CHAPTER 3
The Doctor had programmed the TARDIS to arrive during the golden age of Camelot. A time when feasts and tournaments and intrigues were to be had in plenty, but during which none of the pesky wars and feuds that marred the end of Arthur's reign would complicate their visit. And so it was that the three time travelers approached the gates of the fair capital city under the light of a radiant sun and beneath bright banners floating merrily on the breeze. Rose was delighted by the pageantry and spectacle of it all.
She and Jack rode into Camelot on horseback as did several other noblemen and their parties. The Doctor had grudgingly gone and hired the horses for them from somewhere in the city as Rose finished getting ready. A suggestion that wasn't entirely welcome to him as it was passed over the dressing screen behind which his two companions were giggling shamelessly about something. However, he had gone, and when he'd come back it was to a sight that made his hearts leap and his breath catch in his throat. His delightful, precious, plucky Rose was turning circles in a clearing in the forest where he'd parked, the pink dress flowing and spiraling about her, her face clean and soft without her usual cosmetics, and her hair down and curling, held loosely in place by a small golden circlet. It was like waking after a long winter to discover the first flower of spring. And suddenly, he had no desire to tease her about her zipper trouble nor to give Jack a hard time for helping her sort it out.
While going to fetch the horses, the Doctor discovered that there was a tournament on for the next day, and, as they rode, Jack confirmed this as he made small talk with the knights and ladies they rode beside in the throng. Rose was delighted. "So, there'll be jousting and sword fights and all that sort of thing, yea?"
"Yep." The Doctor said darkly from where he walked beside her, holding tightly to the horses' reigns and keeping his astute eyes on the crowd. "Spectacular spectacle for medieval apes."
"Now, Doctor," Jack responded playfully, "You mustn't…"
But, he was interrupted before he was able to offer his teasing directive to the Doctor by a tall, ginger fellow riding up along side of him and crying out jovially, "Why, I say! The great Lord Harkness returns to Camelot at last, yet as I look about me I discover 'tis not yet the end of the world! Good man! How are you?"
Jack recognized the rider, and put on one of his impeccable grins. "Sir Gawain," he said cordially, "I guess I shouldn't be surprised to see you today. Riding to Camelot to win all the honors at tomorrow's festival no doubt?" At this, the red-haired man nodded, a touch of both pride and playfulness in his expression.
Rose looked at the Doctor who was walking next to her directing the horse and, if truth be told, keeping her from falling off in a most unladylike manner (side-saddle…of all the ridiculous customs) and whispered almost inaudibly, "Sir Gawain? Do you reckon he's the Sir Gawain?"
The Doctor grinned, one of his dazzling grins, and nodded. "He certainly looks the part: tall, ginger, noble, knightly-ish, carrying a big sword…"
"I'll say," Rose purred admiringly.
"Oi!" The Doctor replied, annoyed. "Rose, the man's never touched running water. And really how many pets could you possibly need at one time?" Rose had the decency to look sheepish at this remark, and the Doctor continued, "Anyway, based on Gawain's welcome, I'd hazard a guess that Jack's been here before." He paused, then added, "Lord Harkness, now that's a laugh? Lord of what?"
"But, come," Gawain continued to Jack oblivious, for the moment, to his companions. "I certainly didn't expect to see you. You said you were going travelling to the ends of the earth the last time we spoke. Have you been across the world and back in these few short months?"
"No, I'm afraid." Jack answered in a disappointed tone. "I'd barely arrived in Rome when I received word regarding some of my responsibilities here and thought that I must, in good conscience, return at once to tend to my affairs."
To the Doctor, Rose mouthed, "He's good."
And he responded, "Con man."
"Right." Then, she turned her attention back to admire the skill with which her newest travel companion chatted breezily with the legendary Sir Gawain.
"I'm sorry, of course, that you were called away from your travels," Gawain offered in what he clearly meant to be a conciliatory way, but he couldn't hide his elation."But, to be honest, I am in no way sorry to see you here. We shall have great reveling tonight!" Gawain then at last turned his focus to Jack's companions. The Doctor, as a servant, he noticed not at all, but his eyes darkened and his smile deepened upon seeing Rose, "Now, my old friend, if I might be so bold to request an introduction…"
Jack lifted an eyebrow in amusement at the bold admiration evident in Gawain's countenance. He observed a sudden tension in the Doctor's shoulders and a dark firestirring in the Time Lord's eyes, but he winked at Rose in merriment. "Of course." Jack took Rose's hand within his own. "Sir Gawain, this is my ward, Rose. Rose, this is the infamous Sir Gawain."
To be continued….
A/N- I'm really starting to have fun with this one. If you're taking the time to read, please consider taking the time to review. And, thanks!
