Disclaimer: I am poor and own nothing. And because I'm poor, this is my only source of entertainment, so please do not sue.
Authors Note: This story is dedicated to Tracy137. Sorry in the delay of an update. My friend came over to visit yesterday and I didn't have time to write the next chapter. Hope this one makes up for it.
LANCELOTTRISTANBABY – It was my favorite chapter so far too. Merely for the cuteness factor. I'm glad you agree with me on his being different around Ana and thank you for your praise. It was much appreciated. Sorry for the wait on this review. A friend was over and I didn't have a chance to write it.
Lucillaq – But of course! I can't not kick his ass now after everyone begging and demanding it. Thanks for the review.
Tracy137 – Yay I'm not the only one to go all-gooey! I've read it a couple of time since writing it myself. I was worried about it though, but you put my mind at ease as did everyone else so far. The movie was really not that much help, but considering you have the record as far as I know for watching it, I figured if anyone could help me out it would be you. I'm glad to see all the knights pleased you (and of course our Jols). And thank you once again for noticing my research once again. I just couldn't not put that little tidbit in. It just screams womanpower and what not in a male dominated movie.
Op – Its okay I understand. And thank you. It's nice to hear that someone thinks your amazing and I can't help but feel the love from your review. And feel free to continue. Makes me happy. I'm glad you liked the chapter so much. Hopefully this one is as good. Please keep reviewing.
Dw – Glad you like it. Thanks for the review.
Miggyrow – Addictive huh? That's good to know. Yeah, I drooled over him a bit too. Although, I do that every time I watch the movie, read fanfic, look at pictures…yeah so I have a big bucket by my computer. And a tarp. And yeah Cornell is a bastard but he will pay for it. A lot of people are giving me ideas as to how exactly he should, so suggestions are welcome. Thanks for the review. It's nice to hear from new people, but then familiar faces are always good too. (Hint, hint.)
ryn the whitepanther – Never fear, I will continue. And I was getting some ideas for some more stories, so hopefully I'll get those up too after this one. Thanks for the review, please do it often.
Cardeia – Thank you for your review. I'm so glad you are enjoying this story. And thank you for your praise. I really don't deserve it.
Texasgrrl – Yeah, the movie wasn't really much help for that last chapter. Thanks for reviewing.
Lunawolf – You know, you are the first person that I have met that may have me beat in the knowledge of torture techniques. I'm very impressed. I will consider upping the rating, once I figure out exactly how painful their deaths will be. You know, the more I write on this, the more I love Tristan. But then, how could you not? Which will make it very hard to write a death scene for him. And I don't like hard things. So does that help you on whether or not he will die or not? Please review some more. I am interested in what other torture and death ideas you have in mind.
Priestess of the Myrmidon – Glad you are still loving it. Thanks for the review.
Dellis – I'm glad you think so. And I'm glad my explanations were believable. I just figured there had to be a reason, and what better than mean little children. Cause, lets face it, kids are bastards sometimes. I had weight problems too and I was a little emotional as a kid and paid for it, but oh well. I ended up being a sarcastic bitch with a writing fetish, so it worked out. Thanks for the review, please keep it up.
FlamezBlaze1 – Well I couldn't let you down and not get them back together. Thanks for the review.
immortalwizardpirateelf-fan – I'm glad you liked it. And don't worry, Marius will die, and I seriously doubt that it will be Guinevere doing it either. Especially when Tristan finds out who exactly Marius is. I already read "Quiet Man" and am reading the sequel (which you should update btw). I really liked it. Sorry if I forgot to review it then, I do that sometimes. (I can just be so awful about reviews, especially when I read that one cause I was in school at the time and swamped. I read most of the chapters on the university campus between classes actually). I know I've reviewed "Quiet Man 2" though. (See I'm getting better. Slowly but surely.) Please don't use my bad reviewing habits as an example. If it would make you happy I can go back and re-read it and review.
Evenstar-mor2004 – Thanks. I'm less worried now about his personality being correct or not, since everyone seems to think it was. I knew about that one and it definitely sounds painful. Thanks for the tip though and the review.
Chapter Seven: Final Order
"I do not see why I cannot accompany you?" Roxana stated following close behind Tristan, in her native fighting armor. He paused and turned to look at her.
It was a month after their reunion and she was looking just as she had the day he left her. Granted, she had aged a bit over that time, but to him, she was just as beautiful. She had put on some weight and the bruises had faded, although the scar still remained, it was fading a bit each day, and her cuts had completely healed. Her wrist was bandaged for at least another two weeks according to Dagonet, although as soon as they were alone in their room, the splinting came off, and Dag said her ribs would most likely be better by that time as well. Tristan couldn't help but smile every time he looked at her. Sadly, Cornell had yet to return.
"Your ribs and wrist have yet to heal," he said, as he noticed her raised eyebrow, realizing he had been staring at her rather than answering the question.
"They have healed well enough," she replied testily. "A month I have been here and a month I have been forced to stay behind due to my injuries. I am well enough for this one."
"It is only a days journey there and back to retrieve a bishop," in two strides he was in front of her, cupping her face in his hands. "Will you miss me that much eh?"
Anger flashed in her eyes. "This is not about you! This is about my ability to protect myself and my husband if I so choose," she growled, turning on her heel and heading for the stables where the other knights were preparing to leave.
"Women," Bors stated grinning, stepping up next to Tristan and slapping him hard on the shoulder, walking off laughing. Tristan merely shook his head before following.
"Really Roxana, it is not necessary," Arthur was saying. "We are merely escorting the Bishop and our discharge papers here, that is all."
"It does not matter. This mission affects me as well and I should be allowed to accompany you," she stated, glaring at him. "I am not the kind to sit and rot in at a fort while the men go off to fight."
"Has she always been this restless?" Lancelot asked with an amused smirk.
"Aye," Tristan mumbled walking forward.
"Ana, your arm and ribs are not well enough yet," Dagonet tried to reason with her. "They would break easily at this time and then you would be stuck here even longer."
"I assure you Dagonet, I have no intention of falling off my horse this time, and if it is a simple mission as you say, then what does it matter if I ride with you?" Ana looked directly at Arthur.
"There is always the possibility of Woad attack," Arthur began only to be interrupted.
"Then should I not be at my husbands side?"
"Enough Ana," Tristan stated, wrapping his arm around her waist and pulling her against him, whispering into her ear. "You have not healed properly yet and will not endanger your life by riding out too soon. I will not lose you so quickly after you have been returned to me."
She managed to turn in his arms, glaring up at him. "You obviously did not think me too injured last night my dear Scout. And I have no intention of dying on this trip. And who do you think you are to tell me what to do?"
"Your husband," he answered, trying to be firm but enjoying the familiarity of the argument.
She narrowed her eyes at him. "That did not work then and it does not work now," she growled only to have her lips captured by his own, the only way he knew of silencing her at the moment. It worked.
"I would say that works at all times," Lancelot grinned at the couple.
"Usually does with my Vanora," Bors agreed as the others laughed.
Tristan pulled away, leaving Roxana slightly breathless. "You will stay," he stated, leaving no room for argument. She went to open her mouth but he placed a finger on her lips. "I will return before nightfall."
She looked at him for a moment before wrapping her arms around him. "Be safe my love," she said, whispering softly into his ear so no one else could here, "this is far from over." She placed a quick kiss on his lips before turning to the others. "Lancelot, you are in charge of his safety."
"Very well, Arthur, you are in charge of Tristan's safety," the dark knight grinned.
"Gawain," Arthur stated smiling at the now familiar exchange.
"Galahad," Gawain continued the game.
"Bors," Galahad stated as Bors finally turned to Dag.
"Looks like it's up to you again Dag," he laughed at the gentle giant as he mounted his horse.
Tristan rolled his eyes at all of them and kissed her once more before mounting his own steed.
"See, that is why I say my goodbyes at the tavern mate," Bors laughed. "And then make sure the little bastards are there to distract her."
"It helps that Vanora is no warrior," Galahad added as they all rode out to meet the Bishops carriage.
Roxana sighed as she watched them go, wandering over to the battlements where Vanora stood waiting, four of her children with her. "How do you do it Van?" she asked, taking the infant from the other woman's and bouncing it slightly.
"It's easy when you're not a fighter lass," Van replied, watching them ride off, her eyes on Bors. "Every time he goes, he takes a piece of my heart with 'em, the daft bastard."
"I know what you mean," Roxana replied, watching as Tristan rode away. "I know what you mean."
Vanora lifted her second youngest onto her hip and nudged Roxana with her elbow. "You that mad at him lass?"
A smile crossed Roxana's lips. "No, and what's worse is, he already knows that."
Vanora chuckled softly. "The hazards of being in love," she said before heading down towards the tavern.
Roxana stayed for a few moments longer, watching as the dust cloud grew smaller in the distance before looking down at the baby. "Lets go help your mom eh?" she grinned, bouncing the baby, causing it to giggle as she made her way down from the battlements.
xoxoxoxoxoxox
Tristan was surprised to not see Ana waiting for him when he came out of the stables. He cast a sidelong glance over at Vanora and Bors, who were kissing passionately in front of everyone and continued to search the area for his wayward wife. "You see her?" he asked his hawk, who squawked in reply before spreading her wings. Tristan understood the meaning and held his arm out, letting her fly.
"How mad was she Tris?" Galahad asked, surprised as well to not see Roxana awaiting their return. Usually she stood right next to Vanora and the brood at the gates.
"More than I thought," he replied heading for the only other place he could think to find her. Their room. Climbing the stairs he listened closely, trying to determine if she was in there. Hearing movement he opened the door quietly and entered with out a sound, watching her in amusement.
In the room she was busy fussing over a pot over the fire, and he could smell his favorite stew. He put down his weapons with out a noise and crept across the room, catching her by surprise as he wrapped his arms about her waist, causing her to squeal in surprise.
"TRISTAN!" she yelled, turning in his arms and slapping his chest reproachfully. "Never do that again!" she pointed a finger at him, and glared.
"I see you were not as angry as I thought," he said, his face emotionless as he looked at the pot over the fire.
"Oh is that so?" she asked, raising an eyebrow, wriggling from his grasp. "As usual you are right. I am more hurt than I ever was angry."
"Hurt?" Tristan paused in the middle of taking off his armor and looked at her. "Why?"
"You told me once that you knew I could care for myself. And yet today you acted like I was no more than a mere barmaid," she turned to face him. "How do you think that made me feel? Our people regard me as a warrior and I have proven myself to be one in battle more than once. Why do you not?"
He sighed before sitting on the bed, motioning for her to come over. She was reluctant at first, but finally walked over to him and let him draw her into his arms. "If you want me to apologize for wishing you safe, I will not. Your wrist, as much as you deny it, is still healing. As are your ribs, and I will not let you put yourself in unnecessary danger," he paused as she reached up and wiped some stray blood from his forehead, knowing it was not his own. "I do however, not doubt your ability to protect yourself, and if the time comes that you are needed, I will not hold you back. But today was not that time."
She sighed and eased against him. "I cannot help that I hate this. I am used to going on the hunt and being treated as an equal when it comes to battle. I am not like Vanora," she rested her forehead against his. "I will never be like her."
"This I know all to well, and do not wish you to be," Tristan replied, nuzzling his nose against hers slightly. "But please understand that I merely wish to keep you safe, not control you. And it is hard now," his voice trailed off.
"After what has happened to me," she finished for him, sighing. "I know that that affected you, thinking me dead for over two months and then seeing me as injured as I was, but I promise you, it will not happen again."
"I know, but it is hard to not guard you after that my Ana," he replied, kissing her lips softly.
"What you do to me," she murmured, wrapping her arms around him and kissing him deeply. "You are to knowledgeable about getting your self out of trouble," she stated, feeling him pull at her clothing.
"Shall I stop then?" he asked, looking into her eyes.
She grinned at him in reply, wrapping her fingers in his hair and moving to straddle his legs, pushing him back on the bed.
xoxoxoxoxoxox
That night at the tavern, Roxana was busy, helping Vanora fill drinks and such, when the knights came in. Although Galahad and Gawain were trying to be happy it was clear unease was surrounding them. They had not received their papers.
"What happened?" She asked walking over to her husband and handing him an apple.
"He wished to discuss Roman business, and apparently, only Romans are good enough to hear it," Lancelot stated, stalking over to a table where two Roman soldiers were playing dice.
She watched him go before turning back to Tristan. "So I take it you did not get your papers then?"
He shook his head no, already having begun to eat.
She nodded slowly and brought her hand up, running her thumb over the tattoos on his cheek. "So handsome," she murmured smiling.
"Charmer," he growled playfully as she turned to leave, grinning at him.
A while later, and several drinks, most of the knights had cheered up a bit. Galahad and Gawain were having a knife throwing contest, which Tristan came and beat them at, Lancelot was losing quite a large sum of money, but managing to keep the Romans betting, and Dagonet had showed up and Bors was already working on him to make their plans for freedom.
Roxana looked at them with a grin as she went about, filling glasses. It was when Bors persuaded Vanora to sing that she paused near Tristan, his arm snaking around her waist and pulling her to him as he held her while Vanora sang of home, her head resting on his shoulder. Out of the corner of her eye she spied Arthur coming up, anger and grief on his face as he watched his men. He was about to leave at the end of Van's song when Jols called out to him, earning an angered look from the commander.
"Arthur!" Galahad called happily, obviously drunk as he and the others went to gather around Arthur. Something told Roxana to stay her place so she did, standing near Tristan and Dagonet. "You're not completely a Roman yet right?" he asked grinning.
"Russ!" Bors called, hitting his chest and holding out his arm as he joined them. Roxana couldn't help how uneasy Lancelot looked and they held one another's gaze for a moment before they both turned back to look at Arthur.
"Knights," Arthur began, "Brothers in arms. Your courage has been tested above all limits. But I must ask you now for one further trial."
"Drink?" Bors asked, making the motion with his hand as Galahad began to giggle.
Arthur ignored them and continued. "We must leave on a final mission for Rome. Before our freedom can be granted." Tristan looked up at him from his apple while Gawain laughed, as if it were all a joke and started to walk away. "Above the wall far in the North there is a Roman family in need of rescue." Roxana's breath caught in her throat. She knew the family. "They are trapped by Saxons. Our orders are to secure their safely."
"Let the Romans take care of their own," Bors stated.
"Up in the north is Woad territory," Gawain added.
"Our duty to Rome, if it was ever a duty is done," Galahad said, his voice and face filled with contempt. "Our pact with Rome is done."
"Every knight here has laid his life on the line for you. For you." He pointed directly at Arthur. "And instead of freedom you want what, more blood? Our blood. You think more of Roman blood than you do of ours!" Bors accused, anger clouding his features.
"Bors these are our orders. We leave at first light and when we return your freedom will be granted to you, a freedom we can embrace with honor," Arthur stated.
"I am a free man! I will choose my own fate!" Bors yelled back at him. Roxana could feel his pain and bowed her head a bit.
"Yeah, yeah, we're all going to die someday," Tristan spoke and Ana looked up at him, watching his face. "If it's a death from a Saxon hand that frightens you, stay home."
"Listen if you're so eager to die you can die right now!" Galahad yelled, taking a step forward, "But I've got something to live fore!"
"Enough, enough!" Lancelot said forcefully, stepping between the two as Roxana slipped into the shadows moving away from the group, fear and anger gripping her heart.
"The Romans have broken their word," Dagonet said, the voice of reason. "We have the word of Arthur. That is good enough. I'll prepare," he began to walk away, pausing to look at Bors. "Bors, you coming?"
"OF COURSE I'M COMING! CAN'T LET YOU GO ON YOUR OWN! YOU'D ALL GET KILLED! I'M JUST SAYING WHAT YOU'RE ALL THINKING!" He bellowed before turning and heading towards the bar, murmuring, "Vanora'll kill me."
Tristan turned to take Ana's hand only to find her gone. He scanned the tavern quickly before following Dagonet out.
"And you, Gawain?" Arthur asked.
"I'm with you. Galahad as well," Gawain replied, watching as the youngest knight looked angrily at him before throwing down his wine flask and stalking away, leaving only Lancelot.
Roxana watched from the shadows, trying to catch her breath. It was coming in quick gasps. She had to tell someone where they were going, the kind of man they were saving, but who? Certainly not Tristan, or the others for that matter, they would kill him upon arrival. Arthur, she could tell Arthur. She began moving quickly towards the stables where she saw him go and walked in on the middle of his and Lancelot's conversation.
"Do you believe in this mission?" Lancelot asked facing Arthur.
"These people need our help," Arthur replied steadily. "It is our duty to bring them out."
"I don't care about your charge," Lancelot said, becoming more impassioned. "And I don't give a damn about Romans, Britain or this island. If you desire to spend eternity in this place, Arthur, so be it, but suicide cannot be chosen for another!"
"And yet you choose death for this family!" Arthur accused.
"No I choose life! And freedom for myself and the men!" Lancelot cried, completely impassioned at this point and Roxana admired him as he sank down onto a bench, emotionally exhausted. He was deeper than most thought, and she could see it. He reminded her so of her sister Brenna, and not for the first time she thought that they would be a good match.
"How many times in battle have we snatched victory from the jaws of defeat? Outnumbered, outflanked, yet still we triumphed," Arthur said, his voice calmer now, more pleading. "With you at my side, we can do so again. Lancelot, we are knights. What other purpose do we serve if not for such a cause?" Ana admired his beliefs so, as much of a dream as they were.
"Arthur," Lancelot said shaking his head. "You fight for a world that will never exist. Never. There will always be a battlefield." He stated with finality as he rose and walked towards Arthur. "I will die in battle. Of that I am certain. And hopefully a battle of my choosing." He paused for a moment to collect his thoughts and Roxana could only vow silently that she would not let that come to pass. Not as long as their was a breath in her body would she let any of them die. Then she listened as he continued. "But if it be this one, grant me a favor. Don't burry me in our sad little cemetery. Burn me. Burn me and cast my ashes to a strong east wind."
They gazed at each other for a long moment before Lancelot looked away and began to head out of the stables. As he passed Roxana he looked sadly at her and she reached out and squeezed his arm comfortingly. She waited a few moments, to give Arthur some time with his thoughts before she entered, as silently as her husband.
"He's right you know," she said, walking further in to the stables and startling him from his thoughts. "As beautiful as it is, it will only ever be a dream," she walked and stood in front of him, where Lancelot had stood, wrapping her arm around the post.
"Lady, I did not hear you enter," Arthur said to her, trying to collect himself.
"You intend to go on this mission then?" she asked.
"We have no choice. If we do not my men, your husband, will not be granted their freedom," Arthur replied with a sigh.
"I see that once again, Rome has decided to be unfair," she smiled ruefully and watched as he walked and sank onto a nearby bale of hay, his head in his hands. "The family you are rescuing, are of Marius Honorius yes?" she asked watching Arthur's head shoot up and he held her in a hard gaze as she moved around the pole to stand in front of him.
"How did you know that?" he asked, afraid of her answer.
"Because, he is the only Roman man that far north," she said, looking at him levelly.
"No Ana, please do not say it," Arthur begged as she nodded slowly.
"It is him Arthur," she whispered. "I hope you can see why I come to you with this and not to the others. They will kill him as soon as they arrived, and that would not bode well."
"How can I go on this mission now?" Arthur looked defeated as he once again sank onto the hay. "Knowing what was done to you there?"
"You are being sent to take back Alecto yes? Marius, they care not for him according to his wife, but their son, he is the favorite of the Pope. And as corrupt as Rome is, rather you wish to believe it or not, they will care not if he does not make it back to them." She paused and walked to him, hugging his head against her abdomen, causing him to bring his arms around her waist, and she felt as if she were comforting a small boy. And perhaps in a way she was. They had all been children when they were commissioned and as fast as you can grow up from that kind of trauma, a part of you remains a child forever. "I will accompany you. I owe, Fulcinia my life, and Alecto as well, and intend to see them safely back. Also, if there are as many Saxons as they say, you will need the extra bow."
Arthur released her and rose, nodding slowly. "What will Tristan say, when he realizes."
"Leave Tristan to me," she smiled and patted Arthur's cheek. "I know how to control my husbands rage. But a warning Arthur," she looked into his eyes, all humor gone. "Marius will not be returning here alive."
He nodded slowly, knowing when the time came, he would not stop her. "Life, it appears, is being very cruel."
"Fate is trying to teach us something, although what that is I cannot say," she smiled at him. "We will return from this, all of us. I swear that."
"Roxana?" Tristan's voice called as he entered the stables, he saw her with Arthur and quickened his pace. "I have been looking for you."
"I was merely getting orders from our commander husband," she smiled at Arthur again and patted his cheek before walking to Tristan, wrapping her arms around his waist and resting her head on his shoulder. "I will be accompanying you tomorrow."
Tristan's arms had already went around her, and instinctively tightened upon her words, looking up at Arthur. "You have agreed to this?" his voice and face were emotionless, but there was a certain anger to his eyes.
"I have," Arthur replied, a part of him wanting to tell his friend right there and then what she had told him, but did not.
"I will be needed," Roxana said, looking up at him. "You cannot do this alone."
Tristan sighed and looked down at her. "Very well, we should prepare."
"Aye, she replied, leading him from the stables, leaving Arthur alone with God.
xoxoxoxoxoxox
"I do not have to tell you to be careful?" Tristan asked as they lay in bed that night, both pondering what was to come in the following days.
"No more than I have to tell you," Roxana replied, looking at the leather strap around her wrist, flexing it slowly. It allowed more movement than the splint, and still let her use her bow and sword if necessary. Dagonet had brought it buy not long after they had returned to their room, already guessing that she would be coming with them.
"I worry," he stated, leaning over and kissing her head.
She nodded slowly, rising and looking at him closely. "As do I," she leaned forward and kissed his lips lightly. "But we should not. Our ancestors protect us, otherwise why would we both be here now?"
"True," he kissed her once more before she settled against him. "I love you."
"And I you. Not let us try to sleep. We have a long day tomorrow," she whispered, her mind wandering back to that dungeon as she begged the Goddess to give her the strength to not kill Marius to quickly.