Disclaimer: I do not own anything :D


A/N: Here's chapter forty-five! Thank you to all those who followed, favorited, and reviewed the previous chapter :D

Excuse any errors in this chapter. I have a test tomorrow so I wasn't able to proofread, hihi.

Review afterwards! Enjoy!


Chapter Forty-Five: Ragnelle


Sir Gwaine grinned widely as he looked at his other companions. The Knights of the Round Table were all gathered in the forest, mounted on their horses with energy humming in their veins. Today was what Arthur deemed as their time for an "exercise". The King was nowhere to be found, though, for he had other important matters to attend to. Nonetheless, his absence was not an excuse for them not to stretch their limbs and crack their bones.

Moments like this was something that Sir Gwaine coveted. There had been far too many battles and fights that had happened to Camelot for the past few years, and he honestly thought it wouldn't hurt to have simple breaks in between. He loves battles, of course, but there was also a side of him that wanted to rest.

"Ready for a race?" Sir Leon cheekily asked, his eyes twinkling as he looked at the other knights.

"Last one to reach Camelot is a stinking egg!" Gwaine gleefully exclaimed as his horse suddenly shot forward and galloped away. He boisterously laughed upon hearing the complaints from the other knights for his unfair start, but he brushed them away.

The wind passed against him and his smile widened. Gwaine absolutely felt exhilarated and he leaned forward, urging for his horse to gallop faster. The forest turned into a hazy blur as he shot past them, and his eyes were starting to water a little from the speed. But Gwaine was enjoying too much to stop.

But then, he suddenly lurched forward and tumbled to the ground when his horse tripped on something he had not seen. Gwaine groaned in pain and rolled around, now clutching his pained right elbow. He scowled, hearing the fading hooves of the other knights and knew that he was the last to arrive in Camelot.

Gwaine then sat up and glared at the offending creature who had caused his losing. His glare gradually turned into curiosity, though, upon seeing an unconscious body of a battered and injured girl. He immediately scrambled towards her and lifted her into his arms, cautiously placing her at the back of his horse. Her leg was bleeding, he observed, and he knew that the wisest thing to do was to bring her to Hermione to be inspected and cured.

The knight then mounted on his horse right in front of the unconscious girl and urged the horse to gallop faster to immediately bring her for help.


Hermione couldn't help but smile when Merlin released a soft sigh of contentment.

They were in her bedchambers, with her gaining more knowledge by reading a medicine book, while Merlin was slumbering with his head in her lap. The young warlock had gone to her bedchambers a while ago, proclaiming to her that he was tired and bored and Hermione, with a smile, offered her lap for him to sleep on. He actually blushed while darting an embarrassed look on her legs, but she rolled her eyes, telling him that couples in her place usually did it.

Thus, he was now slumbering on top of her lap, with Hermione's fingers lulling him to sleep. As she read the book, she absent-mindedly ran her fingers through his rich, black hair, and Merlin would release constant sounds of contentment.

The peace was suddenly disturbed when Hermione's bedchamber door burst open. Merlin startled awake and fell off the bench, landing face down on the floor. Hermione released a sound between a laugh and a surprised exclamation and she bent down, immediately helping Merlin from the floor.

The young manservant groaned and sat up, glaring at the new intruder. His eyes met an amused Sir Gwaine, who was strangely carrying an unconscious, dirty girl in his arms. The knight then gently placed the girl on top of Hermione's work table and turned to the new Court Physician.

"What happened?" the brunette asked, now curiously inspecting the girl's whole body.

"I found her in the forest a while ago," Gwaine said, shrugging his shoulders. "She was unconscious, so I thought it was best if I bring her to you so that you can heal her."

Hermione frowned and peered closely at the girl. She checked her eyes, her mouth, her ears, her heartbeat, and her pulse. Lastly, she checked the wound on her right leg, before looking up at Gwaine. "She's just exhausted," she declared. "Her wound isn't life-threatening, but I guess she would have a difficulty walking for the new few days. But she's not on the brink of death."

"That's good to know, I guess," Sir Gwaine said. "Now, if you would excuse me, I have some training to do."

"What am I to do after she wakes up?" Hermione asked, stopping him in his tracks.

Sir Gwaine turned around and shrugged casually. "Helping her was part of the damn knight code," he flippantly said. "Once she is well, she doesn't concern me now." Briefly, his eyes landed on Merlin and he grinned. "Your forehead is all red, mate."

"I do wonder why, but thanks," Merlin sarcastically said, rubbing his smarting forehead.

The knight happily bid them goodbye and left.

"What do you reckon happened to her?" Hermione asked, summoning a small rug from the room. She gave it to Merlin, who obligingly dampened it inside a small basin of clean water.

"Perhaps, she was almost injured from a hunting accident," he lightly joked. When he saw Hermione scowl, he laughed. "This is what you exactly looked like the first time we met, you know. Sans the injury on the leg."

In spite of herself, Hermione smiled. "I still couldn't forgive Arthur for giving me a fright," she chuckled, shaking her head. Honestly, it was a not-so-pleasant welcoming in Camelot that she had received. "Now, can you help me bring her to my room? I have to clean her wound immediately to avoid infections."

Merlin nodded and scooped the girl into his arms. Together, they both walked into Hermione's bedchambers and placed the unconscious girl on her bed.

"I have to get going now," Merlin said. "I have to run an errand for Arthur in the village."

"Stay away from the tavern," Hermione lightly joked.

The young warlock rolled his eyes. "What is with taverns and me?" he asked.

"Nothing, warlock, now off you go," the brunette said, soft chuckles escaping from her mouth.

Merlin then grinned and fondly dropped a kiss on top of her head. "I'll be back later," he promised. And with that, he left.


A wide yawn escaped from Hermione's lips and she luxuriously stretched her arms above her head. Glancing briefly at her window, she noticed that night had already fallen all throughout the land of Camelot.

She had finally finished reading the book and was quite satisfied with all the knowledge that she had acquired. She looked appreciatively at the other books in Gaius' bookshelves, waiting to be opened and read, and couldn't help but anticipate the time when she would finally have all the time in the whole world to browse through all of them and learn new medical techniques used during the ancient time of Camelot.

Her eyes then amusedly landed on the slumbering form of Merlin. His mouth was slightly ajar as soft snores escaped from his lips. Her fingers were still running soothingly through his hair and once in a while, Merlin would emit a soft sigh of contentment. He had a tiring day, and he had coaxed her to accompany him to his secret place. But then again, she was the new Court Physician and she reckoned it was best if she were to learn more about the works of her new career.

Bending, she fondly placed a kiss on his forehead. Merlin slightly stirred on the bench, opening his bleary eyes. When they finally focused on Hermione's smiling face, he sleepily smiled and slowly sat up from her lap.

"Go back to your bedchambers," she softly ordered, reaching out a hand and patting his dishevelled hair. She knew she was partly to blame for his messy hair; thus, she tried patting it to tame it down.

Merlin looked at the window, his smile falling upon seeing that it was already night. "I was not able to spend the whole day with you," he grumbled petulantly.

Hermione softly laughed and shook her head. "We practically spent the whole day together," she pointed out in interjection.

"Yes," he sarcastically answered, "while I was dead to the world and you were lost in the sea of words of your book." A soft sigh escaped from his lips and his frown deepened. "What a lovely way to spend time together, Hermione. Let us do this again."

Hermione rolled her eyes at his melodrama but she could not help but widen her smile. She scooted closer to him and wrapped her arms around his neck, craning her neck upwards to give him a slight kiss on the lips. He lightly blushed, his frown momentarily falling, as he stared back at her in surprise.

"I promise to accompany you tomorrow in your secret place," she earnestly vowed. "Perhaps, we can dance once again with the song of the nightingales. Is that okay with you?"

Merlin sighed, his shoulder sagging. "That sounds lovely," he softly replied, a fond grin now on his face.

"Now, off you go," she said. "And have a good night sleep, warlock."

The young sorcerer eagerly nodded his head and stood up. After bidding her a fond farewell, he turned around and left her alone in her bedchambers.

After he was gone, Hermione stood up from her bench and once again yawned. Tonight, she would be sleeping on the makeshift bed where Gaius used to sleep. The unnamed girl, whom Sir Gwaine had brought from the forest, was now slumbering on top of her bed. Her injury was already dressed, but it was still too early for it to heal. Hermione thought it would be suspicious, especially because Sir Gwaine had already seen her, if she were to use magic to heal the girl.

She thought that she was already awake and decided to check on her. Hermione filled a goblet with water and strode towards her bedroom.

Once she opened it, she screamed.

Right on top of her bed sat a hideous creature. Her features were distorted, with her right eye slightly larger than her left. Her mouth was brown, with a startling row of jagged, yellow teeth inside. Her skin was wrinkly and warty, ashen and a sickly shade of grey. Her hair was wiry and long, partially covering her horrendous face. There was also a lump burdening her back and as she tried to struggle to stand up, Hermione backed away in horror.

The Court Physician's magic hummed with alarm, and Hermione could already feel her magic waiting to be released. "Where did you bring the girl?!" Hermione cried, outstretching her right arm.

The creature bolted upright and moved out of the bed. She hopped closer to Hermione, but messily collapsed on the ground. Hermione noted with suspicion that her right leg was bleeding.

"Please, please, I meant no harm!" a raspy voice exclaimed. Her eyes were widened with what Hermione perceived as panic and alarm. "It's me… me, the girl!" She tried to stand up once again but hopelessly failed. She fell on the floor in a messy heap and groaned in frustration and pain.

Hermione's mouth was now hanging by that time and she stared at her, unable to accept the fact that she was the same girl who was injured and unconscious.

"W-what are you?" was the only question she was able to manage to ask.

The creature on the floor blinked her wide eyes at Hermione, a sardonic smile stretching widely on her face. "Pardon me," she started, "but I myself do not know what hideous creature I've become."

The brunette snapped off from her surprised stupor and bent down, helping the girl back on her feet. Hermione assisted her back on the bed and allowed her to sit at the edge of it.

"Oh no," Hermione started, bending down to inspect her bleeding leg. "Your wound started to open once more."

Hermione quickly walked back to her workplace despite her astonishment, and went back to her room with a fresh cloth and a basinful of water. She started cleaning the wound while the creature flinched once in a while due to pain.

"Where am I?" she finally asked.

"You're in the castle of Camelot," Hermione said, noticing the surprise on her face. "You were found injured and unconscious back in the Darkling Woods just this morning by a knight and brought you here to be taken care of." Upon seeing the questioning look on her face. "Do not worry, you are in safe hands. I am Hermione, and I am the Court Physician of Camelot."

"Hermione," she said, blinking thoughtfully at her. "My name is Ragnelle."

Upon the mention of her name, Hermione frowned. Her name was awfully familiar but she couldn't quite put a finger on the reason as to why she found her name intriguing. She racked her brain with all the Arthurian legends she had read back in the library in Grimmauld Place but came up with nothing. In the end, she brushed that thought away and focused solely on the girl.

"What had happened?" Hermione then asked. "Why are you well… like that?"

"I came from Rheghed," Ragnelle gravely started, "and this place was well-known for the infamous Green Knight." She licked her dry lips and looked down at her clasped hands. "He is notorious, the Green Knight. He mysteriously appears at the dead of the night, challenging anyone who had come his way."

"One day, I strayed from home and was not able to return back before twilight fell. I've lost my way in the woods and panicked, and that is when I was able to see the Green Knight, one shrouded with mystery and myth, for the very first time."

Ragnelle paused and disdainfully looked at her hideous body. "He asked me to marry him, much to my surprise," she continued. "He revealed that he had watched me for a while now, the fairest lady of them all, and wished to make me his wife. I, of course, being sensible enough, refused his advances. The Green Knight was enraged and then he cursed me."

She then lifted her eyes and stared directly into Hermione's eyes. "By morning, I look like my normal self, but at night I change into a hideous creature." She spat the last part as if it was venom. "The curse of the Green Knight will only be broken if a noble knight was able to properly answer his riddle."

Compassion filled Hermione's heart as she regarded the poor girl. "All right, since you are here, I vow to help you break the curse," she said. Ragnelle's eyes lit up with surprise and joy, and Hermione could not help herself but to smile. "But first, of course, you must rest. Tomorrow, I will start to help you."

"Thank you," Ragnelle earnestly said, her distorted eyes now welling up with tears. "You have no idea how much that promise of yours means to me."

"Of course," Hermione said. "Rest now, Ragnelle, and I promise you that the following days will be filled with wonder and joy."


"What has made you awfully cheery today, Merlin?" Arthur demanded with a scowl, glaring slightly at the reflection of his manservant.

Merlin, with a jolt upon hearing his name, lifted his slightly dazed eyes from Arthur's uninteresting buttons to look at his master. The grin that he did not notice on his face stretched wider, prompting Arthur to roll his eyes. "I have a date with Hermione for the whole day," he proclaimed. Saying it out loud made him more excited.

"Hmm… that's good," Arthur deadpanned. "But do remember that you also need to train with the other Knights of the Camelot for the whole day today, too."

That made his smile fall. A small frown blossomed on his face and he stepped away as Arthur strode away from the full-length mirror towards his wardrobe.

"Sire, you know that I've worked hard," Merlin slowly said. Secretly, he was not able to see Arthur's small smile. "And, well, although I… err… sometimes complain - "

"How about 'always'?" Arthur snarled.

" – wouldn't you think it is already a perfect time for me to ask a day-off earlier than my supposed one?" he finished, choosing to ignore the King's previous comment. Although it was obvious that Arthur was jesting, Merlin felt anything but. He was downright serious. Dear God above, it had been a while ever since he had actually relaxed with Hermione by his side.

Arthur cocked a perfect eyebrow and slightly tilted his head at the side. "And what, pray tell, do you propose to do for me to finally agree to your request?" he inquired.

Merlin expelled a soft, slow sigh. "All right, fine," the manservant said. "I promise to wake up extra early everyday for the whole week just to prepare your favourite breakfast, sire," he said. Inwardly, he thought of all the precious hours of sleep he had to sacrifice just to spend some time with Hermione. Somehow, it made him smile just thinking about it. After all, he believed that everything – all the painstaking waking up early in the morning – would be worth it in the end once he spent time with the brunette.

"Two weeks," Arthur proposed.

His manservant frowned. "One," he interjected.

"Two, or no date for you, Lover Boy," the King haughtily said.

Merlin bristled, annoyed to see the finality on Arthur's face. In the end, he expelled a defeated sigh. "Fine," he replied.

Arthur grinned, prompting Merlin to think that his master was already anticipating the days to come.

'All for Hermione,' he assured himself. 'All for Hermione.'

"You're then dismissed for the day," Arthur said, sounding extra cheerful today. Merlin couldn't help but petulantly glower at his king. Arthur, on the other hand, brushed him off and happily patted his shoulder. "Have fun with your date with Hermione today, Merlin!"

Merlin sighed yet again and nodded his head. He strode out of Arthur's bedchambers towards Hermione's, trying to convince himself that serving Arthur's favourite meal as his breakfast for two straight weeks would all be worth it in the end if he just had to spend the whole day with Hermione. Somehow, that made him smile, already thinking of numerous plans that he could pull just to make Hermione smile today.

She had been awfully tiring herself and he knew a rightful break was needed. 'I promise to make you relax today,' he earnestly thought.

He then urged his legs to move faster so that he could immediately spend his day with his love.

Finally, he arrived. Before knocking at the door, he conjured a small tulip, which he knew Hermione would absolutely love. He then raised his right fist and rapped against the door. Barely a minute passed but it was already opened. And he was quite surprised to see that it wasn't Hermione who answered the door.

Opposite him stood a lovely girl, with her green eyes wide with surprise and wonder. Her long, flowing blonde hair slightly swayed behind her as she tilted her head and regarded Merlin curiously. Her small mouth was curved into a small frown.

Merlin blinked and actually took a step back. He looked at the neighbouring doors, thinking if he really was in the right room. With a bewildered frown, his gaze landed back on the unnamed girl and raised his eyebrows.

"Oh, are you looking for Hermione?" the girl then asked, her voice soft and melodious. The manservant dumbly nodded and she momentarily turned around, limping, and called for the Court Physician. Hermione immediately materialized and upon seeing Merlin's confused look, she chuckled and pulled him inside.

"I came here for our date," Merlin said with a frown, extending his right hand where the wonderful tulip was clutched.

Hermione softly sighed and shook her head. "I'm sorry, Merlin, but not today," she said.

Merlin scowled in disappointment.

The brunette fondly grinned at his petulance and gripped the beautiful tulip he was holding. She ignored the unnamed girl's curious eyes when she slightly tiptoed to give him a soft kiss on his cheek. "I'm sorry," she repeated once again. "But we have other important matters to deal with."

Merlin sighed and finally nodded, pursing his lips. "If you say so," he then said.

Hermione smiled and then gestured at the beautiful girl. "Her name's Ragnelle," she introduced. "She's the one Sir Gwaine found in the Darkling Woods."

He was not able to suppress the surprise that he felt. He clearly remembered that the girl that Gwaine brought here was battered and dirty. He did not realize that beneath all the blood and dirt, she, Ragnelle, was a beautiful girl.

"It's him?" Ragnelle softly asked, nervously looking at Hermione. "Is that the Merlin that you speak so highly of?"

The couple simultaneously blushed. Merlin shot her an amused look while the brunette sheepishly smiled.

"Well… yes," Hermione slowly said. "And I assure you still that your secret will be safe with him."

"Secret?" Merlin asked, now becoming more curious. "What secret?"

Ragnelle briefly shot him an apprehensive look before looking away, obvious that she was still hesitant to divulge her so-called secret to him. She merely relaxed when Hermione gave her a reassuring smile and held her hand.

"She bears a terrible curse," Hermione slowly said, cautiously choosing the right words to tell him. "During the day, she is her normal self, but during night" – Ragnelle slightly flinched – "she transforms into, well, something else."

"A terrible beast," the young girl spat, her eyes slightly narrowed in disgust. "A horrid monster."

Hermione squeezed her hand for comfort. When Merlin curiously looked at the two women, his girlfriend turned back to him and explained, "She was cursed by the Green Knight and only a noble knight will be able to break the curse that she bears."

Merlin contemplated the revelation for a while and thoughtfully looked at Ragnelle. How could a lovely girl like her turn into what she described as a 'terrible beast' and a 'horrid monster'? Somehow, he found it a little questionable.

"How can you prove that it's real?" Merlin asked, now curiously peering at Ragnelle.

"I've seen it myself," Hermione said, sounding as if it was the best proof that she had. "But if you still do not believe me, then you are welcome to stay until night falls."

In the end, Merlin nodded his head in agreement.

And for the rest of the day, they waited.


He restlessly tapped his fingers against his right knee, bored out of his wits. Across the room sat Hermione, once again reading another medicinal book from Gaius' vast collection. Ragnelle was residing inside the brunette's room and had not come out since.

"I'd like to spare you from seeing my transformation," she lightly drawled, a mixture of amusement and sarcasm at the tone of her voice before locking herself up in Hermione's room.

Quickly shooting a glance at the closed bedchamber door, Merlin frowned. Although he believed that curses were true, he found it slightly unbelievable to know that the lovely Ragnelle could turn out to be hideous and ugly. He had never heard of the Green Knight before; perhaps, it was a bedtime story told to the people of Ragnelle just to keep the children from roaming around at night.

Twilight was already nearing, maybe a few more minutes to go, but Merlin was already feeling a little impatient.

Forlornly, he thought of his lost chance of bringing Hermione to their secret place. He actually planned to teach her a few more spells that could help her in the future, which he knew she would be absolutely thrilled about. He also wanted to dance with her again, accompanied by the sweet melody he would be able to bewitch from the chirping of the nightingales.

He slightly scowled in annoyance, knowing that whether the date happened or not, he would still have to prepare Arthur's favourite breakfast so early in the morning. Else, he predicted another humiliation session in the stocks.

"Stop sulking," Hermione then suddenly said. He directed his gaze at her and was surprised to see that her eyes were still intently glued on her book. The difference, though, was that there was a small smile on her face.

He scoffed. "I'm not," he interjected.

Slowly, Hermione raised her eyes from her book and quirked an eyebrow. "Yes, you are," she said, her smile widening.

"I said I'm not," he shot back, now slightly glowering at the amused brunette.

Hermione chuckled and shook her head in disbelief. She placed a small piece of parchment in between the book to mark the last page she had read before slowly rising up from her seat. She sauntered towards Merlin, who by now had crossed his arms in petulance. He knew he was acting like a child, but then again, his plans had been ruined due to a series of odd events. He shouldn't really be blamed.

The Court Physician then sat down beside Merlin and wrapped an arm around his torso. She placed her chin on top of his right shoulder and earnestly looked up at him. Inside, he slightly trembled, swayed by the way she was looking at him right now.

"I'm sorry," she softly whispered, her breath brushing lightly against his cheek. Involuntarily, he closed his eyes.

"This isn't fair," he said, his tone of voice now lacking the annoyance he had felt a while ago. "I was supposed to be mad."

She kissed his cheek.

"And now?" she softly asked, her eyes twinkling brightly.

He expelled a defeated sigh and collected Hermione into his arms. The brunette chuckled against his neck and tightly wrapped her arms around his torso, too. "All I wanted was to spend my whole day with you," he honestly murmured, his cheeks reddening with embarrassment. "Is that too much to ask?"

"As soon as we helped Ragnelle break the spell, I promise to spend a day… no, three days with you and you alone, warlock," she fondly muttered.

"I couldn't bloody wait," he grumbled, sullen with the idea. What if they weren't able to break Ragnelle's spell? But he did not voice it aloud, knowing Hermione's loud interjection. That made him smile, imagining the passionate optimism that she would have replied back.

The brunette chuckled and completely pulled away from him. She glanced at the window and somehow, her mirth slightly dissipated. "It's twilight," she said, returning her gaze back at him. "It's time." She slowly stood up from the bench and worriedly looked at her bedchambers. "I want you to be sensitive enough, Merlin," was her little warning before striding towards her door.

Merlin followed suit and as Hermione slowly turned the doorknob to open her door, he unknowingly held his breath.

"Ragnelle?" Hermione softly asked.

"I-in here," a soft rasp, one that sounded too inhuman for Merlin, was heard at the corner of the room.

The Court Physician gave him a last, warning look before fully opening the door.

Inside was a lump, a hideous lump, dear God, and Merlin swallowed a soft gasp that was threatening to escape from his mouth.

"W-well," he nervously said, clearing his throat afterwards. "I do believe you both now."

Ragnelle, now fully transformed into the horrid creature that she claimed to be, gave him a terrifying smile. "I'd be surprised if you don't," she said, gesturing at herself.


The next day arrived and Hermione finally put her plan into action. Seeing that she was a Court Physician and Merlin was far from being a noble knight (she fondly remembered his indignant stare), she thought it would be best if they asked helped from the Knights of the Round Table, specifically Sir Gwaine since it was him who had found her in the Darkling Woods in the first place.

The Knights and Arthur were having another training session in the Training Grounds. Merlin, to her utmost surprise, was excused due to a deal that he had with Arthur. She tried to ask him what their deal was about, but Merlin adamantly refused to tell, complete with a dazzling smile on his face.

"Are you sure about this?" Ragnelle asked, now back to her normal self. She would grimace once in a while due to her wound on her leg. Merlin was gracious enough to assist the limping girl.

Hermione shared a look with Merlin, who silently raised an eyebrow at her challengingly.

"We're talking about Gwaine here, Hermione," Merlin had told her once. "He's… unpredictable at times."

'But we have a beauty with us,' she internally thought. 'If there is one thing that Gwaine cannot resist, it's beautiful girls.'

"Oh, we are. Quite even," Hermione hastily babbled, unable to meet Ragnelle's eyes. "Just trust me."

Merlin softly expelled a sigh, prompting the brunette to glare warily at him.

Finally, they reached the group and all activities were halted. It was obvious that the knights were astonished by the mysterious, beautiful lady that both Hermione and Merlin were assisting for they were audacious enough to openly ogle at her. Even Arthur was surprised to see Ragnelle, prompting the poor, embarrassed girl to lightly blush.

"May we excuse Sir Gwaine for a while, sire?" Hermione hopefully asked.

The King quirked an eyebrow, looking at the said knight. Sir Gwaine looked surprised. "Of course," he said. "But do make it quick."

Hermione smiled and nodded. She ushered Sir Gwaine, who immediately followed, although the bewilderment never left his face.

The trio led the knight into a secluded area away from prying eyes. After all, they were about to confide a secret that Ragnelle was still uncomfortable to share. She knew of Arthur's abhorrence over anything magical and although it was not her fault she was cursed, she had this inkling she would still be severely punished if he discovered of her current predicament.

"Isn't she…?" Sir Gwaine asked, his eyes wide as he stared at Ragnelle. An amused smile then flitted on his face and he shook his head. "Who knew beneath the blood and dirt, a beauty hides?"

Ragnelle shyly blushed and looked away.

"No time for flirtations," Merlin hastily said, looking impatient.

"Whoa now, mates," Gwaine said, now looking confused at the urgency on their faces. "Is something the matter?"

Hermione took a deep breath and slightly leaned closer to the knight. "We are to tell you something of utmost import and secrecy, Sir Gwaine," she gravely said. "Do you swear to keep everything that you hear right now to yourself?"

The knight thoughtfully tilted his head, gazing at the three of them with a mixture of amusement and confusion. "Hmm…" he noncommittally said.

"Promise," Merlin interjected.

"Fine," Sir Gwaine said, expelling a soft sigh.

Hermione then slightly pushed Ragnelle in front of her so that Sir Gwaine had no choice but to behold the mysterious girl. "Her name is Ragnelle," she introduced. "And she is in dire need of your help."

It was obvious that the knight was already interested. "Do continue," he said.

"She… let's just say suffers from a terrible curse by the Green Knight," she continued, her voice now lower. "During the day, she is her normal self but at night… well, she changes into someone different."

To the surprise of the other three, Ragnelle spoke up. "You don't need to sugar-coat your words, Hermione," the blonde said. She directed her light blue eyes at Gwaine and held his gaze. "At night, I turn into a hideous creature and only a noble knight can break the spell that I am under."

Silence followed her revelation, until Sir Gwaine had burst into boisterous laughter. "Me… noble?" he asked in between chuckles. He shook his head and grinned at the three, flabbergasted. "If you want someone noble, Sir Leon's the best candidate."

"But it was you who found her," Merlin interjected. "We do not want to burden Sir Leon anymore."

"And it is all right for you to bother me?" Sir Gwaine asked, prompting Merlin to sheepishly smile. "Sorry, woman, but I have other things to do." He was about to turned around and leave, but Hermione's shout had stopped him.

"WAIT!" the brunette exclaimed. The knight slowly looked back at her and raised an eyebrow. "Isn't it part of your Knight's Code for a knight to do what a damsel asks him to do?"

Although they all knew that Gwaine was not exactly a man who tolerated responsibilities, being a knight was obviously everything for him. For Hermione to mention a rule in his code, he was able to properly ponder. To the relief of Hermione, Gwaine sighed.

"All right," he then answered. "For my damn code. Do know that I only do things that interest me."

"Thank you," Hermione said, a wide grin now spreading widely on her face. "It means a lot to Ragnelle. Right, Ragnelle?"

They all looked at the strangely silent girl and were surprised to see that she was slightly glowering at Gwaine. "If it is against your will, sir, then I am not forcing you to help me," she spat, further surprising the three. "There are more knights out there who are probably willing to help me."

Something sparked in Sir Gwaine's eyes, but they immediately disappeared. An amused smile stretched widely on his face as he regarded Ragnelle curiously. "This would be interesting," was only his answer. He looked away from her and back to his friends. "Well, duty calls. I must get going then. Do search for me if I have to do something already."

He then left and walked away from the group.

Once he was gone, Ragnelle showed a full-blown scowl. "Care to tell me where the 'noble' is in him?" she asked.

Merlin sighed and shook his head. "Trust me," he said. "He had done more un-noble things in his pa – OW!" He massaged his aching arm as he looked at his girlfriend, who had just previously pinched him.

"You're not helping," Hermione said through gritted teeth, shooting a worried look at the despondent girl. "Don't listen to him, Ragnelle. I'm sure your curse will be broken sooner or later."

The cursed girl sighed and sadly shook her head. "I have this feeling I will forever be doomed," she softly said.


"Hermione?" Ragnelle softly asked as she stepped out of the bedchamber.

The Court Physician of Camelot slowly looked up from the book she was reading. Merlin, who was sitting beside her, also looked at her curiously. "Is something the matter, Ragnelle?" she asked.

The blonde ran a frustrated hand through her hair, feeling absolutely restless. It was hours away from twilight and she was bored beyond her wits. Hermione was gracious enough to bring her some books for her to read, but most of them were about medicine and science. Frankly, those did not interest her.

She had been cooped up in Hermione's room for days now and because of her injury, she could not really walk around. Now, she was determined to exercise her leg.

"Can I go out for a while?" she then asked. "I promise to be back before twilight."

The concern that appeared on Hermione's face made her smile. Although she had only recently come to know Ragnelle, it was obvious that she cared for the young girl's welfare. There was something about Hermione that made her comfortable and when she promised to help her, somehow she believed the brunette.

"Well…"

"Don't stray too far from Camelot," Merlin quickly said, already predicting the next words that were to come out from Hermione's lips. "Especially the tavern. God knows what vileness you might encounter there, Ragnelle."

Hermione slightly frowned and silently glowered at the manservant. Merlin, to appease her, held her hand and charmingly smiled. Finally, the brunette sighed and looked back at Ragnelle. "Be careful," she then said. "If you're not back by twilight, we will be searching for you."

'What a worrywart,' Ragnelle fondly thought as she silently nodded her head. She bid the two goodbye and walked towards the door.

Before leaving, she was able to hear Hermione's soft protests, followed by Merlin's chuckles. As she closed the door, she chanced a glance at the couple for the last time and saw Merlin fondly kissing the forehead of a frustrated Court Physician.

Looking at the two made her heart clench in pain. The feelings between the two were obvious and genuine, and truthfully, she was envious. Now that she had this curse to bear, she was absolutely sure that men would be disgusted of her and no one would have her.

It was all the Green Knight's fault. She at first thought he was only a myth, but once he appeared to her in Rheghed, demanding for her to be his wife, she knew things wouldn't work out well with her in the future. Knowing she'd be doomed if she were to marry him, she adamantly refused, not knowing that he would curse her to be undesirable in the end.

It was a little unfair, she always thought. She had always dreamed about marrying and having a family. Her friends back in Rheghed always teased her for being too hopeless romantic, but she couldn't stop herself now, could she? She always dreamed of a quiet and happy life, full of love and affection from a family she could call her own. Until her curse was not broken, she knew this wish would not be achieved.

She was deep in her thoughts and it was only when she stepped into the Darkling Woods when she realized her feet had brought her there. She was never really fond of forests, but she thought it would be better to be here than in the village. She preferred the silence over the merry chattering and laughter of the village people.

As she walked around and inspected things, she came upon the person she least likely wanted to see.

Sir Gwaine was sitting on the ground, his back resting against a huge bark of a tree. He was obviously slumbering, his arms lazily tucked behind his head. Soft snores escaped from his lips.

Ragnelle slowly backed away, not wanting to wake him up. She'd rather not deal with him now that she was peacefully roaming around the Kingdom of Camelot. But then, it was unfortunate that she stepped on a twig. It loudly broke in the still forest, prompting Sir Gwaineto wake up from his sleep. He quickly stood on his feet, his sword unsheathed, his eyes wide with alarm and alertness.

Upon seeing Ragnelle, who was sheepish and annoyed, he gradually lowered his sword and stared at the girl in amusement. "I thought you were a horrid beast," he lightly cajoled.

Ragnelle, on the other hand, scowled at him. "Are you mocking me, sir?" she asked.

Sir Gwaine narrowed his eyes in confusion. "I'm not… oh," he said, finally realizing the words he had uttered a while ago. "I did not mean for my words to be offensive. I'm sorry."

She harrumphed at him and turned away, now purposefully striding away from him. To her dismay, she heard his footsteps.

"What troubles you, miss?" the knight asked.

Ragnelle looked over her shoulder and glared at him. "I believe that my troubles will not concern you, sir, because I am sure they will not interest you at all," she said coldly through gritted teeth.

To her utmost surprise, Sir Gwaine had burst into boisterous laughter, prompting her to halt in her steps. She turned around and looked at him, indignant. "And what, pray tell, amuses you, good sir?" she asked, putting emphasis on the word 'good'.

The knight gradually calmed down, although the grin never left his face. He took a few steps forward until he was staring down at Ragnelle. The blonde, on the other hand, shrank away from him close proximity. Unknowingly, her cheeks grew red.

"You are a one, interesting girl," he commented, his eyes twinkling like the sun. "You need not worry, Ragnelle. I do promise to help you break your spell."

He then proceeded to playfully ruffle her hair before completely leaving the dumbfounded blonde behind.

Ragnelle stared at his retreating back and swore it suddenly turned too hot for her own liking.


A/N: End of chapter! So how'd you liked it? Tell me in your reviews :D

So, I introduced a famous character in the Arthurian legends, Dame Ragnelle. If you do not know her story, then you can search her online or something (but then, there would be spoilers but oh well haha). I think it is a poem (I'm not sure) merged with another famous Arthurian legend, "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight". Of course, I made some twists of my own to make it more interesting XD

That's it for now! Don't forget to review!

With love,
WickedlyAwesomeMe