Chapter 1: Arrival in Camelot
Hello everyone. This is a fem/noble Merlyn. There are changes obviously some minor and some major that you will pick up. Hope you all like it. please review and tell me what you think….
10 year old Merlyn had been riding for most of the day with 6 knights led by Sir Gorge towards Camelot which was going to be her home. Merlyn was the daughter of Lord Balinor a rich noble owner of the vast fertile lands of Andor was a respectable member of the court with a high position, a knight of Camelot and close friend to the king and Lady Hunith a commoner woman he had met during his travels and fell in love with. Just days before, her home had been attacked in a sudden umbush by the knights of Essetir. The lands of Andor were close to the boarders of enred's kingdom and with the feuds over land it was just a matter of time. When reinforcements came, it was too late. The knights of Camelot managed to drive the intruders away but the damage had already been done. Everything and everyone was destroyed. She had lost her parents and her home and everyone she knew. She had nothing on her except the clothes she was wearing. The king offered to take her in seeing as she had no other relatives.
She had never been in Camelot before though every time her father returned from a tournament or court or training, she pestered him to tell her all he could about Camelot. She had wished to go there one day and to see the magnificent castle, the king, the prince and the princess. There was one thing that made her heart beat faster and for her to be filled with dread. King Uther hated magic and killed anyone suspected to have magic and she had it. She had been born like that according to her mother and father. Her father often said she learnt to levitate herself before she could crawl. Both her parents protected her and took measures so that she wouldn't be found out and began to teach her to control it when she was as young as 4. To avoid detection, she didn't have a nurse maid till she was 6 and could control her magic. Now she was going to live with the man who could kill her in an instant should he discover her secret. It wasn't good.
Merlyn's eyes lit with wonder as the castle came into view. The castle was truly magnificent brilliant white, large and just amazing! She couldn't believe she was actually going to be living there. The knights led her horse to the courtyard and came to a stand. She was helped off her horse by Sir Gorge. Merlyn's eyes looked at the large astle which felt like it could swallow her up close. This was nothing like her manor home back in Andor. This was too fine, too large and overwhelming. Walking around were servants going about their business, ladies of the court throwing her curious looks and people just milling around. Merlyn felt a hand on hers. "My lady, the king wishes to see you." Merlyn turned to Sir George in surprise. "Now?" she said looking at her clothes, black trousers and blue shirt and boots wrinkled by the ride. Her hair was in a simple pony tail. She hardly looked presentable lest of all in the presence of the king. "Follow me." said Sir Gorge and Merlyn sighed knowing there was nothing she could do and she could most certainly not let the king wait. Beside, she had nothing to change into.
Merlyn entered the castle followed Sir Gorge. They came to large double doors with 2 guards posted on either side. The 2 guards bowed at them and let them in. Merlyn smoothened her clothes trying to look presentable and entered the room after Sir Gorge. It was large and the king was seated on his chair. He looked so imposing and it was clear he was not one to cross though he looked gentle now. "My Lord, may I present Lady Merlyn." Merlyn curtsied at the king. Uther rose and walked to them. "Merlyn, you look so much like your father." He said looking at the young girl. She was dressed in trousers and a shirt and her hair was tied to her back simply, with some dust on her from the ride but it was clear she was a very beautiful girl with jet black hair and the bluest eyes he had only ever seen. Her skin was smooth and pale creating a beautiful enthralling combination. It was clear she would grow to be a very striking woman. "I apologize for your father. He was very dear to me and I miss him already." Merlyn felt tears in her eyes at the thought of her father. "I know I cannot bring him back but I am here now. You will be looked after and will never want of anything." "Thank you my Lord." said Merlyn grateful.
A maid led her across the corridors to her chambers. Merlyn just looked with wonder and awe. Everything was just too big here and she felt so much excitement at the thought of exploring the castle discovering secrets rooms. Maybe she would do so with the prince or princess… She briefly wondered if they would like her enough for that. They came to her chambers and the maid opened the door for her. Merlyn's eyes widened even further at the grand luxurious rooms. They chambers were much larger than the ones she had back home. They were very airy with lots of windows and space. There was a large 4 poster bed, long table, 2 couches, a changing screen which was adjoined to her closet, a vanity table, long mirror and a bathing area. The maid, Liana brought her water to bathe, she freshened up, had some lunch and rested till dinner. The bed was so comfy she was asleep as soon as she laid her head.
Merlyn awoke couple of hours later being shaken by another maid. It was already evening and she had to prepare for dinner with the king prince and princess. The maid whose name was Susanna helped her freshen up and presented her with a dress obviously belonging to the princess. Merlyn frowned slightly when she looked at the dress. It was the color pink with lace and decorations. It was not her style at all. She didn't particularly like dresses but with her station, she had to wear them here and there but whenever she could avoid it, she would wear her trousers and shirt. The dress was too pink, too frilly and too girly for her liking. Ever since she was a child, Merlyn was a tomboy. She loved climbing trees, exploring, sword fighting, watching her father training and riding with the local boys driving the maids and her mother mad. Her father never discouraged her or tried to change her. The duty was left to her nurse maid Flora who always frowned when she saw her in trousers but had learnt from experience never to let her loose while wearing a dress. She particularly liked sword fighting and when she was old enough her father began teaching her how to use it. Susanna helped her into the dress and then made her hair. She asked it to be left down and pinned together so that it didn't come to her face.
After dressing, Merlyn was led out towards the family room. Merlyn entered and found the king, prince and princess already seated. Merlyn's eyes zeroed in on the prince and princess. He was fair with medium length flaxen blonde hair with bangs, grey blue eyes, tan skin probably from being outside for long and what looked to be a tall lanky frame though healthy looking. The prince was looking at her with a haughty expression that said, 'Get on with it I want to it.' The princess Morgana was a beauty with long blonde hair tied exquisitely, jade green eyes and pale skin dressed immaculately. She looked nothing like Arthur and was looking at her with curiosity. Merlyn curtsied and said, "My Lord." To Uther and sat down. "Nice of you to join us Merlyn. Meet my son, Prince Arthur and daughter Princess Morgana." Merlyn smiled and greeted Arthur. "Pleased to meet you my lady." said Arthur. "Pleasure to meet you." said Morgana.
"Were the chambers to your satisfaction?" asked Uther and Merlyn smiled and said, "Yes my Lord. They are very big and airy." At that Arthur scoffed but quieted at the look from his father. Merlyn settled and listened to the conversation which consisted of Arthur and Morgana telling their father what they had done during the day and what they planned to do tomorrow. Arthur it turned out was now old enough to practice with real weapons at 13 years of age. Merlyn hoped she would be able to train with Arthur too. Morgana talked of music lessons and flowers. After dinner, Merlyn went back to her chambers and looked out from her window. It was now dark with rooms of the castle lit. There was still few movements around the courtyard. She sighed. Thus was her new life now. Her father and mother were gone, she was all alone now and she would have to live here in Camelot. She fell into a restless sleep plagued by nightmares reliving the attack at her home, seeing her parents being killed.
The next day, Merlyn woke up feeling very tired from tiredness from the ride and her head was throbbing from crying last night. "My lady, are you ok?" asked the maid servant. "I am fine. I am just tired from yesterday's ride." She said and the maid nodded though not entirely convinced. She was dressed in a peach dress made of cotton with drop shoulder sleeves laced with lace, with a silk belt at her waist tied at the back. Her hair was left down in gentle waves pinned with a brooch. After she had breakfast in her chambers, the head royal seamstress came in. The woman was elderly with dark brown hair, brown eyes, tan skin and a plump motherly figure. She was warm and nice. Her name was Anna. Merlyn stood as Anna got her measurements. "Do you have any specific styles you would want on your dresses, my lady?" asked Anna. "Yes. I cannot describe them. Can I illustrate them on parchment?" "Of course. I always bring some with me." Merlyn took the parchment and pen and got busy concentrating on the sketches. "You really are talented my lady." said Anna and Merlyn smiled. "Father said I take after mother. She was a very good artist." "These are very beautiful designs." Merlyn smiled at the praise. "Can I have some trousers and a shirt too?" "Yes my lady." After discussing clothes, she asked if she could have curtains and bedspread in blue which was her favorite color. Anna agreed.
Merlyn looked out her window after Anna left and she saw Prince Arthur training with a sword. She smiled remembering how she would train with her father and his men. She missed it already. Maybe he would allow her to join. She changed into black pants and a red shirt and flat shoes. She tied her hair in a pony tail and took her sword. Her father had a sword made specifically for her with her initials engraved on it and she loved it. She took the sword and left her chambers. She made her way to where the boys were training and stood watching. When there was a pause, Arthur looked up and saw Merlyn holding a sword. "Merlyn?" he said questioningly looking into her blue eyes. He had never seen the ladies of the court dressed as she was unless they were going maybe for a ride. He had thought she would be another Morgana all about flowers and fashion. It looked like he was wrong. "Can I join?" said Merlyn looking at Arthur hopefully. She really hoped he would allow her. Arthur gaped in surprise. "No." said Arthur. "Why? Because I am just a girl?" said Merlyn her eyes flashing. "This is not a girls sport." "Please? I trained with father and I really enjoyed it." Arthur sighed dramatically. "Ok. Here is the deal. You will fight me. If you beat me, which I doubt, you can train with us. If not, don't bother us again." said Arthur. "Scared?" taunted Arthur. "Not even a little bit." retorted Merlyn and the boys ooohed.
Merlyn put herself in fighting stance and then she and Arthur began to fight. Even the older knights stood by to watch. Arthur was a good fighter but he was too arrogant and thought too highly of himself. He loved to taunt and not fight and that was his weakness. Merlyn was small but she was flexible, agile and quick. In the final act, Merlyn tripped Arthur and he lost his balance. She immediately disarmed his sword and pointed hers at his chest with a smirk on her face. There were cheers for her. Arthur shoved her sword out of his face and rose up his face red with anger and humiliation and said, "I let you win." "But I still won didn't I?" said Merlyn a grin on her face. "You are good…" he said begrudgingly, "for someone so tiny." Merlyn glared at him. "I am not tiny!" Arthur merely walked away. "So can I join?" she asked hopefully to the knight training the young boys. "Well, she surely has skill if she managed to beat you Arthur or are you getting sloopy?" Arthur flushed red and glared at Merlyn. "I will speak to the king. If he permits then you may train." Merlyn smiled excited. She hoped the king would agree. Arthur fought a grin at the girl's excitement. He didn't know why he liked this girl despite the fat that she had just humiliated him. He had never tolerated girls before. They irritated him with their high voices squeals and giggles. For once she loved sword fighting.
Merlyn turned and saw Morgana looking at her grinning. "You beat him! How did you do that? Where did you learn to fight like that?" Merlyn smiled at the bubbly side of the princess so different from the regal lady like princess she had seen last night. "Father taught me." said Merlyn. "I am glad. Now Arthur will never live it down. beaten by a girl…" she said and Merlyn laughed. sibling rivalry. She was so sure Morgana would keep to her word. "This is my maid Susan." Merlyn looked at the girl noticing her just then. She was older with long red hair and blue eyes. "My lady." "Nice to meet you Susan." said Merlyn. "Would you like me to show you around?" "Of course." said Merlyn brightening up and they left. Morgana was a great tour guide showing her the market and the important places and introducing her to some of the ladies of the court seeing as she was not yet introduced officially.
That afternoon Merlyn was introduced to her new maid servant, Guinevere, Gwen for short. The girl had long curly dark brown hair that came to her shoulder blades; soft brown eyes, light brown skin and was pretty. Gwen was also her age and for that she was grateful. Her maid Flora back home had been older and more like a second mum. That evening the nervous girl had tended to her. "Gwen?" "Yes My lady," "I know you are to be my maid servant but I also need a friend. You can call me Lyn when we are alone." "Really?" asked Gwen in surprise. "Yes. We are the same age aren't we? I know it is not proper so no one will know. It's just that…back home, my maid was way older and she was stuffy. She wouldn't let me have any fun!" Gwen stifled a giggle and Merlyn smiled. "Ok." "Good." just then Merlyn had a blinding pain in her head that she clutched her head in pain. "My lady, are you alright?" asked Gwen worried. Merlyn didn't look good. "I have a bad headache." "Let me escort you to the court physician. He will know what to do." Gwen said and she agreed.
Merlyn was taken to the physician chambers where she met Gaius. Gaius was elderly man with pure white hair, blue eyes and had a kind, wise and all knowing look. Merlyn liked him instantly. She felt safe with him. He was caring. "What is the matter my lady?" he asked gently his blue eyes trailed on her. "My um, my head hurts." said Merlyn. She hated feeling weak. When she was younger, she never complained and often said told when she was in real pain. It also helped she had magic and could heal her tiny scrapes. Her mother often said she was as stubborn as her father and she would puff out her chest proudly making her mother laugh. Gaius looked her over and gave her a pain potion which would also make a fall asleep. The king was informed about her illness and he came to check on her before she slept.
The days after Merlyn settled in very well. She began to miss her parents less and less and began getting used to Camelot and her new family. The first time she had seen and execution, she had nightmares for a month each time seeing herself at the pyre making the king forbid her to see them. The King was very stern and fearsome commanding respect but he was also gentle, concerned and caring. Merlyn was glad she was one of the few who saw King Uther's softer side. He allowed her to train with the younger squires much to her joy and told her stories about her father. Merlyn was beginning to warm up to him though her fear remained. She had seen firsthand how much king Uther hated magic and she knew he would have her killed should he ever find out. With Arthur, things were a bit tense after she beat him, but they soon warmed up to each other and became great friends. They liked the same things, hunting, sword fighting, exploring etc.
With Morgana it was different. Morgana was the typical princess. She was beautiful, elegant and always impeccably dressed, graceful, sometimes aloof and with an air of superiority about her (all nobles had that) but when you got to know her, she was caring, compassionate and nice. She liked riding, music, fashion, gossiping and just the typical girly stuff. They attended lessons together, she showed her around and taught her new things and they bonded. Morgana however didn't get along with Arthur having vicious prank wars which resulted in her caught up in the middle, teased each other mercilessly or even ignored each other. She soon got used to it and knew to run in the opposite direction when they went into it. This was now her new life and the years went on.
Well first chapter. Its long I know. Thanks for reading. Please review and tell me what you think good or bad as long its constructive.