My Knight in Shining Armour
Rating: PG 13
Chapter Six: Wedding and Samartia
I own nothin'
Only a little while after the battle and Tristans funeral, Guinevere and Arthur married. I thought a little of marrying Lancelot. But decided that he probably wouldn't marry me, and he'd probably go to Samartia, and I wouldn't leave Briton. If he did stay, and we married. I probably wouldn't. Marriage meant commitment. And children. She definitely did not want children, not yet. Marriage wouldn't be practical and she wasn't sure she wanted to marry Lancelot. And why would he marry me? It seemed as though he loved me or at least cared a little. But I wasn't what such a brave handsome legendary knight would want. I wasn't particularly beautiful, I couldn't keep a decent house, I wasn't meek and responsive. I decided Lancelot needed someone that would always be there for him. Someone not like me. Guinevere and Arthur married, and I could see the makings of true love. I envied them a bit. After the wedding Lancelot tried to talk to me, but being a coward I hid away from him. I found my horse, Windtreader a light bay stallion. Woads didn't usually have horses, but had a few captured ones. I stroked him gently as he nudged me softly and searched for a treat. I leant my face against his warm cheek. Startled to realize a tear was running down my cheek. I sniffed ashamed at myself but couldn't help it, I sobbed silently more salty tears swimming down my face. I jumped a little when I heard Lancelots voice calling me. It was soft but obviously heading toward my direction. I pulled Windtreaders bridle of a peg on the wall and quickly put it on, it was simple so it only required a second. I vaulted onto his back while he was still walking out the stall. Nudging him into a canter I rode out. Lancelot called my name as I cantered past. I was a little embarrassed because he would have seen my tears. I ignored him and kept going. I cantered out of the fort and into the forest. Once in there I found a spot where I could hide to see if I was being followed. I wasn't. I turned Windy and headed away from the fort. I couldn't go back right away. I knew I should but I stayed in the forest over night any way. The next morning I reluctantly headed back. I had lots of thoughts on how wonderful it would be to just run, run away and never come back. But I kept on towards the Hadrians wall.
I snuck in and put Windy in his stall, brushed him down and fed him. Then quietly as I could I went to my room and prepared for tonight. I put on breeches and a green tunic. When I got to the bar everyone was there. I watched in the shadows for a little bit. Bors, Gawain and Galahad appeared to be very drunk, which was no surprise. As I was watching them, not really wanting to look at a certain curly headed knight Galahad and Gawain started to dance, and Bors began to sing. Turning my eyes from them to others I saw Guinevere, ever radiant and beautiful was talking to Arthur who couldn't take his eyes of her. Almost reluctantly I sought out Lancelot. He was sitting a little to the side looking sullen and anxious. I guessed why. I really hated seeing him like that, It broke my heart. Taking a breath I walked down. No one noticed I was there so I took the spare seat next to Guinevere, who didn't notice I was sitting right beside her for a second. When she did see me she showed no signs of surprise but merely nodded at me. I got myself a mug of ale and took a mouthful. The strong taste was a bit of a shock, but a well needed one. I hadn't drunk in ages. I hadn't drunk more than four mouthfuls when Lancelot tapped me on the shoulder. I knew it was him even if I couldn't see him.
"Can we talk, outside please?" he asked quietly.
I nodded and took a long gulp of ale, almost as if it would give me strength. We walked out in silence, I noticed Guinevere look at me sadly, and then she turned away. Arthur looked at her quizzically then turned and saw us. Galahad and Gawain were still dancing, Bors was still singing. But right now Lancelot was all, we walked to the stables and he turned to face me, then looked turned so his back was to me. Oh god I thought god please, please don't say it, I beg of you. Please.
"You're going aren't you" I stated amazingly calm.
"Yes" he replied. "but you can come, come away with me." Oh god.
"Lancelot," I said gently, "you know I can't stay"
"Yes, it was stupid of me to ask that" he sighed.
"So when are you leaving?" I asked trying to remain casual. He choked a bit.
"Tomorrow"
"Oh"
We started walking and even now I wasn't sure how we even started. But before I knew it we were outside Lancelots room. I swallowed.
"Well, by-" I started but I didn't finish because before I knew it I was kissing him. Deeply and urgently as if my very life depended on it. And he was kissing me with equal vigor. We made our was to his bed and fell onto it.
That night I slept deeply in his arms.
I left before he woke and went to the stables, I put Windys bridle on him and rode out. A couple of hours later I watched Lancelot, Gawain and Galahad riding towards their home. And I was sure that when Lancelot looked back just one that he could see me.