Love for a Lionheart
Chapter 4: You Aren't Alone
"After today's meeting, I see that Skyelynn of Fell has made an excellent recovery. Also, she has learned the truth of her royalty." Uther and Arthur were sharing their midday meal after the meeting with Skye earlier that day.
"Yes, Father," said Arthur, pausing from his meal to take a drink of cider that Merlin had poured into his cup. "We will leave for Aidan tomorrow morning. It is a two day ride from Camelot. I will accompany her along with my manservant and Guinevere to attend to Lady Skye's needs."
"That is a small party with not enough protection," commented Uther. A muscle in Arthur's jaw worked as he kept silent momentarily. "I'll be able to protect them if a situation arises. Besides, we wouldn't want to take away men from Morgana's search party."
"Very well, you are right." Uther had nearly every knight of Camelot searching for the girl. He regarded his son for a moment. "Oh and Arthur, this matter is delicate."
"I knew that."
"Yes well, Aidan is a small kingdom in regards to the other ones. It is a place relatively at peace with all kingdoms, they have no alliance. Arthur, while you are there remember that you represent Camelot. Also it wouldn't hurt to…"
"Wouldn't hurt to do what," Arthur asked tentatively, not liking where this was going. Rarely was the king ever at a loss for words, except when he wanted something of Arthur.
"Be gracious to Lady Skyelynn. If she stands to inherit the throne of Aidan, be sure to remind her of where her parents resided and who took care of her this week. When the time comes, perhaps King Nicholas, cousin to the Fell family, or even Lady Skye will be willing to make a treaty with us when the time comes."
"How do you expect me to help her "remember"?" Arthur and Merlin shared a look as they waited in expectancy.
"I don't know, Arthur. Talk to her, woo her…"
"Woo her?"
Merlin was taken by surprise at Uther's words that he covered up his sharp intake of breath with a cough, earning glares from both the king and prince. "My apologies," her mumbled as he faded into the background. Arthur, woo Skye?
"Yes," said Uther, able to talk normally now that his wishes were revealed. "If we could unite Aidan and Camelot, we gain land that no king has been able to create a treaty with. It will go down in history."
"I don't believe wooing is in order, Father, but I will see what I can do." Arthur wiped his moth with a cloth and rose from the table. "I must prepare for training, come, Merlin."
"You're not really going to woo her, are you?" Once back in the privacy of Arthur's chambers, Merlin deftly helped Arthur into his chainmail and armor for practice.
"Why not," asked Arthur, smiling slightly at Merlin's tone. "Skye is a pretty enough girl, and my father is right when he says no one else has been able to get an alliance out of Aidan."
"Well, good luck with that then," said Merlin. "I know Skye, and you're not her type."
"Oh really, what is her type, Merlin," asked Arthur in a condescending tone taking a seat at his desk.
"I dunno," said Merlin, rambling and speaking quickly. "Thoughtful, intelligent, humble, think of a clotpole, like you, and you have everything she doesn't like."
"Ah I see," said Arthur with mock solemnity. "So what does that leave, someone like you?"
"Well I don't know about that," said Merlin with a quick smile as he gathered Arthur's sword and shield, "but she just won't go for a guy like you. Even if you're the prince."
"Merlin, a person's got to be an idiot if they can't see how you feel about Skye." Arthur watched as Merlin stopped his nervous tidying of things that were already tidied. "Since the moment you took Skye from the flames, wherever she is, you are."
"No, wherever you are, I am. You can't seem to do anything on your own. Believe me, sire, if it wasn't for me, you would die of starvation or something like that—"
"Merlin. It's alright."
"What?"
"The way you feel about Skye. Maybe because you are a servant and until now she has been a girl without authority, you're free to show feelings. But we're leaving tomorrow morning and when we leave, she's no longer "just Skye". She'll be Skyelynn of Fell, next in line for the throne of Aidan, and then it'll be—"
"Like you and Guinevere." It was a rare occasion when Arthur opened up like this, and Merlin was touched that he would try to relate to him.
"Something like that," responded Arthur with a fleeting smile. Standing, he hooked his sword to his belt. "We're late for practice."
"It's fine, sire," said Merlin. "I don't know how I feel about her." As much as Merlin didn't like to admit it that much was true. He wanted to be around Skye all the time, which was the truth. She was beautiful in the way she looked and the way she acted, that was the truth too. Still, only a few months ago, there was girl he thought he would never love as much who he watched die and that left him confused. Skye was here and real and he was almost forgetting Freya, but every day was a sharp reminder that Skye would leave soon too. Merlin shook his head; he needed to decide where he stood when it came to Skye.
Arthur stared at Merlin, slightly annoyed that Merlin would still deny the way he acted since Skye was around.
***/***
"Everything is packed and ready, Skye."
Skye looked away from the window and smiled at Gwen with a smile that did not reach her eyes. Below, she had been watching Merlin and Arthur prepare the horses for the journey they would leave for shortly.
"Skye?"
"Is it alright to be scared," asked Skye, gently running a finger over her dimly glowing locket. "In my mind I've been able to say that I'm able to inherit a throne, but now that the day's here, I can't say those words anymore."
"Skye," Guinevere had walked over and reached for Skye's hands. "You'll be great."
"How can you be so sure?"
"Because you never let me or any other servant do their job and make your bed. You are selfless almost to a fault. If you stay the same if and when you inherit Aidan, then that kingdom will be a lucky place to live in." Guinevere smiled at Skye, giving her hands a gentle squeeze.
"You will be a great council for Camelot," Skye responded with a smile as tears glistened in her eyes.
"If that day ever comes," said Guinevere with a laugh, releasing Skye's hands. There was a knock at the door, gaining the attention of both girls. The door opened to reveal Merlin.
"Ready to go," he asked.
"As ready as we'll ever be."
Standing by the horses, Arthur and Uther Pendragon waited for the rest of the party to return. Once seeing the king, Skye held her chin up and lifted the skirts of her dress as she walked down the stairs. Smiling she dipped into a low curtsey before Uther. "Thank you for allowing me to stay in a private chamber while I was recovering," said Skye. "I will always remember your kindness, my lord."
"I am glad that you found your destiny," said Uther with a smile. "Good luck in your journey to Aidan. May they remember Camelot."
"I will be sure that Aidan will know of Camelot's kindness."
"My lady may I help you onto your horse," asked Arthur, reaching for Skye's hand. Raising a quizzical eyebrow, Skye nodded as she accepted Arthur's offer. Throwing a look at Guinevere she remained silent as Arthur put her upon a lovely white horse.
Uther smiled briefly before heading back into the castle, not acknowledging Guinevere or Merlin.
"Don't worry Gwen, Arthur's only being nice because his father told him too," whispered Merlin.
"I had nothing to be worried about," Guinevere retorted.
"Right," said Merlin with a brief nod, leading Guinevere to the other white horse while hiding a smile. "I'll help you onto your horse."
Once everyone was settled onto their mounts, Arthur kicked the sides of his horse, beginning the journey. "Let's not waste time we have a two-day journey ahead of us; so get used to your horses!"
Skye made a face, causing Guinevere and Merlin to laugh behind her. She knew how to ride a horse, but she dreaded the idea of not being able to walk properly after a day's ride.
***/***
Day one went by without problem. The party was able to find shelter for the night at a small inn, and continued their journey early the next day.
"Can we stop?" Skye rolled her neck with a sigh. The last time they had stopped had been three hours ago for lunch. "I can't feel my legs anymore, and well, I have to go to the…I just need to stop."
"Alright, this is as good a place as any. We'll stop and camp here for the night," said Arthur, pulling his horse to a stop. Jumping down he lifted Skye offer her hose.
"Thanks," she said, standing up straight with a grimace. "Arthur, why are you being nicer than usual?"
Arthur smiled like a little boy being caught in a lie. "Is it that obvious?" He sighed. "Let me explain, since I met you, all you have done is steal my manservant from me."
Skye's brown eyes sought out Merlin, but he hadn't seemed to hear Arthur's comment.
"Skye," said Arthur, bringing her attention back. His blue eyes were alight with laughter. "I'm joking. Even though you have done that, I think you're the good sort, but that doesn't answer your question. My father told me it would be in Camelot's best interest to woo you into helping create an alliance."
"Woo me," Skye tried to keep a stern face but broke into giggles. "I'm sorry, sire, but that's ridiculous. I am not a pawn in Uther's game!"
"I know you're not, Skye," said Arthur, perplexed by Skye's reaction. "My father often makes odd requests."
Skye shook her head as her laughter died away. Pushing her hair behind her ears she touched Arthur's arm. "It's okay Arthur. Promise me that when you're king, you won't make such strange requests to your children either."
Shaking her head she walked off, smiling at Guinevere. "Good luck with that one," she said, as Guinevere cast a look at Arthur who simply shrugged his shoulders.
Later that night, the party of four sat around a fire after eating a stew that Guinevere had made. Pulling her cloak closer around her she stood and took the metal bowls and pot that had been used for the meal. "There's a stream not too far from here, I'll wash these."
"Oh, you don't have to do that," Guinevere countered, starting to rise.
"It's fine, Gwen," said Skye with a gentle laugh, tucking a strand of her long hair behind her ear. "You forget that all of my life I've been raised as the daughter of a huntsman, so I know how to do dishes. Besides, consider this a thank you for all you've done for me."
Smiling, Guinevere sat down again nodding in acknowledgement as Skye turned to go to the stream.
"It looks like we need more firewood, I'll get that," Merlin said, rising to his feet a moment after Skye left. Going to his horse he removed a wrapped item from his pack and put it in his pocket.
"Merlin, you wouldn't be going after Skye, would you?" Arthur raised an amused eyebrow.
"Well yeah, there are wild beasts out there and she can't be by herself."
"How do you plan on defending both you and her if a beast attacks?"
"Trust me," said Merlin under his breath as he walked away. "I have my ways."
Guinevere shook her head at Arthur's teasing. "You know, you don't give Merlin enough credit."
Arthur shook his head. "He's an idiot," he said stoking the fire. "But a brave one, I'll give him that." He watched Guinevere's face as she looked at her hands. "What do you think of their puppy love," he asked, waving his hand to the direction Skye and then Merlin disappeared into.
"I think they suit each other well. They're both good people, but if they want anything to grow, they're going to have to figure out how to work around Skye's new rank and position at Aidan."
"Yes," said Arthur who had moved to sit next to Guinevere. "I believe they'll find a way." His blue eyes searched Guinevere's dark ones before he leaned over to kiss her.
***/**
The sudden brightening to her pendant told Skye that she wasn't alone. She had finished the dishes quickly, and now she sat by the water, listening to the water flow to a far away place.
"Skye?" Merlin's breath caught as Skye turned to face him. The pendant and moonlight illuminated her face in an ethereal way. She looked like a princess as she grinned at him.
"Merlin," she said in a gentle tone, pulling her cloak closer to her so that he had a place to sit beside her. "Did they send you to look for me?"
"No, I came for firewood," said Merlin, putting the bundle of sticks and twigs down beside him. "And," his bright blue eyes shone with a mischievously playful glint. "I also came to give you this."
From his pocket, Merlin produced a small parcel that was modestly wrapped in plain brown cloth. "I've watched you with Gaius and you know so much about herbs and plants for medicine. I bought this in case you have free time to do herbalist work while you're in Aidan."
"Oh Merlin, you didn't have to," said Skye, accepting the gift and opening it. Lying in the brown cloth was a small sheathed dagger. The case was a plain brown, but the hilt of the dagger was engraved with designs of vines and flowers.
"You also said that you're skilled in throwing daggers, so if the situation came and—"
"Merlin." Skye smiled, cutting off Merlin's nervous fast talking. "It's beautiful, thank you." She sheathed the dagger once more and looked back at the water.
"It's a beautiful night," Merlin said softly, looking to the stars that spilled across the sky before following Skye's gaze to the water.
"It is," she agreed. "You know, there's something about a brook that soothes me. Ever since I was a little girl and when my mother was still alive we'd go down by the stream near out cottage and she'd mend our clothes while I played with dolls. It always felt so safe. Kind of like now." Skye looked at Merlin and smiled. Within her smile, a tear rolled from her eyes as she gripped the dagger tighter.
"Skye…" Merlin reached out to wipe the tear. He let his hand linger for a moment.
"This is the last time I'll see you, isn't it?" Skye laughed bitterly, wiping at her eyes furiously. "There's something about you, Lionheart, I don't know what it is. Something about you, something about the idea of not seeing you again it…" Skye shook her head and trailed off. Taking Merlin's hand she gave it a gentle squeeze. "I've known you for a week, but it's like I've known you for a lifetime."
"Don't say that," Merlin said, offering a smile as he kept Skye's hand in his. Her words shook his core. What if this was the last he saw of her once she went through the gates of Aidan? Suddenly, all his doubt from two days ago had been cast aside. It was as if he had known her forever. "We'll see each other again. Besides, you have magic as well; you'll need to learn how to use it."
"Are you offering to teach me," asked Skye, a smile quirking her lips.
"Of course, anything to keep you close by." Merlin leaned forward to rest his forehead against Skye's, their eyes meeting in a steady gaze.
"I think I'll take that offer."
At that moment, an arrow whizzed in the space between Skye and Merlin, landing in the water. Both jumped back before getting to their feet.
"Are you alright," asked Merlin, quickly looking around.
"Yes, are you," asked Skye, her heart-racing. She unsheathed her new dagger and held it by the blade, prepared to throw. A rustle came from the leaves beside Merlin.
"There!"
Merlin pushed Skye behind him as two hooded figures emerged. One of the figures had a crossbow.
"We've been waiting for this for a long time," said the hooded figure without a visible weapon. The voice belonged to a woman. "Welcome back to Aidan, Skyelynn of Fell, daughter of the Lose Heir."
"Who are you?"
The figures looked at each other before each dropped their hoods. The one with the crossbow was a young boy of 15 with dark blonde hair and an intense blue gaze. The other was a woman with chestnut brown hair and blue eyes. She was shorter than the boy who was tall and looked to be still growing.
"Skye, the woman," said Merlin, his eyes wide.
"You look like me," Skye stated in a voice barely above a whisper. She and the woman were the same height. Except where Skye was a golden tan, the woman was porcelain white with a different eye color. However, in the shape of their face and the way they raised their chins, there was no denying the similarity.
"Rather, you look like a Fell," said the woman with a smile. "I am Katherine of Fell, sister to Rodric. This," she said, indicating the boy next to her, "is Henry of Fell, my son. That would make us your aunt and cousin."
Author's Note: Ohhh the plot thickens! Skye is no longer the last of the Fell (aside from King Nicholas in Aidan)! What are Katherine and Henry doing way out here in the woods? How will Merlin and Skye make their relationship work?
As for me, I am now in the fourth series of Merlin. It's SOO good! I can't wait for my story to kind of weave into it! Currently, the story takes place just before season 3. :)
Rate, review, make me smile, please? :)
