Disclaimer: I do not own Merlin, all rights to their respected owners. This is purely for entertainment purposes only.

Author's Note
To those who read Oblivion, which was my first stab at this story back in 2016 - Thank you for giving me the push to start writing again. I hope (Fingers Crossed) that you still like the story as much as you did back then...

Chapter One
'If all perished, and he remained. I should continue to be; and if all else remained,
and he were annihilated, the universe would turn to a mighty stranger'

For a Kingdom that was renowned for bustling away with life, it was unsettling for the People of Camelot as they were gathered in silence, forced to endure yet another example of the repercussions of practicing magic under the watchful eye of Uther Pendragon. The King's ruling had forced yet another man, with no true guilt, to his knees as the Royal Executioner stood poised behind him awaiting his orders to swing the axe. The Royal Guard took up their post along the tall marble steps that led to the palace as the King stood above their heads on the grand balcony ready to address his people; although not everyone was as ready or willing to listen to their King prattle on.

"How can he be content with being so cruel," A voice spoke up startling Sir Leon, the Knight had been so focused on watching the crowd that surrounded him that he didn't notice the reigns of his horse slip from his grasp. He looked over his shoulder to the woman beside him, her hands now wrapped around the reigns in place of his own as she stroked the side of the horses' head. "Leon,"

"Lady Eleanora," He replied bowing his head towards the redhead. He knew that she was right, there was rarely an occasion where he could fault her opinion of the Elder Pendragon, but he couldn't be seen speaking ill of the King, "You know quite well that I can't answer that My Lady…" His lips quirked as she scrunched her nose at him.

"Remember the conversation we had about titles Leon?" She shot back with a small hint of a smile, a window overhead caught her attention as she looked up to see Morgana peer out of her chambers to watch as Uther continued to go on about how those who practiced magic corrupted the good name of Camelot. "What did I tell you?"

"To not use them?" He replied with a small chuckle trying to break the sudden tension, although his laughter soon died out as he watched the colour drain from her cheeks. He followed her stony gaze back to the pier where the crowd surrounding had fell silent, the man now lay limp covered by a white linen sheet. Leon frowned, knowing that ultimately it was a bad idea to have allowed her to remain outside. "My Lady…"

She cast him a hard look, "Leon…" Her voice had grown hoarse as she silently wished that she had just been allowed to stay back at the stables, but the King had requested she be there as his own Son and Ward had refuse and as a form of damage control. She arched her brow as an older woman stumbled out towards the town square, "Oh … That poor woman,"

"There is only on evil in this land and it is not that of magic." She wailed. Eleanora felt her heart clench, the pain the woman was feeling radiated through the crowd, "It is you! With your hatred, and your ignorance. You took my only son!" She growled, "And I promise you – that before the end of these celebrations, you too – will share my tears!" Leon heard the gasp escape Eleanora's lips, "An eye for an eye, a son for a son!"

"Seize her!" Uther demanded of the guard; the outrage clear in his voice as the remainder of the Royal Guard moved in to arrest the woman for treason. Before they were even able to place a single finger on her; the woman began to wail in foreign tongue before evaporating into the wind.

"My Lady…" Leon spoke seeing her frozen on the spot, her eyes firmly fixated on where the woman had once been. "Eleanora!" He tried, a frustrated sigh escaping his lips as he took the reigns from her hands as he tried to get her attention again, "Elle!" Her eyes shot to him, "The King has you under my guard," She rolled her eyes, "Look displeased all you like, but I must escort you back to the stables now"

"Fine…" She nodded as she started to walk ahead of the Knight, he followed closely behind her using his horse to block them from harm and sight. She couldn't shake herself of the threat the woman had made, if she had magic then Arthur's life would truly be in peril. She huffed to herself, only causing Leon to sigh.

"Elle," He spoke up moving to rest his hand on her shoulder as she hummed, "You know I nor your guard will allow anything to happen to Arthur,"

She smiled resting her hand on top of Leon's, "I know…" She replied, "I just hope the King is aware of the bounty he has bestowed on his son's head."

Knowing that she wanted some time for herself; Leon had left her to her own devices under the careful watch of the stable-hand as she continued to tend to the Knight's horses for the remainder of the afternoon; as dusk fell over the Kingdom, she found herself resting on the back of her own horse Emera. The mare nibbled on the bale of hay that had been set up for her without a care as her mistress sat with a book that she had borrowed from Gaius in her lap. She was finally at peace for the day, her self-assigned duties cast aside for another evening meaning she was free to enjoy the peace and quiet.

Although, that peace and quiet was short lived as a voice echoed from behind her. "My father wishes to know why you have refused to attend the feast?" They asked, "Any of them in fact…"

"Well, I don't really share the notion that death is a reason to celebrate Arthur, so I chose not to go" She replied not bothering to lift her gaze from the book, "Just like you chose not to attend the execution," She had already suspected that it would only be a matter of time before the King had sent him to collect her, "Did your father send you to enforce your brattish wisdom?"

Arthur chuckled looking up to the redhead, "I hope you know that I would have someone thrown in the stocks for speaking to me like that;" He propped himself up against the wooden frame of the stables as he flashed her an amused grin.

"But My Lord…" She smirked as she slipped the book into one of the many pouches of Emera's saddle. "That is one of the numerous perks of being your closest of friends," She slid down from the mare's back to stand in front of the Prince, only reaching his shoulder. "Is it not?"

He just laughed knowing she was right, "Is there any way that I can possibly persuade you to attend this evening?" He asked, "-or shall I condemn Sir Leon to dragging you as his companion?" She rolled her eyes; for the longest time Arthur had been set on the idea that both his second command and his best friend would be best suited – even if it was the opposite of what either would want. "Nora" He tried causing her to groan. Arthur had been the only one to continue to use her Mother's nickname for her, and since, it had become her Achilles heel. "I would very much appreciate if you could bite your tongue and attend as a Lady of Camelot," She huffed. "Which right now you do not look even close-"

"Is that truly how you would address a Lady My Lord?" She questioned almost teasingly.

He was right in that moment; she was stood in front of him in one of her many blouses that she got away with wearing when she was not being coerced into a gown and a pair of mud-stained leggings – Hardly befitting of a lady, but to him, perfectly befitting of her. "My Lady…" He bowed, flashing her another dazzling smile as she moved to whack him again only to have him reach out and grasp her arms gently. "So predictable."

"Such a prat," She huffed in response as she visibly relaxed in his grip.

Arthur smiled down at her as she playfully rolled her eyes, in truth, he enjoyed being away from the feasts, the Knights, the prying eyes of the Palace just as much as she did – especially if it meant he was able to be around her. Having grown up side-by-side, he knew he would never have to be 'Prince' Arthur with her. "Yet you still grace me with your presence."

She pursed her lips, "Art – We both know you wouldn't last a day without me" She collected her cloth bag from the hay covered ground, "Why did the King request my presence anyway?" She asked, "Surely Morgana would be more fitting to such an occasion?" She pondered, "Or did she refuse to attend the feast as well?"

He arched his brow at her, "Why would she be more fitting?" He questioned as he took the bag from her, swinging it up over his own shoulder. She just sighed, but the Prince was not prepared to let her continue to frown. "She did refuse to attend, however, just because she prefers to wear dresses does not mean she would be more suited than you." He nudged her shoulder, "The people of Camelot love you just as much as they love Morgana, if not more."

Eleanora smiled at his attempt of paying her a compliment, "Thank you Art…"

"Of course," He bowed his head with a smirk as they took off back towards the palace guards knowing that if they didn't return at some point, the King would have a search party out after them.

"Prince Arthur, Lady Eleanora." The Guard announced as they came to a halt in front of the pair as if on cue, they had been sent to find the pair by the King following their knightly patrol. The guards chuckled as the redhead managed to trip the Prince up as they passed. She flashed them a bright smile before wishing them a goodnight racing on ahead, giving Leon, who had been head of the patrol, the time to look over at the Prince – the look he was giving the redhead did not go unnoticed by those around him, just by the one it was truly intended for.

Eleanora's voice carried through the empty halls of the palace as she threw herself from her bed-chambers to race towards those belonging to Morgana; having been woken by her shrill screams echoing down the corridor. She came to a halt inside the door as she watched Gwen's shaking figure trying to rouse the raven-haired woman from her sleep as she was plagued by yet another nightmare. "Is she alright?" Gwen shook her head as Eleanora took over at the side of the bed, "Morgana…" She soothed, "It's only a dream"

Morgana suddenly woke with a start, her eyes wildly searching the room before they landed on the redhead above her, "Eleanora…" She sighed in relief.

"My Lady…" Gwen spoke up, "Are you alright?" She quickly turned to look at Eleanora who had taken a seat beside Morgana holding her hand tightly, "Shall I fetch Gaius?"

"Perhaps not," With her back turned to the hand-maid, Eleanora shook her head noticing that Morgana's eyes were growing heavy. She reached out to rest her hand against her forehead as her eyes continued to flash a brilliant shade of gold causing the skin under her hand to cool off, "I shall fetch him at first light."

Both women rose from the bed as Morgana's breathing grew heavier, Gwen reached over to blow the stray candle out that lay at the side of the bed as they left the chambers in complete silence. "Sleep well Elle…" Gwen smiled as she gave the woman a short bow as they moved to go their separate ways, the hand-maid ready to go finish her nightly chores before returning home for the night. "May I suggest a robe the next time you run to the rescue My Lady?" She laughed as Eleanora blushed looking down.

She rolled her eyes with a small laugh, "Good night Guinevere," She called as she turned back towards her own chambers as a yawn escaped her lips. She had grown accustom to racing from her chambers to the sound of Morgana's nightmares, although as she approached her chambers, she arched her brow as she noted the tired figure waiting for her by the door. "Arthur?" She asked as the yawning Prince stepped towards her.

"What are you doing running about the halls at this hour?" Arthur questioned trying to keep his eyes fixated on the door having quickly realized that she had rushed from her chamber in only her nightgown, which at that point, was not covering very much as it exposed her pale shoulders. "You made quite the commotion." He, of course, wasn't about to tell her the panic he had endured when he woke to her yelp.

"Oh… I'm sorry that I woke you," She replied, "I was checking on Morgana – She had another nightmare…" She trailed off noting that the Prince was looking at the door frame, she looked behind her before looking back at him confused, "Why aren't you looking at me Art?"

"Um… Well…" He groaned unsure how to answer her question, however as soon as she spotted her linen cloak in his hands, she no longer required an answer from him. She grabbed the cloak from him throwing it around her body as they both flushed red, "So…"

"Let's not discuss it Arthur," She replied her cheeks tinted red as she moved to open her door, wishing that the ground would open and swallow her whole. "Thank you for coming to my rescue this evening," She smirked as his cheeks reddened further, "Good night Arthur,"

"Ah… Yes of course," He stammered, "I shall see you tomorrow?" She nodded, "Until then Lady Nora."

"You too Prince Prat," She teased as she closed the door over tightly only to lean back against the door letting out the breath that had been caught in her throat for a few moments. She shook her head at the fluttering feeling in her stomach before throwing herself back onto the bed. "Stupid girl…"

Like she had promised, Eleanora found herself climbing the stairs that led to Gaius' chambers as soon as she had woken that morning. She yawned gently as she knocked on the wooden door rubbing her head trying to rid herself of the retched headache that she had woken up to; hearing Gaius' voice from within, she stepped inside with a smile.

"Good morning Gaius," She smiled, "I hope I'm not intru…" Her voice trailed off as she was met with a face that was much to young to belong to the Court Physician. The man in front of her was staring at her just as confused as she was, he as tall – taller than Arthur – but a lot thinner, he smiled at her nervously. "You're not Gaius, my apologies! I didn't realize that Gaius had guests,"

"Nonsense," Gaius greeted seeing the young woman standing by the door, "Please do come in Lady Eleanora," Merlin's eyes shot back to the woman in front of him as soon as Gaius had addressed her; she didn't exactly look like any 'Lady' he had seen before. She was stood in front of him with a small smile on her face but a dark green loose fitted skirt and an off-the shoulder white blouse adorning her frame. "This my nephew Merlin – He arrived yesterday from Ealdor."

Eleanora looked over to Merlin with a bright smile causing Merlin to grin, it was like her smile was contagious. "It is lovely to meet you at last Merlin," She beamed, "I do remember your uncle mentioning you would be arriving!"

"It is an honour to meet you Lady Eleanora," Merlin ignored how informally she had introduced herself as he went to bow, only to paused as he heard his uncle laugh at him, "What is so funny?"

"Eleanora may be a lady of the Kingdom," His uncle smiled warmly at the redhead at his side as she clasped her hands in front of her, "But she has spent most of her life running from her dresses and mucking out the stables."

"I do not run from my dresses," She protested laughing, "I simply hide in my wardrobe until Gwen gives up and leaves me to my own devices." Merlin grinned amused by her, if all the Royals of Camelot were like her – he was sure to be happy. "Now I do need to ask a favour of you Gaius," She paused looking at the two untouched bowls of oats on the table, "I can come back?"

"Not at all Eleanora," Gaius smiled urging her to continue.

"The sleeping draught you have been preparing for Morgana," She sighed, "They do not seem to be working as effectively as before, I was wondering if there was anything else at all we could try?" She asked, "Lavender perhaps?"

"I will look into it for you my dear," He promised before frowning as she flinched again moving to rub her forehead, "Headache?"

She nodded, "I woke to it this morning," She admitted politely refusing Merlin's offer as he gestured for her to sit, "I swore I was hearing voices," Merlin raised his brow at the coincidence that he had also been woken to voices that morning, "Strange…"

"Take this" Gaius instructed holding out a vial to her, only to yank it back as he eyed her warily, the physician was more than aware that the redhead was quite accustom to forgetting to eat in the mornings before running off to solve the days problems, "After you have eaten,"

"Understood," She smiled as she tucked the vial into the small pouch she had sewn into her skirt, "Shall I stop by for the draught later?"

"Nonsense, I will have Merlin bring it by for you later on today," He smiled as she nodded returning the smile. "Which reminds me – Merlin – until we can find you some paid work," He handed the man two different packages instantly catching Eleanora's attention as she had been studying healing under Gaius for several years. "Hollyhock and Feverfew for Lady Percival and this for Sir Olwin – He is blind as a bat so warn him not to take it all at once,"

"I will accompany you if you'd like Merlin?" Eleanora offered with a warm smile, feeling that the man would probably feel a bit more relaxed if he was not stumbling around the palace lost, "Consider it an official welcome?"

"That is very kind of you Lady…" She arched her brow at him almost challenging him as he blushed, "Eleanora."

"Hold on just a moment you two…" Gaius spoke up catching them as they were about to leave, he handed Merlin some bread having seen the way he had looked at the oats, before handing Eleanora a rosy red apple.

Eleanora smile was unmistakable as she continued to point out various bits-and-bobs around the palace; showing the new resident all of the secret passageways she had found during her childhood – incase he ever had to make a quick getaway. She gestured out towards the long stretch of land in the upper market place that led out toward the palace training grounds. "This is my favourite part of the palace; it leads right to the…" She frowned noticing the familiar blonde, "You've got to be kidding me…"

"Where is the target?" Arthur laughed standing surrounded by some of the men that he seemed to believe were his friends as he watched his latest servant stand confused in front of him.

"There Sire?" Morris asked unsure as he pointed to the slab of wood.

Eleanora rolled her eyes as she stood not too far away from them with Merlin at her side as she crossed her arms across her chest. She could feel the frustration niggling away under her skin, he always acted like a complete show off around his 'friends,'

"It is into the sun…" Arthur complained.

"It's not that bright," Morris replied.

"Bit like you then?" Arthur chuckled as Eleanora grit her teeth at him.

Morris huffed, "I'll move it to the other side then shall I Sire?" He offered, attitude thick in his voice as he picked up the clearly heavy target before dragging it across the ground with it barely secured in his arms.

"This will teach'im," Arthur chucked before throwing a dagger across the empty space straight at the target; as it embedded itself in the wood, Eleanora let out a gasp causing Merlin to put his hand on her arm gently careful not to startle her further. Morris looked over the target at his master who just seemed to be enjoying himself that bit more now, "Don't stop."

Eleanora watched behind her fingers as Arthur continued to lob daggers at the poor boy – not once considering what would happen if he threw one and Morris was to fall – as if by fate, Morris stumbled over his feet dropping the target to the ground as it rolled to Merlin and Eleanora's feet. "Hey…" Merlin spoke up as Eleanora rest her boot firmly down on top of the target, "That's enough – You've had your fun my friend,"

Arthur raised his brow at the man that had come into his view, even more confused when he took in Eleanora's presence beside him, her hand resting in the crook of the strangers arm. "Merlin…" She warned gently not wanting to see Arthur show the man up on his first day in town, "Please…"

"Do I know you?" Arthur questioned as he walked towards Merlin, his gaze flickering over to Eleanora who had taken a step forward as to block the man from him as she kept her gaze trained on him.

"I'm Merlin." He replied.

"So, I don't know you" Arthur concluded as Merlin muttered a quick no; feeling that he may have made a small mistake. He looked down to see Eleanora still had her hand on his arm as she stood in front of the blonde, the slight comfort made him smile. "Yet you call me friend?"

"That was my mistake," Merlin suddenly replied as Eleanora's head snapped up to look over at Merlin, wondering where he thought he was going with his words that wouldn't result in his head in a basket or in the stocks, "I would never have a friend who could be such an ass."

Eleanora's eyes widened slightly amused as she looked back to Arthur who, surprisingly, looked impressed. "Merlin…" She went to follow Merlin as he took a few steps away from her as if to walk away; however, Arthur's grip on her shoulder kept her firmly in place as he moved around her.

"Nor I one so stupid," Arthur replied looking back at Eleanora who stood with her arms crossed and her eyebrow raised at him as he wondered what the man meant to the redhead, "Tell me Merlin … Do you know how to walk on your knees?"

"Art, that's enough," Eleanora warned her accent growing thicker as she eyed the trainee-guards that waited by Arthur move in. She growled under her breath wishing that Leon had been on duty to at least help her knock some sense back into the men, "I mean it."

"Would you like me to help you?" Arthur offered looking at Merlin, completely ignoring her warnings.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you." Merlin warned his eyes flickering around the crowd taking tabs on the amount of people he risked exposing his magic to, it would be worth it to put the blonde in his place.

"Why?" Arthur laughed as he crossed his arms across his chest challengingly; he was growing more and more irate at the fact that the man would not back down – never mind the way he had his hands on his Eleanora. "What are you going to do to me?"

"It's not him you have to worry about," Eleanora spoke up as she moved to stand directly in front of Arthur leaving no room between their bodies, "Arthur…"

"Nora…" He answered in the same tone as he looked down at her, taken back by her warning. Swallowing his manners for a moment, he stood straight allowing his stature to be known over her, he watched as she grit her teeth, "I suggest you move aside and let me handle this My Lady…" He told her, "That is an order."

Her frown deepened as she looked up at him, the hurt now evident on her face, never once had he spoke to her like that. She had experience it plenty from some of the Knights, even from the King himself but never from him. For a moment she swallowed her pride, wishing that she could wipe that stupid smirk clean off his face, instead she simply nodded at his demands before shooting a small sympathetic smile at Merlin, who eyed her warily, before retreating off into the crowd. She now had one more reason to avoid the feast, an arrogant prat named Arthur.