chapter four!
004. knight valiant

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     SHE LIKED picking flowers. Her mother liked picking flowers, and so Odette naturally found herself similar. Everything her mother had been, she strived to be exactly like: kind, compassionate, brave and caring▬thoughtful, gentle, humble; she wanted to become the woman that would see a child dying in the cold and take her into her arms. She wanted to be that brave and that loving, though no one could quite compare to that of Ivette Mason, even if she wanted to.

     Odette shuffled through pink hyacinth flowers, smiling to herself as she picked her favourites on her way to the castle for her day of work. She travelled down through the drawbridge towards the citadel, giving the petals a quick smell. Camelot in a mere day had already recovered from the near death of their beloved, handsome prince. Looking back up, she could see the banners being pushed down over the parapets in bright yellow and red, the Pendragon crest flashing in the morning sunlight. Servants tied the string as tight as they could manage to make sure the banners weren't lost in the wind as the infamous tournament was just a few hours away. A tournament where the best knights across the entire lands and even across the sea fought to be named the greatest and the most noble.

    The tournament took place each year upon the same day in the same season▬where it was not too cold and not too hot, and the fields were bright with beautiful flowers. Odette remembered it last year, and she remembered it the year before▬she remembered watching Arthur win again and again from Morgana's side in the stands. Even when she was little, she was permitted to sit with her mother near the Vecentia family, though Ronyn would always sneak off, annoyed with Adelynn's crying▬and naturally, Odette would follow him. They'd sneak off to watch from the sides with their own wooden swords (and Odette would smack Arthur with hers). That was when she was very young, though. She wasn't young anymore.

     She could see the arrival of many knights. Some from the four kingdoms scattered around the land, others from vast kingdoms north past the border▬towards places like Essex and Kent, and even into the gruff lands of Scotland and across the waters to Ireland. Every knight who had a breath of dignity found themselves South, here in Camelot to try and win the prize of gold and glory. Odette was excited to watch them attempt an almost impossible feat against the greatest warrior of their time (an arrogant warrior, nonetheless...).

     Twisting the stems, she made her way further into the citadel▬up the steps towards the main entrance of the castle, slipping through when a guard opened it for a lady of the court. Odette bowed her head in passing before rushing across the stone, her skirts billowing around her slippers. She tried not to let any petals fall as she bypassed servants, guards and knights▬everyone was hurriedly getting ready for the continuous arrival of many and many knights, the festivities that would follow, and the tournament itself.

     Though she stopped when she saw a familiar face struggle down the vast staircase after his master▬fresh at his job and doing mighty well to keep up with everything he must've had to learn overnight. Odette arched a brow, watching Arthur stride in front without even a glance back at Merlin who was trying very hard not to fall over with all of the prince's armour in his hold. He just managed to peer over the top of the chest plate, watching Arthur lead the way towards the door to head to the tents by the arena.

     "After each day, you need to polish my armour▬" the Prince was listing as they went, "▬sharpen and polish my sword, scrub my boots, wash my robes, mend my tunic, knock the dents out of my shield ..."

     He didn't even notice Merlin had fallen behind, almost dropping the entire set of armour if Odette hadn't rushed in and hefted the rest up, grunting under the sheer weight of the metal. She couldn't imagine having to fight and wear this at the same time.

     When she was sure he was okay, Odette kept the Prince's helmet to herself, scared that if she set it on top of the pile, everything would fall on top of the warlock and crush him. Soon, she chuckled at him and Merlin threw his head back, beyond annoyed.

     "What gift," he began in a mutter, not even hiding his glower towards the prince who was saying something to the guards at the doors, "is being manservant to that idiot?"

     Odette giggled, shuffling into a spot at his side so they could both watch the Prince, very casual▬not yet dressed in his red tunic and chainmail, but instead a simple white shirt and pants tucked into his boots. Even then, he looked nothing like a simple peasant▬not in the way he held himself and ordered around, pointing across the room as he spoke with the guard on the left side of the door. "Maybe there's redeeming qualities to it?" she offered, trying to be positive.

    Merlin just sent her a flat look. "Redeeming qualities? Odette," her friend ducked in lower and her breath hitched, unable to stop herself from noticing how close he was. His cheekbones were distracting, "he used me yesterday as his personal practice dummy▬I'm gonna have these bruises for the rest of the year!"

     "I remember my first day as Morgana's maid," mused Odette, carefully handling the prince's helmet with her flowers.

      "I presume that was far better than mine."

     "Oh, no!" gasped Odette, shaking her head as the memory hit her. "I poured her water at breakfast and accidentally spilt it▬all over the dress she just put on! It was horrible, I cried. She was this intimidating, tall woman and I was just fourteen! I thought she was going to throw me out, but instead she just laughed and got Gwen to ready another dress. She then hugged me..." she soon smiled, fond and grateful, "... and told me not to cry, and that she'd never cast me out ..." the smile faded and a bitter look crossed over a girl's features usually so bright and happy. "Not like I had been before."

      Merlin frowned, startled. "Why, what do you mean?"

      Odette pursed her lips. She hung her head. She rubbed her thumb over a smudge on the helmet. "When my mother passed, the Lord Vecentia▬Ronyn's father▬he didn't want me around. Lady Elayne and Ronyn tried to persuade him to take me in as his Ward ... but he just casted me out and left me to fend for myself."

      There was a sombre silence. Merlin's lips parted, as if he wasn't exactly sure on what to say▬but he knew what that was like. He knew how it felt to no longer belong in a place that had always been your home. To feel like an outsider. "I'm sorry," he said in a soft, gentle voice.

      Odette met his ginger gaze, and she shrugged, sniffling a little. "It's okay," she said. "Morgana found me in Gaius's chambers one day and took me in as her second handmaiden. She's always looked after me▬ever since."

      Wanting the conversation to take another turn, Odette took a deep breath and plastered a bright smile yet again on her face. She decided to find one of the prettiest flowers she had in her little group and held it out to Merlin. "Here," she said, a little shy. "To help you survive your second day."

     The warlock tried to take it, but chuckled awkwardly when he realised he wouldn't be able without Arthur's whole set of armour crashing down. Odette realised and with a small, "Oh!" she searched for a place to put it. In the end, she settled by clumsily slipping it into a little moth hole at the collar of his jacket. "There."

      Merlin grinned at it, then her. She blushed. "Thank you."

     Odette nodded. She waited him to follow Arthur, but he just anxiously waited there, shuffling his feet▬it took her a second to realise she still at the Prince's helmet and she gasped, "Oh! Right! Here▬" she placed it carefully on top of the rest of the armour, "▬you're all set. Just make sure you fasten it tight, but not too tight."

      The freshly appointed manservant nodded, sighing a breath that sounded a little winded. He went to leave, but another thought crossed his mind. Merlin glanced back at Odette and her brows shot up, expectant until▬

     "Merlin!"

      They both glanced over. Arthur had finally noticed his servant was not behind him, and he gazed at the pair of them, exasperated and annoyed. He nodded for Merlin to come. "This isn't the time to pick flowers and giggle! Come on."

     "Bye, Merlin," mumbled Odette happily as he left her with a small, sheepish apology, back to stumbling after the Prince. She watched them go, twiddling the flower stems in her fingers. She smelt their petals again, a sweet smile tugging at her lips.

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    AS THE HORNS blew▬even before▬the stands under the shadow of Camelot's citadel became filled with eager spectators for the annual tournament. Odette was on the edge of the seat, fingers to her lips and bouncing her leg against the wooden barrier, front row to a fight for valour, honour and gold. She heard a brief chuckle from the Lady Morgana beside her, watching the eager seventeen-year-old with a breath of delight. Despite every horrible thing she has been through▬from the moment she could even remember things▬she was still greeting each day with a gorgeous, kind smile; humble and generous.

    She, Odette and Guinevere sat together▬as they always did in these situations if they could help it with the perfect view near the King's platform. They could count the knights that stood tall in lines before them, each and every single one with a crest to call their own. Odette could find Arthur amongst them with ease. If not for his fair hair, it was the bright scarlet garb he donned with the golden dragon of his family▬a champion determined to show his people that he'll yet again reign as the victor.

    Odette could feel a breath hover above her shoulder and she knew who it belonged to. Resisting the urge to roll her eyes, she expected the voice that followed:

    "Look at them," said the Lord Ronyn from his seat behind the three girls, "so tall and mighty▬" he said it mockingly, but Odette knew it stemmed from bitterness. As the lord of his own estate in the Upper Town of Camelot, he had no place as a Knight of Camelot. He had no brother to pass his seal onto, either, and after his father's death, there was no choice left for him. His dream of donning the red cape had become just that: a dream. "I'd like to see half those girls in a real fight."

    The Lady Morgana glanced back at him, coy and mischievous. She quirked a dark brow, ready to cause trouble, "Why," she feigned her confusion, "then do tell, My Lord▬why aren't you amongst them? You could stand next to Arthur and lose to half of those girls, I'm sure."

    Lord Ronyn mimicked her like a child. Gwen shared a quick, incredulous glance to Odette that she agreed with. Morgana smirked, very proud of her quip.

    "Perhaps if you find a wife," went on Morgana, still full of teasing ideas, "then she could become Lord of Vecentia and you could finally join your tall and mighty knights."

    "Stop it," Lord Ronyn rolled his eyes and Morgana chuckled, looking away, "you sound like my mother. Who would you like me to marry, Morgana?"

    "I'm sure there are plenty of girls begging to be your wife."

    Ronyn glanced around him, obnoxious before deciding, "Hmm ... I don't see any pretty enough."

    Guinevere and Odette shot their gazes to the heavens. Morgana's grin fell, and soon what replaced it was a scowl, "Funny, Ronyn▬truly," she said, sarcastic. He replied with a smug smirk of his own.

    Their quips and jokes fell silent as soon as the King stepped forward from the base of the stands and onto the grounds▬his crown he only wore for special occasions perched on top of his head and his bright red robes billowing out behind him.

    "Knights of the realm," he greeted them all that stood still and silent in his presence, "it's a great honour to welcome you to the tournament at Camelot. Over the next few days you will come to put your bravery to the test, your skills as warriors, and of course, to challenge the reigning champion▬my son, Prince Arthur. Only one can have the honour of being crowned champion. And he will receive a prize of one thousand gold pieces."

    Behind him, one of the ladies of the court opened a chest. Odette hitched a gasp at the golden glitter of pure gold coins▬she's never seen so much money in her life.

    "It is in combat," went on the King, "that we learn a knight's true nature▬whether he is indeed a warrior or a coward." With a suppressed smile▬just as excited as the rest of them▬Uther Pendragon raised a mighty fist and declared; "The Tournament begins!"

    Cheers erupted from the stands. Odette chuckled and called out her own from her seat, clapping her hands. She watched the knights disperse, passing the base of the stands and back towards the tents uphill. One caught their eye▬a knight in canary yellow with a shield of green, cunning snakes. Odette frowned slightly, feeling an unwelcome churn in the pit of her stomach at the sight of the sly mirth hidden in the depths of his gaze. She followed it to be settled on that of the Lady Morgana, and her applause died down a little to see her smirk back▬subtle, but there was no denying the coy response on her part to the mysterious Knight Valiant.

    Only two remained on the arena field for the very first fight of the three-day extraordinaire: Prince Arthur and a knight from the Northern Islands with a crest of five-pointed stars on a green background.

    She thought▬for a moment▬that the future sovereign's eyes wandered upwards to lock onto hers and Odette sat up straighter, swallowing harshly. But either it was brief, or she imagined it, for his attention was soon upon his father who stopped to mutter under his breath:

    "I trust you will make me proud," he left Arthur with a mere pat on his shoulder for the stands, and the Prince stood there for a moment, the crowd around him forgotten as the weight of the King's words settled on his shoulders. His chainmail suddenly felt far heavier than ever.

    He took a deep breath, trying hard not to let his father's words drag him down▬he needed to be far from any distractions; his focus only set upon his sword and his opponent in front of him. He and the fellow knight were handed their shields in exchange for their cloaks. Arthur nodded to his challenger before pulling down his helm over his blue eyes. Spinning his blade, Prince Arthur stared down the knight and with a grunt, he charged; the tournament began.

    Odette gasped with delight as the blades crashed together▬they created a shrill song as the ground against one another, commencing a dance the Prince knew back to front. She watched him move▬back and forth, strike, parry and thrust. He never stayed in range long enough to be at his opponent's mercy; quick and light on his feet. He was Camelot's champion and best fighter▬not only was this a celebration of his skills, but a showcase of how he would fight for his kingdom in battle.

    (He had come a long way from when she used to beat him to a surrender with her wooden sword when they were children).

    The young handmaiden egged him on under her breath, eyes fixed on each strike and hit from his sword or shield. He and the knight shuffled here and there▬a nasty shove sent Arthur's fellow competitor stumbling backwards and the crowd cheered an uproar in his favour. Guinevere jumped a little in her seat, victorious. Morgana refused to show how much she truly supported the King's son, pretending to focus upon a fray in her woollen sleeves, but Odette could see the sudden glances she sent upwards when she thought he was in trouble.

    With a sly dodge of a swinging blade, Arthur came back in viciously▬feinting before striking the knight from his feet with his elbow upwards against his helm. It fell right off and the knight went with it, hitting the ground. His victory was well received▬each and every spectator was on their feet, crying out their love for a boy who cared little for their pride in the moment, his eyes finding themselves settle onto where his father sat in the centre▬and a slight, relieved smile tugged at his lips to see him applauding with the rest of them.

    "Yes!" Lord Ronyn threw his fist up in the air, shaking it as Arthur paraded off the arena and Gaius rushed to attend to the fallen knight. "Yes!" When he was gone, Ronyn sat back down and muttered to his younger sister sitting beside him, looking quite pale at all the violence, "You know, I'm surprised you made it through that fight."

    Adelynn Vecentia just sent him a glare out of the corner of her eyes, her pretty features sickened with fear. She was a girl younger than them all, having just turned fourteen at the beginning of Spring. Quiet, and hesitant, she shared her brother's looks strikingly close, but held her mother's stern green gaze that whenever she wanted it, made her look frightening. "I don't know why you brought me to this."

    "Because he's a vile, arrogant man," Morgana butted in as the next pair of knights prepared themselves on the field.

    "You wound me, my Lady Morgana!" Ronyn scoffed. "If I were to see it, I say you're upset."

    Morgana frowned at him, not amused, "At why's that?"

    He just grinned, "You're upset that I'm not competing so I can't win and accompany you to the feast."

    The King's Ward rolled her steel gaze yet again, "Yes," she said dryly, "that is precisely it. You see right through me, Lord Ronyn."

    She soon turned to her dear handmaidens and whispered quickly, "He and Arthur share the true gift in making me want to wring their necks."

    Guinevere bounced her brows, not disagreeing, "They need some humility, I'll admit that."

    The day continued.

    They watched as knights were placed together. They fought in front of the King and his subjects▬each victory there was a scream of cheers and a knight's shield would either be knocked off, or lifted up the leader board, closer to the top where the last two remaining would go to head to head on the third and final day. At each strike, each defeat, Odette and her friends all shared gasps of horror, cackles of mean delight and whispered to each other their bets on who would win each round. By the afternoon, Lord Ronyn owed the Lady Morgana quite a few coins.

    The same knight that had locked Morgana's gaze in the canary yellow tunic and serpents painted upon his shield soon became a favourite. The Knight Valiant struck with menace, defeating his opponents with fierce blows in record time. Odette would match Adelynn's pale state each victory he obtained, waiting with bated breath for Gaius's expression as he examined his victims▬a little scared they would never get back up from the blows made. They were aggressive and sometimes cruel, but they only added to the love the mysterious Knight Valiant received. Especially from that of the Lady Morgana, who smirked in her flirtatious way▬pretending to be shy when she was far from it. And he fed off it just the way she wanted, turning to her after each win to gaze upon the stunning beauty that was the King's Ward.

    But he didn't settle well with Odette. Perhaps her experience with nobility made her paranoid with little trust each time one showed any notice▬but there was nothing genuine behind Valiant's smile. He wanted something, and it wasn't the gold ... to her, it felt like something far more sinister.

    The tournament ended for the day as the afternoon sun blared down, making it hot and stuffy sitting in the stands. By the end of it, Odette was glad to stand up and get out of there, heading back to the citadel with Morgana grasping the elbows of both her and Gwen, practically dragging them▬eager for the reception.

    The two handmaidens shared a glance that she didn't see, agreeing on the same thing. Morgana may hide it, and deny it until she was blue in the face purely for the thrill of keeping a secret, but they knew the daring Valiant had grabbed their fair lady's eyes, and she wanted him to see her dressed up. It was now their job to make sure she was a sight to behold more than the average day.

     He was a fair fighter▬aggressive, but very capable. It was early on in the tournament, for three more days still awaited them, but Odette knew each and every one of them were expectant to see their prince go against the distant traveller (and deep down, she wondered whether some of them wanted Knight Valiant to reign victorious). At the reception later in the evening where each knight was to personally meet the King and pay their respects, Odette did not take her eyes off him. She frowned at his dark gaze, unable to shake the uneasy feeling he gave her.

     From Morgana's side, she was easily forgettable▬not one knight noticed a servants gaze, and Odette could scrutinise the Knight Valiant without trouble. She tried to figure him out▬figure out what he wanted; tried to understand the dangerous riddle that was his gaze and the smirk on his lips. But she came to a dry result. There was nothing other than her instinctive distrust that differentiated him from any other arrogant knight▬and the land was filled with them.

     Many knights passed, some bidding their farewell, supporting bruises and wounded egos. While others looked forward to the morning where they were to fight again, bidding each other good luck with honourable words of nobility that for most, were strained and stiff▬not many meant goodwill at all. They bowed before the King and wandered on towards the end of the Throne Room, discussing with each other under the gaze of Uther's throne.

    Finally, Knight Valiant surged forwards into the firelight. Immediately, Morgana subtly turned to nudge Odette and Guinevere that stood dutifully at her side▬no doubt already concocting some way to tease Arthur watching further down the line. They had dressed her in a midnight purple splendour that draped beautifully off her shoulders like the curtains of nightfall.

     The tall, mysterious stranger bowed diligently before introducing himself formally to the King, "Knight Valiant of the Western Isles, My Lord."

     The King nodded in return. "I saw you fighting today," he said, granting Valiant a gift not many Knights received so far▬the honour of a conversation. Still, Morgana was toying with Odette and Gwen, and they couldn't help but bite back amused smiles at their mistresses's suggestive grins. "You have a very aggressive style."

     "As my Lord said, to lose is to be disgraced," Valiant replied in a voice just as handsome as his sharp looks; words rough on his tongue very much like the waves that crashed around the jagged rocks of the Western Isles.

     The King found his words delightful, and his stance straightened▬pleasantly surprised. "I couldn't agree more." Reaching out a friendly hand, he showed the rising favourite to the lady standing at his side. "Knight Valiant, may I present the Lady Morgana, my ward?"

     The same smile she held in the stands showed then as Valiant dipped down to press a polite kiss on top of her hand. Odette had to look to her shoes, desperate in trying her best not to laugh and cause a terrible scene▬but she couldn't help it. Gwen elbowed her to make sure she stayed quiet.

     "My Lady," greeted the knight.

     Morgana tilted up her head as her arm dropped back down, graceful against her skirts. She truly was stunning in the light of the candles. "I saw you competing today," she decided to say.

      "And I saw you watching."

     Even Gwen found it hard to contain her knowing chuckles▬it was thankful that the only person in the room who even notice the handmaidens quiet jokes and laughter was Arthur, because he was too busy scowling down Valiant and the King's Ward to say a word.

     "I understand the tournament champion has the honour of escorting my Lady to the feast," Valiant sent a brief glance, feeling the Prince's glare and relishing in it.

     Odette had a feeling Morgana must be, too. "That is correct."

    "Then I will give everything to win the tournament." He gave her a final nod in passing, "My Lady."

      He brushed onwards, his long canary cloak following him with a gentle sweep of the floorboards. He was greeted amongst the rest of the knights with grins and strong handshakes▬he wasn't just popular in the Lower Town, but also with the men he fought. Charismatic, handsome, a fantastic fighter, he was so astoundingly perfect in a way that Odette needed there to be something that wasn't, otherwise it will gnaw at her immensely.

      Soon, the Prince arrived to the front of the line.

     "Arthur," the King addressed him briefly.

     "Father," he muttered, saying nothing else before he set his gaze upon Morgana. His jaw was clenched.

      She noticed and held back her want to smirk. Morgana clasped her hands together, peering at the way Arthur stood stiff and tense▬admittedly thrilled by it. Playful, she tilted her head towards the popular travelling knight, and brightened at the tick of Arthur's jaw. "They all seem rather impressed by Knight Valiant," she toyed.

      The Prince sent her a look of his own, "They're not the only ones," he grumbled to her in a low voice.

      His words made her grin. Morgana pouted in mock pity of the boy she used to knock in the mud when she was ten, and he was eight after beating him once again in sparring lessons. "Why, you're not jealous, are you?"

      But Arthur knew her games. He knew them well▬and after years of mastering his responses to her mischief, he very much held the ability to bite back. "I don't see there's anything to be jealous of."

     (And it was mighty satisfying to see the smug smirk be swept right off her face).

     Odette's brows shot up. With her chin still jutted down, she watched the Prince pass them without another glance. Morgana's teeth grounded in her disappointment that made her miffed and irritable. Instantly, she leaned down close to her servants beside her and seethed, "Could Arthur be any more annoying? I so hope Knight Valiant wins the tournament."

     The girls met her gaze. Gwen just sent her a soft smile, shaking her head, "You don't really mean that."

     Morgana was adamant, "Yes," she said, "I do."

    But her wandering gaze betrayed her. While her words praised the likes of Knight Valiant, the King's Ward could not keep her eyes long from the Prince's stance across the room▬just waiting for the moment she'd see him meet them, but, alas, he never did.

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    THE SECOND day of the tournament was jolted by a delay as the early morning Spring weather brought a slight shower of rain that made the grounds wet and slippery with mud. Everyone was slightly disappointed, but as the sun continued to rise into late morning, the clouds dispersed and the arena floor dried well enough for a fair fight to commence. Yet again, Arthur was the first to fight, and Odette cheered loudly for him as he stepped onto the grounds▬until she saw the set of Morgana's jaw and her applause slowly died down.

    Just like the previous day, Arthur fought well. He examined his opponents moves and worked to undermine them. He unravelled them no matter their experience, using their weakness against them until he came up on top. When a knight pushed against him, he only pushed back harder, and Odette admittedly winced each mighty strike he brought down like an axe onto his opponents shield until his knees collapsed beneath him at the weight▬Arthur stepped back, breathing heavily through the visor of his helmet down at the fallen knight.

    He tugged off his helmet and the people of Camelot praised his win with loud whistles and shouts. This time, he took them in and with a slight grin on his face, he raised his helmet into the air and the applause rose like a ferocious wave. Odette scoffed a little at him, but clapped her hands nonetheless, not wanting to admit how biased she was surrounding him▬even if he was an arrogant prat (Merlin's words, not hers).

    Lord Ronyn whistled loudly, shrill in their ears as he sat behind them. He didn't care, just showing his undying loyal support for his closest friend. Morgana slowly let her hands fall from her ears once he was finished and told him in a sharp tone, "Could you be any more obnoxious?"

    "Just showing my support for our prince," Ronyn said, but they all knew he enjoyed their reactions. "Can't wait until he destroys Knight Valiant in the final."

    "And what if Knight Valiant wins?" Morgana countered, protective of her new favourite.

    Lord Ronyn just scoffed, "Yeah," he bounced his brows, finding her hilarious, "Arthur losing, sure ... all he does with that sword is practice, practice, practice▬he'll win, easy."

    Morgana made a thoughtful glance to the sky, "Hmm ..." she mused, "that's not how I remember sparring lessons." She grinned. "I remember winning quite a lot against you and the Prince."

    Ronyn stared at her. He thought about it too, and then, without hesitation, replied back, "Shockingly, I have no recollection."

    "Probably because she knocked your head too hard," muttered Odette softly to herself. But the group heard.

    Morgana smirked, smug that her young maidservant was on her side while Lord Ronyn set his stare on her. Subtle, without anyone seeing, Odette quirked a brow of her own back at him, smug and victorious.

    The mysterious Knight Valiant followed, paired up against another hopeful competitor. A young, courageous knight of the name Sir Ewan. He was the younger son of a wealthy noble whose estate lied on the edges of Camelot; dressed in light purple garbs and with a shield depicting the stone maze that lied on his father's land from ancient times.

    He fought well. For the first time out of the rounds so far, Knight Valiant was matched in skill. Sir Ewan swept around his aggressive attacks, recognising his feints and nearly taking him off guard with a sudden shove of his shield against his side.

    The young Adelynn hitched a gasp when Valiant almost fell, but he caught his ground. Sir Ewan waited, polite and humble for his opponent to regain his sword. Knight Valiant did not give him the same honour.

    As soon as he was ready, he charged far more vicious than he has ever done. Odette stiffened in her seat, unable to take her eyes away in sheer horror. Valiant forced himself down upon Ewan's shield▬one, twice, thrice ... there was a terrible moment where he swung his blade and Odette thought it would make contact with Ewan's abdomen, but he skidded back in the knick of time, leaving marks in the dirt. The crowd shared a few gasps, silent in their attentive focus. There was no knight gaining any advantage▬they fought and fought, equal in their prowess.

    Sir Ewan locked his sword against Sir Valiant's, trying to disarm him. And for a second, it seemed as if he was going to, until the serpent knight brought around his shield for a dirty strike▬Sir Ewan was taken off guard and he hit the ground. His helmet rolled off, leaving him vulnerable.

    Odette was on the edge of her seat, breathless as even with him on the ground, Valiant held no mercy. Ewan raised his shield just in time, gritting his teeth as he used all of his strength to push back against his opponent, fingers stretching for his sword lying vacant at his side.

    That was when something strange occurred.

    Odette wasn't quite sure what she had seen▬but it felt like abruptly, Sir Ewan stopped fighting. His hand that reached for his sword hilt fell limp, his struggle dropped and Valiant sent his gauntlet harsh across his jaw▬

    And Sir Ewan was defeated.

    The young handmaiden was on her feet in horror, unable to find any room in her to congratulate the Knight Valiant in his victory▬not when his opponent lied there, hauntingly still. Gaius made his way quickly onto the field to examine him and Odette watched his gaze drop into a bewildered frown.

    Something wasn't right, she could tell. Her gaze darted back to Valiant parading around the arena, enticing cheers as he went▬she did not share their love, at all.

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    a/n: sir ewan deserved better.

    no one:

    pendragons: flowers? flowers! <333

    odette serving sass here and there in such a quiet subtle way I could never relate to. arthur is never gonna be able to win an argument she's too powerful. 

     part two of arthur and morgana flirting while uther is in the background knowing it's incest. 

     ahh ... i love season one. 

     lol it was all they could do. in the stories arthur and morgana (or morgan) are like half-siblings and they sire mordred who - in some tales - then goes on to have a thing with guinevere which if that isn't disturbing I don't know what is. oh wait, no, I know something more disturbing ... fricken oedipus. at least mordred didn't fukin marry his fukin real mother, just his step-mother-

     fukin hell ... arthurian tales istg-

     i love how in this show they didn't reduce guinevere to nothing but an adulteress who - from memory, I think - caused the battle of camlann. I'm super happy about that. and even with the lancelot storyline it wasn't on her own accord, she was cursed. she loved arthur, and she ended up this smart, wise and strong queen. i was really happy with that.