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: Sooo chapter 13. Woo hoo! I promise to do my best with updates, but like I said, I'm in the middle of midterms and papers so that's difficult in it's own right. Why is it most inspiration occurs when you're the busiest and horrible writer's block when you aren't as busy? I swear it is just wrong. Hope this one is to your liking, please no flames because that's just bad and mean.

I can't believe I've got over 50 reviews! WOW! It is amazing. My other story is over fifty, but there are a lot of chapters. Thanks.

Surprises

CRACK!

"AAHHHHHHHHHH!"

I screamed, God I screamed for all that I was worth. Tears left tracks on my sooty cheeks as another crack broke the air with my scream following. CRACK! CRACK! CRACK! I had lost track of how many lashes I had received all I could think about was the pain and how much I wanted it to stop.

I promised myself I wouldn't let them see how I hurt, I vowed that I would be strong and composed… well that plan was shot to hell. The leather tails of the whip tore at the skin of my bare back being that the back of my shirt had been ripped to shreds. I could barely make out the voices of Vanora, Claudia and Brat protesting my treatment. They were screaming for me, demanding it all to end. Someone was restraining Loca and even Charity was there…dunno why though.

It's sweet of them to try, but I know in my heart it won't work.

OH GAWD! Finally the solider stopped as I slumped against the post that held me upright, my wrists will be bloody, but this is what I promised to do. You don't save a person and then throw them to the wolves. The Romans found out it was me and Brat that got those two bastards in the alley, I don't know how they found out, but they bided their time. It was three days ago, yesterday the knights left for a village in distress with Phillipus. I really wish that I passed out instead of staying conscious, it might've been better.

The Romans were going after Brat, but under law since I am responsible for her actions it was my debt to pay… and unfortunately no amount of coin was going to get me out of it at least no amount I had. The ass holes barged into the forge and started dragging her away. I intervened giving one of them a bloodied nose, it was the right thing to do and I promised her I would always look after her.

Now that I think about it, the fucking Romans were pretty damn smart, waiting for the protection of knights and Phillipus to go away before coming after me and Brat.

I vaguely remember being carried and clucked around, but the haze of my unconsciousness didn't allow for any registration.

I didn't even get a FUCKIN' TRIAL! Just a convictions… the bastards. I remember blacking out to Vanora yelling at Charity for something or another, but hell I don't care the cause of pain was gone and all I'm left with is throbbing aches. I wanted to tell them to shut the fuck up, but I couldn't the effort was too much

I lay facedown on a bed, probably mine, but it sure as hell didn't smell like mine. My back was throbbing with the steady beat of my pulse. With a whimper of pain I tried to take in my surroundings, or at least lift my head from the pillow but there was just too much pain.

"Awake now?" An all too familiar voice asked dryly. My brain takes a moment for registration to kick in as I manage to turn my head to the speaker.

"Of all the men in the fort to welcome me back to the land of the living, it had to be you." I joked with a wry smile… he did not look amused. I hate wasting jokes, "Where am I, Tristan?"

"My room."

"Why? Something wrong with mine?"

"Arthur's orders."

"So, what? We playing musical rooms?" The scout did that annoying bird shrug he had. Ugh, birds. "I don't s'pose you're ever gonna give me a straight answer eh?" I tried to roll onto my side to sort of face him completely unaware of my state of undress that was until I felt coldness on my boobs. With a squeak I stupidly rolled onto my back to cover myself. A scream of mind numbing pain escaped my lips and I rendered motionless on my back.

I'm not really sure what happened but I think Tristan did something and I was laying on my stomach again while hot tears flowed down my cheeks. Then Tristan must have left, because I'm sure I heard the door close. I hate the Romans who made me weak, I hate them and their stupid rules, I hate that I can't do anything about it. Burying my face into Tristan's pillow I screamed obscenities while trying not to take in his scent… if he knew I was smelling it, I would just die of embarrassment!

"I take it you're somewhat better Ria?" Phil's voice wafted like a welcome breeze over me. I looked up at him as he sat in the chair Tristan formerly occupied… gaad he's just so unspeakably hot! "How are you feeling?"

"Umm… didn't you just hear everything?"

"Aye, but I thought I should still ask."

"Uh-huh. Well, the word 'ouch' definitely comes to mind." A deep chuckle erupted from his throat… wow, it's a good thing I'm bedridden or else I'd pounce him. His hottie-ness is really amazing, I don't think I've ever seen someone let alone met someone like him. Phillipus told me that they had arrived in time to get the soldiers to stop beating me to near death and how angry they all were that I wasn't even treated properly. According to him, I was supposed to have trial with the magistrate and witnesses that we both agree on… well fuck me I didn't get that special treatment!

Aside from that, I learned that Hassan and the other traders had already left back east on their trade route, upon learning that my stomach fell through to my feet (or rather flatter against the bed, being I'm lying down, but technicalities don't count right now). I was supposed to go with them; my restlessness had forced me to ask Inara if I would be able to go with them to Arabia, I knew I could learn so much if I went with them, but that possibility was shot to hell. Damnitall.

Over the week I had an onslaught of visitors and was moved to several different rooms for my protection or as Lancelot said so my scent would stay on their pillows to warm them on lonely nights. I flung a spoonful of oatmeal-like food at his face. I had healed rather well, but I couldn't really let Dagonet or Darren know how well I've healed.

Finally, I was healed enough to be allowed out of the rooms and into the nice… "AH! IT'S COLD!" I screeched as the cool air breathed on my skin.

At my exclamation I caught the attention of practically everyone in the vicinity; knights, peasants, children, Romans, wenches, nobles… all of which were staring at the crazy chica in the thin shift. Damn, Britain is the worse when it comes to weather! Warm spring weather please come soon! Please.

"Ria, whot're ye doin' lass? Ye'll freeze." Bors' gruff voice was followed by his bulky body holding a fur pelt. He tossed the heavy bit of fur over my shoulders and led me back inside. Ew, this thingy smells really bad, like someone died wearing this… gasp no do not think that Ria. Oi, the people at Fur Free NYC would definitely get on my case about this, but I have to make the exception that it's really COLD! Just as long as I don't think about the smell, I should be fine. Ew, ew, ew, ew, ew, ew, ew.

"C'mon lass, le's warm ye up. VANORA!" Bors called for his lover in the tavern. Oi, I winced at the loudness of his voice. Why'm I here? I mean, it would be a helluva lot easier to just take me to the knights' quarters or somethin'? I was about to ask Bors when Vanora came up, handed her lover a mug and clucked about how I'm not dressed proper.

Oh, so that's why Bors steered me into the tavern, so he could get sloshed… sad. I plopped down next to Dagonet as I wrapped the stinky fur tighter around me under the ruse I was still healing. I mean when nobody was around, I was dancing to my iPod and was caught by only Brat and the brood; thank god I convinced them to not rat me out. Dag would've been so angry and that's a really scary thought.

I watched my knights make jokes and act stupid as Phil sauntered up. "Lady Ria," I quirked an eyebrow at him, "Ria... I understand that Hassan has requested you to travel with them on the merchant route, correct?" I nodded, it still sucked that I missed a once in a lifetime chance to do something so cool like that. If only the stupid guards could keep their mouths shut.

And I thought the idea of being beaten down by two girls would shut them up, but that is not logical... eh whatever, Phil is still talking to me and Gaad he's got very kissable lips.

"Would you do me the honor of accompanying my party until we meet up with the traders?"

Huh? What just happened? "What do you mean Phil?" I'm sure I had this blank look on my face.

"We are leaving Badon Hill by the end of the month to return to Rome, on the road I expect that we shall meet up with Hassan and his group. At that time you can continue that journey with them. Will you come with our party?"

Hah! As if I would say no.

"YES! YES! YES! OH MY GOD! I WILL! HAHAHAHA! DEFINITELY!" I exclaimed jumping into Phil's arms. Ai, we must've looked a sight. Stiff armed Phil being hug attacked by lil' ole me, yeah I'd be laughing if I'd saw that.

As quickly as I hugged him, I let him go and ran back to my room to get ready all the while singing "I'm go-ing on a tra-ade route. I'm go-ing on a tra-ade route." And doing the cabbage patch dance (A/N: For those of my readers that are not familiar with this dance I will explain after this chapter. It's old and lame but still funny to do; I just would not recommend doing it at your next party b/c it is very lame.) every few steps. I could feel the eyes of everybody else boring into my back, but LIKE I CARE! One through Eight soon joined me and started mimicking my motions and trying to sing along with me, which wasn't too difficult because Vanora had requested I teach them languages… but I'm getting off topic.

"Ki-YAH!" Arthur blocked my attack again. "Hah!" Another block. "SONIC BOOM!" Internally I had to laugh that I added Guile from Street Fighter in my yells.

The training yard was filled with my yells, the crashes of swords and grunts. Arthur had taken up on my training again and he was somewhat surprised at the amount I already knew thanks to Kendo Club. Not to mention that I was using a katana instead of a broad sword or short sword like near everyone else.

"Absolutely not." Arthur pushed me back. I had told him about going with Phil and Claudia en route to Rome and meeting up with Hassan and Inara. "You will not go."

"Says who? You, Arthur?" I tried another slice at his bare stomach that he blocked. Damn.

"Aye, says I," he stated firmly. "You are not yet completely well. And you won't have anyone to protect you…"

I feinted for his legs and kicked him in the chest forcing him to fly off his feet. "I can protect myself, Artie." I look down at him holding my blade at his neck. "Yield?"

Sighing, he nodded, "You win this fight, but still can not go."

"What? Why?" I protest to his back, growling, I jumped onto his sweaty bare back giving him a noogie all the while saying, "I wanna go, I wanna go…"

Somehow, I'm being restrained by Tristan (a half nekked Tristan, no bad thoughts, bad thoughts!) looking at a disheveled Arthur. "Ria, you will not go. I forbid it."

"And if I don't listen? Whattaya gonna do, Artorius? Spank me?" I retorted before slipping from Tristan's grasp.

The knight commander gives me a look, "If that is what it takes, Ria. You will not disobey me." He stated sternly trying to stare me into submission. For a moment I stare at him incredulously before snapping, "Hah! Watch me." And turning on my heel I stomp towards the wooden dummies to hack the defenseless targets to pieces. I mean gaad damn, I'm … fricking gonna be 21 years old next week (according to my calculations, since I had just turned 19 when I got sucked into this time warp)

One day to go, tomorrow I leave with Claudia and Phillipus en route to the Roman capital of Constantinople, on the way we will bypass Hassan and Inara where I will join their trade route East. I'm so excited.

Needless to say that there was a lot of protests about me, Brat and Charity leaving Hadrian's Wall for a trading party. Well there was a lot of whining on Charity's part too. Brat was all for it, anything to get away from the fucking Romans. Charity… well I mentioned something along the line of international shopping and she became docile. That and she annoyed Arthur to an inch of insanity until he finally agreed.

It wasn't just Arthur that I had to convince to let me go, Merlin was beyond pissed that I decided to leave Britain with Charity and a bunch of Romans. Let's just say that I have several new wounds that I have to hide from Dagonet and Darren. The catch was that a lesser Woad magic wielder would have to accompany us, shite!

Vanora was a little displeased that I was so willing to go away, but time away from Charity was a blessing. Van hated Charity almost as much as I do, mostly for the reason that Charity almost let the brood get beaten by Romans whilst the Bitch Queen was attending "other" activities… simply put Charity was fucking around instead of taking care of the kids. Well that and other reasons that I can't remember because they are so numerous, oh and also I told Vanora my reasons for hating Charity as much as I do. Have I mentioned that she let the Romans take me to be whipped? Yeah, I really truly hate her. Damn the pact, damn my promise, damn that I have such a strong word or honor! My big sis sympathizes with me.

Anyway… onto the present, Brat and I were in our room with Marion packing some last minute item and a few of my metalworks and weapons. It was getting later by the minute, I should've been down in the tavern on this last night with the knights only sleep is more appealing since I now can ride thanks to Arthur and Gareth's mare (which I named Taki) I am no longer afraid of horses… too much.

Restless again after tucking Brat into the bed we shared, I opened the heavy shutters to let the light of the moon. Sighing I stare at the full moon, it was so beautiful; back home I never got the opportunity to just sit and watch the glow of the lunar lady. But here, I like living in a place where it feels like I can kiss the sky on a night like this.

Scanning the world below my window, two familiar shadows near the stables… Dagonet and Claudia.

I KNEW IT!

They've finally realized their feelings for one another, oh but that kiss implies they've known those feelings for a while! LOL.

As much as I want to watch the romantic scene unfold, I grant my friends the privacy they desire to answer the light knocking at my door.

Vanora stood there slightly flushed holding Eight and Nine surrounded by her half-awake children. The woman was breathing hard, something must be up. I arch a brow at her, "Hey Vee, where's the fire?" She herds the kids in the room before pulling me aside and answering with a grin.

"In me Bors' pants. Can th' lil'uns stay 'ere tonigh'?" WHOA, TOO MUCH INFORMATION!

Chuckling as her meaning sinks in I lightly push her out the door, "Sure, I just don' wanna have to be taking care of a Ten and Eleven anytime soon, kay?" I tease with a snap of the door. One through Seven were practically sleeping on their feet until I herded them over to the bed with Brat (who woke at the giggling and pattering of feet).

"Wee-ah..." Five yawned in accented English. I'm so proud of her, "Twell uth a thory pweease?"

"No. A song." I was soon bombarded by requests of stories and songs and whatever oration of interest of the time.

"Sing that Dream song, Ria." Brat, the voice of reason finally stated.

"You've been messin' with my sidekick again haven't you?" She looks sheepish until the kids agree. Sighing, I clear my throat, tuck them in and start singing slowly.

"Stars shining bright above you;
Night breezes seem to whisper I love you
Birds singing in the sycamore tree.
Dream a little dream of me.

Say nighty-night and kiss me;
Just hold me tight and tell me you'll miss me.
While I'm alone, blue as can be,
Dream a little dream of me.

Stars fading but I linger on, dear---
Still craving your kiss.
I'm longing to linger till dawn, dear,
Just saying this...

Sweet dreams till sunbeams find you---
Sweet dreams that leave all worries behind you.
But in your dreams, whatever they be,
Dream a little dream of me.

Stars fading but I linger on, dear---
Still craving your kiss.
I'm longing to linger till dawn, dear,
Just saying this...

Sweet dreams till sunbeams find you---
Sweet dreams that leave all worries far behind you.
But in your dreams, whatever they be,
Dream a little dream of me." (A/N: Dream a Little Dream of Me, the Mama Cass version)

At the last note, all nine of the little ankle-biters (just kidding) are sound asleep and lightly snoring. Geez, there goes my hope sleep.

I wandered to the battlements, but as I passed the stables something familiar. Slinking into the shadows, I peeked around the corner for the shock of the day… Tristan was quietly singing to his hawk (I still hate that bird)… Oh. My. FUCKING. GAAD. It's Music of the Night… in perfect English if not accented, and making it sound so fucking hot! Okay, I'll admit it now to all those who know me I think Tristan is a fucking hottie! I mean the whole 'pant pant h-hi' kind of situation and him singing one of the songs I would swoon over has bumped him a few points higher than Phillipus!

"…Close your eyes
and surrender to your
darkest dreams!
Purge your thoughts
of the life
you knew before!
Close your eyes,
let your spirit
start to soar!
And you'll live
as you've never
lived before . . .
Softly, deftly,
music shall surround you . . .
Feel it, hear it,
closing in around you . . .
Open up your mind,
let your fantasies unwind,
in this darkness which
you know you cannot fight -
the darkness of
the music of the night . . .
Let your mind
start a journey through a
strange new world!
Leave all thoughts
of the world
you knew before!
Let your soul
Take you where you
long to be !
Only then
can you belong
to me . . .
Floating, falling,
sweet intoxication!
Touch me, trust me
savour each sensation!
Let the dream begin,
let your darker side give in
to the power of the music that I write -
the power of the music of the night . . .

You alone can make my song take flight -
help me make the music of the night . . ."

His hawk shifted and flew into the rafters. And before I could really stop myself, I was clapping. Not in that fervent way you would clap at a Broadway production, but more of the slow 'I'm impressed' kind of way. He turned to me with an impassive gaze. Big surprise there.

"How'd you know that song?" I asked breaking the awkward moment. The scout's brow rose in that 'What do you mean?' look

"Don't try to bullshit me Tristan. That song is blatantly English and modern, so I'm asking again. How do you know that particular song?"

"I do not understand your words."

If he wants to play it that way, fine. Letting out a snort of aggravation I move to Taki's stall next to Tristan's stallion. "Hey Taki… how're you girl? I know Tristan's being a loser, but I bet it was nice to hear huh? Yeah, it's one of my favorite songs too. Y'know when I heard that song the first time, I said that if ever a guy sang it to me, I would fall for him." Taki nickered. "Yeah, it's a good thing Tristan don't understand me, eh? I mean, he'd think I was gonna fall for him." I chuckled softly as Taki shook her head.

"Taki, do you think he knew it was my favorite? I know if Phil could speak and understand English, he'd be trying to sweep me off my feet. Haha. Although, that Roman is one sexy piece of ass, so it wouldn't be so bad. The guy's been propositioning me for months, I just might give in." The mare blew into my hand as I spoke softly in English as if she understood.

"Aw, that's sweet, but Tristan doesn't have emotions; you're wasting your concern on an ass hole like him." I knew he heard me; he seemed to have stiffened when I mentioned his name. "Y'know Taki, if I had ever met two guys like Phil and the scout back home… I think I'd want…"

Before I could finish, my back was forced hard against the wooden beam between the two stalls with a glaring Tristan hovering over me. Wincing, I try to get away only be blocked.

"What the fuck is your malfunction you ass?" I demand rubbing the back of my head exasperatedly. "I thought words don't affect you, especially ones you so blatantly stated you can't understand—"

Tristan's mouth covered mine in the next heartbeat… well that's one way to shut me up. His tongue caressed my lips and pushed into my mouth. In my shock I opened my mouth to protest, but he obviously took it as an invitation to kiss me harder. Involuntarily my arms circle his neck and his hands pull me firmly against him. I let out a little moan and hold him tighter.

But with that Tristan releases me. His lips are red and swollen as I am sure mine are too, gripping the back of my neck he presses his forehead to mine.

"It's late, get some rest." He whispers before turning and walking away. Slowly I slide down the beam in a daze, well that was some surprise.

"Ria?"

A/N: Wow… I am really sorry that I took so long. Lucky number 13! Yeah, well school's been a pain, but at least I have my stories to keep me relatively sane. I just love making them kiss so much. Thanks to everyone who read this and especially to my reviewers because they always and forever will rock!

Indeh: well, sort of. I mean it is obvious, but like everything, they have to work at it. And it will take time. She is going away… sadly Charity is coming too. But it'll just mean more fun.

The Wild Woman: yup very bothered. Not only about the kiss, but she's going away and that'll be interesting doncha think? Mister Hottie, Phillipus is gonna be around, hope you liked his reappearance.

Evenstar-mor2004: Well, no because Phil is a good Roman, a lot like Pelagius. Yeah… the kiss was something huh?

mysticpig: hahahaha. Very hot, but that was the point. Love, love, love Tom Welling, I make it an effort to watch Smallville as much as possible because of him.

Ailis-70: my wonderful beta. I had to keep the last part away for the surprise. It was hard not to send it to you. Sorry.

I hope I answered your questions about Vanora and Charity well enough. I can think of numerous reasons to hate Charity, but coming up with ideas for Van to hate her was a bit more difficult because it had to relate to the time period. Charity and Ria have a bad history that leads to bad blood between them. As for not seeing Charity too much, well there are just too many characters for me to keep track, but I'm trying to work her in as much as possible.

Ah, the phone episode…well, I really want a side-kick phone and after messing with my friend's I was inspired. There is so much to do with it, and I thought it'd be fun to put in.

Actually, Ria letting the bandits go was a parallel to a scene from The Interpreter with Nicole Kidman. A very good movie if I do say so myself.

Ah, yes… the kiss. It's about the only thing everybody talks about, but it's cool. Yes it was hot, yes it was intense, and yes it was um um HOT and INTENSE. What more can I say? It was fun.

Shevaun: I know, it was wasn't it? Thanks you much!

Daydream1: And I have continued. It has just taken me a while… yeah, school remains evil, but for some reason I still like it. I know I'm just a wee bit odd.

KnightMaiden: Erm… yeah, they do sorta end up together, and this chapter kinda just proved it. I would go with him, but 1) he doesn't really live in my time (except in my head) and 2) I don't know Mads personally so it doesn't work. Darn! Hope you enjoyed this chapter!

Right, the Cabbage patch dance… it goes a little something like this, have your fists facing away from you at a comfortable distance from your chest. Now, push your arms in one direction as your body will go the opposite direction (ex. Arms go right, body goes left) Circle your arms as though you were stirring something with your fists facing out. Your body should continue to go the opposite direction at all times. If this makes any sense congratulations, you can now do the cabbage patch and you understand my directions. If it didn't don't worry, it's not really a dance worth learning anyway. Please Review and thanks for your support!