"Oh wasn't exactly the answer I think they're looking for." Murmured Lancelot rather drunk himself.
The blue figures moved closer to the Knights, their swords drawn and an inquisitive, yet aggressive looking expression firmly placed on their faces as they approached them. One thrusted his sword in a hostile way towards Lancelot who simply raised his hands and laughed, as the Woad began muttering Celtic to his companions.
"Whoa there buddy, don't you know how we are?" scoffed Lancelot at the suspicious looking Woads.
The one that appeared to be most dangerous and the leader stepped forward with his sword drawn and hissed viciously at the smirking Lancelot, who currently had a branch stuck in his hair.
"Arthur Castus." Announced the Woad proudly in a snarl.
"Wrong!" laughed Galahad loudly and Gawain soon joined in too.
Dagonet was still rubbing his eyes and making sure the Woads were still there whilst Bors scratched himself absent-mindedly and Tristan lost interest and began fiddling with his arrow with a lack of hand or eye co-ordination. The lead Woad stared at the Knights in confusion and growled viciously before thrusting his sword towards them again.
"I am Lancelot and these are my Knights." Told Lancelot smugly to the glaring Woads.
There was a few outbursts of confused and loud shouts form the other Knights and an arrow suddenly hit a nearby tree near some of the Woads.
"Oops, sorry." Murmured Tristan carelessly as everyone turned to face him before arguing again.
The Woads watched in silence for a few minutes; intrigued, slightly amused but mostly bewildered by these intoxicated and possibly strange men in front of them.
"So are you under the command of Arthur Castus or not?" Asked the lead Woad in a loud voice after clearing his throat clearly.
All eyes turned back to him in a subdued silence and gazed at him in a slightly dazed blankness.
The Woad talking to them sighed heavily and dropped his sword to his side and rubbed a calloused hand over his ragged face.
"Do you fight for Arthur Castus or not?" He asked again in a slow and deliberate voice.
"Ah yes!" exclaimed Gawain with a happy smile and beamed widely at his fellow Knights.
"Yes we do and we are here to restore the peace." Commented Lancelot is a stern voice, attempting to jump down from his horse and almost falling from the saddle. He steadied himself on the side of his saddle for a few moments before clearing his throat and swaggering towards the Woad in a proud manner. He got half-way there before he realised he had no weapon and ran back to his horse, but after producing a weapon he quickly ran back again and stood in front of the said Woad.
"Are you rebels or not?" He asked in a demanding tone, the branch still hanging awkwardly from his curls and causing an amused smile from the other man.
"We are no rebels." He replied shortly and motioned for his men to drop their swords. "But we know no reason to not attack this outpost." He added in a forceful snarl and nodded towards the buildings in question.
"But we've got a…a…oh bloody hell what's it called again?" Shouted Lancelot back to the Knights.
"Treaty!" Came the eager reply and Lancelot nodded his head with a smile.
"That's the one. Yes, we've made a treaty and this outpost is where we get some of our supplies and its all very well killing the bloody Romans, I mean who likes them anyway? But the point I'm trying to make is that-"
"Oh get on with it Lancelot!" Shouted Bors roughly as he swayed from his position on his stallion who snorted in agreement.
"Look just stop it alright because we've this treaty thing and it really isn't helping us if you keep bloody well attacking it, alright? "Concluded Lancelot eventually in a bored tone.
"And if we're not happy then we can find ways to make you unhappy too, you get me?" Galahad added in a dangerous voice which only caused raised eyebrows from the other Knights, including Lancelot and an innocent: "What?" from the youngest Knight.
"So?" Urged Lancelot as he started boredly back at the Woads and blinked harshly to stop the forest from spinning slightly.
"We were unaware of this treaty, who ordered it?" Asked the Woad roughly, his large frame bristling and Lancelot groaned.
"Eiger, did ok? Eiger!" He almost shouted.
The Woads seemed to consider this for a few moments, whispering roughly in Celtic before returning to the look back at the Knights. They passed slightly alarmed gazes over the swaying Knights who seemed like they had had more than a few too many in the tavern before retuning back to their discussions.
"Very well Sir Lancelot and others. We will accept your request so long as our messenger returns with the same information as you from Eiger." Confirmed the Woad again and Lancelot simply shrugged casually before replying:
"Whatever."
"My name is Leif. I am chief of this tribe and I suspect you'll be wanting a place to stay for tonight?" He declared importantly and offered his hand to Lancelot.
The dark Knight stared at it for a moment, completely dumbfounded until he realised he was meant to shake it and quickly grasped the other man's hand in a sloppy handshake. Leif smiled sternly and motioned for the Knights to follow them back to their encampment.
The fire had been lit in the clearing of the centre of the village and created a large blaze that burned deep into the darkness of the forest. Everyone was out in their best garments and an excited hum of chatter settled over the village as the figures bustled past the fireside and cast an array of shadows. In a dully lit nearby tent, Jocosta was fiddling with her attire to make sure everything was perfect and Day was telling her to calm down so that she could help her finish off.
"Jocosta it'll just be the same as my birthday, remember? There is nothing to worry about." Soothed Day tenderly as she gently brushed her sister's hair away to lace up the back of the mint coloured flowing dress that the younger girl was wearing. From being back in the forest for a few hours, the girls had become accustomed once again to the openness of the forest and felt less need for their cloaks, although Jocosta was unable to wear one for the first part of the celebrations at least.
"You're right, of course, Day." Remarked Jocosta placidly as she felt her hair come back to rest around her shoulders with the ribboned braids interspersed.
Much of the snow had melted away what with the frantic to-ing and fro-ing of the villagers in preparation of the celebrations and with the sheer heat of the newly lighted bonfire, when Gryfn went to collect the two girls from the tent.
"Can I come in?" He asked softly as he waited patiently outside the tent flap.
Day patted her sister on the shoulder; who carried on with adorning herself in fabrics and ribbons, and opened up the leather doorway. Gryfn turned at the sound and smiled before ducking into the sweet-scented gloom and letting Day replace the flap.
"You look beautiful Brideag." Declared Gryfn gently as he watched Jocosta fiddling with her decorations, and she glanced up to give him an apprehensive smile.
Day and her brother talked amongst themselves for a while and Jocosta just let it fade into the background as she made the finishing touches to her garments. Soon she was lightly but very intricately garlanded with shimmering ribbons and aromatic wild flowers, and she took a deep breath to remember this moment in her mind; the happiness and peace she felt within herself as well as the childish excitement of the celebrations, but also that tinge of sadness that her mother could not see her like this. She brushed it away quickly though as Day tapped her lightly on the shoulder and gave her a gentle hug, kissing her lightly on the nose and allowing Gryfn to embrace his sister too; being careful as not to ruin all her hard-work in getting ready. Jocosta nodded determinedly and set off towards the tent flap with Day in tow, until Gryfn put a hand on his older sister's arm and stopped her. Day looked at him questioningly as Jocosta gathered a few things by the entrance and Gryfn pulled her backwards to the other side of the tent.
"What troubles you brother?" whispered Day with disquiet and she searched his lucid green eyes with her own.
"There is something you must know Day." Gryfn replied, his voice hushed and his face frowning. "The elders made a decision and Father thinks it to be fine too, but I am worried for Jocosta." He glanced around at that point but Day put a gentle hand up to his face and turned him back to her; her willowy fingers still resting softly upon his rough cheek.
"What is it that troubles you brother?" She repeated soothingly, her voice calming him.
"She is to be-"
"Gryfn, Day! Come!" called Jocosta with a smile, seemingly oblivious to their tense conversation and holding open the tent flap for them.
Gryfn glanced back guiltily to Day who frowned but ushered him away in front of her as the threesome went off to begin the festivities.
Laughter rose up through the dense canopy of the forest and into the cold night air as the celebrations got under way. Music drifted through the darkness with the intertwinings of lively conversation and joyous singing and dancing. Eiger rose up from his place by the fire; his flagon raised upwards, his cheeks flushed with merriment as were everyone else's and his eyes glittering cheerfully in the flickering light of the fire.
"We gather this day in celebration of my daughter Jocosta!" Shouted Eiger in a proud deep boom, a broad smile on his weathered face and a chorus of cheers rising through the crackling of the fire. Eiger looked down to look at his three children beside him and couldn't help but beam with fatherly pride, oh how their mother would be looking down and laughing with glee at this moment. Jocosta sat nearest him and glowed with an almost heavenly aura as she sat in the firelight and Eiger marvelled at his daughter's beauty and just how grown-up she really was.
Day smiled back to her father with everyone else and cheered at the appropriate time but her grin faltered a little as she saw Gryfn turn towards her with a pleading expression. Leaning into him, she quietly asked him of his troubles once again. Gryfn sighed into his sister's deep brown hair and began whispering to her just as her father began to speak again.
"Jocosta is going to be-"
"And let also us celebrate my daughter's"
Day's eyes widened as her breath caught and stuck in her throat. It could not be true, she thought, it could not be true!
Jocosta's smile dropped away instantly and she looked up at her father with wide eyes, even as the cheers of joy rose around her. Eiger was too busy cheering with the rest to notice his daughter's anguish and so she turned look over at her brother and sister. Day's mouth was parted in a shocked expression and she felt her heart stop as she met Jocosta's uncomprehending eyes; wrinkling her nose slightly as if in disbelief. Gryfn could do no more than place a comforting hand on his sister's limp wrist and whisper sweet nothings to her deafened ears.
Lancelot woke groggily, his head throbbing and his body aching mercilessly. Reaching a hand up to cradle his pounding head, he blinked open his eyes and groaned hoarsely as the early sunlight filtered through.
"We've still got the ride back yet." Muttered an equally pained voice beside him and the dark Knight turned to look over at the newly awakened Galahad.
The youngest Knight was stretching; his muscles stiff and aching and his mind whirling as he attempted to stand and think about what to do next. He'd awoken that morning to find himself in a large tent with his other Knights and in what appeared to be a Woad encampment. Slowly his memory had trickled back to him in dribs and drabs which was better than hitting him like a wild horse, he imagined and he peered around him to find the others groaning and cursing to life. Each had similar hangovers and the tent collapsed into a strange array of hoarse groaning as each of the Knights stretched and let themselves remember what had happened, after of course reminding themselves not to listen to one of Bors' ideas again.
"I'm going for a piss." Muttered Bors drowsily as he lumbered out of the tent and into the woods behind.
The other Knights slowly emerged from the tent and took a few minutes for the fresh air to refresh them and to offer them the ability of thinking straight.
"Morning." Called Leif in his usual serious manner, but he smiled inwardly at the sight of the 7 bedraggled looking Knights.
Lancelot turned sharply at the noise, only to hiss at the sudden movement and placing a soothing hand to his head.
"Morning." He mumbled, very subdued to his normal mischievous self and grunted as he plonked himself down onto a log around a nearby fire.
"Some of the women have made you breakfast and we have had word from our messenger that the tales you speak of a treaty are to be true. Therefore we commit ourselves to your allegiance and will aid you wherever possible." Stated Leif in a kindly tone as he motioned for the men to sit down.
They all nodded briefly in thanks for his hospitality and he clapped as he watched some of the maidens file past with steaming bowls of oats and mugs of hot ale.
"Feel free to leave whenever you are ready." He commented steadily and said his goodbyes to the Knights.
"Thank you Leif, for your hospitality and your co-operation." Murmured Lancelot with a weak smile once he was able to string a proper sentence together, and the other Knights joined him in thanking the Woad.
They ate and drank in silence, simply thankful for the hot food to warm their empty stomachs and the ale to give them some energy before they saddled up their horses and were on their way.
The Knights were back to their usual rowdy selves as their neared the fort; the crisp air having done them good and their good cheer returned by the bucket. Gawain had a mischievous smile on his face as they rode towards the gates of the fort, knowing that Anise would most likely be in either the tavern or their chamber and he suppressed a snort at what he would do to her when he set eyes on her. Tristan kept his ever stoic expression but those who knew him well could distinguish the definite gleam in his dark eyes as he thought of Day and the small life that was growing inside her, and all the joy that it would bring. Galahad, meanwhile, was smiling blissfully to himself; lost in his own thoughts. Jocosta would be returned from her village and he could not wait to set eyes on her long auburn locks and familiar lithe figure.
"Why do I have to be here?" Hissed Jocosta as her eyes darted anxiously around the courtyard in which the Knights would be arriving any second.
Day smiled sadly at her sister and gave a quick hug. "Because it is polite and expected, and because everyone will be so pleased to see you and wish you happy returns." Whispered Day softly, placing a tender kiss on her sister's head.
Thundering hooves suddenly filled the air and a blur of men rode into the dusty courtyard; sending up a plume of dirt around them and creating a large whinnying of horses. Jocosta took a deep breath as the dust settled and cast her gaze downwards as the men dismounted and greeted everyone. Arthur approached their small group first and looked expectantly at the new member; a young man.
"Arthur." Breathed Day softly and let the commander take her into a kind embrace. "I'd like you to meet my brother Gryfn."
Gryfn stepped forward; his tousled mousey locks shifting slightly in front of his eyes as he bowed his head gracefully and shook Arthur's hand.
"It is a pleasure to meet you Gryfn." Spoke Arthur in a kind tone, and a sincere smile on his slightly weary face. "I hope you can train with us in the near future." He offered and Gryfn returned the smile; his broad shoulders and sculpted arms telling Arthur of the power the young boy possessed.
"It would be an honour Sir." Replied Gryfn and he and Arthur began talking as the other Knights drifted over of their own accord, each being introduced before greeting the others.
Jocosta accepted the greetings graciously but she was near desperation as she caught a glimpse of the youngest Knight moving towards them through the throng of chatter and welcoming gestures. Galahad smiled widely as he caught sight of Jocosta but was startled when she had decided she could take no more and fled backwards into the busy crowds. Day reached out a hand to grab her but she was gone too fast and she spared Gryfn an anxious glance, before moving to go after her younger sister until Galahad ran past her. Day glanced back towards Gryfn and the newly arrived Tristan, who could tell what was going on, and nodding to them both she set off after the pair but at a much slower pace; they needed time to talk.
"Jocosta!" Shouted Galahad anxiously as he ran after her through the teeming streets of the fort.
But on she ran, not bothering to stop and admire the delicate trinkets on the stalls or smell the freshly baking bread, but instead ran on past and as fast as she could. Her agility was to her advantage as she ducked and dodged inbetween the mass of people, but her mind eluded her as she tried to comprehend what was going on.
"Jocosta!" Bellowed Galahad again, the fear and confusion rising in his voice.
He paused for a moment as he lost sight of her, but started immediately as he caught glimpse of her hair just metres in front of him. After a few more frantic seconds of barging past people and inbetween stalls he had grabbed her arm and spun her to face him. She struggled within his grasp but he put both hands firmly on her lower arms to stop her from breaking free and watched in distress as she resisted him.
"What's wrong?" He asked softly, lowering his voice as she surrendered into his grip and stood with her shoulders sagging with her heavy breaths.
Jocosta started at the hurt in his voice and turned herself away from his deep eyes and soft, normally cheerful, face. This was going to be too hard.
"Galahad, I…"
Galahad watched in anguish as Jocosta struggled with herself and a tear slipped free from her eyes.
"What is it?" He urged again softly and began to move his hand up to wipe away her stray tear.
"I'm betrothed!" She said in a violent whisper and broke free from his grasp as the momentary shock of her words hit him. She walked back a few steps and watched him; his hand frozen in midair, his mouth parted in a silent protest and his face full of hurt and confusion.
"But…" Began Galahad in muted confusion, and then she was gone; drifting back into the crowds and leaving him alone.
A/N: Bit of a long one lol but anyway, onto the comments...Mwaahahahaa! Bet you all hate me now lol. Flame me if you will as I find them very amusing lol. Poor poor Galahad and poor poor Jocosta. Let's have a big group 'awww' for them: Awww! And yet another new family member! Will it never end? lol But in the next chapter you shall be meeting the dreaded Drogn, Jocosta's betrothed and seeing just how many ways Galahad can beat him to a pulp lol, well if I do so wish lol. So tell me what you think guys as your opinions are always valued! Thanks x