Hm... the next chapter after this one will be an episode chapter. i realized how much filler i've been throwing in. the filler will slow down a little now after this chapter. there will be filler but a little later. also, after a review, i realized i went a little cap locks crazy. my bad. sorry. i get a little to hyped. lol. anyway. enjoy this chapter. i enjoy the little moments. you can feel arthur and artemis growing closer.
"We're closed!" the shopkeeper yelled at Artemis.
"You're a filthy liar!" she argued back.
"Then why don't you go bring your army back here!" the shopkeeper yelled before slamming the door in her face. Fuming, she was about to kick down his door when she realized she had to get to the palace or she would be late. Furious and slightly annoyed she entered Arthur's chambers. Merlin was already there which was surprising.
"Are you okay?" Merlin asked watching her and recognizing the signs of her anger.
"No!" she yelled. "Half of stupid Camelot is treating me like I'm some sort of criminal! It's infuriating! I tried to go with Ava to the practice field and the knights were treating me like I was diseased! They threatened to arrest me!"
"I'll talk to them," Arthur said.
"No!" she yelled. "That's another thing! Ever since the incident, you two have been treating me different, and I hate it! Okay! I just want everyone to pretend that it never happened! Is that so much to ask for?" she asked with a sigh collapsing into a chair.
"Yes," Merlin said.
"What?" Artemis asked confused.
"It happened, Artemis. You can't change that. The things that happened aren't things easily forgotten. You nearly displaced all of the people of Camelot. Yes, you were controlled by Nimueh, but still you can't change it. Those who know you know that you would never do something like that in your right mind, but those who don't know you don't know that, and probably believe you did have some choice."
"And maybe I did," Artemis said. "Atrum is part of me. Yes, Nimueh had some control, but part of me believes that I would have done it without her. It may not have been exactly to Nimueh's plans, but for the most part I was still me. Nimueh was only a shadow. It was Atrum's doing, and she and I are the same."
"You're not her. She's just part of you," Merlin said.
"Still she's part of me."
"Everyone has their dark sides," Merlin said. "You were just unfortunate enough to have yours used against you."
"Maybe I should leave Camelot. What good is it being here if I just cause destruction?" Merlin was about to answer, but Arthur, who had been listening, spoke first. He stared at the window seeming to be in thought as he spoke.
"What good would that do? You'll be running from your problems."
"I'm not running from my problems," Artemis said defending herself. "I'm running before I start problems."
"It's the same thing," he said. "You can't run every time something bad occurs. There are bad times and there are good times. You just have to live with that."
"Wow," Artemis said after a moment. "And to think I think you're pretty stupid."
"I think you have some serious issues."
"Oh yeah?"
"Yeah, I've seen your mind I know." Artemis laughed.
"Oh, thanks," she said sarcastically. The door closed.
"Where did Merlin just go?" Arthur asked sounding slightly annoyed.
"I have no idea," Artemis said. "He's may be my twin, but we are two completely different people."
"Good thing too. I don't think I could handle two of you or Merlin," he said before shuttering. "Two Artemis," he said faking a little fear to mock her.
"Oh, shut the hell up. You'd love another one of me. More me to order around." Arthur laughed.
"True," he said. "More of you to annoy, but I think the cons outweigh the pros. More of you to annoy me. More of you to disrespect me. More of you to have to deal with." Artemis laughed. "Come take a ride with me," Arthur said suddenly nodding to the window. Artemis's laughter died down. She had a light smile on her face.
"Uh-oh," she said with a grin. "Let me take a guess. Your curiosity for what you say in my head has gotten to you?" Arthur nodded.
"Yes."
"Alright. I'll go saddle Libera. Meet me outside the outer wall," Artemis said standing before leaving. She got to the house and Ava was inside the stable-like area brushing Phillip.
"Did Arthur let you off early?" Ava asked watching her open Libera's pen.
"No. I'm going for a ride with Arthur." Ava's face slowly formed a grin until she looked like a Cheshire cat.
"Really?" she said.
"Get that look off your face. It's not a big deal," she said strapping on Libera's saddle.
"You say that now, but time will tell that you are lying."
"Can you buy groceries? I tried, and guess what? They told me that they were closed."
"Uh-huh," Ava said innocently.
"I don't want to know what you're thinking," Artemis said getting on Libera. She rode out of the stables. She rode outside the outer wall. Arthur was waiting for her.
"Where to?" Arthur asked.
"You asked me out here. You tell me," she teased.
"I'm improvising," Arthur admitted.
"Really?" Artemis said raising an eyebrow at him. She laughed. "Alright follow me!" she yelled. "See if you can keep up!" She started to ride fast and hard. Libera was one of the fastest horses there was, but Arthur was keeping on her relentlessly. She looked back at him and laughed. Artemis didn't know which way she was going. She just rode for the sake of riding. Finally, Libera slowed after an hour of hard riding near a nearby lake. Artemis was surprised to see that Arthur had managed to keep up. He slid down from his horse just as she did allowing both the horse to drink from the lake. It was a large lake that had an island in the center. They were in a lush forest and not far mountains were seen. "Let the horses rest," Artemis said patting Libera lightly. "I think they need it at the speed we were traveling." Together, Arthur and Artemis started slowly walking around the lake. "So… I know that the questions are going to be hard to ask, so just come right out and ask them. It doesn't bother me."
"Alright, so my first question is why you even have that mirror, and why you need it?"
"Hm… that's a complicated question," Artemis admitted. "God damn it," she laughed.
"What?"
"A lot of these answers are going to exceedingly personal. I am very wary to talk about myself and my past," she sighed. "Okay, so when I was young, I lived in darkness. I… I saw things… disturbing things in my dreams. It was triggered by…," Artemis paused.
"By?" Arthur asked.
"When I young, even before I was sick, I used to wander off a lot. I wandered a little too far one day, and found myself in a druid camp. I was lost. I was completely lost. They told me I was destined for greatness. As a child hearing that gave me great joy and wonder. I spent three days with them. Then something terrible happened." Artemis was silent.
"What?" Arthur asked gently trying to get her to tell her story.
"Your father had them slaughtered. I was nearly killed in the attack as well, but instead I was forced to watch as the knights killed them. The massacre of such peaceful people greatly disturbed me. They weren't just killed they were obliterated. They spared no one. They slaughtered the men, the women, the children. Even when they tried fleeing not willing to fight, the knights shot them and stabbed them in the back as they ran. It was bloody; it was violent; and it was uncalled for. For years after, I saw nothing but death, blood, destruction, betrayal, and anti-life both in reality and in sleep. I saw the horrors of humanity when I four years old. It scarred me. My hatred for Uther lasts even today. I try not to let my opinion of him be corrupted by something that happened so long ago, but he continues his witch hunt. Killing and murdering the innocent."
"Many are guilty," Arthur said defending his father. Artemis chuckled slightly.
"No. Few he has executed are guilty. True, powerful sorcerers could easily escape being burned by the stake. You think fire can stop a real sorcerer? Unlikely unless they're just a novice. If you knew the reason Uther executes them, you would disgusted with your own father," Artemis said in slight disgust.
"Then tell me," Arthur said. Artemis looked at Arthur. She frown and shook her head.
"You have a right to know, but it's not my right to say. I shouldn't even know, but I do, and it only further my dislike for your father." Artemis paused. "I apologize. I got off track. Anyway, at a young age, I saw no good in people, in humanity. At the very depths of my soul, I wanted nothing more than to watch this world perish in a fiery, painful death. I was the essence of Atrum wanting to watch humanity die. Wanting the world to suffer by my hand. In my eyes, violence was the only answer, because the world was violent. The world must be purified of us. That is what your father taught me. I was in darkness for a long time, but then the times I was in reality. The times I wasn't seeing these images I was scared of myself. It's almost like I was possessed, like I was diseased, and desperately needed a cure. I finally pulled myself out of the darkness long enough to go to the Grand Dragons of the East and the Grand Priests and Priestesses of the Old Religion. They told me that they couldn't help me. It was too late. I begged them. I didn't want to live in darkness anymore. So they gave me a mirror. They told me to meditate with it, and after a month I would be well enough for them to train me. A month passed and I no longer saw the blood and the death. I saw things… lighter," she smiled. "Lumen was created from that mirror. She didn't exist after what I saw at the druid camp. It was my other emotions that allowed me to stay sane enough to reach the Grand Masters of the Old Religion. What you did inside the mirror strengthened me. I can now survive longer without the mirror in existence, but…," Artemis shook her head. "I wouldn't want to think of what could happen if I went without it for a long period of time. I was in darkness too long to revert back to normal. The Grand Masters believe that one day I will be so submerged in light that I can smash it. I look forward to that day."
"When will know?" Arthur asked. Artemis shrugged. They both walked slowly side by side around the lake. Both warriors had their hands behind their backs.
"I'll just know. It'll be the day that Devia's cave is shattered and she's forced to look at the light, and no longer feel lonely because Omniscient will be with her. The day Optimus and Superbia have no marks and they and the others no longer live on a battlefield, but rather somewhere else that they are need. The day that Tristis and Crimen's land no longer pores rain, but rather drizzles. The day that Vereor and Sollicitudo's lands are no longer so segregated. The day that Contemno finally makes peace with Vis and Ira and share her land. The day that Felicitas is the age she should be and Pacis can stay awake. The day that I act and look like Libertas. The day that Amor is no longer scarred, but whole. The day where Atrum and Lumen finally make peace and share the land as light and dark are meant to. That is the day I will be internally at peace and able to shatter the mirror."
"How do you know about them each individually? I mean how can you?" Artemis smiled.
"I have been through that mirror to look at my own soul."
"How…?" Arthur said looking confused.
"Don't think about it. It's confusing," Artemis said right away. "What else?" she asked.
"You've thought about…," Arthur looked away from her. "You've thought about…"
"Suicide?" Artemis asked. Arthur nodded. "I thought this would come up. I had to talk about it to Merlin, and I'll tell you exactly what I told him. I have thought about it more than once. I've even attempted it twice when I was younger. Obviously, I wasn't successful. I… I… have seen a lot. I have lived a lot. I have seen things that would make normal people go insane. I have seen much war and torture. I have seen much death. There are times in my life were I just feel like there's no point in living. I have had some really bad times in my life. Sometimes I think it would just be easier to die. I have killed people for the good of humanity and sometimes these people were good, but caught up in something that they shouldn't have been. I don't take any joy in killing. I don't find glory and honor on a battlefield like you do. I believe real glory comes from self-conquest. To be able to conquer your own emotions, your own fear, your own weakness. That is glory. The guilt I feel from killing them… is like pressure weighing down on me. Sometimes I think the world is better off without me. Sometimes I lack all hope, and I think about self-conclusion, but would I act on it? No. I did when I was younger. This I admit, but right now in the present I wouldn't. I have too much to live for. Mainly, I need to take care of Ava. I wouldn't abandon her. She's like a daughter to me. The good times in my life greatly outweigh the bad. I've learned that." There was small silence were all the could be heard was the gently splash of the water against the shores as the wind pushed it and the sound of nature around them. "What else?"
"The Servants of the World, who are they?" Artemis frowned at Arthur's question. She was not pleased about the question.
"Who told you about that?"
"Contemno." Artemis was silent for a few moments.
"Hm… well, if I tell you, you have to swear on your life, on you honor, on Camelot you will never speak about it to anyone. If you do, the Grand Master will make sure you loose it all."
"I swear," Arthur said.
"The Servants of the World are a very old, very secret, very powerful society. They are made of all different kinds of people. The Grand Masters of the Old Religion are the ones who lead us. Our job is to make sure humanity lives on. I should tell you Arthur. Uther had been the subject of much debate among us. The society has thought about charging him with crimes against humanity for his killing of magical beings. For now it's been left alone, but if your father continues I may be able to help him."
"There sorcerers, Artemis," Arthur said.
"It doesn't matter what they are. The society respects all life, and ending the amount of life your father did is against our principles. He still lives because of you," Artemis replied.
"Me?" Arthur questioned. Artemis smiled.
"The seers of the society have seen your rule, Arthur. They believe that the king you will be will overrule the cruelness of your father's. As for me," she laughed. "I don't see the great king they claim you'll be." Artemis looked at Arthur to see a very serious look on Arthur's face. "Lighten up Arthur. I'm kidding. I'm sure you'll be a fine king."
"It's not that. If… If it got down to it, would you defend my father?" Arthur asked. Artemis stared ahead of her.
"I think I would. Your father's massacre has affected me personally, but... I understand. He believes he is protecting his people. He is wrong, but I cannot change what one believes. Uther has seen much war and death. I understand him personally. If the council ever brought him to court to face charges, I will personally defend him, Arthur. I promise. Does that put your mind at ease?" she asked.
"Yes. Thank you." Artemis nodded. "Do my comments really offend you?" he asked.
"Why?" she asked curiously. "Where do you get that idea?"
"Pride and Nobility were both scarred from me.
"No. I know you don't mean it. I'm amazing and therefore it's impossible for anyone to say such rude things to me and mean them," Artemis smiled. "There were times over the last weeks that you did manage to hurt my pride a little, but that's a good thing. I have sort of a big ego sometimes. It's good someone is there to make sure I don't act like um… like you," she said with grin.
"Oh, haha," he said sarcastically. "You know right about now is a good time to ask you about Libertas."
"No, lies."
"You think-"
"No. No, I don't. It's a lie. Lie. Lie. Lie."
"You think I'm attractive."
"No. No, I don't."
"You are lying. Admit it," Arthur said before Artemis pushed Arthur off the small ledge of the land and into the lake.
"Alright. Fine, I find you remotely attractive, but good thing that only counts for 10 points giving you a wonderful total of 73."
"Out of?" Arthur asked standing in the water. It went up to his waist.
"500." Arthur laughed.
"And you are?"
"I am a 456. Would you like help out?" she asked looking down at Arthur.
"It would be appreciated." Artemis sighed and held a hand out to Arthur. Arthur gripped it and tugged hard pulling Artemis in.
"ARTHUR!" Artemis yelled coming up from the water. "I can't swim, you idiot!" Arthur laughed.
"Really? You can't swim?"
"No!"
"Oh well. It's deep enough to stand in anyway." Artemis tackled Arthur into the water. After a slight brawl, they were both at each others throats literally. "Okay, on three we let go, okay?" Arthur compromised. Artemis sighed.
"Fine."
"One, two, three." They both let go of each other. Artemis sighed.
"I should really learn to swim."
"It's not that hard," Arthur said. "I'll teach you."
"You'll teach me how to swim?" Artemis said doubtfully.
"Yeah."
"Alright, but if you touch me inappropriately I'll kick your ass."
"In your dreams, probably literally."
"Oh shut up." By the end of the afternoon, Artemis could swim poorly, but at least she could swim a little. Arthur and Artemis was both floating there just enjoying the peace. Arthur's jacket, boots, and shirt was thrown onto shore, while Artemis boots and shirt was thrown ashore. Artemis had a thinner, sleeveless shirt underneath. They had stopped talking about the things seen in the mirror and was now talking about the little things that didn't even matter much.
"Your favorite color?" Artemis asked.
"Red. You?"
"I've always favored gold. The color of dragon's eyes."
"Favorite hobby?" Arthur asked.
"I draw."
"Are you good?"
"I'm rather critical of my own work, but Ava says I am."
"What do you draw?"
"Anything interesting that happens. I draw the events in little panels about six per page. What about you? Do you do anything but train and hunt?"
"I used to be really good at cards, but my father caught me gambling when I was younger and I don't do it often anymore. I still do once in awhile though. I like riding too like today. Riding that hour to here with you was a good time."
"Gambling? Nice. I'm more of a dice person myself. That's how I used to earn my money."
"Really?" Arthur asked amused.
"Yeah. I used to cheat nobles out of there money in inns. Good times."
"Okay. Three things you'll never do again."
"Okay, um… one is cliff diving. Wasn't the smartest idea since you know I can't swim. I nearly drowned."
"Not exactly smart."
"Um, no. It was stupid of me. Two: Listen to Merlin. Bad idea. Just don't do it."
"That's on my list of things never to do as well," Arthur laughed.
"And three: I will never ever ever make an attempt to wear armor again. No. That ended in disaster." Arthur laughed. "Oh, yeah, you think it's funny now, but it's not. I nearly died because of it." Despite saying it wasn't funny, she laughed lightly too. "Alright what's the other two things you'll never do again."
"I will never kill a unicorn again."
"That's a good one," Artemis admitted.
"And I will never accept or challenge you to a duel again until I learn how you stopped my movements." Artemis laughed.
"That's my trademark secret. I'll never tell."
"I can try."
"And fail. Okay… my turn… let's see. Okay since we're starting lists of threes. Name three things that just bother you beyond reason."
"Easy. You, Merlin, and Morgana," he said. Artemis laughed.
"Come on seriously, Arthur."
"Bothers me as in annoys me or keeps me up at night?"
"Either or."
"My people's poverty and suffering. Camelot is not so prosperous, the idea of war coming to Camelot again, and the future."
"The future?" she asked when he didn't elaborate. Arthur was silent for a moment. "Come on you can tell me. You've seen the inner workings of my soul. It's only fair."
"I don't know what kind of king I'll be. Wonder if I fail my people? Wonder if I bring death and destruction to my people?"
"You won't Arthur," Artemis said.
"How do you know?"
"I have seen you make wise and just decisions for your people. I have seen you put aside your hatred for magic to save your people. You would sacrifice anything for them. It's who you are. I told you that you must have faith and trust and that is what make a great king, but it's not just faith and trust in your people it's in yourself as well."
"Sometimes faith and trust in yourself is the hardest thing to do."
"Sometimes it helps to have someone who has complete faith and trust in you."
"Like who?"
"Merlin," Artemis said. "Or me. I have complete faith in you Arthur, and that will never change." There was silence. A silence that was both comforting and warm. The type of silence that some people longed for in their lives. The simply closeness between them didn't need to be spoken. It was there and didn't need words. It was understood by both of them.
"Thank you," Arthur said after a few minutes. "Some days you irritate me to no end, but on other days it's a wonder how I survived without your words."
"I do have a way with words. I'm a poet. What can I say?"
"Really? Then dazzle me poet," he mocked.
"No. I don't think I will. I only ever speak poetic words to men that I consider a lover." Arthur was silence for a moment.
"How many lovers have you had?" he asked.
"Why?" Artemis asked suspiciously.
"Just curious."
"I have had several instances of men courting me and me accepting to be courted, but I only ever loved one of those men. The others were mere childish romances. I was so in love with the idea of love that I loved when men courted me as a teenager. I was very much that way until I met Kael."
"What was different between him and the others?" Arthur asked.
"Have you ever kissed a woman, Arthur?" she asked.
"Yes."
"Have you ever kissed a woman and it seemed like the entire world just stopped? Like there was nothing in the world but you and them? Like lightning was shooting through you at an uncontrollable pace, but you don't care because it's a moment of perfection two becomes one? Have you ever felt that?"
"No."
"I didn't either until Kael."
"Do think that you'll ever love another?" he asked. Artemis thought for a moment before speaking.
"I know a lot, but I do not know my future. If you asked me now, I would say no, but perhaps I will find a man who can stand me at my worst and deserves me at my best. A man whose kiss is like his, but at the same time different enough so that I don't feel I'm trying to replace him. Perhaps I will get my dream."
"What is your dream?" Arthur asked.
"I'm not telling you. You'll laugh."
"I won't. I swear it." Artemis sighed.
"I want what almost every woman wants, a family with a bunch of little brats who never shut up or leave me alone," she laughed. "I want a modest life. The world can keep it's power and money. I just want life. Is that so much to ask for?"
"No," Arthur said. "I think you deserve at least that."
"What about you Arthur? What do you want in life?"
"When I die, I want to be able to look back at my life and feel I accomplished something for Camelot. I want to be able to say that I had a good life."
"That's a good goal." There was another moment of silence before Arthur broke it again.
"You never told me. What are three things that bother you?"
"You mean besides you?"
"Yes."
"Let's see. War, kings who abuse their power, and stupid people." Arthur laughed.
"Stupid people?"
"Yes. They really, really bother me. They make me what hit my head against a wall. I just have no patience for them. They're annoying." There was peaceful quiet before Artemis sighed and pulled herself up so she was standing in the shallow water. "It's getting late. We should head back." Together, Arthur and Artemis pulled themselves up back onto the shore, dressed, and walked back to the horses. They were right were they had left them. Artemis and Arthur rode back to Camelot rather just as quickly. It had dried Artemis's hair causing it to retain its natural waviness. Artemis stopped at her house. "Well," Artemis said pulling her hair back and wrapping a piece of cloth around it to put it in a ponytail. "It was a good day, Arthur. Thank you." Artemis's front door opened and Ava nearly fell in front of them.
"Hi, Prince Arthur," she grinned.
"Hello Ava. How are you?"
"I'm fine thanks. Would you like to have dinner with us? I made too much."
"You cooked?" Artemis said a little frightened.
"Why are you looking at me that way? I'm competent at some things!" Ava yelled in slight outrage. Artemis watched her suspiciously.
"Cooking is not one of those things," Artemis said.
"Fine! I asked Gwen to help me! Happy?"
"Yes."
"Well?" Ava asked Arthur.
"If it doesn't bother Artemis."
"Not at all." Ava went to go put Arthur's and Artemis's horses in the stable while Artemis let Arthur in. "Sorry for the mess," Artemis said throwing some dirty clothes that were on a floor in a basket. "I'm usual cleaner, but I've been busy doing other things to worry about the cleanliness of my own home."
"It's understandable," Arthur replied.
"Have a seat while I straighten up," she said throwing a blanket over a messy corner that had several books and papers in it. Arthur sat at her table. Artemis threw several books off the table and into the corner with the other books. "And that's as good as it's going to get. I should really clean it tomorrow." She sat down across from Arthur.
"Who cares?" Ava said walking in. "You only sleep here, and I like living in my disasters."
"Yes, I know. I really should beat that habit out of you," Artemis said teasing her.
"Oh no!" Ava said pretending to be afraid. "Don't hurt me, Master."
"Oh, I'll hurt you, and hang you from the gallows to make you an example."
"Well, as long as you don't hurt my pretty face. I need it."
"May I ask what for?"
"Teach, do you really think you would have entered so many courts if you weren't so pretty?" Artemis rolled her eyes.
"I got into many courts because I know how to play nobility."
"No. You got in so many courts because all they saw was a pretty face, and they did not realize how scary you are when your mad."
"Haha," Artemis said sarcastically. Artemis rolled her eyes before laughing. "Okay, oh wise one, what did Gwen cook for us?"
"I helped!" Ava yelled. She went to the counter and set some sort of stew in the middle of the table.
"Have you grown, Ava?" Arthur asked. Ava looked at him.
"Uh… I don't know. Have I?" Artemis studied Ava for a moment.
"It seems so. I don't know how I missed it," Artemis said. "It seems like about an inch or two."
"Really? Well, it's about damn time! I'm sick of being so short! Aren't girls supposed to grow at a younger age?" Ava asked infuriated.
"Your training has kept incredibly fit and active causing your own development to be slightly late. It's nothing to worry about. I was about a foot shorter than I am now until I was 14. I grew that foot in like 6 months," Artemis said.
"Really?" Arthur asked. "You were that short?"
"Oh, shut up, Arthur."
Their dinner was lively and nice. They talked a lot. Ava told Arthur of her training with Artemis and of their traveling before they settled down temporarily in Ealdor. Artemis added her say in occasion. Artemis and Arthur continued to talk quietly even when Ava went to sleep. They spoke of the little things again. Artemis asked Arthur a bit about his childhood, and Arthur asked a bit of Artemis's travels and what she liked the most and what she hated. The answer to both was the people. It was late in the night when Arthur decided it was time to go. Artemis and Arthur walked out of the house and into the stables to let out his horse. They walked back to the front of the house.
"I had a good time with you today," Arthur said.
"Me too. I'm actually shocked about that," Artemis said. "I suppose I'll see you tomorrow then."
"Yes. Good night, Artemis."
"Good night, Arthur," she said before she went back inside. She crawled into bed and stared at the ceiling before falling asleep.
"Where's Arthur?" Artemis asked walking inside the future king's chambers. She had meant to tell him she would be spending the day with Morgana. It had been awhile since they've had a lesson together.
"Don't know," Merlin admitted. "A knight came in as soon as he was up, and told Arthur that the King wished to see him."
"Hm… oh. Then could you tell him I'll be with Morgana today."
"Of course," he said. Artemis turned to leave, but Merlin stopped her. "Do you know where Arthur was yesterday?" Merlin asked. Going over her options quickly in her head she chose to lie.
"No. Why?"
"He was gone all day, and he seemed particularly happy this morning. Didn't insult me once. I was just wondering if there was… never mind." Artemis just shrugged and left. She went to Morgana's room, but was suddenly stopped by Gwen.
"Looking for Morgana?" she asked. "She told me you would be today."
"Yes. Where is she?"
"She's outside the grand hall listening in on Arthur and Uther's conversation"
"Why?" Artemis asked confused.
"Well," Gwen said looking around and moving slightly closer to Artemis. "I usually don't gossip, but rumor has it that Arthur missed all his duties yesterday to go for a ride with a woman and didn't come back until inappropriate hours last night. They say she's a peasant, and Uther's not pleased." Artemis winced. She wasn't expecting backlash for yesterday. "Artemis?" Gwen questioned.
"Can you keep a secret Gwen? Between friends?"
"Yes of course. What is it?"
"Arthur was with me yesterday. We just talked a lot. He ended up having dinner with Ava and I and… we just lost track of time is all."
"You're the mysterious woman that everyone is saying the Prince Arthur is smitten with?"
"Yes. I mean… no. He's not smitten with me. We're just…," she started not sure exactly what kind of relationship Arthur and her had.
"Just?" Gwen asked.
"I'm not really sure. We've both come to the agreement that we irritate each other, but also that in some way we care about each other. Um… I'm not sure if I would count Arthur my friend. I mean… don't get me wrong if he wasn't the Crown Prince of Camelot I probably would consider him my friend, but that's just it. He's the Crown Prince of Camelot."
"I know what you mean. Sometimes I don't find it right to call Morgana my friend."
"Exactly. So when is Morgana going to be back?" Artemis asked looking around.
"I'm not sure."
"Artemis!" Morgana called happily. Artemis turned to see Morgana walking her way.
"Ah, there you are Morgana. I was wondering when you would turn up. Ready for today?"
"Yes," she said happily. "Let's get going." Together, Morgana and Artemis rode to their usual spot.
"Alright," Artemis said sitting crisscross on the ground. Morgana sat much more elegantly. "Where did we leave off?" she asked herself. "Ah yes! I recall. You had managed to see up to a point of choice. Get there again and I'll tell you what to do."
"What do think I should look at?"
"Hm… this is a good question. Let's see what you and I will be doing in a few hours shall we?" Morgana nodded. She focused for about 10 minutes before she spoke again.
"Okay, I see you and I riding back to Camelot. We're approaching Camelot. It's getting fuzzy," Morgana said.
"Quick, am I going to follow you or go somewhere else?"
"You'll follow."
"Good now envision that," Artemis said. Morgana seemed to try, but she flinched and opened her eyes. "Try again. It's hard." Morgana tried, but she could not see past the decision. "Don't be down," Artemis said after an hour. "You're doing very well for someone with your experience."
"Artemis?" Morgana asked as they both got on their horses.
"Yes, Morgana?"
"I have two questions or more like concerned. The first is why can I not hear conversations in my visions?"
"That is easy. Conversations are much, much more complicated to predict because of human natural. Will they lie or will they speak the truth and if so what word choice will they use? It's easier to do when you know someone well, but when they are a stranger to you it isn't. Leaving out conversations makes it easier to see the truth in the actions. Understand?"
"Yes. That makes sense. The other concern I had was… I know you said that in a way this isn't magic magic, but it feels like it is, and it feels like I'm betraying Camelot."
"Morgana," Artemis said gently. "How to explain this… If someone kills another person, should we cut off everyone's hands to ensure it never happens again?" she asked.
"What do you mean?"
"It means that there are good magic users and there are bad magic users. Magic is neutral. It is how you use it that makes it good or bad. If someone, a normal person, killed another should we kill all normal people like him? I mean after all they all have the ability to kill another. Let's just get rid of them all."
"But that's absurd. It's pointless. I mean… just because one is bad doesn't mean they all are," Morgana said. Artemis raised her eyebrows at Morgana as if to say 'exactly, my point had been proven.' "Magic isn't all bad," Morgana said.
"No. Uther spreads his fear in Camelot for revenge."
"I don't understand." Artemis looked to Morgana.
"I cannot tell you the truth Morgana, but I will not lie to you. The truth will be known in time, and then even I will pity Uther." There was silence between the two for just a moment. It was a sort of stiffening silence. Something needed to be said to lighten the air and it was Morgana who spoke.
"How was your day with Arthur yesterday?" Morgana asked with a grin. Artemis looked like a deer caught in the light.
"What?"
"I saw you two leaving together. I was listening in on Uther and Arthur this morning. Arthur wouldn't say that it was you, but I knew it was. Uther was furious, but it didn't seem to bother Arthur. I think he enjoyed spending time with you too much for it to bother him."
"Well, my day might have been nice, but now I have to go apologize to him."
"I'm surprised. I didn't think you two got along." Artemis smiled.
"Arthur," she said with a breath, "surprises me. I never know who to expect: the side of him that's more like his father or the side of him who deeply cares for all his people no matter how lowly a servant they are."
"Do you care for him?" Morgana asked.
"Like how? Like a peasant should to their future king or like a friend?"
"I mean like more than a friend?"
"Like a lover?"
"One could say that." Artemis laughed.
"No, no, I… I care for him, but like a lover? No, no, that's just ridiculous."
"You're getting flustered, Artemis," Morgana teased.
"I am not," she said. Morgana laughed.
"Tell you what. I'll allow you to deny it, but in a little more than a month there will be a ball. I want you to come as my quest."
"I can't. I'm a peasant, and it wouldn't matter. I-"
"It's a masquerade ball. Uther throws one every few years for all the kingdom. It gives all the people of Camelot a chance to meet the nobles without being intimidated by them or treated lesser by them. It was actually another King's idea. It was suggested to Uther when there were rumors of rebellion. It was a way to make all people feel welcomed in Camelot. Many nobles visit for it and even people from outlining villages."
"Okay, geez. I'll go. Okay? Happy?" she asked.
"Very. I'll get to see you in a dress."
"So clever," Artemis teased. They made their way back to Camelot, and Artemis put Libera back in the stables before walking with Morgana back inside the palace. As they started their way down the halls to Morgana's room, they had ran into Arthur.
"Morgana, Artemis," he said seemingly surprised, but happy to see them both.
"Good afternoon, Arthur," Artemis said. "You seem in a good mood."
"I have to go," Morgana said abruptly. "I'll see you later I trust?" she asked Artemis.
"Of course." Morgana left. "That was rather rude."
"Morgana has been acting odd. I caught her eavesdropping this morning."
"Yes. I heard that you were in trouble because of me. I wanted to apologize. I shouldn't have kept you." Arthur looked surprised by the apology. He shook his head.
"Artemis. I guarantee that had I wished to leave I would have. I had a good time yesterday and no amount of yelling from my father is going to make me regret it." Artemis smiled.
"You had a taste of freedom yesterday. Welcome," she said with a grin. A smile that could let up a room and that Arthur was starting to grow rather fond of. "There is always a price in society though. You'll never be free of the duty you have to your people, but you are a noble, honorable man and one who wouldn't want it any other way."
"That almost sounded like a compliment."
"No. I will only ever compliment you when one: you are on your deathbed. Two: it seems to be the end of the world. Or three: it seems like one of us is about to die. That's all." Arthur laughed lightly. She laughed with him.
"Same to you, then."
"Fine."
"Fine." They both were smiling.
"I have to get to work," she said reluctantly. "And you have to get to training it looks like," she said touching his armor lightly.
"No."
"Arthur, you are already in hot water with Uther."
"No, I mean… you are a formidable warrior, and I've seen the way my knights have been treating you. Come down to the field with me, and beat some respect into them." Artemis was hesitant.
"Wouldn't that just prove their point?"
"No. Knights respect those who beat them in challenges. When two knights clash, they say you can tell what kind of man they are."
"Arthur, in case it escaped your notice, I am not a man."
"It hasn't escaped my notice," Arthur said. "I'm well aware you're a woman, Artemis. You may not dress like a normal woman, but it is still bluntly obvious." His eyes lingered over her just for a second before looking away as she looked at him part of her debating to ask him what the hell that was supposed to mean, the other part just wanting to keep it a mystery. She chose not to respond.
"Very well, Arthur. I will come to your little training session, but I will not fight them. This is my compromise. Take it or leave it."
"Fine," was all Arthur said. Together and soon joined by Merlin, they walked down to the training field. Artemis was about to walk past Arthur and follow Merlin when he grabbed the collar of her shirt.
"Arthur, what the hell?" she asked. Arthur and her were now standing in front of his knights. Artemis felt awkward many of them were glaring at her or looking disgusted by her. "Compromise, Arthur," she hissed. He didn't seem to listen. He turned her so that she was in front of him facing the Knights of Camelot.
"Gentlemen," Arthur said, "This is Artemis. She is a maid for the Lady Morgana and myself. However, due to unfortunate circumstances she fell prey to a sorceress manipulation. I see the way nearly all of you glare at or look at her with disgust. I hear the names and rumors you spout off. I could tell you all that she is my maid and that insulting her would be insulting me, but that would not solve anything. So instead, I offer this opportunity," Arthur said stepping back. He stayed somewhat close to make sure that she didn't make a break for it. "If you feel anger towards her, if you feel spite, if you have any negative feelings towards Artemis, take those emotions and channel them into an attack against her."
"What?" Artemis yelled whipping her head around to look at Arthur.. "Are you insane! I don't want to fight them!"
"Why would we fight her?" one knight exclaimed, "The witch would just win with magic." Artemis slowly turned her eyes onto the knight. Arthur pitied the man.
"Excuse me?" Artemis asked. "I know you didn't just insult my fighting skill, because even if I was a sorceress I wouldn't need to use magic to kick your ass."
"What did you just say?"
"You heard me? You want a fight? Then come one. Let's go. I'll have you down in less than ten seconds."
"That sounds like a challenge Lord Craven," Arthur said. Lord Craven pulled a sword from its sheath. He attacked her with both speed, strength, and grace, but Artemis was better. She moved on foot to the left and made a series of short punches and jabs on his arm and on one side of his body. Lord Craven fell to the ground unable to move.
"Next?" Arthur asked. The knights were more hesitate, but by the end of the day Artemis had nearly taken out all the knights. She sighed.
"That felt good," she admitted.
"Good," Arthur said. "Now can you fix my knights?" Most of them were still on the ground and unable to move. Lord Craven was finally able to move as well as a few others from the beginning matches. Artemis laughed.
"They'll be fine in an hour tops. They'll be sore as hell for the next few days but nothing else," Artemis said.
"I'm going to learn how you do that," Arthur said determined. "Shut down the human body with a couple of short jabs."
"Mmmm… no," she said with a laugh. Artemis sighed. "I have to go. I will see you tomorrow," Artemis said. "Bye brother!" Artemis called to Merlin.
"Good night, Artemis!" he called back.
"Arthur," she said nodding before starting to walk off the training field. She stopped at Lord Craven. "Any time you want a rematch I'm willing." With that, she left.