A Warrior's Kiss ( A Merlin Fanfiction )

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My smile faded when I entered the Throne Room for another Uther briefing session. I had switched my old sword with the one that Merlin gave me earlier, so I wouldn't have to carry too much.

As I entered, echoeing sobs filled the room. In the middle, Gauis was tending to a woman who was sobbing, and most of the knights stood in two rows opposite of one another, and Uther and Arthur were looking most worried.

Uther lit up when he saw me, "Captain! It's a perfect timing you came. We are in need of your assistance." He told me. I walked towards where the woman stood with Gauis, and looked at her with worried but also curious eyes.

"What is the matter?" I asked, "Why are you crying?"

"My village! My children! My friends! They're all destroyed! Dead!" She cries horrifyingly. She embraced me, which took me by surprise when she had embraced me tightly.

"Um...we can absolutely help you..." I shot a look at Uther, who gave me a nod of permission to continue, "Where is this village of yours?" I asked.

"The southern borders.." she continues sobbing.

I glanced around the room, looking for help. Most of the knights are closing their ears, I have to agree with them, because this woman can totally sob.

What if I don't make it out of the duel? I thought.

Uther finally sighed, and said, "That is all. Gauis, can you please tend to her possible wounds and..." he cleared his throat, and mouthed, "Get her out of here." To him.

Damn that woman almost squeezed the life out of me! Leon and Lancelot managed to "unclasp" her from me and carry her out, and I let out a sigh of relief.

"Captain. Are you able to patrol her village later, and make sure she is telling the truth?" Uther asked.

I bowed, and answered, "Of course I am. If I make it out of the duel."

"Yes, of course. If you do." He nodded.

I gave him another nod before leaving the throne room.

-

"So, how did it go with Uther?" Gwen asked. She is the Lady Morgana's maidservant, and I not really have many friends, and she stood out amongst anybody else.

We'd always meet in the courtyard. It is either she would be carrying a basket full of Morgana's dresses or her own laundry. Or if we  pass by each other.

"There is this woman earlier in the session, and she said her village was under attack. As the Captain of the Royal Guard of Camelot, after the duel I'll patrol her village." I answered.

"Alone?" She cried horrifyingly. She almost dropped her basket. I gave one nod, and she gasped, "But, Aurora, you cannot do it alone! It'd be full of dangerous and mysterious creatures and-"

"Gwen," I said calmly. "I can defend myself. Don't worry about it."

"You said it yourself. You are the Captain! What if you didn't make it out?" Gwen asked, almost close to tears, "Who will take your place? No one else is more honorable than you!"

I let out a laugh, "Thank you. I will make it out."

She gave me a hug before walking pass.

I let out a discouraged sigh.

-

I arrived at the pitch that noon, already sweating. I could see multiple villagers coming to watch the duel, and in the royal box I could see Morgana and Arthur sitting either beside Uther, who was in the middle.

I could also see Arthur's five knights in the right side and near front of the pitch. I held the sword's hilt tightly. The black knight was already there, waiting, with his helmet on.

When they saw me, the crowd cheered hysterically. Leon was looking at me with his worried look plastered in his face. Morgana was as terrified for my death as Arthur. I could tell it from their faces.

But I put on my brave face, and thanks to Abigail, she had braided my hair so it wouldn't fall to my face or anything. I stood in front of my opponent, looking grim.

The crowd was as silent as the wind, and it blew at my face. I decided to make my first move, which is slash my sword at him, which to my luck, had blocked with his sword.

It was the rarest fight I have even ever seen before my eyes. The knight fought with all his strength, then he finally overpowered me. He used his sword to push mine and I tumbled and landed on my back.

The sun was blaring at me, I could not see the angle or the tip of the knight's sword as he brought it down at me. Luckily I rolled out of the way just in time and brought myself to my feet.

I managed to unhand him of his sword in one minute. But he was furious, and even without his sword he could fight. Bare hands. I could hear his low rumbling.

He used his both hands and grasped my throat, squeezing the life out of me. I choked out a few words, mostly, "Bitch," to him, as he slammed me hard against the borders between the pitch and the audience box.

Then he raised me up into the air and threw me over the border, and I landed on the five knights' feet. I let out a hoarse cough, and they immediately drew their swords in a protective way. But Uther raised his hand to hold their attack.

I slowly got up, and leapt over, landed on the knight, and then unsheathed one small blade I always keep sheathed beside my hip and slit it across his throat, and his blood splattered over my cheeks.

He collapsed, but I stood.

"To the death," I repeated his words in a whisper that only he and I can hear.

I could hear the knight sheath their swords and then the crowd cheering louder than ever. I let out a breath of exhaust, tiring but I felt good.

I won.