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: And the winner of Galahad is (drum roll)…Gwenn0! Give her a hand everyone! This chapter is dedicated to her and my lovely, charming and PERFECT older sister who's having a rough time right now.
THANK YOU ALL REVIEWERS!
Also, PLEASE READ! I am well aware that the areas and countries I am bringing the other priestesses from may not have even been formed officially yet, but the idea I am trying to get across is that these women come from all over the area, not just Britain. And to describe where I am using the modern day names of the areas I'm thinking of for each Priestess.
The Priestesses of Avalon
Chapter Twenty-Seven: Avalon
No amount of description could have prepared the knights for the spectacle Avalon presented as they crested the hill early morning two days later, the sun rising behind the building, casting it in a golden hue. The temple was enormous and stretched high into the sky in grand pillars and strong brick walls. And the closer the caravan came to Avalon, the larger and more intimidating it became. Even Tristan was impressed as they rode forward, keeping himself close to Mariska's side, Arthur at her other. It was Bors who was the first to speak.
"There are no doors," he stated quietly, afraid to raise his voice and disturb the sereneness of the land.
"A protection," Esmeralda smiled. "Only those blessed with knowledge know how to get inside."
"I don't understand, we traveled this area many times in the service of Rome and I do not remember this," Galahad breathed, looking around in fascination.
"Not just anyone can find magic's den Galahad," Jasmine spoke, poking her head out next to Dagonet, able to see the vision of Avalon despite her sightless eyes.
"How safe would it be then?" Esmeralda agreed, the grin on her face broadening.
The men were all noticing a very similar look pass over the Priestesses of Avalon's faces, even Lucan noticed it on his mothers in the wagon, and they worried. Finally Mariska spoke, the one thought that was on her sisters minds.
"We are home," it was barely breathed through her lips, but it traveled about them on the breeze, echoing across the land. "Goddess I did not realize how much I had missed it."
Tristan noticed how her eyes sparkled and his heart fell a bit. He would have to make sure he did not lose her now, not when she was so much returned to him. Reaching out he rested his hand over her belly, causing her to turn and grin at him, her eyes sparkling more as her hand came to rest overtop his own, a smile lighting her entire face.
Suddenly overhead, Vigdis and Saoirse both screeched a warning and the men hardly had time to blink before they found arrows pointed at their eyes, and twelve women and one small girl standing, encircling the caravan. The knight's horses immediately became agitated rearing up and backing away from the women, the men instinctively going for their blades while anger raged in Mariska's eyes.
"Lower your weapons! Sonia knew of our approach," she all but growled at them, her mare holding her ground while she glared down at the leader of the group, a brown haired blue-eyed woman of about twenty-eight winters. Upon seeing her, Mariska's entire demeanor changed as she sat up taller in her saddle, her cloak concealing her growing belly and her eyes and face icing over.
"Forgive us sister, but we did not expect you to be bringing company," the girl growled back, sheathing the sword she had in her hand, glaring at the men with distaste. "We only expected those of the coven," she cast a glare over at Fay who had climbed out of the back of the wagon. The fair haired girl gladly returned it, making sure the other woman saw the blades upon her back.
Galahad watched as around them the women began to lower their weapons and looked down at the woman nearest him, her bow still trained on his eye. He followed it down to meet the brownest eyes he had ever seen peaking out from behind dark lashes, her dark wavy hair framing her tan face and falling loosely about her shoulders. His breath caught as they held one another's gaze, her bow dropping slowly as she turned her eyes towards Mariska.
"I am Arthur Castus King of Bri…" Arthur began only to be cut off by the woman still glaring at Mariska.
"I know who you are, and that does not make your presence anymore welcome," she bit off.
"Beatrix please," a small red haired woman spoke up. "Sonia said we were to bring them in quickly."
"Eavan is right Beatrix, besides I am back now," Mariska stated, indicating for the other women to go to the back of the caravan. "So you are no longer in charge."
Beatrix scowled at Mariska while the knights and King dismounted. Tristan came over and helped Mariska from her horse, which was when the Priestesses got a good look at her.
"You are pregnant as well?" Beatrix choked out causing the priestesses that were helping Hayley out of the wagon on a stretcher of sorts to pause and gaze at her.
"Nice to see nothing gets by you Bea," Esmeralda smirked, handing the reigns of her horse to Bethania, stopping to hug the golden haired girl who had a way with animals.
"I am but there are more pressing matters now Beatrix," Mariska stated, her head high and her arm laced through Tristan's. "Let us try and focus on the task at hand shall we? These men need food and water, and bedding, and Hayley is our primary concern now. Varvara, Zita, go and make sure the room is prepared. Ayo, Jia, Izumi, help Esmeralda, Jasmine and Fay with Hayley. Bethania, tend the horses please, Lucan help her. Constance, Luminita, Faina, Eavan and Sorcha, could you ladies tend these men? Get them fed and their rooms prepared."
As she spoke the Priestesses began to move, nodding as she spoke their names, used to her orders. Ayo, a tall dark skinned African woman with shinning eyes and beautiful spiral curled hair took Dagonet by the arm as they began to lead Hayley away on a stretcher through a heavily wooden door that had appeared. "You must let us tend her. Never fear, we will let no harm befall her," she assured him, giving his arm a squeeze before moving to follow the others.
"Come then Dag," Bors clapped a hand on his brothers' shoulder. "Best let them work." Dagonet reluctantly held back, watching Hayley disappear into the dark corridor.
"And what of me?" a soft voice asked, drawing Galahad's eyes back to the young woman who stood a few feet from him, her soft brown eyes trained now on Mariska.
"Shireen, I wish for you to take me directly to Sonia," her hands were once again to her back and Tristan stood close to her, one of his resting there as well, massaging gently. She offered him a grateful look before turning back to her sister, leaning against him slightly for a moment.
"Of course Mariska, she is expecting your arrival," Shireen smiled coming and lacing her arm with the elder priestesses, giving it a squeeze. "You've been missed. The temple has been a duller place as of late," she whispered, causing Beatrix to growl once more.
"Come your Majesty," Luminita, a dark haired, dark eyed girl from the Romanian area stepped forward, coming to stand before Arthur and the knights, where they were standing with Mariska. Her thick black hair was pulled into a tight bun at the back of her neck and her thick accent made her voice rich and soothing. "We show you to your rooms and get you food."
"Thank you lady," Arthur bowed slightly. "But I would like to meet with Sonia if it is possible."
"You will in good time, lord," Sorcha, a girl with bright red hair, falling in thick curls from the ponytail at the back of her head spoke up, a Scottish lilt to her voice. "First she must see to Hayley."
"And what shall Beatrix do Lady Mariska?" asked a high pitched French voice and everyone turned to look at the blond haired blue eyed Constance, a mischievous grin on her face.
"Well, I am sure that Bethania could use a hand mucking out the stables," Mariska mused, grinning wickedly over at Beatrix who glowered more. "Come Shireen," the two women began to walk towards the temple entrance, the King and knights following close behind with the other women, leaving Beatrix to fume, alone.
xoxoxoxoxoxox
"YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO ASK THIS OF ME!" Mariska's hand slammed down hard on the table in their own meeting hall, a circle of marbled stone that rivaled even Arthur's round table. "NOT NOW! Not when I have a family to tend to," her voice was filled with frustration and unshed tears as she glared at Sonia, who sat quietly, looking sicker than she had when Mariska left, her eyes sunken in and her hands folded in her lap while her prized pupil ranted. Shireen stood in the corner, watching on sadly, while Beatrix smirked from the other side of the table, arms crossed over her chest, keeping her distance from Mariska.
They had been to see Hayley, and she was resting comfortably now, her labor having subsided back into it's normal pace, although still quickened by whatever malady had befallen her at the fort at Hadrian's Wall. She slept well, the magic of the temple giving her strength. But Sonia knew it was only a matter of time before she gave birth, and a covenant would have to be made, to save her and the child.
"You knew the path of your destiny before you began this delusion of yours Mariska," Beatrix smirked. "Do not be angry at Sonia for asking you to accept the fate you were borne into."
"Do not try me Beatrix or you will find your head far from your shoulders, that I promise you," Mariska stated lowly, glaring over at the other woman who startled. Everyone present in the room knew it was by far no idle threat.
"Beatrix, Shireen, leave us now," Sonia's voice was soft yet firm and no matter how much Beatrix wished to challenge it, she dared not. Curtseying low both women left, the door shutting with a thud behind them. Mariska hung her head then, tears falling silently down her cheeks, splashing against the cool table, her palms resting against it, her knuckles blanched white with the pressure she applied.
"Beatrix speaks the truth child, as much as you do not wish to admit it," Sonia said after a moment, her heart going out to the girl before her.
"Do not make me give them up Sonia," Mariska looked at the elder woman, tears streaking her face. "Please do not make me."
"Mariska I make you do nothing," Sonia said, leaning forward and holding out a hand towards her pupil, the other girl looking at it defiantly, not making any move to grasp it. Sonia sighed and placed it on the table, continuing on. "The power within you is proof enough that this is your true destiny."
"But I do not have it in me to lead Avalon," Mariska whispered, sinking down into the chair, her hands coming to rest on her belly, finding her child's heartbeat, focusing on it's strength, so like Tristan's. "Surely it is another you seek."
"Destiny does not make mistakes Mariska!" Sonia barked at her. "You were chosen to take my place as Head Priestess of this temple. Now you shall accept that whether you wish to or not."
"How can it be I?" Mariska barked back, knowing she was going against everything she had been taught by doing so. "I am to be a mother! I was a wife and mother before this…"
"Duncan and Celeste were never meant to live," Sonia cut her off, causing Mariska's mouth to fall open, fresh tears coming to her eyes. "Your paths were not meant to cross for longer than they did…"
"You mean you knew they were to die?" the hurt and betrayal in Mariska's voice broke Sonia's heart and she wanted nothing more than to lie to her. But she could not.
"I did."
"And you did not warn me? How could you not warn me?"
"They were a gift from the Goddess for you Mariska, but no gift lasts forever."
"And Tristan? Is he a "gift" as well? Tell me does she intend to take him from me?"
"Tristan and you were never meant to happen. This child that you carry…"
"Obviously she does. For you intend to send him away and keep me here," Mariska was no longer listening to her, but instead clutching her stomach, her eyes dry and a look of shock on her face.
Sonia sighed and rose, coming slowly about the table and sitting down next to her, gathering Mariska into her arms and pulling her head against her chest, stroking her hair gently. "Listen to me child. The time will come when Hayley will bare her child. If we wish to save her and the babe, then one life will have to be exchanged for another. One of us of this temple will have to die for her to live."
"Then let it be me," Mariska pulled away, startling Sonia and stood, glaring down at the woman. "For if you take him and this child from me, I will have no reason to live anyway." With that she turned on her heel, storming from the room, leaving Sonia in stunned silence.
xoxoxoxoxoxox
Down the hallways of the grand palace that made up the temple, Fay blushed furiously as she crossed her arms before her bare abdomen, trying to hide the scars left by her days as a Roman slave, the light, dark blue cloth pants and shirt, with long sheer sleeves cuffed at her wrists, leaving her belly and back exposed. "Must I wear this?" she asked not for the first time, glancing over at Esmeralda, who was busy braiding her long black hair behind her head, a similar outfit of dark green on the younger woman.
"Why? Is it not comfortable?" Bethania, a small surprisingly blonde haired Spanish girl asked, looking up at her with a grin, wearing the same outfit but in a dark purple. In fact, all the priestesses were wearing the same clothing, only in different colors, all made of the finest silk.
"It is but…" it was hard to explain to the women around her, who seemed so comfortable going to dinner with this much flesh exposed.
"She is shy is all lass," Sorcha said, smiling.
"Well she has no reason to be," Eavan, the fellow red haired woman spoke up in her Irish lilt.
"Yes I wish I had your complexion," Varvara, a dark haired woman spoke up coming next to Fay, taking her arm gently. She was tall yet plump with kind mothering eyes and a thick Greek accent.
"Or your hair, it is very lovely," Izumi spoke, her bluish black hair falling straight behind her back, her slanted eyes and dark tan skin glowing in the candle light of the room. "Do you not agree Jia?" she turned to the other slanted eyed woman, her skin lighter in color and her eyes slanting in a slightly different direction, her black hair short about her shoulders, curling softly.
"Oh yes, very lovely," she answered in a soft voice, smiling at Fay, moving behind her to braid her hair.
"Gawain is not going to know what hit him I fear," Esmeralda grinned, moving to braid Jasmine's hair for her.
"Which one is Gawain?" Constance asked, her eyes sparkling with intrigue.
"The blonde one that resembles a lion," Jasmine answered, stroking Isis in her lap, a smirk on her face. "And stay away from the King you harlot," she added teasingly.
"Oh yes, a Priestess as Queen to a Roman Christian," Constance laughed. "That shall be the wedding of the ages."
"Who is the dark haired one, with the curls?" Shireen asked, trying to sound nonchalant but failing miserably as her sisters knew her too well.
"You mean Esmeralda's Lancelot, whom we have already heard so much of?" Varvara teased.
"No she could not mean him," Sorcha laughed.
"You mean Galahad? The youngest?" Fay asked curiously.
"The one who met the tip of your arrow first?" Luminita grinned.
"Yes, him. He's very handsome," Shireen tried not to blush as she adjusted her shirt a bit, trying to will her skin to return to its normal color.
"And very available," Jasmine grinned.
"Mayhap not for long me thinks," Fay giggled as Shireen's blush deepened and the girls all laughed good naturedly, Bethania rolling her eyes and leaving the room, heading down the hallway in search of Lucan and the knights.
While the women laughed, the door opened again, Beatrix entering the room. Immediately all laughter died down and they turned back to finishing getting ready, ignoring her.
"I do not think that I deserve this," Beatrix stated coolly, looking at all her sisters, her eyes leveling at Fay, who glared back at her, contempt clear in her eyes.
"You're right Beatrix. You deserve much worse," Esmeralda glared at the other woman, turning and crossing her arms over her chest.
"You were a complete and total cow to her," Jasmine agreed, rising and directing her unseeing eyes at Beatrix, unnerving the other woman terribly.
"Do you not see why I am doing what I am?" Beatrix asked, tearing her gaze away form Jasmine to look at the others about the room. "She is the only one capable of leading us in the days ahead. It sickens me to admit it but it is true. She needs to take her place as the head of this order."
"But that does not mean you have to be so cruel to her," Jia chided, adjusting her teal flowered silk pants.
"She does seem happier now, with the Scout by her side," Luminita agreed. "It does me good to see her so."
"Does us all good, except Beatrix of course," Varvara agreed.
"Mark me, her happiness will not last. Even if she were not destined to stay at the temple," Beatrix stated, leaning over in front of a looking glass to adjust her hair. "It would end badly."
"Why?" Fay challenged, glaring hard at the other woman.
Beatrix stopped and turned to stare at Fay, her lips pursing in anger. "Because, it always does."
Just then the door opened, Ayo and Zita, the young Italian healer looking more tired and worn than they had ever seen her next to the African priestess, who had her arm draped comfortingly around her shoulder.
"How does she fair Zita?" Esmeralda asked, immediately stepping forward, Fay and Jasmine coming as well.
"Not well sisters," Zita sighed, sinking down onto a nearby cushion, leaning tiredly back against the wall. "The baby is not fighting so to get out of her now, which is better, but she is very weak."
"How long do you think we can keep the child with her?" Eavan asked, looking worriedly about at the others, who had all gathered round the young brown haired, olive skinned girl.
Zita let out a long sigh. "Not long. I fear that by the end of the Mother's cycle, she will birth the child. And when she does, a sacrifice will have to be made."
Around the room all the Priestesses faces dropped, and several looked to their hands. Esmeralda wiped at the tears that had come to her eyes and Jasmine sighed in defeat, remembering her vision.
"What sacrifice?" Fay finally asked, wanting to know what everyone was talking about. The priestesses all exchanged a look and as Esmeralda opened her mouth to speak the door opened once more, Faina entering.
"Are you girls ready? The King and knights are waiting for us in the hall and Sonia expects us to be there with them when she and Mariska join us."
"Sisters, let us go then," Jasmine stated, taking Shireen's arm and walking forward, purposely knocking her shoulder into Beatrix as they passed. Esmeralda came up and took Fay's, giving it a squeeze before they too did the same, all the women filing out, leaving Beatrix behind, to walk alone.
xoxoxoxoxoxox
The grandeur of Avalon could not cloud over the worry that the knights and their king felt as they stood in the grand dinning hall of the temple. Concern was etched over more than one face as they waited for Tristan, whom had went to see what he could dig up about the grounds, or one of their women to appear with news.
"This is madness," Lancelot growled as he paced the room. "Why will they not tell us anything?"
"Mayhap they do not know anything yet," Galahad offered from his seat at the table, next to Gawain.
"I do not think that is the case brother," Gawain said softly, glancing over at Dagonet who sat with his head in his hands, Bors next to him, watching him closely and Lucan to his other side, his small arms wrapped around Dag's larger one, his cheek resting on the giant's shoulder, looking sadly at the door.
"If that is the case then why will they not tell us?" Galahad asked, turning to where Arthur and Lancelot stood near the end of the great long narrow table, large enough to sit at least sixty people.
"I do not know Galahad," Arthur sighed as the door opened, Tristan entering quietly, a scowl on his face. "Tristan what have you found?"
"Nothing," the scout growled, stalking further into the room sinking down between Galahad and Dagonet.
"How is that possible?" Lancelot asked as they all looked at the scout in disbelief.
"The secrets of this temple are well guarded, even from me," Tristan replied, glaring at him from beneath his lashes.
"Wot a bloody mess," Bors muttered, rubbing a hand over his face in exhaustion.
Before any of them could speak, the door opened again, Bethania stepping quietly into the room. "Those women are impossible," she stated in exasperation, walking to the end of the table where the men were gathered. "All they think about is boys," she climbed up into the chair next to Lucan, the men looking at her oddly. "What?"
"Bethania, what's wrong with my mother?" Lucan asked, pulling away from his father to look at the girl.
"She's having a baby," Bethania answered, looking at him oddly, as if the answer was that simple.
"Yes, but the baby is not ready yet," Lucan stated, his voice laced with annoyance.
"Oh, that happens sometimes. I wouldn't worry though, the Priestesses won't let anything happen to her, she's one of the favorites," Bethania answered as the doors opened again, Jasmine entering with Shireen on her arm, Esmeralda and Fay following behind them, the other Priestesses trailing in after them.
"Jasmine," Arthur was immediately before her, taking her into his arms, kissing her deeply. She smiled happily as they broke apart, both slightly breathless.
Dagonet, Bors, Gawain and Galahad all shot up from their seats then as Tristan and Lancelot stepped forward, coming to meet the girls. Esmeralda rushed up to Lancelot, hugging him close, Fay moving slower, her arms still trying to conceal her midsection.
"You look amazing," Gawain assured her, his eyes falling over her body, his mouth falling open a bit in shock. She looked more than amazing to him. If ever a Goddess had walked the earth, he was sure she stood before him.
"Thank you kind sir," she blushed brightly as he leaned forward, kissing her cheek, breathing a sigh of relief.
"Why do you not dress so at the fort?" Lancelot teased, leering at Esmeralda before hauling him to her, kissing her deeply. She giggled as they broke apart, slapping him playfully.
"Where is Mariska?" Tristan asked looking around.
"With Sonia," Shireen spoke up softly, glancing over towards Galahad's, their eyes locking. They locked and before Shireen could even blink, Galahad blushed scarlet, bringing a smile to her lips. "She should join us soon," she added, tearing her eyes away to look at the scout once more.
"This is disgraceful!" Beatrix's voice bellowed from the doorway as she entered with the last of the Priestesses, most of the others having found their seats, giggling at their fellow sisters display of affection. "Do you not remember where you are!"
"Aye and if the Gods did not find it fit, then it would not be so enjoyable," Jasmine smirked, turning in Arthur's arms, snuggling closer to him, glaring over at her. "Mayhap you should give it a try sometime."
Beatrix scowled at her, trying to avoid Jasmine's unnerving gaze. "This is a place of worship, not a harem!"
"Then perhaps we should not dress as such," Mariska's cool voice stated from the doorway, causing all the men and women to turn, watching as she and Sonia entered, a large white tiger at her hip a thick cloak about her shoulders and the same garb as the other women exposing her belly fully.
Fay's breath caught in her throat as she watched the large cat, memories of her days in the Roman games causing her to become quite anxious. Gawain quickly picked up on it, moving her safely behind him, smiling down at her and giving her hand a squeeze while Beatrix argued.
"It should not matter what we wear in our own home," she growled. "If they cannot control their urges, than we should put them to the death they deserve."
"Beatrix he is king," Izumi said in shock, causing the other woman to turn on her, slamming her fist down on the table as she spoke.
"He is a man! Which means he is no better than the rest."
"How dare you!" Jasmine growled, pulling away from Arthur only to have him hold her back.
"Lady I am sorry you have such a low opinion of myself and my men," he began only to have a dagger appear in the table near his hand, causing the other knights to draw their weapons and Jasmine to lunge for her, Esmeralda and Ayo moving to subdue her, Shireen watching in shock as the rest of the priestesses jumped from their seats.
"Finally it gets interesting," Bethania whispered to Lucan, an excited grin on her face.
"How dare you speak to me!" Beatrix bellowed only to find herself moments later pinned to the table by the large feline, licking it's lips as it held her shoulders in place with it's mighty paws, it's green eyes glowing in anticipation as it's face dropped closer and closer to Beatrix's.
"That is enough," Sonia's voice was calm and even as she walked to the other head of the table, nearest the door, sinking down into the plush seat. "Mariska call of your pet."
"I see no reason to," Mariska stated, her face impassive as her lovers, watching idly as Beatrix began to sweat. "She tells me you have not let her have a nice treat since I left, and she has been terribly good."
"Mariska!" Sonia barked sharply. "Call her off."
With a short whistle, the cat growled once more before leaping down, moving slowly back to Mariska's side, purring as she petted the creatures head.
"Thank you. Now Beatrix, if you will not show some respect to the King of Britain, then you will not sit at this table, is that understood?"
"Perfectly," Beatrix growled, rising and dusting off her clothing, fingering the scratches on her shoulders, wiping away the blood, before moving to sit down, the other Priestesses doing so slowly, Jasmine still being held back by her two sisters, glaring in the direction of the woman who attacked her husband to be.
"Then get out," Mariska stated, walking further into the room, making her way to Tristan's side.
"Bu…"
"It is impossible for you to be respectful to any man, and to insult the king, and lover of one of your fellow sisters is double the offence," Mariska cut her off.
"She is right Beatrix," Ayo agreed.
"Best to leave now," Shireen stated.
"Before Jasmine kills you," Constance added with a smirk, several of the other girls trying to stifle the laughs that came unbidden at the comment.
"Your supper will be brought to your room Beatrix," Sonia stated softly, stopping the argument that was on the horizon. Without another word she bowed curtly and left the room, the door slamming shut behind her.
"Now that that is settled, let us all sit down and eat," she continued, after Beatrix had disappeared. "Mariska, come and sit next to me."
Mariska paused looking down at her from where she had went to sit next to Tristan and the other knights. "But I wish to sit down here with my family," she began to be cut of.
"Mariska! You're place is here."
With a sigh she went to move, only to have Tristan grasp her arm. "What does it matter where she sits?" he challenged, his voice impassive as he glared down at Sonia. Something about Mariska's demeanor when she entered the room did not bode well with him. She seemed so sad, and he did not like the way this woman was bossing her around.
"Does it matter overmuch where they sit?" Fay asked, looking around at the other priestesses, most refusing to look up from their hands or plates.
"Tristan, it is fine, just let it be for now," Mariska soothed, resting a hand against his chest, causing him to turn and look down at her, catching the sadness that flittered across her eyes.
"Do we have to move to our normal seats as well?" Jasmine asked.
"No, you may sit with your men," Sonia waved it off, still glaring at Tristan, daring the boy to challenge her further.
"Really?" Jasmine quirked an eyebrow in Esmeralda's direction, nodding imperceptibly to her, bringing a mischievous grin to the young woman's face.
Without a word she rose as Mariska walked to the end of the table, taking her place next to Shireen and the High Priestess, Tristan glaring down at the woman, Galahad having moved next to him to keep him from killing anyone. Esmeralda walked around the table and took Tristan by the hand then, pulling him towards the end. "Well if it matters not where we sit," she motioned for Shireen to get out of the chair before directing him into it. "Than it matters not where he sits. Does it lady?"
The other women looked at her in shock while she challenged Sonia, Lancelot smirking proudly at the end of the table.
"Of course not," Sonia replied curtly, glaring at Esmeralda as she led Shireen to the end of the table with her, Jasmine, Fay and the knights, seating her next to Galahad as she went.
As soon as the two girls had sat back down, Arthur cleared his throat. "We thank you for allowing us to stay here while Hayley is tended to Lady Sonia."
"Think nothing of it your Majesty," Sonia smiled down at him, the maids walking in then with plates of food for everyone. "It is a pleasure to house you and your knights in these halls."
"Excuse me, but where is my wife?" Dagonet spoke up, causing all eyes to turn on him. "We have been here all day and I have not seen her and do not know how she fares…" there was panic in his voice as he spoke, looking pleadingly down towards Sonia.
"She fares well Dagonet," Zita answered reassuringly. "She is stable now and has had some food. She rests in her chambers now. After you have eaten as well, I would be more than happy to take you to her, and your son of course."
"Never fear Dagonet, Zita is one of our finest," Esmeralda reached over Bors to give his hand a squeeze, smiling brightly at him.
"I am sorry we distressed you, but we are not used to having those other than the sisters here. I do apologize for the misunderstanding," Sonia said softly, smiling down at Dagonet.
Tristan let out a snort, earning a reproachful glare from the old woman before she continued on. "You are all welcome to stay until she is well enough to travel back with you of course, and the babe. That is if she chooses to leave her home here. Jasmine, Esmeralda, you two are both welcome to stay or go as well, when these men are ready to depart."
"Wait, what of Mariska?" Galahad asked, frowning down towards the quieter than usual priestess and Sonia.
"Mariska will stay and serve her duty to the temple," Sonia stated, bringing her goblet to her lips as Tristan's fist slammed down on the table, a deadly look in his eye.
"You have chosen this Mariska?" Arthur asked quickly. This did not sound like the Mariska they had grown to know. She may be devout to her faith, but she was even more devout in her love for Tristan. So much so that he could not see her choosing the temple over him.
"I was not given the option," she answered softly, her face impassive once more, tears pricking at her eyes. She looked sideways towards Tristan, locking eyes with him, his an ocean of anger and hatred, hers a sea of sadness.
"Mariska was born to lead this temple. When I die she will be made High Priestess," Sonia stated, looking down towards the King. "She was not meant to be gone as long as she has been."
"Wot, don't have enough wenches to pick from here?" Bors growled.
"It does not work that way," Faina stated, torn with the rest of the women. "High Priestess is chosen at birth by Destiny herself."
"So that makes forcing her into service alright then?" Fay snapped at them. "Are you all sure you are not Roman? No offence Arthur."
"None taken, and what of her free will?" Arthur asked his eyes locked with Sonia's.
"This is an instance in which she must sacrifice for the good of her faith," Sonia stated firmly, slamming her palm down on the table. "She will stay at the temple and when the child is birthed, it will be sent to the father. Unless of course it is a daughter in which it will stay here with us."
"You're stealing her baby as well?" Jasmine asked incredulously.
"How can you do that?" Esmeralda agreed, both in shock at the words coming from Sonia's mouth.
"I would do all for the good of this temple," Sonia replied testily glaring down at the two priestesses. "And if you had returned when you were supposed to, none of this would be happening," she barked at Esmeralda. "And you Jasmine, you were sent to bring her home, not find a husband!"
"Enough," Tristan barked, slamming the tip of his dagger into the table, turning to look fully at Mariska. "Do you wish to stay here?"
"Not without you by my side," she whispered, looking up into his eyes. "Or the others."
"Then you will not."
"You have no say in this," Sonia stated. "You will leave her here or you will die, that is the only choices you have."
"You threaten my knights?" Arthur barked at her, his fist slamming onto the table now.
"ENOUGH OF THIS!" Now it was Mariska who screamed, rising so fast her chair clattered to the floor as she glared at Sonia. "You will NOT touch any of them." The two women glared at one another. When Mariska began to speak again, her voice was much lower. "For twenty years now I have served this temple without question. Every thing I have done was in its name and in the name of the Goddess above us. I buried a husband and daughter, was molested by Saxons and lost faith in everything I had ever known except for this temple and our Gods. Never have I lost faith in that until today. Remember who caused that Sonia, while you sleep tonight." With that she turned on her heel, stalking out of the room, the great white tiger trotting to keep up with her.
"You will not be rid of me that easily," Tristan growled, rising and following silently after her, leaving everyone looking on at Sonia in stunned silence, more pain than anger in her eyes.
xoxoxoxoxoxox
"And then Aunt Mariska stormed out of the room," Lucan finished the story sitting at the end of Hayley's bed, using his hands for emphasis while she laid back on several pillows, Dagonet next to her, his arm about her shoulders while they listened to Lucan tell her about what had happened in the dinning hall.
"Well it's not fair of them to expect her to stay like that," Hayley stated, snuggling closer to her husband tiredly. "You cannot blame her for her reaction."
"Nor Tristan his," Dagonet agreed. "I would act just the same."
"As would I," she smiled up at him, earning a gentle kiss in return.
"Mother do you feel much better here?" Lucan asked, rocking back and forth on his shins as he looked at her closely.
"Aye, I do Lucan," she smiled down at him, holding her hand out to him. He happily took it and she pulled him up between her and Dagonet, cuddling him close as Dag cuddled both of them. "And so does the baby."
"Good, then I am glad we came, even if it did upset Auntie Mariska and Uncle Tristan," Lucan grinned, placing a hand over Hayley's stomach as was his way.
"So am I," Dag agreed as a knock sounded on the door. "Enter."
The door opened and Zita came in, Bors in tow. "How fare you lass?" he asked, lumbering over to the bed, stooping over to kiss Hayley's cheek.
"Better Bors," she smiled, hugging him briefly. "How does your stomach fare?"
"Better now that we've stopped movin'," he smirked at her.
"We just came to take Lucan to bed sister," Zita smiled. "It is late, and we thought that mayhap he could help Bethania and Bors on the marrow with the horses?"
"Aye, little pixie said if we 'elped 'er she'd show us some fairies in a cave near here," Bors told Lucan, taking it on himself to look after the boy while they were at Avalon. With Hayley in the state she was in, the last thing Dag needed to worry about was what kind of trouble Lucan was getting into; or how the boy was handling all of this.
"I think I need stay with Mother tomorrow," Lucan stated, sitting up in the bed, Nefertari hopping closer from her place near the end, so that Lucan could pull her into his lap. "She may need me."
"Nonsense Lucan, go and see the fairies tomorrow," Hayley told him, patting his cheek gently. "We do not often come to Avalon and you should see all you can while we are here."
"Sides, I'm sure mother would love to hear all about them when you get back," Dag agreed, smiling appreciatively over at Bors. His brother was thinking of everything right now it seemed and he couldn't be more grateful to him for that.
"Well…."
"Come Lucan, little lass said she wouldn't show me without you and you know how the brood will want to hear of them," Bors encouraged them. "And Van."
"Well, if mother really wishes to hear of them," he looked at Hayley who nodded encouragingly. "Then I guess it is alright."
"Well then, Sir Lucan, you must get some rest," Zita said, holding her hands out towards him to help him off the tall bed. "Bethania likes to start early with the horses, and she has even more to tend to now."
"Okay, goodnight baby, goodnight mother, I love you both," he leaned forward and kissed Hayley's stomach before rushing up to kiss her.
"Goodnight baby," she murmured, pulling him into a hug. "I love you so very much." She let him go to tell his father goodnight and watched as Zita picked him up, taking him and Bors from the room. "Such a good boy."
"Aye, he worries though," Dagonet stated, dropping a kiss on top of her head before pulling her closer, letting her head rest on his shoulder.
"So do you," she stated, sighing and bringing his arms about her and the baby, a tired smile gracing her lips.
"You mean much to us. We do not intend to see you leave," he answered quietly.
"That makes three of us then," she stated, glancing up at him. "Remember my promise to you Dagonet. And I have not broken a promise yet."
"Then I have nothing to fear," he stated, leaning forward to kiss her temple, fear still gripping his heart.
xoxoxoxoxoxox
"Come Shireen, I need to relax and desire your company and gossip," Esmeralda stated as she sauntered into Shireen's room, a robe tied loosely about her body, another and two clean pieces of cloth draped over her arm.
Shireen startled slightly and turned from her looking glass towards the other woman, a smile on her lips. "I'm surprised it's taken you this long to make it to the bathhouse. And that it's my company you seek instead of a dark knight you arrived with."
"Agh, I said I desired relaxation, and while Lancelot does know how to relax me," she paused and wiggled her eyebrows suggestively towards the other priestess, earning a giggle in response, before continuing, "I missed your company while I was away." She held the robe out to her with a smile.
"Well that does make two of us then," Shireen giggled, rising and taking the robe, walking behind the changing screen in her room. "It has been dreadfully boring without you and the girls here."
"I can believe that," Esmeralda laughed, walking to look at her reflection in the mirror, a certain amount of mischief in her eyes. "So you and Galahad did not speak as much as I had hoped when sitting you together this evening."
"I knew you did that purposefully!" Shireen scolded, coming out from behind the screen, her robe fastened tighter than Esmeralda's. "That was not very kind of you."
"I thought it was over kind, considering the looks you have been giving one another since our arrival this morning," Esmeralda stated, locking their arms together and leading her out of the room.
"He is very handsome. But I do not know what it is you think should have happened in this short time that we have met, and not even properly at that," Shireen stated, looking over at her friend as she was led down the hallway towards the bath house.
"Well we are at magic's heart," Esmeralda stated, her smirk growing. "And love is the most magical thing in existence." Her grin broadened as they walked through the doorway to see Lancelot and Galahad standing in the middle of one of the tubs. They were up to their waist's in water, both having wet their heads, the water running slow trails down their chests, rippling over their developed muscles, scars crisscrossing lightly over their skin as Lancelot leaned back against the wall, obviously waiting for Esmeralda and Galahad stood near the other side, folding his shirt next to the wall, both chatting about nothing.
Shireen paused with a start, jerking Esmeralda back, causing her to smirk. "Like what you see Shireen?"
"You knew they were in here!" she hissed accusingly, trying to pull her arm free.
Esmeralda merely laughed, drawing the men's attention to them. "I see I have been away to long my friend, you've forgotten who I am."
"There you are my beautiful emerald," Lancelot swooned, coming over to edge closet to the women, Esmeralda pulling Shireen forcefully forward. "Ah, and which of your sisters is this beautiful creature?" By now the girls had hit the tub, and Galahad had come over to the edge, watching Shireen closely.
"And why do you wish to know sir?" Esmeralda quirked an eyebrow at him as a smile danced on her lips. "Do you intend to replace me while we are here?"
"My dear you are truly irreplaceable," he smirked, his arms snaking about her waist, pulling her into a passionate embrace, kissing her deeply and pulling her into the water, robe and all.
Shireen jumped back to avoid being splashed while Esmeralda squealed in excitement. "Are they always like this?" Shireen asked, giggling at the smile on Esmeralda's face, ducking the wet robe that Lancelot threw from the bath.
"Yes, frequently," Galahad chuckled, running a hand over his hair, trying to suppress the blush that was coming unbidden to his cheeks as he caught a glimpse of her leg when she dodged the robe. "Um, they enjoy being the spectacle."
"So it seems," Shireen wondered at his blushing again. He was by far a hundred times worse than she ever dreamed of being. She got a good look at him then, his bright blue eyes, so full of life and youth, and his messy brown curls, dripping water into his eyes. There was an innocence about him that she found rivaled her own, and it appealed to every fiber of her being.
"Come Shireen," Esmeralda's voice pulled her from her thoughts. "Do you intend to leave me here alone with these two handsome men?"
"Do not worry, I will protect you my love," Lancelot assured her, pulling her into his lap.
"But I fear brave knight it is you whom I need protecting from," she teased, slapping at his chest until he released her, allowing her to wade to the side. "Now come Shireen."
With a sigh Shireen fiddled with the tie to the robe. She had never shared the bathhouse with any other than her sisters and to have two men present was a bit disconcerting to say the least.
Galahad, whom was watching her closely, recognized the unease and slapped Lancelot's arm. "Here, Lance, cover your eyes."
"What?" Lancelot arched an eyebrow and looked at him curiously.
"Just cover your eyes so she can get in," Galahad stated. "Would that help?" he turned his attention back towards Shireen who had a shocked look on her face along with Esmeralda.
"Yes it would," she admitted, catching eyes with the raven-haired priestess who raised an eyebrow back.
"Who would have thought Galahad would figure it out before the great ladies man," Esmeralda mused while Lance sighed, sticking his tongue out at her as he turned his back, his hand coming over his eyes. Galahad smiled at her before turning his back as well, covering his eyes.
"I told you they were noble," Esmeralda whispered to Shireen as she removed her robe and descended into the water. "Beatrix is just an untrusting cow."
As soon as Shireen was situated on one of the benches beneath the water, Esmeralda told the men they could turn back around and the four fell into easy conversation, Esmeralda's smirk growing wider each time Shireen and Galahad caught eyes.
xoxoxoxoxoxox
Tristan had caught up easily with Mariska. They did not speak when he captured her wrist in the hallway, but he merely wiped the tears from her eyes and let her lead him and the massive feline back to her rooms. As soon as the door shut behind them Tristan had her in his arms, carrying her to the bed and holding her close while she clung to him, crying quietly. Saoirse and Vigdis watching on from a dual perch near the window, the tiger curling up on a large pillow next to the window seat.
As soon as her tears were exhausted she just sat there in his lap, clinging tightly to him. "They intend to part us. To send you away from me and to take our child," her hand rested protectively over her belly, trembling as she rubbed it slowly over the skin.
"Here me," he captured her chin and forced her to look at him. "I told you once before that I will not give up easily. I have the strength to fight for the both of us if you do not."
"If only it were that easy my Tristan," she sighed, reaching up and rubbing her fingers over his tattoos. "I meant what I said in the hall. In twenty years I have never questioned my faith, never questioned my destiny. But this…all that I have learned today…it makes me question everything I've ever been," she rose as she spoke, her arms crossing over her chest, rubbing them to keep warm, as she walked towards the window, gazing sadly out at the rising moon.
"What have you learned?" he was at her side in an instant, his hands coming to rest over her own, his callused fingers running slowly over her knuckles.
"Oh Tristan," she turned in his arms and looked sadly up at him. "She knew what was going to happen to Duncan. To Celeste! She knew and did not warn me at all. Not only that, but she says that you and I were never meant to be. How can that be? If everything is destined, than so were we, weren't we? How can we be if we weren't supposed to be? And how can she claim to love me when she didn't even warn me that my daughter was going to die!" She broke away from him anger on her face and in her eyes as she began to pace the room, her hands flailing about her angrily.
"It seems that we have more free will than we were taught," Tristan observed, seeing her dilemma. All her life she had been taught that everything in life was the result of Destiny, and yet here was an obvious contradiction.
"I just cannot believe they would do this, the Gods I have devoted my life too, would condemn me so," she sighed, sinking back onto the bed. "Could it be that I tried to bring back one to many people from Elysia? Is this further punishment for trying to save Guinevere?"
"I don't think so," Tristan mused, coming to crouch before her. "Let us look at the facts then. They say you are destined to rule this temple?"
"Yes," she looked into his eyes, her hand finding their babies heartbeat again, finding it calming as she listened to him.
"But we were not destined to love one another?"
"And we do."
"And have you defied Destiny in a sense every time you went to Elysia?"
"No, not really. Those whose time had actually come I was never able to bring back."
"So, if Destiny tells you when the path you seek is the wrong one, then why are we still together?"
"We have defied Destiny at every turn. You rescued me from the Saxons and stood by my side when all others would have faltered."
"You made me come back from the dead."
"You have taught me to love again, given me a child," she smiled, leaning forward and resting her forehead against his.
"As have you," he replied, kissing her lips gently.
"So you think that this is just another test?"
"I do."
"Then let us pass as we have before," she grinned, her eyes twinkling again, wrapping her arms about his neck, kissing him deeply.
xoxoxoxoxoxox
"I have not been that close to one of those beasts in ages," Fay said as she and Gawain followed Jia down the hallway towards Fay's room. "Mariska warned me that she had one for a pet, but seeing it was something else." Gawain's arm was about her shoulders and his hand ran through her hair as she explained her reaction to Mariska's tiger to him.
"I can imagine. I had never seen one of the beasts that close before, and it startled me. You have been on the receiving end of their claws, I can see why it would unnerve you a bit," he sympathized, leaning over and kissing her temple. "Are you better now?"
"Yes, very much," she sighed, smiling under his touch.
"Here you are," Jia stopped outside the door, opening it and turning to face them. "Sir Gawain, your room is only a few doors down. If you do not mind, I would like to retire. If you need anything at all, pull the rope near the door and someone will attend to you."
"Thank you Lady," Gawain bowed his head in thanks while Jia bowed low before them.
"Sleep well Jia," Fay smiled at her, watching as she moved down the hallway. "Too bad Sonia is not as kind as her Priestesses," she muttered, a cloud falling over her face.
"Never fear, Tristan will not let them take her away from us," Gawain promised, releasing her shoulders and turning to face her, taking her hands in his own, kissing the palms. "Now rest well, you deserve it," he smiled down at her, effectively turning her knees into puddles.
"Yes, you as well my brave knight," she brought one of her hands up, tugging on a blonde curl before rubbing his cheek, leaning over and kissing his lips gently before turning and entering her room. With one final smile she closed the door.
"What a woman," Gawain breathed, a grin on his face as he turned on his heel, walking down the hallway to the room Jia had indicated for him. His hand had just reached the knob when a scream sounded from Fay's room.
Gawain shot off like a bullet then, drawing his ax and bursting through the door to find her trembling in the corner, hugging her knees. "Fay!" He was at a side in an instant, taking her face into his hands. "Fay what is it? What has happened? Did someone hurt you?"
She shook her head violently and raised a trembling hand, pointing towards the bed. Without a word he rose, stalking over to the bed, throwing back the sheets to reveal a huge tarantula, walking slowly across the bed. Looking confusedly down at it, he laid his ax on the bed and leaned forward, picking the spider up. "Fay, is this what startled you?" he asked, turning to show it to her. An act he quickly regretted.
She screamed again and backed up towards the wall, bringing Jia flying back into the room. "What is it?"
"She is not too fond of spiders," Gawain explained holding the creature up.
"Spike? Why are you here?" Jia asked, walking over and taking the spider from Gawain, confusing him further. "I am sorry. He is a pet of Eavan and has been missing several days now."
"Well, good thing I didn't kill him then," Gawain muttered.
"I am sorry. Will she be okay?" she indicated Fay who was still trembling in the corner.
"Yes, as soon as you get that away," Gawain said, ushering her out of the room. "Thank you for your help. Sleep well."
"You as well, both of you," Jia smiled, walking from the room as Gawain closed the door behind her. He turned to Fay then, walking back to her side and kneeling before her.
"It's okay now. The spider is gone," he held out his hands and helped her to rise.
"Are you sure?" she asked, still trembling as she clung to him.
"Yes. Jia took it with her," he assured her, leading her back towards the bed. They only got half way before she stopped, refusing to go further.
"There could be more."
"Would you like me to check?" Gawain asked, moving to release her.
"No, they could hide, if they were small," she clung tighter to him.
"Well you could sleep in my room tonight," Gawain mused. "We could trade…"
"Please don't make me stay alone tonight," she whispered, looking up with fear in her eyes.
"You really are scared of spiders aren't you?" he asked, a bit shocked. This woman who had barely flinched when a tiger stood not ten feet from her, had looked full-grown Saxons and Romans in the eyes, slaughtering them without so much as a bat of an eye, was terrified of spiders? The world really didn't make sense most of the time.
"Yes. Ever since I was little," she stated, hugging him tighter.
"Very well," he easily lifted her into his arms, grabbing his ax on his way out the door, going back to his room, opening the door and slamming it shut with his foot, carrying her to the bed. He checked it thoroughly before letting her climb in, pulling the blanket up around her before going over to the washbasin.
From the bed, she watched as he pulled off his armor and jerkin, removing clothing until he was in nothing but his breeches, splashing his face with the cool water from the bowl. She watched as his muscles rippled beneath his skin, his long blonde hair framing his face, the fire in the hearth casting shadows over it, making him appear even more handsome.
Silently she rose, biting her lip as she made her way across the room, coming up behind him, running her hands up his back and over his shoulders as she kissed one of the scars, her tongue darting out and tracing over it causing him to moan. He turned to face her then, his eyes glazed with desire, seeing the look mirrored in her own as he bent down, his lips capturing her own in a firery embrace. His hands, which had been tangled in her hair, moved down her shoulders, as hers went to the waist of his breeches. Slowly he pushed down the dress, sending it fluttering to the floor. His lips moved then, trailing down her neck and across her collar bone to her breasts as she managed to get his pants loosened, sending them to join her dress.
He looked up then, their eyes locking before their lips crashed together again, her hands tangling in his hair while his came down to her thighs, lifting her up so that her legs could wrap around his waist, carrying her to the bed and laying her down amongst the sheets, claiming her as his own.
xoxoxoxoxoxox
"She will die then?" Arthur asked, looking at Jasmine as they sat on the bed in her room, her hands in his, fingers intertwined as he studied her face closely.
"She will to save Hayley," Jasmine sighed. "I saw it that night near the fire while Esmeralda sang. Hayley will give up her life for the child and she will give her life to save Hayley."
Arthur sighed and ran a hand over his face. "And there is nothing we can do about any of this?"
"No. The dye has been cast. It has to play out as it is," Jasmine sighed, leaning back against her pillows.
"And Mariska and the temple?" he asked, thinking back to the fear he saw flash briefly over Tristan's eyes when Sonia said that Mariska was to stay.
"She must lead it," Jasmine sighed again. "No one else can. Beatrix has too much anger in her towards all men," she growled the girls name, glaring reproachfully towards the window. "And the others are either two young or incapable of leading. Hayley has never had a taste for it, and neither has Esmeralda."
"And you are to be queen," Arthur couldn't help but grin at that, happy to see the reaction mirrored in his bride-to-be.
"That I am, and they will be dead before they take that from me," she grinned. He leaned over and kissed her deeply then, his hand coming to tangle in her hair as she moaned against his lips.
He pulled back a few minutes later, still grinning at her as he ran his thumb over her lips. "We still need to figure out how this can work."
"And Sonia may very well have him killed if he will not," Jasmine sighed, hurt that Sonia, who was a mother to all of them, could be so calloused to one of her sisters. It just wasn't like her at all.
"And that will start a war, for we could not let that lie," Arthur sighed, laying down next to her, pulling her into his arms.
"I know," Jasmine sighed. "I have an idea, but I do not know if it would work…" her voice trailed off as she leaned back against him, running her hands slowly down his thighs.
"And what would that be my Queen?" he asked, his own fingers trailing slowly across her collarbone.
"Well, first we must finish our new home…" she began, her voice lowering as she laid out her plan, the moon rising higher in the sky outside their window.
xoxoxoxoxoxox
In the middle of the night, everyone in the temple awoke as Hayley's screams echoed off the walls.
AUTHORS NOTE: I am so SORRY for the delay! This semester has been so hectic and it ends in two weeks. I was hoping to get more than this done on this story, but then this turned into a super long chapter (28 pages and counting). Thank you everyone whose still reading! Please, I could use the reviews right now, I won't try and hide it. Sorry no replies and we all know why. Does anyone know why we can't anymore? It doesn't make sense to me.
Also, anyone that would like a break down of the Priestesses of the temple, including where they are from, name meanings and what they specialize in, just let me know in the review. I hear we can reply directly to them now and if that doesn't work I'll email them to you.