AN: I am so sorry for not updating last month or the month before. I lost my drive for a bit there. Also switched jobs, am currently looking for a new place to love and yadayadayada. But I updated my other story I know. It flew from my fingers easier. I was just in a lull where I didn't want to write this, but now I am back. Warning though this is just filler. There's not any major action and is serving as a bridge to the next chapter which will be out next month as two others (if only one) to follow it in June. I apologize again for the delay in updates.
The morning came quickly and once more the crowd had gathered to watch their favored Champion win, and their current favor laid with the White Knight of the Dark Kingdom not giving one look to any other as the still qualified warriors stood in a line waiting for the games to resume. This morning however came with a different venue as Cinderella stood in the royals box back straight and confidence radiating off of her, "People and guests of the White Kingdom," she addressed them all, "It has come to the attentions of many of the events that transpired yesterday resulting in the arrest of one Emma Swan." murmurs and nods were quick to grow as the blonde continued, "In this light before we begin the archery competition she will be judged to be proven innocent or guilty for crimes against the White Kingdom and breaking an ordinance older than ourselves."
"Get Blue!" one woman shouted which soon became the chant of many though there were some who threw in their prefered choice of judge.
Raising her hands the crowds stopped as the regent stared them all down, "Though I am sure Blue would be a choice you'd all trust, Merida champion of DunBroch has suggested the fae's as an alternative."
Hearing no resort or call of reasons not to use the suggested judges Cinderella looked to the line of warriors, "Champion's Emma Swan and Graham Humbert please step forward" the two did as asked. Emma dressed in her casual training clothes consisting of tight black leather pants and a burgundy tunic under black leather studded vest, knee high steel toe boots, mid-forearm black gloves, and sword hanging from her side. Graham went for the more formal looking already dressed in the mundane and bland silver armor of the White Kingdom, the Queen's symbol, a lyon-flower, embossed on the chest.
"You two have been at each other's throats since the beginning, and by the occurrence of last night your honor's are brought into question," the two stood side by side glaring at one another as the woman spoke, "And so to settle this matter I have called upon the help of the fae's. And perhaps with their help this dispute shall be solved civilly and quickly."
Nodding the blonde continued to stand as everyone looked for the glowing spirits as they were known to do things in their own time. It was only the gasp of the other Champion's that the audience's present spotted the blue orbs swirling around the two in question. They seemed to play with the blonde and brunette weaving over and under them, running up and down their arms, while also taking a moment to hover before their faces in judgment. For Emma the spirits were a rare sight seeing as she'd never seen one so the wonder in her eyes was genuine as her eyes followed them though her facial features remained cool and collected while Graham grunted and resisted the urge to swat them away.
In the end all the fae's danced around Emma donning her in her armor and stripping the huntsman of his clearly passing judgment on who was at fault and who was innocent in this case. Many were shocked to say the least because even though they may root for the White Knight any person or persons from the Dark Kingdom were guilty without reason in their eyes. Not really having expected Emma to be innocent Cinderella took in a breath disappointed in the guilty party.
Seeing the regent hesitate to keep her part of the deal Regina stood from her spot to come stand next to the ruler in Snow's stead, "I believe you have a punishment to dull out," her clipped tone left no room for argument though many had noticed the change in the blonde queen's demenior.
"Of course," she never looked to the brunette knowing there'd be a raised brow and a look of incompetence many of the royal's had become accustomed to over the years of having to meet with the woman, "Graham, for your lies and accusations proven false against Ser Emma Swan, White Knight of the Dark Kingdom, I hereby strip you of the title of champion and ban you from participating in the rest of the games. Henceforth you are disqualified and shall receive no accolades or rewards when they are finished."
Outraged Graham turned on Emma drawing his sword, "You!" he swung away to which she simply sidestepped the blow not deigning to stoop to his level. If she was ever taught one thing about royalty that she'd never let go of was to not stoop to another's level unless it turned in her favor. To turn on the unarmored man now in front of all these people would be in bad light and ruin the honor she held as a knight. When he came to swing again his sword was blocked by Triton, the man who'd almost dismounted her.
"This is not the way huntsman," the man pleaded with the other to stand down. Looking around the defeated ex-champion saw how disappointed his own people were with him. The White Kingdom had always lived up to standards and believed they were wholly good while others depending on their allegiance were evil and dark.
Throwing down his sword Graham spared one last look towards the Evil Queen before turning back to Emma, "This isn't over," he ground out though his words were only met with a smirk before storming off the field and back into the castle. The Blue Fairy wouldn't be happy with him. That was for sure.
With Emma declared innocent Cinderella sincerely apologized, or as much as she could seeing how she too thought Emma was guilty. Though at the same time she's suspected her champion of foul play and intentions. Sadly nobody is perfect. As for the other champions it was Mulan, Merida, and surprisingly Triton that welcomed her back into the fold. With the whole debacle settled they could commence onto the next task of the games.
AN: I know it wasn't a long chapter and that it was total filler but I really needed it so I could figure out how to write what was next. Coming to the end of the tournament is tricky. I'll be having the Archery contest and the sparing contest together next chapter which will make it longer than this one. Then after that we're going to see things pick up, promise. It'll also be when we start to see a SwanQueen interaction truly begin. Please drop me a comment to let me know ya'll haven't given up on me please. And thanks for waiting this long for another chapter.