a woman's autonomy be stripped away and knowing however in advertently, that you would soon be responsible for her well-being.

"Oh don't be silly! Exclaimed a familiar Voice at his elbow. "Of course he'll marry her!"

Surprised Tristan glanced over to see a fiery head of long braided hair that barely reached the height of his chin. It was the Bard, Florian, dressed in a velvety moss green tunic and trousers. His pale face was artfully decorated with make up, lips stained red  and eyes lined with a dark substance that made them difficult to ignore. Seemingly unaware of Tristan scrutiny, Florian continued.

"My name is pansy, I'm a bard and I've known this Golden haired wonder for years now."

Without hesitation he threw a slim arm around Tristan's shoulders, Seemingly unaffected by the Way in which tense muscles bunched up even further at the touch

"I'll be happy to stand for his honor at the binding of the hands. I don't mean to be rude now, but we really must begin to prepare. Come now my friend, let's go upstairs."

Florian's arm turn from placid to guiding in an instant, surprisingly strong and steady. Tristan did not allow himself to be moved though, looking toward the still open door of the inn . "My horse!"

"Taken care of sir!" Piped up the rather intimidating woman with one arm still around a trembling Rosamund. "Catch barred!"

Gracefully Florian stepped   Backwards   and caught the hefty brass key that was tossed to him, before hooking his arm through Tristan's in a not so subtle demand to follow him. At a loss Tristan did so, all too happy to take a step away from the entire situation.

Once alone in the room, Tristan began to pace, battle fury coursing through him.

"This is a complete load of horseshit!" He grumbled, sliding sword back into its scabbard with more force than Necessary. "All the girl wanted was to get back to her own village without being hunted by assholes to marry the one man she actually wanted! I should've just knocked the fucker out The first time I had him pinned and none of this would've happened!"

"Oh Don't start blaming yourself now!" Florian protested, taking a seat on the bed. " there's no way you could've foreseen this madness!"

"I know that!" Tristan snapped, dropping down beside him and scrubbing fingers anxiously through his hair. " I cannot marry her Florian, but neither can I leave her to be shamed."