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 my lovely sister Tracy137, who has kept me going this year with her support and encouragement and also to my adorable niece, whose charming gift is on my wrist for every exam.
LANCELOTTRISTANBABY –Thanks for reviewing!
Elfvamp1-13-97 – Well it is a bit early considering she's only 5 months along. Thanks for reviewing.
DirrtyXtina87 – Well thank you I appreciate that. Glad you liked that, thought I would add some more for you. And will also in later chapters. Why would I mind that? In fact, I'm looking forward to reading it once I get the chance. I had an exam to study for, but as soon as I get a free moment I'll go and check it out. Thank you for reviewing.
Vintersorg – Well thank you I do appreciate that perspective. By the end of this they will probably be able to stand against cannon fire. I'm sure I can pull something out of my sleeve for him…might even have to do with plot moves. ;o) Thank you for reviewing.
Lilstrummrgrl527 – Well I'm glad you liked it in this story. I just thought I'd run with it as it gave me the opportunity to put Bors through hell trying to figure out how to propose. Sadly I do enjoy that. It's not that I don't like me (especially after watching King Arthur, cause them knights are just too damn sexy for words) but they do tend to be a bit annoying at times, and it's fun to screw with them (in more ways that one, sorry couldn't resist that one). How did he find out about the conspiracy? ;o) Hmm, could it be Pirates of the Caribbean, Pirates of the Caribbean or Pirates of the Caribbean? Since that's the movie I was thinking of when I came up with his name. Well just cause she's not pregnant yet doesn't mean she won't be eventually. I love Lance with kids too much not to. Thanks as always for your review.
HyperSquishy – Have faith in me please. Thanks for the review.
Newsieskane – Glad to hear. I couldn't very well go through each month as nothing exciting happened, and keep my sanity. Mariska is only two weeks behind Hayley, I think I put that in but I might not have. I do that a lot. More about Fay will come out as the story goes. Thanks so much for reviewing.
Tracy137 – I think I already answered most of your stuff in the email sis. Hope you enjoy this chapter as well. And worry not…muchly hair ruffling and cuffing to come!
Lunawolf – Don't worry too much. It will all work out in the end. For better or worse. Don't be down on Ez just yet. She wasn't trying to be mean and that will come out more and more. She didn't think he wanted children, if she had, she wouldn't have said what she did. I agree he would be a splendid dad. As for me being evil, well I usually am by nature, so can't help you there. Sorry there was a wait but had two weeks with exams. I just hope it was worth it. Thanks for reviewing.
Ailis-70 – I love Van and Bors as well. They're just so perfect for one another. Yeah, scary thought and I know if I do happen to have her lose the baby I'll cry. And if I do a reverse with Hayley dying instead I'll cry. Or they could both live and I'll most likely still cry…I'm quirky that way. I do agree though, Dag would be splendid with a girl. Yes, it does take a certain type and I'm wondering everyday if I'm even that type anymore. But it doesn't help that my nursing school is hell and only one professor in the whole department actually knows how to teach. Right now I'm seriously considering Psych nursing, which is completely opposite of most nursing, but has twice the paperwork as well. The assistants and techs basically do everything now, you're right there. Thanks for your supporting words and your review. Enjoy the chapter.
TriGemini – I take it you don't like Bors then? Pity, as he's one of my favorites. Sorry you disagree with life, cause last time I checked, it didn't matter how happy the moment was, tragedy still found a way to edge it's way through. It's a selfish thing and likes to be included, and since I'm trying to make this a somewhat believable magic story, so you're just going to have to deal with that aspect of it.
MoonMaiden-of-Gawain – Thank you for trusting me! Well if I kill her you won't be the only one. I'd shed more than a few tears myself over that one. Thank you as always for your review!
Gwenn0 – I pity my characters, I just get so into my stories that I forget that sometimes and let the story lead me on where it wants to go. I do trust them though, and can see them getting out of this, one way or another. I love your drabbles though, they are wonderfully written and I always look forward to seeing more. There's a bit of Lance/Ez fluff in this chapter and of course more to come. Thank you so much for reviewing. It means a lot to me.
Cardeia – That sucks that your review got cut off as I always enjoy them! I am glad you enjoyed the chapter though. And that it could make you laugh a bit. Hope you enjoy this one as well and thanks as always for your review.
Secretkeeper07 – I'm glad you could see what I'm trying to do with this. So often stories with magic are completely unbelievable, but fantasy which is still good. I wanted this one to be as real as possible. Tristan and Bors…that was one of my favorite scenes to write and I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thank you so much for the review. I love new faces and love even more when they become permanent ones on my review page.
Skyler McAndrews – Don't worry so much. Glad you're enjoying it so much. Sorry for the wait but I hope it was worth it. Thanks for reviewing.
The Priestesses of Avalon
Chapter Twenty-Five: Traveling
It hadn't taken much persuading to get the horses to draw the old covered cart, the same one that had been used to bring Lucan, Guinevere and Dagonet back from the iced over lake, to Avalon. And as the men were assisting Fay and Jasmine to get Hayley loaded and settled inside of it, the early morning sun beginning to peek over the horizon, Vigdis flew over head giving out a low hoot and dropping a parcel into her waiting mistresses hands.
"Thank you Sonia," Mariska sighed in relief, opening the package to find a small vial and a scrap of parchment. "And thank you Vigdis," she patted the birds head as she settled on Mariska's shoulder.
"Is that it?" Esmeralda asked, coming forward, Cadeyrn wrapping about her waist, his head hovering in her hand, his eyes glowing a bright red. Lucan was at her side, watching everything worriedly, Nefertari in his arms and a bag strapped across his back. He refused to be left behind.
"Yes, we'll all three have to recite it though," Mariska replied, putting a hand on her lower back and smiling down at the frightened little boy. "I think they are done settling your mother, shall we go and see her?" she brought her hand away from her back and held it out to him.
He nodded slowly, remembering what his uncles had told him about being strong for his mother, putting on a brave face and taking her hand.
Mariska's smile softened and she gave his hand a squeeze. The three of them walked over to the wagon. All the men were now standing outside with Merlin and Fay except for Dagonet, who was inside with Hayley and Jasmine.
"Is she ready?" Mariska asked, releasing the boys' hand and walking over to Tristan, resting her head against his shoulder tiredly. His arm immediately went about her waist and began to rub her lower back, dropping a kiss on the top of her head.
"Aye," Bors muttered, rubbing a hand over his face tiredly. Vanora and his little ones had been by earlier to say goodbye and wish Hayley well. He'd never seen Van trying so hard to be brave, or hug Dagonet so tightly as she did before leaving.
"Have the scouts been sent?" Esmeralda asked, snuggling closer to Lancelot, whose arm had immediately gone about her shoulders, kissing her temple.
"They have reported back. The way is clear," Merlin answered tiredly, leaning heavily on his walking stick. "Ride quick Granddaughter, and return safe," she detached her self from Tristan long enough so that he could lean over and hug her, kissing her hair before turning and heading slowly back towards the wall.
"Do you have the spell?" Galahad asked anxiously, looking about at all of them, noticing Gawain and Fay were holding hands.
"Aye, and Sonia has sent a potion for Hayley," Mariska sighed, bring her head off of Tristan's shoulder. "Fay, I need for you to accompany us." She looked to the fair-haired woman who looked back, slightly startled.
"Me? Why me?" she asked, a bit confused.
"Jasmine will need the use of your eyes, and Dagonet is too worried to be of any use. And Esmeralda and I will have to ride with the men in case we are needed. There is no time to be wasted. Vanora has already packed your things for you, and tied them to Gawain's horse," Mariska answered giving her a reassuring smile.
"And if we do come into contact with any hostile forces, we will need your skills," Esmeralda added softly.
"Whatever I can do to help," Fay answered, catching Gawain's eye and he flashed her a reassuring smile.
"Good, Bors, can you assist Lucan and Nefertari into the cart? And will someone assist me as well?" Mariska asked, moving towards the wagon.
Tristan swept her into his arms in an instant, climbing in with Esmeralda while Bors lifted Lucan and set him down inside. Tristan set Mariska on her feet and gave her a quick, deep kiss, before climbing out to wait with Arthur and the others.
"Comfortable sister?" she asked, walking over to Hayley and Jasmine, kneeling down awkwardly and taking her hand.
"As much as I can be," Hayley whispered, fear seeping into her voice and lacing her eyes as she gripped Mariska's hand tightly. "I am fearful sister…"
"Well you needn't be," Mariska assured her firmly, pushing away the fer growing in her own heart as well as a strand of Hayley's hair from her eye, noting that her other hand was gripping Dagonet's tightly, her knuckles white with the pressure. "I will take care of you," Mariska leaned forward and dropped a kiss on Hayley's forehead. "Have faith, the Goddess is with us, as she always is," she murmured against Hayley's skin. After a moment she sat back up, reaching for the vial sitting before her. "Sonia has sent this for you," she smiled, lifting the vial and removing the cork, wrinkling her nose at the smell. "Best to drink it fast."
Hayley nodded as Dagonet helped her to sit up and Mariska helped her to drink.
"Did you get the spell?" Jasmine asked, helping Hayley to settle once more.
"Aye, but it will take us three," Mariska smiled giving Hayley's shoulder a squeeze who was already beginning to drift to sleep as she relaxed back against the bedding, her hand coming to rest protectively over her belly, motioning for Lucan to come over and caressing his hair, smiling gently up at him.
"I thought it took more," Jasmine stated, allowing Mariska to lead her to the end of the wagon where Arthur and Tristan stood waiting to help them down.
"She rewrote it," Mariska replied, turning back to look into the wagon, Esmeralda accepting Lancelot's assistance, Dagonet and Lucan staying with Hayley. "Dagonet, you must come with us, Lucan as well. We must cast the spell over all of you for it to work."
"But who will watch mother?" Lucan asked, his voice filled with concern as his father led him towards the end of the wagon rather reluctantly, hopping down and turning to get him, the boy refusing to go, Nefertari clutched tightly against his chest, her pink nose twitching widely.
"The hare in your hands is the best midwife we have," Esmeralda stated coming forward and taking Cadeyrn from her waist and settling him in the wagon. "Between her, Cadeyrn, and Vigdis, she could not be in better hands," as she spoke, Vigdis flew from her place in a tree she had gone to settle in with Saoirse, landing gracefully on the end of the wagon and cocking her head at the little boy.
"Will he be good?" Lucan eyed the snake cautiously.
"If he knows what's good for him," Esmeralda cast a sidelong glance at Cadeyrn earning a hiss in response.
"Okay," he sat Nefertari down and held his arms out to Esmeralda, letting her lift him out of the wagon and set him onto the ground before reaching out and taking his fathers hand.
"Bring the horses as well," Mariska told the knights, indicating where they all should stand, smiling thankfully at Tristan, Gawain and Bors. Once the knights, Fay and Lucan had all grouped together, the three Priestesses formed a triangle around them, each woman at a point, and began to chant:
"Great Mercury hear our plea,
We these sisters three.
Let time stand still about these earthbound men,
Until we reach Magic's den.
Let their feet travel quick as sand,
Trickling through your mighty hand.
Avalon has called us home,
And it is to Avalon we now roam.
Guide us on the path ahead,
And lead us quickly or our Hayley is as good as dead."
As they spoke, each sister reached into the bag at their belts and pulled out a handful of sand, taken from the grounds of Avalon, letting it trickle through their fingers and ride the warm breeze that had come up around them as the early morning light began to warm their bones. As the last word left their lips, the sand swirled, circling each man, Fay and Lucan, the horses whinnying in anticipation.
"Let us be away then," Jasmine stated as the breeze blew by, heading towards Avalon, turning and walking towards the wagon with Fay and Lucan in tow.
"Dagonet, take the wagon. Jasmine and Fay will tend Hayley," Mariska began, feeling a bit light headed from the energy the spell took to cast, placing a hand on her back and closing her eyes a bit. "Esmeralda, you and Lancelot bring up the rear with Bors. Gawain, I need you and Galahad on either side of the caravan. Arthur, ride with me at the lead and Tristan, I need you to keep in contact with the scouts my love," as she spoke they all mounted their steeds, Tristan helping her onto the brown mare Jols had found for her, before mounting his own.
"How long will it take us?" Gawain asked casting one more glance at Fay before turning his horse forward.
"Three days at most," Mariska replied, turning her horse and locking eyes with Esmeralda, already at the back of the carriage between Lancelot and Bors, her own black steed dancing anxiously. They shared a worried look before Mariska steeled herself, her face falling into a blank mask and her mind focusing only on the task at hand. With a curt nod she yelled, "RIDE!" turning her horse and spurring it forward, the others following quickly, leaving only a cloud of dust in their wake, disappearing on the southern horizon.
On the wall, Merlin sent a silent blessing after them, begging the Gods to be kind.
xoxoxoxoxoxox
"Bloody strange this is," Bors muttered as they traveled later that day, the country side melting around them as they moved at what felt like a gentle trot, yet covering more ground in one hour than Bors could have dreamed imaginable.
"It takes some getting used to I'm afraid," Esmeralda chuckled, noting the sick looks on most of the men's faces, Arthur and Bors looking particularly green. The only ones who looked unaffected were Tristan, who rarely looked affected by anything, and Dagonet, whose mind was too plagued by worry for his wife to notice what was going on around him.
'Oi, 'ow long dose it take to get used to?' Bors grumbled, massaging his temples to fight his growing headache.
"Years," Esmeralda smiled sympathetically, reaching out to pat his shoulder. "It helps if you look straight ahead."
"Thanks lass," he clapped her on the shoulder. "I'm goin' t' check on Dag," he lightly spurred his horse forward, leaving Esmeralda and Lancelot alone.
They rode in silence for several minutes before Esmeralda spoke, her voice soft and filled with concern. "I am worried for her Lance."
"She is tough Ez," he answered, riding his horse abreast hers, wrapping his arm about her shoulders and easing her head against his chest, his chin coming to rest on her head. "She'll be fine," he soothed, running a hand slowly over her hair, dropping a kiss on the top of her head. "The Goddess will not forsake her now."
"You believe?" she raised her head to look at him. "I thought you had no faith," her voice was soft and filled with slight confusion.
"I did not," he answered, turning to look a head for a moment, collecting his thoughts. When he looked back at her his eyes were filled with emotion. "When I met you, that all changed."
Tears sprang to her eyes and she reached over, her white cloak settled about her, making her skin and hair glow, making her appear even more beautiful in his eyes. She reached out and caressed his cheek gently, running a thumb over his lips before leaning over and kissing him gently. "The Gods blessed me when they sent you to me," she murmured against his lips, causing him to capture them in a deep passionate kiss.
When they broke apart, both were breathing rather heavily and Esmeralda was flustered as she turned and looked ahead at the horizon, a soft smile on her face and a smirk on Lancelot's as he reached over and took her hand, holding it in his own as they rode on.
Again they fell into silence before Esmeralda turned to look at him, dropping her voice low. "Did you mean what you said? About wishing a child?" her eyes were eyes apprehensive as she gazed at him.
"It is not important now Esmeralda," Lancelot answered, looking away from her.
She would not be swayed however, and her hand tightened about his own. "It is Lancelot, please I must know, do you wish a child?"
He let out a sigh and ran his other hand through his hair, looking at her through his dark lashes. "I did, but I do not wish you to suffer as Hayley is," he answered honestly, his eyes locking with hers.
"Oh Lancelot," she murmured, reaching up to rub a hand over his cheek. "I would not necessarily have the problems she is," she said after a moment.
"But you could," he interrupted her, gripping her hand tighter. "And I could not lose you now, not after I have only just found you."
It was Esmeralda's turn to sigh then, turning to look out at the horizon once more, her hand resting over her stomach almost longingly. "I wish a child though," she said after a moment, turning back to face him, a bottle appearing in her hand. She handed it to him.
He released her hand and opened it, shaking out a few leaves, looking at them closely. "What is this?"
"Wild basil and several other herbs," she answered, both her hands gripping the reins of her horse tightly. "It keeps you from becoming with child. I have been taking it for a few years now, it is the tea I always drink. I would like to stop," she looked down at her hands then, her fingers playing with the reigns.
"Why would you wish to risk it?" Lancelot asked for a moment, pure confusion in his voice. "To chance suffering as your sister is?"
Her head shot up and her emotive black eyes locked with his brown ones. "Because I love you and if ever I were to bare a child, it is you I would wish to bare it to. To have something to hold, with his fathers eyes and laugh…" her voice trailed off and a glazed look came to her eye as she imagined the child they could have, not the first time, the dark haired boy or girl, running and playing, with Lancelot's brown eyes and dark curly hair, and Esmeralda's tan skin and happy spirit. "Nothing could make me happier Lancelot," she returned to the present and looked at him hopefully. "I know that you are fearful, but I think that, if we were careful and stayed at the temple for the more dangerous parts, all would be well. Sonia and the others would not let any ill befall me or the babe, same as they won't Hayley once we get her there."
He sighed and looked at her closely, her eyes filled with hope, pleading with him. He did not know what he would do if she were taken from him. It was the one thought that kept him up at night, and plagued his mind. But this meant so much to her, and he had to admit, lately, seeing Dagonet and even Tristan's joy, he had begun to desire a child of his own. Often he watched Bors play with his bunch, or Dagonet rest his head over Hayley's belly, and even Tristan, tickling the babe's small feet when they were visible through Mariska's skin, his hand constantly at her belly, and Lancelot had felt envious then. More than he ever thought he could.
But above all of that he could not loose her. He knew he would never survive it. The grief Arthur had felt at Guinevere's death would be nothing compared to how his heart would die if Esmeralda left this world.
"If you do not wish to, tell me now Lance, and we will never speak on it again," she finally said, her voice soft and understanding, yet incredibly disappointed, his silence breaking her heart, her face falling.
"Can you promise me you will not leave?" he finally asked, locking eyes with her own.
"No, I cannot," she answered honestly. "But I can also not promise that I will survive the next winter, or a summer cold. There are no assurances. I can promise you that all precautions will be taken and I will do my best to be strong as my sisters are." Her voice was steady and did not waver as she spoke, her eyes never leaving his.
He held her gaze for a long moment before looking down at the herbs in his hand and throwing them hard away from them, shattering the jar against a tree. A large smile broke out across her face and she let out an excited squeal, leaning over and wrapping her arms about his neck, kissing him deeply.
In the carriage, Hayley smiled for her friend, stroking Lucan's hair as he slept with his head against her chest, listening to her heart, pushing away the fearful feeling in her soul as best she could.
Authors Note: I AM SO SORRY FOR THE DELAY! Really guys I am. And sorry that this is short. Gwenn0, let me know if that was enough Lance/Ez cuteness for you. Really though, school has been really hectic and only going to get worse. But don't think for an instant that I have forgotten this tale. It's taking a whole lot of turns, that I never saw coming, and things have happened in it that I've never written before, so all and all I'm very proud of it and it is always on my mind. Your reviews, although it may not seem like it, do help me to update faster. So please keep them coming. Thank you all so much for your continued support and I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Let me know.