Becoming Of Age... Again
By: Sheiado
Author's Note: Okay, this story is an idea that just WOULDN'T get out of my head while I was at work (what can I say, it was a slow day today and I decided to pick up a notebook lol). Anyway, what do you guys think? … if I get far enough with this, I'm thinking of making it either a Tristan/OC or a Lancelot/OC. As of now, I'm not too sure yet. I'll have to see how this turns out lol.
Summary: A woman from the year 2010 wakes up into the world of king Arthur… and discovers that she isn't 25 anymore. She's fifteen years younger and is surrounded by boys who are training to be knights. This is Claire's story.
Prologue
My eyes felt too heavy to open and, despite waking into consciousness, the dense fog of sleep still persisted to linger heavily against the rational part of my mind, almost as if refusing to release me from its clutches.
I felt adrift with myself and my surroundings. Normally, the helplessness of my present circumstance would have left me feeling nothing but raw panic. But, I felt a varying sensation of calmness running through me and the void of darkness that hovered around my mind seemed to coax me into a strange state of peace.
Despite the thick barrier between wakefulness and unconsciousness, I found myself questioning what was happening. Where was I? Why couldn't I open my eyes? Was I dead…?
The surrounding darkness soon began to entice me further and its pull strengthened with every thought in my head that began to waver. I was beginning to feel depleted with every effort I made to fight and silently rage against it.
I knew my act defiance would serve no purpose other than to be used against me.
And used against me, it was.
'So tired…'
A soft, lilting voice penetrated through the haze that burdened me, a woman's voice that was laced with the unmistakable affection of concern. "How does the child fair, Erond? Will she live?"
"Aye, she will live," a soft-spoken male voice answered. "Her fever has broke but for the next few days she will need to be abed in order to heal and gather her strength."
There was a short moment of silence and the unmistakable crackle from a fire. "What kind of monster would treat a child so young thusly?"
The question came out as a barely discernible whisper.
"I know not. She seems to be a very brave child."
"Yes," the woman agreed. "The markings on her, they do not come from this land for I have not seen their like here before. What people do you think she hails from?"
"None of this land nor those of Rome or Sarmatia."
"… a Saxon child?"
"No. Wherever she hails from, I don't believe it is anywhere close to this region. Her attire when we came upon her was made of strange fabric far too large for her body."
"I see. When she awakens, what shall we ask her?"
"Nothing. At present, she needs rest and comfort. A frightened child isn't one to question after such an ordeal as hers." Then, almost as an afterthought, he added, "However, if you wish for at least some answers, perhaps your son shall be of good use to you in getting her comfortable enough to speak."
"I agree with that idea. I will speak to him about it after the midday meal."
"Good," the man replied. "In the meantime, I must speak with my apprentice knight concerning her condition. The type of injuries I have found on this child are certainly new ones that I have never encountered before. Dagonet will be able to use this information if any more wounds such as the ones she possesses comes forth in future time."
"Of course," the woman conceded. "I must take my leave as well yet, I must confess, I do not wish to leave her alone for fear she will awaken."
"Worry not, Lady Igraine," the man assured in a quiet voice. "The herbs I have just given her are strong ones. Her body will not be able to challenge their potency, especially in one so young. I will administer them to her again on the morrow."
"Thank you, Sir."
A shuffle of feet resounded against the floor, followed by the loud moan of a door cricking open.
A swishing of skirts followed only seconds later, along with the woman's soft and alluring voice, "Sleep, little one and fear not."
'Sleep…'
The deep sense of peace took hold of me again and this time, I didn't fight it. Knowing that I was safe with this woman and with this man watching over me, I let sweet oblivion come to claim me. And then, I knew no more.
