Witchers of Camelot

Truths

Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves on the peak of the mountain. Arthur himself arranged for the event with the hopes of having better time with Princess Guinevere. However, with her huntress being so close beside her, the prince couldn't find the chance to do so. The two ladies seemed to have grown pretty close after what happened in the forest and the princess found a true friend in Camelot. 

He wouldn't have been so concerned if it wasn't for the fact that he was right behind the group when Lady Cirilla began talking about her past. Aside from the bitter recollection of her comrade's demise, the huntress also acknowledged that she had murdered and pillaged from good well-meaning citizens. Even if she had already repented for her sins, having a criminal standing next to the princess could lead to a scandal. 

The prince mulled over his concerns when he was a man snuck up from behind him. 'You have a lot on your mind there, boy'.

'Father', said Arthur, finally noticing the king. 'No, I just wanted to make sure the hunts would goes perfectly'. 

'My son', said the king. 'Always thinking about work'.

For one known as the most feared warrior of his age, Uther Pendragon was not one you'd imagine based on the stories and rumors. In person, as a king, he was kind and fair, ensuring the wellbeing of his people. To Arthur, Uther Pendragon was a joyous man who loved to dance and sing. And most of all, the man loved to hunt. 

'You've been ogling the princess for quite a while now', teased his father. 'Don't tell me you've lost your wit in front of the princess'.

'No. Of course not. It's just that I haven't found the right moment yet and-'. Arthur's voice slowly trailed off as he stared at the beautiful princess. 'Besides, it would be wrong of me to interrupt the ladies'. King Uther watched the princess chatting with her huntress. 

'Ah, let me handle that'. His father strode off towards them. 'Ladies, how do you find the hunt so far?'.

They both bowed their heads and the three began conversing about the weather and the animals they could find in the mountains. They talked for what felt like forever. Eventually, the king  gave Arthur his chance. 'My lady, would you mind letting me borrow your companion for a moment. I would like to share to Lady Cirilla some of my best hunting areas in the mountains'.

Lady Guinevere gave her permission and the two went on to talk more about hunting and the like. And so, Arthur found his chance. 'My lady, might I accompany you for a moment?'

Arthur saw her trying to hide a smile. Perhaps, it was as simple as Lancelot said. Just be charming, give the ladies what they want and they'll be swooning over him in no time. She agreed and the two of them slowly walked away from the crowd. 'How is Camelot, my lady? Is it to your liking?'

'Yes, my prince. It's beautiful. And the people are... welcoming'.

'I- I see'. Arthur looked to the distance, not knowing what to do in situations like this. 'Perhaps you'd like a tea party. You could invite some of the noble ladies'. 

Arthur saw her give a timid nod. 'And perhaps you could invite Lady Cirilla to accompany you, if you wish'.

'I don't think Ciri enjoys those kind of things', she said with a slight tone of sadness in her voice. 'Would you be able to join me then?'

'I'm afraid not, my lady. Duty calls and I must be there to train with my men'.

Hearing that, Arthur noticed her slum her shoulders. Everything's gone terribly wrong. He created this event to get closer to her, to show her that he was a worthy match. The truth was, for all his talk and bravado, Arthur knew nothing about women. So far, all he'd done is stumble himself into an awkward mess. Then, Princess Guinevere asked again. 'Then perhaps I could join you in the training grounds'.

'Of course not', quickly said Arthur. 'That is no place for a proper lady'.

'But-' the princess said something but immediately stopped herself, looking down in dismay. Arthur realized his mistake and yet he didn't know what else to do.

'But- but if the lady would like, perhaps you could join me. On a ride to the fields'. Arthur gulped.

Princess Guinevere quickly looked at him, giving him an immediate answer. 'Of course, I'd love that'. 

Arthur smiled. It wasn't as he'd hoped but it was a start. 'Very well, my lady. I promise, you shall have the best of time".

'I'm told you're quite the huntress, Lady Cirilla?', asked the king.

'Yes, sire. My father taught me lots of things, one of which is hunting', answered the huntress.

'He must have been quite the hunter then. And may I ask for this man's name?'

'Geralt. His name is Geralt of Rivia'. Uther could see the pride in her eyes as she spoke the name.

'I see', said the king. 'The princess having a skilled huntress as yourself makes me quite envious. I believe having your father in my employ would be very beneficial for the whole of Camelot. What do you think?'

'I'm honored, sire. However, my father was never much for politics. He'd rather have a peaceful life with my mother'.

'Ah, such a shame. Still, I understand. Court life is not a glamorous as many would assume. People speak in riddles and twisted voices, saying one thing but understanding the opposite. It makes me want to run away and never look back'. 

'Why didn't you?'

'Like you did?'

Ciri suddenly realized what he meant. She stopped as she stared at the man before him. 'How?'

'It was merely a hunch at first. The way moved, the way you bowed. The way you conducted yourself in court. But then you started talking about your past, how your real father sent bounty hunters after you. Only a cruel and petty man would send men to hunt down a child. That or because you were special and had something your father didn't want going against him. Your royal blood, perhaps'.

'How could you even know that. You couldn't have learned all that-'.

'I'm still the king. Everyday, the nobles would come to me with their mouths full of lies. A lesser man would have fallen for their tricks, but I'm no fool. I watch and I listen for every hint of deceit, every sliver of falsehoods, until the truth falls bare before me. I knew you weren't who you claimed to be the moment you entered my keep'. Uther looked at the her and saw a little girl trembling at her feet, not knowing whether to run or fight. 

'I'm not here to accuse you, my dear', he eventually said, trying to console her. 'Your past is your own. Fate has led you to a path most men would not even dare to take and yet here you stand, a warrior most could only dream of'. 

It took a few more moment before Lady Cirilla eventually spoke. 'I couldn't have done it, you know. I should have died back then if it wasn't for Geralt. And for Yen. They saved me. Nothing I'd do would ever be enough to thank them for that. But instead, I just left them'.

'On the contrary, I think they'd be so proud'.

'How would you know?'

Uther smiled at the lady. 'Because I would'.