Hi guys! I don't own Merlin just my Oc's Enjoy this chapter!
Chapter 8
"The moment you take off that helmet they're going to...I don't know what they'll do!" Cecilia said, pacing around her room while Leona is busily shining her armor. "I know i said i won't use magic to help you win..but i can't just sit here and do nothing!"
"Ceci, Nothing in the rules said a woman can't enter." Leona simply said "I swear women are capable in doing this too."
"Leo, this is serious!" Cecilia exclaimed, "There might be some way I can help you without them knowing it's you."
"How? You know it's tradition for the victor to remove his helmet after a fight." Leona said, "It's not like you can just snap your fingers and turn me into a man."
Cecilia stared at Leona for a second then grinned. "Leo, you're a genius!" She said
"Huh? What do you mean?" Leona said completely lost.
"I've studied the magic book I've got from Fira," Cecilia said, kneeling going under her bed searching for the book hidden underneath the floorboards. "There is a page in her book about Illusion enchantments; this one particular spell is very unique."
"Okay, go on." Leona said
"It's a glamour potion, you can change your appearance, there are more advanced glamour spells but this one is the quickest one that i can do at this short time." Cecilia explained. "This should work...except.."
"Except what?" Leona said, raising an eyebrow at her.
"You'll have to continue drinking it to maintain your form, this one potion is unique, you won't be worried about them catching you with mirrors or any reflective surfaces, only a reversal spell can counter it or stop drinking it." Cecilia explained "I'll have to make a few of them...the tournament is in two days so i'll have time to make it."
"You don't have to do this." Leona said
"I want to, i want to see you compete..i also don't want them to catch you." Cecilia said "I'll start working on it now, while you go and train."
"No, I'll stay and watch." Leona said "I'm curious about what you do."
"All right…"Cecilia said "I'll need to borrow some ingredients from Gaius cupboard..a few herbs and a couple of..ew..." She gagged, Leona glanced at Cecilia's shoulder.
"I'm not drinking boiled leeches!" Leona shivered.
"You will if you want to enter!" Cecilia countered. She went back to reading.
Two days later, Cecilia spent all her time in making the potion for Leona, The young witch studied, practice and tested it until she felt sure that it was perfect, even making notes on how to perfect it, she stayed in her room huddled in a corner with the book and small pot,in front of her was a lit candle.
Cecilia stirred the small pot clockwise, she closed her eyes and recited the spell. "Mutare faciem meam, corpus meum mutare,fac mihi"
(Change my face, change my body,make me another.) Once she opened her eyes she saw the small pot lightly bubbling as it changed to a pale blue liquid.
"Perfect! Just like what she described!" Cecilia gushed. "Now the final part...visualize the new form..Leona did say she doesn't care about looks as long as she can enter..i don't want her to look so plain or too dashing can't have her draw attention to herself...maybe somewhere in the middle?"
The morning of the tournament…
Cecilia held the small bottle to her friend.
"Go ahead and drink it, I also figured out the right time for you to take it again, it should change your appearance ." Cecilia explained. "You might feel a slight pinch and warm tingling."
Leona took the cork off staring at the potion. "All right...cheers mate!" Leona joked before gulping down the potion. She shuddered at the taste.
Leona felt her skin crawl and warmth spread her body. She stumbled slightly, feeling the effects of the potion, she felt warm and a pinch the same description of what Cecilia said, it took a full minute for it to take effect.
Cecilia gasped covering her mouth. "It really worked.." She whispered.
"So...how do i look?" Leona asked looking down at her hands.
"Take a look yourself." Cecilia said holding a small hand mirror.
Leona looked at her reflection, her long hair and feminine features were gone, donning now short dirty blonde hair and sky blue eyes, having dimples on her cheeks, with a strong jawline.
"Not bad." Leona said, staring at the reflection. "I look just like one of the boys."
"I've polished your armor and sharpened your sword." Cecilia went over and grabbed the helmet. "Keep an eye on your surroundings, some of those knights are big and bulky, you'll have an advantage you're clever and fast"
Leona nodded looking herself in the mirror fully donned in her armor, Cecilia felt very nervous the fact that her friend entered the tournament and actually fighting other Knights sounded very exciting but after really thinking it over a lot of things went by Cecilia's head what if Leona gets hurt...or what if they realized who she is? What will the king do to her? To them?
"Ceci? Are you alright?" Leona asked snapping Cecilia out of her thoughts.
"Yes...just be very careful Leona." Cecilia replied with worried eyes. "We should go. The ceremony is going to start."
Leona smiled holding her helmet and they walked together side by side to the arena. They have a few minutes until the ceremony starts, Cecilia checks over to see Leona has everything on hand.
"What i gave you really worked..You really look like a real knight Leo." Cecilia said smiling softly.
"I know...i can't believe I'm doing this." Leona said softly glancing around rather nervously. "Do you remember those games we played when we were young?"
"Yes, I remember very well you being my Knight protecting me from any creatures in our path...only this time this isn't a game."Cecilia said " Be very careful."
"I will, I'll give it everything I got..especially when I face him." Leona whispered softly, she glanced around noticing Merlin and Prince Arthur a few feet away. Leona playfully smiled.
"Ceci?" Merlin said to himself watching his friend talking to a Knight, another good looking blonde young man, Merlin raised an eyebrow eyeing the Knight, as he took Cecilia's hand and placed a kiss.
"My Lady, I do hope you'll watch my match, I'll be dedicating my first victory to you." Leona said
"I'll be sure to watch your match, Leo."Cecilia giggled taking out her handkerchief offering it to Leona. " A token of good luck."
"Thank you, My Lady." Leona said, accepting the soft fabric.
"Well, he certainly is confident." Arthur said "And knows how to woo a lady unlike someone."
" I don't know what you're talking about Sire." Merlin replied feeling something strange in the pit of his stomach as Arthur walked ahead fully prepared.
Merlin stared at Cecilia for a second before following Arthur.
Cecilia's P.o.v.
I decided to watch on the sidelines in case if Leona got hurt I could rush in to take her to the doctor.
Uther went and stood in front of the knights. "The Knights of the Realm. It's a great honor to welcome you to the tournament of Camelot. For the next three days,you will come to put your bravery to the test, your skills as warriors." His eyes roamed over the crowd. "And of course, to challenge the reigning champion, my son, Prince Arthur. Only one can have the honor of being crowned champion. And he will receive a prize of one thousand gold pieces."
Everybody turned their heads to look at the large number of gold coins sitting in the treasure chest.
"It is in combat that we learn a Knight's true nature, whether he is indeed a warrior, or a coward," Uther finished. "Let the tournament begin!"
Everybody cheered, but I could only keep my eyes on Leona who looked very nervous. The first round Arthur started I wasn't surprised that he won from all the training, the other Knight Valiant won too. I saw more Knights fighting until it was finally Leona's turn. I felt excited and nervous for her, I cheered as hard as I could.
"Go Leo!" I cheered. Seeing her move swiftly dodging her opponent strike until she found an opening knocking him out.
I screamed as loud as everybody else when Leona knocked her opponent to the ground, she raised her sword up to show her pride in her victory, she removed her helmet smiling, the crowd cheered.
I caught up with Leona after the tournament. I felt so happy for her. "Hey!" I yelled. " You did great out there."
Leona smiled. "Thanks..it's all thanks to you Ceci." She said glancing over my shoulder. "Looks like we have company."
I saw Merlin and Arthur coming towards us, I smiled at both of them.
"You were great out there." I said
"I know." Arthur Cooly said, glancing at Leona, I felt nervous, I shouldn't feel nervous. It's not like Arthur or Merlin knew what we did.
"I suppose your friend is quite skilled." Arthur said
"Thank you." Leona said in a raspy tone. "Congratulations on your victory."
Arthur gave a curt nod, he looked up ahead his expression changed I turned, only to see Valiant come walking toward us as well.
I immediately turned around and closer to Leona's side. I know Merlin and Arthur wouldn't do anything...it's just this Valiant guy for some reason he's making my skin crawl.
He turned to Arthur and Leona. "May I offer my congratulations on your victories today?"
Arthur nodded and said, "Likewise." Leona gave a nod.
"I hope to see you at the receptions this evening," Valiant said I gave him a polite smile.
After he left, Merlin muttered, "Creep."
I nodded my head. "Very Creepy."
Arthur looked like he was going to laugh at what Merlin said, but quickly caught himself. "Tomorrow I need you to repair my shield, wash my tunic, clean my boots, sharpen my sword, and polish my chainmail," He said, walking off.
Poor Merlin stood there looking baffled, Leona nudged my shoulder leaving me alone with Merlin, she went to get the rest of her things to carry them to my room.
I couldn't help but give a small smile. "Good news is you won't take too long." I said
"Really?" He asked, disbelieving.
I leaned closer, since I couldn't risk anybody hearing. "Yes silly, just use a bit of magic." I said that last part in a faint whisper. He looked at me, his eyes wide with disbelief then smiled.
End of P.O.V
"I'll have to go to the reception this evening." Leona said as Cecilia handed her the potion. "So if i start feeling pinchy I drink it?"
"Yes, if you don't you'll change back..if any of the knights ask what it is just say that you suffer from a sugar sickness that requires you to take it whenever you feel dizzy." Cecilia said "This reception...it's like a dinner with the other Knights?"
"Yes, I've been to a few with Father, it's also a good chance to study the competition." Leona said raising an eyebrow at Cecilia seeing her fill her basket with small jars. "What are you doing?"
"I gave Gwen some jam earlier and for Lady Morgana." Cecilia said "She said that Lady Morgana liked it and requested some more for her late night tea."
"That's great, even the King's ward loves your mum's recipes." Leona grinned.
"I'm happy that everyone enjoys them." Cecilia said
Cecilia walked around the castle politely greeting the guards with Gwen by her side. Reaching Morgana's room.
"My Lady, Cecilia is here." Gwen said
Morgana has dark brown wavy hair which sometimes appears to be black in a certain light. She has grey-green eyes and pale skin, wearing an elegant corset dress. Ever since Cecilia arrived in Camelot she had made fast friends with Morgana and Gwen, occasionally having afternoon tea and chatting with her, Cecilia felt oddly relaxed around Morgana it felt like how she is with Leona.
Morgana smiled. "Ceci, I can't get enough of it, you make them so tasty." She said
"Yes, I'm glad you like it." Cecilia said "I brought some more for you to try and your favorite wild lavender and honey." She placed the basket down at the table.
"Thank you." Morgana said, staring at Cecilia. "Would you like to accompany us to the reception? I would love some more female company."
"Me? Oh...i...i'd love to." Cecilia grinned.
"Great." Morgana said
Cecilia stood next to Morgana with Gwen on her left, When Valiant walked up, Morgana gave Cecilia a look that said. 'He thinks he's all that.'
Cecilia just gently sighed and shrugged, and she had to fight to keep a few giggles contained. "Knight Valiant of the Western Hales."
"I saw you fighting today," Uther said. "You have a very aggressive style."
"As my Lord says, to lose is to be disgraced," Valiant explained.
Uther nodded thoughtfully. "I couldn't agree more," Uther grabbed Valiant's shoulder to turn him to face Morgana. "Knight Valiant, may I introduce the Lady Morgana?"
Valiant gently took her hand, and kissed it. He looked kinda creepily at her when he kissed her hand.
"I saw you competing today," Morgana politely said.
"I saw you watching," He answered just as fast.
She smiled politely back.
"I understand that the tournament champion has the honour of escorting Lady Morgana to the feast," Valiant said.
"That is correct," She said, still keeping her fake smile on.
"Then I will give everything to win the tournament." Valiant said
She nodded, and he did too. He nodded and said, "My Lady." He finally lets go of her hand.
" Knight Leo of the Eastern Isle "
Cecilia raised an eyebrow Seeing Leona still in the potion's disguise shaking the King's hand.
"You're very agile at dodging and your swift attacks, it's a familiar combination." Uther said
"I was taught by my father, dodging and to strike when the time is right." Leona explained
"Interesting." Uther replied he led Leona to Lady Morgana. "Knight Leo, may I introduce Lady Morgana?"
Leona gently took her hand, and kissed it, her eyes glanced at Cecilia, clearly surprised at seeing her but she didn't show it.
"I saw you competing today," Morgana politely said."Your style is refreshing to see, some Knights tend to go at it head on."
"I'm not like the others My Lady" Leona answered. "I plan to push myself as much as i can in this tournament. Not for the glory just to see how far I can go."
She smiled politely back.
"Excuse me My Lady." Leona said
Arthur walked to Morgana, She looked over to the people praising Valiant, and then back to Arthur. "They all seemed to be impressed by Knight Valiant and Knight Leo."
"Well, they're not the only ones," Arthur said pointedly.
Morgana looked at him innocently. "You're not jealous, are you?"
"I don't see anything to be jealous of," He answered, and walked off.
Morgana looked a little down after he left. Cecilia glared at Arthur.
Cecilia nudged Morgana's shoulder slightly and said. "I think he's very jealous..he doesn't want to show it so that you won't tease him about it." Morgana laughed and a small smile formed her lips.
Morgana turned to Gwen. "Could Arthur be anymore annoying?" She said
Then she looked back at Cecilia. "I so hope Knight Valiant or Knight Leo wins the tournament." Morgana said
"You don't really mean that." Gwen said
She looked at Gwen in disbelief. "Yes, I do!" She said
'I don't think she means it…'Cecilia thought, glancing at the group of Knights, the young Witch saw Arthur and Valiant having another glare-off, While Leona stared at them. 'The three way rivalry continues…'
That's the end of this chapter! Please leave a review and tell me what you guys think!