Disclaimer: We don't own anything here except the premise of this particular bit of fanfic and Evani and Mira and any other non-King Arthur characters! PLEASE don't sue, Tracy137's too poor already, all you'd get is a load of animals and a rust-bucket of a car and Calliann's a trainee nurse and is equally as destitute, perhaps even more so!

This is the first joint venture between Calliann and Tracy137 so please be nice as our already fragile egos are prone to tears or fits of violence! LOL

All reviews, and constructive criticism, gratefully received – but no flaming or nitpicking please; and we will try to update regularly.

Sorry this update has taken so long. As you already figured neither one of us had died, we've just both been busy. Especially me with stupid nursing school, but Tracy137 is fortunately a very understanding sister I have and has been incredibly supportive throughout the entire semester. Hopefully the next chapter will not take as long as this one to get up. Let us know what you think!

'……..' thoughts.

"……" speech.

Anyway…..chapter five!

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

Duo Quadim:

Chapter Five – Confessions

"I cannot bloody believe this!" Gawain grumbled again as he sat in a horse trough in the stables, stripped naked in a pool of water as Mira tried to keep from blushing as she worked at removing the honey and feathers from his hair. They had rinsed off easily enough from the rest of his body, judging by the fact that the feathers floating in the pool were the only things hiding his modesty. But the ones in his hair were taking extra work, and Mira had lost the game of dice with her sister and was forced to be the one to wash them out.

Sighing she continued at her task; this was the worst plan yet…pausing she looked up at Bors, who was still spitting profusely and washing his mouth out repeatedly; maybe not.

"I will bloody kill you, brother," Gawain growled in the direction of Galahad who was in a different trough not far off, being taken care of by one of the other bar maids.

"I told you I didn't bloody well do it!" Galahad whined, wrinkling his nose at the profuse smell of oranges. They were squeezing them into the men's hair to loosen up the honey and remove the feathers, and the smell in the stable was now overpowering. Up in the loft, Evani looked down, trying to contain her mirth.

"Alright enough of this," Arthur stepped up, rubbing his temples. Vanora and Mira had supplied all the knights, save Tristan and Dagonet of course, with a fresh batch of brew that morning and his headache from the drink had thankfully subsided. Unfortunately his headache from his men was only growing. "Who is bloody responsible for all of this?"

"I am afraid I am Arthur," Mira said after a moment, bowing her head in shame, shocking everyone present, including her sister high in the loft. 'What is that daft bat up to this time,' she wondered, straining her ears to hear better.

"You?" Gawain asked in shock, moving at odd angles to look at her from his place in the tub while everyone else looked on in shock as well.

"Explain Mira," Arthur's voice was stern, but his eyes looked more than slightly confused. How could someone so sweet…suddenly the memory of her wielding his sword came back to him and he back-tracked his train of thought. Oh yes, she was quite capable of it.

"I, if you remember, am the one who tripped on my own two feet last night, spilling the honey on poor Gawain," she patted his shoulder sorrowfully before continuing. "And it was I who helped him to bed, and did not check to see that his pillow had good stitching when he fell upon it. I am truly sorry for it," she thought of her brothers' grave and in an instant her bottom lip was quivering, tears pooling in her eyes. "I have been very un-cautious and my brother would be mightily ashamed of me right now,"

It took everything in Tristan not to rush to her and take her into his arms, smothering her in kisses until she soothed. As it were, he was just quick enough to send his foot out as Lancelot was moving past him to do that very thing, causing the great knight to stumble and giving Dagonet time to take her into his arms, trying to sooth her. It would do no good for Lancelot to become more suspicious before Evani could tell him the truth.

Lancelot righted himself and scowled over at Tristan who merely shrugged in response.

"It was an accident then Lady, do not fret so," Gawain said and, for a moment forgetting his current situation, went to rise.

She was quickly there with her hands on his shoulders, pushing him back into the water. There was but one knight present whom she wished to see naked, and Gawain was not that knight. For a moment she pouted for not playing this trick on Tristan and quickly brushed that thought aside as she felt a blush come unbidden to her cheek. She must remember the part she was to play.

"Never fear knight, so long as you do not bear me any ill will, than I shall be well, but let us first get these feathers from your hair," she patted his shoulders and continued at her task.

"Well that might explain his problems, but what of mine 'eh?" Bors grumbled, taking yet another swig of wine to rinse his mouth.

"Tell us again Bors, what it was that happened?" Lancelot asked with a smirk, hiding his frustration at Tristan. He did not need others comforting his Evani…yes that name suited her much better and was the one he would use when they were alone or in his mind, for Mira seemed too soft for his feisty lady. Funny, he had never been so possessive of a woman before…perhaps it was that spark Gareth always spoke of. If it were the case, he did mightily enjoy it.

"I woke up this morning to find myself 'ugging…." He shuddered and spat again "Somefing that I fought was my Van…...but it weren't, it…were…." he stumbled "it were a man!" He started spitting and scrubbing his mouth again.

"And?" Lancelot pressed.

"And I kissed him…. but it didn't count, it didn't! Did it Van? It was some bloody pretend thing! Someone was jesting badly with me!"

"Nay….it does not count and t'weren't real….but you were so funny…." She chortled.

"Aye…to you mayhap Wench…" he shuddered once more, before spitting deeply on the ground "but I'll be 'avin' bloody nightmares for many a long season!"

"Perhaps tis only nature at work," Mira said from her place at Gawain's hair, heaving a silent sigh of relief. 'Finally, only one section to go!' she thought excitedly as she continued on.

"Wot's that supposed to mean lass?" Bors asked her gruffly, once the knights had contained their laughter.

"Well, I have often met men whom, while they were great wooer's of women, were also great wooer's of men, sometimes to their surprise, and sometimes not; someone obviously thought so with you…hence their jest….however, badly in taste." she answered easily causing all the knights to pause in shock. This was as bad as when she had compared Excalibur to Arthur's manhood not two days before, and the knights were once again very intrigued by this.

Bors bristled and rose, popping his knuckles. "Wot did you say?" he almost growled at her.

"Mayhap the ale just revealed something that was always there," she shrugged nonchalantly, only four feathers left to go, squeezing some more orange onto Gawain's hair.

"Take that back, you bleedin' little harpy," he growled, coming around at her, his wrist blades in his hands. "My little bastards should prove otherwise!"

"Nay; one man I knew had fifteen little 'uns, and still he kept his evening company with the stable boy. Sometimes a great many children, like a large weapon, can be merely acting as compensation," she replied easily, removing the last feather as he lunged at her, his face red with anger.

Tristan felt Dag grab him and hold him back, and noticed Dag was doing the same to Lancelot. Shaking his head slightly he turned back to the fray before him to watch Mira whirl quickly, her bow mysteriously appearing from beneath the cloak she always wore, an arrow knocked and aimed at Bors head.

"I like you Bors, truly I do, and meant no harm in my jest," she said in a calm eerie voice, reminding them all of Gareth at that precise moment. Whenever he did not wish to act he took on that demeanour. "You are just more sensitive than I first suspected. I offer apologies for my offence, but if you do not lower your weapons I will be forced to end your life. Please do not force my hand sir, for I like your woman and children too much to do so," she watched him, her face an impassive mask, but her eyes pleading with him.

"Bors, enough!" Arthur yelled to him, noticing that the large knight had no intention of pressing the attack as his face softened. Silently he replaced his blades to the sheathes at his sides.

"Sorry lass," he mumbled, turning to walk back to the bale of hay he had been sitting on prior.

Slowly Mira lowered her bow, it disappearing beneath her cloak as quickly as it had appeared. "No harm done then," she said softly before walking over and hugging the large man tightly. "Mayhap if you just remember what you have, a lovely bunch of bastards and a loving woman, mayhap incidents like the one last night will aught happen again," she smiled, kissing the top of his head before disappearing out of the stables, in desperate need of some fresh air.

They all watched her go in silence, Lancelot moving to follow a few moments later while Tristan melted into the shadows, leaving the rest to deal with Arthur.

0-0-0-0-0-0

Lancelot exited the stables and looked around confusedly. She could not have gone that far in such a short time…his thoughts were cut short as someone jumped atop his back, hands reaching around to cover his eyes, the immediate shock running through his system.

"Looking for someone?" Evani's sweet voice whispered into his ear, the smell of vanilla and honey wafting to him.

"Mayhap, but first I must deduce who it is that has me captive," he teased, a grin appearing on his face.

"Guess…."

"Hmm…let me see," his hands went up behind him, brushing along her body for a moment, causing her to gasp. "Someone beautiful…"

"Who needs not your compliments…" his hands continued to wander and it was about to drive Evani mad with desire. Between his hands and the energy pulsing through them it was a wonder she could keep her wits at all.

"Let us it be my Evani?" he asked with a smirk causing her to suddenly release him. He turned to face her, the grin on his face melting away at the shocked one on her own.

"How did you know?" she almost stammered.

"You know how I know," he wondered if she was unwell and brought a hand about her waist to steady her. "Do you ail?"

"My name, how did you know my name…"

"You told me yesterday that it was your middle name, and I just think it suits you better…do you not remember that I spoke so yesterday?" he asked growing more confused. Why should the use of the name frighten her so?

"Oh aye," the memory came back to her suddenly, having been dwarfed by the kiss they had shared afterwards. She eased considerably. "That kiss just erased it from my mind it seems," she moved closer to him, her hands coming to rest on his shirt, playing slightly with the neckline.

"Would you rather I not call you thus?" he asked, still confused. Why in all of Hades would the name upset her so?

"Nay it is fine, but mayhap we should just keep it between us for a time," she suggested, leaning even closer. "I like secrets…"

He grinned wolfishly, hauling her flush against his body. "I cannot say that I don't agree lady," he whispered huskily, leaning over and kissing her deeply, sending both their senses reeling. For a moment, they could have sworn they heard a very familiar laugh echoing about them before becoming completely lost in the kiss.

As it continued to intensify they broke apart, breathing ragged. "Mayhap this is not the best of places for such an embrace," he said, running a finger slowly down her cheek."

"I would think not," she agreed with a sly grin. "Mayhap we could retire to your quarters….there is something that I wish to discuss with you."

Lancelot quirked an eyebrow at her. "Forward lady, but what kind of man do you think I am and whoever told you?" he grinned.

Evani laughed and punched his arm. "I do not wish to do aught else than talk my brave sir knight, and see if afterwards you will still have me…" her voice trailed off and she smiled up at him, a certain amount of unease in her eyes.

"What is it that troubles you?" Lancelot asked, immediately concerned.

"Not here knight, come," she said, taking his hand and leading him away, hoping that her sister would not be angry at her for telling him. Perhaps Tristan could be the one to explain it to Mira. She had no doubts that her sister would be completely agreeable to any idea that came from the scout. She was deep in these thoughts and they were already halfway to the quarters when Lancelot's voice disturbed her.

"What happened to your cloak?"

"My what?"

"You're cloak…and your bow," he said noting the double swords but no sign of the weapon he had seen her wielding not ten minutes prior. "Where are they?"

"I…..um…hid them," she smiled up at him. "These are much easier to carry." At his suspicious look she sighed and turned to face him. "Do not worry so Lancelot. Soon all will be explained," she answered, leading him the rest of the way in silence.

0-0-0-0-0-0

As Mira hurried along the back of the stables, a hand reached out swiftly and caught her, spinning her into a pair of now very familiar arms, and the safety of the shadows. "You did well," Tristan said, a hint of pride in his voice as he held her close, one hand snaking about her waist while the other kept a hold of her wrist, slowly moving up in a circular motion until her fingers were laced with his own. "You should be rewarded."

"As should you for not interfering," Mira smiled softly up at him. "I saw your hand reach for your blade."

"You miss little," he observed, his face lowering slowly towards her, his lips a mere inches from her own.

"My brother was a fine scout," she replied. "He taught me well…" her voice trailed off as his lips brush hers, his arm tightening about her waist. After a few moments they broke apart, their breathing ragged as she rested her head against his chest, him leaning down to kiss the top of it. "You shall surely kill me with kisses such as those," she panted, her arms wrapping about his body, hugging him closely.

He smirked, kissing her head again and hugging her tighter. "Shall I refrain?"

"If you wish to break my heart," she replied easily, settling against him, getting comfortable. They stood like that for some time, holding one another; enjoying both the warmth of their closeness as well as the tingling feeling that was now a constant part of their physical contact.

After awhile, Tristan felt her frown against him and was immediately alert. "What is it?"

"Evani worries…it is not like her."

"She fears loosing Lancelot's love for your trickery."

"Would he be so fickle? It was all in fun, and he has naught been a victim," the frown deepened.

"Aye with most he would, but I do not see it so with her…they share the same connection as we do."

She smiled at that, snuggling closer to him, wondering if there was a way for them to truly become one being. An image flashed to her mind, one that entertained her most nights as she drifted off to sleep and she began to blush a deep scarlet. 'Now is not the time to be having that thought!' she scolded herself internally before moving on. "Well let us hope that that is the case, for I would hate to have to kill him for breaking her heart…."

"I could always do it for you. It would bother me little," he said after a moment

She looked up at him, her chin resting on his chest. "Do you feel that towards all I wonder?" she looked hopefully and almost a little fearful as she awaited his response.

He regarded her seriously for a long moment before loosening himself a bit, walking over to a bale of hay, leading her by the hand, he sat and pulled her into his lap, a thoughtful look on his face.

"I have wondered often over these two days how you could have endeared yourself to me so quickly," he said after a moment, watching her face closely.

"As have I," she said, pausing to wait for him to continue.

"I have no answer save that perhaps it is as Gareth used to say. We are kindred spirits. And perhaps it is he who wants us together."

She smiled softly at that, reaching both hands up to run her thumbs slowly over his tattoos. "That is a nice thought…"

"I do know one thing for certain," he locked eyes with her then, his face a mask of seriousness. "After having you by my side, I do not believe I would survive long in this world without you near."

The smile on her face grew and tears of joy sprang into her eyes. "I feel very muchly the same Tristan," she said softly, a light breeze picking up around her, pulling her hair from her face as she leaned forward, kissing him gently, her arms wrapping around his neck as his came about her waist, the feeling of someone pushing them together being studiously ignored.

"Mira? I think your sister is about to tell…." Tristan broke the embrace and pointed; there in the distance was a worried looking Evani leading a confused Lancelot to his room.

"Should she?"

"She is too concerned not to. I think it is best she does so now….to leave it overlong would cause him hurt and anger."

"But not yet?"

"Nay, mayhap he will be a little put out – but will most likely shrug it off as Dagonet did; and you have finished your jesting with them now so why the pretence?"

"Aye you are right….but we still do not wish them all to know for now…."

Tristan smiled "The only ones who do not are Gawain, Galahad and Arthur!"

"Aye well them being kept in the dark is no bad thing – especially the insolent pup!" she glowered towards Galahad.

"Aye….well, we will see….but I think Evani is right to tell Lancelot."

"Mmmm…" Mira returned her attention to Tristan, who was tugging her chin round to look at him "I would not have appreciated being lied to….neither will he. Better to speak now and limit the damage – you have me, she only wishes the same with Lance."

Mira nodded her head, she was being selfish and Tristan was right – they'd had all the fun they would. If Evani even felt half for Lancelot of what she did for the scout then she could understand her sister's concern…..she would be the same if the roles were reversed.

0-0-0-0-0-0

Evani sat Lancelot on the bed and then sat away from him, he went to move towards her so she stood up.

"What is it?" he was getting concerned now.

"I have something to tell you Lancelot, but first I must ask if you care for me?"

"Aye……..you know I do….what is it? Is there someone else?" He suddenly felt worried.

"Nay, nay there is no one, could never be any other but you. Surely you know that by now?"

He grinned and nodded hopefully "But it would never do to take it for granted, especially with you!"

"Right…well…." This was ridiculous, better to just say it than go all around the fort "I am a twin, Mira is the other and I am Evani…." There - it was out; and she sagged with relief.

"What!" He looked confused.

"I've said my piece and now I'm going for a walk…." She did not wish to wait around to be rejected and went to leave, just as it all fell into place for Lancelot.

The difference in the scents he'd smelt, lavender and roses compared to vanilla and honey; the spark and lack of it…the apparent double vision the previous evening……the feisty nature and the softer one.

Then he vaguely recollected Gareth mentioning younger sisters of his that led most of his village a merry dance with their pranks as they were twins! Suddenly it all fell into place with him. Tristan being more involved than usual, sharing his apples with her; what Jols saw behind the tavern…

"Evani!" He stopped, she looked worried "Did you think I would be angry?"

She would not look at him "Aye…"

He took her arm and pulled her to him, taking her chin in his fingers and forcing her to look up into his eyes, the spark still just as strong. Anger flashed across his eyes but as soon as he saw the fear in her own it disappeared, replaced by a deep hurt. He realized then, Goddess help him, he could not stay angry with her for anything.

"Why did you not just tell me?" he asked, eyeing her closely.

"At first it was just in jest, and I did not know you…did not feel for you then what I do for you now," she answered honestly, the feeling of dread that he would not have her any longer creeping up into her very core.

"Yet you told Tristan? And Vanora and Jols and Dagonet now that I think about it…" he said, the hurt growing as he thought back to the large knight's sudden reaction to comforting Mira, it must have been Mira in the stables, and how he had been whispering a great deal with Tristan as of late.

"Tristan and Vanora figured it out on their own, as did Dagonet, and Jols; Vanora and I agreed there was no other way but to tell him else he give away our jest. And I wanted to tell you, desperately I did.

"As soon as I realized what you mean to me, but I did not wish the others to know, especially since Van wished us to target Bors…but our joking is over now, I swear it and I am deeply sorry for what we have done," she almost pleaded with him. She would lose him now that was certain….

He looked thoughtfully at her for a long moment, seeing the fear and pain in her eyes. He pulled his eyes away and looked towards the door, still keeping his hold on her before his shoulders began to shake, and a chuckle escaped his throat. She looked at him confusedly as the chuckle grew into a full-blown laugh that was loud and almost infectious.

"Why are you laughing so?" Evani was clearly confused now. This was the last reaction she would have expected.

"I was just thinking," he released her and wiped at the tears in his eyes from such merriment, trying to gain control of himself, he walked over and sank onto the bed, clutching his sides still. "Gareth would have loved this!"

The shocked look was still on her face as she stared at him. He finally gained control of himself, the last of his laughter escaping in a loud chuckle before he sobered. "Now you Lady, must be punished for your treachery," he said seriously, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Come her and receive your punishment…" he patted his knee.

Looking oddly over at him she walked forward to be caught about the waist and pulled down onto his lap. "Now what shall I do with you…." He leaned in closer "perhaps this…" his lips captured her own, sending her senses reeling.

Inside her heart practically burst with joy. He was not angry! Her arms wrapped about his neck and she turned in his lap to straddle his hips, the kiss intensifying. As they broke apart, both their breathing ragged and a content expression on his face, he grinned up at her, running his fingers slowly over her arms, leaving hair standing on end in his wake.

"I take it that it was your sister that was the little harpy to me earlier when we met eh?" he asked, mirth in his eyes as he leaned back against the wall, placing his body at an angle and pulling her with him.

"Careful sir, that is my sister of which you speak and only I may call her so…and yes, she is the harpy. I would not say so before Tristan though. He is muchly taken with her," she adjusted so her head was lying on his chest, her arms wrapped tightly about him as they lie there. His hands came up, one to rest about her lower back, rubbing it gently, the other brushing through her hair.

"Then I will just have to keep my tongue busy…" he said mischievously, bringing his hand to tilt her head up, capturing her lips once more….