A/N: Hey hey, IT'S SATURDAY! Lol, I have a feeling that's an Australian show so you're all thing, what the? Ah, Rove, another Aussie icon. Reviews! Thank you thank you. I feel like doing this today:
Dw: Electricity, huh? Well, that's what I was going for. As for the potatoes thing, LOL! You should've seen my face when I read that. Twas golden. Thanks for informing me, though I don't think I'll change it. Heehee, I totally never knew that potatoes came from America. But then, I've done neither European or American history in great depth until this year, so perhaps I shall learn it now. Thank you for the review!
Andromahke: Thank you so much for your continuos support with this fic, your reviews are fabulous and very encouraging and stuff. Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed the sex scene, I'm not too good at those so I was the teensiest bit nervous about how everyone would take them. And I know what you mean about 'the perfect dialogue!' I've seen it in some fics, but I can never do it justice. If you're in to HP fics, you MUST read Arrival Unexpected, that has the best 'I love you' but not bit at the end, you will honestly melt into a puddle on the floor. Actually, if you're into HP fics, check out my profile. All my favourite ones are there and seriously, they are so good. But I digress. Wow, I'm talkative (lol) this morning. So, thank you for the reviews, enjoy this chapter!
MissBubbles: Thank you so much for your review, and for the explanation of everything. I appreciate it. It's so hard to know what to do for a prose story though, because you're not really seeing it, if you know what I mean? But anyway, thank you for your review, and I hope you enjoy this chapter!
Evenstar-mor2004: Thank you! Lol, 'did you see Ned Kelly?' What a question to ask an Australian woman! Of course I did! Believe it or not, Ned is an Australian icon. Not entirely sure why… he was a bank robber. But yeh, Joel Edgerton is a pretty big actor down here, he's in quite a bit of Aussie stuff. Do you know he and his wife (Aboriginal icon and Olympic winner Cathy Freeman) just divorced? Yeah, it was all over the papers. You're in! Lol, jokes jokes. My dad sent me a similar message when Brad and Jen called it off. Anyway, thanks for the reviews, and I hope you enjoy this chapter.
Evenstar: Yeah, I see to many fics, or rather I read them, that have this woman who has been tortured/raped/etc get over it too quickly, and although I admit to have doing that I hope not to the same extent. Thanks for the reviews, and I hope you enjoy this chapter!
Coryna: Oh, what a pretty name! I was actually tossing up calling Corin that. Such a pretty name. Greek? Perhaps. Thank you for the reviews, I'm glad you've enjoyed reading this, and hope you enjoy this one too!
Valia-Elf: Yay! You liked it! I was totally scared that everyone would be like, "eugh, this fluff is crap" but yay! You liked it! Thank you so much for the constant reviews, its been such a great support. And I wouldn't get too used to it, things might go wrong yet. Hope you enjoy this chapter.
LANCELOTTRISTANBABY: Thank you for the reviews, I'm glad you've been enjoying it. Hope you like this one too!
Exile of Numenor: Lol. I love your story so much! Seriously, I love it. YOU update soonn! Thank you so much for reading and reviewing, when I figured out who you were I was like "OMG OMG OMG!" Yeah, I know, pretty sad huh?
Summary: Years after the battle on Badon Hill, Lancelot has resigned himself to a loveless life, ever watching from the sidelines. But his hope is slowly restored when he meets a young woman, who fills his world with light, like the rising of the moon.
Crescent Moon
By katemary77
Chapter Ten: Queen of the Silent Night
Look
how the pale Queen of the silent night
doth cause the ocean to
attend upon her,
and he, as long as she is in sight,
with his
full tide is ready here to honor;
But
when the silver waggon of the Moon
is mounted up so high he cannot
follow,
the sea calls home his crystal waves to morn,
and with
low ebb doth manifest his sorrow.
So
you that are sovereign of my heart
have all my joys attending on
your will,
when you return, their tide my heart doth fill.
So
as you come and as you depart,
joys ebb and flow within my tender
heart.
Corin stiffened.
"And where did you get off to this morning?"
A pair of hands circled Corin's waist, pulling her into a warm chest. and a sharp chin rested softly on her shoulder.
She shrugged, her back still pressed against him. "I awoke early and went for a walk."
"You should have roused me," Lancelot admonished. "I would've liked to have woken with you in my arms."
"I'll remember that," she told him, with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.
Frowning, Lancelot turned her around to face him. "Corin, is something wrong?"
The Greek shook her head. "No, nothing at all."
He grasped her chin and tilted her head to face him. "Really?"
Corin's eyes were firm. "Yes.
"Good," Lancelot smiled, placing a kiss on her nose. "I have to go to the council."
Corin watched him leave with a frown that quickly changed into a smile when a tall, slender woman approached her.
"Was that Lancelot I just saw?" the Queen asked with an impish smile.
Corin chuckled. "Perhaps. I can't be sure, it all happened so quickly."
Guinevere laughed. "No need to hide it, dear, it was bound to happen sooner or later."
Corin cocked an eyebrow. "What was bound to happen?"
"You and Lancelot falling in love," the Queen told her in a determinedly blasé manner.
"I'm not so sure," Corin answered, her mouth twisting into a frown.
Guinevere sidled eagerly up beside her. "Well come, Corin, give me all the details."
Corin gazed at her piercingly. "I think he is in love with another."
The Queen's brows shot up to her hairline. "Really!" she exclaimed. "Do you know who?"
The Greek nodded. "Yes, I know her. Though I would not name her here."
"Of course, of course" Guinevere accepted. "What are you going to do about it?"
She shrugged and folded her arms across the wall, rested her self against it. "I know not." Corin looked over at the beautiful, unknowing woman beside her, whose eyes were warm and honest. "But I suppose I have to do something."
"You seem somewhat preoccupied this morning," Tristan noted, nodding toward the arrow that had lodged itself millimetres from the bullseye.
Corin shrugged. "Perhaps I am just a bit."
The scout nodded, knowing that if Corin wished to speak of it she would.
"Lancelot seemed in spirits this morning."
The silent knight smirked as Corin dropped her bow.
"Is that so, Tristan?" she mumbled, trying to sound nonchalant.
"Yes," he confirmed. "Haven't seen him look so happy since – "
"I don't think I want to know that, Tristan," Corin interjected smoothly.
The scout frowned. "I was only going to say since just before the Reformation."
Corin nodded as she nocked an arrow. "Yes. I was afraid you would say that."
"Corin!" another voice called before Tristan could reply.
The scout grumbled under his breath. "Speak of the devil."
Lancelot was running breathlessly toward them, his curls bouncing as his feet impacted with the ground. Tristan fought to keep his face straight as the other knight skidded up to Corin and gave her a swift peck on the lips.
Colouring, Corin placed a delicate hand on Lancelot's chest and pushed him gently away. Turning round with his brow furrowed in confusion, Lancelot's eyes fell upon Tristan, whose face was its usual blank canvas, though there was a glint of amusement in the scout's eye.
Tristan held his hands up. "Don't mind me. I was just… leaving."
"No you weren't," Corin scoffed. "We were." Placing her hand firmly in Lancelot's, Corin gave her friend a sweet smile before leading the other man out of the training grounds.
As soon as they had rounded the corner, Lancelot backed Corin against the wall and devoured her mouth in a hungry kiss. "I don't know how I lasted through that meeting," he told her lovingly. "I could barely concentrate, all I could think about was you."
Corin snorted softly. "Well, that won't do, will it Sir Knight? We can't have you losing your concentration during such important councils."
"Important councils?" he laughed, nuzzling her neck. "All we were talking about was trade routes. Incredibly dull." Lancelot brought his lips to Corin's. "Now, come up to my room and let me make love to you."
"You are too bold, Sir!" Corin cried playfully, slapping Lancelot's hands away from her waist. "And we are in public. Control yourself!"
Chuckling, Lancelot placed one last kiss on Corin's mouth and took her hand with his own. "Very well. What would you like to do, then?"
"Actually, I have to go and check on Lincoln," she said, avoiding Lancelot's eyes. "His leg is healed now, but Vanora wanted me to do a last check. It will only take a minute or two…"
The knight grimaced. "Okay. I'll… see you later then."
Corin nodded and moved away from him, walking toward the castle. She looked over her shoulder. "Later then."
It came as a surprise later, when walking back to her room after visiting with Vanora and Bors, that Corin came across a sickly and pale, though familiar woman, leaning against the door.
"Guinevere! What is wrong!" Corin exclaimed, rushing to the Queen's side.
"I am nauseas again!" the Woad cried irritably. "I have been throwing up for weeks!"
"Why did you not come and see me before?" Corin scolded, not unkindly, as she led her friend into her surgery. "I could have done something for you!"
Guinevere shook her head. "I did not wish to worry Arthur. I had to sneak past him just now."
From the counter where she was preparing tea for the nauseated sovereign, Corin chuckled. "I imagine that would not have been an easy task. He is very devoted to you, the King."
"That he is," Guinevere agreed with a pensive frown. "But tell me, Corin, what is wrong with me?"
"How long has this been happening?" Corin inquired.
"Oh, at least a month and a fortnight, on and off."
Corin nodded. "Stand up."
The ill lady did as she was told and suffered silently the scrutiny of the healer.
"How old are you, Guinevere?"
The Queen frowned. "Two and twenty. Why?"
The Greek nodded again and placed her hand over Guinevere's belly. "And how long has it been since your last moonblood?"
Her frown deepened. "Now that you mention it, over two months. Why?"
Corin let out a clear laugh. "Why you silly girl, you are pregnant!"
There was a stunned silence.
"I am with child?"
Corin nodded happily and grasped Guinevere's hand, placing it over her belly. "Can you not feel that bulge right there?"
A look of sheer happiness spread across the Queen's face. "I am with child!" she hollered, her voice no longer trace of question. "I am going to have a baby! Arthur's baby! Arthur's son!"
Corin grinned. "You are."
"Oh just wait 'till I tell him!" Guinevere gushed. "He will be so happy! We have been trying for so long and I thought – I had started to think that maybe – "
"It does not matter now," Corin interjected swiftly. "I'd say you are almost three months along and with your age I do not see how it could be a hard birth."
The Woad nodded and wiped away a tear that was slowly forming in her eye. Silently, she moved over to embrace her friend. "Thank you, Corin."
Corin laughed again. "Thank you? I did not do anything!"
Guinevere giggled. "If it had not been for you I would not have known I was with child until the babe was coming out!"
Corin rolled her eyes somewhat derisively. "I think that would be rather impossible, Your Majesty."
The Queen waved this away. "Thank you at any rate. You have given me some splendid news."
The Greek smiled graciously. "Very well. Now, you run off and tell your husband!"
Guinevere nodded eagerly. "Yes, yes, I shall." Placing a swift kiss on Corin's cheek, she then rushed out of the room and down the hall. "Arthur! Arthur! Guess what!"
At the celebratory dinner that night in honour of the King and Queen's unborn child, the whole city of Camelot came alive. Buskers lined the streets and the scent of hot bread and roasted nuts was borne on the wind. The castle doors were thrown open to the people of the town, and they drifted in an out of the fortress laughing and merry-making with the rapturous King and Queen.
Corin, for her part, had celebrated little, and was now sitting snug between Gawain and Galahad, who both had arms thrown about her. Bors, who was sitting across from Corin, was bouncing a wailing babe on his knee.
"Shhh, child!" he pleaded, taking a swig of his mead with his other hand. "Please be quiet! Your Ma is busy working and I must see to your siblings!"
Smiling, Corin reached her hands out to Bors. "Give her here, Bors. Go and help your wife."
Bors sighed with relief and carefully placed the child in Corin's outstretched arms. "You're an angel, Corin."
Settling the babe comfortably in her arms, Corin surveyed the child. She had a head of straw-coloured hair and wide green eyes that gazed at Corin unblinkingly.
"Hey, baby," she cooed softly. "I'm Corin. You're name is Anabelle. Such a pretty name for such a pretty girl."
Anabelle gurgled.
Corin snorted. "Is that so? I agree indubitably."
The babe clambered across Corin's lap until she was standing upright with her tiny hands pushed against the Greek's shoulders. Placing her own hands around the child's waist, Corin smiled widely. "Why hello there."
"Looks like you made a friend," Gawain said from beside her, his voice only slightly slurred.
"It does," Corin agreed.
Shakily, Anabelle pushed against Corin and stood on her own. As if noticing she had not fallen, the child giggled happily and clapped her hands together.
Smiling brightly down at the babe, Corin settled her back down and gazed jadedly around the room. Her mouth quirked when her eyes fell upon a lone figure, staring dejectedly at the dancing King and Queen, who were moving slowly in the centre of the room to a beat of their own, completely enraptured with one another.
She sighed and shifted her eyes back to Anabelle. It was going to be a long night.
Lancelot's dark eyes watched every graceful movement the Queen made in the arms of her love. Her face was glowing with happiness, and brightened even more, if possible, each time Arthur rested his hand upon her womb.
She was pregnant.
Pregnant.
It had come as a severe reality check when Arthur had told him.
They were going to have a child.
And Arthur wanted him to be godfather.
Lancelot's fingers tightened ruthlessly on the goblet in his hand.
He felt eyes upon him and lifted his own in time to catch Corin shifting to look at the child on her lap. Bors's youngest was beaming up at the Greek, her tiny fingers entwined in Corin's golden locks. Corin laughed as Gawain and Galahad both helped her free her hair from the child's relentless grip. Another beautifully blissful face, Lancelot thought sullenly. Another woman who would ruin him.
Lancelot was disgusted with himself.
He had let Corin come to him last night, let her share his bed, though they had not made love, and what could he give her? What could he possibly offer this beautiful young woman so full of life but a broken heart and a wasted soul?
Nothing.
Her light would diminish, her flame smothered, defeated by the love of a crumbling man.
Finishing off his ale, Lancelot threw one last despondent glance at the King and Queen, before turning and stalking out of the room.
He was too blinded by the moon.
A/N: La la la. This chapter has sort of been chopped in half, so the next will take place on the same night. I forget why I did that, but I know I had a good reason. Ooohhh, is it getting cold in Sydney or what? I do realise that none of you live in Sydney, but it's starting to get cold! I love winter. Yay! Electric blankets. Yay! Fires. Yay! Hot chocolate. Yay!
Sorry. It's 7:32am and I'm about to go to the gym so I've just had a couple of coffees. Mmmm, coffee. Yay!
Ooohhh, hopefully this doesn't give any of the plot away, but I just finished writing… chapter 12 I think, and you're going to need some sad music soon. I suggest "I Grieve" by Peter Gabriel, or something of the same tone.
Please review! I'm getting to that horrible stage of a fic where you get really, really insecure and am like "Oh my God is anyone reading this? Oh my God is this alright, does it suck?" so please, if you're reading and have any opinion and all, give it to me and I will be forever grateful!
Well. I think I've rambled on enough. Have a nice morning/day/afternoon/evening/night.
Kate.
