Disclaimer: I am poor and own nothing. And because I'm poor, this is my only source of entertainment, so please do not sue. I also do not own Natalie Imbruglia's "Talk in Tongues." I just think it's a pretty song.
Authors Note: This chapter is dedicated to Gwenn0 for giving me Tristan. Also, if anyone is interested and can give me a really good reason why you deserve Galahad, I'm all ears. I have an idea for a woman for him but need some looks and partial personality for her. So I thought a contest may be in order. Prize is Galahad.
Tracy137 – First review for this chapter, yay! Whatever (hand/foot/growling shirtless Tristan!), you guys keep me sane, end of discussion. Whiny as Galahad huh? That's pretty bad, LOL! Knew you'd love all those bits. Lucan is too cute isn't he? Oh come on, couldn't leave my favorite sister behind! Sides, I have plans for Avalon and the two of them. Oh yes, loved the bit with the animals and Lucan myself. And Esmeralda is just perfect for the exchange. Glad you liked our Lance, so sexy. I KNEW IT! I KNEW THAT LINE WOULD BE YOUR FAVORITE! LOL! Glade you liked it sis. Hope this chapter is just as satisfactory!
DirrtyXtina87 – Thanks but don't let it get around. It'll ruin my rep. I did in fact start your story the other day and was a few lines in and thought, "Oh man this is so good best not get into it now or my homework will never get done!" So I have book marked it on my toolbar (one of the wondrous gifts of AOL) and it is waiting for a day when I can devote myself solely to it. The first half of chapter one told me it was too good to read in parts. I'm glad you liked the last chapter. I tried to make it mostly focus on the two of them since they seemed rather neglected as of late. Glad you enjoyed it and hope you like this one just as much. I don't see anything going wrong with a pregnancy for Ez, but I'm just dealing with one at a time right now, so who knows what will happen in the future. Thanks for reviewing!
Snape's Opera Rose – Aww, you're so sweet! Thank you, and thanks for reviewing! I've missed those most of all.
Elfvamp1-13-97 – Glad you liked it so much. Have some faith in me. It may take some time but everything works out in the end for the best. Sorry for the waits between updates, but school is more hectic than it needs to be. But I've found that writing during class helps. ;o) Thanks for reviewing.
Lady Gawaina – Wow, how did you ever catch onto me so fast? Am I that transparent that I only write chapters like this just to torment you? I guess I'll have to hide it more in the future. Seriously though, take a pill and relax. Just enjoy the ride. It'll work out how it needs too. Just breath. If it makes you feel any better, which I doubt, they'll be at Avalon in the next chapter so chill. Thanks for reviewing.
TriGemini – I don't think Bors isn't any denser than Galahad or Lancelot. Thanks for reviewing.
Emotions of my desire – Okay, took me a minute to decipher your short hand there. Yes eventually they'll be happy. Cause even if they die, they'll be in Elysia and happy, so I can safely say, yes to happy. I see another person has hopped on the 'Get Galahad a Chick' bandwagon. All I can say to that is Avalon is a magical place. Anything can happen there. I'm glad you like Hayley so much. Mostly I hear about how great Jasmine is or Ez and sometimes Mariska, but rarely Hayley, so thank you! And thank you for reviewing. Always like to see a new face.
Lunawolf – Oh no don't do that! That's too much of a sob. Actually it's one of my sob movies of choice; that and 'Saving Private Ryan' (don't even have to watch much of that…just until Vin Diesel's character dies and that's the end of my box of tissue). Yeah sorry, schools been a bitch (in every essence of the word and not the good way like I am). I loved your analogy for Bors and you've basically got it summed up there. Thanks for reviewing as always Luna! They make me smile.
Cardeia – Such a long review today. So glad that the site didn't delete it like the last one! Okay, now to answering, the reason she's riding is explained here, hopefully it makes sense. I'm not much of a horse person (knowledge wise anyway; I do think their beautiful creatures and I wished I had one). I did know that about pregnant women and horses though, but as you said, she is a Priestess after all. Yes one of my own creation actually. (Anyone can write a spell, it's not that hard you just have to believe that it will work, so if you try it and it works, let me know!) Oh good, the bottle just kind of fit into my mind and I'm glad it worked. I do have one point that I wanted to clarify on, and that was him admitting his belief. He basically had his quite moment of it back when he came back from Elysia, when Mariska told him the Goddess still loved him despite what he feared, and he's had the whole story to deal and process that. Which was one of the reasons I thought it would be easier for him to admit to it now. I hope that explanation makes sense. As for the rest of it you're totally right. I could have used more actions than words, but as you said I was rushed (sorry it shows, I didn't intend for that) and this was the only chapter I didn't re-read before posting to make sure I clarified things. Most likely I will go back, re-read it and re-post it later. I am truly sorry that the hecticness of my life was reflected in this though. This is my away from all of that and I'd hate to bog everyone else down with nursing school bullshit. I never thought of that, but it is a pretty neat idea. And oddly enough, the spell was written in one of my classes, so that is a pretty good analogy for it (coincidently, it was in my psych/mental health nursing class to boot, that should give you a laugh). Last semester I didn't write a thing and it nearly killed me. While these updates are few and far between, they are my coping mechanism and I just hope that I'll fare better this semester with less stress and fewer death threats on others and ulcers. (It got to the point that my own dog wouldn't come near me after class and refused to come to bed I was so angry and miserable all the time). DO NOT APOLOGIZE FOR LATE REVIEWS! Especially when the cause is anything concerning 'Dust Devils'. Seriously, just don't. And since I have been waiting for you to get Gwen and Arthur together, can't wait for that! Thanks as always for your time and review.
Gwenn0 – Well I understand. I can never live with enough Tristan, but satisfy is good. ;o) Ooh, thank you thank you thank you! Screw the manual, I think it goes along the lines of feed, water and…well I'll be nice and not get too cheeky today. ;o) Thank you for thinking enough to send a manual as well. The bird will just have to live outside. He can keep the window open or something, but she can't come in (don't want her trying to eat my dog). I'm sure I can keep him "entertained" enough not to notice anyway. LOL! No, your world is much better than earth! Really it is! Glad you liked the chapter so much though hon, makes me smile! Don't worry so much, I love Dag a great deal and Lucan is too cute. Plus I am rather fond of Hayley so just keep that in mind. I'm glad you liked the part with your Lance so much. Makes me happy. When the time comes, you'll have to help me find a good name for the first baby. ;o) Yay for more Tristan pieces! Thank you so much for not writing the sad one this week! That's so sweet of you. Can't wait to see what you do come up with for the week. I love your stories. Thanks for reviewing!
Secretkeeper07 - Thank you for such a lovely review. Glad you're enjoying the knight's reaction to the kids. And have hope, because I do love Hayley.
The Priestesses of Avalon
Chapter Twenty-Six: Making Camp
"Most kings do not ride out for their soldier's wives," Mariska's voice pulled Arthur from his silent contemplation as they traveled the road to Avalon, the light quickly melting from the sky above them, settling into dusk. He startled and turned his head to look at her, smiling.
"Most ladies do not ride when with child," he challenged, watching a smile grace her own lips, but fail to reach her eyes, which remained clouded with worry.
"When the trip is as important as this, I dare more than most," she leaned forward and patted the mare's neck affectionately. "Besides, she is in the same boat as myself and Hayley, although not nearly as far along. Her owner is even unaware. I trust that I am in good hands, one mother to be to another. Especially since she insisted she be the one to take me."
Arthur nodded in understanding, turning his eyes back ahead. "They are not merely my men, but my brothers. As you, Esmeralda, Fay, Vanora and Hayley are now my sisters," he answered, falling into silence once more.
"It gladdens my heart to hear that your majesty," Mariska replied as they rode further on.
After what seemed like only a moment, they came to a clearing in the middle of the wood where, Tristan was waiting for them, his horse dancing anxiously under him. "What is it?" Arthur asked, riding forward to meet him.
"Scouts say this is the best place to camp for miles," he answered, looking at Mariska closely. "The horses need to rest."
"The horses are fine," Mariska replied curtly. "We need to keep riding."
"You need rest," Tristan growled. "You have not slept for nearly two days."
"Nor have you," she replied, glaring at him, not intimidated in the least. "Hayley needs us to move on and so we move on."
By now the others had caught up and ridden forward, Dagonet climbing down from the wagon to join them and Jasmine and Fay coming from the back, leaving Hayley sleeping, Lucan by her side.
"You won't do her any good dead," Tristan stated, his face and voice calm but rage in his eyes as he glared at her.
"He is right Mariska," Jasmine stated. "We all need rest."
"But she's right as well," Esmeralda spoke up. "We need to get Hayley to Avalon as quick as we can."
"We are over halfway there," Tristan barked, glaring at the black-eyed girl.
"We can afford the rest then," Arthur stated, trying to be peacekeeper. He was worried that they, especially Mariska, were pushing themselves too hard. And while he did not wish anything to happen to Hayley or the babe, Mariska's condition needed to be taken into consideration as well.
"We can afford nothing," Mariska's voice was deadly low and she gripped the reigns tighter as she turned her glare on the King. "She needs to be at Avalon."
"She's right Arthur," Dagonet spoke up, his voice urgent. "Hayley needs Sonia now, it is best we keep moving."
"So you would sacrifice Mariska's health as well?" Tristan glared at him, off his horse in an instant, his hand resting on his blade. Lancelot moved forward then, resting a hand lightly on Tristan's shoulder, holding him in place while Bors moved next to Dag, ready to come between them if necessary.
"No, but you would risk Hayley's?" Dagonet asked, his eyes cold as he regarded the scout.
"Please, it is best we don't fight now," Galahad stated.
"Perhaps we could keep moving for a bit longer and then make camp," Gawain said, dismounting.
"Mariska could always rest on the wagon with Dagonet for a bit," Fay agreed, trying to make peace between them. All were under a great deal of stress and it was doing no one any good. "I could ride the horse for a spell."
"No, we keep moving," Mariska growled, hoping down from her horse as well, coming to stand between the two men, now was not the time for this at all.
Just then they heard a loud coughing sound coming from behind them. They all turned to find Lucan standing there, a firm, yet nervous look on his face as he regarded them all. He looked up into the back of the wagon quickly, catching eyes with his mother. "Are you sure I can say it?"
An indistinct mumble was heard and Lucan sighed, turning back to face them all. "Mother says you cannot get mad at me father," he said after a moment.
"What is it Lucan?" Dagonet asked, regarding his son closely.
"Mother says to shut you fucking asses and set up camp. She's tired and wishes to rest without bumping her head with the holes in the road," Bors coughed to hide the laugh that escaped his throat while the others looked at the small boy in shock. "And Aunt Mariska, stop being a selfish hagged bloody cow! Mother is sick and not about to share the back of the wagon with you because you won't rest. For once do as your man tells you and shut it."
"You heard her," Jasmine laughed, walking over and patting the boy's head. "Make camp. Well done Lucan."
Dagonet and Mariska stood open mouthed while the others went about, beginning to set up the camp. Fay walked over then and placed a finger under each of their chins. "Save some flies for the horses," she smirked, walking over to help Gawain and Galahad with the tents and to start the fire for some stew Vanora had packed for them.
"Would she really speak so?" Dagonet asked after a moment, turning to look down at Mariska in shock. He had never heard Hayley speak so roughly before and it was a bit disconcerting to say the least.
"You obviously do not know your wife as well as you think," Mariska replied with a snort, shaking her head slowly as a smirk graced her lips, she rubbed her lower back, wandering off to find Tristan, leaving Dag slightly dazed.
He shook his head once and smirked. "She never ceases to amaze me," he murmured sadly, refusing to think that she would leave him yet before going to his son. "Come 'er boy," Lucan walked over, looking up at his father standing tall. "Your mother said I can't get mad eh?" he knelt down in front of Lucan, looking him in the eye.
"Yes sir, or else she'd box your ears something fierce," he answered slowly, repeating what his mother had told him. "And make you sleep with the horses until my wedding day."
Dag chuckled softly before ruffling his son's hair. "Then let us go get the tents ready then," he answered, rising and leading Lucan over to where Galahad had already unloaded their gear near the cart.
Mariska meanwhile wandered over to where Tristan already had most of their tent up, taking his frustrations out on it rather than her. She watched how his muscles flexed beneath his clothing while he tied the sticks together forcefully and sighed. She had angered him again, not an uncommon occurrence granted, but not one she enjoyed taking part in. Especially since she knew he was only worried for her and their child, and deep in her heart, she knew he was right.
Sighing once more she walked slowly the rest of the way over to where he was now crouched down, securing the last bit of rope to a tree root. She came to stand behind him, watching as his body tensed further, gauging just how angry with her he seemed to be before feeling a jolt within her womb against where her hand rested. Smiling slightly she crossed the rest of the way to him, tapping him on the shoulder.
He turned his head and glared up at her, the anger still in his eyes as he quirked an eyebrow in question. Without a word she placed her hand on the side of his head furthest from her and directed it to rest against her belly, over where she could feel their child's heart beating. Her smile only broadened as he relaxed, bringing a hand to rest on her lower back, listening intently. Slowly she ran her hand through his hair, touched by the scene he created. He would make a wonderful father; she could see that in him just as she had seen it in Duncan.
"You were right," she conceded, continuing to run her fingers through his hair. "I am just worried for her and forget to tend myself."
He pulled his head back to gaze up at her. "You mustn't."
"I know," she sighed, walking over and sinking down on a nearby tree log. "But old habits die hard it seems," she stated, resting her back against a tree and yawning tiredly. The ride had taken more out of her than she realized.
He rose and followed her, sinking besides her and wrapping an arm about her shoulders, pulling her close. "If you will not worry for yourself, then worry for our child. He can not tend himself yet and relies on you alone."
"You're right, she cannot," Mariska smirked up at him through her lashes, earning a chuckle from him. "I am sorry I was so cross though," she finally said, snuggling closer against him, the smell of stew already beginning to waft to her nose as Fay worked at heating the vegetables that they had brought with them for the fort, reaching over to ruffle Galahad's hair as he walked by, laughing softly as Gawain came over to ensure she had enough wood.
Tristan merely snorted. "Rather cross than the pain to my eye," he muttered, causing her to giggle.
"Mayhap one day dear lover, you will learn to duck a punch," she laughed, the sound lightening his heart as he kissed the top of her head.
Across the camp, Gawain was stoking the fire for Fay while she added the dried rabbit meat to the large black cauldron, stirring thoughtfully. "I despise cooking," she said after a moment, her nose wrinkling in distaste, causing him to chuckle.
"And you are a barmaid why again?" he asked, rising and taking the spoon from her, sitting down to finish the meal.
"Good money and handsome men," she smirked, giving one of his golden locks a tug, sitting next to him on the log, wrapping her arms about his bicep, resting her head against his shoulder, watching the liquid swirl in the pot. Gawain chuckled again and leaned over to kiss her hair, watching as her face softened with a smile.
After a few quiet moments she spoke again, her voice more solemn than before. "Do you think she'll be alright?"
"Goddess willing," as her face fell at his response, he elaborated. "She is a Priestess right?" he waited for her to nod before he continued. "So do you se her being forsaken so easily?"
"No it's just…" her voice trailed off as she searched for the right words.
"They are your family," Gawain offered, wrapping his arm about her waist.
"Aye," she sighed and snuggled closer to him. "You have all become so close to me. I cannot see my life without any of you in it."
"I know the feeling," he murmured against her temple before dropping a kiss there, stirring the stew absentmindedly.
At the wagon, Dagonet climbed into the back and smiled down at his wife, who had a proud look on her tired face. "A dirty trick, using our son," he chided her lightly.
"Next time I will deal with you lot myself husband," she stated, holding her hand out to him.
He crossed the distance between them, having to duck his head as he came to sit besides her, running his hand over her hair to soothe it, kissing her gently.
"My brave giant," she murmured, rubbing her thumb over his cheek, gazing into his eyes, and hiding the pain she was in very well. "So worried," the fear was evident in his eyes and she wanted nothing more than to take it all away.
"My Hayley," he sighed, turning his head to kiss her palm. "Don't leave me," his voice was hardly above a whisper and pleading with her.
She gripped his face tighter then, her eyes and face as stern as her voice as she spoke. "I do not mean to. If She wants me, it will be a hell of a fight, and the only one I have ever given Her. Do you understand me Dagonet?"
He nodded slowly, kissing her palm fiercely, not trusting his voice to speak. It was an easy thing to promise someone you would die for them. Dying was simple. But to promise him she would fight to live for him. Challenge the Gods, her Goddess, to do so was something else entirely.
"I love you," he choked out, his emotions overpowering him as he leaned forward and kissed her deeply. Her arms snaked about his neck and held him to her. After a few moments they broke apart, both thoroughly breathless.
"And I you," she murmured, nuzzling her nose to his. They held each other for a few moments before she sighed. "Dagonet?"
"Yes?" he gazed into her eyes, noting the pleading look they had taken on. "What is it Hayley?" he was immediately concerned.
"Nothing, I was just hoping you could take me out of this wagon? It is cold and I log for my sisters and the fire."
"It is not wise to move you," he frowned, her eyes undoing him.
"Please Dag? It is so lonely back here," she batted her long lashes at him, a pout on her face and he caved.
"Difficult woman," he grumbled good naturedly, picking her up and carrying her gently out of the cart and towards the fire. He paused, shocked to see that everyone was already gathered on logs around the fire, nearly finished bowls of stew in their hands and a bedroll in place next to Mariska for Hayley.
"I'm shocked Hayley!" Esmeralda stated, her voice exaggerated as she leaned against Lancelot, adjusting slightly on his lap, a smirk on his face.
"I thought it would only take you five minutes to convince him," Jasmine teased, running her hands through Arthur's hair as he sat before her, leaning back with his head against her shoulder.
"He is harder to persuade than I thought," she teased, the pain flashing briefly across her face, causing Mariska, Fay and Esmeralda to exchange worried looks. Tristan, who was sitting on a log next to Galahad, noticed as well, pulling Mariska unconsciously closer, easing her back against his body, relaxing once her body was next to his own.
"Come Hayley and sit with the selfish hagged cow," Mariska smiled, patting her lap where a pillow sat, the bed roll perpendicular to her legs. Dagonet brought her over and set her down gently, Lucan rushing over from where Bors had been keeping him out of trouble, sitting down next to his mother and putting a protective hand over her belly, the other clasping her left hand.
"Are you angry sister?" Hayley asked turning her head in Mariska's lap to look up at her while Mariska ran her hand over Hayley's hair, Fay coming over with a bowl of stew for her. She opened her mouth to answer only to be interrupted by Jasmine.
"Always. Are you only just now meeting her sister?" she teased earning a glare and struck out tongue from Mariska who helped Hayley lean up enough against her legs to eat.
"Now Jasmine be fair," Esmeralda began giggling.
"Yes, most of the time she's a flailing harpy," Fay grinned, earning a chuckle from most of the men as s he sank back down in front of Gawain between his legs, her own pulled against her chest.
"Mariska, is that your happy face?" Gawain laughed, leaning back against a tree, rubbing Fay's back absentmindedly.
"And lets not forget violent," Galahad laughed, earning a slap upside the head from Tristan and more laughter from the group.
"I love you all too," Mariska huffed, the smirk on her face giving her away. "Just remember Jas, Fay, it is the two of you I aspire to be most like. So it is no wonder that I adopt your traits." Hayley pushed at the stew indicating she had had enough before leaning back down, Mariska putting the bowl off to the side.
"Oh let it be," Hayley stated, smiling and closing her eyes, relaxing with her family. Dagonet sank down on the log behind her, next to Bors with Lucan at his feet still clutching his mothers' hand. Bors clapped him comfortingly on the back, offering him a sympathetic smile and full bowl.
"Thank you Hayley," Mariska smiled down at her. "How do you feel?"
"Better now that I can feel Her light upon me," she replied, looking up at the waxing moon.
"She will be full when we get to Avalon," Tristan commented lightly.
"Sing the song Esmeralda," Hayley said suddenly, turning her face towards her youngest sister.
"No Hay," Ez blushed looking down at her hands while her lover smirked at the chance to tease her.
"My Ez can sing? I must hear it," Lancelot stated loudly, the others all speaking up at once, encouraging her to sing as well.
"Come lass, give us a song."
"Yes sing Ez!"
"Please Aunt Esmeralda please! Mother wishes it."
"Please Esmeralda, the Goddess comes through your voice when you sing," Hayley locked eyes with her, pleading. Esmeralda's voice could sooth the most savage of beasts. It was how she had been able to tame Cadeyrn. Even now the animals seemed to be encouraging her as well, as Nefertari made the death defying leap down from the wagon, hopping eagerly over towards the fire, Vigdis and Saoirse fluttered onto a lower branch in the tree they occupied behind their masters and Cadeyrn slithering quickly forward, actually curling about Lancelot's leg to get closer to Esmeralda.
"You cannot get out of it now Ez," Jasmine teased. "Even I can see your blush."
"Shut it," Esmeralda growled, her cheeks red under all the new found attention. "Will it make you feel better Hay?" she sighed, looking at the elder girl from beneath dark lashes.
"Oh yes, very much," Hayley smiled, holding out her right hand to her.
"Very well, let me up you brute," she slapped Lancelot's arms lightly as she rose form his lap, causing him to chuckle and pinch her ass. She glared at him as she strolled over to where Hayley was, taking her hand as she sat between the priestess and the fire, Cadeyrn already on his way over to them. She laced the fingers of their right hands together and smiled down at Hayley, reaching her free hand down to brush a few strands of hair from the elder woman's face before clearing her throat, straightening her back and taking a deep breath.
Around the clearing, the knights, Lucan and Fay all unconsciously leaned forward as Esmeralda began to sing.
"When you beat on that drum.
Talk in that tongue.
You're just scratching on the surface,
So tell me what it means?
I whisper till a scream,
Slowly fades away."
Her voice was sweet and melodious, almost dancing on the night breeze, and every animal and insect in the wood nearby stopped all night noises to listen. The knights and their king, were on the edge of their seats, more than one wondering briefly if perhaps it was the sirens song from legend, because surly any man would follow her voice blindly, even if it meant their deaths.
"Then you wake up and tomorrow is today.
Ooh and your crying.
Crying like a baby,
Caught between the tides."
As she sang, a feeling of peace came over Hayley, and she clutched Lucan's and Esmeralda's hands a bit tighter, closing her eyes as the tune flowed about her. It was the song they often persuaded her to sing at late night gatherings, when all the priestesses would gather together around the fire, telling tales, drinking wine and laughing happily. As Esmeralda sang, Hayley returned to that, to her home, and it was a wonderful feeling for her.
"Did you loose your way?
You lost your way.
Did you loose your way?
You lost your way."
Dagonet looked down at Hayley's face and smiled at the peace and contentment there as she listened to Esmeralda's voice, her own lips moving silently along with her sisters. He gave a small sigh of relief that only Bors heard, earning a nudge and smile from his closest friend and brother. Maybe things would take a turn for the better now. Besides, he had her promise, and he had never known her to break a promise yet.
"Do you know where I've been?
The walls are caving in.
It moves across a wire,
There's no need to talk.
I crawl as you walk,
Pushing me away."
Mariska sighed contentedly as she leaned further back against Tristan, his lips coming to drop a kiss on her temple, stroking Hayley's head comfortingly. This was a nice reprieve from the events of the day. She only prayed it all turned out well.
"Then you wake up,
And tomorrow is today.
Ooh and your crying.
Crying like a baby,
Caught between the tides."
Fay smiled, leaning closer to Gawain, his arm going about her shoulders, down over her chest and pulling her back against him, a contented sigh coming from her lips as he rested his cheek against her own. Galahad sighed as he watched his brothers face light up with the woman next to him. Looking around he saw how happy all his brothers seemed to be with their women, except for Dagonet of course, who was more worried than anything else, although a smile had finally come to his lips. Maybe after all this was well, and Hayley and the baby were fine, for he refused to believe anything else, he would find a woman as Gawain had. Wouldn't that be something? But one who didn't ruffle his hair so much.
"Did you loose your way?
You lost your way.
Did you loose your way?
You lost your way."
While Esmeralda sang, and the others worried, Jasmine let her spirit wander, going once again to the Fates, the warmth of Arthur's body against her own tying her to him as she searched for the cave. She found it as she always did and once again was confronted with the sisters. They did not speak this time however. Lachesis merely waved a hand across the black cauldron, smoldering in the middle of the chamber, the others still working away at various bits of yarn.
Jasmine stepped forward then, knowing they were letting her view the future as only they could, and was grateful until she caught a glimpse of the image. It did not serve to lighten her heart in the least, and when she looked up at the Deity, tears were falling from her eyes. As she pulled herself back into her own world, she felt Arthur's hand, wiping at the ones that had fallen down her cheeks before feeling him move, pulling her into his arms protectively, kissing her cheek and murmuring into her ear as Esmeralda continued to sing.
"Flowers in the bin.
Closest heart I'm in.
Well everything was wrong,
Nothing gets undone.
You paid the view.
You lost your will.
Just run away until,"
Lancelot watched Esmeralda with pride in his eyes, sitting a bit taller on the log near Gawain and Fay. He had no idea her voice was so beautiful. She would have to sing more often, he was sure of that, especially to their children. He cast his eyes towards Hayley and sighed, his face clouding over a bit as he rubbed his thumb over the knuckles of his other hand, begging anyone that would listen that they were making the right decision. He just could not bare the thought of losing her.
"You wake up,
And tomorrow is today.
Ooh and your crying.
Crying like a baby,
Caught between the tides."
Lucan listened to his aunt sing in wonder. He'd never heard Aunt Esmeralda sing before, and she was quite good, but his mother was better. Looking down at her, his hand still gripping her own tightly he smiled. She looked so happy, just as she normally did. That's how he wished she looked all the time again. Happy. Leaning over he dropped a kiss on her belly, earning a bigger smile from her and a murmured 'good boy.' He just hoped everything would be okay once they got to the magic place his mother came from. And that this Sonia woman they were all talking about was more powerful than Merlin.
"Did you loose your way?
You lost your way.
Did you loose your way?
Ooh, you lost your way."
As her song ended, a hush fell over them all, the last note lingering on the breeze for an instant before it died away. The moment of peace did not last however as Hayley's face suddenly contorted in pain and she gasped, releasing Esmeralda and Lucan's hands, clutching at her stomach. Everyone was immediately gathered around her, Dag picking up Lucan and handing him to the waiting Fay, who immediately began to cuddle the boy, trying to quell his fears as his father fell to his knees at his mothers side.
"How bad is it?" Jasmine asked, moving to crouch down in the place where Esmeralda had been across from Mariska, the raven haired girl moving, displacing Dagonet reluctantly, Bors and Tristan pulling him back in case the women needed the room.
"Bad," Hayley breathed, shutting her eyes, tears seeping from her lashes while Esmeralda felt her stomach gently.
"Do you want more of the potion?" Ez asked, her face and voice laced with worry while the other knights gathered in a circle about the four women.
"No, it won't work," she rasped out, clutching her stomach once more.
"The spell," Mariska sighed, sitting up straighter as she could, trying to maneuver around her own belly, pulling her legs from beneath Hayley, lowering the other woman's head gently to the ground, tucking her legs beneath her then. "It's speeding up her labor."
"Can it do that?" Galahad asked his voice laced with worry.
"We were hoping it would not," Mariska sighed, a hand resting protectively over her own womb, hoping that the same would not happen to her for a brief instant before focusing back on her sister.
"Did you know this could happen?" Dagonet all but growled, Lancelot moving over with Arthur to help the other two men restrain him.
"It was a possibility that we took into consideration," Esmeralda assured him. "We are well prepared."
"She is weak," Mariska commented, running a hand over Hayley's forehead, casting a side-glance at Esmeralda, and locking eyes with her.
"Let's fix that then," Jasmine stated, Esmeralda already pulling an elaborately designed dagger from her boot, handing it over to Mariska.
"What are you doing?" Gawain asked, alarm coming to all the men's faces.
"Giving her an extra boost," Jasmine answered as Mariska began the ritual.
"I am Mariska, daughter of Avalon. In blood and magic we are bound, sister. In blood, take of my strength," as she spoke she made a long slit across the palm of her right hand, before cutting Hayley's as well, lacing their fingers together, palm to palm, handing the knife back to Esmeralda.
"I am Esmeralda, daughter of Avalon. In blood and magic we are bound, sisters. In blood, take of my strength," Esmeralda did the same, cutting her right hand and then Mariska's left, locking hands and handing the knife to Jasmine.
"I am Jasmine, daughter of Avalon. In blood and magic we are bound, sisters. In blood, take of my strength," as she spoke again she too cut her right palm and Esmeralda's left but before taking them, she made a grab for Hayley's, who quickly pulled it away.
"No," Hayley stated, trying to hide her hand, glaring at her blind sister.
"Hayley it is the only way," Jasmine stated, finding her hand easily and pulling at it with her un-slit one.
"But the rule of threes," Hayley struggled against her more.
"Wot's she talking about?" Bors grumbled, the knights shrugging, watching the scene with concern.
"We don't care Hayley," Esmeralda stated, moving to help Jasmine steady her hand.
"We gladly make the sacrifice Hayley," Mariska stated, nodding to Jasmine, who had finally steadied Hayley's hand with Esmeralda's help, to continue the spell.
"In blood give me your pain," Jasmine stated, slicing Hayley's other palm and then her own before gripping Esmeralda's and then Hayley's, completing a circle. Immediately she sucked in a breath, her hands going white.
"In blood give me your pain!" Esmeralda stated, gripping Jasmine's hand tighter before whimpering, her chin falling to her chest.
"In blood," Mariska began only to be interrupted.
"Mariska no!" Tristan's voice was urgent and Gawain only just made it to him to hold him back.
"I have too," she murmured to him. "We never suffer alone." She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, steadying herself before completing the spell. "Give me your pain."
Instantly her body was racked with pain and she had to bite her lip to keep from screaming out. It was a long shot for this spell to work, but they had to try. If they could take her pain and give her strength, then they hoped, she would be able to stop the delivery on her own.
Hayley breathed a deep sigh, the pain finally gone and a feeling of revitalization flowing through her veins as her sisters gave her their energy. She began to breath in deeply, refusing to open her eyes, knowing that the pain on her sisters faces would cause her to loose her concentration and all would have been for naught, as she began to war with her very body, fighting to keep the child with her awhile longer.
Away from the women, the men were watching in increased agitation, Fay standing near Gawain, letting him hold her close while she cradled the trembling Lucan, watching his mother over the woman's shoulder.
"This is madness!" Lancelot ground out, not even trying to restrain Dagonet any longer, who had sank onto the ground, his head in his hands, too afraid to look at his wife, Bors trying desperately to give him hope, but unaware of what to say. "Why must those bleeding harpies be so difficult!" he all but growled, pacing, his hands moving wildly through the air as he spoke.
"I just don't understand why they won't let us help," Galahad sighed, running his hands through his hair, letting them rest at the back of his head. "I have plenty of energy to share."
"Don't they realize they ain't alone in this?" Bors asked no one in particular, his eyes darting over to the four women, each fighting their own battle, yet still tied together in blood.
"They're stubborn," Lancelot stated, leaning back against a tree, crossing his arms over his chest to glare over at them, specifically Esmeralda, who had tears falling silently down her cheeks. He wanted nothing more than to pull her from the circle they had formed but knew she would never forgive him if he did. And neither would Dagonet if his wife died as a consequence of the act.
"They do not have the energy to keep this up much longer," Arthur observed, noting that Mariska was starting to sway the most, Jasmine resolutely keeping herself rigid as she clutched Hayley's hand. For a moment he wondered if she was even still with them any longer, or had in fact retreated to the other realm to control the pain. Judging by the pain on her sisters faces, he only wished that were the case.
"Why are they hurting so much?" Galahad finally asked. "They seem to be in more pain individually than Hayley was."
"Rule of threes," Fay said quietly, glancing over at them, wishing that she could join and offer her energy as well. Jasmine had insisted however, when they first discussed the ritual while Hayley was sleeping, that she leave it for a last resort. The priestess had explained then that the pain they would pull from Hayley would be three times that which she was suffering, and by default, each sister would suffer it times three. "Each of them suffers her pain magnified by three. That's why they don't want any of us to participate in the spell."
"Why? We've all known pain," Lancelot growled angrily.
"Not pain like this. Pain amplified by magic? I offered to take my place with them and they refused. They train for this at the temple," Fay argued, just as angry about feeling helpless as he was. "Odds are a fraction of what they are feeling now would kill any of us who tried!"
"You knew they were going to do this and said nothing!" Lancelot was off the tree and in her face, only to find Gawain between them, Arthur placing a restraining hand on Lancelot's shoulder.
"Stand down Lance or I'll let her kill you," Gawain warned, glaring at the older man. "Now is not the time for passing blame."
The two glared at each other when a sudden squeak caused them all to turn towards the women once more, Tristan already kneeling next to Mariska, watching her face intently. A small trickle of blood was flowing from the corner of her lips, where she had bitten through the skin, and her face was as white as a sheet.
"Just a little longer Mariska," Jasmine said, her voice betraying how weak she had become.
"I do not think we had the energy we hoped," Esmeralda choked out, her voice tired and laden with unshed tears.
"I think that I can do it on my own now," Hayley murmured, her eyes still closed.
"No, not yet, just a bit more," Jasmine said, her body beginning to waver a bit.
"We cannot too much longer," Esmeralda whimpered. "Mariska especially."
By now the others had rushed forward, Lucan climbing down to hug his father about the legs as they gathered around the women.
"Tristan," Mariska finally whimpered, the tears falling from behind her closed lids.
"What?" he asked, wiping at the bit of blood, looking at her closely. "Tell me what to do Mariska."
Hayley tried to pull her hand from Mariska's then, having opened her eyes and seen the pain she was in, but Mariska held firm. "Blood…mix blood, new energy, with the circle…"
"The pain will kill them," Jasmine stated, sagging back, Arthur just catching her in time.
"Enough of this," Fay strolled over determined, picking the dagger from Jasmines lap and coming between Mariska and Esmeralda. "I am Fay, daughter of Britain I guess, in spirit and now in blood we are bound sisters. In blood take of my strength," she slit both of her palms, breaking their connection long enough to grasp their hands, immediately feeling the effects of the spell they had woven earlier.
Tristan reached for the knife only to have Mariska's voice stop him. "No, wait." Her face had relaxed a bit, and while the pain was still there, it did not seem so severe. All of them seemed to be doing better then, and the men paused, watching them closely, Dagonet picking up Lucan and holding him close.
After what seemed like an eternity, Hayley's eyes fluttered open and the pain that had been on the other three priestesses faces vanished as they gazed down at her.
"Are you alright now?" Esmeralda asked, her voice betraying her exhaustion as she eyed Hayley closely.
"Yes, for now," the elder girl smiled giving Jasmine and Mariska's hands a tight squeeze which quickly traveled round the group. "Sisters in spirit, magic and blood, I give you back your strength, and take back what pain remains," she murmured, a shudder passing over each woman's spine before they all released hands, the wounds on their palms healing before their eyes as Hayley fell almost instantly to sleep. The women began to drop as well, the men rushing to catch them before they could hit the ground.
"We worked it wrong," Mariska murmured, her head finding Tristan's shoulder as he scooped her into his arms, cuddling her close, relief in his eyes. "Fay figured it out."
"How do you mean lass?" Bors asked, hoisting Lucan up so Dagonet could move Hayley back to the wagon, his eyes scanning his wife's face worriedly.
"We all gave her our strength, and took her pain, so that when it came to fighting that pain, we had very little left in us," Mariska explained, her hand settling over her belly, her heart soaring in relief to find her babies heartbeat, strong and regular against her palm.
"When Fay joined the circle, she gave her strength to all of us which gave us the energy to fight Hayley's pain and offer more energy of ourselves," Jasmine finished, her arms wrapping around Arthur's neck tiredly, her head sagging against his shoulder as he dropped a kiss on her forehead.
"Fay is the hero," Esmeralda beamed tiredly from where Lancelot held her, his arms protectively around her as she leaned back against him. Her legs finally gave way and he swept her up into his arms, dropping feather light kisses all over her face.
"Just don't expect me to save you tomorrow as well," Fay teased weakly. It had been an experience unlike any she had ever had before and she really wasn't looking forward to living through it again anytime soon. Suddenly she felt very glad she had been brought up Christian and not in the Avalon temple.
"You do remember I am supposed to be the brave knight rescuing beautiful maidens," Gawain teased her, lifting her easily into his arms, worry hedging behind his eyes.
"You did not expect me to send a man to do a woman's job did you?" she teased back, giving one of his long locks a gentle tug before settling against him. "So warm," she murmured, wrapping her arms about his neck and beginning to drift off to sleep.
"None of us could," Mariska yawned, snuggling closer to Tristan, bunching his shirt in her hand. "We must get her to Avalon lover," she stated, her voice already thick with sleep. "We have done all that we can from here."
The men all exchanged worried looks, the women already fast asleep.
"Wot do we do Arthur?" Bors asked, letting Lucan down to go check on his mother.
"Get some rest," Arthur sighed, adjusting Jasmine in his arms a bit. "And get to Avalon."
They all nodded in agreement before going to their separate tents, trying their best to get some rest for the long journey ahead of them.
Authors Note: By the Gods a somewhat speedy update! Fair warning, don't get used to them. Consider this a stroke of luck. Thanks to all who reviewed and to help ease your worrying, they will all be at Avalon in the next chapter.