A/N: So I've been thinking about branching out in my stories…and the story of King Arthur is one that has captivated my mind…oh that movie! Love it! So who knows, I guess I'll try out a chapter or two and see where it goes! I'm doing a bit of research, because I personally love history and if I'm going to write this, I'm gonna try to be as close to the real thing as possible! (Well, that's my goal at least!) So please, enjoy and let me know if I should continue or if I should just put this story out to pasture! Anyways, on with the story!
This story takes place about 2 years before the movie. I do not know pairings yet, although I have an idea for a number of them, just haven't figured it out yet! Please let me know how this first chapter is
Every Story Begins Somewhere
'Freed...Freedwoman…I am free…' the words resounded in my head. I had dreamt of hearing those words for as long as one can remember, but never imagined that I should hear them while I was alive and breathing.
"Liva, please…don't do not say those words unless it is truly meant." I begged, as doubt rushed into my head.
My now dead master's wife looked at me, with tears in her eyes. "Lorelei, when you came to our household as a young girl, I viewed you as the daughter I never had. As you grew, I made a promise to myself that when the opportunity presented itself I would free you. That opportunity is now, and I dare say that you would question the truth to my words. You are no longer a sla…servant in this house."
She had called me Lorelei, my real name, not my Roman name of Vita. It felt good to be acknowledged by my true name.
"Gods be praised, thank you Liva. You have no idea of how long I have dreamed of this moment. You have shown me true kindness, despite the cruel fates that brought me as a slave to your house. I came here at a frightened 10 years, and you went beyond that of a mistress and cared for me when you were able. If not for you I cannot even begin to imagine what terrors would have become me. For this, I can only say thank you from the depths of my soul." I said, as I gripped her hands.
"Do not thank me girl, for I was not able to prevent all evils from happening to you. Alas, some things are just assigned to you from birth. Enough of such talk, you must pack your things and leave immediately before I am forced to go back on my word." Liva said in a hushed tone.
I knew that Liva was an honorable woman, but I also knew that by tomorrow here horrid son would rightfully take control of his deceased father's estate. Flavius was a wicked man, the spitting image of his father. I know not how a boy with a mother as kind and pure as Liva could turn out so evil.
"How was this arranged? Liva, Flavius cannot be enthused that I am to be freed." I commented.
"He believes you have been sold to pay for an increasing debt that your father had kept hidden. In fact, that is how I can ensure you safe travels. You leave at dawn tomorrow for Britain. I am sure that from there you shall manage to get back to your homeland, seeing as it is just a boat trip away from there." Liva told me.
"I will never be able to express how greatly this pleases me Liva! A thousand thanks, nay a lifetime of thanks just begins to show how happy you have made me." I said as I hugged Liva.
"Oh child, you still have such a long journey ahead of you…enough talking, you must get your things together and get a good nights sleep." Liva said, as she released my hands. She gave me one last smile, and then left me to pack in the darkness of my tiny room.
As I placed the few things I owned inside a small sack, and then sat down on my bed. A thousand thoughts ran through my mind. 'I am no longer a slave…I am going home, well, to Britain but then home to Belgica…I am passing through Belgica to sail to Britain, I wonder if any of my kin are still there…'
I lay back and took a deep breath, trying to bind the activity that was keeping me awake. Finally sleep began to take grip on me and dreams of home ruled my slumber.
I woke up right before the sun rose. Liva was out in the courtyard awaiting me. I grabbed my sack and then with one last look at the place that had been both my home and my prison for 10 years past. After a quick embrace with Liva, I was taken to where a caravan was awaiting.
"Lorelei, here, take this." Liva said as she handed me a small satchel containing some coins. "And here, you may need this."
I looked down as Liva gave me something wrapped in a cloth. I pulled back the cloth and saw two knives.
"Liva, you are too kind to me. You truly have been a mother to me. I am forever grateful to your unending kindness." I said, as my eyes began to fill with tears.
Liva gave a quick embrace, and then smiled. "My daughter…May God be with you and your travels."
She turned and got back into her carriage. I placed the coin satchel and the knives in my bag, and waited as numerous items and people were loaded into wagons. With a crack of a whip the lead wagon took off and so began my journey.
A/N: Yea, it's dull…but I had to start it somewhere! Please bear with me, and let me know how I'm doing. I love CONSTRUCTIVE criticism, so if you think it sucks that's fine as long as you tell me why and how it could be better! Until next time!