Melanie lived a simple life in Ealdor. Her mother and father were kind and caring people. She was friends with everyone in the small village. Including Merlin. When he left, Melanie had lost her greatest friend.
Melanie was leaving for Camelot today. She told her parents it was to find work, which wasn't entirely false. What she didn't tell them was that she was determined to become a knight of Camelot. She knew King Arthur had changed the rule that you had to be of noble blood. She wanted to see how far he would take it and allow a woman. She put on her trousers and chain mail and stuck her sword in its sheath. She slung her old rug sack over her shoulder and kissed her parents goodbye.
"Be careful." Her mother instructed. "The rode to Camelot is a dangerous one."
"I know mother." She smiled. "I'll look out for myself."
"Good luck." Her father said. "And say hello to Merlin for us." She hugged them both and left the village. Waving to people as she passed.
The journey took three days, but she made it to Camelot without running into any trouble.
The streets of Camelot were so full of life. Villagers all talking and annoying each others company. Children running about, playing with wooden swords. She smiled, remembering Ealdor.
Melanie gasped as she caught sight of the magnificent castle before her. Running through the courtyard were servants either readying horses or preparing weapons. She caught sight of Merlin leaving the stables. She crept up behind him and wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Hello old friend." She whispered.
"Melanie!" Merlin cried, recognizing the voice almost instantly. "What are you doing here?"
"I'm here to find work. My family isn't doing well with money."
"Where are you looking to work?"
"I was hoping I could work in the castle."
"Well I could talk to Arthur about that."
"You would do that?"
"Of course. I'm actually going to the training grounds now. Come on." She followed him to the other end of the courtyard where the king was training with his knights. How Melanie wished she could be one of them.
Gwain was sparing with Percival when he noticed Merlin approaching with Melanie. He was captivated by her beauty. He became so distracted, he didn't notice when Percival swung at his leg, knocking him down.
"Distracted aren't we?" He asked, helping him up.
"You would be too if you saw the beautiful woman with Merlin." He nodded towards Merlin and Melanie.
"Who is that?"
"I don't know."
"Hey guys." Merlin said.
"Hello Merlin." Gwain said. "And hello to you too Madam. Tell me, what is your name, and how do you know our friend Merlin?"
"My name is Melanie." She replied. "Merlin and I grew up together in Ealdor. He like a brother to me."
"It is wonderful to meet you Melanie. I'm Gwain and this is Percival."
"It's nice to meet knights of Camelot." Melanie smiled.
"Merlin!" Arthur called from across the training grounds. "Bring me my mace!"
"Well, duty calls." Merlin said. "I'll catch up with you later Melanie."
"So, what brings you to Camelot?" Percival asked.
"I was hoping I could find work."
"There are always openings in the castle staff." Gwain said. "Though you probably won't need a sword."
"Hey! It's a three day trip through the woods alone. I wasn't going to go unarmed."
"So you're good with a weapon?"
"I like to think so. No man in my village can beat me."
"What about I knight?" Gwain pulled his sword out.
"I'd like to see you try it. Should be a show."
"How about this. You win and I'll put a good word in for you with the king."
"And if you win?" Melanie raised an eyebrow.
"If I win then you let me buy you a drink."
"Who said you had to beat me for that chance?" She asked sweetly. "Don't hold back." She pulled out her own sword and they began to spar.
"You're good." Gwain complemented.
"You're not so bad yourself." Melanie replied. She swung at him again and knocked the sword from his hand.
"Not going easy are we now?"
"Not in the least." Gwain picked his sword up from the ground and swung at Melanie. She ducked out of the way and swung back. He slipped his leg behind her's and knocked her to the ground.
"Give up yet?" He asked, his sword to her chest.
"Not in the slightest." She swept her leg across the ground and knocked Gwain off of his feet. She put her sword to his chest. "But you should."
"Impressive. I give up." Melanie held out her arm and helped Gwain up. "I've never seen a woman fight as well as you."
"What was that?" Arthur asked from behind Gwain. "Beat by a girl Gwain?"
"She's an impressive swordsman." Gwain complemented.
"Who are you?"
"My name is Melanie, Sire." She answered.
"Melanie is the best swordsman in Ealdor." Merlin said.
"We could use someone like you on our side." Arthur said. "How would you like a job in the castle?"
"I would love to Sire."
"Wonderful. You'll be the Queen's new maidservant." Melanie's face fell. It wasn't what she hoped for, but it was something. She would get her way eventually. She'd find away.