Lady of the Court

XI

Ava slows the horse down, coming upon a camp. Sitting around the fire is Morgana, Gwen, and a couple knights. It has been almost a week since the incident with the Druids, and Ava still hasn't returned back to the castle. She joins the group.

"M'lady," one of the knights acknowledge. "Is your hunt coming close to an end?"

"I struck out. Can't find the group." Morgana locks eyes for her for a moment. "I'm willing to head back to the castle though."

"Why don't you join us?" Morgana offers. "We are off to my father's grave."

"If you don't mind."

"Camelot can last another day without you."

She nods her head, dismounting her horse. She ties the horse with the others before she joins the other ladies for food and a moment of rest. Morgana throws an emerald green cloak at Ava, and she gladly puts it on. Must have known she was coming. There is something that is a bit comforting about this. Almost as if by habit, the three start joking around.

The knights soon grow bored, resulting them throwing knives at a stump. Ava nudges Gwen before pulling out her dagger. She flings it just past the men, landing in the center of the cluster of blades. The men looking at the three of them, resulting in the ladies laughing. The knight that first acknowledged her earlier chuckles.

"I forget you prefer to use weapons," he smirks. "Better hope what man ends up with you is tolerant of more independent women."

"What does that mean?" She questions, just merely joking around. "That I'm a harpie unable to find the right man?"

"Not in my opinion m'lady," he replies. "I think you're more of a free spirit that would keep any man on his feet."

Morgana smirks, quickly looking at her friend. The knight goes to collect the knives.

"I think someone has caught the eye of a knight," Gwen smirks.

"Too bad someone else has stolen her heart," Morgana replies. "But if Uther will not allow marriage, then there is someone else for you to consider."

Ava chokes on the water she at the moment was drinking. The knight turns to check on her, but she motions that she is okay. He quickly returns to the task from before.

"Excuse me?" Ava snap under her breath. "I haven't even considered marriage. Plus there is always a chance of the laws changing."

"Let's hope so," Gwen mutters under her breath. Morgana must have not heard it, since she does not react. The knight walks over, handing Ava the serpent blade.

"We should get going," he states. "That's if you wish to get home before dark."

Morgana nods her head and the three get up from where they were sitting. Once everyone had mounted their respective horses, they set off towards the grave. The ride is quite peaceful, which Ava doesn't mind. A chance to fully clear her head. She keeps an oeyenout in order to make sure she can get back. No way is she getting lost again. A few twogs snap, pulling everyone's attentions towards the woods on their right.

However, men came from the left. Knights drew their swords and attempt to fight. One of the two gets knocked down and killed almost instantly. The other hops off his horse to fight the men. Ava goes to draw her sword, but the man barely shakes his head. He gets stabbed in the stomach, falling down. The leader of the outlaws turn towards the ladies.

"Forgive the intrusion, but I need Lady Morgana."

~~~

The three peak out the tent.

"You know what to do?" Ava asks. Morgana nods her head, walking out with so much confidence.

"I demand you release us," she orders.

"No can do. I have someone expecting Lady Morgana."

"Well at least let me bathe. I am accustomed to higher standards. So I'm sorry I do not want to smell like a pig."

He motions for her to follow. Gwen of course follows, leaving Ava with two of the men. For once, being split is the best course of action. Ava counts in her mind until enough time has passed to be sure the others are at the river. She walks out of the tent, crouching by the fire.

"Why didn't you follow the other two?" One of the outlaws ask.

"Cause I plan on returning to Camelot real soon."

Before the men could ask what she meant, she pulls her sword from under her cloak. She swings it, hitting one man in the leg. He falls in pain and the other goes to attack her. She blocks the on coming blade. She stabs him in the stomach, then pushing him down.

The other tries to run, but she throws a knife into his back. He collapses on the dirt ground, where he belongs. Ava pulls it out of his back before hurrying to where she is suppose to meet the others. Only to find Arthur and Merlin. The young couple automatically embrace each other, not thinking.

"Are you alright?" Merlin asks, looking her over.

"I'm fine," she responds. "Morgana and Gwen are still out there."

There is a rustle and Morgana appears. Arthur embraces his friend in relief. However, his demeanor falters.

"Where's Gwen?"

Tears start pouring from Morgana's eyes as she shakes her head.

"Let's get them back home," Arthur tells Merlin. The dark hair servant agrees and the two lead the ladies back home.