The Dragon's Call Part One:
A/N: I do not own Merlin, or else my OC would be cannon. Anything you recognize is probably not mine, I only own my OC Aubriana Rhian and Amanah, and that is all so far.
"Aubriana."
The sound of my name muttered from a light tinkling voice broke through the peaceful sleep that I had been having for the first time in forever. With a unladylike moan and a slight flick of the wrist, I shooed away whomever it was that sought to disturb my rest before rolling back amongst the cool blanket.
"Aubriana Rhian, you must wake up!"
The voice began to grow more irate and harsh as I felt hands gripping my shoulders as they began to shake like when the earth quakes. I continued to swat away the hands as I grumbled and moaned incoherent sentences about not wanting to get up and for said person to go away. The shaking finally stopped with an audible sigh of frustration from my assailant. Thinking that I was going to be allowed a few more moments of rest, I felt my body relax into the mattress. However the comfort did not last long.
"Aubriana Rhian Pendragon, get your lazy arse out of this bed!"
In one swift motion I felt the warm white blankets that had been giving me heat and sanctuary be forced from my body allowing the icy air to envelop me causing goose bumps to arise on my skin. I sat up abruptly, no doubt looking a sight with hair wild and knotted and I glared at that of my handmaiden who was smirking while innocently holding a big wad of white blankets in her arms.
"You are the devil, Amanah! I swear if we were not friends, you would be in the stocks every day of your life!" I lightly laughed as I tossed my feet over the side of the bed and began walking to the changing screen.
With a gentle laugh and a flick of blonde hair over her shoulder, Amanah simply folded up the blankets and put them into a brown wicker basket that would consist of things to wash, before coming over to assist me in putting on an intricate gown.
"Oh but we are the best of friends so I will never see the stocks in my lifetime." She muttered as she tightened the corset causing me to choke on air as I felt it being squeezed out of me.
I fidget with the gown before pulling at the strings to loosen them, only for Amanah's hands to slap at my own. I let out a laugh, as best as I could at her reprimendation. "I swear Amanah they make us wear these things so that we die faster; I can hardly breathe."
Rolling her eyes at my comment before picking up my dressing gown off the floor and stripping my sheets she replied, "Yes, well… It's only for today and then you and I will go into town tomorrow and act as if you are not about to be the crown princess."
With a wave of my hand at her comment, as if it were irrelevant, I turned to the vanity and picked up a sleek silver brush before trying to make the mess of brown knots into their normal gentle waves.
"Why must I be up so early this morning, Amanah?"
"Because, my lady, your father has requested you be at the execution today since the people trust your judgment." She turned to look at me giving me a pointed look with her piercing green eyes. "And we both know that a request from the King, is no request at all."
With a sigh, I continued to tame my hair as I hummed a simple tune. Singing was cathartic and probably the only thing that has kept me sane as of recent. With all that has been revealed to me as of the past few years, it is a wonder I have not gone mad. The gentle tug and pull of my hair reminds me that I am human, that I do indeed feel pain. However, the ever persistent voice of my father in the back of my brain screams that I am not human, that I am a liar, a coward, a fraud, and a failure as a daughter.
Hearing the gentle click of the door, signals to me that Amanah has left. Giving a quick glance to the door, I murmur under my breath. With only a few words, my once pale and unkempt appearance is acceptable for a princess, for the powder is on my face and coal is on my eyes; subtly but enough to signify that I am not an average peasant-at least for today.
"My lady."
A gentle knock at the door as it begins to open alerts me to a new presence, so acting as if nothing has happened I pick up a necklace and pretend that I am in the process of my "morning beauty regimen". "Come in."
I turn as I hear the light shuffle of feet, not the confident strides that my best friend possess, and turn to see another maid at the door, a troubled look on her dark face. I recognize the girl as that of Morgana's maid, Guinevere. With her standing at the door like I was an evil witch ready to smite her, I placed a relaxed smile on my face that instantly soothed her nerves.
"What is it Gwen?"
With a gentle smile and a small curtsy my direction Gwen begins to relay her message. "The King request your presence within the next few minutes for the execution."
"Minutes?!" I practically screeched as the vanity stool went tumbling down behind me from my sudden movements.
Gwen, looking shocked by my outburst nods her head quickly as she rushes to pick up the stool. "Yes, Mi'lady I'm sorry for the short notice, I was under the assumption you had been informed of the time of the execution at a later date."Without even waiting for Guinevere to finish her quick apology- which there was no need for in the first place- I took off running for the balcony, muttering a quick thank you to Gwen as I went.
Growing up in a castle, as a princess, one acquires many skills. Learning how to talk properly and cordially at all times, how to ride a horse, how to yield a sword or mace, how to ration food or dispute boundaries, or- as it comes in handy now- run through the maze like chateau in an exquisite gown. With the blue and red dress billowing out as I ran, my hair flying about and whipping my face with every sharp turn, I pushed on; hoping that I could reach the doors before my father to convince him to save this man's life.
Never had my father actually spared a life on my word alone, he has considered and delayed executions so that he may reevaluate the situation with the new information that I give him, but never has he ended an execution. No, he is too prideful to admit that he is wrong about such things as sorcery and who possesses it. The man is as blind as he is hateful towards magic.
Seeing a red cape slither through the double doors to the balcony before quickly disappearing, I realized that I was too late to stop the execution- or even get a word in- and instead consented to my father's wishes and quietly made my way to the balcony platform so that all the townsfolk could see that their "beloved maiden" stood beside her father in his judgment to execute the young man. Her father's regal speech, which would be the whimsical words that lead to a man's death, began.
"Let this serve as a lesson to all. This man, Thomas James Collins, has been found guilty of using enchantments, charms and magic…"
The great Uther Pendragon, she thought. How great can a man be for killing someone who was innocent? Though there have been times that she had to admit magic was involved, she knew Thomas. He was nothing but a peasant, simply trying to keep his old mother alive. If anyone was to hang for magic, need it be that old hag he cared for. The girl was one of a kind and good heart, unlike her unrelenting and uncompassionate father, but she did know magic when she saw it. The simplest reason being, one knows when they are among their kind.
"When I came to this land, this Kingdom was mild in chaos. But, with the people's help, magic was driven from the lands…"
Or so you believe.
"So I declare a festival, to celebrate twenty years since The Great Dragon was captured, and Camelot freed from the evil of sorcery." With a grand gesture of his hands and a wide grin upon his face King Uther announced; "Let the festivities begin."
I hung my head at my father's words. For his belief that all magic is evil and that all that possess it must die, and their death should lead to a celebration, caused my heart to fall. As I slowly bring my eyes back to the sea of faces in the crowd below, I notice the face of a stranger. Being well acquainted with most of the people of Camelot, especially those who live in villages close to the citadel, I knew almost all of my father's people. This face, however, was new. A young man looked at the scene that had taken place mere moments ago with wide eyes, a subtle fear that he was trying to mask lurking beneath their blue depths. His alabaster skin seemed to pale even further as he looked at the man dead on the platform. His eyes looked up and locked with mine for the briefest of moments, and in those few seconds I knew all that I needed to about this stranger, for I knew his biggest secret; he was like me.
Before I could motion at the young man to soothe him in any manner a wretched cry erupted from the crowd. The old hag that was the mother of the recently executed stepped forward, a look of malice written in every line and wrinkle of her grotesque face.
"There is only one evil in this land, and it is not magic, it is you!" He voice shouted loudly as she gathered the attention of all in the crowded citadel. "And your hatred! And your ignorance! You took my son!" Her yelling morphed into hysterical weeping as hatred laced her tone. "And I promise you, before these celebrations are over, you will share my tears. An eye for an eye! A tooth for a tooth! A son for a son!"
With a shocked glance over at my father, I say the disgust and hatred, as well as subtle fear, laced upon his aging features.
"Seize her!"
The resounding boom of his command echoed throughout the courtyard as it became intertwined with maniacal laughter and the murmurs of the mad women before all that left was a subtle echo, picked up and carried by the wind, for she was gone in a wisp of black.
Within seconds my father was furiously turning on his heel, grabbing my wrist, and pulling me back into the confines of the castle. His glare was furious, his blue eyes – like that of my own- swimming with emotions like rage and fear. His gaze finally settled upon me, before he released my wrist with a relieved sigh.
"Father, you should not take her threat lightly."
With those simple words uttered from my lips, Uther Pendragon was stomping down the hall with a determined look in his eyes. The wrinkles from a lifetime of stress and hard decisions seeming to be deeper as he trudged through the corridors with me on his heels.
"I am well aware, Aubriana. However, those were just the murmurs of a mad woman. She will be caught, and brought to justice for her display." Turning to face me with a hard look he continued. "And you shall support her execution with no attempt at a delay for you saw her act of blatant sorcery."
"While I don't disagree with the fact that she used sorcery and may be punished, for it is the law, are you sure her son did?"
With a resigned look on his face he began walking, with me still following, before he continued. "He was obviously a sorcerer; did you not see his mother? Besides, what's done is done and I know you do not approve of these executions in any manner or form but I appreciate you coming to stand beside me as I requested… I just wish Morgana would be like you and see that this is for the good of the people, whether you like it or not."
Hanging back slightly so I could roll my eyes at his words without being reprimanded, I replied; "Father, I will not continue to support you if it means blatantly ignoring the fact that you promise fair trial, yet half of these people have delayed executions because you ignore some fact that may prove them innocent." With his hardened eyes on my and mouth agape ready to correct me, I continued. "And I respect your people, our people, as much as they respect me, so if this continues to be the case I will not lose the people's respect just to stand next to you in a pretty dress while a man, woman, or child loses their head."
With my final words uttered I turned quickly on my heel before I could be chastised for speaking to my father, and the King, in such a manner. Only hearing him yell at my retreating figure that I was to attend the banquet tonight, I continued on. With quick steps I headed towards the place where the person I treasure most resides, Gauis' chambers.
"Gaius?"
I called out to the old man as I cautiously opened the wooden door. The poor man seems to be scattered as of recent, due to Morgana's nightmares, father's request and my inability to help about as of recent. As I entered the threshold into the building I was instantly pushed back into the hallway and the door slammed in my face.
"Gaius?!"
The name came forth both shocked and worried at the same time. When no reply was given I began beating on the door furiously. What if something had happened to the old man? I would never forgive myself, for he was like my father… only better.
"Gaius would you please…"The plea died on my lips as I saw a slip of parchment glide out from underneath the door. I looked at the door curiously before bending down to retrieve the paper with a furrow between my brows. Looking from the door to the letter once more, I unfolded the crumpled page to see messy handwriting.
The Gaius is not in. Please come back another time.
With a light laugh and a simple nod of my head I tapped the door lightly before calling to Gaius once more.
"Gaius, whomever you have in there had better be more important than the princess." I lightly bantered before tapping the door as a goodbye and letting my laugh resound through the corridor. The old man in question was probably just tired and knew it was me, or maybe that fellow that he said was going to start working with him arrived today and just did not want to be disturbed on the first day. Either way, my plans were quickly changed and I found myself heading back to my rooms to prepare for the banquet tonight.
As I leisurely walked down the hallway I passed by Morgana's room and saw both Gwen and Amanah in her chambers. Deciding to join in Morgana's prepping, instead of that of my own, I entered the room without a second thought.
"Oh, my lady!"
Gwen, being Gwen, was the first to notice me enter the chamber, and realizing the door was open made haste to go and close the wooden behemoth. With a gentle smile on my face at Gwen I muttered a quick hello before turning to my best friend and ward with a smirk on my face and hands on my hips.
"How in the name of Camelot am I supposed to prepare when everyone is fawning over the beautiful Lady Morgana?" I sighed with fake distaste causing Morgana to laugh and Amanah to scoff.
"Oh please Aubriana, like you even plan to change for the event. Misses I'm too good for that lot of knights." She jested before she continued to lace up the back of Morgana's evening gown, while Morgana laughed and Gwen gasped.
"I apologize, my lady for her brash tone." Gwen quickly stated as she shot Amanah a look that was surprising from the young gentle maid; obviously Gwen is passionate about her work.
"It's more than fine, Gwen." I laughed lightly as I moved to pick up a sapphire pendant and held it up for Morgana. "Amanah and I are the best of friends."
With a calculating look and pursed lips, Gwen nodded her head as she continued to fuss around Morgana's chambers. Her hands and eyes alert to anything Morgana might need or complain about. The dedication was clear on Gwen's face, but you could also tell that her and Morgana were more than maid and master. There was obviously a friendship, though nothing like Amanah's and I, a friendship none-the-less.
After a few hours of idle talk about gowns, jewels, knights, and gossip, Amanah decided it would be a good idea to touch up my makeup and appearance before the banquet and escorted me to my chambers.
"Amanah can I confide in you?" I questioned as I sat upon the vanity chair for the second time that day, already knowing the answer. Her green eyes met mine in the mirror with a smirk on her lips as the unspoken "obviously" she would reply with. "I feel as if something big is about to happen."
"Something big?" Amanah questioned as she halted her movements with the brush. "Like Lord Marius big or little Ward Emmoris big?" She questioned with a straight as face as ever causing me to laugh as she referenced the court slob and the local twig.
"Like… I feel as if my destiny is about to fall into place, to begin to unravel right before my very eyes. Like every fabric of my being is a light with desire and fulfillment, yet I can't quite grasp it." I muttered feeling insecure as I relayed this information to my best friend. Obviously I could not say that I felt this way because my magic seemed to be coming apart at the seams, longing to reach out and touch something… I just was not sure what quite yet.
"Well," she muttered as she looked at my reflection so that we were locking eyes. Her serious expression sobered me and made me feel as though she was the only person who could ever come close to understanding me, and in that moment I wanted nothing more than to truly confide in her. However, secrets are abundant in Camelot and I seem to be the keeper of them all. "It seems that we best hope that you look ravishing for this ball tonight so that then your destiny may begin… Might I suggest Sir Leon as a start?" She questioned with a waggle of her eyebrows causing myself to chuckle before I just nodded and let her continue.
By the time Amanah was escoring me into the banquet, the party seemed to be in full swing. I saw father laughing with some chairmen and nobles, while the knights preyed on the young ladies of the court who flirted back with battled lashes and immodest flashes of skin. Amanah noticed my hesitance in entering and escorted me over to Morgana before taking up her station.
"Thank the King you are here." Morgana sighed as she held out a goblet of wine for me. I took the drink and we talked for a while, growing more uneasy by the second. Why should we celebrate the death of people? People like me. My stomach felt uneasy and I was getting more and more restless by the second, before Morgana noticed and pulled me out into the hall for some air.
"Morgana. Aubriana."
I turned as I hear my father's voice echoing through the empty halls. His face was none too pleased as he approached us, Morgana shifting slightly closer to me.
"Yes?" We answered.
"Why aren't you both joining us at the feast?" He questioned.
I opened my mouth to tell him that I was not feeling too well but Morgana and her rebellious quip beat me to it.
"I don't think chopping someone's head off is a reason to celebrate." She shrugged as a lazy smile graced her lips. I had to bite my own to refrain from scolding her, for she was not a child – nor was she incorrect in her statement- but some things are better left unsaid. Uther sighed before he opened his mouth to retaliate.
"It was a simple justice to what we had done." Uther replied stiffly.
"To whom?" Morgana rebutted. "He practiced magic, he didn't hurt anyone."
The words had barely escaped her lips before father was continuing the argument.
"You weren't around twenty years ago," he paused to pointedly look at me, "either of you. You have no idea what it was like."
"How long, exactly, are you planning on punishing people for what happened then?" Morgana snapped as she folded her arms across her chest.
I could tell that this argument was getting out of hand faster than anticipated, yet I did not stop it because it needed to be said, and I was not the one who was going to force the conversation to happen.
"Until they realize that there is no room for magic in my kingdom!" Uther boomed as he shot Morgana and I a fierce look. I swallowed deeply as I felt my chest constrict with his words, my own magic feeling like that of a curse, rather than a blessing. "You will both be with me when I great Lady Helen." He stated before turning to walk off. Morgana, however, was as stubborn as my brother and refused to back down.
"We told you we wanted no part in your…"
"I am your guardian!" He stated as he turned on his heel to face us. "And your father! I expect you to do as I ask. You may show me no respect, but you will at least respect our finest singer… I expect more from you Aubriana." He practically spit before turning to walk away for the final time.
"Well thanks for that." I mumbled as I held my arm out for her to take so we could at least endure the torturous party together.
"Someone had to say it." She retorted boldly as she took my arm and we entered the party with a newly rekindled respect for one another.
