Getting Caught Fighting With the Boys.

[†Kazira Astras†]

She was impressed. She wasnt truly expecting him to attack her with such vigor. If only he had done so when the fight began. It would have made it all the more interesting. She panted as she dodge and parried his attacks. If she didnt know any better she would have had to say that he was angry. Maybe because she had surprized him? She minutely shook her head that couldnt be it. He was always a step ahead of her in this fight. Why would he be angry then? Its not like he noticed that she had done magic. Admittedly though she thought it was one of the only avenues that she had at her disposal. Well that and a few other carefully hidden weapons but those were to close range for her now.

She watched as he fell to the ground and saw the look of shock and the mild confusion as he fell to the ground. Despite her instincts telling her to move Kazira had stayed where she was and for that she payed by having her feet knocker out from under her by the knights sword causing her to land on the ground next to him with his sword lightly touching the skin of her exposed throat. SHe smiled as she looked up at the sky before she began snickering quietly. "Well you haven't given me very many options now have you? But i have to wonder did you happen to get angry after i kicked you" she asked absently before tilting her head causing a thin red line to appear. She still had the determination but she could tell that they were both tired, her especially. "I guess with the situation at had it would be in my best interest to concede even if this wasn't a match to the death." She stated the last bit of her comment with a small smile and a laugh. She laid there still waiting to see what he would do since she had mentioned him getting angry, or the fact that she was kind of making fun of him.

[Deleted]

This contest was not anything like what Lancelot had expected when it had started. When he had first seen his opponent he had not been that impressed. At least, physically, Lancelot seemed to have them over-matched. However, his adversary proved to have some surprises. First, although small, he was deceptively quick, nimble, and a quick-thinker. Secondly, he proved to be a she and not a he, in the end. Despite her quickness, though, she didn't seem to have a lot of natural stamina, and all he would have to do was to wear her down while protecting himself, he thought. But ..... he shouldn't even be fighting her ...... she was a woman after all.

However, he thought to himself, grimly, it had been her decision, and it was time to take the fight to her, as strongly as if he was fighting Prince Arthur, himself, the killing machine. He thought that he was doing a pretty good job. His strokes weren't even giving her much of a chance to breathe, to recover, as he forced her back, and soon, he thought, her fatigue we would force her into a fight-ending mistake. Then ..... suddenly .... his feet were gone about from underneath him and it was as if he were fighting an unseen force. Was Merlin playing a joke on him. Most of these knights might not believe in magic, but Lancelot surely did, he had seen it in action, and he knew no other way to explain what had just happened. He had been winning! He had reached out in anger, knocking her quickly off her feet, and bringing his blade to a cutting position on her pretty little neck.

"I think you will find that it is not my responsibility to provide you with many options. It is my responsibility, with honor, to provide you only one option, the option of surrender. Angry at that? No that was a very fair move. Its when I have the match nearly won, and you resort to other means .... you wouldn't be friends with Prince Arthur's manservant, Merlin, now would you," he questioned her. "Concede ...... concede ...... yes I suppose it would," he said, slowly calming himself down from what he had suspected was the use of magic. "However, you have acquitted yourself well, and I for one, would be willing to call it a draw, if you were likewise inclined. I have never lost in a clash of swords and I don't intend to start here, but the decision is yours, milady," he said while still cutting into her neck slightly with the edge of his blade, wondering exactly what she was hoping to gain from this encounter.

[†Kazira Astras†]

So he did notice she thought, how strange. Most cant see the stuble use of magic of that kind merely thinking that there was something else. But what did The twits manservant have to do with anything of this fight? kazira looked at lancelot with confused eyes. " I honestly have no idea who you are talking about I've never heard of this Merlin. And i didnt use other means in this fight only natural abilities." she stated the last part with a puff of breathe blowing a few strand of hair away from her face the natural abilities part was true for the most part her magic was a natural ability...for her. And it wasnt like she was going to have him explode in a blazing fire not that she hadnt thought about it but it was just a ground lifting spell...and it only lifted a little bit.

She began to wonder if this 'Merlin' was a magic user. Lancelot had stated as much just now. and if so then why the hell would someone be a servant in Uther's castle to the Twit none the less. That was mind boggling in its self. The cogs in her mind began turning. If she ever came back to camelot after this maybe she would try and talk to him. She turned her attention back to what Lancelot was saying.

"A draw?" she asked in wonder. no one had ever brought up the option of a draw to her after they found out that she was a girl. "You would really propose a draw?" She asked again in amasement. it was just something that she couldnt get over. It took her several moments before she shook her head careful of the sword at her neck and said yes. A draw she guessed was better than losing an being humiliated. "Yes i could live with that." She smiled at him before gesturing towards the sword at her neck. "Do you mind? As much as i'd love to have you sword as a necklace I'd prefer to stand up and leave the area for the next fight or we could stay here and id become a tampled flat mess instead of a beaten human shaped mess." She stated with an amused smile.

[Deleted]

She seemed to have the strangest look on her face, Lancelot thought, a look of surprise. Oh .... and why had he asked her about Merlin? It had come out as a reflex action, as Merlin was the only person he absolutely knew who practiced magic. Had he Lancelot given something away, a promise that he had made both to Merlin and himself that he would never do. No .... no ... he convinced himself. He had only asked her if she knew Merlin, not specifically why. However, she did seem to have a confused look on her face, and it was if he could her and feel the gears in her mind turning, as she seemed to be trying to figure something out. "No ..... I was just wondering if you had ... umm .... seen him. Generally wherever the Prince is, Merlin is close behind, and I would like to see him before I left the celebrations. Why, what did you think I meant?"

As he listened to her denial to his implication he said under his breath, "yeah, right." In some ways he knew that he was naive, and might not be the quickest, but he also was quite aware of magic when he saw it. He wondered wondered exactly what she was thinking. He wondered if she had believed what he had just said about his reference to Merlin as just being a coincidence. Lancelot took such promises as he had made to Merlin very seriously. If there was a danger that she would reveal something that was privileged information about Merlin, something that could be damaging, Lancelot would have few qualms, whether a knight or not, to prevent her from spreading the information, no matter what it would require Lancelot to do. He hoped that he would not have to do such a thing, but he was prepared to do what was necessary to protect his friends.

"Yes ...... yes I would propose just that. A victory by either one of us would be an embarrassment. If I won it would just be looked on as a victory over a woman, and a loss would be an embarrassment against fighting men and knights, where one of their own allowed a female to beat him. Besides, if you lost, or even if you won, you might have to have you mask removed, and I have a feeling that is something that you would rather escape." As he expected, she responded with a smart, if not complimentary comment, to indicate that she agreed. "Very well, it is agreed," he said as he raised his sword, re-sheathed it, and extended his hand to help her up, with the slightest of smiles on his face.

[†Kazira Astras†]

Kazira smiled up at him and took the offered hand. As much as she didnt want to admit it the man before her was right. Either was was a lose lose situation. She was now standing upright and for that she was greatful she didnt mind laying on her back but the fact that there was to be other fighters in the area she just couldnt let herself get trampled. She brushed off her pants and sheathed he sword. She looked around slightly and saw Moros standing off to the side with an almost murderous look in his eyes. She held back a wince. He saw that little trick didnt he? she thought absently.

She looked back at lance. "You know i would like to meet this Merlin that your were talking about." She stated off handedly. "If he is brought up in a conversation in such an odd moment he has to be something special." She glanced at Lancelot wondering how he would react. "That is if you dont mind if i tag along with you for a while. At least till the celebration is over?"

Kazira knew that this probably wasnt the smartest thing that she thought of but she couldnt resist the temptation and the curiosity of meeting this Merlin was becoming to great. But she didnt want to go to extreme measures at this point she didnt want to be locked up for some reason or another. Kazira saw that the other fighters were getting antsy sending her glares. Well arent they just a lovely bunch of oats today. She thought absently before she looked back at the man. "You know with the looks that we are recieving i believe it would be our best bet that they want to continue onwith the matches. As it seems, we are in their way considering we ended this with a draw." She stated flippantly a large smile spreading across her face as she gave one of the other opponents a rather unlady like gesture towards them.

[Deleted]

After their long struggle ..... at least it seemed long to Lancelot .... he was pleasantly surprised that the gifted warrior ..... apparently a female warrior ... had agreed to the draw so easily and amiably. Lancelot wondered if she had a new agenda that he was not aware of. Her smile,though,he had to admit, was a dazzling and captivating one. He was sure that she was a female of some capability when it came to charming others, especially men. Added to this was the possibility that she was one who practiced magic as well, maybe that being her most worrisome feature to Lancelot. He saw her look off to the side,focusing, and he wondered what she was concentrating on.

"Merlin .... Merlin ..... oh ..... he is a friend that I haven't seen in some time. Its been awhile since I have been able to return to Camelot. I don't even know if he's still here," he said quite truthfully. "He may have returned to his home in Ealdor, or moved on somewhere else entirely. Being the nomadic knight and soldier I am I don't keep much contact with people, even my friends. Special? Why would you think he's special? He worked as a servant here and was nothing more. Tag along ..... no .... of course you can ..... why would I mind.?"

He figured that this was as good a time to ask her a question as any. "So,are you going to wear that mask the whole time you are here. Its not really fair to the rest of us if you are constantly withholding a look at your probably beautiful face, is it?" Why would she be so interested in meeting Merlin. He realized now that he had inadvertently implied that he had magical skills, and in the heat of battle, had nearly betrayed his secret. He would do his best to deny everything, even if she asked a direct question.

He did not believe in lying, but the self-preservation of his friend's secret was more important. "Yes you are quite right. I think that our fellows our quite anxious for us to vacate the field of contest." He didn't agree with the etiquette of the hand and finger she showed one of the impatient swordsmen. "What part of the celebration would you like to go?," he asked as he offered his arm to her as her escort, not knowing how she would take his uncooperative words about Merlin or the offer of his arm.

[†Kazira Astras†]

She looked at him with a quirked brow. "Anyone mentioned in battle is special in one way or another. Weather they're a servant, friend, or lover." She stated with an honest tone. This was one thing that her father had taught her. When he entered a battle and thought back to who was important, at any given moment they were sure to mention a name and he would then carry back a message should they happen to fade into battle. She shook her head and smiled she saw the disapproving glint in the man's eyes. She probably could have done something different but it was one of her quirks to do the things others would not. "I could think of several reasons that you wouldn't want me to tag along." She stated off handedly.

Kazira blushed slightly when he mentioned her mask. She had actually forgotten that she had the mask on. "Well now that you mention it i guess there really is no reason to keep this thing on any more." She stated with a small laugh as she pulled the cloth down over her nose letting it rest against her collarbone. She breathed a sigh of relief and heard some of the faint gasps from around her. Kazira shrugged and didnt pay any mind to it, she didnt care what others thought and it was declared a draw so they could do nothing about it. "Well it is much easier to breathe now." She joked. She couldnt help the small blush that rose when he offered his arm. It was very unusual for her to be treated like a woman instead of one of the boys. For once in her life she acted like the shy girl as she took his arm. "Well we could just walk and go where ever our feet lead us." She stated not really knowing what she wanted to go to. She glanced at him with her icy blue eyes. "Dont think that i didnt notice you dodging around my questions. But dont worry i wont press for the answers. You obviously care for this Merlin and want to protect him. But you've stoked my curiosity. If anyone can stand the prince for as long as he; then he cant be all that bad." She said with a smile as she calmly pulled him out of the field using her free hand to motion Moros to follow.

Moros rolled his golden eyes and grabbed Kazira's pack in his mouth and followed knowing that she would more than likely change into her usual clothes. Granted they werent much different then her current ones but they were more fitted to her stature than the men's clothing that she wore.
"Do you mind if i change though? While i do love these clothes i would much prefer my own." She asked kindly. She didnt want to be rude at this point. There was no reason. Lancelot had been nothing but kind to her since they met.

[Deleted]

Lancelot silently cursed himself for nearly letting Merlin's secret out of the bag. He had done just about everything except explicitly say that Merlin was a practitioner of the Old Religion. Any attempt to explain it away was going to depend on her being gullible or naive, to some extent. If she wasn't any of those things, and the way she fought she seemed to be a clear thinker with a streak if cynical sarcasm .... it was going to be ..... complicated. "Yes, I could easily think that one could make that assumption, or it could simply be a person or a memory that came to mind randomly," he ventured. Her tone, however, he thought positively, wasn't in the form of an accusation but almost as an assumed statement of fact. As he had watched her particular hand gesture, he had shook his head negatively.

"Is it always necessary to push back like that, especially when your outnumbered so heavily," he asked her with only the slightest of smiles, this time a somewhat sarcastic turn of the lips. "Your gifts with weapons and tactics are better than most knights, I would say. However, I don't think your general attitude would be a good fit," he said this time with a bit broader of a smile. He marveled now at her ability to change subjects almost in mid-sentence. This time it was about him being willing to have her tag along with him. "And what exactly would be some of these reasons that the average knight would not want a sharp companion to accompany one. I have yet to see how striking you are in appearance, and if it compares favorably to your other attributes," he said with a slight twinkle in his pale blue eyes.

That being said, with reference to her appearance, along with his request already-stated to remove her mask, she quickly and somewhat surprisingly did just that, pulling the remnants of her mask down below her face. "That face is not one that should be hid, in my opinion milady," as he gasped and was taken somewhat aback. "You must have wanted to compete desperately to have gone to the extreme of hiding your appearance in such a way," he said, as he heard both combatants and observers gasp as her gender was revealed. "I expect it is easier to breathe without that mask that it is with it .... it is only common sense, milady."

Lancelot was not sure that she would accept his arm when he offered it, so he was pleasantly surprised when she did just that. he noticed the pinkness that came to her cheeks, but decided that it was not a very knightly or honorable thing to point it out to her. Something had definitely changed with her, he thought to himself as they walked away from the site of their contest. He noticed as he looked down into her eyes that she looked away and down at the ground, almost as a young girl might.

["Yes we could walk wherever we choose to, within reason, if you wish it." Just when they were on a different subject she brought it back to Merlin once more. He listened to her comment, and tried not to react emotionally. Cooly he responded, "I really don't know what you are talking about. Given the fact of King Uther's stand against magic it wouldn't make any sense for anyone who is a servant in the castle to be even suspected of magic. But Merlin is the best of men, as is Prince Arthur. Besides, in any case, my honor as a friend and a knight in all but name would dictate my actions. Just remember, it was curiosity that killed the cat" he smiled.

At any rate she started pulling him along, as she motioned to a curious creature that he assumed was a pet. "Change? No I don't mind. It would be quite understandable. You will probably be more comfortable I expect. Where would you like to change at?

[†Kazira Astras†]

She laughed slightly. "Yes some actions can be avoided but even with the odds against me i see no reason to challenge them." She stated easily. "Its just who i am to not hold back just because others might not approve." she shrugged her shoulders casually. She meant what she said. She didnt care how others would react she didnt hold back and that often got her in trouble but there was no point to hold back. She lived a life with little to no regrets.


She couldnt help but laugh at his comment. Yes she was told that by Lord Astras before his passing. She had the skill and knowledge to better some knights that he knew but her attitude left something to be desired because she acted more like a rouge male than a woman half of the time. That was all said with a smile plastered onto his aging face. "Yes I've been told that a few times." She said she leaned closer to him and whispered. "But who ever said i wanted to be like a knight? Granted being a knight is a great honor but like you said my attitude and personality are the best match for it." She stated the last half normally. She didnt want to offend him in anyway. That was the last thing that she wanted to do. "One reason would be that I have a big mouth. I speak before i think." She stated with a small smile.

She was a bit surprized at the gasp that came from Lancelot. "Are you surprized by something?" She asked in an amused tone. "Thank you for your compliment Lancelot but my face is nothing special." She paused again.You're right i did want to compete. This is the type of thing that lets me prove to myself that i have improved even a little bit. It also lets me practice some tactics on opponents that arent trying to kill me."She stated honestly. She didnt want to fight for the glory or the prize she just wanted one good fight if anything and this time around she was lucky enough to be able to find one in the first round instead of the last where she would normally withdraw afterwards and allow the other fight to take the prize. At his next comment she couldnt resist acting a little childish and sticking her tongue out at him.

She still coldnt believe that she was acting like a bumbling teenager again. Not that she could deny that the man before her was handsome. She listened intenlty on his reply to her earlier statement if not a bit cooly. She frowned. She hadnt mention anything about magic. That peaked her curiosity even more. "Lancelot I didnt mention anything about magic." She stated arching her brow."I was just stating that you cared about him as a friend and for whatever reason you wanted to protect him." She paused. "And i never said that the two werent good men. Granted I've never met them. I just heard that the prince could become a little high strung if not moody at times." She stated looking up at the sky. she laughed a little at the euphemism. "That may be true sir knight but the satisfaction brought it back." She stated with a wink in his direction.

Kazira smiled as Moros trotted up to her her pack in his mouth. She nodded her thanks slightly. She nodded to his statement that she would be more comfortable. "Yes, like i said, as much i a like men's clothing mine are more suited to me," She laughed."But I personally dont care where i change but to save you from embarrassment i'll go and change behind that tent over there." She said pointing towards a tent that was maybe 20 feet away from them.

[Deleted]

This one was definitely neither a follower or one who followed customs and conventions easily, Lancelot decided. Was she likely to be a person he should even want to become better acquainted with, he wondered. Or was she simply going to be more trouble than she was worth, he considered. "Such an attitude, without friends or allies to back you up, can be somewhat .... dangerous. Have you ever considered that there are reasons why some actions are not found to be acceptable," he said with a slightly sarcastic smile.

"I understand that you believe that you should have the freedom to do what you want. However, there is a point, you know, where your freedom to do as you want, interferes with the rights and activities of others." Of course, the common people had very view natural rights, and as long as this female didn't provoke King Uther or his son, or one of the Knights of Camelot, she probably wasn't in much danger. "Only a few times you've been told that? Now tat I find surprising. Yes, who would want to be a knight? I expect that you find our dedication to honor, and duty to be somewhat boring and suffocating I expect. Well, if I did not live my life as such, I expect with my skills I would have ended up as a mercenary or a paid assassin .... a man with no morals whatsoever. Or do you prefer those kind of dangerous men?"

Lancelot, unable to help himself, chuckled out loud as they waked. "You ..... you have a big mouth .... and you hide it so well. Perhaps it would be wisest to think when you are speaking if you aren't able to think before the words even come out. In truth, I am surprised by nothing. I have seen much in my young life, much of what I am not proud to have seen, and to have been paid to do things that a Knight of Camelot would not lower themselves to do. Perhaps King Uther saw my future clearly, and saw I would never be worth of being of his Knights of Camelot." he offered in a lowered voice, so it would not carry to too many ears. He was amused that she did not recognize the beauty that she carried. "It would almost seem, milady, from your attempt to participate in the swordsmanship competition, or you r opinion about your own appearance, that you would have preferred to be a soldier and a man, rather than the beautiful maiden that you are."

He laughed again as she stuck her tongue out at him. "Even sticking out your tongue cannot change the fact of your appearance ....it just confirms your attitude," he chuckled. "Hmmm ...... it was quite clear what you were trying to imply milady. I may appear to be a fool of a knight, but I am not an ordinary one. It is easy to see that you are curious. I just warn you on this subject I am quite serious, and if you would endanger someone with your curiosity, my solution would be a most final one, if that's what it would take to solve the problem." It would be something that he would hate doing, despise himself for the rest of his life, but he would protect Merlin and his secret with whatever measures it might take. He had inadvertently let some of that secret out. If she could not control her curiosity, although it was his fault, she would be the one who pay with her own life.

He looked on her with curiosity to see what her response would be. In the meantime she had responded to his earlier comment with a conspiratorial wink in his direction, and he wondered exactly what that was supposed to mean. He saw her animal come up behind them with the pack that he assumed were the clothes that she wanted to change into. "I thank you for the consideration, milady. I doubt if you've ever suffered from the emotion of embarrassment much in your life," and he bowed slightly as he turned away as she moved off to change. However, until he had took her arm to lead her away from the arena he had not thought she could act in a shy and coy manner. he wondered, though, given her curious nature, just how much he could trust her not to meddle in Merlin's affairs.

[†Kazira Astras†]

Kazira listened to Lancelot as he was talking. She sighed. “You’re right.” And she knew it heck when she glanced down at Moros she knew he was right. She knew that while most of the things she did weren’t actually that ad but if she wasn’t careful it could turn into something that she never would have expected. “It’s just how I’ve lived since I was 15. It’s hard to break some habits.” She stated this with a shrug before she continued on to the next point in their conversation. “Yes I know that but that is where everyone’s freedoms interfere with everyone else’s.” She looked down at the pack in her hands.”But it’s not fair that someone else should impose their own beliefs on others as most do. She paused.” maybe I am just an odd ball but shouldn’t we all have say in what is going on around us?” Kazira didn’t look up after she finished talking. After seeing as many disgusted looks at her thoughts she didn’t have to look up and see what he thought of her as well it was best if she remained ignorant for this tiny moment.

She couldn’t help the little laugh that escaped her mouth at the somewhat disbelieving and sarcastic question. Yes she’s only been told that a couple times whether he believed it or not. She listened to the words after that. She hadn’t meant for her earlier comment to come out the way it did because she thought being a knight was one of the most noble of ranks that you could ever accomplish. They held the qualities that a normal man wouldn’t half of the time. Granted she had met several other knights who had the other end of the scale on qualities but for the most part the knights represented both honor and loyalty. The two qualities she saw shine very brightly in Lancelot. “My adoptive father was a knight!” She said softly a soft edge on the spoken words. It was just enough to stress her words. “Most if not all of what I learned was from him. Despite the way I act around royalty and other noble I do respect knights. A knight must show the best qualities that a person has by showing a great amount of loyalty, honor, and humility.” She stated her eyes overflowing with the passion that was felt about the subject. “and I do agree that being a knight can be a little suffocating. But it is something that I respect and honor in my life.” She said her tone light.” But as for the type of men that I prefer it’s not a mercenary or an assassin. Not all mercenaries have any morals or even honor; I’m living proof of that. And as for assassins I cannot speak for them but I’m sure that there might be a few who have some slip of humanity.” Kazira paused again; “The type of man that I prefer is one who has a backbone and is not afraid to stand up for what he believes is right. Not letting the injustices continue if he can help it. I could say he is like my fathers.” The passion that was in her eyes lingered after she finished speaking she allowed Lancelot to continue uninterrupted.

She clenched and unclenched her hands trying to calm enough of the passion burring inside of her to brush off the effects of her powers reacting. She feared that if she continued that she would cause either her hands or something else to catch on fire. That would not bode well for her should she be found out. “It’s hard to break some habits. When things get out of hand I do know when to speak but should I become to passionate about something my tongue gets loose and I have almost no control over what floods out and my thoughts become words.” She thought back to his words. “And those things that you’ve done have prepared you for a greater purpose.” She stated with soft tones. “The things in our live the decisions we make and the ones that are made for us shape who we are to become in the future. I don’t think that you would have become a mercenary. Not even in the wildest dream created would I ever think that. You have to good of a heart to be blinded by the actions that you’ve taken.” She bristled when he mentioned Uther foretelling his future right. “Uther is blind,” Kazira hissed softly so that it wouldn’t be heard by anyone else as she turned and stopped in front of him seeing as how they were fairly close to the tent. She could feel angry and sad tears welling up but she refused to let them fall. “You are worthy of being a knight of Camelot and so much more than you realize.” She took a deep breath and calmed herself but she could still feel the stinging sensation from her eyes. She hated when she got over emotional.

She laughed slightly. “Now we both know that I would not have made a very good soldier. I do not pretend that I am a male because I want to.” She didn’t want to…she just preferred to fight than watch from the sideline wearing a ridiculous dress. “I was raised around nothing but males most of my life. Is it wrong that I would prefer to learn a new sword technique, then go and buy that latest fashions?” She asked more to herself than to Lancelot. “I do not think that I am anything special compared to many women. I feel that I am plain or average.” She felt a blush rise to her cheeks why did he have to act all charming and witty. Those were probably two characteristics that cause her to feel like the girl that she is and sometimes that unnerved her. The blush remained for a few more moments even after he had pretty much threatened her. She understood what he was saying and nodded her head. “Lancelot I won’t push for any more information. And even with my curiosity I do have enough control to not let it get out of hand to where it could hurt someone.” She bowed her head in acceptance showing that she was being serious for a moment. She knew that he was serious and she knew not to mess with a man who had a mission to protect his friend but it made her wonder why did such a friend need such a fierce protector…What was he hiding??
She turned towards the tent and made a move towards before she took another she looked over her shoulder to Lancelot catching his eyes and smiled. “You’d be surprised at how often I feel embarrassed.” She stated amusement dancing across her eyes and through her words. “I won’t be long.” She stated out loud but in her mind she said Hopefully. She walked behind the tent leaving moros to watch the past opponent. She had changed into a short sky blue dress that rested just off her shoulders. It had a dark blue cloth belt that rested flat against her hips easily looking like it was built into the gown. Kazira flinched, it wasnt that she didnt like the dress it was more or less her last choice seeing as it was more elaborate than what she was used to but it was the only thing cling Why oh why did the other dress have to be dirty! She blushed, embarrassed at what she had to do. She quickly tied the dress in the front and put her black boots on easily. No matter how she dressed she didnt want to walk about without her boots. Should something happen they were the easiest things to run in other than being bare foot. She wandered back over to him her pack easily slung over one arm. "So shall we continue where we left off? She stated easily. "How about we head over to the archery fields? I've heard that there was some good competition hanging about." She was excited for archery it was one of her favorite weapons.

---

Note:I think i got a bit carried away with this post haha

[Deleted]

Lancelot knew in his heart and his mind that everything that he had just said about her was true. What was a surprise to him was how quickly she came into agreement with him. He listened to her say that pretty much this was the way that she had acted since she was a teenager. He wasn't particularly surprised by this information. A lot of a person's attitudes were shaped by those years. Look at himself. He had set up his goal of becoming a Knight at about the same age. "Yes ..... both good and bad habits are difficult to un-do." He listened as she responded to yet another point that he had made. "Yes .... perhaps you are both bold and right, in saying that it is not fair that others can impose their will on others, no matter what the effects that are produced. I will not try and pretend that the effects of one group will not effect others. If it were a perfect wold we would all have our say. Alas, it is not, and we must make do with what we've got to the best of our abilities."

It was obvious that she got his little joking remark. He did wonder how many times she had actually had been told that about herself. It also called into question what she had said about knights in general, and what she actually believed about them. He, of course, had always believed that the Knights played a special role in the life of the Kingdom. "Well, then, he followed the Code of the Knights you were a lucky girl, I would say. It would appear, then, that you had an excellent teacher, as you seem to have a rare acquaintance with the tactics of combat, if little with the etiquette of a Knight." He listened to her go on about her knowledge of knights and knightly behavior, raising an eyebrow at her conclusion. "My apologies then, I stand corrected," he said, giving her a short bow.

"I am impressed .... at least by your knowledge. If only you practiced what you are able to preach .... you would be a fine model of a Knight. You could use some of that humility I think. The loyalty and honor I think you have a full measure of. Hmmmm ..... did I miss something? You said your adoptive father. What became of your natural parents, or is that too personal of a question?" He listened a bit more attentively as she addressed the type of person she was and the type of person that attracted her. "So .... you consider yourself to be a mercenary, then. How much experience do you have in that field of endeavor. You may have been more qualified in the swordsmanship contest than even I realized at the time," he smiled, but then appeared somewhat grim. "No .... an assassin cannot have a shred of humanity. They cannot feel that the people that are their quarry are even persons, they are merely objects ..subjects that is their job to eliminate, and nothing more." he considered her final words on the subject just as carefully. "So it seems that you would be attracted by the perfect knight. Its a pity that there aren't more such men. I think Prince Arthur will need them someday."

Lancelot could tell by the tone in her voice and by her body language that she was getting quite charged up by the subjects that they had been discussing. It seemed that they had a quite personal importance to her. "Yes ... yes ... I could see how that would be a problem that you would want to control, if not eliminate altogether," he said referring to the ease with which which thoughts become words that you sometimes regret. He chuckled as she she mentioned a greater purpose that he was meant for. "Sometimes I think that my goal for each each new day is simply to live to see another."

Then, turning a bit more serious, "Different people have different views about such things. Some do believe that they were born predestined to do great deeds, or on a more negative vein, to not accomplish much of significance. Then there are some who believe that their characters and destinies are forged by the difficulties that they have endured. Then there are some that believe a mixture of those, as well as others I have not conjured yet. Personally, I believe that the power of thought can be even greater than whatever the fates have in store for us. Thee are even some who can take a thought, and some words, and for forge a new reality, or so I've heard. Uther thinks such powers are evil, while I am of a more practical school of thought, I think."

He then listened to what she said about himself, as to whether he could become a mercenary, which she maintained that she could not see him becoming. "Don't make too many assumptions about what others will do because you may think that their heart is too pure or too good. Place almost anyone, other than a saint, in certain circumstances, where they have lost all hope, and question things that they have always believed, anything is possible."

He smiled at her sudden outburst about Uther and the quality of his mind's decisions. "That may be true. He may be blind, as other men are often blind. However, he is king, so whatever those decisions are that he makes, often take on a greater importance than others might .... like me for example. Now your mind .... I would always think ..... have a greater importance than most. You think I am worthy? And why am I more worthy than the next man, do you think?"

It seemed obvious that she had become quite emotional, although he could not fathom the reason. He did not know her that well, at least not yet. Perhaps if and when he did know her better, more would be explained. He did notice, though, that when they got too close to her own feeling that she would rather artfully change the subject, as she did now. "I am not sure. You have many of the best qualities that we would look for in a man-at-arms." Lancelot shook his head in a negative manner at her next set of statements. "I find that you are quite a special, if not different person, indeed." Being raised in the company of men .... brothers .... would explain a lot, but not everything. It would not be so simple as that.

He saew as she tried to belittle her abilities, that alight blush came to her cheeks, and he took a finger and placed it under her chin to lift it, so that he would have a better view. It was definitely there, but it didn't last for long, as her natural color returned. "Yes .... it is a good thing if you will nit press me too hard on certain matters. There are certain people that I would defend to the death, and Merlin is one, as are you, I would expect will be shown with time. No matter what the temptation is, though, resist testing me. I am not too tolerant of being tested, even by my friends." He could see by the look in her eyes that there was much more that she wanted to ask and say, but even she must realize that this was neither the time nor the place.

"You embarrassed .... now that is something difficult to imagine." However, was she being serious, he wondered. She seemed to have that sparkle in her eye that questioned it. "I'm afraid I will have to depend on you .... I will trust that you won't be long." As it tuned out she wasn't long, but had a request that surprised him some. She came back seeking his assistance. "Surely, milady, anything that I can be of service." He stepped forward, and asked, "what is the nature of this slight problem .....?" All he could see was that she was dressed much different, with more of her skin exposed than before, and he wondered exactly what he had gotten into here.

[†Kazira Astras†]

Kazira nodded and looked at him with a little smirk. she liked Lancelot. He wasn't like the others around this place. That was a good thing. he was definitely a knight. "If it were a perfect world then we would all be lost," she stated. "I agree that we have to make do with what we have but I guess i am an idealist in a way." Kazira looked up at the sky, "in thinking the way i do but its something to look forward to, no?" Kazira looked back to him and beamed, before rubbing the back of her neck in a nervous way not sure how he would respond.

Yes, she had caught the remark he'd made but it hadn't bothered her in the least. She did have a big mouth and that wasn't going to change. She didn't want it to. people knew her to be opinionated and forceful about those opinions if she just suddenly quite talking about them and voicing them. People would start to worry. A fond smile made its way onto her lips as he brought up how lucky she was to have her adoptive father. "That I am," She started. "I was very lucky to have stumbled upon him when i did."

She nodded her head in acceptance to his bow. She listened to him speak about practicing what she preached and held her tongue. She wanted to tell him that she did but that would blow everything. Kazira liked to do things from the background. She didn't want the person's thanks. She did it because she wanted to and she didn't want the recognition that came with acting like a knight. It made her feel uncomfortable. Kazira thought to Lidia at the Black Boar Inn. But what drew her out of her musing was the question about her parents. That question made her tense up and bristle slightly. Whenever she talked about her parent she was a mix-up of emotions that she didn't even want to begin to name at that moment.

"Yes..." She started somewhat hesitantly. "Lord Astras adopted me. My parents...They were...killed the summer I turned 15, along with my little sister."

Kazira bit back the burning sensation behind her eyes. It wasn't tears that were burning them it was her magic going haywire because she was repressing emotions again. she took a deep breathe and calmed herself pushing back the urge to set something aflame to release the tension that had built up. now wasn't the time to get lost in bad memories. "I am a mercenary, among other things." Kazira stated point blank. "I don't consider myself something that i am not." The last part was a fact not a statement. Kazira didn't consider herself to be anything that she didn't already think about herself. Kazira tapped her chin in thought, " Several years, you did ask how long I've been a mercenary correct. I've been doing it as long as i can remember. My parents taught me what they knew and as we traveled the friends they had gathered taught me what they knew as well. Of course what i did my parents had no idea about but at the time i was fine with that."

"Assassins are humans despite what others think. I believe that they do have humanity in them. They have the choice to take jobs killing children and women and some do and some don't. Like any profession they have a choice in how they use their skills." Kazira was grasping for straws by this point because she hadn't met very many assassins...Unless you counted the one's her past employers sent after her to get their money back. That wasn't pretty she spent several weeks healing after the last one. She had been skilled. "The prince could use some men like that i would agree but they are few and far in between." She stated with a shrug. "Yeah i would like to meet the perfect knight but what woman doesn't dream of the perfect man? It is the imperfect one that catches our eye no matter their profession." she stated with a laugh. She looked around at the other attendees and glared at them when they glared her clothing. This was getting irritating! Why couldn't they just get over the fact that she was a woman wearing pants and be done with the whole idea.

"I do understand what you are saying about you being worthy and not judging you but," she paused as she maneuvered around Moros who decided to try and play with a few kids that ran past them. "But I am just stating what I see. Whether or not the other is worthy is something i can not determine without seeing him. And it has yet to be seen since i have yet to see him. As for Uther. I think that he is just afraid of the unknown." she paused and left out a dry laugh. "which is ridiculous because you shouldn't be afraid of something you don't know. What if his own family somehow had magic in them? Would he have them killed? what then?" She growled, but soon calmed down and finished with, "That was out of line."

She smiled at him. "You consider me a friend?" she giggled. "Then would you accept some friendly advice?"

Kazira heard what he had said and acknowledged it but she didn't want to make any unnecessary comments that would have him lash out at her. She did just gain a friend after all. Plus she wanted to focus on the positive part of the underlying threat. Friendship.She snickered. "You would be quite surprised at how often i am embarrassed. It quite an easy thing to do after all."

As she was behind the tent she couldn't help but groan. How did she do these things to herself. Kazira couldn't believe that she had resorted to asking Lancelot for help in lacing her up. well...at least finish lacing her up she had it half way done but she couldn't reach the ties after she dropped them. she turned and glared at Moros. "Why couldn't you have thumbs?!" She hissed at him. Moros only shrugged. It wasn't the first time that she had gotten herself into such a mess. She could handle the consequences.

Kazira sighed. "Do you think that you could finish tyeing this for me?" She asked pointing to-wards the half finished lacing. Kazira decided that after this moment the blush on her face was going to be firmly painted onto her face and it will never leave if she was in his presence.