Hello! SweetShySecrets- or Sweet- here with her first ever Merlin story. I hope you enjoy and I would love to hear what you think. So enjoy.
Sweetx
Welcome to Camelot
The long trek from the coast had been a tiring one for Ardwin, especially since she had been travelling by foot over vast plains for nearly two weeks. She did not own a horse, they were only for the Lord and knights who owned the land which her village was settled upon, and even so the trip would be hard upon such a beast, she did not wish to harm an elegant and majestic creature. Alas, she did not want to harm one creature. Ardwin had been extremely glad when the impenetrable green trees, which had been her home for three days past, finally disappeared into the distance as she hit a stone road instead of muddy tracks and pure wilderness- what she had been travelling through on the majority of her journey. As she reached the top of the steep hill, that the road was built upon, she paused in wonder of the beauty that loomed in front of her. Camelot.
Dark pine trees formed a barrier on the horizon between the white building and blue sky; the sight was truly spectacular. It was amazing: a towering wall seemed to surround most of the city; from where Ardwin stood, she could see small town houses made of wood and thatching in the roof, much grander than the huts at her home; she could see a busy markets with an array of stores; and, in the background yet the most obvious site, there stood the castle. It loomed over the entire city, the white walls casting a light shadow upon the city. There were four towers and amazing battlements that did not strike intimidation but instead showed of the power and wealth of Camelot. It was here Ardwin was heading and so, with a shrug of readjusting her bag she proceeded towards the gates and the city of Camelot.
At first glance the city of Camelot, to Ardwin-who had never been to the city apart from when she was very young-, seemed to run in a simple way. The people went to stalls and bought the items displayed neatly on the wooden surfaces prior to heading back to their work or home. However, with closer inspection, Ardwin saw a wonder to it as the people handed over the coins and inspected the goods. She also noticed the soldiers or knights who seemed to patrol the area laughing and smiling with the people. There was one young girl dressed in fine clothes conversing with a merchant in front of her over the jewels displayed. Ardwin smiled to herself as she headed to towards the castle, this city seemed like a beautiful and appealing society. Hopefully, she could make a better life here after all that is why her parents had sent her and she was truly glad.
Slowly, Ardwin approached the gates which led on to the citadel, people bustled past her, she noticed a large crowd gathered in the centre of the rich stone courtyard and went forward to see what everyone found so intriguing. As she joined the ends of the crowd she lifted her head up to gaze at what had gripped the people. Standing upon a large balcony, carved with ornamental patterns, was a man, who appeared to be about thirty, and a woman, of a similar age, dressed in rich yet fine-looking attire. The man wore a golden crown upon his golden locks and a red cloak which flowed down his shoulders and covered most of the chainmail that draped over his chest. He held the hand of the women, she also was dressed in a red gown woven with golden thread and a golden circlet sat upon her brow, next to him (Ardwin guessed it was his wife) and she smiled at him before he addressed the crowd.
"People of Camelot, for the last year we have prospered in peace since magic has been legalised. Thanks to yourselves and all the citizens of Camelot the kingdom has been flourishing in wealth and peace with magic as our accomplice instead of our enemy. To celebrate the anniversary tomorrow night there will be a celebration for all to enjoy as we celebrate the peace of our great Camelot." The king finished with a flourish. As soon as he finished cheers arose from the crowd and shouts of, "Long live the King", "Long live the Queen" and "Long live King Arthur and Queen Guinevere" erupted out of the crowd, amongst the cheers. Just as the King and Queen of Camelot turned to go a figure stepped out of the crowd. All the crowd members parted as she shouted to the King, even Ardwin jumped back in shock.
A cough escaped the woman's lips, "King Arthur do you not see the evil in magic at all? My son and my husband were corrupted by magic along with so many others. Mark my words you may be friends now but it will always turn on you. No matter how good some of it is there are always worst events to fall because of the curse! I tell you now for all you have wronged and for all father wronged they will take their vendetta. After all, to magic, the sins of the father are the sins of the son." A wicked laugh escaped her lips and she disappeared in a green mist.
Ardwin looked back up to the balcony while everyone was still preoccupied at staring at the space in which the women had stood only moments ago. She saw a worried look on the king's face before he was ushered in by the guards that had stood on either side of the balcony. What concerned Ardwin was not the look of fear on the king's face but the appearance of worry and concern, which she presumed was for his people. He must have had experience like this before, Ardwin thought and Camelot was famous for their victories in battle and achievements of the knights, so why was she so worried. Ardwin quickly snapped out of her shock and thoughts. The crowd was quickly departing and she did not wish to be left alone in the citadel.
She hurried towards the castle and into one of passageways and onto a flight of stair. A wooden plaque to her left read Court Physician. Ardwin let out a sigh of relief. She had finally arrived…
A wooden door stood at the end of the stairs and Ardwin proceeded towards it. The door was already half open and she stepped inside. The room itself was in an utter state: strange bottles covered most of the tables in the room; pieces of parchment lay haphazardly upon a desk and mounts of books lined the shelves along the wall and upon some of the desks. In the middle of the room a black cauldron stood, in the cauldron a potion of bright blue was brewing on a fire, it warmth filled the whole room. Ardwin looked around in marvel although the room was messy it sure was a wondrous site; she had never seen so many books.
A loud crash came from the back room making Ardwin jump back in shock, she heard something inaudible muttered. Ardwin plucked up her courage and called out a faint "hello." Another crash sounded from the room, a moan quickly followed, and a man's face appeared out the door.
"Hello," he said, a cheeky smile appearing on his face. "If you're looking for Gaius he isn't here at the moment. He's in the lower town but I can help as much as I can if you need a physician."
Ardwin laughed. "I am not in need of a physician. I'm Ardwin" She held out her hand. The man stepped out from the doorway and towards Ardwin and shook her hand. He replied, "Merlin. So what is your business in the physician's chambers if you don't need one?"
"Oh. I am here to see Gaius and stay with him. I have a letter." Ardwin reached into her bag but a hand stopped her. Merlin smiled kindly at her. "Don't worry I believe you. I'm afraid I don't know when Gaius will be back but I can show you around if you would like. Camelot is truly beautiful and I do not have anything to do for the next few hours."
"I would love that but where should I put my bag?" Ardwin queried.
"Put it in the room." Merlin replied gesturing to the back room he was just in. Merlin led the way into the room and Ardwin followed. On entry she was surprised to see a basket. She went to look inside, after placing her bag on the dirty floor, and she jumped back in surprise as she saw a baby! A little baby girl with short locks golden hair laid in the basket fast asleep. Ardwin stared transfixed at the baby. Merlin walked behind her his lips in a wide smile. "A little beauty is she not?." Merlin asked. Ardwin looked into Merlin blue eyes before looking back at the baby.
"Absolutely gorgeous," Ardwin responded. "Is she yours?"
Merlin burst out laughing. "No.. unfortunately not. I'm just 'babysitting' for a friend. I'll take her back before we go. Come on."
Merlin reached down and picked up the basket, he was not careful and a sudden cry escaped the baby's lips but was quickly shushed by Merlin. "Come on Ivy. It's alright." To Ardwin's shock the baby, Ivy, babbled quietly to herself as Merlin clutched the basket to his chest.
"Come on I better take her back to her mother." Ardwin followed Merlin as he left the room.
Ardwin had seen most of the castle through the journey with Merlin. He had shown her all the views from the grand windows and had shown her a lot of the castle's amazing features. Ardwin was amazed by the architecture of the castle she had never seen anything so grand but she was also astounded by the richness of the nobles who lived in the castle. Merlin had pointed out some of the Lords and Ladies and a few of the Knights on their journey to Ivy's mother and she had heard many stories about them. It caused her to wonder what position her guide held at court he seemed to know most of the members, including the servants, but it still did not give her a clear indication and she was too embarrassed to ask. Instead she enquired on other subjects, such as how old the castle was, to which Merlin replied with efficacy and knowledge clear in his words. She was astounded by the wisdom in him especially as he only seemed so young when he had first spoken to her. Whoever Merlin was through he was most definitely one of the friendliest people she had ever met.
As Ardwin rounded a corner as she followed Merlin he held out a hand to motion her to halt. A wooden door stood in front of them and Merlin knocked gently on it. Almost immediately a young woman appeared at the door her face a look of worry but when she saw Merlin she relaxed, Ardwin noticed. "Thank, the Gods, Merlin I thought she had gone missing your almost an hour late." The women cried.
"I apologise Catherine, I got rather distracted just do me a favour and do not tell Gwen." Merlin replied in a soft whisper.
"Don't tell Gwen what, Merlin." A kind voice echoed from the back of the room. Ardwin peered through the door and saw the lady that had been on the balcony- the Queen, Guinevere- making her way towards the door.
"Nothing Gwen. I was apologising for delaying Ivy I got really preoccupied and she was so quiet you don't even notice she is there." Merlin looked down and motioned to the baby girl giggling away, to herself, in the basket.
"Merlin," The Queen started. "You know I'm just glad she is here now. Thank you for looking after her." Gwen smiled and then looked straight into the eyes of Ardwin; she almost stepped back in shock. "Hello, I don't believe we have met I'm Guinevere but everyone calls be Gwen."
Gwen held out her hand which Ardwin swiftly took.
"It is a pleasure to meet you. I'm Ardwin." Ardwin stated with a little bob of a curtesy, she presumed it was proper considering she was talking to a royal.
"The pleasure is all mine. I would love to converse with you yet; unfortunately, I have a mountain of paperwork and issues," Gwen looked directly at Merlin, "to attended to. I bid you due, perhaps we can talk later. Ardwin. Merlin. "
"My lady, Catherine." Merlin responded with a short bow. Merlin spun quickly on his heel, leaving a bewildered Ardwin- who quickly uttered out a 'goodbye'- standing in the corridor before she quickly follow Merlin back down the corridor, down a few flights of stairs and round a corner and before she knew it they were standing back in the citadel, a much shorter root than they had previously taken Ardwin noticed.
"Sorry if this poses as a strange question, but what on earth was that all about?" Ardwin asked, she was incredibly curious to why they had left in such a hurry and why Gwen had stared at merlin, almost angrily, when she had said issues.
Merlin sighed before responding. "I may have accidently caused some damage to part of the castle and the Queen was not so happy with the outcome, nonetheless, it has almost been repaired and I know Gwen will, hopefully, stop giving be that disgraceful look. Anyway, it is not important let's just show you around Camelot it is truly amazing." He smiled, "I guarantee that Gwen and Catherine are both lovely people, Gwen most definitely has the kindest heart in the kingdom. While staying with Gaius I assure you there will be a lot of times for you to meet her. In the meantime let us see the sights."
Ardwin cheered up. "Come on then." Merlin smiled and led the way. "This way my lady."
"Thank you, my Lord," Ardwin replied. Merlin chuckled weakly, if only she knew.