"Ailith"
homeric is an absolutely wonderful beta. I am proud to have her help and lucky as well. She has no problem telling it to me straight, never feeling the need to sugar coat it for me. I always sense that she's expecting me to be like "Okay, I changed my mind. I don't want your help anymore. You're mean!" But Jo, just know that you are the furthest thing from mean and I know you have the best intentions when it comes to telling me "ok this part sucks change it." Haha no. She's never said anything like that, but I just want to say that it means a lot to me that she likes my story and sees the potential in me to help me along with it. And it is with her help that I bring my version of the wonderful world of Arthur and his knights to you who are reading this right now. And to you, yes you who are reading this, I say thank you for taking a gander. Hopefully you like it.
Chapter 3
A chilly breeze was what brought Ailith back into awareness. The cold air seeping through the holes in her clothing was considerably less agreeable than the sun that had warmed her while she had passed into sleep. The steady rocking provided by the horse she sat upon brought her thoughts to the man whose arms she currently rested in.
"Have you finally decided to re-join us?"
Opening her eyes, she looked up at the large knight's question and noticed a very faint smile of amusement on his face. "Forgive me sir Dagonet, I hope that I did not cause you any discomfort. I am embarrassed; I did not think I would rest so long." As the words left her mouth another breeze, stronger than the last, hit her causing her to shiver involuntarily.
She felt a rumble in his chest and realized he was chuckling. "Nay girl, I told you it was for certain that you would. You have awakened just in time. We are here."
At his words, she looked past his arm and saw a seemingly never ending sea of green grass, but it did end. It ended at an immense stone wall. Looking to the left and then to the right she felt her eyes widen considerably. How could something so huge have been built by human hands? She thought to herself feeling overwhelmed. She took in the forest beyond the great Wall and shuddered at the ominous darkness of it. Granted the sun was just setting, casting the foliage in seemingly sinister shadows, but she found herself thinking that it probably looked like that in the light of day as well. The Wall they were riding away from surely was erected to keep something out. But what? What kind of force could possible warrant something so vast? She forced her eyes and her mind away from such thoughts and shifted her body around as much as her position would allow. The road they were on was carrying them right towards a big, iron gate. The gate again reminded her of the enemies these people faced every day; enemies that she shared. Once again Ailith found herself having to force her attention to all the things she had yet to take in. Beyond the stone fortress that loomed in front them she could see people milling around carts offering iron and leather-ware, as well as various foods. Some of them were closing down their businesses while others were no doubt waiting for the commander and his knights to make their entrance.
As soon as she thought of the other men Ailith swiveled her head around to gaze at them. Lancelot and the knight with the long, unkempt golden hair were talking, oblivious to her scrutiny. Whatever they were saying to each other was quite humorous, she gathered from the way they laughed every time the other one spoke. Still not knowing all their names she eyed the youngest knight, who really was quite handsome, especially when he grinned broadly as he took in the many that had come to greet them. Arthur and the burly knight were riding side by side in companionable silence, yet she could tell how truly content they all were to finally be arriving home.
As the horses trotted through the gates she noticed many an eye turn to her, the stranger, clearly wondering about her presence. She was sure the knights didn't make it a habit to bring back strays, especially if she were to judge by the discussion between them earlier. She wouldn't dare blame their callousness regarding her; her situation wasn't their fault. She had no doubt that they would be come up with some semblance of a plan. She just hoped that it would not be long, for she was not sure how welcomed she would be here.
Ailith was pulled from her stressful thoughts by the kind voice of a woman.
"How bad is she Dagonet?" The woman, who spoke, Ailith judged, looked to be elderly but she most certainly didn't act it. Her hair was as grey as the horse Ailith was riding on, and her skin looked to be the texture of worn leather, but her stature said she was strong and the laugh lines at the corner of each eye told the young girl that the woman before her was full of spirit.
Dagonet had just pulled his horse to a stop and had not even been given the chance to think of dismounting before the woman who greeted them began her questions. He smiled to himself at the old healer's earnestness. "I have done what I can Mae to make her comfortable on the journey here but I thought it best to leave the rest to your capable hands," he acceded with a nod in Mae's direction.
The old woman "harrumphed" in response and then turned to the girl in his arms. Ailith wanted to squirm under such close scrutiny but she made herself remain still.
"Do you have a name child?" The kindly tone of her voice surprised the young woman, and she felt herself warm to her at once.
"My name is Ailith, miss."
"No need for formalities Ailith; you and I will be much more acquainted before the night is out. Mae will do," the old healer said in her no nonsense tone, before nodding for Dagonet to bring the girl to the infirmary.
The big knight dismounted from his horse first and then gently lifted Ailith down from the saddle. Her legs wanted to take her to ground after being out of use for so long and from the fatigue she still felt. She grabbed a hold of the saddle before they could do just that and Dagonet put a hand on her shoulder to steady her. "Do you wish for me to carry you there?"
She felt a little rush of terror run through her at the embarrassment of having to be carried in front of all these people. No matter how much her body protested against it she wouldn't submit to the insult. "I'm quite fine. I was just a little shaky at first but I'm quite fine now, thank you," Ailith said with an attempt at a smile. She could tell he was unconvinced by the look he gave her but she was grateful when the large man decided not to argue.
Just as Dagonet was about to lead her away to the sick rooms, Arthur joined them. "I hope that you rest well miss and I shall have my people see to it that you get a room for your stay here." As he was about to walk away he glanced at her clothing once more before adding, "And perhaps some more suitable garments."
Blushing for what she hoped was the last time that day she nodded in gratitude. "Sir, I am truly indebted to you," she said to the ground. "And your men," she added hastily while making another atrocious attempt at a curtsey.
She felt her elbow being taken and looked up to see Dagonet carefully trying to lead her away. Why she bothered to thank any of them she had no idea- rather than looking appreciative, she always ended up looking like an inept fool instead. Sighing in resignation, she let herself be led through the town. Studying the streets full of people whether it was mothers gathering their children, men and woman coming in from the fields carrying tools and baskets, or soldiers making their way to a tavern set up in the middle of the courtyard at the center of the fort, Ailith suddenly felt unwelcome feelings of nostalgia. Memories she had buried deep so long ago threatened to surface coupled with tears that she refused to let leave her eyes. Quickly but furiously swiping at her eyes she prayed that knight next to her had not noticed. Stealing a glance up at his face he betrayed no sign of whether or not he had seen her distress, and keeping her head down, she made it a point not to notice any more of the goings on around her.
When they finally arrived to the healing quarters Ailith was ready to collapse at the healer's feet as Mae came up and appraised her once more.
"Don't fret child, I see that look in your eye. I won't make you stand another moment longer than necessary." She motioned for the young girl to follow her and led the way to a bed that was behind a partition in the back of the room. As they made their forward the Ailith tried not to stare at the people who were lying in the other beds. She passed men and woman in different stages of sickness and most were already asleep for the night. As they passed a bed she decided to sneak a look and immediately wished she hadn't. A young man, possibly a soldier, was lying in the bed with wound so deep on his forehead; she wondered how it had not been fatal. Not wanting to see anything like that again, or something worse, she kept her eyes down until they reached the back of the room. As they rounded the partition the old woman went straight to fussing with the bed. Mae saw Ailith eye the partition and spoke up, not bothering to turn around from fixing the linens on the bed before her, "You'll be wishin' for more privacy than that soon enough."
There was a trace of a smile in her voice but Ailith was only made more nervous by the comment.
"Is there anything I can do to help you here Mae?"
Ailith let out an undignified squeak and jumped at the sound of the large man's voice from behind her. With so much going through her mind she had forgotten Dagonet was still present.
Mae looked up from pulling the blanket back on the bed to smirk at the visibly tense girl before answering the knight. "You can help me by getting on to the tavern and eating some of the stew that's waiting for you. No doubt your boys will help themselves to all of it before you've had the chance if you don't hurry up." Her words and tone were harsh but Ailith sensed that Mae meant well. However she couldn't help but flinch at what the knight's reaction might be.
"Aye," he said with a ghost of a smile. "As long as you're sure."
At this the healer waved her hands at him to go as if she couldn't be bothered with him anymore. "Off with you, off with you now."
As soon as he was gone Mae took Ailith's arm and thinking her body was finally getting respite she went to sink onto the bed.
"Oh no no no. First I need you bare standing up. Don't want you to lie down and my miss something. Wouldn't do you good to get comfortable and just get sick from infection, eh?"
Knowing she wouldn't be so lucky as to get off that easily, she shook her head in agreement with the old woman's words. Mae looked at the younger woman for a moment deciding how to exactly go about getting her out of the rags she wore. She nodded, clearly coming to a conclusion. "Right, up and over should work best for this."
At Ailith's questioning look, Mae stooped to grab the bottom of her dress and shift. "Arms up while I take this over your head," she explained. Thankful that the seemingly uppity old woman was displaying patience with her, she was as helpful as she possibly could be in getting rid of her clothing. Once completely naked, she tried best to cover her vital parts with her hands from Mae's probing eyes, finding herself as grateful as the healer said she would be for the partition. As the older woman quickly checked her over, Ailith was horrified when her stomach made an indecent rumble.
"All in good time my friend," Mae said patting her stomach.
Ailith calmed somewhat and even smiled a little, but still wished she could have her repast now.
"It seems as though Dagonet fixed you up alright. There are a few things that could do with a little more tending to; after you've had a nice, warm bath, of course."
At the sound of those words Ailith eyed the iron tub that she now noticed sitting in the corner of the room on her side of the partition. The thought of food was replaced with the promise of clean hair and skin free of all the dirt and grime it had collected.
As if they had been waiting on the other side of the partition this whole time waiting for Mae's words, two girls stepped in carrying a trough of water. Ailith felt like weeping tears of joy when she saw the steam rising above it. Keeping their eyes down out of respect for Ailith's clothes less state, they made their way over to the tub. Once the water was transferred and the girls had left, Mae gestured for the young girl to place herself in the tub. Once seated, she leaned back sighing as the hot liquid enveloped her.
"There now, lie back and I'll have one of the girls fetch you some of that stew you've been hearing so much about." Now all I need is my food and then I can sleep forever, she thought as she closed her eyes and waited for her food, hoping it was the stew the young knight had spoke so fondly about.
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As Ailith endured Mae's ministrations, the knights in the tavern were finally able to sit down and enjoy the stew that had incited their thoughts ever since the words fell from Galahad's lips. The ale, as Bors had also mentioned, flowed like water. The men were scattered here and there but all in close range of each other. Arthur, Lancelot and Bors occupied a table that was out of the way of all the hustle and bustle as to better here the other ones speak.
"Van's outdone herself this time," Galahad exclaimed moving over to join his comrades in their conversation, bringing his coveted stew and mug with him.
"Aye that she has!" Bors yelled proudly, patting the red-head's bottom as she paused to refill their ale.
"Get on with you now," Vanora said in mock annoyance. She paused and Bors saw the curiosity eating away at her.
"Go on then, ask your questions now. Give us too much longer and we won't be talking at all," he said laughing loudly, causing the other men to join him.
"That lass you brought home with you…" they all waited looking at the red-headed woman expectantly.
"She looks like you lot dragged her through the river and then tied her to the back of your horses to bring her here."
"Found her like that, love." Bors took another healthy pull of his ale before nodding towards Tristan who was sitting not far off in his usual chair in his favorite corner. "Or rather it was Tris who found her. Saved her life, eh lad?"
The scout shrugged, not looking up from cleaning his nails with his knife. "Don't make a big thing of it. Any of you would have done the same were you in my position."
"Ah but that's just it eh? None of us were the lucky ones," Lancelot said smiling over the lip of his mug.
Tristan chose then to look up from his task, "I'm not going to pretend to know what it is you're on about."
"So, then say one of us would like to woo said maiden…." The dark knight countered.
Tristan slammed his knife into the top of table abruptly causing Vanora to jump and then walk off mumbling about dishes that weren't going to wash themselves.
"Then I say do what you will. I have no claim on her nor do I intend to stake one."
Bors started chuckling while Galahad and Gawain looked on smiling and shaking their heads in unison.
"Before anyone stakes anything," Dagonet chose the perfect time to interrupt having just entered the tavern. "Arthur, do you have plans for the girl?"
The commander eyed each one of his knights in turn. "Men, I think we are all well aware why Antoninous wanted her. The question we must now answer is how it was that he became aware of her."
At the Roman's name Gawain glared down at his now empty bowl. "It is possible that she knows more of her capture than she is letting on."
"We cannot protect her if we do not know exactly what it is we are up against."
"Make up your mind Lancelot," Galahad answered. "Do we turn the girl out or keep her here for you to terrorize?"
"I have plenty of…"
Arthur cut off the dark knight's rage before they drew more attention than was necessary. "Men. Enough. I will talk to the girl. She is likely too frightened to share anything with us now. Perhaps tomorrow, when she has had ample rest, she will feel differently."
No one argued and the discussion took a less serious turn for awhile.
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Ailith woke with a start when she heard a sudden clattering of metal, not at all surprised to find that the once hot water had cooled considerably. Sitting straight up, she realized it was a mistake too late and grabbed her head in pain.
"Ooooh, I'm very sorry miss. So sorry."
At the sound of the high voice she looked up at the owner of it wearily. A young woman close in age to her was fussing with what looked to be Ailith's meal on a tray.
"How long have been asleep?" Ailith asked groggily.
"Reckon I don't know the answer to that, miss. Vanora told me to bring you this. I didn't mean to wake you, but oh look you are awake now so best be eatin' this. The sooner you do the sooner you can go back to bed," she paused in her explanation to eye the girl in the tub. "I suppose we should get you decent first, don't want to be eatin' in there do ya?" The girl prattled on in a voice so high it made Ailith wince in more pain, but girl was a saint as far as she was concerned for she carried food with her.
Thinking no more about her nudity and only about the food that was now taunting her with its delicious smell, Ailith stood up letting the water drip off of her. The maid found a cloth for the wet girl to dry off with and handed it to her.
"Thank you," Ailith said taking the cloth offered to her and began drying herself as best she could. Her voice came out as a croak despite her attempt to be friendly.
"Think nothing of it miss. Though I do have better things I can be doing what with the knights being back and all, tis pretty busy back at the tavern. 'Spect Van'll be wanting me to hurry back as soon as I've served this to you so here you go."
The girl then handed her a clean, white cotton shift and helped her in to it. "Up and over then?" Ailith founding herself smiling at the familiar custom as she raise her arms over her head. After the maid pulled the shift down to her ankles she went to the bed to pull back the blanket.
"In you go, miss."
Ailith sat herself on the bed and awaited the tray with her food to be placed before her. As the maid placed it onto her lap, the smell that met her senses made her mouth water uncontrollably. Throwing whatever manners she had acquired over the years out the window, Ailith disregarded the spoon and grabbed the bowl. Bringing it to her mouth she poured the still hot stew in, letting it run deliciously down her throat. Hearing a giggle that brought her back to the present, she cracked one of her eyelids open to see the unnerving young maid still sitting across from her. Setting the bowl down she grabbed a cloth napkin off the tray to wipe at her mouth. "I'd say I'm sorry for that but I'm not."
"S'alright miss. I heard your stomach rumblings from down the hall," the girl smiled back at her, clearly not worrying if her words offended or not. "My name's Sabina by the way."
"Sabina." Ailith smiled at the girl. "I am eternally grateful for you bringing this feast for me but didn't you just say that Va-"
"Vanora? Yah she's waiting. But she'll also send me right back up here for the bowl so I thought I'd just see to it that you ate your fill and then bring it all back in one go."
The girl waited but Ailith just stared at her as if waiting for something herself. "There's no need to be shy now is there? I don't mind waiting. Don't let me keep you from enjoying yourself." The girl gave her an infuriating grin but before Ailith could even think of a protest her stomach beckoned again. At the sound, Sabina laughed again but cut herself right off at the look the other girl threw to her.
"So," the maid started once Ailith had resumed eating again, this time taking the time to use a spoon. "What brings you to the Wall?"
"I don't want to seem rude, but do you think that is entirely your business?"
Instead of getting offended, Sabina shrugged and gave Ailith a knowing smile. "Ailith, it's only a matter of time before all of us know your story." At the sound of her name, Ailith almost choked on her soup but managed to maintain her composure, though the nosy girl wasn't fooled. "Besides, you don't know no one here. 'Tis always good for a girl to have someone to confide in."
It was a sneaky think for the girl to do, Ailith thought, playing at her weaknesses the way she was. However even though the way Sabina was prying so much into her life made her uncomfortable, Ailith couldn't help but want to confide in someone, and she couldn't think of a reason the girl had given to mistrust her. Sighing, she decided on something a little more safer to talk about for the time being. "Is sir Tristan always so…."
"Approachable?" Sabina supplied. At Ailith's smirk she laughed. "Aye, so you fancy our mysterious knight do you?"
This time Ailith did choke on her soup. As she was trying to splutter out a reply to the other young girl's ridiculous notion, Sabina went to pat her, ever so roughly, on the back. "Easy lass, 'twas just my attempt at humor."
"Do you realize how morbid it is?" Ailith asked her nonplussed when she finally regained the ability to speak.
Sabina gave out a bark of laughter and the young girl in the bed wondered why they had not been asked by the other sick patrons of the healing rooms to be a little less noisy yet. "Aye, I've been told that a time or two. But you'll learn that it's a necessity here at the Wall."
"I do not plan on staying so long that I shall need to learn anything about living here," Ailith replied hoping that what she spoke was the truth.
"Oh? And where is it your in such a hurry to get back to?"
Without thinking the tired girl started to blurt out the truth, but quickly realizing the folly of such an action caught herself just in time, "De- Penhurst!" She all but yelled.
Sabina caught the slip and narrowed her eyes at Ailith. The young girl swallowed hard under the tight gaze of the other girl and looked away. Feeling the bed shift under the weight of the young maid getting up Ailith looked up when the tray on her lap was taken away. Without meeting her gaze Sabina said something that immediately changed the other girl's previous opinion of her. "The wall may look big, but tis not so big that people don't hear certain things." Finishing her little speech Sabina turned to the other girl. "Sleep easy tonight Ailith knowing that no one will be hearing no such certain things from this tavern girl."
The two girls stared at each other, an understanding passing between them, and Ailith felt her heart restrict just the slightest bit. Just as Ailith was about to open her mouth and confess everything, Sabina nodded and disappeared around the partition.
Sinking down into the comfort of the soft confines of her bed, Ailith felt a tear hit her cheek before she even realized she'd been crying. She hoped that they had started after the other girl had left, or if they hadn't that Sabina did not notice. Closing her eyes for the third time that day, and feeling more tired than the previous two times combined, it did not come as any surprise to her why she did not immediately fall asleep.
Ok I know, I know. Loooots of dialogue. But I promise there are, indeed, methods to my madness. I'm taking the time to introduce all my of characters while letting you get a feel for everyone and how they interact. I'm going under the assumption the more you know about a character the more attached you get to them. That's what personal experience has taught me anyway. I know that Ailith is kind of keeping everything pretty much underwraps but don't worry! All in good time my friends, all in good time. And I promise this story will have action. The timeline is roughly a month or so before the movie and then we're gonna segue into it and possibly go beyond a little bit. Just bear with me and I promise I'll deliver!
To everyone who reads this, if you haven't already please take a peek at the workings of my friend homeric. Her versions of the world of Arthur and his gorgeous knights are golden, to say the least. Chosen is a brilliant A/U that's set in a post apocalyptic Briton. Very cutting edge and original! And you get a healthy dose of all of the knights (which is never a bad thing!) Her trilogy that includes "Llynya's Song" (Gawain), "Faithless" (Tristan), and "Fragile" (Lancelot) has everything from romance to preternatural adventure. Very fun trio. They also share a bit of a Galahad romance between them as well.
Another great KA author among us is Stickelbatz! I could say I'm partial to her because we, in fact, share the same beta in homeric but that would be a naughty lie, because I have been a fan of her stories since before I started my story. She is currently working on a series of her own, the first in the series being "Eternal Knight" which has a lovely Lancelot romance. Her second in the series is "Silent Knight" which, if you haven't already guessed it from the title, has a romance involving everyone's favourite silent knight Tristan! Dagonet has a romance in it as well!
Just thought I'd give credit where credit is due and tell you about my inspirations and also give anyone a heads up. If you're searching for some stellar literature on this site then these are your gals!
Until Chapter 4 kiddies….
