First chapter of the rewritten version of Shalott. Sorry it took so long. - K

Chapter 1 - Arrival

The Great Hall swelled with the people of Camelot's court. No one knew why they were there but none dared to miss it. Voices mumbled among themselves as they pushed further against each other and the walls of the chamber as they awaited King Uther. Rumours circulated the hoard of nobles and administration of the king's excitement, something rarely shown as vibrantly as the whispers claimed to have seen. Heads turned to see as the future king of Camelot, Prince Arthur, strode into the great hall with his usual confidence. He wore his formal attire, chainmail and deep red cape included. He looked like a golden knight with the sunlight dancing off of his bright hair and radiated pride as he took his place by the throne, both hands clasped behind his back and back straight. It must be an important occasion.

The eyes of men and women alike were dragged away from the radiant prince by his clumsy manservant, Merlin, who followed in pursuit of his master. He stood behind Arthur with a confused and bored look on his face. It seemed the Prince did not know why he was there either. Everyone knew he told his manservant almost everything and although the prince could hide his not knowing, the manservant was not as good an actor.

The side door to the Great Hall clinked and the grey haired king walked through. He rubbed his hands together and did not try to hide the rare grin on his face. His only son bowed deep to his father. Uther went straight to Arthur and pulled him into secret conversation, their heads bowed together. The crowd strained their ears to hear but it was in vain.

"It is an exciting day for Camelot," Uther gasped at his son, not bothering to hide his amusement. Arthur raised his eyebrows as a question. He hoped that the day would be worth all of the whining he had to face after Merlin was forced to clean and prepare a ceremonial outfit. "Earlier this morning a messenger arrived to inform me of a guest we shall be receiving for an indefinite amount of time. Princess Elaine." Uther was practically foaming at the mouth with excitement and honestly Arthur was a little concerned.

"Elena is coming back?"

"No not Elena," Uther reprimanded. "Elaine. ThePrincess of Astolat. The message read that she would arrive this morning in hopes of discussing a new treaty between the kingdoms. You know how antisocial Astolat is but recent circumstances have led them to open up."

Arthur did know. He remembered the name of the territory from his history lessons. Astolat's ruler, King Bernard Ban, was a renowned military leader with territories and an army that any king would die for, some had. He was rich but a mystery to outsiders and so isolated in the south he was not counted within the five kingdoms of Albion. Rumours of course spread about the large Ban family that ruled over Astolat, including tales of the beautiful only daughter of the king and his wife. Her arrival at Camelot's court would be an honour to the Pendragon's since it would be one of the few times Bernard had let her out of his sight.

"Why he sent his daughter of all people to discuss political alliances I will never know but trade with them could fill our vaults." Uther continued. "Besides I hear she is very beautiful. Bernard was once a friend to us and I intend to have it so again. Her beauty may work to our advantage if she can be easily charmed."

The Lady Morgana had glided into the Grand Hall behind Uther and taken a seat to his left. She sat slumped down and inspected her nails as she listened to Uther babble on about the new arrival. She hated seeing him excited and shot his secret glares at the king's back. That glare slipped to Merlin who stood far to the right of the throne, just in reach of Arthur's call. Hatred clawed its way through Morgana as she stared at the boy who had betrayed her above all others and continued to cause her grief everywhere she went. Merlin's eyes flicked to meet her glare with his own. Thoughts of how he would rot in a dungeon, or better yet six feet underground, once she was queen was her only solace when she was forced to be so close to him every day. Morgause had helped her see that friends were a liability early on whilst she was away from Camelot and she would take solace in knowing it was Merlin's friendship with Arthur that would bring him to his knees. Only the bond of sisters born into the high priestess order could have a trustworthy bond.

Morgana dragged her eyes away from Merlin to seen Uther fix his attire. His head shot up at the sound of the announcement.

"Presenting her Grace Princess Elaine Ban of Astolat," sounded the voice next to the great wooden doors.

"She's here." Uther whispered with a twinkle in his eye. Hushed whispers circulated the room as the guests figured out the occasion.

"Indeed," Arthur retorted.

Everyone stood straighter, including Arthur as a woman cascaded into the room. She wore a regal purple gown which had a train that glided behind her. Her back was perfectly straight and hands clasped before her during her long walk down the hall. Arthur noticed as she got closer the dark colour of her hair that highlighted her translucent, flawless pale skin and steely blue eyes that caught his. A smile played on her red lips as she came closer. Behind her came four knights, two either side, in armour covered with a half black, half blue surcoat tunic. In the centre it bore the emblem of Astolat: a flower of a kind. Not brutal or scary but the stark white flower seemed to hold a strong message against the black shield it was embroidered on. The knights walked in synchronisation behind the woman, their chainmail clanked along with them.

She reached the footsteps of the throne and descended into a graceful curtsey. The knights followed their princess, each bowing low with an arm over his chest. Arthur stumbled back slightly. The woman raised her head and smiled at the king.

"Your Grace, I give my humblest thanks for allowing myself and my small entourage to stay with you at such short notice."

Arthur peered at his father to see the king's cheeks looked a little redder than usual. Uther began to climb down the stairs and extended his arms to bow to the princess. "Princess Elaine, you are always welcome within Camelot. My only regret is that we did not meet like this sooner. It is wonderful to have an ally visit us, especially one so beautiful."

The princess smiled coyly up at the king. "You flatter me, Sire. My kingdom is truly eager to mend the bond between us."

Arthur walked forward to introduce himself. He bowed low and opened his mouth to speak.

"Prince Arthur," Elaine said before him. "I have heard tales of your bravery in battle. It is an honour to be in the presence of such a skilled swordsman. We hold good actions in combat in high esteem. The mercy and strength of leadership you show has been held in regard by my family. My father especially enjoys hearing about your progress."

Arthur felt a heat creep up his neck at the compliment. He rose to look at the princess again. His heart felt heavy in his chest as he looked at her, he had the feeling he knew her from somewhere but could not place it. "I am pleased to hear it. Your father is someone I have studied in my training."

"He shall be pleased to hear of it when I write to him," Elaine replied. "It would be an honour of mine if my knights might join yours during my stay. I have not brought many with me but these are my own men, loyal to me alone and it would please me to see our forces joined as a sign of peace between us."

"Of course," Uther said. He gestured to his red caped knights. "They are welcome."

Elaine turned to the sandy haired knight behind her. "Sir Albin, go and join Camelot's men with pride. You can trust them. We are here for peace. You shall live, eat and sleep alongside them. From now on you may only speak common tongue and must act as their brothers in arms. Am I understood?" The knight nodded curtly in reply and led the four serious looking knights to stand at the end of the row.

"Now that we are joined in peace, princess, I shall have you shown to your quarters. I have placed you in the east wing. I hope it will be to your liking. It is quiet and peaceful." Uther schmoozed. "Arthur, take our guest and ensure she is guided to her room. You girl, Gwen, go with them. You are to help serve the princess during her stay. I am sure Morgana doesn't mind."

Gwen had stood in the corner behind Morgana; she had never seen the prince so flustered in the company of a woman and it made her uneasy. Especially when it was a lady all so obviously found beautiful and poised that was making him like that. Gwen didn't like to listen to rumours but there had been some a while back of a scandal in Astolat involving the princess and a knight. It had died down but the memories of what she heard made her blush. Gwen curtsied to the royalty clumsily.

"Thank you it is very kind but there is no need. I brought my own maid servant, Cecilia, with me. She wanted to travel so I thought I would give her the chance." Elaine replied, smiling sweetly at Uther and then Gwen. "I will retire for now but I am confident Astolat shall become a good friend of Camelot." Elaine curtsied low down at Uther, Arthur and Morgana.

Morgana did not trust this girl. She didn't know anything about her but the unexplainable familiarity she felt about her made Morgana suspicious. The way she was drawn in by the cool eyes of this foreign princess did not mean she did not despise her, because she did in a way for being so happy with a family who trusted and loved her enough to give her political power and a home where she belonged that she could return to. But Morgana had Morgause and that was all she needed.

Arthur walked forward and extended an arm to the princess. "May I escort you to your quarters?"

"Indeed you may, Sire." Elaine replied. She took Arthur by the arm and allowed herself to be taken out of the grand room. "How kind of you, my prince."

Gwen felt jealously in her gut from behind them. She didn't want to but it was like a punch to the stomach when she saw Arthur's tender look and the princess's agile grip on his arm. The two royals began small talk as they continued to walk down the corridor towards the almost deserted part of the east wing. Merlin caught up to her and began to stride alongside Gwen, she smiled at him. As Merlin smiled back though he tripped and stumbled forward. He tried to grab a candle stand to break his fall but it just crashed after him.

"Merlin!" Arthur shouted angrily. "Get up. You are embarrassing yourself."

Elaine let out a giggle like a song. She put a hand over her mouth to try and hide it. "I am sorry. Are you alright? Here, let me help you." She extended her hand towards him. Merlin smiled sheepishly up at her and took the hand. He felt a tingle in his hand as the princess helped him up. Arthur cleared his throat and Merlin flicked a glance to him.

"I think he is trying to tell you that you can let go of my hand now." Elaine said quietly. She was still smiling at him. Merlin stared at their joined hands and then realised that it had been a moment since his fall and he was stood there gaping like an idiot. He jerked back like he had been struck by lightning and looked to the floor in an attempt to hide the embarrassment he felt. He mumbled a thank you and kept his head down. Arthur led the princess off down the hallway. Gwen placed her hand on his back.

"Was that as embarrassing as I think it was?" Merlin asked.

"No." Gwen replied. "It was so much worse." Merlin groaned and Gwen let out a small laugh before they followed.