A woman's bravery

Tourney day 5

~Valerie's POV~

     Day five of the tourney is now upon us people and I'm stoked. Today is the day I get to beat both sir Gwaine and sir Lancelot, unknown to them of course. I woke up early, making sure I had plenty of time to get ready and relax my mind. I was feeling a little more than hyped for today.

  Throwing on my clothes I slyly snuck from my chambers and to the kitchens, passing the occasional servant or maid. Slipping through the kitchen door I make out the few people preparing and getting everything ready for the day. It was easy sneaking by the meal prepers and grabbing the two sausages off the nearest already done plate. Snatching an apple on my way out I disappear from the kitchens without a noise.

  Whistling a gentle tune as I toss the apple between both my hands I make my way outside. The crisp morning air blew through my tied up hair and I smiled as the sun brushed my skin. It was too early to get ready for sir Gwiane and I's fight, so a trip through the lower town should be time consuming enough.

  The minute I crossed the castle gates and over into the lower town I was bombarded by the different various stimuli around. I could see tons of people rushing to and fro as they went about their mornings. The smell of the market stalls food and the farm animals kept just outside the citizens homes. Though it wasn't the prettiest sight, Camelots lower town always held such life when I came walking through.

"Lady Val!" Looking away from the elderly woman I was helping through the crowd I saw Sam's tall figure waving and coming my way. I groaned internally about having to deal with his incessant bold flirting, but outwardly a sweet smile took over my face. I one day hope to be a Knight Camelot, a Knight of its people, and Sam is a citizen of Camelot. It's best to keep a good impression. Gently letting go of the woman as we made it through she thanked me and I smiled before turning back to Sam's approaching figure. "You're as beautiful as ever today my lady."

  I'm sure I am, listen the only reason I flirted back yesterday was to test the waters. I'm not into this guy, he's cute and all, but he comes on way too strong for my liking. I'm suppose to be the one who comes on strong, and he's suppose to be the one who blushes and shit. And before I hear some shit about how sir Gwaine flirts back, he does it respectfully, and not creepily. I know this boy just wants in my trousers, and I don't play like that.

"Thank you." If he noticed my dry response it didn't seem to affect him. Sam easily started walking with me, we stood side by side while he rambled about dumb shit. I honestly wasn't even listening to him.

"....What about you?" I gave him the best sheepish look I could conjure.

"What about me? Sorry I zoned out for a second there." Sam was quiet for a second before he smiled and said it was ok.

"I do it all the time don't worry. I was saying I was single and asked about you."

"Oh...uh...am I single?" He shook his head in a jerky motion and I noticed the twitch in his left eyebrow. I think I might be pissing the "sweet" stable boy off. Trying to quickly think of something to save my ass I glance around looking for any chance of escape. That's when I saw it, the billowing cloak of red, the swept back fluffy brown hair. My eyes locked with brilliant blue and I knew I was saved.

  Sir Lancelot wore a confused expression as he took in the dude across from me. Locking eyes again sir Lancelot raised an eyebrow, clearly showing his confusion.

"Lady Val?" Looking back as I hear the annoyed tone taking on Sam's voice, I find him about to follow where my gaze behind him was.