Author's Notes: I do not own Final Fantasy VII or the Arthurian legends I
based this tale on, nor the Marion Zimmer Bradley view of the legends I
use.
Summary: Originally written for a project, slightly AU, slight Aerith/Sephiroth, Arthurian legend-based.
***********
A long time ago, in ages so long ago no man alive can tell the tale, King Arthur and his brave Knights of the Round table sought after the famed Holy Grail. None now can recall even their faces, but their names have passed into legend, and eventually, myth; Sir Lancelet du Lac, Sir Galahad, Taliesin (better known now, perhaps, as the Merlin), King Arthur himself, fair Gwenhwyfar, and countless others lost to the mists of time and man's imagination.
However, there was also a knight that none remember the name of, and perhaps with good reason, for in all outward appearances her part in the tale was miniscule. But appearances may deceive just as the hearts of men, and this figure was the Lady Aerith des Fleurs. Surprised? Of course, for in those times 'twas nigh impossible for a woman to do much without a man beside her -- let alone fight or attain a knighthood. This, though, is why her story is vital, and why it must now be told, for truly she did these things, and did them well; almost, it was said then, Sir Lancelet's equal in arms.
Wherefore did she come, and who was she, really? ..No man knew then for certain, and no man knows now. Did the Lady, herself?
Who am I that I may tell you these things, when I have said myself that no man may recall the tale? I have not played you false, for the truth is that I am no man. I am Viviane, she who was known as Lady of the Lake, and later shrouded by fear and obscurity in these old tales.
Summary: Originally written for a project, slightly AU, slight Aerith/Sephiroth, Arthurian legend-based.
***********
A long time ago, in ages so long ago no man alive can tell the tale, King Arthur and his brave Knights of the Round table sought after the famed Holy Grail. None now can recall even their faces, but their names have passed into legend, and eventually, myth; Sir Lancelet du Lac, Sir Galahad, Taliesin (better known now, perhaps, as the Merlin), King Arthur himself, fair Gwenhwyfar, and countless others lost to the mists of time and man's imagination.
However, there was also a knight that none remember the name of, and perhaps with good reason, for in all outward appearances her part in the tale was miniscule. But appearances may deceive just as the hearts of men, and this figure was the Lady Aerith des Fleurs. Surprised? Of course, for in those times 'twas nigh impossible for a woman to do much without a man beside her -- let alone fight or attain a knighthood. This, though, is why her story is vital, and why it must now be told, for truly she did these things, and did them well; almost, it was said then, Sir Lancelet's equal in arms.
Wherefore did she come, and who was she, really? ..No man knew then for certain, and no man knows now. Did the Lady, herself?
Who am I that I may tell you these things, when I have said myself that no man may recall the tale? I have not played you false, for the truth is that I am no man. I am Viviane, she who was known as Lady of the Lake, and later shrouded by fear and obscurity in these old tales.