This is my first attempt at a Merlin fan fiction, so it may be a little rusty. If you like it, or even if you don't, please review any comments or criticisms would be appreciated.
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the BBC's characters that I am using, I only own the interpretation of the original character that I have created.
It was high summer in Camelot, the days were warm and long, and the royal court was alive with the prospect of a royal arrival, or to be more precise, the introduction of Prince Arthur, son of King Uther and heir to Camelot, to Lady Guinevere, daughter of King Leodegrance of Cameliard. The preparations had been made, the princess and her retinue were due to arrive in a matter of days, all that remained was for Uther to make his son aware of the final arrangements, so Prince Arthur made his way from the courtyard where he had been in combat training, to the main hall where he found his father waiting for him by a window surveying his kingdom,
"You asked to see me father?", Arthur asked as he entered the room, although already quite aware of the intentions of the summons,
"Yes I did Arthur", Uther replied stepping away from the window towards his son, "Now I'm sure you're aware Lady Guinevere is due to arrive here in a matter of days, the day after tomorrow in fact", Arthur nodded as his father continued, "Some of her retinue will be arriving tomorrow, ahead of the princess to prepare her chambers for her, we will then hold a feast the day after she arrives to celebrate Lady Guinevere's arrival ".
"I understand father, it sounds… exactly right", he replied, unsure of quite what to say, but Uther smiled warmly,
"Good, well, be on your way Arthur, I'll see you this evening", with this Arthur left the hall and walked towards his chambers, where he had left Merlin tidying and sweeping earlier that morning.
***
When Merlin returned home that evening he was exhausted, not only had he spent his day doing his usual mile long list of chores for Arthur, he had also heard the continuous rattle of gossiping servants, and even the occasional gossiping from his master too, all speculating about the soon the be arriving princess. As he sat down Merlin let out a long laboured sigh, to which Gaius looked up from his papers and said,
"Now that would be the sound of a work worn servant", he chuckled as he saw Merlin frowning,
"Not just work worn, I think my ears are about to fall off, I swear, when girls are involved, the servants gossip non-stop",
"Ah yes", replied Gaius, "The princess of Cameliard, I'm not surprised the court is interested, she is said to be quite a beauty". Merlin frowned again,
"A beautiful political chess peace maybe, probably empty headed and pliable too",
"Not by reputation", Gaius answered as he put down his papers, "I have several acquaintances in her father's court, they say she is strong willed and her sometimes fiery temperament is only matched by the fiery colouring in her hair, but we'll know for ourselves soon enough, and shouldn't you be more concerned about serving the prince? After all you are his servant".
***
The following day the first half of the visiting entourage arrived. It consisted of serving girls who were charged with the task of preparing the chambers for their mistress and to acquaint themselves with Camelot, both of which, Merlin considered, they were achieving quite successfully, as he watch one of the girls walk through the marketplace carrying a basket of flowers, she smiled as she passed him, brushing a stray lock of red hair from her face and tucking it behind her ear as she did so, yes, thought Merlin, they are going to fit in just fine.
Later that afternoon Merlin found himself bumping, quite literally, into the same serving girl that he had seen that morning. He had just left Arthur's Chambers and was moving swiftly up the corridor when he collided with the girl, who was carrying a pile of linen, sending her and her cargo crashing to the floor.
"Oh no I'm so sorry, I'm such an idiot, here let me help you up", Merlin said apologetically as he help the young woman to her feet, "I'm Merlin by the way, I guess your one of the Princess's servants, nice to uh… bumping into you", he said and smiled, she laughed as she replied,
"Yes I'm one of Lady Guinevere's servants, my name is Ginny, I saw you in the Marketplace this morning I think". She bent down to pick up the linen strewn over the floor, Merlin helped her tidy the cloth up then stood back up,
"Would you like any help carrying that?", he offered politely,
"No that's ok, I can manage, your one of Prince Arthur's servants aren't you? I'd hate to keep you from your duties", she replied, Merlin shrugged and nodded
"Yeah that's me, servant and general dogsbody", she laughed,
"So I'll see you around then, Nice bumping into you Merlin", she said as she walked away from him, turning and moving away gracefully, out of sight as Merlin continued on his way.