Warcraft belongs to Blizzard
Fate Stay Night belongs to Typemoon
Warning! This is more of a spin off instead of a direct cross with modern day fate stay night. I like saber and so I am gonna put her in the WoW world.
Also, this fic take place during the first Orc -Human war.
Special Thanks to the following bad asses mother fu- I mean editors. Cheeser, Wayfarer and Xbox432 ^_^ Seriously guys, thanks!
Lioness of Stormwind
Chapter 6
**** Goldshire, Midday****
The town of Goldshire was a large and prosperous one that benefited from being in the shadow of Stormwind City. It took in imports for the larger city while at the same time accommodating warehouses for merchants to export goods in bulk. As such, its defenses were formidable, being guarded by a garrison of five thousand men. It was in this town that Arturia and Lancelot found themselves, the first surprised by its activity while the latter smiled at the familiar sight.
"Apples! Get your fresh apples straight from Westfall!"
"Jewelry from the North! Exotic Jewelry's from the north, rare cuts that can't be found anywhere else!"
"Got your eye on somebody? Madam Barov's love potions will ensnare the love of your life!"
"Best blades in the land and I'll fight anyone that says otherwise!"
"It almost reminds me of Londonium," Saber observed as she watched the streets filled with people going about their daily lives. Stalls and shops were erected all through the main street. She turned around to see Lancelot purchasing two kabob sticks from a stall vendor.
Handing over one snack to his king, Lancelot made quick work of his own before tossing the stick onto the ground. "This world is quite similar to ours in many aspects, but wholly different in others," he stated asthey rode through town on horseback. He noticed that more than a few men leering at his king and glared at them.
"I've noticed the creatures in this land are a bit more... ill tempered," Saber observed having tried to find a garbage bin of some kind before giving up and tossing it onto the ground too. "So where are we heading?"
Looking around, Lancelot turned right at another street where many Inns stood side by side. "Ah, here we are, the Red Dragon Inn." Lancelot pointed to a picture depicting such a creature on a sign board.
As Saber dismounted she spied a familiar face that just exited the Inn clad in Brotherhood black armor. Lancelot's squire, Gawain.
"Sir Lancelot, Lady Arturia!" Gawain beamed as he caught sight of the two, saluting his superior. "Lady Fordragon sent word; the procession shall be ready to leave for Stormwind within the hour!"
Saber turned to look at Lancelot and gave him a questioning look. "Procession?" she inquired. "I thought you said it was just an audience with the King?"
"There may have been some last minutes changes," Lancelot evaded, suddenly finding the wall very interesting. "King Adamant MIGHT have decided that the defenders of Three Corners deserved a grand welcome before a more exclusive affair with the nobles."
"... We're going to be paraded around in the streets, aren't we?" Saber accused and saw her knight nodding affirmatively. She HATED parades. She thought they were a frivolous waste of time, but everyone else seemed to enjoy them.
"You will be riding upfront with the Governor General," Lancelot announced and winced inwardly as he saw the displeased look on his king face. Yup... his king still hated victory parades. Then in a more somber tone he added. "Knight Commander Armin's son would also be riding with Lady Fordragon in place of his father. You will find that he's just as honorable as his father."
"Is he a Brotherhood Knight too?" Saber inquired curiously. She saw Gawain sneak a glance at her but she paid it little mind.
"No, he's a garrison commander stationed at Grand Hamlet," Lancelot answered his king before prompting her towards the Inn. "We will need to be in full battle regalia, you understand."
"Of course," Saber nodded before she made her way inside the Tavern. Upon entering, she was surprised to find it filled with the Militia men from her section. She picked up snippets of their conversations as she looked at her troops fondly.
"The fancy puff gave me this new shirt and it itches, haven't they ever heard of good old bear skin?!"
"You shouldn't be drinking another one, Thad. Do you want to look drunk before the people of Stormwind?"
"Bah! Another one won't hurt!"
"It was very kind for Lady Fordragon to give the other girls beauty products wasn't it, Angelia?"
"I know, and it's imported from Lordaeron itself! I heard the ladies of the courts there use this quite often."
"And you would know that how? You've never been to the north!"
And on the conversation went. Eventually, it was an older man, clad in a fine blue outfit that spotted Arturia at the entrance looking over the proceeding with a content expression on her face. Snapping to his feet so quickly that it startled his table mates, he proclaimed loudly. "COMMANDER ARTURIA! WE ARE HONORED BY YOUR PRESENCE!" and executed a near perfect salute in the blonde's direction.
The noise in the tavern immediately stopped as everyone hastily stood up. Straightening out their uniforms to make sure they were presentable, they also executed a textbook perfect salute. "COMMANDER ARTURIA!" they shouted as one.
"At ease soldiers," Saber replied as she ran her eyes through the crowd and returned their salute. Her gesture seemed to make the group stand taller for some odd reason.
Lancelot glanced at Gawain from the corner of his eye and smiled as the boy looked at his king in awe. His king tended to do that to the uninitiated. He saw an older man in his fifties, who was obviously slightly drunk but still wearing the militia uniform, hastily bring over a cup of ale to his king.
"Would you do us the honor of sharing a cup with us?" the old man offered only to be pulled back by a farmer form Arturia village.
"What are you thinking you old fool!" Martin, a farmer from Marshal hissed dangerously. Behind him several other men from Marshal were also giving the old man a dirty look. Arturia was too good for such low class drinks.
However, before things could escalate, Saber took the foaming cup from the old man's hand and raised it. "To those that are no longer with us," she added respectfully before putting the cup to her lips and, much to everyone shock, began drinking the beverage.
The Militia was stunned as the pint size girl continued to drink from the cup without taking any breaks. Finally, the pretty blonde girl tilted her head back one last time before she removed the cup from her lips. She then turned it over to show that the content of the cup was empty. The entire room let out a loud roar of approval for their commander when she did so. Saber didn't know it, but the people here were now hers and would walk through the twisting nether if she so wished it. Unnoticed by her, men from other divisions were also present in the tavern and, witnessing her grand gesture to her troops, would spread the story, adding it to her growing legend.
"Are you sure that was wise, my king?" Lancelot whispered in a low voice as the militia started chanting his king's name as he looked pointedly at the cup.
"This? It's weaker then what we use to drink at the round table," Saber replied in a low voice. She handed the cup back to the old man who respectfully took it from her hand before turning towards Gawain. "Now show me where you stowed my armor, we are pressed for time."
Gawain nodded hurriedly and showed Arturia to her room. A few moments later Gawain was next to Lancelot and handed him the keys to their room, as the knight and squire were to bunk together.
Upstairs, Saber locked the door to her room before turning around and taking in her surroundings. The room was spacious, almost as big as her home in Marshal. Near the windows was a bath surrounded by a screen. Hanging on the screen were several outfits that, while similar to her current one, differed in color. There was a royal blue one, identical to the one she was wearing, a conservative black one, a white one that exposed her arms, and a red colored one that looked a bit too extravagant for her taste. Dipping her hand in the bath, she felt the temperature and realized that it had been drawn recently. She frowned disapprovingly at the assortment of flowers and flower petals floating on the water, but removed her clothes to enjoy the hot bath.
After a fifteen minute soak, Saber dried herself off and chose her familiar blue outfit. Putting it on, she moved to the foot of the bed where the trunk from the Governor General rested. Opening it up, she slowly dressed herself in the familiar feeling battle armor. Temporarily sheathing Caliburn in an ordinary wooden sheath, she fastened it to her side as she finished donning her armor. She even saw a finely made royal blue ribbon for her hair. Tugging on the fabric she could tell that it was quite durable and should hold her hair together in battle.
Her greaves made heavy thudding sounds as she descended the stairs, Saber heard the noise in the tavern cut out as reached the first floor. She saw all eyes in the room were upon her and gave them a curt nod before making her way to where Lancelot was standing grinning like a fool with Gawain by his side.
"Quite a 'majestic' sight, wouldn't you say, Gawain?" Lancelot asked conspiratorially to his squire, whose eyes had been glued to his king the moment she had descended. The knowledge that she was a woman was not lost on him and now colored his perception of her. Before, he would have said she made a powerful kingly sight, but now, it was as if an angel descended and decided to grace the unworthy with her presence. He could see the reverent awe in the eyes of the people in the room as she walked passed them.
"Let's go, we shouldn't be late," Saber ordered, acknowledging Gawain with a curt nod as she walked out the Inn followed by Lancelot. A few minutes later they were in a camp a half mile away from Goldshire where they saw the soldiers from the Battle of Three Corners being arranged single file. At the head of the soldiers was a familiar woman, adorned in decorative armor, who spotted her and rode toward her party.
"My word, is that you, Arturia?" Governor General of Redridge, Mara Fordragon marveled at the sight of the girl before her. She herself was in custom armor that was fashionably tailored, including real gold trim and intricately designed runes. She knew the little blond girl was pretty, but in the armor she had gifted her the girl gave off a commanding presence few could match.
"Greetings Governor General Fordragon, I thank you for the armor," Saber intoned as she saluted the woman.
"Think nothing of it," Mara waved off the girl's thanks as she rode her horse around Arturia to take in her profile. She had a feeling by the end of the day, this little girl would be swamped with marriage offers. Maybe she'd introduce Arturia to Bolvar, the boy was just about her age and was already serving as a squire in the capital to a notable knight. Motioning the girl to follow her she said. "Come, you will be riding a different warhorse for the parade."
Saber turned to Lancelot and dismissed him with a nod as she rode after the Governor General. A moment later she saw a graying woman in her late forties lecture the banner holder on his posture before ordering the other soldiers around comically. The woman was obviously from the planning committee sent by Stormwind. The retainer, satisfied with her task, focused on a man about Lancelot's age who appeared to be quite displeased with her badgering.
"I swear, you old bat, if you don't stop nagging I'll – Oh, Lady Fordragon!" the black haired man greeted the woman in a friendly, familiar manner before turning his eyes to her companion and was stunned speechless. A moment later he recovered and tentatively guessed, "Is this the Lioness of Three Corners?"
"Arturia of Marshal's Keep," Saber introduced herself after Mara nodded and saluted the man in a respectful manner. "Your father was a good man and our town owes him much."
The Scion of Armin bowed his head sadly for a moment before looking resolute. "Thank you for your kind words Milad- I mean Commander Arturia of Marshal." he corrected before placing a hand to his chest. "I am Marcus Armin, son of Haldur Armin, and it is a pleasure to meet the Lioness of Three Corners."
"Lioness or not, we need to start moving, it's almost time for the parade. Come along, girl," the retainer from Stormwind clucked. She grabbed the reins of Arturia's mount and moved her away to a pure white stallion in grey armor. "You'll be riding on him. He might be a touch wild but you'll just have to show him who's boss."
Saber dismounted her chestnut steed to look at the warhorse before her. She stroked its fur a bit before mounting it with short hop. She immediately felt the horse tense up before she willed it to obey her. After a silent battle of wills she felt the horse relax, submitting to her.
"Good, it appeares that one won't be giving us any trouble. Come along then, you'll be to the left of Lady Fordragon while Lord Arminwill be to her right, make sure you are only half a steed behind her at all time and most importantly," the retainer rattled on before she gave Arturia a dead serious look. "Smile and wave, the people will love that!"
Saber felt a twitch develop in her left eye but positioned the horse as the rotund woman requested. Already the annoying retainer had flitted to some other poor ranking official. Taking her position at Lady Fordragon's side, Saber saw the Governor General give her a bemused expression.
"Don't worry, you'll get used to it. Her family has served the Wrynn's line for generations now," Mara said, looking fondly at the chubby woman making a militia soldier straighten out his clothes.
"Annoying old bat," Marcus muttered unkindly under his breath. He then turned to give the blond another look and for once wished he was not married to his battle axe of a wife. Ah, what could have been.
A moment later a horn sounded signaling their departure. Mara Fordragon took the lead, raising her hand in the air before giving the go ahead to move out.
The group made good time with such an orderly march and about an hour later they were in front of Stormwind City where there they were greeted by Archmage Medivh who magically enhanced his voice and grandly announced.
"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! PEOPLE OF STORMWIND! YOUR DEFENDERS, THE HEROES OF THREE CORNERS!" Medivh's voice boomed as he spread his arms out to the crowd in a grand sweep. A moment later after the declaration, there was a loud cheer from inside the city.
Saber looked up at the impressive castle that mirrored her own Camelot in its grandeur and noticed the soldiers manning the walls. As she approached she could see the Guardsmen on the wall giving her proceeding soldiers a salute as they crossed the massive gate of the city itself. Nodding at the gesture of respect, Saber returned their salute.
Upon entering the city, Saber auditory senses were assaulted by the screams and cheers of the citizens that were lined up on either side of the city street. There were flower petals of all kinds raining down around her, giving the air a slight fragrance. To either side of the road, to prevent the citizen from mobbing the heroes, were a single solid line of Stormwind Guards forming an armored wall as they faced the civilians to discourage people from getting too unruly. Already she could pick up scattered bits and pieces of the populace's comments. To her annoyance, a lot of it pertained to her.
"Look at Lady Mara Fordragon! I heard she bested dozens of the beasties without any help!" a man commented.
"Is that the Lioness? She's so pretty!" a little girl gushed.
"My word, are you sure that's her? Really? She's barely older then my daughter!" a middle age man said in shock.
"Wow, she looks just like the picture! No, even better!" a young teen said in a smitten voice.
"Over here Lioness! Look at me!" a little boy crowed from his father shoulders.
"Roar for us! Please!" a pair of pubescent teen girls pleaded over the crowd noise.
Saber tightened her grip on the reins and maintained her stoic mask looking straight ahead. The only thing that gave away her ire was the subtle tick of her left eyebrow.
+++Stormwind Keep +++
After a long and arduous two hour march through the city, the procession finally arrived at the castle keep. It was here that King Adamant Wrynn III, a man sixty years of age, addressed his loyal soldiers. The Clerics of Northshire had done all they could, but everyone knew that the king was not long for the world. Despite his frail looking state, he still wore royal battle armor and moved unassisted. Standing on the Keep's balcony he watched over the assembled solders and raised his hand up high to call for silence.
"Sons and Daughters of Stormwind, I welcome you to YOUR city!" King Adamant declared loudly. He received a loud roar of approval for his opening statement. Motioning with his hands for them to be quiet, he continued. "You honor me with your praise but you should not. For today it is WE who shall honor YOU for the defense of our country!"
Again another loud roar accompanied the King's statement and once more he gestured for them to quiet down.
"Though I wish I can meet each and every one of you personally, sadly the Keep is too small, I hope you understand," King Adamant stated in mock regret and heard the laughter from his soldiers. "However! I will be meeting your Commanders and through them, I will KNOW you! My only regret was that I was not there to lead you myself!"
Another loud roared accompanied his last statement and a chant of "For the King! For the King! For the King!" made it around the military and civilian crowd.
Once more, but with a pleased smile on his face, King Adamant gesture for his citizen to quiet down. "So enjoy this fair city, you have earned it! Every soldier will be awarded 20 gold pieces for their heroic defense at Three Corners! The people of Stormwind and I thank you for your service! Enjoy yourselves!" he shouted loudly even as the roar and cheer of approval began again.
Saber who had been looking up blinked as King Adamant retreated. She had to admit he was a good orator and though his body appeared frail, his sheer will forced his body to obey. She could not help but wonder if Britannia would have been better off with someone like him as king. There was a movement to her right as Governor General Mara Fordragon turned to face the soldiers.
"You heard the king, enjoy yourself but do not cause trouble for the locals, you are DISMISSED!" Mara shouted as the soldiers roared in approval before they chanted her surname. "ENOUGH! GO!"
The Soldiers, after gaining permission from their superior, slowly streamed into the city, some regaling the populace with tales of their deeds.
Mara turned to look at the small group and nodded. "Now we go and greet the court," she said with a hard look in her eyes. Dismounting quickly, she saw several squires already rushing over to take her horse.
Saber also dismounted and saw a boy around her physical age approach her. He must have been sick as his face was red and he had trouble meeting her eyes. "Are you well, squire?" she inquired politely.
"Bolvar!" Mara addressed affectionately as she had spotted her brother approaching Arturia. She grinned as she saw the way he was shyly stealing glances at the girl. He was smitten! That was so adorable! Grinning mischievously she walked up to her brother and startled him by putting her gauntlet hand onto his shoulder. "See something you like, little brother?"
"Sister!" Bolvar Fordragon, heir to the house Fordragon, squeaked out in a strained voice.
Mara looked at her blond companion and smiled. "Lemme introduce you two. Arturia this is my little brother Bolvar, Bolvar, Arturia of Marshal Town," she finished and looked at Arturia to judge her reaction. To her disappointment there was nothing there in her eyes except a cordial respect for Bolvar.
"L- L-lady Arturia," Bolvar stammered out and cursed his tongue for being so tied around the beauty. "It is an honor to meet you, I heard about what you did at Three Corners."
"It is an honor for me to meet another member of the Governor General's family," Saber answered politely and handed her reins to the still oddly red faced boy. "My steed will be in your care."
"Of course!" Bolvar nodded eagerly as he took the reins and hurriedly took it to the royal stables.
'Completely smitten,' Mara thought gleefully to herself as her brother had departed without even saying goodbye. "Shall we go now, Arturia?"
The heroes of Three Corners or their substitute were escorted into the Keep, the heart of Stormwind castle, by the elite Royal Guards.
Saber walked into the stone building and was once more reminded of Camelot and her own keep, ahead of her were the twenty honor guards lining the wall with other guards at every entrance. Their eyes were not lax in the slightest and appeared alert at all times. It was a few minutes later when they reached a large, decorative, wide wooden door, beyond which she could hear sounds of festivities and conversations.
"Ah the guests of honor are here," a bald elderly gentleman in royal blue robes with the Wrynn family crest said respectfully. "I am the Steward to House Wrynn, let's announce your presence shall we?"
Mara Fordragon nodded respectfully and held out her arms to show that she was ready.
"Announcing the Heroes of Three Corners! Governor General Lady Mara Fordragon of Redridge!" a middle aged chamberlain announced loudly. The moment Mara stepped through the curtains, there was a sound of thunderous applause.
Saber listened as the sound of applause echoed loudly from inside the banquet hall. After a few minutes the chamberlain nodded and announced the next person in line of importance. Based on rank alone, she knew she would be last.
"In Knight Commander Haldur Armin of the Brotherhood's place, Captain Marcus Armin of Grand Hamlet!" the chamberlain stated grandly. Once more there was a thunderous applause.
Slowly, the other commanders were introduced, leaving Arturia standing alone in the hallway with the honor guard. The Royal Guard saw the girl had closed her eyes and had clasped her hand in front of her. They wrongly assumed that she was nervous.
"And finally, the Lioness of Three Corners herself, Militia Commander Arturia of Marshal!" the chamberlain's voice boomed and turned to see the girl who had her eyes closed a moment ago open them and look at him. His breath caught in his throat as the girl, who he had thought was scared out of her small bumpkin mind, exuded a regal aura. As if she owned the place, the blonde haired girl walked forward into the banquet hall.
Saber heard the announcement of her name, but it was accompanied by silence. They were probably curious as to who she was. While she was the daughter of Athan and Igraine, she was ALSO King Arthur of Camelot and so, exuding her calm aura, Saber walked confidently into the banquet hall. Upon entering, she took the layout of the room in with a glance. Two long tables were to either side of her while directly in front of her was King Adamant himself dining at his own table; the old but fair woman to his right could only be his queen. The handsome man to his right must have been the prince and the pretty woman next to him, his wife. Taking it all in within an instant, Saber knew what she had to do next.
She had made peace with herself regarding her kingship. But that did not mean she wanted the mantle of leadership, not after what it entailed. If given to her, Saber would rule as she had but in this new land her secret desire had been fulfilled. She was not of royal blood, she was not destined for greatness she was a simple country girl. If she did not want to rule, she would have to bend knee to someone else who did.
The nobles in the Banquet Hall were stunned silent as the small girl walked in. Many had been unsure as to what to make of this so called Lioness of Three Corners and assumed that she was nothing more than a girl who distinguished herself in battle. They could not have been more wrong. The pretty girl had an aura about her that demanded all eyes be upon her as she walked into the room. Not a hint of fear, not a trace of nervousness, nothing could be read on her impassive face as she made her way toward King Adamant's place at the table.
Arturia strode purposefully toward the king's table and after she reached what she judged was the halfway point, she stopped in place. For a moment she was as still as a statue before she slowly drew Caliburn from its sheath. Saber heard shocked gasped and whispers around her as she placed Caliburn in front of her and did something she haven't done since she taken up the Golden Sword of Assured Victory.
Bending to one knee, Saber slowly knelt. "I, Arturia, by your summon have come. What would you command of me, Your Majesty?" she proclaimed in a strong and clear voice that ranged throughout the room.
King Adamant did not know what to expect from the Lioness of Three Corners but figured he would honor her just like any of his commanders that fought in that battle regardless of her station. He had seen the picture of her but he had assumed it was a romanticism of the girl and that he would have been disappointed in the real thing. Yet, the girl before him appeared to have walked straight out of said picture and was now kneeling before him declaring her loyalty to Stormwind. Most surprising of all was the mysterious golden sword in her hand, the one that SHOULD have been at Stonecarine Lake. But whether it was a replica or the real thing remained to be seen. One thing for certain, the sword suited her well.
Gripping his armchair with his hand, King Adamant pushed himself up to face her. He could not understand why but he knew that in the presence of this girl he did not want to show any weakness. "Stand, Arturia of Marshal," he ordered and watched as the pretty blond girl stood to her full height. She was still short, but the aura she radiated made her seem bigger than she really was. "Before anything else, I have to ask, where did you get that sword?"
The nobles' eyes were riveted to the scene before them. Their King, Adamant Wrynn III, had always exuded a commanding presence so powerful that you could not be help but be drawn in by his charisma. Yet the girl standing directly across from their lord had a similar presence of her own. Their eyes darted back and forth between the two and found themselves unable to determine who deserved more of their attention; their monarch or a simple girl from the swamplands.
"I retrieved it from Stonecarine Lake, Sire," Saber answered honestly as she placed both of her hand on the pommel of Caliburn leaning her weight upon it. Unknowingly, she was recreating the battle pose she was becoming famous for.
The answered stunned the old king as he looked at the blade in the girl hand she was leaning on. "You pulled the sword from the stone?" Adamant asked softly. "Truly?"
"Yes, Sire, I did." Saber nodded in affirmation.
"We have tried for so long..." King Adamant began to trail off before he looked at the sword again. "Does the sword have a name?"
"Its name is Caliburn, Sire," Saber replied and heard the gasp from the hall. Not even the serving men and women were moving now.
"Caliburn..." King Adamant softly, tasting the name on his lips before smiling. Yes, it was a fitting name. He then did something that shocked all in attendance, he got up and walked around the table to approach Arturia. He locked eyes with her and saw steel there that was as great if not greater than his own. Looking at the sword again he held out his hand. "Do you mind?"
Saber never flinched from Adamant's gaze as she reversed the sword, held it briefly to her face and extended it outward to the old king. She sensed the man before her was another who could have been worthy of Caliburn.
King Adamant, in awe, slowly took the sword from Arturia's hand and marveled at it glorious craftsmanship. This was no dwarven made blade, nor was it elvish, it was not even like the High Blade Lothar found. He could feel the power radiating from the sword, a power that seemed to slightly diminish in his grasp. It glowed in Arturia's hand but not for him. Reverently he handed the sword back to her with the utmost respect and saw her nod at him in approval, and he was surprised to find that he appreciated it.
Suddenly, the booming laughter of the old king could be heard echoing the Banquet Hall, his old body could be seen chortling in front of the pretty blond.
"Your Majesty?" Anduin Lothar asked in concern as he slowly stood up from his seat. He was also one of the many people that had been captivated by the scene. He had always wondered, even as a boy, how the entire sword looked and now he knew.
It was then Saber did something that surprised all in attendance. Her stern expression softening, taking a perplexed look, and her shoulders relaxing ever so slightly turned the once stern figure into an adorable girl of sixteen. "Your Majesty?" Saber asked in a concerned tone staring at the old king.
King Adamant was startled by the sudden change. The girl now looked like a girl the reports had portrayed her to be. Why it hadn't even crossed his mind to think of her as a woman. Then of course the way her voice and gaze softened, it made him feel years younger. By the Light, he felt a connection with this girl that he never would have thought possible! Once again at the absurdity of the whole situation, he laughed out loud once more but was suddenly assaulted by a coughing fit.
Seeing King Adamant cough, Saber moved swiftly and held the king by his elbow to support him, unknowingly causing all in attendance to be shocked by her audacity.
Adamant recovered from his coughing fit just in time to notice the concern look from his wife, son, and his steward. He had to smile, his retainers were forever worried about him. It was then he felt a gentle grip on his arm and looked into the emerald eyes of Arturia. Her eyes were no longer hard and, instead, full of concern for him. Smiling at the girl, he patted her gauntlet and let her know he was okay.
Saber released her hold on the old king and stepped back respectfully to her previous spot.
Still smiling at the girl, Adamant lifted his arms as if to encompass the whole room. "Arturia of Marshal, daughter of Athan and Igraine," he started and was pleased to see the girl looking at him in respect. "I do not ask for your service nor for you to serve me. Instead, I ask that you serve Stormwind and defend her like you did at Three Corners."
Saber nodded and replied. "I would have gladly done so, even if you had not asked it of me, Your Majesty," and she saw a pleased smile on the old king's face.
"Then from now on, you are no longer the Lioness of Three Corners," Adamant declared as he looked at the girl who was giving off her regal aura once more. "I shall crown you the Lioness of Stormwind in the hope that you shall defend her with the same ferocity you did Three Corners!"
"I will do my utmost, King Adamant Wrynn III, to protect your people," Saber respectfully agreed as one king to another. She saw the surprised look in the old man eyes and saw him return the same look. He knew, at least on some level, the old king knew.
"Come, I think I have startled enough people," Adamant commented ruefully as he noticed that his retainer was waiting in the wings to attend to him. "Enjoy the feast."
"By your leave," Saber titled her head respectfully. A retainer walked out to escort her to her seat, which was for some odd reason near Lady Mara Fordragon. The moment she got to her seat she saw Mara eyes burning with questions.
"Why didn't you tell me you pulled the golden sword of Stonecarine Lake!" Mara Fordragon hissed softly under her breath and then looked at the sheath the girl put it in. "And that is an ugly sheath for such a beautiful sword!"
"I did not know of its legendary status until last night," Saber answered honestly. Of course what she really meant was that she did not know of Caliburn's legendary status in Stormwind. "As for the sheath, it is the best I can do until I can afford a better one."
"I am having one made especially for it and no, you will not refuse my gift," Mara stated firmly seeing the girl begin to protest at the gift. "You know, I tried to pull that sword out of the stone every single time I made my way to Stormwind? That sword deserves better!"
"If it would placate your anger," Saber reluctantly accepted as she looked at Caliburn on her waist. Mara was right though, at least Excalibur had Avalon. Caliburn deserved better.
"Let's eat, I believe you made quite a scene today, little Lioness," Mara said with a quirk of her lips. She had to restrain herself from hugging the small girl who turned red faced at the nickname.
King Adamant was beset by his family immediately as he returned to the table where they fretted over him until they were sure he was alright. He had to admit, his exchange with young Arturia had taken a lot out of him. Why he felt that way, he could not quite grasp, but it was as if he was in a battle of some sort with the girl and came to a draw, and only because she had not pushed the confrontation. A moment later he realized that it was a battle for respect, her respect. If he could not make her respect him, then he would have lost. Surprisingly she had passed his subtle test with ease, a test she didn't even know she was doing. It was the test he did when taking the measure of someone, to find any flaw in their persona, any vice. But the girl was flawless, as far as he could tell. He smiled once more to himself, that girl would be someone to watch out for, and he'd definitely keep an eye on her.
"Why did you not take the sword, Your Majesty?" the Archmage Medivh said suddenly, his eyes riveted on the young blond girl at the table making small talk with Lady Fordragon.
"That sword was not mine to take Medivh and I should think you know better," Adamant chastised harshly. The Archmage had been strange as of late but he was still a trusted adviser. Suddenly the Archmage serious expression turned into a disarming smile.
"I do. The sword chose her, not the other way around," Medivh smiled ruefully before turning to drink from his goblet. "It would not have been right to take it from her, but it had been your dream to wield that sword, was it not?"
Adamant relaxed at Medivh's blunt tone and smiled at the Archmage. "Ah but I did wizard, I asked to touch it and the girl let me. So I have fulfilled my dream, if only for a moment," he replied with a smile, recalling the feeling of Caliburn in his hand.
"Yes, dreams are always nice to have, much better than nightmares, I should say," Medivh finished before downing his cup. Standing up he bowed low to the Adamant. "I believe I am full now and I do have pressing business to attend to. I must complete my research on how the Orcs came here in the first place. By your leave, Sire?"
Adamant sighed and nodded. "You can go. Take care to rest. This kingdom needs you to fight off the orcish threat if they return."
"I shall endeavor to do all that I can to ensure the safety of our great nation," Medivh replied before transforming into a crow and flying away.
"That boy has changed so much over the years," Adamant muttered softly and saw Llane look sadly at him.
"It's the burden of being the head mage of Karazhan, but if anyone can find out the true purpose of these Orcs, it'll be him. I'd stake my life on it," Llane Wrynn, Heir to Stormwind, vouched for his friend.
++++ Karazhan +++
Medivh flew back into his study before assuming a human guise once more. Angrily, he began to sweep everything off of his table. "CURSE that girl!" He shouted savagely. "It's all her fault!"
'No Sargeras, you always underestimate humans and that is why you will ultimately lose,' a voice stated from inside Medivh head.
"BE SILENT!" Medivh roared. He had all but destroyed the original soul of this body yet traces of him still lingered. Well it didn't matter. Once Stormwind fell, and it would fall, he would make his way to Kalimdor with his Orc Army and absorb the Well's power once and for all! The Kingdoms to the North were weak, inconsequential, and could be destroyed at any time at his leisure. No, if he was to succeed Stormwind HAD to be destroyed first.
Closing his eyes he cast a spell and concentrated on making contact with the Orc Warlock known as Gul'dan.
'Great One! I am humbled by your presence!' the Orc groveled in his mind.
'Silence!' Medivh commanded. 'When will Garona be ready for the... peace entreaty?'
'She should be there soon with the envoy,' the Orc told the Archmage. 'I made sure that she has been properly...conditioned.'
'Make sure that she is. We need them to believe her,' Medivh warned before cutting off their mental link.
Sitting down and pouring himself a drink, he gulped without pause before tossing the goblet against the wall. "Who are you, Arturia of Marshal?" he mused.
TBC...
NEXT: Actions and Reactions
AN: Yeah I sorta picture Saber theme music playing whens she entered the Banquet Hall and stood in all her magnificent glory. You know, the theme where she was first introduced to us in Fate Stay Night :D So this is pretty much Stormwind Party and how she get her title of a sort. :D I am glad people like this fic and I love how a lot of people guess on what I try to do. I am happy to say so far only one person have gotten it half right on what will transpire but not even then ^_^
Oh it's on now.
Index Thingy:
Goldshire: Actual Wow Location! It is but a former shadow of what it once was, I just extrapolate to what it could have been at its height.
King Adamant: Notice he is alive, he never died during the first Orc invasion :D He was said to be a very strong king and it was he who beat back the Orcs the first time they invaded. He died but he was old and sickly then too.
Medivh – Is the Last Guardian, pretty much he has unimaginable power that has protected Azeroth from the Burning Legion from invasion. I would say he is like Zelretch in a way as he too can traverse time and dimensions but stick to the prime one. Example of this is how he recognized you as time travelers in the WoW Dungeon, The Black Morass. There you protected him from being killed by Dragons and helped him open the Dark Portal. He KNEW you were time travelers and granted you access to his tower.
His tower also have stuff that could cause people to go crazy and mages coveted his "Workshop" and its items. You get to visit it eventually, all the way to the top where there are dimensional tears everywhere. Shit got freaky in there.
All through this he had two personalities, the demon one that had subverted him and the real one which still held back the demon one on some level from wrecking true havoc. He was complex but a traitor at the same time.
As always, thanks for the reviews and comments on this fic:) It truly is awesome and rewarding to have. C+C Welcomed , Reviews Appreciated :D