Author's Note:- I can not tell you how nervous I am for this story. It came to me out of no where, and I truly hope people like it. I have so much planned to happen. I hope you enjoy the first chapter. :)

The Trials Of The Father

The Arthurian Legend is known throughout history, detailing the life and times of the great Arthur Pendragon. However, very little is known surrounding the birth of the Once and Future King. Not even the Pendragon himself knew the full extent of the lies told about his birth.

On the fifteenth of November C. 467, two children were born to Igraine and Uther Pendragon. A girl and a boy, who they named Avaleigh Igraine and Arthur Uther Pendragon. Sadly, Igraine had died shortly after Arthur's birth, leaving Uther to make a difficult decision. For many years, the King of Camelot had been hoping for Male heir. For without one, the Pendragon line would surely die. So when Avaleigh was the first of the twins to be born, it would mean that Arthur would not be able to ascend to the throne.

So, Uther had decided that the Kindom, and Arthur would never know of Avaleigh's existence. The King placed Avaleigh with a couple of Commoners, in an outlying village of Camelot, accomponied by a letter explaining the dire situation. And so it was that whilst Arthur grew up an only child, into a spoilt yuoung Prince, Avaleigh was raised amongst other siblings on a farm. This is her story, and the journey to claim her birth right.

November 15th C.467 -

The King of Camelot was in despair, as he strided around his Chambers. Tear tracks tainted his once handsome face, sinking into the depths of his thoughts. It had been thirty minutes since the death of his wife, Igraine. Yet he could not be allowed time to grieve, as the King of Camelot, it was his duty to be strong and do what is right for his Kingdom.

Therefore he had a terrible choice to make. He knew that Arthur must be the one to take the throne one day, and as Avaleigh was the first born, it was by law that the throne would be hers. It was then that an idea struck him, he would pass his daughter onto a couple in the outlaying towns of Camelot. Nobody would need know that Arthur was a twin, and the Pendragon name would live on.

Without dely, the King ordered for his Horse to be saddled. Uther picked up his only daughter, stroking the little blonde hair on her head. "My apologies for what I am about to do Avaleigh. Come say goodbye to your brother Arthur." Uther walked over to the cot, where his Son was laid looking up at his family. The King held Avaleigh so that Arthur could see her. He could not believe how much his children looked alike, even as different sex. Shifting his daughter into one arm, making sure his Son could still see her, Uther used his free hand to stroke Arthur's hair this time. A sad smile crossed his features.

"Arthur, this is your sister Avaleigh. Avaleigh will not be living here anymore, but she will always be your family. A part of you both will always feel as though something is missing, and it will be each other. I am sorry to do this. It is time to say goodbye."

*Merlin*Merlin*Merlin*

Aaradon Erised and his wife Charmaine lived in a quaint little house just within the borders of Uther Pendragon's Kingdom. Camelot. The couple were childless farmers, making an earnest living out of selling their stocks. The couple had married twenty years earlier in a modest Parsih Church a couple of miles away from their farm, within the heart of Yrgotes. And since then they had made a home together, and a respectable life on the farm. But the one thing they desired the most, was children, but it had not come to be.

Charmaine was currently collecting laundrey and heating a couldren of water over the fire she had previously made. Her thoughts were drifting to her husband who was currently outin the fields, tending to the wheat. Aaradon was the greatest man she could have asked for, when they found that she could not concieve, he had been very understanding and had been adament on the fact, that it didn't matter. "No matter what, we still have one another!", that is what he had replied when she had voiced her concerns. But Charmaine new that he must be hurting as much as herself. He was a sensitive man, despite his apparence, and he would have made a wonderful father.

Mrs Erised was startled out of her thoughs by the sound of harsh knocking. Standing up from her stool, where she had been sorting out the clothes, she hurried over to the front door.

"Your Majesty!" Charmaine gasped. Infront of her, holding a bundle of pink blankets in his arms, was the King. She had no idea why he was here, of all places. Still she was sure to be respectful, and curtsied low. "How may I be of service, my Lord?"

As she returned to her full height, it was then that she noticed the King's features. He looked distraught, tears streaming down his face. His eyes filled with so much sorrow.

"Madam, I must ask of you a great deal." Uther Pendragon spoke.

"Of course, Sire." She replied without hesitation. Charmaine gestured for the King to enter, leading him through to the Sitting Area. "I apologize Sire, for the mess. I was doing laundrey."

Uther sat down on the in the armchair, still clutching the blankets. Shaking his head, he looked down into his arms.

"I am here to ask for your assistance. In my arms there is a baby girl." Charmaine gasped. "I know it is a lot to ask, but I would be forever indebted if you would be so kind as to provide houseroom for my daughter. Raise her as your own."

Uther's sorrow filled eyes searched Charmaine's own, almost making her uncomfterable. Questions filled the Farmer's Wife's head. Why was the King casting away his daughter? Why had he chosen Aaradon and herself? Surely there must be those of Noble blood who take in the Princess?

"My Lord, I would be honoured to safe guard the Princess. Forgive Sire for my forwardness, but why are you casting her away?" I bowed my head in respect.

" No, no. Of course you want to know." The King nodded. "I have written you a letter, explaing the circumstances."

Charmaine nodded, guestering for the King to hand over his daughter. Once the baby was settled in hr arms, Charmaine pulled aside the blacket a little to take a look at the Princess. She was alseep, and a little bit of blonde hair poked out. She was beautiful.

"I ask only a couple of things more." Uther started. Charmaine looked up and nodded, a few tears of her own building up. "I ask you name her Avaleigh Igraine, so she has a connection with her twin brother, Arthur, and her dead mother." Charmaine again nodded quickly, thoughts drifting to the King's new Son. "I ask you raise Avaleigh as your own, but please mention Arthur as she grows up. Finally, when she reaches the age of eighteen, I ask that you reveal her true heritidge. Tell her of her brother, and myself. And should she wish to find me, or Arthur...I would be honored to take her as my Ward. But nobody can know the true nature of her birth."

With those last words, Uther Pendragon stood up and walked over to Charmaine and Avaleigh. Running a finger over the baby's soft cheek, he whisphered;

"Keep safe, Avaleigh Pendragon, and good luck."

With a swish of the red cloak, Uther Pendragon was gone. Leaving Charmaine holding her newly found ward. Her daughter.

Little was she to know that she would never meet King Uther again - only a card a year, with a red rose.

A/N:- So what is your opinion? Any good? I know it may seem a little jumpy at the moment, but it will get better as the story progresses. It's just a little difficult to "Set the scene" as such.

Please review, and tell me what you think. Thank you, my friend.

Amorous Erised xXx