Here is the second chapter :) Thanks to all those who reviewed, it was much appreciated
Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin
The king of Camelot wasn't nearly as cold and cruel as her visions made him out to be, Arianna had decided. He was most certainly regal, and possessed an aura filled with strength and courage, but his eyes portrayed nothing but kindness as she knelt before him, trembling. Arthur was nothing like his father, who was considered the incarnation of the devil by many, magic and non magic alike. It was hard for her to believe that Arthur could be responsible for the possible devastation of so many.
'Tell me your name'
'Arianna of Eoferwic' she mumbled, not daring to look up.
'And what is your business here, Arianna of Eoferwic? Clearly you are not from these parts, if your silver hair and fair complexion are anything to go by. Are you of Druid descent?'
'No, my lord' the girl answered quickly. She paused, and glanced around, her gaze being met by an assortment of knights and servants going about their daily duties. Arianna had asked for some privacy, hoping to raise as little suspicion as possible. It seemed fate was against her wishes. She sighed.
'I have a message, for the one named Merlin of Ealdor'
Somewhat grudgingly, Merlin had begun to prepare for the hunt earlier that day. They were to leave Camelot the following morning, returning two days later to convey any news of Morgana, who had been sighted crossing the border between Camelot and Cenrid's kingdom before searching for the Druids. Merlin had been shocked into dropping the jug of water he was carrying at Arthur's suggestion of this (earning himself a whack over the head with Arthur's smelly socks), for the Druids- whilst being as frustratingly puzzling as Kilgharrah- tended to display more partiality with himself that he might have wished in the presence of knights of Camelot. It was widely known that Arthur Pendragon, son of Uther, had recently made a treaty with the spiritual group, allowing both parties to walk freely among each other. Merlin couldn't help but grin at the thought that slowly, Arthur was making progress.
As he worked, he let his thoughts stray to this new predicament. It would just be his luck to be found out because a druid would call him 'My lord' or some equally noble title in front of Arthur, meaning only to express their wish to serve him. Merlin still wasn't comfortable with the fact that so many were willing to lay down their lives for him, a village boy, simply trying to find a place in the world.
'Anyone would assume that the knights of Camelot were a bunch of boars if they saw the amount of food they go through in two days' Merlin muttered as he finally finished gathering enough food for himself and the knights. One of the junior servants of the castle burst in while he was admiring his handiwork, stuttering something about King Arthur 'requiring his presence'.
It wasn't often Arthur used other servants to summon him, preferring usually to scream Merlin's name until he came running in the door, so Merlin was immediately wary. However, he couldn't resist a break from the mind numbing work, so followed the servant hesitantly to the large council room.
Merlin could sense her power as soon as he entered the room. It had a tangible quality, that washed over his with a type of crystalline beauty. He could not help but admire her bravery as she knelt before the king, seemingly frozen. She was obviously a seer or a gypsy, he could recognize their controlled wildness anywhere.
He gave a slight tilt of the head to Arthur as he resumed his regular place behind the throne.
'This girl claims that she has a message for you Merlin. I can't understand why anyone would need to talk to you, but she says it's urgent, so I suggest you hear her out'
Merlin stood forward with an easy confidence and smiled.
'Hi, I'm Merlin. You have a message for me?'
Arianna looked up at the warlock.
'Yes. My name is Arianna. I come from the village of Eoferwic that resides not two miles from the lake of Avalon' the seer stated with a finality that Merlin would not have thought her capable of.
'I am here on behalf of she who walks on water, the Lady of the Lake, so named by the great Emrys himself'
He sensed Arthur draw his sword and distantly heard him shout 'What do you know of Emrys?' as he collapsed to his knees in front of her. What felt like a hundred different emotions passed through Merlin as he searched her gaze, looking for something to confirm his deepest wishes.
'Freya?' Merlin whispered, barely allowing himself to hope.
Arthur had never before seen such an open display of emotions from his manservant. He knew Merlin was a loving, loyal creature, but had no idea that his simple servant was capable of feeling the multitude of emotions that passed through his eyes at that moment as he fell before the girl in desperation. Unbearable grief, happiness, anger, nostalgia and love – love? – as well as a flicker of something deeper, a flash of resignation that could only be the result of too much pain bared in too short of time.
Huh. Odd.
But when the girl mentioned Emrys, he was on feet immediately.
'What do you know of Emrys?' he demanded, dropping all decorum. He naturally drew his sword, but sheathed it quickly when he realized he was threatening a woman with no means to defend herself.
The girl pulled Merlin towards herself, whispering something in his ear. She stood up too gracefully, leaving Merlin stunned on the ground. Smoothing her bright blue dress Arianna stated simply:
'I no nothing of Emrys, only of the legends by which the druids swear by. In those, he features as a savior to the magic users, and a protector of Camelot. Be wary though, Once and Future King, for I have seen the destruction he can wreak if pushed to his furtherest edge. I take my leave of you now, for I have a long journey home'
She turned on her heel and fled from the room, leaving Arthur staring mutely at the doors of the council room.
'Pursue her!' he barked, to several rather berwilded knights.
Protector? A sorcerer protecting Camelot? Impossible! This woman had suggested Emyrs had been in his land for a long time, watching, waiting. But for what? And, how could a sorcerer living in Camelot not be noticed by at least the citizens in the lower town? They would have reported him, wouldn't they?
He then noticed Merlin still bent on the ground shaking, and concern enveloped him.
Arthur leant down and placed a hand on Merlin's shoulder, struggling to maintain the difference between King and manservant necessary in front of the audience.
'Are you alright Merlin? What was that about?'
His manservant seemed to come to his senses at this point, and fought to control his shaking. When he looked up to his King, any trace of the man he just saw were gone. Merlin smiled, but it did not reach his eyes.
'I'm fine'
Dammit Merlin! Arthur felt like shouting. You are not fine, so do not think you can hide from me.
'What was that all about? I realize this may be personal for you, however I must insist on knowing about any information regarding our resident sorcerer'
'I assure you sire, this does not regard Emrys. It is personal, but I understand the matter is of utmost importance to you, so I therefore will disclose any information I discover. If you would excuse me sir, I must beg to return to my duties'
Sir? Since when has he ever called him sir? Well, he supposed he had at one point, in a mocking, sarcastic tone, but never with the height of respect. Whenever Merlin quit his surly retorts, he was either deep in thought (Ha! Merlin thinking?) or was depressed. Something was terribly wrong with his friend.
'Of course. Though Merlin,' Arthur replied, causing his manservant to jump and look back at his master.
'Report back to me in a few hours. I'm interested to know how your preparations are going for your search'
'Indeed sire'
As always, any ideas/criticism are welcome. Please, please review :)
