The Huntress

by lomm9

There was one woman Merlin ever loved. One woman who was always by his side. One woman who was ultimately his doom. This is the story of Merlin and the woman. How they fell in love and how everything fell apart. Slow burn. Merlin/OC with lots of Gwen and Arthur. Follows the series with a bit of twists and turns along the way. Based on the original legends of the Lady and the Lake.

1. Dragon's Call

Authors Note:

Hey everyone thank you for giving this piece a chance. I'd like to say a couple of things before we get going.

First off I'd like to give credit to the deviant artist Alanna Howe. A link to her page is on my profile page. I recommend you check her out.

I'd also like to say that this will be a slow burn. Originally I was planning for each chapter to have about 5,000 words but over 17,000 words later that didn't happen. Their will be lots of fluff later on but not much in this chapter.

I borrowed a lot of dialogue from the show but once Evie and Merlin interact more it will verge farther away from the original content. Though I will still be following the story.

Lastly please review. The only way for a writer to get better is through criticism so please lay it out. Especially with the OC character Evie. She's based off of several different stories of the Lady of the Lake but I'm afraid she's going to seem to Mary Sue. I used the INTJ Myers Briggs type as her personality so she may be a bit edgy at first but she should warm up a bit. If you have any questions about where this is going just put them in the review section.

Special thanks the HPuni who kindly beta's this chapter. You rock!

Happy Reading!

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Merlin knew this trip was going to be worth it.

Although at the moment that seemed like a far reaching statement. His feet hurt. Having walked for almost three days straight the soles of his feet were starting to protest. His pack was heavy, as it carried almost everything he owned. It was making his back ache. The straps were digging into his shoulder, slowly cutting off the circulation to his arms, sending a tingly sensation down to his hand. He was tired, he was thirsty and he was just ready to be done with his journey.

Yet Merlin couldn't keep a smile off his face. He was traveling to Camelot. The great Camelot. Arguably one of the greatest cities to ever stand.

He'd heard tales of the city ever since he was a little boy. His mother Hunith, used to tell him of the great white city walls, impenetrable to even the greatest of armies. She would describe to him the streets, alive with people and culture and he can remember lying on the bed his mother would make him on the floor, dreaming of the city and of the adventures that he could have there.

Now those dreams were about to become a reality.

He'd seen a knight bearing the crest of Camelot a few miles back, who had dashed around a bend in the road, taking Merlin off guard. Despite the startle it was a good sign, it meant he was getting close to the city. Even with the building fatigue his excitement grew stronger and he picked up his pace.

Pushing a branch out of the way he continued through the forest. He was almost to the top of the hill, and he figured that once he reached the top, he could take a look around and see if he could see the city.

Once at the highest point, he gazed over the crest. Needless to say he was not disappointed. Standing over the horizon framed by a golden sunset sat the great white walls of Camelot. They were more impressive than he could ever imagine. Never in his life had he seen a building so great in size. Watching as a pair of birds soared over the orange horizon he figured he'd make camp for the night. Camelot was still a few hours walk, and light was quickly waning. Dropping his pack, he sat down on the ground to take a break before he made a fire for the night.

The smile on his face somehow managed to grow brighter. For tomorrow he'd start his new life in Camelot.

ooOoo

For Evienne the walls of Camelot were a cage.

Granted she could come and go as she pleased, there was nothing but a promise to her father that bound her to the city. Still the walls held her in. They kept her from being herself, made her act in a way that lived up to their "city standards". For Evie Camelot was a prison of social customs and laws.

So she took every chance she could to escape. To hunt the forests surrounding the city. They weren't nearly as lively and bountiful as the ones that she was used to, in fact wildlife was pretty sparse, due to the city's noise and frequent riding parties that came through. But still the forest offered her a certain sense of comfort, they felt like home.

Especially on quiet mornings like this one. It was mornings like this that reminded her how much she missed roaming the woods with her family.

In the woods she didn't have to worry about dealing with other people. She didn't have to try and put up a brave face or act in a way that people found proper. She didn't have to worry about people learning her secret, have to hide her identity as a druid-born child. No one was going to execute her for witchcraft, for the mere crime being born with the capacity to do magic, even though she'd never purposely completed a spell.

She wasn't without company of course. A dog that was seemingly more of a horse in size was trotting gracefully beside her. Covered with muddied shaggy white fur the wolfhound Lucy, sniffed the ground searching for the trail of their next prey. The she-hound was Evienne's constant companion, a better friend than any human Evienne had ever met. She was source of comfort and protection, and Evienne knew she was correct is saying she was much safer with the hound at her side.

Not that Evienne felt any sense of danger. She was always perfectly content in these woods. The feeling of the long bow's string against her shoulder added a sense of comfort. The feeling of the quiver on her hip felt more like home than any sensation in the city could provide. Even though there wasn't another human for miles she never felt lonely. In fact, the only times that she ever truly felt that emotion was when she walked through the crowds of Camelot.

Lucy barked, ears perking and she raced off towards ridge of foliage. Seconds later a small feral pig came running out of the underbrush the gigantic hound quick in pursuit.

Evienne reacted quickly, drawing an arrow from her quiver she notched it in her bow. She followed the creature aiming the arrow as it zig-zagged across the forest floor, fleeing from the hound. When she had a clear shot she took it.

With a squeal the pig fell. Lucy ran up beside it and started circling around the fallen boar excitedly jumping and barking.

"Good girl Lucy," she exclaimed when she reached the fallen animal, kneeling down she shook the dog's floppy ears "Who's a good girl?"

The dog shook her tail and her current energy level sent her entire butt waggling. She jumped up on the girl's shoulders knocking her over. Evienne fell to the ground with an "Umph" as Lucy licked her face covering it in a thick layer of slobber.

She'd have to work on the breaking the jumping habit.

"Okay, off girl," Evienne commanded. Although she couldn't keep herself from laughing, mornings like these were always the highlight of her day.

Wiping her face Evienne pushed the dog off of her, not an easy task given the animal was around one hundred and thirty pounds. She turned towards the fallen pig. It wasn't large, quite small given its species and carrying it back to the city wouldn't be super difficult.

She looked towards the sky, it was still a brilliant red from the sunrise but slowly losing color. She'd had an early start this morning, hoping to get some extra time in before she had to return to work at the stables. King Uther was expecting a guest, the singer Lady Helen and according to the marshal it was all hands on deck for the next few days. Unfortunately, she'd be missed if she showed up to work late, and she'd rather not get sacked as she quite enjoyed her job.

She hadn't taken a horse this morning. Simply because she was just too lazy to bother grooming and saddling one. She had just taken the time to change into a tunic and pants, braid her copper hair and feed Lucy. At the moment she regretted that decision. By foot the walk back to the city would take a fair amount of time. Although she'd prefer to prepare the kill herself, there was no way she'd find the time this morning. She figured she'd have to make a quick stop at the butchers and pay him to prepare it for her. She could pick it up after work. Maybe she could sell some of the meat for a little extra cash, her job paid well enough but the was never anything wrong with a little extra dough in her pockets.

Sighing she got ready for the long hike back into the city.

ooOoo

The streets of Camelot did not disappoint Merlin.

In fact, they were even more boisterous and lively than he could imagine. The streets were so alive with chatter it was difficult for him to pick up a single conversation, people bustled around carrying baskets, leading donkey's and going about their day.

Suddenly great hunting horns resonated throughout the kingdom. People began to wander inwards towards the centre of the castle. Curious Merlin followed the crowd.

He was led into an opening, where a group of people stood surrounding a large platform in the centre of the citadel. Drumming filled the air and he felt a pit grow in his stomach as he saw two guards drag a middle aged man out from the interior of the castle onto the platform in the middle of the circling crowd.

"Let this serve as a lesson to all," Merlin's head immediately turned towards the commanding voice. Upon a balcony overlooking the crowd stood a man with a hardened face, dressed in fine robes over chainmail and a crown upon his head. He didn't have to be brilliant to guess who he was: The King of Camelot Uther Pendragon. "This man Thomas James Collins is 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."

Merlin could feel his heart rate increase. He'd heard stories of Camelot's persecution of magic but experiencing it first hand was entirely different.

"I pride myself as a fair and just king. But for the crime of sorcery there is but one sentence I can pass."

Merlin watched as the man was lead the platform, his head was placed on a stump acting as a crude chopping block. Upon the platform he noticed for the first time a hooded Executioner. The citadel was filled with an eerie silence as no one dared to breathe. The king raised his hand in the air and the Executioner raised his axe to follow. As the axe rose Merlin could feel the tension rising in the air.

The king dropped his hand and the axe quickly followed.

Merlin will never forget the sounds of the axe severing the man's head. The whistle of it as it fell nor the sick squish of it chopping through the man's head. He certainly wouldn't forget the sight of the head rolling off of the stump and toppling to the platform, nor the sight of the blood pooling from both the body and severed head creating a large crimson puddle.

He took a deep breath, suddenly glad that he made the decision to skip breakfast that morning.

"When I came to this land. This kingdom was myriad in chaos," Merlin tore his gaze from the corpse and back towards the king overlooking the crowd. "With the peoples help magic was driven from the realm. So I declare a festival. To celebrate twenty years since the Great Dragon was captured and Camelot freed from the evil of Sorcery. Let the celebrations begin!"

But the celebrations were the last thing on his mind. The image of the beheaded man seared into his retina's, Merlin knew he wouldn't forget witnessing this execution. It would serve as a reminder of the dangers that he would face every day in his new found home of Camelot.

ooOoo

For Evienne the executions served as a reminder as well. But this wasn't the first she had witnessed, so she had known what to expect.

The sight of a severed head rolling was familiar to her, as were the screams of a man burning on the stake and the smells of his burning flesh. They served as a constant memento to the consequences she'd face if anyone were to ever learn of her identity as a druid.

She had managed to stop by the butchers and make it to Town Centre just in time to witness the execution. As usual she drew a bit of attention to herself. Despite her attempts to slide through the crowd undetected a lady in pants with a gigantic hound had the tendency to draw eyes. This morning it wasn't so bad. The crowd was enraptured by their own sense of morbid curiosity. More interested in the execution than any individual.

She had taken a place along the outskirts of the mass of people, Lucy sitting loyally beside her. She watched as the silence left the horde and the people began chatting quietly among themselves.

She felt a bit of pity for the man whose life had just been taken. But she couldn't help but wonder what specific strain of stupidity the man could have caught to get himself executed for doing something as pointless as magic.

His death was completely unnecessary. If he just had the strength to keep himself from practicing the dark arts, then his head wouldn't be rolling on the floor. No one forced him to do magic. No one forced him to break the law. His death was entirely on his hands.

An anguished moan filled the air. Lucy's ears perked and Evienne searched the crowd in attempt to find the source of the sickening noise. People parted around it, and an old hag clad in worn down robes appeared from the crowd.

"There is only one evil in this land and it is not magic," she wailed. "It is you."

Evienne figured she was a family member of the newly deceased. It was not uncommon for them to make a scene.

"With your hatred, and your ignorance," the ladies voice cracked with a sob. "You took my son."

She inhaled deeply, catching her breath, "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."

"Seize her!" King Uther declared from the balcony pointing towards the wailing woman. Guards raced towards the old wench.

Evienne watched as the lady grabbed at an amulet around her and chanted an incantation into it. She threw her arms up into the air as wind swirled around her. A bright light glowed from her amulet and combined with the wind. The crowd was forced back covering their faces, and in a flash the lady disappeared in a whirlwind of light and air seconds before the guards were able to reach her.

Evienne looked down at her dog, who met her with an equally bewildered gaze. That was certainly more dramatic than usual.

It looked like this year's celebration was going to be interesting. Evienne had to admit she was looking forward to it, or at least looking forward to hearing about it the next day.

ooOoo

Merlin was quite thrown off by what he had just witnessed. The anguished woman, the threats to the kingdom, the impressive display of magic. There was just so much to process. So much had happened and he had only just entered the city an hour ago.

To be honest he wasn't sure what he felt. The excitement of Camelot was still there, but it was tinged with sorrow and a new potent sense of dread. He felt for the woman, he felt for her son. He couldn't imagine someone being executed for something as harmless as practicing magic. The thought of someone being killed for being who they are sickened him greatly.

He understood perfectly why the man would risk his life to practice magic. For he too had felt the happiness that magic could bring. To Merlin magic was an expression of his identity. An experience of the soul not unlike dancing or singing. But magic was stronger, more potent, it was a representation of himself in the purest of forms.

Although his mother was adamant about him hiding his gifts, she could never stop him from using them. No rule, no law could keep a singer from singing nor a dancer from dancing. The song and the dance were so ingrained within their souls that it was impossible to prevent them from being released. And despite the growing fear inside him he knew that no rule, no law could keep him from practicing his magic. Not even in a city that would burn him at the stake the moment they thought he'd even consider practicing it.

As the crowd began to disperse, Merlin set off to find the place where he was to stay.

His mother had made arrangements ahead of time with an old friend named Gaius. He'd never met the man before but his mother spoke highly of him. Apparently he was a brilliant physician and a kind hearted man who had helped her in an hour of need. Although she had issued Merlin a warning, supposedly the man was frequently deemed a "peculiar individual" and she had told him he had to be patient with his seemingly unconventional ways.

He knew he had to enter the castle, his mother had told him that the man lived inside the citadel but after that he had no idea where he had to go. He was relieved to see sentries stationed at the entrance.

"Where would I find Gaius the court physician?" Merlin asked one of the men as politely as possible.

The guard grunted unhappily and pointed over his shoulder to a large brown door.

Opening it and walking through Merlin found himself at the bottom of a winding staircase. Within three steps he found a conveniently placed sign pointing down a corridor and up a couple more steps into another room.

The door was half open, but he figured he better knock before entering.

He'd never been in the home of a court physician before, so he had no idea what to expect. It was certainly an interesting room. The sound of something bubbling was the first thing he noticed, followed by the various beakers and vials filled with variously colored chemicals. He couldn't help but wonder if leaving them out was a safe thing to do. The walls of the room were lined with books and every table was covered in some type of eclectic good, most of which he had no clue the purpose of.

"Hello?" he asked walking further into the room. It was quiet and he couldn't help wondering if Gaius was even there.

He saw the back of the old man up a top second story bookshelf. Clearing his throat, he called his name.

Gaius turned around and Merlin's heart stopped as he watched the man crash backwards through the railing of the second story balcony.

Feeling the familiar tingling of magic, he acted on instinct, imagining the old man's fall slow down as he sought out more time. He felt the release of the magic and quickly searched the room for something to break the old man's fall.

He noticed a small bed in the corner of the room. Then pictured it sliding across the room, as usual the magic caused the object to do what Merlin wished and the small bed slid underneath the old man to catch him.

He released his spell, and watched as the old man screamed crashing violently onto the safety of the mattress Merlin set underneath him.

"What did you just do?" The old man scrambled in the bed to get a look at Merlin.

The thought of the head rolling off of the chopping block flashed through his mind's' eye and Merlin was at a loss for words.

"Tell me!" The old man commanded finally standing up.

"I have no idea what happened." Merlin lied looking around the room in a desperate attempt to look convincing.

"If anyone had seen that!"

"No, no that was nothing to do with me," he was searching desperately looking for an excuse.

"I know what it was," the old man stated. "I just want to know where you learned how to do it."

Merlin relaxed a little. The man seemed surprised but not frightened about what he had just witnessed and Merlin took it as a sign he was in the clear.

"No, no, nowhere."

"How is it you know magic?"

"I don't-"

"Where did you study?" Merlin looked at the man looking for an answer that he didn't have.

"Answer me!" The man snapped. Merlin's heart picked up the pace.

"I've never studied magic or been taught."

Gaius took a step closer, trying to force an answer out of the young man. "Are you lying to me boy?"

"What do you want me to say?"

"The truth!"

"I was born like this," Merlin admitted.

"That's impossible."

Merlin looked away, hoping the tension in the room would die down a little. He figured he was not making the best first impression.

"Who are you?" Gaius asked.

"I have this letter," he stumbled out. Reaching into his back and pulling out the letter his mother had written for Gaius.

"I don't have my glasses," the physician complained.

"I'm Merlin."

"Hunith's son?"

"Yes," he smiled. Finally, the tension was leaving the room.

"But you're not meant to be here 'till Wednesday," the old man protested.

"It is Wednesday," Merlin reminded him slightly worried.

"Ah," the old man looked a bit embarrassed not knowing that. "Right then."

Gaius pointed to an old door in the back of the room, and told Merlin to go put his belongings in there. He realized that there was still a knot of fear in his stomach, preventing him from moving further.

"You won't say anything about the, um?"

"No. Although Merlin," Gaius called and Merlin turned around. "I guess I should say thank you."

Merlin nodded in thanks and turned to set up his new room.

It was a small chamber, a bit mucky and in a desperate need for a bit of fixing upping but in the light of the candles Merlin could see the room had potential. He was also quite excited about the inclusion of the small bed, and he wondered what it'd be like to sleep on one for the first time in his life.

A small boarded up window caught his eye, he crossed the room and climbed up an old dresser to open its wooden shutters.

The view out his window was simply incredible. The sun had set during his first meeting with Gaius and the night sky had replaced the days. He could see the entire city under the light of the full moon and vibrant stars. The candles in the windows of houses lit the floor and a slight fog rose over the horizon.

Merlin knew that despite today's seemingly rocky start he could make a life for himself here. There was something about this city. Something that drew him here, something that made him feel that this city was the place that he was meant to be.

ooOoo

It wasn't until nightfall until Evienne finally got off work.

After quickly changing into a dress she went straight to the butcher shop to pick up the pig she had killed in the morning.

Approaching the little shack that the owner converted into the shop, she told Lucy to sit and stay outside. As long as she wasn't gone for too long the dog was pretty good at following that order. Since it was late the butcher shop was relatively empty. Except for a couple of men playing a game of cards and drinking mead in the corner, Evienne was the only customer.

The butcher shop was run by a man named Jon. He looked exactly as one would expect a butcher too look, with a shiny bald head and trunk like arms. Jon wasn't a man that most people would mess with. But appearances could be deceiving. He was one of the kindest men Evie knew.

Well to humans at least.

"Evienne," he called out smiling. She came to the shop quite frequently and they were now on a first name bases. He placed a bag on the counter and Evienne figured it was her meat. "Back for your pig."

"No I'm here for the dragon I've slain," she deadpanned.

"Snarky as ever I see," Jon smiled his toothy smile.

She nodded smirking as she pulled out a coin pouch to pay for his work. She had sold a part of the pig to him, so the price of her meat was much lower than usual.

"That little ladies fair," one of the two brutes in the corner slurred. He was speaking in a loud whisper, probably thinking she wouldn't overhear him. But the alcohol he had been downing probably hindered his volume control.

"Don't you know who she is?" The other man leaned forward in his chair scandalously. "She's the weird stable wench, used to be a maid but got kicked out of serving in the castle. Couldn't find good work in a woman's place so she went and started acting like a man."

The two drunks started laughing like crazy. Jon looked at her with sympathy but continued on into the back.

"Darla worked with her. Said she was a total bitch." The man continued. Evienne remembered Darla from the castle, she had hardly said a word to her. "Rumor has it she was raised in the woods by a couple of sodomists."

"No wonder she's messed up."

Despite her rising blood pressure, Evienne kept her head down. The last thing she wanted was to draw more attention to herself and there was no way she had a chance in a fight. She was decent with a bow, but didn't have a clue how to fight without a weapon.

Plus, the last thing she needed was trouble. She understood she wasn't popular around town, a fact that was incredibly dangerous.

She grabbed the bag of the counter with her head held high and strutted out of the butcher shop. Outside she saw Lucy waiting patiently, her tail wagging the moment she noticed her master leave the shop.

"Come on girl."

They walked a couple of blocks before they reached home. It was a small shack. A single room filled with a bed, a stove, a dresser that also served and a table. It wasn't much but it would do and Evie did her best to keep it neat.

She dropped the meat on the table, and sat down on the bed putting her head in her hands and took a deep breath trying to hold back the emotion pooling in her chest. She wasn't aware that so many people knew so much about her.

The bed creaked and sagged as Lucy jumped on to it. Evienne felt a cold nose against her cheek as she heard Lucy whimper. She wrapped her arms around the dog, running her hands through the warm fur, feeling the warmth and comfort that she provided.

She pushed her emotions back down, feeling this way would solve nothing. She had to clear her head and analyse the problem

"It's alright girl," she squeezed the beast tighter. "We'll figure it out."

ooOoo

Merlin awoke the next morning to the sound of his name being called. It seemed to whisper against the back of his head, almost inside of it. He sat up looking around the room trying to figure out where the voice was coming from.

No one was in his room. Weird.

He figured it was just a dream and started getting dressed.

It was a new day. His first full day in Camelot and he was going to make the best of it.

Gaius was in the kitchen standing over a table seemingly preparing breakfast. He was fully dressed and it look as if the old man had been up for a couple of hours. Gaius took an old bucket and placed it on a table.

"I got you water." Gaius said placing a bowl on the table next to the bucket. "You didn't wash last night."

"Sorry," Merlin apologized halfheartedly.

"There's your breakfast."

Sitting at the table Merlin looked at his food. It looked like some kind of porridge. He scooped a bite and it ran off his spoon like slosh and sploshed back into the rest of the slop. He was going to miss his mother's cooking.

He heard something fall next to him and instinctively froze it with his magic. The bucket of water was suspended in mid-air, half of its contents already spilling from it. Taking a quick gaze at Gaius he saw the old man's jaw drop. It was beginning to be a familiar expression.

He stopped the spell, watching as the bucket crashed onto the ground, water splashing everywhere.

"How did you do that?" Gaius stammered. "Did you incant a spell in your mind?"

"I don't know any spells."

"So what did you do? There must be something."

That was something that Merlin couldn't explain. Truthfully he wasn't entirely sure how he did it himself.

"It just happens," he admitted.

He felt bad for spilling the water, so he grabbed a mop and started to clean up his mess.

"Well we'd better keep you out of trouble. You can help me until I can find some paid work for you." He turned around and grabbed a couple of vials from a counter. "Here, hollyhock and feverfew for Lady Percival."

He held up another yellowish vial. "And these are for Sir Olwen. He's blind as a weevil so warn him not to take it all at one."

Merlin took the vials agreeing to help him out.

"And here," Gaius handed him a couple of pre-made pastries. He smiled thankful he was going to be able to eat something other than the slop posing as porridge. "Well, off you go."

Just before Merlin got out the door Gaius voice stopped him.

"And Merlin? I need hardly tell you that the practice of any form of enchantments will get you killed."

He waggled a finger accusingly in way that was eerily similar to his mother. Merlin nodded in agreement and headed out the door.

It was a sunny morning. One of those days where the sky just seemed happy. It was a quick stop at Lady Percival's, her house was easy to find and he delivered the medication without any problems. Sir Owen's was a bit more difficult. He wandered around the city until he finally gave in and asked directions to find the man's the residence. Merlin knocked on the door and within minutes it was answered by a balding blind man.

"I brought you your medicine," he held the vial out.

The old man pawed in the air searching for the vial so Merlin grabbed the other man's arm and led his hand to his own. Sir Olwen popped the cap and started chugging his potion down.

"Oh and Gaius said not to drink it all at on-" Merlin warned. But the old man had already downed the bottle.

Oops...

He stood there for moment. Considering whether he should get Gaius. He'd rather not have the old man die in front of him.

"I'm sure it's fine," he decided. Before leaving quickly, he'd tell Gaius later and come back to check on Sir Olwen.

ooOoo

Evienne's morning had been uneventful.

She didn't go on a hunt this morning, instead she decided to get an early start. With Lucy helping herself to a nap in the corner, Evienne set off to work. She got a fair amount done, the first of her co-workers didn't arrive until she was halfway done mucking out the stalls.

"Evienne," a small voice called out timidly.

She stopped shovelling and turned to see Tyr Seward.

In a weird way Tyr reminded Evienne off a snowman. Incredibly plump, his frame looked like two giant balls of dough stacked up on top of each other. He had an innocent face, like a ten-year-old child. His hair looked like a dark mop on his head and he was clean shaven; although, Evienne always thought he could benefit from a bit of facial hair.

He was friendly enough, probably Evienne's favourite co-worker. He took excellent care of the horses, taking his time to make sure each and every one was properly tended to. He cared a lot about the animals, and that was more than enough of a statement to his character. Plus, he was quite a shy boy, he almost never said anything to Evienne. The perfect co-worker really.

"Yes Tyr," she pushed the shovel against the wall trying not to seem annoyed. She still has a lot of work to do.

Tyr took a step back, averting his gaze to the ground.

"Well, this morning, I was- Well I was checking the blankets in the back. And they were all holey, turns out we got- well we got moths, a lot of moths. The blankets are all ruined, won't be able to keep anyone warm or anything. It's really impor-" By the way this seemed to be going he was going to mumble on forever.

"Just spit it out already," she snapped.

Tyr quickly took a step back eyes flying wide and face turning pale. Evienne felt tinge of guilt for scaring him.

"The marshal asked if someone could get more blankets and I'm super busy and I know you are too but you seem to have got a lot done and I'm behind and I didn't so I was wondering if you could run to the market and get some more, cause we need more blankets-" Tyr stammered out, impressively he managed it in a single breath.

"You need me to go get more blankets?" she clarified. She thought she caught it but man that boy could talk fast.

"Yes, ma'am," he nodded. She wasn't entirely sure why he called her ma'am, they were both just stable hands.

"Fine I'll go," she sighed. "Let me just change into some city clothes."

She usually kept an extra dress in her bag for situations like these. If she had to go out with the general public she wore a dress. It kept people from staring at her. There was nothing she hated more than the feeling of eyes on the back her neck.

After quickly changing clothing she headed towards the market. Admittedly she took a longer route. It was around eight in the morning and she knew the knights would be in the yards practicing and well there was nothing sexier than a man in chainmail.

Not that she was looking.

"Evie," she heard a familiar voice. She smiled only one person called her that.

"Gwen," she saw the serving girl smiling, holding her mistress' dress as she walked back to the palace. Lucy raced passed Evie, tail wagging, and excitedly began rubbing against the new arrival as Gwen started petting her head. "It's been a while."

As far as people went Guinevere was the best of them. She one of the few people that Evienne enjoyed being around. When Evienne had first gotten a job as a serving girl in the palace Guinevere was the only person kind and patient enough to show her the ropes. Even though she ended up working at the stables Gwen was one of the only reasons that Evie kept her promise and stayed in Camelot. Although she barely saw the serving girl anymore, Gwen was in many ways the closest thing that Evienne had to a friend.

"I know," she reached towards Evie to give her a hug. Evienne obliged despite her tendency to prefer a large boundary when it comes to personal space. "Have you been taking care of yourself?"

"Yeah," Evie smiled. She hated small talk, but could manage it with Gwen. "How's your father?"

"He's doing good; business has been going well." She put the dress down on the fence. "You enjoying your job at the stables?"

"Yeah it suits me more." She felt kinda bad for leaving Guinevere, although she knew she managed perfectly well on her own. "Less important people to insult."

Lucy barked, wanting more attention from her old friend.

"Oh," Gwen patted the dog's head smiling. "Lucy looks like she wants some more love."

"Have you been a good girl?" Gwen cooed sending the dog into a fit of furious wagging.

"Where's the target?" Prince Arthur's voice filled the courtyard. Like his father's it was nearly impossible to ignore. He was at the centre of the square, about a hundred feet from where she and Gwen were standing. Evie was surprised she didn't see them come in.

"Into the sun." His servant, Evie didn't know his name replies. "It's not that bright."

"A bit like you then," the prince retorted.

"I fear for when that boy becomes king," Gwen glared at The Prince. Evie knew that she despised that man. "Just because he's a prince doesn't mean he should be able to get away with acting like such a bully all the time."

Personally Evienne never really had a problem with him. Sure he could be an ass but he was a prince, she expected that from royalty. He'd always been nice enough to her. Even let her join him and his friends on a hunt a couple of times, although they hadn't really exchanged many words. She mainly kept to herself when she went out with him, he and his friends were loud and boisterous. She could tell they liked the company of each other just as much as the experience of the hunt. Personally Evie just liked the experience. So the others barely even noticed her unless they needed help finding a trail.

Prince Arthur's servant picked up a shield. One of the big round wooden ones that the nights used to practice with throwing knives. The prince picked up a knife, throwing it and nailing the target right in the centre.

"Hey, hang on!" The servant complained, even at a distance you could hear the worry in his voice.

"Don't stop!"

"Here?" he stood a couple of feet away from The Prince bracing for another knife.

"I told you to keep moving."

The boy held up the shield just as another one of Prince Arthur's knives struck. The servant ran back and forward as The Prince jeered him on and threw knives laughing as he stumbled. Evie had to admit, this was pretty jerkish and childish even for a prince.

The boy tripped dropping the shield. It rolled along the ground as the young servant crawled after it until it was eventually stopped by the foot of some passer-by.

Evie didn't recognize the boy, but he wasn't unattractive. He looked around her age with pale skin, sharp cheekbones, and shaggy raven hair. He wore a brown jacket over his blue shirt, and a red neckerchief around his neck. Standing with his shoulders back he scowled at The Prince.

"Hey! Come on that's enough." He flashed a smile, a big goofy smile that seemed to use his whole face, but at the moment it didn't seem sincere.

"What?" The Prince asked.

"You've had your fun, my friend."

Obviously the boy didn't know who he was talking to. The prince strutted forward, shoulders back. This was going to be interesting.

"Do I know you?" Arthur asked.

"Uh, I'm Merlin." He held out his hand in greeting.

"So I don't know you," Arthur stated, completely ignoring the outstretched hand.

"No." Merlin put his hand back at his side with a small scowl.

"Yet you called me friend?"

"That was my mistake."

"Yes, I think so."

"Yeah," the black haired stranger nodded. "I'd never have a friend that could be such an ass."

Merlin did the only thing you can do after dropping an insult like that. He turned his back on The Prince and started walking away.

Evie laughed partially amazed at the boy's idiocy and partially because that was a pretty good burn. This was not going to end well for the poor stranger. She almost felt bad, the kid, Merlin seemed to have guts.

The prince laughed, "Nor I who could be so stupid."

The stranger turned around. This wasn't over yet.

"Tell me Merlin … Do you know how to walk on your knees?" The prince asked, stepping into Merlin's personal space.

"No."

"Want me to show you?"

"I wouldn't if I were you."

"Why?" The king's son shrugged. "What are you going to do to me?"

"You have no idea."

"Be my guest." The prince smiled confidently, opening his arms in challenge. "Come on. Come on! Come onnnn."

Merlin threw a punch. The prince quickly deflected it pinning the boy's arm behind his back. So much for a good fight.

"I'll have you thrown in jail for that." Arthur said solidifying his hold.

"Who do you think you are?" Merlin asked, arm still pinned behind his back. "The King?"

"No I'm his son," Arthur twisted his arm farther. "Arthur."

Two guards ran forward grabbing Merlin by his arms and started dragging him towards the dungeons. Poor bloke, who knows how long he'd be in there for.

"Camelot needs more men like that." Gwen declared nodding towards the boy who was being carted off to the dungeons.

"You mean idiots." Evie countered. "Cause as far as I can tell Camelot has plenty of those."

"No people who stand up for what's right." Gwen spoke confidently as she picked up the dress. "It was about time somebody stood up to that arrogant prat."

"It didn't do much good for him though did it," Evie pointed out.

"No," Gwen said sadly. "But if more people stood up like that we could really make Camelot a much better place. It only takes one person to make a change. I'd better get back to my lady. It was nice seeing you."

"Nice seeing you too," Evie replied. She was being completely honest. It was always nice to see Gwen.

The thing about Guinevere is that she had a lot more faith in people. A lot more faith than Evie. Gwen honestly believed that people could make the world a better place and it showed. No wonder so many people liked her.

Gwen was wrong. The world didn't need more idiots who picked fights with strangers, like Merlin. The world needs more people who saw the good in others and honestly believed the world could become a better place.

The world needs more people like Guinevere.

ooOoo

Merlin spent the night in the dungeons and it wasn't an experience that he'd recommend.

The ground was cold, he'd attempted to keep himself warm by taking off his jacket and wrapping it around himself but he'd still spent the whole night shivering. Despite the thin layer of hay on the ground, the floor was hard. Even though he'd spent most of his life sleeping on the floor he struggled half the night to find a comfortable position.

But the worst part were the rats. He'd dealt with them all night. They scurried around the dungeon floor making scratching noises and squeaking. A couple of times they'd ran over him, waking him up and leaving his skin covered in goose bumps. He spent most of the night watching for them, paranoid he was going to get bit.

"Merlin …" A voice called out. He recognized it, it was the same voice that he'd heard the night before. "Merlin …"

The sound was coming from right below him. He jumped to his feet, scrambling backwards trying to figure out who was calling his name.

"Merlin …"

He knelt down putting his head on the ground, listening for the voice below him.

"Merlin!" This time it was Gaius's voice called from behind him. The dungeon door scraped against the stone floor as it opened letting in a red faced old man.

"You never cease to amaze me. The one thing that people like you should do is keep their head down. But what do you do, you act like an idiot." Gaius sternly lectured, and Merlin thought he sounded eerily similar to when his mother found out he had told his friend Will about his magic.

"I'm sorry," he really was.

"I managed to pull a few strings to get you released."

Merlin smiled and got to his feet, "Oh thank you, THANK YOU!"

He reached forward to give the old man a hug but Gaius scowled and took a step back.

"I won't forget this," Merlin said.

"Well there is a small price to pay." Gaius said vaguely.

Turns out his small price was two hours in the stocks.

Merlin had to admit it could be worse. In fact, in a weird way he was kind of having fun.

He never thought that having rotten vegetables thrown at his face would be a good thing. But watching the children smile as they pelted him with rotten tomatoes was oddly entertaining. Luckily for him they didn't have good aim. Due to his bonds the only way to keep himself from getting nailed in the face was to bend his head and look at the ground.

Still it looked like the children were having fun and he liked making people happy. Even if it was at the price of a couple face fulls of rotten tomatoes.

He heard Gaius laughing behind him. Guess the children weren't the only ones enjoying his misery.

"Thanks!" He called sarcastically to Gaius before getting nailed in the face with a particularly well aimed head of cabbage.

Eventually the kids ran out of stock and for about three seconds he got a well-deserved break.

Merlin caught a white blur out of the corner of his eye. It took him a second to register the hound barrelling toward him. He pulled on his bond's, heart racing, the animal was massive but he had no way of protecting his face.

He was relieved when the animal started licking his face instead of biting it. Scrunching his face, all he could do was stay put as he was attacked by the giant tongue.

"Evie!" A lady's voice complained. "Get Lucy off of him."

"What it's funny." Another girl retorted with a sharp laugh.

"Evie," she warned.

"Fine." Merlin swore he could hear her eyes rolling. "Lucy heel!"

The onslaught of his face suddenly stopped and he hesitantly looked up to see two girls staring at him. They were both quite lovely and Merlin was suddenly embarrassed to have been caught in such a compromising position.

"I'm Guinevere, but most people call me Gwen." The first girl introduced herself. She was wearing a simple red dress with a bright cloak. Her face was soft and gentle. She had a sweet smile and her eyes filled with kindness. The girl's hair was dark, curly and pulled back into a bun save for two bunches of ringlets framing her face. "I'm the lady Morgana's maid."

"Right," he smiled. "I'm Merlin."

He reached out awkwardly, attempting to the shake her hand with his hands still trapped in the stocks. Gwen took it shaking it awkwardly.

"Though most people just call me idiot," he joked.

"That seems to be a fitting name," the other girl spoke.

While Gwen seemed kind and gentle she looked harsh and judgemental. She was still quite pretty, with fair skin and a long braid of copper colored hair resting on her shoulder, in stark contrast to her simple blue dress. A small amulet hung around her neck but Merlin couldn't make out what it was. She stood with confidence, head held high and Merlin thought she seemed more like a queen than a serving girl. But to be honest there something about her that scared him. It was probably the way she was looking at him. In a way she reminded him of his next door neighbor's old cat. They held the same piercing stare. Her dark eyes seemed to look right through him. Like they were searching through his soul, judging his worth and deeming herself superior.

"No, no." Gwen disagreed. "We thought you were so brave."

"She thought you were brave," Evie corrected.

"It was stupid," he stated.

"Well I'm glad you walked away, you weren't going to beat him," Gwen continued. Both Merlin and Evie looked at her. Merlin was offended. He looked at her friend whose right eyebrow shot up in surprise in her friend's brashness.

"Oh, I could've beat him," he defended.

"You really think so." Evie looked him up and down, her expression seeming entirely unimpressed.

"She just means you don't look like one of those big muscly kind of fellows." Gwen sounded like she really was trying to make him feel better, but she was failing miserably.

"Thanks."

"No, no …" Gwen said realizing she'd made it worse. "I'm sure you're stronger than you look. It's just Arthur's one of these rough tough save-the-world kind of men and well..."

"What?" Merlin asked.

"You don't look like that." Evie clarified bluntly.

Merlin smiled looking around the square jokingly.

"I'm in disguise." He whispered to the two girls.

Gwen laughed kind heartedly while Evie continued to stare at him unimpressed. He liked Gwen despite her babbling she seemed kind. Evie on the other hand, he wasn't so sure about.

"Well I think it's great you stood up to him." Gwen replied.

"You really think so?" Merlin asked

"Arthur's a bully and everyone thinks you're a real hero."

"Except me," Evie quipped.

Out of the corner of his eye he saw the children return with newly refilled boxes of rotten food.

"Well Gwen, Evie," he said hurriedly. "It was nice to meet you-"

"My names not Evie!" Evie interrupted snappishly, somehow her glare intensified.

"Sorry I heard Gwen call you tha-"

"My friends call me Evie," she interrupted. "My name is Evienne."

"Well excuse me, Gwen, Evienne," he pointed behind them with a smile. "I think my fans are waiting."

The girls turned around, seeing the children lined up with their rotten ammo, they quickly scampered out of the line of fire.

Merlin braced himself as he was once again pelted by rotten vegetables.

ooOoo

Evie had the day off.

It isn't something that happens very often, so when it does she makes sure to take advantage of it.

Usually she goes for a hunt, although sometimes she'd borrow a horse from the stable and ride out to The Lake of Diana where she'd spend the day just sitting by the shore. She used to go there with her family and found a great amount of equanimity getting lost in her thoughts as she watches the lakes tranquil waters.

But yesterday Guinevere had stopped by the stables and invited her to the marketplace to go shopping. She claimed that it would be a good idea for her to have a "girl's day". While the idea of spending the entire day in the crowd wasn't the least bit pleasing she hadn't seen Gwen in a while and the servant was the closest thing she had to a friend. Surely she could take a single day of social interaction.

They had been in the market for a few hours before they saw Merlin in the stocks.

Evienne had to say she was surprised to see that he had gotten out of jail so early. Even more surprised to see his expression while he was restrained. He had big goofy grin on his face, a smile that just lit his up his features. She guessed it could be considered an attractive smile to some, but with the rotten fruit in his hair and his head poking through the stocks he looked more like a moron.

Evienne was sure that she didn't make the best first impression. She was okay with that. She'd come to accept that people skills weren't her forte and his opinion of her didn't matter.

When they had noticed the children line up they had raced to avoid getting pelted by rotting vegetables.

They made it a good distance, clear out of earshot before they stopped.

"He was kind of cute," Gwen said bending over to catch her breath.

"What?" Evie breathed.

"Merlin." Gwen clarified.

"I think you need higher standards." Evie stood up looking around the market. They were towards the centre of it and people bustled around carrying goods. Vendors shouted out their goods and people bartered for lower prices. It was all so loud. "His ears were giant."

Gwen glowered at Evie.

"I thought they were cute and he seemed sweet," she defended.

Evie threw her hands up in surrender, "Suit yourself."

"Oh before I forget," Gwen said. "Is there any way you could help out at the feast tomorrow?"

"Help how?"

"Well Natalie went into labor yesterday and we're going to be one hand short. You already know the job, so we won't have to train anyone else. We'll double the usual pay for the night."

"You want me to work as a servant." Evie asked in disbelief, there was a good reason she got sacked from the job.

"Well, yes." Guinevere said. "Just don't try and make conversation and I'm sure you'll be fine."

Evienne glared at Gwen, compared to most people she took the stare well. She'd known Evie for about two years now and has probably gotten used to the intensity of it.

"Not that you're not fun to talk with," Gwen clarified. "You just have a habit of well … uh …"

"Insulting people?"

"Yeah," Gwen agreed.

"Fair enough." Evie sighed, they were going to pay her and she figured she could handle a night of passing out food as long as she didn't have to talk to anyone. "I'll do it. Wait, what about Lucy?" Evie asked suddenly. "She's not allowed in the castle, and last time I left her home alone she got out. And you know they'll no longer take her at the kennels."

"My father can watch her." Gwen offered.

"You sure he can handle her?" Evie asked. "She can be kind of a handful."

"I'm sure it's fine," Gwen scowled. "Speaking of Lucy, where is she?"

Evie looked down, the wolfhound who was sitting next to her a moment ago wasn't there. She felt her heart rate increase and looked desperately around the market.

"Lucy!" Evie called out. "Luc-"

The dog jumped over one of the market stands toppling it over in the process. In her mouth she held a five pound perfectly plucked goose. Her tail was wagging and she held her head high seemingly proud that she managed to steal from an unsuspecting vendor.

"Hey you damn dog!" A man's voice hollered. Around the corner a big burly man came barrelling out with a pitchfork in hand. "Give me back my goose!"

Lucy stopped, dropping the mauled goose at Evie's feet. Gwen and Evienne made eye contact.

"Run?" Gwen suggested lightly.

"Run!" Evienne agreed.

Evie scooped up the goose as they took off in a full sprint running away from the angry vendor. Dodging carts and swerving through people they eventually were able to lose him by jumping into an alley. Evie grabbed Lucy's scruff pushing Guinevere against the wall as they watched quietly when the barrel of a man blundered past.

"Why does stuff like this always happen with you?" Guinevere asked laughing and out of breath.

"I don't know." She shrugged.

Gwen smiled. Before letting out another fit of giggles, this time Evie couldn't help but join her.

"It's late. I better get back to the castle. The Lady Morgana will be back from her ride with the king. She is going to need me to help her change out of her riding clothes." Guinevere explained.

Evie smirked. "We didn't buy anything."

"True," Gwen laughed. "But it was still fun and I've really got to go. Oh, and can you stop by the castle later around seven? We need to get you a servant's dress for the party."

"Sure"

"See you then." Gwen waved walking off.

"Wait Gwen?" Evie called.

"What?"

Evie held the mangled goose up in the air by one of its legs.

"Would you like a goose for dinner?"

Gwen laughed, "I'm good."

"You sure?"

"Positive." She walked away smiling.

Evie smiled too. It's been awhile since she'd had fun like that. She was exhausted of course, spending that much time around others really took it out of her. But she had fun.

Maybe she should think about doing stuff like this more often.

ooOoo

Merlin was glad he was finally out of the stocks. Taking rotten food to the face could only be entertaining for a little amount of time.

By the time he'd gotten home Gaius had already prepared dinner.

"Do you want some vegetables with that?" Gaius asked as Merlin sat down for at the table.

It had only been an hour since he'd gotten out of the stocks and Merlin smiled at the old man's mockery.

"I know you're still angry with me." Merlin admitted as the old man sat across from him at the table.

"Your mother asked me to look after you," Gaius explained.

"Yes."

"What did your mother say to you about your gifts?" Gaius asked.

"That I was special," Merlin replied. To be honest his skills with magic were one of the greatest sources of his pride.

"You are special," Gaius agreed. "The likes of which I've never seen before."

Merlin smiled down at his stew flattered by his compliment. "What do you mean?"

"Well magic requires incantation and spells, it takes years to study," the physician explained. "What I saw you do was; elemental … instinctive."

Merlin nodded. He'd never had to think about doing his magic, it always just happened.

"What's the point if it can't be used?" Merlin asked.

"That I do not know." Gaius admitted "You are a question that has never been posed before Merlin."

"Did you ever study magic?" Merlin asked.

Gaius nodded solemnly, "Uther banned all such work twenty years ago."

Merlin sat forward, "Why?"

"People used magic for the wrong ends at that time," Gaius explained. "It skewed the natural order into chaos. Uther made it his mission to expel the world of all magic back then. Even the dragons."

"What?" Merlin couldn't believe what he was hearing. "All of them?"

"There was one dragon he chose not to kill. Kept it as an example. He imprisoned it in a cave deep beneath the castle; where no one could free it."

Merlin couldn't think of a reply to that.

"Ah, eat up." Gaius said "I need you to take a preparation to Lady Helen she needs it for her voice."

On the way to Lady Helen's Merlin got hopelessly lost.

Nobody could blame him. The palace was huge with so many passageways and he had only been there for a couple of days. How was he supposed to know his way around the place?

"Where are you going?" A girl's voice asked accusingly.

He turned around to see Evienne, the girl he'd met when he was in the stocks. Her hair was styled same and she was wearing the same blue dress from earlier but in her hand she held something made of fabric. He couldn't quite tell but it looked like another dress. She was glaring at him. The same unsettling glare from earlier and Merlin suddenly wished he hadn't run into her.

"Lady Helen's room," he held up the vial. "Gaius told me to give this to her for her voice."

"Gaius the Court Physician?" she said skeptically stepping forward. "Why would he give that to you?"

"I'm his new ward," he explained.

She muttered something under her breath that sounded suspiciously like "poor bastard."

He ignored it. "Do you know where I can find the Lady Helen's quarters?"

"Probably in the guest wing," she provided.

"Where's that?" He asked.

She gave him an eye roll, a decidedly epic eye roll, and popped a hand on her hip. She looked at him a moment as if deciding what to do.

"Just follow me," she growled.

"It fine you can just tell me wh-"

"Follow me," she declared, taking off towards her left with a purposeful stride. Merlin had to run to catch up to her.

"So how long have you been working as a servant?" Merlin asked trying to make conversation. There was nothing he hated more than walking in silence.

"I'm not a servant." She declared not bothering to look at him. "I work in the stables."

"Oh."

"Don't sound surprised. I know I'm a woman. It's uncommon. Get over it."

"So how do you know your way around the castle?"

"I used to work here."

"Why don't you anymore?"

She stopped, turning to glare at him, making him shrink back. "Why do you ask so many questions?"

He shrugged.

They made it up two stair cases and down a hallway before Merlin noticed she was missing something.

"Where's your dog?"

"Lucy's outside." She turned down another hallway. "She has the capacity to stay for a little while you know."

He didn't know but he didn't say anything.

"The door at the end's probably hers." She pointed to a large brown door at the end of the hallway. "It's where the important guests usually stay."

"Thanks," he muttered.

He knocked on the door. When no one answered he figure he'd leave the tonic in her room. Slowly he opened the door making it creak. He looked around the dark empty room before walking inside.

It was slightly messy, with clothes thrown on the floor and furniture. The mirror on the vanity was half covered by a blanket and he could see a large vase of purple flowers set on her desk. He wondered who had given them to her.

"What are you doing?" Evienne whispered harshly behind him. He turned around to see her standing at the threshold of the door glowering at him with disapproval.

"Just gonna put this inside."

"Why?"

He ignored her as he placed the vial on Lady Helen's vanity next to the flowers. Something made of straw caught his eye. It looked like a doll, crudely fastened together with tweed and straw.

"What's that?" Evienne asked over his shoulder.

Merlin jumped, he hadn't heard her come up behind him. She was peering over his shoulder at the object in his hand.

"I don't know."

Behind the doll he saw a corner of a book, the rest of it was covered by a small cloth. He picked it up running his hand over the covers intricate designs. It looked old, but well taken care of. There was a lock on it, someone wanted to keep whatever was in it a secret.

He looked for a way to open it.

"What's the book about?" Evienne asked hovering over his shoulder

"How am I supposed to know?"

"Is it magic?" she hissed.

He glared at her slightly annoyed. "Why do you ask so many questions?" he sassed.

Her eyebrows shot up surprised by the comment. She opened her mouth to angrily retort but was interrupted by the sounds of someone walking down the hallway.

"Someone's coming," Evienne whispered quickly.

Merlin dropped the book on the table. Evienne noticing it was uncovered pushed him out of the way to throw the cloth back over it. They turned in time to see Lady Helen enter the room.

"What are you doing in here?" The singer's eyes flickered down briefly to the table.

"I-I um was asked to deliver this." Merlin stammered out turning to the vanity and picking up the potion, handing it to the Lady Helen.

Out of the corner of his eye in the mirror he had seen a flash of an old woman. His heart started racing, hairs standing up on the back of his neck but he couldn't find it in himself to look again.

"And you?" she looked at Evienne.

"He's a dunce." Evienne stated plainly. "He needed help finding your room."

Merlin looked at her, her face was completely neutral.

Lady Helen looked over both of them. She seemed to be sizing them up, deciding if they were worth her time.

"We'll be on our way." Evienne said breaking the tense silence in the room. She grabbed Merlin's wrist and none to gently dragged him out of the room.

She held a vice grip on his arm, pulling him down the hallway and the first set of stairs. When he figured they were out of earshot he stopped and yanked his wrist out of her grip.

Something wasn't right with Lady Helen.

"Did you see that?" he asked.

"See what?"

"The reflection? In the vanity."

She locked eyes with him, again they pierced right through him. She was searching his face for something. What, he couldn't tell.

"No," she stated simply. "And don't do that again."

"Do what?"

"Barge into rooms like that. Especially noble ones." She started down the hallway again. "Unless you want to spend another day looking like a fool in the stocks."

She stopped dead in her tracks. Smirking like she had a brilliant idea. "Then again, maybe the stocks are a fitting place for you."

"Have you ever been told that you're not entirely pleasant?" He growled back at her squaring his shoulders. He was getting really annoyed with her constant crudeness.

She looked him straight in the eye completely unintimidated. "All the time" she admitted with a smirk.

ooOoo

Evienne's hypothesis had been verified.

The new kid Merlin was indeed the stupidest person to have ever entered Camelot. First he picked a fight with Prince Arthur. You'd think spending the night in the dungeon and time in the stocks would be enough to keep him from continuing to make stupid decisions, but no he walks straight into the room of the Kings honored guest and starts searching through her stuff.

Truthfully, Evienne should've just left him to the guards or even Lady Helen. He wasn't her responsibility. She wasn't entirely sure why she didn't, it would've been the logical thing to do.

She'd think about it later. Her first priority was to get the buffoon out of the castle before he managed to stir up any more trouble.

"Which way are you going?" she asked. She figured it probably better if she escorted him out of the castle.

"I've got to go by the market," Merlin responded. "Gaius needs me to pick up some stuff."

Evie needed to cut through the market to get back home. Damn.

"Guess we're heading the same way," she sighed "Follow me."

Evie led him through the castle until they reached the outer court yard. As usual the moment Lucy saw Evie she raced over in excitement at being reunited with her lost owner. She then ran over to Merlin, sniffing his shoes and wagging her tail excitedly.

"What's her name again?" He said crouching down to pet the large dog.

"Lucy."

He stroked her head, that goofy smile blessing his face. "She's a big girl isn't she?"

Lucy seemed to like him. She smiled up at him, tail wagging perfectly happy to have her new friend stroke her head. Despite her size Lucy was always friendly.

"So have you lived in Camelot all your life?" he asked standing up walking in the direction of the market.

Great he was going to try and make small talk. "No."

"Oh, how long have you lived here?"

"Few, years." She replied evasively.

"Do you like it?"

Evie just looked at him.

He locked eyes with her before looking away gulping. "Well I'm from a small town called Ealdor. It's a little farming village in Cenred's Kingdom. Not much there. But it's home, you know?" He looked at her checking for a reaction before continuing. "My mom sent me here, to Camelot. She thought I'd have a better life here. More opportunities and such."

Gods she didn't care.

He blabbered on and Evie did the best she could to zone him out. The fact that she wasn't responding to any of his questions didn't seem to bother him and he just kept talking, and talking, and talk-

"How's your knee walking coming along?" Prince Arthur asked. Evie's stomach clenched. Not this again.

She grabbed onto his shirt sleeve. If he got in another fight now she was going to be associated with him. The last thing she needed was another dark mark on her reputation.

"Walk way," she commanded. She started dragging him forward, and picking up her pace.

"Oh don't run away," the prince challenged. "Don't you want to impress your lady?"

Merlin stopped abruptly causing Evie let go of his jacket. She watched as his jaw clenched, his shoulders grew tense.

"Run away," he clarified turning around. "From you?"

Damnit.

"Oh thank god," the prince sighed. "I thought you were deaf as well as dumb."

"Look I told you, that you were an ass," he spoke walking towards the prince. "I just didn't know you were a royal one."

That's it. Evie threw her hand up in the air in surrender. "I don't know him," she proclaimed stepping off to the side. If he was going to get himself thrown in jail, again, that wasn't her problem. She wanted nothing to do with his little game of 'prove I'm the alpha male'.

"Oh … what are you going to do? Get your daddy's men to protect you." Merlin antagonized.

"Hah, I could take you apart with one blow," the prince laughed

Evie thought that that would be the likely outcome of this fight.

"I could take you apart with less than that," Merlin retorted.

Yeah right.

"You sure?" Arthur challenged.

Merlin yanked off his coat throwing it down in challenge.

Arthur turned towards his friends laughing. One of them handed him a mace, that he threw at Merlin. Instead of catching it as most people would do he tried to dodge it. It hit him in the chest and he fumbled with it awkwardly before it dropped to the ground.

This wasn't going to end well for him.

He picked it up, not taking his eyes off his prince.

The prince spun his mace over his head skilfully stepping towards Merlin. His actions were natural, well-practiced. Merlin didn't have a chance.

"I warn you," he stated. "I've been training to kill since birth."

"Wow," Merlin sounded unimpressed. "How long have you been training to be a prat?"

Arthur smiled in disbelief shaking his head. "You can't address me like that."

"Sorry," Merlin said sarcastically. "How long have you been training to be a prat, milord?" He gave a small bow.

Arthur smiled looking over to the side before suddenly swinging his mace a Merlin's head. Merlin barely managed to duck his eyes going wide.

He shuffled backwards, and Evie followed with the crowd as the fight moved deeper into the market.

The prince strode confidently over an abandoned wagon, mace swinging gracefully over his head. Merlin attempted to copy the prince's actions only to get his mace stuck in a hanging basket.

This was gonna be over quickly.

Merlin struggled with the mace for a minute before dropping the thing entirely and fleeing down the road. Prince Arthur followed him, steadily walking forward still swinging his weapon over his head.

Merlin hit a merchant's cart, and he tumbled over backwards as Prince Arthur took a swing. He barely missed, nailing the produce and destroying a perfectly innocent plum.

Merlin scrambled to his feet backing into a shop. Leaping gracefully over a cart as Arthur followed.

Of course Merlin trips, landing on his back side on top of a pile of feed.

"You're in trouble now," the prince warned moving forward.

He gets lucky as he prince's mace gets caught in a couple of sickles giving Merlin time to struggle to his feet.

"Ow!" The prince howls dropping his mace, he'd stepped on a basket that popped up and struck him in the shin's, causing Merlin to smile.

Prince Arthur's face turns red and he swings at Merlin's face. Again he misses, hitting a basket of oranges, smashing them with a squish.

Then the unbelievable happens. The Prince trips dropping his mace in the process and Merlin becomes the one with a weapon

"Do you want to give up?" Merlin yells swinging the weapon to his side moving towards the prince.

"To you?" The prince retorts despite the fact he was now fleeing from Merlin.

"Want to give up?" Merlin asks again.

The prince steps into a bucket, it slides out from underneath and Arthur falls onto the pile of feed mirroring Merlin's tumble earlier.

There was no way. No way Merlin just won that fight.

Evie closes her jaw when Merlin turns around and locks eyes with her. He shoots her a satisfied smile and shrugs before noticing someone else in the crowd. His expression drops, eyes growing wide but Evie can't see what he's looking at.

It's then that Evie notices that Prince Arthur is getting to his feet and grabbing a broom sitting next to him. With his back turned Merlin couldn't see him coming.

"Mer-" Evie tried to warn.

But it was too late. The prince dropped Merlin to the ground with three strategic blows against his body. He whistled as he swept next to Merlin a smug smile crosses his face.

Merlin groans as two guards drag him to his feet.

"Wait," the prince says. "Let him go."

Evie let's out a breath.

"He may be an idiot, but he's a brave one." The prince searches his face as if trying to figure out something. "There's something about you Merlin. I can't quite put my finger on it."

The crowd of observers that had gathered, parted as the prince walked through. Evie walked forward to help Merlin to his feet only to get beat there by the Court Physician Gaius.

She'd met him before, when she had first come to Camelot she'd cut her leg on a hunt. It didn't seem too bad at the time, just a scratch from a tree. She hadn't even bothered to disinfect it. A choice that had come back to bite. She had grown feverish as an infection took root in the wound. She had passed out in the woods, only to wake up in the old man's home. He had treated her, free of charge and she was forever indebted to him.

"Hello Evienne," he greeted as he walked over to Merlin. His expression was tight. "I see you've met my new ward."

"Indeed," Evie said flatly.

"You two know each other?" Merlin asked looking between them."

"Yes," Gaius said. "She helps me out every once in awhile."

Merlin looked confused. "How?"

"Your new ward is an idiot." Evie stated simply, completely ignoring his question.

"I know," he glared at the boy. "We'll work on it."

He dragged Merlin away without saying goodbye. His expression reminded Evie of her father's whenever she got in trouble. She didn't want to get involved in their family's spat.

Evie wondered their relation as she turned to head home for the night.

She couldn't help but to think that Merlin was a lucky person. Incredibly lucky. Maybe too lucky. The prince falling down once was plausible. But twice... Prince Arthur was a warrior, one of the best, if not the best in Camelot. He was anything but clumsy and for him to fall down was an incredibly lucky break for Merlin. Two lucky breaks like that could be considered a miracle.

A miracle or he made his own luck. Manipulated his environment without anyone seeing. And there was only one way to do that … by using magic.

Could Merlin have magic?

No, the world would never give such gifts to such an utter buffoon. Plus, with his stupidity he would've been caught already.

Still Evie couldn't help wondering if she was no longer the only one in Camelot with a magical secret.

ooOoo

That night Merlin did something his mother had told him never to do … He went to bed angry.

The moment that Merlin had stepped into the physician's household Gaius had started lecturing him. Asking him "How could he be so foolish?" and yelling at him that "Magic must be studied, mastered, and used for good. Not for idiotic pranks" and that "If he could use magic like that why couldn't he control himself."

He took the lecture for about five minutes before he finally snapped.

Without saying a word to the old man, he turned his back, ran to his room and slammed the door before Gaius could think of following him.

It was admittedly childish. Definitely unfair to treat Gaius like that, after everything he'd done for him. Especially given that the physician was probably right. But the moment Prince Arthur had knocked him down with the broom his good sense was thrown out the window.

It was just so bloody unfair. Unfair that The Prince could get away with treating people the way he did. Unfair that he had the power to stand up to him but the moment he did he'd get sentenced to death. Unfair that he had to hide who he was. Unfair that there was no one in this city who could honestly understand what he was going through.

So he laid on his bed, feeling sorry for himself until sleep eventually got a hold of him.

"Merlin." A voice whispered. The same voice from the dungeon. His eye's shot open.

"Merlin." It whispered again and Merlin shot up into a sitting position. He waited for a moment before getting out of bed and throwing on his shoes and coat.

A loud snoring filled the living room when Merlin had entered it. Gaius was fast asleep in his bed but he knew he had to be careful not to wake him up. He tiptoed across the room making it half way across before bumping into a metal vase sending it crashing onto the floor.

His eyes shot to Gaius, who stirred a bit but didn't awake. He noticed the blanket was falling off the old man. Carefully with his magic he pulled it back up to keep him from getting cold. He smiled slightly at the sight of the sleeping old man.

"Merlin" … The voice called again and he followed.

It led him across the castle until he eventually reached a small room with a hole guarded by two men playing dice.

Whatever they were guarding was what kept calling his name.

Using his magic, he flung the dice across the room. The men exchanged a bewildered look before one got up to get them. As soon as he got close Merlin magicked them farther away. Like a cat chasing a string the guard followed. Curiosity got the best of the other man as well and he got up in pursuit of the runaway dice.

The moment that Merlin saw his opportunity he slid behind the guards. Quickly grabbing a torch, he lit it on a lamp and began his descent down the hole. It reminded him of a tomb, dark and dingy with steps that never seemed to end. He descended further into the darkness, listening as the whispering grew louder and his heartbeat grew stronger.

When he reached the bottom he continued along a dark tunnel. It opened into a great cavern. Stalactites larger than himself hung from above, a fine mist hanging in the air.

"Where are you?" He shouted his voice echoing through the cavern.

Then he heard it. A large flapping resonating off the walls of the cavern. A dragon emerged from its depths, perching itself in an out cropping not far from where Merlin was standing. It stood at least thirty feet tall with glittering golden scales, and large powerful wings. Its face was old and held a pair of wise yellow eyes as that gazed at him like he was an old friend.

Merlin staggered backwards mouth gaping in disbelief as his stomach hardened. For a second he considered fleeing, it would take nothing for this creature to kill him. A swipe of his claws, a breath of fire, this beast could end his life in seconds. But still he held his ground, the dragon had summoned him for a reason and deep in his heart he felt the need to listen.

"How small you are," the dragon spoke in a majestic voice. "For such a great destiny."

"Why?" Merlin stepped forward, he knew the dragon held great knowledge and despite his fear he needed to know. "What do you mean? What destiny?"

"Your gift Merlin." The beast explained settling onto the rock. "Was given to you for a reason?"

The dragon knew. He knew the answer to the questions he spent hours contemplating. Hours late at night staring at his ceiling feeling like an outcast … a freak of nature. Hours in fear of dying for how he was born. Hours looking for a reason as to why he was burdened by these gifts. The dragon could answer his questions.

"There is a reason," he managed to stammer out.

"Arthur is the Once and Future King who will unite the land of Albion." The dragon explained.

"Right?"

"But he faces many threats, from friend and foe alike."

The dragon was making no sense, what did Arthur have to do with his magic?

"What has this got to do with me?" he asked confused.

"Everything." The dragon said flatly. "Without you, Arthur will never succeed. Without you, there will be no Albion."

The dragon couldn't be telling him that the purpose of his gifts were to help that ass. Surely they must be used for greater things.

"No, no you've got this wrong."

"There is no right or wrong," the dragon corrected. "Only what is and what isn't."

"I'm serious," Merlin exclaimed with a raised voice. "If anyone wants to go and kill him they can go ahead. In fact, I'll give them a hand."

The dragon gave a small little laugh. "None of us can choose our destiny Merlin." He looked deeply into Merlin's eyes, "And none of us can escape it."

"No, nope, no way, nope," Merlin shook his head in violent protest. "There must be another Arthur because this one is an idiot."

"Perhaps it is your destiny to change that."

Merlin just stared at the dragon wondering if he was telling the truth; and if so, why he got stuck with such a crappy destiny?

"And Merlin?" the dragon continued making sure that Merlin was still listening. "You must befriend the huntress. She will be your greatest ally and vital to the cause."

Without hesitation the dragon opened its great wings and launched itself back into the air.

"Wait!" Merlin shouted, he had no clue who this huntress person was. "Wait! I need to know more!"

But it was too late. With the chain rattling the dragon disappeared deeper into the cavern. Leaving Merlin even more confused than he was before.

ooOoo

It was around ten in the morning when Evienne dropped Lucy off at Guinevere's father.

It seemed early, speaking that the feast wasn't to start until six that night but Gwen had asked Evie for some extra help preparing beforehand.

When she arrived at the forge, Gwen's father or Tom as he was known to most people around town, was completely absorbed in his work. It was quite obvious that Gwen had inherited her kindness from her father but the man was a bit absent minded. He had a habit of forgetting things and escaping into his own little worlds so Evie entered slowly careful not to startle the man. She had to grab Lucy's scruff to prevent her from racing into the forge.

"Tom," she spoke quietly.

The man jumped, causing molten metal to fling from the sword he'd been hammering. Luckily none of it hit anything living or flammable.

"Evienne," Tom gave her one of his signature gentle smiles. "What are you doing here?"

"Guinevere said you'd watch my dog?"

Gwen did okay it with her father right?

"Oh yeah," he shook his head as if to shake out the confusion. "Totally forgot. Just let her in here. I'll keep an eye on her."

She let go of the dog's scruff and Lucy raced into the room, sniffing Tom's foot before finally jumping onto a small chair in the corner and making herself comfortable.

Evie gave the man a polite smile, "Thank you."

"Oh Evienne!" Tom shouted before she could leave the door. "There's a sandwich on the table, would you mind taking it to Guinevere. She forgot it this morning and you know Gwen, she'll be so busy worried that her Lady is taken care of she won't eat. Do you mind it taking to her?"

"Not at all," Evie grabbed the sandwich off the table.

"She'll be with the Lady Morgana," Tom called out as she left the door.

The castle was more active than usual as servants were running up and down the hallway moving furniture and decorations as they prepared for tonight's grand feast. The Lady Morgana's chambers were in one of the castles towers, relatively secluded from the rest of the building.

As Evie approached Morgana's voice filled the hallway, "You know I've been thinking about Arthur. I wouldn't touch him with a lance pole."

Evie looked into the chamber and stiffened, Merlin was standing there watching the Lady's back as she changed.

He looked practically awe struck with The Lady … Jaw open, eye's wide. Evie figured that if he were talking he'd be stuttering his words out. It wasn't a surprise. With her ivory skin, raven hair and sea green eye's - The Lady Morgana had that effect on men. She was also a proper Lady which helped her case.

Evie didn't know the Lady Morgana. Never even said a word to her. But from what Gwen said about her she seemed kind enough. At the thought of Merlin going all peeping-tom on her Evie ground her teeth.

"Can you hand me my dress Gwen?" The Lady Morgana asked.

Looking around Merlin grabbed the dress handing it over the divider to the currently naked Lady Morgana.

He turned around freezing when he saw Evie glaring at him.

"Pervert," she mouthed.

"It's not what it-" he started mouth.

"I mean the man's a total jouster," The Lady Morgana continued. "Just because I'm the king's ward, that doesn't mean I have to accompany him to the feast. Does it?"

Neither of them answered. Technically Evie wasn't supposed to be in the room either. Merlin looked at Evie in desperation and Evie just shrugged to say that she didn't know.

"Well, does it?"

"Mhm," Merlin agreed with his best attempts at a woman's voice.

"If he wants me to go then he should have just invited me," Morgana complained. "He hasn't. So do you know what that means?"

Both Evie and Merlin started creeping slowly towards the door.

"Mhm," Merlin said again.

"Where are you?" The Lady Morgana asked looking over the divider.

Evie ducked behind the table while Merlin through a dress over his face. Apparently she noticed nothing because she kept talking.

"I'm going alone."

Merlin looked absolutely delighted by the news. As if he had a chance.

"I need some help with this fastening," Morgana requested.

Evie shot a glance towards Merlin shaking her head and sending him her best; "Don't you dare look." Merlin just looked like here was at a loss for what to do.

"Gwen?" Morgana called.

"I am right here." Guinevere called from the threshold from the door.

She looked completely confused as to why Merlin was in the room and more importantly why Evie was on the floor. Evie staggered to her feet handing the sandwich to Gwen and slipped out the door. Merlin quickly mouthed something before following.

"It wasn't what it looked like!" Merlin tried to explain.

"Sure," Evie said flatly.

"I'm serious I was just dropping something off for Gaius."

That was a probable answer but Evie still gave him a look just to watch him squirm.

"Why are you here?" Merlin asked.

"Dropping stuff off for Guinevere. Namely her breakfast."

"That's nice."

"Sure," Evie started walking away, she'd had enough of this conversation

"So I'll see you at the feast?" Merlin asked.

Evie stopped spinning around on her heels. "What?" she asked.

"The feast … I'm guessing I'll see you there."

"Why would I see you there? You're just a peasant."

Her comment sent a confused look across his face. "I'm coming with Gaius," he stated as if it were obvious. "We're working."

"Oh."

"So I'll see you tonight."

"I guess," Evie sighed.

She watched as Merlin walked down the hallway. She really couldn't get away from the kid. Her earlier assumption that she wouldn't be seeing much of him was certainly not correct.

Unfortunately for her. There was one thing that she was sure of. The boy was trouble and she already had enough of that in her life.

ooOoo

Merlin was excited to go to the feast. Or at least he was until he realized he'd have to be polite to Prince Arthur.

He still didn't believe what the Dragon said. There was no way that prat was destined to be the greatest king this land had ever seen. Absolutely no way Merlin would be able to sculpt that pile of crap into something kingly. Truthfully he doubted the gods themselves could accomplish that task.

The dragon's just an idiot.

Coming from Ealdor Merlin had no idea what to expect from a celebration like this. The biggest celebration he'd ever been to was the wedding of his neighbor's Deirdre and Timothy. The entire village met at its centre, for the feast and ceremony but it was still a relatively simple event. Everyone brought some food and they played music, drank, and danced around a fire. It was one of Merlin's favorite nights.

The celebration tonight on the other hand was simply grandiose.

The entire hall was impeccably decorated. From the elaborate red tapestry's to the silver plated glasses at the table the entire ballroom exhibited the royal family's wealth. Merlin could name only half of the foods displayed at the table, the rest were exotic delicacies that a peasant like him was just lucky enough to smell. The men wore their finest jackets and the women in gowns that must have cost a small fortune. He couldn't believe he was here, a simple farm boy standing amongst the most powerful and wealthiest people in the kingdom.

He spotted Evienne at one of the nearby tables, refilling the glass of some random nobleman. Her braid had been rolled up into a bun and she wore a simple serving dress. With a pinched expression, that clearly said, that she wasn't happy to be here.

He was pretty sure that she thought he was a pervert. To be fair he probably looked like one after being caught in the Lady Morgana's room. But truthfully it didn't matter to him, her opinion didn't mean anything.

The hair on his neck stiffened when he spotted Prince Arthur. He was talking with his air head friends off in a corner. When suddenly he stopped, eyes focusing on something or someone entering the room.

He followed The Prince's gaze and Merlin suddenly became painfully aware of his own heartbeat.

The Lady Morgana was striding gracefully into the room. She was simply one of the most beautiful things that Merlin had ever seen. Her dark hair was pulled up into a messy up-do, with small strands caressing her neck and a small jewel was set under her right eye. Her dress, for the love of the gods her dress was perfect. A burgundy halter top, with the neckline just above her breasts, leaving just enough to the imagination. Around her waist was a golden belt, it seemed to hug her curves. Her beautiful curves. Merlin could imagine running his hands down them, squeezing her waist and pulling her into a tight embrace. He could feel himself putting his lips to her neck as he slowly-

"Merlin," Gaius scolded snapping him out of his fantasy. "Remember you're here to work."

Right work. He swallowed the saliva gathering at his lip before it spilled out and watched with a pang of jealousy as the Prince made his way over to her.

"She looks great doesn't she," Gwen said with a smile as she came up to him with Evienne next to her.

"Yeah," he realized he should probably stop staring.

"Some people are just born to be queen."

Merlin's stomach dropped. "No," he said quickly.

"I hope so," Gwen continued watching her lady. "One day. Not that I'd want to be her, who'd want to marry Arthur."

Merlin gave a small laugh. "Come on Gwen I thought you liked those real rough tough save-the-world kind of men."

"No," Guinevere corrected. "I like much more ordinary men like you."

Oh, the irony.

"Gwen believe me," he laughed. "I'm not ordinary."

"Sure," Evie laughed doubtfully. "I bet you're a real special snowflake."

Merlin ignored her.

"No I didn't mean you." Guinevere suddenly corrected sounding anxious. "But I like much more ordinary men, like you."

He locked eyes with Gwen and suddenly Merlin was really uncomfortable. Both he and Gwen quickly turned away and busied themselves with stuff at the table. Evienne shuffled closer to Guinevere and with a smirk whispered something into her ear.

"Shut up." Gwen slapped her friend playfully on the arm before walking away with a pitcher of wine.

"What was that about?" he asked Evienne as soon as Gwen left.

"Nothing." She said with a flat face.

Her pendant caught his eye. He had noticed it before but this was the first time he got a good look at it. It was a picture of a lady, holding a bow with a dog running by her side.

"Who's that?" he asked.

"Diana" she said simply.

"Who?"

"The goddess." She looked at him as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "Of the Old Religion."

"Do you practice the Old Religion?" He smiled at the slight possibility that their maybe someone else in this town who practiced magic.

She eyed him carefully grabbing the amulet and covering the image. "No, it's merely for superstitious reasons."

Merlin was ashamed to admit he felt a twinge of disappointment.

ooOoo

For some reason Merlin's careful examination of Evienne's amulet made her nervous.

She didn't think he was going to figure out her secret. No that wasn't it. Even though Diana was a goddess of the Old Religion it wasn't uncommon for hunters like herself to wear her symbol. Hers of course was more sacred than most. Having been raised by a man who had a direct blessing from the goddess she kept the symbol and the goddess close to her heart.

A horn sounded across the room saving her from further interrogation. She walked to join the rest of the servants and took a place beside Gwen as King Uther entered the room.

"We have enjoyed twenty years of peace and prosperity," began the King. "It has brought the kingdom and myself many pleasures. But few can compare with the honor of introducing Lady Helen of Mora."

He took a seat between his son and ward as the singer took a bow preparing to begin her performance. The band started playing, the music was beautiful but it filled Evie with a strong sense of melancholy.

Evie listened as the singer began her performance, her voice was that of an angel but she sung in a language that Evie couldn't understand. Whatever it was, the lyrics seemed incredibly sombre. Yet in a strange way the sounds were soothing like the lullabies her father sung to her when she was little.

The whole room was affected by her music. As The Lady Helen began to walk forward the tone of the room seemed to droop. The candles seemed less bright, the people less lively. Everyone seemed more content.

In that moment Evie realized something was wrong. Everyone's eyes began drooping and one by one people placed their heads on the table or back in their chair as sleep washed over them.

Her heart raced and she flung her hands to her ears as a last ditch effort to block out the sound. She scanned the room, looking for anyone else who was still awake. Only one other person was still standing.

Merlin … of course.

His face was white as his eyes darted around the room looking desperately for an answer to what was going on. His eyes met hers silently asking her if she knew, and she shook her head telling him she didn't.

The Lady Helen just kept singing and the room darkened further. Out of nowhere cobwebs appeared covering the tables and the walls of the room. In a matter of minutes, the room went from a lively celebration to a tomb that hadn't been touched for a hundred years.

Evie turned around looking for Gwen. She was behind her lying on the floor and like everyone else she was fast asleep. Or at least she thought. Gods what if this spell was doing more than just putting people to sleep.

A loud crash filled the room. Evie jumped before noticing that one of the iron chandeliers had fallen, crushing the Lady Helen. She turns to Merlin who shrugs with a horrified expression on his face.

Her song has been stopped and so has the spell. But the room is still silent, no one is waking.

Evie's muscles tense, heart beating fast for one minute then two, until suddenly people begin to rise from their slumber. They push the cobwebs that have gathered on top of them and gaze around the room with a dazed look on their face.

Before Evie can react the Lady Helen pushes herself up, throwing a knife towards the Prince. It tumbles in the air on perfect course for his heart but before the knife could reach its target Arthur was torn out his path and the knife impaled itself in the dark wood of the chair behind him.

The Prince was sprawled out on the ground, next to him was Merlin.

It takes a second for Evie to process what happened.

Merlin saved Arthur's life.

Who would have guessed?

She replayed the scene in her head. How did he manage it?

Merlin had been standing at least ten feet away from the prince. There was no possible way he could have covered that amount of space in that little time unless...

It was the only explanation. No matter how improbable it seemed, it had to be the truth. There was no way that Merlin could have reached the prince in time to save him. No way he could have gotten the upper hand on the prince in the fight. She bet that he was the one that made the chandelier fall as well.

He couldn't have done any of these things unless he was like Evie.

It was the only logical explanation … Merlin had magic.

ooOoo

To be honest Merlin wasn't entirely sure he saved the prince's life.

He still thought the guy was a prat, and a royal one. In his head he was convinced that he didn't care whether the guy lived or died. But his heart on the other hand seemed to have a different idea.

He had risked a lot using magic in front of the crowd like that. There was a good chance he could be executed for what he had just done. His mind started racing trying to come up for an excuse for what just happened.

He froze when the king stepped forward.

"You saved my boys life," the king stated and looked at him with gratitude. "The debt must be repaid."

A debt being repaid seems much better than an execution, but Merlin was still at a loss of what to say.

"Don't be modest," the king continued. "You shall be rewarded."

"No honestly you don't have to your highness," Merlin managed to stammer out.

"No absolutely this merits something quite special."

Merlin did save the prince's life maybe he did deserve a reward. "Well …"

"You should be rewarded a position in royal household," the king announced.

A bubble of excitement rose in Merlin's chest. The royal household this was going to be great.

"You shall be Prince Arthur's manservant."

Wait, what? How was that an award.

The crowd roared with applause. He could see Gaius smiling at him proudly, Gwen kindly and Evie smirking like she'd just learned a secret.

"Father!" Arthur protested loudly.

Merlin had no idea what to do, the last thing he wanted was to serve the prat. One glance at Arthur's face and he could tell that Arthur felt the same way.

Just his luck. His "reward" turns out to be a terrible punishment.

After all the excitement of the night there was a silent consensus that it was time for the feast to end. As the guests left Merlin and the other servants were left behind to help clean up. The cobwebs covering everything made the whole cleaning up process all that much harder.

Merlin was helping clear off one of the tables when Evie strode up to him.

"You know Merlin, you're a lucky guy," she started clearing a spot next to him. "Becoming a royal servant first week in Camelot, a lot of people would kill for that job."

He looked at her. She looked like she was entertained for some reason. But he hadn't the slightest idea why.

"We also got super lucky with the chandelier and all," she continued. "Who knows how long the two of us would have been able to outlast the spell?"

She wasn't just congratulating him on his new job, she had an ulterior motive. He could see it on her face.

"Yeah," he stated trying to figure out what she was thinking. "I guess I am."

"Maybe I should keep you around as a luck charm," she continued. "Luck is a rare thing to have. A real magical quality. I think I need some more of it in my life."

Merlin was pretty sure she had no idea how ironic that statement was. "I guess."

"Well Merlin," she gathered up the cobwebs she was collecting. "I guess I should say welcome to Camelot."

She strode away leaving Merlin wondering what the hell just happened.

He didn't get home until late that night, and even once he did he couldn't fall asleep. There was so much to think about his new job, Evie's cryptic behavior and amulet, his destiny. After an hour of rolling around in bed he gave up, lit a candle and let himself get lost in his own thoughts.

There was a knock on his door and Gaius entered the room. The old man apparently couldn't find sleep either. He walked in a red bundle in hand.

"Seems to me you're a hero," Gaius proclaimed proudly.

Merlin couldn't keep himself from smiling. "Hard to believe isn't it?"

"No," the old man said honestly. "I knew it from the moment I met you. Well, you saved my life remember."

"But that was magic?"

"And now it seems we've finally found a use for it."

"What do you mean?" Merlin asked although he had a good idea exactly where the old man was going.

"I saw how you saved Arthur's life."

"Ah, no-"

"Perhaps that's its purpose," Gaius stated.

No matter how much he disdained the idea it was starting to seem more likely.

Merlin sighed, he may just have to accept it. "My destiny."

"Indeed," Gaius agreed.

The physician took the bundle out of his hands. Slowly he handed it over.

"This book was given to me when I was your age," Gaius explained. "But I have a feeling it will be much more use to you, than it was to me."

Merlin unwrapped the cover revealing one of the most beautiful books he'd ever seen. Leather bound with brass fastenings it looked like it had been well loved over many years. He opened it, for a second it took him a second to decipher what it was. He couldn't believe it.

"But this is a book of magic?" Saying it out loud brought a smile to his face.

"Which is why you must keep it hidden." Gaius warned.

"I will study every word," he promised.

The old man smiled and for a second Merlin could imagine the life he was going to make for himself here. He'd dive his nose into these books learning everything he could about his magic. He'd manage through the day with Arthur, chasing his destiny sculpting the man into a great kind. After work he could spend time with friends like Gwen and maybe even Evienne if things went right.

Evienne. He still had one question about her.

"Gaius?" he asked. "What do you know about Diana?"

"She's a goddess of the Old Religion." He seemed a bit thrown off by the sudden question. "Why?"

"Evienne had a necklace of her," Merlin explained.

"Well, it's not uncommon for hunters to wear her symbol. She was the goddess of the hunt after all."

"Evienne hunts?"

"Almost every day," he stated. "She often picks herbs and such up for me when I need them."

It took a second for Merlin to process the information but everything seemed to click into place. One last question had been answered.

He now knew who the huntress the dragon spoke of was.

It was Evienne.

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I'll update with the next chapter ASAP. Thank you for reading the first chapter of this story. Hope you liked it