A Warrior's Heart ( A Merlin fanfiction )

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I packed my belongings and swung myself onto Javelin, and sat there patiently waiting for the others. Once they are done and covered our tracks, we began to head back to Camelot.

I stopped abruptly when I heard rustling of bushes and cracking of twigs. "What is that?" I narrowed my eyes suspiciously, my hand quickly went for the hilt of my sword.

The culprit who was rustling bushes and cracking twigs was actually an innocent little bunny, who quickly hopped away when it had seen the horses.

"We have to head home," I said, "Guinevere might be worried about you." I glanced at Arthur before kicking Javelin into increasing stamina back to Camelot.

-

The horses' hooves tapped against the cobblestone path of Camelot as we arrived. Ava and Gwen were there to greet us, they stood on the end of the granite steps.

I know Ava is still mad at me for not telling her my true identity, so I pretended not to notice her and went on leading my horse Javelin to the stables instead of making the stablesman to do so.

"Mom?" Ava called as she entered the stables.

I glanced up from Javelin's unreining and unsaddling. Then I tied him with a rope to secure him, making sure he does not go anywhere and fed him with refreshments.

"What?" I asked, wiping my sweat off.

"Can I ask you something?" She timidly took a step forward.

"What is it?"

"Do you love dad?"

I pursed my lips, "King Uther had forced me to marry him. If not I would never be a Captain again. I love my job. Ava, he is of noble blood. I don't even know him. I only go on patrols sometime with him, and I am forced to stick with him because Lancelot was killed during one of some dumb attempts to save me."

"Noble blood?" Ava repeated, "Does that mean...he is a prince?"

I nodded before walking out of the stables past her, "Ava, I would never relinquish my sword for a ring." I told her, before actually leaving.

-

"Dad?" Ava came to her parents' chambers next where Leon is busy unbuckling his cape and go for training later in the fields again.

"What?" Leon looked up.

Ava shuffled her feet on the floor.

"I don't have time for this." He said as he burst past her out the door.

-

I am in the jousting pitch all by myself training while the other knights trained in the fields. I like the quiet space more better than the noisy field.

I turned when I heard Merlin call out to me, "Yes?" I asked, glancing at him.
"Someone's here to see you," he replied, and gestured to the man who stepped out from behind him.

My eyes widened in shock, somewhat relieved. "Lancelot!" I exclaimed, "How did he come back?" I asked Merlin, approaching them.

"A little touch of magic," Lancelot smiled, "And some miracle." He gave me a wink.

I brightened, "I'm glad. But is it really you?"

"Aurora," Lancelot breathed, "It's me, Lancelot."

-

"Who's that man over there with Mom and Merlin?" Ava asked Gwen, who accompanied her to the jousting pitch and watch Aurora in action with self-training.

Gwen followed her gaze, "That's Lancelot," she laughed, "Haven't you heard? He's returned. It's a miracle and almost magical. Arthur has already made sure he has a chamber of his own. Even the King is so happy to have his most trusted knight back."

"Really?" Ava glanced uneasily at Lancelot. I was forced to stick with him because Lancelot was killed in some stupid attempts to save me... Aurora's words echoed through her mind.

"Uhm..Lancelot shouldn't really see you. He's probably going to blow up if he sees that Leon and Aurora have already had a daughter." Gwen suggested, "Come on now, you shouldn't be out here."

-

"So, how is Camelot managing? Is it really good now?" Lancelot asked, and Merlin chuckled.

"Yes," I nodded, "I really did miss you. How did Merlin find you anyway?" When he did not answer, I shook my head and blushed, "Never mind. I don't think I want to know. Arthur's announced that there will be a jousting tournament again this weekend." I looked at him, "Are...you participating?" I asked.

Lancelot nodded, "If it pleases you, Captain." He said, executing a mocking bow.

I let out a laugh.