Tapestry of Time

Artoria Pendragon

England – Edinburgh – somewhere in the past

Artoria Pendragon sat poised and elegant at her desk. She diligently studied her textbooks, the afternoon sunlight danced through the windows, painting the classroom a warm golden hue.

In the bustling classroom at Edinburgh High, the air was filled with anticipation. Every student eagerly awaited the liberation that would come from the ringing of the bell. Excitement crackled like static electricity. Each passing second stretched out in tantalizing anticipation.

Around her, students murmured and shuffled in their seats, the hum of conversation filling the air as they waited. Finally, the moment arrived.

The bell rang out with a triumphant sound. Its echo signaled the end of another grueling day at school. In a flurry of activity, students leaped from their seats, their voices filled with relief and excitement for the freedom that lay just beyond the classroom door.

With a serene smile, Artoria gathered her belongings, her movements graceful as she joined the throng of students spilling out into the busy hallway.

Artoria made her way through the corridor. Everywhere she went she commanded attention without even trying. With green eyes and hair spun like gold, she moved with a quiet confidence that spoke volumes.

Dressed in the school uniform, she looked every bit at the picture of elegance and poise. Despite the chaos around her, she remained indifferent, her demeanor calm and composed as she navigated through the sea of students.

As she reached her locker, Artoria's gaze swept over the bustling scene before her. Her piercing eyes take in every detail with keen observation. With a quick flick of her wrist, she spun the combination lock. Retrieving the rest of her textbooks and belongings, she prepared to leave.

Stepping out of the school building, the crisp autumn air greeted her. She adjusted the strap of her bag on her shoulder and started to walk. Inside her mind, she was already drifting to the tasks and responsibilities awaiting her beyond the confines of the school grounds.

The pressures that came with being a daughter of Uther Pendragon weighed heavily on her. Uther was not only a prominent businessman but also a political figure whose influence permeated every corner of the city. It felt as though his shadow loomed over her, casting expectations and responsibilities she did not stand for.

Just as Artoria was about to pass through the wrought iron gates, a familiar voice called out her name. That caused her to pause mid-step. She turned around, quickly sweeping over the crowd until she spotted the source. A figure was playfully striding up toward her, a playful grin dancing upon her lips.

"Artoria!" the voice exclaimed, drawing closer with each hurried step. "Wait up!"

Artoria's brow furrowed in mild confusion as she recognized the voice of her best friend, Guinevere. She halted her forward momentum. Her curiosity grew as Guinevere closed the gap between them with an animated wave.

"What's the rush?" Guinevere asked as she reached Artoria's side, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "You're not trying to escape, are you?"

Artoria offered her friend a small, indulgent smile, shaking her head in amusement. "Of course not," she replied, her voice followed by a small laughter. "I just have a few things I need to take care of."

Guinevere's grin widened, her eyes alight with excitement as she fell into step beside Artoria. "Well, lucky for you, I happen to have a few things I need to take care of too," she declared, linking her arm through Artoria's with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "Mind if I tag along?"