Been watching more Merlin lately, and for whatever reason, have been really drawn to Percival lately. So I have decided to see how I am with writing fan-fiction for him. I wanted to create a unique character, that was a little outside the box, much like Gwen is. I thought that would fit well with Percival, considering his humble beginnings, and his unique charms. A lot of things are purposely spelt they way that are. It will become more apparent as you read on I hope.
The rating is simply because the themes, and violence is a little more than mild, but nothing vulgar or too crude (I hope). Also I do not own Merlin or it's characters, worlds, or plots. That belongs to BBC and people who created the show. I only take credit for Cereza and her family, and general plots not written in the show.
Please let me know what you think!
Cereza Woodrow started her rounds at the castle in Camelot in an extremely pleasant mood. She was just informed that she was to be promoted. The cook hand that usually helped serve, or cook for the King and his Knights was released due to their tendency to have slippery fingers. She would now to get to serve the Knights their meals, and help out more in the kitchen, something she always dreamed of. It was a great honor to be chosen to do such tasks. She hoped this might mean one day she would become a cook.
She started her duties that morning, and she was on her way to the Knight's Quarter's, when she saw a familiar figure sprint by her.
"Looking for something Merlin?" She called after him, recognizing the look on his face.
"Ah Cereza perfect! I need your help." He said rushing back over to her.
"Anything for you." She told him with a slight flirty tone.
Despite knowing she was kidding, and that this was a common occurrence, he blushed slightly and chuckled.
"Well Arthur…I mean the King wishes for a bit more breakfast since another Knight's Test is today, is there a way you could ask the Kitchen to make more?" He asked her.
"Actually I had anticipated that and," She paused to grab something from the cart Merlin did not notice, "Here is another plate for the King, I planned to find you after feeding the Knights." She presented the plate.
"Wait…are you taking over for Charles?" Merlin questioned taking the plate.
"So it seems." She answered with a smile.
"Brilliant, now maybe I'll get less complaints." Merlin admitted, smile widening on his face.
"Be sure to let me know if the King enjoys it or not, it is my job to make sure it's to his liking." She eagerly told him, cooking was a true passion of hers.
"Oh I will, better get to it then." He said while walking away.
"Oh Merlin." Cereza stopped him.
"Yes?" He questioned.
"Have you eaten yet?" She pondered, already knowing the answer.
"Can't say that I have." He replied.
Cereza pulls out a small pastry. It's filled with cheese, spices, herbs and some her chicken from her dinner the night before. She walks over to him, and puts it in his hand.
"Breakfast from you? See I had a feeling today was going to be a good day." He said munching it as he walked away.
Cereza smiled as she continued to her destination.
The first person she thought to visit was Gwaine, since they are friends, and he is a bit of a prat if he does not get fed properly. When she arrived at his door she knocked. As expected, he did not answer. Gwaine hardly ever woke up properly when he was in the castle. When she walked inside, she felt pity for the maid who had to clean up after him. It was cluttered and messy, and had a unique smell of booze and sweat to it.
She first set his plate on the table to make sure it was safe. She then walked over to the curtains and threw them open in one swoop. This made the light shine at its brightest on his face rather quickly.
"I told you not to do that you man servant!" He grunted angrily, starting to stir.
"Oh I didn't know Sir, I apologize." She said coyly.
"Cereza?" He asked in sleepy delight.
"Yes My Lord." She replied with a chuckle.
"Am I still asleep, because I smell a most tasty breakfast as well?" He said while stretching.
"Would a dream give you such a rude awakening? I do hope you find your food to your liking." She answered while moving toward her cart.
"If you had anything to do with it, I'll try to get seconds." He told her honestly while sitting down before his food.
"Then you'll have something pleasant to wake up to now." She told with a flirty wink.
"I get your food, and your face every day now?" He asked, smirking in response.
"Yes My Lord, I do hope we'll enjoy each others time," She bowed a flirty smile on her face, "Now leave me alone you flirt, I have other Knights to attend to." She excused herself and moved on.
The next Knight to see was Sir Elyan. He is the brother of the new Queen Guinevere, and now brother-in-law to the King Arthur. His sister used to be a regular servant girl just like her, but she was the personal servant of the Lady Morgana before she betrayed her country the many times she did. Guinevere, or Gwen, as she preferred, and the now King Arthur, fell in love many years ago, and now finally live life together.
As far as Cereza could tell, Elyan was a good man. In his youth he traveled a lot and was not home, but once he came back he grew into the fine Knight he is today. He always treated the servants well, and always fought for what is true and just. She hoped to learn more about him in the future.
She knocked on his door and heard a soft approval of entry. When she entered Elyan's room, it was a much nicer sight than the last one she was in. It had some random artifacts, but it was tidy. It smelt clean, it was quite a dream actually. She smiled softly to herself.
"What's so funny?" Elyan asked curious.
"Oh I'm sorry my Lord, I just couldn't help but notice the difference in cleanliness in some rooms to others." She quickly apologized, getting embarrassed.
Elyan gave off an amused laugh. It was full of joy, and kindness. It made Cereza's heart calm down a little.
"Yes, I learned it from my father, who was a blacksmith so everything was kept cleaned." He told her kindly, trying to ease her worry.
"I see, well I am Cereza," She bowed to him, then grabbed his tray of food, "I am your new cook hand, if you required any needs food wise, please let me know." She informed him as she set the food on the table.
"Thank you Cereza, it'll be nice to receive my meals from a lovely lady, I am Elyan." He told her while sitting down.
Cereza bowed once again.
"I thank you kindly for the compliment my Lord, but please excuse me, I must attend to your friends as well." She told him.
"Do be careful of Percival, not only is he the messiest of us all, he tends to live in a manner of undress all the time." Elyan warned digging into his food.
Cereza bowed once again, and made a mental note of the warning.
The next Knight she encountered was the newest one Lord Mordred. He was considerably quieter than the others, but that did not mean he was shy. In fact Mordred often spoke his piece when he thought it was necessary, and always stood up for his beliefs. Cereza could sense an immense power and strength behind his boyish features.
As she approached, Mordred lifted his head. When he noticed it was her, he smiled kindly.
"Good morning Cereza." He greeted her.
"And a good morning to you Lord Mordred." She answered with a bow.
"Please Cereza, no need to be so formal with me," He paused to catch his breath, "I mean we are friends aren't we?" He finished searching for an answer.
It's true that he and her that had a strange instant connection since his arrival in Camelot. Both of them had experienced a lot of personal loss, and running for their lives. Before Cereza's family settled in Camelot, they had traveled between various lands as traders. Her father would hunt for exotic animals and furs, her mother, anything else rare. They were quite good at their jobs, but it was dangerous work, and Cereza's mother was a sorceress. Many lands outlawed it, or were very strict about, so her mother had to keep it a secret.
Cereza and her family had spent some time with the Druid people after a raid ravaged a land they were at which caused a severe injury for her father. Plus at the time, Cereza's mother was so swollen with pregnancy, they really could not travel with her as well. The druids kindly took them. Cereza remembered a small child with the same name from that time. In her heart, she knew the man before her was the same person. She obviously kept his secret though, considering her own heritage.
"Of course Mordred, a friendship that I value deeply." She admitted to him, to which he gave her a bright smile.
"As do I, and congratulations for the promotion." He said knowingly.
"Thank you friend, and since I know your habits, I made sure breakfast was something you could eat on the go." She told him grabbing a parcel from her cart.
"Thank you, this is very helpful." He told her kindly.
"That is my job." She responded with a wink.
"Then I shall have peace of mind knowing you'll be there to keep me healthy." He complimented.
"Mordred! If I didn't already know about your love for Kara, I would almost take that as a more than friendly statement." She jokingly said with a small blush.
"Of course I have a fondness for you, we are kin after all." He told her honestly.
The statement confused her, they were not siblings, and yes her mother was of magic, but that was different right? She decided to enjoy the sentiment anyways. She really did feel very close to him, not as intimate and openly as she was with Gwaine, but just as intense.
"Thank you Mordred, see you later?" She said with a bow.
"Good bye Cereza, thank you." He said while walking away.
Her next stop was at Sir Leon's quarters. He was one of the first Knights, as he was one even during Uther's reign. He was more strict and more of a bore than the other Knights, but still a great man none the less. He comes from Nobility, but never seems to keep that over his allies' heads. He gave everyone a fair chance, and was known for his kindness. She was restricted from knowing him during Uther's reign because of the class differences. Still, she was excited to meet one of Camelot's most revered and famous Knights.
She knocked on his door and awaited a reply.
"You may enter." He said with what sounded like disdain in his voice.
Looks like she is being mistaken for Charles again. She took a breath to gather her wit, then entered the room.
"I'm sorry to disturb you my Lord." She spoke softly as to not provoke anymore ill-will.
"Oh, no please, I should apologize, I thought you were someone else fair maiden." Leon said, standing up to apologize properly to her.
"That is not necessary my Lord, I understand the sentiment, the last Cook Hand was rather unsavory." She curtsied to him to show respect.
Leon chuckled at her words. He found them to be honest, as well as modest. He found it endearing.
"May I ask your name?" Leon asked her.
"Oh my! I'm so sorry my Lord, I am Cereza, I will be taking over as Cook Hand for you and your fellow Knights." She again curtsied but with a deep blush of embarrassment on her face.
Leon felt himself give out a hearty laugh. Her sense of pride and duty were cute. Though that might have been her reactions as well.
"No need to be so afraid Sweet Cereza," Leon paused to notice her eyes flicker in surprise, "It is only your first day, I'm sure you'll be fine." He told kindly.
"Thank you my Lord," She picked up his breakfast and set it up on his table, "I do hope this is to your liking, please let me know should you need anything else." She said packing up to move to the last Knight Percival.
"Sweet Cereza." Leon called to get her attention.
"Yes my Lord?" She asked curiously, already accepting the new nickname.
"I forgot to introduce myself, I am Sir Leon, do be careful with Percival, he tends to be a bit crude, but he is a good man." He told her while kissing the back of her hand.
"Oh my, first Sir Elyan, and now you. I'll be sure to have my wits about me when I see Sir Percival." She assured him with a bow.
Once again, as she reached another Knight's door, she knocked on it and listened for a response. When she heard none, she just assumed like Gwaine and others, they were asleep or occupied so she entered. She noticed it was indeed messier than Gwaine's room, and smelt very musky and male. She had a lot of experience with it, considering her six brother's and father in her house. She felt a huge sense of gratitude to the world for not being the maid that cleans up after men who live like this.
She heard a small shuffle, but assumed it was just someone moving about the castle, after all, servants were everywhere all the time. She simply moved on to her next task. She able to place the two servings that Percival would need due to his size and strength on the table. She again looked around for her charge, but he was yet to be seen. She decided to check by the door, he was on an errand, like Mordred likes to do.
As she approached the door, she heard a battle cry and a thump. She turned around and saw the shine a blade takes on in the sunlight. She tried to move out of its trajectory, but tripped over her dress for she hasn't been able to hem it to fit her. Now the blade was coming close to her at an even worse angle. If nothing was done she would be cut quite deeply in her left shoulder, and possibly her side as well. Cereza curled up as much as she could to brace for it. As she did, she felt a surge of something run through her. It was warm, like an ember, and then felt like a burst. The next moment she noticed the blade came very close to her, but somehow missed. She thought she heard a small clank, almost like it hit a shield, but ignored it, due to it being impossible. She was just happy to come out unharmed.
Then a shirtless torso appeared before her. She followed it up to see blue eyes filled with kindness and worry. They were set in a face that is square and strong. His hair is severely short, but it suits him well. She felt her heart start racing faster, though she blamed it on fear of the situation. It would be highly perverse and inappropriate to feel an attraction to someone after they swung a sword at you.
"I offer my deepest apologies fair lady," His voice was more gruff and deeper than the other Knights, Cereza felt her heart race even more, "I thought you were someone else." He admitted to her.
Cereza could only nod in response. She wasn't sure if it was due to fear, or something else. Perhaps something much more carnal and forbidden.
"Of course you must be too frightened to talk to me now, why wouldn't you be?" He said aloud with a sad smile.
Cereza felt a twinge in her heart. She would really need to see Gaius or Gwaine about this. It gave her a little more clarity though.
"A-A little bit m-my Lord." Was all she could muster at the moment, she did not know what to say.
"A brave bird aren't you?" He asked with relief in his voice.
Cereza frowned slightly. She knew she was pretty enough, and she was used to be being called many things, but "bird" was one she never really cared for.
"I-I grew up w-with men, I am the o-one and only w-woman in my family now." Talking about her family seemed to help calm her heart.
"I can't say I understand, but I imagine that is hard for any maiden to endure." He said while standing up.
Cereza now understood her racing heart. She had never taken such an attraction to a man before. Yes, Gwaine was very handsome and charming. Her King, was striking, and she admitted to staring upon him every one in a while. Mordred was so beautiful it takes your breath away. Even Merlin was adorably lovable. Each was attractive in their own right, but something bout Percival and his perfectly…no she dare not finish that thought.
"Please let me help you up, I am Percival." He told her while holding out his hand.
She put her hand in his, and could not help but notice how small it looked in his. It was like a fairy grabbing a giants. It also felt strong, secure. The thought made a small smile spread on her lips. Then Percival gripped it slightly and easily pulled her to her feet.
"Thank you my Lord, I am Cereza, I am the new Cook Hand." She told him, glancing around the room to avoid his eyes…and bare chest.
"You're beautiful, I mean that's a beautiful name." He spilled out quickly.
Cereza blushed deeply. Partly due to being to being genuinely surprised and flattered, the other part due to again, how undressed he was. She decided the best way to handle it was to just be upfront about it. She coughed softly to get his attention.
"Might I suggest I get back to work to not cause rumors?" She politely asked while glancing at him.
"What? Oh yes, ah sorry," He let of her hand and move to grab a shirt, "That was very rude of me, if anyone were to question your motives, I promise you, I won't let your reputation be stained." He jumbled out, clearly embarrassed as well.
Cereza couldn't help but giggle a little as she grabbed her cart.
"Thank you my Lord that is most kind of you." She told him with a bow.
"I will find a way to make it up to you, I promise." He told her, and by the tone of his voice, she would not be able to change his mind.
"Thank you sir, I look forward to it." She curtsied and then left.
While on her way back to the Kitchen, Cereza felt a familiar sensation pass over her. She suddenly felt weak and dizzy. Her energy all but drained from her body. It was so strong that she instantly feel to her knees. Though was usually careful, this has happened many times before. When Cereza did not have enough to eat during the day for the energy she spent, she would become like this. It was an odd ailment with no cure, but it was easily treated by eating regularly. Cereza realized while looking over the cart that she had forgotten to eat her own pastry this morning. She had eaten a bit before her shift, like she always does, but with the added excitement from her meeting with Percival, it put more stress on her body than normal, and caused it to become this bad.
"Cereza?" A very comforting and familiar voice called out to her very worried.
"Gwaine! I seem to have over spent my energy again." She told him, not really caring about the food in her mouth.
"Did you forget to eat breakfast then?" He asked while approaching her.
"Yes, but I ate before my shift, don't scowl at me Gwaine,!" She puffed her chest out in annoyance, "but I would have been okay, except for the scare Percival gave me." She admitted, knowing he would find out at some point today.
"Wait…did he try anything on you?" He questioned angrily.
"What? NO! Lord Percival is an honorable man, which you should know considering he beat me in being your best friend." She answered grumpily.
Gwaine laughed at her. The grouchiness was a symptom of her ailment, it was something he was very used to. He also knew she despite her aloof nature, she is actually very prideful, a side effect of living with only men for so long.
"Are you jealous Cereza?" He asked with a smirk.
"Considering you, Mordred, and Merlin are let's count that," She holds up three fingers, "the only three friends I have, I am quite obligated to say yes." She answered reaching for another snack she had hidden on the cart.
Gwaine blinked in surprise. Yes, he considered himself close to her. They had made fast friends when finally settled on staying in Camelot, and he had met her before in his days of wandering, but it was more than that. Cereza was special to him, perhaps not like a lover, but more than ordinary friends. He just didn't realize how lonely she was, or that she felt the same for him.
"No worries Cereza, I would not want to live without your company any less than I would Percival." He told her gently, then frowns.
"But what happened with Percival then?" He asked sternly.
"I think he meant to scare Charles, the Cook Hand before me. I'm sure you know about his stealing habit." She started.
Gwaine grunted in response. Good riddance to that guy.
"Well, he didn't mean to, but he ended up swinging his sword at me, again because he meant to scare Charles." She told him, watching as his eyes turned into a glare.
"So he meant to attack the last Cook Hand, but somehow mistook you, a voluptuous woman, for a man?" Gwaine asked confused.
"I think he was hiding somewhere in his quarters where he couldn't see who it was. I didn't speak until after everything was over." She thought back on it, perhaps she had a hand in it too.
"Oh no, I know that glint in your eyes, and let me tell you Cereza, that was not your fault. Why would you speak otherwise?" Gwaine told her.
"True enough." She admitted.
"Still, I want you to see Gaius right away now, make sure everything is okay." He ordered.
Cereza rolled her eyes. That was her next move once she had her strength back, and returned the cart.
"I will in a few minutes, I still don't get feel strong enough yet." She told him.
"Then let me help you." A deep voice rang out.
"Percival my friend! How in the hell do you mistake a maiden for a no good coward?" Gwaine cut right to the chase.
"Yes, well I was hiding behind my screen and the sun was blocking most of my view." He admitted.
Cereza chimed in victory. Gwaine rolled his eyes, then they shared a smile. Percival felt himself bristle for some reason. It was ridiculous, he had just met…well almost harmed the girl not long ago. It would be absurd to have feelings for her already, right?
"But really that's okay my Lords, I'll be fine, I need to return the cart anyways, so I can just sit here stupidly," She paused for breath, "Most servants have come after I started working here, so they know my condition already." She stated.
Both men now rolled their eyes. Gwaine was the first to speak, and it was to a passing servant.
"Excuse me?" He called out to her.
"Y-yes my Lord?" The maid stuttered out, shocked to be spoken to by a Knight.
"Could you possibly take this to the Kitchens?" He asked her.
The maid then noticed Cereza and nodded knowingly.
"Of course Sir, I do hope you feel better soon Cereza." She said while rolling the cart away.
Cereza sighed in defeat.
"Well up and at them 'em...," She tried to stand, but almost fell again, but Percival caught her, "whoops, guess not." She stated simply.
"Yes, we must get you to Gaius." Gwaine stated, giving Percival a look.
Percival nodded and moved swiftly. Where Cereza was once leaning on him, now she was cradled in his arms. She felt like a bride. The thought made her blush. With that, all three headed off to see Gaius.
Percival could not help but admit to himself how much he enjoyed carrying the new Cook Hand. While she was just as small as many women he had interacted with, her physique is quite different. She is voluptuous and curvy. Even with clothes that were meant to hide some of it, it became much more evident by touch. Her hair, a soft shade of red, which was rare for Camelot carried a slight curl to it. It fell over her shoulders almost like a cover. She didn't decorate it in anyway, but it didn't make her any less beautiful to him.
Even eating did not deter him. She wasn't dainty about it, but still very much civil. It was an odd mix of regal and hunter. He found it interesting. Her amber eyes would glance into his blue eyes, and he found flecks of topaz in them sometimes.
"I am fine now, so may I please walk on my own?" She asked Gwaine more than him. This insulted him a little bit.
"I really don't mind, you're pretty light." Percival told her.
Gwaine snorted.
"And an ant has no quarrel with a boot, that's not what I was asking." She retorted, to which he laughed.
"Really, it would ease our minds." He tried to see if that would work.
She groaned, then puffed out her cheeks, with a pout so cute Percival really wasn't going to let go now.
"Good thing it's this guy and I Cer, Leon would never stand for your sass." Gwaine pointed out.
Cereza covered her face in embarrassment.
"I would never with Lord Leon, how could I? You know he already calls me Sweet Cereza?" She told Gwaine.
"And you're okay with that?" Percival asked, sounding more interested than he should have.
Gwaine raised his eyebrow at him, then smirked. Percival knew he would have to pay for that later.
"I've been called many things by men my whole life, at least that is kind in nature, and doesn't have crude meanings to it." She told him.
Percival understood what she meant. She was very beautiful indeed. Her natural shape was very desirable as well, but he did not like the idea of such unsavory things happening to her. It was rude, and insulting to do that to a lady.
"What if I called you that?" Percival asked out of curiosity. He really couldn't see himself doing it though.
She gave him a skeptical look, like she knew it was a bluff.
"Do you even want to?" She questioned, calling his bluff.
"No I don't." He answered honestly.
"Good, because my mother was the last person to call me that, and honestly any man I could take seriously it's just not right." She blinked, and blushed, then covered her face again. Percival wasn't sure why, but Gwaine did, he almost fell over laughing.
"Let me just tell Leon how you don't see him as a suitor at all." Gwaine teased.
"I would consider leaving Camelot before I could ever think about insulting one of its Knights." She told him dead serious, despite knowing he's joking.
"I would never do that to you, I know you love and put the Kingdom above all else." Gwaine told her.
She nodded than looked at Percival. He looked back at her. He wasn't quite sure what she wanted.
"I do apologize for not being more like a lady." She told him, which shocked him quite a bit.
Honestly, it didn't really bother him. She was still much a lady, just a more relatable one. It reminded him of the Queen a bit. Well if the Queen felt more comfortable around men. All the same, both were still respectable, just different.
"I hadn't noticed." He admitted honestly.
"Why is everyone kinder than you Gwaine?" She asked dramatically.
Percival laughed so hard, he almost dropped Cereza.
"Sorry fair lady." He apologized.
"Ugh, you two are like a newly married couple." Gwaine complained.
Percival could live with that.
Both Merlin and Gaius raised their eyebrows when Percival walked in carrying their mutual friend Cereza Woodrow. Cereza generally did not allow men to treat her like a dainty maiden, but then again, not many men had the strength to fight Percival, so what chance did she have?
"What are you doing?" Merlin asked trying to hide his chuckling, but failing.
"Well obviously Percival and I, even though we just met, justhad to marry right away and we're going to spend our first night together in Gaius's quarters," She paused to glare at both the men with her, silencing them, "Gwaine was our witness since he's the groom's best friend." She finished now fixing her stare at Merlin.
"Right, somebody forgot to eat lately." He said, then started cracking up.
"I agree, though you did ask a stupid question." Gaius told his young friend.
"That and this one here almost split her open with his sword." Gwaine informed them.
This made their eyebrows go up again.
"Excuse me?" Merlin asked.
"Secret marriage Merlin, focus." She said in a fake annoyed voice.
Percival laughed before answering.
"I meant to scare our old Cook Hand, but since I could not see who came into my room, and she doing her never spoke since I was hiding, I accidentally went after her thinking she was someone else." He relayed to them.
"That must have been frightening!" Merlin commented.
"No Merlin, it was such a feat of strength I asked him to marry me!" She threw the last of her snack at him in annoyance and to show her sarcasm.
"That was rather stupid to say mate." Gwaine said through a fit of laughter.
He was rather enjoying the various shades of red Percival kept turning. He thought about helping his friend, but was too amused by the show.
"Does Percival get a say in this marriage?" Merlin asked, laughing with Gwaine.
"Nope, Gwaine said we were, so it must be true." She retorted.
"Now, now, that's not fair." Merlin said, enjoying the banter. It was rare to see the Cereza that one would see in the village inside the castle. She liked to keep it separated.
"In any case, I'll need you to put her down, and at least stand outside, I can't very well examine her otherwise." Gaius chided at them, though secretly he was happy to see Cereza so lively.
"Right yes, of course." Percival said blushing now for reasons he did not want to admit.
He gently set her down. Cereza stretched quickly, then went over to Gaius.
"No good bye for your darling?" Gwaine teased.
"Wouldn't want to make you sick, you've got potential Knights to test after all." She reminded.
Both Knights muttered darkly under their breaths, and excused themselves. Merlin swore as well and run out with them, Arthur did not like tardiness. Since Percival ended up being last, Cereza called out to him.
"Yes?" He asked peeking around the corner.
Cereza leaned up and kissed his forehead.
"Thank you." She said simply, then returned to Gaius.
Percival smiled then ran to perform his duties.
Young men hoping to be Knights could be seen everywhere. The field was covered in weapons, shields, chain mail and capes. The air smelt of sweat, tears, blood and metal, perhaps some smoke as well. You could hear chatter, jokes, and general men noises all around. Swords clanked, wood thunked, and arrows whished. It was similar to Knight's training, just a lot more, and much louder.
There was a hiss, a hiss that Cereza knew well. It was the hiss of an arrow flying through the air. Then there was a scream of pain. Then a thump of a fallen body. Cereza's heart wrenched in agony. She did not want to look, but something made her. She knew who it was, but she did not want to believe it. She could smell the blood before she saw it.
On the ground was her best friend in a pool of his own blood. The arrow stuck out from his back, pushed in from the fall. It pierced his heart, and though Gaius was approaching, Cereza could feel it. He was dead, and nothing short of forbidden magic, even by Druid standards would bring him back. She felt herself let a scream louder and more lost in despair than she ever had in her life.
"CEREZA!" Someone shouted at her.
Cereza jolted awake. Awake? The dream felt so real to her though. Then she remembered Gaius sent her to get some rest to make sure everything was okay. She didn't even noticed who woke her until they spoke again.
"Are you alright Cereza? That is your name isn't it?" A female voice questioned.
Cereza blinked, then the person finally came into focus. She was a most beautiful woman with caramel skin, and brown eyes so strong yet kind, you instantly trusted her. Her black hair cascaded in waves, and was braided around her forehead. She wore a gown equal to her own beauty, and a small crown to match it. It is the new Queen. Cereza blushed and stammered in shock.
"Ah yes, Your Majesty."
"No need to be so nervous, I was simply worried about your well-being, you seemed to be having a terrible terror." Gwen told her, worry evident in her eyes.
"Yes, it was. Someone I care about died right in front of my eyes." She confessed, more to ease her heart than to explain.
"That would explain it yes, I have such nightmares myself sometimes." Gwen said with a sad smile.
"Thank you for waking me Your Majesty, I'm sorry to have disturbed you." Cereza stated while slightly bowing her head.
"It's no trouble at all, I was on my way to speak with Arthur, and so it wasn't out of my way." Gwen told her with a gentle smile.
"If you'd like, I could go send for him." Cereza offered getting out of the bed she was laying on.
"No thank you, I could use a bit of sun, even if it will be smelly." The Queen chuckled to herself, then looked at Cereza.
"You could walk with me though, I would appreciate the company." Her queen asked of her.
"If you feel I'm good enough, I would be honored." Cereza replied with a bow.
"Thank you." Gwen said while walking to her destination, with Cereza following her.
Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table were accessing the hopeful Knights, and to honest, there were some hopefuls, but not as many as they would like. There was one very interesting young man though that Arthur really felt was noteworthy.
He was about the same age as Mordred, but just like Mordred, he was much wiser and better than his age would lead one to believe. He was proficient in most weapons, and had a good battle sense. He knew when to charge and when to observe. He worked well in teams, easily followed directions, but could also think on his feet.
He was also a very tall young man. He was as tall as Percival, but not as built. In terms of physical strength, Percival still wins hands down, but this young man held his owns skills. Despite his size and lean and longer limbs, he was very well controlled. He was very fluid, it almost seemed like he was dancing. His amber eyes often burned with courage and sacrifice as well. He was willing to fight, but he also had a strong need to protect things. Arthur needed men like that, and was impressed that he was like that at such a young age. He wasn't a noble, but neither were many of his closest Knights.
"Who is that young man?" Arthur asked, wanting to get his information from the people taking registration.
"I do believe he is Gerome Woodrow, son of our best Hunter, Devon Woodrow." One of the men told him, while handing over his registration.
"Just how many sons does that man have?" Arthur asked while looking it over.
"Six my Lord." His friend and Knight Gwaine told him.
"And I'm assuming one of them is this C. Woodrow he put as his instructor?" Arthur asked, wanting to know more.
"No my Lord," Gwaine paused to glance at Gerome, "He has no sons with names that start with C." Gwaine told him.
"Then an Uncle perhaps?" The King asked getting confused.
"Or it could be a woman My King," A strong female voice interjected, "Remember even I can handle myself well with a sword." The voice finished.
It is Arthur's Queen and Wife Guinevere who is adores dearly. He also trust her with his life. If she thought it was a woman, then he wanted to meet a woman with such skills.
"Perhaps your right, does Devon have any daughters?" He asked Gwaine since he seemed to be the most informed.
"Yes sire, it's that servant girl over there." Gwaine said pointing at his friend.
"Oh Cereza is? She doesn't look anything like him." Guinevere noted.
"No my Lady, she takes after her late mother." Gwaine informed.
"So she taught Gerome to fight?" Arthur asked.
"Well the whole family knows the basic, Cereza invested into him since he has the best prowess in it." Gwaine relayed.
"Very good, thank you Gwaine." Arthur thanked his friend, and turned to see what his wife needed.
Gwaine nodded and headed over to the rest of his friends to watch over the trials.
Guinevere had excused Cereza who immediately went over to see how her younger brother Gerome was doing.
"I feel like I've done my best, I hope it is enough." He stated humbly.
Gerome was the kindest and lest arrogant of the whole family. He never over or underestimated people. For him it was about who you are. These qualities was why Cereza wanted him to achieve his dream of becoming a Knight.
"I'm sure the King will notice that, he is very fair and wants what is best for Camelot, just like we do." She assured him.
"Well maybe not, I did not do as well with the cross bow." He replied.
When he said cross bow, a flash of man stumbling with one flashed in her mind. She shook her head to ignore it, it was impossible.
"Well they are a bit different than a regular bow and arrow." She told him.
Again an image was sent into her mind. This time she heard a familiar hiss, and an arrow fly. She blinked and the strongest sense of dread filled her heart.
"Cereza? Are you day-dreaming?" Her brother asked concerned.
The word dream triggered something in her. She remembered her dream of Gwaine earlier, when the Queen woke her, but this was stronger, and more fresh.
She was able to notice more of her surroundings now. It was exactly like what she saw, but this time, she could see what caused Gwaine's doom. Some twenty paces away, who two young men. Neither were experienced enough to be there, or serious enough. They were playing with a crossbow. One tripped, which bumped their friend. Gwaine was directly in the line of fire, and nobody else saw. That's all Cereza needed.
"Cereza?" Her brother asked, as she just started sprinting toward the Head Knights.
Cereza ran so fast, she felt her lungs burn, but she didn't care, she had to stop what was coming. She felt the pressure of it coming from behind her. Several of the Knights including Gwaine, looked up at her.
"Cereza what's wrong?" He asked looking confused.
The hiss was becoming louder now, and she knew what she must do. She summoned all her strength, and leaped as hard as she could. She could tell, even as she pushed him, it would not be enough to move so he would be unharmed. Once again, she felt a strange warmth course though her. At that moment all she felt was the need to protect Gwaine. Then she heard the sound of torn flesh, and rushing blood. Then she heard a scream, though she couldn't tell if it was her or someone else. She felt her body grow heavy, but she never felt the landing, or heard her body make contact with the ground. Instead, two arms caught her.
"Cereza? Cereza can you hear me?" It asked.
"I-is Gwaine okay?" She asked, feeling her conscience slipping away.
"W-what? How stupid, yes I'm okay! Stupid girl, stay awake." She heard him say.
"Thank goodness." Was all she remembered before the world went black.
Wow, I think this is one of my longest first chapters ever. Considering the show is hour long episodes though, I guess it works. There was also a lot to get through. Cereza might seem a bit overly-familiar, but that's mostly right now due to her situations and being around Gwaine, who she has more history with than you saw right now. I tried to also show how little exposure she had to what a "lady" is supposed to be like in her times. She really does not know, so she often defualts to be being honest, or quiet which seems to work so far.
Again please let me know what you think.
With Love,
NerdyPassionLoves