So much MRC! WHOOPPEE! For readers who find this resembling a soap opera, don't worry; I do have an actual plot in mind. I just want to show how each relationship stands. This is very much an ensemble story.

ChildlikeEmpress- I was so worried! Good luck with your computer woes!

Nianko- Great story!

Realtfarraige- If I was Sera, I would be pretty pissed off! But, then again, if I was Sera, I could get Lancelot to distract me for a while...I like making characters compliment each other.

Power of wisdom- Thanks. No offense taken. I got the names from sites about Sarmatian gods/mythology, and the other characters I got from Pict and Celt sites. Sebbi, I got from Saxon mythology. I like giving them distinct names, as I use a lot of characters, and people get confused.

TJ- I love Sebbi and Aine. They rock my socks. They're both so clueless, in their own unique way.

Cheetah Princess- Don't we all!

Camreyn- I am jumping for joy! Maybe you should write the story, your plot lines are always so intriguing! (Have you ever thought of writing something? The way you write your nice long reviews is great, I'm sure you have the talent to write something truly awesome.)

Veronica- I have a bit more Galahad just for you!

Midnytestar- I love Tristan, and he therefore deserves good lines. GO TRISTAN, HOTTIE EXTRORDINAIRE!

Mustang Gal- Thanks!

Rebekah was looking at Tristan in a rather calculated manner. She had been trying to think of a way to distinctly mark him 'off limits.' There was one way that would not seem overly territorial. (She didn't think that hanging a large sign reading 'Rebekah's-do not touch' around his neck was a terribly good plan.) She reached into her satchel, and removed the container of Woad paint. She had brought it for sentimental value, but was happy to find that it did indeed have a practical purpose. She grabbed Tristan's arm, and sat him down on the floor of the tent. Usually, Tristan didn't allow people to drag him about. For Rebekah, he made an exception. Rebekah kneeled down next to him. She dipped a finger into the container, and outlined his tattoos in paint. She handed the container to Tristan, and he outlined her tattoo. It didn't look half bad. Rebekah was feeling very pleased with herself. She rearranged herself so that she was situated on Tristan's lap, and kissed him. Tristan was starting to think that visiting Lancelot's village wasn't so bad after all. He had been a bit worried about meeting the people who had whelped such a conversational knight. He had been terrified he would run into identical to his mother. He loved the woman to little bits, but she could be rather...oppressive. Agh! He was thinking about his mother when Rebekah was feeling in such a giving mood! What was wrong with him?

Rebekah felt the subtle change in his body, and pulled away, studying him. Something wasn't right. Was he having second thoughts? Had he decided that he should stay with his own people? Her worry only showed slightly on her face, but it was not wasted on Tristan. He wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her back to him. In a rare show of romanticism, he kissed her hair, before moving on to her mouth. He really didn't want to discuss his mother right now. They would have plenty of time for that later. Rebekah laced her fingers through his erratically braided hair, pulling him deeper into the kiss. It was something else entirely. She would figure it out later.

Sebbi grabbed Aine's hand and dragged her towards a group of giggling women. Aine rolled her eyes, but allowed herself to be pulled along. This way, she could keep an eye on him without him becoming suspicious. Her infatuation would end eventually, as all her others had previously. This was no big deal. It was just a phase. Sebbi didn't think of her that way. Sebbi didn't think of any woman that way. He would probably spend the rest of his days, roaming distant lands in search of enlightenment. Aine was surprised to find that she would miss all of his irritating habits. Now that was odd.

The women, who had been watching Sebbi with interest, giggled still more steadily as he approached, blushing. 'It was enough,' thought Aine, 'to shame the whole of the female sex.' Didn't they have anything better to do? A tall slender woman with light brown hair and snappy brown eyes stepped forward, giving Sebbi a once over, ('Which she's probably already done at least a hundred times by now, the slut...' thought Aine,) and flashed him a coy grin.

"My name is Argimpasa. And you are?" she asked Sebbi, the flirtatious edge clearly ringing in her voice.

Sebbi, being Sebbi, completely missed this overture and responded with a friendly smile.

"I'm Sebbi, and this is Aine." He said, indicating the Woad. The other woman did not appear terribly interested in the warrior, whose grey eyes flashed in annoyance. ('Stupid twits.')

"Sebbi, you're not from around here, are you?" asked Argimpasa, tilting her head, a finger tapping her lip, in a theatrical version of "thought"

'No he isn't, genius. Perhaps if you spent more time fighting and less time in front of the mirror, you wouldn't need to hook a foreigner. Now, bitch woman, stay away from Sebbi, he doesn't know what he's getting himself into! You're taking advantage of his innocence!' thought Aine, fuming. In reality, she really didn't know about Sebbi's innocence. He rarely talked about his family, and she couldn't really picture him with a woman. Perhaps she didn't want to picture him with another woman. Mental head slap

"No, actually. I'm a Saxon, coming by way of Britain." Said Sebbi matter of factly. Yeah! Someone to share his learning with!

"But what were you doing in that awful place?" she asked, eyes wide.

'She can't possibly be this stupid.' Thought Aine, bitterly. What did she know of Britain?

"I am exploring Britain, with the help of my heroine, Aine." Responded Sebbi, jovially.

Once again, he was trying to bring the attention back to Aine. Really, she should try to make some friends.

"Why would this...woman help you?" asked Argimpasa, slight suspicion edging her voice now.

'Woman? I'll give you woman!' thought Aine, viciously.

Sebbi, completely oblivious to the silent battle going on around him said, "She gave me a home, and a position in her tribe, and she hardly ever complains when I drag her off on my escapades. Well, hardly ever complains is being rather generous," he said, with a good natured laugh, inviting them all to share in the joke, "Aine isn't really interested in these things."

"I'm fascinated by them! I'll bet I could show you a thing or two about Sarmatia..."gushed Argimpasa, showing her teeth in what she probably thought was an attractive manner.

"That would be wonderful!" said Sebbi, and Argipasa promptly dragged him off.

Aine looked on in shock. Sebbi had no idea what that woman wanted. Or did he? Aine was not considered a terribly feminine woman. Argimpasa was everything she wasn't. She sighed, and went off to find the others. The other women were smirking at her, and whispering behind their hands. The topic of their latest gossip was hardly difficult to figure out.

Sera was getting over the shock of it all, now. In reality, it wasn't much different than their original plan. It was just a bit sooner than expected. She loved Lancelot, and for reasons unknown to man, he loved her. She crossed the tent to him, and kissed Lancelot firmly on the lips. They were comfortable with each other's distinct styles by now, yet there was always an element of surprise. Lancelot swallowed a groan, and unconsciously wondered at his good fortune, to love and be loved by the gorgeous creature currently enveloped in his arms. Perhaps his mother was really doing him a favor, marrying them so soon. It gave Sera less time to come to her senses and see what an inferior being he was. He couldn't bear to point out these flaws himself, he wanted her too much. She saw these flaws, but they didn't matter to her. They completed one another.

Suddenly a figure entered their tent. They broke apart hastily, and looked into the face of Habren, Lancelot's sister. This was a very uncomfortable situation for all players involved. They all shifted nervously, and finally, Habren spoke.

"Father sent me to tell you...he does not approve of this union. He is withholding his blessing."

Lancelot looked slightly stunned at these words, while Sera was hurt. She had already had to endure the hateful stares of the women of the tribe, now her future father-in-law made it clear he thought her inferior. Perhaps he was right. Lancelot saw all of these emotions play out on her features, and pulled her to him, reassuring. His mother still liked her, didn't she?

Habren didn't see anything wrong with this Sera girl, even if she was a bit plain. Her brother loved her, though, that much was obvious. Habren needed no more evidence of that. She was confused about her parents' argument. How had changed their opinion, and when? They had been in love once, perhaps they still were. Her mother had raised her to be proud of her Amazon ancestors, and she was. The woman in front of her was strong. Often times, people equated strength with lack of emotion. It was quite the reverse. One must have strength to show what they felt to the world. Your fears could easily be turned against you.

"I will be there to bless you. Father will come round." Maybe.

She left the tent, with Lancelot's grateful (but small) smile. Now, she just needed to find herself her own Sarmatian.

Radha was sharpening her weapons. While she didn't think she would have to resort to violence, it never hurt to be prepared. Gawain looked on in wonder. They would be attending a wedding, and she was making sure her weapons were in order. Gods, he loved this woman! Gawain had always loved women, but they were all the same to him, until Radha. Most women were insecure, and constantly seeking reassurances from their partners. Radha never seemed to get jealous, or even suspicious. It was impossible for him to even consider taking any other woman up on the various offers he received. In a way, it was infuriating that she had such a hold over him. But then he considered the benefits of Radha's companionship and decided it was worth never sleeping with another woman ever again. She didn't simper. He liked that. She wasn't ashamed of her fierce side. He liked that too. She understood him. He really liked that. For her part, Radha liked his sense of fun, that was missing in so many of the men she had slept with in the past. They could have intelligent conversation, as well as conversation that had no logic whatsoever. Radha had grown up serious. With Gawain, she was allowed to have some fun.

Radha set down her weapons abruptly, and tackled Gawain. This was definitely a perk of their partnership. Gawain had never minded being jumped by gorgeous women. Just one of his little quirks. After the initial scuffle, Radha ended up on top, and smiled down at him. They kissed, and when they came up for air, they decided it was time for some verbal communication.

"Is your mother authoritive too?" asked Radha. Gawain and Galahad's village was their next destination, and Radha wanted to be fully prepared for what awaited her. Radha had never given much thought to marriage, always assuming that it would happen if it happened. Now, she was slightly apprehensive about meeting potential in-laws. Lancelot's people had not been precisely welcoming to them, and she was worried about the kind of reception that she would get from them.

Gawain smiled at her, and decided, given the circumstances, that it was best not to frighten her. She was scared enough as it was, though she would never admit it. "Believe it or not, my family is normal...pretty much."

"Pretty much?" she asked, one eyebrow raised.

"Well, my uncle believes that women live only to oppress men, so you might get a rather chilly reception from him. Don't worry about it, though. He's out of his mind, and everyone knows it. If he tries anything, you could take him."

"True. Hmmm...Women living to oppress men...I wonder where he got that idea..." she said, grinning.

"So, if he starts glaring at you, and asks how you fake birth pains, just ignore him."

"Fake birth pains!? Has he ever had children, been near a woman who has?"

"No! Do you think any woman would want my uncle around while they're giving birth?" he asked, incredulously.

"You're right. When we have children, it will be in Britain, far away from your crazed uncle."

There was a shocked silence from both of them following these words. She hadn't meant to say that! Or had she? Did she want children with Gawain? The rather stunning answer was, yes. She wanted to embark on a new kind of adventure, and she wanted to do it with Gawain. Their gazes locked, and their thoughts were one. Gawain picked Radha up, and set her down on the cot. Usually, such an action was followed by Radha's hand straying to her satchel for the herb Sera supplied her with. The pattern was broken. They did not want the herb now.

"I love you." She said softly, afraid the words would swallow her whole. When they didn't, she pulled him down to her, and they devoted their time to nonverbal communication.

Deirdre looked pleadingly at Galahad.

"Stay here with me, please? The women are always glaring at me if I leave the tent!" and I don't want you alone with any of those scheming wenches, she thought.

Galahad looked up at her in surprise. Didn't she know that he didn't want to be surrounded by those giggling girls? He had all the woman he wanted right in front of him. In a rare turn of events, Galahad surprised Deirdre with a kiss. Deirdre stopped thinking about tactics to avoid their 'hosts' and concentrated on how lucky she was to have found someone who was so sensitive and attentive to her needs. Most men didn't care. He did. He was sweet, yet could be lewd when the occasion called for it. And he was content, more than content, with her. It was a moment in Deirdre's life where she really started to realize her own worth. She cared for Galahad. That was enough.

Argimpasa led Sebbi back to her tent. Sebbi was slightly confused, curious as to what wonder lay within this tent. Argimpasa beckoned him in, and he followed, slightly suspicious now. Argimpasa slowly made her way over to Sebbi, and put his hands to the back of her dress.

"So, what would you like to see first?" she asked, seductively.