Hey guys. I would like to thank my reviewers for the support on my story. I needed a little pick me up after the bad turn that my other story took. I'm glad this one is so well liked and that hopefully no one has a problem with how I've written anything.
I feel the need to explain what happened in the last chapter concerning my Lord of the Rings story that I spoke of. You see, I started writing it and planned out how I wanted to portray my character. There were a couple of problems though that some people recognized and let me know about in my story. She was going to be Aragorn's child and the mother was a secret. Quite a few people didn't like that fact and stated that it was impossible. The daughter also had purple eyes and people who read my story did not take to this lightly. I tried to let them know kindly that the story was posted on fanfiction and that it was allowed to have quirks like that. The readers maliciously bashed my story on and I believe that they had no business doing that. If they didn't like my story, I believe that they didn't have to comment on it. Some people liked it and now with all the problems, I've had to take it off this site to avoid any more discredits to my other stories or myself as a writer. I created the story from my imagination and I wanted to post it on fanfiction to share it with other people who may take an interest, not for people to deliberately make fun of.
I'm letting you guys know about this so it can be avoided in the future. I do not believe that other people should shame the person as a writer for a little mistake in the story that somebody did not like. These people were rude in telling me what they thought about my story. They thought of it as criticism but they were letting me know what I couldn't write in my story. I am proud of my writing and I feel that if the right person read my story, that they would actually find the magic and creativity in it that is found in fanfiction stories. They discredited that fact and looked at the story logically and flamed me for not writing my story exactly in the borders of Tolkien's stories.
I wish for myself to be an example for anyone writing a story. I half want to put the story back up for kicks and tell them to stuff it, but I don't think that would go over well. Anyways, don't let anyone tell you what you can and cannot put on fanfiction that's inside the rules, because it's not their decision. I even used the line that if they didn't like my story that they shouldn't read it. Let me say that the readers didn't agree with that and had an argument ready. This is why I am ecstatic that this story is doing so well and people give me motivation to be a writer. I am proud of this story and I love everyone who reads or reviews. Thanks for taking the time to read this so I could explain anything that was in my profile. Hey besides this gives me more time to keep my attention on this story and write chapters quicker. Thank you so much everyone.
Love, Archer
Disclaimer: I do not own King Arthur, but I do own Emma and her brother.
Faded Roses in a Heart
Chapter 8
Explanations
Emma's POV
"Emma? Are you alright?" I heard vaguely as I regained consciousness. Blinking my eyes open, I saw Dagonet squatting over me brushing the hair off my damp face.
"Um… Of course. Where are we?" I asked after looking around and realizing that I had no clue where I was. It looked to be a carriage and I was buried under a couple of blankets.
"You are riding in this carriage because we couldn't stay at Marius' estate. You fainted and we had to let you rest in here," Dagonet replied and I suddenly remembered why I passed out.
"That man… Where is he?" I asked Dagonet weakly. He just pointed to a lump under another set of blankets off to the side.
"How do you know him?" He asked me when I continued to stare at the mass of quilts.
"I don't," I replied turning my head away to stare out the window of the carriage. It was snowing a little bit and I realized that we must be quite far from the estate.
"Aright. You get some more sleep, we'll be stopping soon to rest," Dagonet said knowing that I wanted to avoid the subject. I nodded in acknowledgement and fell back to sleep easily.
--
"AHHH!" I was awoken roughly from a scream next to me. I sat up quickly reaching instinctively towards my back before meeting with only air. Supposedly, someone took of my swords so I could sleep easier. Looking beside me, I saw Arthur holding a woman's hands. She was the one I saw come from the dungeon. I listened for a while to what they were saying closely.
"He tortured me. With machines," the lady said. I shuddered remembering my father and what happened to me. He never tortured me with machines but it was still a frightening experience. I couldn't help but feel sympathy towards the older woman. "He made me tell him things I didn't know to begin with. And then, I heard your voice in the dark. I'm Guinevere. You're Arthur of the knights from the great Wall."
"I am," I heard Arthur respond grimly.
"Famous Briton who kills his own people," Guinevere said before passing out. Arthur laid her down before turning to me.
"Will she be okay?" I asked worriedly. He nodded before scooting over towards me.
"Would you like to get out and walk around for awhile? I may do you some good to get fresh air," Arthur wondered.
"I'm fine. It was just a weak spell," I replied following him out of the carriage. Dagonet walked up to me with a small goblet. I grabbed it and took a sip of the water in it. We walked over to where the other knights were and sat on a log.
"Are you feeling better Emma?" Dagonet asked looking down at me.
"Yes, much," I replied.
Deciding that I would like to be alone for a while, I sat down against a tree not too far from the others. I noticed Dagonet give Lucan his jacket and Tristan ride off somewhere. Closing my eyes, I relaxed in the silence of the growing night for a couple of minutes. I slowly dozed off.
By the time I woke up again, the sun was just disappearing over the horizon. I looked around to see what had awoken me again today, and next to me sat my brother.
"What are you doing here?" I asked not caring if I was rude, as I scrambled up and away from him.
"Aren't you happy to see me?" He asked instead of answering my question.
"Why should I be?" I retaliated. He stood up and walked over a couple feet in front of me. My back was to the knights so I couldn't see if they had noticed anything.
"I would have thought you would be thrilled to see your only brother. After all that searching that I did for you, I expected to be welcomed," he said looking disappointed.
"Why were you looking for me?" I asked surprised. I thought that he would want nothing to do with me after I left with father dead and no explanation.
"Why not? You are my little sister after all," he replied with a bemused expression. He took a few more steps closer and by this time the sun was completely gone.
"And I wasn't when father was alive?" I wondered growing angrier at his replies.
"You know that I had no control of what happened," my brother explained quickly. "I couldn't get close to you with him there all the time. He would have put me in there also and then we would have never gotten out."
"I wouldn't be out anyways if it wasn't for these knights!" I said my voice growing louder with every word. He had only wanted to save himself from our father.
"Who do you think told them about you?" He yelled loudly gaining the attention of someone behind us. I turned quickly and saw Lancelot walking over. Turning back to my brother, I thought about what he said.
"What are you talking about?" I questioned. Lancelot was now standing beside me and looking at my brother apprehensively.
"They found you… because of me. I was the one who told them what father was doing and where he was hiding you." My brother clarified.
My head spun with the information. They didn't rescue me on their own. They were tipped off by my brother where I was. They didn't save me, he did. Watching Lancelot, I knew by his expression that my brother was telling the truth.
"Why didn't you come with me then? Why did you leave me with these strangers?" I asked.
"I couldn't leave father like that. I'm sorry that I wasn't there for you before but I would like to be now," he said hopefully. I backed away from them slowly back towards the camp site.
"Um… I… I have to think," I replied running back towards where the other knights were sleeping. I quickly laid down hoping none of them were awake. I didn't want to cry, I promised to myself.
Hearing movement beside me, I opened one eye to see Dagonet sitting down next to me. I closed my eye again and relaxed onto my blanket and makeshift pillow.
"You know, I always have wanted my own family. Lots of children just like Bors. That hasn't happened yet, and I think I'm going to have to settle for one that's not my own," he said calmly.
"What do you mean?" I asked quietly. I opened my eyes and noticed what he was looking at. Lucan, the cute, little thing. Funny, for a moment there I thought that maybe… No, I should have known.
"He has no parents now and no one to look after him," Dagonet said still gazing at the young boy.
"Well, I'm sure you'll make a nice father," I said shutting my eyes once again. I just wanted to fall asleep and rid myself of this day.
"Yes, but I did say that I would like lots of children, Emma," Dagonet declared.
I started slightly. Surely he couldn't mean… It was worth a shot, I always had the rest of the knights if not.
"Do you mean…" I trailed off not quite able to form the words.
"Of course. Emma, you were like a daughter to me from the moment I pulled you from that wall," Dagonet said. Tears welled up in my eyes as I rejoiced in what he was saying.
"You really mean it?" I asked to make sure I wasn't dreaming.
"Only if you want. I know that your actual father wasn't exactly fatherly, but I would like the chance," he replied. I shot up and grabbed onto him tightly. He chuckled and patted my back soothingly. "It's okay to cry. I won't tell anyone."
And with his statement, I broke down and cried my eyes out. I couldn't have been happier. I had a father again!
"Thank you!" I said through my tears.
"No, thank you for accepting," Dagonet replied as I drifted off, still holding onto my new father.
--
I awoke to something pushing me onto the floor then lifting me onto my feet quickly. One of Marius' mercenaries was holding me and lifting a knife to my neck. Looking around me, I noticed Lucan in a similar position and Dagonet on the ground. The other mercenaries started attacking Dagonet and he fought back the best he could while outnumbered. Alecto comes out of his carriage and views the scene.
"I have the boy… and the girl," the mercenary holding Lucan said. The others drew their swords as Marius told them to attack Dagonet. Marius' wife runs over and tries to help Lucan.
"Kill him now!" Marius said after pushing his wife away. Marius is suddenly shot by an arrow. Arthur, Lancelot, Guinevere, and my brother come over as Marius died. Lucan ran toward Dagonet and I smiled as I remembered our talk last night.
I noticed my brother sending me a questioning look. I guess he wanted to know if I have forgiven him. I wasn't really that mad in the first place seeing as how he allowed me to meet with these knights. My new family.
I walked over to him after making a decision to talk to him. He looked towards me happily as he met me halfway.
"Are you alright?" my brother asked me. I simply nodded after taking a quick peak behind me. "Are we alright?"
"I suppose. I don't think I could be angry towards my only older brother for long," I said smiling up at him. Before I could react, he pulled me into a hug while lifting me off the ground and spinning me cheerfully.
"I've missed you so much!" my brother said after putting me down and grinning delightfully.
"I missed you too," I said in return. I decided not to tell him for now about Dagonet offering to be a father to me. I didn't know how he would react.
--
We soon came to a frozen lake and stared at it curiously. I was up ahead riding happily with Dagonet and my brother. Ever since my earlier conversation with my brother, he didn't seem to want to leave my side. He was even getting along with Dagonet wonderfully and I didn't feel so worried about Dagonet's offer.
To go over the lake, we had to get off our horses and walk carefully. The ice started to crack, but everyone ignored it and kept going.
Saxon drums are suddenly heard behind us and the knights stop their progress. I leaned over to hear what they were saying and was shocked.
"Knights," Arthur began.
"Well I'm tired of running. And these Saxons are so close behind, my ass is hurting," Bors said.
"Never liked looking over my shoulder anyway," Tristan added. I still haven't talked to him and decided to soon.
"It'll be a pleasure to put an end to this racket," Gawain said.
"We'll finally get a look at the bastards," quirked Galahad. Gawain, Galahad, and Bors were the only knights that I weren't close to and I wanted that to change.
"Here, now," Dagonet said moving towards the center of the lake. I started to follow him as Arthur directed Jols to take over.
"We're fighting them right now?" I asked Dagonet as I reached him.
"No, the knights are, you're going with the rest," Dagonet said surprised to see me. He started to push me towards the carriages before I tried to dig my feet into the ice to stop him.
"NO! I can help. I know how to fight!" I complained struggling to get out of his grip.
"I don't want you to get hurt. You'll be safer with Lucan and the others," he said as we drew closer to the knights.
"Well, I don't want you to get hurt either. Please!" I yelled. He shook his head in reply. By the time we reached the others, only the knights, Guinevere, and my brother were standing there.
"Wait, she's here! Why can't I help?" I asked pointing to the still hurt Guinevere.
"Dagonet, we must hurry," Arthur said moving into position with the rest.
"Stay beside me," Dagonet gave in before standing with the others. I nodded sullenly before placing myself into the line.
"I believe they're waiting for an invitation. Bors, Tristan," Arthur said watching the Saxons attempt to fire their arrows at us. They fire a couple each and hit a few of the Saxons. Impressed, I wanted them to teach me that one day. The Saxons start to march closer to us as everyone draws their bows. Since I haven't gotten a chance to learn, I decided to just pull out my swords for now. The other knights start firing and lots of the Saxons are quickly falling.
"It's not going to crack. Fall back. Fall back," Arthur commanded after watching the Saxons grow closer on the slowly breaking ice. "Prepare for combat." They grab their weapons after dropping their bows. Dagonet drops his sword for his axe before running forward on the ice.
"Dag!" Bors called to the charging knight. I start running after him.
"WAIT! Don't go!" I yelled chasing him. He started hacking away at the ice as the Saxons come closer. The ice finally breaks as an arrow hits Dagonet.
"NOOO!" I scream as I reach him. He falls under the ice as I try to pull him away from the cracking ice. He was too heavy for me though as I dropped into the freezing water trying to grab at him. I pulled him to me as arms clutched me from above. I was pulled out of the icy water and dragged back to the other knights. I vaguely saw my brother pick me up as Arthur took Dagonet. I was so cold and I could barely hear what was going on around me from shivering violently.
I was soon dropped next to Dagonet who was barely conscious. Bors was squatting over him as my brother was trying to warm me up.
"Dad…" I whispered as I reached out for Dagonet.
"You… called me… dad…" Dagonet chocked as he passed out after smiling towards me. The last thing I saw was the rest of the knights coming toward us as my brother pulled me into his arms.
--
Now, don't hate me for leaving it like that. Don't yell at me either, because I didn't say whether Dagonet died or not. Just have faith, please. I promise not to make Emma go through any more hardships. Well, this was a long chapter and I had fun writing it. Wow, well this story is coming to a close and I have so much yet to do. But don't fret, I have a secret! (I can't tell ya though). Alrighty, well please review and let me know what you think. OH ya! I need a name for Emma's brother! Anyone have a good one? Please, I need one to write the next chapter.
Love, Archer
Review Responses for chapter 7:
Elfvamp1-13-97: thanks for reviewing. Chapter 8 is a cliffy also. sorry (meep!) I will update quickly though, not to worry!
Lauraine: thanks for reviewing. More interaction with her brother in chapter 8 and we will start to seen his sweet persona soon. He's really a good brother. Thanks
tlm1633: thanks for reviewing. You certainly know how to make my spirits and ego soar. Hehe. And Emma will definitely grow to be a strong young woman, especially in the last battle. Not to worry about Dagonet, everything will work out in the end.
tHe vOiCe WiThiN: thanks for reviewing. Emma is wonderful and you can see what she's really like in these past few chapters. I'm having so much fun writing her as a character. She will get interaction in the next chapter with the neglected characters (sorry to them). Thanks for cheering me up. I guess some people will be biased towards their own way of thinking and never out of the box. Oh well, it's their loss. I've given up fighting with them as they definitely don't deserve the time of day if they're going to be rude. Thanks for being such a great reviewer.