Disclaimer: Same as before so please don't sue me!

Once again, I would love to thank all my reviewers so much for the wonderful responses – they increase a lot every time. Alas, once again I am sorry if none of my individual replies this chapter have reached you; but I have had terrible problems with my laptop (I've lost ALL my recent chapters on my fics, it's been so bad – this particular one's had to be done twice), so hope you accept my grateful thanks for all comments and constructive criticisms if you didn't get my reply. :O) Plus I have been very ill (again) - sorry.

WARNING: BAD LANGUAGE, VIOLENCE AND SOME SEXUAL REFERENCES, SO READ AT YOUR OWN PERIL.

All reviews, and constructive criticisms, gratefully received – but no flaming please; and I will try to update regularly.

'—' signifies thoughts.

"—" signifies speech.

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Wild Child

Chapter Fourteen – Rain

Lancelot sat in a dark corner of the stables; his loneliness almost palpable as his tears fell like rain. Which was fitting as it was she that watched him from aloft; she who saw, as Tári did, the decent man inside - she whose heart went out to him, but feared rejection if she approached him.

She hated to see him like this, but knew not what to do. She had seen Eithne strolling with the one called Dagonet back to her room, though had no fear for her as Tári trusted him so well; and she knew she could not speak to her, as she was ensconced with the scout and there was bad feeling between the two men anyway right now.

She sighed 'what to do….what to do?' She wondered. In the end the decision was made; she'd wait. She looked….different to others; it had made her an outcast around the fort – until Tári took her into her group with Eithne and the knights.

However, she was still reluctant to be seen; she knew he of all of them would laugh. She knew the women he associated with and accepted she would never measure up.

Rain had very light blond hair, almost white in colour, that fell in waves down her back – much like her two friends - she had green eyes that sparkled and a smile that could light a room. She would have been a great beauty, but the problem was she was scarred at the age of three by a drunken roman with too ready a hand and blade.

She had a severe scar running down her face along her neck in onto her chest, along with two others - one down her arm and the other across her stomach. The facial one was bad there was no denying, quite deep and puckered round the edges and a lot judged her by it. But those that saw the looks and character beyond it knew what a special person she was. However, long years of being singled out because of her scar meant she did not believe now that any would like her for herself.

It had made her timid and wary of people – she had found it better to keep out of their way if she wished to remain un-tormented.

She watched the dark knight gather himself, then he leant his head back against the wall of the stables and looked up………straight at her. She nearly fell off the beam…..

She tried to steady her nerves by repeating he hadn't seen her 'it's just a coincidence….he hasn't seen me, he hasn't seen me….'

"What are you doing up there!" Lancelot called. Then froze 'how long has she bloody been up there? What if she'd seen him crying? Oh Goddess…..'

Meanwhile, about 20' above him, Rain was cursing her own bad luck 'bugger, bugger, bugger!' She made sure she was in the shadows before she answered "I'm….nobody; nobody important anyways."

The man below her laughed mirthlessly "No one is here, wench! How long have you been up there?"

Now she had a problem, lie and say not long and run the risk that he knew different and would then never believe a word she said – though she doubted it, she doubted any of the knights would cry knowing a woman was watching them, especially her – or be honest and have him fly into a rage at her.

The latter made her stomach lurch; she could fight her own corner, she was actually a good killer – had learnt to be. But the thought of conflict didn't thrill her as it did Eithne and Tári; they were consummate killers, the former because of her formidable temper and the latter for enjoyment of it. Tári was the only person Rain had ever met that could find killing a 'game' and fighting 'fun'.

She was in a paroxysm of indecision, when Lancelot leapt to his feet "Speak wench!" he yelled, causing her to scramble backwards along the beam in a desperate attempt to stay in the shadows and also away from his temper.

"I…..I…..I've been here for a while!" she blurted out as she made it to the hayloft now only intent on escape; he was angry and if she didn't make it to the ladder quickly she'd be trapped, her head throbbed and her heart thudded – she moved swiftly and quietly, her mind on her blade in it's scabbard behind her.

It really should have been on what was in front of her, as Lancelot's head appeared at the top of the ladder just as she reached it. She let out a muffled squeak and tried to back up quickly towards the rear of the loft. Panicking, she wondered if she'd hurt herself too much if she just ran and jumped down……it couldn't be more than 10' from there….

Lancelot saw the horror on her face and immediately leapt to the wrong conclusion, which also made him angrier. "For the sake of the Goddess wench, I won't molest you! Just because I'm forced to work for Rome doesn't mean I act like those bastards!" he barked.

By now she was huddled in a corner, mutely praying to whatever deity bothered to listen to ensure this knight was quick and then killed her quicker. What was she thinking taking pity on him?

"You!" he shook her "what's your name and why were you spying on me!"

She tried to force herself as far back into the shadows as she could go…. He felt her go rigid with fear "what in the name of the Gods has happened to you? I WON'T HURT YOU!" he ground out.

She shook her head "You…you don't…don't sound like you won't!" she stammered.

He made a grab at her "come here and let me look at you."

"NAY!" she finally regained control of her senses and kicked out with her foot, sending him over backwards as she tried to scoot past him – he instinctively grabbed her ankle as she overtook him.

"What is the bloody matter with you!" he yelled in exasperation "I only want to know why you were spying on me and what you look like!"

Hand over hand, Lancelot laboriously dragged her back to him "I.WILL.NOT.HURT.YOU.WOMAN." he ground out as she struggled and bucked under him even as he pinned her to the floor of the loft.

"When I tell Tári what you have done….." she gasped as his weight pressed her down.

"I have done nothing wench!" He growled, making her flinch "and she would know I would hurt no woman – well, not unless she was trying to kill me first."

A resounding punch momentarily stunned him enough for her to wriggle free and dive for the ladder – she had just reached the bottom when he landed neatly beside her. She glanced up and then back at him again in stunned silence; he grinned good-naturedly "Arthur taught us to be able jump from the battlements here in case of attack. It's about a 15-20' drop….so this is nothing."

He lunged at her again, but this time Rain was ready for him…..her swift kick to his crotch stopped him in his tracks – as he collapsed groaning to the ground she ran for the door, and he felt a hand grab his jerkin and haul him to his feet.

"Do you have to upset everyone that Tári knows Lance?" Arthur asked mildly "I mean Tristan's bad enough, but now even the women she knows? Apart from the fact you seem to be losing your touch with the fairer sex, these particular ladies are armed to the teeth!"

"She was terrified of me." Lance managed to grind out painfully "I don't understand, I did naught to her, she was the one watching me."

"I didn't see her – which was it? Eithne or Rain?"

"I know Eithne's look, it was not she….it must be the other. I have not seen her before." Lancelot sighed "in truth I did not really see her now." He shrugged "she was almost hysterical in trying to stop me seeing her properly. Even when I had her pinned to try and talk some sense into her she thrashed around so much, I realise now, that even then I didn't see her face."

"Then that was most definitely Rain." Arthur smiled sadly "a better friend you could not wish to meet, with the exception of Eithne, according to Tári anyway. But she is, apparently, badly scarred and very aware of how she looks."

"With a kick like a demented mule she should be more worried about leaving men infertile!" Lancelot muttered distractedly as he staggered off leaving Arthur in his wake.

His commander turned to Jols who had gone to fetch him on hearing the commotion between the couple "They could be good for each other."

"Those two? Chalk and cheese, Arthur, chalk and cheese."

"I'm not so sure……on the surface, possibly; but deep down I think my brother is as damaged as the girl who just ran."

Jols nodded sadly and wandered off; Arthur stood and sighed – he would have to see Tári, try and ensure that she and Eithne aided him in bringing the couple together. Without their assistance he doubted they'd get past their problems; well, Rain wouldn't anyway.

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However, Fate was to degree that Arthur didn't know everything. Elsewhere in the compound Lancelot was sat watching the sky from the battlements when he felt a presence; glancing round he spotted a figure skulking on the steps.

"If you've come to kick me again, be warned I am prepared to defend myself properly this time and take the consequences from Tari and your other comrade!" he grumbled.

Rain stared, her heart in her mouth. However, she was a good soul and had known that, despite the fact he had grabbed and yelled at her, he had not meant her any real harm and her lashing out and injuring him, however mildly, had bothered her.

"I….I….came to say sorry…" she muttered quietly, but loud enough for him to hear.

"Aye, well, mayhap I could've handled it better – I don't like being spied on….something you appear to enjoy doing." A smile ghosted his face as he could almost feel the blush across the gap between them. But his tone had softened slightly and she relaxed a little.

Lancelot, never one to beat around the bush, decided to get to the crux of the matter "Arthur says you are badly scarred – are you, or is he just trying to appeal to my softer side? Mark me lady, it is not a big side of me – my sympathies are not wide spread on a good day."

"Nay, he speaks true enough." Rain sighed "a Roman with an evil temper and worse blade decided my face and…..more needed 'some enhancing'."

"Lady, I have been in many battles and have more scars than I care to count, granted none are actually that noticeable on my face – but none the less there are many all over my body." He glanced at the shadow on the steps "You have naught to be ashamed of."

"I am….no one, a nothing. Please….do not think of me as a lady or some such – I came only to apologise – it's just that….you seemed so angry, and he – the Roman – was the same and I was so little when it happened that……"

"You are not no one or nothing…..any woman that I speak to is always a someone." Lancelot could not help but flirt a little. However, when no reply was forthcoming he glanced over and saw she had gone.

He leapt to his feet to follow her; but as he went to grab her arm Rain's temper finally snapped. "WHAT? What now? Why do you wish torment me so? You are an ass sir! You are worse than a whore – at least they get paid a few coins for their bedding!

You think that flattery will get any maid you wish into your bed! Well, not this one – I have no use for such useless pastimes, I have enough trouble just trying to survive every day in a world that despises me!"

Lancelot stood open mouthed at the tirade, but followed her as she stomped off "I only wish to make it clear….." but he got no further.

"Oh I know what you wished!" She hissed "you wished to charm me into your bed!" She was incensed now "well feast your eyes on the 'beauty' you would've bedded and thank your lucky stars I did not succumb!" and with that she stepped into the light of the torch.

Lancelot was a little taken aback, but in truth it was only a bit worse than Dag's, enough to upset those around the fort – but not him….it was certainly similar in some ways to his large comrade, though it traversed more of her face on one side than his did.

He sighed as she began to cry "Lady I am sorry if offended you, but that was not my intent." He spoke softly and went to step forward, but she stepped away so he held his ground "I did not mean to upset you; I am an incorrigible flirt, if you know aught of me then you'd know that. I see a……" he didn't say 'pretty maid' as he knew he'd only set her off again "maid that I like and I can't seem to help myself."

He looked from the ground where he was staring "but as to your scar, you are no worse than me and my comrades – it is unfortunate that your scar mars your face, but in truth we all have scars of similar severity on our body."

She looked unconvinced, they both started as someone was heard approaching – when he looked back, she was gone…..

Eithne came up with Dagonet; his friend smiled "Hello Lance, what you doing here?"

"Just….just checking the stars." The younger knight gazed briefly skyward "Aye, they're all there…..well…" he smiled the couple "I'll be off and leave the night to you."

"Got a maid waiting?" Dag jested.

"Nay not tonight Dag….I am not that much of a whore you know – I do spend quite a few nights alone with only myself as company!" Lancelot bristled, still smarting from what Rain had said.

Dag nodded "I was merely jesting you lad, no harm meant."

Lancelot sighed "Aye well, ignore me – I have had a bad day."

"Aye well it is set to get worse…." Eithne gestured to where Tristan stalked towards them "he looks like he's set to kill."

"Nay…." Dag shook his head thoughtfully "he always looks that way."

The woman beside him stifled the laugh as she realised he was being serious.

Tristan stopped opposite Lance "I hear you been pestering Tári again?"

"What?" The other knight nodded "Oh that – I was jesting Tris, merely jesting; I forget this sometimes….not everyone understands."

Tris saw the look on Lance's face and was a little concerned for his comrade – they may fight amongst themselves on occasion, but when they were needed they all looked out for the others "What's the matter Lance?"

"I….….nothing. Don't worry – I am blood only to Tari, brother apparently. You have naught to fight with me for now Tris – I will not jest again." He walked away.

Tristan looked at Dag "What's brought that change of heart? Lance rarely backs down when it comes to a woman – I wondered if one of us might end up dead over Tári."

"I know not…." The large knight shrugged.

"I do….it was Rain. He's met Rain." She chuckled softly "Tári always said if he ever met he'd be smitten, and we both know that Rain has a major attachment to Lancelot. I don't think he will bother you and Tári again Tristan."

The scout dipped his head "he'll have his work cut out with that maid, she's warier than I at letting people close."

Eithne eyed him "Aye, well with good reason Tris."

"I never said not – I only mean he's picked a prickly one this time." He wandered back to his woman.

Dag smiled "He meant no harm; he speaks his mind is all. Tristan has no guile about him, what you see is what you get; I think that's why Tári loves him so, he is so much like her."

"Aye and Lancelot is a lot like Rain – Tári thinks his scars are more on the inside though." She thought for a moment "having finally met him, I think she's right."

"You seem to know a lot after such a short time?"

"I am a druid – it is part of my training to be able to read people, to become in tune with their feelings. We are of the earth, of nature. It is easy once you know how." She smiled at a confused looking Dag.

"So does your training tell you if they will be happy?" he looked concerned.

"You worry for them." It was a statement.

"Aye, those men are more family to me now than those I left behind."

"So your brother would be…….?"

"Bors…..loud, drunken and loutish – but a better friend and brother I could not find. A more devoted lover and father you could not wish to meet; even though he tries to hide it, I see it."

She nodded "Lancelot's is?"

"Arthur…Lance gives him the needle he needs – Arthur is too controlled, too uptight; but by the Gods he has a temper on him. The only one with the balls to challenge him is Lance. They are devoted to each other, both have no one – Arthur's family are all dead and Lance believes his to be the same by now, they are all the blood kin they have."

"Gawain and Galahad are as brothers should be….boys playing at being men."

"You know them all well." Dag chuckled "Though Gawain is a consummate fighter make no mistake."

"Ah well, Tári told me much of all of you and I merely filled in the empty spaces. So who is Tristan's friend and brother?"

"Tári now – none before…..he sided with no one in particular, 'cepting mayhap our Gawain and Galahad. But on the whole before our Tári, none of us mattered more to Tristan than the others."

"I see…..so she does mean muchly to him?"

"Aye that she do, and he to she full as much I reckon." He sighed "I hope I find a love like that one day…..one day before I die."

She patted his hand "You will Dagonet the knight, you deserve it and the Goddess will ensure you find what your heart seeks most."

He held her gentle gaze. Elsewhere a dark knight was searching for a scarred maiden………his mind now snagged and his heart already beginning to follow.