Hello and welcome to the Realm of Albion! This takes place before Uther dies, so Arthur is still a Prince. I don't have a set point in the series though. Hope you enjoy. Also feel free to review, I would love to know what you think.
Chapter 1- The Unknown Beast.
It was a beautiful clear night in the land of Camelot. There were very few clouds in the sky allowing the stars to shine in their golden glory. On a night like that you would expect it to be cold with there not being many clouds to keep the heat in. On the contrary, it was lovely and warm. Not too warm that it was hard to sleep but warm enough to help you sleep, so you drift off into a calm sleep.
The trees in the land stood tall like mighty emerald guards of the forrest defending the animals within from any predators or poachers. The wind was barely moving them. It just seemed to whistle and whip around the sage sentries like a shield. A single brown crested owl sat on the highest branch it dared carefully examining the ground with it's enormous golden eyes, searching for any sign of movement. It wasn't long before it found it. The graceful owl silently swooped off of it's perch, diving for the ground and it snatched up it's pray in its beige beak.
Just after the owl returned to it's perch, tucking in to its meal, there was a rustle in the bushes. A cloaked figure appeared pushing the low branches and foliage out of their way. The deep grey cloak flowed across the persons slender shoulders and cascaded to the floor. The only other thing visible was the hilt of a sword. Brown leather wrapped around an intricately carved steal hilt.
The figure kept pushing their way through the dense forrest, looking over their shoulder every so often. Most things were quiet, as expected in the dead of the night. The slightest noise and the person would twitch. It wasn't until the sound of snapping twigs, slightly muffled in a deep growl, that the person turned around fully.
Nothing.
Their eyes scanned the landscape searching for anything. The hint of fur or the glint of eyes in the moonlight. With fear setting in, the figure hastily hurried on to their destination. Another faint growl echoed between the trees. The person froze to the spot, listening intently. They stood there for what felt like hour, judging every little sound on whether it was a threat.
Then, from seemingly out of nowhere, a very large creature dived out of the bushes barring it's teeth. The person had a split second to react but successfully did so. They sprinted away from the creature, jumping over boulders and broken tree branches, not looking back.
The creature was a large, jet black, dog like beast. It's fur was thick and matted and had a hint of red flicking through it. Whether that was blood or it's natural fur colour the figure didn't know or, at that moment, care. The beasts long bushy tail swayed this way and that as it chased the cloaked figure. The fur at the ends of it's ears curled around and gradually turned into a snowy white colour. They twitched at any sound, even when it was running full pelt after it's pray.
This time it was the beasts turn to be surprised. The cloaked figure spun on their heal, drawing an elaborately carved claymore from its sheath. The grey cloak that was once on the persons back was sent billowing to the ground revealing a stunning woman beneath.
She was ready for fight and was brandishing her weapon in an aggressive manner. Her chestnut hair was blowing in the wind. The sides were tied back and plaited to keep the majority of it out of her face. She wore tight brown leather trousers and boots. Armour encased her left leg all the way up to her thigh. Her top only had one sleeve covering her right arm and it stopped just below her belly button. A single small pauldron protected her right shoulder. Her trousers were held up by a leather belt adorned with various pouches.
The beast reared back on it's hind legs, it's roar echoing into the night sky sending startled little birds fluttering into the darkness. The woman readied herself for the creatures inevitable attack. It pounced high into the air allowing the woman time to move out of the way slashing at its stomach. She knew her blade had made contact. She felt it vibrate through the claymore but something was wrong.
The beast yelped and stumbled to the floor. She had definitely made contact but the girl noticed that there was no blood on her sword. The only thing that was there was a clump of fur on the ground. She glanced up at the creature and saw it was still rolling on the floor. She rolled herself grabbing the fur as she did, managing to keep her eye on the creature at all times.
With new anger and fury flowing through its veins, the monster charged at her again, swiping its giant claw at her but once again she was too fast. Using her agility, she tumbled out of the way, slicing as she stood up, hoping this time to draw blood. The beast howled in pain, barring its sharp, yellowing teeth once again at her.
As she was about to advance on the creature when it turned on its heal and fled into the dark forrest. Thankful for her life the girl stumbled to her knees, holding her side, all the adrenaline powered strength quickly seeping away from her. She pulled her hand away dreading that she would see a cut or gash. Unfortunately that is precisely what she got. She was bleeding, fairly badly.
"Damn."
She carefully stumbled to her feet, picking up her cloak as she did. With one final glance at where the large dog like creature had stood she flung the cloak back over her shoulders and staggered her way out of the forrest. She attempted to move as lightly as she could praying that the beast wouldn't return to finish the job.
A short walk after leaving the forrest the person reached a small, rundown village. She careened down the street falling to her knees in the middle, her mind growing fuzzy. Only one house had a light flickering in the window. The mangled door creaked open and an elderly women toddled out, tucking up the bottom of her dress to avoid it getting dirty. The old lady bent down grabbing the girl by her arm.
"You always seem to get into trouble Aya."
"Ha you know me Cynthia. I can't resist a good fight." stammered the girl called Aya.
They looked tenderly at each other, like a mother and daughter would.
"Is everyone safe?" Questioned Aya.
"Yes thanks to our resident hunter."
Cynthia helped Aya into her house and onto the bed. For an old women she sure had some strength in her. She indicated for Aya to pick up the hem her shirt so she could tend to her wounds. Aya did what she was told knowing she would only get shouted at.
The teeny house some how managed fit the basic amenities in. At one side was a collection of full cupboards and a small area for a fire. At the other side of the room were two low wooden benches atop of a worn woven rug. The two beds were at the back of the room. They weren't the most luxurious beds in the world but at least it was better than the floor.
Cynthia did her best to treat the wound by rubbing a foul smelling paste onto it. Cynthia promised that the paste would help her body heal but Aya wasn't too sure. She then bandaged Aya up wrapping a soft cotton strip around her waist. All the time Cynthia was wrapping up Aya she kept pulling pouty faces which only made Cynthia tie it tighter.
Aya stuck out her tongue like a playful yet petulant child. Cynthia just giggled to herself as Aya pulled her top back down.
"Now get some sleep. You deserve it Aya." said Cynthia, placing her hand gently on Aya's arm.
She did not argue. Aya flopped back onto the bed she was sat on and instantly fell asleep. Her body aching for its well earned rest.
"Typical." mumbled Cynthia, rolling her eyes, as she snuffed out the candle.
Insert the Merlin title screen here. Hope you enjoyed and hopefully see you next chapter.
Just incase, the leg armour is similar in style to Patroklos' 2nd outfit if you have played Soul Calibur 5.
