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.
Viola! Chapter 3 has arrived. There will be more of the knights from the movie, but I'm trying to get the intro stuff out of the way to get to the more interesting stuff. And for those reading my other stories Eleni and Blood Heritage I am not going to drop those stories, I'm just thinking right now, there's so much going on with each story it's crazy. But don't worry I'll get back to them.
3- ExQueeze Me!
I'm working the floor by myself tonight. Well, firstly the other girls were preoccupied with flirting, whoring and ugh… anyway, you get the picture. Why? Well, let's rewind and start from when I came to my room.
"OH MY GAAD! WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOIN' ON MY BED!" I screamed in utter disgust and grossed out-ness because there was Charity givin' one of the knights his gawd damned jollies! Needless to say that my yelling brought about the attention of the knights from downstairs as well as every other patron and soon there was an audience to watch me chew out Charity and the auburn haired Darren.
At least Darren had the decency to look somewhat ashamed whereas Charity screeched and yelled in all her naked non-glory before I rolled my eyes and threw a sheet at her as she made for the closet. Then facing Sir Darren, I pointed to the door with a deadly calm. "You, get out." He doesn't move. ExQueeze Me! Big mistake. I quickly grabbed the scattered clothes and tossed them out the window (I later found out, right on top of Arthur). "Now." Red in the face Darren pulled the blanket, my blanket, from the bed and hastily exited the room granting me a veeerrry nice view of his tight butt… ahem. Outside the guy was greeted by cheers, whistles, hoots, and you name it before I kicked the door closed. Typical.
"What did you do that for? I almost came." Ew, gross, I really don't wanna hear 'bout someone's sexploits. Calm down Ria, she's just trying to get a rise outta you. That's just what she wants; to get a rise outta you, don't give in. Breathe Dammit!
"Like I give a fuckin' damn about your sexcapades, now move. I gotta get cleaned up and get to work. I suggest you do the same." I said in a strained tone as I pushed passed her to the bathing room adjoining ours.
"That's it? No explosions, no death threats, nothing?" She demanded, "I did that for nothing? What a waste, he was cute too." How typical, just like every other horny bastard she's spread her legs for.
"ExQueeze me! Not my problem. My problem is downstairs screeching from behind the bar holding my paycheck." I snapped closing the door leaving Charity fuming.
Anyways back to the present, Darren was nowhere to be seen, I almost felt bad for throwing his clothes out the window…almost. I made my way to the bar with an empty tray, "I need another round, Charity. Charity?" I found the bar empty and called her name again but Charity was on the lap of Percival, making out with him. Ugh, she besta not bring that mess upstairs again or I will throw her out the window next. Oh, I forget that the Princess isn't used to hard labor… other than whoring herself, which she does so well. Getting behind the bar, I filled nine clean mugs with liquor before heading over to the table of Arthur. One thing I noticed about these knights was that they seemed rather clique-y. At Arthur's table were his closest friends I think and I knew them each by name: Lancelot, Kay, Bors, Dagonet, Galahad, Gawain, Gareth and Tristan. I smiled apologetically to Arthur for the clothes thing and hurried away. And surprise, surprise practically each one of them has a girl perched on his lap save for Tristan and Gareth.
Gaad, I'm so hungry, damn Lukas for making me drop my apple. Damn him, damn him, DAMN HIM. Next time I see him I swear I'll kick the shit outta him! My stomach growled loudly, okay girl focus on anything but the hunger, do your job. I didn't realize I was clutching my stomach when I had closed my eyes to take in breaths. I really hate when this happens, my metabolism is so high that I eat twice as much as a man. Well because of that, my hunger can get so bad that I sometimes faint and since Hamish and Lenora are stingy with food, this just may be one of those times.
I don't know how I made it back to the bar, I barely registered anyone talking to me, all I could focus on was that I had a pounding headache, clawing hunger and the world was spinning. Oh gawd please not now. ExQueeze me a moment, I think I'm gonna faint.
"Lady Ria? Lady Ria?" A voice called me back to the present, I breathed slowly before looking up to see a rather concerned Gareth. "Are you unwell?"
"N-no, I'm fine. What can I do ya for?" I plaster a smile to ease someone's fears, either his or mine, I don't know which. Suddenly my stomach let out a large growl and I looked down embarrassed. He chuckles as he produced a roll of bread for me. I try to decline but instead I doubled over with hunger. Someone caught me from behind and helped me to sit; it was the scout, Tristan. How'd he get here? Tristan places a large red apple in my hands before walking away.
"What was that about?" I ask through a mouthful of apple I hadn't realized I bit into.
"I know not, Lady Ria." Gareth said next to me, oops I'd forgotten he was there, the sweet knight handed me the pre-offered bread roll and I thankfully scarfed it down after finishing my apple before returning to my job. I swear I could feel Lenora's eyes boring into my back for not getting back to work sooner.
I passed by another table of knights distracted by my thoughts when another unwelcome arm snaked it's way around my waist, before I knew it I was pulled into a shadowy corner against the wall with a man's mouth searching my own. Exqueeze me! EW! He held my arms at my sides with his body pressed against me.
I struggle fiercely with my assailant; I managed to free my arms and began slamming my fists repeatedly into his shoulders, head, back, chest, until I could finally bring my knee up forcefully into his groin. He grunted painfully but not before I drive my elbow into his back like a WWE wrestler and bring my knee up into his face bloodying his nose.
"You gaad damned bastard! And keep yeh fatha fuckin' body parts to ya-self, asshole!" I yelled pounding into him until strong arms bear hugged me pulling me away kicking and yelling angrily. I continued to fight furiously until my bear-hugger set me down gently on the other side of the tavern… Dagonet. Calmly I leaned against the wall while the knight I just so happened to be beating (Belvedere) was being attended by the others. I think I surprised a lot of people that night with the change of demeanor, I mean the sudden mood swings aren't exactly employee of the month material. Oh well, anyway Dagonet was standing guard over me while Belvedere was taken upstairs. I leaned against the wall, this has sooo not been my day.
I heard footsteps approach and Dagonet moved out of the way. I swear the man is much too silent for his own good. "Lady Ria. Would you care to explain why you have attacked my knight?" Arthur asked me. I looked up at the stern handsome face of the knight commander; I'm pretty damn sure my cheeks were red. Laughing sheepishly I explained my side… as in the minding-my-own-business-then-someone-up-and-grabs-me-so-I'm-really-really-innocent-because-of-self-defense-kinda-thing. At that moment, I remembered how to breathe as he looks at me thoughtfully; it's odd how you can forget that really. Helping me to stand properly, Arthur leads me to the center of the room, what is up that man's sleeve?
"Knights! Lady Ria is under my protection, no man shall touch her without my or her consent. Any violation of said order will have to deal with me; this goes for any one else." He looked at me with a somewhat triumphant look. "Does that suit you milady?" He asked me quietly. I just blinked… Whoa, whoa, whoa, what the hell just happened? Before I could even think upon my actions I took one step towards him and slapped him for all that I was worth before calmly cutting through the crowd like Moses in the Red Sea. Just keep walking, walk, put one foot in front of the other and look straight ahead. Keep walking Ria.
Oh my god. I just slapped the future king of Briton, I just slapped the man who didn't do shit to me other than rescue my sorry ass, I just slapped Arthur. My mind was racing, I guess I could never work in the tavern that attends the knights every time they visit. Great, what the hell was I going to do now? No money, no food, no shelter, no knowledge of real survival skills… I am so fucked!
I was out in the stables in the only empty stall, I made a deal with Hamish to let me buy it with a month's pay. There I had set up a leather-sand-filled punching bag onto the beam, when it was raining or I was stressed with no one to take it out on I would go there and try to practice the little I had learned in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Club. I know, I know, I'm always fighting; I guess it's because I always got beat on as a kid and now that I have the chance I can kinda fight back.
Anyways, I was striking the bag furiously, my shirt tied around my waist with my thin tankini and the skirt tied to one side for more movement. This was my safe haven and nobody goes to this dark corner save for me. I should have known that this was not gonna be a time when I would be left alone.
Jab, strike, kick, jab, right hook, left uppercut. The punching bag was my enemy, the enemy had many faces; like Charity. I didn't register the bleeding pain in my bare fists from not wearing the gloves; every hit against the hard leather tore the skin of my knuckles. I poured everything I had into the punching bag, my frustration, my homesickness, my anger, my fear. All the emotions I bottled in my heart were pounded into that bag. Jab, jab, uppercut, right hook, left hook, change positions, jab, back roundhouse kick, jump kick, jump kick. With an angry scream I kicked the bag with my remaining strength forcing the chain that held the bag up to break. Idly I watched the bag soar through the air and sand burst from its seams as it hit the floor with a smacking thud. I leaned against the side of the stall and let my body slide to the floor. The horses in the stables whickered noisily, disturbed by my yells, yet used to them.
Slowly my senses returned, the dull throb of my knuckles became sharp and painful, my arms and legs felt sore, my eyes prickled from unshed tears, but for all it was worth my emotions were spent and once again I was a blank canvas. Controlling my breath, I let my eyes close to take in the sounds I denied my senses earlier.
The approaching crunch of boots on the spilled sand drew my attention and I opened one eye to see Arthur's head scout. Exhaling I let my vision sink into the darkness behind my eyelids. "I'm not serving anything so go away." I'm rude, but like I care!
I heard him crouch over me and felt him tilt up my head pressing a canteen to my parched lips. Cool water flooded my mouth and gratefully I swallowed as it dribbled a bit down my chin. I made no move to wipe my mouth when Tristan pulled the canteen away, I was just too tired. But the scout surprised me in two ways, one: he wiped the liquid from my lips and two: he was uncharacteristically gentle.
"Thank you…" I muttered before he got up and started to walk away. I was rude. He started to walk away. God! I've been so rude and I totally misplaced my anger. "T-Tristan. I mean Sir Tristan." He stops but doesn't turn to me. "I-I'm sorry." Gaad Damn, why'm I so flustered! Right, cause he's incredibly intimidating… and a hottie… no Ria, bad thoughts BAD THOUGHTS!
He looks at me somewhat confused; it's not on his face, but in his eyes. "For?" I slowly make to stand my legs a bit weak from my exertions and stumble to find Tristan at my side. "For what?"
"I apologize for being rude to you. You were bein' nice and I treated you like a horny bastard, for that I'm sorry. I misjudged you." I said with the attempts of an apologetic smile.
"Was not necessary." He replied simply, I tried to decipher the look in his dark eyes, but the damned braids are in the way. I felt a sudden chill on my sweaty body and realized the state of dress I was in…that I was in a thin brown lacy tankini with my skirts hitched up my thighs. FUCK! And in close proximity to a rather HOT guy! I am soo FUCKED! I must've looked like Charity on a good day.
Immediately I try to undo the knots I tied in my shirt and skirt, my fingers fumbled as I swore curses in all my languages angrily under my breath. Damn, damn, damn! The blood and sweat on my fingers made this situation worse until another pair of hands undid the knots I couldn't. Looking up I saw the intent look of Tristan on my knotted clothes. I'm sure my cheeks were flaming red when I thanked him again and ran out of the stables in a desperate attempt to save myself anymore embarrassment.
There's no excuse for it. I gotta get outta here, Lenora and Hamish won't keep me, I doubt anyone in the village would keep me… damn my temper. I'll just pack up; apologize to Arthur, Lenora and Hamish. They were nice, but really who's gonna tolerate a loose cannon like me?
I'll just go from village to village until I find someone who'll send me home. I raced up to my room to pack my backpack while making my plan.
Throwing open my door, I'm relieved to see that Charity is in neither bed and I make my way over to the closet. In the bottom is my black backpack covered with an assortment of concert and protest pins. I make a quick inventory of what is in there; notebook turned journal, ipod mini, toiletries (soap, deodorant, toothbrush, lotion, and body spray), 20 some odd bags of trail mix and chicken teriyaki jerky, thick black hoodie, wallet, Zippo Lighter (lovingly named Pandora), cell phone, keys, extra undies (just in case), long black skirt with the slit up to the mid-thigh (DAMNIT SASHA!) and a 40 of water. The notebook fell from my bed and a few leaflets scattered from the pages. One in particular caught my eye… it was a design for a dress, a bright red flamenco dress specifically. My cousin designed it for me, for her brother's coming out party and wanted me to be his partner. We were supposed to dance to the flamenco and other dances. Sighing, I put the sketch back in the notebook and my resolve strengthened. I made a promise and gaad damnit, I will get home!
I pulled on my jeans and concert shirt, then the clothes that Lenora was kind enough to provide me with. The long brown skirt that Lenora gave me was loose enough to hide my loose paint splattered faded jeans and dark blue chucks. I pulled on my black hoodie and twisted my shoulder length wavy black-brown hair into the hood. Ugh, I am a serious fashion criminal, but this has to be done, it's getting colder outside and I don't know how long the lighter fluid in Pandora will last. I shouldered my bag and took one final look at the room, I really hoped I hadn't left anything... then my eyes fell on Charity's bag. One final prank couldn't hurt, I grinned maliciously in the dark.
I peered out into the shadows of the hallway before exiting and looking for Sir Arthur's room on the other end of the hall. The flickering shadows of the hall obscured my vision, but not enough to deter me. As I passed by each one of the knight's rooms, a number of different sounds could be heard, from snoring to groans of gaad knows what. I stopped in front of Arthur's room and pressed my ear to the wooden barrier silently praying I wouldn't be disturbing his 'nighttime activities.' Positive that nothing other than sleeping was taking place, I knocked on the door and waited.
A disheveled version of Arthur appeared at the door, a blanket at his waist, his muscles rippled despite the annoyance on his features. It took him a moment to register I was there… well, can't blame him, I'm only 5'3.5" so of course he's gonna look straight above my head. I cleared my throat and pulled my hood off, he looked down and his features soften a bit.
"Lady Ria. What brings you at this hour?"
I looked at him quizzically; I hadn't realized how late it was. "Oh, is it really late? I didn't realize, I thought it was just about time to retire but not that late. I really gotta pack faster; I can be really slow sometimes whoa that is so weird…" I was babbling.
"Lady Ria, is it important?" He cuts me off sounding anxious. A feminine moan echoes from the dark room behind him and I fight every urge to laugh… it sounded like Charity for some reason.
"Oh… Right. I just came to apologize for earlier. I wasn't thinking. So, sorry. G'night… or rather enjoy the rest of your night." I finished quickly and turned to leave.
"Lady Ria? Are you going somewhere?" I heard the door closed and there he was, clad in a blanket with a concerned look on his face. "Your apology was not necessary. I was merely concerned, but I fear my delivery for your protection was misunderstood."
I looked down at my backpack and shook my head. I should've left it in the room first, oh well no turning back now. I just won't answer that question, he's too tired to notice if I answered it or not. "Y'know, it's okay. I'm sorry, you're sorry; I forgive you and you forgive me. We're squared, no worries… Hakuna Matata." I answered hurriedly. The later I wait the less my chances of being unnoticed, damn I should've planned this better. "Good Night." I smiled reassuringly and watch Arthur return to his room looking unconvinced.
I was outside making my way through the trees. I figured it was easier to just leave Lenora and Hamish a note, apologizing for having to put up with me and leaving what little money I accumulated for any outstanding expenses I had left.
Once I reached the edge of the village, I broke into a run. I didn't think about how rash I was being, I didn't think about the fact I was leaving safety, all I thought about was that I needed to get home no matter what. I should've known that all those ideas wouldn't have mattered in the next moments...
A/N: I hope everybody liked this one. I felt it was rushed, but THANKFULLY my beta Tracy137 said it sounded fine. Anyways the reviews.
LANCELOTTRISTANBABY: I really hope that this update was suitable. Thanks for reviewing.
Lolita Riddle: I probably should've mentioned this sooner, but Ria has an incredible ability to pick up languages. I mean, she is multi-lingual, and if you already have a grasp on English, Spanish, French and Italian, Latin really wouldn't be that difficult because most romantic languages stem from Latin. I hope that clears that up. Also, Ria doesn't fit in, she never did. Being the outspoken and self-righteous person she is, fitting in has never been her priority; unlike Charity, whom I'm trying to make the "almost perfect" Mary-Sue. And I will include all the knights one way or another, don't worry, I'm just trying to get past the others. Anyway Thanks for your review!
Etraya: Wow, vacation in Paris. I'm so pleased that you are taking the time to review while on vacation. Aww, warm and fuzzy feelings all around. I hope you liked this chapter.