AN: Just a very short chapter. I've had the worst case of writer's block and even though it's been almost a month(!) I still haven't shaken it off. This is my one attempt to get back into this story, and I apologize that it is so… oh, hell, I'll be honest, so sloppy! But I think if I post it and get it over with I can finally get back down to business and finish this. I hope I don't disappoint too much.
Disclaimer: Like I could steal this from anyone else! I'm the only one brave enough to put my name to it.
Marcus had been sitting at his table, staring into his ale and thinking about his years in Britain. The sound of loud laughter made him look up and he turned toward the table where all the noise was coming from. The table where all of the Sarmatians were sitting. The celebration went on way into the early morning hours, unusual for the people of Hadrian's Wall, since they all had so many things to get done from sunup to sundown. But it was a rare, happy occasion and none wanted it to end. Even the Roman soldiers were having a good time. Usually, they just sat around and grumbled because all the women were vying for a spot with one of the knights, giving them the 'left-out' feeling they hated so much. Damn Sarmatians! They acted like they were the only ones taken from their homes and sent somewhere they did not want to be. But, if the rumors were true, that would change soon. Rome would pull them from this blasted island. Difference being, the Sarmatians would get to go back to their homes. The Romans had no idea where they might end up. Hopefully, somewhere better than this. Seeing that there was no reason to pay attention to the goings on around him, he turned his attention back to his drink and the thoughts going through his head.
He wondered how the knight had gotten the attention of Sarah. She had been so adamant that she did not desire any attention from the womanizing knights that he had been surprised when he got word that she was to wed one of them. Whatever those men possessed that the women found so irresistible really grated on his nerves. Maybe he should have taken more time being sure she was not being harassed by them. But, then, he believed her when she said they did not interest her in the least. Without meaning to, he let his thoughts drift back to the first evening he had noticed her working the tables… She had looked frightened and out of place, dodging the groping hands of his fellow soldiers. The knights had been away on one mission or another, so the only men around were in Roman uniforms. He had watched for a while before stepping into one particularly ugly situation. The soldier he had reprimanded hadn't taken kindly to being hauled over the coals in front of a potential conquest and the drink did not make the situation any easier to diffuse. But after a little shouting and some ruffled feather smoothing by some of the other wenches, things had calmed down. She had come by later to thank him for stepping in and they had talked for a little bit. Her story was the usual. Driven from her home by attacks from one group or the other, working desperately to go back, which he understood but had little hope she would like what she found. This land was so barbaric. It made him homesick for the order of his beloved Rome. He had then told her of his home and they had talked until the sun peeked over the horizon. For some reason, he had been reluctant to leave her side, even for the much needed rest. She reminded him of his beloved daughter, left behind with her mother so many years before.
Then the knights returned and she completely changed. Not just her attitude, even her appearance was almost unrecognizable. Weeks later he had asked her about it and was shocked that she was so frightened that these men would notice her. He made it his mission to let her know whenever they would be around so she could avoid unwanted attention. Somehow in all this he had gotten the impression that he had meant more to her than just a warning system and someone to talk to. Somehow he had thought that finally there would be a woman that wouldn't be spoiled by the barbarian knights the Empire thought they needed. He had thought she could be the daughter he never got to see grow up. He shook his head to bring himself out of the thoughts going through his mind and looked around again. She was sitting on the knight's lap and he could tell by her smile that she was happy. Well, at least this time, he had married her instead of just dumping her as they usually did. Often times carrying one of their bastards in her belly. 'That's not entirely fair' he thought. For the Romans were just as likely to make one of them swell bellied as the Sarmatians. This place brought out the worst in everybody. He was just glad that his Sophia wasn't in this barbaric place. Maybe that was why the Commander had allowed the wedding. Maybe he was tired of all the little bastards running around and wanted to keep the knight from going back to Sarmatia and leaving another child to make it with only a mother to raise it. With that thought he stood up and left the tavern. Oh, how much he wanted to get out of this hell. He didn't think he had ever felt so alone and homesick in all the years he had been away from home.
By the time Sarah and Gawain finally made it known that as far as they were concerned the party was over, most everyone in the place was beyond drunk. Even Arthur quit drinking when he couldn't stand up anymore without falling onto someone or a table or chair that he swore was not there when he started. It seemed that the bride and groom were the most sober of all present and Sarah knew it was because they needed less to feel the happiness than the others. For they had each other. They had love, a commodity that was worth more than gold. One last look around the place that had now become her home and she let Gawain take her hand to lead her to their room. It seemed that the horrible things that had happened to the people of her village was now a thing of the past and from this night forward they could rebuild their lives. She hoped they stayed here at the wall. She missed the lands she had grown up in, but with things the way they were now, she had no desire to face the unknown future that would await any who lived beyond the protection of Arthur and his knights. With the thought of Arthur's knights came the thought of the man that walked beside her. One of Arthur's knights. Her husband. The man she loved with all her heart. A contented sigh escaped her lips and she felt the squeeze he gave her hand and looked to find him grinning at her.
She returned his grin with one of her own, then adopted a serious expression, "What amuses you, my Husband?" she said with as much severity as she could muster. She knew he had seen through her façade by the twinkle in his eyes, but kept her stern look, just to keep up the teasing. "Oh, I was just thinking that I had to chase you halfway across this damned island just to win your heart and now you've gone and brought your whole village to live with us. You know, you can't keep bringing in every stray you come across don't you?"
Sarah feinted a disgusted look and looked away for a moment. Then pulling her hand from his, she put both hands on her hips, "Vanora was correct in one thing. A woman has to establish the rules up front, before the man has a chance to get all big headed and think he's in charge. You listen here, Husband, when I think there's enough strays around us, I'll stop. Until then, you just swing your axe and protect those I bring in. Understand?" She watched as he tried to come up with a sharp comeback, then with a hearty laugh he took her in his arms and swung her around. "And Bors was right. If you give the woman one thing, she'll want everything. Fine, my Wife, you bring in as many people as you wish. I'll protect them all just for you." Before he sat her down, he gently kissed her and whispered, "But tonight, it will only be the two of us. Do I make myself clear?" Her laughter would have been enough of an answer, but she couldn't help but say, "As you wish, Husband. You are, after all, the man of our house." She lowered her eyes in hopes she looked subservient, but the giggle that escaped her lips gave her away. "You little spitfire." He teased. "At least let the others think so. Deal?" She giggled at his request, then answered, "Deal." Then the happy couple began the walk to their new home.