A/N: So I'm going to be completely honest with you, dear readers. I have only seen the second season of Merlin. If there appears something in this story that goes against something that occurred in season one, please alert me to my error.
Disclaimer: I wish that I owned the cute, nerdy, young warlock named Merlin, but sadly I do not...
"Merlin!" Prince Arthur shouted, trying to get his servant's attention. "I asked you if you had polished my armor." Seeing that Merlin was so captivated with what was outside of the castle, Arthur sighed. "What the hell is out there?"
Merlin glanced up at the prince, but his gaze quickly returned outside. "Arthur, there's a figure on horseback, just outside of the castle," Merlin replied.
Arthur scoffed. "I'm sure it's just one of the guards. You've been here long enough-"
"-To recognize a guard, yes," Merlin finished. "That's why I know it's not a guard." After a pause, Merlin added, "It almost looks like a girl."
Naturally, this caught Arthur's attention. He quickly walked over to the window. "A girl? Show me where, Merlin."
"There," Merlin said. "At the castle gate."
Indeed, there was a figure at the gate, standing next to her mount. It seemed like she was conversing with the guards, trying to gain entrance. Although her hood hid her face, the body beneath the gray cloak was almost certainly female, and the way she held herself only justified this further.
After a few more seconds, the girl remounted and rode through the castle gate, and out of sight.
"Who do you think she is?" Merlin asked, finally prying his attention away from the outside world.
"I'm sure we'll find out shortly," Arthur said as hurried footsteps sounded from the corridor.
Merlin ran to the door and opened it before the out-of-breath guard could knock.
"King Uther requests the Prince to join him in his throne room. There is a visitor," the guard reported.
"Thank you. Tell the King we'll be down momentarily," Arthur said.
The guard bowed and departed them, leaving Arthur to quickly dress in his finest clothes. After that, Arthur ran down to the throne room, Merlin on his heels. When they arrived, King Uther was talking quietly to the newcomer, who had removed her hooded cloak, revealing that she was indeed a young woman. She wore a dark gray dress, and her light brown curls cascaded down her back.
"Ah, my lady, this is my son and heir to the throne, Arthur," the King said as soon as Arthur entered the room. "Arthur, this the Lady Elise."
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Elise," Arthur said as he took her hand and kissed it.
"And it is an honor to meet you, Prince Arthur," she replied with a bow. Her voice was soft, and it was neither too high nor too low; it was almost like a melody. "Tales of your bravery have reached even my people. And tales of your charm, as well," she added with a knowing smile.
Arthur smiled in return, a hint of pink coloring his cheeks. Merlin had to stifle his laughter as he took his place next to Gaius and Guinevere. Gaius greeted him with a nod, and Gwen smiled at him. Merlin looked around, suddenly realizing that Lady Morgana was not present.
"She's ill," Gwen whispered to him.
"Lady Elise," King Uther said, "I am sorry for your trouble with guards at the front gate. Had we known you were coming-"
"Do not apologize, my lord, for my father did send a letter several months ago, but the poor messenger fell prey to the bandits of my country. I saw his remains on my journey here," she said quietly. Lady Elise pulled a letter out of the small bag at her side. "This a letter my father wrote more recently, telling of our predicament. I will be happy to answer any questions that the letter does not address."
King Uther accepted the letter. "I will read this as you are settled in your chambers. Since your maid did not accompany you on your journey, Guinevere will act as your maid." Uther gestured for Gwen to join them.
Gwen quickly walked over and bowed first to the king, then to Elise. "My lady," she said, "if you would follow me, please."
Lady Elise bowed to King Uther and Prince Arthur before turning to leave. As she turned, Merlin was able to see her face. She was undoubtedly beautiful- her skin was flawless, and almost snow white; it was paler than even the Lady Morgana's complexion. Her light brown curls fell to the middle of her back, and framed her round face in such a way that made her eyes stand out. Her eyes were like no eyes Merlin had ever seen before; they were the palest blue, almost gray, and they sparkled with life, although there was something guarded in her expression.
"I want a feast prepared tonight in honor of our guest," the King commanded; several guards left the room to alert the cooks. "The rest of you may go."
"These will be your chambers, my lady," Gwen said as she opened the door to the guest chamber. "I hope they are to your liking."
"It's perfect," Lady Elise said as she walked about the room. She then unceremoniously flopped onto the bed and sighed. "How nice it will be to sleep on down bedding again."
"May I ask how long your journey was?" Gwen asked, busily running about the room and pulling back the long drapery from the windows.
"I'm not sure," Elise replied with a furrowed brow. "Let me check my diary…" She quickly went over to a small satchel that was placed on the table, the rest of her belongings sitting underneath it. She untied the string and pulled out a small, leather-bound book. She flipped through pages, reading what she had written at the top of each page. Full moon…waxing moon…new moon… She had recorded the phases of the moon to tell her how much time had passed since leaving her homeland.
"Two months," Lady Elise finally answered, having read the last page.
"Two months?" Gwen gasped.
Elise nodded. "Yes." She slipped the book back into her satchel. "You may go, Guinevere."
"My lady," she said as she bowed and walked out of the room.
Lady Elise stood next to the window which overlooked the courtyard. She sighed, remembering the times when she was a girl and she and her brother would chase each other around the courtyard in their castle.
Tears pricked at her eyes at the memory of her brother. She shook her head. "I mustn't cry now."
A knock at the door broke her thoughts and she went and opened it. Standing there was a boy. No, not a boy, she decided. He's near my age, actually; not quite an adult, but too old to be considered a mere child. She was surprised to discover him at her door.
"My lady," he said quickly, and bowed. Evidently, he was surprised, too. "The court physician, Gaius, would like to know if you are in need of any medicine after your journey."
She smiled at him. "I saw you in the throne room," she said to him, abruptly changing the subject. "What is your name?"
"Merlin," he replied. "I am Prince Arthur's servant."
She considered this and said, "Well, Merlin, please tell Gaius that I appreciate his concern but I do not need his services right now."
Merlin nodded. "My lady," he said, and bowed. He was about to walk away when she called him back.
"Merlin, I hope to see you at the feast tonight," she said, and she honestly meant it. There was something about him that ignited her curiosity.
"Yes, Lady Elise," he replied. And with that, he walked away, leaving Lady Elise to her thoughts.
A/N: So I'm unsure at this point what kind of relationship will develop between Merlin and Elise. I would love your thoughts on this. Please review!
Oh, and where can I watch season one? I'm desperate!