Sorry about the wait, I have been working and packing to leave for college, and starting collage. I hope you all like this next chapter! Please review! Now I am going to start to follow the cannon (sort of). Mary Collins' son was executed the day before Merlin arrived.

Disclaimer- Me no own Merlin! :'(

Crowning and Crones

Previously:

"And what would that be?"

"Please, call me Merlin."

"Well Merlin I hope you keep your word." Turning, Uther returned to his throne.

Arthur was gobsmacked his father, King Uther, who just yesterday executed a man for sorcery, was going to let Merlin live! He felt like he could fly.

Uther's voice cut through Arthur's internal pleasure. "What has been spoken today must never be revealed. Merlin your courters will be next to Arthur's just incase. But be warned I will not spare you if someone comes to me with enough evidence."

Merlin smiled, and looked Uther in the eyes. "I understand, you are generous."

Just then the door opened and Gaius cam in carrying a small wooden box. "You asked for me? However I don't know what you would need these for."

"Gaius this must stay a secret, and only known to the four of us." Pointing to Merlin. "This is Emrys, and she has promised to bind herself to Arthur."

Gaius's eyes grew large as his head snapped to look at Merlin. "She is Emrys?!"

"Yes Gaius she is. Please place the bands on her."

"If it is your will Uther, then I shall." He walked over Merlin and bowed to her. "My Lady, it is an honor to meet you."

Merlin smiled softly at Gaius. "Please call me Merlin, and thank you it is an honor to meet you as well."

Gaius placed the golden bands around Merlin's wrists, then stepped back. Merlin turned to face Arthur. She smiled and took Arthur's hands. "I Merlin Emrys, do bind myself to Arthur Pendragon and shall never do magic to harm him or his kingdom for as long as he wishes. I place my life in his hands as he does mine, so shall it be past death and into our future lives." A gloden light encompased Arthur and Merlin's hands.

"It has been done. But Arthur I do warn you if you try to use this power for anything other than the good of this kingdom, or for the good of all people, this bond will break, and we both shall die." Her eyes shown with sincerity and acceptance.

Arthur looked straight into her eyes. "Don't worry Merlin I will never do that." She smiled. "I know you won't."

Uther cleared his throat bringing attention back onto himself. "Well tonight is the banquet, I will introduce you then. But for now you too will need to get ready. Arthur take her to Morgana and tell her what is going on."

"Of course Father." Turning he took Merlins arm in his, with a smile. "Come Merlin I will show you around."

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Morgana heard a knock on her door. Turning she walked over and opened the door. In front of her was Arthur, and a girl that was stunning. A teasing smile formed on her face.

"Arthur how did you convince this poor girl too be with you or more than three seconds?" Arthur ignored the gibe and walked into Morgana's room.

"Morgana this is Merlin, her kingdom was destroyed and has come here for sanctuary. Merlin this is Morgana, she is my father's ward." Merlin stepped forward, and curtsied.

"It is a pleasure to meet you Lady Morgana, King Uther was hopeful that you would help me get ready for the banquet this evening."

"Oh you don't have to call me Lady, Merlin. And I would love to help you. This will be so much fun! Finally another girl to talk to! Arthur leave you have to go get ready too."

She quickly ushered Arthur back through the door, and turned to Merlin. "Wow he really like you doesn't he." Merlin blushed brightly.

"What are you talking about. We only just met. Anyway I don't think he would like me in any way."

Morgana just laughed. "So you like him too. I must warn you though, he has a horrible personality. Also he is horrid to his servants, just yesterday he made his man servant run around carrying a target and threw knives at the poor boy." Merlin's face held a frown.

"Well that will have to change, I won't allow him to make himself look like more of an ass than he already has." Morgana smiled, she had a feeling that Merlin was going to a great new friend.

"Well enough about Arthur. Lets get you ready for this banquet. Although it is quiet sickening, we celebrate the killing of thousands of people. It doesn't seem right."

"I understand, in my kingdom magic was a gift. We al loved it, my father was a great warlock."

"What is a warlock?" Morgana had never heard the phrase before.

"A warlock is someone who was born with magic. They tend to be more powerful that an average sorcerer. I miss them so terribly."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bring up bad memories. But I must ask if you had magic in your kingdom how did you make sure no one did bad things with it?"

"Magic is just like a sword, it isn't evil only the person who wields it. Each person's magic has a specific signature, so you can find out who it is by there magical signature."

Morgana stared at Merlin. "I wish Uther knew this then maybe everyone could live how they wished."

"I'm not sure it would make much of a difference. All we can hope for is Arthur will not be as blind as Uther."

Another smirk made its way onto Morgana's face. "Well if he marries you then we won't have any problems in that department." Merlin blushed deeply. "Which dress?"

Merlin turned to Morgana she was holding up a blue dress, and a red one. She smiled and the girls began to get ready for the feast.

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The hall was full of nobles and knights. Dancing, drinking, and talking. Arthur stood talking with his knights. More like just stood, he was too busy looking for Merlin to pay attention to what was being said.

"...ur ...thur ….Arthur!" Arthur was brought out of his thoughts by a hand roughly shaking him. "Arthur are you okay? Oh, I know what it is your waiting for Morgana to come down aren't you?"

Arthur blushed at this. She's like my sister why would I want to be with her?

"No, I'm waiting for someone else." The moment he said this he wish he hadn't. All the knights started to ask questions all at once. Thankfully they stopped when the doors opened and Morgana walked in most of the knights had there eye on Morgana, hoping to win her favor. Arthur quickly walked over to her.

"Morgana where's Merlin?" He really wanted to see her.

Morgana just smiled at him. "Fear not, she will be here shortly. I wanted all the attention on her!"

Just then the doors opened to reveal the girl in question. Her dark hair was down and flowing around her. Braided in were threads of gold and a small tiara sat on her head. Her dress was made of a deep blue velvet, and made her eyes pop. Her skin contrasted beautifully with the dress.

"God have mercy." Arthur walked forward and took Merlin's hand kissing it lightly. "You look amazing Merlin."

Merlin smiled and curtsied. "Thank you Arthur. You look very nice as well."

Just then the horns blew, and every one went to there seats as Uther walked in. "We have prospered for 20 years with out the fear of Magic. It has given many people including myself many pleasures. Now before I introduce our entertainment for tonight, we have a very special guest. As many of you have noticed Arthur is accompanied by our guest. She is Princess Merlin. Her country was attacked and mostly destroyed. She has come here to seek sanctuary, until her kingdom is restored. We welcome her with open arms. Now may I introduce Lady Helen of Mora!"

The crowd clapped, and chatted excitedly as the musicians began to play. As Lady Helen began to sing Merlin was immediately worried. She was singing words of magic. Merlin covered her ears, as Arthur and others began to fall asleep in there chairs.

The candles all went out, and cobwebs began to grow on everything. Merlin could only stare in shock at Lady Helen. As Lady Helen grew closer to the Royal table Merlin saw that she was fixated on Arthur. Merlin frantically looked around trying to find something that would stop the witch. She noticed that while Lady Helen had walked forward, she now stood under the chandelier. Merlin's instinctive magic took hold, and she cut the rope keeping the chandelier up dropping it onto Lady Helen.

As the music stopped, every one began to wake up. Uther, Arthur and Merlin all stood up to look at Lady Helen. However it was not the Lady Helen. Uther recognized her as the woman who's son he had executed the day before. The old woman looked up and picked up the fallen knife. She threw it at Arthur with all of her strength.

Merlin reacted out of instinct she grabbed Arthur and pulled him as hard as she could. They toppled to the ground. Everyone stared at the old woman until she fell to the ground dead.

Arthur had gotten to his feet and was in the process of helping Merlin up, when Uther came over to them.

He looked stunned. "Thank you for saving my boys life."

Merlin looked at the ground blushing. "It was nothing Your Majesty."

"Don't be so modest. You must be rewarded." Uther smiled and took Merlin by the shoulders. "You my dear, have a kings favor. If there is anything you need I shall help you with it."

The crowd stood in awe before clapping loudly. Arthur and Merlin just stood in shock. Merlin glances at Arthur and leaned over to whisper to him. "Your father does remember that I have magic right?" Arthur just shrugged his shoulders and grabbing Merlin's hand and lead her out of the hall.

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Merlin sat in her room, still in a slight shock at the events of the night. A knock came at the door. She sat up straight.

"Come in." The door opened and Gaius stepped in. "Hello Gaius. I'm surprised, what brings you here?"

"Well my dear girl, two things. I came to check if you were all right?"

Merlin smiled at the old man. "Yes I am fine. Thank you for coming to check on me."

Gaius nodded his head. "Second, I have something for you. It was passed down to me from my master, and from his master. I hope you find use for it."

Merlin took the present. It was wrapped in red cloth that looked very old. She uncovered a book, and opened it. She smiled as she read the ancient words and spells. She looked up at Gaius, and hugged him.

"Thank you friend. I will treasure it always." Just as she broke away a knock came at the door. "Come in."

This time Uther walked in. Merlin curtsied. "Hello Your Majesty. Is everything alright?"

Uther stood looking between Merlin and Gaius. "Yes, but I wish to speak with you alone."

Gaius bowed to Uther and left the room. Uther immediately turned to Merlin. "Merlin I do have rules about your reward."

Merlin smiled. "Your Majesty, I have no wish to use your kings favor. If I do, it will be only because Arthur's life, or this kingdom is in danger. I will not squander your kindness on myself." Uther's face smoothed out.

"Thank you. I will continue to rely on you for my son's safety from your kind." With that Uther turned around and left.

Merlin smiled at the closed door. She was beginning to truly understand how far Uther would go for his son.

She changed and got into bed. She blew out the candle on her nightstand, and went to sleep.