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.

A/N: Yay! Chapter 12! Woo Hoo! Love the reviews, you guys rock! Remember, any words spoken in Italics are supposed to be in English. And –italics- means actions during speech.

All Things New

"Ria dear," I looked up from the stacks of orders I was reading to see Vanora and her brood just outside the forge. Removing my reading glasses, I grinned and greeted my friends with hugs. "Ria, are ye terribly busy, lass? I need some'un ta watch th'young 'uns while I'm at work. It's so 'ard without Rebecca now."

I nodded in reply, "Sure, not a problem. I need a break anyway. Things have been so hectic since the epidemic and the burials. I'm just glad that Dagonet found those herbs when he did or else this'd be a dead island." She smiled sadly at me in understanding. The kids bombarded me with questions, stories and little oddities that Vanora didn't have time to tell me anything before heading over to the tavern she now owned after the former owner died from the flu.

This flu that struck the fort and the woods was unlike anything I have ever experienced in my life, then again, back home if I was ill with the flu I would just take some meds and everything would be cool the next day. Here, there was a lack of hygiene, lack of good medical help and lack of flu medication. There wasn't a single person safe from the illness or some person's crazy cure alls.

Merlin even sent a Woad healer to see me and Charity secretly when we both got sick; which inadvertently, meant I had to hear her nasally snorting/snoring throughout the night. Shit.

Two days ago when most were well enough, a massive funeral was held for those who died. Among the dead were Tinninus, Kay and Lionell, three knights taken away much too soon. I think Arthur may have taken it the hardest... it's in his nature. Many of my friends were surprised that I didn't want to go to the funeral for them, but Brat insisted I was unwell. Actually, the day of the funeral I was summoned to Merlin.

The Dark Magician wanted me to decide what the fate of those that killed Gareth and Percival, a group of bandits that just happened to get lucky. As much as I would've rather left it to Merlin and the Woads, it was my decision to make. I remember reading somewhere that to end grieving you would have to save a life, so in an African tribe; they would tie up a murderer and toss him/her over in a lake to drown. Now the family of the victim had a choice to let the person die and have justice or to save the person's life and end their mourning. If they let the murderer die, they would have their justice but their mourning would never end; if they saved the murderer that meant they accept that life is not just and their mourning is over.

I was given this choice, Merlin and the Woads were anxious to have the bandits killed; I was for a time… justice will be had, but if I did I would never feel right nor would my mourning end. I let them go.

"Wee-ah," A little voice broke my reverie. I look to down at the tug of my skirt to see Vanora and Bors' number Five, an adorable little red-head that has all the good looks of her mother and father (if you squint really hard).

"Hi mija, what'd you need?" (A/N: mija is little girl in Spanish) I ask affectionately bending down to her level so that I was eye to eye with the little girl. The other kids, numbers One through Eight, are running around the forge with Loca (who is the size of a small terrier) and I can't help but be amused. They're not going to cause any real damage, besides Argon and the other apprentices are at a seaside port getting more supplies while I take care of the books.

"Wee-ah, wot's thith?" Five asked holding up my cellphone, a custom lavender and pale green side-kick from Sasha for my nineteenth birthday. I smile at her innocent face, gaad she's so lovable.

"It's just a sort of toy from my world, mija," I replied starting to hold out my hand for it, but then I thought better of it. I mean, it's really unlikely she could destroy it as she runs off after her brothers and sisters and Loca. Turning back to the stack of papers I stop short as I hear…

"…like a web we'd mesh. Nothing felt better than your flesh against my flesh…one fatal slip, one rip a tear… touch me now and every single hair, on my body stands on end…" My voice sang in a sort of husky way from the video clip of my phone when I was part of a band. Oh shit, they found the videos. "So don't touch me anymore… don't touch me anymore…"

Making a grab from my phone was a bad move that I did anyways as the little brood darted off entranced by the pulsing sounds and lights of the music video Sasha used on the clip.

"Cause it feels like Spiders! Like Spiders all over me! Like Spiders! Like Spiders all over me!" The song continued with the wailing of the guitars and chorus. I'm so glad no one really understands English, even so the video wasn't exactly G rated.

"Hey, c'mon guys… give it back." I demanded chasing after Five, Four and Two who currently had my side-kick while Loca thought it funny to dodge between my legs. The music video ended and melted into another, a bit raunchier than the last (again Sasha's "wonderful" video-graphy skills at work). "Guys, it's not funny anymore! Give it back!" Doubly shit, the little "darlings" had run out into the court yard near the training grounds, at the same time the knights had come out from another meeting.

Five, who was running and staring at the screen, crashed straight into her father's belly with a yelp of surprise and cried.

Picking up his daughter, Bors looked at the "odd" colored object and the singing mini me on the bright LCD screen. "Wot's this?" The other crowded Bors and Five completely captivated by the moving pictures. I pushed my way through them and plucked the cell phone from Bors' hands stuffing it into my skirt pocket ignoring the sounds coming from the speakers. A collective groan of disappointment was emitted as the knights were denied watching the mini me bump and grind in tune with the song.

"It's nothing ya'll should be seeing anyway." I stated plainly heading back to the forge where the rest of the brood was causing chaos. The knights followed me into the forge asking questions like why I don't dress like that more often, or who that guy was I was dancing with, or will I dance like that with one of them and other questions that grated at my nerves.

It took all of my will power to not take one of their swords from their sheaths and hack them all to bits and feed them to rabid monkey fuckers!

"AI DIOS MIO! Just shut the FUCK up already!" I finally screamed at them… the silence was incredible, although that meant all eyes were on me and only Arthur, who had just walked up, understood what I'd said.

"Ria? Is all well?" He asked me, I could feel my cheeks burn red. With a look of annoyance, I herded the children into one area to keep myself distracted from the losers.

"Traders!" A call came from the wall as I tucked in the brood. They had worn me out earlier that day and we took a collective nap for less than an hour before they decided that it would be fun to play with the new weapons I was in the process of making: a tessen (Japanese war fan like Kitana has in Mortal Kombat), a katana (sword that the samurai used, so Arthur can train me in swordplay) and throwing knives Tristan requested. It's a lot of work, but hell I'm the only one working while Argon and the other boys are at the port.

I heard the doors of the wall creak as the sound of hooves and wagon wheels rumbled through the courtyard. Who would be coming in this late? Making sure the kids were asleep, I tucked the edge of my skirt into the waistband of my jeans so I could climb onto the roof to see who was coming in.

From the looks of things, these weren't just any normal Roman traders... they were from Arabia! Sweet! This was a perfect opportunity to practice my Arabic, since I have not done so in a long time... well not since Wren's Bend.

And there weren't just traders in the court, there was an extravagant... okay a Roman carriage with Roman soldiers in the court too. Oh, yeah... Phillipus Benedictus, a Roman Hotshot coming to the fort to inspect and degrade us all. Ain't that a peach... phft.

"Ria?" Vanora's voice called me from inside. Scrambling back through the window, I see Vanora cradling her youngest to her breast and greeted her with a nod. "Where ya been dearie?"

I gave her the cliff notes version of what I saw; she looked at me with a grin and told me that she and I were summoned to the Round Table Hall to greet Phillipus and his sister Lady Claudia.

"Do ye wan' t'get cleaned up first?" She asked me as I started for the door.

I looked down at my sooty clothes and shrugged, "Why bother? It's just some fat pompous ass and his prissy stuck up sister, who is probably worse than Charity." We locked eyes for a moment and shuddered with giggles, who can be worse than Charity?

We entered the hall and stood to the side as I retied the dusty kerchief around my head. The knights were at their seats smartly dressed and fidgety, but hell at least they were clean. Charity was on Gawain's lap cooing and giggling at something or other, I ignored her with the respective disgust I reserved especially for her. I asked Dagonet why Charity and I had to be there, but they knew about as much as I did, not a lot.

Sighing I took my place next to Bors' lover as we made comments about the pomp and circumstance just for really one person and his sister. "Betcha he's this fat bastard who would no more dirty his hands in a fight than tell the truth." I stated loudly to Vanora who nodded in amused agreement. For added effect I strutted around imitating my idea of a pompous jerk loser that had my dear friend laughing. "Lookit me, I'm an old, fat pompous asshole bastard with nothing better to do with my life but fuck with everyone else's. Har har har…" I had most of them laughing at my antics.

The large door to the hall opened and Arthur walked in talking with the most handsome man I have ever laid eyes on. He was tall, a bit tanned, dark wavy hair that haphazardly lay on his head, bright blue eyes, strong jaw, and perfect nose over a most kissable mouth. The man was built like a god if I were so bold as to go there. He had strong arms and legs… and GAAD he looked like a cross between Keanu Reeves and Tom Welling!

Following Arthur and the hottie was … dare I say it, the most gorgeous woman to walk the face of the earth. It was as though, Aphrodite herself decided to become human. She was a deadly beauty, with waist-length silky ink hair of the finest brush, high cheeks, piercing green blue eyes, pouty red lips and hour glass figure.

I think every person in the room was staring at the two fey-like beings. Tearing my eyes from the people that walked in with Arthur, I saw that I was so right. I mean Bors' ale was pouring from his cup to his mouth down his chin and onto his lap.

And where was I? Standing right in front of the door, looking all parts of the wide-eyed idiot in front of them, that's where.

Arthur stopped mid-sentence and raised a brow at me. Sheepishly I tried to move, but the gorgeous man caught my hand before I could go anywhere and brushed his lips across my sooty knuckle… I'M A MESS AND THIS GUY IS KISSING MY HAND!

"Ria, this is …"

"An old, fat pompous asshole bastard, my lady. But most call me Phillipus Benedictus." The hottie said with the most charming of smiles, he could give Lancelot a run for his money. "May I present my sister…Lady Claudia."

"Fuck me, no WAY…you're hot…" I said awkwardly pulling my hand from his grasp. Charity looked at me a moment but Loca seemed to understand my feeling and bared her teeth with a predatory growl at the blonde. Realizing what I'd said, I felt my cheek redden under the soot… I am soooo glad I didn't say it in Latin, I'd be so screwed. Why couldn't I have said something like 'nice to meet you' or 'your not what I expected' or even 'how wonderful for you?'

Two weeks after the arrival of Phillipus, Claudia and the traders, found me standing at the top of the rampant overlooking the forest in the late evening. With my arms and fingers spread, just feeling the air, I felt free. It wasn't too windy this night, but my skirts still floated around me; I'm just so glad that I wear my jeans under my skirts or I'd be very cold indeed.

Phillipus and Claudia are surprisingly nice, how they survived the crazy politics that reside in the capitol of Constantinople is beyond me. In the two weeks they were here, they have actually gained the respect of a lot of people.

Despite her looks, Claudia is the exact opposite of Charity, which made me very happy and Charity very disappointed. She offered to help in the tavern, but after a few run-ins with drunk Romans and Britons, it wasn't such a great idea. She did try to help with the kids, but a woman can only watch over that little brood before vowing to never have kids… her patience astounded me. Not only that, she is a very skilled healer and has been seen in the company of Dagonet many times. If I didn't know better, those two may have a little thing going on! I plan to do everything in my power to make sure those two hook up!

Phillipus or Phil, could definitely be categorized as almost perfect. Not only is he kind, charming, debonair and whatnot, but his views are a lot like Arthur's. I would have agreed to dating him or at least talking to him too, but stuff feels too rushed. But as I said, Phil is almost perfect. Only, his little snit is that the views on equality for women are so incredibly jaded! For example, today we actually got into an argument about my being a blacksmith and Arthur teaching me swordplay. I told him that he could go and fuck himself because I refused to be treated like some delicate and fragile thing. He bothered me so much that I had to come up here to breathe the freedom I don't normally get.

And the traders, they are from Arabia! Well, at least a good half of them. I surprised them the first time I started speaking with them in Arabic, it feels so nice to have the language roll off my tongue so easily. The daughter of the leader, Inara, is actually the only one who speaks Latin and her and I became fast friends. The traders are actually calling me by my Arabic name Azhar, it's actually a little bit weird. But I'm learning a lot about my Arabic heritage I never knew before. Inara is actually the freest of the women travelers because her mother was not alive to raise her, but her father gave her many freedoms (which is why she can speak Latin and a lot of other things). Hassan, the traders' leader, has taken a liking to me too; he actually said that I remind him of a younger version of his late sister. Those two really honor me with their acceptance and have really taught me so much.
"A drink for your thoughts?" Lancelot's voice reverberated on the wind. Opening my eyes I looked down at him from where I stood on the wall.

"Thanks but no."

"Well, I'd still like to know what it is you think of, lady." He offered a hand to help me down. Smiling I slid off the stone onto the wood without help. "Your home? A certain dashing man? A knight perhaps?"

"No, not really. I'm just restless. I'm ahead in work so I've got very little to do. Vanora doesn't really need help with the kids now that Lady Claudia is here. Argon is back and won't let me try to make anything new… I'm just looking for something to do is all."

He grinned salaciously at me about to say something, "And no, I won't go for anything you have to suggest, Lancey. I know you far too well for that." His grin faltered. "Yeah, that's what I thought."

"Then I have nothing to add, Ria. Come, I will walk you to your rooms." The dark knight offered me his arm, but I instead casually slung my arm around the back of his shoulders in a friendly fashion. Albeit it was hard to do 'cause the guy is a frickin' giant… okay maybe not, but still a helluva lot taller'n me.

"Y'know, I think I just might take you up on that drink Lancey-pants." He laughed loudly as we headed to the tavern. Yeah, like I'm really gonna drink, I'll just watch him and the rest get drunk; oh it'll be so much fun.

I just finished working the set of throwing knives for Tristan. Wiping my brow, I grinned in satisfaction at the shining sharp steel. I have truly outdone myself. I looked around for Loca and Brat to show them the blades. Where are they? They were supposed to be back by now, especially since the fort gates will be closing soon.

I put the tools away and covered the opening to the massive forge with a grunt. Now I just gotta get cleaned up and find my maid as well as give these to Tristan. He's been a bit nicer lately, it could be either I threatened to cook his hawk and came close or he's actually starting to appreciate the things I do for him and the rest of the knights… I'm hoping for the latter. Between me and you (my notebook turned diary) I like being around him. Maybe he's too quiet, but it's nice. He doesn't try to bed me like Lancelot, or make me into some proper lady like Phil, or treat me like a cute little sister like everyone else, rather he just lets me be me… something I'm not always getting to be.

"Argon! I'm heading out now!" I called to the forge master as I straightened my only clean outfit. Brat was supposed to take Loca and do the laundry, but since they weren't back yet I had to wear this really nice gown Vanora had made or me; a Roman cut, long sleeves, loose and comfortable in a soft hunter green. It's really beautiful, but there's no room for me to wear my jeans if they were clean.

Wrapping my black cloak around my shoulders and bundling the set of knives in my skirt, I left out the back door that led to the alley. About twenty meters into the alley I heard voices arguing. I couldn't understand what was being said, but I did recognize one of the voices… Brat?

As I turned the corner, I could see two Roman soldiers cornering my maid/sister. Her face was set in defiance and disgust. I didn't see Loca, and that was a bad sign.

"Hey! Leave her alone!" I yelled throwing rocks and loose bits of debris at the soldiers drawing their attention to my dark corner. With the distraction, Brat kneed the closest soldier in the groin and pushed the other with her basket to make him fall before high-tailing it out the alleyway.

I quickly followed after a swift kick to both men's stomachs, my skirts fluttering about my calves. Once we were clear of the alley, Brat started laughing at their pained groans.

"What's so funny?" I demanded catching my breath before pulling the hood of my cloak up.

"That was great. Thanks Ria. The stupid blithers wouldn't lay off."

I was about to ask why and where Loca was when we heard the soldiers talking to other soldiers who had heard their groans. Brat went wide-eyed. We both knew the punishment for assault on a Roman, even if we were women.

"Go to Vanora and Bors'. Stay there until I come and get you. Do NOT leave, understand me?" I gripped her arm tightly until she nodded and ran off. I quickly made for the tavern taking back alleys and short cuts through shops. Finally I reached my destination.

Panting in relief, I took a brief moment to calm my breathing and come up with a perfect alibi. I kept my hood up; it won't do to call attention to myself, yet.

I slid into a shadowed corner and surveyed for a possible alibi, I was still panting. Lancelot and Darren were gambling with some Romans while Charity was perched like a queen on Lancelot's lap cheering at random moments. No, being around Romans is a bad idea and knowing Lancelot and Darren, I'd attract unwanted attention.

Bors and Dagonet were with Vanora, Claudia and the youngest of the brood. I can't pretend to work because my dress with give me away.

Lamorak, Gawain and Galahad were throwing their knives again with a whole audience of wenches and a smirking Phillipus. KNIVES! I quickly searched for the scout and found him with their commander drinking quietly. Nimbly I maneuvered my way to the knights' area and unceremoniously plucked Arthur's mug taking a long draught of the burning liquid.

Coughing I handed the now empty mug back to the future king. My eyes watered terribly, I have never drunk so much alcohol in my life… it was nasty.

"Ria?" Arthur questioned with a raised brow.

"I've been here for the past hour, okay?" I gasped as my hood fell, "I don't have time to explain just yet, I just need you to agree. More." I cut off his questions for more drink with an unceremonious plop across Tristan. Arthur got up with the empty mug and headed to the bar.

A small smile graced my lips, safe. I thought with a sigh. Well that was short lived when I looked up to the scrutinizing gaze of Tristan.

"What?" His brow rose. "Roman trouble so I need an alibi." Rolling my eyes, I pulled the bundle from my skirts and slid it over to him. Tristan simply nodded and took the bundle. I knew he was expecting an answer, an explanation… something. But just as I got up to move closer and explain, the Roman soldiers from before walked in with a few friends.

SHIT!

Without thinking I launched myself into Tristan's lap and crashed my lips against his in passionate and heated kiss.

I tangled my fingers brutally in his unruly hair pulling him desperately closer to me as I ran my tongue on his surprisingly soft lips. He opened his mouth as our kiss became fierce. He tasted of ale and mint and something I couldn't quite put my finger on… but wow. I could feel his hands running down my sides to my hips pulling me tighter to him.

I could hear the other knights come over and cheer the two of us on as I trailed slow kisses along his jaw close enough to his ear. He barely let out a controlled groan when I whispered in his ear, "I know you don't really like me, but thanks for playing along. Just take me to your room and I'll leave you alone okay?" His fingers tightened under my cloak on my hips and neck when I let out a little moan against his lips.

Suddenly, one of his hands gripped my butt somehow getting me to straddle his hips. GOD! Can this man KISS!

I could hear the Romans approach and try to get a look at my face. But Arthur made them go away and I pulled away for air. My lips felt righteously plunders, but I knew it was just a ruse… so why is my heart beating like this?

The knights made their jokes that I barely heard and Arthur handed me a mug of water, which I took gratefully.

"Well, well, well that was quite a display Ria…" Lamorak said with a grin.

"Yeah, what was that about?" Gawain asked.

Shifting off Tristan, I quickly explained the alley incident. They all insisted that they would protect both Brat and me. I shook my head, "You aren't here all the time. If they find out it was us, we'll be in deep shit next time you go on a mission. Hiding is not my way, but I promised Brat I wouldn't let anything happen to her."

Lancelot sighed, "That's all well and good, Ria, but why not come to any one else… mostly me?"

Before I could retort, Tristan had pinned me against the wall and attacked my mouth. The others groaned good-naturedly and left us to our show. Through my lashes I could see the Romans pass by with Phil just as Tristan forced my legs to wrap around his waist. I wrapped my arms around his neck as he trailed kisses along my jaw and neck. The hair on his face tickling my skin, I tried so hard not to giggle and ruin the show.

"Let's go." He whispered against my neck, lifting the both of us without breaking contact and we passed by the others with their cheers on our way to the knights' quarters.

As he closed the door, we pulled away like the other had the plague (despite the contact I wanted to keep). He regarded me and I him for silent moments until the silence was too much. Smacking my lips I broke the ice.

"Well, thanks for the alibi. Be seeing you." I said tying the end of my dress together and pulling my hair into a ponytail. He simply watched me from his place at the door while I started to climb out the window onto the low roof the building next to the knights' quarters. I spared the scout a wink and an air kiss, but he stood there watching with his arms crossed.

A/N: Whew! That was long. Much longer than I intended, but I really had to get it moving along. I'm so sorry that it took me a while.
1. I have midterms, papers and projects to do.
2. I had a bad case of writers' block
3. I needed to watch the King Arthur movie again for inspiration. (I finally got it!)

Thanks to my reviewers, you keep me going and happy. I'm expecting some response 'cause this was so much fun to write.

Special thanks to:

Shevaun: I hope this chapter answered your question. Originally, Phillipus was gonna charm her, but I wasn't feeling it. So I ultimately scrapped that idea.

KnightMaiden: In my other story, I gave Roxie to Lancelot in a way so it's Tristan's turn. Hope this was good enough.

mysticpig: Yeah, I was trying really hard to capture his personality, it's not easy. And I just love to hate Charity and do stuff, even if it is a little at a time. I have to whittle the characters down for now before I can do more stuff to her.

Yeah, their destinies crossed and got mixed, the life both girls live aren't supposed to be the ones they do. Charity is supposed to be the good one, the one that lives humbly and self-righteous… not Ria. Does that help?

Etraya: Yeah, I'm sorry, but they do. It is one of the suckiest ways to die, but it did and sometimes still does happen.

Evenstar-mor2004: I will get to appreciating gifts… eventually. But for now, I'll have them settle for a kiss.

The Wild Woman: I hope this chapter answered your question. It was lucky bandits. Despite the pain of letting them go in the face of justice, it was the right thing to do.

Indeh: Yay another new reviewer! Sadly three die in one fell swoop.