Disclaimer: I am poor and own nothing. And because I'm poor, this is my only source of entertainment, so please do not sue.
Authors Note: Duncan is Scottish for warrior while Saoirse is Irish Gaelic for freedom. This chapter is dedicated to Tracy137…talk of a certain story of yours inspired me. Enjoy.
Zelinia – Glad you liked the chapter and the symbolism I used. Thanks for reviewing!
Cardeia – Wow, I really just thought it was filler. I had no idea it accomplished all of that. It will all come out later, hopefully well, why she wasn't mentioned. I'm glad you enjoyed it so much. Hopefully this chapter lives up to the last. Thanks as always for your thoughts!
Sorceress Misha – Yeah, serious ass kissing ahead. Or at least groveling…I love a good grovel. I really think it's neat that you ask the authors permission to post the links. It's really cool of you to do that. I went and checked out your site and loved it. (Especially the links to the quizzes. Surprise, surprise, I got Tristan for both.) Thanks for reviewing.
Tracy137 – Writers block is an evil bastard sent to torture us, I'm certain of it. Hopefully the site will stop eating our reviews. Since that only succeeds to enrage us both. And again I must express how much I am NOT A COW! Okay that being said, enjoy the chapter (since apparently you never do otherwise). Just wait, one day I'll write a really shitty chapter and then you'll come to your senses ;o) Oh, any new work on that lovely novel of yours? Or perhaps one of your other wondrous stories? No pressure considering I've reread chapter 17 of 'Heart and Soul' about six hundred times and have yet to tire of it. Okay, I've reread parts of chapter 17; never guess which ones I bet…hehehe.
LANCELOTTRISTANBABY – Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for reviewing.
Snape's Opera Rose – Ah, I have a fan, how very cool. You are a reviewer after my own heart with all the offerings of cookies. And I'm sure the world will now be pushing me to get those two together in the next chapter. Sadly, it is my muse the world must push and she is much harder to persuade. Yeah, I had a lot of reviews for the last chapter. My replies was longer than my update I think, LOL. Usually I do just say thanks to everyone, but on my Arthur stories, everyone has such interesting comments, that I like to reply to them all. Ah your love for Merlin is like my love for Patrick Stewart…I understand. And your love for Tristan is similar to my love for Tristan and Vin Diesel…really understand. Hope you enjoy this chapter and thanks for the review and cookies.
Isolde – Glad you enjoyed the filler. As long as I keep it down to a chapter a day everyone seems to be able to keep up, although I have been bad lately and not even getting a chapter a day out, which is very sad. I am glad this is serving as a good distraction though. As always thank you for reviewing.
Evenstar-mor2004 – Thanks, I need all the luck I can get as I move farther and farther into it. And good luck to you in art, that must be exciting. Yeah, he's a little sneaking and nosy what with being a scout and all. Thanks for reviewing.
Ryn the whitepanther – Glad you're enjoying it so far. More sweet moments to come I promise. Thanks for reviewing.
TriGemini – They do have some similar traits, but are not completely the same. They will be talking more later and we'll all find out more about Mariska as the story progresses. Thanks as always for reviewing.
Dellis – It was too short I thought, but it makes for a fast read. Yeah, more will come out about Miranda, and Mariska and her past as well as the story progresses. Glad you liked the filler and thanks for the review.
Skittles – Glad you're enjoying it so far. Thanks for the review.
Texasgrrl – Thanks for the review.
Lunawolf – I thought I'd give him a reason to hate the Woads so much in this story, and if I do come up with someone to torture, I can just look back to the ideas you supplied for 'My Ana.' Glad you like it so far and as always thanks for reviewing.
June Birdie – Glad you're enjoying it. Here's the next chapter. Thanks for reviewing.
The Priestesses of Avalon
Chapter Six: Picnics
It was three weeks later and everything at the fort was slowly returning back to normal. Lancelot had returned to his rooms and Dagonet and Tristan were recovering nicely, albeit slowly. Mariska had fully recovered from her little trip and was busy bustling about the infirmary, her and Hayley preparing the two knights for an outing.
Since they were both doing well, and the weather had grown a bit warmer, despite the season and Tristan was going stir crazy being locked up in the sick room, it was decided that they would go out for a picnic near the lake behind the fort. It would serve for them to get some air and sun and let the Goddesses own sanctuary, nature itself, work its magic on healing them. All three women were of the opinion that if they could not commune with nature, than they would not be able to fully heal, and none of them would have that.
"Hayley, do you have all the herbs packed?" Mariska asked, folding one more blanket and placing it gently into the large basket Lucan was holding, a smile on his face as he helped the two women, looking excitedly towards Dagonet who had a proud smile on his own face.
"Aye, everything is here," she handed her full basket to Gilly who also stood ready to help. "I am sure we will not need it though," she added, patting his head and sending him out towards the common area where his mother and Guinevere were already waiting with Esmeralda.
"Let us hope, Lucan take those out now," Mariska smiled at the boy and placed Nefertari on top of the blankets, weighing it down further before turning towards the bed where Tristan was already struggling to rise, shaking her head at his impatience. Most of his injuries were healing well, but that one still gave them both a fit, repeatedly falling to infection or the stitches merely popping apart. More than once she threatened to remove the leg and be done with it all only to have Arthur and Merlin escort her from the room for a few moments.
"But do you not need my help with father?" he asked, concern washing over his small innocent face. He had taken to calling Dagonet that quiet regularly after he had recovered, and the smile that appeared on the large knights face every time he heard it could dull the sun in comparison.
"We got him boy," Bors said as the five knights walked in then. "Go help the others eh," he patted Lucan's shoulder affectionately and sent him out the door, carrying the basket carefully, the large hare's nose twitching excitedly as it watched from it's perch.
"The horses are prepared," Arthur said as he walked further into the room, the look of joy unmistakable on his face. "We are ready to leave when you are."
"Good," Tristan said, trying to rise despite the injury at the back of his right knee. He was more than a little anxious to get outside, which would probably have been frantic for anyone else.
"Now you're not going to get to go if you pull those stitches," Mariska said, slightly annoyed as she moved to his side, Gawain and Galahad moving to follow her. "Now let us assist you or I confine you to your bed until Winter Solstice."
"Try," Tristan challenged, his voice emotionless as their eyes met and locked while Galahad and Gawain hauled him to his feet. He was a good foot taller than her and more built, but she did not falter as she glared up at him.
"Gladly, it would not be hard," she growled back, crossing her arms over her chest, still holding his gaze.
"Ah, a lovers quarrel already," Lancelot teased, which immediately directed their glares towards him, causing him to gulp and step back, as far away from the Priestess and the Scout as possible. This led to a fit of laughter from Bors and Arthur, who had moved to help Hayley and Dagonet, as well as Gawain and Galahad who still stood steadying Tristan, the majority of his weight resting on his left leg.
"What is taking so long?" Esmeralda said, stalking into the room, her boa winding about her waist, its head resting in her hands as she stroked it affectionately. "I would like to eat before the harvest," she said raising an eyebrow at them all. "As would the children I'm sure."
"Keep your dress on lass, we were just watching them scare Lance," Bors chuckled, indicating Tristan and Mariska as he and Arthur balanced Dag between them, his arms resting on their shoulders, the larger man still a bit unsteady on his feet. His wounds had begun to heal well and Hayley had been able to remove the stitches the day before. Now he had only his strength to regain.
"Well then carry on," Esmeralda replied with a grin and a wave of her hand, leaning back against the doorframe.
"Harpy," Lancelot muttered, turning to glare at her.
"Narcissist," she answered with a smirk, turning to stroll quickly out of the room, Lancelot on her heels.
"I am not a narcissist!" he exclaimed as the others moved to follow him, laughing at the now all to familiar exchange.
"I give them two moons before those screams are coming from his bed," Bors stated as the men chuckled a bit uncomfortably, as they looked to the two Priestesses, unsure how they would take the jest.
They looked to one another for a moment before Mariska spoke. "If that," she stated matter-of-factly, striding out of the room, fresh laughter erupting from the men behind her.
xoxoxoxoxoxox
"You must give them names Vanora. Names define who we are," Hayley stated, her voice soft yet filled with determination as they sat about the clearing next to the lake, Bors younger children running about and playing with their father and uncles Galahad and Gawain. Dagonet sat leaning against a tree near by, Lucan between him and Hayley, teaching the boy how to carve an arrowhead, while Tristan sat near a different tree, his legs out before him and his hawk resting on his arm as he fed her bits of bread. Arthur and Lancelot sat near the lake, looking out over the water where Jols and a few of Bors older children were splashing about while Mariska and Esmeralda busied themselves with handing out bits of bread, cheese and meat. Guinevere and Vanora sat across from Hayley, the former watching the latter two with great amusement.
All in all the entire scene was peaceful and serene, save for the two women, who were in a heated discussion over naming the red haired ones brood.
"It's too much trouble what with the lot of em running around," Vanora stated, taking a sip from her mug. "Sides, it's easier to remember this way."
"But our names tell us who we are, make us unique and special," Hayley tried again, determined not to be moved.
"And what is it your name means again?" Esmeralda asked, a teasing lilt to her voice as she and Mariska came to join them, Arthur and Lancelot in tow.
Hayley blushed and looked down at her hands, twiddling her thumbs while they all looked at her, including Dagonet, a smirk on his face since she had told him what her name meant earlier. She mumbled under her breath, so none of the others heard her.
"Sorry? I did not quite hear you," Esmeralda said, as Lancelot smirked and Mariska rolled her eyes, moving off towards where Tristan sat.
"I said, it means hay clearing," she answered, her cheeks a deep crimson now as she glared up at the black haired beauty.
"Ah yes, that is it. I see now how important a name is then, in defining who we are," Esmeralda smiled moving off towards where the horses were tied, as Lancelot and Arthur both covered their laughter with a cough and moved off towards Bors and the others.
Meanwhile Mariska sank down next to Tristan, smiling up at the clear sky, leaving the others to their discussion. "Better?" she asked, casting a sideways glance towards him.
"Aye," he answered, stroking his hawk lovingly.
"Her name?"
"Saoirse."
"Freedom," she smiled over at him and ran her fingers over the bird's feathers. He nodded slowly and leaned his head back against the tree, watching as she stroked the hawk through half closed eyes. He hadn't noticed how beautiful she was, her soft green eyes framed by thick dark lashes, her creamy white skin glowing in the sunlight and her red black hair falling in loose curls about her shoulders. Almost as beautiful as Miranda had been. He let out a sigh and looked away towards the woods, a sadness washing over his heart.
Mariska watched him for a moment, his face impassive but a pain fluttering across his eyes. She took a deep breath and moved closer, staring directly at his face. "I was but fifteen summers when I met him," she began softly, watching as Tristan turned to face her. "He came to train us to fight. Bow, sword, it mattered not for he was an expert in all. A Master Woo accompanied him, from far in the east, who taught us to fight with our hands and our feet, when weapons were unavailable. But he, he taught us the wonders of weaponry, and he was beautiful," she paused for a moment, her mind drifting back to the well muscled man who had stolen her heart eleven years prior. The deep chocolate brown eyes, olive skin, his shaved head and well defined facial features, a sad smile playing at her lips.
"His name?" Tristan asked, looking mildly intrigued, as he sat forward a bit, sending his bird to the sky. They had not spoken much since the night she woke up, and he was a bit surprised to have her open up to him so suddenly.
"Duncan. It means warrior, and he was every bit of that," she gazed off at the horizon, her eyes glazing slightly as she remembered. "He stayed training us for two years. Training us night and day to be as powerful in ways of battle as we were in the ways of magic. And in those two years I fell hopelessly in love. We were joined by the hand binding ceremony and I bore him a daughter not one year later and I thought that perhaps peace had found me," her smile saddened as she looked away, a single tear falling form her eye.
"What happened to him?" Tristan asked, placing a hand on her knee in what he hoped was a comforting fashion, as she sat cross-legged before him, clutching her ankles in her hands.
She looked at his hand, following it up his arm until her eyes met his own. "The plague. It killed him and Celeste, my daughter, about six summers ago, she was but two. We lost half of the temple as well. Only a handful of us survived, thirteen in total. He was in a fever for several days, lingering in Elysia. That was the first time I performed the ritual. The first time I went to the land of the dead and tried to bring him back and the only time I have failed," as she spoke, her voice hardened, laced with unshed tears, her eyes icing over.
"What happened then?"
"I was lost for a time. And soon, the High Priestess herself was the one retrieving me from my grief and Elysia," she pulled up her shirt to reveal her stomach, and the large scar that traced across it, marring the soft, cream colored skin. "I went looking for a fight. The Saxon I found was more than happy to oblige."
Slowly he reached out his hand, running his calloused fingers gently over the pale skin before looking up at her face. Their eyes met and for a moment neither said a word, but merely gazed at one another. Finally she spoke.
"I loved him more than my heart could handle. More than once I held the blade to my own wrists, and to my heart, but was not strong enough to plunge it through. So I withdrew into myself. Fighting battles, some that were my own and others that were not. Turning my back on all I held dear. Only Esmeralda and Hayley were able to get through to me, bring me back into the light after the Priestess saved my soul," she leaned forward and brushed a braid from his face, letting her hand linger on his cheek, tracing his war tattoo softly. "I just thought that you should know you are not alone," she almost whispered before rising swiftly and walking off towards the children, who were all gathered now, laughing and playing, leaving Tristan to his thoughts.
xoxoxoxoxoxox
"Now where is that blasted thing?" Lancelot muttered as he searched the forest floor, near the lake where they were picnicking at, looking for Cadeyrn, Esmeralda's missing boa. She had been besides herself when she had called and he had not come, so now he, as well as Arthur, Bors, Gawain and Galahad and half the brood were spread out through the forest, searching for the wayward reptile.
A snapping twig behind him startled him out of his skin and he spun, one of his swords already in his hand and pointed at Guinevere's neck. "Lady," he breathed, a bit uneasily, removing the blade and replacing it in the sheath on his back. "You startled me."
"I did not mean too," she said, moving further forward, closing the distance between them. "I merely wished to see how you were. This is the first moment we have had alone since you have woken," she smiled softly at him, resting a hand on his chest.
"Yes, well, we have both been busy. I with recovering and you planning your wedding," he replied, irritation in his vice as he removed her hand from his chest and stepped away, turning to resume his search.
"I merely wished to thank you," she replied angrily, unused to her advances being so quickly brushed aside. "You saved my life that day."
He paused, turning to look at her, his face torn. "Aye I did, but no thanks is required. I would do it again to save Arthur the sadness that would come with losing you," he stressed his friends name and glared at her, clenching and unclenching his fists. Why did she insist on making this so difficult. There could be nothing between them for she was to be Arthur's wife, and yet here she was, throwing that into his face, despite his feelings for her.
From behind a tree not half a dozen yards away Esmeralda watched, anger flooding her features as she glared at the Queen to be, noting Lancelot's suffering.
Eyeing him closely Guinevere decided to rethink her approach, her features softening as she smiled up at the dark knight, moving closer. "Come Lancelot, you and Arthur are the closest of brothers," she moved around him and rested her hand on his chest, the pale lavender dress dropping slightly from her shoulder as she rested her chin on his shoulder. "There is no reason we could not be the closest of friends," she added, her eyes twinkling as she looked up at him.
Lancelot breathed heavily, trying to control himself and the reactions of his body as he caught a whiff of the scent she had put on that day. He was about to speak, although unsure of what he was to say, when a figure burst through the trees.
"Lancelot, there you are!" Esmeralda exclaimed, her presence effectively sending Guinevere a good two feet from the knight, a wave of relief washing over his face. "I was worried for you," she cooed, walking over and wrapping her arms about him, hugging him tightly and resting her cheek against his chest.
Both he and Guinevere looked at her oddly for a moment before he caught on, quickly hugging her too him. "What is this pet? Worried were we?" he asked, his voice teasing and his face becoming a mask of concern as he focused on her, pulling back enough to look into her face.
"You are still not all well," she said, a twinkle in her eye. "And I worry when you are away from me," she pouted slightly, gazing up at him, mischief in her eyes.
"Well, I shall go and see how the others fare in finding your snake," Guinevere stuttered, quickly taking her leave from them. When they were both sure she was away the broke apart, Esmeralda laughing loudly.
"That audacious cow!" she said, wiping the tears from her eyes as a wave of relief washed over Lancelot and he sank onto a nearby log, running his hands through his hair, breathing a sigh. "Practically a married woman and she torments you as if she were free to do so." Crossing her hands over her chest she stalked over and sank down next to him the smile disappearing from her face. "Would serve her right if some one let her husband to be in on her little secret."
"Nay, do not tell Arthur," Lancelot said, his head resting in his hands now as he sat next to her.
"And why pray tell should I keep my silence?"
"Because he loves her," he looked up and into Esmeralda's eyes. "And I have not seen him this happy in years. I will resist her, and make sure others do as well, but I will not deny him that happiness."
Esmeralda watched him closely, a smile slowly beginning to play on her lips as her face softened and she brought her hand up to his cheek, stroking it gently. "Careful Lancelot. Otherwise everyone will find out what a good man you are," she murmured sweetly, before rising, heading back towards the others leaving him to look on at her in wonder as she disappeared into the trees.
xoxoxoxoxoxox
"Does it always take this long to hunt a snake?" Dagonet asked Hayley as she sat with him, watching the children and others return empty handed, Esmeralda talking quietly to Mariska across the field.
"Aye, that one it does," she answered rather annoyed as Nefertari hopped up closer to them, her pink nose twitching. "What's that?" Hayley looked down at the rabbit who started to squeak rapidly before hopping off again towards Lucan, who happily picked her up in his arms. The rabbit was almost too large for him to hold, and he hugged her close before running off to show her to Gilly. "Thank you, Tari," Hayley sighed and rose, dusting off her skirts.
"What did she say?" Dagonet asked her, intrigued by her, as well as Mariska and Esmeralda's ability to communicate with the animals.
"That he scurried off when Vigdis tried to eat him, and good riddance," she sighed and smiled down at the large knight. "Sadly they do not get along as well as we would like. I must tell my sisters," she walked quickly over towards her friends and Dagonet watched her, a longing in his eyes, as she spoke quickly to the other two Priestesses.
"You like her," he startled when he heard Tristan's voice and turned to see him not far to his right, leaning against the tree he had been at all day, carving an apple as he watched the group.
"You miss nothing old friend," Dagonet answered with a small smile, knowing it would be useless to lie to Tristan.
"It would be dangerous to do otherwise," he answered, a ghost of a smile at his lips. "I am a scout after all."
"Very true," Dag smiled before turning sullen. "They will leave as soon as we are well. I hear her discussing it with her sisters. As soon as we are able, they will be away back to Avalon."
Tristan looked from Dag out to the field, where Mariska had her owl on her arm, reprimanding the creature for not getting along with the snake, and sending her out, despite the bright hour of the day, to fetch it without harm. As he watched her, an understanding of Dagonet's feelings came to him as a feeling stirred in his heart that he had not felt since they burned Miranda's body, his brothers at his side. He wasn't sure he wanted her to leave anymore than his brother wished for Hayley to. "Perhaps we can convince them otherwise."
"I doubt it. Besides, they may not be the only ones," he replied sadly. "I am sure the others will be wishing to return home."
"You do not?" Tristan looked back to his friend. Normally they were both the silent ones of the group, which was probably why they got along so well. They had an understanding about one another that none of the other knights possessed, and it helped to aid in their friendship.
"Nay. I would not even recognize my family, if they even still draw breath," he answered honestly. "I would rather remember them as they were, than think that any harm or misfortune has befallen them. And besides, you lot are my family now," he added, indicating Tristan as well as the others gathered. "And you? Do you return home?"
"Nay. No home to return to," Tristan replied, looking down at the apple. "We were nomads and warriors. It would take me a lifetime to find them, if they yet live."
"I am sure our new king will still need a scout," Dag offered with a smile.
"True," Tristan cut another slice of apple and munched on it absentmindedly.
"As for the others, I know only that Arthur and Bors are to stay. Lancelot is uncertain and Gawain and Galahad still long for home I believe," Dag continued with a sigh.
"Well if they go, one good thing will come of it," Tristan said, taking another bite of apple. Dagonet raised an eyebrow at him in question and he continued. "It will be much quieter."
The larger man chuckled softly and watched as Hayley began to slowly make her way back towards them. "Aye, and darker once they are gone," he indicated the three women, earning a nod of agreement from the scout as she joined them again, a smile on her face.
From behind the tree Dagonet occupied, Lucan and Gilly exchanged a conspiratorial look. They would have to make sure that didn't happen, for the two silent knights sake.
Authors Note: Sorry, writers block is a pain in the ass. Here's another chapter though (finally). Hope you all enjoy it, personally, I think it's shit and was forced, but that's just me (hopefully). We get a little more of Mariska's past here. I just wanted her to establish for Tristan that she understands what he is going through more than he thought she did. Anyway, hope you all enjoyed this and let me know what you think.