Disclaimer: I do not own Merlin or any of the characters, except for the ones I made up
A/N: Also, bear with me on this one. I've only seen the first five episodes that have been released in the States, so it may not work out with any of the future episodes.
Chapter 1: Newcomer
"Ahh!"
The skinny dark haired boy fell back, his armor making the fall less graceful than it otherwise could have been. The fair boy grinned at his companion until he saw that the other boy had no intention of getting off the ground anytime soon. A pout now played upon Arthur's face and he glared down at his manservant.
"Merlin, this is the third time in ten minutes. And the first time we weren't even fighting. How can I get any better against a real opponent if you can't even remain upright for thirty seconds?"
Merlin gave his prince a disbelieving look. "You could find someone else to practice on? Like one of the knights or a squire or someone who has previous experience?"
Arthur tisked at his manservant, "But it's YOUR job Merlin."
"Since when?"
"Since I said so. However, I am considering taking you up on your suggestion unless you prove that you have the ability to stand upright for more than a minute."
Merlin rolled his eyes and struggled to sit up. He began removing the heavy chain mail, breathing a deep sigh and closing his eyes for a moment. His destiny, aka Arthur, could be such a royal pain sometimes. Sometimes here meaning nine times out of ten.
A horse's neigh drew the attention of both boys to the road leading from the forest to Camelot. A small caravan drew into sight as they emerged from the trees. Though far in the distance, Merlin could make out a brown draft horse pulling a cart, five armed guards and a slight person, completely covered in a blue travelling cloak aboard a black horse. Arthur wrinkled his nose.
"Looks like our guest has arrived."
Merlin lurched to his feet, going to stand beside his master, "Guest? I didn't know we were expecting one. Who is it?"
The prince's voice dripped with disdain, "Morgana's second cousin five times removed or something of the like. She comes from the north, I guess she's either visiting for an extended period of time or…" Here he grimaced, "Living here as long as she wishes."
The dark haired warlock cocked his head and squinted his bright blue eyes to see the approaching party more clearly, specifically the blue cloaked rider. "And this is bad because…?"
Arthur turned to stare at his manservant, resignation in his eyes, "Nothing. Unless, god forbid, she's anything like Morgana."
The prince turned and walked back up towards the castle, sword tucked under his arm, "C'mon Merlin, we have to prepare for the welcoming feast."
"Yeah, be right there." Merlin turned and watched until his prince was out of sight before he faced once more towards the oncoming party. His eyes glowed gold as he magically magnified his sight and looked upon Morgana's cousin. As if she could sense his eyes upon her, the girl lifted her eyes from the road in front of her and to the hillside by the castle where Merlin stood.
She smiled.
