"One life is all we have, and we live it as we believe in living it, and then it's gone. But to surrender what you are, and live without belief - that's more terrible than dying - more terrible than dying young." Saint Jeanne

Chapter 3: King and Peasant

Jeanne sat on Artoria's bed, giving the young mythical king a rundown on what was going on. To say the King of Britain was a bit shell-shocked to be in France around a thousand years after her death was definitely a stunning blow.

Not to mention the revelation that the King had returned from the dead inhabiting someone else's body and mind in a digital world.

It took some time to digest. Though to Artoria's credit, she took in stride, asking more and more questions. That was when Jeanne introduced her Master, Dr. Emily Halsy. To which Artoria met her master, Dr. Ava Harriot.

Hearing the name, several memories flashed through Jeanne's mind of her and Emily being dear friends before being forced underground.

However, the mood saddened and soured when Artoria learned her Kingdom of Camelot was defeated and brought to ruin by the Angle and Saxon invasions.

Then went the extensive questions about history and what happened. Artoria was deeply troubled by how her kingdom was utterly lost to the Saxon and Angle invaders. While Jeanne didn't know, Dr. Halsy and Halsy provided many of the answers to the inquisitive King. The two heroes learned that Camelot was betrayed from within while facing an invasion. However, Jeanne could reveal to the King that the young Artoria was more of a legend to her people.

However, Artoria being alive disproved that theory utterly. She was real. Flesh and blood, granted... they were in a made-up world, but that was beside the point. Then Jeanne filled her in on the hundred years war… and her own involvement in a tragic conflict that dragged both countries through a bloody and costly war.

"I'm sorry Jeanne…" the King placed a hand on her gauntlet. "I'm sorry for what my people have done to your home…" Her emerald eyes couldn't meet Jeanne's, "and to you. You suffered greatly in the hands of my shameful kingdom"

The maiden would be lying if she said she didn't feel some kind of resentment, but it was literally in the past. In the end, her home was free and strong again, though... It took a lot of bloodshed and lives to secure its freedom.

"There is nothing to forgive." Jeanne exhaled slowly, hoping to release that anger, "You weren't the one who started the war. You didn't play a hand in my... uh..."

Artoria shook her head with some residual guilt, "Thank you, but I hope to redeem my people in your eyes. I carry their guilt as King."

Deciding it would better for both parties, Jeanne decided a change in topic was much needed. "Are you getting used to the…" What was the word they used again…

"Melding?" Artoria asked as she swung her legs off the bed and onto the ground with her boots' metal clanks. She lifted up her gauntlet hands, stretching her fingers. "It's… certainly unique being in a body that isn't our own… while hearing and feeling the thoughts of another person... so would call this magic."

"That is very relatable." Jeanne chuckled

"And the armor and clothing?" Artoria asked as she looked herself up and down.

Jeanne shrugged, "That I'm not too sure..."

The smile shared by the two quickly faded. "At the same time, I'm worried about the enemy we will be facing… This Order."

"Have you ever faced them?" Emily's knowledge revealed that they have been active throughout human history under different names and organizations.

"I'm not sure… though I wouldn't be surprised that is why my knights became corrupted and destroyed my Camelot, or so that's what Ava believes. Though I believe they would operate in the shadows like cowards."

The Order took something dear from the both of them, their land. Jeanne stood up from the bed, offering her hand to the former king, "Then we are allies."

Artoria nodded with a smile clasping the maiden's arm, "I'm glad we have met during these unusual times, Jeanne d'Arc."

The two made their way out of the room while strapping on their weapon. Jeanne, her banner and sword, and Artoria, a jewel-encrusted gold hilted longsword.

"Is it true…? That sword Jeanne asked in amazement as the king strapped it around her waist.

Artoria nodded, "Excalibur. Indeed it is. Made with the finest of metals, pulled from the stone of judgment..."

Amethyst eyes were filled with a certain sparkle of wonder, "that is amazing…"

Artoria gave a small appreciative nod as the two left the guest house of the Church. Out in a small courtyard, Father Collete prepared a table for them.

"Please, please take a seat, my dear friends." The two women wandered over to a table with several benches and took a seat, one on each side.

Before them lay fresh bread, cheese, and the priest came with two large bowls of stew.

"Thank you, Father" Artoria bowed her head.

"It is my pleasure to be serving the Maiden and one of her companions."

Jeanne scratched the back of her head, letting out a nervous laugh. "I… well, thank you.. Father, will you pray over the meal?"

The priest nodded as the three made the sign of the cross. The priest stood up, placing a hand over the meal, "Dear Lord, bless these gifts which we have received thy bountiful harvest. You are most truly generous with all gifts and blessings. Amen."

"Amen." The other two agreed as the three started to eat.

Looking at the table, Jeanne took a piece of cheese and took a slow and thoughtful bite savoring the flavor. It has been forever since she had cheese, and she was not going to let it go. You know you're practically reminding me of a little kid right now. Emily laughed in the background.

'Well, go ahead and laugh because cheese was no joking matter.' Meanwhile, Artoria ate a more posed and refined manner that smelled of royalty. "The supper is most excellent, Father." Artoria complimented as she sipped on her stew.

The man grinned, "I am most pleased; I used the best ingredients I was saving for Easter."

"Speaking of which, what is the day?" Jeanne asked as she placed a piece of cheese between two large pieces of bread. This immediately caught the attention of Artoria, who did the same.

"It's the Sunday before Holy Week. The year 1432."

Jeanne nodded as she took a bite of her cheese holder. Artoria did the same and was genuinely astounded at this revelation. This was the best idea. "Jeanne…." She whispered, trying to keep composure, "This is a most excellent idea."

The blonde maiden nodded sheepishly, "Yeah… I used to do it as a child.." It took all her energy not to laugh at the King who just discovered peasant food.

"So if you don't mind me asking… is this Emily?" The priest gestured to Artoria.

Oh no…

'Shoot…. Why did I have to be so loud with my thoughts…' Jeanne lamented. "Uh… no… erm… I mean.."

The priest raised an eyebrow, "I won't reveal anything. You're protected by the Rule of Sanctuary."

It still didn't help; she could barely understand it, herself. "It's her guardian angel," Artoria answered for her.

The priest stared at the maiden with absolute mystical awe! "Really?! What do they look like?!"

Cute and adorable

Jeanne winced, biting her lip in an attempt to stifle any urges to laughter. Stifling her laughter, sensing Emily's satisfaction, she replied, "Very similar to us. I would say Emily looks exactly like me."

"Wow!" The priest murmured, "Do you think mine.. well, looks like me."

She nodded, "Most certainly."

*BANG BANG BANG*

Everyone looked up from their meal from the courtyard

*BANGBANGBANGBAMG*

The two warriors stood up and drew their weapons as the priest pushed past them, raising his hands, "Nothing to worry, friends. I'm sure it's just someone seeking a confession."

Jeanne and Artoria looked at one another, both sharing the same look. I don't think we are ready for a fight…

Jeanne nodded; she still felt exhausted. A look over at her comrade saw that she too was barely able to lift up her sword.

The priest opened the door only to be pushed aside by twelve with all too familiar crest of a white background with red 'x.'

Three plate-clad knights rode up behind the soldiers that fanned out in the courtyard. The one in the middle rode up slightly, removing his helmet, revealing a youthful man with pointed features and short-cropped hair. His eyes glowed with sinister intent. "Jeanne the Witch."

The man seemed familiar. Very familiar.

"I guess this proves the English correct. You truly are a demon." The man scoffed on his armored warhorse.

Artoria lifted her sword, "I do not know who you are, nor do I desire so, but I suggest you leave lest your life end here."

Doing the calculations, she would be able to dispatch the riders with her banner. She would also be able to take on at least three of the soldiers. The question what about Artoria.

Jeanne, I can open a com line with Ava and Artoria.

Com what?

'Jeanne?'

'Artoria?'

'This is a strange experience.' Artoria noted as she gripped her sword tighter.

'I can handle the knights and at least three soldiers.' Jeanne responded as she unwrapped her banner and drew her blade.

'The other ones will be easy.' The king smirked.

"I'm not taking any chances with you or your friend," the man snapped his fingers. Suddenly a dozen archers appeared from the rooftop with crossbows at the ready.

We can't win this.

"I won't be captured again," Jeanne grunted through gritted teeth.

"I'm going to sell you the English this time and make triple the profit. You think they want the only person who beat to rejoin the French army."

As if they would take her back with Charles leading.

They had a decent chance in their weakened state, but this… this was too much.

'I will follow your lead.' Artoria said resolutely.

Jeanne… please… if we die in here… I don't know what will happen… and I don't want to see you suffer like that ever again.

She had to fight.

That was until a sudden jolt rocked her as if… someone had am an idea.

Let them take us.

'What?' Jeanne asked. There was no way out. Archers had them covered. They were surrounded by men-at-arms.

Trust me. I have a way out.

With a reluctant sigh, Jeanne gently laid her banner down with her sword. Artoria was a bit surprised but followed behind as well.

"Take them. I want to be back in Paris by the morning. My Father will reward us tenfold."

Thus a saddened priest watched as his two new friends were chained and bound, placed in a caged wagon, and escorted off.

A pair of huntress' eyes, cold and sharp, watched with slight interest at the scene that unfolded in the village. "Fools. Settlements are always dangerous."

We have to rescue them.

The young woman sighed, pinching her nose in frustration, "Indeed. I just hope they have more common sense than what they just displayed."

They do.

The huntress was not impressed. "I'll trust you, Voleta, but I'm not impressed."

'Thank you.'

The hunter picked up her bow and dashed from tree to tree remaining unseen as she planned the rendezvous in her head. Skipping from branch to branch, dodging low-hanging branches. The hunter stopped at an occasional tree, carefully tying a few arrows around them.

'It's smart to have painted your armor this dark.'

"Quite, A hunter must never reveal themselves." She smirked with a keen beastly urge in her eyes."

Reaching a huge tree by a dirt path to this so-called 'Paris.' She sat down with a large bow in her lap and reached up to grab some fruit. Seeing it was an apple, she instantly threw it to the ground. Looks like the hunter was going to be going into this hungry.

"Voleta, fill me in with our compatriots while we wait." The hunter requested as she twirled an arrow in her hand. "Should be getting pretty excited in a few hours."

"I prefer gold, and the English have plenty. I wonder how much they will pay for the Witch of Orleans. They are so arrogant that they can't stand the idea of being defeated by a peasant girl." Duke of Burgundy

Hey guys! Snow day and no work, so I figured I would be extra productive today

We are chugging right along. Just some thoughts I had. I really was debating if I wanted to include the initial dialogue with Jeanne and Artoria, but I felt like it would have just been rehashing, and I didn't want to do that.

However, I know that modern-day England isn't necessarily Artoria's England, but I would still believe she would feel guilt over the actions of her nation, especially learning how she is a 'symbol' of England. This will be a concept developed as we go. I also figured Jeanne, being naturally warm and welcoming, would hold no grudges towards Artoria.

Also quick recap, that I don't think the fate series get too into. The Burgundians, or the Duchy of Burgundy, was a faction of France that sided with the English. They were heavily allied with the English due to the wool trade and similar mercantilist economic ideas. In fact, it wasn't the English who captured Joan. It was the Burgundians, who offered to sell Joan to the highest bidder. During this phase of the 100 Years War. France wasn't just at war with the English, they were also fighting a civil war, and Joan was thrusted into both.

And don't worry, we will be going over backstories, in a more... historically accurate manner. I am very excited!

Please leave me any and all feedback, ideas, suggestions, theories, thoughts, I love them all. If you liked the story leave fav and/or follow

Reviews:

Dan: I like the idea that mythical heroes have some basis in truth. We have more records of Joan because she was around during the 1400s. King Arthur... much hazier, but I've found that he may have existed around the late 300s to early 400s with the collapse of the Roman Empire, but yeah, I'm combining some aspects of fate lore xD I have a soft spot for Artoria, so Imma do my best to make it fit in with real history. Thanks for the review!

Cheers,

Sauron