"Pity. Together, we could have ruled the world."
Nimueh stood over Merlin, a gleeful smirk gracing her lips. Proud of her victory, she strutted away.
"You should not have killed my friend."
The sky turned dark and clouds appeared. Lightning struck and a life was taken, restoring the balance of the land. All the while, a girl, just a little younger than Merlin himself, stood in the only tower not broken from time's inevitable hand. She gasped as she watched her master explode into nothingness, tears streaming down her face.
Before Merlin could reach Gaius, she did. Hands held out, the girl began to run her hands over the physician, hopefully checking for vitals and not laying a trap. Merlin felt woozy and suddenly the world went black.
Merlin woke up, decidedly tired but much more awake when he noticed the beautiful young girl hovering over him. "Wha-"
Do not speak. A voice rang in his head, gentle and feminine. You overexerted yourself. Please rest, Emrys.
"H-how do you know me?"
You are Emrys. How could I not know of you, My King?
Merlin shot up and flinched in pain. A smug grin appeared on her face.
I warned you.
"I am not a king."
Perhaps. And yet perhaps you are simply not ready to be king. But you will be, someday. If there is anyone I have faith in, it is you.
He stared, teary-eyed, with insecurities shining through his merlin blue orbs. "I don't-" His voice cracked. "I don't deserve that kind of loyalty." He sighed. "I'm not a king. I'm not made for the role of leader."
Do not doubt yourself so much, My King. If you do not trust yourself, trust me, and trust my faith in you.
He stared at her, speechless. "What's your name?" he croaked.
Estrela.
The two stared into each others' eyes, the moment neverending until-
"Where's Gaius?!"
He is weak, but alive. I have made sure he has no wounds, and I have given him the best care possible. Which, admittedly- She looked around the dilapidated room, being held together by little more than a few stones, and smiled sheepishly. -isn't much. He is resting on my bed as we speak, although he should be awake any time now.
"Let's go wake him up, then." He grunted but stood up, offering her his arm as a gentleman would. She smiled, kind and loving, and took his arm with her own. "Shall we, my lady?"
She laughed, a melodious twinkle in the dreary castle. Lead the way, My King.
The two strolled along the castle until he stopped. "Where am I going, exactly?"
She chuckled. Follow me. She lead him to the only tower still standing, up the winding staircase, and to the only room the tower held. Past a broken wooden door there was a small room with little more than a rucksack over a few torn feathers as the bed. I apologize for the bed. I wish I had more to offer you two.
"I'm sure one night on the floor will not kill him."
And then, the most beautiful thing he had ever heard, a melody so simple yet intoxicating, began.
Seoithín, seo hó, mo stór é, mo leanbh
Mo sheoid gan cealg, mo chuid gan tsaoil mhór
Seothín seo ho, nach mór é an taitneamh
Mo stóirín na leaba, na chodladh gan brón.
A leanbh mo chléibh go n-eirí do chodhladh leat
Séan is sonas gach oíche do chóir
Tá mise le do thaobh ag guídhe ort na mbeannacht
Seothín a leanbh is codail go foill.
Before he realized it, Merlin was crying. "That was beautiful."
Gaius groaned and put his hand on his head. "Merlin? What- who- I don't-"
"It is alright. Please, my elder, be gentle when you stand." Her hands shot out and grasped his arm, assisting him in getting up.
"Thank was a beautiful Druid lullaby. Where did you learn that?" Gaius spoke, weary of the girl beside him.
Her eyes scrunched with a bittersweet smile. "My mother taught me it, although she says my father was a great singer and that must be where I get it from."
"My girl, what is your name?"
"Estrela."
"And what are you doing here of all places?"
Her face grew dark. "Nimueh, she, she is my m-" she paused. "My master. I am- was her aprentice."
"I am so sorry." Merlin stared at her with wide eyes. "I- I didn't know, I swear. You must have cared deeply for her."
She smiled softly and walked to him before resting a hand on his cheek, wiping away the last remnants of a tear with her finger.
"My King, I trust your decisions. She was dangerous to Albion. You did the right thing."
His shoulders sagged with her forgiveness and he smiled. His eyes drifted up to meet Gaius's own. "Let's go home." He looked at the girl and held her hand, pressing it closer to his cheek. "All of us. Stay with us, Estrela. You can find work in the castle."
"Wait." Gaius regretfully held out his hand. "Do you have magic? It would be dangerous to hide two magic users in Camelot."
A strange look passed over her face. "I cannot wield magic."
Gaius raised his eyebrow at her response. "Are you dangerous?"
She cocked her head to the side with an unidentifiable expression swirling in her eyes. Looking between the two men, she replied, "Not to good people. Not to you two."
Gaius raised both his eyebrows at her response. "Then what are we waiting for? To Camelot it is."
Merlin offered his arm once more. "M'lady, would you allow me to escort you?"
"I will follow your lead."