Note: Artemis's nonsense words mean nothing. They're just a bunch of letters I threw together. Quite amusing really. Also, I am not a history buff so if something is historically in accurate I appologize.

Artemis awoke before the sun rose. She pulled herself up before changing her clothes. She usually slept in nothing but a tunic that was long enough to go to her mid thigh, but since they had company she had fallen asleep in what she was wearing. She pulled her boots on before walking outside quietly with the burlap sack in her hand.

Artemis sat on a stone in the back. She pulled off her boots before shoving them rather unceremoniously in the burlap sack. She pulled herself onto the rock and stood there. One foot was pressed to the side of her knee while she stood on the tip of her toes. She kept her hand in front of her like she was praying. She gently shut her eyes. She was as still as stone. She didn't seem to notice when the sun came up or when there was movement behind her.

"Good morning Arthur," she replied not moving.

"You're up early."

"I'm up before dawn every morning. It's just who I am."

"How are you doing that?" he asked staring at her feet.

"Do you find it impressive?" she asked.

"No," he lied. She laughed.

"You lie. I know that much." Gently Artemis put her foot onto the stone and put both on solid ground. She stepped down and looked at him. From the burlap sack she threw an apple at him. "I know that you are not used to the food around here, so eat that. It's what I can give." Arthur took a bite from it. "What do you want?" she asked after her finishing the apple and giving him a small chunk of bread. Artemis pulled her boots on while he ate. He finished before speaking.

"I wanted to... thank you for helping me before."

"Helping you?" she laughed. "I saved you."

"I could have handled it."

"I sincerely doubt that."

"I have been trained since birth to fight."

"So you've always been this arrogant?" she asked as she walked by him toward the house.

"Look I am trying to thank you," he called after her.

"And you're failing miserably," she replied over her shoulder.

"You're infuriating!" he yelled at her.

"And you're a chubawaky!" she yelled back.

"A what? What is a chubawaky?" Artemis scolded him and walked in the house.

"Good morning Artemis," Morgana and Gwen said.

"Morning Morgana, morning Gwen. His royal Pratness has ruined my day already." Morgana laughed lightly.

"Arthur's not that bad. You get used to it."

"He's a rough-n-tough-save-the-world kind of guy," Gwen added.

"I hate that kind," Artemis said with a bit of a disgust look on her face.

"Arthur may seem like he doesn't care," Morgana said, "But he wouldn't be here if he didn't."

"I am grateful," Artemis said, "I just don't like his refusal to accept that I saved his life. He doesn't have to a jerk about it. He could show a little more gratitude." There was a knock on her door. Artemis opened it. "Jacob!" she yelled bending down and seeing his scratched up arm.

"I tripped," he said.

"Alright, let's go clean you up."

Artemis worked for a good part of the day. It wasn't until about noon that Artemis shut the back room door and left to watch the men train. Her sword was at her side. Really it was just a practice sword. Her actually sword was a much more beautiful weapon.

The men were resting and eating while Gwen, Morgana, and Arthur were speaking. Artemis approached them just in time to here Gwen speak.

"We think the women should be allowed to fight."

"We haven't enough men," Morgana added. "If they were trained soldiers maybe you'd stand a chance, but their not."

"It's too dangerous," Arthur replied after a moment.

"So it's too dangerous for a woman to protect her home, but not to have children and have civilization depend on them?" Artemis asked walking in between Gwen and Morgana. "Women may not be strong biologically than men, but they are just as intelligent and just as willing."

"You don't understand."

"No you don't understand. A real battle is won when you have something worth fighting for. True strength comes from an indomitable will, and women have that will too. Some of the most brilliant warriors I have ever met were women."

"Kanan won't care if there are women!" Arthur argued.

"Fight me," Artemis said.

"What?"

"If I loose, I'll shut my mouth and just go with what you say. If I win, the women can fight if they want." Arthur was silent for a minute.

"Don't be ridiculous." He started to walk away. "Right," he said to the men, "on your feet. Let's go."

"I will not loose this," Artemis said taking off her glove before throwing it at Arthur's head. He turned around annoyed with her. She lifted her hand to show him that it was bare. He looked down at the ground. She was officially challenging him to a duel. "Accept for if you don't, I will spread to the world that Arthur Pendragon is a coward and is scared to fight a girl." Arthur stared at her.

"Well?" she asked. Arthur picked up. She smiled. "You have five minutes to prepare. I want this done quickly." She turned away and looked at Gwen and Morgana.

"Arthur is the best fighter in Camelot. You won't win," Morgana said. Artemis smiled.

"We will see." Arthur disappeared inside her home. He came back out with Merlin.

"He said you challenged him to a duel," Merlin said approaching Artemis.

"I did."

"Withdraw Artemis."

"No."

"Please?"

"No."

"For me."

"No."

"Artemis."

"No. I will fight, and I will not hold back. Your five minutes are up. Are you ready?" she asked.

"You're not wearing armor," he said.

"I never do. It hinders my movements. Go to the side," she said shooing the other three away. Artemis walked a few feet from Arthur before pulling off her boots and throwing them to the side. She drew her sword taking a deep breath. She shut her eyes slowly. She bowed to him as a symbol of respect and then clicked her sword to his.

To Artemis the battle was in slow motion. She watched as Arthur swung at her. Artemis ducked under the sword so that her back was nearly against Arthur's chest. She swung around swiftly. Her elbow made contact with his jaw. Arthur was thrown to the ground. Morgana and Gwen were in shock, but Merlin knew his sister was an outstanding fighter.

Arthur got back up now ready to put his all in this fight. Artemis's eyes remained shut as their blades clashed. It was the song. The song of war and the fighting was nothing more than a dance to her. She wanted to finish the battle quickly. Arthur went for another blow. It missed her easily. She took the opportunity to exert pressure on a few of Arthur's nerves. His hand was no longer able to move and he was opened. Artemis pulled her sword up and held it to Arthur's throat before pulling it away.

"It seems I win," she said. "WOMEN!" she shouted turning her attention to the village. "IF YOU WISH TO FIGHT I WILL TEACH YOU!" All of the village's women gathered. Arthur could not fathom what had just happened. Artemis turned to him. She gripped his wrist and undid the damage she caused, but rubbing her in circle on his wrist. "You should be fine now."

"What did you-?"

"Trademark secret, and since I'm such a good sport... while I'm teaching the women, you and the men make a plan. We can't fight if we don't have a plan."

"I agree," he said before running off to speak to the men. It was about an hour later of practice when one of the women started screaming. Artemis turned toward were her eyes were. Mathew was on a horse with an arrow in his back.

"Get him down from there," she called as a few of the men ran to help. They set him on the ground. Arthur came running. Artemis leaned down. There was no way he was alive. Artemis sighed. Arthur leaned down and pulled note from the arrow. Artemis pulled the arrow from his back.

"What does it say?" Merlin asked.

"Make the most of this day. It'll be your last."

"Mathew! No!" Mathew's wife pushed through. Arthur backed away.

"You have my deepest sympathy Mary," Artemis said. Mary cried into Artemis's shoulder.

"You did this," Will's voice accused. "Look what you've done! You've killed!" He pushed through the crowd.

"It wasn't his fault," Merlin said.

"If he hadn't been strutting around treating us like his own personal army, this would never have happened."

"These men," Arthur said pointing at the villagers, "are brave enough to fight for what they believe in even if you aren't."

"You're sending them to their graves!" Arthur looked down at Mary crying into Artemis who was trying to comfort her. "You killed one man. How many more need to die before you realize this is a battle that can't be won. When Kanan comes you haven't got a chance. You're going to be slaughtered." Will walked away and Arthur watched.

"Hey! Seth!" she hissed. One of the villagers looked at her. She nodded to the body. He slowly picked Mathew up and brought him away. Mary stood slowly with Artemis. "It's okay Mary. I promise Mathew is in a good place. He will watch over you. He'll never leave you. We'll give him proper funeral rites I promise. Go see your husband. It's good to say goodbye." Mary ran off to where they took the body. She looked around and saw Arthur away from the villagers sharpening a sword looking like he was thinking.

Artemis went to him and sat down next to him. He stopped sharpening his sword for a second. She sighed.

"William's father was killed riding for King Cenred, so he doesn't trust anyone of nobility." Arthur was silent for a second.

"Do you think the villagers believed him?"

"No... He's... always been a troublemaker like Merlin that's why they were best friends," she said with a laugh. "They're used to ignoring him."

"He's right," he said. He didn't look pleased about admitting it. "I treat these men like soldiers when there not. You've seen them fight. They haven't got a clue. I need to tell them all to leave the village before Kanan returns."

"No," Artemis said with a sigh. "We are going to stay and we are going to fight and we're going to win."

"Artemis, it can't be done. The odds are too great."

"May I ask you something Arthur?" He nodded. "If Camelot was over run would you fight even if it seems hopeless?" Arthur was silent for a minute.

"It's different. I'm the prince. It's my job."

"And to us, this is our job. This is sanctuary to us. Some of us don't know anything outside of here. So we're going to fight like hell and make Kanan rue the day he entered the village. All you need to do is get the men ready for battle, the rest will take care of itself."

"How?" he said raising his voice slightly in frustration.

"You just have to believe in us. Cause if you don't, they'll sense it, and the battle will be lost before it's even begun. I have faith in you and the villagers do to. You have the strength, the courage, and the wit to save us. I know it. If there is no faith, there is no point of living. Faith and Trust are the two things that the world is built on. To be a great leader and ruler someday, you must learn this. A good leader knows his people; a great leader trusts and befriends his people without compromising his beliefs. When you are King, you should keep this in mind."

"Have you met many Kings?"

"I have met leaders of many lands." There was silent between them.

"Ooooohhhhh, Artemis has some one courting her," a voice said from above them. Artemis rolled her eyes and shook her head.

"Get down here Ava," Artemis said. Suddenly as if falling from the sky a girl about 13 landed in front of them. She was small and very skinny. She was wearing breeches, boots, and a tunic like a boy. Her hair was long and blonde. She had bright blue eyes. She was a pretty girl, but had something about her that look tough. "Well?"

"Successful!" she yelled holding out a small, very detailed wooden cat. It looked like a panther of some sort.

"Interesting. Explain."

"Cat's are stealthy and tricky. They don't need anyone. People want them. They have nine lives and always land on their feet. There fast and dangerous if you're not cautious."

"Very good."

"Who is he?" Ava asked pointing at Arthur.

"This is Prince Arthur Pendragon of Camelot. Arthur," she said turning to him, "this is my apprentice Ava. She's been gone on a spiritual trip for the last few days."

"Ah, why?"

"Because I told her to, and she knows that if she questions me she'll be going through training that will make her unable to walk without pain for weeks." Ava cringed.

"Never again," she muttered.

"So... way to go Teach he's really cute." Artemis laughed.

"Ava," Artemis said, "Merlin is his servant and he is here to help the village. That is all. And besides-"

"Yeah, yeah, I know. Something, something, something, don't need to be in love to be happy, something, something, something."

"Are you ready for today's lesson?" she asked standing slowly.

"Yes, mother," she said mocking her.

"Good. Go run 100 laps around the village. Come to the house when you're done." Ava sighed before she started off.

"100 laps?" Arthur asked thinking it was a bit extreme.

"She'll come back not even out of breath." Artemis walked off to the house. She went to the back and started to meditate on the stone again.

"Ready Teach!" Ava yelled. Artemis swiftly turned and nearly kicked Ava in the head. Ava moved in time and got into a solid stance. Hit and a block; hit and a block; kick and a block. Ava was defense; Artemis was offense. It was face paced. Ava tried hitting Artemis, but missed. She tried again. Miss. She tried again. Hit on a nerve too! It didn't make her arm go limp like Ava meant to make it.

"Not hard enough," Artemis said hitting Ava's shoulder. That arm went limp and she couldn't move it. Ava tried to continue, but with a failing effort. The battle was stopped and Ava sat down with Artemis on the ground. Artemis lightly rubbed the place where she hit Ava allowing it to slowly become moveable.

"Do you miss my brother? Do you miss Kael?" Ava asked suddenly. Artemis was surprised by the question. Ava rarely spoke about her brother. He died nearly three years ago.

"Always," she whispered.

"You should move on. He would want you to."

"What's brought this about?"

"Prince Arthur's cute," she grinned. Artemis laughed.

"Yeah, he's pretty good looking, but he's also a prince and I know princes."

"So what? Kael was a noble, but he left with me to be with you here. Not all royalty are like John." Artemis smiled.

"I'm not into the rough-n-tough-save-the-world kind," she replied.

"Yeah you are," she said. Artemis laughed.

"Thanks Ava," she said rolling her eyes.

"Artemis!" Merlin called.

"In the back!" she called.

"Meeting," he said as he reached the back. Ava and Artemis stood. Together they went to the town meeting spot. A fire was going and Arthur was pacing around it.

"Look at how tall and strong he is," Ava muttered in Artemis's ear.

"Hush."

"Tomorrow morning," Arthur started, "the women and children should gather what belongings they can carry and go to the woods."

"We're not going anywhere," Artemis said pushing through the crowd with Ava at her side. Arthur turned to her.

"I know you want to help, but the woman can't stay here. It's too dangerous."

"The women have just as much of a right to fight for their lives as the men do."

"None of you know how to fight."

"I taught them a little, and I've proved I can kick your ass. The more of us there are the better chance we stand." Arthur and Artemis stared at each other.

"Can't you see the sexual tension?" Ava whispered enough for Artemis and a few of the women surrounding her to hear. The women giggled. Artemis smacked her upside the head.

"Serious for once Ava."

"Sorry Teach," she grumbled rubbing her head. There was silence as Arthur thought. He looked toward the ground before speaking.

"This is your home," he said. "If you want to fight to defend it, that's your choice. I would be honored to stand alongside you. Kanan attacks tomorrow. Kanan's brutal. He fights only to kill. Which is why he'll never defeat us. Look around. In this circle, you're all equals. You're not fighting because someone's ordering to. You're fighting for so much more than that. You fight for your homes. You fight for your family. You fight for your friends. You fight for the right to grow crops in peace. And if you fall, you fall fighting for the noblest of causes. Fighting for the very right to survive. And when you're old and gray, you'll look back on this day and you'll know you earned the right to live everyday in between. So you fight for your family, for your friends! Ealdor!" The village stood and broke in a chant for Ealdor. Artemis was grinning. One day Arthur would make a great king.

Artemis quietly stepped out of the building. She took in the fresh air. It was so crisp here. It was much different from the thin air of the mountains and the polluted air of the cities. She stared at the diamond filled skies.

"Hey," a voice said. Merlin came to her side.

"Hey brother. Tell me, have you learned much?"

"Yeah," he laughed. "I appreciate now what it's like to have everyone doubt you when you know you're right." There was a slight silence. "Thank you."

"For?"

"I know you were the one to convince mother my destiny lies in Camelot. You were right."

"Seers always are," she laughed.

"Have your dreams been getting better?"

"Yes, actually. Arthur will make a good king."

"Heh, yeah. He can be a prat sometimes, but I think he means well."

"I agree."

"The Great Dragon said that Arthur is the King that will unite the Kingdoms."

"The one I saw? The Great King?" she asked.

"The same." She smiled.

"The Great King Arthur and his most trusted adviser and friend the Great Warlock Merlin."

"I wouldn't go that far," Merlin laughed.

"Why not? You were meant to do great things, greater than me."

"That's not true. I believe your destiny has just started." She sighed.

"At last, that's not true. I feel far older than I am. I feel like I'm 100. I've loved and lost. I've traveled to the far reaches of the world. I've lived, fought, and breathed war before falling into a deep peace. I've filled my head with knowledge. I've witness the treachery of humanity at first hand as well as the true goodness of humanity. I've learned everything I possibly can, and now I am passing it to someone else. What else is there for me? I am done. I have done whatever it is I have done."

"You don't believe that. There is something else for you. You just can't see it." Artemis smiled.

"We should rest. It's getting late. Ava!" she called. Ava came running out of the building.

"Yes Teach?" she asked.

"Come. Let's go sleep." They got back to the house and Artemis laid in bed. Ava slept under the window curled up with a blanket. She was like a cat. She fell alseep finally after staring at the ceiling for a few hours.

Artemis woke up at sunrise. She didn't get up. She just sat there and shut her eyes. A vision of Will crossed her mind. An arrow. Kanan. A funeral pyre. Artemis sighed. Will would die today. She sat up before she pulled on a red shirt. She hadn't worn it in a while. It was Kael's favorite on her, and she always considered it lucky. She pulled on black breeches and boots. She quietly walked outside to the backyard. She went past her meditating spot to a grave marker. She knew there was no body under it. Kael's body had been burned a funeral pyre, but the kept the grave marker so that he could be visited. She sighed. "I remember how infuriated you were when you found out about Kanan, but you knew you couldn't do anything. I convinced you not to bother. I know it upset you, but you never said anything because of me. I know what's going to happen and I need you to keep those that die today safe. I can't protect those beyond life. I need you to do it for me. Okay?" A tear fell down her eye. "Thanks. I miss you. I love you. Always." She kissed her hand and touched it to the grave marker. Artemis stood before walking back to the house. The others were awake.

"Visiting Kael?" Ava asked. Artemis nodded.

"Ready?" she asked.

"For?" Ava asked.

"To see what's in my box?"

"Really!" she yelled. Artemis nodded. Together Ava and Artemis pulled a box shaped trunk from a corner. Artemis pulled key from her neck and unlocked the trunk. Ava tried to look what else was in it before she pulled out an object and snapped the truck quickly. There was a blanket wrapped in something. She pulled an object from the blankets covering. "It's a sword," she shouted. Artemis pulled it from the sheath. It had a red dragon and ancient language etched into it. Some of the wording had flakes of gold and ruby in it. There was a large ruby at the hilt. "Whoa, where did you get that?" Ava's eyes were wide. Artemis laughed.

"It was a gift."

"Why have you never used it? It must have cost a fortune." Artemis was silent. She sheathed it and then tied it to her side.

"It's... my war-blade," she said. "I only use it in battle. I haven't touched it in four nearly five years."

"Don't you need to sharpen it?"

"Nope. It's a blade that never breaks, never needs sharpening, never needs shining, and never stains."

"What's it's name? It's got to have a name."

"Cruor-Quod-Pacis," she replied.

"Huh... wait! That's the language of the Old Religion!" Ava said. Artemis nodded.

"Very good. It means blood and peace."

"That's awesome," she said.

"I have something for you," she said.

"Really?" Artemis pulled another sword from the blanket. It wasn't as beautiful. It was a little beat up. It had a blue stone in the hilt. She gave it to Ava.

"It was my first sword. Remember life and death is in your hands. Be careful."

"Thank you Master," Ava said calmly bowing. Artemis bowed back.

"We'll be ready for you," Artemis told Merlin and Arthur as they left. The two girls got in position on the side of a house with Gwen. Arthur came around in his armor nodding to each man and giving each man attention.

"For Ealdor," one man said shaking his hand. He approached Artemis. Artemis clapped a closed fist over her heart and bowed.

"Permissum nos animadverto victoria hodie," she said. "Let us see victory today," she translated. "It is the traditional way to greet battle in the east," she said with a grin. Arthur bowed in the same manner.

"Let us see victory today." He continued down to Ava next to Artemis.

"Are you afraid?" he asked Ava who was probably two feet shorter than him and looked like the wind could blow her away. She had been growing a little, but she was far from the height she will be when she finally finishes growing.

"Never mind Teach. He's kind of stupid if he thinks I'm scared. Not your type. You like the smart ones." Artemis rolled her eyes.

"Still going on about that?" she asked. "She's not scared. Ava is almost never scared."

"And you?" Arthur asked. Ava laughed.

"My Teach isn't scared of anything! She looks at death and laughs in its face!" Artemis rolled her eyes.

"I'm fine."

"Good." She leaned next to Merlin and whispered quietly in his ear.

"If you die, I will raise you from the dead to kill you myself," she warned him quietly. He laughed.

"I actually believe you would do that. I'll be alright. Be careful."

"I will. You too." Artemis went back into position. Suddenly the band of renegades bursted from the woods on horseback. They went through the village briefly trying to find the villagers. They stopped and looked around confused. Arthur kept telling them to hold. Gates suddenly went up to stop them from leaving. A fire was supposed to be struck.

"Now Morgana," he said impatient. Something went wrong. Merlin ran off. "Merlin!" Arthur said. Artemis made to go after him, but Arthur stopped her. Merlin dodged arrows as he reached Morgana. The fire was alight completing the trap. The horse circled back away from the fire. "NOW!" Arthur yelled. The battle had begun. Slash, dodge, slash, dodge, slash, dodge. It was a pattern. Artemis was only half paying attention to the battle her other side was watching Ava, Merlin, and the others to make sure they stayed safe. Sometime in the midst of battle she became aware that they were losing. There was simply too many of them. She ran to Merlin.

"Too many," she said with a breath.

"I know."

"Magic?" she asked.

"No choice."

"Show me what you've learned." Merlin uttered a spell under his breath and raised his hand. A wind picked up and slowly it became like a tornado. A lot of people were thrown around. The renegades fearing for their lives now fled. There were cheers.

"Pendragon!" Kanan yelled coming out. Kana removed his helmet and cloak and prepared to fight. They fought. Arthur had the upper hand. Ultimately, Kanan was stabbed in the stomach. Gapping at Arthur, he fell.

"Who did that?" he asked as soon as Kanan fell. He walked to Artemis, Will, and Merlin.

"What?" Merlin asked.

"Wind like that doesn't just appear from nowhere. I know magic when I see it. One of you made that happen."

"Arthur...," Merlin said.

"Look out!" Will said pushing Arthur to the side. It seemed Kanan had one last shot in him. An arrow went throw Will's chest.

"Will!" Merlin yelled catching as he fell.

"You saved my life," Arthur said in shock as he knelt with Merlin.

"Yeah, don't know what I was thinking," he said with a shaky voice.

"Artemis!" Merlin called. Artemis looked at it.

"We need to get him somewhere where I can work on him."

"Come on! Get him inside!" Arthur yelled taking her word. Together the villagers brought him into a house and set him on a table.

"That's twice I've saved you," Will said as Artemis snapped off part of the arrow.

"Twice?" Arthur asked.

"It was me," Will said nodding. "I'm the one who used the magic."

"Will don't," Merlin warned.

"It's alright. I won't be alive long enough for him to do anything to me. I did it. I saw how desperate things were becoming and I had to do something."

"You're a sorcerer?" Arthur questioned.

"Yeah, what are you going to do? Kill me?"

"No. Of course not." Will looked like he was in extreme pain. Artemis tilted his head back causing him to drink something.

"Do what you can for him," Arthur said before setting a hand on his shoulder and leaving. The pain suddenly left his face.

"I'm sorry," Artemis said. "It's too close to the heart. I can only ease your passing."

"I was right about him. Told you he was going to get me killed."

"You're not going to die."

"You heard your sister. She was always the smart one. You... You're a good man, Merlin, a great man, and one day you'll be servant to a great king. Now you can still make that happen."

"Thanks to you."

"This place has been boring without you. Good to see you again."

"Yeah, you too."

"Merlin... Merlin, I'm scared," he admitted.

"It's okay. It's going to be alright."

"Merlin," he uttered one last time before he went completely still. Artemis sighed.

"Pacis exsisto vobis," she uttered.

They had a funeral for Will the same day. Artemis wasn't in a good mood because of it. She just sat away from the villagers watching Will go up in flames. Ava was at her side.

"Another death," Artemis uttered to herself.

"It's the way it is," Ava said. She sighed.

"I suppose." Artemis stood, and approached Merlin, Arthur, Morgana, and Gwen. They were talking.

"It was great meeting you," Morgana said. Artemis raised an eyebrow.

"You're not leaving today," Artemis said.

"Artemis, we have to get back to Camelot," Merlin said. Artemis laughed.

"You're staying one more night," she said with a grin.

"Why?" Arthur asked.

"I throw the best parties. Right Merlin?" Artemis asked her brother.

"Yeah, she does..., but you're not supplied for a party," he said looking at her suspiciously. Artemis smiled.

"You seriously underestimate my skill of knowing, Merlin," she replied with a smile.

"HEY TEACH!" Ava yelled.

"WHAT AVA?" she screamed back.

"EVERS IS HERE!"

"TELL HIM TO SET EVERYTHING UP! I'LL BE THERE IN A MINUTE!"

"KAY!"

"Evers?" Merlin asked. He looked at his sister suspiciously. She grinned. "Why am I not surprised that even though all the odds were against us and the chance of us surviving was slim you still plan a party believing we would win?"

"Oh, Merlin, you know I simply think positive. That and if I did die it would be Evers job to spread the word to the east. An army would then come and proceed to kill Kanan and his men."

"An army?" Merlin asked.

"Oh, you doubt me so much brother, but have I ever been wrong? Ever?" Merlin thought about it for a second. "Come on. You know the answer to that," she said with a smile.

"No," Merlin finally admitted in defeat. "You've never been wrong."

"That's right and you never forget that."

"How's my favorite party girl?" a voice called out.

"You're staying. I'll make sure of that," she warned before turning and walking to a tall man with brown hair and brown eyes. "Hey Evers!" she said happily embracing him.

"Hello girlie," he said. His name really was a joke. It was irony.

"Ready for a the best party of your life?" Artemis asked. He grinned.

"Always. The others are getting everything set up."

"Good."

The others did end up staying, and it was not regretted. The party was lively, fun, and all Artemis promised. The music was lively and the dancing was slightly racy, but still it was so much fun. There was a lot of drinking and a lot of obnoxious singing. They were all good and drunk by midnight and the villagers started calling at Artemis.

"Artemis! Artemis! Artemis! Artemis!"

"What do you want from me?" she asked.

"Speech! Speech! Speech!"

"Alright! Shut it!" she yelled. She stepped up onto a tree stump to be high than the other villagers. There was silent. "We, the people of Ealdor, would like to thank those from Camelot. You didn't have to come, but you did, and you helped save us. You are always welcome here from now on. It is our honor. As for my darling brother, this party is payback for not allowing me to throw you a goodbye party. So ha! I did manage!" There was a laugh among the villagers. She stepped down as the villagers said: Here! Here! And drank to her speech. "Ah, brother," she said walking to Merlin. "I'm going to miss the chaos you cause." They embraced each other.

"You don't have to," he replied.

"How so?" she asked. "You're not staying, are you?"

"No, you're coming back to Camelot," he said with a smile. "I've already talked to Arthur and he said he would be able to find a job for you in the royal household."

"Oh... Merlin that offer is sweet, but I can't leave here. The villagers need me." Merlin shook his head.

"Mother's already spoken with them. They agree that you belong in Camelot with me. Mother will take over for you as the town's physician. She's watched you long enough to know what to do."

"But... I mean... Ava-"

"Will be coming with of course."

"I..."

"It's final, Artemis. Mother's told me that if you refuse she'll kick you out of the house." Artemis smiled and hugged him again.

"To Camelot then?" she asked pulling away from him.

"To Camelot." The party went on until deep into the night. There was music and food and stories. It was lively and magnificent, and the guests had to admit to themselves that it was in fact one of the best parties they had ever seen. Artemis told amazing and grand stories of valor. Some she claimed was made up. Others she claimed were true though she never told which was which. She sung songs of old and new including some she wrote herself or some that incorporated a story. She danced better than any of the villagers. (Arthur experienced this first hand though he knew nothing of the dance style she was using.) By the end of the night everyone was drunk and merry ready for some well deserved sleep. Artemis stood on the tree trunk again. She had been drinking all night like everyone else, in fact she probably out drank them all, but it didn't seem to have any affect on her whatsoever.

"Speech! Speech! Speech!" They yelled again. Artemis laughed.

"Okay, thanks to my dearest brother I have discovered that you all conspired against me to have me kicked out," she said rather viciously. At first the villagers weren't sure whether or not to take it seriously, but then she laughed and they joined in. "I was born and partially raised in this village. I have put my soul into it, but in the end I always knew something would take me away again. It has been an honor. I don't know what will happen in Camelot and I don't if I will see this place again, but if I don't I want you to know... you people are the kindest, noblest, purest, strongest, most honest people I have ever had the pleasure to have treat horrible festering diseases that you catch," she said smiling. They laughed. She grinned. "To the future," she said raising a goblet. "Let us not look behind; let us look forward and forever see the bright light of tomorrow."

"To the future," they said holding their glasses up. They all drank.

"That's it!" she called. "Good Night!" she called off before. She went off to the house. The rest of the villagers planned to continue their party a little longer. She went to the back of her house in front of the grave marker again. "Kael, I won't be here for a long while. I can see things beyond most widest dreams, but I cannot see my own future. It is my curse," she said with a smile. "I have avoided going to Camelot. I fear that John will somehow come to Camelot. Who would King Uther believe? The man who claims to be the rightful king of the land of Valde? Or the peasant girl, whom Arthur happened to take pity on? When it all comes down to it, I'm afraid I can do nothing for your people. I am sorry. I have failed you." A few more tears were shed. She wiped them away. "At least you got Ava out in time," she muttered touching the grave stone. She went back to the house and passed out in bed.