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.
Also, this fic take place during the first Orc -Human war.
Special thanks to the following three who help me clean and spit polish this fic! The Big Cheese, Cheeser42, The farer of ways, Wayfarer! And the ultimate gamer Xbox432. Without their help this fic look ugly, i mean like Ugly ugly. Like... female Orc ugly. And if you play wow, that fucking ugly!
Lioness of Stormwind
Chapter 7
***** Stormwind ****
Saber walked out of Stormwind Keep, giving the royal guards a curt nod as she passed them down the steps. If she had to guess, she would say it was almost midnight. Looking at the city outline in the dark illuminated by street lamps of all things, Saber had to marvel at its size, being built into the mountain and all. The castle, for lack of a better word, was cleaner than most she had visited in her old life. The water in the nearby river reflected the stars in the sky, and little boats could be seen sailing on it, ferrying people around even this late at night. Here and there she could see a group of soldiers on their patrol routes through the vast city to ensure its populace's safety, which was an admirable endeavor.
"Your Mahhhh- Lady!" Lancelot shouted from the bottom of the keep, waving to his King enthusiastically as she descended the steps. Next to him were three horses. One was the white steed his king rode upon, the other his, and the last was Gawain's. He looked to his squire, who had been nodding off, suddenly snapping to attention.
"Sir Lancelot, Squire Gawain," Saber nodded to the two in acknowledgment. "Did you two enjoy the town's festivities?"
"Some more than others I should say, eh Gawain?" Lancelot grinned at his squire, giving the younger man a dubious nudge. "That priestess from the Cathedral was quite sweet on you wasn't she?"
Gawain went red in the face before looking at Arturia with a worried frown. Turning back to his master he tried to explain his. "She just needed help being escorted to the Cathedral. You saw the crowd, it was dangerous for her to go alone. All I did was accompany her."
"All the way to her bedchamber?" Lancelot countered with a raised eyebrow. "That woman had more in mind then the Light's scriptures, I'll tell you that much."
"Sir Lancelot! It was not like that!" a red faced Gawain protested.
"If it was not like that, then why did I walk in to find you sitting on her bed while she was in the next room bathing?" Lancelot raised an eyebrow at his squire. It had been getting late, and, needing his squire to greet his king, he had been directed by the head priest to were young Gawain was last seen. He hadn't known that young Gawain was with a pretty priestess, if he had, then he wouldn't have bothered the young lad.
"She asked me to wait until she finished bathing so she could show a token of her thanks for my assistance," Gawain explained his action as if it was the most sensible thing in the world. "Nothing improper was going on I assure you."
Lancelot face palmed into his gauntlet and moaned in defeat at the denseness of his squire. "It's Castle Anthrax all over again," he mumbled softly before he saw his King giving him a hard look.
"Sir Lancelot," Saber cut in, her voice full of authority. Giving him a knowing look, she continued. "Have you forgotten? We do not speak of that. Ever."
"Speak of what? You mean Galahad and his prie-," Lancelot started to elaborate but was stopped by a stern glare from his king. Right, the round table secret oath was still in effect. "Yes, Your- I mean Commander."
Gawain saw what exchanged between Commander Arturia and Sir Lancelot but didn't know what to make of it.
"Right then, time to get back to the inn I suppose," Lancelot stated, changing the subject quickly before holding the reins to his King's horse out for the smaller blonde.
Saber took the reins from her knight and had just hopped up on the mount's back when a figure brushed passed her to hug Lancelot. 'Who?' she thought as she blinked at a pretty woman throwing herself into the knight's arms.
"Lance you were here?" the womanly figure asked happily as she continued to cling onto Lancelot neck.
"Of course I was, Gwen," Lancelot replied before hugging the woman back softly. "I had thought you'd left the banquet earlier."
'Gwen?!' Saber thought in shock.
"I wanted to, but Luke was concerned about these Orcs and had stayed back to get more information," the woman identified as Gwen answered. She separated herself from the famous knight, revealing herself to be raven haired beauty. It was then she turned around and saw Saber. "Commander Arturia, I did not see you see you there. My apologies!"
Saber recovered a moment later and tentatively asked the beautiful woman a question. The woman obviously held affection for Lancelot. "Your name is Gwen? As in Guinevere?"
"No, she's not!" Lancelot quickly cut in knowing where his king was going with this. Frankly he too had been surprised when he first learned her name. "Her name is Gwen as in Gwendolyn. She is my sister."
Saber scrutinized the woman, seeing that her features were indeed similar to that of Lancelot, before nodding. "It is an honor to meet you, Gwen," she tilted her head politely from atop her horse.
Gwen, sister to Lancelot De Luc, looked between the pretty blond country girl and then to her brother. "You two know each other?" she asked, surprised at the familiarity between the two.
Before anyone could speak, a carriage escorted by two knights on horseback wearing Stormwind gray and blue arrived. Upon spotting Lancelot, the two knights dismounted and rushed over to the black armored knight. "Brother!" they shouted as they pounded their armor plated fists onto the Brotherhood knight's shoulders.
"Victor! Theodore!" Lancelot laughed in joy as he embraced his little brothers. "Are you two causing trouble for our sister again?"
"No brother, sister causes enough trouble on her own," one of the armored knights replied before he was hit on his shoulder guard by the woman in question. "Careful, sister dear. It's plate; you'll hurt your hand."
"Off with your helmets you two! There are ladies present!" Gwen chided. She gave her two little brothers fond looks and saw them scan their surroundings before locking on to Arturia and letting out a gasp.
"The Lioness of Stormwind..." the first armored figure breathed through his helmet, before realizing he still had it on. Taking off his helmet, he revealed a handsome, youthful face, much like Lancelot's, with the addition of a trimmed beard. "Commander Arturia, Knight Theodore at your service," he bowed.
The second knight also took off his helmet to reveal a man also in his early twenties that had soft, feminine features more like Gwen and the same eyes as Lancelot Those eyes were riveted to Arturia, greedily drinking in her form illuminated by the light of the full moon. Without bowing, he gave his greeting. "I am Knight Victor De Luc of Moonbrook... Marry me," he said seriously.
A bit taken aback by the blunt proposal, Saber drew herself to her full height atop her mount before replying. "I am afraid I must decline," With that she turned to Lancelot. "I will leave you to your family. Goodnight."
Victor De Luc's jaw dropped as he was turned down by the pretty blonde. Arturia gave his brother some sort of unreadable look, which could only mean one thing: the Lioness belonged to his brother. After all, few women could resist the De Luc charm. However, it was the panic on his brother's face that surprised him, as only Gwen had ever caused his famous brother to panic during their younger days.
"Your ma- Commander, you cannot travel the streets alone! Gawain and I will escort you there," Lancelot quickly stood in front of his king's steed, but gulped when he saw his King give him a dangerous look.
"Are you saying that mere ruffians could pose a threat to me?" Saber asked dangerously.
"No! I mean, that is, it's my duty to escort you back!" Lancelot answered, stammering slightly. In their original world, his King had always been followed by a small contingent of knights, but right now he was the only one available to perform that duty.
Gwen, observing the exchange between Lancelot and the pretty blonde, suddenly clapped her hands together in excitement. 'Lancelot's in love! I never thought I'd see the day!' she thought gleefully to herself. The boy, as she would forever think of him as a boy, usually had girls dancing to his tune. But here now was Lancelot dancing to the small blonde. It was simply adorable!
"Light damnation, brother, you never let us have any women of our own!" Victor De Luc accused his brother with a pointed finger. "You tamed the Lioness before anyone had a chance!"
"Silence!" Saber voice cut out clear over the group startling everyone. She first called to the one named Victor. "First of all, I am no doe-eyed maiden for your brother to woo, and he would have to be the last man on Azeroth for me to even consider him. So stop your baseless assumptions!"
Victor De Luc was stunned by the girl's response, feeling as if he was being reprimanded by a superior.
"Secondly," Saber continued wheeling her horse to face Lancelot. "Where I go is my business, if you want to come along then fine, but do not seek to bar my way with a flimsy excuse like 'it's dangerous'. Have you forgotten what I'm capable of?"
Lancelot gulped nervously, feeling his mouth dry as the hard look in his King's eyes bore down on him. A King's displeasure was a terrible thing indeed. "I – I am sorry, forgive me," he acquiesced immediately, turning to his family members he said hurriedly. "I will catch up with you tomorrow, Gwen."
"Lancelot," Saber cut in with a stern tone holding her knight's gaze. Opening her mouth she gave him a simple order. "Stay. Be with your family."
To the De Luc sibling's surprise, they saw that their beloved brother nodded in defeate and made to get out of the girl's way. Who was this girl that had their brother wrapped around her finger?
Gwen saw the worried expression in her little brother eyes and decided she should help her little brother out. "Excuse me, Commander Arturia. A moment of your time, if you please?" she asked politely. To her relief, the small blonde stopped and looked at her with a questioning gaze. Seeing her opening, she pressed on. "May I inquire as to where your inn is located?"
"Goldshire, The Red Dragon Inn," Saber answered.
"Oh dear, that is too far to travel this late at night, and that simply won't do," Gwen pointed out to the girl, seizing her opening aggressively. "Would you allow the Barrington Household to host you for the night?"
Saber looked over Lancelot's sister and sighed. She wasn't stupid, and she recognized what the woman was doing. Saber saw that the woman did look quite hopeful and truth be told, she felt that she might have been unduly harsh with Lancelot. A bit contrite she replied, "It would be my honor," she saw Lancelot's relieved look out of the corner of her eye and also noted the excited looks from Lancelot's brothers.
+++++++ The Next Day ++++
Saber was woken up by a soft knock on her door and once again found that she was staring up at an unfamiliar ceiling. Rising up from her bed, she blinked the sleepiness away as she heard yet another small knock.
"Lady Arturia?" a soft, feminine voice made itself known from the other side of her door.
It was one of the Barrington Household servants, no doubt. "Come in," Saber acknowledged and saw the door latch open up as three young maids around her physical age walked into the room. One of the maids had dull blonde hair, while the other two had heads of hair that were similar shades of red.
"Lady Arturia, my name is Mareynn, and the two with me are called Sophie and Tarah, "the blonde, introduced herself and her two compatriots with a respectful curtsy. "The Lady Barrington sent us to attend to your needs. How may we be of assistance?"
Saber was at a loss for words. Hand maidens, they sent her hand maidens. Hand maidens were for women like Guinevere or Morgan not her. She much preferred servants or stewards. Was she really that girlish to other people? "I do not require assistance. I am quite capable of getting myself ready," she answered.
"Of course Lady Arturia," the blonde, who was clearly in charge, replied, continuing to stand impassively.
Blinking at the motion, or lack thereof, and the awkward silence that followed, Saber got up while the three maids stood dutifully in the same spot. No sooner had Saber left the bed was she beset by the head maid while her two helpers began to draw a bath. Amazingly, the room she was in had indoor plumbing of a sort. The maids flitted busily around her as they laid out a variety of dresses for her to wear. Saber noticed that they were the ones from her room in Goldshire. Clearly, someone had gone to retrieve her things. Snapping her eyes to her bedside she confirmed that Caliburn was unmoved.
"Your bath is ready, Lady Arturia," one of the red haired girls announced, before stepping aside to reveal the large wooden tub filled with water on which assorted flowers and petals floated.
Sighing, she accepted their help and dropped her sleeping clothes to step into the tub.
"Allow us, Lady Arturia," Mareynn offered, as she took out a strange liquid and started to lather up the shorter blonde's hair while the other two immediately set about scrubbing her legs and arms.
"Wow, your arms feel so solid while your skin is so soft," the redhead, Sophie, commented as she rubbed scented oil on Arturia's arms.
Saber blushed at bit at the comment. She had worked hard to condition her body to a similar level as her original body. It was quite a boon that her body here adjusted quickly, and now she had Caliburn she could really push herself.
"Quiet," Mareynn snapped at the redhead as she continued to lather Arturia's hair gently. "Forgive them, they are new."
"It is alright. I too feel that my body is not quite as womanly as it should be," Saber admitted to the girls before seeing the maids frowning at her.
"Nonsense, you are quite beautiful and if we didn't know you were the Lioness of Three Corners, we'd have assumed you were a highborn noblewoman," Mareynn replied honestly. While the blonde's body was not curvaceous, her lithe body was still quite charming. What she did find amazing was the girl's arms, legs and torso were completely hairless, as if she was carved and sculpted to look perfect without needing any additional maintenance. If she grew taller and filled out with more womanly curves, then it would be completely unfair to the women of Stormwind.
"Is it true that you were escorted by Sir Lancelot?" the other redhead, Tarah, inquired with a dreamy sigh as she lathered Arturia legs with some kind of soapy lotion, enviously noting that Lady Arturia's silky smooth skin did not seem to need the lotion.
"Yes," Saber replied, thinking nothing of it, a knight escorting their liege was not a big deal. Unfortunately, it might have been the wrong answer as a moment later, the two redheads looked at each other and squealed in girlish excitement.
"How did you earn Sir Lancelot's favor? Of course you are pretty, but Sir Lancelot is famous for turning down such requests!" Tarah gushed with stars in her eyes. Already in her head was an image of Sir Lancelot escorting her to high class functions.
Saber left eyebrow twitched. Her, earn Lancelot favor? Preposterous. She had to groan as she saw the look of admiration on Mareynn's face. Even when Lancelot wasn't around, he still caused her headaches.
Thankfully, the girls spoke of other things once they saw the displeased look on the smaller blonde's face. They made small talk on various topics until she was finally done, dressed in a white blouse and blue dress. A blue ribbon was tied around her neck in a bow, adding to the look so that not even carrying Caliburn looked out of place; at a glance she appeared as advertised, a pretty country girl. A moment later, Arturia was lead into a large room where the De Luc siblings were conversing quietly. At the head of the table was a blonde haired man in his late thirties with a full beard. He was big and burly like most males she had seen in this new world but his face was kind. He smiled widely the moment he saw her being ushered into the room.
"Ah Commander Arturia! I, Count Luke Barrington, welcome you to my humble home!" the Count of Sunnyglade stood up and greeted his guest with a beaming smile. "Please have seat, I still cannot imagine what kind of dastardly plan my wife pulled off to get your here!"
Saber noted that her seat was directly across from the count, in her old world such a seating position would be reserved for the guest of honor. Of course, she had the Round Table, but the other nobles did not. Looking at the breakfast spread, she was quite pleased by the selection. "Thank you for your hospitality and putting me up for the night," she replied politely. At the count's gesture, she took her seat with grace befitting a king, making the Count's grin widen.
"Well I knew that she could be regal, but to see her do it so effortlessly!" Count Barrington laughed loudly as he sat down. The person in question looked at him perplexed. "If I recall correctly, you became quite the topic among the nobles shortly after you left."
Adjusting the chair herself to be closer to the table, to the shock of the servant next to her whose responsibilities were such things, Saber leaned Caliburn against the side of her chair, she noticed that all eyes were on her. "I am sure. After all, I am a simple girl from the countryside. No doubt people that live behind such great stone walls would take issue with me," Saber said as she saw a servant immediately pour some liquid in her cup for her. Nodding at the servant, she took the cup her lips and found herself tasting sweet melon-like flavor.
"Melonberry juice from my own farms, I hope it is to your liking," the count elaborated as he also drank from his cup.
There was a rule that Saber kept, regardless of what life or whichever Holy Grail War she was in. Hunger was the enemy, an enemy that could only be defeated by food. Food that was in front of her. To Lady Barrington and the serving maids' envy, the small blond ate as much as the biggest men, yet with the grace of the Queen herself. After a while, breakfast was done.
"So my wife tells me that the famous Lancelot has finally decided to escort a maiden. And of his own free will no less!" the Count exclaimed looking at Lancelot with kind eyes.
Lancelot, however, glared at the count which in turn made his brother-in-law sweat a bit. After all this time, Luke Barrington still had not earned Lancelot approval. It began when he went to court Gwendolyn De Luc. He was handsome, rich, and a noble that had a seat in the Stormwind Court, it should have been a simple matter for him to court the minor noble from Westfall. It was not, mainly because of Lancelot who had publicly declared that any man that would be worthy of his sister's hand must defeat him in combat. Luke had accepted the challenge and the boy, who had been ten years old at the time, had gleefully humiliated him. Later, he found out the boy had also humiliated other suitors for his sister's hand. Yet his pride would not let him lose to such a brat! So he challenged Lancelot again, and again, and again.
Due to his persistence, Gwen grew to admire his tenacity and before they knew it he was already wooing her in secret, away from her brother's prying eyes. Thankfully, at thirteen the boy had joined the army leaving him to court the De Luc maiden. Yet, as the years passed and the wedding plans were made, Luke felt that he still needed to prove his worth to the boy. He need not bother as when Lancelot heard of his sister's impending nuptial, he had marched back straight to the De Luc household. Though he would never admit it, when Luke had gotten wind of Lancelot's return he had been nervous. Lancelot was the heir of the Del Luc estate and he would be someone Luke would have to deal with when he inherited his father's position in the House of Nobles.
Luke Barrington had trained like a madman during the two months it took for Lancelot to arrive. The future Count threw his body into training to the exclusion of all else, he needed to win against the boy. It was the day before his wedding when Lancelot arrived. Alone. The boy, upon setting his sights on the older man, had started to draw his sword. However, something unexpected happened as Gwendolyn De Luc, the bride to be, marched right up to Lancelot and took him by the ear. What was said to Lancelot, Luke would never know, but when the young man returned, he grudgingly shook the future Count's hand and grumbled some form of well wishes.
Now, according to his wife, Lancelot was besotted with the Lioness of Stormwind. Maybe he could help the famed knight with his courtship of her.
Lancelot glared at Barrington more out of habit now then any real malice. Mostly. He had not wanted a random count to marry his sister, there was only one man in the entire kingdom that was worthy of his sister's hand. Arthur Pendragon. If Arthur had been born into this world as a man, then he would need a bride, and his sister would be the perfect woman for him. He had to protect her until his king claimed his bride. Now that he had met up with his king again, the whole endeavor was a moot point.
Coughing into his hand, the count turned back to the Lioness and smiled. "So I hope everything was to your liking?" Barrington asked the blonde, hoping to get Lancelot's attention off him.
"The food was very well made. I quite enjoyed it," Saber answered. It was true, the food here was quite delicious. There was that crack about Lancelot escorting someone again. They acted like it was some big deal. "As for Sir Lancelot, he serves me now, that's wh-"
Apparently that proclamation made the elder sister of the De Luc's perform a very unladylike spit-take. "WHA-WHAT?!" Gwen shouted in half hysterics. Her brother has been tamed already? She didn't need to step them up at all! She had a wedding to plan now and she had to tell her parents!
However, Gwen De Luc-Barrington was not the only one that was surprised as the two younger De Luc brothers stood up as one and looked at their older brother in outrage. "WHAT?!" they roared looking accusingly at their brother.
Lancelot was brave, fearless and some would even say peerless but when it came to family he was weak against them. So immediately he tried to defend against his brothers' united outrage. "Wait, it's not what you think!"
"Another one brother? Damn it!" Victor bemoaned the unfairness of it all.
Saber pinched the bridge of her nose before balling her hand into a fist and slamming it down onto the table in front of her. The impact and violent sound stopped the chattered and directed their attention back to her. "If you would let me finish, Sir Lancelot serves me now as my knight, at least until Stormwind's enemies all lay dead at our feet," she explained, sweeping her gaze across every person at the table. She saw Lancelot's surprised look but shook her head at his questioning gaze. She needed his service, but if she was not King then once they were done, she would release him from her service so he could find happiness.
"Oh," Gwen mouthed softly before letting out a sigh of relief. She would have more time to plan the wedding. She saw that look in her little brother's eye and knew what it meant. Lancelot would follow the girl wherever she went. Just like a puppy really... well, a well-trained, deadly puppy.
Taking charge of the situation, Count Luke Barrington turned to the blonde girl and changed the subject. "Would you like to tour the garden? Gwen planted most of the flowers there herself and the ladies of Stormwind love it," he suggested, seeing that everyone had finished eating.
Saber nodded but had a request. "Actually do you have a training area where I can practice with my sword? I would hate to become rusty," she said honestly, much to everyone's surprise. It was then she saw Lancelot stand up and grin at her.
"Why stop there? Why don't you spar with me and my brothers here?" Lancelot offered before hooking his arms around both of his brothers' necks who were looking at him as if he was insane.
Saber's eyes lighted up then in genuine pleasure. It had been too long since she sparred with Lancelot, and it would be a good test of her skill. She went to her room to adorn her battle armor and left the De Luc's back at the dining hall.
"Make sure to go easy on her brother!" Victor told his other brother, Theodore. The thought of his brother marring the Lioness's skin was a criminal act if there ever was one! Lancelot was the best swordsman in the land, he would know to hold his blade back.
"Brother," Lancelot interjected as he looked at his youngest brother. "If I were you, I'd asked her to go easy on YOU."
That statement drew an eyebrow from Gwen Barrington. Her brothers were some of the finest swordsman in the land, yet Lancelot was telling them to be careful? This should prove interesting.
++++ Barrington Estate, Training Area ++++
The Barrington Guards stood a respectful distance away as they watched the three De Luc brothers warm up. Today was going to be a treat, the famous Lancelot would display his skill, as would the two younger De Luc's. However it was the pretty blonde thing that was warming up a short distance away that stole the guard's hearts. They had seen women fighters before, but her armor just suited her so well.
Saber finished limbering up her body as she drew Caliburn and saw the guard's eyes lock onto the blade. Giving a few practice swings, she was pleased by how it felt in the hand. Looking at the De Luc brothers, she smiled. "So, who's first?"
Lancelot innocently (roughly) shoved his younger brother Victor out to face his King. He saw his little brother shoot him a dirty look and returned it with a sly wink. "Please Commander, don't hurt my brother too badly," he pleaded jovially.
"I'll try not to," Saber replied noncommittally. After all, anything could happen in battle. Swinging her sword to the side, she got into an odd battle stance.
"Right then," Victor De Luc said as he pulled out his two-hander of Dwarven make. He didn't feel right fighting such a pretty, small thing. He knew from experience how soldiers liked to exaggerate and was all but certain the blonde was just a battlefield mascot. "On your guard then!" he shouted and lunged in with a sweeping strike.
"HUAAHH!" Saber shouted as she swung a powerful sweeping strike to match that of Victor's and tore the greatsword from his grip the moment their blades met. Quickly turning her blade, she smashed the flat of Caliburn onto Victor's breastplate, knocking him off his feet. Reversing her blade she stepped on Victor chest and pressed him down on his back while pointing the tip of Caliburn at his throat. "Do you yield?"
Victor eyes widened as he looked at the pointed tip of the golden sword. Nodding, he yielded to the powerful girl. Two moves, she defeated him in two moves, how did such a tiny girl have so much strength?
Theodore was worried. While he did like Lady Arturia, as she was very pretty, he was not quite as smitten with the girl. The ease that the girl displayed in defeating the De Luc Knight was not funny, and with his keen eye, he had seen how the girl had simply overpowered his younger brother. Lioness or not, the De Luc reputation was on the line. Stepping forward, he drew a tall broadsword and fell into a battle stance.
Saber smiled at the younger brother and grinned. A moment later she charged in and attacked the man with a powerful overhead strike. The De Luc brother blocked her strike with his sword but she saw his face strain as he defended against her onslaught. Quickly, she lashed her leg out and caught him with a powerful kick to his chest plate. To his credit he spun with the blow, lessening the impact, and swung wildly in a clumsy counter-attack.
'By the Light!' Theodore thought as he recovered. The girl's attack had rattled his arms, which were used to extremely harsh training! Looking at her, he noticed she wasn't even winded and instead was ready to pounce on him. No sooner than the thought had entered his mind, she did. He quickly parried her first attack with all his strength, the impact from both their swords rattling his arms once more, then brought his sword down to meet a lower strike. However on the third strike, he was too slow and was struck hard on his shoulder guard spinning him around off balance. When he recovered, he found her blade across his throat. Gulping he conceded, "I yield!"
Saber blinked in surprise as the guards started to cheer for her while the servants politely clapped.
Lancelot looked at his two brothers and smirked. That would teach them to underestimate his King. Looking at his now opponent, he bowed low before drawing Arondight.
Saber nodded as she saw Excalibur's twin blade. "Are you ready, Sir Lancelot?" she asked as the crowd grew quiet.
"I am," Lancelot said with a small smirk before schooling his face. There was an unspoken agreement between him and his king back during their time in Camelot. She would not use her full ability to speed up during their duel to be fair. Looking at his King he charged her with a shout. He heard his King's proud roar in reply to his own challenge and the two locked blades.
What happened next riveted the assembled crowd as the swords of the two combatants rang out loudly at the exchange. Sir Lancelot's face was set hard, not the easy smile he usually had when he dueled, and the fact that he was taking the girl seriously shocked them all. He even went so far as to try and strike her face with the back of his gauntlet, only to be stopped when the short blond barreled into the Knight, smashing him against a stone pillar, leaving a very visible dent in it.
Lancelot desperately tried to parry his King's powerful blows, but was slowly being pushed back. His King had always been deceptively strong. As a man, he knew he was naturally stronger, yet, even with her height and stature, she had always fought him to a stand-still due to skill alone. Her blows landed heavily on Arondight while her speed kept him off balance. His strike was parried by his King, before she used her great speed once more to her advantage.
The difference between them Saber knew would be the determining factor. Lancelot had all the skill and speed in the world, but so did she. What she didn't have was his ability to soak up more damage. That was one of the limitations she faced as a young female. What set her apart from Lancelot would be her tenacity and her ability to bleed the force of his attacks due to her shorter stature. 'It would have to be enough', she thought, as she attacked again, forcing Lancelot on the defensive once more.
Lancelot skillfully blocked all of his King's attacks and retaliated with a skillful set of moves to no avail. It was harder for him to strike at her as any real attack would have to be swung downwards or lower. Why he just missed her by a hair's breadth and before she parried the attack away. He also noted that his King was fighting a bit differently from how he remembered, even as one of her plated gauntlets caught him in his face. She was now using her arms and legs as extensions of herself instead of one powerful blade like she used to, making her more versatile. That made her even more dangerous.
"HUAAAH!" Saber roared once more as she swung a powerful strike at Lancelot's side, forcing him to catch it or be cut in half.
"YAAAAAH!" Lancelot shouted as he too slashed his sword to match his King. A block here would not be wise, so he attacked, hoping to recover first.
The sound of the two holy swords rang out beautifully, captivating everyone in the courtyard.
Despite the arm-rattling shock that ensued, Lancelot and Saber pushed at one another as they glared. Each was determined to win this contest of strength and will. Before their battle could go any further, they heard the sound of clapping from a young, excited boy.
"Wow! That's amazing!" a young voice cut through the disbelieving silence.
The two combatants looked at the source of the voice, but only Lancelot recognized the child and more importantly, his parent and his guardian. "Prince Llane! Lord Lothar!" he shouted. His King, having recognized his tone, eased off her attack stance as she too turned and faced the newcomers.
Lancelot's proclamation shook their audience out of their awe. The sight of the Crown Prince there with his son and the legendary Lothar at his side was shocking. Immediately all went to their knees except for Arturia.
"No no, up up!" Prince Llane laughed but noted that the Lioness did not kneel. Upon reflection, he found that he was fine with her breach of etiquette. He clapped his hands together, even as a bright smile adorned his face. "I must say, Lady Arturia, they did not do your skill justice in the story."
Saber bowed her head slightly at the compliment. "Thank you, your highness. Is your father feeling better?" she inquired.
"The festivities of yesterday taxed him, I'll admit, but he could not stop talking about you nor Caliburn all morning. You made quite an impression on him," Prince Llane chuckled ruefully. His father was not one to be easily impressed, yet he had seen something in Lady Arturia to crown her the Lioness of Stormwind. Looking down at his son, he nudged the black haired little boy.
"Good day, L-lady Arturia, I hope this day finds you well?" the small boy inquired shyly as he stole glances at the teenage girl.
"Greetings, young prince...?" Saber trailed off softly.
"Varian, after my grandmother, Queen Varia," Varian bashfully explained. He could not take his eyes off the Lioness of Stormwind, much to his embarrassment.
"Varian, a good strong name," Saber declared with a nod. She noticed the boy blushed red and shyly looked down at his feet shuffling a bit.
"Well, you have made quite an impression on him last night as well," Prince Llane said chuckling at his son's shy demeanor. The boy was still only nine but he was smart for his age and already his reflexes showed that he was going to be quite a fighter when he grew up.
"I believe Lady Arturia left an impression on everyone last night, myself included," a balding, tall, broad shouldered man, with a full beard made his presence known. He gave a soldier's salute to the blonde girl and introduced himself. "I am afraid we weren't properly introduced last night, I am Anduin Lothar."
"An honor to meet you, Highlord Lothar," Saber replied, acknowledging him with a bow before locking eyes with the man. "I heard tales of your exploits from my father. He would have been overjoyed to have met you."
Lothar saw pain flash across the girl's face at the mention of her father. "I am sure he would be prouder to hear of what his daughter accomplished."
"Your words are too kind," Saber said softly before she fell intoa more relaxed stance. One that had her leaning on Caliburn, supporting her weight on its hilt.
"Prince Llane, young Prince Varian and Highlord Lothar, what brings you to my humble home?" Count Barrington asked, judging it to be the right moment to join the conversation.
"We were searching for your guest," Prince Llane gestured to Arturia. He then turned to look at their host and grinned. "You, my dear count, caused quite an uproar this morning."
Saber saw that the Barrington looked as if he was caught red handed, while his wife suddenly found the pillar next to her interesting. Apparently Prince Llane saw that she looked confused and turned to explain it to her.
"Like I said, Lady Arturia," Prince Llane began looking at the pretty blonde with humor dancing in his eyes. "You caused quite the uproar yesterday at the banquets, so much so that before daybreak, the Highlords, the Barons, Dukes, Marquis, and even my father, sent messengers to invite you to dine with them for breakfast."
Saber's eyes widened at the list of people that apparently wanted her attention. However, she was still confused, why would the Count and Countess of Barrington look so guilty. Lucky for her Prince Llane was not finished.
"So imagine their surprise when their messengers waited for day break to bombard you with their request only to find that you did not even return to the Red Dragon Inn in Goldshire!" Prince Llane laughed at the panic that had stirred once the last known residence of the Lioness had been found empty. "Thankfully, young Squire Gawain arrived and gathered your things, thereby letting us know where you were residing. I decided to come and fetch you myself since you would soon be bombarded by the other Lords and Ladies of Stormwind Court. I figured that if I brought Lord Lothar with me, you wouldn't say no to joining us for lunch."
Lancelot turned to look at his King who, while showing no outward signs of being surprised, had a small bead of sweat rolling down her face that could be seen if one squinted hard enough. Really hard.
Saber inwardly wondered why people would even want her attention. If she was King then, yes, people would come to her for power. Yet she was a country girl, whose only notable deed was fighting against the Orcish invasion, and even then, she wasn't the only one. Still if King Adamant wanted to meet with her again, then she would have been glad to meet him again. "Then, I would be honored," Saber replied with a curt nod. "I'll go get my horse."
"No need," Lothar quickly cut in with a grin. He saw his friend give him a thumbs up for a job well done. "We have a carriage out front waiting for you. You would be sitting with the Prince and young Varian here."
Saber nodded, turning to the Barrington's and De Luc's in the yard. She gave them a slight bow. "Thank you for your hospitality."
"Oh, think nothing of it!" Luke replied. "Just know that my home is always open to you."
Saber turned back to the pair of royalty and said, "Please, after you." She followed the towering old man out the Barrington Estate and into the carriage. It was a lavish looking coach with a lion motif emblazoned on its side. Accompanying the carriage were forty royal knights from the keep.
"After you, Lady Arturia," Prince Llane deferred, as he opened the door for the girl who gracefully stepped inside the carriage. Prince Llane had to admit the girl, Arturia, was a mystery. She had strode into the Banquet hall commanding everyone's attention by sheer presence alone. Equipped with Caliburn, it was all but assured she would be the talk of the town, and now even his father appeared quite taken with the girl. There were even speculations by some nobles that she might be a descendant from a forgotten branch of the Wrynn family or Arathi royalty with the way she carried herself. Though the girl did not know it, an invitation had already been sent to her mother in Lakeshire so they could question her on the girl's lineage.
His father even went so far to say that if the girl turned out to be related to them in some way, he was going to induct her into their family as a Princess! Prince Llane had thought that it was madness and so had his friend Lothar. Yet looking at the girl's profile as she gazed outside at the city from their carriage, Prince Llane could admit, the girl had a royal air about her. She certainly was better than he was at her age.
"Did you kill a lot of Orcs Lady Arturia?" Varian asked hesitantly. But the Prince was curious as well. Young boys always loved stories of battle.
"Yes, I did," Saber answered the black hair boy and saw the pleased look on his face. "But don't forget they also killed a lot of our people as well," she reminded the boy sternly. War affected both sides despite its necessity.
Varian's eyes widened as he looked down and away, embarrassed by her soft chastisement. "I'm, sorry."
"Do not be, you will one day learn what war really entails," Saber explained and then looked at Varian gravely. "If you do, then you would be a great King someday. Just like your grandfather."
Varian blushed but nodded at the older girl words. "I will try," he promised earnestly and was rewarded with a smile from the blonde.
The rest of the trip was ridden in silence as Prince Llane and Lord Lothar waved to the people of the city. Saber had to smile at the adoration and love the people had for their Crown Prince and their Commander General. It truly was a strong and prosperous kingdom.
+++++ Elwynn Forest Fortification +++++
The Captain of the Elwynn Fortification, Jonas, was busy talking with the stonemason merchants' guild when the war horn sounded. "We're under attack!" he shouted as the Stormwind forces manned the walls with crossbows in hand. His fifteen thousand troops were already snapping into place as he found the mage adjutant attached to his group.
"You there, send a message in that little scrying bowl of water of yours. Orc forces spotted, tell them to be ready!" A moment later the mage went off to transcribe the message to Stormwind itself via magic.
Walking up the battlement Jonas saw that his soldiers manned the wall and the tower bowmen had their crossbows notched and at the ready. Finally arriving at the top, he looked down and saw a small group of Orcs, of which no less than twenty were riding on huge wolves, approaching their gates with a white flag raised high into the air.
"HALT!" Jonas shouted loud and clear and was surprised when the Orcs stopped. However a moment later a single wolf rider approached the gate. The orc rider stopped short of the gate and let a smaller figure, cloaked from head to toe, off its mount. Following that, the cloaked figure raised it hands up in surrender and walked directly up to the gate.
The cloaked figure took back its hood to reveal a female Orc dressed skimpily in fur and leather. She still had her hand raised but held a rolled up parchment in one hand.
"My name is Garona Halforcen! I come in the name of peace and with a message for your King!" the Orc female yelled perfect in common.
Jonas was surprised at hearing the words from an Orc and looked at the girl suspiciously. Still she did raise a white flag and it would be dishonorable to kill the messenger. "Open the gate!" he ordered the gatekeepers. To his surprise he saw that the other Orcs wolf rider turned around and rode back toward the Black Morass.
"What trickery is this?!" Jonas demanded as he looked at the female Orc that could be called pretty.
"No trickery. I am at your complete mercy, and my people understand if you were to kill me on the spot for what we did. I am here with a plea for peace between our two people, and I alone could be killed if you reject our entreaty," Garona explained calmly as she kept her eyes forward even as more Stormwind soldiers surrounded her.
Jonas had a decision to make. Believe the Orc. Or kill her. Sighing he turned to the closest footman. "Tell that mage to send another message to Stormwind. Tell them there is a... peace envoy here from the Orcs."
TBC...
AN: This is pretty much a chill chapter to give a glimpse of what life would kind of be like for Saber now. ^_^ Now on to a subject that is near and dear to my heart. I been getting a lot of Shirou request. Lots of it, like almost every chapter there the askance of Shirou. I figure I should reiterate this now. Shirou had two or more WOW fics to his name. Saber aka Arturia has none. Now, I don't hate Shirou, look at my Fate A Live fic, the harem will be fed! Look at my Fake Butler Fic. Harem MUST BE FED. However he is a Protagonist black hole as in IF I write him in at this point in time now, he would just suck all of the work I done with Arturia down the drain.
I am not writing bout Shirou, Shirou in this story is regulated to the background and unimportant like Illya Prism. I am writing about Arturia. Now some might feel disappointed but guess what? I had a disclaimer about how I was writing it from the very get go. Go back to chapter 1, I said at the very begining that this was a spin off. Shirou to me right now is so unimportant in the over all scheme of things that he's not even anywhere in my story yet. So again, maybe there might be a Shirou but only when it FITS the narrative. If I wanted Shirou, I would have put Shirou in from the get go.
Although I do wonder what ever happened to Jewel and Swords... ANYWAY.
Thank you once again for those that left a review, and I am glad a lot of people was unsure as to what to make it of but felt themselves being drawn in anyway. To me that's what I am aiming for and glad you guys enjoyed it. Thank you!
Also, I don't write fillers. I hate fillers. Everything I write have pertinent information to the overall story. I try not to have any throwaway scene in my story. First I don't have that much time to write so I need to cram as much info into a small amount of text. So when I do, I write what I need to write. ^_^
Once again thanks you for reading, as always C+C welcomed, Reviews Appreciated.
Pertinent INFO:
Varian Wrynn- Canon character. He should be around 9ish or so now.
The Barrington and De Luc's- All OC characters.
Injected a bit of humor with the whole castle anthrax thing due to some idea bouncing with a friend of mine. Kudo's for those that get it. ^_^