Chapter 2! And review replies:
Tahbatha- Thank you! I hope you like this chapter.
I luv Milarion 1201- Hey stranger! :) Enjoy.
.3- Thanks for pointing out my mistake! I fixed it. :)
Miktap- Thank you for the review!
sjritts- Yeah I wish they'd done something like this too!
Guest- Thanks! I hope you keep reading.
Morgana and Gwen strolled down the market lane. A festival was nearing; so many vendors from outside the local area had come to town. Every so often the girls would stop at a cart and admire the wares there. The Lady seemed particularly attracted to blue items. She found a beautiful necklace set with sapphires, arranged in a loose triangular formation.
They strolled further down, toward the fabric vendors. Gwen saw a beautiful deep peach color that set off her complexion quite well. Morgana insisted upon paying for most of it. The maid had picked up on her mistress's energetic mood early on in the day. Morgana usually wanted nothing to do with the knights' training. And she seemed especially protective of Merlin. They were friends, of course, but there had been a sort of distance between them for the last few months.
Gwen was pulled from her reverie by a shriek. Then Morgana was pulling her toward a cart to their left. She picked up a certain blue fabric. "Look, Gwen, isn't it just perfect?"
The maid examined the fabric. It was a particularly shimmery satin, and seemed to sparkle? "Is there something else woven into this?" she asked the vendor.
The older woman smiled. "Oh, yes. Someone in a foreign land made thread that looks like gold. Some of that was woven into this fabric."
Morgana squealed. Squealed? "It's gorgeous! That makes it look even more like Merlin's eyes."
Merlin's eyes? Since when was Morgana obsessed with Merlin's eyes? "Do you want to buy it Morgana?"
"Oh, yes." They briefly discussed how much they'd need and Morgana paid. It was wrapped and she took it with glee. She skipped away from the cart and back up the lane.
Morgana, First Lady of Camelot, was skipping. Did the world tilt the wrong way? Gwen shook her head and ran off after her mistress. The rest of the day was going to be very interesting.
Back in Morgana's chambers, they talked dresses. Naturally Morgana wanted hers made up right away. Gwen sighed and took measurements. It really was a lovely fabric and she'd enjoy working with it—she hadn't gotten to make many of Morgana's dresses.
Gwen sighed when Morgana told her how she wanted it styled. She wanted the neckline a bit lower than usual, and the sleeves attached nearly off the shoulders. That would be showing a bit too much skin for Gwen's taste, but Morgana always liked to push propriety.
At least Morgana returned the favor and helped Gwen measure and design. By the time they'd finished all that, it was time to dress the Lady for dinner.
"Which dress would you like to wear tonight, Morgana?" I just know she'll say blue.
"Oh, the deep blue silk, I think. My new necklace will go perfectly!" I knew it, Gwen thought. The dress in question also had a little lower neckline and a complementing green wrap that would set off Morgana's eyes.
"Wonderful choice, My Lady. You seem to have a penchant for blue today."
Morgana giggled. "I do, don't I? It reminds me of a gorgeous set of eyes." She sighed.
Gwen wanted to roll her eyes, but refrained with great effort. She helped Morgana dress, styled her hair and arranged her necklace and wrap. Morgana did look stunning; she had to give her that. When everything was said and done, she followed Morgana out of her room and down the corridor to the royal dining room.
xxxXxxx
The rest of Merlin's afternoon passed quietly. The work kept his wound from troubling him too much, and he did get a bit of a break before he had to dress Arthur for dinner. The royals were eating together tonight, so naturally he'd have to serve there too.
He and Arthur had reached the corridor in front of the dining room when they saw Morgana and Gwen. The men stopped short and Merlin's eyes nearly popped out of his head. Morgana had clearly put a lot of effort into her attire this evening.
Arthur just rolled his eyes. "What's the occasion, Morgana? I know you didn't dress to impress me."
Morgana smirked. "Sometimes I just like dressing exceptionally fine. What's it to you?"
The Prince just "hmph-ed" and walked into the dining room. Morgana caught Merlin's eye and winked. He flushed and ran after Arthur. The Lady simply giggled and followed the men into the room.
Gwen and Merlin set to pouring wine in goblets as the royals sat down to the meal. Dishes were brought out by kitchen maids and the two servants began dishing out the food. When everything was served, Gwen and Merlin picked up pitchers of water and stood behind their respective masters.
Morgana was particularly delighted. She had a great view of Merlin, and could look up at him anytime. She did so throughout the meal, and when she caught his eye, she'd smile and wink. He looked a little embarrassed at the attention, but couldn't keep his eyes off her for long. That satisfied her even more; pretty soon it would be clear to him how she felt.
The Lady excused herself a bit early, citing something she needed to do. Gwen followed her out into the corridor. "I won't be a moment, Gwen, but I have to . . . go out to the garden. I think I dropped an earring out there a couple days ago."
"Oh Morgana, I can go look for it—"
"No need, Gwen. You go on to my chambers and get your before bed things done. I think I want to sit out there for a few moments anyway." Gwen frowned, but followed her instructions.
Morgana turned and headed to the garden. Lost earring, ha! She did want to think for a few minutes, but had another reason. She wasn't sure if Merlin was getting her signals, so she decided to give him something that would send a clearer message. Once in the garden, she picked up the shears meant for cutting flowers then sat on a bench to think for a moment. But what color? When she'd made her decision, she walked to the pertinent bush and snipped off a single, full bloom. Satisfied, she went to lay in wait for her opportunity.
Merlin was following behind Arthur on the way back to the Prince's chambers. From out of nowhere, something latched onto his wrist and yanked him to the side. What the?! When the world stopped spinning, he found himself in an alcove. With Morgana. She looked a bit apologetic.
"I just wanted to see how you're feeling," she said as if that explained everything.
"What? Oh, my arm. Um, it's fine, really. No more bleeding, and it doesn't hurt," he replied.
"That's good. I just, uh, wanted to give you this to help you feel better. You've given me flowers to help cheer me and I wanted to do the same." She held out a single, long-stemmed flower.
"Oh. Well, thanks." He took the flower and waited. Say something! "Um, was there anything else? Because I've got to get back to Arthur before he—" In the distance they heard a distinct "Merlin!"
"Sorry," she said. "Go ahead. Have a good night!" And just like that, she was gone.
Merlin sighed and stepped back into the corridor, slowly walking to his master's chambers. He looked at the flower he held. It was a pink rose. Pink? Okay, it was pretty, but why a rose? He laid the flower down just outside Arthur's door. If the Prince saw it, he'd no doubt ask all sorts of uncomfortable questions that Merlin didn't want to answer. He went inside and began the nightly ritual of preparing Arthur for bed.
Morgana entered her chambers to find Gwen puttering around, tidying this and that. There really wasn't that much to do, in Morgana's opinion, but the maid exerted herself anyway. After a few minutes, Gwen slowed down and they talked for a few minutes. Then the maid got up to pull a nightgown from the wardrobe and tossed it over the dressing screen for her mistress.
The Lady got up and walked behind her screen to change. As she reached for her nightgown, she had an idea. "Gwen, when you leave, would you stop by Gaius's chambers and ask him for a sleeping draught? I misplaced my healing bracelet."
"Oh, I'm sorry Morgana. Of course I'll do that," Gwen replied. "I can help you find it tomorrow."
"Thank you Gwen. You're the best, you know that?"
"Oh, I wouldn't say that. But thanks for the compliment."
When Morgana reemerged, Gwen was just finishing turning down the bedcovers. She walked over to give the maid a hug. "You're a wonderful friend." She sat at her vanity.
"You're an amazing friend too, Morgana." Gwen came over and brushed through Morgana's hair for a short while. When they finished, the Lady sat on her bed and picked up a book from her bedside table.
Gwen wandered around the room, blowing out the candles. When there were two left alight, Morgana stopped her. "Sleep well, My Lady."
"I hope to. Have a good night Gwen; see you in the morning!"
"Goodnight." Gwen left the room at that.
Morgana smiled. Now all she had to do was wait, and she'd get to see her man before bed. That should help her have pleasant dreams.
xxxXxxx
Merlin gratefully exited Arthur's chambers. The Prince was irritated at being kept waiting for his servant. But since said servant didn't want to tell his master why he was held up- thus leading to more severe punishment -he just smiled and took his lumps. Now he was free though, and would enjoy a little personal time before going to sleep. He picked up the rose, put it in his jacket and walked back to Gaius's chambers.
He walked into the room, took one look at Gaius's face and groaned. "You have an errand for me, don't you?" he asked, but it wasn't really a question. He was just good at reading his mentor.
"Gwen came by. Morgana asked for a sleeping draught to be taken to her. She's lost her healing bracelet," the physician replied.
"All right, where is it?" Gaius pointed to a bottle; Merlin walked over and picked it up. He thought for a minute then put the rose down on the table. "I guess I'll see you in a few minutes." And he was gone.
Gaius looked down at the flower Merlin had placed on the table; his eyes went wide. "Where did he get this?" he asked the empty room. But empty rooms being poor conversationalists, he got no answer.
Merlin summoned his remaining energy and strode toward Morgana's chambers. He knocked lightly on the door. When he heard a faint "come in," he went inside and closed the door behind him.
She was sitting on her bed, in her nightgown, reading. "Oh," he said, and averted his eyes.
Morgana giggled. "It's all right Merlin. You've seen me like this before, and it's more modest than what I was wearing before."
Merlin brought his eyes back to her, but still flushed a bit. "I've brought the sleeping draught you asked for."
She stood up and walked toward him. "Thank you so much for bringing it."
"You're welcome. It's no problem." He still seemed a bit embarrassed.
"No, really, you're saving my life. I wouldn't be able to sleep without that draught." Her eyes filled with semi-genuine tears.
"Oh, of course Morgana. I'm glad I could help."
She burst into tears. "You're such a good friend Merlin," she sobbed.
Merlin was confused. Why was she so emotional? Was it one of those days? He put down the bottle he still carried and put his arms around her. "Don't cry Morgana. I'm here for you."
Morgana shivered in delight. "Thank you."
"Anytime," he replied, and bent down to kiss her cheek.
She moved her head quickly, so instead of her cheek, his lips met hers. His eyes flew open when he realized what she'd done and he tried to pull away. But her arms shot up and wrapped around his neck, pulling him back to her. He continued to struggle but finally had to put his hands to her shoulders and pushed. She stumbled back from him; there was a pop when their lips separated.
"Morgana!" he gasped, trying to catch his breath. "What the hell was that?"
She stared at him with wide eyes. "I just wanted to express my gratitude . . . to a very good friend," she said quietly.
"What?" Now he stared at her with wide eyes. "That was a bit . . . excessive for a friend."
"You didn't like it?"
"Yes . . . no . . . maybe . . . huh?" He was totally confused.
She giggled at him. "You're so adorable when you're confused." She walked toward him but stopped when he started backing away from her.
"Morgana, I . . . I need to go. Gaius needs me for, uh, a thing. Yeah. Seeyoulater," he said quickly, turned and disappeared out her door.
The door swung shut behind him. Morgana stood there, hands on hips, frowning at it. Why did he run off? Does he not care about me too? She sighed and walked around the room to put out the candles. Then she went back to her bed and pulled her bracelet out of the drawer in her bedside table. Maybe he just needed a bit of time to get used to her showing affection. She hadn't before so it was probably a huge surprise for him.
Morgana put on her bracelet and crawled under the covers. That had to be his reason for running off. Well, she'd be patient. He was worth the wait. She smiled, rolled to her side and fell into a deep sleep.
xxxXxxx
Merlin ran back to the physician's chambers, not stopping until he flew through the door, slamming it behind him. What in the world was happening? Morgana was behaving so oddly. He wanted to discuss it with Gaius, to maybe unravel some of this tension. He looked around the room for his mentor and saw him laying his bed, asleep. Great, now he'd think about this all night and it'd keep him awake.
He sighed and walked carefully back to his room. Once there, he flopped onto his bed and began thinking. What. Is Happening?
Morgana talked with him. She kissed him on the cheek and watched him fight Arthur. She made a fuss over his wound, which wasn't that serious. She walked him to Gaius, made sure he was treated and shared her lunch with them. She wore a very interesting dress to dinner and made flirty gestures to him. She hauled him into an alcove and gave him a rose—did pink ones mean something like red ones did? And this last thing was the most confusing of all. Why did she call him a friend then kiss him?
It wasn't as if he hadn't liked or enjoyed it, because he definitely had. When he'd first come to Camelot, he'd been absolutely enchanted by her. Any male with a pulse would be enchanted by her. Of course he'd been a bit infatuated with her for a while and daydreamed about kissing her. Then he'd gotten to know her better; her inside beauty was just as amazing as her outside beauty. The infatuation had burned down to warm friendship, although there was still a kind of attraction. It may just be the kinship of their magic, but then again, maybe not.
And then there was Freya. She had burst like a falling star into his life, then faded as her life ebbed away. Thinking about her still hurt very much; not that much time had gone by since her passing. He hadn't gotten much time to mourn before he had to put it all aside and save Arthur from himself again.
So just how was he supposed to respond to Morgana? Clearly she felt more than friendship for him now, though it seemed so sudden. He could feel, inside, that the attraction he felt could be fanned into something more, but there were so many problems with that. He could be punished just for looking at her the wrong way; to be seen alone with her could cost him his head. And then there's the magic thing—one threat of head removal was enough for him. And wouldn't he be betraying Freya by loving someone else? What would she want?
On the other hand, what if he missed a chance for happiness? Destiny wouldn't allow Freya because she would have taken him from it. At least that was his theory. But Morgana was here and not inclined to go anywhere else. And if he got closer to her, he could ease her loneliness and maybe share his other secret too. Help her avoid her destiny; keep her on the right side.
Ugh, he was wearing himself out after all. As embarrassing as this topic could be, maybe he should talk to Gaius about it. The dragon would just laugh in his face, tell him to kill her then demand to be freed. There was no one else. So then Gaius would get an earful in the morning and he'd have to hope he didn't embarrass himself to death.
As he was falling asleep, something nagged at him from the back of his mind. But it was quickly overwhelmed by the sheer force of fatigue and sank back into his subconscious.
Thanks for reading! :)