I do not own Merlin...BBC does. Utopia was my idea, but everything else...yeah no. First fanfic! Hope you like it!
From her tower, Queen Maelona could the vast expanse of her wondrous kingdom from the rolling, emerald hills that lead to the north to the salty sea that kissed the southern horizon. This had been the view her mother enjoyed when Maelona had been a little girl. She used to sneak up to the highest room of the Queen's Tower, the tallest tower in the palace, that served as the main office of the ruler. From there, stained glass windows dotted the stone wall to look out in every direction so Her Majesty could watch over the kingdom of Utopia with her own eyes. It was her mother's favorite room.
It had been many years, however, since her mother, Queen Rowena, had occupied the Tower and lead Utopia into a time of peace with King Briec by her side. Now it was Maelona's turn and it had not been easy thus far.
She had been fifteen when she lost her mother to the cruel hand of King Uther Pendragon of Camelot. After years of serving as a refuge for those suffering from his plaguing purge, Uther had finally learned of their existence to the south and sought to destroy the peaceful kingdom and its magical rulers.
However, Maelona could feel that times were beginning to change since then. According to her informants, Uther's reign had recently come to an end and his son, Arthur, had come to power. He had even married a servant girl. To top it all off, the great and powerful Emrys stood by his side. Hidden in the shadows and protecting the Once and Future King and Queen. The time of Albion was fast approaching. Maelona smiled at this thought as she stared out towards the borders of her kingdom that met those of Albion.
Behind her, a knock came from the door. "Enter," she called.
"You asked for me, Your Majesty," said the entering voice. She looked over her shoulder to look at one of her advisors, Thomas. He was a rather tall, lanky fellow who did not look like he could be of much help in battle, but it only hid his cunning and strategy for the battlefield and politics alike.
"Yes, Lord Thomas. I did. I believe I will need the service of one of your messengers. I have an invitation to send out."
"Of course, My Lady. May I ask where and to whom this invitation is to reach?"
Maelona's smile grew slightly in size. "I believe it's about time we invited the new King Arthur to visit our Utopia."
…
It was a peaceful time in Camelot. It had been a few months since Morgana's last attack and Agravaine's betrayal and since then, there had not been any major magical malady. The kingdom was enjoying the reign of their young king and his new queen as they feel into their roles as rulers.
Merlin in particular was happy about this new development. It had meant a few months of not having to defeat some magical foe or plotting assassin at every turn and only had to deal with a somewhat prattish Arthur who's attention was more toward's Qwen and the kingdom than yelling at his manservant/best friend/secret sorcerer protector.
What Merlin didn't know was that things were about to get interesting once again when a strange noble on a white horse entered the castle courtyard. He had heard about the man wearing the crest of an unknown kingdom, a silver rose over blue as bright as the sky. He said came bearing a message from a place called Utopia although Arthur had complained that he had never heard of such a place when he was told of the messenger seeking an audience.
A few hours after the messenger arrived in Camelot, he stood in front of the King and Queen, his blue cape billowing behind his as he entered the room. Merlin took a moment to assess the man.
He appeared young, not much older than Merlin. However, his hair appeared almost silver and his eyes were a bright emerald green unlike any Merlin had seen before. Everything about the stranger just appeared…brighter. Merlin sensed strong magic, but couldn't be quite sure.
"Greeting King Arthur and Queen Guinevere. I am Sir Harold of Utopia and bear news and welcome from Queen Maelona Oakheart herself."
"Welcome, Sir Harold," Arthur said. "I must say, I have never heard of your Kingdom before. Why would that be?"
"That is understandable, My Lord. Utopia is a wondrous, rich kingdom, but we have kept to ourselves for several years now. We are, but south of Camelot, sitting on the very coast of the sea."
"If you have kept to yourselves all of this time, then why has your Queen waited until now to invite Camelot now," Gwen asked, looking very curious about this new kingdom.
The messenger pulled a scroll of parchment from a pack around his waist. "She did not tell me her reasoning, your majesty, but entrust me with this invitation to you and all whom you wish to accompany you to Utopia for a royal visit." Arthur nodded at Merlin to take the scroll as the man continued. "I can say, your majesties, that this is surely a momentous decision for the Queen to make."
"And why is that," asked Arthur.
"Well," the knight chuckled softly. "While we are a very peaceful kingdom, Utopia has not had an official visitor for over ten years. Not since Queen Maelona's parents, Queen Rowena and King Briec, passed on."
"Hmm…., we shall consider this offer carefully then. Until we have reached our decision then, you are welcome to use one of spare guest chambers to rest. I am sure you had a long and tiring journey. My manservant, Merlin will help you settle in."
"That is very kind of you, sire. My utmost gratitude for your generosity." The strange man made a deep bow that made a everyone look athis a little strangely.
Was this guy real or is he just another bootlicker? thought Merlin.