She saw him from across the room. She had seen him a million times before but it was something about the way he stumbled and caught himself after a glare from the Prince. She smiled to herself, backing away into the hall. He wasn't the stereotypical handsome man. He was had a gangly, small body and long black hair. His eyes were, however, a piercing green every time she saw them. At certain glances she found flecks of gold in them. When he smiled she felt it hard to breath. He was so kind and compassionate. She always saw him laughing about something, that wonderful laugh. When she was out of sight she pressed against the wall, hugging her arms into her chest. She never felt this way before. This was very new.
Merlin was having a rough day. Arthur seemed to be in a very bad mood and was taking it out on poor Merlin. He had only been working for him for a short time. Sure he was a prat but Merlin became very fond of him. Except for today, that is. He struggled with Arthur's laundry in his long arms. He was just thinking about how he could sneak away for a short nap when, bang. He rammed into someone hard. They both went down along with the items they were holding.
"Oh gosh, I'm so sorry. Let me help you," Merlin said as he gathering the previously folded linens. He sensed the other person freeze. He did the same and looked up. It was a girl, a beautiful girl. The first thing Merlin noticed was her dark blue eyes. She was petite with a sharp jaw and thin, pink mouth. Her red hair was wrapped up in a bun on the top of her head with strays curling around her flushed face. Her breath hitched as he looked into her eyes. They sat there for a moment merely gazing at each other. It seemed like hours they sat there looking at one another. Merlin smiled, letting out a long breath. She quickly looked down at the floor.
"I'm so sorry," she whispered. "The fault was mine. I wasn't looking where I was going and…"
"Hey," interrupted Merlin. "It's okay. I wasn't paying attention either." Merlin looked down at the mix of dirty clothes and linens. The two didn't look up as the quickly gathered up their belongings. Slowly she stood to find Merlin gazing at her.
"I'm Merlin," he said as he let out a breathless smile.
"I'm Adelaide," she responded.
"Adelaide," Merlin repeated as if to try it out for himself. He looked at the bundle in her hands.
"Are you a maidservant," he asked.
"I am. I sometimes help in the kitchen's too. I basically grew up here." She looked into his dazzling eyes and smiled.
"You're Prince Arthur's manservant aren't you?"
"I am," he confirmed.
"How do you like it," she asked. Merlin was surprised at her question. People usually congratulated him or mention what a great honor it must be to serve a future king.
"Yes, I do," he answered honestly. "He can be a prat sometimes but it isn't too difficult." Adelaide laughed. He really liked that sound.
"I'm glad it pleases you."
"You are," he asked. Adelaide stammed as she stepped back from his a bit.
"Oh, um, yes of course," she said. They smiled at one another, simply gazing at each other's faces. She broke contact, quickly looking towards the window.
"I should put these away," she gestured to the fabric in her arms.
"And I should get these washed." He smiled a wide smile. "But I hope to...to see you again."
"I hope so as well," she answered, giving him a large smile in return and heading past him down the hallway. Merlin stood there for a moment smiling to himself. He turned around and watched her leave down the hallway. Her shoulders were narrow with a small waist but her grey dress couldn't hide the wideness of her hips. He watched them as they swung gently back and forth. Merlin blushed, cursing himself for being so vulgar. As he was walking away he knew one thing; she was lovely.
Merlin sat in the armory, slowly polishing Arthur's armor. Every so often as he was daydreaming deep blue eyes would appear in his mind. Suddenly Merlin sneezed, dropping his cloth in the process.
"Here, let me help you," a kind voice said. Merlin lifted his head to find Adelaide picking up his rag and handing it to him. He was surprised to see her again so soon.
"We need to stop meeting like this," he chuckled, taking the rag from her. She folded her hands in front of her, her cheeks turning a bit pink.
"I was looking for you actually," she confessed. Merlin jerked up his head, meeting her eyes.
"You were," he said bewilderingly.
"Would you like some company?"
"Please," Merlin said as scooting over on the bench to make room for her. Adelaide sat, maybe a little closer then she should. She could feel the heat come off of his body. Adelaide cleared her throat. She went looking for him a while ago. Since their first meeting she wasn't able to get him out of her mind.
"Are you well," she asked. She watched as Merlin began scrubbing the armor he had on his lap. She watched as his bicep muscles twitched at the movement.
"I am. And you?"
"Very well, thank you." They sat in silence for a moment. Adelaide began swinging her feet.
"Can I help you polish," she asked tentatively.
"I don't want to force you.."
"You aren't," she interrupted. "I'm offering." Merlin watched her as she picked up a small piece of armor and a cloth. He looked down at her swinging feet. His eyes travelled up to her hair. He had never seen hair of that color. It was beautiful. Her skin looked so porcelain and soft.
"This is heavier than it looks," she commented.
"I know. I can't even imagine wearing it." The armoury was filled with the sound of the rags brushing against metal.
"Why were you searching for me," Merlin asked suddenly. Adelaide turned her head and looked at him.
"I…" She paused. "We didn't get a chance to talk so I thought I would come and find you." She closed her eyes, cursing herself.
"Oh. I'm very glad you did,." She looked up to find him smiling at her.
"Where are you from Merlin?"
"Ealdor. It's a small village, nothing special."
"What brings you here?"
"My mom. She thought I would become more if I lived in Camelot. She is a friend of Gaius and she asked him to teach me."
"Do you miss it there? In Ealdor?" Merlin sat back for a moment, pondering.
"I do. It was a simple life but I like being here more. I do miss my mother though."
"Of course you miss her. And you're servant to the king. You're doing very well for yourself in my opinion." Merlin laughed, smiling at her.
"I guess you can say that."
"How is it going to Gaius?"
"Wonderful," he answered. "He's like a father to me." He paused. "Or grandfather?" Adelaide laughed, covering her mouth with her hand. Merlin smiled as he watched her.
"Gaius is such a brilliant man. I would love to learn at his hand."
"I'm sure he would love to teach you."
"I'd like that. But I don't want to steal him away from you."
"Please do," Merlin said eagerly. "It would be nice for him to focus on something other than me." Adelaide laughed.
"And you," Merlin questioned. "You said you grew up here?"
"I did," Adelaide answered. "My mother was a maid here and I was raised in the castle. My father was a soldier. He went missing when I was very young. It was just me and mom. I learned to fold before I could even walk." Merlin laughed.
"And do you like it? Being a maid here?"
"I do. I love it. I love this castle and serving the Pendragons. But, I would like to see the world someday. There is so much out there."
"Me too," Merlin agreed. They smiled at each other. Merlin looked down at her hand scrunching the rag. He looked up at her lips. She unconsciously bit her bottom lip, watching him. They both felt something, electric. Merlin's heart beat faster and faster.
"So," he continued. "Is you mom still a maid here." Adelaide opened her mouth slightly, looking at the ground.
"She died a few years ago. She was very sick." Merlin watched her with sad eyes.
"I'm so sorry," he said. Merlin instantly covering his hand with hers. His hand was so warm. Adelaide felt a shock go through her body. Her breath was suddenly shallow. She looked up at Merlin.
"Thank you," she whispered. Merlin looked into her blue eyes. It felt as though he could feel everything she was feeling.
"It's alright. She was in a lot of pain. I like to think she is somewhere happy, with my dad."
"I'm sure she is." Merlin gently squeezed her hand. She smiled in return, leaning a bit closer to him.
"And what is she like. Your mother," she asked.
"She's very beautiful. Everything about her, especially her soul. She is so kind and selfless." Adelaide smiled at him.
"Merlin," a voice came from across the room. Merlin looked up at the messenger at the door.
"His highness is asking for you," he said.
"Thank you," Merlin responded. He looked back towards Adelaide.
"I should be going anyway," She said, smiling. "Would you like me to finish?" She gestured toward the armor. Merlin felt his heart warm at her comment. Never had he met anyone so kind.
"No, I'll finish it later. But thank you."
"I'll see you later," Adelaide said as she stood.
"I hope so." Yes, Merlin was having a very good day.
Merlin saw her from across the large, filled table. Adelaide was carrying a tray of food, dressed in the maids fanciest uniforms. Her hair was the same as it had always been. As if to sense him, she turned her head to look into his eyes. She gave him a small smile. Merlin could feel his cheeks heat up with embarrassment for staring.
"Merlin." Arthur's voice broke his gaze. Merlin leaned down to look his Prince in the eye.
"Yes sire."
"Refill my goblet please," Arthur said. Merlin put the canteen to Arthur's signature gold goblet and filled it with wine. Arthur let out a small hiccup. Merlin chuckled to himself. This was Arthur's fourth glass of wine. He was about to be very entertaining very soon. Arthur sloppily put the goblet to his mouth, slurping its contents.
"Perhaps you should eat something sire," Merlin remarked. Arthur whirled around. He squinted his eyes at an attempt to focus on him.
"Right you are Merlin, for I am fammmished." He slurred the last word quite a bit. Merlin couldn't help but giggle. Merlin reached out and put mead in front of Arthur. Arthur grabbed it forcefully with his hand and started noshing on it loudly. Out of the corner of his eye he spotted the king glance at his son. For he was also on his fourth glass of wine, Uther gave a hearty chuckle before turning back to his own cup. Merlin took a moment to look around the room. It was filled with well-dressed laughing individuals. Everyone seemed to be in a good mood tonight.
"Have fun putting him to bed tonight," Gwen said as she slid next to Merlin. She had smirk on her naturally kind face as she folded her hands in front of her.
"Can't wait," Merlin retorted. The two watched Arthur chug his fourth glass of wine and slam it down on the table, almost missing it completely. Arthur was taken aback for a moment before grasping the cup to stop it from shaking. Merlin heard Gwen let out a snort of laughter and he let one out himself, looking at her. They smiled at the shared humor. Gwen glanced her head over at Morgana, who was sitting comfortably and eating silently.
"Adelaide," Gwen called as she saw her dear friend walking by. At the sound of her name Merlin started looking around rapidly for her before he spotted her approach Gwen on her other side.
"Gwen," she greeted excitedly, imitating Gwen's stance.
"Have you met Merlin," Gwen said looking at him. Adelaide leaned forward to look at Merlin. She gave him a large smile.
"I have," she answered. "Nice to see you Merlin."
"You as well," he answered with a raspy voice. He nervously brushed his hair out of his face with his hand. He met Gwen's eyes. She was giving him a curious look.
"How are you Gwen," Adelaide asked.
"Good, a bit tired." The two ladies smiled at each other.
"Me as well. It's been a long day."
"That is has," said Gwen. "Everyone looks so happy don't they?"
"They do indeed," Adelaide answered. She looked at the royals at the head table.
"Is there any wine left in Camelot?"
"Nope, I'm pretty sure they have consumed it all," Merlin said. The three of them chuckled. Gwen looked from Adelaide to Merlin. Adelaide gave her a nervous look.
"I better fill Morgana's water," Gwen said as she slipped away. Adelaide reached for her arm as she left, giving her a frightened look. Gwen leaned close to Adelaide.
"Talk to him," she whispered in her ear. Adelaide blushed back at her. Gwen, of course was aware of Adelaide's obvious feelings. After seeing the way Merlin looked at her, Gwen knew that something was special between them. Adelaide gave Gwen a squeeze of her hand as she left to tend to Morgana. Adelaide slid a bit closer to Merlin, filling the space where Gwen just was.
"How are you this evening," Merlin asked her.
"Very well," she answered. "And yourself?"
"Very entertained by our drunken prince here." Adelaide smiled at Arthur.
"Yes, he does seem to be having a good time."
"And you," asked Merlin. She turned to look at him.
"Are you having a good time," he asked more specifically.
"I am. And you?"
"I am now." They shared a glance but only for a moment before Adelaide turned away to look at the other end of the table.
"Merlin," Arthur suddenly called. "I seemed to have misplaced my plate!" Merlin smirked.
"I'm sure it's around here somewhere sire," he said with a smile in his voice. He gave an apologetic smile to Adelaide as he stepped to aid his prince. Adelaide watched Merlin for a moment before returning to her own duties.
"That was a fun party wasn't it Merlin!" Merlin had Arthur's arm slung around his shoulder as he guided him to his chambers.
"Yes sire, very fun." He couldn't keep the amusement from his voice. Adelaide turned the corner to spot the wobbling men. She slowly approached them.
"Need any help?" Arthur heavily lifted his head to look at her.
"Oh! No need miss. My good chum Merlin's got me," he said as he swayed almost completely out of Merlin's grasp. Merlin held onto him tighter, guiding him in the right direction.
"I have him. After all it's my job." Adelaide gave him a warm smile.
"Goodnight sire," she said as she curtsied. She lifted her head and looked at Merlin. Merlin couldn't help notice the way her eyes shone somehow brighter in the light of the torches.
"Goodnight Merlin."
"Goodnight," he answered. Merlin guided a mumbling, giddy Arthur back to his chambers for bed.
Merlin collapsed on his bed in his room. His feet and legs ached. All he could think about was sleep after a very long training session with Arthur. Merlin turned to his left side feeling the shooting pain the shot through his shoulder where Arthur accidently struck him. He apologised profusely but Merlin still thought he did it on purpose.
"Merlin?" He heard his name being tentatively called from the door of Gaius and his little home. Grunting, he slowly rolled off the bed and stumbled into the other room, slightly limping as he did so. Adelaide was standing in the open doorway. She was wrapped in a worn cloak with a distressed look on her face. Merlin was surprised to see her. He met her with a smile.
"Adelaide. What are you doing here?" She took a small step towards him. Merlin immediately knew something was very wrong.
"What is it," he asked. "Are you alright?" He strode towards her, temporarily forgetting his throbbing body. He placed his hands gently on her arms, holding her. She looked up at him with nervous eyes.
"I need to speak with you," she said with a small voice. Merlin nodded. Releasing her, he gestured towards their eating table. She sat on the bench, pulling her cloak around her, folding her arms. Merlin sat next to her. He watched her as she shivered slightly, worrying him further.
"Are you alright?" She looked up at him and gave him a sad smile.
"Yes," she responded. Merlin watched her as she took a few slow breaths.
"What is it Adelaide?" Adelaide looked up at him.
"I know," she said. He scrunched his eyebrows together, tilting his head. Adelaide reached to the top of her head and slowly let down her hood, letting her hair hang over her shoulders. "I know about you." Merlin held his breath. She couldn't possibly be speaking of…
"I was coming back to the castle after picking some herbs," she began to explain. "And I walked past the stables and I saw you there. You looked bored, frustrated. I stood there for a moment, watching you. You..." She paused, taking another deep breath. "You moved your hand and the water in a nearby pail lifted into the air. It looked as if it were dancing. Your eyes shone of gold. It was like magic." Merlin felt his heartbreak at her words. He scolded himself. One little slip up and now his life, his destiny was over. He was going to be killed for this, for this one careless moment of entertainment. How could he be so foolish? He hung his head, scooting slightly away from her.
"You have magic don't you," she asked. They both knew the answer. Merlin stared at the floor. There was no use lying to her now.
"Yes," he breathed out. Tears suddenly rushed to the lids of his eyes. He blinked them away.
"Adelaide I…" he began.
"Merlin," she interrupted. Merlin froze, keeping his eye contact with the floor. "Let me finish. Please. Our king is against magic and all who are capable. It is illegal in this land and I know you are aware of that." Merlin's heart pounded harder at every word. He was going to lose everything. "But none of that matters to me." Merlin snapped his head up at her. She was gazing at him, almost admiringly. He held his breath. "Magic isn't evil. It is a gift. Misguided people are the cause for harm, not the magic itself. I know that. My mother…" She paused. "She had magic. She didn't use it very often but she was gifted. My mother was a beautiful soul. Uther is blinded by what magic is capable of. I know…" She let out a long breath, closing her eyes. "I know you are a beautiful soul too Merlin and a very good man, even though we just met. You are gifted. And I understand that this is a secret you must keep in order to survive. I can't even imagine what it's like to hide a part of yourself and I'm so very sorry that you have to do it. I just want you to know that I will keep your secret. You don't need to worry. I promise that I would do nothing to hurt you. I won't even say another word about it if you don't want me to." Adelaide let out a breath, watching Merlin for his reaction. Merlin was stunned. Never had he met anyone, other than Gaius, that understood. Sitting in front of him was this beautiful, compassionate, intelligent woman who understood. Even though she did not have to carry this burden, she understood how he felt. Merlin's heart completely melted. He looked into her blue eyes, unable to come up with a single word to say to her.
Without thinking Merlin leaned forward and quickly pressed his lips to hers. The kiss was quite sudden but Merlin sat there, pressing himself to her, conveying all he wanted to say in that kiss. She froze, but only for a moment before returning the pressure. A silent tear rolled down Merlin's cheek. He had never felt so happy in his entire life. At that moment, he knew he loved her. The kiss was chaste, the two grasped each other's hands while they scooting closer to one another. Merlin broke the kiss, moving away only slightly so there lips were centimeters apart. Adelaide felt his hot breath on her mouth. They looked into each other's eyes. Everything they wanted to say was there. They sat there for a moment, reading each other. Adelaide looked down at Merlin's cheek. She lifted her hand from Merlin's and wiped the tear gently from his jaw.
"I've never known anyone like you," he said. "You're so beautiful," he whispered as he brushed the back of his fingers on her soft, flushed cheek.
"Merlin," she said as she pressed her forehead to his.
"Thank you," He told her, looking deeply into her eyes, stroking her face gently. He meant it, with all of his heart. Adelaide held his face in her hands and pressed her mouth to his. Merlin responded immediately, wrapping his arms around her. He held her waist tightly, rubbing his thumbs against her sides. Their lips moved in synch with each other. Adelaide wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing her entire being to his. Merlin let out a small moan as he felt her chest touch his. He held her tighter, never wanting to let go. He moved one of his hands to her cheek, moving his head slightly to deepen the kiss. She melted into him, letting out a moan of her own. After what seemed like centuries they parted, both in a desperate need to breath. Their bodies remained pressed together as they listen to one another's rapid breathing. Merlin's hand lay gently on her cheek, his thumb grazing her cheekbone.
"Adelaide," he whispered. She let out a breathless laugh as she closed her eyes. He pressed his forehead to hers.
"Merlin!" Gaius' shout caused them both to jump apart from one another as if their touch burned one another. Merlin looked to the door to find Gaius standing there, his hands full of books, and his face in awe.
"What's going on here," he questioned. Adelaide and Merlin scooted further from one another. Adelaide fidgeted with her hair.
"Oh..umm," Merlin stammered. "Adelaide just." he paused, looking at her. "She just had a question about...laundry." He let out a small groan.
"Laundry," Gaius repeated in a mocking tone.
"Yes," Adelaide jumped in. "And he answered said question." She stood up, pulling her cloak around her. "And now I should go. Thank you Merlin," she said and she walked quickly towards the door. She stopped in front of Gaius and curtsied. "Lovely to see you Gaius."
"You as well," Gaius said as she slipped past him out of the room. He turned towards Merlin giving him a bewildered expression. Merlin looked at him for a moment and then burst out into giggles, unable to hide his joy. Gaius cleared his throat.
"Did I interrupt something," Gaius asked. Merlin merely let out another laugh, unable to forget Gaius' shocked expression.
"Merlin!" Merlin stopped and cleared his throat. The two men looked at each other. After a moment Gaius burst out into laughter. Merlin smiled up at him.
"So," he said once he cleared his throat. "I see you are very distracted from your work." Merlin stood.
"You could say that." They smiled at each other. Gaius suddenly got a very serious expression on his face.
"You need to be careful Merlin," he warned. Merlin gave him a curious look.
"What do you mean," he asked. Gaius slowly walked towards him, placing the books on a nearby table and sitting in the same spot where Adelaide just was.
"Love is a dangerous game, Merlin. I just, need you to be careful." Merlin gave him an admiring look. He was so much like a dad.
"I will."
"But you look happy and it pleases me so much. You deserve it." He paused. "And you can come and talk to me," he said quickly. "About anything." Gaius gave a small cough to cover the tears that have just brimmed in his eyes.
"Always," Merlin answered.
Merlin quickly moved about the halls of the castle. He was panting heavily but didn't notice. His need to find Adelaide was much more important. Merlin hasn't been able to get her from his mind. He felt as though he had to just simply see her or he would die. He whipped quickly around a corner when, crash. He ran into someone. Hard. Merlin landed flat on his back, his arms stretched out to his sides. They watched the ceiling spin for a moment before moving. He sat up to see Adelaide crumpled form in front of him. She seemed to get her bearings as well and look at him.
"Merlin," she said joyfully. He sat there for a moment, smiling at her, taking all of her in. She had some dirt smeared on her forehead that went into her wrapped up hair.
"We really need stop meeting like this," she commented. Merlin let out a laugh in remembrance of their previous meetings.
"Oh, I don't know," he said. "I'm getting used to running into you." She beamed back at him. Merlin got himself up, reaching for Adelaide. He wrapped his hands gently around her arms.
"Here, let me help you." They both stood to their feet. Merlin still felt a bit dizzy, from the collision or the present company he didn't know, nor did he care.
"That was a big one," Merlin commented, rubbing his head. Adelaide nodded in agreement.
"It was. Where were you going in such a rush?"
"I was looking for someone," he playfully said.
"Who?" After a moment he reached out and held her hand.
"You." Adelaide felt her heart melt inside her chest. She looked at him, standing there, flustered but with a confident, goofy grin on his face, revealing his sharp cheekbones. His eyes sparkled. She never wanted to look at anything else.
"Everything is alright I hope?" She grasped his other hand in hers. They stood together, holding each other's hands.
"I just... I had to see you." Adelaide felt herself stop breathing at his comment.
"I'm very glad you did," she replied in a teasing voice. Merlin smiled at the recognition of those words. He squeezed her hands. At the end of the hall echoing footsteps started getting louder and louder.
"Come with me," Merlin said as he turned, dropping one of her hands. Suddenly, the two were running, hand in hand with Merlin leading. The nearest door he reached he opened it and pulled a giggling Adelaide in with him. The room was small, dark, and smelled very much like dust and moth balls. Cleaning supplies were stacked against the walls.
"This is a broom cupboard," Adelaide stated, matter of factly. Merlin nodded.
"So it would seem." Silence quickly filled the tiny room.
"How did it go with Gaius after I left," Adelaide asked. Merlin smiled at the memory of his astonished face.
"He was shocked for a bit, but then very happy. He was happy that I am happy." Adelaide lifted her hand slowly. She grazed Merlin's cheek with the back of her hand. Her fingers curled as she went down his face.
"You are remarkable, Merlin." Merlin shivered at her touch. He reached up and grasped her hand before is reached his neck. He opened her hand with his thumb and placed a small kiss in the middle of her palm. He heard her let out a sigh as she moved in closer.
"You have it all wrong," he said. "You are the remarkable one." They both moved their heads together until their foreheads were touching gently. He rubbed his nose against hers. Ever so slowly, their lips came together. It was very much like their first kiss. Merlin's hands wrapped around her waist as she tilted her head and grasped the side of his face. They parted just as slowly as they came together.
"I'm so happy I ran into you," she whispered against his lips.
"Me too," Merlin said before he grasped her hips in his hands and pulling her body completely against his. He kissed every part of her face. When he captured her lips Adelaide's hands slid up into his hair. From the first moment she saw Merlin, she wanted to run her hands through his hair. She shivered at the feel of his soft, mess of hair. The feel of her hands caused Merlin to let out a small gasp into her mouth. He held her tighter.
"We should," Adelaide said between kisses.
"Yea, we should..." he answered. They didn't move apart. Merlin's hands ran up her back. He reached the top of her head and slowly pulled out her pins. Her hair fell over them like a waterfall. Merlin held her face in one hand while the other ran through her hair. Her hands were at his shoulders. She slid one hand down to his chest. Putting on pressure at an attempt to feel what the skin underneath is like. When they were both in desperate need for air, they parted slowly, keeping their foreheads connected. They listened to each other's heavy breathing. Adelaide had never been more flustered in all her life.
"We should slow down," Merlin whispered.
"We should," Adelaide agreed. They pulled back, still connected by their grasping hands.
"What are you thinking," Merlin asked her.
"I'm just...I can't believe this is real." Merlin smiled and cupped her cheek with his hand.
"I know what you mean." Letting out one final breath, Adelaide turned towards the door.
"I'll see you later."
"I hope so," Merlin responded. After Adelaide left Merlin stood in the closet for a moment. He closed his eyes, enjoying the smell of the musty air. His hands felt as if he were burning. He quickly looked down. He held his palms out in front of him. His hands were glowing a soft white light. Merlin smiled broadly. He vibrated his hands. Soft white light shot from his fingers like a fountain.
"Wow," he whispered.