This first chapter is written in "once upon a time" mode. The rest of the story won't be. It will switch between Merlin and Arthur's point of view.
A tall, green eyed, broad, dark hair man paced the hall of his estate. His wife was in labor. If it was a son, then he would have someone to inherit his title and land which included his estate and Genmore village. If it was a daughter than she would be married off to enhance ties with other important nobles. He was on friendly terms with King Uther, so it was also a possibility that she might marry the king's son if everything went as planned. A man walked out of the bedroom. The other man was Gaius; Camelot's court physician whom he had sent for three days ago.
"Sir Ambrose, your wife had delivered the child, but I'm afraid that she is fading fast. I have tried everything but with no success." Gaius apologized; he voice hinted with sadness. He knew Lady Ambrose as a child and had treated her many times for different illnesses. "The child will survive though."
"Very well, but tell me what is the gender of the child." He voice sounded bored. His wife has done her duty and delivered him a child. She was not of must more use.
"A girl sir"
"Show me"
Sir Ambrose entered the room. Lady Ambrose was holding a bundle against her.
Lady Ambrose was very beautiful. She had dark black hair, deep blue eyes and a lovely face. Not only was she beautiful, but kind. She believed in equality and respect for all of the classes not just the upper class. She was the opposite of her husband.
"My daughter, my lovely Merlin" She whispered softly, and smiled before her eyed closed for the last time.
Gaius walked over felt for a heartbeat, but found none. He took the child from her mother's arms.
"Let me see." Ambrose demanded
The baby was chubby as most babies are. Her hair was already dark, cheekbones were high and she had lovely blue eyes. However her ears were abnormally large and stuck out.
"This will not do. Her ears are huge. It's disgusting." He raged "There is no way for me to marry her off well. I must find another baby that can replace this creature.
"But sir what shall I do with her." Gaius exclaimed
"I do not care; drown her for all I care."
"Sir I know of a servant woman here who just lost a child. Please allow her to raise the child." Gaius pleaded. He could not bear to kill a child, let alone Lady Ambrose's daughter.
"Very well, she will grow up to be my servant. If she applies herself I may allow her to serve my new child. No one is to know of this. Tell know one. "
"Of course sir"
Gaius cradled the child and started down to the servants' chambers. He looked down at the baby and feels his heart grown heavy. Everyone knows that a life of a servant is not easy and if she grows up to have her mother's talent than her life will be even more difficult. But maybe it will be a good thing. Sir Ambrose would kill her himself if he knew. The servant, May would not harm her. Her mother was a Druid, not that anyone but himself knows of course. She will at least now have someone to help her if she does have her mother's gifts.
Gaius knocks on the door and a small brown haired woman answers.
"Gaius this is a surprise. How may I help you?"
"I'm afraid that this child's mother died during childbirth and she has no other family. Her mother had some special talents.
May nodded in understanding.
"She has no one. Could you please take care of her?"
May glanced down at the baby to see big blue eyes staring up at her.
"Of course, does she have a name?"
"Her mother named her in her last few moments. Her name is Merlin. I'm afraid I must head back to Camelot. Goodbye May.
"Goodbye. I will do all I can for the girl."
He glimpsed once more at the baby before leaving and headed back to Camelot with a heavy heart.
When Gaius left his chambers, Lord Ambrose, hid his identity and went to the orphanage where he found a week old baby with beautiful dark hair, green eyes and a perfect face along with normal ears. He named her Morgana.
Later that night May was rocking Merlin whom she had just finished feeding. The wish for a child had been strong, especially when her own baby girl died a week ago. She never thought that she would have a chance to raise a child again since her husband was dead and she was getting older.
May placed Merlin on her cot and went to washer her hands when a bucket flew past her. She quickly turned around to see a chair and blanket floating in midair.
"What?" May started before running over to the baby.
The baby was smiling, but what was most surprising was her blue eyes were now gold.
May gasped in surprised before a gentle smile came over her face.
"Hello Emrys"