All I have to say is, wow! Thank you so much to everyone who reviewed. I wasn't sure if this story would take off so well, but yeah me. So, since you all were wonderful enough to take the time to review, I have updated quicker.
One more thing, I forgot to mention this is set three years after the battle at Badon Hill. Now, I know that it is not 'humanly' possible for Camelot to be up and running as well as I portray it, but oh well… it does in my mind at the moment.
The pleasant chirping of various birds, the soft creaking of trees swaying in the breeze along with the sounds of the travelling caravan were all that could be heard as the group approached Camelot. The warriors accompanying the royal family could easily see the stress oozing from their beloved leaders and were sensible enough to know that now was certainly not the time to talk.
Keela sat atop her white stallion Mona, her large white head bobbing slightly as she took tentative steps along the unfamiliar path. The path that was leading Keela to her new home, a new life she was being forced to live and change for. She was still fuming about the verbal lashings she had been forced to endure since she had left her home. 'Lashings' might have been a strong word but that's what it felt like to her. Being told for the past week how to act, what to say and certainly what not to say, how to walk, how to sit, what to wear and unbelievably how to eat was just too much for her. Apparently this was how a 'Lady' was supposed to act. She already knew all of this. She had been taught as soon as she left the womb how a Lady should act, but she had also been taught how to live the life of a man and it was easy to see which life she preferred to live. It wasn't that she didn't enjoy being a woman; on the contrary, she appreciated many of her teachings. The problem was that she had been privileged enough to lead both lives and now she was being told that she couldn't and had to be the perfect 'Lady'.
Keela had come to terms with the situation she was being forced into. She had done her best to learn as much as possible about her new home and the people she would be surrounded by. She was pleasantly surprised to learn that King Arthur and Queen Guinevere were just and fair rulers and well loved by their people. Keela had instantly respected the King when she learned he was a wholesome Christian who supported his wife's and Knights Pagan beliefs.
She had also learned many things about the Knights, their reputations being quite legendary, and looked forward to meeting them. But what really shocked her was the tale of how they became Knights. Being forced from their homeland at such young ages and forced to fight Rome's cause, had made Keela physically sick and hate the Romans all the more for feeling they had the power to do such things. The one and only thing that did trouble her, made her doubt herself, was the talk of Lancelot. She had learned that he was supposedly the most handsome of men and could charm anything with breasts, and that was apparently coming straight from the horse's mouth.
Her thoughts were interrupted when a familiar throat cleared from the carriage wheeling next her. "Keela, you must not arrive on horseback, it is improper," Fiona scolded, her eyes scanning Mona with disapproval.
This was why Keela was ridding Mona to begin with. She had been primped to supposed perfection far too early that morning and then had been forced to endure Fiona frantically going over proper conduct one last time. When Keela was sure she was going to end either her surrogate mother's life or her own, she had fled the carriage to a very happy Mona.
She loved Fiona and knew that the older woman was only concerned about Keela's well being, but there was only so much the young Princess could take and that line had been crossed two days into their journey. Fiona had raised Keela and Fallon from babes when their mother had died in childbirth and the older woman had become more Keela's mother than the anything else. She had been given the option to stay in Leinster but was determined to stay with Keela and for that the Irish Princess was beyond pleased and forever grateful.
Fallon, who was ridding on the other side of Keela, snickered as his sister rolled her eyes and looked skywards obviously in an attempt to control her fragile temper. He had been attached to Keela since they left and although he found it thoroughly amusing watching Keela pout when it came to her duties as a Lady, he was having a hard time seeing her so distressed.
Keela took a deep breath and turned her gaze back to Fiona. "Fiona, I will arrive however I see fit," she replied, her tone telling Fiona that the woman was not to question her. She would embrace her last moments of freedom and that was the end of it.
Fiona scoffed used to the tone and unaffected by it. "If it was your way, you would arrive in your battle garb, swords strapped to your back," she said knowingly in an annoyed tone, her head resting on the palm of her hand as she propped it up on the window ledge.
Keela chuckled since it was very true and flashed a cheeky grin. "We can always arrange that you know," she said leaning over and wiggling her eyebrows at Fiona. "I am sure my betrothed would love to see just how 'Ladylike' I can be," she added mockingly.
Fiona rolled her eyes. "You are an insufferable child," she grumbled, although happy that her Princess' mood was lightening.
Keela and Fallon just looked at each other then burst into laughter catching the attention of King Finchad and the other warriors, each man's lips curling in amusement as they watched the two siblings lean onto each other as they laughed.
"Keela, must you torment her?" King Finchad asked from the front of the line, his voice dripping with amusement though his heart was constricting with pain knowing that this was to be the last time they were all to interact like this. It was never a usual day unless Keela and Fallon were teasing or tormenting Fiona in some way, their laughter echoing the palace walls as the older woman screamed at them although secretly loving every minute of it.
Keela straightened herself and wiped a happy tear that escaped from the corner of her eye. "Why yes, I believe I must," she replied with a grin as Fiona once again rolled her eyes, though a grin plastered on her face.
Fallon chuckled and was about to add his own retort but clamped his mouth shut when they immerged from the forest and took in the sight of a growing Camelot, his head immediately shooting over to Keela who had suddenly sobered and lost all colour in her already pale face. He reached over and grabbed her hand having hared her breath hitch and held on firmly as she crushed it in a vice-like grip.
Keela's eyes were wide as she scanned the scene before her. Never had she actually imagined Camelot being this beautiful. A large castle sat atop a hill that was surrounded by a growing village, a vast river curved around the City with a long drawbridge that led right up to the large walls that protected the inhabitants. Cattle grazed happily in the far distance, their bodies appearing liked multicoloured dots against the lush green landscape. "It's beautiful," she whispered in awe as she soaked in the sight before her.
Fallon nodded in agreement, his voice suddenly seeming incapable of working as reality hit him with such force it physically hurt. He looked around them and noticed they were falling behind but didn't care. He wasn't ready to give her up yet. Feeling as if he were being ridiculous, he took a deep breath and clutched Keela's hand tighter and looked at her from the corner of his eye. Her eyes were darting back and forth taking in everything and her face had regained some of it's colour as she smiled at the beauty around her. She would be happy here and would live a good life. It wasn't as if they were never going to see each other again. He told himself that things could be worse; she could be farther away or even marrying Garvan for that matter. He had to be strong for her since the next few days were no doubt going to take a serious toll on her and she would need him more than ever. Squaring his shoulders and lifting his chin slightly, he moved his horse closer to Mona and continued to hold Keela's hand as they made their way through the village to the castle, the many townspeople stopping their activities to stare and whisper, the odd finger pointed in their direction.
Lancelot fidgeted next to Arthur and scowled with his King nudged him in the ribs. "Calm down," Arthur whispered as his eyes remained fixed on the approaching caravan.
Lancelot scuffed and glared hard at his friend. "Don't tell me to calm down. I would like to see how you feel should the roles be reversed," he hissed, his eyes blazing. She was coming and it was all he could do not to spin around and bolt. He knew Arthur suspected he might do something along those lines which was probably why he was standing so close to him. Bastard he grumbled to himself.
Arthur rolled his eyes. "You forget I was where you are," he replied, a smile slowly appearing on his face as the group got closer.
Lancelot raised an incredulous eyebrow. "You forget you actually knew and loved her," he growled, his eyes daring Arthur to continue the conversation.
"Oh look, here they come," Gawain interrupted in an attempt to end the two's bickering. He sympathized with Lancelot, he really did. But Lancelot had agreed to be become a Prince and therefore the responsibilities that came with it, and yet they had heard nothing but bitching and moaning from the man for months and he was damn near sick of it. He honestly thought he was worse than Galahad, and that was really saying something.
Lancelot grumbled under his breath and didn't bother to hide the scowl that graced his face as he shut his mouth and watched the caravan enter the castle courtyard. The man leading the group was obviously the King. He was huge in height and size and had long black curly hair with an equally curly black beard. He had a broadsword strapped to his hip, wore a black, green and red Kilt and had a black leather tunic under his long black cape that was held together with various gold and silver clasps. He wore a silver coronet adorned with black, red and green stones, all equal in size. All in all, Lancelot couldn't help but be thankful he had never met the man in battle.
"I am glad we are not fighting him," Galahad whispered to Bors having made the same deduction. "He looks bigger than Dagonet," he added in awe as the man dismounted and was greeted by Merlin, Arthur and Guinevere close behind him.
Dagonet having heard the younger Knight from his position next to Bors chuckled. He did agree though, the man was indeed a giant.
Tristan just grunted in approval admitting that the man, along with the many warriors, all looked as if they would be amiable swordsmen.
"Merlin old friend, how are you?" King Finchad genuinely asked as he clasped arms with the old Woad.
Merlin inclined his head to the Irish King and smiled. "I am well. I trust your journey was peaceful?" he asked. There were still many Saxon's wandering the land causing havoc and it was not always safe to travel.
King Finchad smiled and shrugged lazily. "We intercepted a few Saxon's, but nothing we couldn't handle," he replied as if it were in fact 'nothing' while he glanced behind Merlin to where Arthur and Guinevere stood waiting for introductions.
Lancelot could hardly pay attention to the King as his eyes remained focused on the carriage, the carriage that held his soon-to-be wife. He had never been this anxious, furious, scared, and surprisingly excited all at once and his body was soon going to shake with anticipation. He was convinced this was some scheme to torture him, prolong it as long as possible. Some sick higher power was taking great pleasure in his misery, he was sure of it.
Merlin followed the King's gaze and moved slightly to the side, his arm outstretched towards Arthur and Guinevere. "King Arthur of Britain, I present King Finchad mac Garchon of Leinster," he introduced with a proud smile on his face.
Arthur and Finchad both inclined their heads to the other and shook hands. "It is an honour to meet you King Finchad. I am sorry that you encountered our enemies while travelling our land," he said honestly unnerved. He had wanted to send their own escort but King Finchad had written saying it was unnecessary and they were more than capable of travelling on their own.
King Finchad chuckled and waved a hand dismissing the apology. "I am honoured to meet the famous King of Britain, and do not apologize; we at least ridded you of a few unwanted pests," he said earning a chuckle from everyone in the courtyard.
Arthur smiled with a grateful nod, pleased at how easygoing the King was, and turned, placing his hand on Guinevere's lower back guiding her forward. "May I present my wife, Queen Guinevere," he introduced lovingly, his eyes convening such as he looked upon her.
King Finchad smiled warmly at the young Queen and took her delicate hand as she curtsied and applied a gentle kiss on her knuckles. "It is a pleasure to meet you milady," he said as he straightened.
Guinevere smiled and instantly liked the King. She just hopped his daughter was as equally pleasant. "As am I milord. I hope none of your men were injured?" she asked worriedly, her eyes scanning the men who stood in a protective circle around the carriage.
King Finchad shook his head. "No injuries milady," he replied then looked behind the King and Queen, his eyes landing on who he knew to be Lancelot who still had a dark look on his face.
Arthur cleared his throat and extended his hand to where all the Knights stood and proceeded to introduce each one, his gaze landing lastly on the one man who was not making any attempt to hide his unhappiness. "And may I present Prince of Camelot, first Knight and your future son-in-law, Sir Lancelot," he introduced, his face flashing a warning look that only Lancelot and the other Knights could see.
Lancelot inwardly sighed while taking a deep breath as he stepped forward and bowed to King Finchad. "My Lord," he addressed with no emotion while attempting to soften his features.
King Finchad just stood there staring at the Knight. He was not at all affected by the brooding manner. It was the look in Lancelot's eyes that confirmed he was in fact a fine man. They were passionate and full of emotion, just like his Keela's. He stood tall and confident and looked to be a man of honour. He was confident this man would not mistreat his Keela and that she would not be displeased. "Sir Knight, I have heard many wonderful tales of you…all of you actually," he said warmly, an equally warm smile on his face as he moved to scan the other Knights who had puffed their chests out at the compliment.
Lancelot couldn't help but smile feeling at ease with the older man and nodded, his eyes darting behind the King then back with an eyebrow raised in question.
King Finchad chuckled having read the look. "I suppose you are anxious to meet your wife," he stated before surprising everyone when he moved and nudged Lancelot. "I know I was when I met her mother; almost split in two I did from being so nervous," he chuckled with a glazed over look in his eyes as he no doubt recalled the mother of his children.
Lancelot, along with everyone else's, eyes widened only causing the King to roar with laughter, everyone immediately following suite as his infectious laughter echoed throughout the courtyard.
King Finchad clapped Lancelot on the shoulder, his body slightly jolting forward under the unintended force. "Do not look so displeased Sir Knight. I am sure you and my daughter will have a very pleasant marriage," he reassured with a wink before turning to face the caravan, a frown forming when he couldn't see his daughter. "Fiona, has my daughter run off already?" he asked approaching the carriage and helping a middle-aged, pleasant looking woman out, her beauty instantly causing Dagonet's jaw to slightly drop and surprising both Bors and Tristan who stood next to him.
Fiona smiled at the party staring at her before she looked at her King with a mock scowl. "And you would be surprised?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.
Lancelot flashed Arthur a curious look, his King only shrugging but enjoying the light atmosphere. He knew the Irish King could see Lancelot's unhappiness, even a blind man could see, and he was only grateful the older King was taking it surprisingly well.
Keela had remained out of view with Fallon on the other side of the carriage willing the butterflies in her stomach to calm down. Taking a deep breath realizing the time had come for her to reveal herself, she took a deep breath and squared her shoulders, raising her chin ever so slightly. She had already manoeuvred to sit side-saddle and smoothed out her gown before she turned to her brother. "I don't care what the rumours say, if he is hideous and fat, I am going to kill you," she hissed as she clicked her tongue for Mona to move forward, Fallon chuckling behind her and following suite.
"Father," Keela said softly as their men all moved for her to come into view, each of them inclining their heads with a warm smile as she passed.
Lancelot could only blink. She was nothing like he had pictured. She was a vision. Her long blond hair was in perfect ringlets down her back with the upper half pinned stylishly around her silver coronet that was similar to her father's but thinner and only had three stones, one of each colour whereas his went all the way around. Her skin screamed smooth and perfect and Lancelot found his hands itching to touch it. He, however, was captivated by her eyes. They seemed to be woodland eyes, a mixture of brown and green. She had a long, elegant neck; small nose; full, red lips and high, delicate cheek bones. He held his breath as her father helped her off her impeccable steed. She was tall and had a body he was sure he was going to appreciate. She wore a simple yet elegant light green ridding gown that was embroidered with black and red stitching, had a high neck and long, tight sleeves. It was fitted all around her body and flared out just at her hips. She was the definition of beautiful and Lancelot's mouth instantly went dry as his body reacted to her beauty.
Keela let her father help her off Mona and felt all breath leave her body as she looked at the man she knew to be Lancelot. He was at least a head taller than her, and she was tall for an Irish woman. He wore black leather trousers with black shinny boots; he had a black tunic that was covered with a black sleeveless leather jerkin that had beautiful silver and gold stitching and showed off his obviously built body. His mop of perfect curls complimented his sharp, handsome features that were set off by a set of piercing dark brown eyes. He had a thin beard outlining his jaw and an equally thin goatee that only accentuated his dark eyes. She had never seen a more handsome man.
"Well she certainly is no toad," Galahad whispered, his eyes appreciatively scanning her body. The others hear him and only nodded all thinking the same thing. Lancelot certainly was a lucky bastard.
King Finchad held his daughter's hand firmly and watched with a knowing smile as the two stared at each other as if they were the only two alive; he was pleased to say the least. "My daughter Princess Keela mac Garchon and my son Prince Fallon mac Garchon," he introduced with fatherly pride, his arm waving out behind Keela to the tall man who looked exactly like Keela and stood protectively next to her.
"Twins?" Arthur asked looking at the two blond siblings and moving to shake the young man's hand. Merlin had mentioned that Keela was a twin but it was amazing to see. He had never met identical twins and was fascinated.
King Finchad nodded proudly. "That they are," he replied looking his children over with nothing but love and affection. "And they look nothing like me," he added with a mock pout, his shoulders slightly slouching.
"Thank the Gods," Fallon teased with a smirk, ducking as his father's large hand that had extended past Keela in an attempt to smack him upside the head.
The group all chuckled at the ease of the family as Merlin stepped forward and took Keela's hand from her father. "It has been many years child and your beauty has only grown," he said softly before bending to kiss her knuckles.
Keela smiled up at the old Shaman and curtsied. "It is good to see you Merlin," she replied, genuinely pleased to see him. She had always liked Merlin. The few months that he had spent with her family when she was younger were quite memorable to her. The Woad leader had been more than willing to teach her everything he knew about healing and had been the one to teach her how to shoot a bow.
Merlin grinned then shook hands with Fallon and stepped aside, his hand once again extended to Arthur and Guinevere. "King Arthur and my daughter, Queen Guinevere," he introduced, said couple stepping forward and smiling warmly at the siblings.
"Welcome to Camelot Lady Keela, we hope you will be happy in our City," Arthur said fondly after kissing her knuckles.
Keela polity curtsied to the King and Queen and smiled warmly instantly liking the pair. They were the definition of King and Queen with their beautiful, refined and strong looks, and held an air about them that instantly drew you in. It was plainly evident that the stories about the couple were true. "Your City and country are lovely. I am sure I will be very happy here," she replied with half truth. Everything was beautiful but the happy part she still wasn't so sure about.
Guinevere beamed; her excitement at having a new female companion barely kept tame. "It will be nice to have another Lady around. There are far too many men for my liking," she teased having sensed the younger woman's pain. She couldn't entirely sympathize with the younger woman. Yes, her marriage was arranged, but she and Arthur already loved each other.
Arthur rolled his eyes and Keela chuckled. "I understand. I grew up around men and know they can grow quite…tiresome," she replied grateful at the Queen's attempts to ease the situation. She had a feeling that she and the Queen were going to be great friends and this instantly made Keela feel slightly more at ease.
The Knights all beamed at her jest and got the feeling this Irish Princess was going to fit in perfectly.
"Ahem," Fallon coughed in mock outrage from next to Keela, his eyebrows raised in protest. He nudged his sister when she shrugged and took Guinevere's hand, bowing as he kissed her knuckles. "Just wait until you have to spend an entire day with her, you will be ready to ship her home," he retorted as he stood straight, his eyes dancing with mirth at the scowl on said sister's face while the group once again laughed.
King Finchad rolled his eyes and grabbed Keela's hand and moved her to where Lancelot still stood staring. "Sir Lancelot, I am very pleased to present to you Lady Keela," he introduced and moved aside while giving Keela a gentle nudge when she didn't move from her place next to him.
Keela gave Lancelot a weak smile as he bowed and she curtsied. She hated to curtsy and was sick of it already. "My lord," she murmured as their eyes met.
Lancelot just stared into the most unusually beautiful eyes and found himself suddenly comparing her beauty to that of Guinevere's. Whereas Guinevere was tall and dark, Keela was tall and light. Her golden hair, fair skin and fairer eyes were in complete contrast to Guinevere's darker appearance. He couldn't help it as his eyes wandered to said Queen who was introducing Fallon to the rest of the Knights. He looked back at Keela and felt his insides constrict with anger…she was not Guinevere. "My Lady, I hope your encounter with the Saxons did not frighten you," he said dryly, his eyes not meeting her own.
Keela frowned. She had noticed the look he flashed to the Queen. She had watched as his eyes darted away from her then return with a look of pure loathing. But what really got her blood boiling was the fact that he insinuated she was frightened by a few Saxons. It wasn't his fault really. It was only typical to assume that a 'Lady' of stature would be frightened by such things. She was not one of those Ladies. Annoyed with his tone and his lack of chivalry, she was about to open her mouth when her father cleared his throat from behind. Clenching her jaw, Keela gave a small nod. "I thank you for your concern," she replied forcefully.
Lancelot nodded as if board and extended his arm. "I trust you are tired from your journey and will show you to your room. There is an engagement feast prepared this evening giving you ample time to rest," he exclaimed once again not looking at her.
Keela could hear the distain in his voice and for some reason she felt her heart drop. Was she really that much of a disappointment? She had noticed he was pleased with her appearance, as she was his. She was not thrilled about this marriage but she was at least willing to try. From the cold shoulder she was receiving, she got the distinct impression he was not, at least not at the moment. Nodding in resolve and letting out a disappointed sigh, she took his outstretched arm and allowed him to lead her wordlessly through the castle.
Sooo, what do you think of their meeting? I know there seems like a lot of talking, but it sets the precedent.