Author's Notes: I cannot believe I am at this point in time after working on this story for the past year and two months. The 2004 adaptation of King Arthur has a special place in my heart, for it and the cast of characters captivated my twelve year-old self. I was definitely intrigued by the character, Tristan, never realizing that the actor who portrayed him was the talented and handsome Mads Mikkelsen until a couple years ago when I first watched the 2013 television series adaption of Hannibal. When I re-watched King Arthur, it all came together, and I was floored in utter shock at not connecting it sooner.

I had an idea for a King Arthur story since I watched the movie for the first time, but it would never come to fruition until eighteen years later when the idea suddenly popped into the depths of my mind out of the blue one day. However, it would take a few months of tampering with my OC's overall profile and background before I finally got the story to flow the way I wanted. Add the plotting of the story chapter by chapter, the writing, editing, and finding the time between work and life, and it would take me a little over a year to complete this story. Looking back at the time I've spent into it, despite the occasional frustrations with it, it was well worth the time and effort. It has been quite a while since I completed a story as long as this one, and this is by far the longest story I have ever written. This is a new record for me, and I think it will stay the record for a while.

When this idea resurfaced, I had been reluctant on going for it since this isn't as well known of a fandom as some others. However, a push of encouragement from a couple colleagues/friends at work who also write fanfiction inspired me to go for it. Looking at this now, I couldn't be anymore proud of myself for not giving up on this story and being able to bring it to life. Better late than never, for I have fulfilled a longtime dream that I had originally believed was never possible, and I hope you guys enjoy the ride.

I will post a new chapter of this story on a weekly basis to allow you all time to read each new chapter and provide feedback (which I always encourage). This week will be the only week in which I publish two chapters in one week, but if you guys enjoy the story and want more, I'll post more. For now, I want you to get your feet wet, and I want to get my own feet wet on a publishing schedule in the process. In the meantime, I hope you guys enjoy the beginning, and let me know what you think!

This story is rated M, primarily due to sexual content and certain depictions of blood and violence taking place later in the story. Rating it up there just to be on the safe side down the line. Title is credited to the song of the same name by the band Leaves' Eyes.

Preface

I've heard your song
And I've seen the light in your eyes
And it took me so long to see
Straight through the night
And through you

Alone but strong when you're in my sight
Your love hit me like a stroke
Take me with you, take me with you
Take me to that place, ah
Where I feel so safe, aaah
Into your light, I dive

Into your light...

[Leaves' Eyes, Into Your Light]

She gasped for air as she stared into the sadistic gaze of the Saxon leader. He held her by the throat with one hand, his large hand slowly crushing her neck as she continued to gasp for air that she knew would never come to her. The sound of battle cries, swords clashing, arrows swishing across the field and the panicked calls of her name were becoming distant to her ears. At that moment, she knew she was going to die.

She heard the familiar cry of a hawk up above, feeling it circle high above her. As much as she wanted to look up and watch the bird fly freely, she wanted to stare down the bastard that had her life in his hands. She wanted him to know that she was not afraid of him, and that she was more than ready to die and have the chance to see the smiling face of her late father once again. She let out another gasp as his grip around her throat tightened, and she felt herself being lifted off the ground.

She pictured a pair of brown eyes concealed behind his wild, messy bangs and the affectionate look in them behind his stoic expression whenever he looked at her. The memories of his presence and that mesmerizing gaze watching her flashed before her eyes: from bartending, drinking and throwing knives at the tavern, observing her from a distance as she went about her routine, watching her belly dance for Vanora's brood of children, listening to her sing for the horses in the stables, sharing their first kiss to making love for the first time.

When she first came to Britain, she was merely fulfilling her father's last wish; she didn't expect to find happiness, a place where she belonged, heal from the loss that shattered her heart and fall in love along the way. Now, as she stood on death's door, the man who broke down the barrier surrounding her heart would carry her to the other side. At the very least, she would die satisfied, for he would safeguard her mended heart in his care.

As the Saxon leader prepared his blade for the final blow that would seal her fate, the sun broke through the grey clouds and shone down brightly upon her.

End Notes: The first chapter will be posted alongside this one! Stay tuned!