It goes without saying that in the land of Camelot not everything is always as it seems. Beyond every story there is another. Like those in a book, the story cannot be crafted without first the letters themselves. It may appear that fate works in strange ways, jerking her will around to and fro, but sometimes that can change the rules and suddenly a whole different game is being played, a game of hearts, and destiny, and the very meaning of the word love. It may seem presumptuous to tell a tale such as this, when the very fate of Camelot rests upon the shoulders of a very brave king, yet it has always been said that without love there was never war, and without war love blooms. In a world full of fear, perhaps the very key to happiness lies in the hearts of those that are bound to each other across the very fabric of space and time. But maybe this is simply the ramblings of a woman who is too much of an optimist. Regardless, dear reader, sit back and find yourself immersed in the world of Camelot, taking another path in time, into the hearts of two individuals whose story rings across the mountains, but like the call of a sparrow, is often overshadowed by the song of a canary.
"We can't have Merlin look after the both of us," Arthur, King of Camelot, sighed, not truly caring as much as he should have but enough to put up a little bit of concern.
"I agree," answered Gwen, folding her hands daintily in her lap while her nightgown cascaded in shimmering waves down to her ankles.
"I'm not surprised, after all," Arthur snorted as he picked at his food, the boyish smile on his face. "He is pretty incapable. He's barely managed to keep me alive. I can't ask him to look after my queen." The stern face Gwen gave him was lost as he grinned at her.
"I think Merlin does a wonderful job," said Gwen, "You're just too hard on him. And anyways, I don't need a servant. I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself."
Arthur snorted before leaning forward and clasping Gwen's hand in his own. "That was before you were Queen of Camelot. A queen shouldn't have to light her own fire." he paused. "That's what we have insufferable people like Merlin to do."
Gwen rolled her eyes but couldn't keep the almost invisible blush off her cheeks. "Do what you like, but I'll have you know that it isn't necessary. It will be a complete waste of your time."
"No, not my time, Merlin's. And nothing is a waste of time when it is for you," he wrapped his arms around Gwen's shoulders and laid his nose in the crook of her shoulder, feeling her soft skin beneath his cheek. Nothing was a waste for Gwen.
At one time Gwen might have resisted such personal advances, but now she just leaned back into his embrace, feeling his comfortable strength wrap warmly around her.
"I need you to find Gwen a servant."
Merlin stood up slowly, arms full of clothes that had been strewn about the floor and squinted at Arthur.
"Am I not doing a good enough job for both of you?" he asked, but immediately wondered why he even tried.
"Merlin, you barely do a good enough job for me. Actually on second thought, you might as well as replace yourself while you're out there. I'm sure there are some people out there who would look at it as an honor to serve the king instead of whining about it all the time."
"But I'm the only one that can put up with your sorry attitude."
"My attitude? What attitude?"
Merlin didn't even bother disagreeing and instead just softly shook his head.
"Is that all, My Lord?" He asked, managing to keep a straight face when he saw Arthur's.
"What attitude? What are you talking about Merlin?" his expression was confused, eyebrows drawn together.
"My Lord, I don't know you're talking about. Is there anything you need because otherwise I will take my leave."
"Merlin-" Arthur began, the confused look quickly transforming into anger, but almost as quickly dropping off of his face to be replaced by resigned frustration. "Don't come back until you find a servant."
Merlin bowed, a little too low, before turning to leave. As he was pulling the heavy wooden door to Arthur's chambers closed behind him, Arthur's voice rang out.
"And don't bring back one of your tavern friends either!" his voice echoed down the corridor and Merlin winced. Maybe he would find someone to replace himself, let them face the brunt of Arthur's spoiled brat attitude. Yet even as he thought this, he shook his head. Despite all of his misgivings, Merlin had to admit that there was something about the young king that he would miss, besides it being his destiny and all. He just hoped that Arthur felt some semblance of the same way towards him.
The market square of Camelot was bustling, and every time Merlin came down he never ceased to marvel at its size. It was easy to forget that the pompous king was actually part of something much greater, especially when he was washing his underwear. Looking at all of the smiling faces in the square it was suddenly very easy to imagine that he was part of that something as well.
The hard cobblestones barely made a sound as he walked, their worn faces having seen the rise and fall of many generations and many great kings. Through the air snaked the smells of a city, the warm smell of fresh bread, entwining with the putrid aroma of things best not mentioned. It was times like this that Merlin forgot he was a sorcerer at all, and for better or for worse, he simply became one of the people. He suddenly wondered if Gwen missed coming down into the town, he knew that he surely would.
His gaze was so enraptured by the bustling crowd he didn't even realize, until he hit the ground, that he had run into someone. Around him, all he could see was the feet of others hurrying past, not bothering to help him. He scrambled to his feet when he saw the faded purple hem of a dress splayed out in front of him.
"Are you alright?" he asked, sticking his hand down to help the fallen person up. When a small, smooth hand met his he yanked them up, barely even noticing the apologetic grin the girl gave him. Instead, his eyes were drawn to long brown hair that cascaded over her shoulders and the brown eyes that glistened. It was all too familiar.
"...sorry," he said as he came back to reality and she grinned at him, not seeming to be even fazed by his clumsiness.
"It's alright. No problem. I'm Gabriele." She stuck her hand out and Merlin took it numbly.
"I'm Merlin."