The dawn came far too swiftly for Fira’s liking. Though it was winter and thus the days felt shorter, she groaned and pulled the sheets over her face as the light began to stream in through the window across from her bed. Eventually she sat up, realizing that if she didn't get up, she’d miss out on the festival. Apparently it was an all day affair.

She changed into a purple dress and did her hair in curls. She had never curled her hair around the knights before. It was something she had often practiced as a druid exploring her ability to heat things with magic. But once she was in Camelot city proper, there was no way for her to sanction reckless use of magic like that.

With her hair in loose curls and moderately fancy dress on, she stepped into the hallway. No one was to be seen, though she was hardly surprised. Fira made her way to the room where breakfast was taken. There she found Lorie sitting with Gwaine and Elyan. Lorie was clothed in light pink and her pleasantly unkempt golden hair fell about her shoulders.

“Good morning.” Fira smiled at them as she went to grab food from the other end of the table. “Where is everyone else?”

“Not sure.” Gwaine shrugged. “Probably still asleep. But important! What did you do to your hair?”

“I curled it, Gwaine.” She made a face at him.

Elyan nodded his approval. “Looks nice.”

“Thanks!” Fira began to stuff her mouth with food. “I am going to go explore after breakfast.”

“Not alone you're not,” Elyan laughed.

With a dramatic roll of her eyes, Fira object. “And just why not, Sir Elyan?”

Lorie chuckled and walked behind her, placing her delicate hands on Fira’s shoulders. “Because I will be going with you.”

Gwaine excitedly nodded. “Can I come?”

“No.” Lorie smirked and shook her head. “This is going to be a girls’ morning. A morning of magic.”

Elyan laughed as Gwaine’s face fell. The rambunctious knight recovered quickly however. Elyan shook his head and took a sip of his drink. They ate together for a few minutes.

“When shall we go explore?” Fira looked at Lorie excitedly.

The faerie shrugged. “Whenever you’re ready! It is nearly nine o'clock, and the festival begins soon.”

Fira shot up out of her chair. “Let’s go now. I'm finished here, if you are.”

Lorie nodded. “You are going to love this. Trust me.”

The women left the room quickly, Lorie explaining to Fira the intricacies of the Winter Solstice preparations. The first thing Lorie was to do was to take Fira to see the Mage’s Guild.

“What is the Mage’s Guild?” Fira was fascinated. She continued to pester Lorie as the two women walked out of the Citadel.

“The Mage’s Guild here in Somerset city is the largest of its kind, and the central hub for magic practices.” Lorie drew out a signet ring with a great eye on it. “I am a member.”

“What is its function?” Fira took the ring and examined it. “The Guild, I mean?”

“Its purpose is two-fold,” Lorie explained. “Firstly, it is a governing board of sorcerers who decide what types of spells are legal. For example, all healing is allowed while necromancy in all forms is forbidden. Secondly, it facilitates training for those gifted in magic.”

Fira nodded in contemplation before asking another question. “What do they do for the festival?”

The faerie chuckled. “Ask the Headmaster yourself!”

Lorie gestured to a man standing by a wooden stage. He stood, arms crossed and legs spread wide apart, glaring and scolding two teenage boys. They seemed to be trying to hang a banner and couldn't quite get it straight. Fira and Lorie approached him.

“Thomas,” Lorie began, tapping him on the shoulder. “I have someone for you to meet.”

The man, beard short and speckled grey among the dark haired, turned to look at them. He didn't smile, but his scowl lifted as he saw Lorie.

“It is good to have you here for the Festival, Lorie. You spend too much time in Castle Rigomer.” He kissed her on the cheek in greeting before turning to Fira. “And who might you be? A prospective student?”

Lorie laughed. “Thomas, my friend. This is Lady Fira, called Nyx by your people.”

Thomas’ eyes grew wide. Evidently he recognized the name. “Forgive me, Lady Fira, I did not know.” He looked her over. “You are so young!”

“Seventeen.” Fira nodded as Thomas kissed her hand in greeting.

“I grew up in a Druid clan. The prophecies regarding you and Emrys are well known to me,” he explained. Suddenly he turned back to the two boys and the banner. “You two really are good for nothing! Remind me to double your work shifts between classes starting next week! I'll finish myself. Go find Anya and make yourselves useful with her.”

The two boys groaned and dropped the banner, scooting off to do as they were told. Thomas walked forward with a sigh before turning back to Lorie and Fira.

“Forgive me,” he began. “Those two drive me positively mad. They're good kids, learning to hone their skills in magic, but can't do chores to save their lives.” Suddenly he had an idea. “Forgive me, Fira, if I overstep my bounds. But, might I see your talent in action? Could you put the banner up?”

She looked uncertain but Lorie gave her a confident smile and nod.

“Of course,” she replied.

Without even a spell, she used her magic to lift the banner and drape it over the beam across the stage top. She saw now it bore the same symbol as the signet ring: an eye fixed over a setting sun. She assumed correctly that it was the Mage’s Guild symbol.

“Fascinating,” Thomas nodded with his eyes fixated on her own. “You didn't even hesitate. Though we do occasionally get those born with magic in Somerset, most are weak and must practice to hone their skills.”

Fira shuffled her feet. “It is a gift I bear heavy on my heart.”

“Of course,” Thomas sighed sadly. “Camelot does not deserve you. You could, could learn, so much here.”

“You know of her destiny,” Lorie interrupted quickly, her blue eyes intense. “She is not needed here after this quest is complete. She is needed in Camelot for the good of all.”

Thomas bowed in acknowledgment. “Of course. I did not mean to sway you, Lady Fira.”

“You must understand,” Fira started, her voice heavy. “These days in Somerset where I have been allowed to use my magic unhindered, they have been some of the best days of my life. But the knights…King Arthur... Emrys… They need me.” She smiled sadly. “We’re a team.”

Lorie laid her hand on Fira’s shoulder. She squeezed it and they shared a look of understanding. Destiny weighed heavily on both women. For Lorie knew her relationship with Gwaine threatened his path as a Knight of Camelot. She knew he would never leave her again, not willingly, which meant he would either take her to Camelot or stay behind. Neither was possible. It often made her weep at the thought.

“The festival is to start soon,” Thomas reminded them. “The knights’ tourney is soon.”

Fira’s eyes grew wide and she looked at Lorie. “Will our knights perform?”

“I know that Gwaine plans to,” Lorie laughed.

Together the three magic users walked alongside the hordes of people to the Tournament circle. Fira and Lorie took Thomas with them to the Guest box where they spotted Tor and Morholt sitting downcast with Leon and Elyan. They found Gareth and Gaheris there also.

“Good morning,” Fira said, her voice chipper. “How are you today?”

“Excellent.” Gareth smiled. “I’m excited to watch the knights.”

“As well you should be,” Thomas agreed, inclining his head in a sort of half bow of greeting.

Lorie made introductions. “This is Master Thomas, head of the Mage’s Guild.”

Once pleasantries were exchanged, all sat. Trumpets blared as King Roland and Queen “Anna” made their presence known. They sat down on their thrones as all grew quiet.

“Welcome, people of Somerset!” King Roland had stood once more and gestured to the crowd. “As some of you already know, a delegation from Camelot is here during our time of strife to offer assistance. Three of their knights requested to be allowed to participate. I granted it to them.”

There was a pause, but soon a light clap began.

Roland continued. “This event marks the first in today’s festivities. As always, we begin with the Melee!”

Two rows of knights on horseback rode into the large field. Fira noted that none of the horses were from Camelot’s. She supposed they were taking no chances with their steeds. As the knights took up their positions on either side, the Queen stood.

“As always, please do not use magic to interfere.”

She paused. All grew silent.

“Begin.”

The horses charged. Fira held her breath. Unlike Merlin who detested the Melee, Fira found it interesting. She didn't quite understand why men enjoyed bashing each other, but it was a spectacle to watch.

Soon the horse had been weeded down to seven. Fira wished she knew who they were, and if her friends were among them. She decided Percival was not. None of the remaining knights had his stature. But Gwaine and Galahad remained possible.

Gwaine had always been the best fighter of the knights. Leon was close in skill to him, and often they would spar for bragging rights, yet Gwaine came out on top most rounds. He rarely, if ever, talked about how he’s trained or what had honed his skills. He avoided such questions like the plague, as he did all queries into his past.

Now it was down to three. One was shorter than the others. Galahad perhaps? One was quicker on his feet. Gwaine? But the third was holding his own, smart with his sword.

The smallest of the three soon found himself disarmed and out. That left the quick one and the sharp one. The crowd was enraptured. Who were these two remaining fighters?

The quick one tried a move on the smart one, a move she’d only ever known Gwaine to make. She was confident it was Gwaine now. But his tactic failed for the first time that Fira could remember. The other man tossed his sword to his left hand and sidestepped. He landed a blow on Gwaine’s left shoulder. Gwaine paused and threw down his sword.

“The field is yours.”

The men took off their helms and revealed that the one was indeed Gwaine. The other, a man young of face with sandy brown hair nodded to him.

“That is Sir Ector. Best fighter in all of Somerset, most say,” Tor told them, having to speak loudly as the crowd roared.

“I've never seen anyone beat Gwaine’s move,” Elyan murmured, obviously impressed.

The attention was brought back to the thrones as King Roland stood again, quieting the crowd. “Your winner, Sir Ector!”

The fans went wild again. Everyone knew Sir Ector. He was adored by the people. Gwaine left the field chatting with Ector, chuckling about something as they disappeared from sight. She realized Gareth was no where to be seen now.

“Where'd Gareth get off to?” Fira turned around, craning her neck.

Gaheris laughed. “He decided to be Gwaine’s squire for the day.”

“Come, let’s go find our knights,” Fira declared, standing up from her seat.

Lorie was right beside her, eager to tease Gwaine about his loss. Thomas bid them farewell, claiming he had to ready his apprentices for the light show that evening. Leon, Elyan, Gaheris, Tor, and Morholt slowly made their way after Fira and Lorie.

They reached the row of tents soon enough. Fira spotted Galahad. He had a bruise on his arm but other than that seemed no worse for wear. She hurried over to him, splitting from the group.

“Was it you, in the final three?” She asked immediately, before setting to helping him get his armor off. “It was you, wasn't it.”

“Yes it was,” he laughed. “How'd you know?”

“You looked short next to Sir Ector and Gwaine,” she teased him, placing his armor to the side.

As he went behind a screen to change he huffed. “I'm not that much shorter than Gwaine.”

With a laugh she continued. “You let Gwaine get you out!”

“I did not let him. He did it himself.” Galahad poked his head around the screen. “Gwaine was trying the whole time to knock me and Percival out.”

She smirked. “Sounds like something he’d do.”

“You look nice, by the way. I like the curls.” Galahad came out from behind the screen. He wore a loose blue shirt and black pants and boots. His blond hair fell to about chin length. He took Fira’s hand. “Come on, let's go find the others.”

They located Gwaine and Percival lounging on chairs under another tent. The others stood around them. As Gwaine caught sight of Galahad he smirked roguishly.

“There you are!” He waved them over, still splayed out on his chair, Lorie behind him.

Galahad laughed. “You look comfy.”

“I feel like I was run through by a boar.” He winked at Fira.

“Maybe you should take it easy,” Fira teased. “Or do I need to check you over for injuries?”

“Oh, let Lorie do it please.” Gwaine smirked. “We can have some fun while we’re at it.”

“Gwaine!” Galahad groaned.

Gwaine just continued to laugh. “Alright, alright.” He paused before downright giggling. “I'm just glad I got both you and Perce out.”

Percival glared at him. “You’re a traitor, you know that?”

He smirked. “Only once and awhile.”

“So, what’s next?” Leon rolled his eyes. He turned to Lorie.

“I suggest we see the play,” she responded, still running her fingers through her beloved’s hair.