It was early dawn; gold rays of light were spilling over hills of emerald green. The mist rose from the cerulean sea below and enfolded the previous ruins that had been Camelot. Though she looked worn, and beaten the city was slowly rising to power. Within the fortress' walls a flutter of activity was taking place with carts rolling in, horses whinnying. Goats, chickens, pig all running loose. Among the chaos two brothers walked, quietly content with it all. "Have you seen the girls around here?" Arthur muttered to Kay as they walked through the crowd, his eyes were following Guinevere through the crowd that had been procuring over the last few weeks.
"Have you seen the girls around here?" Arthur muttered to Kay as they walked through Camelot. They had procured many people in the last few weeks, now the ruins looked alive.
"Aye, and they all follow you. They all have hope." Kay replied. His eyes roved over the crowd and landed on Merlin and the woman beside him. "Looks like Merlin has himself a woman."
Arthur glanced over, his brows winged up. "She's not bad, not great...Is Merlin interested in women?"
Kay snickered. "They're coming this way."
The man stopped in front of them, tugging the woman forward, he spoke, rather proudly. "Arthur, Kay—this is Moira McKellan, one of your warriors."
"What?" The two brothers stared opened mouth.
"Like I've never heard that one before." Moira rolled her grey colored eyes, she glanced at them. "Test me then."
"Kay, go ahead," Arthur stood back.
Merlin muttered a curse beneath his breath. "Don't you trust me yet?" He asked the boy-king. Moira smirked and drew her sword eying the man in front of her.
"Kay is it?"She asked. He nodded. "Beat me and Arthur will have my allegiance," Moira twirled her blade through the air enjoying the whistling sound. "Lose and I'll side with Morgan."
"The Irish are easily swayed," Merlin said dryly. Moira swore at him. He grinned in response. Under his breath he spoke to Arthur even as swords clashed. "Moira is a warlords daughter, she is the product of rape—she killed the man who raped her mother…she was fifteen when she did so. Her father trained her, her brothers honed her skills." He slid a sidewise glance at the king. "Her brothers will also fight for you."
"But you heard her, if she loses…" Arthur began.
Merlin interrupted him. "She will." Arthur glanced up at the brooding sorcerer. A small crowd began to gather around the fight, space was given as the two fighters spread out in the tiny space. Kay was surprised to say the least. Moira was holding her own and Kay was wearing her down. She had to admit Arthur had himself a damn good brother to fight for him, and she knew—quite disappointingly that she was losing. "Shit!" Her curse echoed in the air as Kay's sword slid past her defense and nicked her arm. The two stood panting, sweat dripping from their brows. With a scowl she turned to Arthur and knelt. "You have my allegiance."
"And ours." A man stepped forward with three men behind him all knelt.
"My brothers, Malcolm, Calder, Balin and Larkin." Moira stepped back amongst the men. The family resemble was easily spotted when the five were close to each other. She locked eyes with Arthur, Kay, Leontes and then Merlin. "We will fight beneath the Pendragon flag."
"I am thankful." Arthur replied with a nod of his head.
Night fell over the ruins and with it uneasiness. Or maybe that was just her. She stood on the wall of the castle; nothing but the moon and the owls to keep her company. Below the future king slept peacefully, his companions and allies did the same. She would make sure that they stayed safe. Moira's eyes roved over the landscape, taking in the grounds. Battles would be fought there, blood spilt and lives taken—"Lady Moira," Kay moved from the shadows interrupting her thoughts. "It's late, you should be bedded down."
"As should you." She replied bitterly.
"If you're still sore about losing—"
"I did it on purpose." Moira snapped. "Don't get too hung up on it."
"Moira," Merlin's voice came from their side, below the turret. "Time for bed."
She rolled her eyes. "You'd think he was my bloody father." She nodded to Kay and departed. Merlin met her at the bottom of the stairs, holding out his hand to assist her. She took it with a scowl. He linked her arm with his and patted her hand. "Merlin this isn't necessary." She murmured.
"There are a number of men here discussing you Moira; it is my wish that they not come into contact with you unless I am sure they will not harm you." Merlin stopped outside of her chamber doors, and brushed a strand of brown hair away from her face. "I promised your father I would watch over you and so I shall."
Moira gazed at him for a long moment, trying to read him. Merlin's eyes narrowed, and he opened the door for her. "Spoil sport." She muttered. They went their separate way, and like the rest of Camelot slept soundly with the hope of the future in their thoughts.
The next day dawned in pools of red, purple and yellow, rather than savor the new day Merlin sat in his room, pondering about the woman he had brought over to Great Britain long before he had brought Arthur to Camelot. Moira was a particular kind of woman; he knew that, he wasn't blind or stupid. He had heard the mummers among the men. Some said she was cursed, some that she would get them all killed if she fought beside them. Even Arthur had been unsure. He knew that Moira would speak her piece as she had when he had found her in Ireland. Hell, he still had the scar. His hazel eyes flickered to the sunrise drawn to the colors, and felt a stirring in the back of his mind. She was up. His long legs strode to his window and watched the figure mount her horse and ride out. He followed.
The trio of candles sat in a triangle with Moira in the middle, her brown hair hung down her bareback, her legs were nestled on top of her fur lined cloak. Merlin slowed his horse and leaned forward on his saddle, shifting to see her from the side. She had a row of sewing needles in front of her and softly her voice ran out in the meadow. "Spirit of light, by my will I summon you to this place. Cast your favor upon these needles and each needle, grant your power that no evil intrusion may pass, lest it suffer upon it your unyielding retribution. By my will I call your will, let this be done." Merlin stiffened suddenly, as did Moira.
A wicked laugh spread over the field. "Do you think that can help your boy king?" Morgan sky clad as well approached. Merlin was quick to dismount as Moira rose exiting her circle of protection. "How adorable."
"Leave this place Morgan; you do not belong here, just like you do not belong on the throne." Moira's voice was hard and cold. Merlin stood beside her now.
"Don't let her in." He whispered.
"I don't plan to," Moira closed her eyes, lips moving in a silent spell.
Morgan stopped, brows furrowed. "What is she doing?" The half-sister of Arthur stepped back. "Merlin!" But the sorcerer had backed away as well. His eyes went to the river behind Morgan. It was flooding. He heard it before it happened. Moira's eyes flew open, sterling gray as the final bit of her spell left her mouth in Gaelic words. A wall of water horses swept over Morgan engulfing her.
The meadow was once more empty and in Uther's castle Morgan gasped for breath. "Bloody witch!" She curled into a ball coughing and gasping for air. When the panic of drowning had passed Morgan took a moment to compose herself and wipe away the tears.
Moira turned away from the river took a step and then swayed, Merlin caught her as she collapsed. He folded the naked woman into his arms, drawing her cloak over her. "Foolish stupid self conceded witch." He growled even as he tried to warm her cold skin. "Stupid."
"Aye, but it taught her a lesson." Moira smiled weakly at the sorcerer.
"You meddled with the ancient powers of the Druids—" Merlin broke off as Moira began to shake. He shook his head, and closed his eyes, seeking into her body. It took only a few minutes before he extracted. "Get dressed." He let her go and backed up, turning away. "What were you doing?"
"The needles are blessed with protection, the seamstresses will be making clothes soon, might as well have some protection in them."
"Clever girl." Merlin turned around as Moira slipped on the last of her dress. "You really should be careful when you come out here."
"Why?" Moira mounted her mare Garnet. Merlin shook his head mounting his steed. "Concerned for my well being?" She teased arching a brow.
"You push your luck Moira," he replied as they rode toward Camelot. "Someday it will get you killed." She scowled over at him. "Don't give me that look. Your father asked me to watch out for you, I intend to do so."
"My brothers are here." She pouted as they began to trot. He remained silent. She rolled her eyes. "Are they not strong enough to protect me?"
"I'm ignoring you Moira." Merlin began to canter. She growled and caught up to him, blocking his path. The black steed he was on reared up slightly.
"What have you seen? Tell me." She demanded. He slid the reins to one side moving his mount, she gripped the bridal. "Merlin…"
Hazel eyes met gray in a battle of wills. The man sighed heavily. "I have seen many things Moira—all I will tell you is that you are in danger."
"We're all in danger Merlin!" She cried out in irritation. "Not just me."
"Exactly," Merlin grinned smugly. "The world does not revolve around you." They rode back to the city in silence. It amused him to irritate her so much. He dismounted and helped her off of her mare. "Will you be taking the needles to the women?" He asked.
"Yes."
"You'll stay out of trouble?"
"Merlin," Moira turned. "Ye can stop actin' like my father." She patted him on the cheek and walked away. He watched her leave with a scowl. She was a pain in the ass alright. Merlin walked away content to lock himself away for the rest of the day. And she was perfectly find with that!