Chapter Two
When Galahad had gone off in search of Gawain, Lancelot made his way up the steps to the large fortress. He was able to catch up to Arthur just as Guinevere was showing her new guests to their rooms.
"Arthur, my lord." Lancelot said bowing his head as he came to stand beside his good friend.
"Lancelot? Where have you been all morning?" Arthur questioned.
"Around." Lancelot shrugged. "Who are our new guests?"
"Some friends of Guinevere." Arthur looked over at his friend. "Everyone will meet tonight at the special dinner Guin has decided to have for our guests. Would you mind going to tell the others for me? I have to meet with those Roman officials again since I had to rush off."
"Of course, my lord." Lancelot gave Arthur a smirk before he went in search of the other knights. Arthur laughed before heading in the opposite direction.
After showing Mila and Dameon to their rooms, Guinevere sat on Arcadia's bed as she unpacked. They were silent for a long time before anyone spoke. Arcadia turned to pet Cicero who had taken up hiding among the pillows on the bed.
"So tell me what's been adrift?" Guinevere questioned.
"There has been nothing special going on, my lady."
"Oh please, not you too." Guin rolled her eyes at her friend.
"What?" Arcadia laughed.
"You do not have to call me 'my lady'. You're my best friend." Guin laughed.
"Of course, my lady." Arcadia smiled at the look Guin gave her. "I may do it just to unnerve you, my lady." Arcadia yelped when she was hit with a pillow from her bed. "What was that for, Guin?"
"For your mockery, of course." She gave her friend an innocent smile before they both burst out laughing.
"Listen, I have some business to attend to for the special dinner tonight. I am going to have to take my leave." Guin rose from her seat.
"Yes of course. I will see you tonight then, at dinner." Arcadia walked Guin to the door.
"Feel free to explore." Guin whispered knowing her friends adventurous nature. "If you need anything just call for one of the servants."
"Bye Guin." With one last look back at Arcadia, Guin waved and disappeared behind a corner. Arcadia closed the door and for the first time got to actually look at her room. There was a large window on the far wall next to the bed. A large cushioned seat sat under it with small white pillows to match the royal color of red. The canopy bed sat next to that, its color that a mixture of red and gold with pillows of all colors pilled high. The canopy covered the whole of the bed allowing you to close the curtain for privacy of the sleeper. A nightstand sat beside the bed holding three small candles. The chest of drawers sat to the right wall and next to that was a doorway leading into a small bathing room. A desk sat to the left wall, a quill and small stationary setting upon it. All the furniture matched the deep brown of the wood that the bed was made of.
Arcadia walked over to her small bag and continued to unpack what little was left in it. She was just about to put the empty bag in one of the drawers in the nightstand when something caught her eye lying in the bottom. It was a small white rabbits foot. Her younger brother must have put it in there for good luck. She laughed at this before putting it in her pocket to keep close by. She removed her cloak and the swords on her back sitting them gently next to her bed before heading out the door, Cicero barely making it to her shoulder in her rush.
"So who are these riders that we heard the villagers talking about, Lancelot?" Gawain asked.
"Some friends of Guinevere. Arthur says that she is planning a special dinner for them tonight to welcome their arrival." Lancelot watched them when they didn't say anything. "She wants everyone there. You are coming."
"A nice big dinner sounds good to me." Galahad laughed. "We can finally get to see who these so called riders are. Why's everyone making a big deal out of it anyway?" A curious look washed over the knight's face. The rest of the knight's shrugged neither knowing the answer.
While the dinner party was being put together, Arcadia decided to take Guin's invitation of exploring. She went to grab Dameon and Mila from their rooms and together they walked the expanse of the endless hallways and small gardens surrounding the fortress. A while later they found themselves in the stables. They knew trusted that the horses were rightfully cared for but how long can you stay away from an animal that you spend most of your time with. Arcadia was especially close to her horse. They had been together most of their lives and had never been separated for a long time.
"Hey Dia." Dameon said coming up beside her with Mila. "Ready to head back?"
"I think I'll stay here a bit longer with Arcadicus." She turned back to her beloved horse.
"Fine with me." Dameon replied.
"Just remember to get ready for the dinner so you're not late." Mila said.
"Yes, yes I know." Arcadia watched as her friends made their way back up to their rooms. Cicero leapt from Arcadia's shoulder onto the large horse curling up against its mane. She laughed as she picked up the brush to groom Arcadicus.
As Lancelot was walking past the stables on his way to get ready for the dinner he heard a soft singing coming from inside. He slowly and quietly walked into the large building. There he saw the same women he saw earlier talking with Guinevere. He leaned up against the door and watched as she slowly brushed the large brown and white horse.
The winter here's cold, and bitter It's chilled us to the bone We haven't seen the sun for weeks To long too far from home I feel just like I'm sinking And I claw for solid ground I'm pulled down by the undertow I never thought I could feel so low Oh darkness I feel like letting go
If all of the strength and all of the courage Come and lift me from this place I know I could love you much better than this
All of a sudden she stopped and turned around meeting the knight's gaze. As soon as their eyes met a jolt went through both of them. Those eyes, a bright green, they seemed familiar to him.
Arcadia nearly jumped when her gaze caught with deep brown pools of another. The man looked somewhat familiar to her but she could not place him. Her memory had become jumbled of late.
She glanced back to her horse and continued to groom him. Lancelot walked closer to her.
"You are a friend of Guinevere I presume." He stated as he came to stand next to her.
"Yes I am. Who might you be? Mr. Sneak?" She glanced up at him before continuing.
"I am no sneak. I just happen to have heard your lovely voice and decided to see whom it belonged to." Lancelot replied laughing. "I am called Lancelot, my lady." He introduced himself. "A former knight of Arthur."
Arcadia stopped her ministrations and looked up at him with wide eyes. "So you are one of the knight's of the round table?"
"I was, my lady. I am a free man now."
"I see. Good for you then." Arcadia sat down the brush and turned back to Lancelot.
"Arcadia, or Dia if you wish." She held out her hand for him to shake but instead he brought the small, slender hand to his lips softly kissing her knuckles. Arcadia gave him a fake smile. "If you are trying to flirt with me Sir knight, I have no intention of returning the favor." Arcadia patted Arcadicus on the neck before making her way out of the stable. She whistled for Cicero and the small monkey quickly jumped down from the horse running to his owner. Lancelot watched as it clambered up onto Arcadia's arm to sit upon her shoulder. He followed her out onto the street.
"Me flirt, my lady?" A look of innocence came upon his face. Arcadia couldn't help but laugh at his boyishness. When she glanced at him once more his face turned serious. "I intend to woo, my lady." He whispered in her ear.
Arcadia's eyes became wide and she made a un lady like snort. "Well it sure as hell is not working." She replied making her way up the steps to the fortress.
"We shall see at dinner..." Lancelot once more grabbed her hand kissing her knuckles. "...my lady." He gave her a smirk before dropping her hand and going back down the steps.
Arcadia stood watching him as he left. She tried hard to remember where she had seen him before. He had said he was one of Arthur's knights. He had to have been fighting that day against the Saxon's. Is that where she remembers him? Could he possibly be...? Arcadia shook her head of the thought. All memories from that day are foggy. Realizing that she was still standing on the steps she turned and made her way back to her room to get ready.
When Galahad had gone off in search of Gawain, Lancelot made his way up the steps to the large fortress. He was able to catch up to Arthur just as Guinevere was showing her new guests to their rooms.
"Arthur, my lord." Lancelot said bowing his head as he came to stand beside his good friend.
"Lancelot? Where have you been all morning?" Arthur questioned.
"Around." Lancelot shrugged. "Who are our new guests?"
"Some friends of Guinevere." Arthur looked over at his friend. "Everyone will meet tonight at the special dinner Guin has decided to have for our guests. Would you mind going to tell the others for me? I have to meet with those Roman officials again since I had to rush off."
"Of course, my lord." Lancelot gave Arthur a smirk before he went in search of the other knights. Arthur laughed before heading in the opposite direction.
After showing Mila and Dameon to their rooms, Guinevere sat on Arcadia's bed as she unpacked. They were silent for a long time before anyone spoke. Arcadia turned to pet Cicero who had taken up hiding among the pillows on the bed.
"So tell me what's been adrift?" Guinevere questioned.
"There has been nothing special going on, my lady."
"Oh please, not you too." Guin rolled her eyes at her friend.
"What?" Arcadia laughed.
"You do not have to call me 'my lady'. You're my best friend." Guin laughed.
"Of course, my lady." Arcadia smiled at the look Guin gave her. "I may do it just to unnerve you, my lady." Arcadia yelped when she was hit with a pillow from her bed. "What was that for, Guin?"
"For your mockery, of course." She gave her friend an innocent smile before they both burst out laughing.
"Listen, I have some business to attend to for the special dinner tonight. I am going to have to take my leave." Guin rose from her seat.
"Yes of course. I will see you tonight then, at dinner." Arcadia walked Guin to the door.
"Feel free to explore." Guin whispered knowing her friends adventurous nature. "If you need anything just call for one of the servants."
"Bye Guin." With one last look back at Arcadia, Guin waved and disappeared behind a corner. Arcadia closed the door and for the first time got to actually look at her room. There was a large window on the far wall next to the bed. A large cushioned seat sat under it with small white pillows to match the royal color of red. The canopy bed sat next to that, its color that a mixture of red and gold with pillows of all colors pilled high. The canopy covered the whole of the bed allowing you to close the curtain for privacy of the sleeper. A nightstand sat beside the bed holding three small candles. The chest of drawers sat to the right wall and next to that was a doorway leading into a small bathing room. A desk sat to the left wall, a quill and small stationary setting upon it. All the furniture matched the deep brown of the wood that the bed was made of.
Arcadia walked over to her small bag and continued to unpack what little was left in it. She was just about to put the empty bag in one of the drawers in the nightstand when something caught her eye lying in the bottom. It was a small white rabbits foot. Her younger brother must have put it in there for good luck. She laughed at this before putting it in her pocket to keep close by. She removed her cloak and the swords on her back sitting them gently next to her bed before heading out the door, Cicero barely making it to her shoulder in her rush.
"So who are these riders that we heard the villagers talking about, Lancelot?" Gawain asked.
"Some friends of Guinevere. Arthur says that she is planning a special dinner for them tonight to welcome their arrival." Lancelot watched them when they didn't say anything. "She wants everyone there. You are coming."
"A nice big dinner sounds good to me." Galahad laughed. "We can finally get to see who these so called riders are. Why's everyone making a big deal out of it anyway?" A curious look washed over the knight's face. The rest of the knight's shrugged neither knowing the answer.
While the dinner party was being put together, Arcadia decided to take Guin's invitation of exploring. She went to grab Dameon and Mila from their rooms and together they walked the expanse of the endless hallways and small gardens surrounding the fortress. A while later they found themselves in the stables. They knew trusted that the horses were rightfully cared for but how long can you stay away from an animal that you spend most of your time with. Arcadia was especially close to her horse. They had been together most of their lives and had never been separated for a long time.
"Hey Dia." Dameon said coming up beside her with Mila. "Ready to head back?"
"I think I'll stay here a bit longer with Arcadicus." She turned back to her beloved horse.
"Fine with me." Dameon replied.
"Just remember to get ready for the dinner so you're not late." Mila said.
"Yes, yes I know." Arcadia watched as her friends made their way back up to their rooms. Cicero leapt from Arcadia's shoulder onto the large horse curling up against its mane. She laughed as she picked up the brush to groom Arcadicus.
As Lancelot was walking past the stables on his way to get ready for the dinner he heard a soft singing coming from inside. He slowly and quietly walked into the large building. There he saw the same women he saw earlier talking with Guinevere. He leaned up against the door and watched as she slowly brushed the large brown and white horse.
The winter here's cold, and bitter It's chilled us to the bone We haven't seen the sun for weeks To long too far from home I feel just like I'm sinking And I claw for solid ground I'm pulled down by the undertow I never thought I could feel so low Oh darkness I feel like letting go
If all of the strength and all of the courage Come and lift me from this place I know I could love you much better than this
All of a sudden she stopped and turned around meeting the knight's gaze. As soon as their eyes met a jolt went through both of them. Those eyes, a bright green, they seemed familiar to him.
Arcadia nearly jumped when her gaze caught with deep brown pools of another. The man looked somewhat familiar to her but she could not place him. Her memory had become jumbled of late.
She glanced back to her horse and continued to groom him. Lancelot walked closer to her.
"You are a friend of Guinevere I presume." He stated as he came to stand next to her.
"Yes I am. Who might you be? Mr. Sneak?" She glanced up at him before continuing.
"I am no sneak. I just happen to have heard your lovely voice and decided to see whom it belonged to." Lancelot replied laughing. "I am called Lancelot, my lady." He introduced himself. "A former knight of Arthur."
Arcadia stopped her ministrations and looked up at him with wide eyes. "So you are one of the knight's of the round table?"
"I was, my lady. I am a free man now."
"I see. Good for you then." Arcadia sat down the brush and turned back to Lancelot.
"Arcadia, or Dia if you wish." She held out her hand for him to shake but instead he brought the small, slender hand to his lips softly kissing her knuckles. Arcadia gave him a fake smile. "If you are trying to flirt with me Sir knight, I have no intention of returning the favor." Arcadia patted Arcadicus on the neck before making her way out of the stable. She whistled for Cicero and the small monkey quickly jumped down from the horse running to his owner. Lancelot watched as it clambered up onto Arcadia's arm to sit upon her shoulder. He followed her out onto the street.
"Me flirt, my lady?" A look of innocence came upon his face. Arcadia couldn't help but laugh at his boyishness. When she glanced at him once more his face turned serious. "I intend to woo, my lady." He whispered in her ear.
Arcadia's eyes became wide and she made a un lady like snort. "Well it sure as hell is not working." She replied making her way up the steps to the fortress.
"We shall see at dinner..." Lancelot once more grabbed her hand kissing her knuckles. "...my lady." He gave her a smirk before dropping her hand and going back down the steps.
Arcadia stood watching him as he left. She tried hard to remember where she had seen him before. He had said he was one of Arthur's knights. He had to have been fighting that day against the Saxon's. Is that where she remembers him? Could he possibly be...? Arcadia shook her head of the thought. All memories from that day are foggy. Realizing that she was still standing on the steps she turned and made her way back to her room to get ready.