A woman's bravery

Win or lose

~Valerie's POV~

   I watched from the sidelines as sir Lancelot probably had the easiest fight of his life. It should have been me who got that guy as my opponent. Instead I'm stuck fighting one of Camelots best Knights, one of the best Knights probably in all of Albion actually. I shake my head and remind myself why I'm here. I'm not here to lose to the best Knight in Albion, I'm here to beat him.

  After sir Lancelot managed to gain his opponents yield, lunch was called. Great, just what I needed, time to let my anxiety fester, fantastic. Sighing obviously annoyed I left the arena area in search of silence. I need time to focus my mind and truly remember my goal. This fight is more important than anything.

  I found myself in the empty stables, sitting on Sunny's stall door, letting him gently nudge at me. I softly ran my hand down his white face and kissed it after. Smiling, I giggle when he nickers at me, such a sweet baby.

"Hey what are you doing in here?" Freezing I purse my lips trying to think of something quick. "I'm talking to you, that's not your horse." For your information he actually is. Rolling my eyes and internally sighing I turn my head from Sunny and jump down from the stall door. I don't have the patience or willpower to deal with Sam right now. "Who are you?" Making a sloppy motion towards my neck, hoping somehow he'd understand I start walking to the stables door.

  As I brushed by Sam he had the audacity to reach out and grab my arm to stop me from going any further.

"First I want to know why you were with lady Val's horse?" Fucking idiot. I thought I had made it clear this morning that I wasn't going to be getting with you. Pulling my arm from his grip I removed myself from the situation, hoping he'd leave well enough alone. Thankfully the guy was smarter than he looked and didn't bother following me. Shaking off the annoying break, which was suppose to help me relax by the way, I slowly make my way back to the arena. There were a few people already making their own way back after eating their lunches.

"How do ya feel?" Grunting in shock at Merlin's surprise visit I look over at him silently. "You're about to fight Lancelot in the final round of the tournament. I thought you'd be more excited." Trust me Merlin I am, but I'm also extremely nervous. Like sick to my stomach nervous, this battle will determine my future. This battle is the stepping point to the future I want to create. It I lose...everything I've done to get here would be useless.

"I'm nervous." It was a quiet admission, it had to be, as more and more people were starting to show up for the final match. Merlin's face went blank and he seemed to be thinking seriously.

"You've no reason to be nervous Val, just do what you know how to. Lancelot's good, but you've shown that you can beat the Kings Knights now, you've got this." That was weirdly seriously of Merlin. Seems he truly does believe in my strength now.

"Thank you Merlin." I grab his shoulder and then started towards the arena as I watched sir Lancelot walk through the gates. Taking a deep breath I focused myself and allowed my mind to only think of one thing. This fight, and how to win it. I look up as I cross the sand, sir Lancelot was standing tall in his armor, a sword and shield present in his hands. Great, shields are annoying.

"The final round of the tournament is upon us!"cheers erupted from the stands, completely cutting off the announcer from saying anything more. As the crowds volume decreased the announcer once again found his voice. "We will see sir Lancelot, Camelots beloved Knight!" I roll my eyes when the crowd cuts the man off again, the announcer funny enough did the same. "Against a crowd favorite...Valor!" I myself got a loud uproar of cheering from the stands causing me to smile under my helmet. Having had enough the announcer just quickly signaled for the fight, the crowd was just as quick to become quiet as we started moving.