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Lancelot drummed his finger angrily on the wood table as he continued to ignore the three Romans who were greatly benefiting from the dark knight's lack of attention to their game of dice. He could care less for he was far too engrossed in the odd situation he found himself in.
He simply could not tare his eyes away from the lovely Breena. From the very moment he had entered the tavern that evening and caught sight of her, he nearly tripped over a table. Her long black hair was in perfect ringlets down her back with half pulled up in a stylish bun, stubborn stray strands framing her delicate face. Her simple dark grey work dress hugged her figure to perfection and only seemed to intensify her tanned skin and dark eyes. She was not curvy like the normal girls he bedded, but that didn't mean she didn't have shape and Lancelot couldn't help as his mouth watered with desire.
His feet had instantly found there way towards Breena with every intention of sealing the deal early, but no sooner had he taken three steps was he grabbed by Fiona, a tall, curvy blond who instantly distracted him and ruined his first and so far only opportunity to capture the young woman's attention.
Lancelot had watched Breena while Fiona sat perched on his lap blabbing on about nonsense, and instantly caught on that she was the favourite among everyone. The Romans tried every angle to get the small woman in their lap, but Lancelot was amazed at her ability to dodge, duck, twirl and outright avoid every grab for her with nothing but ease.
Lancelot thought of perhaps taking up one of Breena's other companions, but upon further inspection soon realized that his various brothers had similar thoughts.
He watched as Gawain tried relentlessly to capture the attention of Kora only to have the taller woman spin out of his grasps and completely ignore him. She was older than Breena, all the girls were, and he found her to be quite lovely; her long, wavy light brown hair was identical to her cousin's but she had soft brown eyes whereas Lorna's were hazel, an almost pale green colour.
Lancelot chuckled when Lorna smacked Galahad upside the head; obviously Galahad's latest attempt to capture the wild Lorna failed. He thought Lorna would most likely beat him with her tray than allow his hands on her since he noticed every Roman who made a move in her direction shrink back from her sharp tongue. As he thought about her quick temper, the fiery woman reminded him quite a bit of the youngest Knight. Lorna had a mouth on her that was quite untameable. She seemed to have no discretion or fear when it came to speaking things most women wouldn't even think of.
Lancelot's gaze then fell on Isolde who was running around behind the bar. She had a calm and collected personality, though he quickly noticed her jests always came at the perfect time. She and Breena seemed to be the closest out of the four girls for it was hard to miss the over protective looks she would shoot at Breena whenever the younger woman may in some way be threatened by wandering Roman hands.
Lancelot shifted his gaze from Isolde to Tristan who was carving an apple and hiding his features behind his unruly hair, seeming indifferent to his surroundings; however, after living with the man for 12 years, Lancelot could read his body language expertly. Their normally antisocial scout had not left his preach at the end of the Knights table since he arrived and had followed the luscious redhead with his eyes everywhere she went. He knew for a fact that if Tristan had his sights set on a woman it was certain death to any who even thought of approaching her.
Lancelot's eyes once again found Breena and continued to watch her as she weaved through the dense crowd of Romans and various Britain's, her grey skirts flowing behind her and doing nothing to hinder her graceful moves.
Normally, Lancelot had no problems what-so-ever when it came to wooing woman, even if his fellow Knights fancied them, he hardly had to say two words before they were perched on his lap whispering promises of endless pleasures. But Breena, she had hardly acknowledged him and he found it quite irritating to say the least. He knew she was busy, but the woman was in everyone's sights and obviously avoiding his. The entire male bar was attempting to capture her attention and he couldn't help the frown that graced his dark face as he watched.
What did capture his curiosity was how all four women were quite slim and firm; their long fitted dresses gave Lancelot a clear view of their well formed muscles. He recalled what Tristan had said earlier that day and thought perhaps something was different about them. Most British woman were curvy or slim, rarely were they firm, only those who were worriers or worked hard labour had the muscles that were obviously evident on the girls. Dismissing the thoughts of them being warriors completely, he assumed that since they came from one of the smaller villages they were used to hard labour and that is what gave them their figure. He couldn't and didn't want to imagine these four women even thinking of wielding a sword.
With those last thoughts, Lancelot glanced at the no longer appealing game of dice, drowned the last of his ale gave, gave Fiona a slightly ungraceful shove off his lap, and left the Roman table completely abandoning his game as he made his way to the Knights table.
"Did you lose again Lancelot?" Bors jested as he pinched Vanora's rear as she whisked by.
Without so much as a moment's pause, Vanora spun around and smacked Bros across his bald head and continued on her way, grinning as her lover roared behind her.
Lancelot shook his head as he took his seat in the chair at the end of the table. He was about to say something when an approaching figure caught his eye, his lips curling in anticipation as he waited for her to get close enough.
Dagoent had followed the dark Knight's gaze and realized what he was about to do. "I wouldn't if I were you Lancelot. Those girls don't take to kindly to handling," he advised with a slight grin directed towards Gawain and Galahad who had both tried to pull Lorna and Kora into their laps unsuccessfully.
Tristan smirked as Bors chuckled and shook his head knowingly when both Gawain and Galahad frowned.
Lancelot just winked and before anyone had a chance to blink his arm shot out and snaked around Breena's waist, pulling her successfully into his lap. Lancelot couldn't help but sigh contently as a feeling of overwhelming peace flowed through his body as his arms wrapped around her. The moment his hands touched her it was as if they were meant to touch this small body and he wanted to do just that.
Breena had to swallow hard as the firm, calloused hands seemed to burn her skin through the thin cotton. She knew who it was that had grabbed her as soon as his arm had snaked its way around her waist and she scolded herself for her body instantly reacting to his touch. She felt herself fighting to relax and lean into the firm chest that was pressed against her back.
Sighing dramatically, Breena turned slightly and looked down into the grinning face of Lancelot with a raised eyebrow. "Lancelot," she nodded down to where his hands were clamped firmly together on her lap, his arms encircling her. She was battling with herself and wanted out of his grasp before she went against her better judgment. She had been watching him since he had arrived at the tavern and felt unnerved knowing he was studding her and the others.
Lancelot ignored her silent question and pulled her closer to his chest so only they would hear the other. "Yes, love?" he asked seductively, blowing slightly on her neck and flashing his signature grin when he felt her shiver.
Breena wanted to curse the Gods for creating such a beautiful man and using him against her. Pulling together ever ounce of self-control she could muster, Breena's eyes didn't falter from Lancelot's. "I request that you release me Sir Knight for I have duties to attend to," she said lamely. Breena could have been out of his hold just as quick as she was in it, but knowing she couldn't only frustrated her.
Lancelot rested his chin on her shoulder and looked up in the most striking dark eyes and found he was once again unable to tare away from them, and completely ignored her request and the curious eyes of the six other Knights watching the two with keen interest.
Breena searched his eyes and started to feel slightly uncomfortable under his gaze. It was as if he was reading her very soul, urging it to reach out to him, tell him its deepest secrets, longings and whatever else it was hiding from him. She did not like it.
Looking over Lancelot's shoulder, she noticed Kora glancing in between the two and flashing Breena a questioning look. Breena shook her head, she could handle the situation. Kora nodded slightly in understanding and went back to serving; keeping an eye on the Knight should he be a little too comfortable.
"Well Lancelot, I think you are losing your touch for this must be the first time I have ever seen a woman looking so displeased with being in your company," Bors teased as he rested his forearms on the table, his mug clutched firmly in his left hand.
Lancelot felt Breena stiffen under his hold and he couldn't help but feel hurt that she seemed to be so displeased to be in his grasp. He knew he had seen a flash in her eyes that had told him otherwise, so why was she being so stubborn? Not wanting to give away his doubts, he looked past Breena and grinned. "She is just nervous at being in my company, I have that affect on inexperienced woman you know," he said with a sly grin.
Breena snapped her head to Lancelot, his grin slowly fading, and glared down at the man. "Do not flatter yourself so Knight," Breena said coldly and pinched a particular tender piece of flesh under his arm.
Letting out a yelp of pain and loosening his grip on Breena, she immediately twisted in his arms and was on her feet walking away without another look back.
"Very smooth brother, very smooth," Gawain roared erupting into a fit of laugher as he clapped Lancelot firmly on the back.
Lancelot scowled and rubbed his arm as the entire table of Knights joined in Gawain's laughter.
As the night went on, the tavern made no indication of winding down but only seemed to grow more bodies.
"Vanora, why I ever agreed to work here, I will never know," Breena groaned as she set a tray down on the bar and slumped against it, her forehead resting on Vanora's shoulder. She had never in her entire life felt so violated and never had she wanted to remove so many limbs of said violators.
Vanora, who was sitting on the stool cuddling Eight, leaned her head down on top of Breena's momentarily, letting out a soft chuckle. "You were the one that decided to deny an invitation to marriage and had to escape an uprising. So I'm afraid beggars cannot be choosers my friend," she teased in a low voice so only the girls could hear.
Breena lifted her head off Vanora's shoulder and raised an eyebrow. "Well would you want to marry the mortal enemy who is old enough to be your father? No!" she stated, her voice laced with the distain she felt for someone even thinking such a thing while looking around hopping no one unwelcome was listening in on their conversation.
Lorna scrunched her face as she shivered. "Could you imagine the nerve of that man? To even think of suggesting such a thing only confirms he is mad," she grumbled while wiping a mug dry and handing it to Isolde to refill with ale who nodded her agreement.
"Nerve of whom?" Kora asked coming up on the opposite side of Breena, looking between the four women as she set her tray on the counter to be refilled with mugs.
"You know who," Isolde answered with a knowing look as she started to place mugs of ale on Breena's empty tray.
Kora nodded and mouthed 'oh' while flashing a sympathetic look to Breena who seemed to be deep in thought.
"Ladies, when are you going to pay attention to us?" Gawain interrupted as he stepped between Breena and Kora, placing his own jug on the counter and leaning against it, his elbows resting on the edge as he smiled warmly at Kora.
Kora and Breena were the ones now serving since Lorna had threatened every Roman castration so it was decided she man the bar while Isolde watched her temper. The other barmaids were currently occupying certain Knights laps so all the work was left to Kora and Breena.
All four girls had been doing their best avoiding the Knights table since they didn't want to make too good of friends with them for fear they would figure out who they were; however, as the night drew on and the more ale said Knights consumed, it was becoming next to impossible. Even after her initial rejection to the Knight, Lancelot seemed even more determined and had made several attempts to grab Breena; Lorna had thumped Galahad upside the head for trying to grab her when she did leave the bar; and Kora had danced around Gawain just as much as Breena had Lancelot. The only sensible ones were Tristan, Dagonet, and Bors who had made it quite clear to the entire tavern they were very amused with the elusive girls.
Breena glanced at Kora and smiled as her friend tried to hide the blush that was slowly starting to creep its way up her neck as Gawain continued to smile at her. Kora had fancied the longhaired Knight since Breena could remember.
Breena sighed inwardly; it was one thing to have feelings for the Knights outside of the fort, it was simply lusting after them from a distance, but now that they were here interacting with them, she could see her initial plan to keep a distance going out the window.
Knowing she was going to regret this, Breena winked over to Kora. "Well first of all, the other women give us a death glare every time we approach the table," she said nodding to the women who occupied Lancelot and Galahad's laps. Breena hid her frown as she watched the overused Fiona lace her fingers through the hair on the back of Lancelot's neck. She had no right to feel jealous; she had told herself repeatedly she was not going to succumb to him, but the more and more she watched him, the more she knew she was not going to win, especially when he flashed that damn grin in her direction.
Breena ginned evilly to Isolde who cocked her head to the side in question, and turned back to Gawain. "Kora, I am sure would love to give you attention," she said sweetly ignoring the death glare from Kora.
Gawain turned to Kora and grinned, "Really?" He didn't even give her a chance to answer as he swung his arm around her shoulders and stood up grabbing his now full jug of ale in his free hand. "Well, I would readily welcome such attention," he said seductively causing Kora to blush further.
Kora hesitated when Gawain went to lead her away and turned to look back at Breena, a question in her eyes.
Breena just smiled and shook her head having understood Kora's look. "Go on, I will watch your tables," she said nodding to the Knights table.
Kora sighed. She really did want to go with Gawain, but she didn't want to leave Breena to work alone since no other barmaid had made an attempt to help and knowing that Breena was the favourite among the men only made her hesitate more.
"Are you sure?" she asked searching Breena's face for any hint that she might need Kora. But as usual, Breena shook her head 'no'.
Breena was always putting their feelings or needs first along with everyone else's. Despite the fact that Kora, Isolde, and Lorna were her guards, it was usually her saving them. That was one of the reasons why Kora loved her so much; she was a true princess, a woman worth following.
Breena could still see the doubt in Kora's eyes. "You could use the break," her tone telling Kora that the decision was made, a grin spreading across her face as Gawain looked at Kora with nothing but affection.
Kora nodded and couldn't help but tense slightly under Gawain's arm as he led her to the table full of half drunken Knights. She and the others had always watched these men, legendary warriors. Her people were their enemy; to them she is their enemy. She suddenly found herself praying to the Goddess to give her the strength not to mess up. She had no problem lying, but these men were very different than the normal townspeople and Romans they fed their stories too. They would be able to see right through any inconsistencies in their stories, should there be any. Tristan was especially one to be weary of.
"I got one," Gawain boasted as he shoved Galahad and his wench down the bench to make room for Kora. "And she's not trying to run away," he teased looking directly at Lancelot, ignoring the dark look from the Knight.
Kora hid her annoyance with Gawain's introduction and smiled politely as she sat in between Gawain and Galahad, the wench on his lap trying her best to glare down the Woad, only to shrivel into Galahad when she was met with an equal if not worse glare.
Lancelot frowned. He had watched Gawain and had hoped he would bring Breena over to them. "Are none of the others going to join us?" he asked looking over to see her talking with Vanora, Isolde and Lorna.
Kora, who was secretly jumping for joy that Gawain's arm was still firmly laced over her shoulders, had not failed to notice Lancelot's special interest in her Princess, and raised an eyebrow. "Why would they when you already seem to have the company you require?" she asked nodding to Fiona who was still sitting proudly on his lap.
Lorna frowned as she watched Gawain lead her blushing cousin to the Knights table. "I thought you said we shouldn't interact with them?" she hissed to Breena while nodding to the Knights.
Breena sighed. She had been counting down until Lorna was going to voice her opinion. "I did and we shouldn't," she said, turning back around to watch Kora. "But did you not notice the look on her face when she saw Gawain, or any other time we have seen them. She even blushes when his name is mentioned," she said in reason nodding to where in fact, Kora was blushing as Gawain seated himself very close to her, his arm draped over her shoulders. Breena couldn't help but smile at how natural they looked together.
"She is taken with him?" Vanora asked with a smile as she watched. She too thought Kora would be perfect for Gawain. Kora was a lovely woman in all ways that count and she longed to see the Knights happy.
Breena smiled and nodded to Vanora. "Has been for a very, very long time," she said softly. "Why should I deny her happiness if she can find that in Gawain?" she asked, chuckling when Kora said something that had the inhabitants of the table laughing at Lancelot's expense.
Lorna's eyes bulged. She did not want her cousin wooed by a Knight who would only break her heart. They couldn't have any real relationship with the Knights; they were Woads that in itself was enough. "Are you kidding me? He is a Sarmation Knight," she barked pointing at the table of Knights.
Isolde sighed and shook her head looking at Vanora. "Here we go," she said in warning. She understood where Lorna was coming from, but she herself had harboured feelings for Tristan. If Breena ordered them to keep their distance, she would, not that it would be in the least bit easy. But if Breena was going to permit relationships, she was not going to complain.
Breena's eyes blazed as she slammed her tray down on the counter causing Lorna's eyes to widen and take a step back. "I am also part Sarmation. Do you think so little of me as you obviously do them?" she hissed lowly, leaning over the counter and pointing an accusing finger in Lorna's face.
The Knights immediately turned their heads in the direction of the bar when they heard a slam. "What is going on with them?" Dagonet asked as he and the rest of the Knights watched Breena and Lorna argue.
Kora sighed, shaking her head. She could just imagine what was going on in her cousin's head and had a pretty good idea what she said to Breena. "Lorna probably ran her mouth again," she said, her tone doing nothing to hide her annoyance.
Galahad looked to Kora than back to Breena and Lorna. "Perhaps we should go break it up. Lorna actually looks frightened," he said slightly concerned.
Tristan was watching intently, his hidden eyes not failing to pick up on the subtle hints that the girls were defiantly hiding something. He knew Isolde had picked up on his observations of the others, including her, but it only made him watch them more just to see what her reaction would be.
Kora just laughed causing Gawain to smile. He enjoyed her laugh, it had a soft ringing to it and he couldn't help but smile as her soft, round face lit up each time.
"Believe me. You don't want to get involved."
Lorna looked at Breena with wide eyes and mentally kicked herself. She could never think anything but highly of her Princess. "Breena I would ne—,"
Breena shook her head cutting Lorna off. She had had more than enough of the friends mouth. "Don't be so quick to judge Lorna. Don't think I have failed to notice the looks you give Galahad," she knew she hit the nail on the head when Lorna's eyes flashed over to Galahad then back to Breena. "So don't you tell me to deny her happiness when you yourself long to find the same in said Knight. They are good, honourable men and you damn well know it!" she growled, pushed herself off the bar and took her tray full of ale before storming off.
Vanora watched Breena storm away and turned to glare at Lorna before she left to join the Knights table.
Isolde sighed as she grabbed Kora's tray and filled it with mugs of ale. "You know you just insulted her," she said knowingly to Lorna before she left to help Breena serving.
Lorna groaned in frustration as she leaned against the back of the bar watching Breena work. She loved Breena just as much as she loved Kora and Isolde. They were each other's family and she disliked immensely taking her frustrations out on Breena. It was always Breena, for Breena was the only one who could put her in her place. Lorna's gaze drifted from Breena to Galahad who was laughing with Gawain and Kora. She frowned when she saw the wench on his lap whisper something in his ear, resulting in the young Knight to kiss her strongly on the lips.
Breena went storming by the Knights table who were all staring at her, not casting a glance at any of them. "She looks pissed," Bors stated as Vanora came and perched herself on his lap, holding a still sleeping Eight to her chest.
Kora smiled to Vanora and nodded at Bors. "Lorna has that effect on her. But Breena takes it well," she said with a smile.
Breena was so consumed in her thoughts that she almost ran into Arthur who was just entering the Tavern. "Easy Lady Breena," he said with slight amusement, grabbing her shoulders before she crashed into him.
Breena shook her head and mentally scolded herself. "Goodness, I am sorry Arthur," she said giving him a small smile then attempting to side step him.
Arthur could instantly tell by the look on her face she was troubled, he knew the look all too well. Holding his arm out so she couldn't pass, "Are you all right?" he asked searching her downcast face.
Breena held her breath and looked up into the most genuine eyes she had ever gazed upon. There was nothing there but concern and trust. She was going to hate herself one day for this, she just knew it.
Sighing deeply, Breena gave Arthur a very weak smile. "Yes, thank you. All is well," she said not convincing the commander one bit.
Arthur looked around and noticed how most of the Romans were casting her none to subtle glances, including a certain Knight who was watching the two intently. "Won't you join us?" he asked politely nodding to the Knights.
Arthur had stood in the shadows for quite some time watching the tavern, the girls particularly. The concerns Tristan had raised were warranted for Arthur was almost convinced there was some hidden secret between the girls. They were never far from one another; it seemed that Kora, Lorna and Isolde were always watching Breena with hawk like eyes, glaring at any man who tired to grab her. Although it was unusual for a group of young woman to travel without a male escort, it was not unheard of. It was unusual for a group so young though, Breena looked hardly 17. He was sure they were bonded closer than friendship for he had not seen loyalty as strong as he and his Knights in anyone, but these four seemed to have the same if not a fiercer loyalty, and that was something unusual.
Breena looked behind her to the Knights and couldn't help but frown that Fiona was still perched on Lancelot's lap and turned back to Arthur. "Sorry, but I have more tables to attend to. Perhaps later," she mumbled and twisted around him before he could respond.
Arthur looked back to Lancelot with a raised eyebrow then back to Breena as she continued to dodge all the hands that were aimed at her and smiled when she obviously said something to make one of the Romans instantly lean away from her.
"Arthur, are you going to join us or stare?" Lancelot yelled nodding to Breena, finally brining the commander's attention back to reality.
Arthur quickly made it to the table and sat next to Dagonet and smiled up at Isolde as she immediately placed a full mug of ale in front of him. "Thank you, Isolde was it?" he asked looking at her.
Isolde simply nodded and after making sure everyone else's ales were full, cast one last smile at Tristan before she walked away.
Tristan couldn't help but smile back. It was as if his lips simply couldn't stop from curling when she looked at him. He thought she was one of Arthur's angles she was so beautiful. He still couldn't help but shake the doubts he had about the four girls, but he couldn't help the growing feelings he had for Isolde. He had never felt so conflicted.
Lorna watched as Arthur and Lancelot watched Breena, commander calculating and first knight lusting. She also saw Isolde and Tristan sneaking glances at each other and found that very interesting. She herself had to try and not focus on Galahad; actually she was more focused on the wench whose mouth he found so fascinating then anything. She wanted to vomit, kill the woman then have her way with Galahad.
"Stop staring," Breena said playfully as she approached and waved her hand in front of Lorna's face. The Woad woman had a dazed look on her face as she openly stared at the youngest Knight.
Lorna shook her head and stared at Breena. Based on the smirk on Breena's face, she knew full that Breena was right. As much as they wanted to, and knew they should, it would be next to impossible to avoid the Knights and their feelings for them. Sighing, Lorna leaned over the bar and grabbed Breena's hand. "Breena, I am so sorry for being a bitch," she apologized sincerely, her head slightly downcast.
Breena smiled and squeezed Lorna's hand. "It's all right, I am use to your mouth and apologies," she said fondly and kissed Lorna's knuckles.
Releasing Lorna's hand, Breena scooted on a stool and rested her arms over her tray. "I do not know what will come of this, no one does. But perhaps if and when they find out about us, things may go easier for us and them," she said hopefully.
Lorna smiled and nodded understandingly and was about to say something when the sight of the approaching Roman immediately caused her to scowl.
Kora smiled as she watched Lorna apologize to Breena and her Princess immediately shrug it off. Noticing Lorna's scowl, she followed her cousin's line of sight and caught sight of the approaching Roman who was very fond of Breena and heading straight for her. Scowling, she immediately removed herself from under Gawain's embrace and left the table ignoring everyone's questioning looks.
Isolde caught Kora's eyes; she herself had dropped her tray at having also seen the Romans, both woman nodding to the other before they pushed their way through the crowds to make their way behind the Romans who were surrounding Breena.
Gawain was slightly putout by Kora's abrupt departure and frowned. "What was that all about?" he asked no one in particular as he watched Kora make her way to Isolde.
Vanora, who had found the departure slightly odd as well, turned to look at Breena and noticed the man who had approached her. Muttering a string of curses, Vanora launched herself off Bors's lap and handed Eight off to the barmaid on Galahad's lap with instructions to return him home to the night nanny.
Bors was instantly on alert at his lover's sudden scowl and grabbed her arm as she went to walk away. "What is going on?" he asked hurriedly.
Vanora yanked her arm away from Bors and looked at him then to the other Knights who were all eyeing her questioningly. "I have had to keep them out every night this week," she pointed her finger to the group of Romans at the bar, "Markus does not understand the meaning of 'no' and has been harassing Breena ever since she got here," she said before rushing towards Breena. Breena had hardly controlled herself the last time Markus had made a pass at her and she only hopped the Woad Princess would be able to muster the same self-control this time.
As soon as the words had left Vanora's mouth, Lancelot, again, carelessly threw Fiona off his lap and ignored her yelp of surprise as he rushed towards Breena with Arthur and the Knights right behind him.
Breena scrunched her face in confusion as she noticed Lorna's scowl and immediately turned to see Markus right behind her. "Hello beautiful," he said charmingly with a grin that made her skin crawl while trying to take her hand to kiss.
Lorna didn't bother to consider the odd looks she received as she immediately hopped over the bar and stood next to Breena as her Princess smacked the Roman's hand away.
"You will not touch me Roman," Breena spat, her eyes glaring in warning as Isolde came next to her and Kora next to Lorna, all glaring down the Romans in warning.
Markus paid no heed to the three women and took another step closer to Breena. "Now, now. Why don't we—,"
"I thought I told you not to come in here Markus," Vanora growled, cutting Markus off as she stood next to Isolde, her hands planted firmly on her hips, her soft green eyes glaring daggers at the Roman.
Markus sighed, he hated these women. If it weren't for them he would have had the stupid wench long ago. Continuing to ignore the now four glaring sets of eyes, he leaned into Breena only causing the others to crowd her more. Surprisingly, the young beauty just stood there glaring him down. "You are a feisty one, I like that," he whispered huskily, his fingers grabbing a piece of her hair and weaving it around his finger.
Isolde, Kora and Lorna all cast a knowing look to the other; there would be little they could do to stop Breena now.
Breena narrowed in at the daft Roman. Her hand instantly shot out and grabbed the inside of Markus' wrist and twisted it back with surprising force. "I will not tell you again," she hissed, smiling evilly as Markus let out a yelp of pain before she flung his hand away.
Markus rubbed his wrist, his eyes fuming. Why you little—," but froze at the dark voice in his ear.
"You will leave the lady alone, now."
Breena just beamed at the dark look in Lancelot's eyes as he gave the Roman a slight shove to emphasise it was time to go.
Markus glanced at his comrades who were all eyeing the seven Knights with weary eyes. As much as they hated the Sarmations, it was well known not to mess with them for your life would be over before you could even reach your sword. Lancelot and Tristan were the most unpredictable and he did not like having the dark Knight to his back and he could practically feel the scout killing him slowly with his heated gaze.
Arthur shook his head recovering from the boldness the small woman showed, and couldn't help the shivers that went down his spine as she glared death at Markus. Not that he could blame her for he did not like the way Markus looked at her, it was as the man's heated gaze was openly pealing off her clothing and he felt his blood freeze knowing what the lieutenant would do should he have the opportunity. With those thoughts he moved protectively in front of Breena. "I understand you have been causing these women some trouble?" he accused, his voice daring the man to disagree.
Markus kept his growing anger in check and frowned, his arms crossing over his chest. "Move Arthur, this has nothing to do with your or your Sarmation scum," he barked, eyeing the men who surrounded him and his companions.
The Knights took a step closer to the Romans, each of them glaring daggers.
Breena moved next to Author in a fury, practically pushing him out of her way. "Scum you say? Well that is quite the complement coming from the filth you are, for they are far above you Roman. So do not think you stand in any league comparable to them as I do not see your pathetic self risking your life everyday. You are only alive because of these men, so watch your filthy mouth," she snarled as she leaned into Markus, her eyes convening the warning that went unsaid.
The Knights all felt a sense of pride swell within as they listened to the Breena, Lancelot especially. He had never in his life felt the growing feelings he had for the young woman as she glared down a Roman. No woman they knew other than Vanora was ever bold enough.
Markus watched as the dark eyes that had bewitched him went frighteningly darker, almost to a black. It was unnatural and he felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. Knowing that the tavern was deathly quite and all could hear and see this small woman talking down to him only fuelled his anger. "You will learn your place woman," he hissed in a last attempt to intimidate her.
Breena grinned unaffected by Markus' pathetic attempt and gave him such a dark look, it caused him to gulp and take a small step back. "Do not presume to talk down to me Roman. For if you continue to think so highly of yourself, I will show you exactly where my place is and you will be wishing you had never seen the light of day," her voice was calm, collected and unwavering as her glare never faltered. "This conversation is over, time to leave," she ordered nodding to the exit in the tavern, her tone as commanding as if it came form Arthur himself.
The entire bar remained silent, the Knights unable to believe what they were seeing or hearing. The young girl was at least two heads smaller than the Roman and by the way she was looking at him, it was as if she was looking down at nothing but the filth she accused him of being.
Isolde, Kora, Lorna and Vanora couldn't help but grin at Markus and his companions as they glared murder at an unaffected Breena, her glare equally deadly.
Markus's nostrils flared in rage and was about to say something when the same dark voice hissed in his ear, sending a wave of unconscious shivers down his spine.
Lancelot had never been more impressed and would have loved to continue to listen to Breena berate the insufferable Roman, but sensed that perhaps it might go too far and leaned over into Markus' ear. "The lady asked you to leave and I suggest you do so for what she will do will seem like a warm summer day compared to what we will do," he hissed menacingly.
Markus growled and glared at Breena who had a smirk on her face and nodded to his other comrades and left the Tavern, a resolve that he was not going to let the tramp get away with making a fool out of him.
Breena just let out a chuckle as all seven Knights stared at her in disbelief. "What?" she asked raising an eyebrow.
The silence as all the men continued to gawk at Breena was disrupted by Gawain's chuckle. "That my lady was one display we shall never forget," he said shaking his head in amusement.
Bors nodded while chuckling and wrapped his arm around Breena's shoulders. "You little lass are a spitfire," he boasted giving her neck a shake.
Breena beamed with a shrug. "Is that a bad thing?" she asked looking up into Bors' eyes and then to the rest. She knew that her display had raised a few eyebrows but she secretly hopped they were unaffected by it.
Bors smiled as he shook his head. "Not in the least."
Okie dokie, let me know what you think.