"What's in a name? A rose by any other name would smell as sweet."
Many say that a name defines a person; that it's given to the person for a reason. Could this mean that a name could mold the rest of your life through behavior, personality, likeability, motivation, goals, drive, or ambition? Fate is a fickle thing. Are we fated for our names? Or are our names merely bent to the will of fate, leaving it alone to decide how everything will turn out in the end?
No young woman, no matter how great, can know her destiny. She cannot glimpse her part in the great story that is about to unfold. Like everyone she must live and learn. And so it will be for the young witch, arriving at the gates of Camelot… a girl that will in time mother a legend. Her name… Merlin.
After days spent, traveling the woods on her journey to Camelot, she has finally arrived. Covered in dirt and grime, with very oily hair and her already worn out shoes now even more so, she feels relieved to finally have the castle in her sights. All the nervousness pent up since the countdown days to her departure have all at this moment been forgotten. So to has all the aching and pain in her joints and limbs seem to have withered away for the time being. She sends a smiling nod towards the castle guards of Camelot's outer wall as she thus heads through it into the village.
Unlike her home back in Ealdor, there is much activity here. Where she was accustomed to few children surviving let alone laughing and playing, here they were in abundance. No doubt it is due to much help from her mother's mentor Gaius, Camelot's key physician, whom she will be staying with while she's here.
Looking around there is so much energy, and also quite a lot of strange looks. No doubt, this in part is due to her current appearance, consisting of a baggy, off white tunic, a pair of ugly brown breeches, a makeshift head wrap for her long black hair and boots so worn down it's hard to believe there was ever a point they could be considered new. On no occasion would this seem befitting the attire of a woman no matter her class; however, this seemed the most suitable clothing she had for travel. She's always been more accustomed to choose reliability over fashion and she would not choose differently any day. This is not to say she doesn't wear dresses more often than not, because she typically does. Back home, reliability wasn't particularly an issue… she never traveled anywhere.
People surround here everywhere, so many people… and animals; there goes a man chasing after his goat. She can't help the giggle that erupts from her mouth at that. "Blasted thing," she hears him mutter.
Arriving now at the castle square, there seems to be a large group of people assembled. Horns are sounding and drums are beating. Then she finds out why.
A man is being led to the chopping block on a large, raised wooden platform, with two guards guiding him at each arm. Whispers erupt and Merlin's heart clenches at the sight of him. He appears so resigned, like he's given up. There is no struggle, or calculating look in his expression as if he is planning some elaborate escape. No… he looks sad, lifeless, and pitiful.
Moving in, trying to get a closer look at the scene, a sharp voice sounds from above. "Let this serve as a lesson to all," he begins. "This man, Thomas James Collins, is adjudged guilty of conspiring to use enchantments and magic. And, pursuant to the laws of Camelot, I, Uther Pendragon, have decreed that such practices are banned on penalty of death."
Her nervousness has returned. A strong squeezing sensation grips at her heart as the verdict sinks in.
"I pride myself as a fair ad just king," he continued, "but for the crime of sorcery, there is but on sentence I can pass." With a nod of the head by the King, Thomas Collins' is positioned. He is moved to the block before being forcefully shoved onto his knees and pushed forward. The drumbeat goes on and Merlin looks away, the scene is too horrific to witness.
By averting her eyes, Merlin notices a beautiful woman standing amidst one of the open castle windows. Clearly, being as well groomed and dressed as she is, she is certainly someone of higher status. But she too looks heart heavy. The instant the woman cringes inwards and an audible gasp accompanies a large crunch, Merlin sighs because she knows the man is dead.
"When I first came to this land, this kingdom was mired in chaos. But, with the people's help, magic was driven from the realm." He pauses. "So I declare a festival to celebrate twenty years since the Great Dragon was captured and Camelot was freed from sorcery. Let the celebrations begin!"
A horrific cry erupts from the lingering crowd just as everyone, the king included, began to depart from the scene.
An elderly woman stands amidst it, wrinkled skin, unruly grey hair, dressed in brown tattered robes, she speaks upwards to the balcony where the king now resides once again. "There is only one evil in this land and it is not magic, it is you! With your hatred, and your ignorance! You took my son. But I promise you, before these celebrations are over, you will share my tears. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a son for a son!"
Hatred erupts from Uther as he shouts for the guards to, "Seize her!"
Before the guards could so much as move a few feet, the woman grasps tightly to the pendant around her neck and is gone in a matter of seconds. The only evidence she was there is the lingering black smoke that continues to fade from the spot. The townsfolk, horrified at the threat, disperse immediately and Merlin, back to reality after the initial shock, readjusts the straps of her pack and rushes towards where she hopes the physician's chambers reside.
…
Well upon entering the castle, it took many twists and turns and the asking of a guard or two who took in her attire and begrudgingly point out the way but she made it. Now, she knocks gently on the door and peaks inside. "Hello?" she asks, but nobody responds. Now wandering in, "Hello? Gaius." Oh, he's up there, she thinks as she looks up. Clearing her throat to get his attention; however, didn't quite work like she wanted it to.
Gaius trips over backwards from the bookshelf stairs and the railing breaks. Instinctually, Merlin's magic kicks in. Before she's even had time to really think about it, time briefly slowed and Gaius's own bed propelled to the space just below the bookshelf to catch Gaius's fall.
"What did you just do?" He accuses.
"Erm…"
"Tell me!"
"I-I-I have no idea what happened."
"If anyone had seen that…"
"Er, no! That- that was, that was nothing to do with me. That- that was..."
"I know what it was! I just want to know where you learned how to do it!"
"Nowhere."
"So how is it you know magic?"
"I don't."
"Where did you study? ... Answer me!"
"I-I've never studied magic or, or been taught!"
"Are you lying to me girl?"
"What do you want me to say?"
"The truth!"
"I was born like this!"
"That's impossible! Who are you anyways?"
"Oh, erm…" Merlin reaches into her tattered back sack to retrieve the letter her mother had written for Gaius. "I have this letter," she says and hands it to him.
"I-I don't have my glasses."
"I'm Merlin."
"Hunith's daughter?"
"Yes."
"But you're not meant to be here till Wednesday!"
"It is Wednesday."
"Ah, right then. You better put your bag in there," he says, gesturing to a door at the back of the room.
She begins heading for it when a thought occurs to her and she turns back around, "You-you won't say anything about, erm…"
"No. Although. Merlin I should say think you," he says and smiles at her. She nods her head quickly before once again heading to the back room to set her things down. By the goddess, she was tried after that long journey.
…
While Merlin resides in her new room up the stairs, probably passed out after her journey, Gaius decides to go ahead and read the letter from Merlin's Mother.
'My dear Gaius, I turn to you for I feel lost and alone and don't know who to trust. It is every mother's fate to think her child is special, and yet I would give my life that Merlin were not so. Ours is a small village and she is so clearly at odds with people here that, if she were to remain, I fear what would become of her. She needs a hand to hold, a voice to guide, someone that might help her find a purpose for her gifts. I beg you, if you understand a mother's love for her daughter, keep her safe, and may God save you both.'
…
After her much needed rest, Merlin decided to begin exploring the castle some. If she were going to live here, it would be best to know her way around… Or that's what she thought until she became a little lost. Hearing voices up ahead, she thought it would be best to ask directions until their conversation became much more clear and she knew instantly she was imposing, that it wasn't her place to be there.
"Morgana," The king says. Merlin recognizes him from the execution earlier. He seems smaller and yet more formidable being on the same level as him now, opposed to the high balcony he looked down on everyone from earlier.
"Yes?" The woman asks. This is the same beautiful woman whom Merlin had seen at the window during the execution. So her name is Morgana. I need to remember that.
"What is this? Why are you not joining us at the feast?"
"I don't think chopping someone's head off is cause for celebration. That poor mother."
"It was simple justice for what he had done."
"To whom? He practiced some magic, he didn't hurt anyone."
"You were not around twenty years ago, you have no idea what it was like."
"How long are you going to keep punishing people for what happened then?"
"Until they realize there is no room for magic in my kingdom! You will be with me when I greet the lady Helen."
"I told you! I want no part in these celebrations!"
"I'm your father! I expect you to do as I ask. If you show me no respect at least respect our finest singer!"
Uther turns and walks off, fists clenched at his sides. That wasn't good enough though. Morgana had to make sure she had the last say in the argument. "You know, the more brutal you are, the more enemies you will create!"
A beat passes and Morgana remains where she is, staring out the window once again. Merlin thought perhaps now might be an OK time to ask for help.
"Excuse me?" Merlin calls out to the extravagantly dressed lady.
Morgana turns upon being addressed. Her eyes widen just the slightest after taking in Merlin's ragged appearance. "Did you address me?" Morgana asks, slightly confused as to why this awfully dirty peasant girl is wandering the castle walls.
"Yes, sorry, is that alright? I'm Gaius's new ward, but I just got into today. I figured, if I were to be helping him with his rounds, it would be wise to learn the layout of the castle a little. Unfortunately I seem to have gotten lost."
Morgana, upon hearing why Merlin is here, relaxes much more, though subtly so Merlin won't notice. "Are you trying to get back to the Physician's quarters?"
"Yes please," Merlin smiled.
"I'll walk you there, I need to get something from Gaius anyways, which my maid has forgotten to pick up for me again."
"Thank you."
"It is no problem at all. The name is Morgana by the way, "She sticks her hand out to Merlin, "just Morgana. No need for titles unless my father is around. You?"
"Oh, I'm Merlin."
"Well," Morgana smiled at her, "it is lovely meeting you Merlin."
The two walked the short trip back to Gaius's quarters in a comfortable silence. The two just met, but Morgana could see them becoming quick friends. There was no need to rush into learning things about the other right away though. For now it was just a meeting."
…
As Merlin sat up in bed the next morning, she could hear the faint calling of her name, over and over again.
Now, getting up and heading down from her own bedchambers to the main room, she sits down to the table where Gaius places a large bucket of water in front of her.
"I got you water. You didn't wash last night."
"Sorry."
"Help yourself to breakfast."
She looks down at the bowl of watery porridge Gaius placed in front of her. Oh no. Gaius intentionally knocks a bucket of water off the table. Without thinking, Merlin quickly stands up and stops it with her magic. Gaius gasps and they look at each other briefly before Merlin lets it drop and the water splashes all over the floor.
"How did you do that? Did you incant a spell in your mind?"
"I don't know any spells."
"So what did you do? There must be something.
"It just happens," she says while retrieving a mop to clear up the water.
"Well, we better keep you out of trouble. You can help me until I find some paid work for you. Here." Gaius places a small sac and bottle on the table. "Hollyhock and Feverfew for Lady Percival, and this is for Sir Olwin. He's as blind as a weevil, so warn him not to take it all at once."
"Okay."
"And here," Gaius gives Merlin a plate with a sandwich. "Off you go. And Merlin, I need hardly tell you that the practice of any form of enchantments will get you killed."
Merlin eats her sandwich as she walks down the Physician's Corridor and through the Square to deliver the medicine. She knocks on a door and a squinting old man answers.
…
Later that day, Merlin crosses the drawbridge into the training grounds.
"Come on, where's the target?" A male voice calls out.
"There sir?" Asks what sounds like a scared voice to answer the first.
"Into the sun?" The first voice sneers again.
"But it's not that bright?"
"Ah, a bit like you then?" The man speaking is clad in chainmail. There are men similarly dressed standing behind the first man, laughing at the scene.
"I'll put the target on the other end, shall I, sir?"
The poor man goes to put up the shield when shouts from behind the first man start saying things like 'teach him a lesson.'
"This'll teach him," The first man says again and begins throwing daggers.
"Hey! Hang on!"
"Don't stop!"
"Here?"
"I told you to keep moving! Come on, run! Do you want some moving target practice everyone?"
The target drops and rolls to where Merlin's feet are. She put her foot down on it to make sure the poor man couldn't pick it back up.
"Hey, come on, that's enough!"
"What?" The other man asks indignantly.
"You've had you fun."
"Do I know you?" He asks as he looks down on her, still worn and dirt covered from travel. He's clearly appalled that someone looking and dresses the way she is, is speaking to him in such a matter.
"Merlin" she says and sticks her hand out.
"So I don't know you."
"Nope. I'm pretty good friends with people I do know though and I could never have a friend who could be such an ass." Merlin looks down to the man still on the ground. "Are you alright?"
"Yes, miss."
In turn, Merlin nods and smiles at him before turning and beginning to walk away. "You know," calls the first man back at her, "I could never have a friend who could be so stupid.
She stops abruptly and turns again to face him. "Are you seriously trying to pick a fight with a girl smaller, weaker, younger and obviously less trained than yourself? Is that the type of man you are?"
"I-I-um…"
"I clearly may not be as wealthy as someone of your standing, as I can tell from your current attire you're likely a nobleman, but at least I was raised to respect others. The day you learn to be respectful of those beneath you is the day you will deserve the respect of those beneath you. Good day." And she left that time without looking back.
His buddies behind him laughed after that. There was also a loud and abrupt clang from there as well, likely a scene made by the man who was probably angry.