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Chapter 31

Festival Part Three: Topsy Turvy

Music played joyfully, wine was poured generously, woman danced about merrily, children wove through the tall legs of the adults, and fires glowed fiercely as the Harvest Festival raged on in the fortress of Hadrian's Wall. The skies where clear and the full moon was brighter than most had ever seen it before, as everyone laughed and celebrated the most favored celebration of all year. All the knights sat at a large table in the open end of the Tavern together, drinking and joking with each other as the festival went on. Many of the wenches and the villagers danced about to the music of a fiddler and piper right before them.

"Oh! I'm too drunk!" Galahad lifted his mug to his lips, bending his head backwards and almost tipping back over in his seat.

Gawain guffaw quite loudly, but held tight to the hips of the wench who sat giggling upon his lap. Bors and Dagonet amused themselves in a friendly gambling game of dice with three Roman guards. Dagonet was having a very lucky night, rolling twice sixes that beat a particularly gruff looking Roman, but the gentle man kept very humble about it all, leaving the boasting to Bors at his side. On the third roll, Dagonet rolled yet another pair of sixes, making the dirty Roman slam his hand down hard on the table.

"You cheat! There is no way you could have..."

Bors slammed his own hand upon the table, but even harder and much louder than the Roman had done before him.

"Sit down!"

Fear instantly shot through the Roman's face, but he only frowned at the knight, before taking his spot once again. Kay, who was sitting upon the other side of Dagonet next to Lancelot, snickered before sipping his mug dry. A saucy blonde wench winked at the tall, handsome knight from across the room and began to make her way towards him, trying to look seductive by the way she held her bar tray upon her swaying hips. Lancelot groaned when he saw the wench making eyes at Kay.

"Believe my friend," he spoke in a low voice, bending his mouth towards Kay's ear, "you don't want that one tonight."

Kay cocked up his eyebrow and smiled, with a chuckle on his lips, "Why?"

Lancelot shook his head, sitting back in his chair, "Let's just say she's not one for sharing."

Kay frowned, thinking upon Lancelot's words for a moment, before the point struck him like bricks, and he made an 'Oh' shape with his mouth. When the wench came up to Kay, preparing to offer him one of her mugs, Kay waved her off, and stood up fast to go stand by Tristan in the corner of the room. The wench frowned as the handsome knight walked away but caught the smirk on Lancelot's face. She glared at him, huffed and quickly retreated back towards the bar. Lancelot laughed hard as the woman stormed off. But his laughter was cut quite short when his eyes drifted over towards the entrance of the open Tavern. His heart beat fast, as he stared with hungry eyes at the figure who had just walked in.

Tristan just about dropped the mug of ale he hadn't really been drinking in the first place when he saw her walk in. She was more beautiful, if that was ever possible, than he had ever seen her before. His mouth went dry, and he swallowed hard the lump that immediately formed in his throat upon first seeing her. It was if she had miraculously slipped out of some ancient myth; a goddess, basking and glowing in the silver moonlight, gracing him with her enchanting presence. It was true, the moonlight seemed to make her glow. She wore a long white flowing gown, made of the softest material imaginable, that had tiny jewels stitched right into the fabric, reflecting the white light from above. The gown went modestly low on her chest, with long rippling sleeves that exposed her shoulders, but went down half way were it allowed her forearms to show as well. Her dark brown hair was especially wavy that night, and had a little less than half put back while the rest fell down around her shoulders and down her back. The hair that was swept back softly was held in place by sparkling hair jewels that formed flowers and were connected by dangling strands of precious stones. Tristan had to tighten his grip on his mug, to remind himself not to give himself away. But he found it too difficult to tear his eyes away from her form. The only thing that would break him of her bewitching spell was a swig of the disgusting, thick liquid in the wooden mug he held. But, of course, it took more than just one.

Elaine smiled as she entered the Tavern, her eyes immediately searching for Tristan. When she finally saw him, drinking in the corners of the Tavern with Kay at his side, her heart fluttered. She took a deep breathe, reminding herself of her mission, as she ultimately sought out Bors among the rowdy patrons of the Tavern. Elaine made her way through the crowd, catching some eyes as well as some unwanted whistles, before she made it over to where Bors sat. The rather drunk Roman guard, whom by now had lost most of his earnings to Dagonet, smirked as he saw the beautiful maiden approach. Before the smiling Elaine could open her mouth to speak, a grubby arm reached out suddenly to wrap itself around her waist, pulling her down hard in the ugly Roman's lap. In complete shock, Elaine's eyes grew wide as she held her mouth open in surprise.

"You, are the most gorgeous creature I've ever seen," the disgusting guard said, nuzzling his nose up against Elaine's neck.

Bors growled, "Get your claws off her, you piece of shit!"

The guard laughed, his hands tightening around Elaine waist, pushing her deeper into his lap. She gasped, tears of embarrassment forming in her eyes.

Lancelot stood suddenly, his chair flying backwards with a loud crash, which made the rather large crowd become silent rather quickly.

"Don't you touch her again, or I'll slit your throat."

Again, the guard simply laughed, probably too drunk to take in account the fact that he was being warned by a Sarmatian Knight. He rubbed his hands up against Elaine's exposed creamy shoulders in almost defiance to the knight's words. His actions caused the rest of the Knights to stand up in their places, but still the guard cuddled the lady to him tightly.

"Let her go, for you already face a hard punishment."

The men turned to see Arthur behind them. His fists were clenched tight, and his eyes were blazing as if they were set aflame. The guard's jaw tightened as he stood, his arms still held tight around the still shocked Elaine.

"Come, love," he said into her ear, "I wanna dance."

The men glared as the drunk guard began to drag Elaine backwards to were the people were once dancing. He smirked at the knights, but was surprised when they all smirked back. Suddenly, the man felt a greatly painful sting to the jugular of his throat. Blood dripped down, as the scout held a dagger tight to his throat. Tristan reached in front of them both, detaching Elaine from his grasp with one arm, and bringing her to his chest. Elaine buried her face in his neck in embarrassment, her fingers clutching to his shirt. But as soon as she felt him, as soon as she smelled his scent, her racing heart began to calm.

"Leave now, or feel the rest of this blade in your throat," the scout growled lowly, his free arm still wrapped tightly about Elaine's trembling shoulders. The guard finally trembled in fear, for he had heard stories of the scout, that even in his advanced drunkenness scarred him to death. He backed away, before practically sprinting out of the Tavern as fast as his wobbly legs could go. The two stayed that way for a couple of moment, she clasping him closely with her tiny fingers , her head still hiding against his chest, and he staring at the fleeing guard, with his arm wrapped protectively around her, and his other still raising the dagger out before him. The others stared curiously at the couple, surprised to see the scout holding the lady in such a way. After some time, the crowds began to get quite rowdy once again, turning away from the scene, and Tristan eventually let go of Elaine, slipping away from her before she could respond. She stood for a brief moment, her body aching with the withdrawal of Tristan's warm, safe arms, before she blinked and turned back quickly to the rest of the men.

Arthur came upon her first, rubbing her shoulders as if to wipe away the feelings that the man had left behind on them. "Elaine, are you alright?"

Elaine finally smiled, staring up with warm eyes to her brother, "Yes. Do not worry."

She quickly turned to the now sitting Bors, who had been watching her with sympathetic eyes as she approached. A mischievous smirk replaced the reassuring smile that had been on her face moments ago, as she stood before Bors.

"Well, Bors. Have you seen your lover anywhere tonight?"

"No, actually. And I'm starting to wonder if I'll ever. Have you seen her?"

Elaine tipped her head, placing her finger on her chin as if wondering about something in particular, "Well, I thought I saw her, but I not quite sure."

"Whatdaya mean you weren't sure, girl?"

"Well she looked like Vanora, and she spoked like Vanora, but I just wasn't sure if it was truly her."

"Yer not making too much sense, little girl."

Elaine smiled, pointing her finger towards the entrance, where all eyes followed, "Well, take a look for yourself."

All jaws dropped to the floor when a gorgeous, voluptuous red head entered the Tavern. It couldn't be Vanora. Could it? Vanora wore a dark, brilliant blue dress, that had lovely designs along it in bright gold thread. The sleeves went almost off her shoulders, showing just the right curves, and the skirts billowed out slightly, giving Vanora a flowing look. Her red hair was similar to Elaine's design, except that more of Vanora's hair was swept back, held by two deep clips encrusted with blue jewels. Vanora smiled, winking at Elaine with thankful eyes, as she relished in the look Bors was giving her. She truly needed that sort of look when she felt at her most unattractive during her pregnancy.

"Van?"

"Yeah, you big old oaf. It's me."

Bors chuckled, swooping the woman up into his strong arms, planting a passionate kiss on her waiting lips. He than took her by the hips, raising his hand high in the air.

"She's all mine!"

Vanora slapped his chest, but couldn't help but laugh cheerfully as the other men applauded and cheered. She felt so beautiful.

Bors quickly turned to Elaine, grabbing her up in a huge bear hug, and clinging her to him so tightly that Arthur had to gently pull her from his grasp.

"You are one of Arthur's angels."

Elaine just giggled, hugging Arthur slightly as he laughed. The crowd looked on as the two lovers cuddled and kissed. Soon, the fiddlers and the pipers started up with a lively tune. Elaine gasped, taking her surprised brother by the hands.

"Come dance with me."

Arthur's eyes grew wide, and he pulled hard against his sister's hands, "No, no I don't dance."

Elaine made a sad face, her lower lip pouting, "Oh, Arthur. I have been away from you for nearly fifteen years now and you won't even dance with me. Don't you love me anymore?"

"Nice, but that is certainly not going to work."

"Well, this will," Lancelot said as he suddenly pushed Arthur quickly out onto the dance area, with the help of a giggling Elaine. Arthur was stiff at first, but after a few minutes, Elaine actually got the hard Roman Commander to spin her around, both laughing with the happiness they had desired for fifteen years. Lancelot was quite taken aback by Elaine's uncanny ability to unleash the real Arthur, the fun, carefree Arthur free of worry or doubt. As he stared at his best friend and the woman who had captured his heart so easily, spinning and dancing about to the festive rhythms, something simply clicked in the dark Knight's mind. He knew if he was ever going to make his move, it would have to be tonight. It would have to be now.

Standing suddenly from his seat at the knight's table, Lancelot stalked decisively towards the dancing siblings, his eyes never leaving the target of his deep desire. He put on a smile when he neared them, firmly tapping on Arthur's shoulder with his two forefingers.

As Arthur turned about to face his friend, Lancelot eyed Elaine.

"I think you've had about enough fun to last you the night. How about you let me have a turn, Arthur."

Elaine chuckled and Arthur smiled, panting slightly with the tiring excursion known as little sisters. He patted Lancelot's shoulder, and offered Elaine's hand to the knight.

"She's all yours, Lancelot."

As he left, Lancelot smirked down at Elaine, lowering his lips to her ear, sending shivers down her spin, "Let us show them all how it's really done, Elaine."

Suddenly, Lancelot spun her around, causing her to burst into a fit of giggles. Lancelot laughed heartily, placing his able hand on the small of her back, drawing her closer to him as they began to sway to the music. Before long, a heated gaze passed between them, and as the music suddenly transformed into a slower rhythm, Lancelot moved his hand to her soft cheek, tracing her delicate jaw line with his thumb, before bringing it to the tip of her bottom lip. Elaine gasped silently, as Lancelot once again lowered his mouth to her ear.

"Come," he whispered, not truly waiting for a response before he lead her quickly out of the Tavern. A shadow followed the two, as they made their way quickly up the top of the stone stairs, up high on the wall overlooking the darkened valley below.

Elaine was trying desperately to catch her breath, when Lancelot stopped and turned to her bringing her body close to his. He rested his on of his hands on her waist, while the other one began to caress the soft skin of her face. Elaine stared up at the knight in confusion. His eyes unnerved her. They were filled with hunger, with adoration, and with love. Elaine visibly shook as the knight opened his mouth to speak.

"If I don't do this now, I may never get the chance."

Elaine shook her head in confusion, "What do you speak of, Lancelot?"

"I speak of this," Lancelot took Elaine's palm and placed it directly over his heart. "Never before has a woman made it beat that way. You are not like other women, Elaine. You are some sort of goddess on earth, and I know if I do not do this now, I will loose you forever."

"Lancelot..."

The knight up a long finger to her mouth, instantly silencing her. Than he slowly moved his lips down, grazing her soft ones lightly, before bringing them down with a little pressure. Elaine was shocked, but allowed the knight to caress his lips with hers. The kiss was passionate and sweet, but Elaine couldn't accept it. Something was off, something was wrong. A loud crash from behind them, broke her from the moment, and she pulled quickly away. Before he could speak, Elaine turned and ran down the stairs, tears slowly falling from her eyes. She didn't exactly know why they came, only that she felt she had made a grave mistake in letting the kiss go on like it did.

Before she reentered the Tavern, Elaine took a deep breathe, wiping the tears from her eyes. She was instantly met with the sight of Dagonet and Kay, lifting Galahad by his arms, as the obviously drunk knight's head slunk forward.

Elaine became worried, "What had happened?"

"It appears Gawain had won," Kay said as he struggled with the youngest knight.

Elaine sighed, lowering before Galahad, and peering up into his half closed lids. She felt the top of his forehead with her open palm, before standing and addressing Arthur, who stood nearby.

"This much drink is pretty dangerous, even for one who is used to it. He needs a special brew I can prepare, but I need an herb called silky dogwood."

"Can he wait until tomorrow to receive it," Arthur said, his stern face returning, "It is dangerous out tonight, especially for you."

Elaine waved him off, "If he doesn't receive the brew tonight, he may get poisoning. If you want to send somebody with me, that's fine, but I must be done tonight."

Completely out off nowhere, Tristan forcefully grabbed Elaine's elbow, yanking her to him. She winced, knowing that come morning, she'd have finger sized bruises on her elbow.

"I'll take her," Tristan growled, not waiting for an answer, before dragging Elaine away towards the stables. Something told Elaine, that she was in for a interesting night.