Hey ya'll here's chapter 3 for ya...enter the Knights...I hope I get them at least semi right when it comes to there personalities..Hope you enjoy..Once again I or The Dementors Loving Kisses do not own King Arthur (sadly :(..) only our OC's...

The Knights Return...chapter 3

(Maurya's View)

The gates opened and the roar of hoofs meeting the ground could be heard before the Knights road into Hadrian's Wall; the cheers of people greeted them. Vanora and her brood disappeared in the crowd leaving little 10 and me by ourselves. We stood there waiting for the crowd to dwindle down, cooing to each other; 10 playing with the hand that wasn't holding him to my frame.

"Well isn't that a sight to behold, a beautiful women holding a child that looks exactly like me." A smooth rich voice met my ears; I could feel a smile spreading across my face as well as a light blush. It was the Knight I had just seen in my dreams. I turned around locking gaze with the dark Knight. There before stood most woman's fantasy; Lancelot. He was tall and strong with deep brown eyes that you could get lost in, and the darkest set of curls any girl would want to run her fingers through, including myself. He knew he was wanted and took advantage of it, always having a woman or two to warm his bed. Each time I witnessed this my heart hurt a little bit, but knew he would never change. Even though he himself could have made more money whoring himself out then being a Knight, he was extremely loyal and protective over his friends and family.

Lancelot walked the distance between us pulling me into his black covered frame. I sighed feeling safe, surrounded by his strong arms and his smell. The smell of the outdoors, woman's perfume and something strongly man invaded my senses causing me to snuggle up to him. He chuckled softly pulling me away from his chest to look at my face; a small smile that was saved for only a few amount of people graced his beautiful face.

"I missed you too Maurya and I happen to know the pup miss-" Before he could finish his sentence I pushed 10 into his arms, turning away and tried my best to meet the gaze of my dear friend. Lancelot struggled with 10 before he settled the child in the crook of his left arm a look of frustration played on his tanned face. I could see him looking me over from the corner of my eye before he shook his head gently his dark curls shaking as his chuckled lightly to himself.

"I'm sure if he hasn't been snatched up by a greedy whore he's probably in the barracks or the stab- he stopped seeing Maurya running towards the barracks. Lancelot looked down at the drooling babe in his arms; thinking how much the fat little thing looked like Bors more than Vanora, looked back at the spot Maurya had been, then back at 10 again sighing to himself. As much as he told he's brothers that he had no desire to settle down and have a dozen little bastards he couldn't deny the fact the he was envious of Bors and his bastards but he wouldn't tell anyone that. It would ruin his reputation of course, plus not even Arthur knew this secret of his. The only one who did had just run off to see his youngest brother. Of course he snorted to himself before he headed to the Tavern where the child's mother was probably looking for her youngest child, she wouldn't want him. She had her heart sent on the young pup and had since she had been a younger girl. While he knew she cared about him deeply he knew she'd never love him like she did his brother. He pushed his feelings away, shaking his head; his curls bouncing against his forehead and continued on his way determine to deliver the drooling child to his mother and finding a whore to take his mind off things.

I was slightly disappointed as I made my way to the stables having not found the youngest Knight in the barracks. I entered the stables greeted Jols before finding his older brother Gawain and Tristan the silent scout tending to their mounts. Both man were good company; the first quiet but good company just the same especially when you just want to be listened too. The other a dear friend of mine and the only other person besides Vanora and Galahad that knew of my affections for the Dark Knight. Though I think the Scout knew by the small noise he made when Gawain told me he did not know where his brother was if he wasn't at the barracks but then again I didn't think there wasn't anything Tristan knew.

"I'm sure my brother's at the tavern Maurya anxiously waiting your arrival. No need to worry your pretty little head over. If he isn't, well I'd be surprised." Gawain closed his horses stall before placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder. I looked up him, for he was at least a head taller than me. A smile lay on his face softening his liony appearance, his dark blue eyes shown with life and knowing. My eyes narrowed at the looked shared between Gawain and Tristan, both continuing what they had been doing when they noticed I had seen the interaction. Gawain turned his gaze back to me shrugging lightly when I threw him a questioning look before he passed me, chuckling lightly to himself. What had gone on when they were away and why did it seem like it had something to do with me. Gawain looked over his shoulder at me, "You coming or not Maurya? Wont Van be missing your help?" and with that he continued on his way, not waiting for my reply.

"Galahad will be there Maurya." I jumped hearing the Scouts voice so near. I turn towards him studying him for a minute somewhat surprised that he was talking to me. Sure we had talked before, well I talked and he nodded but still. He looked at me from beneath a few dark braids, his darker eyes dancing with something I couldn't quite name. "He talked about you enough during the journey that I'm not surprised we all don't either want to kill him or fancy you ourselves, not to mention he irritated Lancelot to no end. The pup seemed on edge when you were in the arms of the one you yearn for." He looked me up and down; his amusement clear in his dark eyes caused me to blush. He bowed his head slightly; the corner of his mouth twitched before he blended into the shadows and disappeared. My dream flashed before my eyes, no I wouldn't think about that know. Shaking my head as if that would help clear my thoughts I left the stable saying good bye to Jols and headed to the Tavern hoping I wouldn't be scolded for not being there; the whole way think about the Scout had said and blushing at the amusement in his eyes when he had looked me up and down briefly.

Before I entered the tavern I could hear the knights celebrating their return. I walked in the loud pub my gaze sweeping the entire room. My gaze passed Lancelot betting on something with a couple Romans, obviously slightly drunk. He seemed to feel my gaze because he looked up, he dark eyes meeting mine; a seductive smile grew on his beautiful face. He jerked his head to the right signaling he want of my presences but I shook my head at him, indicating that I couldn't at the moment and giving him a soft smile before continuing on. When I turned away the smile vanished from my face, my eyes landed on the Scout as he lounged in a corner of the tavern munching on a bright red apple. How he managed to get here before me I'll never know. He caught my staring and once again nodded in greeting which I returned. Looking around I couldn't see Vanora anywhere, sighing with relief I headed to the kitchen as quickly as I could through the maze of loud drunk men, bar maids and whores.

"MAURYA!" A familiar voice stopped me in my tracks and the tavern seems to become silent. I turned around slowly changing my expression to one of innocence. She looked around glaring at everyone, "Go back to what you were doing, go on get!" She turned back to me sighing before she handed me the tray of ale she had been holding. "Maurya because I can always rely on you even when you aren't working-", she paused glaring at one of the bar maid who had been sitting on a Romans lap, causing her to jump up and begin working again "I'll let this slip. Now go take this over to Sir Gawain and Galahad over there by the targets." She finished before turning, and then stopped as if she had forgotten something. "Oh and Maurya next time you want to run to the stables looking for the young pup, don't leave one of my child with Lancelot." With one last glance she turned around heading back to work.

I blushing as I looked at her retreating back I took a deep breath before making my way towards the targets, seeing Gawain's wild blonde mane but not see Galahad's gentle curls. As I got closer I could hear Gawain's deep voice talking to the person hidden behind the corner. I heard my name once or twice and I wondered why and who Gawain was talking to. I looked to the corner the Knight always occupied and spotted Bors and the gentle giant Dagonet, as well as the Scout but no Galahad. I stopped a few paces behind Gawain my gaze darted to the person beside him. Noticing they were no longer "alone" Gawain turned to me a teasing smile placed upon his handsome face, his eyes darted from me, to Galahad then to me again before he walked over to me and grabbed a mug of Ale of the tray. Galahad looked over his shoulder glaring at his brother back, eyed me before turning back to look at the target. I could see the hints of his large smile on his bearded face.

"He's all yours Maurya" he looked over at Galahad turned back, chuckling slightly before looking back down at me and whispering, "He's been waiting here since we got back, was really disappointed that his pretty little ginger wasn't here waiting for him." With a wink and another brotherly pat of reassurance he made his way over to the other Knights, leaving me with his younger brother. I glared at his back much like Galahad had. I turned towards said Knight, eyes on the floor, breathing deeply for a moment before looking up only to let out a small gasp. I was met with the intense stare of the one Knight I had been searching for. He looked handsome even though he had been away for such a long time. His eyes the color of the sky after a storm that was framed by dark lashes held my gaze. His dark curls fell into his eyes boyishly. My eyes trailed from his eyes over his nose and to his lips, then down his long neck, and passed his broad shoulder, expanded chest and lean figure, then back to his lightly bearded face only to see him gaze wondering down my own body with what looked like hunger? I could feel the warmth of the blush as it crept its way up my neck. Seeing the pink of cheeks Galahad's gaze returned to my face, his crooked smile breaking out of his studious expression. I would melted right then if I had more then sisterly feelings for him. His smile was contagious as I felt my own mouth twitch and work its way in to a bright smile. I held the empty tray thankful for something to keep my hands busy. Galahad closed the distance between us encircling me into a warm hug. I dropped the tray not caring when it hit the floor, before wrapping my arms around his lean figure and sinking into the warmth of my best friend. I felt him take a deep breath before pushing the air out through his nose as he pulled me closer; placing me head under his chin.

"I missed you Maurya." Galahad whispered softly into my hair. I went to rely when I caught Vanora's eye and even though she was smiling at my joy I could tell she wanted me to get back to work. God damn it where were those whores she called bar maids. I reluctantly pulled out of his grasp standing arms lengths away and looked up into his slightly confused face. My smile widened and I hoped my eyes showed my reluctance.

"I have to get back to work, poor Van isn't getting any help for the bar maids thanks to Lancelot" my gaze drifted over to the drunken Knight one bar maid on each arm. I frown in disgust and a small amount of pain nudge at my heart. I could see Galahad's looking at my face from the corner of my eye. He looked from me to where Lancelot sat, his expression darkening caused me rolled my eyes. Turning my attention back to Galahad, he continued glaring in Lancelot's direction. I reached up to touch his cheek without hesitation. Cupping his cheek, I felt his stubble beneath my hand, his head snapped back down towards me and his eyes seemed to search my face. "I missed you too Galahad, I'm so glad that you have come home safely. I have missed my dear friend." I looked into his eyes hoping that he could see how I much I cared about him in my eyes. "I have to go now Vanora needs me." With the last bit of courage I had left I leaned into him, standing on my toes and placed a light kiss on his cheek before turning quickly and almost running away.

When I reached the doors of the kitchen I turned looking over my shoulder to see Galahad starring at me before his attention returned to the darts. The other Knights yelled at him teasingly causing him to through a mock glare their way, his smile glowed bright as his brother strutted over to him once more. Gawain said something to Galahad, nodding his head in the direction my Dark Knight sat. I found Lancelot once more seeing his gaze on me before he shook his curly head and turned his attention back to his whores. Gawain looked over at me and before I could enter the kitchen to hide he shot a sympathetic look in my direction and Galahad placed his intense stare on me once more. His crooked smile grew once more before he nodded slightly in my direction. I gave him my best smile, though I knew he'd see past it, before returning his nodded at entering the kitchen.

For the rest of the night I could feel both Lancelot's and Galahad's gaze on me, watching my every move. Each time I found my way towards Lancelot I watched as his expression turned stony. I felt both irritated and grateful. Irritated because he knew how I felt about his bother and grateful because I knew he'd be the one I went to when my heart to much. As the hours passed the tavern emptied; one by one the Knights left. First Tristan as he had, then Lancelot with one of the bar maids giggling behind him. He shot me a look over his shoulder, a smile smile that was met with a blank expression. I tried not to let knowing another woman was warming his bed affect me but it did. Then Dagonet and Bors; the later supporting the other as he promised Vanora he'd get him home without any trouble. Then lastly Gawain followed by Galahad. Gawain placed a hand on my shoulder as he passed my spot wiping down a table, which I grabbed giving him a squeeze and muttering a 'good night.' I could feel Galahad's gaze on my back but when I peeked over my shoulder, hoping to avoid his gaze he had already left. Sighing I picked up a few straggler mugs, placed them on the bar promising myself I'd wash them tomorrow; I made my way through the kitchen and out the side door heading to the small home I shared with my sister, her lover and there 10 soon to be 11 children for a much needed sleep.

As soon as my head hit my pillow images of Lancelot filled my dreams. Sighing I snuggled into my mat waiting for the feel of his arms around me once more.

Thank you all again for reading...Chapter 4 should be coming up soon...please review...and you can also find this on The Dementors Loving Kisses profile as well..:)