What a piece of work is a man!
"You're not touching my hair!"
Gwen and Gwyddno were sitting in another forested area near Gwen's home. Gwen held her hair up behind her head, glaring at her new friend who held a dagger in his hand.
Gwyddno placed his palm in his hands and shook his head in exasperation. "How do you expect to look like a man with that long hair of yours?"
"I don't even think I could look like a man if I tried," Gwen mused, stroking her hair with her free hand absent-mindedly. "Surely there must be another way? I mean, don't you know some magic spells or something."
"God, you're such a girl!" he shouted, clearly frustrated. "I only know frivolous spells, nothing useful. Not to mention that magic will only make the situation much more complicated—"
"I don't care," Gwen said, crossing her arms. "Do whatever you have to do."
"Why do you care so much? It's hair! It'll grow back!"
"My mother had long hair," she said, softly. "It's one of the only things I have to remember her by."
Gwyddno's face softened as he sheathed his dagger. "I'm very sorry. I was not aware that you lost your mother."
"It's fine," she said, suddenly feeling uncomfortable. "She died when I was a small child."
Gwyddno coughed, indicating his discomfort. "I do know one spell. Its not a very good one… it was taught to me by some old woman who sold feminine products."
Gwen raised an eyebrow. "What were you doing in a shop like that?"
"Running errands," he said, turning red. "That's not important. She said it could be used to make me copy the appearance of someone else. I haven't perfected it yet and the spell can easily be broken. It will make everything much harder for you."
Gwen cocked her head to the side and asked, "How?"
"Well, for one, I can't give you the proper equipment needed to be a man. I can only change your face and height."
Gwen blushed and turned her head away from him in embarrassment. "I like my equipment just fine, thank you. "
"I really did not need to hear that," he said, blushing again. He cleared his throat and continued his explanation. "Secondly, if anyone is to discover that you are a woman, they will be able to see through the spell. To them you will have the appearance of a woman."
"Okay," she said slowly. "I just have to make sure no one catches me. I think I can manage that."
"Thirdly," he said, his tone serious. "The glamour will not work on everyone. There are those more powerful than I that will be able to detect there is magic at work. Anyone with the faintest bit of magic may feel drawn to you. I can't stress how dangerous this will be for you."
Gwen shrugged and smiled at him. "I'm sure there are no magicians in the royal court."
"You'd be surprised," said Gwyddno, placing his hand on her shoulder. Her skin felt warm at his touch. She could almost feel his apprehension, his concern. "Don't let your guard down for a second and be careful of who to trust."
"And you?" Gwen looked into his eyes imploringly. "Where will you go? You can't go home and you most certainly cannot follow me to the castle."
"I'll stay here, as you." He smirked, "I've always wondered what the life of a woman is like."
"It's much harder than you think," she muttered. "Sometimes I think its much harder than becoming a knight. Its just so boring!"
He chuckled. "I think I'll manage."
"We'll never be able to fool my father. That man knows me too well and is too sharp for his own good. "
"By the time he figures it out, you'll be long gone," he said, gripping her shoulder reassuringly at the sight of her discouraged face. "When you become a knight, a lady knight, he'll understand. He may even be proud."
"Are we really doing this?" she asked, looking apprehensive. "We've only just met and we're embarking on such a dangerous mission."
"I don't know about you," said Gwyddno, smiling, "but I trust you completely. There is a bond between us. I feel that fate has brought us together for a reason."
Gwen shook her head. "You were terrified of me just a few moments ago."
"Can you really blame me? I couldn't even manage to utter one magic spell because I was so terrified of him and you just killed him right in front of me without much effort. " He looked into her eyes yet again, willing her to understand, and for a moment she felt like she was staring into her own reflection. "I was afraid of you, I'll admit, but I trusted you from the moment I laid eyes on you. I swear it."
She sighed. "I believe you. I too instantly trusted you. It's terrifying."
"It's wonderful!" Gwyddno exclaimed, barely containing his excitement. "Are you ready?"
Gwen looked confused. "You mean right now?"
"Yes!" he said in exasperation, rolling up his sleeves as he approached her. "Where do you think I was headed when you saved me? The knights' selection begins today!
"I haven't had time to prepare! If I go now, they'll see right through me!" Her face softened before she continued. "I haven't yet said goodbye to my father."
"Your father isn't going anywhere," he said impatiently. "When you become a knight, we can both reveal our plan to him. Turn around in a circle, will you?"
She nodded, feeling quite silly as she began to turn around in a slow circle.
Though she did not feel comfortable leaving on such short notice, she knew there was really no other way. She was not sure what her father would think and she just couldn't take that chance.
"Conjuntivus!"
She could feel the magic surging within her as she turned. It was a peculiar feeling. It was not painful in the slightest. In fact, she felt as if invisible hands were tickling her.
"All done!" Gwyddno said, feeling quite proud of himself. He stared at her and scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "I can't exactly be sure if it worked since I already know your secret. You won't know until you reach the castle."
She looked at him, suddenly frightened. "What if it doesn't work?"
"Then you can return and we'll both forget this ever happened."
She sighed and looked down, placing her hands on her chest. "What about these?"
"There's nothing I can do about… those," he said, turning away from her. "You'll just have to bind them. Be sure you are never seen changing. Everything you should need is in my pack. I tied my horse to a tree not too far from here. I already used magic to make my armor lighter so you won't have to worry about that."
She shook her head. "You would have made an atrocious knight."
"Indeed I would have," he said, nodding. "Thank God you came along and saved me."
"No," she said softly. "It is I who have been saved."
"We will meet again in a few weeks time. I will try to seek out a master while I'm here. In the mean time, try and smuggle some books out of the castle for me." Gwyddno smiled at her and placed his hand on her cheek. "Godspeed, Guinevere."
She smiled back. "And to you, Gwyddno."
Gwen's heart felt heavy as she drew nearer to the castle on horseback. She had never been allowed entrance into the castle in her entire life; she never dreamed she would get the chance.
She was most excited about meeting Prince Arthur. Though she had never actually seen the prince, she had heard stories of his bravery. He was said to be quite handsome… not that it mattered to her anyway. She had always been taught that, among all things, character is what makes a man.
When she reached the market place, she knew she was near the castle and her anticipation grew. She hadn't had much time to prepare! She wasn't even sure the magic would work. Though she trusted Gwyddno for whatever reason, she didn't trust his magic as far as she could throw him.
She decided that she should test the magic before she got her hopes up. Slipping off her horse, she tied her steed to a nearby post and walked toward the nearest stand she could find. She smiled at the middle-aged woman selling bread. The woman blushed and smiled back.
"Good day, Milady," Gwen said, leaning against the counter. She felt disappointed that the voice that came out of her mouth was her own. She pointed to her left, her hands shaking slightly. "I would like a loaf of that bread."
"Sure thing, Sir!" she squeaked, turning away to hide her blush. "That will be two copper pieces."
Gwen could hardly contain her joy as she dug into her, well, Gwyddno's pockets for the money. She would find some way to repay him later.
"Thank you," she said, bowing slightly.
The woman suddenly looked frightened. "Oh, but you shouldn't, my lord. I am but a mere merchant."
"Your class is of no consequence to me, Milady," she said softly, giving her a meaningful look. "I respect your services, that is all."
The woman nodded, looking dazed. Gwen felt like slapping herself as she turned to walk away. She would have to be much more careful if she didn't want to her secret to be revealed. Noblemen weren't supposed to care about those below them.
But what kind of knight would she become if she abandoned her principles so easily?
As she contemplated this, she walked straight into someone, causing said person to fall backwards and drop everything he had been holding.
Gwen gasped, knelling down to help pick up the fallen items. "I am very sorry! I wasn't paying attention to where I was going! Are you okay?"
The boy stared at her and nodded slowly. He was dressed peculiarly in a blue tunic and red scarf. He was quite handsome….which, of course, didn't matter to her. Not in the slightest.
"Are you hurt?" she asked after a few seconds had past. She was beginning to think there was something wrong with him. "If you want me to replace any of the things you've dropped, I'd be glad to."
He opened his mouth, then closed it, looking very much like a fish stranded out of water.
"O…kay. Well, I'll just be going then… I'm very sorry to disturb you." She stood up and dusted off her armor and began to walk away slowly.
"Wait!"
Gwen turned around and looked at him expectantly. "Yes?"
"What is your name?"
"I'm Prince Gwyddno of Cameliard. Most people call me…Gwyn." She said, mentally kicking herself for her near slip up. "You?
"I… well, I'm M-Merlin," he stuttered, avoiding her gaze.
She held out her hand to help him up. "Nice to meet you, M-Merlin."
"Just Merlin." He smiled and took her hand gratefully. As soon as she pulled him up, he let go of her hands as if they burnt him. "Prince Gwyddno, was it? What brings you to Camelot."
"Father wants me to train to become a knight." She said, surprised at how easily the lie slipped from her lips. "He thinks me a coward. I will prove him wrong no matter what it takes."
Merlin smiled at her. "If you had not told me, I would have never guessed you were a prince."
She attempted to cross her arms across her chest, but found I difficult since she was not yet used to the feeling of armor on her body. She let her arms fall to her sides praying her actions would go unnoticed.
"Is that supposed to be an insult or something?"
"No, not at all!" Merlin said, holding his hands up in defense. "It's just that you're far too kind to be royalty, my lord. Please don't take offense."
"I don't feel too kind right now," she said eying the trampled food supplies on the ground. "That food must have cost you a fortune."
"Oh, not at all!" Merlin reassured her, "I'm not the one who paid for it-"
"MERLIN, you idiot! Can't you get anything right?"
Both Merlin and Gwen turned around to face a very disgruntled looking blond. Merlin knelt down and began to hurriedly pick up the fallen items. Gwen stared.
Now this man was beautiful. He wore a red leather jacket that seemed to emphasize his arms in a way that should have been illegal. His bright blue eyes narrowed in anger as he pulled Merlin up by the ear, causing the young boy to yelp in pain.
She sighed as she placed her hand on the hilt of her sword. Of course there had to be a catch. She had yet to meet a handsome man who wasn't a prat. It had been nice while it lasted. It was time to put an end to this.
"Alright, that's enough," she said, praying her voice sounded more confident than she felt. "Let him go."
The man stopped berating Merlin long enough to turn and glare at her. As he looked her up and down, a cocky smile spread across his face.
"I should, should I?" he mocked her, letting go of Merlin's ear and crossing his arms menacingly. "What would you do if I didn't?"
"I'm afraid I'll have to fight you," she said, preparing her stance. "Only cowards prey on those weaker than them."
She glanced over at Merlin who was making slashing gestures at his throat and nodded at him reassuringly. "I'll make sure he never bothers you again."
"For someone so small, you seem rather sure of your self," said the blond, stepping back into a stance that mirrored her own. "I suppose I'll indulge you. Hand to hand combat, no weapons. If you win, I promise to never bother Merlin again. If you should lose, I'll make sure you never see the light of day."
"I accept," she said, feeling her voice getting stronger by the minute. Fate was testing her; this was her chance to showcase her skills. She had to prove she would protect the weak, no matter what the cost. She only wished Prince Arthur was here to see it.
"I cannot have you risk your life on my behalf," Merlin said suddenly, placing his hand on her shoulder reassuringly. "I'm sure if you back down now, you can withdraw your challenge."
"What does that say about the type of knight I may become if I back down from danger? I'm not just fighting for you; I'm fighting for what's right."
Merlin opened his mouth to comment, but it was too late. Gwen aimed a kick for her opponent's stomach. He jumped back before it could connect and grabbed her leg, smirking.
Gwen swung her other foot around and managed to kick him in the face. He yelped in pain and dropped her leg. Her body hit the ground hard and she winced. It was a good thing she had decided to wear her armor before arriving at the castle.
She used his moment of weakness against him and attempted to punch him in the stomach. He jumped back again and raised his arms in defense. It was as though she had never hit him at all.
She rushed at him again, aiming for his midsection. This time, he was ready. He grabbed her arm and twisted it around her back. She bit her lip to stop herself from moaning in pain.
"Do you admit defe—"
She used her free hand to elbow him in the stomach. He lost his balance and fell to the ground, dragging her along with him. His hand still gripped her arm, but she lay on top of him, restricting his movements. She thought they had reached a stalemate
She thought wrong. The man simply hooked his leg around hers and rolled over so that her face dug into the ground and he sat atop her, holding her arm behind her back.
She had lost.
She could feel her face being ground into the dirt so hard that she could barely breathe. His grip on her arm was relentless; he could easily break any of her bones if he wanted to.
"Do you admit defeat?" his muffled voice asked her.
As much as it pained her to admit, there was no way to escape his grip; he was far too strong. Instead, she nodded and winced as he pulled her up by her hair.
She opened her eyes and was surprised to find that a crowd had formed around them. She caught the eye of a rather beautiful raven-haired girl who looked impressed, a stark contrast with the other faces in the crowd that were filled with expressions of sympathy or disgust.
Her eyes landed on Merlin. The poor boy looked ridiculously angry with himself. His expression made her laugh softly.
The blond shoved her to the ground. "You think this is funny? I'm throwing you in the dungeons and you think its funny? You don't know how much trouble you're in, do you?"
"Throw me in the dungeons?" She laughed weakly. "What kind of prat has the power to do such a thing?"
"A royal one," said Merlin, quietly. "You just attacked Prince Arthur."
She felt two arms grab her from behind and a hand lift her head up to face the prince of Camelot.
Fate was not just a temptress, she thought, Fate was a fickle bitch.
"What a piece of work is a man, how noble in reason, how
infinite in faculties, in form and moving how express and
admirable, in action how like an angel, in apprehension how like a god!"
Hamlet Act 2, scene 2, 303-312
I have come from the great beyond (studying for finals) to bring you yet another chapter! Did you find Merlin's reaction to Gwen strange? I sure hope so, for there is good reason for it. Please let me know what you think, for it is the only consolation I have in these dark times . It is also a great procrastination tool, but that is neither here nor there.
Miki-Hime
