He watched helplessly as his best friend disappeared as a red blob in a sea of black. Without a word, the knights remounted and took
off after the bandits. As they approached, the men stopped and turned to face the knights. One of them held a knife to an unconscious Marilyn's throat "move and the girl dies" he knights halted and held their breath "good, now close
your ey-"
"I think not" Gwaine interrupted "give us our friend back" he growled down at the balding creep.
"Hmm... how about you fight for her?" he challenged. Both parties drew swords. The bandits snarled as the knights dismounted from their
horses. The sound of metal on metal filled the air. Shouts and taunts joining quickly. Blood poured from wounds to mix with the dirt. The bandits began to retreat, throwing Marilyn toward the prince.
Arthur tried his best to get to her in time, but she hit the ground just as he could reach her. He tenderly picked her up and smoothed
hair out of her face. Arthur looked down at her and smiled slightly at how peaceful and innocent she looked. He also noticed how prominent her high cheekbones had become and quickly became aware of how light and boney she felt in his arms.
The knights remounted, Arthur had reluctantly let his maidservant be returned to her horse, who traveled slower for his sleeping rider.
everyone circled around the small girl to keep her safe until she woke. Night fell and camp was made with Elyan on watch first. The other men sat around the fire watching Marilyn breathe, the only indication of life they had. Gwaine had set up her
sleeping roll and wrapped his cloak around her over the thin tattered blanket she had. Her head was resting just next to where he sat, with Arthur by her feet.
It was midnight by the time Marilyn began to stir. Leon was on watch, everyone else was sound asleep. Marilyn stood up slowly, pulling
her blanket around her like a shawl and walked to the exhausted knight. She rested a hand n his shoulder. Leon whipped around and nearly cried in relief. "Mare, we were all so worried about you, how are you feeling?"
"Restless. And groggy" she rubbed her eyes and yawned, making Leon do the same "go sleep, I'll keep watch" she insisted.
"Are you sure?" Marilyn nodded fiercely, so the oldest knight yawned again, bid her goodnight and lied down to sleep by the other men.
Marilyn sighed and leaned up against a tree. The stars twinkled at her and she smiled. A warm breeze surrounded her, begging her to dance. The young girl giggled and twirled, throwing her arms out and closing her eyes.
When she opened them she saw hundreds of fireflies and butterflies circled around her. She laughed in pure joy, even the shadows moved
with her as she danced. The world seemed to come alive around her. The knights were woken by the sound of Marilyn's laughter and singing. They all stood and watched in awe. Arthur couldn't help but notice how beautiful she looked, so carefree, confident,
and happy. It had been far too long before they had seen their favorite friend smile the way she was now. None of them could help but smile.
She began singing a song in a language they did not understand, but could not deny its beauty. Butterflies decorated her hair and some
fireflies settled as a circlet, illuminating her pale face. She moved with the grace of a princess. The trees swayed to her melody as she danced through the small clearing. The knights retreated back to their rolls and went back to sleep with eased
minds and small smiles on their faces as they let Marilyn's angelic voice wash over them.