No young man, no matter how great, can know his destiny.
He cannot glimpse his part in the great story that is about to unfold.
Like everyone, he must live and learn.
And so it will be for the young warlock arriving at the gates of Camelot.
A boy that will, in time, father a legend.
His name…
Merlin
~8~
Fiona hated days like today. When the sun was out and the sky was blue but darkness lurked around every corner. She hadn't planned to watch the execution of Thomas James Collin; it just happened. She was trying to do her role and protect Lady Morgana from the horrors of the outside world, the dark shadow that lurked around wall, every step.
"Please, My Lady, don't look." Fiona was practically begging Lady Morgana at this point. The King had assigned her and her close friend, Guinevere, as Lady Morgana's maids when they were all children and Fiona tried her very best to protect Morgana from the darkness that was King Uther. "There is nothing to see but sadness and pain."
"I know." Fiona was surprised by Morgana's words, "But one should not die without another to mourn their death."
Fiona only nodded, knowing that she couldn't change her friends mind now, "As you wish, My Lady. But I will not let you watch this alone."
Fiona took her place next to Morgana, so that she was slightly looking out but could only see Thomas Collins kneeling, ready to die at the hands of an unjust King. The drums were beating faster and louder by now, she was waiting for them to stop, she was waiting for it to be over. Fiona watched as the executioner raised his axe and took a deep breath. She didn't dare take her eyes off the scene, she wasn't going to let Morgana watch this alone.
The axe came down and Fiona flinched, watching Thomas's head drop to the floor and hearing the crowd gasp in shock. Seeing a movement from the corner of her eye, she looked to see Morgana's head turned in, her eyes filled with tears.
"My Lady, let's go. There's nothing left to be seen." Fiona wrapped her arm through Morgana's and tried to lead her away when a loud wail caught her attention. Freezing, Fiona turned her head and looked out the window, staring at the old woman who stood in the middle of the crowd dressed in rags and covered in wrinkles.
"There is only one evil in this land and it is not magic," The old woman sobbed, "It is YOU! With your hatred and ignorance. You took my son!" Her eyes hardened and she glared at Uther with unspeakable anger, "And I promise you, before these celebrations are over, you will share my tears. And eye for and eye, a tooth for a tooth, a son for a son."
"Seize her!" Fiona could hear the fear in Uther's voice, even though he kept it unwavering.
Fiona watched in horror as the old woman grabbed her necklace and started to chant feverishly under her breathe. The wind picked up around her like a little storm and with a flash, she was gone. The crowd looked around in panic and Fiona froze as eyes flickered to their figure in the window.
"My Lady, we must go," Fiona gave Morgana's arm a little tug and soon dragged her from the window, "Uther will be displeased if he gets word that you were watching."
~8~
"Morgana watched the execution yesterday," Fiona informed Gwen as she swept Morgana's room and Gwen aired out the curtain, "I told her not to, but she didn't listen."
"What did you expect?" Gwen laughed as she stared down at the knights training, "Ever since we were kids she refused to listen to you."
Fiona gave a small pout before she turned back to her sweeping,
"Fiona," Gwen's voice caught her attention, "You might want to come and see this."
"Is it that woman who sells those cookies?"
"No."
"Then I'm not interested."
"What if it's a person standing up to Arthur."
"Really?" Fiona dropped her broom and raced over to the window, cramming herself next to Gwen so that she could see. The man was rather scrawny. He had dark black hair and wore a blue shirt with a brown jacket on top and a red scarf around his neck. Compared to Arthur, this man would be crushed. Fiona winced as she watched the man throw a punch at Arthur only for Arthur to catch his arm and twist it around his back.
"That must hurt," Fiona murmured, "Though, he is pretty brave to do that."
Gwen hummed in agreement and the two of them watched as Arthur forced the man to his knees and two guards escorted him out.
"We better get back to work," Gwen stated after a few minutes of just gazing out the window, "We promised Morgana to have this done by dawn."
Fiona nodded, still staring at the spot where the mysterious man once stood.
She swore that she had seen him before.
~8~
"I heard that they're selling those rocks in the market again," Gwen mentioned as she helped Fiona make Morgana's bed, "You know, the ones that you like to throw in the fire that makes it change different colors."
Fiona's head snapped up and her brown eyes twinkled with happiness. She loved those rocks that Old Widow Mary sold. She had been eight when she discovered Old Widow Mary and had helped her take the rocks back to her little house. As a 'thank you', Old Widow Mary had given her the rocks and told her to throw them into the fire once it was blazing. She did so that very night and squealed with happiness as the flames turned a magnificent purple for Old Widow Mary had warned her that the rocks don't always work. However, whenever Fiona used them, they always worked.
"Can we go, Gwen? Please?" Fiona asked, widening her big brown eyes and pouting out her lower lip.
Gwen laughed, "I don't see why not."
Fiona squealed with happiness before racing out of Morgana's room and ti the stairwell. Gwen gave a little sigh as she stared at the semi-made bed before giving her head a little shake. Maybe she should have mentioned the rocks after they had finished the bed. With a quick shrug, Gwen followed Fiona's lead and quickly went down the stair well to see Fiona there holding her red cape and wearing her own dark blue one.
"Ready?" Fiona smiled and Gwen nodded. The two girls exited the castle arm-in-arm.
~8~
"Gwen, isn't that the man from yesterday?" Fiona asked, staring at the man in the stock with his head lowed while children pelted him with rotten vegetables.
"Yes, I do believe it is." Gwen nodded before she walked over to him, Fiona trailing behind her.
"I'm Guinevere, but most people call me Gwen. I'm the Lady Morgana's maid." Gwen abruptly introduced.
"I'm Fiona." Fiona introduced with a small smile, "I'm also the Lady Morgana's maid."
"Right. I'm Merlin," The man introduced and he awkwardly held out his hand, which Fiona and Gwen quickly shook, "But most people just call me 'idiot'."
"No, no." Fiona quickly shook her head in disagreement, "I saw what you did. It was very brave of you."
"Or stupid." Merlin muttered as he looked away from the two of them.
"I'm glad you walked away." Gwen said and Merlin looked at her, surprised, "You weren't going to beat him."
Merlin blushed, "I could beat him."
"You think? Because you don't look like one of these big muscly fellows." Gwen stated and Fiona quickly covered her mouth to stop a laugh from coming out. This is what she loved about Gwen, she blatantly spoke her mind. Merlin didn't seem to find it too funny because his face dropped and he looked rather insulted.
"Thanks."
Fiona laughed before pretending to cough, noticing Gwen's glare.
Clearing her throat, she looked at Merlin and gave a small smile, "I'm sure you're stronger than you look. Gwen just meant that, well, it's just that Arthur's one of those real rough, tough, save-the-world kind of men and, well…"
"What?" Merlin asked as he gave her a confused look.
"You don't look like that." Gwen finished for her.
Fiona and Gwen leaned close to Merlin as he motioned his head towards them.
"I'm in disguise."
Fiona gave a laugh as Gwen giggled and Merlin looked pleased with himself for making her laugh.
"Honestly, though, it's great you stood up to him." Fiona said, pulling her braid of dirty, dirty blonde hair over her shoulder.
Merlin looked at her surprised, "You think so?"
"Of course." Fiona nodded, "Arthur's a bully and everyone thought you were a real hero."
"Really?"
"Mm-hmm."
"Oh, excuse me, Fiona, Guinevere." Merlin said as he tilted his head to the side and looked at the crowd of children that had run back, "My fans are waiting."
Guinevere laughed while Fiona gave a bright smile.
"Goodbye, Merlin." Fiona called as she raced out of the way with Guinevere at her side.
~8~
Fiona thanked the woman who handed her the fabric she had just purchased for a dress that she planned to make and surprise Morgana with. With a smile, she tucked the fabric into her basket and started to make her way back to the castle. Morgana, as much as she hated to admit it, was extremely excited for the party and so was Fiona. Fiona had always loved Lady Helen's voice. It sounded like a swan gliding across the water: clean, smooth, and majestic. Hearing laughter, Fiona turned her head towards the sound and followed it to see Merlin and Arthur holding maces.
"And how long have you been training to be a prat?" Merlin asked and her eyes widened in surprise. She hadn't expected Merlin to say that to Arthur; especially after he landed in the stocks for trying to throw a punch at him.
"You can't address me like that." She could practically hear the disbelief in Arthur's voice.
"Sorry. How long have you been training to be a prat, My Lord?" Fiona couldn't help but let a laugh escape her lips. It was official, she liked Merlin. They'd probably end up being great friends in the future.
She watched as the knights laughed before Arthur quickly swung his mace at Merlin's head causing Merlin to duck. This had to be the most amusing thing that Fiona had seen all week, well, besides when Merlin tried to punch Arthur in the face. Fiona gasped and flinched as Arthur swung at Merlin, which he narrowly missed by rolling over a table with fresh fruit and vegetables laid out on it. She rushed with the crowd to follow the scene. Yes, she thought, Merlin might be brave, but there is a fine line between being stupid and being brave.
"Fiona!" She turned around to see Gwen rushing towards her, "Morgana had been looking everywhere for you."
Glancing between the fight and Gwen, Fiona visibly deflated and followed Gwen back to the castle. She couldn't help but glance back at the fight, hoping that Merlin was alright. It's not everyday someone gets to fight the Prince, and when they do, they don't always end up unharmed.
~8~
Fiona lazily walked back to Morgana's room. She was in a strangely good mood today and she didn't know why. Probably because Morgana didn't have a nightmare last night and I could sleep, she pointed out to herself as she walked up the staircase leading to Morgana's room. Thinking that Gwen was in the room, Fiona quietly opened the door with hopes to scare the both of them. She silently laughed at the thought. Morgana and Gwen were so easy to scare.
"Know what that means?" She heard Morgana asked as she quietly closed the door.
"Mm-hmm." Fiona froze, her heart racing with anxiety. Gwen's voice didn't sound like that.
"Where are you?" Fiona silently crept through the little walkway between the door and the opening of Morgana's room, her hand slightly raised in front of her.
"Where are you?" Morgana asked and Fiona immediately relaxed, stifling a laugh as she watched Merlin hold up a dress to block his face from Morgana's view.
Fiona walked behind Merlin as he replied with a 'here' in a high-pitched voice.
"I need some help with this fastening," A few seconds of silence passed as Merlin anxiously looked around, "Gwen? Fiona?"
"Here." Fiona finally revealed herself and watched as Merlin relaxed before smiling.
"What are you doing here?" Fiona mouthed to Merlin quickly.
"Her medicine for her nightmares." Merlin mouthed back before he shuffled towards the door, and Fiona walked over towards Morgana.
"Thank you." Merlin quietly whispered and Fiona gave him a bright smile before disappearing around the changing screen to help Morgana.
"So," Morgana said as she walked out from behind the screen and to her mirror with Fiona trailing behind, sighing in relief when she saw that Merlin had left, "it's whether I wear this little tease," She held up maroon dress, "Or give them a night they'll remember."
~8~
"She looks great, doesn't she?" Fiona asked as she stepped beside Merlin and looked at Morgana, who had chosen to go with the maroon dress or 'the night they'll remember, "She was practically born to be queen."
"No." Merlin immediately denied as he placed his goblet down and Fiona gave him a confused look.
"I hope she will be, one day." Morgana would make a great queen. She would end all these executions of those who practiced magic. She would be fair and just, not cruel and unfair, "Not that I'd want to be her." Fiona hated when a lot of pressure was put on her, "Who'd want to marry Arthur?"
"Oh, come on, Fiona. I thought you liked tough, save-the-world men." Merlin lightly laughed, not taking his eyes off Morgana.
"No, I like plain, simple guys. Sort of like you." Fiona denied. It was true. If she were ever to marry a noble, it would probably end up in a disaster. She had always been a simple girl when she was younger and most likely will continue to be one.
"Fiona, believe me, I'm not ordinary." Merlin admitted as he poured himself some wine and took a sip.
"Well, I didn't say you, did I?" Fiona stated and Merlin stared at her in surprise, "I said men LIKE you but since you are not ordinary, I guess then you're out of the picture."
"Wait… No-no, I mean, I am ordinary but what do you mean by ordinary?" Merlin stammered and Fiona gave a small laugh as she watched him get all flustered.
"If it makes you feel any better, I'm not ordinary either." Fiona tapped the side of her nose before she left to go check on Morgana, leaving Merlin to stare at her in shock.
Taking her place by the wall, Fiona smiled when she saw Gwen walk over and join her. As Lady Helen entered the room and started to sing, Fiona felt her eyelids get heavy, which was weird. She was sure that she had gotten a good night's rest. But maybe a few minutes of sleep wouldn't hurt her. Besides, everyone would be too busy listening to Lady Helen sing. Fiona felt her body grow limp and slide down the wall. The last thing she remembered seeing was Merlin looking in horror in her direction.
~8~
Fiona slowly blinked, her eyes adjusting to the darkness of the room, and reached up to feel a cobweb in her hair. Rubbing her eyes with one hand, she pulled the cobweb off her hair with another before standing up and dusting her pale blue dress off.
"My Lady," Fiona gasped as she rushed towards Morgana and started to help pull the cobwebs off her.
Morgana suddenly gripped onto Fiona's arm causing her to stop and look at her.
"Are you alright, My Lady?" She asked, but Morgana only stared at the figure of the old woman under the chandelier. Looking closer, Fiona realized that the old woman was wearing the same dress Lady Helen wore.
Fiona watched in horror as the old woman lifted up a dagger and threw it where Arthur stood. Ignoring Morgana's nails digging into her arms, she held her breath and waited for the thud of a body. A loud crack rang through the air and Fiona forced her head to look at where Arthur once stood only to see a knife in the chair and Arthur standing safely to the side, Merlin next to him.
~8~
"So how does it feel?" Fiona asked as she caught up to Merlin as they walked down the halls after the party.
Fiona laughed as Merlin gave her a blank look and gently nudged his shoulder.
"It could be worse," She pointed out, racing up the stairs with him, "You could be serving Uther."
Fiona gave a small smile as she felt Merlin halt beside her at the thought.
It was official now; this was going to be an interesting year.
So I made a new story and I really, really, really, really hope you like it.
Please review and don't be afraid to PM.
Let me know what you think of Fiona and her character.
See you soon,
Ana
