The Knight and the Serving Girl [Idris]

[Deleted]

So it had been going well until they walked out of the servant's quarters and he no longer knew where he was going. Not the best of starts, but between them they'd managed to leave the castle behind them and were now in the middle of Camelot city.

Tristan kept looking at Idris every few steps, paranoid that he was boring her. This was meant to be his way of thanking her for her assistance the previous night and the last thing he wanted was for her to feel like she was being dragged around by some random knight who couldn't hold his drink. He couldn't hold his drink, but that far from the point. The point was he was determined she enjoyed herself. If that meant staring at her every thirty seconds and analysing every detail of her facial expression to detect signs of boredom that was what he was going to do. He was a knight on a quest. Granted, it was a rather feeble quest in the grand scale of things but that was not going to deter him.

"And how does the young lady find Camelot this fine morning?" Fine was probably an overstatement. The sun was far too bright and the pain in his head was now a dull ache but he was just going to have to soldier on, something he really wasn't used to.

[Idris]

Idris could feel Tristan watching her every now and again. At one point she'd actually put her hand to her cheek, thinking there was a spec of dirt lodging there but she couldn't feel anything, "Is there something wrong?" She asked, she didn't mean to sound cranky but she didn't want to go out into the market if half her face was covered in coal from the kitchens this morning, or dirt from when she'd cleaned out one of the store cupboards.

She was quite worried about what people would think, a servant with a knight? It was hardly the done thing around here was it? She wasn't embarrassed, she just didn't need to give the other servants another stick to beat her with. She forcefully decided to enjoy her morning because it was this or just fade back into obscurity, and after the meeting with Sir Lucus, who said she and Sir Tristan couldn't be friends.

The sun outside was bright and Idris relished in it. It felt lovely on her skin and just transported her back to those sunny afternoons in her families farm. She looked up at him and raised an eye brow when he used the word 'lady' and gestured to her blue dress. It was well worn at the hem and had some stains around the skirts and rolled her tongue around the words, "I'm hardly dressed like a Lady of the Court my Lord, but this morning is lovely, couldn't have picked a better day." She studied him carefully and carefully replied, "And how does my Lord find this morning?"

[Deleted]

Oh brilliant. Why could he never do anything with even a smidgeon of subtlety? "No, no there's nothing wrong." He said shaking his head. "I was just, well, I want you to enjoy yourself. Obviously if I stare at you this is more likely to happen." Well put. Smooth. He looked straight ahead, and decided to only look at her when speaking because constantly looking at her was clearly the way to make sure a girl had a good time. Not that he had much experience with that sort of thing any- no. He was not even going to go there. Today was about enjoying himself and make sure Idris did so too, not dwelling on the past.

He chuckled at her words about not being dressed as a lady. It was certainly true. Her dress was probably home-made and had probably had more wear out of it than any of his own clothes, still, it wasn't a bad dress and, ignoring a few stains it was rather nice. It suited her. Besides, his sister was always returning covered in mud, hair full of twigs and red-faced. "You remind me of my little sister, she's nobility but you wouldn't think it to look at her. Who cares what you're wearing? Besides," he added with the hint of a smirk, "you're being escorted by a knight of Camelot."

Now she was making weird expressions at him. His eyebrows arched in confusion.

"And how does my Lord find this morning?"

Tristan shrugged. Someday he would be casual convincingly, clearly, today was not that day. "I've been better. But I've been worse too. But," he looked up at the sky, which in hindsight wasn't a good idea. Now his eyes hurt. He took a moment to blink several times rapidly and hope that it would somehow help, before continuing, "it is a lovely day. If not a little bright..."

[Idris]

Idris certainly couldn't suppress her confused look at Tristan said that staring at her would make her enjoy herself more. She wasn't going to point out that the only setting that would matter in would be if they were courting, which she was pretty sure they weren't. She wasn't going to bring it up because she remembered how Tristan had reacted about rescuing fair maidens. Sure he had been drunk at the time, but it would be highly embarrassing for him to tear up again in front of her, especially in public.

Idris couldn't understand Tristan's character, he seemed sweet on one side and egotistical on the other. It had been the 'your being escorted by a knight of Camelot' comment which had convinced her of the latter. He had reaffirmed her comments that she didn't look like nobility in anyway, and although some women would be insulted, Idris was glad she looked like who she was trying to be, instead of the servants who liked to pretend they were like nobility, and tried to look like it. "I like the sound of your sister." She smiled, any noble who didn't act within the conventions of it seemed alright in Idris's opinion.

She nodded, "Well I'm no physician, but I'd put that down to the ale." She gave him a small wink and skipped ahead a few paces but stopped and looked back at him, "So where are we headed?" She asked. She put her hands on her hips mockingly and studied Tristan, "You do know where we're going don't you my Lord?"

[Deleted]

“She’s quite a handful.” He replied with a smile and remembering just how long it had been since he last saw her. She was probably stuck in a tree right now, having climbed far too high, just like when she was a child. It was always Tristan’s older brother Kay who was running around after her. It wasn’t ladylike and it certainly wasn’t going to get her a husband. It was a wonder she hadn’t given him a heart attack by now. “I know I’m not the easiest person in the world but I suspect she’s worse, my brother Kay is always getting stressed at her. I don’t think she’s ever been drunk in a corridor though.” Idris probably didn’t care and was only being polite, but he hadn’t seen either of them for so long it felt good to talk about them.

She was probably right about the ale. Although there was definitely something spiteful about the way the sun was blaring down at them. “I didn’t drink that much...I’m just really bad with drink.” He gave a small laugh. “It’s not often I’m the damsel in distress.” That was a lie. He was often in distress, the only difference with last night being that he was, for want of a better word, rescued.

Idris was on the move again. She had far too energy for this time of day. She was expecting a plan from him in that rather intimidating way she appeared to have. “Well,” he began walking towards her, “that depends on what you mean by “you do know where you going”. There’s no plan, if that’s what you’re asking. I’d suggest a drink but I think we both know that’s not a good idea.” He shrugged. “Where do you want to go?”

[Idris]

Idris stiffly inclined her head, her own sister Jocelyn had often been counted as a handful, but not so much as her brothers who seemed to go hand in hand with mischief. She had been in Camelot for so long her family felt like a vague dream which she wasn't sure was reality a lot of the time. She hoped she would get the chance to go back to them to see if they were all ok, that was the only problem with only her father being literate. He was far too busy to write, and even if he did then it would be too expensive to post and she wouldn't be able to write back.

Idris stopped herself laughing at him proclaiming that he wasn't usually the damsel in distress. She highly doubted that in his current state. "You should be rescuing people." Idris half sounded like she was reprimanding him like a naughty child, but that wasn't it at all. She was still teasing him in a way because after he'd nearly broken down on her last night she didn't particularly want a repeat. "So come on, if you don't rescue people, how else does a knight spend his day?"

She looked like she was going to agree with his idea for a drink for a moment but she tapped his nose with the tip of her finger with a resounding, "No," She smiled then continued, "I'm not carrying you anywhere, my shoulders are still hurting from last night!" She pulled a face, wondering what to do. She wanted to go to the markets, but she wanted to walk around Camelot as well, she hadn't really got the chance, "It's a nice day we could just continue our walk?"

[Deleted]

It occurred to Tristan that this was the first time, in a rather long time, that he was actually enjoying himself. And as it been such a long time he was determined that he continue to do so. Idris was pleasant company, the weather was enjoyable and there was nothing that was going to dampen his spirits simply because he was not going to let it. Even if she was still laughing at him, which he would ignore, because, as previously stated: nothing was going to dampen his spirits. Besides, even if she was laughing at him she was enjoying herself which was the whole point of the morning’s expedition so he was just going to have to cope.

There was only one person in the entire world he wanted to rescue and has that had turned out so fantastically he had rather sworn off any further attempts. He probably should have done that in the first place, how much happier he would be if he had. How much happier she would be if he had. But that was the problem with Tristan, he followed his heart, not his head and just ended up hurting himself. And, he had decided, he was bloody sick of it. He was sick of being useless, he was sick of being alone and he was sick of giving up, of knowing that his life could have been so much better if he had just stopped being such a coward. So, yes, he should be rescuing people and in an ideal world he would be, he just had to rescue himself first.

She was still teasing him, something that, although he was used to, was quite strange coming from a servant. After all, he could have her flogged for her insolence, not that he would of course, but he did have the option to. “Training, eating, knocking people off horses with long poles...the usual.” Hmm, it really didn’t sound that interesting aloud. “It’s all terribly dangerous...and manly...” Right. It sounded so much better now. “Then there’s all that defending we do. A lot of defending goes on.” He really was selling it now.

He was slightly offended by her comment. Not only was she implying that he was heavy, but she was also implying that a repeat of last night would occur. It probably would, but that was far from the point. “Maybe I’d end up carrying you.” He replied, “I promise I won’t drop you.” He’d become rather good at carrying women, not that it was much use to him now, but it was a good skill to have.

Seeing as neither of them had any burning desires of how to spend their time and it was such a nice day he was more than happy to continue walking. It made a change from running at people with swords. “That is a very good suggestion.” He replied with a smile, and then sensing that a new topic of conversation should be started opened with: “So how are you finding life as a servant? I can’t imagine the fun you must have clearing up after us.”

[Idris]

Idris was enjoying the morning, well what was not to enjoy about it? It defiantly made up for Tristan technically ruining her evening last night, more than made up for it even. For a knight, Tristan certainly didn't act all knight-ish; she was sure she'd just made up that word. He and Arthur seemed nearly totally different, but then again she hadn't given Tristan a fair chance yet. She'd seen Arthur occasionally over the last month or so. He was polite to all the servants and was never seen in public drunk. But as she'd already thought, Tristan hadn't really been given a chance yet, and he wasn't even at his best yet because he was so hung over. The fresh air would do him good.

Tristan outlined his usual knightly duties and she nodded then putting her head to the side, "I'd asked you to demonstrate your 'manly' traits, but you might have me flogged for questioning it." She raised an eyebrow and continued on her way with Tristan at her side like an old friend rather than someone she'd only met last night.

"Are you trying to say you think I'd get drunk?" She asked, half chocking with shock at the thought then she giggled, "I wouldn't let you carry me, You might drop me!" She was still teasing him but he was rising to each challenge she threw at him so she theorized that he couldn't dislike it too much. "I would be lighter to carry than you were, but I suppose you'll never know." She resisted the urge to stick her tongue playfully at him, but instead settled for a satisfied knowing grin.

"Life as a servant?" She repeated and shrugged, "It's ok I guess, some of the other servants are lovely, the older ones don't like me much though." She pulled a face, "But I don't mind too much." Tristan was still watching her so hotly she continued her babble, "It's very different to the kind of work I was used to, but I manage." That was more than enough to answer the question surely? "How long have you been a knight of Camelot?"

The streets of Camelot were bustling and humming with the hub of activity the city boasted. Servants, knights and merchants were all pushing and pulling in different directions around the streets. Idris pushed closer to Tristan for fear of losing him in the busy street, she was only of medium height and slight so it made her an easier target to be pushed about in the street, "It's busy today isn't it?" She asked, half of shock; she hadn't really been out of the castle much since her arrival.

[Deleted]

Tristan hadn’t been expecting much of an appreciation of his knightly duties, but he had been hoping for more than another excuse for her teasing. She certainly was good at it. “I’m afraid you would in such awe of my manly traits your brain would explode. It would therefore be a terrible faux pas for me to display them.” He replied in a matter-of-fact tone.

“I most certainly am not!” He said in mock offence, having to stop himself from laughing in order to keep up the pretence. “I am merely pointing out that should you need to be gallantly rescued I am more than capable of carrying you off to safety.”

He listened intently as she spoke of her life as a servant. Normally he didn’t give the servants a second thought; they were just there in the background being told what to do. Now that he was talking to one, however, he was more interested in what her life was like. She wasn’t giving much away, which Tristan presumed was intentionally so he didn’t press her any further. Idris was certainly remaining guarded, quickly changing the subject back to Tristan. He didn’t mind, of course, but he was rather curious as to why she didn’t want to give much information away. Maybe he was just being nosey. It was, after all, none of his business, but he couldn’t help be a little curious.

Still, he was far too much of a gentleman to try and prise anything from her so instead he answered her question about his time as a knight. “A few months?” He couldn’t say for certain. It felt like a lot longer. “I’ve been training a lot longer though. My father wanted me to a knight so here we are.” He wasn’t trying to be evasive; there just really wasn’t anything that interesting to tell her.

As they continued their walk, Tristan felt her pushing against him, which rather confused him. He wasn’t used to women literally throwing themselves at him; he wasn’t used to them doing it metaphorically either for that matter. And then he felt someone barge past him and knock him forward and he realised that it was more an action of survival so it made a lot more sense. He nodded at her comment about the number of people surrounding them. “It’s normally like this, though. You get used to it. Mind,” he pulled her out of the path of a rather obnoxious looking young man. “No manners.” He muttered with a tone of irritation. “Still, it’s better busy than deserted.”


OOC - Yeah...it's a bit sectiony and meh. Tris wasn't speaking to me.

[Idris]

Idris wasn’t being guarded because she didn’t trust Tristan, on the contrary she was warming to him quite a lot. She was just used to it as a fact of life, her father always told her not to tell anyone anything that wasn’t needed. It wasn’t a show of her being rude or untrusting, it was just her showing she was a private person.

She couldn’t believe how busy the streets of Camelot were. Not having come out of the castle an awful lot since her arrival it came as a bit of a culture shock. It was defiantly a change from her backwards and slow life as a farmhand. In ways she was incredibly irritated with her family, especially her parents. If they had known from an earlier age that she wouldn’t be able to stay with them then they should have prepared them better for her later life. She knew everything about how to rear livestock, how to cultivate a field and run a household. She had grown up in the innocence that she would be married off to some farmhand and live her life as she had lived her childhood; only with the addition of a husband and a child every year.

Tristan reassured her that it was always this busy, and she fully believed it. Camelot certainly would be really eerie if the whole city was totally deserted. She was sure she would get used to it for as long as she stayed here. She wasn’t sure what she wanted anymore, did she want to return to being a farmhand? Or did she want to stay here in Camelot?

That thinking was way too deep for the start of the day anyway. It was a lovely day so why spoil it with thoughts of the future? She just wanted to enjoy the time before her next serving shift. “Yeah it’s better to be full than empty.” She agreed then she looked down the street and then around her head, “So, what is there to do in Camelot?”

[Deleted]

Hmm, what exactly was there to do in Camelot? Tristan didn’t really spend much time in the city. He was either training, with the other knights or passing out in corridors, none of which would appeal to his young companion.

“I think there is a market on today.” He replied, hoping that he was right. He really couldn’t think of anything that they could do, clearly he was such amazing company. “It probably won’t be incredibly exciting, but we could always have a look.” It was a rather weak suggestion, but it was better than wandering around aimlessly. He did like to have a purpose. “But it’s entirely up to you,” he continued, “after all, this day is for you.”

They carried on walking; Tristan was still trying to think of activities that would appeal to them both. Somehow he didn’t think Idris would appreciate watching him fire arrows at trees. Hmm, thinking about it he could do with the practice. But anyway. They needed something to do. “I’m not being very helpful, but it looks like it’s either the market or aimless wandering.”

[Idris]

"A market?" Idris repeated and nodded her head, "Sure why not?" She was half enjoying just aimlessly walking around, and then she started to feel slightly guilty. She should be treating Tristan, as a knight of Camelot, with more respect surely? She knew she should, but Idris always had issues with bending to authority, her father used to call it her rebellious streak; her mother used to call it being a brat. Smiling up at Tristan, and now confused by her own thoughts she didn't really know what to say, should she start acting subservient? Tristan didn't seem to mind about her teasing him, if he was then she knew she would already be in the stocks by now.

"Yeah let's go to the markets." She confirmed. As they directed themselves in the direction oft he markets she was reminded of the hustle and bustle there was just going down one of the streets in Camelot. She looked up at Tristan and shrugged, "But let's not stay too long? I'm not quite used to the crowds yet." It was true, Idris wasn't used to being pushed and pulled around without there being a reason for it. It wasn't a sign of weakness; no. She just didn't enjoy the amount of people there were on the streets.

Her thoughts flew to the events of the evening, she knew there was a feast going on, but she didn't know what they were celebrating. Maybe someone else was getting knighted? Who knows. All Idris knew was that she would be serving the knights in the Great Hall until the early hours of the morning. She knew she couldn't be over familiar with Tristan in that setting.

[Deleted]

“Excellent.” Tristan replied at her agreement to go to the market. The whole situation was turning out to be far greater success than he had imagined. He guided her in the direction of their new destination, again, having to stop her from walking into anyone. It was nearly always this busy, but even so there was no excuse for a lack of manners. At least three people had walked into him and not one of them had acknowledged it, despite the fact that he was wearing the crest of Camelot, displaying for all to see his status as a knight. He could have them put into the stocks for their insolence, and despite his gentle nature (at the moment, at least) found himself almost wishing they did the same thing to one of the more aggressive knight in order that they learnt some manners.

He nodded in answer to her question and said in a joking tone. “You will, you’ll be barging you way through just like everyone else soon.” She may not have divulged that much information about herself or life as a servant, but from her reaction she clearly was not used to living in a city and so was probably therefore from a surrounding village. If that was the case it made Tristan even more curious as to find out why she was in Camelot. Her attitude was not that of someone who was used to authority, leading Tristan to hope, for her own sake, that she quickly became used to not expressing herself as freely as she was doing now.

To her young companion her attitude made for better company and he would rather have her teasing him than being far too timid to even make eye contact. Many of the other knights and many of the lords of Camelot, however, would not feel the same way and would waste no time in explaining to her just how the hierarchy in the city worked. With these thoughts in mind he added, in an almost warning manner. “You’ll get used to Camelot soon enough, there are several people I can think of that would be all too pleased to help you.” Well, that was a jolly thought. He didn’t want to scare the poor girl, just make her aware that not everyone shared Tristan’s relaxed approach towards the classes. “But that’s not something to worry about now.” He added, trying to lift the mood again. “How are you finding the city, anyway? Ignoring the throngs of people, of course.”

[Idris]

A young woman, babe in arms, smashed into Idris's side and nearly sent her flying, Idris went to shout and argue with her but the woman was gone as quickly as she had arrived. The sheer volume of people was nearly intimidating. Idris wasn't the largest of women, and even Tristan was getting his fair share of bashing around in the streets. "If they keep bashing into me there won't be enough people left in Camelot to form crowds." Idris replied hotly to Tristan. She felt herself becoming flustered, but no, this was Idris, things like this didn't bother her. She didn't let them.

She tried to focus on something else, anything else. A stall was selling different ribbons and fabrics. Idris observed them, shoving past a woman who was dawdling about in the street. This was one of the few times she wished she had been born higher up the social scale. The fabrics were rich and expensive, but she could imagine how excuisite they would have been to actually wear. She purchased a small amount of ribbon to tie in her hair, as she had left a lot of her ribbons at home when she had begun her journey to Camelot.

Idris still felt bad about how she was speaking to Sir Tristan, she knew she should be being more respectful but it seemed like it was the situation with Sir Lucan all over again, even when she tried to be more respectful they just told her not to be. Idris knew her place when she was in the serving hall so there was no worries she would be sacked for her insolence, but it was difficult to know how knights wanted you to act around them. She often just did her duty and carried on in a quiet manner.

Idris shrugged at Tristan's question, "I haven't seen a great deal of the city in truth." She answered quickly, "This is the first time I've really been out of the castle, i've been quite busy with my serving duties." She tried to explain but then figured that the answer wasn't really an answer, "But from what I've seen so far, I really like the look of things, it's a wonderful city, even if it is a bit busy."

[Deleted]

The market, as Tristan had expected, was even busier and there were several occasions when he thought he’d lost Idris, only for her to appear again annoyed and glaring at the back of some random person. As much as it annoyed him when he was the one being pushed around it sure was amusing to watch Idris become even more irritated, especially when she started threatening violence. “That is something I’d like to see.” He replied with a grin, it became even wider when a burly and frankly pissed off man barged past them both. “He’s all yours.”

He followed her over to the nearby stall where an elderly woman was selling fabrics of all kinds. Watching as Idris browsed the woman’s wares, Tristan couldn’t help but guilt at his own wealth in comparison to Idris’. He could afford everything on offer, yet Idris could only afford a few ribbons. If he didn’t think she would be offended he would have offered to buy them himself, but he was sure Idris would view it as a patronising rather than generous action. Instead he raised his eyebrows at her. “What is it with women and ribbons?”

His question about how well she was finding the city was answered with a lot more detail than he had expected. Going by her previous answers Tristan had been expecting a short, simple answer. This was much better, he felt like he was getting somewhere – she was comfortable talking to him instead of just answering out of politeness. “I suppose it is wonderful.” He agreed, “Except for when you’re running away from dragons, that is. But I’d say that’s only a fortnightly occurrence.” While his words were said in a humorous tone, Camelot did suffer from its fair share of trouble. If it wasn’t dragons it was an army of immortal warriors, or plagues, or whatever else the crown’s enemies could think of, and as a knight it was Tristan’s job to stop them. But there was no point thinking about any of that now. The city was in no danger at present and it would not do any good to worry his young companion.

[Idris]

Idris watched bemused as Tristan was banged into by a large brutish man who Tristan then expected her to stand up to. She watched the man for a moment, imagining how well that one would go down. She laughed and shook her head, “That’s your job, your trained to deal with disturbances and injustices.” She ran a hand through her hair and stopped herself giggling, “You surely don’t just run around not rescuing maidens?” She wasn’t sure how far she could go with this topic, he had been a bit tender about it earlier but it was well known that rescuing maidens was supposedly the job of knights. Surely one bad rescue couldn’t have just set his confidence back this much? Then again, Idris had never had the experience of being in love. She had no idea of its effect on those who it touched.

She was pleased with her purchase of her ribbons, especially seeing as she would have the chance to wear them later during her duties. Idris noticed Tristan watching her and was glad he didn’t offer to buy her the ribbons or anything like that. She worked hard for her money and was glad to spend it on things which she enjoyed. “Pretty women enjoy pretty things.” She shrugged and winked, “I don’t have much need to buy many things, but I should probably be saving up for a new work dress.” She gestured to her hems and the small holes beginning to form at the bottom of her dress where she had caught it.

Idris nodded, noting that this was probably the best time to view Camelot. From what she’d heard from the neighbouring villages when she had lived previously, Camelot had constantly been under threat from this magical threat and that one. She’d heard about the dragon, mainly as some of Camelot was still regrouping after the attack. Idris was glad she had arrived after that had happened because knowing her luck she’d have been in the crossfire.

Idris dragged Tristan down the main stalls, not seeing much which interested her. “Is there anywhere you want to go?” She asked casually, “And no the tavern is not an answer.”

[Deleted]

The subject of rescuing maidens was brought up once more, which was lovely. There were only so many ways Tristan could think of to be evasive, but still polite and he had a growing suspicion that the subject wasn’t going to be dropped until Idris was given a more conclusive answer – something he was very reluctant to provide, especially as they had already established that he wouldn’t be seeing a tavern for quite a while. “Strictly speaking ‘not rescuing maidens’ isn’t what I’m trained to do, but yes part of my job is protecting the city and its inhabitants from injustice. However, large, rude men are more of an irritation than an injustice.” Should he keep having to be reminded about his rescuing duties his good mood would disappear entirely and a repeat of last night would be very probable, so while he wasn’t trying to be rude to Idris he would much rather they speak of something else, regardless of how his failings as a knight seemed to provide her with some entertainment.

As Tristan watched her, happily absorbed in her new purchase, he couldn’t help but think of Isolde. Here he was, enjoying a market with a young woman, a near enough stranger, doing something he would never do with her. They had never experienced something so unimportant, so carefree, so ordinary. God, he missed her. It had been months, he should be able to spend time with someone without feeling guilty about enjoying himself. It was utterly ridiculous. He didn’t expect her to give up all future happiness simply because it wasn’t going to be shared with him, in fact, he wanted the complete opposite. He wanted her to move on, but he wasn’t letting himself do the same thing.

And now he was angry at himself, for letting something so small and so stupid make him feel guilty when there was nothing to feel guilty about. He didn’t have anyone, so it was hardly as though he was betraying anyone by having a few hours of happiness. Letting out a rather frustrated sigh, he told himself that he was going to stop being so damned pathetic and get on with his life without having an emotional breakdown every five minutes. Of course the plan was not going to work, but it was something to aim for at least.

So absorbed was he in his own thoughts that he completely missed her comment about ribbons, probably successfully giving on the impression that he was ignoring her. It was only when she was dragging him along that he remembered her presence. He smiled at her comment about the tavern, one of those smiles people use to try to convince themselves they’re happy; in this case, it wasn’t working. His reply, such as it was, was a rather useless, “Wherever you want to go, I’m happy.” Or at least, he was trying not to be so depressed, which was hopefully the same thing.

[Idris]

Idris could hardly contain her disappointment that Tristan's thoughts appeared to be somewhere else. He hadn't reacted to her ribbons comments, nor the comments about her dress. Surely that had warrented a comment at least? She didn't want to pry too much on what was on his mind because if it was preoccupying his thoughts that much then it couldn't be anything pleasant. Plus, if he was in a bad mood then this whole trip would be ruined. It was all very well and good, Tristan could go back to his quarters with the promise of a warm meal and perhaps a hot bath, But Idris would be serving this evening so she didn't want to waste her day moping about after Tristan's bad mood.

Idris looked down at her dress again, it really was a mess. She and her younger sister had stitched it before she had left the family farm. It was supposed to last her at least a year, but she supposed her family couldn't have known what work she was going to be doing in Camelot. She still missed them all, she'd never show it, but she did miss each and everyone of them; even if she was hurt she'd essentially been turned out of her own home. Perhaps now was the time for making a new home however, then again, she'd probably need someone to make that life with and that was hardly going to happen anytime soon.

Idris was disappointed Tristan didn't have any particular idea on what to do, mainly because she had no idea what there was to do in Camelot. His tone had changed somewhat and she wondered if it was her whom had changed the mood so quickly; after all who else could it be? "Have I offened you in some way my Lord?" She asked tentatively, looking down then observing him, she hadn't meant whatever she had done.

However, no matter how depressed Tristan was becoming, there was still the question of what to do as the morning was dragging on. She was clueless, totally, not that it bothered her, "Why don't we find somewhere to get something to eat?" She suggested, "You haven't even had breakfast yet have you?"

[Deleted]

Why on earth would she think that she had offended him? He’d just been a little preoccupied, that was all. But he was quite determined that he would no longer be preoccupied so it was no longer an issue. Aware that she was waiting for an answer he shook his head. “Of course not, it’s my fault, I was elsewhere.” He waved a hand dismissively, an action that was aimed more at himself and his own pitiable self more than anything else. He had absolutely had enough with feeling sorry for himself, but it was nigh on impossible for him to be anything else. It was a wretched state to be in, and not even his rather cheery companion seemed to be able to completely lift his spirits. “It doesn’t matter.” Again, this was said more for his own benefit than Idris’. “I’m not thinking about it anymore, so it’s all fine.” That was the plan at any rate.

It was only after Idris made him aware of his lack of breakfast that he suddenly felt very hungry. His body was protesting at being deprived of food, even though he hadn’t actually been aware that he had been missing anything. He nodded, it was as good an idea as any he was going to have, and as previously mentioned, he was rather hungry. Some food in his stomach could only do him good and would act as a distraction for him, a much needed distraction. “I happen to know the best pie maker in the land.” He replied, and, on linking his arm with Idris’ directed her down a much less crowded side street. “Luke is famed for his pies, or at least he would be if he stopped being so arrogant with his customers.” Stopping briefly, he and looked Idris up and down before shrugging. “You’ll probably do.” Strangely, the thought of food was putting him in a much better mood. With a grin he continued, “You are with a knight of Camelot, after all.”

[Idris]

In Idris's experience, keeping things to yourself wasn't always a bad thing. However, Idris was incredibly nosy, and although she hadn't known Tristan for long she felt like she wanted to know what was bothering him. However, she appreciated that she didn't exactly givr a lot away either; it wasn't her style. Telling Tristan her entire life story would probably only make him pity her more than he already probably did. She didn't really want pity, she was content with her life, sure she wished for better, but who didn't? "Fair enough." She commented softly, letting him know she wasn't offended for him retaining whatever was bothering him; if he wanted to tell her he would in his own time.

Idris was snatched from her thoughts by Tristan linking her by the arm and dragging her down a different side street. She was shocked by his action, surely he didn't want to be seen being this intimate with a servant? He could palm being with her at the market off on protecting her, or showing her round, but this was an overt sign of friendship. She wasn't particularly complaining, she hadn't made many friends since her arrival in Camelot, mainly because she was such a private individual. Tristan however seemed to be making it his job to make her more lighthearted about her situation overall. "You've perked up a bit," She smiled broadly, gesturing to where he had linked her, "Did I do something? Or has the alcohol all but left your system?"

A pie makers? Brilliant. Idris loved a good pie, she'd been on whatever leftovers the cook saved for them as her luxury food items since her arrival so she was glad of the change in her diet. She laughed as Tristan deemed her as 'all right' to face this pie maker, "I'd like to see him try to say I wasn't 'all right'." Idris pointed out, smiling up at Tristan, who did seem to be a lot happier; maybe it was the promise of food? What was it with men and food. She grinned at his comment about being alright seeing as she was with a knight of Camelot, "Yeah, a knight and a servant, who would mess with us?"