My last day of freedom (shivers...) Alas, all good things must come to an end. I don't know if I'll be able to update tomorrow. If I don't there is no need to hire a private eye, I have not been abducted by aliens (I suppose that matter could be debated...) I'll finish this story at some point. Wish me luck!
Raynacch SilverMoon- You should update A Renegade Rouge! It's awesome!
BillieLiv- It's a very flattering nickname! Thanks for Reviewing!
Dazzler420- You're not the only one!
ChiaraStorm- Thanks! I'll try to update soon!
SunsetSparrow- A test already? That's just low!
Nianko- Oooooo...A villain fan club...I like it!
Elvish-princess130990- I'm sorry you got in trouble...more luck next time!
MonDieu666- Yes, it will end eventually, but then again, so does life.
Camreyn- You'll just have to see about the herbs. I love Bors!
Marlee- Thanks! Lancelot is quite the hottie.
ChildlikeEmpress- You're sarcasm is not wasted on me, never fear...Maybe you could have an Etain bitchfest!
Rebekah awoke slowly, and was a bit confused as to her surroundings at first. Then she looked down, and saw Tristan, staring back at her. She wondered how long he'd been up, looking at her. The night had been long, and she couldn't remember falling asleep. She smiled down at him. He very nearly smiled back. He skimmed his hands lightly down her back, and sighed. They needed to get up. He kissed her temple and rolled her over, and made an attempt to leave the bed. His exit was impeded, however, as Rebekah swiftly pulled him back on top of her. Then, just as quickly, their positions were changed, and her hair spilled over her shoulders, masking them both behind the curtain.
"You didn't think it would be that easy, did you?" she asked, teasingly.
He pulled her closer, and kissed her. "We must get up. Arthur will be waiting. Merlin will be waiting." He kissed her again, reluctant to leave now.
"Well, if we're quick about it, I think we'll have enough time. Besides, you still have to braid my hair. You can't just leave!"
It wasn't a huge sacrifice to stay in bed for another fifteen minutes, Tristan decided.
"We should probably get ready now..." said a rather breathless Rebekah.
"You're probably right."
Rebekah rolled out of bed, and reached for her satchel. Tristan grabbed hold of her waist and pulled her back. She looked at him, questioningly, and he spun her around so that her back was to him. He began to braid her hair, as he had done on the occasion of their first kiss in the wagon. It had seemed like such a long time ago, but in reality, it had been only a few days. When he was done, this time he was the one to kiss her. It wasn't a passionate kiss; it was more of a parting kiss.
"Tristan, if you get yourself killed, I will be very upset." Rebekah told him.
"I'll try to remember that."
"See that you do."
"The same applies to you."
With that, he turned from her and began dressing. Rebekah admired the efficiency of it all. This was a man who did not waste time. Rebekah waited until he left until she changed into her battle attire. She wanted to keep something a surprise. It would be inspirational for him on the battlefield. They had not said goodbye, as they didn't wish this to be their end. He had simply left with a kiss, and Rebekah had seen a hint of a smile on his face.
She went to find the others, but the room that they were all to share was empty. Rebekah smiled. The herb had not been wasted last night.
Sera awoke to find Lancelot already awake, and dressed. She smiled at him, and he returned the gesture. He crossed the room to her, and kissed her. A replay of what had occurred last night flashed through her mind, and Sera nearly groaned. It had been very good. Then, Lancelot was gone. He didn't want her to see his fear. A bit confused, Sera donned her war clothes, and strapped on her weapons. She went back to their room and found Rebekah. Guinevere showed up a bit later, in full battle gear. Deirdre and Radha shuffled in soon after her, both with content smiles on their faces. Everyone looked at one another, as they all wore telltale smiles. Last night had been fun. Rebekah decided to break up the silence.
"All I was thinking last night was, may the Gods bless Sarmatia!" she said with a grin.
"Well said!" exclaimed Sera. Deirdre and Radha nodded in agreement. Guinevere, who didn't know what the hell they were talking about said,
"I don't think I hate Rome as much as I did before."
Rebekah sniggered. Guinevere looked at her incredulously. "What is so funny?"
Rebekah shook her head "Nothing....Nothing...Just remember, Arthur's a Briton too, our men aren't completely without merit!"
Guinevere gave a large sigh, and nodded solemnly. "You're right. We did survive relatively well without all these foreigners. Though, I really don't see what's so good about Sarmatia."
The other women grinned.
"Of course you don't." said Sera gleefully.
"Come now, children. We have a battle to win. We can't stay here and chatter all day." Said Rebekah in a patronizing tone.
"Aren't you forgetting something?" asked Deirdre.
Rebekah looked to her questioningly. Deirdre produced a container of Woad paint from her satchel. Rebekah mentally kicked herself, but it didn't show, she calmly reached into her own bag, and withdrew her own paint. They painted each other with swirls, and loops. After making each other distinctly eerie, they nodded to each other, and they left as a group.
Fulcinia and Vanora liked each other immediately. They would each be taking their children to the same area as the other Woad children, and those unable to fight. If the Saxon's won there would be no guarantee of their safety, but they had a hidden retreat, where they could live for quite some time. It was the best the Woads could offer, and they accepted it gratefully. They were both worried about their lovers, but tried not to show it. Tears would not help.
Bishop Germanus Awoke with a splitting headache. Some servants had found him last night, and had returned him to his room. Germanus didn't remember any of that. All he knew was that his head was about to explode. Then, he remembered. That whore had thrown him into a wall! Who did she think she was? No one did such things to him! But, he had no time to punish her. He had to leave right away, unless he wished to stay for the battle to come. He did not. He liked being alive. But, they would hear of this when he returned to Rome. He was an important man. He could afford assassins.
Arthur and his knights had formed a line, fully armored. Their horses were alert, sensing a fight soon to come. Tristan noticed something out of the corner of his eye. His brain ceased functioning for the few precious seconds that it took for the rest of the knights to notice the direction of his gaze. Five jaws dropped (Dagonet and Bors looked the other way.) It was a group of five Woad women. A very particular group at that.
"Dear God..." said Arthur, in awe.
"Amen!" chorused the knights. It only seemed fitting. They may not be Christians, but after being with Arthur for fifteen years, they knew the terminology.
"I've got to find a way to get Sera to wear that later. I don't know if I'll be able to control myself." Said Lancelot, after he regained the use of his tongue.
Galahad just stared. This was the beautiful woman he had spent the night with. He thought he had seen her at the height of her loveliness. He had bee wrong. This was it.
Gawain snapped his jaw shut. If she wanted commitment, she could have it! If anyone could look that gorgeous and deadly at the same time, they deserved his undivided attention.
Etain was nervous. She hadn't told Laim. They had both dressed and strapped on their weapons. Then Laim had left, to have his little chat with Tristan. Etain had been left by herself in Laim's tent. She sat down on the bed, head in hands. What would she do? Laim didn't love her; he didn't want her, really. Her family was dead. She had no one. No one. She didn't have any friends. Tears streamed down Etain's face for the first time in a long while. Tears made you weak. They let everyone else see you weak. Etain got shakily to her feet. She would not let this stop her. She promptly fainted.
Laim had had his little chat, and was feeling very satisfied with himself. He looked around at the fighters that surrounded him. Where was Etain?
Arthur returned from his talk with the Saxon leader. They still had a bit of time. In the distance, they saw Bishop Germanus and his escort set off on their journey. Good Riddance.
"There goes one of the most devious of Romans." He said.
The others looked at him questioningly. Sure, he had given them orders when their servitude was supposed to be over, but Arthur didn't generally react like this.
"He told Marius that torturing people is an excellent way to get them to convert." He said, shortly."
There were dark thoughts in every knight's mind as they saw the Bishop's carriage roll away. He would not leave this island alive. It appeared that Tristan had more of a score to settle with the Bishop than he originally intended. He could tell Rebekah this time.
Rebekah turned to her troops. She had never been one to spout of glorious speeches. Now was no exception.
"My fellow Woads, these Saxons have been very rude guests. It is time that we make it known that they are no longer welcome within our lands." She turned to her and Guinevere's personal guards. "Oh, and I'm getting married. If we win, and if you live, I might just invite you."
They all looked a bit shocked at this, including Guinevere, who had not yet heard of the engagement. She quickly recovered, and grinned. "You can't wait to leave us, can you?"
"Who said anything about leaving?" asked Rebekah, returning the grin. If they lost, she was going to be very upset.
REVIEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
