Disclaimer: As chapter one; so please, for the love of God, do not make me keep writing it out people!
Blythe is an old English name meaning Joyous, Darrel is old English for Beloved (in the male form – Daralis being the female) and Hale is also old English meaning hero and army ruler. a' allaidh soirbheas' is Gaelic for 'the wild fair wind' and I felt that as the Woads were supposed to be north of the wall, then Gaelic could be their language.
WARNING: BAD LANGUAGE, VIOLENCE AND SOME SEXUAL REFERENCES (though not too graphic) SO READ AT YOUR OWN PERIL.
All reviews, and constructive criticism, gratefully received – but no flaming please; and I will try to update regularly.
'Thoughts'
"Speech"
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Bethan & Lucan
Chapter Thirty – Weddings & Witchcraft
Arthur had not only been pleased to agree, he had actively encouraged them to wed that day…..
"Why the rush?" asked Bethan.
"We do not want the ructions of your last nuptials!" he grinned.
She smiled and looked to Gawain "He is right! Let us do it today! Once we put the word out, it will be wonderful…."
Gawain picked her up and swung her round "Only last night you were telling me we had no need to wed, and now you cannot wait! I am certainly not complaining!" he grinned. Nodding appreciatively at Arthur, who smiled; Guinevere clasped his arm tightly – trying to contain her joy….finally giving in and rushing over to Bethan, hugging her fiercely.
"Not only that" Arthur added "We wish to ensure you do not get cold feet; I could not stand another lock out, lock in or anything in between!" he smiled.
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They went back to their room "What of Merlin?" Gawain asked "I know you would like him to perform the ceremony; part Woad/part Christian as he does…"
"If I know Merlin, he is on his way here. Remember what Tris said 'it would spoil this'? They already knew the outcome…." She smiled.
He hauled her to him and crushed her into a tight embrace "I love you Bethan, I love you" he kissed her deeply.
"No time for furniture moving Gawain, we have a wedding to prepare for; and indeed I have to tell my parents! Plus I desperately need a bath after our….efforts last night!" He could tell she was excited; he was pleased, so happy in fact he wanted to shout it from the rooftops – wanted the entire fort to know. Just then the children entered and something occurred to him.
"Shall we give Mummy a bath!" asked Gawain of the two children, mischievously.
"Aye, Papa, Aye!" they cried in unison; clapping their hands and hopping around laughing.
Bethan had stopped laughing at the tone in his voice and was quickly making for the door - only to be grabbed by the waistband and tossed over Gawain's shoulder.
"Gawain! Gawain! What are you doing? GAWAIN!" she cried "Gawain put me down….it is not funny!"
"Of course it is not….I am merely taking you for a bath." He explained calmly, but the evil grin on his face did nothing to placate her.
Outside the room the other knights had gathered; Lancelot had his hand round Amila's shoulders the triplets in their arms "Ah the good old days! Remember those?" he smiled as Gawain toted a screaming Bethan, who was now threatening him with all sorts of violence.
"Mmmmm…was it not after this we would move furniture for hours?" She grinned at him.
"Already done it - all night too! Now we are getting married!" Gawain smirked as they passed.
The knights all burst out laughing "About bloody time I say!" called out Jols with his arm around Lynette. They too would be married in three weeks time.
"GAWAIN! I cannot believe you just said that!" Bethan was outraged "Put me down or I will gut you like a fish; I will tie you up and torture you…."
"Awwww….I am all nostalgic!" Lancelot sighed with a dreamy look in his eye "remember when you used to threaten me like that!"
Amila laughed out loud; and his baby daughter, Blythe, tugged at his hair…. "Oh you are your mother's daughter, you little vixen!" he cooed at her and kissed her cheek.
The two boys in Amila's arms reached up to him; Darrel and Hale adored their father. Suriana came forward with Celeste and Ehsan "Let Celeste and I take them Mama…we have not had a cuddle for hours." The two twin boys went willing to their twin sisters; showing a devotion that would one day be as deep as Milo's to Bethan.
"You love me…." Gawain stated.
"I….what?" Bethan stopped mid tirade, confused.
"You love me…."
"Well,…I…aye; but I will still…." She blustered.
"Nay, you will not……you know you will not…." he was grinning now.
"I bloody will! Do not think because I love you can get away with murder sir knight, because that is not so!" She railed, suddenly comprehending – or so she thought.
He walked to the horse trough; Bethan's eyes widened in horror as she squirmed on his shoulder and saw "You would not!" she squeaked.
"Aye, I would!" he grinned, and dropped her gently into the trough….
Galahad was almost in tears with laughter "Take care brother, she has a temper!" he squeaked.
"Aye, as do I; but I love her too, so we are even!" Gawain laughed. The scream from Bethan should have deafened all within a 5 mile radius.
"Well my lover! If I am to bathe in cold water and horse spit, then so are you!" and she pulled him in with her…..
By now they were gathering a small crowd which suited Gawain perfectly "I wish it to be known by all here" he said standing up in the trough, and quieting the hysterical laughter of those around him "that I am taking Bethan, daughter of the knights of the round table - Sandrina and Tristan - as my wife, and" he looked at her "this very day!
So I know there are those of you…." he looked around a few of the men gathered "that thought much of her; well do not….not any longer; for she is with me and I love her dearly…." He helped her stand "and…." He added finally with a flourish "she carries my child within her" All gasped.
"Forgive me? I just wanted their attention….before I do this…." he swung her up into his arms and kissed her deeply "We will be wed at sunset! You are all invited!" he called and turned, carrying the dripping Bethan back to their room….
"Now I definitely need a bath!" she roared with laughter.
Sandrina, Tristan, Milo and the others followed them back; all agog at what had just been announced.
"Well, I did not see that coming!" exclaimed Galahad.
"Well, then you are dafter than I thought husband!" laughed Alisia.
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Back in their room all the knights crowded in "Is this true?" asked San of her daughter.
"Aye Mama, it is! We have spoken to Arthur; we were going to wait until tomorrow. But he felt today was better!" She grinned "And aye I am 2 months gone with Gawain's child…."
San could see the happiness radiating out of her "I am so pleased for you Bethan, I am truly!" she hugged her daughter to her.
Tristan walked to Gawain "Make her happy or I willl cut you down where you stand…" he murmured matter of factly.
Gawain grinned "If I did not love her so much and intend to do just that Tris, you might frighten me…"
The scout smirked and took his arm, before speaking calmly "You do me an honour to wed my daughter."
Gawain gripped his fellow knight's arm tightly, tears suddenly pricking his eyes "You do me the greater honour to allow it."
Dagonet stepped forward and Bethan drew him to one side with Ilara and Alisia "I spoke to them first, they agreed…." She took them to the chest and opened the drawer "I asked for a sign…" they saw the feathers.
Alisia hugged the younger girl "You do my sister honour by always remembering her so…." Her voice caught "It is nice to know also that she is still close…."
"I could do naught else Ali - she was a good friend to me, and I considered her my sister also; and I doubt she would ever truly leave us for long…no more than Lucan would…"
Dag's breath caught in his throat, remembering Tris only earlier that morning, he knew now why it was important he went "I am glad, but I knew that already – but it shows your kind heart that you would still consider them so….." he smiled.
Bethan looked at the older knight, who was friend, brother and surrogate father to her and Milo. A huge lump formed in her throat and she flung her arms round his neck "You are my blood Dag, remember that….you and yours are part of my family for now and always." Tears sprinkled his shirt.
"Now, now Little Scout…..no more of that!" he smiled, though his and Ilara's own eyes swum "not on your wedding day!"
Lancelot approached her "Are you sure it is only one baby!"
"Nay….but do you regret it?"
"Never…but it is hard work…I still wake in a cold sweat on remembering first seeing three newborns!" he laughed.
Amila wandered over "Aye, and he has suddenly stopped going on about how he wants more!" she grinned.
Bethan stepped outside, to get away from all the hub-bub…..A hand on her shoulder told her her father was with her.
"Happy for me Papa?" she turned to look at him.
"Aye, I could not be happier. He is a good man and will make you happy, make sure you do the same for him."
"Or you will cut me down?" she smiled.
"Nay, but you are not too old for a spanking" was the mild reply.
She hugged him "I thank God for you every day…do you know that?"
"As I do you; you were the first, the very first to see through me Little Scout. All that time ago."
"The day in the stables…the day we first came into the fort at the wall….I remember. I was amazed you had a hawk, and I loved your horse.
But I liked you and quickly loved you; you were more of a father to me than any other could be. To me you are my father; if the other arrived here now I would spit in his eye before I called him blood. For you are that to me now - you are blood, kin and all that matters between God and Heaven!" she spoke passionately, but her face was passive as his.
Tristan knew 'the other' was long dead, but her words still touched him deeply "Aye, and I feel the same about you daughter. That was why I did the blood tie with you, our blood mingled and in always now I am your father. But in here" he pointed to his heart "I have been since the day I first clapped eyes on you."
She hugged him tightly and cried into his shoulder "Do not mind me Papa, it is the day and the baby….."
He said nothing - merely holding her close and smiling; his eyes holding all the emotions of his heart.
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"We best get you back if you are to wed your man at sunset…." He said eventually, pulling her back and wiping her face with his large calloused hand.
"By the Goddess, we thought she had already done a runner!" exclaimed Bors, coming out the door. He saw her tear stained face "You alright Little Scout? I was only jesting you…honest. Do not tell Van I made you cry, she will bloody kill me!" he mumbled.
She hugged Bors tightly and kissed his cheek "You soppy date, it was naught to do with you; I fare well, just over excited and pregnant!"
He hugged her back "You will not be breaking Gilly's nose for a bit then….he will be relieved I reckon…." He grinned.
She laughed out loud "I have not broken his nose for the last six months; since Arthur erected the children's round table none of yours have fallen out with Milo, not even Eight, so me and Gilly have not had to come to blows. I have been quite disappointed." she grinned mischievously.
"I think he has too…." Bors smiled "Still you would not want to now anyway would you?"
Gawain came to the door and overheard the exchange "Nay, I would not risk it….I really would not; it is too easy to lose a baby, and I cannot lose this little one; it is too precious to me." She patted her stomach. Gawain felt his heart lurch; she was still haunted by that loss….
Tris tapped her arm and spoke emphatically "you will not Mama….you will not….I will not let you…" before walking away; she smiled after him.
Bors looked closely "How far are you?"
"2 months….why?"
"You already showing a bump…."
"Am I?" she looked down and grinned "I am, am I not?"
Lancelot walked past Gawain grinning evilly "Be afraid brother, be very afraid…."
Gawain slapped his back "Shut up Lancelot; she would not do that to me!"
"You have great faith in her Gawain, and that is commendable; but even an elemental cannot control conception or birth!" Amila laughed.
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The blue dress came out once more, and Bethan could not hold the back the memories of the last time she wore it. It was nearly 4½ years ago. Had she and Lucan only been married 2 years when he died? Poor Lucan, she still missed him…..she knew a part of her always would; a little piece of her heart would always remain with him.
She went outside and walked to the graveyard with Tristan. She and Gawain had wanted to marry there; to marry near those who had first shown them true love, to share this day with those they had loved and lost.
Merlin arrived a little after lunch and seemed unsurprised at the news; those who knew him well just smiled.
The wedding began precisely on sunset - Gilly watched Bethan approaching "I want to find me a girl like that; and someone that loves me that much…" he muttered.
"No one will love you, you are a pig!" Snorted Ten in derision.
She felt a blow to the back of her head and then a voice hissing "Do not speak to your brother like that Miss, he was looking out for you before you were out of napkins!" Bethan glared at the girl who sank lower in her seat.
Gilly grinned "Thanks…Auntie!"
Bethan lunged at him "I told you never…"
"Bethan?" Gawain cut in with a grin as Tristan, like the first time, hung onto her arm "Any time you are ready!"
She smiled lovingly at him, and then turned her gaze to Gilly "I will break your nose you git – maybe not today; but I will break it!" she ground out while fixing a smile to her face. The young man visibly paled, as she moved on.
"It is alright; she is pregnant!" comforted his father.
"You do not honestly think that would stop her do you? I doubt it would even slow her down!" Gilly was not reassured…
Everyone fell about laughing.
As she reached Merlin, she turned to her father and grinned "At least there is no black eye and split lip this time…."
He smiled and kissed her cheek "Be happy, daughter, be happy."
"I already am….."
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Just as the ceremony was ending there was a shout of alarm from the battlements "CELTS!"
Arthur closed his eyes 'Why now?'…..he looked around him; the men were already rising "KNIGHTS!" he called.
Bethan faced Gawain "I do not wish to risk the baby….but….."
"You wish to fight?"
She nodded.
"Then do what you must….but stay safe….I could not bear to lose you….both" he hugged her tightly to him, one hand on her slightly distended belly.
They flew to ready themselves; but Tris stopped them…."You will not lose my…the baby Mama…I promise…" he smiled.
"I believe him" Gawain said as they kissed the children and ran to their room.
"As do I…."
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The fight raged for only a short time; once again Arthur was winning. The Woads had appeared and joined the battle to aid them; he was not sure where they had come from, but he was only glad they were there.
He saw Tristan stagger slightly, but Bethan was there as was Gilly as his own father began to flag….they were aging, his knights, but their children were picking up the slack and soon would be doing the fighting in their stead.
He saw Lancelot fall, a wound to the shoulder but once again Bethan appeared out of nowhere.
"Get away from him you bastard!" she spat at the Celt about to deal the death blow, and took the man's head.
"What took you so long!" Quipped Lancelot "Mind you, I would not be averse to dying right now…..I could do with a long sleep!"
She grinned down at him "nay, brother….you do not think, do you, I would let you leave my sister to deal with your 6 brats by herself! In the name of God, why do think we keep Bors alive for Vanora!"
Despite his injury, and the battle raging, Lancelot laughed out loud - he was so glad to have this Bethan back….
She saw Gawain and caught his eye, they smiled at each other and he mouthed "I love you…." she raised her hand, and then spun round as the breeze blew to her back…..killing the approaching Celt where he stood.
As he fell she saw Dagonet lying on the ground behind him, and obviously wounded "Lancelot, can you fight?"
"Aye I think so…."
"Then come…" she helped him stand and they staggered to Dag; as she had protected Gawain, they now protected Dagonet.
As the fighting began to wane Galahad looked across at her "Little Scout?" He motioned to the retreating Celts; she knew what he wanted to her to do….
Something caught her attention - Tris was on the battlements with Merlin….they stared at her and she nodded.
"Wait!" She called to Galahad. She walked over to the Celt he was about to kill "Leave him…" Galahad held his sword back, but kept it at the throat of the man on the ground.
"Do you speak Briton?"
He nodded.
"Good. Do you know me?"
He shook his head.
"You will after this day; I want you to witness this and then go tell your people to leave Arthur, his people and his land alone - or I will slaughter you all. The curse will reign yet - for I am the a' allaidh soirbheas'."She spoke calmly, but with malice.
She turned to Galahad "Pick him up…." The other knight hauled the man to his feet.
She walked out into the midst of the still fighting Celts, who were only just starting to retreat, but surprisingly their arrows continually missed her – Arthur glanced at the battlements.
Merlin had Tris in his arms and both were concentrating hard on Bethan. Arthur felt a shudder….this would not end well for his enemy; he was only glad it was not him. It also explained why the Woads appeared out of nowhere to aid them.
Bethan held her arms outstretched, her eyes black with anger; the same way, Gawain thought, as when he saw her riding that night; only now there was nothing beautiful about what she was about to do…..
The mist began to rise around the Celts; but the knights and others from the fort were free of it and able to see. The pack appeared as if from nowhere and began to close in on those within the mist, the knights and other fighters walked forwards - soon the screams of the dying Celts echoed round field….
Only minutes later the pack came trotting back covered in fresh blood and the knights and fighters walked out; Bethan let her arms drop and the mist cleared.
She turned to the now terrified man, still being firmly held by Galahad "Go and tell your people this…I have cursed them; I who can do this" she gestured to the mist still surrounding the bodies of his countrymen lying torn, bloodied and broken on the field "have cursed them…. And for generations to come" the man started, but she smiled grimly and pressed on "I say that you will feel the boot of more than one master on your necks. Long after I am dead and forgotten, your people will live as slaves.
They will starve in their thousands as your crops fail…. You will shed your own blood in battles and wars amongst yourselves….freedom will not be yours for generations….." The Celt stood white faced and trembling.
"Now go and tell your people; tell them if they come back I will wish for more than even that, and I will see it done. I am blood kin to Merlin…I am the a' allaidh soirbheas, and I have spoken…" she smiled evilly at him.
"The…the Woad devil…the witchcraft……" the man muttered.
"Aye, and I am of his blood; so, go and tell your people to plague Arthur and his land no more…or there will be a plague upon you." The Celt noticed her eyes changing back from black to a deep blue, and shuddered.
She nodded at Galahad "Let him go…."
Galahad released the man and he fled as if possessed.
Arthur walked forward and enquired mildly "What happened to 'the only good enemy is a dead one'?"
"It is pointless cursing the people if they do not know I have done it. They are superstitious and this will frighten them out of their minds; the curse is merely the sweetmeat to the cake."
"You do not believe the curse will take then?"
"I care not…" she sighed at the expression on his face "I do not care for them Arthur, so I care not what happens to them. I do not hate them any longer; I just think nothing about them…."
"Somehow I feel that is worse than hating them…."
"Then so be it; but I cannot help how I feel."
"Do you think this is what Lucan would want?"
"This is from me - naught to do with Lucan. I have consulted much with he and Ysabeau of late I admit. But not to do with this…." She took a deep breath knowing she might be starting an argument, but not willing to back down.
"I do not believe you will have the peace you strive for Arthur.." she held a hand up to silence his protest "I know…I know what you think; but it will not be.
There are many that see a man of peace as weak, that see his need for all people to be free as feeble, his wish they be equal as gutless. So they will continually invade that land – harass its people. I will not have that – your way is just. I swear fealty to my king."
She bowed slightly dropping her head, and then laid a hand on his arm as she stood "but more than that you are a good man, Arthur….rare in these times. You have watched me grow; you have schooled me, disciplined me and been a friend to me - you gave me my knights, you made me one of them, and my mother…." Tears pricked her eyes.
"I am proud, very proud to call you my king….but more I am proud to say you are my friend. So though I cannot give you the peace you seek so diligently – I can at least give you respite from the war." Her voice hitched at the end…..her emotions clear in her eyes. She loved him, and she loved him dearly – both as her king and her friend.
The man before her swallowed deeply; he stood for a moment, his jaw working…. she thought him about to argue – but then he pulled her into a fierce embrace "Never change Little Scout, never change; for I love you full as much…" he whispered into her ear.
Her words had carried around the hill and all had heard her impassioned viewpoint - at the end, as Arthur embraced her, they cheered for their king; and the girl they knew would give her life to protect not only he and the knights she adored so, but also they.
Merlin, Tris, Amila, and Guinevere stood on the battlements, tears in all their eyes – this day, of all days, they were at their proudest to call her blood….to call her Woad.
