Ailis-70-Yes, now we have the flailing hands!
Nickle-I'm sure Delaney quite agrees with you about Tristan needing a bell! Here is your update, hope you enjoy!
Lozcollie-Hope I am still keeping your interest piqued!
Immortalwizardpirateelf-fan-The pairing will be answered in this chapter.
Tristanlover- Here is your new chapter!
Cardeia- Hope you continue to enjoy this. I have tried to show expression With my dialogues more this time. I forget people can't see into my Mind!
Pirate- Hope you can continue to enjoy the relationships as they grow!
A/N As always, all disclaimers apply. I don't own, make no money yada yada yada!
Delaney sat blushing upon the bench, not used to all the compliments. Guinevere patted her hand and leaned in and whispered. "You're beautiful, just wait until Lancelot sees you."
"Whatever are you talking about?" Laney whispered tersely back.
Guinevere smirked, "I saw how he acted last night."
Dagonet came sauntering up to her, "Delaney." He grinned.
"Dagonet."
"I hear you're going to regale us with a story, finally."
"Word travels quickly doesn't it." She stated thinly, fidgeting with the dress.
Gawain sat down with a mug of ale, his ginning face gave him away before he spoke. "I told Galahad."
"And that explains..." Delaney asked, raising an eyebrow.
"He told everyone else." Gawain answered smugly.
Delaney sat and nodded. "Do you all want me to begin or should we wait?"
"Arthur and Lancelot are at the practice grounds sparing. Maybe we should get them." Gawain stated.
"What about Bors and Tristan?"
Just then Bors came sauntering over to them, taking a long drink out of his mug, "Don't worry yourself so, Lass, I was coming."
"Tristan is probably around." Gawain shrugged.
"Yeah he probably is, just waiting to sneak up on me again." Delaney chuckled.
Delaney sat, her arms and hands swinging as she annunciated the points. Her fingers fluttering animatedly as she spoke, "Then, the clouds parted and the sun bathed Arthur in golden light as he tentatively reached for the sword handle. He paused to gather his strength, knowing if he did not get a sword Kay would surely beat him. After a moment, and with grim determination he heaved on the handle and with a "whoosh" pulled the sword from the stone!"
As she was mimicking pulling the sword from the stone she didn't realize that Lancelot had come to stand beside her and slapped the side of his face with her knuckles. The moment her hand made contact she jumped. "Oh God, Lancelot, I'm so sorry." She immediately got up and inspected his jaw.
He rubbed his jaw grinning, "That's the first time I've been punched by a woman."
"That wasn't a punch. Just a slap, of sorts." She winced. She touched where she had hit him. Only a bit of pink was showing, but she still felt bad. He stilled her hand by wrapping it in his own. He kissed her knuckles and then lowered it to her side.
"Just be careful next time when you pull imaginary swords from stones, M'lady." He bowed his head and sauntered toward the bar.
Delaney smiled shyly after him. With a nervous giggle she sat back down and took up from where she left off, "After pulling the sword from the stone Arthur ran as fast as he could to where Sir Kay and his father Sir Hector were at the jousting competition..."
"And they put Arthur on a raft, and he floated to Avalon, where it is said he lies in wait to this day, to arise when his time comes again." She sighed and took a large sip of water. Guinevere looked at her in awe, "That is a wonderful story. And this is based on my husband?"
"Actually, we think the legend was embellished over the years, not that it is literally true. But yes, we think your husband's deeds are at the heart of it."
Arthur, who had come in with Lancelot asked, "Where did this idea of a magical sword come from?"
"I think it's supposed to be the symbol of justice, which is what you stood for." Arthur nodded, deep in thought. Delaney looked around at all the smiling faces.
Bors stared at Lancelot then at Guinevere then back at Lancelot, "You know that part with Lancelot and Guinevere, that isn't true. Arthur'd have his balls for baubles."
Laney had just been drinking her water and inhaled sharply. After sneezing three times she laughed. Lancelot had turned crimson and couldn't meet anyone's eyes.
Arthur grinned at Lancelot, and patted him on the back, "He's my friend, he wouldn't do that."
Delaney cleared her throat, "I think people liked to have a bit of dilly dallying to make it interesting, and maybe a bit angsty. I am not saying that this is based on fact. Remember that, it was a story. Seems the only thing so far that is true are the names of people involved."
Dagonet quietly stated, "Our Guinevere is definitely no timid flower."
"That is true." Guinevere agreed.
Delaney sat and listened to all the discussion, resting her hand against her head and gently making figure eights with her finger tip upon the wood of the table. She was tired. She felt a hand upon hers and looked up to be staring into Lancelot's eyes. "Yes?"
"Your thoughts weren't here. Is everything okay?"
"Just tired."
"Let's take a walk." He motioned for her to go in front of him, inclining his head slightly.
Delaney looked around at everyone, still engrossed in debate. She caught Guinevere's eye and motioned toward Lancelot. The woman smiled and nodded, making a shooing motion with her hand. Delaney grinned and walked with Lancelot away from the group. He lead her up the stairs to the second story of the wall and to the exact spot where Tristan and Delaney had their discussion earlier. Delaney rested her arms against the wall and looked out upon the green lushness of the land.
"You look quite beautiful today." He appraised her, letting her know with his eyes how beautiful she was.
Delaney flushed, something she found she was doing constantly around this man. "Thank you."
"You don't have to be so formal."
"I'm not trying to be." She stood against the wall not knowing what to do with her hands. She finally settled with folding them primly in front of her and watching the leather clad knight.
"Do I repulse you?"
"What?" She looked at him, confusion upon her face. Lancelot repulse her? Far from it. He was one of the most handsome men she had ever seen. From his expressive eyes to the mischievous smirk to the toned arms and leather clad legs.
"I didn't think so. So why do you try and avoid me?" He ducked his head down so he could look her in the eye.
"I am not trying to avoid you." She looked down at her hands, unable to meet his all knowing, smoldering gaze.
"Yet you stand an arms length away from me?" His voice dripped feigned innocence.
"That's not avoidance, that's called personal space." She wasn't looking at him. She kept staring out across the green hills.
"I think you're scared." He chided.
"I'm not scared!" She met his gaze hands on her hips.
"Then come closer." He said smiling at her haughtiness.
"Why?" she squinted her eyes studying him.
"Because I asked nicely."
Delaney regarded him in bewilderment. She saw the playful glint in his eye and couldn't figure out his game. Grudgingly, she slid a step closer. He didn't seem to even notice. She then relaxed. He turned and looked at her, smirking.
"Remember when we were riding?" He fought the urge to place the stray hair that was blowing about her eyes behind her ear.
"What about when we were riding?"
"How I said I didn't bite."
"And I said probably only when asked. Yes I remember, why?" She regarded him skeptically.
"Do you bite? When asked?" He cocked an eyebrow.
"Maybe?" Her eyebrows rose to her hairline.
Lancelot leaned closer, "I'm asking."
"Asking what?" She was thoroughly confused. She fought not to step back.
"I want you to bite me." He stated huskily.
"What?" She wasn't grasping where this was going at all.
"Because if you hurt me, maybe I won't want to do this." With blinding speed he reached for her, tugged her to him and covered her mouth with his.
Delaney was still trying to figure out why he wanted her to bite him when she felt his mouth gentle but urgent upon hers. Jolts of warmth could be felt anywhere his lips touched hers. She clutched his tunic as his mouth laid feverent butterfly kisses along her lips. She gasped and then his tongue plunged into hers and she was lost. All she could do was hold on and hope she didn't die from the fire that was building deep inside her.
Lancelot was burning with need. He thought if he kissed her that fire would be sated, instead it ignited. He took her lower lip between his, gently flicking his tongue across the sore. He pulled her to him in a tight embrace, gasping for air. "I wanted to do that since you first sat in front of me." He whispered into the hair over her ear. Feeling her trembling body against his.
Delaney gasped for air. Her body tingled from head to toe. She clung to him, trying to steady her racing heart. She was even more confused. She didn't know what to say. What did he want? "Lancelot?"
"Hmm." Was the muffled reply, as he cradled her against him.
"Let go of me." She felt indignation was the best way to deal with the sudden desire that coursed through her body.
He pulled back just enough so he could see her eyes. "Why?"
Delaney tried to remain stiff and not lean into him, no matter how much her body wanted to. "I am not some woman to be toyed with. You can't just kiss me when you feel the need!"
"I know that."
"Then let me go!" She stood stifly in his embrace, finding he held her fast.
"Why?" He was thoroughly confused now. She had answered his kiss with just as much passion as he felt, now she wanted to run.
"Why what?" She kept her voice steady and fought to not look away from his still smoldering gaze.
"Why do you want me to let you go?"
"Because, I asked you to."
"But, you don't mean it." He grinned playfully down at her. She wasn't even trying to pull away, just standing there stiff and tense.
"I do to mean it." She uttered quietly through clenched teeth. Hoping he wouldn't call her bluff. If he kissed her that passionantly again it would be her undoing. She couldn't let him do that to her. She couldn't let her body betray her.
"Prove it."
"Prove it? I asked you to let me go, why do I need proof?"
"Because, your body says otherwise." He ran his hand from her neck, gently over the fall of her shoulders down her arm, and to her wrist. He then clasped her hand in his and gently kissed every finger tip. Her sharp intake of breath was not lost on him.
Delaney barely supressed the moan that almost escaped from her lips. He was doing things that she had fantasized him doing and now she didn't know what to do about it. She quickly removed her hand from his and slapped him across the face.
This brought a deep rumbling chuckle from him, "Oh, My Lady! You are a fiesty one!" He leaned in closer, "Are you this fiesty in bed?"
Delaney reddened, "I am NOT one of your conquests Sir Lanc-O-Lot!"
He smirked, then grew serious, "I never said you were." He stepped back.
Delaney stood there, chest heaving. Her body was tingling and her mind reeling. His eyes were guarded even though he still wore a playful smirk. Why did she feel guilty all of a sudden?
She turned and looked at the stones of the wall. Her body thrumming with an aliveness she had never known. He stood looking out, arms braced upon the wall. She sighed, "I'm sorry."
Lancelot turned, regarding her wearily. He knew he had to choose his words carefully if he wanted something with this woman. He smiled inwardly, since when did he care if a woman gave him the time of day or not? There were always more. But none like this, he told himself. "It's not your fault."
"I know," she mumbled.
"Now look who's full of themselves."
She sighed. "You can't help how you are and I can't help how I am."
Lancelot studied her serious expression. "Am I all that bad?"
She laughed, "Oh don't even attempt to play that card."
"What card?" He asked innocently, the playful glint back in his eye.
"The poor me, I can't find anyone for me card. You know how pretty you are."
"I am not "pretty" I'm handsome." He stood puffing out his chest.
Delaney smiled, "See what I mean. You have ladies falling all over themselves for you. You'll forget about the likes of me within a week."
"There is no forgetting you, Delaney." He replied quietly as he stared into her eyes. He saw the sudden flush to her face. "I speak the truth."
"I'm easily forgettable, trust me on that."
"Who made you feel so worthless as to think you could be forgotten?"
Delaney stared at him. The concern was back in his voice. She handled the womanizing male better than the concerned one. "Life has taught me that."
"I think people in your time have a lot to learn then. How could they forget a woman the likes of you."
"Just as you can forget who you last slept with."
"I beg your pardon! It was Merry. A wonderfully pert girl with wicked fingers."
Delaney was blushing "I don't need the details, Lancelot. But I'm glad you remember who it was."
"It was a few weeks ago, back when. Well, let us just say it was a battle and I needed to get my mind off things."
"That's normal. It's normal to want to reaffirm life when one has seen such bloodshed." Her mind raced, trying to put a name to the battle he would be speaking of. Suddenly it clicked, Bandon Hill. The largest battle with the Saxons. No wonder he needed to have a woman warm his bed. The horrors the man must have seen, not only that battle but so many others. Once again she was reminded how different her time was compared to his.
"I don't know about reaffirming life or something so poetic, I just needed a warm body and she was willing as long as I paid well." He added with a wink.
"Ahh I see." Delaney giggled as he wagged his eyebrows at her. She turned and stared out at the vallum and the road that yesterday she herself had ridden on. She felt his hand over hers and looked over at him.
"Don't you feel that?" He asked quietly.
"Feel what?"
"We have a connection, Delaney." He caressed her cheek with his hand, "Every time I touch you I feel something. I know you feel it as well."
Delaney stared at their hands. "Oh Lancelot, you don't want me."
"Really? How would you know?" She had tried to slide her hand out from beneath his, he held fast.
"I am used goods." She focused her stare at their hands, bracing against the inevitable withdrawl.
"There is a difference between used and experienced. I've been sampled enough myself."
"I'm not from here." Surely this man would see the light. There was that beautiful bar wench from last night that would have been very happy in his arms.
"Neither am I."
"I'm not even from your time!"
"All the more mysterious."
"Look at me! I have bruises everywhere." He wasn't for real. She obviously had hit her head worse than she thought.
"And I don't? Give me one good reason to not try." His eyes implored her.
"I'm scared." She finally blurted. Seeing something so truthful in those brown depths she had to tear her eyes away.
"Not good enough, and what are you scared of? I would never hurt you."
"Not that kind of scared." She mumbled, still looking at anything but him.
"Then what kind of scared?" He had to keep dipping his head and moving from side to side to continue to be able to meet her gaze.
Delaney sighed, finally giving up on trying to avoid eye contact. How do you explain that everything scares you? "What do you want from me?"
"Anything you are willing to give." He removed his hand from atop hers and stepped closer. He held her face carefully in both of his hands. Running his thumbs along the cheek bones. Savoring the smoothness of her skin and the silkiness of her hair.
"You confuse me." She murmured looking shyly up at him
"Good."
He leaned in as if to kiss her and then suddenly she felt him stiffen. "What's wrong?" Worry laced her voice.
"Maybe nothing. Maybe everything." She turned to see what he was staring at and saw several riders come up the road.
"Romans?" She asked, barely keeping a tremor from her voice.
"By the looks of them."
"I thought they were pulling out of Britain?" She hurriedly followed him down the steps.
"They're supposed to be." He saw Arthur further down the way and called "Arthur! We've got riders!"
Just then the guards along the wall started calling "Riders approaching!"
Arthur ran up to Lancelot, "Armed?"
"Most likely, they're Roman." He offered by way of explaination.
"What are they doing here?" Delaney muttered.
"One way to find out." Lancelot muttered as he and Arthur went to the giant doors and waited impatiently as they creaked open.