A woman's bravery

Camelot

~Valerie's POV~

  The woods were one of my favorite places to be. Out on my own just enjoying the breeze of fresh air, and the views found outside of Camelot made it all the more worth it. Pretty streams run through the middle of the forest just about everywhere you go. Animals of many species wandering about.

  I pulled Sunny, my palomino paint gelding, off to the side, letting him drink his fill of the tiny stream we were meant to cross. I closed my eyes and simply listened to the sounds of nature, enjoying what it all had to offer. The birds singing back and forth, the leaves of trees rustling as the slight breeze runs through them.

  This would be the first time I've ever been to Camelot. King Uther was not exactly one of my favorite people. Plus I am a traveling singer and dancer, as far as I knew Uther already had one of his own. Now however, a new reign has come upon Camelot. Uthers son, Prince Arthur, or now King Arthur, has taken the throne after his fathers death.

  I've always been curious to see the inside of Camelot. And now my curiosities are going to be fulfilled. I gently lead Sunny across the stream, watching the water run over his hooves. Listening to the quiet trickle as it moved quickly.

-

  I sighed as Sunny and I broke through the tree line. Camelot was now closer than ever, I'll admit I was a bit nervous. Because funny enough I do have an ulterior motive to coming here. I wish to be the first female Knight of Camelot. And I will not be leaving until I have managed my goal.

  Let me tell you the sheer happiness I felt when I heard King Arthur allowed non nobles to become Knights. Yes I know it's different because I'm a woman. But surely the King would see the foolishness of not allowing me to join his Knights? I probably fight better than most of them anyway.

  Sunny nickered lowly as we started through the lower town of Camelot. Many people were hustling around the city. Market stalls packed full of people looking to buy something. Though I will say it was easy to read the happiness on most of the peoples faces. Seems King Arthur is truly worthy of ruling Camelot. More so than his father anyway. 

  I lead Sunny over to the town stables and dismounted, landing directly in a puddle of mud. I cringed looking down at the muddy mess now all over my trousers and boots. My luck truly never runs out. Quiet laughter makes me lift my head, revealing a stable hand trying to cover it up with his hand. Little shit probably thinks I'm some little boy.

  I wore my usual tan tunic under a heavy black cloak. Having the hood up to conceal myself better. It's safer that way in most places I visit. Just another reason why it's so important that I become a Knight. I'm tired of being treated like a whore anywhere I go just because I'm a lowly woman with not title. Ignoring the boy with a raised finger I lead Sunny indoors.

"What can I do ya for sir?" A broad man approached slowly whilst drying his hands with a cloth. His short brown hair was greasy from the days work but his eyes showed his happiness.

"I'd like to board my horse." The man's eyes widened upon hearing my voice. I guess my disguise is better than I thought.

"Ahh sure miss...?" I held out my hand expecting his own. He seemed hesitant, most likely because of now knowing I'm a woman, but in the end he did it anyway. Grasping my smaller hand in his large one.

"Val, if you would." The man nodded once and gestured for Sunny.

"We've got a spot over 'er for em. It'll be two shillings a day." I nodded my head and allowed the man to take Sunny from me. I followed them towards the side of the stable and watched as he kindly placed Sunny in a nice sized stall. "I'll get one a them boys to untack em and brush em down for ya."