Misguided Roses chapter 4...a little shorter than normal. I'm not going to post another chap til I get 20 reviews, so as to know this story is ok, haha. Thanks for those of you who have reviewed so far!!!!
I couldn't sleep. Biting my nails vivaciously, I shook my head violently, desperately wanting the day's events to leave my head. It seemed the color red was the only thing I could see. Was this all the world cared about?
Getting out of bed and putting on lavender colored robe, I headed down to the stables. Selecting a young, chocolate mare, I set out toward the hill, across the field of bodies being burned well into the night. Down to the tree line I stopped, by the cemetery where all of Arthur's fallen knights slept in peace.
Dismounting, I noticed I wasn't alone. Drawing my small blade, I looked towards the shadow. "Come slowly", I commanded, my tone slightly nervous.
I lit one of the torches nearby, and sighed in relief as the Lady Guinevere approached. "Couldn't sleep I take it?" she began, her eyes warm.
I simply nodded. "I don't know how anyone can, after that." I pointed with my left hand towards the field, where smoke rose in the black sky.
Guinevere sighed and placed a hand on the my shoulder. "You didn't have to stay, but Arthur told me you believed in freedom for all. That was very noble of you to do. My people thank you." I looked down, a little embarrassed. Guinevere continued. "You fight well. I was told Roman ladies aren't allowed to carry weapons and other nonsense."
The Roman nature in me laughed. "Tis true. A friend of the family, Leon…he taught me and my sisters a few tricks, to protect ourselves."
"A smart man. Your Roman ways baffle me. A patriarchal society? There's bound to be bloodshed…" Guinevere stopped, looking out unto Badon Hill. "Many of my men and women died today, fighting for their home. Where is your home, Arria?"
It was a question I could not answer, and Guinevere did not push the matter. Instead, she drew out her dagger.
"Show me what you can do," she began, getting in a defensive stance. I gave her a perplexed stare, but did as she was told. I attacked, knowing the Woad could protect herself. Sure enough, Guinevere dodged every blow with ease. After a few more moves, Guinevere put up her hand.
"I forgot how tired I was. Not bad…but you need to learn more." Arria shook her head.
"I never want to kill again. Too much blood has been spilled. I want to teach of peace and love, not warfare tactics", I pleaded, wishing the girl would understand.
The Woad put away her weapon and smiled. "All humans should learn how to protect themselves, Arria. In this world, it is the only way to survive." Enlightened, the I sighed heavily, suddenly feeling exhausted. "In the morning comes the beginnings of a new world. The ideals you value will be put into place. Rome is crumbling from within, you know this. On this land, we could use a smart female like you to make sure these notions of equality and freedom stay. Merlin said that Arthur will unite both our clans together. Look out, see how we've already conquered tyranny and oppression."
It was all true. Rome was in the past, as was my family. "Everything I've loved has been sacrificed for this cause. God must will it so. I suppose I can try to find my purpose here, in Britain." Guinevere smiled brightly, hugging her new friend.
"With you on our side we our unstoppable!"
I couldn't help but smile slightly, in spite of her sadness. "It's getting late. Arthur needs you now." The Woad's eyes widened, and she ducked her head in embarrassment. I laughed quietly. "You are both lucky to have one another. Two perfectly great minds."
Both of us mounted their horses and headed back towards the fortress, but not before I had said a silent prayer to all that had fallen in service to Rome in the sad little cemetery.
I now found sleep easily within grasp, and it wasn't until the sun rose high in the sky the next day that I awoke, all my muscles in agony. Walking down the stairs, I heard all the other knights sitting at their round table, discussing something quietly. I had thrown on a light blue robe that was hanging on my door. I had my hair up in a typical Roman bun, with a few hairs squiggly rolling down the sides of my cheek.
The stood up as I entered, eyeing the round table with wonder. All gave me a nod of approval as I past each of them, and I sat between Guinevere and Lancelot as the others took their seats. Merlin was also present, along with a few Woad warriors I had seen the day before.
Looking down, I noticed Guinevere had her hand in Arthur's, and I smiled. Merlin began to speak.
"Arthur has proven himself a strong and capable leader. He can unite this land and protect it from invaders like the Saxons. It is time the island of Britain named a king, to rule and protect all within its walls. Arthur is to be that king."
I looked around, noticing the remaining Sarmatian knights nod their agreement. Arthur looked down at the table, deep in thought. Guinevere stared at him, her eyes sparkling.
After a moment, Arthur stood. "Pelegius taught me that all men are created equal, and as such should be allowed freedom of all kinds. Now that Rome has tossed these ideas aside, it seems this place is the only way to keep his values alive." He turned. "I can only do this with you at my side." Guinevere smiled brightly, and nodded.
The Sarmatian knights glanced at each other, all asking the same questions inwardly. Now that they had their discharge papers, where would they go? Word had reached that Sarmatia was in the midst of its own war against the Huns, and loosing badly. Soon they would be outcasts in their own homes.
The meeting broke soon after, and I caught up with Lancelot. "How's your wound?" I asked.
He turned to face me. "I'll live." He didn't continue, and I shifted my eyes left and right, a bit confused. I had heard that Lancelot was quite the charmer and trickster normally. Now that the battle was over, I had hoped his spirit would return. It seemed I was mistaken.
He sighed heavily and began cleaning his swords with his various chemicals. "Will you stay here, now that your family is gone and Rome is no longer safe?"
"That has been on my mind for the past day or so. After talking to Guinevere last night-"
"Oh, so it was you that rode towards the cemetery. I saw someone leave on my horse last night." I blushed. Oops, I had no idea it was his horse. A glint of a smirk appeared at the corner of his eye.
"Beautiful creature. But to answer your question, I believe God wants me here now, to what purpose I know not. Guinevere seems to think there is of great use for me, but I have yet to see it. And you, sir knight? Back to your Sarmatia?" I said, smiling, hoping to bring out his softer side once more. Instead his face grew cold and withdrawn.
"Yesterday we received word that Sarmatia will soon be no more, with the powerful Hun moving in." He stopped his wiping and clenched his fist in frustration. "By the time I reach it, there won't be a home left to welcome me. So you see, you and I are much alike. No place to go."
"Maybe-" I began, trying to think of some solution, but none came.
He cut me off. "It will take months to finally reach home. My people are nomads…it would take an even longer time to locate my family, if they are even alive. Gawain, Galahad and I discussed every possible route to home. Even our warrior status will not protect us. The Hun will run us down like dogs, and this is a battle we cannot win." He took a large breath, then continued. "I am weary of bloodshed, much like you. And Arthur needs me now. Thus, I have also decided to stay, Galahad, Gawain, and Bors as well." He gave me a polite smile, then returned to wiping his blades clean of the many lives he had ended yesterday. He wanted me to leave. Strangely enough, I found I couldn't.
"Lancelot…you are angry, as am I. But view this as a new life, a new start as a free man. You are bound to no man. One day you will return to your beloved Sarmatia, even if it is only in dreams. But until then, do not be bitter on this island. Who knows…perhaps now that you are free, you will notice the beauty of this place." Nervously, I bent down next to his chair where he sat, and gave him a small kiss on the cheek. Brushing my hair out of my face, I opened the door and shut it behind me. Alone he sat, like stone, his face staring forward, his cleaning ceasing. I leaned against his wall, sighing and rubbing my fingers through my locks of hair. Somehow that boy always left me unnerved and jittery. Still leaning against the wall, I heard footsteps coming. Suddenly his door swung open and down I fell, hitting my head against the floor and letting out a "Ooomph!" cry. He stared down at me like I was the strangest person alive, and helped me up with a smirk.
"Oops", was the most witty remark I could muster, and I saw him laugh with delight.
"Honestly Arria, you do know how to put me in a good mood."
Rubbing my head, I sat down on his chair to clear my conscious. "Yeah, that's probably why Guinevere wants me to stay. I have the tendency to be quite the clumsy court jester."
What a bloody idiot I was. Domitia would have fainted if she had seen. "You cannot possibly have an ounce of feminine etiquette in you" she would say.
"Well, you may have to fight Bors for that title…" he began, his eyes devilishly sneering towards me. I bore the same sneer back, jestingly. Turning to leave with, hopefully, with a little bit of dignity, I opened the door once more, but his hand pushed it back. I turned around and immediately found his lips on mine, his arms wrapping around my back. I closed my eyes, totally immersed and confused and giddy all at once. The charmers had a way of doing that to you, spiraling your emotions until they were so twisted they formed one big, nonsensical sensation that lashes out in the form of a kiss. It seemed like hours before we broke, both breathing heavily. He grabbed me by the shoulders and kissed my neck, my shoulder, my ear. He was quite good at this, I decided, my eyes closed and mouth open, exhaling. Opening my eyes once more, I felt his hand go on my cheek, the fingers caressing my face. He stared deep into me, almost as if he was looking into my very soul. Goodness I'm vulnerable, I realized. He gently leaned down on the bed, with me below him.
I finally broke the spell that bound me to him when he started to undo the ties that held up my robe.
"Lancelot.." I began, seeming foolish but stern.
"What?" he asked in a dreamy state, not sensing my seriousness. I sighed.
"I can't…I've never.."
He grinned. "A Roman virgin are we? Don't worry. Sarmatians are known for their skills in the battlefield and in the bed." He had no clue.
"That's nice…um….you see…" This was very difficult. "I can't…umm…my religion looks down on these acts."
He snapped out of his dreamy state and stared. "You mean you won't make love until your married?"
"Um…well…..yes. To put it bluntly."
"And is this your God's law, or Romes?"
"God's. And mine. Never Rome's."
He sighed and took his hand off my chest and sat up. "I see." We both said nothing, the sexual tension rising.
I sat up and rested my head on his shoulder. He did not resist, but exhaled loudly, clearing his throat as he did so. I licked my lips.
"Where do we go from here?" I courageously asked. I was new at this game, unsure of if he wanted a one night stand or something more. Knowing Lancelot from what his peers have said, he takes a new girl to bed every evening. He was used to this.
I was both surprised and excited when he faced me and gave me another kiss, though it was more so filled with sincerity than passion. I didn't argue.