Disclaimer: Same as before…. Min evîn means 'my love' in Kurdish – the closest I could get to Iranian; as Sarmatia is now in central Iran. The 'Black Death' or plague was first recorded around 2300 BC – it being recorded in Briton the first time in 160 AD; there is also a Celtic website that states Arthur fell dead along with Mordruth (Mordred?) in a fierce battle in 537AD, and then shortly after a plague swept the country killing many thousands – this was regarded as the fall of Camulod (Camelot?) and Merlyn (Merlin?) died 15 years later of Leprosy – Cassandra (Guinevere?) died in childbirth – Uther Pendragon found Cassandra whilst on a raid(!) and she was actually the mother of Arthur!; with another plague outbreak 10 years later in 547. Thought you lot might find those little snippets interesting! Not sure if I believe these particular ones…..
However, there is also a website that says it has evidence a roman called Arturious won the Battle of Badon Hill in 516AD ( so maybe some of these historians could cut the film makers some slack!) LOL Anyway there are many different types of plague I found; but the bubonic is the most commonly known, and so this is the one I opted for……
Marblez: I am very muchly glad you do…..and hope you like this chapter as muchly! ;O)
Little Raven-Hawk: I must admit my first two stories were about Tristan; but knew I had to do one for Dag. He has now moved up to my No.1 favourite knight now… You find out what happened to him in this chapter which will explain why is so distraught and so will explain (hopefully) why he reacted the way he did. Devon will be there for him over the next few chapters, along with Dag and Lance….and he will be alright. But I am sorry it upset you so much, though I suppose that is quite a compliment as I don't think my writing is all that good, but to make you cry…..thank you, if you know what I mean. I don't think you're crazy, I cried at Edward Scissorhands (the only one in the entire cinema to do so) because I felt so sorry for him and as I was treated much the same by my peers really related to what he went through. I think most characters these days can related to us in some small way and thereby gives us something to latch onto and care what becomes of them. I will keep an eye out for your stories too, and look forward to reading them….I am also working on a 'House M.D.' story at the moment (a bit lighter and more humorous I think). I'm very grateful you liked it so much; hope you like this chapter too.
Evenstar-mor2004: Good…yeah, frequently and I wonder what a freak show the world is, with me as one of the main attractions! Yeah, well freedom at any price for the scout, eh? Hope you like this chapter….
Twilight Falcon: Glad you liked it so much…well, they had to really didn't they? There was no way she would be ordered around! Well the wagon bit was meant to be funny – but I think it has to do with most people thinking of a child's little red wagon! ROFL Not quite what I meant, but hey whatever floats your boat right:O) Not crazy – merely inventive; don't put yourself down.
Calliann: Glad you liked it…..I knew you'd know, but had to say it anyway, just in case. You'll find out in this chapter what Tristan learned, and over the next few chapters how she, and the other two, help him deal with his grief. Well, he is so gentle and she was wrong – so he had to win really! I hate this chapter though, another filler (blech) but hope you don't hate it as much as I do…
lilstrummrgrl527: It's a comment I use a lot as I'm always in trouble with someone in the family (usually the outlaws!) and had to put it in:O) I absolutely fell about laughing when I read your review as Beth has one of those wagon, with little wooden side and I could clearly picture Tristan and Lancelot trying to fit in it! ROFLMBAO Arthur is the really devout Christian and yet he is having sex with Guinevere, of course Devon's going to tell! I had a friend at school with twin younger brothers and they were exactly like Gawain and Galahad (more Galahad actually) and they drove her mad…..but I used to laugh like a drain; it was always "if you let us come I won't tell Mum you did insert misdemeanour here "……. Having a blackmail attempt turned back on you is never good – I hope you get him back! Glad you like the name and thanks for the Tee……More in this chapter; I will try and ensure at least one hair ruffle a chapter – just for you:O) Glad you liked the exchange, it's just the way he comes across in the movie – very puppyish (but in a cute way). I can tell you why all the cute guys are dumb – they're himbos! Sad but true…. Not only do we rock the world, we own and run it! The gown thing was intentional as I realised that not many of my female lead characters (I have a pathological aversion to calling them 'heroines') wear dresses – though I don't either which is probably why! It's a knight thing to watch your mate get wrecked by his lover/wife! I have to say I do not watch any of the death scenes……especially Dag's. I'm sad old muppet I know…but I cry and it's stupid of me!
Sorceress MishaROFL you're not the only one to notice and I had to laugh at the picture it conjured up for me too! I laughed when writing the bit about the wagon, horse and stairs as well….I just had this image of Tristan and Lancelot watching her as she fought the horse and dragged the wagon! VBG Glad you liked this chapter – I wanted it to be a bit more humorous as it was all getting a tad depressing again….. The LJ is brilliant and I shall be a frequent visitor! Anyway, I hate this chapter – but hope you like it!
SpectralLady: Not this time…..I hate this chapter, it's another 'filler' one and I'm completely useless at them! Plus I've been bad again so had to try and fit in writing around being ill – Blech! They both had points – but I think his was probably right, especially where Tristan was concerned. However, I think if you're used to being out and about, to be so confined for so long must be horrible. Read this chapter and you'll see you'll also find out about Tristan…..hope you like it.
Aelia O'Hession: Glad you liked it – and that little bit of rain is already making way for the sun! She is isn't she? But I suppose when you've been on your own for 15 out of the 16 years you probably think you're totally in control. I think Galahad's assertion that he would rather his life than hers is very true….I have to agree with him that's for sure. Hopefully though she will now start to drop her guard a little, even if only with Dag…. Listen to me woman, if anyone gets to keep Lucan it's me…..he is so sweet if you ate him he'd rot your teeth on contact! He's such a little cutie-pie! AAWWWWW! I HATE this chapter, hope you like it though.
WARNING: BAD LANGUAGE AND VIOLENCE, SO READ AT YOUR OWN PERIL.
All reviews, and constructive criticism, gratefully received – but no flaming please; and I will try to update regularly.
'—' signifies thoughts.
"—" signifies speech.
Anyway…chapter Fourteen!
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Heart & Soul
Chapter Fourteen – Love and Needs
"So…where is she, Aida?" Dag turned and looked at the old woman.
The old lady tugged him outside and pointed to a large tree in the distance "She's either in that tree or in the pond next to it…." She smiled at him "I suppose you're going after her?"
"How could I not?" he smiled; quickly saddling his horse, he mounted Ademar and rode out.
"Go get her Dag!" Yelled Bors encouragingly; they all knew that if he was riding out he knew where'd she'd gone.
The large knight rolled his eyes with a smile as the others - including Lancelot, who stood at the door to the sick room and even, he could barely believe it, Arthur - hooted and hollered at him as he passed.
Ganis opened the gates "I 'ope she ain't too mad Dag!" he grinned "I 'ear she's got a fierce temper on 'er…."
"If you don't return mate, we'll avenge your death!" Laughed Bors.
Lucan ran out in front of him, waving his arms to stop "I'm sorry Father….but I love her muchly too, and she was so sad at being cooped up. Bring her back to us!" he called.
Dag pulled up hard on Ademar and stooped to ruffle his hair "You're a good boy Lucan…do not worry; she would never really leave us for too long - mark me!"
"Aye…well, bring her back all the same." The lad looked worried.
Van came over and put her arm round his shoulders and smiled "he'll be fine with my lot Dag…go get your woman!"
He rode off with a wave to Lucan.
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It did not take him long to ride to the woods, and he saw Gypsy munching away on some grass seemingly oblivious to the world. He looked up into the large tree Aida had pointed out as he dismounted, praying to the Goddess that she wasn't up there as he wouldn't relish climbing the damn thing. Thankfully he couldn't see her, so decided to go to the pond first before venturing into its leafy branches.
He saw her sitting on the side of the pond, silently shredding a leaf in her hand – she looked completely desolate. He watched as Gypsy wandered over and nudged her, Devon absently moved her hand up and patted the horse's neck.
"Oh, Gyps mate…what have I done? I had to get out and just wanted to make Tristan happy, and I couldn't leave Lancelot out. I knew Dag would be mad, but not that mad.
Then I lost my temper and…..my bloody temper….I hate it…." She rubbed a hand over her eyes, smearing the tears that welled there, the mare tossed her head as if agreeing; and Dagonet realised he was watching a conversation and camaraderie that had been borne out of many long seasons of isolation, just the two of them.
"Oh well, it was a nice dream while it lasted." She sighed deeply "He won't want me now I made him lose his temper. I heard Gawain and the others saying they'd never heard him shout before….I made that gorgeous, gentle man get so mad he shouted…." Her voice hitched.
"Do you know what my Mum said to me, when I saw her with Lance and Tris? She said 'If we could have made a match for you Devon, we would have chosen your Dagonet', that's what she said Gypsy…..they would have chosen him themselves, and now I've messed everything up." She looked round, but did not see him "I suppose we'd best be moving on. Though in the name of the Goddess, I will miss him like I will miss my heart…for I leave that with him, along with my soul….." She stood and went to mount the horse, who danced sideways and then shot off into the trees.
"What's your problem?" Gypsy came trotting back; went behind Devon nudging her towards the clearing, but also towards the fort. "You want me to go back? But he'll hate me! I can't….I can't lose someone I love so much Gyps, I can't. I….it would be too much." She shook her head.
"That's why I can't lean on him; or let him help me…what if he leaves me, then what? I need him Gypsy….it goes beyond wanting or loving….I need him…and if he leaves me, and I have to start all over again….I couldn't….not this time….he means muchly to me…."
The horse snorted almost in derision "You snort, you traitor, but people die in battles and even tavern arguments, you know that full as well as I….I could lose him…and I know I wouldn't cope without him…I have never loved as I love him now….never." Gypsy snorted again, and once more nudged her towards the fort.
Devon sat down and stubbornly refused to move "Two can play this game my Lady and I won the last time, after three days, remember?" The mare tossed her head as if despairing and wandered past Dag to continue grazing.
He stood there dumbfounded at what she'd said and what he'd witnessed, but snuck over to the beast and patted her neck; she looked round – he waited to be bitten or neighed at – instead she nudged his shoulder almost in encouragement and snickered at him. He smiled; maybe she wasn't such a bad old nag.
Well, time to take the demon by the temper…. he did something that he would later admit was the most un-Dagonet like thing he had done in his life. He walked over, bent down, swept her into his arms and – before she had time to react – kissed her deeply and soundly.
Her arms snaked round his neck without her even knowing she had done it, and pulled his head closer. Their tongues tangled and he crushed her tightly to him, it was only feeling that he might go too far that made him pull back.
She still had her eyes closed and a look of love on her face, he was pleased to see he had that effect on her…
Devon's eyes fluttered open "Dagonet?" she whispered.
He grinned "I hope you weren't expecting Lancelot, or even Galahad?"
"You hate me…" she buried her head in his shoulder, ignoring the jest, as he sat down on the grass and huddled her into his lap; still keeping his arms tight about her.
"Aye Devon – I always go around kissing deeply people I hate….you should ask Arthur how many Woads I've kissed just before I've killed them…." He said mock seriously.
She slapped his shoulder "You make sport of me…"
"Only because I am not one for pretty words and gestures like our Lancelot. Look" he sighed "I love you and I need you. I can't say it plainer; I'd love to be like him – in a lot of ways, not least in looks…." he smiled ruefully "but I'm not, I don't have his wit for fine words and grand gestures to impress and win round.
Lancelot was right….I am a plodder, a plain and simple man – in all ways, including looks. So I will speak plainly and simply now…." He paused at her wide eyed expression "I love you Devon, I love you more than my own life….I love you with all my heart….I love you" he paused once more "muchly…." He stared meaningfully at her, hoping she would understand what he was saying.
She took a deep breath, but her eyes flashed angrily "you are no plodder Dagonet! You are not plain and simple – you merely speak true and honestly. That is why I love you as I do….as for his looks; alright he is handsome, I see that – but his looks do not make my heart skip a beat as yours did even the first time I met you. His eyes do not make me forget where I am as yours do…they do not make me feel as though I am drowning in them…" She stopped to catch her breath "You have no idea what you do to me Dag…none."
She kissed him again, the kiss quickly deepened once more "That's why I would rather leave, than lose you" she was desperate now, her anger dead "it would be too hard for me if you ended up hating me because of my stupid temper. Or worse still, to lose you to death and be like Tristan….like I was before….." she said when they finally broke apart.
"When I saw you so angry on the battlements and then heard what you said….I couldn't cope, so I ran….I realised then I'd been wrong, but was worried you would hate me…so I thought I would leave…leave now…before the pain got worse…." She hid her head once more in his shoulder.
He took her face in his hands so she couldn't look away "now you listen to me my lady and you listen well – if you ever left me I would spend the rest of my days hunting you down; I would never rest and never give up until I found you. How could I? You own my heart and soul Devon; and not just mine, but Lucan's too.
There is a very worried little boy back at the fort…he is convinced you're not coming back; I know because I saw the look on his face.
What of Tristan? You know better than I whatever the loss is he's suffered – how do you think he'll cope with losing his sister all over again? I can tell you he'd join me in the search and so would Lancelot; you three died together and came back together -you are tied and he would not abandon you ….if you left, we'd find you….I'd find you.
Now I know that isn't going to happen, because both I and your damn horse are against you….so give it up and let me look after and love you."
He stopped and waited for her response; she sighed and nodded "I don't deserve you Dagonet, I really and truly don't – but thank the Goddess you don't seem to know that."
"I don't know it, because it's not true." He kissed her once more "Now let's get back…." She refused to rise and buried her head in his shoulder once more "What is it?"
"Van…oh, I said some horrible things to Van!"
"Don't worry, she has a bad temper too and is always saying things and then apologising later. Just tell her you're sorry and all will be forgiven." He smiled smoothing her hair.
She snuggled into his arms "Can't we stay a bit longer?"
The feel of her against him, the warmth of her flowing through him – how could he say no? "Aye, for a bit….." he relented.
He sat in the damp grass and not for the first time in his life, with his back against a tree trunk and looked out over the pond. She remained in his lap, snuggled against his chest. The sun dropped down through the trees and dappled the grass and glinted sporadically off the water, and Dagonet felt at peace with the world.
"Would you have left us…left me?" he asked quietly.
"Aye, if blasted Gypsy had let me….but…." she added, so quietly he barely heard her "I think I would have returned just as swiftly. So swiftly I doubt you'd have noticed I'd gone further than here…."
"You would?" he lifted her chin with a finger, forcing her to meet his gaze and hold it. Goddess, he could drown in those honey eyes of hers; those eyes that were almost a liquid gold colour now as she fought to control her emotions.
She touched his chest with her hand, resting it over the strong beat of his heart "I feel we are tied Dag…here. You to me" she pulled one of his hands to rest over her own heart. "If I left you overlong the tie would break and I would die…."
He hugged her tight again, resting his chin on the top of her head "Aye, you're right - I feel the same. I'll not leave you Devon; even death will never keep us apart." He felt her shake her head "don't shake your head at me, I promise you I'll never leave you."
He made her look at him once more "Listen to me; if I die I will not go through those gates – I will wait this side of them, so I can come back and walk life's road with you.
You'll not see me mayhap, but I'll make bloody sure you know I'm there - and then, when your time comes, I'll take you hand and bring you with me.
After all, did you yourself not say that even Heaven is not as golden as it seemed a few short days ago without me in it? That this hell we live in is Heaven to you now, only because I am here? Well, I feel the same, and more, for you - nowhere in Heaven or earth would hold a light to you, my little demon….everything pales against you; even the sun does not shine as brightly without you." he said quietly but with conviction.
She let the tears fall then, unheeded, down her face as she pulled him to her murmuring her love and how she felt the same…how he was the light in her life and how she felt her heart was whole again now he was here.
He knew she meant it….Devon said naught she did not mean, good or ill. He knew then she would be with him for all eternity, theirs was a love that would never die.
"Come" he stood her up and rose as well "We should get back…Arthur will be organising a search party!" he smiled.
"Dag?"
"Aye?" he looked round.
"Can I ride with you?" she nodded at his horse.
"Of course…." He grinned.
He gently lifted her onto Ademar, hitching Gypsy to the pummel. Then he mounted behind her. "Alright?"
"Aye" she snuggled back against him "I am now…"
He tightened his arms round her "Good, so am I."
"Dag?"
"Hmm?" he rested his chin on her head as they ambled back to the fort.
"Can I stay with you tonight? I feel better, honestly I do…and I can still go and check on Tris and Lance." she hugged his arms tighter about her "and to tell true I've missed this so much."
Dag smiled, he had to admit the last weeks had been hard for him too, to go to a bed that was empty of her – only one night they had spent in each other's arms, and yet in some ways it had felt like forever. His self control would have to be tightly bound, as he would not do aught to cause her pain, but he missed her comforting presence….
"Aye…I cannot see what harm it would do."
She grinned, and although he could not see it, he felt it.
Something suddenly occurred to him as the fingers on his left hand gently stroked some soft fabric as he caressed her arm "Devon, why are you wearing a gown?"
She was lost in the feel of his fingers and it took a moment for what he said to register "What? Oh, stitches…well the wound now, as Merlin took out my stitches yesterday - my usual clothes rub it and cause it to take longer to heal. I've never had the option of this before."
"Right…."
"Why?"
"I've just never seen you in one before…"
"I admit they're not something I wear every day….not very practical for me really!" she smiled "Why, do you like it? I could wear one more often I suppose…." She sounded doubtful.
"Nay lass, I love you just the way you are….." he kissed her hair.
"As I you…." she turned slightly to look up at him "I love you very much, you know that don't you? I mean I don't understand it….we've not known each other overlong…but I do."
"I love you too, and I also have wondered about it; but Merlin thinks we are soul mates, and that souls that are matched as ours are find each other no matter what…and when they do, love is instant." He looked down at her and smiled.
"Love at first sight? Not sure I believe in it….but at the end of the day I love you and I need you, and I don't need to think about it too much as to why. I'm just grateful I found you." She smiled.
He tightened his grip on her, pulling her more tightly against him. Feeling her sigh in contentment; both glad their argument was over.
"Dag?"
"Aye?"
"I……I love you muchly…very muchly." She smiled, knowing he'd understand what she meant.
He buried his head in her hair, nuzzling her neck. "Aye lass and I love you very muchly too….you'll never know how muchly….."
She moved her head to allow him better access and started to murmur his name as he made her body feel like it was on fire. He pulled back, both their breathing ragged.
"I'll sleep on the floor tonight…" he muttered.
"You'll do no such thing……there's no point me staying with you if you are not there to hug me." She pointed out. "Plus it's your bed…."
"It matters naught…but Devon, I am not sure I can control myself this time….last time was difficult…" he confessed.
"Well, we'll see……I trust you Dag…" she grinned. Her wound was doing very well, and she had plans for Dagonet tonight……..so long as they were careful she would not be hurt.
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As they approached the hill before the wall they saw Galahad, Gawain and Bors riding over the brow.
"I told you the bloody scout was wrong!" they heard both heard Bors complaining.
"Well, were you going to be the one to restrain him and Lancelot?" Gawain asked mildly "'cos I bloody wasn't!"
"What's up lads?" asked Dagonet as they approached.
"Daft scout was convinced our maid here was leavin' us!" Scoffed Bors "Gettin' in a right state he were….well, for the scout anyhow. Told us quite calm like that if we didn't come lookin' for ya he would…that set Lance off then…."
Dagonet leant down to Devon's ear "Don't tell them….." She nodded.
"He's sick Bors…allow him a little leeway. He is my brother after all, and he knows Dag and I quarrelled." She smiled winsomely, and Dag could see that her temper could be the least of his worries as the three knights before him melted.
"Aye, well we best be getting back." Dag said "You go and see him, and calm them both down."
She grinned at him "and I'll see you later…."
"I see you made up then?" smiled Bors.
"Aye."
"Best part's to come then mate….best part's to come!" He guffawed; Dag merely rolled his eyes, hoping that Devon hadn't heard his friend and brother……
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When they arrived back, Devon went straight to Tristan and Lancelot. Although his face was passive she saw him visibly relax when she entered the room; she also hadn't missed the almost blind worry in his eyes that passed as she came in.
"Brother? What ails you?"
"Nothing…."
Lancelot rolled his eyes "Nothing he says, when we had to physically restrain him to ensure he did not go looking for you!" He glared at Merlin "none would let me go either!"
"You are still weak, boy…." Merlin reasoned as he stood at the end of the dark knight's bed "it would have aided no one to let you go."
Lancelot sighed angrily, ignoring the shaman, and pointed to Tristan "He was convinced you had left us…."
"Well, I haven't…so everyone can stop worrying." She smiled.
The scout gestured for her to come to him. She walked over and he tugged her arm to sit beside him, he said two words as she did so "Don't go…"
Tears pricked her eyes; she knew he knew what she'd been thinking – what she'd almost done - she couldn't explain it, but he knew. "I won't" she whispered "I promise you brother, as I promised Dag…I won't."
He hugged her tightly then "I couldn't stand it; not after….." he paused "I need you sister…I fear…." she leant back and put a finger to his lips.
"You won't have to, I'm staying put do not fear – I won't ever leave you brother; do you believe me?"
he nodded, relaxing at the sincerity in her words – no female prattling from his sister; just facts, plain and simple. He sighed and closed his eyes.
"But Tristan?" he looked at her once more "I am going back to Dag's room tonight. Alright?"
He nodded and smiled, shutting them once again "Aye…so long as you stay with me, I care naught where you sleep."
"Best part of an argument is the making up Dev!" Lancelot smirked, adopting Jols' name for her "Owwww! I am a sick and injured man!" he wailed as she cuffed his head.
They both grinned at each other "Aye but you're well enough for a cuff if you get too cheeky!"
"Do you like me now Dev?" Lancelot asked suddenly serious.
"Aye, actually I do. Why?"
"It's important….we went to the land of the dead, we three – it's important to me you both like me. I know he does." He nodded toward the sleeping Tristan "he's been my brother these last 15 years. But you….are new to us and I want you to like me as he and the others do."
He sighed as he tried to think more clearly of the point he was making "You see us underneath the every day masks we wear Dev. You see Tristan's loneliness and fears, you see my goodness, you see Arthur's insecurities, you see Dag's loneliness and needs……you even see Galahad and Gawain for the boys they are, needing an older sibling to see them through. Even Jols and Aida; you see them as the decent people others miss, who just need one person to tell them they matter and are valued in this world.
It is important then you see me as I truly am….a real man with feelings who needs someone…..I know you love Dagonet and I would do naught to change that, but I….I want you as a friend…a good and best friend…even more than Arthur, as I think you speak more plainly than he and care naught for hurt feelings if something needs saying."
She nodded "Aye that's true – I do." She thought for a moment "Aye, Lancelot I will be that to you….your best friend in this life and the next…it will be we four (I must count my Dagonet) against the world then." She smiled as he relaxed and lay back.
"Good, then I am at peace."
She sat with them for most of the day, chatting and laughing – but she saw the dampened light in her brother's eyes when he awoke and her heart lurched. She had been in his place, she knew the pain he suffered. What to do?
"I will go for a brief walk and come back in a while to say goodnight…alright?" Tristan nodded, his own eyelids beginning to sag once more.
She looked to Lancelot who shrugged and smiled "I will be with him, we will be fine. Things are different now, are they not? We will always watch each others backs."
She leant over Lancelot and whispered, as she kissed his cheek "Someone must, for you will not watch your own!" he merely grinned.
"I will be well so long as you don't leave me sister…I could not go on……" but the scout could not finish the sentence.
"I won't……" she went and hugged him again before she went out. She had a lump so large in her throat that it was almost choking her. She had to talk to someone and she had to do it now….she wanted Dagonet…..she needed Dag.
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She saw him across the compound and, despite the tug from the almost healed wound in her side, she broke into a run. He saw her and held out his arms, she ran full tilt into them. At first his heart had swelled as she had clung to him; but then concern had registered as he realised she was upset.
"What is it…. Min evîn, what is it?" Without realising it, Dag had used an endearment in their mother tongue in his concern.
She buried her head in his shoulder and wouldn't let him go. Arthur had come over having witnessed their meeting "Is she alright?" he asked concerned.
"I don't know…she hasn't said."
"Tristan…he….I….." Devon stammered.
"What? Is he sick again….." Dag was worried now.
"No, physically he heals well…but here" she pointed to her heart "he is sick Dag he is heartsick…his soul is scarred, I know it, and I know not what to do…."
"Can we help?" Arthur asked sitting down next to her on the hay bale that she and Dag had sat on.
"I don't know…I don't!" both men could see she was clearly distressed "he helped me….he healed me…." She pointed at Dagonet "His love…."
A tear slid down her cheek; Dag wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into his lap. She buried her head in his shoulder "Dag…it was…he…." She took a deep, shaky breath and tried to steady herself.
"Right…." Arthur made a decision "I want you tell us what happened to him…"
Dag nodded as Devon looked at him; she sighed. If Dag wished her to tell, she could not refuse him. If he only knew what those gentle brown eyes did to her, how she could drown in them.
"He saw everyone he loved….his whole family, whole village - all of them…his mother, father, little brother, grandparents; they were dead of course, that's how they were there – they'd died of a disease….a bad one. They'd lingered, but all were too sick to help each other. The entire village died….hard. They died hard Dag…badly….it was awful.
His mother hugged him through those gates as best she could, his father tried to calm him….but he couldn't take it in….his grandfather had told him you see. I suppose he thought he had to….." she stopped and breathed deeply to stay the tears that threatened once more.
Remembering the look of incredulous horror on his usually passive face, as he sank to his knees when all the people he had known and grown up with had crowded behind his parents and were keen to say hello – not realising the devastating effect this would have on him.
"Please Devon…" Dag said "is it that bad?"
She nodded and whispered two words that chilled both men to the bone "black death".
"Oh dear God….." Arthur muttered.
"Are you sure?" Dag could not believe it.
"Aye…" she whispered "How can I help him Dagonet…how?" she stared deeply at him "he does not have anyone as I have you….he does not have anyone to love and bring his heart back to life as you did mine.
I spent 16 summers mourning the passing of those I loved….16 summers of praying for death every night and cursing my life every morning. I longed for death….." she paused to stop the remembered bitterness overwhelming her "I do not wish that for my brother…I do not. But I saw how what he learnt broke him….to know there is nothing to go back to, no one left – none. That was why he cried, why he begged entry…" she paused once more.
"I was lucky – I found you." she reached up and caressed his cheek, the large knight pressed a kiss into the palm at the heartfelt love in her eyes "he has no one."
Arthur touched her shoulder "That is not strictly true….he has you now."
She hung her head "I am no one….nothing….I cannot heal the scar that runs so deep through his soul. The only reason he returned was for me….and what comfort can I offer him? What aid can I give to make the pain leave him be?"
"Then you are not no one, for he would not have returned otherwise. If Tristan wants something, he usually gets it – death would have been no different I am sure.
As for being a nothing, you most certainly are something – you are a sister. A sister that is much needed – you can ensure you are there if he needs you, if he wants to talk….just be there for him, as Dagonet was there for you…he is your blood now Devon, you will not fail him; I have faith in you." Arthur smiled sadly.
"I agree, but he not only has you – he has all of us too. I told him that, and he knows it; we must just get him to believe it." Dag added.
She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him deeply. Arthur smiled and stood to leave them; she broke away from Dagonet and touched his arm "Thank you Arthur…."
"Don't mention it." He smiled tightly as he walked away.
It was good she was finally beginning to let him in, let her hate of him go; but his thoughts and prayers were with the scout….to lose all you loved, and like that…..he shook his head….
"I love you Dag…I do…." She sighed leaning her head against his chest.
"Then do not run if we quarrel. For we will Devon, we will……but no matter how angry we get at each other, or what we say remember this now and for always – I love you with all my heart, body and soul, and even when I'm mad at you I still love you deeply."
She hugged him to her, merely nodding as her heart was too full to speak out loud all she felt. But he could see the emotions in her eyes.
He looked up "It is getting late….maybe we should retire soon?"
She sighed and yawned it had indeed been an eventful day "Aye…but I will go and see Tristan first….then we can go, yes?" she stood and then turned back "What did you call me?"
"When?"
"When I ran up to you….what was it you said to me?"
Dag blushed "I called you my love in the old tongue….." she caressed his face "I remember now…it was so long ago that I was there…"
"I'll meet you in our room…." He smiled; it seemed strange to call it that, but it was now.
"Alright…." She hesitated just the briefest moment "Min evîn" she said and quickly walked away.
Dagonet watched her go, her slim hips swinging slightly and thanked all the Heavens she had not bolted too far for him to find her……she ruled his life and all that was in it.
Lucan wandered up "Is all well Father?"
"Aye Lucan – all is well…she will never leave us I swear to you." He smiled.
Lucan hugged him "I am so happy to hear that…I love her muchly…"
"As do I boy, as do I." He turned to look at the young boy "Devon will be moving into my room tonight – so I will be giving you your own room next door. Is that alright? But you can stay with us if you wish?"
"Nay Father – you will wish your own time together, grown ups do….Bors told me…you wish to…ummm…what was it he said you wished to do? Move the furniture - that was it; you wish to move the furniture and not be disturbed whilst you do so… so I will stay in my room." He smiled and wandered off to Seven.
Dag glanced over at Bors who was almost on his knees laughing as the gentle knight realised he was blushing…
He sighed, rose and went to find Devon…….he could kill Bors later.
Sorry for the delay in posting – not been too well, this chapter was a nightmare to write and I still hate it….hope you all don't feel the same about it! With luck the next one will be better…..