A/N: Hi guys! Sorry for the slightly later and shorter update, but this week has been SO hectic it's just NOT funny. Not to mention, I actually had a bit of writers block for this chapter - actually lets just call it lethargy...I knew what to write I just couldn't be bothered actually exercising these fingertips on the keyboards! (what makes it worse is that I actually already had a third written!) :P
This chapter's for In-Love-With-Paul-Get-Over-It, Queen Amy, melala103 for following and Aeglos3 for favouriting. Not to mention cleo nightingale and all my other friendly reviewers! Thank you so much! You are the ones who keep me writing! :)
Remember to Read, Review, Follow, Favourite and Most Importantly - ENJOY! :)
p.s. the music I imagined to accompany this festival is something called 'Beltane Fire Dance' by a very talented music/songwriter Loreena McKennitt. Check it out if you have time! It really makes you think of that sort of ancient festivity! :)
X.
Rynelle fixed the last lantern in place with a satisfied sigh. Wobbling a little, she climbed down from the bench where she stood and admired her handiwork, hands on hips. The sun was setting in the sky and Queen Guinevere's birthday celebration was set to begin. Several hours before, Kalyna had been sent to Vivianna when she had emptied the contents of her stomach for the third time.
Rynelle's concern for the older, brunette Sarmatian woman peaked and she sternly ordered her out to the healer, informing her that she was perfectly capable of fixing and hanging the rest of the decorations without her help. There was MORE than enough people working on it already.
Her job done, Rynelle turned and looked for something else to occupy her time with. The crest of a tawny head caught her eye, and all the breath rushed from her body. She had not spoked to Gawain since the evening before, and she still cursed her own inability to forget the life she had had before coming to Camelot.
Taking a deep breath and steeling herself for the task ahead, Rynelle tentatively walked over to where the man was leaning against the bar, drink in hand. He had not seen her and so she cleared her throat anxiously, trying to get his attention.
The marks she could see on his neck filled her with an immense guilt that threatened to overflow. Blue eyes turned to meet green and Rynelle suddenly looked down, unable to look the knight in the eye.
"Good evening Sir knight," Rynelle whispered awkwardly, shuffling in her stance. Suddenly she looked up at his kind expression and the apology she had mean to say flew from her mind, words hurtling forth in uncalculating sentences. "I - Oh Gawain I am so sorry, please can you ever forgive me? I had no intention of hurting you and I am so sorry!"
Gawain stared intently at her for a moment before he took her hand and pressed a gentle kiss to it, causing her to blush crimson. His lips quirked to the side. "Do not worry little mouse, you could not hurt me." he smiled, a teasing glint in his eye. "A terrible knight I would be if a mere scratch was enough to fell me. as I recall, for all Kalyna's teaching you were unable to move me any other way either so I have nothing to fear from you, and you have no need to apologise."
Rynelle wondered if Gawain realised just how much he sounded like Lancelot in that moment. She glared at the man in reply, refusing to laugh at the idea that she was lacking in something, "I will improve Sir knight," she sniffed primly, giving him a pointed look "And then we shall see you fear me and my skills."
Gawain's eyes twinkled as he let out a burst of laughter, "I am certain that shall be the case Rynelle," he replied, giving her a wink, "and I look forward to our next round." This man had the uncanny ability to make her blush almost every time he spoke. It was unsettling.
Gawain's face turned serious, and his eyes flickered around them, as if her were checking they were being watched, before shifting closer, "Something happened to you did it not, before Tristan and I found you." he said quietly, eyes intent. Rynelle did not reply, continuing to stare down at her feet, and he nodded once, her silence confirming his suspicions. "You will not tell me what it is?" A shake of her head. "Very well, but should you need...assistance or protection of any kind. I am at your service. You only need ask Rynelle."
Rynelle felt as if she were in a dream as Gawain's hand came up and brushed away a single lock of blonde hair behind her ear. He couldn't be moving closer to her could he? "You should never have to be afraid." came the whisper, light as a breeze brushing against her ear as he pressed a gentle kiss to her cheek, the tips of his beard pleasantly scratching at her skin. And then he was gone, walking off into the darkening night, and leaving her with a tingling feeling that pushed into every nerve in her body.
• • •
It was much later that night when the knights, their women and Rynelle managed to meet once more. Rynelle decided that she would not complain if she never saw another decoration or festive light ever again in her lifetime. Her arms and back ached with the strain of a day's lifting and hanging, as she collapsed onto a seat across from Galahad.
Kalyna was standing, almost nervously under the awning near the bar, and was yet to join them. When Rynelle looked over at her, older woman seemed better than she had that morning, and there was a sparkle to her eye that had not been there before. But still, she did look more than a little nervous, and there was even a hint of discomfort to her stance.
"My Lord Galahad, Kalyna is over there," Rynelle said softly to the youngest knight, her eyes narrowing as she analysed the Sarmatian woman. "It appears that she needs you to go to her for some reason."
Galahad frowned in concern as he looked over at his woman, moving off from the table as he walked to her hurriedly. The others watched curiously as he made his way over the the brunette woman, weaving through the crowds. Her nervous smile was not lost on any of them, and neither was the animated discussion that occurred between them a moment later.
Their interest piqued, those at the knight's table watched in interest as Galahad's handsome face broke into a smile as he lifted his lover up and twirled her around happily as they laughed. "Oh no, I know va' look anywhere," Bors said with a snigger, "I fink I might have looked like tha' once or twice."
"Don't you lie Bors De Ganis!" Vanora snapped in reply with a smirk, sniffing primly as her man's arms captured her in their embrace, "You were like that every time."
The looks of confusion on the other's faces to the questions the pair aroused were about to be answered as the young couple made their way back to the table. "Brothers, I propose a toast for Kalyna and I have an announcement to make!" Galahad said, almost giddily as he picked up an ale mug, one arm still wrapped around Kalyna's waist, "Kalyna has just informed me that she is with child, my child."
Rynelle squealed in delight as the other men laughed and cheered, raising their mugs in the air. "It is obvious that the child would be yours Galahad, our Sarmatian woman here would have castrated anyone else who came near her!" Lancelot sniggered and the woman in question glared back at the first knight.
"Congratulations Galahad," Gawain spoke up, stepping forwards and patting his brother in arms on the back proudly, before leaning down and giving Kalyna a kiss on the cheek. "And you also Kalyna of course. I wish you and your child much happiness."
Rynelle almost suspected she imagined it, but she could have sworn Gawain's eyes flickered in her direction for a moment there as he spoke. "Thankyou Gawain. Who knows, maybe you will be next to find such happiness." Kalyna said sweetly, smiling up at the tawny haired man with a knowing look in her eye. Not waiting for a reply and ignoring the glare that the taller man gave her, she turned to the others and slipped her hand in Galahad's, looking up at him quickly with a smile. "You are all like my brothers and nothing would make Galahad and I more pleased than to have our child, whether it be a boy or girl, call you uncles, and aunts in Vanora and Rynelle's case."
Galahad nodded in agreement and Rynelle couldn't help the ridiculous smile that plastered itself on her lips. She couldn't remember a moment more perfect, or a time where she had been more happy.
• • •
'Would you dance with me?' Gawain asked Rynelle cordially, the music of the drums, pipes and harps rising into the air.
Rynelle blushed, flicking a look to the other knights, who were otherwise engaged with conquests that suited their temperaments. 'Of course my Lord,' she replied, holding her hand out for the knight to lead her to the floor. Soon, she had lost herself in the music, and as Gawain whirled her around, Rynelle couldn't help the laughter that burst from her. Grinning madly at the Sarmatian as the music crescendoed, she spun around and around, letting the sounds flow over her. Then, slowly as the music slowed and came to a stop, so did Rynelle, breathing heavily.
'I have never heard your laughter.' the deep rumbling voice of Gawain spoke up. Dark blue eyes twinkled down at her under a mane of tawny locks. 'You should laugh more often my Lady.'
Rynelle blushed, 'I am no Lady, my Lord.' she muttered, casting her eyes downwards 'You have seen my lot, I am no noble.'
Gentle callused fingers lifted her chin, making Rynelle's eyes rise to meet his. 'Sometimes, nobility is determined by heart rather than birth Rynelle' Gawain said, his eyes boring into hers, 'And you, my Lady are as much a noble as any I have ever met.'
Rynelle could feel the energy thrumming between them, and her breath caught in her throat. Kiss me. Kiss me. Kiss me. every nerve in her body screamed, and they were so close, their faces inches apart. But with that, he turned and left the dance floor, leaving Rynelle standing stunned where he left her; just as another dance began.