Standard Disclaimer still applies and will always apply; King Arthur and all that is related to the legends and movie are so not mine.

A/N: some notes -actions during speech- "speech" 'thoughts'

"AH-CHOO! Ohh." Roxie miserably wiped her nose on a dirty handkerchief. "Eww." She was freezing, a little wet and on the verge of getting a cold. The little snowball fight… well war actually, that had occurred earlier had been a lot of fun. It was four hulking and serious knights versus two sprightly young women, one with the knowledge, speed and tactics of snowball warfare and the other with speed and a damn good arm. Sure the fight had been fun, but it was at the cost of pulling a few barely healed stitches.

Dagonet and Tristan were with her to redo her stitches, Dagonet with the needle and Tristan, in an odd display of emotion, offering support to the assassin. It was surprising that Roxie, who battled Saxons, fought very well unarmed, seen blood and death; would whimper at the sight of a mere needle and thread. Any of the other knights would have teased her for her reaction; inwardly she was thankful it was these two.

Guinevere was actually quite surprised with her reaction to needles as well and when the two knights left, the Woad decided now was a good time as any to inquire the woman.

"Roxie…"

"Yeah, I'm freaked out by needles. No, I don' wanna talk 'bout it okay?" Roxie cut her off harshly. The Woad looked hurt, realizing that she misplaced her emotions Roxie sighed. "Hey Guin, that snowball fight was great neh?" Guinevere smiled gently and the two started to devise of a few more plots to pull on the knights, each more extravagant than the next, Roxie's ideas often included rampaging elephants, sea monkeys, radioactive sea slugs and a giant vat of boiling soapy water.

Outside the wagon, their peals of laughter rang in the ears of all who heard them. Smirks and smiles could be seen on the faces of the stern knights, although the villagers were not entirely sure why. The knights knew that Roxie was better off now that she had other female company on this trip. The snow was falling and the sky darkened, a few of the knights were worried that the Saxons would be upon them soon, if only they could get rid of these people. The villagers were not really any of their ultimate concern, if anything they would be more in the way then anything… but that would mean that Roxie would be left behind too because she was not totally well. With that dark thought in mind, they tolerated the extra travelers.

That night they camped in the forest… the Woad forest, sentries were posted and everybody was just a tad bit anxious, save for two people, the Woad herself and her new friend, who really didn't have any idea where the hell they were. Roxie and Guinevere climbed out of the wagon supporting each other giggling every time they saw one of the knights. They joined a few of the nicer villagers' fire and listened to their stories while sharing some of their own before it was time to eat. Roxie and Guinevere were pretty much forced to eat with the villagers even though there was probably not enough for everybody. The two women ate very little and managed to slip most of their food into the person next to them out of consideration. After a while of listening to stories and eating, Guinevere and Roxie excused themselves to go back to the wagon.

"They're so nice eh? Although I'm not too sure I like that they kept sayin' how skinny I am. I'm not that bony… geez." Roxie complained out of earshot of the villagers' fire. The woman beside her chuckled lightly then started to giggle uncontrollably because of something she was looking at. Roxie followed the Woad's gaze to see the knights around a spit and fire cooking some meat. She looked at Guinevere and snorted behind her hand, the knights looked up curiously and both women started laughing hard gripping their sides and nearly falling. Images came into the women's minds of the boiling vat of soapy water or flying monkeys attacking them or something of the sort that they had come up with in the wagon. Concerned, Arthur walked over to the two hysterical women to inquire on their mental health.

"Roxie? Lady Guinevere?" The two women took one look at him and burst into fresh peals of giggles, Roxie noticed the deep blush of Guinevere from the corner of her eyes. "Are you well?"

"-snort- Yes Arthur, everythin's fine and dandy..." Roxie replied before pulling her friend towards the wagon where they were housed not too long ago. They left Arthur standing in the snow confused in their wake.

"Roxie, I do not believe they realize that it is them we find such humor in."

"I know, they're so oblivious to us I doubt they'll catch on anytime soon." Roxie replied. A few of the children who helped them earlier were waiting for the two women at the front of the wagon. "Oh, hullo. Is something wrong?"

The children looked at each other before pushing a little blond girl forward. She had pale brown eyes, dirty blond plaited hair and a filthy peach dress that looked like it would have fit a much larger child. The little girl twisted the edge of her gown with dirty fingers before looking up at the two women; Roxie slowly recognized this to be the little girl who Roxie threw her pendant to before being thrown into Marius' dungeon. "Um… Milady Roxie... -she curtsies- You promised us a story for the snowballs... your word?" The little girl looked scared that she would be beaten or something of the sort.

Roxie bent down to the child's level and smiled. "I'm not a lady, but you're right... I did promise to tell you a story... come on." Roxie said as she grabbed another fur from the wagon then led the way to another solo fire. Sitting down in front of the flames, she noticed that none of the children followed her and Guinevere. "Well?" The children waited for the first little girl to move then followed in her wake. "What's your name?" The little blond one replied it was Sarah. "That's a pretty name. Well, Sarah could you please tell Sir Dagonet to bring Lucan from the wagon so he can here the story too?" Sarah scampered off to return with Dagonet and Lucan. Roxie and Dagonet shared a smile before she turned to her young audience.

"Once upon a time in a land called China a good and kind emperor had a great wall built to protect his people from foreign invaders. However, this great wall was an even greater challenge to those same invaders and they managed to get over the emperor's great wall. –audience gasps- When the emperor learned that his people were in danger, he sent word throughout his kingdom that young men would be drafted from every village to serve and protect their country. In one village, a young woman named Mulan..." Roxie's story of Mulan enraptured her audience and they hung onto her every word. She gestured wildly and acted out parts of the story like certain important battles earning laughter and exclamations from her captivated audience.

"And they lived in honor, love, happiness and peace… the end." Roxie finished gratefully accepting a skein of water from Guinevere who was listening next to her. "Um… okay good night." Those who listened cheered and applauded as Roxie tried to shoo them away because the story telling wore her out, but the children stayed put by the fire.

"Lady Roxie, how do you know if you love someone?" Sarah asked suddenly and all the children's attention focused raptly back on her.

"What? Why'd you ask me that?"

"A'cos you're a grown up and grown ups' 'posed to know everything." Came the innocent reply.

"Well, I guess it depends on what kind of love you're talkin' 'bout. You love your mum and da' right? Then when you're grown you could be in love with someone and that is totally different." Roxie replied trying to get out of this uncomfortable conversation, especially since the knights were close and watching her with amusement. "Does that make sense?"

"But how do you know if you're in love with someone like Mulan was with Captain Shang?" a little boy named Gareth asked. 'Oh God, why me?' Roxie lamented in her mind desperately wanting to bang her head on the hard trunk of the trees. 'Couldn't they just ask their mums and das? Why me!'

"I think you have to explain what being in love is Roxie." Gawain called from where he stood. Roxie sent him a death glare, but the children agreed with the jovial knight.

"Being in love… it's more of a feeling I guess. You feel like when you're with that person you could do anything and nothing at the same time, like you are invincible and vulnerable all at once. You feel like you're over the moon and under the ocean, your heart is full when that person is near and empty when they are gone. You feel like you can't eat, think, sleep, walk, talk if they are not with you. You're world is upside down and right side up, in your mind you're doing flips and anything is possible with just you and that one person you are in love with. Being in love is really just about how you feel, what being around that person makes you feel… um does that help?" Her eyes had glazed over into a purely happy state when she finished explaining, the knights and Guinevere noticed, but only Tristan half-understood why.

"Yes..." Gareth answered for them. "I'm gonna marry a pig!" The little boy grinned as the other children laughed. Roxie continued to smile although painfully she wished someone would take the little ones away. Fate answered her call.

"It is time for bed, all of you. Lady Roxie needs her rest as do all of you." Fuliciana said coming into the circle, the children groaned but Roxie gave the Roman a grateful smile. The children said their good nights before scurrying back to their mothers and fathers. "Roxie, would you care for a bath? I am sure you would feel better if you cleaned up."

"You have no idea." Roxie replied following the woman to the healing wagon, Dagonet and Lucan stayed at the fire so Roxie would have some privacy. Guinevere followed the other two women, but did not want the bath being offered; although Fuliciana was kind she was still Roman.

Roxie was happier, cleaner and just had her stitches removed. Although, Guinevere opposed to a bath Roxie had convinced the Woad to bathe a bit to avoid any infection or illness.

Roxie strolled outside of the wagon humming to herself and leaving Guinevere to sleep off her exhaustion. The night was very cold and she could feel it through the many layers of furs, the knights' fire looked inviting even if Lancelot was there. Steeling herself, Roxie stalked over to the fire and plopped herself down in front of the curling blaze. A cool breeze passed through the camp and Roxie let out a string of curses about the dress that Fuliciana forced the assassin to wear. Lancelot looked up and smirked at her, but she just got up and went in search of the supply wagon in hopes of something more comfortable.

"Jols? Jols?" she called warily around the supply wagon, she heard a little moan in the trees next to the wagon and silently crept in search of the sound fearing for the trusted squire. Hiding behind the trees, Roxie peered past the bark expecting to find the squire; she did only he was rather preoccupied with a village woman. Shocked, she covered her mouth to stop the giggles 'Well, he is a man, fergodsakes. Who'm I to say that he can't have a bit of fun?' Roxie headed back to camp in search of one of the less lecherous knights to borrow some clothes, unfortunately they were elsewhere. 'God, if I could borrow some pants and a shirt I'd be set, but nooo they've all gotta be somewhere else!' Resigning to her fate, she headed back to the knights' fire. 'Oh no, there's no way I'm gonna ask Lancelot to borrow his stuff, who knows what I'll hafta do to get 'em or who the last person was to tear them off.

She blew on her hands to keep warm. Even though she was there in front of a blazing fire, Roxie still shivered. 'Damn, I think I did get a cold.' Pulling the layers of fur tighter around her body, Roxie looked up from the dancing flames to see Lancelot staring at her. "Gotta problem?" She inquired a littler harsher than she'd wanted.

"If gazing upon your ethereal beauty is a crime then clap me in chains my Lady." His face lit into a flirty smirk.

"Am I supposed to twitter or something? Cuz really you're just making my stomach roll." She retorted using a stick to poke at the flames. Again she shivered, "Gaad this really sucks out loud, why does it have to be so cold!"

"How can you be cold if you are practically in the fire?"

Roxie simply glared at the knight who noticed her face was paler and that she was ultimately sweating quite a bit under the heavy furs.

"Roxie, are you ill?"

"No."

Lancelot crept over to her, she inched away looking at him apprehensively as he followed her around the fire. She refused to let him get close to her. It was an awkward little dance, she would scuttle on one end, and he would follow her as she would occasionally sneeze.

"Will you quit it!" Roxie demanded as she whirled around to face him. She had every intention of physical violence however, being disoriented and on the verge of illness Roxie slipped on the frozen ground. Bracing herself for impact of the icy frozen floor, Roxie shut her eyes only to feel strong arms and a warm body against hers through the layers of furs. "Oh great… it's you." She muttered disdainfully looking into Lancelot's dark eyes. His flirtatious smile blinded her as she struggled to get away from the womanizing knight. "Just so you know, I hate you so much right now… no I think I've always hated you. Gaad Damnit let me go!"

"No, I think I rather like this position," he replied rubbing her back through the layers of fur, Roxie barely registered how close they really were and glared at him the best she could, "Besides Roxie, you are rather pale and look sickly."

"Lancelot, I think you are loosing your touch, I doubt that is what every maiden would love to hear. Did she not say to release her?" Dagonet walked up. Lancelot set her upright, but did not let her go for fear she would fall over. The healer knight eyed the hands at Roxie's waist, but said nothing.

"Didn't I say lemme go? Personal space. Personal space." Lancelot briefly released her only to watch her sway before both knights. Both Dagonet and Lancelot rushed to her but since they were not exactly looking where they were going, slammed into each other while Roxie fell on her but onto the snow.

"OW!" the three yelled out, the knights cradled their heads while Roxie ended up laughing at the two knights. Gawain, Galahad and Bors came onto the scene only to join Roxie in laughter.

"Oh, good. You're here; any of you got an extra set of clothes I can borrow? Lady Fuliciana gave me stuff much too drafty." Bors helped her stand as Gawain stated that they only had one set for this mission. "Aww. Damn."

"Roxie, are you unwell? You seem pale."

"That's what I told her. But she did not listen."

"Yeah, well how'm I s'posed to believe you when most everythin' comin' outta your mouth is some cheap ass pick up line." Roxie retorted shivering. "Can I borrow like an extra cloak, I'm really cold."

"But you have three." Galahad protested. Roxie merely stuck her tongue at him.

"Fine, if ya'll are gonna be like that I'm just gonna –grr- I'll just go to wagon. Screw the fact I was gonna just enjoy your company, ya punks!" Roxie swaggered unsteadily to the wagon, before Dagonet rushed to her side. Turning to the other knights Roxie taunted "See, this is a real man, a true gentleman. Not like you immature little dorks!" With that Roxie leaned on the gentle knight until he had to carry her because she was much too weak and wracked with a mild fever. As he brought her over, Roxie noticed the malevolent looks that Marius was giving the knights and everyone else as he sat with a few of his soldiers. Any other time, she would have been more attentive, only right now a pounding headache and fever took over her being.

"Thank you Dagonet. I'm really sorry that you hafta haul my ass over here."

"Think nothing of it, Little Sun." the knight replied gently. Roxie merely nodded expecting him to go and get Fuliciana, who would scold her for allowing herself to get ill. When he hesitated Roxie asked if there was something wrong.

Without a word, Dagonet pulled something from his shirt and placed it in her palm, then quickly left. Roxie looked at his retreating figure curiously before seeing what he had placed in her hand... it was Connor's wallet, still warm from being pressed against Dagonet's skin.

"How… Where did he get this? I'd thought I'd lost it." Roxie whispered to herself.

"Mm… get what?" Guinevere asked groggily beside her. Roxie replied it was nothing and quickly hid the wallet when Fuliciana came in clucking about Roxie being ill.

From outside the wagon, Dagonet could see Roxie's silhouette argue with the Roman woman's shadow.

"I'm fine, worry about someone who's worse than me."

"There is no one worse than you that I have not already seen to. Now lie down and rest. You could catch your death if you do not take care."

"I was takin' care. I don' nee to lie down, I need to find somethin' warmer than a dress."

The argument continued as Roxie made many an attempt to get up whilst the Roman forced her down. Dagonet chuckled to himself before he left to watch the fire.

"'Ow is the little spitfire?" Bors asked as Dagonet walked up. The healer knight just shrugged and the other nodding in understanding, she was arguing again. After sometime, they retired for the night dreaming of freedom, the future and a certain woman.

Roxie stared at the canvas ceiling of the wagon; it was the middle of the night. She was tired from telling stories to the children and so far it had been at least five or six days since they left the wall. Day one they left, day two and three she and Galahad were with the Saxons, day four involved her capture and at least two more days of torture… so the journey had been about six days. Why the hell was she contemplating this? She needed sleep, not to be thinking about something so menial as how many days had passed since she left the wall which according to her calculations would have been at least a week ago. Argh! This was not helping her sleep! Didn't she win the bet with Tristan… oh yay that meant she would get to spar and scout with the scout. But the most important thing for her would be getting over this stupid fever, Roxie pressed a hand to her forehead in hopes of finding some improvement… it didn't work. She tossed and turned on the makeshift bed silently praying that her genetically modified body would kick in and get her over the fever.

Outside Roxie heard the howl of wolves and the return cry, closing her eyes she willed herself to sleep letting good memories of her life with Connor overcome her mind. 'Good hunting, night brothers… you too Tristan" she thought as she drifted off.

The next morning, Roxie, Guinevere and Lucan's health improved greatly. Roxie's fever broke and was gone as though it never came, the same went for Lucan. Fuliciana was surprised that Roxie was completely well and said that God willed her good health.

The assassin only smiled at the Roman before exiting the wagon in search of her horse. The knights and children greeted her fondly as little Sarah and Gareth came up and offered the assassin some pine cones.

"We cou'nt find any flowers. So, we thought you'd like these." Sarah said.

"Oh... thank you. You're so sweet." Roxie accepted the pinecones and kissed them each on the heads before they ran off. She giggled as she climbed onto her horse, StarBlaze. "They are soo cute." She looked at the pinecones before carefully placing them into her saddlebags.

They continued through the east pass for several hours before they took a brief rest for the villagers and horses. Later that night, they settled in the trees again. Roxie was so happy to finally stop for she needed help when they stopped several hours before. Roxie dismounted along with the other riders and headed over to the wagon that held her Woad friend. On her way, a pinecone was pushed in front of her face.

"What the—?" She started and looked up into the grinning face of Lancelot. "What's this? Didn't you know that flowers have a better effect?"

"I saw how your face lit when the children presented you with such a gift. I only wished to try my luck." He replied in his flirty smirk. She pushed away the gift before continuing her way, the knight persistently followed her. "Why not?"

"Children have the most innocent intentions, they appreciate little things. You, on the other hand, only wanna get me to fly on your rocket space-boy. And I've said it before ain't neva gonna happen." She snapped.

"What is a 'rocket' and 'space-boy'? I feel you are insulting me, but I do not understand your words." Lancelot taunted her.

"Explaining anythin' to you would be a waste of time and energy that I don't have. In case you've forgotten there're Saxons riding up our asses!" Roxie stated and would have continued her rant if the children had not chosen that moment to drag her away for another story.

"I'm sorry, but my throat is still a little raw…-the faces of the children fell- I know! A game, yes a game would be perfect," Roxie said quickly, the children's faces lit up as Roxie proceeded to explain Red Rover to them. Choosing Garth and another little boy named Titus to be team captains, Roxie stood to the side and referee. Once the teams were set up, they had asked Roxie to demonstrate how to play. "Uh… okay. But I'm gonna need some help." Spying Gawain, Lancelot and Dagonet idly standing near the wagons talking, another impish idea popped into her head. 'Ooh this will be fun.' She thought motioning for Guinevere to come over and briefly explained her plan to the Woad, while the children thought up fierce names for their teams, Bears and Lions; not exactly the fiercest but for the time being they worked.

"Hey, Dag, Lancelot, Gawain! A little help?" Roxie called over to the three knights, a look of innocence spread across her and Guinevere's face. Shrugging, they came over and Roxie briefly explained what they needed them for. Only Dagonet and Gawain agreed while Lancelot blatantly refused.

"You are so mean. How could you say no to children?" Guinevere scolded the dark knight.

"Simple… no," He smirked. Guinevere was about to continue protesting, but Roxie told her to let it go.

Two lines of seven children holding hands faced each other, each with a hulking knight in the middle smiling down at the little faces on either side. It was a rather ridiculous sight, two battle hardy knights taking part in a children's game that wouldn't be invented for another millennia or so.

"Now this is called Red Rover, the object of this game is to build the biggest team by taking people from the other team. . ." Roxie started to explain, the faces eagerly waited to start. "Okay… Gareth, you won the coin toss so your team goes first." Roxie called placing her hand into Sarah's on the very end, while Guinevere held Titus' hand on the other team.

"Red Rover, Red Rover send Roxie right over…" the children called swinging their arms joyfully before gripping each other's hands tightly. Giggling, Roxie let go of Sarah's hand and ran into the other team's chain between Gawain and a little brunette girl's arms, putting more force onto Gawain's arm making the two fall over and break apart.

All laughed hysterically at the two "growed ups" on the snowy ground, including the fallen themselves.

"Oh, is this game supposed to hurt this much?" Gawain groaned under Roxie. Looking down at the long haired knight, she grinned and placed a quick kiss on his lips before getting up and taking the little brown haired girl over to her team. Gawain lay there shocked before the children started giggling and the other team started their chant.

They played until it was time to eat and rest, Gawain, Dagonet, Guinevere and Roxie were joking and laughing by their fire while Galahad and Bors took over sentry duty.

"So, Roxie" Gawain put his arm around her shoulders, "Shall we play a more adult game of Red Rover sometime?" His brows wagged suggestively at her.

Shrugging off his arm, she playfully pushed him off the log causing all to laugh at the bewildered knight. "Does that answer your question?"

"No, it only means I must try harder." He laughed taking her hand and gently brushing his lips upon her knuckles.

"You're almost as bad as Lancelot." She pulled her hand away causing the observers to laugh.

"One difference my lady -she rolls her eyes- I mean Roxie…"

"And that would be…" Guinevere asked.

"I am much better looking," Lancelot appeared behind Dagonet smirking.

"Than a pig, I am sure." Gawain drawled tossing some snow at the dark knight, causing the women and other resting knights another good laugh. Lancelot playfully lunged at the long haired knight and they tussled on the ground. Roxie sidled over to Dagonet, who was watching her this entire time.

"Should we stop them?" They shared a look, grinned then shook their heads. "Nah..."

They started to cheer on the two knights and placed bets, for a time it looked like Gawain was winning.

"I think all that time wrestling women hasn't helped you against other men Lancy-pants!" Roxie cheered as she and Guinevere leaned on each other laughing.

"Wrestle me Roxie and I will show you what this man can do," Lancelot called back before Gawain lunged at him again.

"Not. Gonna. Happen." She stated with emphasis on each word.

"WHAT IS GOING ON!" Arthur's enraged voice called out, forcing all activity to stop and stare. Lancelot and Gawain pulled away from each other clearly guilty and roughed up. Roxie hid behind Dagonet's large form burying her giggles in his back. The healer tried to look behind him to question her actions but his commander demanded his attention. "I want an explanation, now."

"I-it was my fault Arthur, I—" She started coming from behind Dagonet. Lancelot, Gawain and Roxie looked down at the ground hiding their dishonor.

"I don't want to hear it. -sighs- Alright, until I find suitable punishment for all of your behavior, sentry duty for all of you. After Dagonet tends to your wounds, you three will relieve Galahad and Bors of guard duty until we reach the wall." The commander cut her off before leaving them in the snow. Guinevere patted Roxie's head reassuringly as she left for the wagon.

Turning to the two chastised knights, Roxie grinned, "So, who wants to watch the sunrise next ta me?"

A/N: that took much much too long. And I totally apologize, but I don't want to leave everybody with such a short chapter, I get guilty when I'm feeling a slump coming on. Anyways REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW! Virtual cookies and seven minutes in the closet with your favorite knight for every suggestion and review I get!