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: Enjoy guys. This chapter is dedicated to my lovely elder sister, Tracy137, who helps to keep me sane. Also the name Fay means fairy. (Can you guess why Fay sis?) ;o)
Newsieskane – I actually considered that, but thought it would be taking the easy way out. So I decided to put more thought into it and really give her something to scream over. That's the cruel part of me I suppose. She relives it once more here, but this time listening to a certain all-knowing scout. Thanks for reviewing. I don't know that I'm a genius so much as I just happened to have a coherent moment. It was bound to happen eventually.
Galasriniel – I'm not sure how it would be Duncan's considering he's dead. Not just dead, doornail dead. Even if he possessed one of the Saxon's, it still wouldn't be his kid. So he's safely out of the running. I loved the movies, just have never gotten to reading the books, although one day I do intend too. Glad you liked the chapter and thank you again for reviewing.
Lilstrummrgrl527 – NEVER FEAR! Jasmine already stopped him from doing that. Dreams like that do tend to suck, especially the falling part. And when you actually seem to bounce off the bed, it's kinda creepy. It's not making an ass of yourself. Especially since you've been right quite a bit for this story, if I remember correctly. Making an ass would be more like you think Lance is the father or something. I could probably be that cruel but it would wind up with me wanting to kick my own ass, so let's not get into that. Glad you liked the chapter and thanks for reviewing.
Elfvamp1-13-97 – Well I can meet you on the first one since you're reading my story. That good heart though, jury's out there. And the bloodhounds are still searching. Perhaps one day they'll find it, but we can only hope really. Glad you loved it and thanks for reviewing.
TriGemini – Tristan is not at fault, but when you're grieving, and he is as he feels like he has lost her, then blame and anger are part of it. He blames himself for two reason. One, he can't bring himself to blame her, and two, since he cannot physically harm or destroy what is really plaguing her, since he already did that, beating himself up over it is his next best release. It will begin to get better now, as she truly begins to heal. Thanks so much for reviewing.
AngelTears1328 – Glad you liked it. Thanks for reviewing.
MoonMaiden-of-Gawain – LOL! Glad you liked it. Thanks for reviewing.
Tracy137 – Glad to know. LOL, annoying riddles tend to be yes. Leave it to Tristan to work out the answer and not just breakdown at the sadness of it all. If he weren't so damn sexy he would be annoying. Hope you enjoy this chapter as much. Let me know Fay…I mean Trace. ;o)
ThanatosV7 – Wow, that's a lot of reading. I'm glad you enjoyed it that much though. I'm so bad that I can't even watch his death anymore. I have to stop the movie right before that bastard kills him. And I have to leave when Dag dies as well. I just love the big oaf. I am so glad you are enjoying my little yarn though. Thank you for reviewing and please do so again.
Lunawolf – Oh I know I was so mad when I found out the directors cut didn't have everything and that was what I bought. Had a fit as Tristan has some of the best lines and facial expressions in the theatrical one. That's okay, getting involved can be a good thing. I'm glad to see you're back as I missed your reviews. Don't worry overmuch about the baby. Have I let you down yet? Aside from letting people off too easily that is. LOL, I do know what you mean, and you're right that cute and the scout just don't seem to blend well. Glad you enjoyed all the updates and thanks for reviewing.
Cardeia – Glad you liked the dream. I wanted it to have an even broader meaning than just what she had suffered at the hands of the Saxons. They took away her feeling of control, and then in their dreams they not only stole that, but her ability to help those she loved most. I wanted to touch on something deeper with Tristan in this story. You never see anything but the loyal killer in him, but then you catch a glimpse of his eyes, staring up at the sky before he sets his hawk free, and Madds just put so much into that look. I always get a feeling that there is something more behind those eyes when I watch that scene, and wished to incorporate it here. As for him seeming a bit OOC at first, I was going at it from this approach; we all have a side that is secret from the world, and only a very select few see. And then it is only those we can trust to be ourselves around. Tristan, while he trusts his brother knights with his life, is learning to trust them, and Mariska with something more. A hard thing for a warrior to do especially one who has lost so much in his life as Tristan has. So basically all I'm trying to do is develop Tristan more, and hopefully let my readers see him as I do, a complex, passionate, quiet, yet caring killer. The knight in shining armor that most women, on some level, are looking for. Have fun at the spa, and thank you as always for your thoughts and review.
The Priestesses of Avalon
Chapter Twenty-Two: A Hurdle Crossed and A New Friend Made
It was cold. It was always cold here, but one thought warmed her this time. Tristan's words were echoing in her mind and in her heart still as she moved forward through the cave, the hands reaching for her. She hurried this time, shuddering, as they would brush against her skin, determined as she came to the same spot, and once again found herself glued in place. She closed her eyes this time, the sounds of her sisters screaming almost deafening her. When her feet were released she did not look at them, but merely for a sign, some kind of escape.
There, between Hayley and Esmeralda she saw her chance. An open path, no Saxon's baring her and a light shining at the end. But she hesitated, casting a glance to Jasmine; a near fatal mistake. Her heart lurched to go to her and her feet almost complied. It was then that Tristan's words echoed in her mind.
"You cannot save us until you save yourself."
So she ran, full tilt, her fingers in her ears and humming to herself to drown out their screams, begging her to return, to save them. She hit the end of the tunnel when the floor suddenly gave way beneath her, sending her down a long slide to come out in the room with her knights again. Her brave men standing before her, broken and bloody once more.
"No, no, no," she murmured, turning to see Tristan once more. Crucified yet again to the wall, his eyes, those eyes that swept her from her feet, boring into her own with an intensity that broke her heart. But once again his words came to her.
"If you are drowning, how are you to pull me from the water?"
With a great effort, she turned her head from him, tears streaming down her face as once again she began to search, finding her exit, just between Gawain and Arthur. The light was there, just ahead. Gritting her teeth she waited, and when the hands released her she ran, her eyes open, her fingers in her ears to keep out the men's moans and straight through and into the light, letting it surround her and warm her to her core.
Mariska's eyes opened slowly, the warm sunlight spilling in through the window of her and Tristan's rooms. She smiled and arched her back realizing that she had slept the rest of the night. She rolled over happily, about to speak when she caught sight of Tristan, still sleeping. The pale sunlight washed over his face, accenting everything about him that she loved, his breathing slow and even. He was so tired she did not wish to wake him.
So she lay still, stiller than death, and watched him sleep, focusing on how the light played off his face. She could not help but smile broader. How peaceful he looked in this moment, and how she wished she could capture it and save it forever as it were.
After a moment she could bear it no longer and snuggled closer to him, running her fingers slowly down the bridge of his nose before coming across under his cheeks, crossing over the tattoo's, tracing them slowly, pulling him into consciousness.
"Damnit wench," he muttered, his voice thick with sleep. His hands snaked out around her, clutching her too him, his eyes opening lazily. "Let a man sleep."
"Would the man rather sleep than notice me?" she asked, a bit of the old playfulness returning to her voice.
He quirked an eyebrow at her, a glimmer of hope returning to his eye. "What's brought this eh?"
"I slept well," she murmured, bringing her lips up to his, kissing him softly. "A brave scout showed me the path which I needed to take to return to my lover. The owner of my heart and keeper of my soul."
Tristan eyed her closely for a moment unsure what to say, his face a mask while his eyes were raging with all the emotions of his heart. Not knowing what to say he merely hauled her too him, kissing her deeply with all the passions he possessed. The kiss quickly intensified until he had her on her back, his body pressed against hers, his need for her growing as he continued to kiss her.
It wasn't until he was overtop of her that she began to get nervous, the still recent memories surfacing, blocking out the older, happier ones, and she whimpered slightly, her body going rigid. He immediately stopped what he was doing and pulled away, all the way to the other side of the bed, sitting, refusing to look at her.
"I am sorry, I should have realized," he said quietly, the shame evident in his voice, no matter how impassive he tried to keep it. She gathered the blankets about her body for a moment and thought. It was not his fault, not really. But when he had pinned her as he did, as he had always done, it only reminded her of what the Saxons had done to her and took her back to that place where she was no longer in control.
She closed her eyes against the memories when suddenly another thought came to her. She reached out and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Tristan, if you do not mind…" her voice caught a bit, her cheeks blushing. Though they were open with one another about all things, she had never talked like this with a man before. Not even Duncan, who would go about the temple with her some days both teasing Jasmine on how she was the only "virgin" there, even though all knew that to be a lie. Especially Eric who would only grin and pull a sword to try and silence them, and get them to leave her be.
He turned to look at her then, noticing her blush and capturing her chin in his fingers, forcing her to look into his eyes. "What?"
"Well, it was not until you were pinning me that I became…anxious," she began, trying to break his gaze while he would not let her. "I thought that if perhaps we tried it a different way, it would not be so bad?"
Tristan mulled it over for a moment before moving his hand to cup her cheek, brushing a thumb under her eye. "It bares testing," he said a ghost of a smile on his face.
She relaxed instantly, scooting closer to him while he sat further back on the bed, bringing her arms about his neck and kissing him deeply. He pulled back after a moment, capturing her eyes with his own. "If at any moment you wish to stop, just tell me. I will take no offence," he said firmly, his eyes already glazing over with desire, noting that hers had as well.
She nodded her head in response, kissing him again as he pulled her onto his lap, so that she was straddling his legs, his hands running up her sides and coming to rest in her hair as hers began an exploration of their own.
xoxoxoxoxoxox
Outside the hallway that made up the sleeping quarters, Lancelot and Esmeralda walked slowly, her arm about his waist and his about her shoulders as he leaned over to kiss her forehead, heading down to the tavern for some breakfast. Noises coming from Tristan and Mariska's room caused them to pause for a moment, shocked looks on both their faces and a bit of embarrassment on Esmeralda's.
"Well, I would say she's finally doing better," Lancelot said with a smirk, glancing down and chuckling at how red his lover had become. "You know, sometimes you are just as noisy my dear," he whispered into her ear, earning a slap on the arm. "Was that really necessary?" he asked chuckling louder, rubbing the spot slowly.
"Come, I do not wish to listen in so," Esmeralda rolled her eyes at him and drug him towards the stairs leading down to the tavern. "And it is not I who cries out." She looked pointedly at him, a smirk on her face.
"Harpy," Lancelot chuckled, pulling her closer and kissing her temple, giving her shoulders a squeeze.
They arrived at the tavern to find Bors, Vanora and half the herd, the large knight slumped sleepily on one arm, leaning against the table, trying to pay attention as one of his older children showed him the tapestry she had been working on, explaining each and every stitch to her half asleep and hung over father.
They sat down and watched as Gawain and Galahad ambled in, the younger knight clutching his head while the elder chuckled at him, better able to hide his hangover than his young brother. Both sat down at the table, offering greetings to Lancelot and Esmeralda as well as Bors who grunted in response.
Vanora came over then, with mugs of hot water for the two young knights and her lover, smiling at Esmeralda who quickly pulled some herbs out of the bag that was always at her waist, stirring up the tea and handing it to the men, all of them nodding in thanks.
After a few moments of waiting, Galahad looked around confused, the brew having taken affect to clear his head. "Where are all the others?"
"Dag and Hayley are working on a cradle for the babe in the stables," Bors grunted. "Jols is 'elping him out. I offered him ours but apparently we still need it."
"You want the babe sleepin' with us that's fine with me," Vanora replied, setting down plates of food. "Keep me from 'aving another."
The knights laughed at the look on Bors face while Vanora walked away proudly, sharing a smile with Esmeralda as she went.
"And Arthur and Jasmine?" Galahad asked, still looking about for their King.
"They are young and in love Gal," Gawain chuckled slapping the younger knights head lightly.
"What do you think they're doing?" Lancelot grinned, waggling his eyebrows suggestively realization coming to the young man.
"Why aren't you all eh?" Bors asked, nudging the cocky knight.
"There is more to our relationship Bors, than the physical," Lancelot defended, while Esmeralda tried to hide her blush.
"Ah," understanding came to Bors and Gawain's face, and the subject was dropped, at least by them.
"Yeah right," Galahad snorted. "Really now…" he began only to be chucked harder across the head, this time by Gawain, Bors and Vanora. "Ow! Why must you all do that?" he whined, rubbing his head and glaring at them.
"Tis a good thing lass," Vanora said, ignoring the pup. "At least it means one of him ain't running around," she smiled reassuringly at the girl, jerking her thumb in Lancelot's direction.
"But where is Tristan and Mariska then?" Galahad grumbled. "She has at least consented to eating breakfast with us."
Lancelot and Esmeralda shared a knowing look and smile. "They too are young and in love," Lancelot smirked.
"Really?"
"No!"
"You sure about that boy?"
"Oh yes we are very certain," Esmeralda laughed softly at the shocked looks on the men's faces. "We heard them when we were coming to breakfast."
"Well this can only be a good thing," Vanora smiled, sitting down on Bors lap then. "Maybe she's begun to heal. Told you talking it out would make it leave her."
"But it didn't," Gawain said after a moment. "I had not been in my rooms but a half of one hour last night and heard her screaming yet again."
"Perhaps he was able to tell her the answer she sought," Merlin's voice sounded, startling them all as the old man wandered in sitting down with the others. "The ones that we were unable to give her."
"So we can tell her then? And all will be well? About the baby I mean," Galahad asked, a ray of hope shining for him.
"It is still too soon," Esmeralda said, shaking her head adamantly. "I know my sister well. Perhaps it best we tell Tristan first. Let him decide if the time is right or not."
"But who shall talk to Tristan? He is not the most approachable of us after all," Gawain stated.
"Let Arthur do it," Lancelot answered, beginning to dig into his breakfast. "He is King after all."
"Aye, Tris is least likely to kill 'em," Bors agreed, growling as one of his children swiped a piece of bacon from his plate, slapping at the child, but missing purposefully, a smirk in his eyes.
"Then it's settled," Vanora said rising. "Soon as they come to breakfast we approach 'im to do it. Now, I got pots to wash, less one of you brave men wish to 'elp?"
All four knights found new fascination with their plates while the red head glared at them, her arms crossed over her chest and her eyebrow raised. "Thought so," she snorted, turning to head back into the kitchens.
"Here Van, I'll give you a hand," Esmeralda said, shooting the men disapproving looks as she moved to follow the older woman. As soon as they were out of hearing range Vanora spoke to her.
"I have a way I think we can help Mariska some more," her voice was hushed, yet excited as she looped an arm about Esmeralda's.
"How?" the young girl looked hopefully at the older woman, gripping her arm excitedly.
"Come, I'll introduce you to her," Van smiled proudly as they disappeared behind the doors leading to the kitchen.
xoxoxoxoxoxox
Meanwhile, in their rooms, Arthur and Jasmine lay in a pile of tangled, sweaty limbs, his chest exposed to the early morning sunlight, a bearskin covering him from the waist down while he kept another tightly about her body, making sure she did not become chilled in the early morning air. Her head rested against his chest, the blonde hair splaying out over his shoulder as she ran her fingers lightly over the scars that covered his skin.
"I can see why they made you king," she teased, leaning forward to place a kiss over his heart before rolling on top of him, looking longingly up into his eyes, her own white orbs seemingly glazed with desire. "For only a truly great man could be able to do those things."
He chuckled softly, the act lightening his face, bringing soft wrinkles about his eyes and lips. "Well my lady, I could say rightly the same for you," he replied, bringing a hand up to tangle in her hair, leading her face up to his, kissing her lips tenderly. "It is a sin that you have been locked away from me in that temple for so long."
"Well never fear my lord," she grinned. "For wild horses could not drag me from your side now."
"You do not know how that warms my heart Jasmine," Arthur smiled, taking her hand in his and giving it a squeeze, kissing the top of her head as she rested it on his chest once more, stroking her hair. "You have brought warmth and joy back to my soul when naught else could."
"I full well mean it Arthur," Jasmine stated firmly. "Even in death I would walk by your side until you could join me in Elysia. I swear that too you now."
"You would give up paradise for me?" Arthur was a bit startled and tilted his head to look at her.
"It would not be paradise for me," she replied, hugging him tighter, closing her eyes and breathing him in, trying to capture a perfect memory of this very moment. "Not without you by my side. I worried at first, how my husband would have viewed this. Us. I loved Eric deeply, with all my heart. But you…you have not only won my heart but my soul as well. The only thought that causes me to tremble is to be without you."
Arthur watched her for a moment, knowing that she was never one to speak without truth. This knowledge caused a warm smile to come to his face, and a wonderful feeling to settle over his heart. For a moment he wished he were more like Lancelot, able to spit out words of love so fluidly. Words that would endear any woman to him for all eternity or one night, however he saw fit. But Arthur was not a man of words, but of action. A man of strategy and warfare. He always had been. So now, he was uncertain how to respond to her, besides squeezing her tighter, moving her chin up so that her lips were more available, and kissing her deeply.
They broke apart a moment later, for much needed air. It was then the perfect words came to Arthur's mind, and he did not hesitate to speak them.
"Marry me."
The look that crossed her face was even more priceless than when he had announced his feelings for her that first night. Her head shot up and she set her unseeing eyes on him. "What?"
"I said, marry me Jasmine," Arthur answered, the smile staying on his lips as he leaned forward to kiss her gently. "I cannot go much longer on this earth without you being mine in every way."
"I already was yours," Jasmine said after a moment, sitting up and resting her hands on his chest, her hair falling about her shoulders and the blanket slipping down her back a bit. "I do not know if I wish to be Queen," she began, bringing her fingers quickly to his lips, to stay the argument that was already forming there as he quickly sat up and leaned forward, their faces only a few inches apart now. "But I very much know that I wish to be your wife," she added, a smile gracing her lips.
"So yes?" Arthur asked excitedly, unsure if he could believe his ears.
"Of course yes," she threw her head back and laughed at him, hitting his shoulder playfully. "What else would I say?"
"Oh my Jasmine," he laughed, pulling her face down to his, kissing her deeply before laying back, rolling over on top of her.
xoxoxoxoxoxox
Mariska sighed contentedly as she laced her arms about Tristan's, resting her head on his shoulder as they made their way down towards the tavern, Vigdis coming to rest on her shoulder while Saoirse rested on his exposed one. They had spent the rest of the morning, experimenting with different ways of loving one another, and were now rather hungry after all the exertion. He kissed the top of her hair, causing her to smile once more.
"Happy again?" he asked after a moment, the sounds of familiar voices drawing them towards the stables.
"Closer," she smiled up at him, a sadness still about her eyes that she refused to explain. "One day soon perhaps. You?"
"Glad that you are returned to me," he answered, kissing her hair again. "For the most part."
They entered the stables to find Dagonet, standing shirtless, sweat dripping off his body as he worked at hollowing out a large log, Hayley, Vanora, Esmeralda and a woman Mariska did not recognize watching on while Bors and Lancelot offered advice, neither really doing much of anything but pointing out spots that the gentle giant had missed, causing him to glower over at his brothers. Cadeyrn hung from the banisters, hissing in the knight's general direction.
"What's all this?" Mariska asked as they walked further into the room, Tristan leading her over to the women, their birds flying up into the rafters to watch.
"He's building a cradle for the baby," Hayley supplied, noticing the sadness that flashed across Mariska's eyes before she quickly masked them again, settling on a bale of hay, resting her head on Hayley's knee while Tristan moved to help Dagonet, removing his shirt to actually assist in the building project.
"That is sweet," Mariska said lightly, admiring her lover as he picked up a shaving tool, beginning to work on the other side of the log, earning a grateful smile from Dagonet, and a nod of thanks.
"Mariska, I wish you to meat someone," Vanora said, reaching over to tug on one of Mariska's long red and black curls. "This is Fay, she's new to us. Just came to the Fort last week and starts at the tavern tonight," she indicated the blonde haired, and impossibly blue-eyed woman next to her. Mariska smiled and bowed her head in greeting.
"Hello," she said to the woman, who was relatively tall, at least as tall as she and about the same age, with a nice, curvy yet athletic figure, and a knowingness about her eyes. "Are you enjoying the wall so far?"
"Oh, it has its advantages," Fay grinned, letting her eyes sweep over to the two shirtless knights.
"Oh yes, they are great advantages, those are," Mariska agreed, giggling. "Are they not Hayley?"
"I have yet to complain," the older Priestess laughed.
"Well you did get one of the better. Both of you. Least your man will 'elp a brother Mariska," Vanora said loudly, catching the attention of Bors and Lancelot, who both looked indignantly over at her.
"Well we wouldn't want them to break a nail would we?" Gawain asked as he walked into the stables, pausing as his eyes locked with Fay's, his breath catching in his throat. Never had he seen eyes so blue before. They rivaled the very sky itself.
He would have continued to stare at her, and she at him, had Galahad not slapped him upside the head to get his attention. "What's gotten into you?"
"Nothing," Gawain said, shaking his head and moving further into the room. Fay turned her attention back to the others while the four women shared a knowing look, Mariska winking over at Vanora.
"What's been keeping you this morning Tristan?" Galahad asked, winking suggestively over at his fellow knight.
The scout merely glared at him, his face impassive, as he continued to work. He thought to reply but was cut off as Jasmine wandered into the stables, a glowing smile on her face as she cuddled Isis close, scratching the cat's ears.
"Arthur wishes to see you Tristan," she spoke happily, the cat purring loudly in her arms.
"That reminds me, wherever is Nefertari? I have not seen her in weeks it seems," Mariska said, looking up to Hayley.
"She has taken it on herself to become Lucan's nursemaid, even going as far as to sleep on the end of his bed each night. So find him, and you will find her, not far off," she smiled.
"So the little beast believes herself to be a guard dog?" Esmeralda laughed. "Now that is rich."
"Oh hush," Mariska chided the youngest of the sisters, smiling up at Tristan as he moved to her side, pulling on his shirt.
"I will return soon," he promised, leaning down to kiss her gently.
"I will go and have some lunch made for you in the Tavern," she smiled, tracing a finger over his tattoos before he turned on his heel, disappearing outside the stables, Saoirse flying after him.
"And what has you in such a cheerful mood?" Esmeralda asked, noticing the smile still attached to Jasmine's face, making her own hurt just watching the fair-haired girl.
"Finally loose your virginity?" Mariska teased, causing Jasmine to quirk an eyebrow at her.
"I am not a virgin! I was married, remember?" she sighed, sinking down on the hay and resting her head back in Esmeralda's lap, next to Mariska and in the middle of her sisters. "And it is nothing, unless you think a marriage proposal from the King of Britain is more than idle news." She tried to sound nonchalant about it, but her excitement was betrayed in her voice.
The women looked at each other and squealed, even Fay who had only just met most of them was excited for the young woman, while the knights looked on in somewhat shock.
"Must congratulate Arthur later," Lancelot said after a moment, earning nods of agreement from the others while Galahad grinned like the cat who ate the canary.
"This is wonderful news though isn't it?" he asked, earning a slap about the head from Gawain.
"I have told you on more than one occasion to stop that," his older brother lectured, the others laughing in agreement.
"Just like a woman that one is," Bors chuckled sinking down on the hay, fear hidden behind his eyes. Vanora would be on him again to get married, he could already sense it. He'd almost asked her too, not three days ago, and lost his nerve. Tonight though…tonight he would get drunker than usual.
"Jasmine this is wonderful news!" Hayley exclaimed, leaning over to hug her friend.
"And long enough in coming I might add," Esmeralda agreed, sending a look at Lancelot.
"I'll agree to that," Vanora stated, sending a very similar look to Bors, causing both men to gulp.
"So when will the big day be?" Mariska asked, drawing attention back to the young bride to be.
"We have not decided any of that as of yet. He only just asked this morning and then we…celebrated," she said with a smirk and a blush.
"Which reminds me, what were you and Tristan "celebrating" this morning sister?" Esmeralda asked, a smirk on her face.
"The nightmare," Mariska answered after a moment, looking down at her hands, all laughter gone from her face and replaced by a look of sheer discomfort. "He helped me to be rid of it. Showed me the way."
"Sounds like our Tristan," Bors said after a moment.
"Yes, well I must be away to make him some food," she said rising, ready to be free of them all for a few moments. She was still not ready for all of this, not completely yet. She rose and quickly made her way for the doors, leaving the others looking oddly after her.
"Here, I will come with you," Fay called, jogging to catch up with her. "I need to learn my way about the Tavern tonight, preferably without a lot of people."
Mariska waited a moment for her to catch up before they quickly disappeared from sight, Vigdis flying after them. As soon as they were gone, Hayley hit Esmeralda over the head. "You should not have jested with her so! She is not ready for it."
"Ow!" Esmeralda grumbled, rubbing her head. The others ignored her though, save Lancelot who came over and kissed the spot, massaging it gently before sitting and hauling her into his lap, fare enough away from the girls so they could not strike her again.
"How come he never does that for me?" Galahad asked indignantly.
"You wish Lancelot to hold you and kiss your head?" Gawain asked, causing Dagonet to pause mid stroke with the shaver to stare at him oddly, Bor's mouth falling open.
"No! Of course not. But he never defends me or tries to protect me from you lot," the young knight grumbled, sinking down onto the ground, leaning up against the wall with a sour expression on his face.
"Well I would Galahad, if it did not mean I would loose what life I have," Lancelot replied with a roll of his eyes causing the other men to laugh.
Meanwhile the women had fallen in deep discussion. "Have they?" Jasmine was asking Hayley and Vanora, earning nods from the them.
"Aye, Esmeralda and Lancelot heard them this morning and her reaction only confirms it," Hayley answered, rubbing her already growing belly gently. In six moons she would bear a child, and already she was excited beyond measure. A part of her wished it showed more than the small lump that was noticeable to only those who knew her, although Vanora told her that once she reached that point, she would not be so wishful for it.
"Really? So soon?" Jasmine still mused, patting at the cat who had now curled comfortably in her lap. "I would have thought it would have been longer for her."
"Do you think it was maybe too soon?" Esmeralda asked worriedly from her place in Lance's lap, leaning forward to be included in the conversation.
"It is hard to say," Jasmine said.
"Aye, even Fay says it is different for everyone," Vanora agreed.
"Fay?" Jasmine raised an eyebrow in Van's direction.
"Aye, I forgot to introduce you, remind me later. She is new to the fort. Been through a similar experience herself. She was the one that just went off with Mariska. Offered to talk to her," Vanora answered, noting that Gawain seemed to perk at the mention of the young woman she had befriended, and mention of her past. She could definitely see something to work with there.
"Why? I thought that was what she had us for," Jasmine said. It had taken them two weeks to get her to speak of what had happened and she did not see how a stranger would get it out of her quicker than they had.
"Because we have not been there," Vanora answered gently.
"And we are too close really," Hayley added. "Sometimes it takes another, whom you don't know and yet who has been where you have and truly understands what you have faced, to help you through it."
"Sides, she's a sweet girl," Vanora added. "Mariska should take to her."
"Well let us hope she can be of help. I can feel her sadness with all of this," she indicated the room, including the crib Dagonet was still working on. "Which leads me to wonder if she does not already know of the child or not."
"You think she may?" Hayley asked.
"Well that's good isn't it? Doesn't that mean it is Tristan's?" Lancelot asked, unable to resist the women's conversation.
"Nay, not necessarily," Vanora sighed. "It is early, but she might still be able to tell if it were the Saxon's."
"Aye, Mariska would," Hayley agreed.
"She told us the very night that Celeste had been conceived," Jasmine added, leaning back and closing her eyes, letting her hands move slowly over Isis's fur as she contemplated what all this could mean. "Which means, if it were Tristan's she would have most likely known then."
"Unless she was unsure. She had her doubts with Celeste," Hayley countered.
"Needless to say," Lancelot cut in, knowing this argument could go for hours. "We will not be certain until we speak to her."
"And we are not to speak to her until after Arthur speaks to Tristan," Dag added.
"So we must wait," Esmeralda sighed. "I hate waiting."
"Better wait and see that it is handled properly than rush and have harm befall her or the babe," Jasmine said after a moment. The room falling into silence once more, the only sound being Dagonet's tools against the wood.
xoxoxoxoxoxox
Tristan walked into the meeting hall to find Arthur sitting there, a cheerful smile on his face as he gazed into the fire at the center of the room, his eyes glazed over as he thought.
"Arthur," the scout said after a moment, startling the King from his thoughts, causing him to actually jump a bit.
"Tristan! I forgot how silent you can be old friend," Arthur rose, gesturing to a nearby seat with his hand.
"Especially when one is distracted," Tristan answered sitting, an apple magically appearing in his hand, which he immediately began to carve.
"Well, yes. Jasmine accepted my hand today," Arthur beamed, happy to tell someone other than Jols, who had actually danced with delight for him. "We will be married."
"Congratulations. But I doubt that is why I am here," Tristan said, patting Arthur on the back before leaning forward in his chair, resting his elbows on the wood as he began to eat his apple.
Arthur sighed, the current matters coming back to his mind. "No my friend, it is not," he ran a hand through his hair and leaned back in the chair, sagging visibly. "I must speak to you on news that Merlin returned from Avalon with."
"Oh?" Tristan's face was still impassive, but his eyes perked as he gazed over at his King. He had feared this. Something had not been right about Merlin when he had come back. He had seemed even more worried than before. Tristan only hoped that they did not wish her to return to the Temple. He would hate to leave his King without a scout, but in this case, he would make that sacrifice for her.
"It seems," Arthur continued, not really sure how to tell him, but deciding that straight forward would be the best way. It always had been before when dealing with his men. "That both Merlin and Sonia have been having the same visions. Mariska is pregnant Tristan. She will give birth about winter solstice."
Tristan paused mid slice, looking oddly at his commander, his face betraying his emotions for the first time in his life. There was joy, fear, worry and confusion all present there as he looked closely at Arthur, one word leaving his lips. "Who's?"
Arthur sighed heavily. "That we cannot figure out my friend," he leaned forward and placed a comforting hand on Tristan's arm as the scout looked closely at his apple and dagger, finding a new fascination with both. "They have tried everything to find out, Jasmine even talking to the Fates themselves."
"What did they say?"
"That Mariska knows the answer," he sighed again. "Now the question is, how do we tell her to find out?"
"It's the Saxon's."
"What?" Arthur was shocked as he looked closely at his friend. "How do you know this?"
"She looks so sad and will not tell me why. It is the only explanation," Tristan answered, his voice not as collected as he wished it to be.
"Are you sure?"
"What else could it be?" his eyes shot up to glare at Arthur.
"Then the question becomes, how much does that mean to you?" Arthur said, never missing a beat. "Do you wish her be rid of it? Or could you raise it as your own knowing that it's conception is no fault of the mothers or the child's? For until you decide that, she will not be comfortable telling you."
Tristan tore his gaze away from Arthur's and looked at his dagger for a moment before launching it across the room, killing a spider with the blade. "I know not. I would wish it to be my child. But, I cannot condemn her for it if she wishes to keep it. It is a part of her, and I could not help but love anything that is a part of her. But then, how would having a bastard child of those men that molested her as they did be good for her well being?"
"Perhaps you should speak to her on this then?" Arthur offered, his heart going out to his friend. "It is a decision only the two of you can make."
Tristan nodded slowly before rising, turning and heading for the door. "I must speak to her."
"Of course, and Tristan!" The scout paused and turned. "Whatever you both decide, know that you have the backing of this entire fort."
Tristan bowed his head in thanks before leaving the room, Arthur sighing and moving around the large table, pulling the dagger from the wall and cleaning off the dead arachnid. Tristan would wish the dagger back later, but at the moment he had bigger things on his mind.
xoxoxoxoxoxox
Fay and Mariska walked on in silence for a few moments, the Priestess holding her hand out to Vigdis who landed gracefully on it, taking the bit of food she was offered from the bag at Mariska's belt. Fay watched on with a smile, noting the love between the woman and the bird, and also the sadness about the Priestess's eyes. The sadness Fay remembered all too well.
"So, was it difficult?" she asked after a moment, causing Mariska to startle.
"What?"
"Lying with him this morning," Fay said, taking Mariska's arm in her own. "Letting him love you for the first time after the attack. Was it difficult?"
"I do not think I know you well enough to discuss this," Mariska almost growled, Vigdis bristling and letting out an angry hoot, sensing her mistress's distress.
"I mean no harm I assure you," Fay said reassuringly, not releasing her hold on Mariska should the woman decide to bolt. She would have and often did after she had been attacked. "It's just, it was for me. The first time after…" Her voice trailed off, allowing Mariska to make the connections.
Mariska looked at her for a long moment, realization settling in before she spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. "Aye. He was…patient though."
"That's good," Fay gave her arm a squeeze. "It helps. My lover, he was killed in a Saxon attack bout three years ago, he was as well. He helped me to heal."
"Aye, as Tristan is me," Mariska nodded in understanding. "Was it over long ago for you?"
"Seven years," Fay answered with a sad smile.
"How do you ever get past it?"
"Live each day, one at a time. That is all that can be done. And let those who wish to help you do just that. I had heard of you when I came here, you lot are the talk of the fort you know? And told Van my story, hoping that I could be of some help," Fay smiled. "So if you need an ear to listen, or a shoulder to cry on that have been there, just come to me alright?"
Mariska nodded in thanks, a wave of relief washing over her. "Do the nightmares ever stop completely?"
"Nay, but when they come, the are not as frightening," Fay gave her arm a squeeze as they entered the tavern.
"That is good to hear," Mariska said, suddenly hugging the other woman. "You are a very kind person to tell me this, offer me your aid. Thank you kindly for that, and if you do not mind, I would be happy to call you friend."
Fay hugged her back. "Aye, as I would you. I have heard much of you and your sister Priestesses, I would hate to have you for aught else."
"Well as a friend I must warn you," Mariska pulled back with a grin. "Most of my friends, those that are true, end up to be my sisters. And I stop at nothing to see either of them happy."
"I'm sorry but I don't understand," Fay said after a moment, slightly confused.
"Tell me, what do you think of our Gawain? I saw the looks you exchanged," she smiled knowingly.
"I only just met him, and then not properly, I know not," Fay began, but her blush gave her away.
"Me thinks you know enough," Mariska's smile broadened. "We will have to make sure you both come better acquainted though. Unless of course you object?"
A mischievous smirk came to Fay's face. "Oh, I think I know enough to know better than that," she winked causing both women to fall about laughing.
"Mariska," Tristan's voice startled them and only caused the smile on the Priestesses face to broaden.
"Tristan, that did not take long," she walked over to him, wrapping her arms about his waist and hugging him tightly, his own slipping about her shoulders. "I have aught had time to make you anything to eat."
"We must talk," he said after a moment, his tone serious and conflicted.
She looked at him startled, a frown coming to her lips. "Of course. Fay, I will speak with you more tonight," she called over her shoulder as he led her towards their rooms.
"Of course," the blue-eyed woman answered, biting her lip in worry before rushing out back towards the stables to find Vanora and the others.
Authors Note: So sis, how'd I do? Did everyone enjoy this chapter? I know I'm such a cow of a harpy to leave it here and not go into the talk between Mariska and Tristan, where the truth is finally revealed about the baby. Hopefully I've kept you at least guessing at the possibilities there. Hope you all liked it but please let me know.