Author's Note: I know, I know, I'm starting another bloody story but I just couldn't help myself! I'm not exactly sure if this will be a one-shot, or if I will make it a few chapters long. I guess we shall have to see! Anyways, on with it!

I do not own anything to do with the legends of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, only Hero and the village of Aerona. This is merely another result of boredom. Anyways, I hope you enjoy this piece, and I can't wait to hear what you all think about it! By the way, if you review, tell me if I should:

a. delete it all together

b. leave it as a one-shot

c. continue

Thank you once again!

Set in Lancelot's POV

A Day So Right

Through Smoke and Ash

When we arrived at Aerona, well, it certainly didn't look like it used to. In fact, it didn't look like much of anything. I had been there with the Knights a few times before, and it was quite a beautiful place. The oceans of tall, green grass, tall trees as far as the eye could see, and a large pond right in the center of the village. Most vivid in my mind, I remember how warm it was. It was paradise. But now- now it looked like hell on earth.

Now, the only things visible were the numerous amounts of fires scattered over the village. What used to be the homes and shops of the villagers, was nothing more than large piles of smoking ash. It was almost hard to breathe.

"Look for any sign of survivors!" Arthur called out as he swiftly stepped off his steed. I could only imagine what must have been playing through his mind at this moment. For I knew of his past and how he was unable to rescue his mother from his own burning village.

I did as I was told and began searching through some of the homes that hadn't completely collapsed. I remember covering my face from the massive amount of smoke blowing through with each gust of wind. I lifted up a few pieces of debris, but found nothing.

We had been there for a few hours and I was becoming quite irritated with the place quite frankly. Because now, the only thing keeping me from returning home and consuming massive amounts of ale until I could no longer see straight, was this damned place. "Arthur, it's no use. Everyone's dead. This entire village is nothing but ash!" I shouted to him as I forcefully kicked open a door. Odd. I thought. This is the only home that hadn't caught fire.

Walking through the doorway and stepping over the door, I almost thought I heard a cough. It couldn't be. I thought to myself Everyone is dead…

Brushing that thought out of my mind, I came upon a secret door hidden in the floorboards. I tried lifting the handle, but the damned thing wouldn't budge. It was too heavy! Well, if that didn't work…I thought as I pulled my sword from its sheath. Then this will. I forcefully brought down my sword on the door, and it unlocked.

Tossing my sword to the side, I opened the door and proceeded to walk down the steps into the secret room.

"Hello? Is anyone down here?" I called out as I continued to search for any kind of life. Then I heard it again-the cough. It sounded somewhat close, I mused as I walked in the direction the noise came from.

Seconds later, I was startled to find a young woman hiding in a nearby corner. Her face was covered with soot, her hair messed and tangled, and her dress was slightly torn. Whatever happened to her, she had survived it. Trying my best not to frighten her, I steadied myself to a slow pace. "My name is Lancelot. I am one of King Arthur's Knights, and we have come to help you. Do not fear me." I said as I held out my hand to her.

I must admit, I was quite shocked when she grabbed my hand. I had half-expected her to try and run away, or bite me, or…something. Instead, she put her trust in me and grabbed my hand. I helped her onto her feet, and we stood there for a moment as she held onto my arms. Her eyes were beautiful. So dark, like my own.

"My name is Hero…" She said as she continued to look up at me. I watched her eyes as she scanned for more to say. But she said nothing, instead coughed.

"Are you alright?" I asked as I grabbed on to her shoulders to keep her from falling over.

She nodded. "I'm fine…the smoke-"

"Come with me before your lungs turn to soot." I said. A horrible attempt of a joke, I know. But you can't blame me for trying…

Minutes later, we stepped out of the house and back outside. The smoke had cleared now, albeit a few very small fires. "Lancelot? Where have you been? We've been calling your name for-Who is that?" Arthur asked as he stepped off his steed once again and walked over to where Hero and I were standing.

"Don't ask me, I found her hiding under the floorboards…Her name is Hero." I replied as I stood still.

"Hero, my name is Arthur. These are my knights." Arthur said as he looked back at the group of men on horseback. "We will take you back to Rome with us. You will be safe there. You may ride in the caravan if you like? There will be plenty of room as you are the only survivor.

"Only survivor?" Hero asked as she furrowed her brow. "And what of my father? Have you seen-"

"I'm sorry. Just you…" Arthur replied concisely.

I watched as a few tears gathered in her eyes. And I watched as she wiped them away before they could fall.