Hearts of Camelot
2nd Optional Featured character: Isolde
Ratings/Warnings: T, Character death
Word Count: 517
Summary: Arthur's thoughts on the bravery of Isolde. Set during the fighting scenes near the end of 4x13; The Sword in the Stone part 2. Main pairing is Isolde/Tristan.
While he was attacking one of Helios' men with his sword, King Arthur observed Isolde and Tristan fighting valiantly, alongside with him. His knights were battling against more invaders, all across the castle. Isolde's footsteps echoed softly all around the chamber, in contrast with her clashing swords with her opponent.
Tristan and Isolde were initially suspicious of him and Merlin when they met in the Darkling Woods, on their way to Ealdor. They especially didn't trust Arthur as he was indirectly responsible for forcing Isolde and Tristan to become smugglers, but now they believed that he could be a good king. Arthur was grateful that they now trusted him.
Arthur's eyes widened with shock, as Isolde hastily shoved her sword in Helios' back, before he could deliver the death blow to Arthur. I-Isolde saved me, she kill- No! Isolde was now clutching her stomach, the result of Helios wounding her before he went down. Judging by how deep the wound looked, it seemed fatal. She sacrificed her own life for me…
Isolde's disbelieving bluish-grey eyes darted to search Tristan's ones, his content expression quickly changing to one of horror when he saw her injury. Tristan started to rush to her side as she painfully dropped to the ground on her knees, releasing her grip on the hilt. He gently cradled Isolde's body against the closest grey pillar, overwhelmed with grief. Isolde was a woman Tristan was very devoted to, shown clearly by the affectionate actions and glances they always shared.
Leaning against another pillar, Arthur watched Tristan holding Isolde tenderly, his expression sorrowful. It was killing Arthur on the inside listening to Isolde's hopes and dreams as she talked to Tristan. Their words dredged up a recent memory of Arthur's; his eyes had subconsciously flickered toward Guinevere the night before, at the Forest of Ascetir. Isolde had approached her, holding the flowers Tristan had given her, and he could just make out Isolde's words if he concentrated: "Never give up hope, love is stronger than anything." Isolde truly believed this and it had lightened the pain in his heart to see that Guinevere had smiled in response, although it didn't quite meet her eyes.
Isolde spoke one last line, emotionally moving Arthur to the bone. "Hold me." Tristan put his arm around her shoulder and gave her a gentle tearful kiss on her lips, embracing her tighter against him. Tristan and Isolde were bound by their sempiternal love for each other. I was wrong to judge them on the mere fact that they were smugglers. Their loyalties are as true as my knights are; they were indeed a duo to be reckoned with. Isolde had great swordsmanship as well.
Arthur looked at Guinevere longingly, yearning to forgive Guinevere for her betrayal. I can't stop loving you. Perhaps it wasn't too late, as she returned his gaze wistfully.
From the short amount of time Arthur got to know Isolde, he concluded that she was a courageous warrior. She was a woman who deserved the chance to be knighted, and have renowned recognition in Camelot, even all of Albion.