The play took all of a few hours. The had lunch there, at the outdoor theatre, during the thirty minute intermission. It was a good play, celebrating the old gods. It was better than plays in Camelot, that was for sure, as apprentices of the Mage's Guild used their skills to assist in flying, lighting, and special effects.

Once the play was over, Master Thomas came and asked for Fira to accompany him.

"Our next event is a place for mages to showcase our abilities in thanks to the old gods." He smiled. "Will you not join us on stage?"

"Is that where Lorie is?" Fira asked quickly, eager but unsure.

Thomas nodded. "She wants to introduce you for us."

"Then I accept," Fira said with a smile, Thomas taking her hand and leading her through the crowds.

The knights followed more slowly. They took their time getting to amphitheatre that would serve as the stage for the sorcerers. Leon and Elyan, Gareth and Gaheris were the most unsure. None of them were big fans of magic, especially not seeing it flaunted as such. But they respected the people around them. This was their culture and as long as it didn't hurt anyone they would do nothing.

Gwaine, Tor, and Morholt were the most at home, Percival and Galahad not too out of place either. At this point, Mordred had caught up with the party, no longer in his mercenary garb but in a nice red shirt and brown pants. He didn't mind the show at all.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls!" Master Thomas stood down in the amphitheater. "We have a treat for you on this day today. An unexpected visitor!"

A roar went up from the crowds as everyone began murmuring their speculation, filling in their seats and squishing together.

"I ask our very own Dame Lorie de Rigomer to introduce this guest." Thomas gestured for Lorie to join him.

Beside Lorie at the bottom stood someone cloaked in dark red velvet. None could see her face. The knights assumed it to be Fira. When Lorie joined Thomas in the center, the figure remained motionless.

"My dear people of Somerset," Lorie began with a wide smile. "It has been a honor to be with the Mage's Guild for my entire time in this beautiful kingdom." She paused as people clapped and whistled. "Today it is with great honor and a humble heart that I introduce you to a friend of mine, Lady Nyx!"

The crowd gave a deafening roar at that name. Everyone knew that name. They continued their applause as Fira came to stand next to Lorie. Master Thomas moved behind her and removed the velvet cloak from her shoulders and uncovered her face.

Fira grinned widely, waving her hands. She winked at her friends once she found them in the crowd.

"Thank you, Lady Lorie!" Fira turned back to the crowd. "My name is Fira. I'm from Camelot, though most of you must know that." The crowd laughed and she continued. "I don't really know what I'm doing here, but it is an honor, truly."

Fira whispered a word into her hand and a tongue of fire formed. She threw it up into the air and with a flash of her eyes, it grew to become a dove, flying high into the sky.

"I was born with magic, a sin in Camelot. Unheard of. Impossible." She paused as she realized the crowd was hanging on her every word. "I lived as Druid for many years before the honorable knights of Camelot and the great King Arthur rescued me from bandits." She smiled at her friends before continuing the tale. "From there I slowly began to show them that magic was a gift, not a weapon."

Fira spoke another word of the old religion. "Gicela!" In the palm of her hand ice began to form. She spoke again. "Hiltsweord." It turned into a sword. "I help these men, these truly valiant knights and their king, to fight evil they cannot face alone."

Her heart was racing as the crowd cheered. She had one last trick for them as she threw the sword in the air and, using her magic, destroyed it into a million pieces.

"But most importantly I assist the great Emrys in his destiny." She spoke softly. "I am his right hand, and he my advisor. Together we ensure that Albion will come, the time of magic be reborn, and all be happy and safe. For I believe in King Arthur Pendragon and in the world he is building; he is the Once and Future King."

With that, she conjured more fire and this time turned it into a great dragon, flapping its flaming wings and breathing a great inferno into the sky. The crowd went wild, standing and cheering for the woman they believed to be a savior of their world. Only an appearance by the great Emrys would've been more exciting.

As Fira left the stage, Lorie embraced her. "Magnificent, young lady. Simply wonderful."

"Thank you," she replied, trembling from excitement.

The knights flooded backstage. All had been enthralled by her speech, and not a little flattered by her continued praise of their exploits. Galahad nodded at her approvingly with a smile. As they all congratulated her, she caught Mordred's eye.

"Do you truly believe all that?" He asked quietly when the others began to wander back outside. It was time to go prepare for the feast. "About King Arthur?"

"With all my heart," she said, nodding and leading him outside. "I believe in Arthur Pendragon, I believe in Emrys. I believe in these knights more than I believe in myself, Mordred."

He paused. "I wish to return to Camelot with you."

Fire's face lit up. "Good! I'm sure that can be arranged."

As they reached the citadel, Fira split to go put on a slightly more fancy dress. She intended to make the knights speechless tonight as she never had wanted to in Camelot. For here she was a force to be reckoned with. Here she could be herself and not a servant. She was a Lady.

The dress she selected was red. Golden butterfly accents were stitched all over, and golden trim lined the inside of the long sleeves. After she was dressed, Elizabeth joined her and did her hair. She put it in a fanciful curly bun, with a few stray curls hanging down her face.

"You look wonderful milady," Elizabeth said, curtsying. "If I may be so bold, are you intending to impress anyone tonight?"

Fira chuckled. "Only for fun."

Elizabeth smile along with her. "Well, the feast has begun. I suggest you-"

A knock interrupted her. Fira nodded for Elizabeth to open the door. There stood three people: Gwaine, Lorie, and Galahad.

Fira was stunned at how wonderful they looked. Instead of chainmail, which the knights wore to every feast in Camelot, both the men were dressed in fine shirts and pressed black pants. Their fancy druid swords hung on their belts. Lorieed as immaculate as ever in a new pink dress. Their shocked expression matched her own as they saw her.

"Fira, would you do me the honor of accompanying me to the feast of the Winter Solstice?" Galahad smiled and walked inside, offering an arm.

She smiled and nodded with a small curtsy. "Of course, sir knight."

Gwaine nearly lost it but Lorie jabbed him in the side. He rolled his eyes at his beloved and they turned to walk down the hall.

"The others are already at the feast," Gwaine explained. "They didn't have to wait on their ladies."

"We will be fashionably late," Lorie reminded Gwaine by poking him in the shoulder.

Together the four of them made their way into the great throne room. The feast had barely begun when they entered, Fira electing to sit between Percival and Mordred, across from Galahad.

"You look nice," Percival said to her as she sat next to him. "Galahad's a lucky knight."

Fira blushed and thanked him. She took a bite of pheasant and suddenly realized how hungry she was. Everyone agreed meal was delicious and soon music began for dancing.

"We were cut short in Samhain," Galahad reminded her. "Shall we finish here?"

Fira nodded and stood. "Of course, sir."

They danced together for awhile, the music pleasant and easy to move to. Gwaine and Lorie on the other hand were in some kind of heated argument on the side, so much would that the others insisted in getting in on it.

"I was just saying that Sir Galahad had to kiss her," Lorie explained.

Gwaine scoffed. "The boy is too... too pure. He'll never do it."

"Care to make a wager on that." Lorie narrowed her eyes at him. "If I win, you owe me a favor that I can use at any time. Same thing if you win."

"Deal." Gwaine shook her hand.

The young couple were laughing about something as they danced. The knights on the side watched intently. Most were hoping Lorie was right if only because it would make Gwaine wrong. Percival just wanted his two young friends to be happy.

"You were magnificent today, you know," Galahad smiled down at her. "Especially with Master Thomas' show. You captured their hearts."

Fira smiled. "Everyone's?"

"Oh come on, you know you have my heart." Galahad laughed lightly. "I'm wrapped around your finger."

She blushed. "How did I manage to get so lucky?"

"Good question." Galahad smirked and bent down. Then he hesitated. "I can kiss you?"

Fira answered by kissing him. Neither of them noticed Lorie's smug smile as she turned back to Gwaine. But though he had lost the bet, he was happy for his two young friends.

None noticed the Queen anxiously tapping her fingers in her table. The King, Gwaine had learned upon their arrival, was not feeling well and had elected to miss the feast. So Morcades was on her own.

Suddenly as Fira and Galahad broke apart, a great sound as of hoofbeats sounded outside until with a clamor, the doors were flung open.

A green knight stood atop a green horse in the entry way. A great green axe was upon his back. The screams of the nobles was heard as they scrambled behind the present knights of Somerset and Camelot. All drew their swords. Fira readied a spell.

Morcades stood. "What is the meaning of this? Be gone from my hall, foul creature."

But the Knight merely laughed. Few could see his eyes and none his face beneath the helm. He dismounted from his emerald steed and stood higher than the tall Queen. The sound of his iron armor hitting the floor was deafening to those present and silenced everyone.

"I am here to punish those who would support the Once and Future King." The Green Knight heaved off his great axe. "I offer a challenge."

"Name it," Morcades demanded. "There are enough warriors in this hall to defeat you."

"I will take a single blow from any warrior." The Green Knight spoke slowly and with purpose. "Any of the knights who serve the Pendragon King. And if all refuse, I will take my leave and find the Pendragon King myself."

Gwaine stood immediately, no hesitation. "I do not fear you, creature. I accept your challenge."

Fira wanted to scream at him. She had already tried a spell to knock the Knight back, but he was impervious to her magic. What could Gwaine hope to do?

"Foolish, but brave." The Green Knight handed his massive axe Gwaine. "Take your shot."

Gwaine held the axe in his hands. It weighed a ton, but he was strong. He lifted it up and with a massive swing, hit the Green Knight in the neck. The Knight's head rolled to the floor, leaving the entire room speechless. Gwaine smirked.

But then the Green Knight bent down, picking up his severed head. He held it in his arms. "Remember this, Maiden's Knight. None can oppose me or the Emerald Lady. All will fall. First, you and your companions. Then Nyx. Then the Pendragon King, and finally Emrys."

The hall had exploded in screams, the nobles rushing for doors and fleeing into the castle. But the knights of Camelot stood firm, having joined Gwaine in front of the Green Knight.

"If you dare face me again, I will be waiting for you. We will be waiting for you." The Green Knight laughed.

He leapt up onto his steed and galloped down the streets of Somerset city. All who saw him scurried indoors and hid their faces. The rest of the Winter Solstice was canceled.