Dwyn's POV

I rode as fast as Maldwyn would carry me, which was pretty fast, and halted as I neared the fort, the woods in which I knew the Woads hid laying before me.

Dismounting, I lead Maldwyn in behind me, entering the atmosphere of calm anticipation around our allies. I searched until I found Merlin, preparing to lead a party of Woads up the hill with a dozen or so catapults in tow.

"Merlin!" I called, the crowd parting for my horse and I as we came toward one another.

"Ah, lady." He said as we met, and placed his left hand on my shoulder, his staff in his right. "I knew you would return."

Somehow, I'd known he'd be expecting me.

"I am prepared to fight." I said. "I will serve whatever purpose you see fit. I only require clothing. I have my own weapons."

He turned and called over his shoulder in a voice of urgency and authority. "Aslanna!"

Turning back to me, he spoke again. "Aslanna will give you Woad battle attire, and prepare you in the Woad way. She will also take you to the Archer line. I imagine you will serve our purposes best there.

A Woad woman with blonde hair and blue war paint all over appeared at our side and I looked at Merlin thankfully. "I will repay you for this somehow…" I said.

"Help us win. Help Arthur be a good King. That will be payment enough."

He kissed my forehead lightly, and turned to follow the catapult posse, moving swiftly for his old age.

I turned to Aslanna. "I am ready."

She pulled me silently further into the woods until we reached a small clearing. All over, small fires sat still warming cauldrons of blue paint. Weapons scattered the ground, and on the far side, a small pile of armor and clothing sat waiting.

After leading me across the clearing, she took one look at me, appraising my size, and pulled from the pile a dark brown leather-type sleeveless top, criss-crossed in the back and cut off just above the belly button. To match, she removed a pair of loose leggings, perfect for running and easy movement.

She turned as I put them on, when I was finished, she looked me over, and, apparently deeming it a good fit, pulled me to a near cauldron of paint.

Pulling me to my knees, she dipped her fingers in.

"No," I said, holding my hands up, "that won't be necessary, I-"

She slapped my hands down and spoke a string of Woad language that I did not understand. I thought it best not to anger her, and decided to let her paint me.

With her fingers, she made exquisite designs down my arms, spiraling and curling all the way to my wrists. And she made one ring on my neck, like a dark blue necklace that I would never have to take off.

As she finished, I was surprised to realize that the paint made me feel strong, empowered. Completely ready for what lay ahead.

Aslanna looked me over again and nodded, satisfied.

Even though I knew she could not understand, I looked at her and spoke. "Thank you."

She stood and helped me to my feet as well. I tied Maldwyn to a tree and hung my sword about my waist, placing my quiver on my back and taking up my bow.

A soft mew resounded from my saddlebag and I took out Morri. I patted her gently and placed her in the saddle, giving her what as left of my food. "Goodbye, little friend." I said softly.

Just as Aslanna turned to lead me out, I turned back to the pile of clothing and reached for an ensemble that appeared Caeli's size. I looked at Aslanna. "For a friend?" I asked.

At last, a word she understood. She nodded and I hung the attire over my arm, somehow knowing she'd turn up soon if friendship held any sway with the Knights.

And I knew it did.

The Woad archery line was flooding to the edge of the tree line, the Saxon drums imminent and very near when Caeli finally rode up.

I stood waiting, the clothing still in my hand and my arms crossed. She looked at me in disbelief as she reached me. I smirked and handed her the outfit.

"I knew you'd show up."

She shook her head, but walked into the woods to change.

When she returned, she took a closer look at me again, and her eyes landed on the designs on my arms and neck.

"I don't get paint as well?" She asked, holding back a laugh.

"No." I answered smugly. "No, you don't."

We both laughed for a moment, then stopped, looking at one another seriously. The full realization of the meaning of this war finally hitting us, along with the possibility that we might never see the men we loved, or each other, again.

"Does Tristan know you're here?" I asked quietly.

She shook her head. "You didn't tell Arthur either…did you?"

I shook my head as well. "I love him, Caeli." I whispered.

She put a hand on my shoulder. "I know."

We were silent about her feelings, as we'd always been. I didn't need her to tell me that she loved Tristan, I could see it in her eyes, even the way she acted, her mannerisms.

I hugged her lightly. "Good luck, cousin. And God be with you."

"And with you." She answered.

We separated, taking our places in the archer line.

Smoke rose from the fort before us, and the Saxon drums finally ceased. I could only hope that we would come out on the other side.

All of us.