Destiny
Dedicated to goodythreeshoes (thanks for introducing me to this lovely fandom)
My dear Gaius, I turn to you for I feel lost and alone, and don't know who to trust. It is every mother's fate to think her child is special, and yet I would give my life that Merlin were not so. I fear that the damage that has been done to him here is something that can only be repaired elsewhere. Mark it Gaius, I should have sent you to him a long time ago, and know I fear for what he'll do if he remains here any longer. For ours is a small village, they and he have been at odds with each other for the longest. There is now a darkness in his eyes that wasn't there before. I have faith in you, brother, if there is anyone who can change him it would be you. He needs a hand to hold, a voice to guide, someone that might help him find a purpose for his gifts. I beg you, if you understand a mother's love for her son, keep him safe. And may God save you both.
He rapped on the door eager to get off his feet. The door creaked noisily and he waited. Pains were shooting up his calves and Merlin made a mental note to buy some quality shoes. These flimsy pieces of cloth weren't doing anything of value. Merlin looked up impatiently; he knocked again.
"Sir?" He intoned. Silence greeted him.
Merlin gritted his teeth poking his head inside. There was something bubbling, and Merlin was greeted with the most curious of sights. He slipped into the room, quietly shutting the door behind him. It smelled strongly of wood and chemicals the like of which he had never seen.
There was a table with fruit and bread arranged on it, the only piece of normality in the room. But the main center piece was the giant lab laid out before him. It looked to be an alchemy set. Golden knick-knacks and swinging pendulums hung from even more curious instruments. And a fire was heating some sort of brewed mixture. Several books were strewn over the expanse of the table, giving it a messily elegant look.
A sound came from above. Merlin looked. A man was working on another table carefully mixing with a look of utter concentration on his face. "Gaius?"
He wasn't expecting the man to flinch out of his skin. It railing collapsed and the man fell through. Merlin magicked his fall, slowing it down before searching wildly for something to cushion him. There was a bed not five paces over. Merlin jerked his neck making it zoom under the falling man. Merlin canceled the charm and the man hit the bed, dust flying everywhere.
The man shot up with a wild look on his face. "What did you just do?"
Merlin gave no answer the execution still fresh in his mind. "Nothing, sir."
"Don't lie to me boy!"The man hissed, his eyes searching upwards. "If anyone had seen-!"
"It had nothing to do with me, sir."Merlin said backing up to the door.
The man narrowed his eyes. "Who are you anyways?"
Merlin looked at him warily, wondering if this man was going to turn him into the king. He quickly remembered the luggage on his back and he reached into it.
"I am Merlin." He said handing over the letter his mother ordered him to give.
A dawn of comprehension showed on the man's face. Merlin sighed in relief. "Hunith's son?"
Merlin nodded. The man spoke again, "but you weren't supposed to be here until Wednesday."
"It is Wednesday."Merlin deadpanned.
"Ah, yes, I suppose it is."The man said airily. But his face took a contemplative turn. "Where did you learn these magicks from?"
"I didn't learn it from anyone!"Merlin said. "I was born with it."
"Impossible." The man dismissed. "Magic can only be channeled through incantations. Do you take me for a fool, boy?"
Merlin was getting distinctly irritated. "I don't know any enchantments or spells. I was just born like this."
The man eyed him silently a blank look on his face. Suddenly he backhanded a bucket of water. He caught a glance of the boy's eyes turning gold, and the water stopped in mid-air.
He froze in horror. It was a reflex! He looked up at the man who was staring at the frozen bucket in fascination. The man met his eyes and the bucket fell to the floor, the water spilling everywhere. The noise shook the man out of his revere.
"Put your bag in there."His voice still heavy with thought. Merlin gave a quick nod, but turned on his heel.
"You won't say anything about the…well."He gestured vaguely. The man stared at him before shaking his head.
Merlin nearly sagged in relief muttering a 'thanks' before heading to his new room.
He stretched out languidly on his new bed the following morning. Merlin had slept well; this bed was nothing like the one he had at home. He shook his head. It was no longer his home. This was his new home. Camelot. Merlin rolled the name on his tongue. It did have a ring to it.
Things would be different here. He would make sure of it. Here, in Camelot he would have a new life. No one would know him for what he was or what he could do. Merlin wouldn't be teased or made fun of here. It was a fresh new start, something that he was intent on making the most of it.
With a new resolve, Merlin hopped out of the bed. A noticeable pep peppering his step. Gaius was already waiting for him by the table with the food. Merlin realized it was sectioned off as a kitchen. Gaius looked up at his entrance and gestured him over.
"Sit and eat."He said pointing to a bowl of porridge. It didn't look any bit of appetizing, but his stomach growled in protest, not caring. Merlin remembered he didn't eat all of yesterday because of the storm that had ruined his last day's meal. Suddenly, the porridge looked appealing.
Gaius spoke. "As you should know, what you did yesterday will get you killed in Camelot. Our king, Uther, does not allow magic of any sort. And there is only one punishment: death."
Merlin nodded as he was eating. He remembered all too well the public execution that took place. The man didn't even look like a sorcerer. Then again, Merlin didn't think he looked like one either. That led him to wonder what exactly sorcerers looked like. He didn't think they would actively walk around wearing pointed hats and wands. Merlin realized Gaius was still speaking.
"So we have to make sure to keep you out of trouble."Gaius paused. "You can make deliveries until I have something more of an inside job for you."
Gaius stood from the table and crossed to the other side of the room, which was filled with differently shaped and colored bottles and flagons that were no doubt prescriptions of some sort. He came back with two small bottles.
"This one," Gaius said holding up the brown bottle, "is for Sir Olgen. He's as blind as a weasel so tell him not to drink it all on the first go." Gaius waited until Merlin nodded. "The other is fever medicine for Lady Percival."
Merlin nodded again polishing off his breakfast. It really wasn't that bad after all. He stood to accept the medicines. Gaius also handed him a sandwich. Merlin gave him a small smile which Gaius returned.
"Off you go."
After wrong doors and curses spit in his face, Merlin finally was on his way back to Gaius', his new home. He found himself hungry as he walked through the market place and was glad that Gaius had the foresight to pack him a sandwich. He heard laughter and turned back recognizing it as laughs belonging to people his own age. Merlin felt hope spring up in him, perhaps he would make a friend today.
There was a crowd of them. The closer he got the laughs he heard sounded more like jeering. Merlin's smile quickly disappeared.
They were dressed richly with the Camelot crest on his armor. They seemed to be banded behind another teen that was dressed even more richly than they. He was tall, maybe an inch or two shorter than himself. But he was built broadly, and even underneath all the armor, Ruben could see that the teen was muscular. His hair was a straw colored blond, his eyes a rich and strangely a familiar blue.
Merlin had seen this boy before, though where exactly was just on the edge of his memory. It irked Merlin that he couldn't remember. Though, the irritation quickly turned into ire as he saw just what fun the boys were having.
"Keep running!"The blond ordered mockingly. "You make a great target."
This was followed with a knife throw. Merlin's eyes followed the knife and saw it burrow into a thin looking shield that a servant boy was sporting. The boy gave a frightened yelp at the force of the throw and dropped the shield.
It rolled over to him before Merlin and he halted it with his feet. The servant boy had hurried after the shield and was now staring up at him fearfully. But his mind wasn't even taking in the servant boy or the shield. Merlin's eyes burned in fury as he was reminded of his own childhood. He remembered being bullied; even he was the choice target for many of the punks of his village.
Only, he wasn't as fortunate to bear a shield.
He stepped over the cowering servant boy, approaching the laughing boys with a thinly leashed fury. As he got up close the boys took notice of his presence. Merlin felt them looking at his worn and dirty shoes up to his ragged clothes before finally taking in his face. It only fueled his anger; he could literally feel the scorn.
"You've had your fun. Leave him alone."The teen looked at him incredulously, as though trying to contemplate how this filth thought it appropriate to breathe the same air as him.
"What did you say to me?" The boy's voice was just as arrogant as he looked.
"I said," Merlin hissed. "Leave him alone."
"Who are you?"The boy looked curious. Merlin looked at him a bit bemused, though his gaze was still tinged with anger.
"My name is Merlin."
The teen spoke with a glint in his eyes. "Tell me Merlin," the teen said it as though discussing something rather disgusting. "Do you know how to walk on your knees?"
"Can't say I do."Merlin said.
"Would you like me to help you?" His face was the epitome of arrogance. Merlin found that he hated it more than anything. He chuckled.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you."Merlin could feel the rush of his magic, he could feel it rush in his veins and tingle in his fingertips just begging him to use it.
"Why?"The boy mocked. "What could you possibly do to me?"
The tingling was more insistent now, and Merlin felt his eyes starting to change. He bowed his head, his hair shading his eyes. No doubt the teen would take it as a sign of subservice, but Merlin's thirst for the boy's blood couldn't be quenched easily. Merlin smirked.
"You have no idea."
An amused laugh met his ears, sounding like one you would give to a dog who did a funny trick.
"Be my guest."The boy challenged. "C'mon."
Merlin's finger twitched at his sides, his magic getting particularly insistent.
"C'mon!" The teen's voice said now gesturing to the onlookers Merlin knew would be crowding around.
"C'mon! Or are you all tal-?"
A loud crack sounded as his magic-charged fist connected with the arrogant prat's face. He gave a satisfied smirk as the boy flew backward landing a few feet away.
Immediately mutterings sprung up around the square and the teens that were previously laughing turned serious. Each one drew their sword. Merlin's attention was drawn to the teen on the ground that was glaring at him murderously holding his jaw.
"I'll have you thrown in the goal for that!"His voice was outraged, and Merlin couldn't help the mirth that bubbled over his lips.
"And who are you, the king?"
"No, I'm his son. Arthur."Merlin's heart froze in his chest. Oh bugger.
That's how he knew the bloody prat! He was up there on the castle's balcony standing on the right side of the king the day of the execution. Merlin's mind chanted a litany of curses while trying to keep his face calm.
"So what? You're going to have me jailed by your father?"Merlin laughed scornfully. "Or is your pride bruised to the point of calling the executioner?" He gestured to the sword bearing gang to the side. "Is this the future king of Camelot? A bloody prat who challenges whoever comes his way, but when he is beaten, he can't accept gracefully his defeat?"Merlin made sure to amplify his volume so the surrounding market could hear. "Jail me then, Arthur, Crowned Prince of Camelot, and show what a coward your father has raised you to be!"
Utter silence prevailed, and all eyes were riveted on the furious prince.
Slowly, he raised his hand turning to his gang and signaled to them to sheath their swords. They did so hesitantly looking from him to Merlin. Arthur got to his feet and walked in front of Merlin a now unreadable look on his face.
Arthur spoke only so Merlin could hear. "Nicely played."
He turned to the surrounding bystanders and fixed them with a noble look. "Mark it Camelot, your prince has been humbled. Yet he bears no ill will, for he was faced against a worthy contender. Rest assured that I will learn from this encounter, and use it as valuable experience for when I will take the throne." Merlin mentally appraised the young prince on his word choosing and blatant yet elegantly told lies. He was surprised when Arthur faced him once more.
"Please accept my request to be at my side for the celebration that will take place tomorrow night."Merlin nearly laughed in his face in relief, but managed to put on a deeply respectful look. He bowed graciously.
"I accept your gracious offer."Arthur looked relieved, the tenseness in his shoulders gone. Merlin felt a bit bad for him. He also turned to address the crowd.
"I have traveled far and have been through many lands. I have seen princes great and small. Give thanks to your gods Camelot, for being blessed with such a righteous prince."Merlin was sure he laid it on thick, but he could see the approving glances that were given to both him and Arthur. He was greeted with a shocked look from the prince, but he just smiled warmly and walked through the crowd making sure to act with an air of nobility.
Sure enough, the crowd made a path for him. Their faces were akin to awe and reverence, some even bowing to him. His pep found its way back into his step. Perhaps he could live in this place after all.
Merlin made it back to Gaius' house with no more interruptions. He opened the door and stepped inside. He was greeted with the sight of Gaius furiously pacing back and forth. At Merlin's entrance, Gaius looked up. Immediately he looked angry, but Merlin could see the traces of relief.
"Where have you been, Merlin? It's nearly night!"Gaius was still pacing, and Merlin looked up at the windows and saw that it was indeed getting dark.
"I was…interrupted."Merlin said collapsing in a nearby chair. He had no idea how tired that exchange had left him. His adrenalin was gone and now exhaustion was setting in.
Gaius sputtered. "Interrupted? By what? You didn't get into any trouble did you?"
Merlin laughed. 'Trouble' oh if only… "No, in fact Prince Arthur invited me to be by his side the night of the celebration.
At this, Gaius' eyebrows rose. "And how did this come about?"
"I…uh…Luck?"Merlin said too tired to come up with a believable lie.
Gaius narrowed his eyes. "Merlin you didn't."
Merlin looked at him confused for a second, before his eyes widened in indignation. "I did not bewitch that idiot of a prince."
"Idiot?"Gaius questioned leaning back in his own chair finding this conversation quite amusing.
"Well, maybe not an idiot. But definitely an arrogant prat."Merlin nodded to himself.
"Really? Well with an attitude like that, I don't see how Arthur would be particularly inclined to offer you a royal place at the celebration."Gaius said.
Merlin sighed quite tired of the conversation and just plain tired. "I don't know exactly how it happened, sir." He lied. "He said some things then I said some things. It just happened."
Gaius hummed suspiciously before letting the matter drop completely. "So did you deliver everything alright?"
The teen hummed in affirmative. "Thanks for the sandwich."
Gaius waved off his thanks. Merlin yawned stretching out in the chair. Gaius gave a small smile. "Go to bed then, you look exhausted."
Merlin smiled blearily before disappearing into his room.
It was calling him again. The same way it had when he came the first night he had came to Camelot. He could have sworn it to be a dream. But the voice still called him, even when his eyes were alert and ready.
Not only that, but what ever was calling him, was calling his magic as well. He could feel every single drop of his magic screaming for him to go. Where exactly he didn't know. But he was already out of the bed and tip-toeing around Gaius.
He didn't know where he was going, but his magic did. It directed his feet, and Merlin felt like a puppet on strings. His magic was the master. However, Merlin was curious. He didn't rebel against this new feeling, but instead welcomed it with wonder. The voice in his head was whispering encouragements, and Merlin found himself wanting nothing more than to be with that voice. Vaguely he wondered if he himself was indeed enchanted.
But he felt safe with the voice and his magic would never betray him. So he didn't fight his body as his magic knocked out two guards. And he didn't turn back as their bodies hit the floor. His mind was a one track road and all he wanted was to find out what exactly was calling him.
Merlin was lead to a cave. The voice had stopped, and his magic buzzed faintly within him as though giving him the reigns. He realized he had a torch in his hands. Tightening his grip on it, he carefully walked forward.
He was underground, probably right underneath the castle. Merlin looked over the edge and saw nothing but a black abyss. The cave was enormous, big enough to fit the entire market twice over. Entranced, Merlin picked up a stray rock and threw it over the edge.
There was no sound of an end.
With a renewed since of wariness, Merlin carefully took a step back. "Hello?"
He was expecting some sort of echo back, but realized that it would probably never get to him considering how far the cave extended downward. However, he didn't expect for a strong wind to answer him. And he sure didn't anticipate a large dragon to come swooping down.
"I am here." It rasped.
Merlin's eyes widened and he fought to stay steady. Gaius did tell him that Uther had kept a dragon, but he didn't, wow.
The dragon seemed to regard him solemnly. "How small you are, for such a great destiny."
After seeing that the dragon wasn't going to devour him; Merlin cautiously stepped forward in fascination.
"What do you mean? What destiny?" Merlin asked completely entranced by the great beast before him.
"Your gift, Merlin." He knew? "It was given for a reason."
Merlin looked in wonder. "So there is a reason. I have a purpose?"
"Arthur is the future king that will unite all of Albion."Merlin looked at him in bemusement.
"Alright?"
"But he faces many threats." The dragon said gravely.
Merlin gritted his teeth. "I don't see how this involves me and my destiny."
"Everything!"The dragon hissed. "Without you, Arthur will never succeed. Without you, there will be no Albion."
"No, no you've got this wrong."Merlin said shaking his head.
"There is no right and wrong."The dragon cut in. "Only what is, and what isn't."
"I'm serious, if anyone wants to kill him, I'm all for it. The prat is a bloody idiot."
The dragon laughs. "Idiot or not, your destiny is intertwined with his."The dragon leaned forward, and Merlin could feel the heat of the dragon's breath on his skin. "And no one can escape their destiny."
Suddenly, the dragon pulls back before launching himself in the air without another word. Leaving Merlin standing alone in an empty cave. As he headed up the stairs, he thought he heard the landing of a pebble.
Merlin rubbed his side irritably as he walked through the castle halls. Gaius had given him a welcome wake up that morning with a kick to his sides. That still hurts
He had been instructed to find Lady Morgana to give her a draught. Apparently she had been having some troubled sleep as she had been plagued with nightmares. He knocked on the door. Unlike a certain side-kicking uncle, the door was opened before he could knock a third time.
A coffee colored girl didn't even look up at him as she was folding a towel. "What is your business here?"
"I have Lady Morgana's sleeping drought." At this she looked up and her eyes widened. Quickly she had spun on her heels.
"It is him, milady!"She spun back around an excited smile on her face. "Do come in! Morgana would like to speak with you."
Merlin looked at her in thought before stepping inside. After all, it was never good to offend the king's ward. No matter how he felt about being in a room alone with two women. It would be just his luck to get charged for despoiling the woman.
Lady Morgan was a beautiful woman with a fine and angular face, tumbling black hair and ruby lips. Merlin bowed lowly. "I didn't mean to intrude milady, I have been sent with your draught."
He held up the medicine in plain view. She took the medicine and handed it to her maidservant. There was curiosity shining in her eyes and it made Merlin distinctly uneasy. He felt like he was a deer about to be eaten alive by a lion. Finally she spoke.
"So you are the one who's got Arthur's knickers in a twist."She giggled into her hands. Merlin was stunned into silence. "My maidservant, Guinevere told me about it. She was in the marketplace you see and she happened to see your altercation.
"I must admit, you played your hand rather well."She giggled again. "To have decked the king's son and gave him a shiner that will show for at least a week and still live. Not only that, you got him to make you his right hand at tonight's celebration. That is no small feat. I want to thank you."
At this Merlin regarded her in confusion. "Of what, milady?"
Morgana clapped her hands together in glee. "Of bringing that arrogant prat down a few pegs. Thanks to you I have something to hold over his head for at least a year and a half."Merlin regarded her incredulously. From first glance, he thought she would be made of ice. Clearly that wasn't the case.
"And something tells me," she continued. "That you will continue to be something I can taunt Arthur with."Merlin didn't know how to take that. "So I like you."
Merlin could do nothing but nod. The royal family was just full of surprises. "Thank you, milady."
She waved off his thanks. "So, now that you are going the celebration, do you have anything of…"She looked him over. Merlin tried not to look affronted. "…value?"
Taking the safe route, Merlin shook his head. Though, instead of sighing like he thought Morgana would do, she grinned instead. "Good! Let's play a little game of dress up."
Merlin barely had time to wish he had left when he could before he was smothered with silk.
They had finally finished. Hours later and he was commanded by Morgana to wash up. Merlin had valiantly resisted the urge to tell her that he wouldn't be smelly and dirty if they hadn't forced him into so many outfits. Instead he bowed and thanked her for her kindness and generosity. Guinevere, or Gwin as she had insisted he call her had run him a bath (per Morgana's orders) He thanked Gwin and started to strip thinking she was out of the door.
As he was pulling down his pants, he heard a sharp squeak. He whirled around to see a red faced Gwin apologizing profusely as she hurried out of the bathroom. Raising an eyebrow he sunk in the tub and bathed. He noticed a towel hanging on the door as he got out of the bath and dried himself quickly wrapping it around his waist.
Merlin searched for his clothes for about ten minutes before realizing they were right across from him lying innocently across a divan. He rolled his eyes, annoyed at himself before magicking the clothes on him. He opened the door to see Gwin, her arm raised to knock.
Her eyes trailed down his form before returning back to his face. Merlin gave a light smirk and she blushed. "Morgana has sent me for you; she says that Arthur is waiting in the atrium."
His smirk widened as deviously lifting up her hand to his mouth. He gave it a light kiss. "Thanks."
Merlin didn't look back at the girl he knew would be completely red and instead readied himself to meet the prince.
The atrium was crowded but not overly so. Merlin spotted Arthur standing in the middle of the atrium and sure enough his eyes were searching for him. Merlin walked straight through the crowd until he was right in front of Arthur, who apparently still didn't recognize him. Merlin realized bitterly that it was because of his new apparel. He tapped Arthur none too lightly. Merlin watched amused as he was graced with a charming smile until those blue eyes recognized him to which the smile turned into a scowl.
"So I guess you could rack up some acceptable clothing in that tattered closet of yours."Arthur said bitingly.
"How's your face?" Merlin responded cheekily, still not believing that his so called 'fate' was connected with this moron's.
Arthur grunted before brushing past him. "I will not have you embarrassing me in front of my father."
"I doubt you need my help in that respect."Merlin muttered.
The prince led him up a few stairs in silence. Merlin followed making sure to emulate Arthur's cultured gait. He didn't want to embarrass himself in front of the king. They walked down a hallway that was more considerably quiet as there were guards lining the walls. After seeing Arthur they uncrossed their spears that were in front of a doorway. Merlin noticed the curious looks they gave him before following Arthur inside the door.
It was a fairly comfortable sized room with maybe fifty people sitting at the stocked tables. Merlin quickly recognized the head table as the king himself was sitting in the middle of it. He saw Morgana sitting to the left of the king looking every bit the part of a ward. And Gwin was standing to Morgana's left dutifully filling her master's cup.
As Arthur walked in the guest stood attentively. The prince walked through the middle isle, Merlin walking regally by his side. Arthur bowed before the king and Merlin made sure to do the same. He caught Morgana biting her lip delight shining in her eyes. Merlin noticed the curious look the king gave him before following Arthur to his seat. Of course he sat on the right of Arthur as Arthur sat on the right of the king.
The moment Merlin sat the guest followed suit resuming their conversation seamlessly.
The food was delicious and Merlin found that he just couldn't get enough. He followed Arthur's example as best he could, but the pork was juicy and tender and Merlin couldn't help but at times spear the meat with his fork.
"So what do you do anyways?"The question came from the blue. He turned to the prince swallowing his potatoes. Merlin looked at the prince questioningly.
"I mean," Arthur started. "You dress like a servant, deck like a fighter, yet speak like a scholar. You are a paradox."
"Thank you?"Merlin looked at him with an eyebrow raised. "I don't know what I am actually. My mother sent me here because things in our own village…left much to be desired. I live with my uncle Gaius. He's-"
"The court physician?"Arthur said incredulously. "You are his nephew?"
"Yes." Merlin said sipping his wine. "As for what I do, I run errands for him."
Arthur looked at him curiously. "If that is true, then how did you afford these?"
The prince asked gesturing towards his clothes. Merlin smiled. "I didn't. Lady Morgana provided them for me."
Arthur balked. "What for?"
Merlin shrugged cutting himself another piece of pork. "I don't know, she says it was a thank-you gift for making you look like an idiot."
He turned to the prince and was not disappointed. A murderous glare was on his face. "That wench!"
Merlin chuckled. "I don't know she seems like a doll to me."
He laughed out loud at the look he received.
The night continued in this manner. Merlin looked at the laughing prince. Really the joke wasn't that funny. He felt a laugh bubble up in him at the tears starting to well up in the prince's eyes. Maybe the prince wasn't that much of a prat. Bloody arrogant, but a little less of the prat. As the conversations started to die down, the king clapped his hands.
"We have enjoyed twenty years of peace and prosperity. It has brought the kingdom, and myself, many pleasures-but few can compare to introducing: Lady Helen of Mourla!"
Claps broke out round the tables as the music started.
Merlin's eyes were riveted on the beautiful woman on the stage. She sung so beautifully, and Merlin found himself enamored with the voice, as though he never wanted to be without it. As she was singing, he felt himself getting unnaturally tired.
Lady Helen was advancing towards them, her eyes set firmly on Arthur. Merlin narrowed his eyes and snuck a glance at Arthur, he was falling asleep! Merlin searched the entire room and guests were lolling to sleep left and right; the woman just kept singing. His eyes flitting back and forth, Merlin started to loll forward looking for away to stop her.
For Lady Helen had pulled a knife from behind her back and she was riveted on Arthur. Merlin's eyes were drawn to the chandelier right above her. Making a severing motion with his hand, it fell cutting off her song.
Immediately, the spell was broken and the king stood up eyeing Lady Helen with outrage. Slowly the young form of Lady Helen morphed into the battered and worn body of a woman that Merlin had recognized from the execution. Slowly, the woman's head rose, Merlin knew what she was going to do.
Arthur was frozen in shock at the knife that was hurled at him. It all happened in slow motion for Merlin.
"Move!"He pulled Arthur's arm and took them both to the floor. Yet not a moment too soon, the knife pierced where Arthur's heart would have been. It was as though a curtain had been lifted from the king's eyes.
"Y-you! You saved my son! You saved his life!" Arthur looked at Merlin dazedly giving him a shaky smile. Merlin rose to his feet offering Arthur a hand. Pulling Arthur to his feet, he turned to the king and bowed.
"Who are you? I must know your name!" The king demanded.
"His name is Merlin, my nephew," said a worn voice from behind him. Merlin smiled as he felt a clap on the back.
"You are Gaius'?" The king asked. Merlin nodded. "Then you shall become my son's manservant!"
The audience clapped and Gaius gave him a nod of approval. Gwen looked at him in awe, and Morgana smiled. All the while as people came up to shake his hand in congratulations, Merlin was trying to figure out what the reward was.
Oooookay! Now that little peice of wordiness what the product of being introduced to a series to where the protagonist is beat down so many times I feel like shooting something. Honestly. So! I decided to write this fic instead! I will warn that this may or may not be explicit. Depends on what the lovely goodythreeshoes wants!
Now, as to how this story is going to go. There are spoilers extending no further than episode 7. Why episode seven? Because I haven't watched it yet! I was introduced to the series yesterday and wrote this chapter in two hours today! Teehee, so things might deviate from cannon, I know I'll be skipping ahead to a suitable place (aka whenever I find a good place as I am watching the series) for the next chapter. This may be a three-shot maybe a ten-shot fic, dunno yet. I don't know when it will be updated. As for the pairing? Go to goodythreeshoes profile and see if you can guess! (seeing as this is dedicated to her)
And lastly, Review!!!
P.S.- Okay so not lastly, this is the lastly of the lastly of which I spoke before. Those who are waiting for the Parasite update, I'm sorry. My muse has been stolen and the ransom note calls for African Jalepeno Brownies.
...
That's what I said too! So until I find these rather...rare treats, that story will suffer. Perhaps I can get one in Greece. I was looking on e-bay and I saw that there was one left, though I had to buy them with reviews!!! Therefore help me in this endeavor to buy back my muse! Quickly!
-Lemony