Disclaimer: I don't own anything including a decent computer. I need a laptop, I'm holding out for a laptop! Anyway! : P
CROWNING PART III sat up. This time I was in my bed. I muttered a silent prayer. The healer was sitting across from me with a bemused look on his face.
"Can't you stay in bed for one night and do what you're told?" He asked frustrated. How would he know that I left my bed if I'd only done it spiritually? It was chilly. I looked down to pull the covers up to my neck. I saw what I was wearing. Very funny, Kyrilla. I sent him an abusive mental message.
"I can explain," I said to the healer quickly.
"I'm not interested in your night-life, only your leg!"
"My leg is fine," I proclaimed cheerfully remembering the ease I had moved around with on the beach. I got out of the bed to prove my point. As soon as I put wait on it though it caved underneath me.
"No I was wrong," I croaked out through the pain. The healer didn't say anything thankfully. He just handed me a blanket and told me that he was to escort me to the queen's chambers.
He slipped an arm around my, now well covered, waist. We hobbled together the whole way to the rooms Guinevere inhabited. He pounded quickly on the door before disappearing hurriedly. I really irritated that man! The door creaked open an inch and Kel's face appeared round the corner.
"Run!" she hissed. At that time the door swung open and I wished I had taken her advice.
"Emile, good to see you. Still as ragged and untidy as always," A booming voice sounded. I looked up at the enormous figure of Mistress Qurick. The matchmaker of my old woad tribe. I suppressed a groan and instead inclined my head.
"Mistress Qurick," I said almost reverently.
"Be quiet and get inside," with that she disappeared into the room.
"What is she doing here?" I murmured to Kel.
"Apparently she's still involved in the woad weddings," Kel replied softly.
"She was the thing of my nightmares," I insisted.
"Don't be dramatic. She may have changed!" Kel pointed out. I scoffed at that suggestion.
"For the sake of the Gods will you two hurry up! Now Guinevere be silent and do what I tell you!"
"No I was wrong," Kel whispered.
"Uh hm!"
I thought today I'd spend the day being mother hen. Comforting a nervous Guinevere, running around organize thing while Guinevere stood terrified in her charming white gown. Things didn't go to plan. I was the one standing there terrified with Kel by my side, petrified that Mistress Qurick would talk to me. Luckily she fused around Guinevere for the most part but when She sat down to get her hair done, Mistress Qurick rounded on us.
"Married yet?" We both shook our heads, speechless, "Then I shall have to arrange husbands for you, as quickly as possible."
"Uh Mistress Qurick we're not woads really so you don't have to arrange us husbands," Kel said weakly.
"Nonsense, hold your tongue silly girl," Kel looked affronted, "we need to marry you off as quickly as possible. Must have a woman warrior, sexually satisfied and a whole litter of children to fight for." We both knew it would be best not to argue so we just nodded, smiled and agreed.
I swear they should have sent Mistress Qurick up against the whole Saxon army completely by herself. I have it on good authority they would be running for the hills as quickly as possible.
"Emile," she snapped. I turned innocently to face her acting as if I didn't just picture her chasing after the Saxons demanding if they could sexually satisfy the woad women!
"What about that strapping young blond you're so fond and talk greatly to." I blinked once or twice before answering.
"He's my cousin?" I said slowly.
"Oh, well for Kel then," she said aggressively turning to her.
"He's uh my cousin too," Kel responded shifting her weight on both feet. At that time though Guinevere was ready to be told about the 'mysteries of the bedroom.'
"Lie," I said turning to Kel she had en evil grin on her face.
"Top it," She dared boldly. A crocked smirk appeared on my face as I silently accepted her challenge.
"Mistress Qurick," I gulped as she turned around and her beady eyes fixed on me, "I'm engaged already."
Guinevere leant back suddenly, her face a look of astonishment. Kel snorted at that. Mistress Qurick narrowed her eyes and drew herself up to her full height. Which, I have to admit, was pretty impressive.
"To whom?" She asked lethally.
"Uh to one of the knights." I groaned eternally. Couldn't I think of any one better? I kept my face blank because Mistress Qurick was summoning me up and I had a theory she could read minds. She seemed to relax a little.
"Oh well I suppose beggars can't be choosers." I relaxed for a brief second before her words sunk in. what was that supposed to mean? Kel and Guinevere would have been laughing but for now they were content with silent hysterics.
"He's very handsome, Mistress," Guinevere piped up.
"I don't care about his looks, I only care about his ability to slake her lust. Girl, are you satisfied?"
"Very," I said perfectly seriously. Kel let out a loud unbecoming snigger. Mistress Qurick, shot her a death stare.
"Cough," Kel explained meekly. Mistress Qurick appeared contented with my responses twisted back to Guinevere. I breathed a sigh of relief. I had survived but Kel had other ideas.
"Mistress, you really should meet him and deem him worthy yourself," A smile tugged at her lips with her suggestion. I spun wildly to glare at her.
"Why Kel what an excellent proposal. Emile, I shall meet this man at the wedding today."
"As you wish, Mistress," I pushed out with a great deal of effort. At that time the door was pushed open. It was a woad woman.
"Mistress, you are needed." And thankfully Mistress Qurick was gone, like a black storm cloud. I slapped Kel smartly on the shoulder as she doubled over with laughter. Guinevere was hopeless too.
"That's something Shadow would do," I pointed out inaudibly and sincerely. Instead of Becoming distressed, Kel just laughed harder.
"And she's be gone too if she could see your face!" I rolled my eyes. Now I had to talk one of the knights into pretending to be my fiancée with out demanding the perks of such an arrangement and wanting me to 'slake their lust.'
"This is not my day," I muttered and then turned my attention to the woman of the day. Guinevere!
It was cold in my red dress. It was the colour of fire and had been made especially for me. The dragon reared publicly for all to see and since I had my hair tied back it was particularly obvious. I got long stares of awe from everyone including members of The Rouge, some who hadn't seen it before in all its glory. They were envious considering that they had only a tiny lizard on their back. I displayed it proudly but if anyone moved to touch it I shied away.
The ritual was set in a ring of religious stones and on a cliff close to the ocean. It was really quite a beautiful spot. The gray waters churning and powerful. It seemed to reflect the magnitude of the day. The joining of two people and the peace of two races. Everyone was decked out in their finest. Even the rough knights were wearing good clothes unlike the tunics and Armour they usually wore.
After walking Guinevere down the aisle of people, Peasants, woads, knights and rogues,
I retreated into the assembly near my knights. They were standing reverently. We watched together as Guinevere sipped from a chalice with a smile spread across her face, she in turn offered it to Arthur who accepted it and swallowed as well. They were looking into each other's eyes the whole time. They turned expectantly to Merlin, who smiled broadly also.
"Arthur. Guinevere. Our people are one... as you are." Then the couple shared a kiss. I felt a compulsive smile on my face as the crowd sent up a loud cheer. And who was I to be the sour one, threw my fist into the air and joined in.
A little way off I heard Bors talking, where his children and Vanora surrounded him by his side.
"Now I'm really going to have ta' marry your mother," He said defeated lifting up his baby.
"Who said I'd have you?" Vanora asked taking the baby off him. Bors shifted slightly wearing a comical expression. Lancelot, Gawain and Galahad started giggling, while Dagonet offered a sympathetic grin. Tristan didn't react at all!
"King Arthur!" Merlin called to the whole crowd.
"Hail Arthur," Returned the majority before they sunk to their knees. I paused, indecisive for a second. I hadn't decided if I was leaving yet. I realized then that bowing was just showing the respect a great man deserved from an insignificant woman like me. The Rouge followed my example. As I went down I caught Arthur's eyes. He thanked me with a smile for my kneeling.
"Let every man, woman, child bear witness that from this day, all Britons will be united in one common cause," proclaimed Arthur before thrusting Excalibur skyward.
Every one stampeded to their feet and began chanting.
"Arthur, Arthur, Arthur," over and over again.
"ARTORIUS!" Bors shouted saluting with his sword.
Gawain, Galahad, Dagonet, Lancelot and Tristan each raised their sword to the occasion. I pulled my dagger out a lifted it up. The sun caught on it. The rogues did too. The common people just kept pounding their fists through the air to that continuous rhythm.
Guinevere reached up and added her hand around the hilt of Excalibur. Arthur looked down to her and smiled a smile so full of love that it got me a bit choked up. They turned and signaled to a group of woads and rogues standing on the cliff and they fired flaming arrows into the water and tumulus sea.
With that the ceremony ended. Every one was mingling and socializing here before they would return to the fort and enjoy the feast and wine. I was gazing around the crowd trying to pick some one I could talk to with out clinging to the knights the entire night. I found a familiar face.
"Nimue, how exquisite."
"Emile, the apprentice that never was," She returned cheerfully.
"Nimue, I hate to tell you this but you have to let that go. I'm independent now."
"You haven't changed, your still as pert as ever. Didn't you ever learn to respect your elders?"
"Elders, yes I learned that but never to respect my ancients."
"Why I never… in all my years." Nimue pretended to be insulted.
"Why are you here?" I asked this politely.
"I'm going to be spending a lot more time with the woads this year!"
"Interesting!"
"I know," She stated enthusiastically. Her eyes, though set in a wizened face, were full of youthful energy.
"Well, I see Merlin leaving now towards the fort so I'll see you after the feast," And she began walking away.
"Don't eat to much cake," I called after her.
"Try and be civil to someone," She called back. It was good to see Nimue. She had some wittiness to her that I suspected might equally match my own if she let it out. It was true however that most of the people were heading towards the fort for the feast. I search for someone to walk with. The only people I could find were Galahad, Gawain, Lancelot and Tristan. I bounded over to them as well as my leg would allow. Dagonet and Bors had gone on ahead.
It was the first time I had a chance to survey them properly in their fine clothes. Gawain even looked like he'd done something with his hair.
"Did you boys actually bathe?" I asked curiously.
"Aside from the fact you called us boys is that your way of giving us compliments?" Lancelot asked? I nodded!
"You don't look half bad in that dress," Galahad said, blushing red. Is this how he went every time he tried to woo a girl? Today, however, wasn't the day to pick fights with Galahad so I kissed him on the cheek.
"Thank you."
"So Rouge queen, what are your plans?" Gawain asked, "going to steal of us?"
"I might be leaving Briton." There was a dazed silence. I had decided that even if I was or wasn't to leave I'd be direct and tell the knights that I was considering it. I gazed around the circle of men and they each avoided my eyes struggling to hide the emotions my statement had aroused. All except Tristan. He met mine with fierce intensity I had scarcely seen.
Galahad finally broke the silence, "You can't leave!" Gawain cleared his throats and saved the evening from a nasty confrontation.
"Shall we go to the feast," Every one hurriedly agreed. We broke away from the substantial group of people who still hadn't left.
My leg prevented me from walking as fast so the Gawain, Galahad and Lancelot passed on and I was left walking with Tristan, who wasn't going anywhere fast either.
"That went well," I conceded.
"What did you expect?" Tristan asked stoically. That was a good question! What did I expect? Them to go happy kind of crazy? We had formed a bond and I realized that they had expected it to last forever.
"You look nice," Tristan said. It sounded like he chocked a bit on the words but the thought was there.
"That's your way of telling me that I look like an absolute vision of loveliness."
"I guess so."
I was pulled out of my happy world when I saw Mistress Qurick looking at me.
I seized Tristan's hand and pulled him extremely close to me. I had completely forgotten about my supposed engagement to a knight.
"What?"
"Shh and act like you're in love!"
"Alright," Tristan sighed, "which handsome young men are we making jealous."
"No, they all want me already. It's a woman!" The expression on Tristan's face was priceless.
"Well if that's what you want," He stuttered out. Ah the famous Tristan off-guard and tripping over his tongue, beautiful moment.
"No not like that. She's from my tribe."
"Oh she's a matchmaker," Finally catching on.
"The worst!" I said animated.
"I escaped the matchmaker of my tribe." I was slightly stunned. This was one of the few times Tristan had mentioned his elusive past. He'd never once brought up his sister again and I hadn't ventured there either. At that time Mistress Qurick walked past.
"Oh you're such a wonderful husband-to-be," I said really loudly so she would hear. I continued to cling to Tristan's arm. He had regained his emotionless expression! We walked the rest of the way in silence. I held his hand the whole way because Mistress Qurick walked close by. His hand was warm and rough. I wondered why I was thinking about his hand in such detail.
We entered the fort and found that most of the bridal party, which was the knights, Nimue, Merlin, Arthur and Guinevere and Kel, were gathered around one table. The knights and Arthur gave my handholding entrance with Tristan a strange look, Nimue and Merlin couldn't care less and Guinevere and Kel started sniggering.
Those two were sitting next to each other. I carefully pulled my hand from Tristan's and approached the table. The knights started sitting down as well. There was spare spot next to Kel and she waved me over. I was drawing closer to the seat when Mistress Qurick pooped up out of nowhere in front of me. I jumped back and used all my self-control not to swear something awful.
"Enjoying a nice meal by your husbands side?"
"Yes," It came out in a squeak. She stood there staring at me till I had walked around the table to where Tristan was. Dagonet was pulling out the seat next to Tristan. I ducked under his arms and sat in the chair. I looked up apologetic at Dagonet. I was sitting between Tristan and Fulicina.
"What are you doing?" Dagonet inquired.
"Sitting next to my Fiancée," I said placing my elbows on the table.
"I'm not sure I want to know," Dagonet said before moving to the other side of Fulicina. I turned my gaze to Kel. Galahad had filled the spot I was meant to take. It looked like she was telling him the story because he was laughing hard and looking at me.
I slumped forward and put my chin in my hands. I started sulking!
"What are you doing?" Tristan asked leaning forward.
"Preparing for a quiet dinner."
"I do talk occasionally," He said nonchalantly.
"About battles and scouting. Great wedding discussion," I said mockingly.
"Are you going to be surly all evening?" He asked. I wondered if he even cared whether I brooded or not.
"Maybe," I couldn't stop a miniature smile gracing my features. I turned my head in my hands so I was facing him.
"I didn't tell you that you looked good tonight did I?" I asked. Tristan shifted uncomfortably. He didn't really enjoy the public eye. I had been honest when I said he looked good. It was a simple out fit of dark green and he looked handsome in it.
"I'm unsure whether to accept that compliment, if I do I have a suspicion that you'll yell check!" when he said this I realized I'd forgotten about our chess game, interesting to be reminded of it now.
"I'm really giving you a flattering remark!" I clarified. He smiled and for a brief second I felt my stomach go topsy turvey. I shook my head, that wasn't good to feel like that even for a concise time. At that time the food appeared. For once I was lost completely in what I ate. It was delicious.
After the main course had vanished down a score of eager throats, Arthur stood, commanding every ones attention.
"I will not talk long because I believe the dancing is about to start," There was a cheer from every one. The commoners reveling especially hard. It was a free feed, free drink and a good dance. Top stuff!
"I would ask that my knights stand in front of me!"
He didn't ask them to kneel. He called them as equals. They all stood in front of him in a line. Dagonet was first.
"Dagonet, my dear friend," Arthur began addressing the knight and the crowd, who sat in silence, "you have been here through the entirety. You're healing skill has saved us so many times and you have risked your life on a number of occasions. You have a big heart and lots of room for caring. I'm honored to stand here beside you." They clasped hands and embraced. The crowd cheered.
"Bors, what would I do with out you?"
"Get killed probably," Bors responded to laughs.
"Probably. You have been there to make me smile when I would weep. You are not bound up in the complexities you are down to earth. You are fiercely protective of your friends and me. I'm honored to stand here beside you." They clasped hand and embraced. The crowd cheered.
"Gawain, I've had to keep you out of trouble a few times," Gawain smiled then as if remembering good times, "And you've watched my back in return. Your sense of humor has been an asset and your seriousness when needed is valued also. I'm honored to stand here beside you." Again the hands clasped and embraces were made. The crowd cheered.
"Galahad, you are the younger brother I never had. Your loyalty has always been a gift to me. The way you push yourself to achieve more and have done things you didn't want to do for me. I'm honored to stand here beside you!" The crowd cheered as they embraced.
"Tristan, my scout. I know who you are and what would please you so I say simply to you I'm honored to stand here beside you, and that you understand." They embraced and the crowd cheered any way. I nodded in approval. That's exactly how Tristan would like to be addressed. At last he turned to Lancelot.
"My friend, Lancelot. Always there to keep me firmly attached to reality. I can't really find words to express what you have meant to me because no words are high enough. The charming man inside you and the intelligent opinionated man. I'm familiar with and love both sides. I'm honored to stand here beside you." They embraced the longest and the crowd went wild.
"And now I'd ask another person to stand before me. Emile come forward." I seriously considered disappearing. I'd never been the center of attention before. Not in a big crowd such as this. I got to my feet anyway.
"You have been the thing I didn't plan and wished I had. The moment you entered our lives they changed and we began locking our doors," I grinned with the rest pf the crowd, "I know you are a queen so I have no right to ask you to serve me…"
"Fourteen gold pieces a day and you'd have a scraping bowing subject." Arthur shook his head. That wasn't what he meant.
"I would ask you to work with me. You and yours to be my employed intelligence agency." I grinned very broadly. I didn't even have to consider very long before I nodded and hugged Arthur. The crowd cheered. The rogues possibly the loudest
"And another thing. I've been asked by The Rouge to formally acknowledge you as the queen. There is no King any more!" and with that Kel came forward holding a small and plain gold tiara, which must have cost a small fortune. She placed it on my head delicately. I smiled congenially. Kel returned to her seat.
"Now I ask each of you to work with me in fulfilling a dream. The building of Camelot."
There was an outburst of excited whoops. At that time Merlin and Nimue came forward. They put a crown on Arthur and Guinevere's head.
"Now, time for some dancing!" That was an even bigger clatter of applause and cheering. There was the rogue band starting up a loud jig. Everyone was dancing. I hugged each of the knights and Arthur. When I came to give Tristan a hug, I paused, and then threw my arms around his neck. I held him close and after he overcame the shock of being hugged, he wound his arms so they snaked around back. We broke apart and made eye contact.
"I have to ask you a question," the jarring loud voice clanged into our friendly silence. We both turned to face Mistress Qurick.
"Yes?" Tristan asked in the indifferent tone that I knew so well. The knights were listening now intrigued as to what this big woad woman wanted.
'Are you satisfying this woad woman?" she demanded bossily.
"Satisfying?" Tristan inquired.
"Yes, sexually!" She retorted loudly. Dagonet's head spun around and Bors spat out the mouthful of beer he was drinking. Kel was just starting to realize this had gotten out of hand but was enjoying the spectacle nonetheless. Arthur was walking away from the situation; he at least had some dignity and wouldn't eavesdrop in what appeared to be a private conversation.
"Very satisfied," Tristan said detached. Mistress Qurick accepted that and walked off to find someone else to harass.
Every one was looking at us. I only had eyes for the silent scout.
"You weren't even scared of her," I stated skeptical.
"Not really!"
"I'm impressed," I said honestly. At that time Kel came running up. I allowed her to take my hands and pull me away from Tristan and over to Guinevere who was involved in a rather lively jig. Kel and Guinevere encouraged me to join in! Half an hour later I was breathless and walked away from the dance floor. The knights were drunk and Kel was tipsy which was unusual. Arthur had come up during this time period and told me he had given me rooms in the castle. Along the knights corridor.
I saw Mistress Qurick closing in and I just didn't feel like talking to her. I decided to retire. When I had said my good byes and escaped the crowded atmosphere of the party I wandered down the hallway. I didn't really feel tired. I felt confused and thoughtful but not weary. I walked past a room I recognized as the library. I paused. I had never been in the forts library.
When I entered the room it's like a different feeling passed over me. I felt revitalized and refreshed. This was the place I love. I felt instantly at home. I walked along the long rows of shelves. I was ecstatic, I'd expected books on war and healing anything but this. Fantasy, adventure, biographies. Every type you can imagine. I wanted to choose one but I couldn't. I stared at each cover and moved on.
I came to the end of a long row. There was a fire and someone seated in front of the fire. I moved forward and to my astonishment it was Tristan… asleep! He had a book dangling from his hand and his head was forward on his chest as he lay in the huge armchair. I scooted forward trying to affirm I hadn't made a mistake!
I hadn't. It was Tristan. Flesh, blood, tattoos and all. I moved curiously forward to see what book he was reading. Probably a weapons book. I reached down to pull it out of his hand, when a hand, like lightening, grabbed mine. I looked into Tristan's eyes, which were clouded with sleep.
"What are you doing here?" He asked groggily.
"I love books. Everything about them. What they are, what they contain… everything," I answered frankly.
"You didn't strike me as an intellectual person."
"You didn't either and besides I told you that I was a scholarly child," Remembering the tale of my parents death.
"Things change."
"So do people but this remained the same?" I pointed out. He nodded. I looked at the book again, "what are you reading?"
"A story!"
"Obviously," I retorted, squeezing myself on the armchair next to him, "What's it about."
Tristan was a first bewildered at me sitting practically in his lap but he replied, "Adventure. Dragons, elves and fairies." He didn't look abashed at all to admit he'd been reading a fairy story.
"Any good?"
"I've only just started!"
"Can you read it to me?" I pleaded.
"Alright," he returned softly in my ear. His arm went around me to hold the book and my head was tucked under his chin and like that he read to me for ages. And I think it was that moment I realized how much I truly loved this man.
AN: guys what I've realized is that until I get my computer fixed, which could be tomorrow which will be today and this an will mean nothing, I will update in bulk. Which means instead of a chapter every two or so days it'll be three or four over two days. Whatever Trevor's. I'm buggered because although it looks like I updated two chapters it's really one big one that I spliced in two. Love yas.
MD666
p.s i got dumped about a 3 hours ago by my BF!