A/N: I decided to rewrite this one because I felt in the original Raja was too knowing of everything and as a young girl her actions were out of character and decidedly too unrealistic. I wanted to write her in a more child-like light.
Disclaimer: I own nothing from King Arthur the movie.
Have a Little Faith in Me
So have a little faith in me
Put a little trust in me
Every little thing will be alright
Every little thing will be just fine
Have a little faith in me
And I will hold you in my arms tonight
-A*Teens
Chronology: Tristan is 18. Raja is 8.
Raja sighed heavily. She was bored, and needed something to do. Her dear friends had been gone for two weeks; her only pastimes were sitting with her uncle and helping Jols in the stables. It amazed the little Egyptian how the men could stand the bitter cold, riding around, sleeping on the frigid hard ground. And sometimes the snow got so high it went up to her knees and she could barely walk through that Uncle Ardeth had to carry her along. Her first day in the snow wasn't quite how her baba once described, but it was as beautiful as he said. If it was a sunny day the snow appeared as if it was dappled with tiny crystals. It was the second week of December, she'd been here in Britain for nine months now.
The little Egyptian decided to assuage her restlessness by visiting the armory room where the knights' battle armor were hung on wooden dummies, and an accessory of weapons hung on the walls and various other places. She got a rag and went about shining the armor. The work pleased her, made her feel like she was helping them somehow, freeing up their time to do other things besides these menial tasks.
About an hour later, after a most thorough cleaning, Raja left the armory. She had to pass through the stables to exit so she made a point to stop and visit with Odin (her large black steed) and Horus (another loyal companion) before leaving. Odin nosed her affectionately and Horus preened when she pet him under his beak. Satisfied with her attentions she kissed them both before going along her way. Yet, a sound stilled her tiny feet. Raja listened, head cocked to the side, face a scrunch of concentration. A moment later she heard it again. It was a sniffle and muffled gasp, like someone crying. And it was coming from a vacant stall on the far side of the room. Her silver eyes narrowed, wondering if it was some lady (or perhaps a young boy?) who was sad.
After a moment's hesitation she crept cautiously, quietly to the stall. She had to stand on her tip-toes to see over. Oh! It was a woman. She was huddled in the corner with a raggedy cloak wrapped around her shivering body. Why is she crying? Raja wondered. Then she wondered if she should interrupt and ask why the lady was so sad. Uncle Ardeth said she shouldn't talk to strangers, but this stranger looked so forlorn! But before Raja could make her own decision, the woman lifted her head as if sensing she was not alone. Her sounds of grief tapered off. The woman's eyes were puffy and blood-shot, face splotchy from crying, and a light bruise marred her cheek. The woman stumbled to her feet, wiping her face, wincing as she did so. The cloak had fallen away from her arms, revealing bruises on her wrists, upper arms, and a few small ones near her collar bone.
Raja let out a little gasp of surprise.
The woman stammered. "I apologize," she said, gaining her wits, "it was just warm and quiet in here..."
At first Raja didn't understand, then she realized the woman was explaining herself, to her. No one ever made excuses to the little Egyptian.
"Mafi mushkil," Raja said softly, reverting to her native language. (In the back of her mind Raja registered that the woman did not understand her as indicated by the sideways tip of her head and furrowed brow.) The little Egyptian worried her bottom lip, unsure of what to do now. If it had been an animal in distress she'd come upon she would already be taking action. Still standing on her toes (which were becoming strained) she pursed her lips. "Ana ismi Raja."
The only word that was actually understandable was 'Raja.' Perhaps that was the small girl's name? She looked to be about five, maybe six, years of age; though there was something in her silver-gray eyes that was…older. The woman knew she shouldn't be here, the stables where the famed Sarmatian knights and their equally renowned leader, Arthur Castus, housed their steeds.
"Aysh ismuk?" the little girl asked.
"I…I am sorry, I do not understand," she replied.
Raja blinked. "What is your name?"
The woman was relieved that the little girl was able to speak her language. "My name is Tempest."
Raja repeated the name in her mind. It was a pretty name and thought to say so to the lady but no words came forth.
Both fell silent. A contemplative worried expression came across Tempest's face.
What was she going to do? She had only arrived six days ago with little money, just enough to settle herself in a room for a short time. She had been hoping to find work, but it was more difficult than she thought. Now she had no more money to pay the rent for her temporary lodgings. Foolishly, she thought she could trust the man who had offered her help...She should have known better to trust a stranger. Hadn't that been the reason she left home? To get away from her drunk, abusive father and the man he had been forcing her to marry. The man that had taken her against her will?
The prolonged silence made Raja a little anxious. She subsequently realized that she was barring the stall door. Back on the soles of her feet, she stepped away. That got Tempest's attention who then emerged from the stall.
"Raja?" Ardeth's deep, commanding voice sounded in the room.
The little Egyptian spun around. Instantly, any sort of anxiety or questions she had were whisked away with her uncle's presence. In times of emotional conflictions she did something that mostly only younger children did. Raja lifted her arms for her uncle to pick her up. He never objected and did so now. Small arms encircled his neck as she was held against his side, rear supported by his steady forearm.
Ardeth peered at the strange woman with no expression.
"I'm…very sorry," Tempest apologized, more than intimidated by this foreign man with the dark skin and exotic tattoos on his face.
"No need for apologies," Ardeth spoke, his voice deep yet cordial.
Tempest heard Raja speak in that undecipherable language to the man who held her.
"You are Tempest," the man stated. "My name is Ardeth." When the woman remained mute, he continued, "Are you a resident of this fortress?"
"I…" Tempest cleared her throat. "I was…am. I am. I have not been here for long."
Ardeth did not know if his little niece could see it, but he could. The Egyptian had looked into many eyes of a woman defiled. At the least, the woman had been severely beaten and manhandled by a person far larger than her own. Ardeth sighed inwardly. It did not sit well with him to just leave this vulnerable woman in such a way.
"I know a kind woman who can help you," Ardeth spoke.
Tempest's brow rose. "Oh, no, you…"
Ardeth silenced her with a firm glare. "Her name is Vanora."
xx
Less than a half hour later, Ardeth was sitting with Raja in his study eating a late lunch. He had sent someone to retrieve Vanora (Bors' lover and mother of his few children) and come to the edifice where he and his niece were housed. The round table where Arthur and his knights was an adjunct to the building. He had told Vanora to assist Tempest in securing a room in one of the nicer hostelries that brought food and drink personally to the lodgers. Tempest had tried to protest at his generosity, but Ardeth would not hear of it. If he could get grown men to heed his word, then a frightened woman was no difficulty.
"Is the lady okay now?" Raja asked as she brought the spoon to her mouth.
"I do not know, little one," he replied honestly. "She has been hurt and needs time."
"Who hurt her?"
Here, he paused. Despite the fact that his niece had been through things one should never have to go through, especially at her age, that did not mean he was forthright with all subjects. So, he said, "I believe a man treated her unkindly and now Tempest is in a vulnerable position."
Raja was thoughtful. "Was he very, very unkind Uncle Ardeth?"
"Yes," he said. "But you mustn't worry about these things now, Raja. She has been fed and clothed warmly and has secured a job in the tavern. Time will tell, hmm?"
Raja nodded succinctly. "Na'am." She never doubted her Uncle Ardeth in anything. She fed Peepers the mouse (who was idling on her shoulder) a crumb of bread before going back to her lunch.
Later that day, the sun set, as Ardeth tucked her into bed, she asked, "May we go visit Tempest tomorrow?"
He smiled softly. "Certainly."
"Good," she said with a grin. "I can bring her some socks that I knitted. It is very cold."
He chuckled. "It is. I am sure she will appreciate them, little one."
Uncle Ardeth told Raja a short story before quitting the room. He made sure the fireplace was roaring and the grate in place, then left the door ajar. Raja snuggled deeper under the covers with Peepers tucked under the small bridge of her hands. She stroked his head gently, thinking about Tempest. It wasn't fair when people were sad like that, she thought. Even more so when it was brought upon them, and not by natural means. At least, that is what the little Egyptian supposed was the case. Someone was mean to Tempest, so Tempest was sad. That made sense. Raja nodded to herself at the firm conclusion.
"I would not let anyone hurt you Peepers," she said to the mouse.
The mouse squeaked and Raja felt his nose twitch, his whiskers tickled her hand.
xx
Tempest awoke to a sharp rapping on her door. For a moment she forgot where she was, then the previous days events came back to her as her consciousness fully returned. She was sleeping in the warmest, softest bed since she could remember with clean sheets and comfy pillows under her head.
"Miss?" someone outside the door said.
"Coming," Tempest called back. She swung her legs out of bed, opened the door a nudge. A woman carrying a tray with a hot breakfast stood before her.
"Breakfast, mum," the young lady said.
Tempest stepped back; the woman came in and placed the tray on a small table. "Anythin' else?" she asked.
"No, no thank you" Tempest stuttered. Then she was left alone.
The aroma of food invaded her senses and her stomach growled in response. She sat down at the table, perused the food as if she could not believe it was truly there. And all this from the kindness of strangers.
At first, Tempest was suspect as to why Ardeth would be so generous. Vanora must have seen the wary trepidation in her eyes because she was quick to inform Tempest that Ardeth was very wealthy, and assured her that the Egyptian had absolutely no designs on her person.
"In fact, no one's ever seen him with a woman," Vanora said. "He is dedicated to Raja."
So, here Tempest now sat, chewing on delicious food in a clean nightgown. She knew she could not live off the Egyptian's kindness for long. He had paid for a month's lodging here, enough time for her to get back on her feet. Ardeth had taken care of everything rather quickly, which was why she had work at the tavern and the laundry. Perhaps after she saved some coin she could room with another girl, share the expenses. How she could ever repay Ardeth, she did not know.
xx
"Come, little one, breakfast," Ardeth said.
"Will you braid my hair, Uncle, min fadlak?" she asked, holding up her favorite ribbon.
He smiled. "Of course." It took but a moment for him to plait her long hair in a firm braid and tie the end with the silk strip of fabric. Then, her little hand slipped into his and they went to his study where they often took their meals.
Ardeth was glad it had a good view of the stables and the back pasture where the horses grazed. It was close, and he felt comfortable having Raja frequent the stables by herself so long as she did not wander off anywhere else. His little niece was quite inquisitive, and easily distracted by animals and would scamper after one often without thinking. But as she grew older she got better at it.
Raja was pleased to see that her porridge had extra cream and honey with a good spattering of raisins on top. She scooched on her chair, settling her rump comfortably on the pillow that boosted her up. The study was toasty warm with the large hearth roaring with flames; it had good ventilation so no smoke pervaded the room. Shelves lined the walls with scrolls and books and Ardeth's desk took up a good portion of space. The table was by the window, so Raja could see outside. Clouds obscured the sun and the naked trees yielded to the bitter wind. She grinned when she saw Horus swoop through the sky, and Odin and Ra (her uncle's war horse) come out of the stables. They all looked so majestic.
"How did you sleep Raja?" Ardeth queried. Of course, he presumed she had slept well for there were no tell-tale nightmares sounding through the night.
The little Egyptian swallowed her food first before replying, "Good." No bad dreams, it was always nice when there were no bad dreams. "Peepers went to go visit friends. He was not there when I woke up."
Ardeth nodded. "I am sure you will see him later."
"I want him to meet Tempest," she said. And speaking of seeing friends later, Raja asked what she asked every day, "Will they get back today, do you think, Uncle?" 'They' were Tristan, Lancelot and the others. She missed them very much when they were gone, and her face always lit up when they returned.
The Egyptian pondered that for a moment. The knights had been gone for two weeks now, troubles some way to the West. Arthur Castus oft discussed these things with Ardeth, a veteran of battle and war.
"Perhaps," he finally said. "The snow can make travel unpredictable."
She sighed inwardly. "I hope I knitted enough socks for them."
A smile curled his lips; he told her that he was certain the socks she had made were sufficient in number. Ardeth observed his niece finish the rest of her breakfast, scraping the bottom of the bowl with her spoon, trying to get every last morsel.
"Do you think Tempest is awake?" she asked.
"Oh, likely she is by now." The young lady did not strike Ardeth as the type to sleep in, though Tempest looked like a week's worth of sleep could do her good. "Shall we go say hello?"
xx
The cold instantly bit into Raja's face when she stepped outside with her uncle. She was wearing two pairs of hose, extra thick socks, two long sleeved undershirts beneath her normal jerkin, then another jerkin (made of thicker material) over that, and a cloak with a hood, plus a scarf around her neck to secure the hood on her head. And it was still cold!
Ardeth, immune to most things, barely stirred in the weather. Burning hot, freezing cold, it was no matter to him. A warrior had to learn to adapt to all of Nature's conditions and whims. He told his niece to come along, and she slipped her small hand into his.
The Egyptians got greetings from passersby; the older nodded in response with a cordial smile and the younger gave a small, shy wave. Ardeth directed his niece to the tavern as that was where Tempest was most likely working at the moment. They would say a quick hello so as not to interrupt her work unduly.
The breakfast hour was almost up and people were making off to get about their daily work, so it was not too crowded. When they entered Raja slipped the hood from her head as it was warmer in sheltered quarters. She and her uncle took a seat to the side at a clean table; Raja sat close to him on the bench. A moment later she saw Tempest emerge from the back with Vanora.
The two women saw them within seconds and headed over.
"Ardeth, Raja," Vanora smiled. "Good to see you this mornin'."
"Hello, Vanora," Raja replied. Her eyes turned to Tempest. "Hello, Tempest."
"Hello," Tempest replied. "Thank you for your help yesterday."
Raja flushed and leaned her head into Ardeth's arm.
"And, Sir Ardeth-"
"Just Ardeth," the Egyptian amended.
Tempest nodded. "I can never thank you. I promise I will repay you somehow."
"Think nothing of it, please," he said. "Take your time, get well."
A man called out for service and Tempest instantly became alert.
"We only wanted to say 'hello,'" Ardeth told her. "Do not let us take up your time."
Tempest thanked them again before hurrying to take the man's order. Vanora asked them if they wanted anything and Ardeth told her that they'd already eaten. A few minutes later Tempest watched Ardeth and Raja exit from the tavern, but before the little girl went back outside, she turned, caught Tempest's eye and gave her a small wave. Tempest waved back.
Although she was very grateful for the work, Tempest could not help but dread seeing the man who had hurt her. Was he still around? On duty somewhere? Did he come here often? The thought of encountering him again set her heart drumming a fearful tattoo. Just the memory of his eyes, those cold, cruel eyes gave her a chill colder than the winter itself.
A loud blast interrupted her dark musings, and she gasped.
"Not to worry, it's just the knights comin' back," Vanora told her. "My lover, too." She yelled towards the back of the tavern, "Seamus, I'm goin' to see Bors!"
"Get out of here then!" a booming voice returned.
xx
When they were halfway to the stables, a loud horn sounded. Raja turned her head towards the parapets expectantly and another blare was made.
"Uncle, they're back!" she exclaimed. "They're back!"
He grinned at her. "So they are, little one. Shall we greet them?"
She nodded and tugged him towards the courtyard. The closer they got the more audible the opening of the large gates became, then the clopping of hooves on the hard ground. They were not the only ones in the courtyard, even people who did not know the knights or Arthur personally came to see them when they returned. Vanora hustled over and stood next to the Egyptians wrapped in a cloak.
"There they are!" Raja pointed unnecessarily. She was beginning to stand on her tip toes to get a better view as more people amassed.
Ardeth picked her up and one arm went around his shoulders while the other was used for waving. The warriors usually had Jols and other stable hands to tend to their horses after a journey, then they went inside to wash. This was good to Ardeth, especially during this time, he did not like Raja out in the cold for too long because it seeped into her lungs. But he could not deny her the homecoming greeting of the men she had become so close to.
"Do you see them, Uncle Ardeth?" Raja questioned. "See?"
"I see them, little one," he chuckled.
The knights finally descended upon the courtyard, people had to scramble to avoid their massive steeds that blew vapor from their wide nostrils. Ardeth, Raja, and Vanora were forefront, Jols and the stable hands stood nearby. The knights dismounted, they were filthy, naturally.
Bors grinned at Vanora and grabbed her into a kiss that likely would have been more appropriate given in private. But the couple wasn't known to be subtle.
"Welcome back," Ardeth said.
"It is good to be back," Arthur replied.
"Finally," Lancelot quipped dryly.
"I'm glad you all are back," Raja trilled.
"There was never a day she did not inquire about you," Ardeth said.
Tristan smiled at the young girl, it probably would have been unnoticeable by the others, but the people who knew him the longest, and Raja and Ardeth, caught it. His bangs covered his golden-brown eyes, but they were warm upon the little Egyptian whom he had a fondness for.
Ardeth said to his niece that they would go inside and let the men clean themselves up and get some food.
"I have clean socks for everyone!" Raja announced.
Dagonet grinned. "Thank you, Raja."
xx
Tristan sunk deep in the warm water, his muscles loosened, the tips of his fingers and toes tingled and he felt revived after the cold journey. But he was used to it, the rigorous days and nights of his life, little sleep, a moderate amount of food. Tristan, the deadliest knight, did not need much at all. He emerged after he could hold his breath no more. As he washed, scrubbing vigorously, it was easy to ignore the conversation going on in the bathhouse. Rowdy voices of other soldiers, speaking nonsense in Tristan's opinion. Waxing on about the next wench they would bed.
What Tristan had in mind was a good meal with strong ale. Then he would see to his horse, Dyne, and make sure Penelo, his winged companion, was fed. Then he would say hello to Raja.
The scout got out of the tub, took the towel from the bench and dried himself off. He tossed that aside and put on clean clothes, including the long jerkin Raja had mended for him some months ago.
His hair still damp from the bath he felt it begin to crystallize once he stepped outside the bathhouse. He went straight to the tavern where it was loud and mobile. He took an isolated seat and his eyes moved to catch one of the wenches who worked here. Vanora was absent, and he could only guess where she was and who she was with – Bors.
Finally, a woman with an empty tray caught his eye. She was new, Tristan surmised. Unsure of herself; rendered a bit anxious from the afternoon commotion. The scout didn't think she would last. The woman was too furtive, hunched over, harried. Tristan raised his hand slightly to indicate he had an order.
xx
Tempest swallowed heavily and made her way to the scraggly man in the corner. The tattoos on his face told her that this was the vicious, cold-blooded knight that she'd been told about (along with the others). The stories of this one, however, made shivers go down her spine and not in a good way.
"What can I get you?" she asked.
"Ale," Tristan said flatly. "Meat, eggs, bread." It was mid-afternoon now, but eggs were good.
She nodded. "All right." Tempest waited a beat to see if he would order more, but he simply turned away, took out a sharp dagger and began to clean his nails. It was a clear dismissal. She mumbled that she would return shortly and skittered off.
"Well, who is that?" Lancelot nearly purred as he sat down opposite Tristan. He was now properly cleaned and groomed, his hair and beard set to rights.
Tristan barely afforded him a glance. When Lancelot was not concentrating on his duties, he was focused on women. It was nothing new.
"Did you get a name?" Lancelot asked.
The scout stopped for a mere moment, eyes flicking to Lancelot ironically.
The curly-haired man chuckled wryly. "Look who I'm asking." His dark eyes went back to the new woman who was now at the counter, taking the tray from the cook. She had long red hair, fair skin, and a bruise on her face. "Hmm."
Tempest approached. "Here you go, sir."
Tristan didn't say thanks. He just went to eating his food.
"You'll have to excuse my friend," Lancelot gave the woman his most charming smile. "He is not a man of words."
And this was the heartbreaking knight, Tempest assumed. She was not in the mood (when would she ever be again?) to be wooed. "Can I get you anything?"
Lancelot looked her up and down, clearly missing that his attentions were making the woman uncomfortable. All he saw was her face flush and pupils dilate, all signals of a woman aroused.
"What is your name?" he asked.
Maybe if she answered his question the quicker she could be gone. "Tempest."
"Ah, Tempest," Lancelot fawned. "Beautiful name. It rolls off the tongue like honey."
Tristan rolled his eyes behind bedraggled bangs. He downed the rest of his ale, and if Lancelot wasn't going to put the woman to proper use – serving food and drink – then Tristan would. He set his cup down with a decisive clack.
"More ale," he ordered without looking at her.
"Right away," Tempest said, hurrying off to get a jug.
Lancelot glared at Tristan. "Do you mind?"
The scout shrugged and put meat in his mouth.
"She's a mysterious creature," the dark-eyed knight mused. "A mystery that deserves further inspection."
Tristan 'hmmphed' gruffly.' "Inspect the fact that the wench does not want you to solve your ridiculous 'mystery.'"
Lancelot was quiet for a moment, then said sarcastically, "I do believe that is the most you've said…ever."
Tempest returned with Tristan's ale, waited a beat to see if he wanted anything else, and when he didn't even deign to address her, she hurried away before Lancelot could continue his pursuing.
"Hmm," Lancelot uttered. "Odd girl."
xx
Raja waited expectantly for Tristan to come visit her. It was what he usually did after cleaning and eating. Uncle Ardeth always reminded her that they were particularly tired after all journeys and she should not take up much of their time by wanting to play chess, regaling them with lengthy stories, or a barrage of questions. Such could be saved for after they've rested.
For now, the little Egyptian sat on her large plush chair that dwarfed her across from the matching chair, both in front of the fireplace with a small table near. Her mug of hot tea was partially empty and she would make sure to consume the rest before naptime and using the facilities.
"He'll be here soon Peepers," she said to the mouse that was languishing on the arm of the chair.
Just as she'd spoken, Tristan appeared and knocked on the door.
"Trissy!" she exclaimed. Raja ran to him and wrapped her arms around his thighs as she was not tall enough to reach his waist, and neither did the top of her head.
Tristan smiled what passed as his biggest, bent down a little to give her as full a hug as he could. "You are rather enthusiastic so late in the afternoon."
"Late afternoon?" she said. "Barely. I haven't even finished my tea." Raja took hold of his hand and tugged him the small distance to the empty chair he would sit in. She shooed him to make himself comfortable then scooted onto her own chair, hands on lap, and smiled at him. "Remember Peepers?"
The Sarmatian eyed the tiny creature. "I do."
"See, I told you," Raja said to the mouse. "Trissy would never forget you." She turned back to her human friend. "You were not hurt out there, were you? I thought you'd be gone forever!"
He half-grinned, lips closed. It could take some getting used to having someone miss and worry for him while he was away. "I was not hurt."
She sighed in relief. "I am glad." Raja nodded. "I am."
"You?" Tristan knew he didn't need to put together full sentences for Raja, for she seemed to grasp his meaning without them.
"Well, while you were gone I concentrated on my studies," – the tip of her index finger tapped her chin – "and I knitted, and I tidied the armory. Ooh, and just yesterday I made a new friend. Isn't that the truth, Peepers?" The mouse responded with a low squeak and twitch of whisker. And even though her uncle told her not to narrate long stories, Raja felt this was more than just a mere story.
Tristan nodded, deducing the new woman in the tavern was whom Raja spoke of. He said so, but left out the part about Lancelot's obsequious flirtations.
"Someone was mean to her," Raja said sadly. "And I do not think she has a family here."
He made a gruff sound in the back of his throat.
"But I am going to be her friend," Raja nodded. An uncertain flicker came upon her face. "Do you think she would like to be my friend? I would not be unkind to her."
"Your friendship is an honor, Raja," Tristan replied seriously. "She would be foolish not to accept it."
This made Raja beam and flush modestly at the same time. She did not see herself as so important, but because she cared for Tristan and his opinion so much, to hear such adulation filled her with warmth. Raja also felt that Tristan's friendship was equally an honor. The Egyptian and the Sarmatian scout began to speak of casual things, their conversation so comfortable that an hour passed and neither noticed until Ardeth entered the room.
"Ardeth," Tristan greeted.
"Tristan," the Egyptian replied in kind. "Are you well?"
Tristan nodded.
Ardeth nodded that he was glad. Like his niece, he did not need Tristan to orate extensively to understand him. He turned to his niece. "I believe it is someone's nap time."
"Oh, no!" she exclaimed. "Me and Tristan were talking." Raja always tried to delay her nap and bed times even if she was tired. "And Lancelot has not come to see me yet."
"He is likely resting," Ardeth told her, "as you should be."
Raja frowned and muttered begrudging acceptance under her breath. "Oh, wait!" She hurried to her dresser and opened the middle one, taking out a handful of socks. "Tristan, will you give these to the others? I did not have a chance to." She gave him a pair of brown ones. "These are for you."
Tristan thanked her.
"I suppose I have to nap now," Raja said with a sigh. "Will I see you later?"
"Raja," Ardeth intoned with gentle warning.
"Na'am," she said, nodding. Raja gave Tristan a hug and he said goodbye.
With Peepers, Raja went to her bed, took off her boots and jerkin and slid under the covers. A yawn escaped, and once her head hit the soft pillows unconsciousness began to seize her.
"I don't think Peepers is very tired, Uncle Ardeth," she said. "Can he stay with you?"
"Of course, little one," he acquiesced and let the mouse perch on his shoulder. He tucked her in snuggly and waited until her eyes closed before he quit the room.
xx
When Raja woke up the sun was soon to set and it was snowing again. The nap fortified her and there was a slight rumble in her belly which signified that it was dinner time. She also wanted to see her uncle and make sure Peepers had not given him any trouble. Raja slipped her boots on after straightening her bed, then tucked the free strands of hair that had slipped from her braid behind her ears.
The little Egyptian hurried to her uncle. She had yet to get used to the large shadows that the torches cast against the stone walls of the hallways. Luckily Ardeth was just one floor below.
The Egyptian heard his niece's footsteps before she even came into view. He was having a drink with Arthur and discussing the outcome of the latter's latest sojourn. Arthur was particularly troubled by Roman/British relations and how the Romans were so forceful for the natives to be beholden to them. Ardeth guided and supplied support when he could and in many ways reminded Arthur of his childhood mentor, Pelagius, exuding the same strength, calm, and self-confidence that Arthur one day hoped to embody as fully as they.
Raja was about to barge in her uncle's study but quickly remembered her manners and knocked on the partially open door.
"Come in," Ardeth's voice sounded.
She entered with a smile on her face, then she saw Arthur. Raja greeted him enthusiastically with a hug after planting herself on his lap.
"What took so long?" she inquired and Arthur chuckled.
"One cannot plan the timing of these things," he replied.
Raja nodded as if understanding completely. "That is true."
"And thank you for the socks," Arthur told her. "They are very comfortable."
This pleased Raja because she had been so careful with each thread. It was her mother who had begun teaching her to knit once her fingers were adept enough to work the needles. Raja considered socks her forte and very much liked doing things for other people.
In a beat of silence, Raja's stomach growled.
"I believe it is time for dinner," Ardeth said.
"Are you going to eat with us, Arthur?" Raja asked.
"Oh, no, I have some final reports to finish," he demurred, setting Raja back on her feet and standing himself. He was going to change his mind when Raja frowned in disappointment, but he thought about the piles of paper on his desk and kept to his initial decision.
Not long after, Raja was sitting across from her uncle, thinking about visiting Tempest again once she was finished. Her uncle would have to go with her because he did not allow her to go out at night by herself. And she still had not seen her cousin, and then inquired about him.
"I saw him briefly today. He looks just as well as the others," he assured.
"Oh, that is good." Raja nodded. She and Lancelot had butted heads in the beginning, but the elder cousin had soon come to grow an attachment to the little Egyptian, and she to him.
She scraped the last morsel from her plate and wiped her mouth gingerly. Ardeth was finished too, so they went about their evening routine and headed to the stable area to visit their steeds and Horus. Odin and Lord Ra had already been brushed this morning but Raja ran the grooming tool through Odin's silky mane anyway. Horus was up in the rafters with Penelo, setting sharp eyes on anyone who entered.
"Cousin, I thought I would find you here," Lancelot announced. He wore his custom black breeches, tunic and vest, a dagger belted to his hip, and a dark blue cape with melting snowflakes on it.
Raja ran to him with arms outstretched. A little bashful Lancelot picked her up and returned her hug. It did take some getting used to, accepting the innocent affections of this young person in his arms. Her small fingers reached out and gently tugged one of his damp curls then let it spring back into place. Raja used to do that with her father's curls, and Lancelot's were identical.
He set her down but she did not let go of his hand.
"I made a new friend, Lottie," she told him. "Her name is Tempest. It's a pretty name, huh?"
"Tempest?" His brow rose curiously. "I believe I met her earlier today. In the tavern." His dark eyes flicked to Ardeth, as he was thinking of the faint bruises he'd glimpsed on Tempest's fair skin.
"Lancelot," Raja said softly, seriously, "someone was mean to her."
"Mean," he repeated, and she nodded. It was clear to Lancelot after a moment that his cousin did not know what 'mean' encompassed, specifically. The knight assumed it was a Roman. It was always them. He was wise not to mention this to his cousin.
"Uncle Ardeth and me were going to say hi," Raja said.
"I was just at the tavern a few hours ago, she's not there," Lancelot informed. "I believe her shift is over."
"Oh." Her shoulders deflated. "Can we go to her room?"
"We can see Tempest tomorrow," Ardeth said gently. "So as not to crowd her. I am sure she is still getting her bearings."
It looked as if Raja wanted to argue, but finally said, "Na'am."
"Well…" Lancelot trailed off, unsure of where to go from here. He had gone to have a brief word with Arthur who had told him Raja had awoken from her afternoon nap, so the curly-haired Sarmatian had come here simply to greet her before it got too late and he was occupied…elsewhere.
"I suppose I have to get ready for bed now," Raja surmised. "Lottie, if you see Tempest will you tell her I said hello?"
"Of course," he replied, thinking any reason to speak with the lovely Tempest was much appreciated.
The curly-haired knight bid his cousin and Ardeth farewell and went back into the cold. He put his hood over his head so his hair did not get more mussed than it already was and made his way to the tavern. It was crowded and rowdy and only bound to get more so as the evening grew older. When most soldiers returned from beyond the fortress, the tavern was usually the first stop they made.
When he entered he was greeted by both men and women, and Lancelot did not miss making eye contact with the ladies he found particularly deserving of his brief attention. He spotted Bors and Dagonet, and there Tristan was sitting near but looking as if he were alone. His brothers-in-arms gave him slaps on the back and Bors shoved a cup of ale in his hand.
"Where're you?" Bors questioned.
"I just went to see Raja," Lancelot replied.
"Ah! How's our girl?" the burly knight asked.
"Readying for bed?" Dagonet interjected with an older brother tone.
Lancelot nodded. "Yes, yes. All that." He downed some of his ale, dark eyes flickering around the room, seeing what other pretty tarts were among him.
"Lookin' for that red head?" Bors said.
Tristan scoffed derisively.
"Oh, look, Tristan had decided to crawl out of his dark hole and join the living," Lancelot said sardonically. He knew the scout was likely shooting daggers at him right now although he couldn't see it. Who could see anything behind that bird's nest of a hair Tristan had?
"Vanora said Tempest was going through a hard time, Lance," Dagonet said. "Could you not find another lady to fixate on for the night?"
Lancelot pulled a face at the lecture and rolled his eyes. "Gods. What a bunch of bleeding hearts."
xx
It was still pretty crowded when Tristan left the tavern. He had gotten a few inviting eyes from wenches but did not feel like taking them up on it. He preferred a good sleep tonight; then he'd wake up early as he did everyday. Tristan could not remember the last time he had slept passed dawn, waking with the sun whether it was obscured by clouds or no.
The sharp cold did not much faze him as he exited the warmth of the tavern. The few people out moved fast, not lingering as they might have on a warmer evening. As he neared the barracks he heard a commotion behind a building up ahead.
xx
Tempest was overdue getting to her room. She knew she should not have stayed out this late, but when she finished at the laundry she had not liked the idea of walking home alone. So she'd left with another worker, whose stop was on the way to her lodging. Tempest had to walk the rest of the way alone.
She was glad she had not seen the Roman who had accosted her. What would she do if she came face-to-face with him again? What if he saw her? Would he remember her? If he had hurt her, surely he had hurt others, or would not have any qualms about doing so.
Almost to her room, Tempest heard footsteps behind her. Was someone following her? She stopped and looked behind her. No one.
You are frightening yourself, she scolded. Surely the hood over her head concealed her face. Tempest hurried her steps, glancing behind her furtively as she walked. And when finally she turned her head forward she slammed right into someone.
Strong hands seized her shoulders and terror bolted throughout her body.
Tempest didn't hear herself scream, but she heard a voice tell her to shut up. She attempted to scurry away and slipped on a patch of ice, falling to the ground.
"Clumsy wench," a man slurred.
The red-headed woman got to her feet as quickly as she could, nearly falling back down in the process. Her eyes alit on the man she had bumped into and realized that it was not the Roman, just a drunk old man. Her lips stumbled over an apology but the man was already done with her, walking away.
Heart pounding loudly in her ears, the encounter only spurred her drive to get home. Just as she thought she might be out of the woods, a dark shadow ahead was barring her path. Immediately the Roman flashed in her mind, she saw him as clear as day.
"Please…" Tempest beseeched quietly.
xx
"Please…"
Tristan had witnessed the whole thing. The woman had not needed his interference once he saw that the old man found her nothing but a nuisance. When a slash of light hit her face, Tristan saw that it was Tempest. And it was clear she thought that he was a danger to her.
It wasn't in his nature, but a gruff, "You all right, woman?" came from his mouth. She did not answer, only stood there quivering. Tristan took a step forward and he heard another whimper from her. "You hear me?"
Tempest looked behind her.
Tristan hadn't a clue how to calm a woman's nerves, or how to modulate his tone as a start. "Gods, woman, I'm not going to hurt you."
Tempest finally recognized the man from the tavern earlier in the day. Her heart slowed to a normal pace and she no longer had the urge to run in the opposite direction.
"I apologize," she finally managed to speak. "I did not recognize you."
"Hmm."
"You… You are a friend of Raja and Ardeth?"
This he answered clearly. "Yes." And he thought about his little friend who told him someone had been 'mean' to Tempest. For Raja, only for her did he offer Tempest to accompany her to her lodgings.
Tempest was surprised by the offer, yet she accepted after a beat of silence. He did not speak to her as he walked by her side. Of course most people felt the need to fill the silence with Tristan.
"I appreciate your accompanying me," she said.
He nodded curtly.
"I hope it is not too far out of your way." Tempest did not know if his responding grunt (she supposed that's what it was ) was a yes or a no. "I stay here." She pointed to the building. Thinking he was going to leave her at the door, she turned around inside to express her gratitude, but Tristan stepped in the building too. Her brow rose in surprise, yet she acknowledged his intent and felt quite safe when he escorted her upstairs to her room. "Thank you again," she told him when she stopped at her door.
"Yeah," he said. "Go in your room. Lock the door." Tristan nodded sharply again and left her.
What an odd man, she thought.
xx
"I have mittens for Tempest," Raja told her uncle.
"I see. And when did you finish those?" Ardeth saw the completed plum-colored mittens next to his niece's breakfast plate. They had not been so when he had tucked her in the previous night.
"Um…" Raja took a spoonful of oatmeal to delay answering. She had gotten up in the middle of the night and finished the mittens by candlelight. She knew she wasn't supposed to do that, but Raja had really wanted them completed when she next saw Tempest.
Ardeth chuckled lightly. For now he would not dampen her cheer with a lecture. But he would make it a point to check on her periodically throughout the night to make sure she did not do so again. "Slow down, little one," he told her.
Raja gulped down the big spoonful she already had in her mouth, nodding to acknowledge that she heard her uncle. She wiped her mouth, then belched demurely. "Samehini." Peepers squeaked and he received a crumb of bread.
"I am all done," she announced.
"Very well. Go get your cloak and bundle up."
Raja beamed, scooted off of her chair and hurried back to her room. Less than quarter of an hour later, the little Egyptian was tugging on her uncle's hand so they could get to the tavern faster.
"There she is!" Raja exclaimed in a hushed whisper once they entered the establishment. Tempest was taking someone's order and looked up when she saw the door open.
Raja waved. Tempest gestured that she would just be a minute so Raja and Ardeth sat down.
"Remember what I said," Ardeth told his niece gently.
"Na'am, do not take up too much of her time." Raja held the mittens up to her uncle's eye. "Do you think she will like them? Are the stitches okay?"
"They are very fine, Raja," he said sincerely. "Not a snag in sight."
Raja tried not to squirm as she waited patiently for Tempest. Finally, the red head had a free moment. "Hello, Raja. Sir Ardeth," Tempest greeted.
"Hello! I'm not supposed to take up your time, but I wanted to give you these." Raja held out the plum-colored mittens.
"Oh!" Tempest said. "You've given me so much already." She held the mittens, feeling the soft material. Seeing that trying to deny such a gift would be futile and likely hurt the little girl's feelings, Tempest accepted them gratefully. "I have never seen a finer stitch in my life."
Raja blushed, hiding her head in her uncle's arm before finally meeting Tempest's eyes again. "How are you feeling, Tempest?" Raja asked. "I hope you are better."
Ardeth noticed a slight flicker in the young woman's eyes.
Tempest smiled. "I am doing much better thanks to your help and graciousness." She included Ardeth in her gratitude. By now, more customers were trickling in. "Would you care for anything?"
"No, thank you," Raja said.
"We should let you return to your work," Ardeth added, getting up from his seat and holding out his hand to his niece so she would too. He could tell that Raja wanted to stay and chat as she enjoyed Tempest's company.
"I will see you later," Raja said to Tempest. "If you're not busy. Odin and Horus would very much like to meet you."
"And I would very much like to meet them," Tempest replied. "Thank you again for the mittens."
She sighed in near content as she watched the little girl depart with her uncle. It was nice to know that there were good people in the world such as Raja and Ardeth. If Raja had been older, Tempest could imagine sharing all her hopes, dreams and hurts, her tears; but Raja was too young to hear the dark bumps her road had taken.
Horns sounded outside, breaking Tempest out of her thoughts. More soldiers had arrived back at the fortress she surmised. And she needed to get back to work.
xx
"She liked the mittens, Trissy," Raja said, tugging on the scout's long jerkin. As if she did not already have his full attention despite the fact that he was grooming his war horse, Dyne.
"Hmm," he replied.
"She said they were the finest mittens she ever saw." Raja grabbed a brush and stood on a bale of hay to tend to Odin. Her uncle had gone to his study to converse more with Arthur, with instructions that Raja not wander about in the cold. "She also wants to meet Odin and Horus." Raja nodded. "She does. Isn't that nice, Odin?" She had a small serene smile on her face as she continued to groom him. Raja hummed a little tune, the sound was melodic and soothing, and the horses in the stable seemed to be lulled by it.
The blare of horns interrupted the tranquility, causing Raja to frown and wait for the noise to end. She only looked forward to the trumpets to announce the arrival of Tristan, Lancelot and the others.
"Hmmph," Raja sounded.
When the commotion finally ceased, she asked, "Do you want to play chess today?"
xx
When Raja woke up from her nap the sun was going down. She had slept longer than usual, probably because of her staying up finishing the mittens. Peepers was on the pillow beside her. The mouse had joined her and Tristan for the chess game that they hadn't finished. Raja had begun to yawn a couple of hours in. Raja thought now perhaps Tristan would like to resume their game if he was not busy tonight.
Her tummy rumbled which signaled supper. She had slept right through lunch.
"You are probably hungry too, Peepers," she said.
Raja got out of bed and put her boots back on. She could still feel the cold of the floor through her thick socks. Rubbing her eyes she went to the drawer that contained bread crumbs just for her mouse friend. As she passed the window that had a view of the stables, she saw an amassing crowd.
Immediately she thought that one of the animals was hurt.
"Come on, Peepers!" she exclaimed after grabbing her cloak. Raja plucked him off of the bed and put him on her shoulder. He scrambled under her jerkin.
The cold and frigid wind hit her strongly, sending her light weight teetering back. She hurried over to the stables, unnoticed by others.
"Odin! Horus!" she yelled.
xx
Ardeth heard his niece's voice cry out for her animal companions. He could not let her catch glimpse of the scene in the stables. He walked passed Arthur, Dagonet and others.
"Horus! Odin!" Raja's voice came closer.
The Egyptian got to her just as she pushed her way to the front of the crowd. "They are fine little one," he said, scooping her up.
"What happened?" she questioned, craning her neck passed his shoulder. "Is it Lord Ra? Penelo?"
"No, Raja," he said, making quick distance from the horror inside and to the safety of their quarters. "Everyone is quite well. I assure you."
Raja was still concerned; brow furrowed as she looked at her uncle whose face betrayed nothing. "But what happened, Uncle Ardeth? Why is everyone at the stables?"
They entered her room and he set her down on the chair. Her hair was still mussed from sleep, face still showed the puffiness of one just awoken. How would he explain this to her? It would not be the first time he conveyed terrible news to one so young. To his niece.
xx
"Careful," Arthur ordered the stable hands. "Lower her down gently."
He sighed, shook his head in pity once more. The red-headed woman, whose name was Tempest, had hung herself from the loft of the stables. No one had been present, but by the time she was found hanging in the corner, there was nothing to be done.
"Guards!" The captain of the Sarmatian knights ordered two centurions to block the entryway to the stables and get rid of the rabble.
"Damn shame," Bors muttered.
"Oh, truly," one Roman among three snorted derisively.
Tristan glared at the man, as did Lancelot and Dagonet though their brief stares went unnoticed. Arthur's shoulders stiffened at the macabre revelry.
"Soldiers, do you have business here?" he asked sternly.
"No…sir," the Roman who'd spoken replied.
"Then perhaps you should see yourselves elsewhere," Arthur said.
Arthur outranked them so they obeyed. There was nothing left to see anyway.
"Didn't you have at that one?" another Roman asked.
"Oh, indeed," the first Roman laughed. "She squealed like a pig."
They guffawed uproariously as they exited the stables.
"Dear God," Arthur uttered under his breath. He turned back to the descent of Tempest. He took hold of the body when it was low enough. He could not help but shake his head lightly again. So young, he thought. "Does she have family here?"
"Ardeth said she did not," Dagonet replied. "She was a new resident here."
"And Raja's friend," Lancelot tacked on bitterly.
Arthur sighed.
xx
"I do not understand," Raja insisted, shaking her head, hands clenched into fists. "Where is Tempest?"
Ardeth was ever patient with her. He had explained that Tempest had passed on, but his niece was not accepting of this answer. The Egyptian knew Raja understood that people and animals had only a certain time to live and would eventually die.
He kneeled in front of her, she on the chair, her small hands in his. "Little one, Tempest has died."
Her lips pursed, eyes searching his for more clarity. "We just saw her today, Uncle Ardeth. We did. Remember?" She leaned in. "I gave her the…mittens." Tears filled her eyes. "She said they were good mittens."
"I know, Raja."
"Where is she?" she asked again, a hot tear slipping down her cheek.
"She is being tended to."
Raja breathing hitched. "What happened? She was well. She said so!"
Ardeth paused. Keeping the whole truth from Raja would backfire. She would find out somehow from wagging tongues. He stood and took Raja's seat, set her on his lap.
"You mustn't blame Tempest for what she did. I am sure she felt very desperate at the time." As gently and succinctly as he could, he told his niece that Tempest had taken her own life. He saw Raja assimilate this news by the passing emotions in her eyes and across her face.
"Why?" she whispered so quietly. Raja sniffed. "Was she scared of the person who was mean to her?"
Ardeth had suspected this. Perhaps Tempest had run into her attacker and was overcome with fear and hopelessness. Maybe her attacker had hurt her once again. They would never know. Ardeth held Raja to him as she cried in his chest. He stroked her hair soothingly, murmuring comfort in Arabic.
"I do not understand," she whimpered.
xx
Tempest was buried in the graveyard reserved for residents of the fortress. No one knew of anything more than her first name, so Ardeth had a gravestone made for the young girl, only her first name etched upon it.
"Does she have her mittens?" Raja asked when they visited her gravesite.
Lancelot hid his wince, all else kept a passive face.
"She has her mittens, little one," Ardeth told her softly. He picked her up. "Come now. Let us go inside."
"We can't leave her alone!" Raja cried.
Ardeth soothed her once more in Arabic as she began to cry in his shoulder. The others followed. The Egyptian did not want his niece out in the cold for too long. The past few days had been difficult of course. Raja was most confused about the events, and was having trouble with the why of the matter. She mourned her friend, albeit one only acquainted with for a couple of days.
Tristan watched as Ardeth took Raja away. He made his way to the stables in contemplation. He felt no sadness at the loss of Tempest, he did not know her. She had seemed nice enough, but Tristan had seen many, several die in his years. Men he had fought with and against. The only grief he felt was over Raja's grief. Tristan was relieved she had not seen Tempest swinging from the rafters.
xx
The days passed quietly. Raja said little, cried much. She could see the graveyard in the distance from a small window in the hall and spent much time looking out. Wondering. Why had Tempest chosen to die? That is what her uncle said. Tempest chose to go away, Raja thought. Why did she not say goodbye? Was she sad when she left? Angry? Scared?
When Raja was sad or scared she went to her uncle. Who did Tempest go to? Perhaps she felt there was no one. Because someone had been unkind to her?
Raja felt a presence approach but was not frightened. It was Tristan. He said nothing as he came to stand beside her at the window.
"Why do people hurt other people?" she questioned after a moment.
Tristan blinked. "Nature."
Her brow wrinkled, head lifting up to look at him. "You do not. You are nice to me."
One shoulder shrugged. "People are different."
Raja sniffled. "I was her friend. Did she not know that?" She turned fully and hugged his leg. He put his hand on her back. "Why did she want to go away, Trissy? You will not go away, will you?"
He shook his head. "No." Not by choice, anyway.
Raja released a shaky sigh. A sigh of relief, sadness, weariness. Tristan could tell Raja still did not understand. Ardeth told him that she would need time. Time she had, time they all had. How much was uncertain. But so long as they did, it would be made the best of.
With one last look outside, face streaked with tears, she took Tristan's hand. "Let's go now."
I hope that was better than the original.