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: This chapter is dedicated to Snape's Opera Rose for giving me Tristan for a day. You're lucky you got an update at all as distracted as I was by that! ;o) Also, as a special side note, today (6-28-05) marks the three year anniversary that I went down to the pound and adopted my little baby chunky monkey Guido Alfonse Capone, who is a little cocker spaniel. And so, after going to Wal-Mart to purchase him a squeaker toy to add to his collection (because his mommy spoils him so) I decided to share my joy with all of you by posting another chapter. Hope you enjoy it as much as he is his little yellow elephant.
LANCELOTTRISTANBABY – Oh you're so sweet! Thanks for reviewing!
Zelinia – That is a good question. No he wasn't. He just trained with Woo before they came to the temple. It will be explained in more detail later. I wonder about stuff like that too, so I'm more than happy to humor you. Glad you enjoyed everything. I can't help but not play down the triangle since Guinevere always strikes me as such a…. I don't want to say ho, but can't think of a better word right now. Thanks for reviewing.
TriGemini – The whole point of Mariska's revelation is that she wants him to know he's not alone. She felt alone and it took her time to learn otherwise, and although she's slow to trust, she has moved on a small part. Now, unless I decide to be a bitch, which has been known to happen, it is my hope that they can move on completely together. As for the end, yeah, they will miss the girls if they leave, again the point of the conversation. Thanks for reviewing.
Tracy137 – Well as soon as I read yours, I'll be able to tell you it's not. Favorite chapter? Really? You sure? LOL! I really didn't like it, but oh well. The masses are contesting with me so I guess I will have to concede that I'm wrong…as I always am it appears when I say my stuff is crap. I better be careful or I'll start to believe it myself. Ah yes, it would not be a Tracy story without muchly. I knew you'd love that line, although I did think you'd like the bit with Lucan holding the rabbit as well. Just the image of it in my head makes me smile anyway, but I did know you'd love the quiet line. You must admit, without Gal there, it would be. Whatever. The only difference between my writers block and your writers block is I struggle and struggle with what I've already got and write crap for it, while you just give us a new and equally wonderful story to read. My dear, I don't care what you say, you could never write a crappy chapter. I'm just excited for chapter 18. And if you decide to kill Tristan off in 19 I will cry. And probably call you some not nice names, and cry some more and be irate and then not work on my story for six months because I'll be too busy crying my little eyes out….is that enough of a threat to get you not to kill him? You did, maybe you were talking about that one reviewer of mine when you said cow in the last review. Anyway, it matters naught…;o) Glad you liked it. Hope this one is just as good…er crap in my mind. Enjoy!
Sorceress Misha – I did like your list, and I see that you've updated it. How exciting. Yeah, he's pretty stubborn, but that works to my advantage here. And I loved the fact that you called Guinevere a twit! Twit is my favorite word of all time and has been for many years now, so thank you for that and for reviewing. I hope it lets up as well.
Snape's Opera Rose – I find it funny how everyone always says that about other peoples work, myself included. But I'm glad you're enjoying it. And now I must say THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! That is the best gift I could have ever received! Although you are very lucky that I was able to write at all, what with all the gorgeousness that is the Scout mine for a whole day. Here's more Tristan…er I mean story ;o) for you! Thanks for reviewing.
Dellis – Thanks for your kind words. Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for reviewing.
Cardeia – Well he has had time to think, and is still recovering. He'll be back to his old, bloodthirsty self in no time. I'm hoping to use some of the same elements without making it feel like I'm ripping off my other story. Hopefully it can be done. Yeah, I kind of figured you didn't find Clive too hard on the eyes there. I'm not sure how I want him to react to it, but he will react this time, instead of just letting it brush aside. I personally still think it's crap, but I'm glad you thought it worked. It's becoming difficult right now as to how to proceed. I think it will help when I decide where exactly I want this to go. As always thank you for your review and critique. Hopefully I can get rid of that block soon.
Ryn the whitepanther – Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks so much for reviewing.
Evenstar-mor2004 – How very true. They are rather adorable little boys. Glad you liked it and thanks for reviewing.
The Priestesses of Avalon
Chapter Seven: Decisions and Foreboding
Two days later, Dagonet and Tristan, with the assistance of Hayley and Mariska, joined the rest of the knights at the round table. A quiet chatter filled the room, and wine flowed freely as the man sat and ate, enjoying one another's company for the first time since they had returned with the Bishop nearly two months ago.
Even Merlin and Jols had joined them, and all were in a general sense of mirth as Arthur rose, tapping the side of his goblet with a knife. "Knights," he began, a broad grin on his face as he looked out at his men. "My brothers in arms. We have come here today to celebrate two very important things. Freedom," a cheer went up around the room as they hooted and applauded. "And life," here he raised his glass first towards the two silent knights across the table, and then towards Lancelot. Another cheer sounded and goblets were raised around the room.
As soon as the silence resumed, Arthur continued. "And, as you all know, come spring, I will marry Guinevere," Lancelot flinched, but hid it behind his wine as his friend continued. "And be crowned king. That being said, I need to choose the men to serve in my court, and before I do so, I need to know what you all plan to do now that you are free."
The men gazed around at one another, thoughtful looks on their faces. Finally Bors spoke up.
"Well, majesty," he said, a smirk already forming on his face. "I still want to be Governor."
The men began to chuckle and were surprised when it was Tristan who spoke next. "A king still needs a scout," he stated simply, raising his glass to his lips.
"That he does old friend," Arthur smiled warmly before looking towards Bors. "And with all those children, I dare say you could begin your own village with your bunch scurrying about." Again the men began to chuckle. "But I will need a fine warrior by my side." The giant man beamed, nodding slowly, not trusting his voice to speak.
"Well, someone needs to keep you both sewn up," Dagonet sighed, a smirk on his face and mischief in his eyes.
"Well if you're staying than I am," Gawain said with a sly smile. "Galahad as well," he added, glancing over at Galahad before taking a drink of his wine.
"I suppose I am," Galahad said indignantly, before breaking out in to a broad grin.
"You know you can count on me Arthur," Jols smiled, as Arthur nodded in appreciation before turning to his best friend, who was deep in thought.
"And you Lancelot? What say you?"
They all turned and regarded the dark knight, who remained silent. His thoughts going home, to the golden fields, the crisp air, and his sisters large blue eyes staring up at him. It all seemed so long ago and yet as if only an instant had passed all at the same time. He looked out at his brothers. How could he abandon them? Guinevere's face suddenly flashed before his mind, and a hint of anger and hurt clouded his vision. But how could he stay here with her, constantly tormenting him?
Then, as suddenly as the breeze changes, Esmeralda's smiling face appeared and her words floated back to him. "Careful Lancelot. Otherwise everyone will find out what a good man you are." He wasn't sure why, but he wanted to prove her right. Needed to prove her right, that he was indeed a good man. "Well," he said after a moment, his trademark half smile appearing on his lips. "I can't expect you to run this country on your own can I?"
A wave of relief washed over Arthur's face and he clapped Lance hard on the back. "It mattered not, since Jols was staying after all," he replied, the hall bursting into laughter again. The knights now pledged to stay together once more. This time out of choice.
xoxoxoxoxoxox
"I still cannot believe it, she seems so nice," Hayley whispered quietly to Esmeralda and Mariska as they sat at a small table in the tavern, Vanora bustling about serving drinks as Guinevere played with the baby across the room near the bar.
"I tell you Hayley it is true," Esmeralda answered adamantly, her fist hitting the table and splashing some of the ale out of her mug. "I saw it with my own eyes."
Mariska sat quietly, listening to the tale of how Esmeralda came upon Guinevere, making some rather friendly advances towards Lancelot, her future husband not a hundred yards away, in the forest several days earlier. Her fingers were steepled beneath her chin and her eyes trained on the Queen to be as she watched her closely.
"What are we to do then?" Hayley asked, her voice filled with concern. They had been at the fort for about a month now and they had all become very fond of the people here, especially the knights. And it was evident to the other two girls that Hayley was more than a bit taken by Dagonet, and he by her. Sadly they were both too shy for their own good.
"What did Lancelot say?" Mariska asked, pulling her eyes away from her Aunt and looking at Esmeralda.
"He said say nothing to Arthur," she sighed, placing her hands on the table before her and twiddling her thumbs together. "He does not wish to see him hurt."
"Then we say nothing," Mariska said and held up her hand as Hayley was about to protest. "It is not our place sister. We are here to heal the physical, not the emotional. However, he said not to say anything to Arthur, am I correct?"
"Aye," Esmeralda eyed her closely, wondering what she could be up to.
"Then we merely go around him then. I will speak to Merlin, and you speak to her, that is if you can mind your temper to do so?" she looked pointedly at Esmeralda and raised an eyebrow in question.
"I'm sure I can manage that," Esmeralda replied, a glint in her eye as she cracked her knuckles in delight.
"I mean it Ez. Arthur cannot be made suspicious," Mariska warned.
"I will accompany her then," Hayley stated, sighing as she rested her palms flat on the wood surface before her. "Then we do not return yet I take it?" there was a spark of hope in her voice and Mariska had to suppress a smile as she and Esmeralda shared a knowing look.
"Nay, not until this is cleared," Mariska shook her head. "Sonia would not want us to leave it in such unrest, if indeed he is to unite the country." The other two girls nodded in agreement.
"When do you speak to your Grandfather then?" Esmeralda asked.
"After their meeting. You should approach her before then though. Alone," Mariska said as she rose, leaving her empty mug, the other two following suit. "Remember, we do not wish to arouse suspicions."
"Of course not," Esmeralda agreed, still eyeing Guinevere as they left the tavern, waving goodbye to Vanora as they went.
xoxoxoxoxoxox
Guinevere walked briskly out of the tavern a few hours later, heading towards her rooms as she hummed happily. Everything in her life seemed to be going well. She was to wed a loving, although somewhat dispassionate man by spring, which would make her the Queen of Britain. The Romans had left and her family was safe and free. Now all that was left for her to sort out were her feelings for Lancelot and her world would be completely perfect. A frown graced her lips as she thought about the dark haired and dark eyed knight. His easy smile and passionate ways touched her to her very core. They were indeed very much a like and try as she might, she could not get his image out of her mind.
Sighing she shook her head once before continuing on her path. It would not due to think on these things tonight. She would worry over them tomorrow, or perhaps the day after that. Yes, that would suit her well, she thought and continued towards the sleeping quarters, noting how quiet the streets were on this cold winters night. The moon was waning and she could barely make out her feet before her as she quickened her pace. The darkness and the empty streets would have frightened most women, but being brought up a Woad fighter, she was only mildly unnerved. That is until the shadows before her began to take shape, and a pair of red eyes glowed directly in front of her face.
She screamed and jumped back, her hand flying to her chest as Esmeralda and Hayley appeared from the shadows as if made from them, Cadeyrn hissing, his tongue darting out as Esmeralda held him before her. "Look who came home to mummy," Esmeralda cooed, bringing Cadeyrn's head to her lips and kissing him between the eyes, his tongue darting out dangerously towards Guinevere.
"Esmeralda! Hayley!" Guinevere breathed, relaxing slightly. "You startled me."
"Did we?" Hayley asked, moving and taking Guinevere's arm, leading her further into the shadows.
"Good for us," Esmeralda stated lowly, a smirk forming on her lips before she began to murmur an incantation under her breath, following as they walked farther out towards the trees, the darkness growing around them, consuming them and preventing them from being seen.
"Where are you taking me?" Guinevere asked as she began to look about frantically, more than a little disconcerted by the two obviously powerful women. She tried to get her bearings, figure out where they were taking her, but it seemed the shadows had become a thick, oily mass, clouding her vision.
"For a walk," Hayley answered with a smile. "We thought it would be a nice way to get to know each other better."
"Must we go so far away from the fort though?" Guinevere's nervousness was growing. "Could we not have just stayed at the tavern perhaps?" It was moments like these that she wished she had followed her father in the ways of magic, as her sister had. Then perhaps she wouldn't have felt so much at the mercy of these women now.
"Too many eyes there," Esmeralda stepped in front of Guinevere, her snake winding around her arm and coming within an inch of Guinevere's face, hissing as its eyes locked with her own. "Cadeyrn does not like the crowds."
"What do you want from me?" Guinevere said wrenching her arm from Hayley's grasp, looking defensively between the two Priestesses trying to find a way out of the situation.
"Nothing," Hayley answered with a smile. "We merely wish to give you some friendly advice."
"And that would be?" she was becoming testier, taking a step back to only bump into a tree, finding herself sufficiently trapped.
"This game that you are playing at," Esmeralda stepped forward, closing the distance. "Is a dangerous one."
"I do not know what you're talking about," she replied indignantly, crossing her arms over her chest.
"But I think you do," Esmeralda replied knowingly.
"Lancelot, he is not a toy for your amusement," Hayley said softly, keeping her tone light and friendly. "He does not deserve this torment you set upon him. Think on it," She began to walk away slowly.
"Leave him in peace," Esmeralda added, moving to follow Hayley. "Or I will leave you in pieces."
A cold wind blew, whipping Guinevere's hair into her face. Her hands moved quickly up, fixing it back in place, and her head spun around, to find them gone.
xoxoxoxoxoxox
Merlin sat in the middle of a large clearing in the forest near the fort. A fire burned before him and he sat on a log, watching the smoke rise, reading the patterns in it, a set of runes scattered at his feet, his walking stick in his hand. It was late into the night, and after having blessed Arthur's new court, he had come here to think, and see what visions may lie ahead of him. A sudden change in the breeze to his left caused his head to turn, seeing a cloaked figure approach.
Her gowns were a deep hunter green, and the cloak was a rich red, and she moved as if floating across the forest floor, resting a pale hand on the bark of a tree at the edge of the clearing, her eyes regarding him from beneath the hood of her cloak. Her face completely concealed.
"Do you seek council Granddaughter? Or a friendly talk?" he asked, returning his gaze to the fire. He knew what she was coming to see him about; it was plain on both the stones at his feet and the smoke swirling about his face.
"You know why I am here," she said, lowering her cloak hood and settling on the log opposite him, gazing into the flames.
"My daughter," he sighed, sounding more than a little defeated. "She enjoys the games of her youth too much to let them pass."
"They will lead her to trouble," Mariska looked at him her voice softening a bit. She still was guarded, but slowly she had begun to forgive him. Now she could look on him without the loathing she had always felt, since her father's death sinking into her very veins, freezing her very heart.
"Aye, this I have told her," he sighed again, locking eyes with her.
"My sisters have told her as well," she continued. "I cannot be responsible for their actions if my Aunt does not heed their warnings. We must keep the balance."
"I understand," he stated, turning and looking into the flames. "I will speak to her again."
"Good," she rose, turning to leave.
"There is another threat, growing on the horizon," he added softly, causing her to pause and come to his side, staring down at the runes, understanding crossing her face. "A wayward band of Bandits and Saxons. They have joined forces against us."
"How long until they attack?"
"I know not, but we will need your strengths to heal, and more."
"What do you mean?" she sat next to him, placing a hand on his arm. Concern on her face as she gazed up into his own.
"A sorceress travels with them. Very powerful and very cunning. She may serve a problem."
"Should I send for the High Priestess?" she asked, staring intently at him.
"Nay, I believe we can do it on our own, but it may take dire actions," he locked eyes with her then, an understanding passing between them.
"You wish to raise a dragon?" she was slightly alarmed. It was a dangerous spell, and one that required great preparation, power and control. "Is that wise?"
"I know naught, but it must be done I fear. Excalibur would be the best choice," he began only to be cut off.
"And raise the strongest beast with its power! Are you sure you can control that?" her voice was filled with alarm as she gazed at him.
"Nay, but I know of at least one Priestess who can," he gripped her hand in his. "It was your mothers specialty, and is in your blood."
She looked up into his eyes, the years melting from her for a moment, as she became the little girl she once was. "One day, you will tell me more of her?"
"That I promise," he vowed, squeezing her hand tighter.
"Then I will tell you of me," she agreed, rising and doing something she had never done. Leaning over she placed a light kiss on his cheek. "I will prepare and warn my sisters to do the same. We will be ready when they come." She gave his shoulder a squeeze and he patted her hand before she began to walk away, pulling her cloak up.
"Rest well child," he called after her, watching as she disappeared into the night, a small smile gracing his lips. Whatever evil was to come, he had new hope that they could defeat it together.
Authors Note: Another chapter. I think the block might be breaking. I had Dagonet take his ax to it, so I think that helped. Hope you all enjoyed this chapter as well. Not really sure how I feel about it. R & R please, no flames.