Standard Disclaimer: KA and the legends are soooo not mine. The craziness of the characters is the only thing I own. Bad Language, Violence and Possible Sexual Scenes Warning. Don't like it, don't read.
This is the second chapter of Bitter Friends. I really hope you like it. Thanks to Tracy 137 for all the help!
2-OH GAAD WHY!
I wake up moaning, I can feel something incredibly heavy and bony on me. Bright sunlight stings at my eyes and my back is sore… What the hell is going on! I try turning away from brightness, but the something heavy won't get off… OH SHIT! It's Charity.
"ARGH! GETOFFAME!" I yell pushing her body off me, she groans uncomfortably as I pick myself off the ground trying to dust myself off.
"Where am I?" She asks no one in particular.
"Well not in Kansas that's for sure."
"Ew." She finally realizes I'm there. "What are you doing here?"
"Leaving." I start walking away when suddenly an arrow embeds itself into the tree trunk inches from my head. "WHAT THE FUCK!" I stumble backwards as dozens of blue painted people come down from the trees and out of the dense forest towards us. Without thinking, I grabbed Charity's wrist and drag her behind me screaming. I had no idea where the hell I was going, I only knew that I had to get out of there as soon as possible and regardless of how much I hate Charity Templeton's guts with every fiber of being with the passionate anger of ten thousand red suns, I would feel guilty for the rest of my life. Damn my conscience!
"C'mon you idiot. I'm not gonna get skewered because you're in a fuckin' daze!" I yelled at the stunned person trailing me.
"I-I'm tired." She complained, OH GAADWHY! She stumbles and nearly drags me down with her, idiot; we can hear the cries of the blue people and we keep trying to get away. "Ow, let go of me, my feet hurt."
I released her wrist and I noticed that the crazy blue people are coming closer. Either I leave her to the blue people and be haunted the rest of my life or I help her and hear about it from her the rest of my life… damn my conscience. Damn, damn, damn.
"Hurry up and take off those shoes, you'll run a helluva lot faster."
"And ruin this $60 pedi? No way, you carry me."
I glared her down, "Listen bitch, we're being chased for God knows why by God knows who. If you want to fuckin' live until your next fuckin' hair appointment, I suggest takin' off those stupid sandals and run like a fatha-fuckin' bitch 'cause I am not going carry you." I started to run again leaving her behind.
"Vicky! Vicky, come back!" She yelled after me. I could hear her struggle with her shoes then run after me. A grunt sounded then another. I think she threw her sandals at our pursuers, briefly I turn my head to see her closing in on me and that my suspicions were confirmed. A few of the crazy blue people stayed back to examine the Steve Madden sandals while the rest continued to chase us. As I turned my head back, I immediately regret it. There are more blue people with spears and swords in front, they circle us and I gulp. This has gotta be some fucked up dream brought upon by stress, trail mix and unfamiliar British food. I took a moment to pinch myself hard… OW! Wake up Ria! Wake up Ria! Wakey, wakey tofu eggs and bacy! I'm gonna die and I'm stuck with the last person on this green earth I wanna be with…
The people close in and now Charity and I are backpack to backpack. Closing my eyes, I wait for the poking and bloodletting to begin.
"ROOOUUUUUSSSSSS!" A cry outta nowhere comes, followed by fifteen men on horseback shooting arrows, slashing at the blue people. I shut my eyes again so I don't see the carnage, I'm not afraid of blood, rather I love action movies but this is no movie. I hold my breath from the smell and feeling the bodies run past me I stay as still as physically possible trying to go to a happy place. Around me the sounds of death, battling weapons, Charity screaming, the cries of blue people, Charity screaming, hoof beats, Charity screaming again and then a semblance of silence. Everything happens so fast and I finally remember to breathe when I open my eyes again. The carnage is horrifying, and blood floods the ground beneath my feet and is splattered on my clothes. I gulp and try to get my bearings. Truth, I'm frightened beyond all reason and very few things scare me: horror movies, hamsters and carnival folk.
One of the men on horseback has managed to get Charity to stop screaming and has her seated like a queen in front of his saddle wrapped in some material. The horsemen are rather good-looking, well and there's a select few that are absolute HOTTIES! The one saddled with Charity is a good looking auburn haired man with kind grey eyes and as expected Charity is batting her lashes and giggling like an idiot. Ha, a wind-blown, blood-splattered idiot.
A rider approaches me, he has dark hair and drowning green-eyes, I'm assuming he's in charge the way the other riders seem to treat him. He says something to me but I don't understand, I stare blankly at him. I think he repeats his question, slowly; but I shake my head and shrug.
"I'm sorry, I don't understand," I state. He looks pleased that I at least responded, but doesn't seem to understand. SO I try a different approach.
"Erm… parlez-vous anglais?" I asked hesitantly. Now he looks confused and shakes his head. Hmm, Italian maybe? "Lei parla degli inglesi?" Same effect: nothing. I went through Spanish, German and Portuguese, but I got nothing, until Charity decided to be helpful.
"They speak Latin, Vicky." She stated like a fuckin' queen. I just stared at her, I don't know Latin, and it sure as hell ain't used back home… wait how does she know?
"Stop callin' me Vicky! Wait… how do you know they're speaking Latin?"
"Because I can understand Latin, duh Vicky."
I reeled at her "Stop calling me VICKY! My name is not Vicky, I hate that name and if you call me Vicky one more time I'm gonna take one of these swords and run you through!" I yelled, my patience gone, surrounded by dead bodies everything adds up with my stomach lurching. The realization of those deaths hit me and hard, I barely realized that Charity was still talking as the world around me spun violently and I passed out into someone's outstretched arms.
I woke up later, my head hurt; I was lying on something soft and scratchy. I groaned and winced when I tried to open my eyes only to be greeted by a pair of dark grey green eyes.
"WAAHHH!" I tried to back away and ended up bumping into a tree trunk. "Ow…" The eyes were attached to a handsome face under shoulder length mousy brown hair. Green-eyes said something, but I just looked at him and shrugged. He asked me something different and again I stared… I feel so stupid. Green-eyes decided a different approach.
Pointing to himself, "Gareth." Then he pointed to me. Oh… names. Okay, I can do that. I pointed to myself, "Victoria… wait no, Ria. Ria." I think I confused him. I pointed to him and repeated his name then I pointed to myself and said "Ria." Gareth grinned. Aw… gawd I'm doomed. I stuck here where people would likely kill me before even try talkin' to me, I don't speak the language and I have to depend on the evil bitch Charity. Speaking of which… where is Charity? I asked Gareth and he pointed some distance away and I saw Charity chatting and flirting with the auburn-haired horseman. Scoffing I made to get up, but groaned instead. Gareth hurriedly helped me to my feet and I smile a thank you and the two of us made our way over to Charity and the auburn haired knight. I can't believe I'm going to ask Charity for help, what sucks more is that she knows she has some power over me.
Four days later found us at a town; it was neither very big nor very small. Artorius or Arthur, the knight commander escorted us there safely, well actually they were supposed to go there anyway. We learned the knights' names and I admit to be incredibly in denial and shocked, I mean these were the names of legends. From what Charity told me, this was one of the safest villages and it was recommended that we stay here, much to my pleasure we had to work for our room and board because plastic wasn't invented yet. Ha, now I'm not the only one powerless! The villagers were incredibly nice and gave Charity and me clothes, I personally was comfortable in my jeans and t-shirt, but for the time being I would have to conform to avoid too many questions. Charity on the other hand… well she threw a fit! I would've just told the villagers that Charity is a high-strung whore princess that would spread her legs for anything with a dick so they really shouldn't bother, but I don't speak Latin.
When we finally changed into the simple dresses of the times, me in a pale brownish thing and Charity in dark green thing, we met with the owners of the tavern/inn, Lenora and Hamish. Charity told me that she told them I couldn't speak Latin, but by the strange looks they gave me I threatened her to tell me what she really said. Well, let's just say that it earned her bugs and snakes in her bed tonight. Lenora, a slim wrinkled woman with blue eyes and graying blonde hair, and Hamish, a short portly man with a balding crown of white, were so kind to us, since I apparently could not speak the language all I did was hand out the drinks while Charity did other stuff that involved speaking. This suited me just fine.
That night, the knights were enjoying their time of rest in the tavern. It was amazing how these fifteen huge knights could fit into this little tavern. Lenora called my name and handed me a try of mugs presumably filled with some noxious liquor and pointed to a table with some of the knights. These knights were really loud, steeling myself; I headed over to the table and placed the drinks in front of the men. They said something I can only assume meant thank you and nodded my head. As I was about to leave, someone's arm snake it's way around my waist and pulled me down into a lap. My light brown eyes met the dark brown ones of another man, one of the knights I recognized to be Percival. He said something, again I don't understand so I shrugged and attempted to get up only to be pulled back down. The rest of the knights around the table laughed raucously, one of them said something and Percival grinned. I don't like the looks they were giving each other, and suddenly Percival roughly pressed his lips to mine. Oh, that's so not cool! When the bastard finally released me, I glared and got up and punched him as hard as I could before spitting and storming off. All the knights there howled with laughter that followed me to the bar. Lenora looked at me disapprovingly, but Charity was livid. I later found out that Percival was one of the knights she had her eye on.
The next morning the knights left, practically everyone in the village went to go see them off, practically everyone except me. Sure they saved my life, sure they were kind enough to bring Charity and me to the village safely, and sure I at least owed them that much to see them off. So why didn't I? Well, because Charity Templeton decided to lock me in a broom closet this morning, she found a rather tiny worm on her pillow and blamed me. Truth, it was me, but that didn't mean she had to lock me in the closet. BUT it was hilarious to hear her scream and shriek this morning.
When I was finally let out of the closet, my voice was hoarse, I was in a very bad mood and very hungry. Lenora apparently scolded Charity, and Charity was to teach me how to speak Latin. Good, but then again not good. She could teach me the wrong things, I had to find someone who spoke one of the languages I knew fluently or else I am so doomed.
Three weeks later the knights returned, by that time I could at least hold a conversation, not totally fluent but good enough. I was right about Charity; she tried to teach me words to make me a slag just like her. But I was lucky because there was a hermit on the outskirts of the village and he spoke Arabic. When I found that out I blessed my parents ten fold. See, my father is Spanish-German, while my mother is Portuguese-Arabic with adopted Italian parents. Yeah, confusing I know, but for once very lucky.
Anyways the old hermit taught me how to speak properly and since I'm thrust into a Latin speaking world I managed to pick it up very quickly. In return for teaching me, I was to tend his garden and speak to him in Arabic. So that worked out decently… only since Lenora thought Charity was teaching me proper Latin, bitch queen got a raise; that was until I learned enough words to argue out of that.
The knights rode back into the village, battle-worn and bloody. I was wiping down tables when the doors of the inn were slammed open and fifteen bloody, smelly and incredibly loud knights clamored in. And who should be in front of the other knights? Well, none other than Percival who immediately saw me and grinned. I kept my face blank and turned back to my work, but was very aware that Percival was standing behind me.
"My rose, my dove, my moon to my sun, I declare myself to you; no words needed, only shrug and let me know that I have a place in your bed this night," he said. His fellow knights laughed loudly. Oh gaad why? Why me? Is it because I put a handful of worms in Charity's sheets the other day? She deserved it.
I turned to face him crossing my arms over my chest, "Hit the road, buddy boy. I'm not handing out any rides. Why don't you go look for Charity; she'll be more than charitable because you're wasting my time." Percival and the other knights stood there in shock as I left for the bar. "Lenora, I'm going heading out. I'm starving." I called to the back before untying my apron.
"Oh no you don't. You're going to help tonight." The gray-haired inn owner scolded hurrying out of the kitchen brandishing a soup spoon. I tried to protest, but Lenora would hear none of it.
"Well can I at least take a break, like I said before, I'm STARVING!" I complained the knights had dispersed to their respective rooms to clean up. Lenora agreed and I bolted up to my room to change out of my work clothes into a pair of breeches, shirt, tunic and my converse chucks. Feeling more comfortable I headed out to the market to get some food.
Honestly, no matter how kind Hamish and Lenora are, they are STINGY, especially when it comes to food or money, unless you've got the right price anyway. Well, because they have a tendency to feed me and Charity poorly, I took up to eating in the market place. Occasionally, if there was excess, the vendors would toss me a fruit or two, but I admit guiltily to filching from some of the more stingy vendors. My own little way of setting the balance of the universe, hey I said I have a conscience I never said I was a fuckin' saint.
"Ria!" I turned to see an apple flying at my head. I wish I could say I had lightening fast reflexes and caught the fruit. I wish I could say that I at least dodged it with speed and grace. I really wish I could say all that, but I can't. The apple hit me squarely on my forehead.
"Ow!" I fell on my rear as I rubbed the sore spot on my forehead. "Damnit Milo! Warn a person if you're gonna do something stupid!" I yelled at the son of one of the nicer vendors. A hand was offered to help me up, when I looked up… oh hell, it was Percival.
"You speak so well when you could not speak before," He said grinning. Pulled my hand away and stalked off. Milo followed me down to the fields where some of the other village youth hung out. I could feel someone's eyes follow me.
SO, why the fields? Some of the village boys have taken to dream that they would be in the ranks of knights under Arthur. That's a little naïve especially since I was told they are hand selected from Sarmatia or sumthin'.
Anyway, Milo and I sat on the fence watching the other boys spar. Milo and I have become pretty good friends, but I suspect he's got a crush on me… OH GAAD, I hope not. We sat there, me happily crunching on my apple occasionally cheering on some of the friendlier boys. When Charity and I came here three weeks ago, I was totally alienated while she was welcomed with open arms… the whole pretty girl complex or something or another. Whatever, so I had taken to spending time with the wanabe knights, 'specially since I got some hot Kendo moves. Okay, maybe not totally hot, but hell I was still learning anyways.
"Lukas, keep your sword up!" I called in between bites for the umpteenth time.
"Shut up Ria, you're making me loose concentration!" the dirty blonde yelled back at me, barely keeping the other boy, Stephan, at bay. They never listen to me, and because of this they usually loose. Oh, there we go, Stephan pushed Lukas' sword and the blond fell on his ass. I couldn't help but laugh.
"Well if you're so knowledgeable why not enlighten us lowly wielders of the sword." Lukas said from the ground exasperatedly.
"Pft, yeah right. Two things: one, I'm on my break and eating. Two, Lenora'll have my head if I stay to make your ass inta grass." I countered. I may not be the most skilled, but Lukas' moves are so obvious almost like waving a flag.
"Let Charity or one of the other girls handle it." Darrus said, a black haired boy of a Woad mother.
Bite, bite, swallow. "Y'know that's what I told her, then she pulled her trump card… no supper." I replied with a wry grin. It's strange that I'm older'n most of these boys, but they act twice my age sometimes.
"What, Ria, have you lost your nerve? Do you fear me?" Lukas taunted.
"Hardly, I just got betta things to do… like right now involves satisfying my stomach." I snapped before taking another juicy bite of the red fruit. The juices started to drip down my wrists, but I thought better of it to lick them away.
"Is it not considered un-chivalrous to challenge a lady, boy?" a condescending voice drawled behind me. Mid-bite, I saw Percival and a small handful of knights walking up lazily.
"Lady? What lady? Sir Knight, all I see is a little girl shirking her duties and could be no better than the women of the tavern." I visibly bristled, how dare Lukas compare me to Charity and every girl who opens her legs for money! Time to open a can of whoop-ass! I jumped down from the fence, apple in between teeth and grabbed the wood "sword" that Stephan had used. A crowd had been drawn to the field, but all I focused on was beating Lukas to a bloody pulp, I was close to it before and I sure as hell plan to do it again.
Standing in Kendo starting position I waited for the first attack, stupid boy loves to attack first, something 'bout winners strike first.
"Ready, Victoria?" Lukas grinned, I would've scowled but the apple juices were dribbling down my chin. He lunged at me fast, but his footing was uneven and I easily sidestepped and swung the "blade" at the back of his legs forcing him to fall forward and drop his weapon. Shaking my head I quickly took a bite from my apple as he scrambled to regain face in front of the knights and everybody else. The other boys laughed and I could hear Milo, Stephan and Darrus cheer me on while I swallowed and placed the apple between my teeth.
"Ria, take the apple from your teeth, you look ridiculous!" Milo joked. Probably like a pig in a luau, but who cares really?
Lukas attacked low this time, but like a good Kendo student I am I blocked with a muffled "Ha!" Narrowly I spin out of a thrust to my stomach… Lukas is putting way too much force into his hits and wearing him and me out. He stumbles again and I take another bite, the juices are making my hands and chin sticky. Without thinking I wipe my hands on my pants. BIG MISTAKE. Lukas used my sticky hand distraction to knock me down with his shoulder, there's a big commotion, but that wasn't my concern, in my fall my apple falls and rolls in the dirt.
"YOU GAAD DAMNED FATHA-FUCKIN' BASTARD! THA WAS MY FUCKIN' LUNCH YOU ASS HOLE!" I yelled angrily pulling myself from the dirt. "Oh, it is on now, bitch." I tossed the stick aside in favor of a longer bow staff. Lukas eyes me warily, but I don't wait for him; ignoring all the jeers and calls from our audience I feinted a hit to his legs and whacked his sides. But I don't stop there; I struck his stomach and poked him roughly in the shoulder to drop his guard. I was so incredibly pissed that I don't hear his grunts because that apple is supposed to hold me over until later tonight. Unlike Charity or the other girls, I refused to flirt my way for food or drink and I will NOT start now. Swinging the staff, I was just about to knock Lukas down when I heard the most annoying voice calling me by the most annoying name.
"VIIICCCKKKKYY! Lenora wants you back now!" Charity called to me in English from the tavern. She's got the loudest voice of all the people I know. We've had this unspoken agreement to speak English to each other, I really don't know why though.
Looking down at Lukas I growled and tossed the staff aside before jumping the fence and plowing through the crowd, Milo a few steps behind me. I swear he's such a puppy. Milo asked me what she wanted and replied that Lenora wants me back now.
"Where have you been?" Lenora scolded as I entered the rowdy tavern. Several of the other girls were hard at work and giving many a man the "look", I shuddered like I'm ever gonna do that. I have more dignity than that.
"I'm sorry…" I start, but she interrupts me.
"You're dirty and smell. Hurry and clean up, Charity and the others need help." Yeah, if a good shrink couldn't help her, what made Lenora think I could? Sighing, I hurried up the rickety stairs of the tavern to the room I had to share with Charity.
"OH MY GAAD! WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOIN' ON MY BED!"
To all the reviewers from the orignal, I'm sorry that your reviews got erased, I forgot about the G rated title rule.