This story got the most reviews in two weeks, with a grand total of…TWO REVIEWS. Which I find rather pathetic for how many people read it. But, I am keeping to my word and updating this story first.
At the Wall, Arthur had called an emergency meeting for the Knights at the Round Table. "Knights, please settle. We have very trying matters to discuss."
"Arthur, not so loud." Bors groaned his head on the table.
"Maybe you shouldn't have indulged so much Bors." Kay responded smugly, even though most of the other Knights were in the same state as Bors, with the exception of the aforementioned and Tristan, as well as Percival and Gareth.
"The sooner you concentrate on this, the sooner you can go back to bed." Tristan said with a smile in his voice. That got glares from the other Knights, but it was realized as being correct. So they all turned to Arthur and listened to his words.
"Knights, I am asking you to bear a great responsibility." Lancelot made a smart ass remark.
"Greater than what we are already inclined?"
Arthur ignored his second in command and continued, "I am asking you to keep an eye on the Romans, make sure that when our visitors are around they don't do anything rash. Or stupid." That got a light round of chuckles from the Knights.
"Arthur, they are Romans, we aren't Gods." Gawain said from his drunken state, and more chuckles were sounded.
"You guys do remember I am a Roman?" Arthur asked incredulously at his brothers-in-arms.
"No you're not. You're one of us. An out of place soldier, wanting to go home." More laughs, this time with their commander joining. This round of laughter was due to Perceval. It was silent after that as they all thought of their homes. All but one thinking of similar places, where the grass covered the ground like a sea, and skies bluer than anything that could ever be seen in Briton, during the summer. The other thinking of places with cobbled streets and the greatest minds of the time.
A knock was sounded on the door, breaking the brave warriors out of their thoughts. "Arthur, there is a Roman Commander that wants to see you."
"Very well Jols, sent him in." And a few minutes later a man in the traditional Roman armor came in.
"Artorius Castus, I have heard unsettling rumors from the men."
"What would be these rumors, Commander?"
"I would like to speak to you in private."
"There are no secrets here." Arthur was seriously getting tired of every new commander saying this.
"Very well." He looked around uneasily. "I was just visiting the barracks. Men were saying that you made peace with the Woads?"
"We are trying for peace, that is correct."
"Why, do you not think that your…men will be able to handle them?" The Roman said with unhidden disdain and scorn.
"We are more than capable, but if blood need not be shed then that is far better." Arthur tried to keep his voice level.
"I think your time on this outpost has made you soft Artorius, the boy I grew up with would always put the safety of others fi-"
"Do not accuse my peace as a weakness, sir." It was at this that the Knights started to become uneasy, noticing their friends' tenseness.
"Commander, pray tell, what would you do if I tried to keep the peace; saving both innocents and soldiers from slaughter?"
He stepped closer, and said in an undertone, "I do have connections to people above you Arthur. Do not make the mistake of thinking you are the only one able to hold this post." With that he swiftly left the room.
"Romans." Lancelot spat in disgust and stood and left, the other Knights following. Arthur stayed in his seat, watching as his loyal men left.
"Arthur, don't do anything rash. You are better than that."
"Jols, it is just that I don't want to lose anymore of my men. Is that bad?"
"No Arthur. I have been watching you and them interact all these years. You are family, accepted by one another."
"I need to speak to God. I am going to the church." And with that he went to the small church inside the wall.
At Anmarik.
A soft knocking was heard upon the door, though the inhabitants of the room did not hear it. It came again, slightly louder, but still the two people didn't answer. The door opened to reveal two people, a man and a woman.
"Barry. Let them sleep." A blonde woman spoke.
"Caitlyn, they need to be awake. It is far past sunrise when they normally wake up."
"She has been through a lot the past few days, and Folant has been worried sick about her. Let them rest."
"But Guinevere and Troy are already up."
"If they are not up by the time that the Woads are planning on leaving, we will wake them. Folant did ask to stay while Troy is gone."
"I don't think she knows about that yet."
"It will be a surprise then I guess."
"It will." And they closed the door behind them, going to their son and his fiancée in the meeting hall.
"Mother, Father." He nodded and Guinevere did the same.
"Are you ready to go with them Troy?"
He looked at his fiancée, in her blue gown, brown hair flowing and looked back at his parents. "I am."
They continued talking until drums were sounding.
"It is time." Was what Guinevere said in her slight accent.
"I will go wake up your sister." Caitlyn said as she headed up the stairs, covering her water filled gaze. She ascended to the third floor and knocked on the door once more.
"Come in." A muffled voice could be heard. And the elder blonde woman entered her daughter's chambers.
"You two slept late."
"We would still be asleep if it wasn't for the drums." Was her response.
"Those drums are calling the Woads together, getting them ready to leave." Folant said in a smart tone.
That was all it took for Ciara to finish waking up, looking at him in shock. "Why didn't you tell me that sooner?"
"Up until now, I thought you knew."
"Ciara, your brother is getting ready to leave. Get dressed and come say good bye." And the queen backed out of the room.
"Folant, do you have to go?" She asked sad.
"You know I need to my dear." He said stroking her cheek, not wanting to tell her just yet about staying behind.
She walked away and pulled out a light wine colored dress, going behind a curtain to change, meanwhile Folant pulled on a clean tunic. When both were ready, they put on their appearance weapons, for her a dagger and him was his whole weapon apparel, and went to the courtyard, seeing that the ones with horses were just Guinevere and Troy. She went up to him and hugged him tightly.
"Stay safe out there brother. If you are gone, then I won't have anyone to fight with."
"I will be fine Ciara. You don't change too much while I am away, deal?"
"Deal!"
She then moved to Guinevere. "Take care of my brother."
"I will. And you take care of Folant."
"He isn't going with you?" Ciara asked confused.
"No, he is staying here. I guess I ruined the surprise." She giggled and went back to her family. Ciara bowed to Merlin and Nimue and said her good byes before going over to her intended and smacking him on the chest.
"What was that for Ciara?"
"Maybe hiding the fact you aren't leaving from me."
"It was supposed to be a surprise." He said, raising his hands in defense.
"It must've lost it's affect coming from Guinevere." She was noticeably unhappy, he just shot a light glare at the Woad princess instead. She walked over towards the warriors and said good bye to them all, making sure her future husband knew she was mad at him. When they started to head out, Ciara got on her horse to follow, so she could bring back the horses. After getting back, she dismounted her horse, and took care of him as well as the other two, pointedly not talking to her fiancée. When she went inside, Chase following her up to her room and then down to the practice field after she grabbed her bow and quiver.
"Ciara, want a competition?"
"Of course Warrick. You are one of the best competitors I have here." And they walked to the archery range.
"How many shots?"
"Three, as normal." And they each shot at their targets, all their arrows hitting the bullseye, Ciara taking care to not split her arrows this time as she hasn't replaced the others yet.
When Warrick saw Folant run out of the castle, he made to move but stopped at his name. "Warrick, stay here."
"Ciara, please. I don't know what I can do to make you forgive me."
"Maybe you shouldn't have lied to me in the first place." She responded icily.
"I wanted it to be a surprise." He was frustrated by this point. Ever since Guinevere said that he was staying, she had been like this. "Please, forgive me!"
"You know how I get when you leave. While I was changing I was holding back tears."
"Ci, please. I will make it up to you. I promise." He walked up to her and wrapped his arms around her.
"You have a long way to go before I am no longer mad at you."
"I promise, I will make it up to you." He kissed her temple and hugged her tight. It was then when Warrick left.
"Supper should be ready soon, let's go up to the castle. K?" He asked her gently. His reply was a nod. He took her bow and quiver from her and wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her against his body. The whole way back to the castle, no words were exchanged. At dinner, it was simple and it was mostly her parents talking, or asking questions. When going to bed, Ciara stopped Folant before he entered.
"There is a guest room down the hall. You bag is already there." She said and closed the door behind her, locking it. He knew not to argue, so reluctantly he headed down the hall.
With the Woads
Guinevere was leading her fiancée through the woods, towards where her private hideout was when she wanted to get away from the others. He followed her through twisting paths and was led to a beautiful waterfall that fell into a pool, all crystal clear. There were large rocks around the pool creating seats.
"Come on." She said teasingly as she walked back towards the waterfall. She walked behind it and he took a breath before following and was shocked at what lay in the hidden cave.
"This is breath taking, Guin." He exclaimed as he took in the crystal covered walls and the reflections of light dancing on her skin. He hungrily walked towards her and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close. He captured her lips in a fiery kiss and they lay in the cave together, until the sun was gone.
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I love you more than Bors loves Vanora