Hello lovelies! This is one of my newest stories. I hope to update as frequently as possible, but with planning a wedding and finals/holidays mixed up in that as well, I can make no promises.
I know the idea of Merlin's sister being with Arthur is a common one, but I've really worked on developing these characters and watching the show intently. This is my favorite story that I've written so far, as it's more recently worked on than some of my others and I think my writing has improved a tad. I am a big fan of "don't like, don't read." I do not see the point in bashing on other people when you could simply move on. That being said, constructive criticism is welcomed and I hope to learn from you all.
Warning: some of the lines and the themes in the stories that belong to Gwen in the show are given to my OC, since she is Arthur's love interest.
Here's to hoping you enjoy it!
Disclaimer: I do not own Merlin BBC.
The village was quiet. As it should be, at the darkest moments before dawn. The nightingale sang it's sweet song as the wind brushed over the edges of the trees, and two girls walked in silence as they enjoyed the sound of it.
"Sometimes I wish I could sleep in the forest," Elizabeth gave a soft hum as she strolled with her eyes closed. She never needed to see, as her friend's keen sense of sight worked to lead them around. "Living in the middle of the village gets so noisy sometimes."
"I agree," Malakaia said with a sigh. She led them down the familiar path, one arm in Elizabeth's and the other looped through a basket of herbs. "But then what would be the use of my work?"
Elizabeth giggled. "You're right about that. Image poor old Jensen walking through the forest to come see you."
"That would be horrible!" Malakaia replied in horror. She paused a moment to imagine the sight of the old man in his scraggly robes, grumpy face, and gnarled cane. "Though I have to admit, the thought of Jensen wobbling down this path is a little amusing."
They quieted their giggles as they approached the village, hoping not to wake anyone up. The entire village was extremely wary of any sign of happiness. With the threat of bandits hanging over their heads, anybody who showed the slightest bit of amusement was clearly shown disapproval. The bandits, who had come in and threatened destruction if villagers didn't offer up all of their resources, had sucked almost all of the life out of Ealdor.
Parasites, her mother had called them. There was no better word.
As the two girls came to Elizabeth's home, Malakaia pressed her lips to her friend's cheek and squeezed her hand. "Thank you for your help, Liza. Friar Lysle needed these herbs and Mother never would have allowed me to leave the village."
"Well," Elizabeth sighed dramatically. "What would we do without our healer? Go on home before Hunith kills us both. She'd never forgive me if something happened to her precious girl."
Malakaia rolled her eyes (even though her friend couldn't see) and left Elizabeth at the front door. She walked the short ways to her own little cottage, where she snuck in quietly. Her mother lay on the small bed they had, her breathing even and her face peaceful—sleep was the only time she ever seemed truly calm. A long time ago, she'd told Malakaia it was because she dreamed of a man, powerful and strong that made her feel peaceful and special.
"Someday," she always sighed. "I'll tell you the full story."
She still hasn't, Malakaia thought sadly. But that's her secret to keep, so I'll let her have her dreams.
There would be no sleep for the young healer. She immediately began working on the poultice for Friar Lysle's infection, working only in the soft candle light. Her keen eyesight helped her complete the task quickly, giving her time to set it aside to become more potent. In the privacy of her home, she let her hand hover over the poultice and murmured a soft spell.
It glowed with a gentle gold light, then faded swiftly away.
"There," she murmured to herself. "Time for breakfast."
As she made the porridge, Malakaia's stomach dropped. She realized that their supplies provided only enough for one person to eat—if Hunith were awake, she would insist Malakaia eat it to keep up her strength, but Malakaia knew it should be reversed. Hunith's strength was fading with every day that Cannan controlled them. The older woman needed it more.
Pouring the porridge into a bowl, she let it sit long enough to get on the edges of the dish before pouring it into a different bowl. She placed it near the other dishes in hopes it would help her lie and gently woke her mother up.
"Darling," Hunith murmured, breathing in the scent of her food. "Why did you let me sleep so long?"
"You were up so late last night," Malakaia answered. "I wanted to make you breakfast and actually give you time to eat while I tend to the chickens."
"Have you eaten?"
"Yes, I've already had my fill. My bowl is by the other dishes for you to wash when you're finished if that's alright? I want you to do them sitting down."
"Kaia—"
"Cannan's beating still pains your back, I can see it. Please, listen to me?"
Hunith sighed and she stood in obvious discomfort, yet held the face of a woman trying to hide it. "You've already got so much to do, my darling. I can handle the chickens and the dishes."
"Nonsense," Malakaia shook her head. "I'll just tend to the chickens and then I'll make my rounds, alright? Cannan will be back soon, so we must make sure Matthew has enough food to give him."
Hunith pursed her lips, but didn't reply.
Malakaia pressed a kiss to Hunith's cheek and gathered her supplies, as well as an empty basket. "I will see you at lunch. I love you."
"I love you too, sweet girl," Hunith shook her head. "You take on too much, you know. Merlin wouldn't like it."
"Merlin doesn't know," Malakaia smiled brightly.
"Always the light in my life," Hunith said lovingly. Malakaia flashed one more smile towards her mother before leaving the small cottage and stepping out into her even smaller backyard.
)-(
"Kaia, you should have kept them for yourself," Matthew reprimanded. "You know I can't take this."
"The eggs will make up for the other food that you're hiding for all of us," his wife, Amelia, commented. "Malakaia's generosity will help feed other people, take it!"
"Listen to your wife," Malakaia said softly. "And Amelia, you sit down and let me look at the cut on your leg."
"Oh it's much better," Amelia assured her. Malakaia listened to the sweet woman chat about the infection on her leg that did indeed look much better. Changing the dressing, the young healer left the eggs and continued her rounds about the village.
It was barely noon when they came. Malakaia was checking on the condition of a young boy, offering him a small vial of liquid made from the herbs she gathered the night before. It was supposed to provide him with some nutrition (combined with her secretive magic) to give him enough strength to last the week until he could get some food.
"Thank you, Miss. Kaia," he rasped as she pressed a cool cloth to his head. "You're the nicest lady in the whole world."
"You'll make me blush, Henry," Malakaia giggled pleasantly. She pressed a kiss to his brow before rising. As she bid the parents goodbye, the heavy sound of hooves shook the earth around them. Henry's father grasped Malakaia's elbow. "Go, child. Stop your mother from doing something foolish again."
Malakaia listened to the older man and ran off. People milled out into the village square as Cannan's people arrived, hopping off horses and beginning a search through homes.
"Search the place!" Cannan himself yelled. "Find him!"
Malakaia found her mother standing outside of their home. The moment their eyes met, Hunith opened her arms. Malakaia obeyed her and rushed forward. They held on to each other, watching in horror as Matthew was found. Hunith's grip around her daughter became deathly.
"Someone must stop this," Hunith whispered.
"Not you this time, please, Mother," Malakaia whispered back. "You can't be hurt anymore."
"It's harvest time, what's this?" Cannan spat at Matthew. "Where's the rest of it?"
"Merlin knows the prince, I can go to Camelot and beg for help," Malakaia replied.
Matthew spoke. "I only kept back what we need to survive!"
"Survive?" Cannan made a face of disgust that filled Malakaia's stomach with bitterness. "I'll be back in one week, farmer. I want the rest of it."
"You can't take our food!" Hunith yelled, running forward.
"Mother, no!" Malakaia pleaded, lurching forward. Her arms were caught by a muscular man she recognized as Will, holding her back. She squirmed in his grasp as her mother lurched at the leading bandit. "Let go of me, Will!"
"You'll only get hurt too, Kaia."
"Our children will starve!" Hunith said fiercely, ripping the food away. "I won't let you do this, you're not taking any of it!"
Henry's father came forward as Hunith was slapped down. "Hunith!"
Malakaia felt dread fill her when he was promptly shot down. Cannan gave an irritated roar and pointed his sword at Malakaia. "Bring me the girl!"
"No!" Hunith screeched, but the villages held her off. "Not my daughter!"
"Kaia, no!" Will exclaimed, trying to beat away the guards. He was struck down, however, leaving Malakaia to the hands of the bandits. She tried to kick her way out of them, but three men was too much for her tired, energy-less body.
Hunith cried out, falling to the ground. Malakaia reached for her, but she was still jerked on to a horse, the grip of the men bruising her arms. Her mother made to come forward again, but Will stopped her from that mistake by holding the older woman against his chest, despite her struggles. Poor Will was always trying to protect each stubborn woman.
Cannan spat on Hunith. "I will give you a week. Don't you dare disappoint me, or you'll never see your daughter again. I'll see you later, sweetheart."
Malakaia closed her eyes to stop the tears, attempting not to let her fear get the best of her. She trembled, praying to whatever power that led the world that her brother could hear her thoughts.
Merlin, she thought powerfully. Help us, please.
Miles across the land, a young woman awoke from her dream, gasping and trembling with fear. Her young maid approached her side, offering a hand to hold. "Milady? What's happened?"
"I don't know," Morgana whispered. "But I fear it's something terrible."