A/N-again thanks very much for reading and reviewing, I realize the story's moving pretty sloooow, but things are going to speed up starting pretty soon
A gentle knock sounded on the door and Arthur popped his head cautiously around the door, obviously having been previously warned by the men. He smiled sheepishly and asked,
"Can I come in?"
"Of course Arthur" Vanora said and stood briskly gathering the now empty bowls. "You two probably have things to discuss" She smiled pleasantly, thanked Camille for the conversation and left. As soon as the door closed, they heard her voice again, yelling at one of the knights for getting in her way. The two smiled at each other, as Arthur assumed the chair by the bed.
"So I hope you're uh feeling better." She smiled and answered
"Very much rested actually, I managed to have my conversation with the bishop before I was put out of action"
"That's what I was going to ask you about" he replied "I spoke to Bishop Germanus a bit myself and he had mentioned that you were on a mission in Rome"
"yes," she nodded "I must find and speak to Marius Honorius, the father of Alecto Honorius" When he looked like he would question her mission further she held up her hand "Arthur, you are a great man, and I would very much like to entrust you with further details, but that is just not possible. My word of honor, sworn on my swords, belongs to a man whose name I cannot even tell you. If-no when I complete my mission, my words and my tongue will once again belong to me and I can give you further information." He looked disappointed but knew that to swear on a weapon was one of the most serious vows a soldier could take "In the meantime however, I would be very thankful if you would escort me the courtyard, I believe I have some thanks to offer."
"But you can't get out of bed yet!" he frowned "you need rest, you're far too ill" she grinned and assured him
"Don't worry I've traveled with much worse" she took a big breath and slowly lifted herself from the bed Arthur said in amazement
"one would think you're as hardy as the gladiators" her expression sobered
"It is true"
"What" he asked, puzzled,
"What you say of the gladiators. They are an incredibly strong and resilient group of men. I have been honored enough to cross blades with several in the ring. I've lost plenty of blood at the point of their swords" He was taken aback
"You're a woman! Why would you fight a gladiator?"
"It was my fourth mission to fight and kill one particular man who was troubling my master. His name was Argus" Arthur's mouth dropped open
"You killed Aragus?" Even out here, so far from Rome, we heard tell of his downfall. Rumor had it that a strange and barbaric newcomer had tricked his way into victory" She smiled and admitted
"one and the same. It was truly through wits that I defeated him. I am half the warrior that he was. He was also a great man. I was sorry to have had to kill him." She trailed off. Straightening up, she winced slightly and held her door open as he exited before her.
"The men are waiting in the great hall at the moment, to receive their discharge papers. It should only be a short ceremony and we will shortly return your knight to your custody." She grinned at this and asked
"Can I wait in the courtyard then?" when he nodded she added
"but don't tell Lancelot though, I want to surprise him" He looked at her conspiratorially and laughed
"I shan't breathe a word." They parted ways in the hall and she made her way to the tavern, which was busy catering to the roman soldiers who were off duty. She marveled to herself at the length of time it had been since she had worn anything but the dark dusty clothes of a warrior. From deep within one of her saddlebags she had retrieved a full, long green skirt, a matching jerkin, which was sleeveless and laced up the front. Underneath a white camisole was loose at the neck and the sleeves fell to her elbows. She had unbound and brushed out her hair to a glossy sheen letting it fall in a dark curtain nearly to her waist. She felt almost uncomfortably feminine. When she arrived at the bar she called Vanora and asked if she could help serve. The other woman, frazzled in trying to prepare for the coming celebration, gratefully relinquished her twin pitchers of ale. Cheerfully, she took them and commenced a route, which circled the tables of already intoxicated men. In the great hall, Lancelot was fidgeting. He appreciated the cask of fine wine the bishop had presented them with, but was rather bored with the speech he had decided to give; something having to do with Rome's gratefulness to them. He was jolted from his reverie by the statement
"A massive Saxon incursion has begun in the north" he narrowed his eyes and looked searchingly at the old man. His suspicions only raised further when he requested that they leave in order to allow him to speak to Arthur. Knowing that the knights would follow his lead, he stood and said gravely, staring directly at Arthur
"Come, let us leave roman business to Romans." Slowly the other knights stood and followed him, although not before Gawain had commandeered what was left of the wine. He stalked from the room, occupied with his own thoughts to be met by the smells and noise emanating from the tavern. His muscles relaxing he sat at one of the benches and banged the table, a universal sign for 'get me a drink and make it strong'. A voice queried behind him,
"Because 'could I have a drink please" was too hard to say?" he whirled to find Camille smiling, one hand on her hip the other slung through the handle of a pitcher. His jaw dropped.
"you're a girl!"
"Well yes I suppose" she said doubtfully looking down at herself
"I mean, no, I mean you're dressed like one"
"Oh good" she said, relieved, "I thought you were really confused there for a second. He grinned suddenly,
"So can I have you on my lap this time?" She returned his with an impish one of her own
"'Fraid not, I've got drinks to serve." He stood and followed her to a group of tables where the rest of the knights were raising great hilarity with the remainder of the wine.
"Any refills over here?" she called
"Camille!" slurred Bors "you have recovered! Celebrate gal! Grab a lap to grace and a neck to kiss!" Worried that some enterprising male other than himself might take the initiative, Lancelot quickly seized her pitcher, set it on the table, and pulled her down to his lap. Unruffled she remarked,
"Well I suppose that if I want to stay here, I'll have to admit to being your woman"
"That you will," said Gawain mournfully, though seriously drunk with a brunette of his own on his knee. The next half hour was heaven for Camille. She was safe and warm, protected and among friends. She relished the simple pleasures of laughter and a sense of belonging. The peace was not to last however, Jols the squire, saw Arthur and called him over to join the celebration. Seeing the look on his face both she and Lancelot felt a chill of premonition. Camille rose and left silently, desperate to preserve the illusion that her life was content and warm, even if only for a few more minutes.
Thanks for reading! please review, I need two reviews to post another chptr