Episode 4:The Poisoned Chalice
Merylin sat off to the side of the training watching Arthur and Leon torture the poor knights in training. Laughter escaped as Arthur made things a little harder for one knight in particular. The one knight, who had covered her in bruises from her first time in the stocks, had been recieving his comeupance for nearly every training session since that day nearly four months ago. Arthur heard her laugh and a small smile appeared on his face. The flame that had developed between the two was still burning. Making her way back to the castle, she was nearly run over by a carriage. Its banner held the image of a royal, but she couldn't tell which one.
"Merylin!" yelled Gaius from the window above her, causing her to look up, "Come on, you need to start your chores."
Ugh...Chores. The one (many) thing(s) she was trying to avoid. Waving her hand upward, she made her way into the castle. Opening Arthur's door, with basket in tow, she gathered his laundry before making her way to the laundry room.
"Hello, Magdaline, could you wash these for me? I have other chores I need to attend to." The woman nodded. "Thanks."
Merylin switched dirty with clean and made her way to the banquet hall. She and some others were to set the tables. Once done, she went on her way to return the basket to Magdaline.
"OMPFH!" Merylin had collided with something. That something was another servant. "I am so sorry. My mind is everywhere."
"Its alright," the other said, "I'm Cara."
"I'm Merylin," she started to pick up the scattered objects, "Let me help you."
"Thank you. I'll see you around?"
"Yeah."
Merylin pulls the ceremonial clothes out of Arthur's closet. Wringing them out of their folded postition, a scent catches in her nose.
"Were these ever washed?" she cringed.
"Sometime last year, before the Feast of Beltane," he guessed.
"Did it end in a food fight?"
"Don't all feast."
"You forget this is my first feast in the year I have been here. Every feast previous, I was working in the town for Gaius."
"Well after tonight, they won't be."
"I'm going?"
"Not quite. You'll be there to make sure my cup doesn't run dry. If I have to sit through Bayard's boring speeches, I don't see why you should get out of it. Be sure to polish the buttons. " He threw a coat at her. "Do you want to see what you'll be wearing tonight?"
"This won't do?"
She wore a blue working gown with a brown loose corset and her red neckerchief. Her hair wound tightly into a top-knot. Her necklace from Morgana laid hidden from sight.
"No. Tonight you'll be wearing the official ceremonial robes of the servants of Camelot."
"But those are for the males," she said, looking at the clothes.
Arthur only grinned at her discomfort.
Merylin stood off to the side in the itchy trousers and tunic, occasionally shifting her neck to different angles to balance the weight on her head, and squaring her shoulders to support the weight of the unnessassary cloak.
'If we were not together,' she thought, 'i would surely rip off your-'
"Nice hat," Gwen said, tearing her from he thoughts.
"Thanks," she replied, sheepishly.
Merylin started to fidget in the stupid outfit. The thing was itchy and hot and so unfitting for a simple country girl. She met Cara's eyes as she ripped the hat off her head, making her loose bun fall free.
"She's pretty, isn't she?" Gwen chuckled.
"Yes. If you will excuse me, I am going to remove at least a million layers to relieve myself of the heat."
Gwen waved her off and she exited the room.
Meylin stood just outside the Great Hall, stripping down to her trousers and tunic. Sighing, she took her dagger from inside her boot and sliced off the sleeves.
"Merylin!" Merylin nearly stabbed herself with the blade.
"Oh, Cara, its just you."
"I'm sorry to have startled you, but I had to tell someone."
"What?"
"The Chalices, the ones being offered as gifts, I saw them do something with the one that Arthur's going to receive. I don't know what, but they might have laced it with poison."
Nodding thanks, Merylin dropped her dagger back into her boot-sheath and ran back into the Hall. The servants were already distributing the gifts. Her eyes stopped on the goblet given to Arthur, already filled half way with liquid.
"Stop!" she yelled, removing the goblet from Arthur's reach.
"Merylin, what are you doing?"
"I was informed that your goblet is infused with poison. I'm trying to save your life," she explained.
"Uther, I assure you I have no intention of harming your son," said the visiting King whose name escapes her.
"Baynard," that's his name, "If she drinks it and no harm comes to her, she will be yours to deal with."
"Merylin, dont," started Arthur.
"No, Arthur, I'm a servant. It is my job."
Merylin raised the goblet slowly to her lips. She felt the liquid flow through her lips, over her tongue, and down her throat. The goblet was empty.
"Its fine..." Uther began to wave his hand, but a thud made him stop. Merylin laid on the cold, tile floor. The goblet rolling from her hand, spilling any liquid she left behind. "Seize him!" Uther ordered.
Arthur rushed to Merylin's side holding himself over her head. He saw her chest rise and fall quick. Sighing, he announced she was alive to Gaius before picking her up and carrying her to Gaius's chamber. Gwen grabbed the goblet, per Gaius order, and followed.
After setting her on the cot, he dabbed her head with the wet towel Gwen provided him with. He blocked out the conversation the two behind him were having. Battling with himself, Arthur held Merylin's hand and held it against his lips. Sure, they were as hot as the sun, but they reminded him that she was still alive.
"You were willing to die for me," he whispered, "Why?"
"Arthur," started Gwen, "We found out what's killing her, and we need your help if we're going to save her."
The Morteus Flower, it has the ability to magnify any spell or potion it is used with. Someone placed a petal on the rim to magnify the poison, intending to kill Arthur. The only way to reverse the effects would be to make a counter-poison with the same flower. Sadly, it only grew in dark caves in the middle of the forest. Arthur volunteered to go, and left to prepare before anyone could stop him.
According to Gwen, Merylin had been seen with a serving girl, but no one had seen her since. After hearing her description, Gaius feared not only for Merylin but Arthur. For now, they were dealing with a High Priestess.
"Arthur," a voice came from his doorway.
"Morgana, I'm sorry I cannot stay and talk. I'm leaving as soon as possible," Arthur explained as he packed his bag.
"Uther would never let you go and risk your life for a servant." He nodded solemly. "Which is why I'm going with you."
"Father wouldn't allow it."
"He already did. As soon as I am ready, you will be accompaning me as my escort to my father's grave. But we both know what you will really be doing."
As the bell rang for midday, Arthur and Morgana set out for the forest.
"So why do you care so much for Merylin?" Morgana asked.
"I have no idea what you mean," he sniffed.
"Come off it, Arthur. Over the past year, I have seen you two sneak glances at each other and some alone time in dark alcoves. Ever since she moved into the servant's quarter next to yours, she's hardly seen outside if it is not an errand or serving you. And you," she emphasied, "You are hardly seen out of the palace without her. I've walked into your room to find you two in front of the fireplace in each others arms, depending on who had the worse day, I presume. Face it, I've discovered yout little secret."
Letting out a huff, Arthur slowed his horse.
"You have to keep it a secret. With what happened at the feast, he might accuse her of witchcraft and kill her." But he knows for a fact, these feelings are real.
Mimicing a lock on her lips, Morgana trew her hand behind her.
A scream broke the two from any thought they were having. The two horses galloped toward the sound. A young girl was being attack by a strang creature. Arthur went to fight the creature as Morgana went to help the girl. The beast was easily defeated as the girl led Morgana to a cave nearby.
"Arthur," Morgana yelled,"Whatever your looking for is in here. I'll get it, you keep watch."
Back in Camelot, Gwen sat by Merylin's side replacing the towel on her head every so often.
"She's getting hotter," Gwen yelled to Gaius, who stood on the balcony. She ran the cloth down her throat, and she noticed something. "When did you say the rash would appear?"
"In about two days time, why?" he questioned.
"Because it is on her shoulder and neck." She heard a book slam and feet run down stairs.
"That can't be right. This should not be happening." He brushed hair out of his niece's face. "Arthur, you really need to hurry." Gwen asked why? "Because if it is like this she will not see tomorrow."
"You get it?" Arthur asked as Morgana exited the cave. She held a white, five petal flower in front of his nose.
"Yeah," she looked around, "Where's the girl?"
"Ran off when you entered the cave. Who knows? She may have ran back to her family."
"Come on," Arthur started mounting the horse, "Merylin might not have much time."
Hooves pounded against the cobblestone courtyard. Uther stood on the steps of the castle.
"Welcome back," he said, "Hope the journey did not tire you."
"No, but thank you for asking Uther," she smiled, dismounting her horse, "If you will excuse me, the day was hot. I would like a wash. Where is Gwen?"
"Still with Gaius. They still think they can save that servant. I ask why they would bother?"
"Father, Merylin is Gaius's niece. I imagine," Arthur started, "that he is feeling what you felt when mother was passing."
Morgana excused herself to Gaius's chambers, flower in hand. She practically knocked down the door and handed the flower to Gaius.
"How is she?"
"Morgana, you got here in time. If you didn't, she would not be here tomorrow," Gwen explained.
The room was silent has the flower was ground behind them, par the heavy breathing from Merylin. What would they do without her? Things have gone so well in Camelot since she arrived. For one, she's saved Arthur multiple times. For two, she put a smile on the saddest of people. Gwen dabbed her forehead with more cold water.
"What do you think the world would be like with out someone like her?" asked Gwen.
"Well, Arthur would be dead." Gwen chuckled. "If Arthur is alive without her, I do not think he would be as happy as we see him."
"What do you mean?"
"Gwen, they're together. Why do you think Arthur was so frantic to save her life? He loves her."
The door opened, and Arthur stepped in before Gwen could respond.
"How is she?" he asked, rushing to Merylin's side. Morgana gave Gwen a 'you see?' look.
"She will be better in a couple of minutes," responded Gaius, "Lift her up. Potion's ready."
Arthur basically cradled her as Gaius poured the potion down her throat. Everyone held their breath, waiting for something to happen.
"She's not breathing," Arthur hushed. Everyone hung their heads and shed a few tears, but none shed more than Arthur. From this, anyone could tell he loved the girl. Silence hung as the prince rocked the witch's body back and forth.
"Can you not do that?" A voice groaned. "And could you get your shirt cleaned? It smells."
"Its good to know you still keep your humor," Arthur laughed through tears. Her face started gaining back its color right before his eyes. With a chuckle, he kissed the girl he thought he lost. Is this what his father felt when his mother died? Sadness, emptiness? He didn't dwell on that question right now. He remained connected to the young witch wrapped by his arms.
"Let's give them some time," they heard Gaius say before footsteps left the room. All the trio heard was a slight squeal and a door close. "I suggest no one try to visit me for a while."
Morgana and Gwen sat in Morgana's chambers getting ready for dinner.
"How did we not notice it?" Morgana asked, suddenly.
"What do you mean?" Gwen supplied.
"Arthur and Merylin. They were obviously like two rabbits in heat those times we did not see them. How could we not see that they've been together for, what, nearly a year now?"
"Now, that you say it, I'm surprised Uther hasn't noticed. He's usually up and about Arthur's business."
The King's ward shrugged and finished getting ready.
"Do you think I should get him?"
"No...Let him be with his princess."
"Are you sure you're okay?" Arthur asked, in the moments after, wrapped in the thin shift on Merylin's bed.
"Yeah," she replied with a sigh, "Why?"
"Well, you did just die and come back. What with our latest activity, I thought..."
Merylin laughed.
"Don't worry, Arthur, I'll be fine. You, on the other hand, will not be." He looked confused. "Your father..."
It was quite an amusing sight to see him scramble from her bed and put his clothes on. He kissed her on the forehead and made his way out of the room. Merylin wrapped herself tighter and, with a smile on her face, moved to get dressed and sleep properly.
The next day found Merylin sitting on Arthur's desk as said prince changed behind the curtain.
"I don't see why you bother changing back there," Merylin said, loudly, "Its not like I haven't seen it."
"Shush! Do you want people to over hear you?" He peeked from behind.
"Arthur, first three weeks, I helped you get dress." He mouthed 'Oh.' "Besides, you had more muscle, less fat back then."
"Excuse you," he stepped into sight, making his way infront of her, "but I seem to recall, you enjoying this so-called fat last night."
His mouth attached itself to her neck causing her head to tilt. Hands roamed each other. One pair going up her work gown, the other making their way up his shirt. Arthur pulled away admiring his handy work.
"If you excuse me, I have breakfast to attend to. You have something to attend to, as well, and we both know that's not chores or work for Gaius." He said, making his way out the door.
Merylin sat there, huffing and puffing, biting her lip, and pulling her hair from its loose ponytail to cover her mark.
"Tease."
Just to make this clear:They did not do the nasty...These two are playing the waiting game in the category.
