I made a split decision what to do in this chapter, and you know I think I like it. This one follows the episode carefully. The ones after this don't follow the episodes as closely. Anyway, enjoy.
The month went by. It was actually nice. She laid in bed for the first week, and then despite Gaius's protests Artemis started stretching and started doing exercises. She wasn't going to tell him it was the magic in her blood going into overdrive to heal her. The second week Artemis started to wander around and try and do normal things. She even got around to sewing up Arthur's laundry. By the forth week, Artemis started swing practice swords around. During her stay at the palace, she was visited frequently by Merlin, Gwen, Morgana, Gaius, and even Arthur. After a month though, Ava and Artemis moved back to their home. Artemis had also notice that over the course of a month Ava had grown rapidly. She was now up to Artemis's shoulder and still getting taller.
Arthur was going easy on her lately. For much of the time, she went with Merlin and Arthur to Arthur's training and just watched. Though by the fifth week she stated swinging a regular sword and sometimes joined in to try and get used to swords again. The knights had become quite taken with Artemis. They treated her like one of them. They joked with her and didn't mind fighting her anymore. They were past the idea of women never going on the battlefield now well… at least when it came to Artemis. They had witnessed her strength and courage during Sigan's attack, and now respect her and Artemis enjoyed it. She also missed Morgana's little ball much to Artemis's enjoyment and Morgana's disappointment. On this particular day about six weeks after Sigan's attack on Camelot, Arthur and his knights were practicing jousting because of a tournament coming up.
"That has got to hurt," Merlin said as he handed Arthur a lance and watched the knight on the ground Arthur had just beaten.
"That's the point, Merlin. It's not a pillow fight. Fetch me another lance will you?" he asked him. Artemis watched the knight on the ground. She never really saw the point in jousting. It just seemed particularly useless to her. "Are you skilled with a lance?" he asked her. Artemis stared at him.
"Um… no. I'm skilled with 578 different weapons as well as 389 different kinds martial arts but jousting never appealed to me. It falls under the swimming category. I simply can't do it."
"I'll teach you," he said.
"No, no, no."
"Oh, come on."
"I don't wear armor, Arthur. Remember something I will never do again."
"You don't have to. Come on," he said holding out a hand. "You won't get hurt. I promise." Artemis hesitated, but gripped his hand. He pulled her in front of him on his horse. "Merlin, lance!" he yelled annoyed.
"He… re… what's going on?" he asked.
"I'm going to teach Artemis how to joust." He gave Merlin his helmet not needing it and making it easier to talk to Artemis. Merlin gave him the lance.
"Great another thing she gets to know. Can't you just leave her to not know something? She already practically knows everything. Isn't it a good thing that she has one thing she can't do?"
"No," Arthur replied. Artemis laughed. Arthur gently urged his horse forward to the jousting lane. "Sir Jarl!" Arthur called. "Come forward!" A knight came forward. Artemis knew Jarl was a strong, tall knight, who was known for both his strength and aim. He had full body armor. "You have good aim and can take a hit, Jarl. I want you to aim for Artemis, but don't hit her. She has no armor on. Pull away if you are about to hit her. Am I clear?" The knight nodded. "Okay," he said quietly to Artemis. "When I start riding, you are going to take this lance and hold it up. Aim at the knight so that it hits him."
"I don't understand. Is there some sort of key to it?"
"No. Not really. Just aim and hit them. You need to keep your arm strong or you won't be able to hit them. Get a feel for the lance," he said handing her the lance.
"It's surprisingly light."
"Practice lances are. Real lances are heavier and used during tournaments and battle. Are you ready?" he asked. Artemis lifted the lance up and down.
"Yes." Arthur put one hand on her waist and the other on her forearm to help her steady her arm. Arthur started to ride fast and so did Sir Jarl. Artemis aimed straight for him and she hit him, but she wasn't prepared for how much of a grip she'll need. The lance flew out her hand, and she nearly fell off the horse, but Arthur grabbed her and steadied her. Artemis was laughing. Arthur was laughing as well.
"Well that was awful," she laughed.
"Yes, it was. Try again. Merlin!" Arthur called. "Lance!" Merlin gave Artemis another lance. Artemis tried again this time she didn't drop the lance, but Sir Jarl almost his her so she pulled away. "Don't be afraid," Arthur said. Artemis nodded. "Try again." One more try but this time Artemis hit him full on she didn't drop the lance, but she would have fallen off the horse had it not been for Arthur. He pulled her back on. "Lance!" Arthur called. Merlin gave Artemis another lance. "One more time Jarl!" Arthur called. Determined this time, Artemis steadied herself on the horse. She gripped the lance hard. Her lance collided with Sir Jarl. He fell off his horse, and Artemis was steady.
"Yes!" she said happily grinning.
"Well done," Arthur said putting the hand that was holding her forearm onto her shoulder, "but had you been wearing armor and had it been a real joust Jarl may have been able to hit you."
"I know, but I didn't fall off nor did I drop the lance. That's something."
"It is."
"I should let you get back to practicing for your little tournament." Arthur rode to where she and Merlin usually sit. Artemis slid off the horse with the support of Arthur. Artemis took her seat. Arthur rode back to the jousting lane after Merlin gave him another lance.
"You seemed pretty comfy with Arthur," Merlin said. Artemis looked at his stupid smile.
"Shut it." Artemis watched as Arthur and the other knights charged at each other. Arthur was blinded by the sun reflecting off the other knight's armor. Arthur pulled his arm up leaving him wide open. The other knight pulled away. The other knight got off his horse. Arthur threw down his lance annoyed, got off his horse, and pulled off his helmet.
"Why did you pull out? I was wide-open you could have unhorsed me."
"I was fearful I might injury you sire."
"You had the advantage. You can't afford to hesitate."
"I wouldn't have done it had I been facing a different opponent. You are the future kind my lord."
"You jousted against me in the tournament last year," Arthur said moving closer to him. "Are you saying you let me win?"
"No, my lord," he said after a moment of hesitation. He turned to all his knights. They all shifted under his stare.
"It doesn't matter who I am. I do not expect any special treatment from you, from any of you! Is that understood?" They all nodded.
Arthur threw his doors open furiously. He wasn't a very happy person. Artemis and Merlin both lingered behind him.
"How am I supposed to prove myself if my opponents aren't trying there hardest?" He yelled throwing off some of his armor.
"I'm sure it's not happening all the time," Merlin said. Arthur stopped and stared at him.
"So it's happening some of the time?"
"No, I'm sure it isn't," Merlin said backtracking.
"Now you're doing it! You're telling me exactly what you think I want to hear!" He finished pulling off his armor and threw it on the ground.
"Yes," Merlin said. Arthur stared at Merlin. "Uh… no… what was the question?" Arthur sighed and rolled his eyes.
"That just proves it. All my life I've been treated like I'm special. I just want to be treated like everyone else."
"Really?" Merlin asked.
"You have no idea how lucky you are."
"Hear that Merlin?" Artemis laughed. She was sitting on the edge of Arthur's bed. "You should be lucky you get to be bossed around by others?"
"Well, anytime he wants to swap places he can just let me know." Artemis laughed. Merlin picked up all Arthur's armor.
"That's not a totally stupid idea," Arthur said turning around like an idea just dawned on him.
"You're Prince Arthur. You can't change who you are."
"Yes, I can," Arthur said. Artemis raised an eyebrow at him. Arthur stared at her and smiled. "I need a favor…"
"I can't believe I agreed to this," Artemis said opening her door. Arthur entered. He was hidden by a bluish cloak. Merlin and Gwen followed behind him. Gwen had agreed to help out. "Welcome."
"It's good of you to allow me in your home," Arthur said.
"Well, I figure everyone needs a chance to prove themselves."
"I can't believe you're letting him stay here," Ava said distastefully. She was sitting at the table reading. Artemis laughed.
"You'll survive."
"Why can't the royalty of Camelot be like the royalty in Valde?"
"You forget that Peter was an arrogant, pigheaded prat once too. The turmoil he had suffered the last years has humbled him."
"Fair enough," Ava said. Merlin and Arthur talked amongst themselves. Artemis was cooking dinner. "DONE!" Ava yelled and threw the book she was reading against the wall. Artemis scowled.
"Do you have to do that every time you finish a book? You're going to ruin them." Artemis picked the book up off the floor. She put it on the bookshelf before looking through the books. She picked out another one and gave it to Ava.
"Artemis," Merlin said, "I'm going to go bring our 'knight' here."
"Fine."
There was silence as they stared at the 'knight.' He was dirty and had straw in his hair. He didn't look particularly strong.
"This is the best you could do?" Ava asked staring at him with mild disgust.
"Remind me to wash the floors after he leaves," Artemis said in wonder. She had no idea how Merlin thought this would work.
"Great," Arthur said sarcastically. Merlin helped wash him up. Artemis and Ava refused to take part in that. Instead they sat there and whispered things that caused a lot of laughter.
"He's a foot up in chivalry if we're comparing him to Lord Garrison." Artemis and Ava giggled quietly.
"He's damn right better looking than Prince Alfred." They both giggled again. Merlin and Gwen helped the 'knight' get his clothes on. Arthur was tilting his head trying to picture it.
"He's probably smarter than Arthur," Artemis said. They both busted out laughing.
"I heard that," Arthur said. That just made them laugh harder. The 'knight' started to fall under the weight of the chain mail.
"Stronger than Lord Yuri." They snickered.
"From now on," Merlin said opening a roll of paper with a seal on it, "You are Sir William of Daira." They all looked to Arthur who somewhat threw down the bowl of stew he had finished eating. Artemis and Ava busted out laughing again.
"Well, I'm glad you two find this so funny," Arthur said.
"We do," Ava said with a struggle because they were laughing so hard. Merlin, Gwen, and Arthur sat back as he paced back and forth.
"Imagine you're really… arrogant," Merlin suggested. "Knights like to think they're so much better than everyone else."
"It's not arrogance," Arthur said annoyed. "Ignore him. He's an idiot. A knight must behave with honor and nobility."
"No, no," Artemis said. "You are both not helping." Artemis stood. She sized up 'Sir William.' "Knights are confident. You must stand tall and never back down. The carry the kingdom on their shoulders and defend it with pride. They are for the most part not humble and aren't above treating others like lessers." Sir William raised his chin and suddenly walked a bit more like a knight.
"That's… better," Arthur said. "You must convince everyone that you were born into a noble family." William looked at Merlin.
"Polish my armor boy," he said. Artemis and Ava started laughing again. This time Artemis fell off her chair causing them to laugh harder.
"Now, you're getting the hang of it," Arthur said laughing a little. Sir William lost his straight face and laughed a little. "That's a good point you do need to polish our armor," Arthur said. Artemis picked herself off the floor and sat back on the chair still laughing slightly.
"Yeah," William said. They all looked at him. William laughed again. Artemis and Ava were getting a real riot out of it.
Later that night, Arthur ate at the table while Artemis and Ava sat on the floor. Artemis was showing Ava various battle strategies.
"Well, it's been a long day," Arthur said. "I think I'll turn in for the night." Arthur got up. "Is this my bed?" Arthur asked sitting on Artemis's bed.
"Yes, that's fine," she said absently not really caring one way or another.
"You're not going to say anything?" Ava asked quietly. She was surprised.
"No, not today. I'll snap at him another time. Now… what was I saying… oh yes…"
Artemis and Ava both slept in a small back section. Ava said something about Arthur being a creep. Artemis busted out laughing, but tried to keep it quiet since Arthur was sleeping. It was decent in the back though. The floor was lit by a small window. It was cleared of all objects, and it separated them from Arthur which was a nice addition. Ava and Artemis didn't sleep much though. They spoke quietly. Artemis hadn't been sleeping much lately anyway. Her back was still causing her pain.
"Knights of the realm," Uther said at the tournament the next day, "Welcome to Camelot. You've trained for this day for many years. It will put your strength, your bravery, and your skill to the test. Today you will fight for glory and for honor for this is the ultimate test of courage. It will be the measure of you as men. For only the most skillful, most fearless among you will emerge as champion." Gwen, Ava, and Artemis were giggling during Uther's speech as William's horse was fussing about. There was cheering and the tournament began.
"What's the point of all of this useless violence?" Ava asked as they watched one of the knights fall off and get dragged by his horse. Arthur was doing very well.
"I don't know," Artemis admit. "For glory and honor. They don't die though… most of the time."
"It's stupid," Ava said.
"I know, but since when is nobility logical."
"True."
"You did very well today, Arthur," Artemis said as she did the stretches she was supposed to for the muscles in her back. Ava was out with Everett. He was quite a nice boy. "From what I hear the ladies of the court are very impressed by Sir William. They think he's very handsome."
"Typical," Arthur said setting down the goblet. "They wouldn't know a real knight if he whacked them around the head with his lance." Artemis smiled.
"In my opinion, many women find men with skill to be handsome even if they are not. Just something about the way a man handles a weapon and horse. Just the way they have honor, glory, and nobility makes them seem more handsome than they really are."
"And are you one of these many women?" Arthur asked.
"I will admit men who can handle themselves are rather attractive." Artemis stretched backward and did a back flip slowly and gently. She stopped and stared at Arthur. "I suppose I know many reasons why you could want to do this, but… why are you doing this?"
"I fear that people respect me just because of title," Arthur admitted.
"I don't believe that's true of everyone."
"Would you tell me if it were?"
"Think of who you're talking to," Artemis teased. "I would tell you. Trust me on that." He stared at Artemis.
"When I'm competing as Sir William, my title doesn't matter. No one gives me any special treatment. So when I win this tournament… if I win this tournament, it will be because I deserve it. Not because I am Prince Arthur."
"I see," Artemis said. They were quiet.
"I think I'll take a bath," Arthur said getting up. Artemis laughed.
"Arthur, look around. Where the hell would I keep a bathtub?" He looked around confused. "I don't have one. When I wish to bath, I go to the lake."
"You bath in the lake?" Arthur said surprised and confused.
"Yes."
"Wonder if someone wander to the lake while you are there?" Artemis shrugged.
"It honestly wouldn't bother me that much. I would just wait until they left."
"And if they didn't?"
"I would get out anyways and dress. Then I would kick their ass." Arthur laughed.
"I wouldn't want to cross your path…," Arthur said. "Well… perhaps you could prepare me a bowl of hot water? I take it you have a bowl?"
"No," Artemis said sarcastically. "We don't have a bowl. Every normal household has a bowl but ours. I think bowls are the work of sorcerers." Arthur looked at her and shook his head. "I suppose I'll just walk all the way to the well alone in the dark, shall I?" Arthur didn't answer. Artemis went and got the water and heated. When she put it in the bowl, Arthur started to walk to her.
"Good. About time your finished." Artemis turned and threw the bowl of water on Arthur.
"This is the second time I've thrown water at you because you were being rude. Let's not make a third," she said practically chucking the bowl at Arthur. Ava walked in. She started laughing.
"Good thing Everett went home inside of walked me to the door. His idolization of Arthur would have been crushed." Artemis laughed.
"Next time Arthur get your own damn water, and be a little more polite about it."
"Really useless violence," Ava said as they continued to watch the tournament the following day.
"You're not impressed by this Sir William of Daira," Gaius said sitting next to Artemis.
"I believe he's an arrogant pig," Artemis replied getting a snicker from Ava. "Excuse me. I'm going to talk to Merlin." Artemis went to Arthur's horse. Merlin was watering him. "Hi Steve," she said patting the horse.
"You are aware that is not his name?" Merlin asked.
"Yes," Artemis said, "but he was born to be a Steve." Merlin laughed.
"He is a fine horse," a man said approaching them. He was a darker skinned man with a beard and mustache, but he was bald on top. "I see your master has advanced to the final. He's extremely skilled with a lance."
"Yeah," Merlin said, "he's doing well. Just one more match to go." Artemis wanted to smack him. Sir William was not Merlin's master. Arthur was.
"Tell me. What is he like to work for?"
"Between you and me can be a bit of a prat." He laughed.
"So you are no longer working for Prince Arthur?" What was with all these questions and why did this man look familiar?
"No," Merlin shook his head… "Yes, yes. Not right now. Arthur's away. I just… helping out."
"Well, I… I wish your master luck in the final," he said bowing slightly.
"Thanks," Merlin said. The man turned to walk away, but Artemis stepped in front of him.
"Excuse me, my lady?" he said.
"You look familiar. Have we met before?"
"I assure you I would remember someone as beautiful as yourself," he said bowing slightly. He tried to get passed her but failed.
"You see… when I have trouble remembering people, but I do indeed remember them… it usually has to do with an incident I want to forget, and usually involves someone I want to forget."
"I assure you my lady. We have not met."
"Of course," she said dryly. He walked passed her. Artemis's eyes narrowed.
Ava was sitting at the table reading the book Artemis had given her. Artemis was straightening the house.
"Does mess just follow Arthur or something?" Artemis asked herself. Ava laughed.
"Artemis?" Arthur questioned as he walked in. Artemis was sweeping the area she and Ava had been sleeping in.
"One minute," she called back.
"Do you have a needle and thread? My shirt needs mending."
"Whoa, you're going to do it yourself?" she asked sarcastically.
"Haha," he said approaching her. He looked around. "Is this where you sleep?" he asked. "Where's your bed?" Artemis laughed.
"You are sleeping in it." He stared at her.
"Why didn't you say something?"
"You didn't really give me a chance. You just assumed things."
"How am I supposed to know if you don't tell me?"
"You shouldn't need to be told to think of someone other than yourself! You're not a child!" He stared. "And since I'm yelling at you I'll have you know the spot you so rudely threw your clothes and things on top of is where Ava usually sleeps!"
"Ass," Ava added.
"Is there anything else you'd like to say to me? Please, I'd like to hear it. If there's something you want to say to me don't let me stop you. Usually you're so open to insulting me."
"… You know you don't have any idea do you?"
"About what?"
"About how rude and arrogant you can be! This is my home and you are my guest in it! I know you are used to more luxuries quarters, but that is not an excuse to be so damn rude! You claim titles don't matter to you but you behave like a prince and expect me to wait on you like a servant! Saying it means nothing if your actions betray you! Would it kill you to say please and thank you once in awhile! Has it even occurred to you why I haven't been so rude to you lately or why I haven't yelled at you or why I just let you have my bed? Usually I would have no trouble!"
"I don't understand."
"She's trying to be nice," Ava said.
"I try and try to treat you like a decent person! I try to treat you kindly, but you make it so hard! Damn it, Arthur! Is it so hard to treat another person like they having feelings and emotion! I know I act like it doesn't bother me, but it does and any normal person would know that!" He stared at Artemis.
"Is there anything else you would like to add?" he asked after an awkward silence.
"No, I think that's it."
"You are right," Arthur said after a moment. "You have invited me to your home and I have behaved appallingly."
"I didn't mean to make you feel bad," Artemis said seeing the expression on his face. "Oh really?"
"Well, perhaps a little. I just sort of blew up. I've been holding my temper too much lately."
"There's no excuse. I'll make it up to you. Tonight, I will make dinner for you and Ava," he said to Ava. He grabbed Artemis's shoulders and pushed her toward the door. Artemis grabbed Ava.
"You're going to make us dinner?" she asked.
"I most certainly am," he said. "Now go for a walk or do whatever it is girls do this time of evening."
"And what would be that?"
"Dinner will be ready when you return," he said pushing them both out the door. Artemis looked in.
"Just don't attempt to poison it. I'm immune to most. You'll be the only one to die."
"I wouldn't dream of it," Arthur said pushing the door shut.
Artemis and Ava wandered the streets together deciding what to do with themselves.
"Where's Arthur?" Merlin asked crossing them on the street.
"He's… cooking us dinner," Artemis said confused on the sentence that came out of her mouth.
"Arthur's cooking?"
"I am just as confused as you are," Artemis said. Merlin walked away. Artemis and Ava wandered away together.
"It's because he looooves you," Ava said.
"Just like Everett looooves you?"
"Shut up!" Ava yelled turning red. Artemis laughed.
"Let's go back. I think that's enough time for Arthur to ruin dinner," she said. They had just spent their timing playing dice at an inn. Artemis had one a decent amount of gold.
"If it tastes poisonous can I spit it out and pretend to die?" Ava asked.
"Yes. I'll join you dead on the floor." They laughed and headed back to the house. They both entered. Arthur was standing there waiting for them. Artemis threw the pouch of money on the counter.
"Artemis, Ava perfect timing." Arthur pulled out the chair for both of them.
"Thank you," Artemis said. Ava stared at the food.
"It doesn't look like he killed it," Ava said. Artemis laughed.
"Ava, be nice."
"Sorry."
"You've forgotten the manners drilled into you as a child."
"I have not! I'll be nice," she muttered. Ava tried the chicken. "This is actually really good," Ava said in amazement. Artemis tried it.
"Well, look at that. Another 15 points for you. What are you… 80 now?"
"89," Arthur replied. "You gave me those extra points for allowing you to stay in the castle when you recovered."
"Oh, yes," she laughed.
"I'm glad you both enjoy it."
"And here I was going to pretend you killed me," Ava said. Artemis snickered as she took another bite.
"I swear you are just like Artemis," Arthur said. "It's going to be torture when you finally master her irritating habits."
"Good," Ava said. "I look up to Artemis." Artemis grinned.
"And what would these irritating habits be Arthur? Pray tell me. I yelled at you. You have a right to tell me what I do that bothers you."
"You want to know?" Arthur asked.
"Yes."
"You make snide remarks at me whenever I ask you to do something. You are always talking nonsense. You never act like you should. You disrespect me. You mutter to yourself when you clean."
"Well at least I don't snore," Artemis said.
"I. do. not. snore," Arthur objected. Ava and Artemis laughed.
"You do," she laughed. "First night you were here I thought a pig got in the house."
"So now I'm a pig. Thank you Artemis."
"I just meant you sound like a pig." Realizing it wasn't any better Artemis and Ava laughed. "I think I should stop talking. I'm trying to be nice and instead I say you sound like a pig."
"Well at least I don't mutter about falafels in my sleep," Arthur teased. "What is a falafel?" Artemis laughed and then groaned.
"I really want a falafel now," Artemis said. Ava and Arthur laughed.
"A falafel is a type of food," Ava said. "They're popular in the east."
"How do you know I talk about falafels in my sleep?" Artemis asked.
"I sometimes visited your room while you were asleep. You muttered about falafels once on the first day."
"Artemis mutters about everything in her sleep," Ava said. "I've witnessed it. It used to drive Kael up a wall. They almost never slept near each other cause Artemis never shuts up even in her sleep."
"Sort of like awake too?" Arthur asked.
"Ha. Ha. Ha," Artemis said sarcastically. Artemis started to get up to put the plates in the sink, but Arthur stopped her.
"I'll do that," he said taking his, Artemis's, and Ava's plates. As Arthur picked them up, Ava saw the seal on the bottom.
"Where did you get those plates?" she asked.
"From the cupboard," he said simply.
"We don't have any plates with seals on them," Ava said. Artemis frowned. She stood and flipped one over. Sure enough the, Artemis recognized the plates as the same time she has to clean when forced to clean dishes in the kitchen.
"They have the royal seal. They're from the palace kitchens. I've washed enough of them to know. I take it that's where our food actually came from."
"Look," Arthur said walking away from her, "I can kill a chicken from a thousand places just don't ask me to cook it. That's what servants are for." Artemis flinched slightly.
"Shouldn't have said that," Ava muttered.
"I didn't mean it like that," he said.
"I'm not ashamed to be a servant. I have started out as a servant everywhere I have been. I am proud that I come from humble beginnings."
"We had a nice meal together. What does it matter where it came from?"
"Because I thought you've shown some humility!" Artemis yelled throwing a plate at his head. He ducked out of the way. The plate smashed against the wall.
"Artemis throws things when she's mad," Ava muttered. "So look out."
"I thought you've done something kind for me even though I am just a servant here! A good king should respect his people no matter who they are. I'm not mad…," Artemis said, "I'm disappointed." Artemis turned away, but Arthur gripped her arm. She turned back to him. He lowered his hand to her wrist.
"Artemis… I know I have much to learn. There are some things that I am terrible at cooking being one of them… but also knowing what to say to someone I care about." They stared at each other.
"I-" Merlin came through the front door.
"Arthur, there's an assassin in Camelot," he said. "He's here to kill you." Artemis and Ava looked at each other. "The assassin killed a guard. Your father said Odin sent him."
"Why would Odin want you dead?" she asked remembering the name of a king from another kingdom.
"Because I killed his son," Arthur said. "Odin's son challenged me to a fight. I had no quarrel with him. I asked him to withdraw. Perhaps he felt he had to prove himself. I still see his face… He looked so scared."
"You cannot blame yourself. He knew the risks of challenging you," Artemis said.
"No one, but us know where you are," Merlin said. "If the assassin can't find you, he can't kill you."
"May I continue to stay here?" Arthur asked.
"As long as you don't ask me if I have a bowl again," Artemis replied. Ava laughed. Arthur smiled lightly. Even kidding when talking about an assassin killing Arthur.
"Thank you. I'll sleep on the floor tonight."
"No. Have my bed. You need to be well rested for the tournament tomorrow."
"I won't hear of it. Night, Artemis. Ava… I moved my things away from your uh…"
"Spot on the floor?"
"Yes."
"Good."
"Night," Artemis said. She turned to Merlin with a frown. "Do you know the assassin's name?"
"No. Why?" Artemis frowned. She tried to think.
"What was his name?" she asked herself. "My… Myoalf… Meroar… My… Myror! His name is Myror!"
"Who?"
"The assassin! I recognized him!"
"Are you sure?" Ava asked.
"Positive."
"Well, that's great. Myror is a pain in the ass."
"Who's Myror?" Merlin asked.
"He's this assassin who tried to kill me once. He failed of course, but he was very persistent, so I stopped him and gave him a lecture on how killing me will just get him killed. Then I paid him twice the amount he was given to kill me and told him that he can say that I'm dead. He took the offer, and never bothered me again."
"Yeah, after you broke both his legs!" Ava laughed. Artemis shrugged.
"If I hadn't he would have followed."
"True."
"Anyway… yeah, Myror," she said nodding. "Hell," she said smacking her palm to her head. "Myror."
"Where's Ava?" Arthur asked waking up in the morning. Artemis looked at him.
"She's off with this boy. He's a noble actually, Everett of the house of Linden."
"Oh, yes! Everett. I know him. He's quite good for his age."
"Yes, well, he's quite taken with Ava."
"Hm," Arthur said. "Are you coming to the tournament today?" he asked.
"Yes. Of course. I want to make sure Myror is not in the crowd."
"Oh," Arthur said flatly.
"And to see you win of course."
"Oh," he said with more enthusiasm. After a quick breakfast, Arthur got ready for the tournament. He pulled on his blue cloak. "One more match," Arthur said. Artemis stood in front of him, "and the tournament will be over."
"You can go back to being Prince Arthur and bossing me around." Arthur laughed slightly.
"I have been nicer to you despite my rude behavior in your house."
"You have," Artemis admitted, "and I thank you for that." There was a slight silence. "Um… well… I wanted to give you something. Most women give Handkerchiefs, but since when am I most women?" Artemis held out a single coin. It had marks all over the gold side. A square was cut in the middle and a band looped through to wear around a neck. Arthur took it from her. "It was mine. It's good luck. I think I got all I could out of it. Now, I want you to have it." Arthur put it around his neck. He looked at the coin. It looked to be very old.
"Thank you," he said with a light smile looking down at her. They stared at each other, and Arthur leaned down and pressed his lips to hers. The lightning was there. The world stopping was there. There was nothing but Arthur and Artemis. Two becoming one. But it was so much more than that. It was indescribable what both were feeling. It was perfection. Arthur pulled away and they stared at each other not knowing what to say to each other after a moment like that. "I must go," he said turning around and leaving. Artemis was debating whether she should be banging her head against the nearest wall, but instead she found a slight smile graced her lips.
Artemis sat with Gwen and Gaius at the tournament. Ava was off watching with Everett somewhere. Artemis watched as Arthur and the other knight rode against each other. She half expected Arthur to win easily, but he was hit. He stayed on his horse though allowing him another try. Arthur gripped his ribs. Artemis stood.
"I'll be back." Artemis ran to him. She helped him off and leaning on her they went back to his tent. She helped him into a chair.
"Ugh!"
"You're loosing too much blood!" Artemis yelled.
"Do what you can? I have to be back on the course in five minutes or I forfeit the match." Artemis dabbed away the blood she could.
"You can't possibly joust! You're too badly injured!"
"Ha, I've never withdrawn from a match. I do not intend to start now."
"You would risk your life to protect your pride? You have nothing to prove least of all to me." Despite it all Arthur smiled.
"I have everything to prove to myself." Sir William gave Arthur his helmet. He put it on.
"Merlin's right. You are a clotpoll." They went out and Arthur got on his horse. Artemis gave him a lance. "This is madness." Arthur rode off.
"Artemis!" Merlin shouted reaching her. "Where's Arthur?"
"He's about to joust."
"He's jousting against Myror!"
"What?" They ran off after Arthur, but it was too late. "Do something!" She yelled at Merlin as the two jousters were about to collide. She saw him mutter a spell. The strap on the saddle broke and Myror lost his balance. Arthur hit him square on. He was unhorsed. It was a rather nasty fall. One that looked like might have snapped his neck.
"You were jousting against the assassin," Merlin said. "He killed Sir Alanor and took his place." Merlin looked at Sir William. "Well, the people are waiting there champion. It's time to reveal yourself."
"You must go and collect the trophy," Arthur said to William.
"I thought this was going to be your moment of glory?" Artemis asked confused. Arthur looked at her.
"Perhaps this is a time for humility." Artemis smiled. 'So he learned something, huh?' she thought. He nodded to William, who then left the tent.
"Well, I think my job is done for today. Arthur learned something imagine that," she laughed. "Let's go cheer for William." And cheer they did.
The court was called together when Arthur 'arrived' back. Artemis, who usually didn't go to such things, was pushed into it by Morgana, who wished to talk to about something afterward.
"The assassin attacked us as we returned to Camelot," Arthur explained to his father. "I was injured whilst killing him."
"Odin must be made to pay for his actions. We must strike back at him."
"Surly you understand the grief he feels for the lose of his son. We should try to make peace with him. There's been enough blood shed."
"Perhaps you're right. How was the rest of your trip? Fruitful?" Arthur nodded.
"Very," he said then looked at Artemis. She smiled lightly. "I learned a great deal…" Arthur seemed to realize where he was. "How was tournament?" he asked turning his attention back to his father.
"Excellent. We have a new champion, Sir William of Daira."
"I'm sorry I missed all the excitement," Arthur said trying to keep the laughter out of his voice. Arthur and Artemis's eye met again, but this time Artemis looked at the ground breaking the staring. The meeting ended.
"What did you want Morgana?" Artemis asked.
"Will you come on a pilgrimage with me and Gwen in a few days?" she asked.
"Why?"
"Well, I haven't been spending much time with you lately, and I'm sure it would be better than working for Arthur. I've missed talking to you." Artemis smiled.
"I'll go."
"Thank you." Artemis left the hall behind some knights.
"Artemis?" a voice questioned. She turned around to face Arthur. He cleared his throat. She knew what was going to happen. She had expected it. "What happened while I was staying with you… I'm afraid my father would never understand."
"You don't have to explain, Arthur. I know the order of the world. Maids and Princes do not go together even a maid like me. Perhaps when you are king people will be more free. It was sort of spur of the moment anyway. Neither of us were thinking much." Arthur held out her lucky coin to her. She pushed it back to him. "Keep it." Arthur closed his hand. They stared at each other.
"Arthur?" Uther called.
"You better go." Arthur turned and walked away and as he did he looked back at her once more.