FOR THE LOVE OF EALDOR
Okay so I battled with myself as to whether or not I wanted to bring the fantastic 4 into this story, I was orignally kinda hesitant for fear of these characters overwhelming my Uther, Hunith Pairing, but now that I have written them in, I'm kinda glad I did, and hope you will be too*smiles*
"Apologies in advance for any grammatical errors/mistake and typo's thanks again*enjoy!*
CHAPTER 4
Morgana Guinevere, Merlin and Arthur, arrived in Ealdor as expected by special guest invitation, they had been cordially Invited to attend the Harvest Celebrations as specials honoured guests by Ealdor's official Council, for their part in helping the humble village and it's people, rid bandits and thieves from their homes and Lands. All four companions were deeply honoured to have been considered for such a auspicious honour and to be apart of such a wonderful celebration, and of cause were more than happy to attend. Merlin had asked Ealdor's Council if at all possible, not to mention their attending the celebration as he had wished to keep his arrival a surprise for his mother on the day, and of cause the council members were more then happy to comply.
Both Morgana and Guinevere spent their afternoon settling into their Lodgings and laid out what garments they would be wearing for that evenings festivities; once having decided what dresses they would be wearing they then settled into a much-needed rest before the festivities that evening.
Merlin and Arthur however made their way across to the stables' to settle they're horses and to also have the blacksmith attend them" as both their steeds had thrown a shoe and would need re-shoeing at Blacksmith's earliest convenience.
Merlin had stood with his back faced opposite to Arthur beaming from ear to ear and gazing into the main-street of Ealdor. He had been so excited at having been able to come home for the Harvest celebrations but most of all to see his Mother, whom he knew, she would be so pleasantly surprised to see him, as it had been a little while, since last they visited. More than pleased Merlin had felt such a sense of pride & honour that they had all been able to make the journey' and attend these celebrations together.
Arthur had stood by his horse, holding it's reigns as the blacksmith tended to it's shoe, he now turned Slightly, reiterating his question to Merlin over his shoulder saying….
"Merlin" are you are you listening?"...
Merlin had stood daydreaming as he could vaguely hear his friend muttering something to him in the background, but was then shaken from his thoughts as Arthur repeated the question to him, saying...
"MERLIN"... did you hear what I just said?"...
Stirred from his thoughts, Merlin then responded, saying…
"Sorry", Pardon me? …
Arthur of cause now rolling his eyes, then repeated the question yet again…
"MERLIN!"…You nimbkumpoop!" are you listening to anything I'm saying?" I said, did you remember to pack my brown leather vest and black leather pants?"
In his response Merlin breathe a sigh of frustration saying…
"Yessssss of cause I did!" he groaned…
But then was taken aback at what he had suddenly saw next" and couldn't quite believe his own eyes" rubbing them' to make sure he wasn't seeing things," as he watched the finest of steed's trot straight pass him and sitting on it's back looked like none other then his "KING"…
"Oh my God! "Arthur, you are so not going to believe' who's just rode into Ealdor… now repeating the question over his shoulder to Arthur...
"Arthur of cause not paying Merlin any mind then snapped at him saying...
MERLIN" for goodness sakes will you just "SHUT UP!" can't you see I'm busy here!" he groaned"…
"Arthur, My God" You are so not going to believe whom I've just seen!"…Merlin now laughing to himself as he continued to say...
"Honestly, your so" gonna think I making this up!"…
Merlin of cause, feeling a little smirk crease the corners of his mouth, he then continued to goad Arthur...
"Well come on then three guesses Arthur?...guess who?,
Arthur was too distracted with the blacksmith and turned saying...
"Shut up Merlin!"
Merlin now turned around to Arthur, and said…
"Don't you want to know who I just saw ride into town?
Arthur turned looking at Merlin saying…
"Not particularly Merlin"…
Merlin now chuckling to himself then said…
Well' I think you might wanna know who this person is!" and it looks like he's making his way across to the Inn as well.
Arthur now walking up to Merlin came to stand along side Merlin, wiping his hands on an old rag as he turned and looked at him, saying…
Now" what was it' you were jabbering on about Merlin?" and why is it so damn bloody important for me to know who this person is' that your so obviously distracted by"
Merlin grinning a dopey looking smile then said…
"YOUR FATHER!" Arthur that's who's here!"…
Arthur laughed at Merlin saying…
"Have you been at the cider again Merlin?" now why on earth would my father be here in Ealdor!, You obviously must have imagined it Merlin!" for goodness sakes' Why" would my Father be trotting around this neck of the woods, when you know as well as I', that he left for the Northern boarders a little over a week ago, on urgent business might I add"…
Arthur now chuckled to himself saying…
"My God" Merlin you really are a bloody nimbkumpoop!" aren't YOU!"
Well then I must be imaging him climbing down off of his horse Sir Duke this very minute and handing his reigns over to that stable boy while he makes his way into the Inn then?", the very Inn where you're suppose to be staying!...
Merlin's hand now directed Arthur's sight towards the Inn, showing Arthur his imaginatory figure that he had spoken of"…the penny now dropping as Arthur then said with his mouth a gape'
"WHAT THE HELL" is he doing here in EALDOR!...
Arthur now feeling more like abit of a nimbkumpoop himself" then said…
"Well…You had better quickly grab our saddle bags" Merlin"… looks as if we've got ourselves into a bit of a spot!" seems we may have a little explaining to do" or rather my Father has a bit of explaining to do as well.
Entering the Inn' Arthur saw his father standing at the counter talking to old Garvy'the Innkeeper, poor Garvey had found himself in a bit of bind" as he was about to explained to Uther that he let; all his rooms' and that he had nothing left. But Arthur anticipating Garvy's dilemma then interupted the two men saying...
"It's fine Garvy, I can share a room with this gentlemen, if of cause he has no objections!" to sharing!
Uther now turned around to decline the offer" and to thank whoever the kind stranger was that would make such a kind gesture to offer to share his lodgings but then was instantly taken aback to see his Son' looking back at him" Smiling, Uther was quite at a loss for words" and looked if not anything a little embarrassed as if he'd been caught with his hand in a cookie jar", but then finally uttered the words, as he leaned forward" in a hushed whispered voice to Arthur…"Just follow my lead' and winked at Arthur, while gripping his arm" saying…
Aah..Arthur, my lad' how are you?..then in quite a dramatic voice then continued to say...
It is "I"…"Sir William of Deirah", both Arthur & Merlin stared a look of disbelief at their King, now feeling more than a little confused, but played along with their KING, even though Arthur had thought his father's acting prowess was slightly over-dramatic" and for want of a better word, Needed more then a little work, as he grinned a smile and stammered saying…
"Aah…Yes..Yes of course Sir William"... as Arthur quickly stepped forward now, still slightly confused as he now gripped his fathers forearm, or should I say, Sir William's" forearm saying"…
You look well, aah'..Sir William" how have you been?…of cause Uther answered saying'…
"Yes,…I am indeed' very well Arthur, very well indeed, thankyou for asking…
Arthur now looking at Garvy" then said that it would be absolutely fine for Sir William to share my lodgings. Garvy smiling at Arthur than said thankyou milord" I shall see to his bags and belongings and have them sent to your room.
Still somewhat confused Merlin looking at both his King and his Prince" and had had to wonder if his King had maybe bumped his head and gotten amnesia" as he had never seen Uther look or seemed more relaxed or even act in such a casual manner.
Under hushed voices, Uther now looking between the two young men' then said…
"Arthur, What on earth are you & your manservant Merlin, both doing here?...
Arthur now staring a look of disbelief at his Father then said…
Your a fine one to talk, what about yourself, what on earth are you doing here…"SIR WILLIAM?"
It was then that old Garvy, asked the gentlemen to please sit and allow him to bring them all something to drink while he had the maid send more fresh clean linen and towels to their lodgings.
Arthur then was about to put money on the counter, but Garvy waved him off saying your money here sire is not required" smiling Garvy then motioned for them to take their seats and advised he would bring fresh tankards of mead for all three of them shortly.
Merlin now looking at Arthur was about to excuse himself" but then was shocked as Uther bid Merlin to come take a seat with them" grinning Merlin eagerly took a seat next to Arthur" all the while Arthur arched a brow at Merlin as he could now clearly see his manservant looked more then chuffed with himself.
Seated across from his father, Arthur then began to say"…and before you ask" you had better know that Morgana and Guinevere' her maid are also here with us too." Uther never said a word he just stared a look at Arthur & his manservant and then started to say'…
I did not ask you to explain as to who was here with you" but what I would like to know is why you're here in Ealdor!
Arthur and Merlin now looking at one another then responded hesitantly' Arthur then said..
Well seeing as you've asked" I suppose now's most likely as good a time as any...and Uther listened, as Arthur started to explain further.
Well, surely father it can't have slipped your mind that Ealdor is actually Merlin's home, You do realise that Merlin is from here; Ealdor?... He was born & raised, not more than half a mile or two away.
Uther now looking at Merlin" then said"…
"Yes of cause I remember, and I remember well the plight of your People, Merlin, and of cause how they have suffered.
Merlin now looking quite shocked & surprised that Uther even knew his name, let alone even acknowledging him so openly, as he smiled slightly and listened to Uther continue saying…
I…I wish I had of done more for your humble village; for both you, Merlin' and your Mother, but I cannot begin to tell you how well pleased I am to see that your village has faired well indeed."
Arthur now looking at his father also feeling somewhat surprised at his father having openly acknowledged his Manservant, but casually shrugged it off saying…
Aah...Yes, speaking of which; there was another little matter I wanted to clear up as well, being that we are talking about the time of Ealdor's plight, I only feel it my duty to inform you that, WE, meaning Morgana, Merlin, Gwen and Myself, came to Ealdor to help aid against the attacks and help Merlin and his people.
Uther now cracking a broad smile, then found himself saying to his son…
I half expected you to say something like that" Arthur, Since when have you or Morgana have ever listened to anything I have ever said to you both.
Sat with wide grins on their faces, they turned to quickly see Garvy arrive with their drinks' emptying his tray he advised the gentleman that their lodgings were ready whenever they required them" and smiled a nod as he walked back to attend to some of his other waiting patrons.
Arthur and Merlin now staring intently at Uther as he waited for his father' to share his explanation as to why he was in Ealdor" but was instantly spurred as he watched Uther standing' about to take his leave to make his way upstairs to their shared lodgings" Arthur was then moved to say…
"So You are not going to share with me, your reason for being in Ealdor, or am I to assume that you do not want me to know why you are even here at ALL? and what of your urgent business in the Northern Boarders, I am not to hear how you faired there at least "Sir William?" he smirked
Uther now looking back at the two quizzical faces staring back at him then said"…
Minor details Arthur, can it not keep till later? It's just that I have somewhere I need to be in the next hour or so,...so can we both meet later?
Uther now smiling broadly at both the young lads, knew that he was being impossible" and of cause would be more than happy to explain his actions, but for now" he knew he was running out of time and of cause he had to bath before this evenings festivities," naturally, feeling somewhat like a young teenage lad about to embark on his very first date" as the most ferocious nerves" now gripped him", right in the very pit of his belly, but not even his ferocious nerves could contain his excitement at being able to spend more time with the most beautiful gracious noblest of hearted woman, Mistress Hunith, which he had now come to realise that she had some how captured his heart."
Arthur and Merlin sat baffled and somewhat struck with confusion at the quiet demeanour and calm persona of their KING" for he seemed to be a very different man from that of a King who ruled one of the most powerful kingdoms in all of Albion. Arthur had to wonder if his father had been set upon by an enchantment of some kind' for he seemed to be so unlike himself"…
Looking at Merlin' Arthur than said' …
"Did you see that?...Now am I dreaming or is my father acting like he isn't in his right mind?"…Merlin' do you think he may have been enchanted?"…
Merlin than looking at Arthur then said'…
"Oh Yes I think he is very enchanted" and I've actually seen that look before" now grinning a look at Arthur"
Arthur of cause not quite comprehending Merlin's meaning, then said…
What!... "What Look?"...
Merlin' shaking his head and smirking at Arthur then said' with a bit of a chuckle'….
"The look of "LOVE" Arthur, "LOVE"...
Yup," there ain't no two ways about it", Your father is definitely enchanted, but not in the Magical sense, I'd say he's met someone.
Arthur now looking at Merlin" then said…
So who died' and made you an expert on all matters of the heart', MERLIN?"
Merlin grinning a smiles at Arthur than said…
"Look I can't be entirely sure, but I've seen things, I know how powerful love is, even if you think I haven't experienced it. I know that to love someone, leaves you breathless, your pulses race nine to the dozen and you feel like you can conquer the World! And all for the love of that special someone.
Arthur now looking at Merlin with such astonishment as quizzical sneer now graced his handsome features, as he than started to say…
Alright, alright, enough' already, "God how is it, Merlin, that you of all people should know so much about what it's like to love a WOMAN! especially for someone who looks like he hasn't even held ones hand, let alone Kiss one!
So come on Merlin how is that you should know so much about what it's like to be in love?"
Merlin, smirking a grin at Arthur than said…
"I read a Book"...
Arthur now groaning a look at his friend, rolled his eyes saying...…
"You know you really are a complete idiot' aren't you Merlin?" quickly sending Merlin away to check on their Horses.
Arthur sat pondering his thoughts and now realising he would need to talk to his father ALONE, and very soon by the looks of things.
Hunith had made all the necessary preparation for her attire that evening all she had to do was her hair and get changed. She had not wanted to ponder her thoughts too much on the looming festivities, what had she been thinking to so boldly invite the King of Camelot to the harvest celebrations that evening. Hunith began to feel a little more then anxious about the approaching evening, of which a steady flow of butterflies now catered to the additional nerves that she was already feeling.
Hunith for the better part, now knew that she had landed herself in a somewhat precarious situation where by she would no doubt be scrutinized not only by the King of Camelot but also by all of that of Ealdor's towns People.
Oh well it was too late to worry about such frivolous matters now" as she still had much to do before the King arrived" or rather, she giggled to herself, "Sir William" would soon arrive to collect her for the celebrations.
Arthur watched his father closely, as Uther dashed about the room readying himself for the evenings festivities and of cause Arthur, rolled his eyes as his father now studied his reflection in the Mirror, he was somewhat intrigued at the noticeable change in his father's demeanour & of cause the sudden interest at trying to take up humming which of cause was now becoming more than a little annoying not to mention sounded OUT OF TUNE!"
It had plagued Arthur to no end, at what Merlin had said earlier, could Merlin be correct in his assumptions of his father, could their possibly be a "WOMAN, involved, to have altered a somewhat change in his father's manner. Whatever the reason, Arthur had every intention of finding out exactly what! or rather whom, exactly this person was, as he now found himself putting the question to his father…
Father it hasn't escaped me to notice that You seem to be in quite a chipper mood, would you possibly like to share with me as to why you are so…so…and before he could answer, his father then said with a grin on his face…
CHEERFUL?"... Arthur now looking at his Father, then said
"Oh is that what they call it these days, he grinned, but then quietly listened as his father then said…
Arthur look, now you know as well as I do that it is not polite to ask a gentleman about his personal affairs, but if you really must know, Yes I do seem to be displaying a somewhat cheerful disposition this evening, but believe me when I tell you that you have no cause for alarm" your Father is not enchanted nor has he been set upon", if that's what your concern is?
Arthur now looking at his Father was somewhat relieved to hear that!" or that his father had not been enchanted, or otherwise, but still pressed the issue further' saying…
"Sire, please forgive me for still pressing but…why then with all the humming and meticulous way in which you are readying yourself this evening?
Uther now laughing at his son' as he gently clasped Arthur across the shoulder, as he then began to give his son, his hearty explanation…
Arthur surely I have not sheltered you that much" that you are not able to recognize when another gentleman is trying to make an impression, to the opposite sex, Arthur, quite possibly a WOMAN"
Arthur now stared at his father a little disbelieving, the thought of him, his KING, his father!" trying to woo a Woman, sent shivers of discomfort up his spine as he then found himself saying...
Eewoh, Please father when you say it like that!"…eewoh it just soundz so wrong on so many levels, "PLEASE!"
Uther of cause just looked at his son and laughed"
'Arthur of cause stared a look of embarrassment and shook his head at his father as he then started to say…
"So am I correct then in assuming that you are going out, on a date?...
Uther laughing at his Son" grinned saying…
Aah…Something like that, "Yes, but if you must know I was invited this evening to the Harvest Celebration by a very charming and very beautiful woman of whom, if I am correct is most likely waiting for me to collect and escort her to this evening festivities as we speak, so if you do not mind, "Son, I'd had better be on my way…
…and with that, Uther left his son standing open mouthed staring after him as he made his way out the door.
Arthur watched his father leave still a little dazed but somewhat relieved that it hadn't been all bad" it was only a woman after all, but then Arthur started to think to himself…
"BLOODY HELL! How the hell, does Merlin do it! "Why is it" that I always feel like the last one to find out about anything!"
Arthur and Merlin had readied themselves that evening and now found themselves standing outside Morgana and Guinevere's room." Arthur quickly doing a last sweep over himself as he quickly attempted to straighten the collar of his shirt" but then was quite unceremoniously irked by Merlin saying"…
For goodness sakes Arthur you look fine!, just hurry up and damn well knock would you!
Arthur now stared a warning look at Merlin saying…
"MERLIN!"
Yes Arthur?" and before Arthur could answer" Merlin repeated"… SHUT UP!...
Arthur now nodded at him whilst grinning a smirk said…YES".
Arthur briskly knocked on the door, and as always Guinevere graciously answered smiling as she held the door open." Arthur beamed profusely at Guinevere as he drank in her beauty, she looked so beautiful in her dress, it looked "NEW" As Arthur knew it was definitely not one that he had ever seen her ware before" the dress was perfectly form fitting" and very elegant" & of a summery cream colour with a matching cream corset that had an embroidered pattern design of red, pink, Yellow roses on it, matched with a beautiful shawl' emblazed with the same design as on her corset". Noticing for the first time that he had never seen Guinevere bare armed before' and had so itched to just run his fingertips along her beautiful skin that look so silky smooth to the touch. Yes Arthur definitely loved Gwen's new dress" as it enveloped her beautiful form fitting waist and also supported her voluptuous breast that of cause looked so much fuller in her dress and corset as it seemed to be tapered to accentuate & reveal so much more of Guinevere's delicate assets that Arthur took pleasure in noticing,"and of cause Arthur, had also noticed that MERLIN had also noticed too, as he now elbowed him hard in the ribs, and poor Merlin now yelping at the sudden pain as he rubbed his side profusely saying...
Ouch! what the hell was that for?"
Arthur with furrowed brows, glared at him through gritted teeth saying...
YOU!" bloody well know what that was for" EYES OFF!" Merlin, or else I will have you mucking out the stables everyday for a month, do I make myself CLEAR MERLIN?..he smirked.
Guinevere, of cause totally oblivious to the dynamics between the two friends smiled as she greeted them, now bidding them welcome into the room.
With one last glare at Merlin, Arthur now quickly stepped forward impulsively reaching for Guinevere's tiny hand as he gently lifted it ever so lightly to his lips placing a soft gentle kiss to the top of it, saying…
'Guinevere, might I say' how exceptionally beautiful you look this evening...
Guinevere blushed immensely at Arthur's compliment but more so that Merlin had bared witness to the young prince's sweet & somewhat charming declaration, as she softly smiled at him.
Arthur now knew that he may have been staring a little longer at her than he should have been, as Guinevere was shyly blushing. Breaking the awkward but brief moment Gwen now greeted both the young lads as she bid them welcome into the room
"Please…Sire, Merlin, would you both please take a seat & I'll just see if Morgana's ready, as she quickly scuttled away to find her mistress, Arthur all the while staring after the most gorgeous of creatures he had ever beheld.
Mean while Merlin had found himself now grinning a smile at both the Young Lovers interaction" and beamed an even bigger smile at his friend, as Arthur now looked back across at his goofy manservant" saying…
SHUT UP!" Merlin!"
Morgana and Guinevere both now appeared in front of both the young lads with their shawl's now draped around their shoulders as they both waited for both the young gentlemen to escort them to the celebrations that were due to start in an hour or two.
Uther had arrived at Hunith's, dismounting his steed he briskly walked up to Hunith's door and smiling to himself and quickly righting his clothing, knocked vigorously" as he waited. As the door opened" Uther was greeted by the most enchanting" and beautiful of woman" he had ever beheld.
"Quite literally at a loss for words Uther had almost felt that he had swallowed his tongue loosing the ability to speak as he gently lifted Hunith's hand to his lips, gently placing a kiss to the top of it, as he then found himself saying…
"There simply are no words' dear Lady for you are" exceptionally"…Uther now tried to find the right words pausing slightly, quickly swallowing the lump in his throat as he then said…
"Forgive me Madam…"You are quite breath takingly beautiful this evening'.
Uther now taking in every detail of Hunith's quiet presence and beauty, she exuded such warmth and grace which Uther found to be more enchanting aside from her natural beauty the detail of her dress" of a deep rich royal blue that matched the colour of her eyes" and the complexion of her skin" her long hair fell long in twirling ringlets and part of it swept back from her face' and braided across the top" and lightly accentuated and scented with beautiful flowers threaded and sprinkle throughout her hair of yellow, blue and orange wild flowers that gave off such a wonderful aroma.
Hunith now beaming a broad smile greeted Uther warmly as she then said please…
Please my "milord' would you please come in?"
Uther smiling then said" thankyou madam… as he stepped inside.
Taking in his surroundings Uther loved the quiet warmth of the little cottage and thought that Hunith's home was very homely indeed.
Reaching for a small bottle on her hutch dresser and two goblets, Hunith now turned to Uther motioning to him to take a seat while she pour two drinks for them both saying…
"Milord", may I tempt you?" and offer you something a little more hearty to drink?' she smiled
"Nodding his head' Uther smiled at her he then said, I would indeed be delighted madam thankyou".
Pouring two small goblets of port cherry for herself and Uther, Hunith then quickly turned passing one of the goblets to Uther, saying…
A Toast Milord" she smiled, as Uther now quickly stepped forward taking his gobet of Port and politely smiled as he thanked her for her kind gesture
Hunith now holding up her globlet to Uthers, she then said…
To the "HARVEST CELEBRATION" and smiling at Hunith, Uther then lifted his globlet to hers saying…and of cause it's People…"TO EALDOR" madam', now smiling back at Uther, they both now clinked their globlets together.
AN: As always love to hear your thoughts feedback and please review if you can, and I hope you enjoyed this chapter!*smiles*