Author's Note: So, this is basically my version of how the show could have gone starting from episode 1 of season 1 onward (until I find a good stopping point, there is the potential of going into season 5... maybe). Aside from the show's material there will be hints of the legends, other stories, books, and lines from external sources, but of course with my own changes and twists. Also, will include numerous OCs (all of which have their own essential roles, don't bash them just because you don't like them for one reason or another). Please, pay special attention to the details.
Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin or any of the external quotes/references you may recognize.
The Dragon's Call
No young person no matter how great can ever know their destiny. They cannot glimpse their part in the great story that shall unfold – they must live and learn. And so it will be for the young persons who will, in time, aid in the coming of a legend. In this land of myth and this time of magic, the destiny of a great kingdom rests on their shoulders; they shall ensure the legacy of Albion's union.. but many obstacles lie before them. So they must always remember – prophecies and destinies are only part of the journey, not the end. For only the journey is written not the destination...
._._._.
A dragon fumes deep within the caverns underneath the castle of Camelot. Had not for the ruthless Uther Pendragon, the dragon would be free amongst his kind. But alas, a tyrant afraid of magic killed every last dragon.. all but him. 'The Great Dragon' was the title they gave him, for he was able to survive the extermination of the dragons. However, there were others who were worthier of the title than he, Kilgharrah, for his survival he was awarded imprisonment.
It has been over twenty years and the dragon, of course, has not forgotten Uther's crimes. Every day, his anger grows more and more violent. He fiercely awaited the day, he would have his revenge.
And he senses that that day is coming soon. Although still quite a distance away, poignant despite the aura of the cursed Le Fay magic that overrules the city, the dragon can sense the powers of the legendary Emrys – still a boy, still naïve.
The dragon smirks sadistically in the darkness. This boy would be the key – the key to his escape, to his freedom, his revenge. The end of the Le Fays and all their allies.. and the downfall of the Pendragons.
A young, dark-haired boy strolls through the gates of Camelot with an energized stride. He notes the amount of activity surrounding him while he makes his way through the lower town. The boy marvels at the grand structure of the castle as he walks toward the sound of horns and the beating of drums. He cuts through the crowd to better view the spectacle the people are observing.
A man being brought out by two guards is seen. He is set on the platform as a powerful voice speaks from a balcony of the castle.
"Let this serve as a lesson to all. This man, Thomas James Collins, is adjudged 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. I pride myself as a fair and just king, but for the crime of sorcery there is but one sentence I can pass." The crowned man nods his head and lifts a hand signaling to the executioner.
The crowd had listened solemnly, but now they watch with fear as Thomas Collins is beheaded.
A young woman wearing blue is watching the execution from inside the castle looks away with a pained expression. The other woman in green standing beside her simply looks down, emotionless.
Uther speaks again when the gasps die down. "When I came to this land, this kingdom was mired in chaos, but with the people's 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!"
As the crowd begins to disperse, an anguished cry is heard. The people move away from the woman who screamed. She takes a step and declares, "There is only one evil in this land and it is not magic. It is you! With your hatred and your ignorance! You took my son." Uther appears to have a bit of shame written upon his face, while the depths of his sky blue eyes do not betray his hidden secrets. "But I promise you, before these celebrations are over, you will share my tears – an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, and a son for a son!"
This strikes a nerve. "Seize her," the king commands. The elder woman quickly takes holds of her pendant, screeches a spell, and escapes being captured; disappearing into a whirl of wind and smoke.
The two women in the castle turn away and shut the window as the crowd scatters.
A resounding crash catches the attention of a young woman. She quickens her leisure pace toward the sound, but stops just behind the door when she sees a stranger in the Court Physician's chambers.
"Wh-What did you just do?" the physician asks.
"Umm," the boy hesitates, not sure how to explain.
"Tell me!" The elder man demands.
The boy starts to stammer words of innocence, but Gaius knows what he saw. As the older man continues to prod for information, the younger continues to defend himself.
With wide eyes, he inquires, "Where did you study? Answer me!"
"I've... I've never studied magic or been taught." He informs the physician.
Narrowing his eyes, "Are you lying to me, boy?" he questions.
At a loss for words he asks, "What do you want me to say?"
"The truth," Gaius answers.
The boy tells him, "I was born like this."
"That's impossible!" the old man exclaims.
The woman – still behind the door – smirks. 'Of course, you would say that Gaius.'
"Who are you?"
"Oh, um, I have this letter." The boy reaches into his knapsack and pulls out said item.
Shaking his head, "I don't have my glasses."
The stranger smiles slightly and says, "I'm Merlin."
Gaius then realizes who the boy is, "Hunith's son."
"Yes."
"But you're not meant to be here until Wednesday."
The woman chuckles silently. 'It is Wednesday Gaius'. The boy voices her thoughts. Realizing that it was the end of the conversation, the woman shrinks back. As quickly and as quietly as a shadow, she walks around the corner. A bristling feeling that this boy is more than he appears to be. A close eye may have to be kept on this Merlin.
As a woman stares outs the window at the executioner's platform, she hears a door open and footsteps moving toward her.
"Morgana."
The woman turns to the king, "Yes?"
"What is it? Why are you not joining us at the feast?" Uther questions as he moves closer to the young woman.
Lifting her thin brows, "I just don't think chopping someone's head off is cause for a celebration." She states challengingly. Looking back out the window, "That poor mother..."
The king sighs, "It was simple justice for what he'd done," Uther states.
"To whom?" she questions incredulously. "He practiced some magic. He didn't hurt anyone."
"You were not around twenty years ago. You have no idea what it was like." His ward has always been like this, always questioning his actions and always disapproving of them, all the while being ignorant to the things going on in the shadows.
"How long are you going to keep punishing people for what happened then?" It almost sounds like a demand.
"Until they realize there is no room for magic in my kingdom. You will be with me when I greet Lady Helen." He goes to leave the room.
The Lady jumps to refuse, "I told you I want no part in these celebrations-"
Uther's temper quickly rises. "I'm your guardian! I expect you to do as I ask. Even Estella has courtesy enough to attend all our formal gatherings without loud rebellion."
"As your niece she feels obligated to do so." Morgana informs firmly.
"Then, you as my ward shall show some respect to our finest singer, if not to me."
As the king storms out, Morgana warns, "You know the more brutal you are, the more enemies you will create." She doesn't know how right she is.
Merlin is walking through the training grounds when he spots a group of young men with a servant. The warlock watches disapprovingly as the golden-haired one torments the poor boy. Soon, he decides to intervene.
"Hey, come on, that's enough."
The golden man looks at him with incredulity, "What?"
"You've had your fun, my friend." The boy clarifies.
The young man walks over to Merlin. "Do I know you?"
"Uh, I'm Merlin, so I don't-" he reaches out to shake the other man's hand, but seeing that the gesture is not welcome he put his hand back down and answers, "No."
"Yet, you called me friend." The man accuses.
'He obviously isn't accustomed to people speaking up to him.' Merlin nods slightly. "That was my mistake."
"Yes, I think so," he nods in agreement.
"Yeah," he drawls out, "I've never had a friend who could be such an ass." Merlin chokes out something between a scoff and a laugh.
The golden-haired one scoffs as the dark-haired boy tries to walk away. "Or I one who could be so stupid. Tell me, Merlin, do you know how to walk on your knees?"
Merlin continues to try and reign in the other boy's arrogance, but he soon finds that such loftiness is justified.
"Who do you think you are, the king?" Merlin grunts as the other man roughly holds his arm twisted behind his back.
"No, I'm his son, Arthur." The young man declares.
And with that, the guards take the young warlock into the dungeons.
Morgana stands beside Estella, awaiting the arrival of Lady Helen. As the aforementioned guest walks with grace toward them, Uther descends his throne to meet her.
"Lady Helen, thank you so much for coming to sing at our celebrations."
"Pleasure's all mine," the woman says with a smile as she rises from her curtsy.
"How was your journey?" The king inquires.
The woman makes a show of weariness, "Oh, the time it took, Sire."
"Well, it's always worth the wait." Uther says as he kisses Lady Helen's hand.
"It will be," she agrees as she fingers her pendant.
Estella observes the woman closely. The girl sees the hidden slyness in her face and she could almost smell the spell on her – this woman is not Lady Helen of Mora. The aura of magic radiating off the guest is faintly familiar to the king's niece and it takes her a few moments to realize why – Lady Helen is Mary Collins in disguise, returning to Camelot not for the festivities, but her revenge as she had forewarned.
Gaius is able to get Merlin out of prison, but he has to face the stocks to compensate for his insult to the prince of Camelot.
When the villagers decide to take a short break to gather more vegetables, Merlin catches sight of something out of the corner of his eye. He looks up to see a rather pretty, dark-skinned girl in a scarlet cloak.
She smiles sweetly, "I'm Guinevere, but most people call me Gwen. I'm the Lady Morgana's personal maid."
The boy nods in acknowledgment. "Well, I'm Merlin," the two awkwardly shake hands, "Although, most people just call me idiot."
"No, no, no I saw what you did, it was so brave." The girl praises.
"It was stupid," Merlin says rather dejectedly.
She nods with a small amount of pity, "Well, I'm glad you walked away you weren't gonna beat him."
"Oh, I could beat him." The boy says confidently.
The girl furrows her brows, "You could?" she asks, skeptically, "Because you don't look like these big muscley kind of fellows."
Merlin is slightly offended but he says, "Thanks."
Gwen, realizing her missteps immediately becomes flustered. "No, no, I'm sure you're stronger than you look. It's just… Arthur's one these rough-tough-save-the-world kind of men… and you don't look like that."
Merlin beckons her closer and speaks softly, "I'm in disguise."
The maid, contemplating on whether the boy is mad or simply joking, decides to laugh and he quickly joins her. They continue to discuss Arthur and Gwen praises Merlin, again. The girl quickly leaves when the boy's 'fans' arrive, though.
Estella is making her way back to the castle from the market when she spots Arthur with a group of his friends and… Merlin? Curiosity wins her over. She joins the crowd that is forming to view the spectacle.
"I warn you," Arthur states as he swings the mace, "I've been trained to kill since birth."
To this Estella snorts. 'Sure, Arthur, but no matter how good you are at combat, your opponent has something you don't have.' The king's niece has half a mind to hit her cousin, so he can remember and be thankful that she is always on his side, no matter the circumstances (unless Morgana is involved, that is).
"Wow, how long have you been training to be a prat?" the warlock questions.
Arthur scoffs, although he seems slightly entertained. "You can't address me like that."
"Sorry, h-how long have you been training to be a prat, my Lord?" Merlin slightly bows mockingly.
Estella shakes her head. 'This is not going to be pretty.' Arthur, of course, shows off his prowess, having the upper hand for most of the 'dual.' However, Merlin uses his magic to maneuver the situation to his own advantage… His tactics do not last for long. Arthur is able to knock Merlin off his feet, but he has the guards let the boy go.
"There's something about you, Merlin." Arthur comments.
'If only you knew.'
"I can't quite put my finger on it."
As the prince walks away, his cousin catches up to him. "Wonderful show there, Arthur."
"Oh, so you witnessed that, did you?" he asks with a grin.
"Of course, although… I'm surprised you said such a thing out loud."
Arthur's taken aback, "What?"
"There's something about you," she quotes. "That is usually your line whenever you are about to declare you 'love' for someone." Estella smirks as Arthur suddenly stops abruptly.
Arthur knows Estella doesn't mean what she just said, but still. "I don't understand why you have such a wicked and honestly twisted mind."
The Lady shrugs. "It keeps life interesting." To this, the prince rolls his eyes. An action she mimics. "Alright, I'll leave you to your princely duties. Morgana wants to see me anyway." She nudges his shoulder and continues on her way back to the castle.
"How small you are for such a great destiny," the dragon comments.
The warlock is confused. "Why? What do you mean? What destiny?"
The dragon explains, "Your gift, Merlin, was given to you for a reason."
"So there is a reason!" He exclaims with interest.
The dragon nods, "Arthur is the Once and Future King who will unite the land of Albion..."
"Right?" the boy drawls incredulously.
The creature continues, "But he faces many threats from friend and foe alike."
Merlin is even more baffled. "I don't see what this has to do with me."
"Everything; without you, Arthur will never succeed. Without you, there will be no Albion!"
Shaking his head, "No! No, you've got this wrong!"
"There is no right or wrong. Only what is and what isn't." The dragon declares.
"But I'm serious! If anyone wants to go and kill him, they can go ahead. In fact, I'll give them a hand." Merlin tells the creature with all seriousness intended.
The dragon laughs. "None of us can choose our destiny, Merlin. And none of us can escape it."
"No, no way, no, no – there must be another Arthur, because this one's an idiot."
"Perhaps it's your destiny to change that." With that said the dragon flies up the cavern.
...
Estella inhales sharply as the vision ends. Uncrossing her legs, she moves off the cushioned corner and closes the curtains hiding her meditation area. Looking out the window, she gathers her thoughts together.
Merlin will become the legendary Emrys and Emrys shall stand as the protector of King Arthur. However, Estella feels fear in her heart.
The so-called Great Dragon does not know anything about human emotions; therefore, she suspects that the dragon is planning on simply filling Merlin's head with the ideas of a great destiny for the warlock in exchange for its freedom and chance for revenge. The future that the dragon desires is one that shall not be allowed.
The dragon's call has been answered, but its ambitions will not be.
Morgana walks out of the stables and towards her chambers, when the prince suddenly appears at her side. "What is it, Arthur, were you lonely without me around?"
The prince snorts, "I'd rather enjoy the company of my manservant than yours. Were you riding without a guard again?"
"And what if I was?" she questions.
His eyes harden (he won't admit it, but he fears for her safety). "You know, there are such a thing as bandits and wicked men like in the fairytales we were told as children. And they would not hesitate to go after-"
"-Damsels-in-distress?" she finishes for him, "Well, it is a good thing that I am not one."
"You're still a woman," Arthur points out.
"And what of it?" the ward snaps. "Simply because I am not a man, I cannot defend myself?"
He grins in the annoying (yet rather endearing) way, "Exactly."
She nearly growls, "Why you chauvinistic-"
The prince then veers away from her, "Sorry, Morgana, I have to get training, see you tonight."
The young woman narrows her eyes at his retreating back and his laughing at his so-called triumph, oh she would get him back for this.
...
Gaius wakes Merlin and sends him to deliver the Lady Morgana's draught to her. After initially getting lost, the boy finally finds his way to the griffin staircase and ascends them.
When he reaches his destination, Merlin stops for a moment as his vision is filled with the sight of the most beautiful woman he has even seen fluffing her hair in front of the mirror.
"You know I've been thinking about Arthur," Morgana states casually as she walks behind the screen, "I wouldn't touch him with a lance pole." With a hand gesture she says, "Pass me that dress, will you, Gwen."
The warlock stumbles at the woman's mistake, but picks up the dress and walks towards Morgana. "I mean the man's a total jouster and just because I'm the king's ward doesn't mean I have to accompany him to the feast, does it?" Merlin drapes the garment on the screen. "Well does it?" she demands when there is no response.
Merlin attempts to mimic Gwen as best he could, "Mm-mmm."
"If he wants me to go he should invite me, but he hasn't. So, do you know what that means?" Again, Morgana received an answer with no words, turning slightly, "Where are you?"
The warlock picks up her cloak to hide his face as he squeaks, "Here."
"It means I'm going by myself. I need some help with this fastening." Merlin thinks it now the right time to flee; he turns around and sees Gwen. "Gwen?"
"I'm here," the maid answers.
She gives Merlin a questioning look to which he explains that he is there to give Morgana her sleeping draught and Gwen is quick to understand, taking the bottle from him. The two share a smile as Merlin leaves and Gwen goes behind the screen.
"So, it's whether I wear this little tease." The Lady holds the wine-colored garment to her chest. "Or give them a night they'll really remember." Morgana says as Gwen gives her mistress a soft laugh.
The banquet hall is crowded when Estella arrives. Many eyes are on her, but she is accustomed to it (though it does not mean shes likes or even wants the attention). People like to say that Estella and Morgana are the most beautiful women in Camelot and perhaps in all of Albion, taking after their identical twin mothers, greatly. They say two women are too similar in appearance to surpass the other, both tall and slim, with long, raven hair and light colored eyes, but where Morgana's are the color of the shallow sea – green and enchanting, Estella's resembles the moon – gray and ethereal. Although, Estella's bright blue, silk gown with short sleeves make her eyes seem like the cerulean morning sky, tonight.
Estella joins Arthur with a group of his friends and she starts to converse with them. Though, Arthur's friends seem to be more interested in staring at her and praising her beauty. Arthur, of course, jokingly chides them for it (although he is very protective and slightly possessive of his dear cousin). Sir Owain, a young knight who trained alongside Arthur, standing at the prince's right (and is Estella's secret.. liaison) looks rather indignant, but tries to cover it (he is possessive, as well).
Morgana then arrives garbed in a wine colored gown that reveals quite a bit of skin, even more so than Estella. It's no wonder why all eyes are on her as she gracefully walks through the hall.
Estella smirks as she hears Arthur whisper, "God have mercy."
When the prince recovers, he quickly excuses himself and makes his way toward Morgana. His cousin cannot help, but laugh. She, in turn, maneuvers her way to Merlin and Gwen. It is time that she speaks with Camelot's newest resident.
...
"She looks great, doesn't she?" inquires Gwen as she admires her mistress.
"Yeah," Merlin says, clearly charmed and unable to keep his eyes off Morgana.
"Some people are just born to be Queen," Gwen remarks.
"No," Merlin responds with shock, grasping the subtle meaning of her statement.
Gwen doesn't seem to notice his surprise. "I hope so… one day!" Her smile falters a bit as she mumbles, "Though, it's unfortunate that she has to marry Arthur to have the title." Merlin suddenly laughs. "What?"
"Well, Gwen, it's refreshing of you to speak so ill of the prince." Smiling he adds, "I thought you liked rough-tough-save-the-world kind of men."
She shakes her head, "No, I like much more ordinary men like you."
Merlin laughs again. "Believe me Gwen, I'm not ordinary."
"No I didn't mean you, obviously not you. I like much more ordinary men like you."
Merlin, unsure if he should feel offended or flattered, simply says, "Thanks." Gwen gives him an uncomfortable look and the two quickly look away from each other awkwardly.
...
Morgana is speaking with Lady Beatrice when she feels someone brush past her. Instinctively, she knows it is Arthur, somehow she can always sense his presence near her. Noticing the prince, Beatrice quickly leaves the pair alone.
Arthur looks at Morgana and feigns disinterest. "Oh, I didn't see you arrive, Morgana."
The Lady purses her lips to keep from smiling. He is lying, obviously. Everyone had seen her arrive, but she decides to humor him anyway. "Oh, and I didn't notice you were here or I would've come over, Arthur."
The prince can tell that their usual battle is not in his favor, so he tries a different tactic. "I've got to say – that is an absolutely gorgeous dress." Morgana looks at him... not allowing herself to believe what she thinks he is trying to say and for good reason. "Have you seen it? The woman just behind you, she looks fantastic."
'Is this how he wants to play, then?' She smiles, "Yes, I saw her earlier; she was with that really handsome man."
She can't help but smirk as Arthur's eyes fill with undisguised jealousy, "Not your type."
"You don't know my type," the Lady throws back.
"Yes, I do," He puts on that arrogant grin of his, "The ones you have to chase."
Her lips stay smiling, but her eyes fill with that fire she always has when they banter (and he secretly loves it). "No, I like the ones who have to beg."
They both smirk as they continue their battle of wits.
...
"Gwen," the maid jumps a bit as she faces the Lady before her. "Will you introduce me to your new friend?" she asks, though it sounds more like a sugar-coated command.
"My Lady," she curtsies. "This is Merlin, Gaius' new ward and assistance." She turns to the other servant, "Merlin, this is the Lady Estella, the king's niece."
For the second time that day, Merlin is struck dumb by a beautiful woman, but really who could blame him. At first glance, this woman could have been mistaken as Morgana.
"Delighted to meet you," Estella says, while hiding the shudder she got from feeling his magical aura.
"It-It's a pleasure to meet you too, my Lady," Merlin stutters as his face heats up. He is saved from further embarrassment as the horns sound to signify the king's entrance.
...
Arthur purses his lip a bit; glancing to see that Morgana has already went to their table. So, he reluctantly does the same, disappointed that their conversation is interrupted.
The king walks down the aisle and stands in front of his table. "We have enjoyed twenty years of peace and prosperity. It has brought the kingdom and myself many pleasures. But few can compare with the honor of introducing Lady Helen of Mora." Uther quickly takes his seat between Arthur on his right and Estella and Morgana on his left.
As Lady Helen begins to sing, Estella feels the surge of magic pouring into the room. The young woman softly mutters a weak protection spell. She plays her role, though, 'falling asleep' like all the others.
...
"You saved my boy's life, a debt must be repaid," Uther states while looking on the young boy with gratitude.
Merlin tries to brush his action off, "Um...well..."
"Don't be so modest. You shall be rewarded." The king proclaims.
"No, honestly, you don't have to, Your Highness." The boy assures.
"No, absolutely, this merits something quite special."
At that idea, Merlin has second thoughts, "Well..."
"You shall be awarded a position in the Royal Household. You shall be Prince Arthur's manservant." Uther declares.
"Father!" exclaims Arthur in disbelief as the people begin to clap.
The prince has never looked more displeased, but that is not what is on Estella's mind. She saw how Merlin simply reacted to save Arthur. Her mind is running quickly as the realization hits her. Potential destinies and prophecies are now set in motion.
A tall woman stands beside another, whose face is identical to her own. They look up towards the lights of Camelot as they feel the new source of magic radiating from the castle.
The first woman, Vivienne Le Fay, speaks, "He has arrived."
The other, Valeria Le Fay, nods, "And his presence will change the fate of us all."
"But the prophecy must be fulfilled, with or without his help." The older woman states.
Turning to her elder sister, "I do not think his help will be the problem. It will be his judgment."
Vivienne nods. The wind then picks up and the twins disappear and return to the Isle of the Blessed.
Author's Note: I know, Estella is very much like Morgana in looks and personality (well in the latter she isn't really, but that may just be my opinion as her creator), but the point is, though, that the two are supposed to be alike for the purpose of the story. They look essentially the same because their mothers are identical twin sisters. Yes, this makes them only cousins, but cousins can look more like your brothers/sisters than your own siblings (yes, this can be considered a fact). Read onward and you'll see the differences between the two. Hopefully anyway, I'm a subtle kind of writer so, it's all in the tiny details (so you'll have to squint) Thanks for reading and please review.