Valiant Part 1: Let The Tournament Begin
Evelyn was fixing breakfast when Merlin stumbled down the steps from his room. It was his first day as Arthur's servant today and Evelyn wanted to make sure he was well fed before he left. He sat down at the table as she placed a bowl in front of him, he silently thanked her before eating. Evelyn sat down opposite him and smiled "so, excited for your first day as Arthur's servant then?"
"No" he grumbled with a mouth full of porridge causing her to giggle.
"Oh come on Arthur's not that bad. He can actually be quite nice when he wants to be"
"really? Because so far he's been nothing but an ass!" They both laughed "but I guess it's my destiny to protect him"
"Destiny?" Evelyn asked confused. She knew he was born with magic and she believed there was a reason for it, but was being Arthur's personal servant really his destiny? Merlin looked up at her a shy smile on his face "uh I'll explain later. I've got to go help Arthur train for the tournament"
"Okay, good luck!" She yelled as he rushed out of the room almost tripping over the table leg in the process. Evelyn couldn't help but smile at the strange boy who was becoming her friend. Evelyn didn't really have many friends. Now that she thought about it Gwen was really her only friends, and well the lady Morgana in a way as well. Sure her and Arthur used to be friends but they were more acquaintances now so she was happy to gain another friend in Merlin. The fact he had magic didn't bother her in the slightest, she was actually quite fascinated by it in fact.
At that moment Gaius came in and Evelyn shot him a small smile as he handed her a list of people in the castle that required a physician. She mainly got the easier cases as Gaius dealt with the more serious ones until her training was complete. So Evelyn spent the rest of the day tending to patients and making healing drafts.
Evelyn had just sat down to start reading as she had some spare time on her hands, it was rather late so she saw no point in studying at this hour. When Merlin slammed open the door startling her slightly, he looked terrible his hair was sticking up everywhere and he looked exhausted. "So how was your first day as Arthur's servant?" Gaius asked
"Ugh, can you hear clanging" Merlin rubbed his head and plopped himself down on the chair beside Evelyn. She gave him a small smile and started to lightly rub his shoulders. "It was horrible and I still have to learn all that tournament etiquette by morning. OnhrÃne actung bregdan!" Merlin chanted. Evelyn watched in awe as the book slid across the table and opened to the correct page.
"Wow" she whispered as she looked at Merlin with a smile only to find that he was already looking at her with a brighter smile of his own. Gaius smacked the back of both their heads causing them to yelp slightly.
"What was that for?!" Merlin whined
"What have I told you about using magic like that?" He then turned to Evelyn "and you don't encourage him"
"Well if he could actually move his arms then maybe he would've picked up the book" Evelyn retorted as she started stretching and massaging Merlins arms. She felt sorry for him knowing the list of duties that Arthur must have set for him, it was only going to get worse.
"You should listen to her Gaius. By the time I've finished all my duties I probably won't be able to move at all"
Gaius sighed at the both of them as he stretched out Merlins other arm. He could already tell that the two were going to get into plenty of trouble together at how fast they were bonding. However Gaius would be lying if he said that he didn't enjoy looking after them because he did. Evelyn was like a daughter to him and he could tell that Merlin was becoming like a son. He smiled at the two who were currently laughing together over something Evelyn had said about Arthur. He was happy to see Evelyn smiling as it had seemed to be a rare occurrence as of late, maybe because she hadn't seen Gwen as often, who was practically the young girls only friend. He knew from Huniths letter that Merlin had no real friends either, no one to share his secret with, but looking at the two of them now he could tell there was a bond between them.
"Arthur had duties to you know?" He spoke up causing the two to look up at him.
"Yeah I know." Evelyn grumbled. She knew all too well about how important Arthur's duties were, apparently they were more important then his friends. Well his commoner friends anyway. Merlin snorted clearly not noticing the upset in Evelyn's voice "yeah must be really hard having all the glory...and the girls"
"He's the Prince, a lot is expected of him" Merlin winced as Gaius stretched his arm out one last time before patting his shoulder. Merlin rubbed his shoulder which still hurt slightly and mumbled "that makes two of us. I have to protect the Royal prat"
"Is that your big destiny you were talking about?" Evelyn asked curious. Merlin and Gaius shared a look before Merlin turned to her "we think so yeah"
"That's a big destiny" if it really was Merlins destiny to protect Arthur then Evelyn could understand why Merlin had a lot of weight on his shoulders. Not only did he have to hide his magic from everyone but he also had to protect the future king.
"If you'll excuse me gentlemen I think I'm going to retire for the night" she began to stand and head towards her bed chambers but turned around after a couple steps "oh and Merlin I'll take you to Gwen in the morning. She can help you with the armour"
Merlin smiled at her "thank you Evelyn and uh goodnight"
"Goodnight Merlin"
Early the next morning Evelyn and Merlin made it to Gwen's house a couple of hours before the tournament was meant to begin. Evelyn wasn't one-hundred percent sure how to put on armour correctly so she thought it best that Merlin see Gwen on the matter. Gwen was more than happy to teach him he to put on armour correctly.
Unfortunately Evelyn could not stay to witness Merlin learn as she had to prepare for the tournament herself. There were usually many casualties and injuries during these events and Evelyn would help Gaius with any wounded.
Once arriving back at the physician chambers Evelyn got the satchel out of her room and started putting supplies that she may need in it. She prayed that there would be no serious injuries this day, although she enjoyed the tournament she hated seeing people get hurt. Evelyn triple checked that she had everything that she could possibly need and then set out towards the tournament grounds.
Once arriving she caught sight of Merlin and a very annoyed looking Arthur, the latter was putting on the Princes armour at a snails pace. Evelyn was trying not to laugh as she approached the two, Arthur's face was getting redder with anger by the second. Merlin stood back from Arthur with a proud look on his face, but Evelyn noticed something. "Merlin, aren't you forgetting something"
Merlin turned to her his look of pride turning into one of confusion at her words. After a moment Arthur let out an exasperated sigh "My sword Merlin!"
Merlin quickly jumped to get the sword and hand it to Arthur. The prince snatched the sword from him and stalked off. Evelyn patted Merlins shoulder in reassurance "don't worry you did good for your first try. Just try not to forget the sword next time, it's rather important"
Merlin chuckled while rubbing the back of his neck nervously. The two soon made it to the entrance of the tournament grounds where they stood against the wall watching as all the nights walked out. Evenly not needed to be close in case a knight required any medical attention. Plus she rather enjoyed being able to stand so close and watch all the action.
The King was giving his speech about the tournament, she had heard it many a time before so instead she focused on the Knights. She'd seen some of them before at previous tournaments along with some new faces. A knight in yellow caught her attention there was just something about him. The man in question turned his head and noticed her staring, he gave a small smirk as Evelyn dropped her gaze to the floor. She was blushing out of embarrassment.
Once the King had finished his speech all the Knights left the fighting area except for Arthur and his first opponent. Evelyn knew there was a lot of pressure on Arthur to win as he was the Kings son and for that Evelyn felt sorry for him. Sometimes the life of a prince was a difficult one as Gaius had pointed out last night.
Arthur's movements while fighting were swift and graceful. She had always enjoyed watching him fight, he was after all one of the best in the kingdom. She remembered the days when her and Arthur would play fight with wooden swords, but those days were long gone and so much had changed. Arthur easily defeated his first opponent and went off to wait for his next match.
As the day continued Arthur continued to win all the rounds. However another had caught her eye, she had found out the yellow nights name and it was Valiant. Evelyn watched him fight, his skill with a sword was almost as good as Arthur's but she didn't trust him. Evelyn didn't know why but something was off about knight Valient and she wasn't sure what.
Her attention was drawn to Merlin as he cheered and clapped along with everyone else. "So you're actually having fun now are you?" Evelyn smiled at him.
Merlin turned to her "well I have to admit it is rather entertaining. I saw you watching night Valient rather closely" Merlin smirked at her "got a little crush?"
"Don't be ridiculous Merlin! I was just admiring his fighting skills that's all. Plus he's not my type" Evelyn protested. She wouldn't or rather couldn't voice her distrust of the knight as if anyone heard she could be in trouble.
"Oh really? And what is your type then?"
"Well I-I don't know. I guess someone's who's smart and Kind. Someone easy to talk to and that makes me laugh. Valient looks too serious to me" Evelyn shrugged while playing with the sleeve of her worn dress. Merlin was about to respond when Arthur came to stand beside them. They observe knight Valiant as he wins yet another fight. Merlin comments on how good knight Valient is with a sword while Arthur and Evelyn glare at the knight in question as he walks over to them.
"May I offer my congratulations on your victories today" he asks Arthur
"Likewise" Arthur says back clearly sizing up Valient.
"I hope to see you at reception this evening" his eyes turned to Evelyn as he said this. "I hope you'll be there to"
Evelyn had to repress a shudder as knight Valent left them. "Creep" Merlin mumbled under his breath just loud enough for Arthur and Evelyn to hear. The three looked at each other before snorting out a quiet laugh as to not draw attention. Arthur however quickly regains his composer and straightens up giving Merlin a pointed look.
"Uh for tomorrow you need to repair my shield, wash my tunic, clean my boots, sharpen my sword and polish my armour" He commanded and swiftly left.
"So much for an early night" Merlin groaned
"I'll help if you need me too. But first I must go tend to the Knights injuries" Evelyn made to leave when Merlin grabbed her wrist and gently tugged her to a stop. She looked at him in confusion.
"Your not uh going near Valiant are you?" Merlin enquirer warily.
"No, why do you ask? Is something wrong?"
"No no, it's just..." Merlin was struggling to get his words out. Evelyn turned to fully face Merlin.
"Do not worry I will stay far away from him. Trust me" even though Merlin didn't say it she could still tell that even he didn't trust Valiant.
Once Evelyn was done she made her way through the castle, as she passed Morgana's room. She could hear the Kings ward and Gwen talking. Evelyn debated for a moment before softly knocking on the door. "Who is it?"
"It's Evelyn lady Morgana. May I come in" Seconds later the door opened to reveal a smiling Gwen and a smiling Morgana sat at her vanity clearly getting ready for the reception. Evelyn had known Morgana her whole life but they became closer once Gwen was appointed the wards personal servant. Evelyn had always liked Morgana the young woman was so kind and treated everyone as equals.
"Evelyn!" Morgana exclaimed while rising from her seat to give the assistant physician a tight hug "it has been so long. Why haven't you visited lately"
"I'm sorry m'lady I haven't found the time as of late. I just thought I'd pay a quick visit after attending to the Knights"
Morgana smiled at her old friend and gestured her to sit as she also sat to allow Gwen to finish her hair. "So I've been dying to know. What is Arthur's new servant boy like, what's his name again?"
"Merlin and he's uh...different" Evelyn mumbled. Morgana gave her a questioning look "how so?"
"Well he's clumsy for one and he treats Arthur differently. He's not afraid to speak his mind and tell Arthur what he think of him." Gwen and Morgana gave each other knowing looks as they smiled slightly. "What?" Evelyn asked confused as to why they were looking at her like that.
"Oh nothing" Gwen said "you seem to think rather highly of him that's all"
"Well he's a friend"
The three women talked and laughed together for a while longer until Morgana and Gwen had to leave. Evelyn made her way back to the physicians chambers with a smile on her face. She had really missed talking to Morgan and made a mental note that she should visit more often.
As she walked into the physicians chambers the smell of food hit her nose and her stomach instantly rumbled rather loudly. She heard Gaius let out a laugh from the fire "got fetch Merlin my dear tea is really". Evelyn nodded and quickly made her way to Merlins room. She skipped up the steps and flung the door open without knocking. A loud crashing sound was heard as all of Arthur's armour fell to the floor. Evelyn looked up to see Merlin staring at her with a sheepish look on his face, clutching the magic book Gaius had given him to his chest. Evelyn coughed trying to hold in her laughter as she every calmly asked "were you just doing magic?"
Merlin shook his head "no no. I was just uh...reading?"
"Reading huh?" Evelyn arched a brow "well dinner is ready, you can go back to reading later" Merlin nodded and started to get up when Evelyn turned back to him "be careful, if it had been someone else..." She trailed off.
"I know I'll be careful" Merlin stood from the bed and walked towards the table. The rest of the night was filled with laughter and talk of the tournament as the three happily ate the meal Gaius had prepared. However as the night grew darker the three were quick to say goodnight as they had an extremely busy day tomorrow.
Evelyn was stood by the main entrance to the tournament arena when Merlin came to stand beside her. However she noticed that something was wrong, like he wasn't completely there with her. He looked lost in his own thoughts a slightly troubled look on his face. "What troubled you Merlin?"
"Huh? Oh I-it's nothing really, probably just me seeing things that's all" he spluttered out
"Are you sure?" Evelyn wasn't believing that it was nothing but seeing as Merlin wasn't going to say anything she just let it go and continued to watch the tournament. She'd ask him again later when they were in private, hopefully he'd be more willing to share with no one around.
It was during a fight between Knight Valiant and Sir Ewan that Gaius walked over and stood beside Merlin. "Admit it, you are enjoying yourself"
"It's...not that bad I guess" Merlin clapped as Ewan hit Valiant. Evelyn clapped as it appeared that Ewan was getting the upper hand in the fight. However valiant soon knocked him down to the floor and pinned him with his shield. They stayed like that for a moment until Valiant got up and delivered a knock out blow to his opponent.
Evelyn took one look at sir Ewan and quickly rushed over to the unconscious man. Just one look at him and Evelyn could tell that their was something seriously wrong with the knight. Gaius came over a knelt down next to her. "Something wrong with him Gaius, it feels like he's burning up"
"Indeed, we must get him to my chambers immediately". Guards quickly came and helped carry Ewan up to the physicians chambers. Once there he was placed on the bed and Evelyn helped to get his armour off so they could take a better look at him. Evelyn knitted her brows in confusion as she felt the mans forehead, it was even warmer than last she checked and his breathing was laboured. She didn't understand how this was happening, she couldn't see any blood anywhere indicating that valiant hadn't pierced him.
As Evelyn dabbed Sir Ewan's neck with a cold cloth she suddenly gasped at seeing two holes. She quickly called Gaius over to show him what she found. He was examining the small wound when Merlin burst through the door. "Is he okay?!"
He rushed over to stand beside Evelyn as Gaius looked up at the two of them. "Yes, both of you come here and look"
Merlin squinted "they look like puncture wounds"
Suddenly it clicked in Evelyn's mind "from a snake" she whispered just loud enough for the two men to hear "but how is that even possible?"
"I don't know" Gaius sighed as he stood up and walked over to his workbench.
"But you can cure him right?" Merlin asked hopefully.
Gaius sighed and turned his sad gaze to Merlin "unfortunately I can't. I would need venom from the snake to make an antidote"
"He was fighting Valiant" Merlin mumbled to himself not loud enough for anyone else to hear.
"What was that?"
"Uh nothing Gaius I'll be back soon!" And before Evelyn could even question where he was going the door to the physicians chambers slammed shut. Evelyn let out a frustrated sigh but continued to tend to sir Ewan. She just hoped that whatever Merlin was doing would help save the poor man.
It was sometime later and Evelyn had gotten fresh water for the knight. She was currently sat at his bedside placing the cool cloth onto his forehead as she sighed. This was the worst part about being a physician, having to watch someone die and not being able to stop it.
Suddenly the door burst open startling the two physicians. Merlin ran up to them panting with a scared look in his eye. Evelyn stood up immediately knowing something was wrong. His next words made her freeze as she felt a wave of panic go through her.
"I just saw one of the snakes in Valiants shield come alive. He's using magic!"
A/N: Hope you all enjoyed this chapter! Part 2 will be out within a couple of days. What do you think of the story so far? Do you like Evelyn? Let me know what you think :)
Thank you to everyone that has followed and favourited this story, it means a lot!
- Emily x
