Author's Note: My story takes place during Arthur's reign as King. The laws restricting magic are strongly enforced. This is my first Fanfiction so take it easy on the newcomer. Please review if you like it or have any constructive criticism to offer. I will take any new ideas for this story into consideration, so if you might like to see something happen in the future chapters let me know! Thank you!
Disclaimer: I do not own Merlin or any of the show's affiliations.
Arthur Pendragon and his knights wove through the trees in the forest surrounding Camelot. They were hunting something carefully, as dusk approached.
"Merlin!" Arthur called out in a whisper. His tone was rather impatient. Merlin stumbled and dropped the weapons he'd been carrying. After quickly retrieving them, he rushed to keep pace at Arthur's side.
"Yes, sire?"
"It's a wonder the whole kingdom hasn't heard you. Wait by the horses. We'll meet you back there once we've taken the stag." Arthur's eyes never left the expanse of wilderness in front of him.
"Yes, sire. Of course." This request was not worth arguing over.
The wind whistled by as he followed the path of broken branches and mud trodden leaves. A brilliant red and golden sky filled the Western horizon, the color reminding him of a lion's mane. The trees grew closer together in this part of the Wood. Constantly having to brush stray branches out of the way; he came to realize he was no longer on the path. Lost in thought, he almost didn't hear the faint singing resonating ahead of him. Edging past a particularly large oak he could glimpse a young girl with her arms outstretched over her head. The soft melody was coming from her. He noticed something else. Clusters of leaves danced around her as she swayed to the rhythm. This girl had magic.
Under the cover of trees, Merlin carefully made his way to a large stone where he could have a better view of the girl. Her red hair cascaded in waves around her shoulders. Her skin was pale in the last ray of sunlight. Merlin leaned forward to see her face clearer. Not long after, he heard the rattling of chain mail accompanied by laughter from the approaching knights. If Arthur saw her he would surely order her execution.
Merlin knew he wanted to protect this girl. As he eased away from the stone he thought of spells that could shield her from sight. A vine tangled itself around his ankle causing him to wobble. Once free he uttered "blóstmá", and as his eyes changed to gold he watched the branches stretch as new leaves sprouted among them. He had created a veil in which to deter Arthur from drawing too close.
Laughter rang out from Arthur and his knights. Merlin brushed by Percival and headed straight to the horses. Arthur peered upward, and catching Merlin's eye, began to speak.
"Merlin! How nice of you to join us." He triumphantly stroked the light brown stag draped over his horse.
"Arthur, I thought I was clo-"
"It's fine, Merlin. Honestly I don't care if you were picking apples. We got our prize and now I must return to Guinevere." A few short chuckles arose from Percival, Leon, and Gwaine. A smirk played on Merlin's face as Arthur rolled his eyes and mounted his horse.
