And here is the next chapter! It's a little longer, aren't I good to you guys? Just kidding, I'm awful because I can't stick to a posting schedule. Ugh, life gets in the way once too often. Anyway, please enjoy!

Morgana sighed as she walked on the battlements with the queen, looking over into the training yard where Arthur fought with his knights, testing their skills against one another. Her eyes fixed on the king with interest but when she looked to the woman beside her, she saw her eyes fixed on the knight with dark hair and eyes a similar colour, the cocky grin plastered on his face as he moved with two swords in his hands. "He's very handsome, is he not?" Morgana asked slowly and Guinevere nodded her head.

"Very." She agreed.

"I've never seen such skill. He looks to be very strong."

"He is." She sighed wistfully, still looking to Lancelot.

"His name is Lancelot, is it not?" Guinevere blinked then blushed slightly, faking embarrassment.

"Oh I am sorry, I thought you were referring to Arthur." Morgana giggled then pulled Guinevere along, lowering her voice as she tilted her head towards her.

"You know, in my country, a woman can take as many lovers as she pleases without anyone scorning her. We believe in free love." Guinevere whimpered quietly and only Morgana caught the sound. The woman rested her hand on Guinevere's stomach, feeling the life throbbing in her womb carefully as the queen looked down to the contact. "Hmm, I sense a strong child. Yet it was conceived in secrecy…" Morgana looked to the queen who stared at her. "It is the knight's child, is it not?" Slowly she nodded her head.

"You cannot speak of this to anyone." Guinevere begged her new found friend. At first she had been jealous of Morgana's beauty and Arthur's obvious fascination with her but as she had come to know her, she had grown to like her. She was kind and wise, telling Guinevere many stories that she had never heard before. "As a friend, promise me you will not tell a soul."

"Of course, Guinevere, your secret is safe with me." Morgana assured her, a dark gleam in her green eyes. Guinevere was reminded of someone when she looked into Morgana's eyes though she could not think who. "But you must be careful, I foresee tragedy in your life should you be careless with when you lay with your love." She gasped slightly.

"You mean we will be together again?" Morgana smiled.

"Of course, I am known among my people as a seer. I see many things for the future. In fact…" Morgana's eyes glazed over as a vision rose to her mind. Suddenly she grinned wickedly. "You will see him tonight."

"Tonight?" Guinevere questioned, gripping onto Morgana's arm tightly as the raven haired woman nodded her head.

"Yes. Tonight. If you meet him in the guest room in the west tower, where you usually meet, you will be able to love him endlessly without being discovered." Guinevere's mouth dropped open. How had she known? There was no way she could have found out through any means save for truly being a seer. Utterly astounded, Guinevere continued to gape. "It is not wrong to love more than one man, Guinevere my friend, in fact, it is right!" Morgana gushed, giggling as she gripped onto the Queen's arm a little tighter. "Come now, let us continue our walk." Morgana led the way down the steps and into the training grounds where she let go of the queen and walked to the edge to admire the knights and king as they trained.

She arched her back as she leaned forwards on the fence, admiring their shapely muscles that shone with a sheen of sweat. Her attention diverted to the scout, who performed a magnificent counter attack upon the knight Gawain, finishing with his blade to his throat and the golden haired knight flat on his back. He grinned up at Tristan.

"I'll never know how you can move so quickly." Gawain grunted as he got to his feet then dusted himself off. He glanced over to the lady, Morgana her name was, and noticed how she watched Arthur very distinctly. "What do you make of her?" Tristan regarded the woman quietly as he ran a finger along his blade.

"She is untrustworthy." He decided firmly.

"I agree." He muttered before looking to Galahad, who was instructing Ganis and Ector with their knife work. Ganis proved to be an excellent knife wielder being ambidextrous like Lancelot. He was fast as well, though he was still working on improving his other weaponry skills as well as his strength. He had not changed much in two years, save for being less thin with more lean muscle on him.

Morgana sighed as she looked to Guinevere who stood at her side, watching Arthur and Lancelot fight before finally, they stopped, clapped each other's shoulders then approached the women. Arthur smiled brightly at Guinevere who returned his greeting, walking up to him then reached up to kiss his lips. Her eyes slid over to Lancelot as Arthur's closed into their contact, the knight watching her for a moment before looking away.

"You both fight so well." Morgana praised them with a smile. "Who of you is the greatest, I wonder?" Arthur smiled to her as he placed one hand on Guinevere's waist.

"Well my lady, if you were return here by next month then you will be able to find out. We are hosting a tournament to celebrate the end of the threat Lazarus holds over us. Once we have dealt with him, it will be cause to celebrate well."

"Oh! I shall try my hardest to be here in time. I should very much like to watch such a spectacle." She said charmingly, blinking innocently up at Arthur who looked back at her evenly. "But tell me, what will you do with the traitor? You won't kill him, will you?"

"I may have to, my lady. He is a danger to my people and I shall not risk their safety." Arthur informed her simply, his grip around Guinevere tightening as his other hand gently came to rest on her belly. "And I wish to bring our child into a safer world, not into a country plagued by war." Morgana touched her heart with both hands, cupping htem to her.

"Oh, how wonderfully sweet." She beamed effortlessly at the couple. "You are going to make a brilliant father, my king, I can see it well." She murmured then looked to Guinevere who was looking up at Arthur with a smile.

"We shall see." She said to him jestingly and he chuckled.

"Yes. That we will." He agreed then nodded to Jols who brought him a drink of water, letting go of Guinevere to drink. She stepped away then walked up to Lancelot who mock bowed to her.

"My queen."

"You still drop your defence on your right side when aiming for a high blow." She said to him, smirking. "You are hopeless, Lancelot."

"Only when dazzled by your presence, dear Guinevere." He said to her both mockingly and sincerely, making her smile slightly so she lowered her voice.

"Tonight." She whispered then looked to Arthur. "Come, let us get you washed. You stink to high heaven." Arthur growled playfully at his wife but allowed her to lead him away back to their room where she would draw up a bath for him. Morgana watched them leave then turned to the knights, throwing them a seductive smile before moving off, shooting Amaya a look as she entered the training grounds with food for the men. She blinked then looked over her shoulder, frowning at the woman before turning back with a shake of her head. Gawain glanced to the others before speaking.

"I do not trust her at all. There is something dark about her."

"I know what you mean." Dagonet agreed quietly, rubbing his face with one hand. Bors snorted.

"She's just a noblewoman with eyes bigger than her head." He waved off, grabbing some bread and tearing into it as Lionel did the same, frowning.

"What the hell are you all talking about?" He demanded in confusion. Amaya looked to the knights who had their attention fixated on her. She looked at them all in turn. Their grim expressions told her what they were asking without them even needing to speak.

"I shall keep an eye on her." She nodded her head once then set the basket on the table, laying out the food for their noontime meal. "But for now, you boys need to eat and eat well." Tossing Galahad a small baguette she smiled around at them all, sitting down on the bench as they dug into the spread she had set out for them. "How is training going?" She asked Daniel who grinned.

"Easy as pie." He answered with a shrug, flexing his muscles to which Lancelot rolled his eyes. "You wait until the tournament, my brothers and I will show you all how we Britons fight for our pride."

"You have no pride, which is why you never fight." Lancelot replied with a smirk though there was bitterness lacing his tone. "Which is why you lost your country to the Romans in the first place."

"Lancelot." Amaya quipped, making him scowl daggers at her. If looks could kill…

"Easy there she-wolf. I can take an insult." Daniel told her then gently touched her shoulder but Amaya still kept her narrowed eyes fixed on Lancelot. Kay also did not like the tone Lancelot had used and had jumped to his feet.

"We were not the only land to lose their home to the Romans!" He snarled darkly and Amaya slowly rose to her feet.

"At least we fought to keep it!" Lancelot growled back and everyone began to frown. What had gotten into him? The two men faced one another off, squaring their shoulders and bending their arms at the elbows with clenched fists.

"What's got into you Lance?" Bors demanded as everyone prepared to spring at the knights. Lancelot growled then began to rant in his own tongue, saying things that shocked Amaya to the point of her hand darting out and slapping him across the face. He stopped, staring at her as she lifted her head proudly.

"I will not listen to such filth." She told him sharply, pushing against his shoulder to force him to take a step back. "Your battle is with me, so leave everyone else out of it." Lancelot curled his lips into a snarl, cracking his knuckles. He glanced to the others, knowing that if he stepped out of line then they would hasten to Amaya's defence so instead, he turned and walked away.

Amaya watched him go and did not relax until he was out of sight. She felt a hand touch her shoulder and she looked to her brother who was looking to her with confusion. "What did you mean by that? What is going on, Maya?"

"Nothing I cannot handle, little wolf." She assured him. "Lancelot and I came to a disagreement and he has not forgiven me for it." Looking into her eyes Galahad realised he was not going to get anything further from her, so he nodded his head.

"If he hurts you at all, do not hesitate to inform us." Amaya smiled.

"He wouldn't. It is not so bad." She lied to him but kissed his cheek all the same then looked over his shoulder. "Turn around and you will see an angel." Galahad spun on his feet and beamed at Maia who came trotting towards them on Aquila, smiling brightly.

"It's a fine day. Who will take a ride with me?" Galahad instantly said that he would join her, wolfing down the rest of his food then made to follow her back to the stables. Amaya looked up to the clear sky, pursed her lips then nodded her head.

"I will go too. A ride through the valley is exactly what I need." She decided and Gawain stood.

"Then I will join you. Come on you lot, get your sorry asses onto some horses." The knights grinned, finishing their meal and followed Amaya who led the way to the stables, calling out to her horse as the others spread out to get their horses either from the stalls or from the fields. "Arluin, it is time for a ride." She spoke to him softly, stroking his face as he came to the door to greet her. "Let us forget our troubles for just a few hours, shall we?" The horse snorted then backed away to let her in.

She threw on his saddle and bridle as quickly as she could, checked his body for any ailments before guiding him out into the courtyard. Amaya turned and held Arluin's reins in her left hand and gripped the saddle in the other, preparing to lift herself up but as she jumped, someone caught her waist and lifted her up into the saddle, making her make a sound of surprise then looked down to the one who had lifted her up.

Tristan met her gaze then took her foot to tenderly place it in the stirrup, adjusting the girth for her then let his hand linger as he pulled away. It was small and seemingly unimportant but Amaya saw it as his way of showing affection. It made her smile to herself as she pulled Arluin around gently, guiding him with her legs. "Are we ready?" She asked, looking to everyone who trotted into view.

Maia smiled to Amaya and nodded her head. "I think so." She said so Amaya let Bors and Lionel lead the way, the two of them cantering out into the streets with everyone else following. They were a large party that took up the entire road, people having to part ways for them to get through but once they reached the open road, Amaya let Arluin have his head and he galloped with the herd, his mane flying on the wind as Amaya leaned forwards, glancing to Maia beside her who kept her seat expertly. She had made a fine horsewoman though she looked a little panicked.

They rode out into the valley, the wide open space given them the freedom they desired until finally they slowed to a walk and rode leisurely along. "My rear aches." Daniel complained and Gawain punched him in the arm with a grin.

"Not around the ladies." Maia giggled at the man's expense then lifted her reins, trotting over to the rise where she joined Galahad and the two began to talk quietly to one another. Amaya felt happy for her brother. It brought her great joy to see him so happy and in love with the woman who deserved him as much as he deserved her.

"Tell us your thoughts, Maya, your face is rather curious looking." Gawain said to her, leaning back on his horse's rump casually and Amaya chuckled.

"I was just wondering how long until we will be organising a wedding." She mused thoughtfully. "I do not think they will wait long."

"Nor I." Gawain agreed with a shrug. "Galahad has waited his entire life for his perfect match to find him and now he has her. I do not think he will let her escape him so easily."

"Marriage isn't all that great." Bors mumbled under his breath. "They still yell at you even for the tiniest of things!"

"That is because, Bors, you forget everything. Even how many children you have and their names." Amaya replied simply, making the others snort. "So of course Vanora is run a little ragged, she has a lot on her plate, running the castle with Guinevere." Lifting her hand Amaya pushed some loose curls back behind her ear then drew up the reins, pulling Arluin to a halt as she focussed forwards at the single oak tree a few hundred yards away. Daniel grinned.

"I vote for a race." He declared, setting his horse beside Amaya's then looked around to the others. "What say you bastards?" Bors grinned.

"I'm up for it." He agreed. "You will all have to tell me what dirt tastes like when I leave you gagging in it."

"How about you find out for yourself?" Lionel replied tartly, moving his horse to line up. "I'll crush you into it and flatten you." Bors growled at his new found friend, making Amaya smile at their play. Looking along the line of knights she pushed Arluin a step forwards, levelling herself with them all.

"Maia!" She called and the girl trotted over to them, smiling.

"Yes?"

"You will have to call the winner. The first who passes where you stand right now after circling the oak over there and returning." Amaya said to her. "Unless you wish to race also?" Hastilly she shook her head.

"Oh no, no I am happy to watch. Shall I count for you?" The knights all nodded their heads and Maia waited as Galahad slipped into line. Amaya shortened her reins and slowly pressed her heels into Arluin, working him up as he sensed the gallop with anticipation.

"Three, two, one, go!" Maia cried and with a burst of speed, Arluin shot forwards. He took the lead, his powerful muscles shooting him forwards but Amaya reined him in, conserving his energy and allowed Galahad, Gawain, Tristan, Daniel and Ector to pass.

Arluin snorted and went to chase after them but Amaya kept him back, controlling his head so he reluctantly gave in. His hooves thundered across the ground, the sensation of flying lifting Amaya's spirits as she leaned low in the saddle, gripping on with her thighs as the oak loomed closer. She guided Arluin around, slowing him down further as the others tore off for the end line.

Now she let him go. Arluin stretched out his neck and legs, flying over the grass and slipped between Gawain and Ector who blinked at Amaya, who hardly noticed them as she then overtook her brother Galahad. He laughed to her and she smiled before tapping her heels into Arluin's sides, telling him he had her permission to run flat out.

He snorted, dragging air into his body but darted ahead, slowly catching up to Tristan. Amaya shot the scout a smirk who arched an eyebrow but said nothing, concentrating on reaching the finish. Maia watched with an open mouth as Amaya and Tristan fought for the title of first place, their horses struggling to make any considerable distance between the other.

Pulling Aquila back Maia watched the invisible line she imagined, frowning slightly in concentration to see who would place first. At the last second Arluin gave a final burst of speed and overtook Tristan, leaving him behind and crossed an entire horse's length ahead of him. Amaya laughed aloud, gliding to a halt as she then turned, watching the others as Tristan cantered to a stop beside her, breathing deeply from the rush of the race. He turned his horse around so that they faced one another easily, his eyes boring into hers. "You have a fine horse." He murmured to her quietly, reaching out to touch the horse's neck. Amaya nodded her head proudly, the reins in one hand as she patted Arluin with the other. With a sigh Tristan withdrew his hand. "When will I next see you?" Amaya paused, thinking for a moment before tilting her head.

"I shall come to the tavern." He arched an eyebrow at her in surprise. Amaya had never gone to the tavern before now. "And then we shall have to see." She continued, moving Arluin around to face Galahad who trotted up to her, his horse panting for breath.

"Good racing sister." He grinned, nodding to Tristan. "Where did you find that brute again?"

"On the road." She replied simply, smiling as she dismounted. "Don't listen to him. He is merely jealous that you look more handsome than he does." Amaya said loudly, making her brother laugh.

"I don't think so." He argued but Amaya merely shrugged, stroking Arluin's face then loosened the firth and ran up the stirrups to let him breathe more comfortably. She flicked the reins over his head, wound them together under his neck then looked them through the throat lash so that he could wander and graze without the worry of him getting his legs tangled.

Amaya let him go, confident that he would not wonder too far then lay down on the grass, Maia soon joining her. She smiled at the blonde angel beside her then looked up to the clouds that rolled overhead. "Have you ever seen magic, Amaya?" Maia asked quietly and the woman glanced to her companion, seeing the deep look of worry on her features.

"Why do you ask?" She wondered aloud quietly as the knights looked to their own horses.

"Have you?" Maia turned her head to look at her. Amaya nodded her head.

"There was a shaman back in my old clan. The one I was born too. She had a third eye tattooed on her brow as a sign of her powers." Amaya explained slowly, thinking back to the old woman's face, wrinkled and worn with age. "She could see things before they happened sometimes, though her visions were rare. She could heal almost any wound and once I even saw her bring a dead man back to life." Maia's eyes widened. "Another time she made fire out of nothing, warming the entire village for a whole night." Amaya paused then frowned. "Why do you ask?" She repeated her question and Maia sighed.

"I don't know. I just get this funny feeling when around Lady Morgana, like she's not of this world. I was wondering if she was perhaps a witch." Amaya thought about the raven haired woman and realised it was possible. She seemed to carry shadows around her wherever she went, regardless how much light there was in the room. There was also a certain chill about her, like ice that froze your lips together after staying too long in a snow storm.

"Maybe." Amaya murmured softly, reaching out and taking Maia's hand. "I would not worry though. Magic cannot harm anyone when it is for good." Maia paused before whispering tightly.

"What if it is not good magic she wields?" A shudder ran down Amaya's spine so she turned onto her side and looked down to Maia, holding her hand tightly.

"I promise you, nothing shall ever harm you Maia. I will not let it." She promised sincerely. "You are my friend and more so I love you like a sister and I shall protect you with my life." Maia nodded her head, relaxing as she believed Amaya's words. She rarely promised anything but when she did, you knew she was never lying.

The women lay down on the grass and the knights gave them their privacy at Dagonet's suggestion, letting them bathe in the sunlight alone until the hour began to grow late. Galahad stood with a yawn then called out to the women. "Maya, Mai, it is time we left." Maia lifted her head and nodded before turning to Amaya who had not stirred.

"Amaya, we're leaving now." The woman groaned and turned over, making everyone chuckle as she uttered a curse in her own tongue. "What did she say?" Maia asked innocently and Galahad grinned, taking her hand as he pulled her to her feet.

"I would rather not tell you, my angel." Galahad informed then stooped down, shaking Amaya awake. In blind instinct Amaya thrust her palm upwards, cracking it into Galahad's nose who threw back his head with a loud cruse. "Dammit!" Amaya yawned sleepily, sitting up as she rubbed her eyes. She frowned at Galahad's bleeding lip.

"What happened to you?" She asked and everyone burst into laughter.

"You hit me!" Galahad flung at her, licking away with blood with a scowl. Amaya chuckled.

"Well, you should not have woken me so unceremoniously." She retorted then whistled, getting to her feet and brushing the grass from her skirts as Arluin trotted up to her. She welcomed him with an embrace, leaning her head into his neck before sighing and sorting out his tack. She lifted herself up, waited for Maia then began to trot leisurely away, allowing the knights to catch them up when they were ready.

Knowing that Amaya was more than likely to face Vanora's wrath for leaving without notifying her, she was eager to get back before she would be too sorely missed.