Okay, I love the revisions in this chapter better than the last chapter. There is a nice conversation between the bandits that I didn't have before, with a smattering of scenes and dialogue I didn't have before. My favorite by far is the new scene involving Api and Tutyr. I think it's absolutely adorable! Yey for Api and Tutyr!
The next chapter will actually be new! Yes! It may take some time, as I don't' want to have to go back and re-write another chapter for some time (though it was a nice learning experience.) Thanks to all of you for hanging in there, and the end is coming...I promise!
Cheetah Princess- Haven't heard from you in ages! Good to have you back, and I'm glad you're enjoying it.
Queen of Gore- Yey! New reviewer! You are loved! Thanks!
Mustang Gal- You're back! Woo Hoo!
Camreyn- Again, thanks for taking the time to review something that you have essentially already read. I love Tristan, I think we all feel sorry that he missed the fun!
Tomb Raider X- Thanks for reviewing, I can't wait for your update!
HGandRHrforever- Don't worry, I fully admit that the previous versions of these chapters sucked. I like them much better now! Thanks for reviewing my Sherlock story!
The wind blew through the bandit camp. Not a soul remained. Gold and trinkets lay forgotten by their departed owners, blood stained the grass. They would never sack another village; they would never rape another woman. They would never draw breath in this world.
Sebbi woke up, wondering why he was feeling so very happy. He was a happy individual lately, with the discovery of Aine, but today held something more. The Child. He went to inspect his lover's abdomen, not noticing that she had awoken.
Aine studied Sebbi, noting that familiar look of wonder and awe on his face. She would never be bored of his fascination. His fingers hesitantly made their way over her belly, as this would provide him with a bit of new information. He was startled by her laugh.
Aine rarely laughed, and it was only recently that he had seen her smile. He found that he enjoyed both of these actions, and could only hope he could inspire them a bit more.
"Can you not even let me sleep unmonitored any longer?" she asked, smiling.
"No." said Sebbi with finality. His hands made their way up her sides, and he kissed her, cutting off her words.
Aine liked this side of Sebbi. In fact, she liked all sides of Sebbi. His intelligence, his fierceness, his affection. Sebbi had many facets, and she looked forward to discovering them all. She wouldn't want life to get boring.
They would be riding back to Tristan's village. They hadn't had time to tell Api or Tutyr of their plans, and didn't wish to make them worry. Api would anyway.
Afsati had had a troubled sleep. He kept seeing the faces of the men he once laughed and joked with staring off into the eternal nothingness of death. It had not been a pleasant evening. Angi and Magovey didn't look like they had had an easy time of it either. They nodded to each other, but didn't speak of it. Instead, they tried to distract themselves with other matters...like Papay's personal life.
"Long night, eh lads?" asked Afsati, attempting a grin.
Angi made a derisive snort. "I'll bet Papay's was longer." He commented, grimacing.
Magovey shook his head at both of them. "When we get back to some sort of civilization, I'm going to find me a woman." He declared.
The other two stared at him with a mixture of shock and horror. What would life be like with out Magovey? Or Papay, for that matter? They answered the question for themselves. It would be rather bleak.
Afsati turned to Angi. "It's the herbs. They don't just put you to sleep, they kill any sense of right and wrong! We're the last ones standing, Angi, we must resist!" he exclaimed, trying to lighten the mood. Angi, however was looking thoughtful, as if he too was considering a romantic avenue.
Afsati slowly resigned himself to a life of solitude. What was wrong with everyone? Honestly, it was an epidemic! He patted his horse's neck, and realized that the animal beneath him would be the only constant in his life from now on...until it died. Afsati didn't even want to think about that! What would he do with out the horse? He would wander the hills and valleys aimlessly for the rest of his days...mothers would tell their children horror stories of the man who once was, and now haunted the country...He would end up crawling near the end, clothing ragged, belly empty, teeth rotten, blood streaming from various cuts and bruises...now he was simply letting his mind run away with him. It was called paranoia.
Gawain was unwilling to let Radha out of his sight. He kept her on his horse, holding her tightly in place. No one would take his Woad away from him again.
Habren had awoken in Papay's arms. It had been a pleasant shock.
Her mind returned to the previous evening. Wacilla was dead. He had reminded her of Papay. His body, his presence. He was not like Papay in character, however. Wacilla was utterly mad. She had sought comfort in that madness, and now wished that she hadn't. There was far too much pain involved. She wanted Papay to touch her again without memories of Wacilla. She just wanted to erase the past few days. But, she knew that that wasn't an option. What was done was done. There was nothing she could do about the past. She could, however, do something about the future.
Papay awoke when Habren shifted slightly. He kept his eyes closed, listening to her breathe. It was good to have her back. It was even better that she didn't hate him. His brother had been a monster. He should have killed him years ago, and none of this would have happened. Habren snuggled closer, warmth radiating from her body.
"I love you." He said, eyes still closed.
He didn't see Habren blink. He didn't see the twitch of a smile. But he felt it.
"I know." She said, quietly.
That was all that needed to be said. Papay held her to him for a long time. Habren swept her hands up his back, startling him. He hadn't been sure if she wanted intimacy so soon after Wacilla, but she apparently did. She kissed his neck, pleased to see that her mark hadn't faded yet. She hoped it never would.
They rode together, talking.
"What will we do?" asked Papay.
Habren was startled. "I'm going to follow you, of course." She said. It should be obvious by now!
"No, you won't. This will never happen again, because you will go back to your family." He said, firmly.
"Will I? I don't remember deciding that." She said, her tone turning rather acidic.
"My line of work puts you in danger. Even if I stopped, your parents wouldn't want an ex-bandit for a son in law." He pointed out, trying to reason with her.
"They want me to be happy. If I don't go with you, I will exist and then die. Never live."
Papay sighed. She wasn't making this any easier for him. "We'll talk about this later. Without the audience." He said. His friends were avidly listening, attempting to learn of their fate a bit sooner. Habren had become like a sister to them, and Papay-well, Papay loved her. They also had absolutely no idea what they would do without him.
Habren glanced back at the eager bandits, and flashed them a grin. They could be rather loveable at times...she had a great fondness for them all. She turned back to Papay.
"Fine. Then later it shall be. I want to sleep now." She said, leaning into him. She hadn't gotten much sleep lately, and it was beginning to wear her down.
Papay wrapped an arm around her, kissing her forehead. If the others noticed, they made no comment. Papay glanced at his fellow bandits, and they all looked away guiltily. Afsati decided the occasion merited a song...
Sebbi couldn't decide where to look. His eyes flicked from Aine's face, to Aine's abdomen, to the surrounding area, on the lookout for danger. At the sight of her lover's constantly wandering eyes, Aine laughed. Sebbi really shouldn't worry so much!
"I think I can avoid being taken off by masked horsemen, thank you!" she teased.
"Of course, dear." Said Sebbi. He clearly was not convinced. He was wondering whether he could convince the others to ride in a circular manner with Deirdre and Aine in the center. That way, both pregnant women would have the greatest protection available. Aine rolled her eyes. Some things would never change.
Deirdre clung to Galahad. While he enjoyed being needed, he only wished that Deirdre had not been through such a fright. At least they hadn't done anything to her. He had Habren to thank for that, though he didn't think she wanted thanks. She probably just wanted to forget about it. He would honor her wishes.
Lancelot tried to pretend as if nothing had happened. It was easier that way. Sera shook her head. She would tackle him over this later. She would let him be delusional for the time being.
Rebekah was preparing herself for their inevitable return to Tristan's village. Api was a lovely woman, to be sure, but she tended to inspire headaches. Tristan had given her an abrupt nod of sympathy, though that was all he would give. She wasn't the only one in the path of death. He tried to focus on the tower that he would need when they returned to Britain, though it simply was not interesting enough to block out the horrible pictures in his head. They would leave soon after the wedding. It wouldn't take long. Yes. They would stay for the evening, and be off in the morning. That was the plan. Now, all he had to do was convince his mother that it was all for the best. Fat chance of that.
Api came running to meet them. They had been naughty, not even telling her they were going for a ride! And leaving during the wedding feast!?!? She wanted grandchildren, and she wanted them soon. The sooner they were married, the sooner she would have little ones to play with. Naughty, naughty Tristan! It appeared the boy had simply never grown up.
The group dismounted to the sound of Api's scolding. They all tried to smile at her, though many of the attempts fell flat. Api inspected the group more closely.
"Did you bring some more little friends, dear?" she asked Tristan, inspecting the rather ragged bandits.
The bandits, who hadn't been called "little" for quite some time stared at her, but quickly recovered.
"Yes. I thought they would wish to meet my mother." Said Tristan, his fiendish sense of humor showing to all but Api.
The bandits glared at Tristan, and smiled painfully at Api. It would be quite a visit.
Afsati managed a grin for her. "We wanted to meet the poor woman who whelped such a lad. I wish to express my deep sympathy for you, milady." He said, bowing, and kissing her hand.
Api was so flattered by Afsati's courtly manners that she actually managed to remain silent for several minutes. She simply smiled as shyly as a maiden at Afsati. Tutyr joined the group, and looked from Api to Afsati. He just shook his head and left.
The group took this as a dismissal, and disbanded to set up their tents. They needed to prepare for the weddings, though it was rather unclear exactly how many people would be married that evening.
Tristan and Rebekah were clear contenders, Sebbi and Aine, most probably, though everyone was wondering about Papay and Habren.
Tutyr was currently tattooing Rebekah's back. Tattooing was used in most of the important ceremonies of their tribe, and weddings were one of them. Tristan had already gotten his, and was watching over the procedure. Once it was complete, there was no erasing the contract. They would be married for the rest of their days. The black ink swirled over her back, in a pattern identical to his. He kissed her hand, and she smiled. That was as passionate as he was willing to get in public. She couldn't wait to show her father this tattoo. It certainly had a nice story behind it.
Sebbi and Aine were next. Sebbi had never gotten a tattoo, and was slightly nervous. Aine, who had several, was trying to reassure him. It didn't hurt that badly! He was making a fuss about nothing. It was in his nature though, she supposed. It was a nature that she loved.
Api was very happy. Nine months from now, she would have a little grandchild to bounce on her knee! When Rebekah's tattoo was finished, she stood, taking Tristan's hand.
"Oh!" exclaimed Api, examining their tattoos. "I can't wait for the little ones!"
Tristan and Rebekah stared at her in terror. Children...Now?
"Um, actually, you'll probably be waiting a while for those little ones..." squeaked Rebekah, trying to comfort her mother in law.
Api blinked. "But you'll be staying here, surely..." she said, pleading apparent on her features.
"Arthur will need us in Britain. Unrest and all of that..." mumbled Tristan.
Api appeared quite crestfallen.
"We'll come back to visit though, won't we Tristan..." assured Rebekah. Tristan coughed, and Rebekah elbowed him. It was at that moment that Api decided that this woman could handle her rather childish son. She would force him to grow up.
She kissed both of them. "Now, shoo, and get me my grandchildren!" she instructed, waving them away.
Tristan and Rebekah stared at each other.
"Well, you heard the woman...let's go!" urged Rebekah, and dragged Tristan back to their tent. Their backs were still a bit sore, so it would be interesting to see how the night went.
Afsati stepped forward. "It's all right, they'll come to their senses. Though you have no need to be sad, you have me after all..."
Api patted his cheek, smiling at him. Tutyr coughed loudly, and Api removed her hand hastily. Afsati chuckled, and nodded to Tutyr, taking his leave.
Api and Tutyr were alone in the tent now, and Api was looking a bit nervous.
"It's nothing...he's such a sweet lad..." she offered, blushing furiously.
Tutyr stared at her incredulously. "Silly woman. Do you really think I believe anything is going on?"
Api stuck her nose in the air. "If you don't start treating me nicely, I have other prospects...I may be a little old, but there's life in these old bones left!" she huffed.
Tutyr nearly smiled. "Well, then I suppose I have to change my ways, eh?" he asked, and pulled her into an extremely passionate kiss.
Api pulled away a bit breathlessly, eyes wide. "See, this is what I'm talking about..."
Tutyr backed her into the cot. "Yeah?" he asked, not taking his eyes off her. Api nodded, and Tutyr kissed her again, running his practiced hands over her body. Api decided that she didn't need Afsati after all...
Habren and Papay spent the evening in their tent, plotting.
"This is getting us no where. You can't run from your family, and I will not run from my men." Concluded Papay, exasperated.
Habren considered it thoughtfully. It was true. But then, an idea formed in the back of her mind...It might just work.
Review Please! Tell me what you like and what you don't like. Since we're nearing the end, you could tell me which chapters you like best, which chapters you thought sucked...that sort of thing...Let me know!