Author: Triane
Disclaimer: Not. Mine. Except Iona. Everything else belongs to someone else. Even more so now, that we're into movie territory - if you recognize dialogue or action, its because it's. Not. Mine.
Summary: Dagonet feels the need for a pep talk.
When Dagonet and Iona finally joined the rest of the knights at the round table, it was with heavy hearts. Iona had explained her discovery and had waited, in vain, for Dagonet to refute her logic. He was only able to hold her as she cried, his own heart breaking for the joy they would never know.
The only thing that had brought them down from their room was the knowledge that Dagonet's discharge papers were waiting, the promise of freedom and a life where they could pick up the pieces away from Rome's tyranny. So they bathed, dressed, and descended, hand in hand, to where their brothers were waiting.
As they walked through the halls of the fort, Iona could feel tension settling on her shoulders as they drew closer to seeing the bishop. Dagonet stole a glance at her and, noting the pinched and fearful look on her face, drew her aside into an alcove. Iona looked up at him, her brown eyes huge in her worried face, and Dagonet's heart broke a little more. His voice was low, soft.
"This has not been the best of days." Iona half sighed, half laughed, and sadly shook her head. Dagonet combed the hair out of her eyes, his fingers lingering on the smooth skin of her cheek.
"Who are you, my love?" Iona's brow furrowed, but she licked her lips and replied.
"I am Iona Andromeda Demetronopolos." Dagonet nodded.
"And what are you, love?" This time Iona's voice was stronger, her answer more readily spoken.
"I am a knight in the cavalry of Artorius Castus." Dagonet smiled down at her.
"And?" She smiled back up at him, her shoulders squaring slightly.
"And I am the wife of a Sarmatian knight. Your wife." Dagonet nodded.
"And who is on your side?" Iona's back straightened, her chin lifting.
"I fight with Arthur Castus, a Roman commander, and six of his Sarmatian knights, the finest warriors this empire has ever seen." Dagonet nodded again, dropping his head to plant a quick kiss on the tip of her nose.
"Then why, my warrior bride, do you fear?" Iona rocked back on her heels, a wry smile twisting her mouth as she realized the corner he had talked her into. She chuckled softly, leaning forward to wrap her arms around Dagonet's waist, resting her head on his broad chest.
"I fear because I am forgetful, husband." Dagonet nodded, stroking her hair.
"The bishop can do nothing to you that you would not allow - let alone anything that the rest of us would allow. Tristan alone has thought of several reasons to kill him." Iona laughed, and Dagonet rejoiced to see the spark back in her eye. He offered his hand and smiled when she took it in her much smaller one. With one final kiss, they continued down the hall.