A/N: HI GUYS! Did you miss me?! I'm sorry it's taken a couple months to get this part up. I started on it almost immediately after I posted the last chapter/part, but I just don't know! Sometimes I get stuck and can't find the right way to word or describe something and I just get so hung up on that I just sort of...stop. I set a goal to update when this story hit 1,000 views but...uhm...I kinda hit that a couple weeks ago. So now I'm updating before 1,200 views! Thank you all so much! I have never recieved this sort of traffic so quickly! I must be doing something right! Again, thank you. I love you all! Frequent reviewers and casual readers.
Anyway, this chapter took awhile to write and it just kinda kept growing bigger and bigger. 19,000 words all together and 42 pages! It's crazy! I apologize if this chapter seems sort of chillax and like a filler. The episode as a whole is good (as I'm sure you know from watching the show). And there are good parts of this chapter too!
Alright. I'm sorry. I'll stop babbling on to you guys and let you get to what you came here for, the chapter! So good luck! Enjoy! Have fun! May the odds be ever in your favor!
Valiant: Part 1
Adrielle's eyes burned behind her drooping eyelids. The dying candlelight forced her to strain her eyes. She hadn't bothered to get up and light a new one. Her brain hurt too much to try and make her body get up and work. Her head was resting on her propped up hand, but her head was slowly becoming too heavy for even her hand to support.
She thought she had gotten off easy compared to Merlin. He was 'rewarded' with becoming Arthur's manservant. Prince Arthur, that is. He had to serve him breakfast nearly every morning, dress him, follow him around all day, and do all his chores. Whenever the prince was awake, Merlin was at his heels like a dog.
Adrielle had smirked at the thought that Merlin would be dragged around like a dummy. Heck, he even stood in as a live dummy for more realistic training sessions. Adrielle just hoped, for the sake of the other kingdoms, that their warriors who challenged either the prince or the kingdom were better fighters than Merlin. He practically just stood there and tried to block every blow Prince Arthur had thrown at him. He never made any attempt to fight back. He had no skill whatsoever as a warrior.
Adrille winced slightly. Ow. Too much thinking. Her brain probably hurt twice as much as Merlin's body did. She had been wrong in thinking that being a physician's apprentice was easier than being someone's manservant. There had been no slow easing into her position. Right away she began learning about the human body.
The next morning after the feast Gaius had come up early to wake both Merlin and Adrielle for the first day of their newly appointed positions. Merlin had to get up and fetch the prince his breakfast before he woke up and starved. Of course Gaius had already been busy planning his lessons for Adrielle.
The world around her did not stop for her to study and master the theoretical aspect before continuing onto the real world application. No. The best way to learn and study, in Gaius's opinion, was to dive head first into the art of healing. Sure she was required to learn and study all the different herbs used and remedies she could prepare, things she could only learn by reading a book. But the rest of the time she was getting hands on experience that came with the job. Following Gaius on his rounds and staying with him during examinations. Those were the best times to teach Adrielle, Gaius thought. In the moment.
Her first day on the job and she already had encountered a man who had been bitten by spider and a woman who was thirty weeks pregnant. Gaius would check her over once a week just to make sure her pregnancy was coming along well. She was the size of a house and nearly ready to pop. She still had a little bit of time before she would give birth. Adrielle had asked politely if she could feel the woman's stomach. She had seen a few women in Ealdor who were with child and they always would bubble with excitement about feeling the baby kick from inside them. The feeling of new life hiding behind their stomach.
The woman obliged happily. Adrielle cautiously placed her hand on the rounded stomach and waited. At first, she felt nothing; only the firmness of the woman's bulging belly. It's because I'm a monster, isn't it. I told Merlin we weren't and Gaius confirmed it, but this baby's not kicking. It's because of me it's all because of me.
And then she felt it, a subtle yet obvious kick. Like something tiny was pushing out against her hand. No, more like something was reaching out to her. She smiled up brightly at the expectant mother. It was amazing to think that this is where she and Merlin started. She could only imagine having to carry a growing child, let alone two of them. Especially a handful like Merlin, even as a baby. That eighteen some odd years ago they were tiny little things stuffed into their mother's body. Gaius had henceforth told her exactly where babies came from. She had known how they were made, obviously, but not exactly what a woman's body went through during pregnancy. She secretly hoped she'd never have to personally experience that.
See. You're no monster, silly. You just need to stop acting like a drama queen. Stop overreacting to everything. No one has any idea what secrets you're hiding. Just breath and relax. She rolled her eyes at her self doubts and sarcasm.
"Well, Eva," Gaius began. "All seems to be going well. I'll come back same time next week to check on you again. In all reality you should be ready any day now. You and your midwife should start preparing just incase. I've seen women give birth earlier and later than expected."
"Thank you, Gaius. You've been so much help," Eva chimed. "I don't think Adrian and I would have gotten through this pregnancy without all you've done."
"It's nothing, my dear. I'm glad to help, even if it is my job," he continued as he packed up his supplies.
"Do you have any names picked out yet?" Adrielle asked curiously.
"In fact we do. If it's a boy, Corbin, and if it's a girl, Lydia," Eva said brightly. Adrielle smiled in return, giving the woman her seal of approval. Gaius slung his medicine bag over his shoulder and handed Eva two vials.
"This one is to help you sleep at night, and this one is is for any generic discomfort you feel. Oh, and a supply of chamomile. I'd start stockpiling that up if I were you. You'll thank me after the child is born. It does wonders for the pains of labour. Or so I've heard, that is." Gaius instructed as he handed her a small poultice. Gaius turned to Adrielle and took his opportunity to teach. "And, Adrielle, what would we make either of these remedies from?"
"Uhm...comfrey, coriander, and..cowbane?" she guessed. She had read through some of the books Gaius had given her last night. Not the one about magic, unfortunately. Gaius had shoveled just a few beginners books on medicine her way. She remembered reading through a lot of different herbs and their uses before her eyes had given out and she succumbed to sleep. Those were the only ones she had actually remembered names for.
"Possibly comfrey as a painkiller and coriander for her sleepiness, yes. That's a good start, but cowbane? If you wanted to kill the mother and her poor child, sure. Cowbane can be used as a painkiller but only in serious, extreme cases," Gaius lectured. Eva looked from Gaius to Adrielle concerned, unsure if she trusted this young woman with her health.
"Don't worry, Eva," Gaius said, noting her change in expression. "It's only her first day as my apprentice. I won't let any of her silly mistakes slip by. Goodbye, my dear." The three said their goodbyes as Gaius and Adrielle departed.
"Well that went well," Adrielle said casually.
"See, you'll do fine. Now, some of my stores have run a bit dry. I'll need you to go out and gather some iris for me."
He looked over at Adrielle, half expecting to see the blank expression on her face.
"That's the one with the dark purple petals-"
"Purple petals! Got it! I'm on it, Gaius," Adrille said while she hurried off out of the city. As she made her way out, she passed a few men here and there. Knights, she corrected herself. She knew she'd have to constantly remind herself that not everybody were as they seemed here in Camelot. Not just in the way her and Merlin were not 'as they seemed; two lowly commoners and servants who secretly had magic and supposedly this great big destiny.
No. The men she passed on the road were knights, men of nobility. They were piling in from all over the kingdom. Camelot was holding a tournament in a few days time. Gaius had tried to explain it to her but she still didn't exactly understand the whole concept. Knights from all over the land came in and competed against each other. Their swords, brawn, and wit were their only weapons. If they managed to beat every other contestant their prize was the honour of knowing they were the best. Oh, and a thousand gold pieces. Who could forget the money? But to the knights the money was just an added bonus. It was all about reputation for them.
Gaius had started to prep her on the tournament. Merlin would have to learn about all the etiquette and preparation that went into helping out Prince Arthur during the tournament. Adrielle would be needed for her own set of skills. It wasn't a fight to the death, but Gaius had warned her that injuries weren't uncommon. If an injury or two were to occur, it would be the prime opportunity for her to gain hands on experience. She wasn't sure if she should be excited or worried about the possibility of seeing slightly injured, nearing death, knights. She assumed it'd probably be something she'd have to encounter and get use to eventually. Even in a kingdom as great as Camelot under Uther's rule, she rolled her eyes internally, war was inevitable.
Adrielle heard the faint sound of metal clinking as she neared the forest, but she paid no mind to it. Not until an unmistakable and slightly irritating voice called out out to her.
"Leaving so soon, are we?"
She didn't know why she stopped or why she turned towards the pair that stood before her. There was Prince Arthur in his armour and chainmail, leaning against his sword which was stuck into the dirt. Below him on the ground was a pitiful figure in a chest piece and helmet. She absentmindedly realized it was Merlin who lied on the ground.
"Couldn't handle the pressure of being a physician's assistant? It's only been what, one day?" he continued haughtily.
"It hasn't even been a full day," Adrielle called back as she approached the two. "How do you even know about that?"
"I am the king's son, you know," Prince Arthur retorted.
"How could I forget?" she replied under her breath. Prince Arthur continued on as if he hadn't heard her at all.
"I tend to know when people get appointed to positions and such. Especially when the physician's newest apprentice also happens to be my manservant's sister," Arthur replied pointedly. He found himself looking at Adrielle again; and again he found he couldn't explain why. He broke eye contact with her to look at the ground. Anywhere besides those dark blue eyes that seemed to captivate him.
"I'm going out to collect herbs for Gaius, if you must know. But I see you're too busy picking on this poor sap to care so I'll just be off," Adrielle replied curtly.
"Oi! I'm not some poor sap," Merlin's figure whined.
"Ah, Merlin. I thought that was you down there," she chuckled, cocking her head to the side as she looked down on him. "I see you're losing."
"Don't you have some flowers to pick," Merlin replied, suddenly offended.
"Have fun boys. Oh, and Arthur-" she started. She stopped when he raised his eyebrows at her. "Sire. Don't go too easy on my dear brother there." She flashed a cheeky smile before turning on her heel and leaving.
"Looks like your sister's on my side," Arthur said as he watched her walk away.
"Trust me, she's not," Merlin replied as he shook himself off.
"We'll see," Arthur said quietly. He turned to back into Arthur, acting like his usual prince self again. "How's your mace work coming along?"
~xx~
"Ah, Adrielle. Glad to see you back," Gaius called as Adrielle walked into her chambers.
"Why is that?" she asked as she set her basket of freshly picked iris's onto a nearby table.
"You're day of learning is hardly complete, child." Adrielle sighed dramatically as she took a seat. "I'll need you to make the Lady Morgana's sleeping draft for the night. The poor girl suffers from night terrors. I'll also need you to deliver it to her. Your partner in crime should still be busy for a few hours yet."
"First of all, Merlin is anything but my 'partner in crime'. How do you prepare her sleeping draft?" she asked curiously.
"That my dear, is what you're going to learn."
Gaius moved across the room and gathered a variety of objects. He returned to where she was seated and set down a couple of different plants and a jar of some interesting looking goop. Actually scratch that. Not interesting. Gross.
"What? Right now?"
"Yes, right now," Gaius said back as he grabbed a few bottles. He placed a small ceramic bowl down and a matching club shaped object next to it.
"First, take four sprigs of lavender and two sprigs of the rosemary here and place them into the mortar. That's the small bowl. Lavender is this light purple flower here and rosemary is the green one with the little lilac flowers. The flowers help you distinguish the plant but they are not needed for this preparation. We usually save the flowers for other things. You'll also need to add a drop of water into the mortar before you start mashing. We're trying to create a paste for now. You'll use the pestle," he said holding up the club like object. He pointed to the bowl with it, "to make the paste in the mortar. You'll need to use a crushing and grinding motion. Now go on."
Adrielle hesitated slightly before moving.
Okay, four lavenders. Those are the light purple flowers that look like a pine cone, she thought to herself. She'd have to remember all of this and be able to recall it at a moment's notice. Lavender light purple, cone shaped. Light purple, cone shaped, lavender. She turned to the rosemary next.
Green piney ones that have purple flowers. Flowers are not necessary for the sleeping draught. Rosemary, green pine ones with purple flowers. Smells woody.
She added the proper amount of lavender and rosemary to the mortar and a drop of water before she began grinding it up. She crushed and grinded the ingredients for a couple of minutes while Gaius rummaged around the room. He returned with a few glass vials in different sizes. He turned to instruct her further as she finished making a nice paste.
"Good, good. Looks like you've got the easy part down. Now you'll need to add two scoops of this mucus here to this flask," he said while handing her the flask in question.
"Do I even want to know what kind of mucus that is?" she asked while picking up the closed bottle and examining it closely. She swirled it around and watched as the light yellow gel stayed in place for the most part.
"I was going to save you the trouble until another time, but if you are so desperate to know. The mucus comes from the flobberworm. They are small, plump, brown worms that can be found in gardens," Gaius explained.
"And how do you..." Adrielle started, frowning as she did.
"Get the mucus from them?" he asked, guessing the rest of her question after she paused. She nodded slowly while setting the bottle back down, suddenly wondering if she really wanted to know how to get the mucus.
"I'll spare you that piece of information until another day. Now once you've add the flobberworm mucus to the flask take a few needles from this plant, sweet cicely. Add the paste from the mortar, four drops of water, and start swirling it around. I'll get the fire started and then we'll heat up the mixture for about twenty minutes."
Gaius retreated to the other side of the room to start the fire. Adrielle gulped and unstoppered the bottle and used a small scooper to scoop out two portions of the mucus. She lifted the bottle to her nose before plugging it up. She gagged slightly when she inhaled what she thought smelled like earwax. She set the bottle down and continued on with Gaius's instructions. Earwax smelling mucus, cicely needles, paste, and water.
Once the concoction had been mixed and heated properly, Gaius allowed Adrielle to take the flask off the heat to continue with the preparation.
"Add a couple drops of this valerian tincture, swirl it around and make sure it's well mixed, and then let it set for a moment or two. Then you'll pour it into a phial like this, stopper it, and deliver it to the Lady Morgana," Gaius said while handing her a phial.
"What, tonight? Right now?" Adrielle asked as she worked.
"Yes right now. She'll need it to go to sleep later tonight."
"And this really will help her sleep? Without any nightmares?" Adrielle questioned as she swirled the potion around.
"For the most part, yes. The ingredients are all known to help aid in sleepiness. The preparation of them together is to help her fall asleep and be in a sleep deep enough that she won't have any dreams or nightmares. Or at least won't be able to remember any of them. Did you know we have several dreams a night but are unable to recall many or most of them?"
"Hm. Interesting," Adrielle pondered. She wasn't sure how a few flowers and leaves were suppose to create a potion capable of lulling someone to sleep. Or how they were able to rid someone of nightmares. She supposed she better start believing. This was her position after all. To know all about the human body, medicine, herbs, and how these all come together as one.
She snapped herself out of her thoughts and poured the solution into the flask and put a cork into it. She held it up in front of Gaius for him to examine.
"Very good," he declared. "Now go on and deliver that. I'll get started on our dinner. Your brother should be finishing soon. The two of you can relax after your first day on the job."
Adrielle picked up the draught and scurried out to find the Lady Morgana's chambers.
Adrielle floated through the castle corridors as she made her way to the Lady Morgana's chambers. Gaius had given her precise instructions as to where her chambers were located and how to exactly get there. Getting into trouble seemed to be a daily occurrence for not only Merlin but also Adrielle herself. It must have been something in their shared DNA. Gaius seemed to have made it his life's mission to not give either of them a reason to cause trouble. If they got into trouble it would be of their own accord, although Gaius would still try his hardest to keep them from going astray.
She bounced up a set of stairs and turned down another corridor. She turned towards a door and stopped. The door was ajar, yet she waited outside and knocked quietly, waiting to be called to enter. She didn't want to accidentally reveal her magic again to someone.
"Uhm...hello?" she called through the door. "Morgana? Erm...Lady Morgana?"
"Yes? Come in," a soft and sultry voice called from the other side of the door. Adrielle pushed the door open and approached the lady who sat facing her at a table across the room. The Lady Morgana looked up from the table to watch Adrielle as she entered the room.
Morgana had black hair that was as dark as a raven. Her dark locks cascaded down past her shoulders like a black sky, the light catching it like stars. It made Adrielle's dark hair pale in comparison. There was no life, no vibrancy to her own hair. It laid in flat, dull strands while the Lady Morgana's was glossy and bouncy. Her light blue eyes seemed to pierce into the very depths of Adrielle. She felt a strange compulsion to recoil and shrink away under the woman's gaze. She refrained, however, and pushed forward only after a second's hesitation.
"Uhm I'm Gaius's new apprentice. He asked me to deliver your sleeping draft. My lady," she said while holding out the draft in question. In an instant it seemed Adrielle was looking at a new woman. Her body relaxed as her features softened. Her face broke into a simple smile and her eyes were soft and kind as she looked at her.
"Thank you," she said kindly. "I saw you at the feast last night. Your brother saved Arthur from the witch. I don't think I caught your names."
"Adrielle and my brother's Merlin. I think you're the first person I've met in Camelot who has recognized Merlin as my brother. Most people think he's my boyfriend or something," Adrielle mused.
"Really? That's quite the assumption to jump to," she said with a gentle smile. Adrielle softened in response and felt a small smile etch it's way on her face. At first she had been almost intimidated by the Lady Morgana. Perhaps she had startled her when she entered. An unknown person entering your chambers with a strange liquid in her hands could be off putting. But now the Lady seemed calm and at ease. Adrielle could see how a girl as sweet as Gwen would speak so highly of the Lady Morgana.
"Thank you for bringing me my draft. Although I fear it doesn't always do the job," she continued casually. Lady Morgana stood from her chair and moved over to where Adrielle stood. She took the bottle from her hands. As it turned out the Lady Morgana stood just about an inch taller than herself. If she had been standing when Adrielle had entered she probably would have frozen under her gaze, but not now. Adrielle was surprised to find herself comfortable around this older, and more noble, woman.
"Oh, how so? My lady."
"Sometimes it puts me to sleep but doesn't stop the nightmares and other times it does the opposite. It stops the nightmares, but that's only because I can't get to sleep or stay asleep," the Lady Morgana sighed wistfully.
"I'm sorry to hear that. Perhaps this batch will do the trick properly, my lady. If I may be so vain," Adrielle offered.
"And what makes you say that?" Lady Morgana's sardonic voice asked.
"Gaius had me prepare it. It was under his careful guidance, but maybe I have the magic touch," she joked. Morgana's eyes narrowed slightly as Adrielle froze, suddenly realizing how she had phrased that.
Oh no, Adrielle thought. Oh God, what have I done? I couldn't have picked a better word than that? Than magic?
"You made this?" she asked. "But today is just your first day."
Adrielle's body relaxed as a nervous laugh escaped her lips.
"Yes, it is. Gaius's philosophy on teaching is to jump right into it. If that is all my lady I shall be going now," she said politely before she turned to leave.
~xx~
Shortly after Adrielle had returned Merlin came stumbling in. Adrielle didn't look up at her brother until he dropped his substitute armour. They fell to the ground with a loud metallic clank.
"So, how was your first day as Arthur's servant?" Gaius asked casually, but even she could tell that Gaius was amused. Merlin stood there dazed and stared at them. He tapped his head a couple times before replying.
"Do you hear clanging?" he replied. He held his head as he tried to look around for the source of the noise.
"That's not a proper answer," Adrielle chuckled. She moved towards him and helped take off the rest of his armour pieces. She peeled off several layers of tunics and padding. Merlin apparently needed multiple layers to even begin to stand up to Arthur's physical stature.
Merlin fell into his seat and let out a groan.
"It was horrible," he sighed. Gaius stepped up behind him and started to work out the knots in Merlin's shoulders. "Oh and I've still got to learn all that tournament etiquette by the morning."
A look suddenly passed over Merlin's face. He narrowed his eyes at the book and spoke, "OnhrÃne achtung bregdan." The book moved swiftly from the other side of the table and stopped right in front of Merlin. It opened itself and long pull out page about armour sprung out. Merlin smiled briefly before Gaius whacked him on the back of the head.
"Oi! What have I told you about using magic like this!" he chastised.
"If I could actually feel my arms I'd pick up the book myself!" Merlin whined.
"Pansy," Adrielle whispered before Gaius continued.
"Nevermind your arms, what am I to do if either of you get caught?"
"What would you do?" Merlin asked his voice suddenly become serious and concerned.
"Well you just make sure that doesn't happen for all three of our sakes. Not to mention your poor mother," Gaius said veering off the topic. He pulled back Merlin's left arm and began trying to better work out a kink in his shoulder. Merlin winced a few times as his shoulder popped and his muscles began to stretch.
"I save Arthur's life and I end up his servant. How is that fair?"
"I'm not sure fairness comes into it." He moved Merlin's arm back and began to loosen up his hand and wrist. "You never know, it might be fun."
Merlin let out an amused laugh. "You think mucking out Arthur's horses is going to be fun. You should see my list of duties."
"Does it include whining a lot?" Adrielle taunted. Merlin glared over at her and made a quite unattractive face in response. She returned the gesture and stuck her tuck out childishly at him.
"We all have our duties," Gaius said, oblivious to the example of sibling affection going on. "Even Arthur."
"Must be so hard for him. What will all the glory. All the girls." Merlin turned to Adrielle and gave her a pointed look.
"What's that suppose to mean?" she questioned.
"Oh don't give me that. I saw you two flirting earlier today. Disgusting is what it is."
Adrielle felt her face flush and burn. "I was not flirting with him! As if!"
"Then why are you blushing so much?" he teased.
"The idea is just so ludicrous, that's why! You were too dazed from being beaten around. You wouldn't know if someone was flirting with you even if they were wearing a giant sign that said 'Oi, Merlin! I'm flirting with you you clotpole'."
"'Clotpole'?" Gaius and Merlin repeated confused. Adrielle continued on as if she had never heard them.
"Besides I'd rather save my charm for someone else besides Prince Arthur. He's pompous, arrogant, rude-"
"And the future king of Camelot," Gaius interjected. "People expect a lot out of him. He's under a lot of pressure."
"He's not the only one!" Merlin cried as Gaius squeezed his shoulder, a sickening yet satisfying crack escaping.
~xx~
Adrielle pulled herself out of bed the following morning ready for the first day of tournament matches. She got herself dressed in a dress that she was okay with getting messy. She honestly had no idea what to expect at today's tournament, but she supposed when it came to her position she should just always expect messiness and death. Better safe than sorry. Adrielle pulled her hair back into a loose ponytail and tied it up with a strip of leather.
"Adrielle! Merlin!" Gaius's voice called from the other side of their door. "Hurry up and get ready. I've made you some breakfast but then you'll be needed down at the tournament grounds, both of you."
"Alright, thanks Gaius," Adrielle called back. "You heard the man, Merlin. Up and at 'em."
She waited for an annoyed response but was surprised to hear only silence. She turned around to make sure her brother was still alive only to find him still sound asleep in his bed. Adrielle moved closer to his bed and noticed an open book still sitting on top of his face. She knelt close to his ear before she decided to strike.
"Oi! Merlin!" she shouted in his ears. Merlin yelped and jumped up from his restful state. The book that had been laying on his face fell to the ground followed by Merlin's clumsy body. He sat up and tried to orient himself. He winced and rubbed his forehead before glaring up at his sister.
"What the bloody hell was that for?" Merlin whined as he began to stand up.
"You over slept. Gaius says we need to get ready and head down to the grounds. I don't think Prince Arthur would be too thrilled if you were late today. He does have his fancy reputation to uphold," Adrielle said with an exasperated sigh.
"Why do you care about Arthur and his reputation?" Merlin asked as he pulled on his jacket and scarf.
"I don't. That's why my voice lacked all enthusiasm," she countered. All Merlin could muster was an unimpressed, "Mmhmm."
"If you care about anything it should be the fact that Arthur is probably going to kill me today. I was up all night trying to study that damned book," Merlin cursed.
"I know. Your face was trying to use it as a shield from the light," she teased.
"This isn't funny. How are we suppose to protect and save someone who practically hates us?"
"Beats me. I suppose we'll just have to try and figure it out together. Now come on, there has to be someone who can help you learn all this tournament etiquette. Or at least give you some help to get you through your first day," Adrielle suggested.
"What, like you?" Merlin replied.
"What? No not me. Did I say me? I know just about as much as you do when it comes to being someone's servant and tourney etiquette. Which in case you haven't noticed is nothing," she retorted.
"You could always try Guinevere. She is the blacksmith's daughter, but I'd suggest getting a move on. The tournament does start today," Gaius said suddenly, peeking his head through the door. Adrielle jumped an inch off the ground as she turned around.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you, Adrielle," Gaius said with a small smirk of a smile.
"Ha, please. You didn't startle me. You'd have to get up pretty early to scare me," Adrielle said with a fidgety laugh. Gaius eyed her shortly before speaking again.
"Like I said, try Gwen if you are so desperate for some help. I expect to see the two of you down at the grounds by a quarter to noon." Gaius shut the door behind him as he retreated back into the main chambers.
~xx~
The two arrived at the blacksmith's in no time. They could have gotten there sooner had Adrielle offered to carry more than just the helmet. Merlin didn't object and ask her to carry more so Adrielle didn't offer. She was courteous enough to open doors and make sure he didn't fall down any stairs.
"Adrielle," Gwen said kindly as she opened the door. "And...Merlin? What are you two doing here?"
"I was hoping you could help me out," Merlin said from behind his pile of armor. "I have absolutely no idea how to put any of this on Arthur. The tournament starts in half an hour."
"Of course, come in," Gwen said as she opened the door to allow them entry. Merlin stumbled forward and dumped his armload onto Gwen's clean table. Gwen rummaged through the pieces until she found the one she was looking for.
"First you've got voiders on the arms." Gwen held up the piece she had picked out and showed it off to Merlin. He nodded before she showed him how to place it on his arm.
"Next you've got the hauberk which goes over your chest." She picked up another piece, this one much wider, and held it up to him before she placed it on his chest. "With me so far?"
"I think so. Hauberk on the chest voiders on the arms. Chest. Arms," Merlin recited to himself.
"And last but not least the helmet. I trust you know what to do with that," Gwen said with a small smile.
"Oh, I know where this one goes!" Adrielle spoke up excitedly. She bounced forward and shoved the helmet onto Merlin's head, knocking on it twice before returning to her place. Even from under the helmet's shelter, Adrielle could see Merlin kiddingly frowning at his sister.
"Thanks," he grumbled. He turned to Gwen and spoke to her next. "How is it you're so much better at this than me?"
"I am the blacksmith's daughter. I know everything there is to know about armour. Which, admittedly, is kind of sad," Gwen responded.
"No, I think it's brilliant!" Merlin gushed. Adrielle had to stifle the small eye roll that yearned to be felt. She had known her brother for years, her entire life in fact, and had never seen him act this way. It was obvious he had begun to fancy Gwen. Adrielle had to admit she did think it was pretty adorable.
"I still have no idea how to actually put it on him. I don't think Arthur would appreciate me just holding up the pieces and telling him what they were," Merlin said from under the helmet.
"We have an extra body, why don't you practice on her?" Gwen suggested while turning to Adrielle.
"What? No! That's a ridiculous idea," Adrielle protested.
"Oh, come on. The least you can do now is help out your dear brother," Merlin replied. Adrielle sighed heavily and relaxed her body
"Fine. Go ahead."
Merlin and Gwen smiled as she helped him out of the armour and set the pieces back down on the table. He picked up the voider and began to strap it onto his sister's arm. Hers was much smaller than even the smallest knights. Merlin latched it onto the smallest spot and yet it still attempted to slide off her arm. Adrielle moved and held it in place with her other arm. He picked up the next piece, the hauberk, and draped it over Adrielle's shoulders. He continued on and began to strap it around her back.
Despite Adrielle's key feminine features, her chest area was still smaller and more petite in comparison to Arthur's. Even when Merlin had strapped it on as tight as he could it still hung awkwardly over her chest. Merlin stepped back to admire his handy work.
"Last but not least," Merlin said with a cheeky grin. He picked up the helmet and plopped it onto Adrielle's head. Merlin knocked twice on the helmet causing a metallic clanging to echo through her ears. Through the ringing she could hear Gwen and Merlin snickering at her. She rolled her head back so she could see through the giant helmet's eye holes. She glared at the pair from under her visor.
"I'm sorry, but you look ridiculous," Gwen said, stifling another laugh.
"Can you please take this stuff off now?" Adrielle said with a slight whine. Merlin hesitated at the request. He would much prefer to sit back and mock how ridiculous she looked, but he supposed he should be getting to Arthur soon. Arthur would have his head if he were late. Merlin frowned slightly has he stepped forward to take the armour off Adrielle.
"Thank you," Adrielle huffed after she was free of the excess armour. "Are you going to be at the tournament, Gwen?"
"Yes. I'll be there with Lady Morgana. What about you two?"
"Well, Merlin will be there tending to Prince Arthur of course. I'll be following Gaius around in case there are any incidents. Which in fact, we should be getting down there soon. We'll be seeing you, Gwen," Adrielle said with a smile. She motioned for Merlin to follow her as she excused herself from Gwen's house. The two siblings walked in silence towards the tournament grounds. They were slowly accompanied by a growing crowd of spectators. They parted ways as Merlin went to find the dear prince's tent while Adrielle joined Gaius in the physician's tent.