I want to preface this by saying I have no idea how often I'll be updating this. I started writing it a year ago and wasn't planning on publishing it until I got bitten by the inspiration bug again. As it is, I don't have a 100% set plan for this story, just a few ideas of what I'd like to do. So if you like the story, bear with me while I figure this out.
Disclaimer: Merlin isn't mine get off my back.
Eva was making her way up the main streets in the town of Hymra. She had received a summons from the Lord there, when a young boy came barreling up to her.
"Eva! Eva! Guess what Eva!"
Chuckling at the young boy's enthusiasm, Eva knelt down to his level and asked, "What is it this time, Henry? Have the evil monsters finally fled from the stables?"
"No. They're still there…" his happy mood failing a bit at the thought of the ghosts he swore to all were lurking in the stables. He quickly recovered when he remembered the news he had for the young healer. "Father is having the King and some of his Knights at the house for the week! Isn't that exciting, Eva?"
"Yes Henry, that sounds very exciting," Eva said standing back up. "But we should get you home before your father sends out a search party for you. I'm sure he has a lot for you to do before his guests arrive."
Placing a hand on the young boy's back, Eva led Henry up to the large house at the head of the town. Reaching the front door, Eva knocked and waited for it to open when Henry turned and asked her a question.
"Eva, will you be here to meet the King when he comes?"
Laughing at the innocence of the boy before her, Eva crouched down to his level again before answering.
"No Henry, I won't be meeting the King. Your father is one of the lords of this land, which makes you the son of a noble. You may be like a little brother to me, but I'm just a common healer in town. I won't be asked to meet with the King while he's here."
Looking slightly crestfallen at the thought Eva wouldn't be there with him, Henry walked through the door when his father opened it and ushered him in.
Lord Derek has always been a kind man, especially after the fire that ripped through the town a few years before, just before Henry was born. So it came as no surprise to Eva when he gave her a wide grin in greeting and asked her to step inside the large house for a moment.
The lord's house was grand to be sure. Made of stone, and at least half the size of the town itself, it stood out as the home of a noble family. Not wanting to linger too long, Eva turned to the lord and asked what he required of her.
"I know you are one of the finest physicians in the country, Eva. Your family would be immensely proud of you."
Eyes immediately becoming downcast, Eva fidgeted with the silver chain around her neck, the small, clear crystal pendant pinched between her slender fingers.
Realizing the effect his words had on Eva, Lord Derek continued, "I was hoping I could rely on you to be available at anytime during his majesty's visit, should anything happen."
"Does the King not have a physician of his own traveling with him? I thought I'd heard his servant was trained under the court physician." Eva replied returning her gaze to Derek.
"He has been trained, yes. But just in case anything should happen, and it's out of his depth for any reason, can I rely on you to be of service?"
"Of course my lord," Eva replied, "just send someone to my house if I'm needed."
Eva went to turn away when she saw the lord look at her hesitantly, like he wasn't sure he should say what he needed to. Turning back to him Eva asked, "was there something else Lord Derek?"
"Erm. Yes. Yes there was actually. I don't want to make the King or his Knights feel uncomfortable during their stay here, so I was hoping I could ask one more favor of you." He still looked hesitant about what he wanted to ask, so Eva waited patiently for him to say what he needed. Though she had a feeling she knew what he was going to ask.
"I was hoping you would be willing to act as a sort of… assistant to the King's knights. It wouldn't be anything extreme." He added hastily, "it would only be a few minor chores like making their beds, and taking their clothes to the washer's."
Eva had to bite back a grin at the man who helped care for her the past few years. She had a feeling he would ask such a favor when she realized he needed more from her than just being an on call physician. She was shy by nature, but knew how to behave around people of similar and different statuses than she.
"I would be happy to help my lord. Just let me know if you need help with anything else."
"Oh no, that won't be necessary." He said waving off her offer for more help. "You'll be paid for your services of course, and I've also had a servant's quarters prepared for you, so you don't' have to walk all the way up from town everyday. They should be here in two days time, so if you could gather what you need from home, and help prepare their rooms, I would be most grateful."
"Of course Lord Derek," Eva replied with a small smile. "I'll be back by midday to help with preparations." She curtsied and made for the door when she heard a final "thank you my dear" from Derek. She continued out the door, and began making her way down the main road for her home, thinking of all that she would need to assist the Knights of Camelot for the time they would be here.
Thoughts? Opinions? Let me know!
K