The Sun and Moon of House Lyon 2
Lancelot felt odd. He could have sworn he was standing on his feet in his last memory. But now, if what his body was telling him was true, he was lying on his back on the hard stone floor and his head was cushioned on something soft and warm.
He felt someone's hand running through his curly hair and sighed contently. Then he heard laughter.
"Wakey-wakey Lance!" cooed a familiar female voice.
With bleary eyes, he stumbled to his feet and looked at the speaker. It was Ula with her brown eyes twinkling at him, and she was holding some of her dirty wavy blond hair out of her face.
"Wha…?"
Then he heard a group of very familiar laughs. He grimaced and turned to his brothers-n-arms. They were snickering into their hands and even Arthur looked like he wanted to burst out laughing in his face. Luckily for him, Arthur was to good a friend to do that. But, at the same time, Arthur will tease him mercilessly for the next nine months…Nine months…Emogen…BABY!
He spun around and looked at his wife with wide eyes that glittered with hope. Emogen smiled and nodded with tears of happiness in her eyes. Lancelot barked out laughing, picked her up, and spun her around with joy filling his heart so much he felt like it would burst.
Arthur clapped him on back when he put his wife down and said, "Come, we have joyous news to spread to our people, my friend."
Lancelot smiled and nodded as they FINALLY joined Merlin, Merkin, and Duncan. The three older advisors' of Arthur smirked at him with happiness and nodded in acknowledgement. Duncan especially as it was his daughter and new son-n-law that was expecting. Merkin just smirked at Arthur and Cordelia and winked. Merlin looked happy for them, but at the same time he had sadness in his brown eyes. Well, Guinevere is not here anymore and she's never allowed to return. He'll never get to see his grandchildren should Guinevere has any. Lancelot thought with a small grimace.
When they arrived in the almost completed courtyard, where a few of Galahad's trainees were still practicing, Merlin banged a nearby bell, and spoke loudly when everyone stopped to pay attention, "ATTENTION! ATTENTION! The King and Queen have an announcement to make to the Kingdom!"
Very quickly the large group of people were dropping their work and turning to their new leaders. Lancelot placed a reassuring hand on Arthur's back and gave it a squeeze. Arthur's once tense back relaxed and he began, "My fellow Britons, as you all know, my name is Arthur Pendragon, King of Camelot and of the Briton Isles. As my first time speaking before you, it is my pleasure to tell you all now that our fair city is almost complete! All the effort that you have put into this…"
Lancelot really wanted to pay attention to his friend's first speech-really he did. But the news his wife just gave him made all other brain functions stop. I'm going to be a father! ME! I can't believe it! Why would the Gods bless me with such a beautiful wife and then bless me with a child? I don't deserve it…do I?'
Before he could continue, Gawain elbowed him and he came back to when Arthur said joyously, "And now, my wife and Lady, Queen Cordelia of Camelot and of the Briton Isles has an announcement of her own to make!"
Lancelot grinned and waited.
Cordelia took a deep breath and said loudly, "As of today, one month exactly after my marriage and consummation with our King, I am proud to say that in eight months time, near the time of Samhain, I shall give birth to our kingdom's newest heir!"
Instantaneously, hundreds of people burst into cheers and applause. It took Arthur, Merlin, Merkin, and Duncan more than thirty minutes to calm the people down enough for Arthur to continue, "And now, we have still yet more joyous news to tell you all. My Lady, Lady Emogen Serenity of the House of Lyon, the floor is yours!"
Emogen smiled and with Lancelot beside her took a step forward and said clearly and with happiness clouding her voice, "I too, am with child! In nine months, the House of Lyon will have an Heir as well!"
After that, reminisced Lancelot with a grin no matter what we did, we couldn't get the populace to calm down. Even a month later, they have yet to stop celebrating. But, that is partly because Tristan and Ula got married not two weeks ago (April 5) and Ula has just found out, she too, is pregnant. As for their child, it will be born come the New Year. Tristran is ecstatic! He is showing more emotion now, than I have ever seen in him-Ula is good for him.
Then his thoughts took a turn for the worst, And then there is that group that will be here in an hour. They carry the flag of peace-at least that's what Tristan's people say and they've yet to be wrong, but what do they want? Especially, since they are Saxon?
There was a knock on his and Emogen's chamber doors. He bellowed for whomever it was to come in and raised an eyebrow when his friend and King walked up to him, at his private desk, and said, "Lancelot, are you coming?"
"Go where Arthur? I have an hour you know."
Arthur raised an amused eyebrow and said, "Do you?"
Lancelot stared at his friend's twinkling green eyes and then stared at his sundial. His eyes widened in shock! He had been sitting at his desk for far longer than he thought.
"Bloody hell! I have ten minutes to dress and get to the Round Table!" he yelped and became a blur of motion that made Arthur smile fondly at him. Lancelot, when he and Arthur were walking towards the Round Table, had to smile fondly too though. That episode reminded him of when they were younger and he had been late to a meeting with a Roman Commander that was visiting. He had barely gotten there in time and narrowly escaped a punishment. Arthur helped there too though-if he was honest. But at least this time, he thought, I won't get in trouble for being late. I'm practically the King and it doesn't matter if I'm late or not!
As they entered the Round Table Meeting Hall, they saw everyone was there-even the representative from the Saxons.
Lancelot flushed slightly and said evenly and gently, "I apologize for my lateness and for making you wait. I lost track of the time, My Lady. I am Lord Lancelot Shieldguard of the House of Lyon and the Knight Commander here of Camelot and the King's Protectorate. Beside me is King Arthur Pendragon of the House of Camelot and the Briton Isles. What is your reason for seeking and audience with King Arthur?"
He glanced to Arthur from the corner of his eyes and saw gratitude in his friend's eyes. He had actually fallen into his role from their time under Rome's power when they were still enlisted in the Roman Army. When visiting dignitaries sought an audience with Arthur, they had to go through Lancelot first. It was an unconscious habit and he was glad that Arthur still approved of him doing so for him.
The brilliant red-hared woman seemed to grow taller, despite the fact that was he standing three steps above her from the main floor, and said, "I have come to offer an agreement to you King Arthur and Knights of the Round Table. My father, Cerdic, and my brother, Cynric, were horrible people and unfortunately you met them first and not me. I am Cynwise, daughter of Cerdic, and I do NOT or rather, I DID NOT agree with any of his policies when it related to any people not of Saxon descent. In all fact, Your Majesty, the Saxons were a split people with a third of our people following my father, a third following my brother, and in proxy, my father, and the third group followed me. I understand the need for war, but I do not think it wise to attack other people. Unfortunately, we had recently fought a hard battle with a group of people to the far north, Vikings, and we, sad to say, lost terribly. The Vikings took control of our land and pushed us to find another land or die out. Briton just happened to be the unfortunate victim to my father's rage. All I ask is that you let us live here in peace with you and your people. My people will not harm anyone here…I promise."
Lancelot looked to his wife, his Queen, and his King. All three looked indecisive and he understood perfectly. Before he could open his mouth, Emogen stood up, from her place on Cordelia's left, and said bluntly but politely, "We thank you for your truthfulness, Lady Cynwise, daughter of Cerdic. If you would be so kind as to let Lord Dagonet escort you to our Main Hall we will deliberate on what we should do. Please remember that our first impression of your people, the Saxons, is not a good one and we have our people to think of. Their impressions of your people are even darker than our own…we must first think of them."
Lancelot and Cordelia bit their lips and looked at Arthur. His face betrayed nothing, but his eyes showed his shock. Even at her most temperamental, Emogen was never this…blunt about her thoughts. Even Lady Cynwise looked shocked.
Cordelia cleared her throat and said softly but apologetically, "If you would please forgive my cousin, Lady Emogen, Lady Cynwise. You see, she is two months along in her pregnancy and the nausea has affected her more than normal women; and so her emotions have been affected earlier than we expected."
Emogen smiled weakly and said softly, "Forgive my blunt words, I meant no disrespect."
Lady Cynwise's face cleared up with these words and she said calmly, "Yes, all is forgiven. I remember the pain and the joy of motherhood. I shall allow Lord Dagonet to escort me to the Main Hall as you asked. Thank you for hearing me fairly Your Highnesses, My Lords and My Ladies."
Once the gentle giant and the daughter of Cerdic were behind the large oak doors that protected the outside world from hearing their words, Arthur turned to Emogen and raised and eyebrow.
Emogen blushed in embarrassment and said with a bowed head, "I am sorry, My King. While My Lady's excuse is correct, I still have control of most of my emotions, and I should have handled that better. Will you forgive me?"
Lancelot placed a hand on his wife's back and looked at his friend. Arthur would forgive her, or course, but she did need a reprimand.
Arthur nodded and said, "Yes, I do forgive you as I understand the situation as to why your emotions are so conflicted. Fortunately, Lady Cynwise also understands, so we can hopefully dodge a war. Now, for your punishment, you will not be able to deal with treaties alone without either myself, Queen Cordelia, Lord Lancelot, or Lord Tristran with you to make sure you are level headed during these important meetings. Understand?"
Emogen bit her lip, but nodded. Lancelot understood. For nearly half a decade, his wife had controlled how treaties and first contacts were dealt with, and now with Arthur's authority over her, she had to bow to him on some things she normally would have dismissed people for. It would be a bit of a challenge for her to remember her new limitations under the new government.
There was silence for a minute before Gawain asked, "So, what ARE we going to do with these…Saxons? Do we believe her story?"
Galahad snorted, crossed his arms, and asked, "It's a bit of a stretch to believe that SAXONS, of all races, have any shred of peaceful theologies. I say we make her leave with her people. How do we know that she won't just murder the towns near her and strike against us when we least expect it?"
Alma pointed out, "We thought that Sarmatians were a bloodthirsty lot that catered to Rome's very whim, and we were wrong. So, perhaps our views of the Saxons, in small groups, are wrong too?"
Galahad threw her a glare, and she replied in kind. Gawain and Enys rolled their eyes at their respective lovers and Gawain supported, "She's got a point Gal. I mean, we, too, thought that the Picts were a bloodthirsty lot that cared for nothing but battle. We were wrong too."
Enys nodded and said, "But are we wrong about the Saxons; that's the problem, isn't it?"
The royal court of Camelot grew silent as they all thought about the consequences of having the Saxons living on their soil.
Lady Fulucina bit her lip and looked at her soon-to-be-adopted brother, Bors. He felt her gaze upon him, and he raised his head and gave her a quizzical look. Fulucina blushed and bowed her head.
Bors' eyebrows rose as he said, "Everyone, I think that Lady Fulucina has an idea."
Arthur looked to her and said reassuringly, "Then by all means, please tell us Lady for I am at a quandary about what to do."
Fulucina sat up straighter and suggested softly, like she was unsure that her idea would be accepted, "What if, we give them a trial period. We can set up some conditions. If any of those conditions are broken, before the trial period is finished, we can force them to leave our shores?"
Lancelot shared a smile with Emogen. The idea was brilliant! He glanced at his queen and his king. Both members of the royal house were smiling at the once roman lady proudly.
Emogen said, "Cina, that is a wonderful idea! Perhaps you should join me in becoming an Ambassador?"
She had ended the line with a soft laugh, but Lancelot knew his wife meant it. Her job was hard. Sometimes even harder than his and Arthur's since she had to deal with the aftershocks of war, and any added help would do wonders for her stress level. Which, he added to himself, isn't good for the baby, according to Enys at least.
Tristran said, "Then what are our conditions? Plus, when will we announce to the people that they are living with a peaceful group of Saxons that have come to us for sanctuary?"
Dean spoke up, "I believe, one condition should be that they cannot use any weapons for six months. In the event that they are attacked first, then they can defend themselves, but other than that, they cannot wield weapons."
Seamus piped in, "Well, they can't use them for battle or training. Things like axes and hand knives can be used only around the home for things like preparing food and chopping wood."
Merlin looked up from his parchment, nodded and said, "Then how does this sound, 'we, the court of King Arthur and Queen Cordelia, welcome the peaceful Saxons under the conditions stated below: That they cannot use any weapons for six months. If they are attacked first, then they can defend themselves. They can also wield axes and hand knives for household chores that require the use of such utensils'?"
Galahad nodded and said, "That's better, how about we also make sure that they check in every two weeks. If they do not on the required days, we will assume that they are out doing raids and go after the missing ones."
Enys cut in, "How about we reword that one: they'll have to check in every two weeks like Galahad said, but instead of chasing them down, we will check their families to find out where they are incase they are out and, lets say, something like a heavy storm prevents them from traveling very fast, we'll wait for them to return. If their families don't know where they are, THEN we'll chase them down."
Tristan added, "They'll have to stay within a certain amount of land, and if they are seen in other places not authorized to them, we will assume that they are off raiding a town and come after them."
Ula whacked him on the head and said, "We are trying to keep this peaceful, so we'll word it like this my husband, 'We'll give them a certain amount of land to live on and if they are seen off that land, we will search for the reason as to why they are off the lands. If the reason is a peaceful one, that must be truth, we will escort them back to their lands. If the reason if for malice, we will kill them or banish them immediately."
Arthur looked to his Second-n-Command and Ambassador and asked, "Do you have anything else to add to this treaty?"
Lancelot closed his and eyes and thought.
Emogen, on the other hand, answered straight out, "Yes, I think we should get all their names, all the weapons they are trained in, and what specialty skills they have-like smith crafting, weaving, carpentry, and so forth. That way, if something goes wrong, we'll have an idea on what to expect from them. In return, we will offer them a large piece of land to the north that has a few tribes scattered about and the freedom to do with it as they please. We will not lord over them, but we will watch them. When their trial period is done, and they have shown their belief in peace with us, they will be free to do as they please with a secure treaty with us that will allow for peaceful trade and prosperity."
Arthur looked to Lancelot. Lancelot grinned. He was a bit sheepish to realize that his wife got his own idea out before him, but then again, he thought with a smile, she's used to making agreements like this.
Arthur nodded and said proudly, "I think this'll work. Merlin, do you have a working copy finished for us?"
Merlin looked at his king and said proudly, "We have three copies your majesty. Dukes Merkin, Duncan, and I have each written this treaty exactly the same way. Would you like to hear it?"
"Yes, please." Said Cordelia with a gently smile of command.
Merlin cleared his throat and began, "Upon the arrival of Beltane, we, the court of King Arthur Pendragon and Queen Cordelia of the House of Pendragon of Camelot of the Briton Isles, hereby declare these conditions for peace with the Saxons under the command of Lady Cynwise, daughter of the late Saxon-Lord, Cerdic. Welcome the peaceful Saxons under these conditions stated below: That they cannot use any weapons for six months. If they are attacked first, then they can defend themselves. They can also wield axes and hand knives for household chores that require the use of such utensils.
The Saxons will have to check in every two weeks, and if they do not, we will check their families to find out where they are incase they are traveling. If, something like a heavy storm prevents them from traveling very fast, we will await their return with all fairness given to allies. If their families don't know where they are, THEN we'll chase them down and interview them severely.
We, the court of King Arthur and Queen Cordelia, will give the Saxons a certain amount of land to live on. If they are seen off that land, we will search for the reason as to why they are off these freely given lands. If the reason is a peaceful one, and that reason must be truth, we will escort them back to their lands (during those first six months). If the reason they have left their lands is for malice, we will kill them or banish them immediately. Lastly, we require all the names of the Saxons, all the weapons they are trained in, and what specialty skills they have-like smith crafting, weaving, carpentry, and so forth. The reason for this is if something goes wrong, we, the court of King Arthur and Queen Cordelia, will have an idea on what to expect from each Saxon that is missing.
In return, we offer you, the Saxons, a large piece of land to the north that has a few tribes scattered throughout and the freedom to do with it as they please-as long as they do not bother the tribes with malice intent. We will not lord over the Saxons, but we will watch the group as a whole. When the trial period is done, and the Saxons have shown their belief in peace with us, the Britons, they will be free to do as they please with a secure treaty with us, the Britons, which will allow for peaceful trade and prosperity for us all.
We, the court of King Arthur Pendragon and Queen Cordelia Dragonheart of Camelot of the Briton Isles, so swear to uphold our promise to be fair and just and allow the Saxons of Peace a chance to prove their worth to us, the Britons."
As Merlin finished, he looked up and said, "All it needs is the signatures of us all and the signatures of Lady Cynwise's council and our treaty is complete. What do you think?"
Cordelia smiled and said, "I think it is perfect. Lord Bors, please call Lord Dagonet and Lady Cynwise back into the Round Table Hall. Let us see if she will agree to this?"
Bors rose, bowed shortly, and left the room. The group didn't have to wait very long as Bors, returned very quickly with Dagonet and Cynwise a pace or two behind him.
As the leader of the Saxons walked up to the stairs that held the golden thrones of Briton, Arthur said, "We have come to a decision. We will allow you and your people to live here with us, but you must agree to a few conditions for a short time so our people and we will be assured of your honesty. We have the papers drawn up here. Do you wish to look it over now?"
Cynwise nodded and said, "I do."
Merlin left Arthur's side, behind Lancelot's silver throne, and handed Cynwise the parchment. She quickly read it over. Her face showed a series of emotions that Lancelot could easily read: shock, fear, a little anger, and then acceptance. She nodded.
As she looked up, she said, "While I don't agree with some of these, I do understand your reasoning. My father was a horrible man, and as such I am paying for his evil. I swear to you, I will not break this promise. Will you grant me a week or two to talk this over with my council? I shall return with this treaty and my council so we can sign it together. Hopefully, this will be the start of a new relationship."
Arthur stood up and said, "Yes, we have two other copies. That one is yours to do with as you please. We will eagerly await you and your councils return."
Cynwise nodded and left the Round Table Hall.
