Author's note Kindly refrain from flaming, if you dislike this story, than simply quit reading it. Also this is my first story so I am not certain about it, or if I will continue it, please bear with me. Thank You Disclaimer- If you think I own Merlin than you may want tho get checked for delusions.
Uther Pendragon, choked back to conciseness in a blurry haze with the taste of alcohol on his lips and the stench of blood in the air. As his vision cleared he beheld a woman's face, black hair framed a face with a sort of dark exotic look about her, with black painted eyelids, pale skin, black rimmed eyes and red painted lips, lips that looked permanently pressed in a grim line. Her nose was not turned up enough to be cute nor was straight enough to be regal-looking. She was not beautiful, no,for he had seen beautiful women at court, nor was she pretty, for Ygraine had been pretty, this woman was not. Uther's eyes traveled upwards and caught a glimpse of a golden crown upon her head. Confusion and anger welled up inside him, for that was his crown, only he and he alone had the right to wear it.
The woman tipped her head to the side in a bird-like motion and said in a voice devoid of any emotion, "do you like it?" She examined his expression while her hands moved to cork a flask of mead she had poured on his lips. "Do not be cross ", said she" I only like the jewelry, not what it implys."
He did not answer for his eyes were locked on her hand, more specifiably a left hand that was lacking a thumb, with only a scar as a reminder that a thumb had once existed there.
"It is rude to stare."
He looked up at her. "Where am I?"
"A forest, though I know not it's name, there is a city at the edge." She was silent for a moment then continued speaking "Who are you?"
"Uther Pendragon, king of Camelot."
She took the crown off her head, "than I suppose I should give this back to you." She handed him the crown.
"How did I come to be here" he demanded.
"Kidnapped I suppose"
Uther looked now at the carnage around him. "Why did you rescue me?"
"I was bored and it looked to be interesting."
Startled he looked up at her," are you insane?"
"Yes", she replied," but I'll tell you something, I think that all the best people are." She paused, "We should leave , I assume that at the edge of the forest is Camelot?"
Uther nodded.
She stood and offered him a hand , "Than shall we go to Camelot?" said she.
Uther looked up and grasped her hand.
They had been traveling for sometime when Uther broke the silence. "What happened to your hand."
She shrugged, the gesture looking odd being made by such an expressionless person. "I cut off my thumb."
Appalled Uther stared at her, "Why?" he demanded
"I do not think I will tell you."
"Do you have no respect for me? I am king!" Uther's temper flared.
"Yes, but not my king, and respect should be earned, not given."
Uther brooded for a time than looked up to silently contemplate the woman beside him. She wore all black and an ornate sword hung at her side, the sun had set long ago so he could not make out the details of her face nor clothing. "Where do you come from?" he asked hoping that this question would be answered, after all, she had saved him, no matter her reasons. The least that he could do was to be pleasant, he reasoned.
"Originally, I was from Cyriaa." She pronounced the name like ki-ri-a." It's a small kingdom by the sea, I spent some time at court there, and since I have been traveling."
"What position did you hold at court?"
"I was a philosopher, alchemist, and artist, on occasion"
Uther looked at her sharply" Is not alchemy sorcery?"
She tilted her head and peered at Uther "You dislike sorcerers?"
"Magic is evil and outlawed in Camelot."
"Interesting, "she said, more to herself than him," but to answer your original question, no, alchemy is more science than sorcery and more theory than anything else, I do believe. "She glanced at her surroundings than spoke again.
"Why do you believe that magic is evil? "she asked.
"It is "said he.
"That is not an answer, but you do not have to tell me, at least not now."
She looked ahead, the trees were thinning and they were almost upon Camelot.
As they walked through the lower town people openly gaped. Whispers could be heard among the crowd.
As they approached the castle a young man with blond hair and outfitted in chain mail rushed towards them.
"Father, father, where were you? We scoured Camelot, we were beginning to think you dead!"
"Rather dramatic isn t he? "the woman said glancing up at Uther from examining her long pointed nails.
The blonde man turned toward her sharply, "Do you know who I am? I could have your head!"
She looked up at him emotionlessly "As to who you are I really don't care, though I would assume that you are the prince of Camelot. Now as for my head, take it if you will, I do not care."
It was then Uther intervened "Arthur, control yourself, this woman saved my life."