A/N
Hello again! This chapter is a bit short, and I apologize for that!
I just wanted to say, that I won't be able to post a chapter every day, but I'll do my best!
I'm really happy you guys read my story, so thanks a lot for that!
Anyways, did anyone get the tiny reference last chapter? Silver? No? Haha, I love Pokémon too much.
On with the chapter!
Things are finally starting to happen!
Disclaimer: I do not own Merlin... :c
Chapter 4 - Never, is a long time
Aya woke up the next morning feeling refreshed. She hadn't slept that good for months! When she lived in the woods on her own, she was always on her guard. She always slept with an eye open which caused her to not sleep properly. She went out of bed and watched the sun as it lit the horizon. She watched for a while, seeing peasants in the distance making ready for the new day. As the sun rose on the sky the town people woke up. Underclass girls chatted as they walked for the well to get water for the day. Pigs squealed as they were fed by their owner. Aya sighed as she watched the life and joy of every single citizen. When she heard a small thump on the other side of the door, she walked out of her room. Gaius was standing there preparing breakfast.
"Good morning. I trust you slept well?" Gaius asked when he spotted her.
"Good morning. Yes, I don't believe I've ever slept that well" Aya said and gently smiled. He nodded and offered her breakfast. Merlin was awake too. He grabbed a slice of bread and then hurried to serve Arthur his breakfast. He knew how grumpy the king would be, if he was late. When Aya was done eating, Gaius gave her tasks to do, in her place as his assistant. She did the short once first and saved the "collecting herbs" task for last. She didn't use much time on delivering medicine, so she had plenty to walk in the woods to find herbs. She enjoyed walking under the autumn sun and feeling the cool breeze brush her skin. After a while she had collected the necessary herbs so she turned back. She walked through the lower town, but when she got closer to the castle she noticed Arthur and his knights were training.
Arthur was feeling great. He had slept well and Merlin hadn't been late this morning, so he was all refreshed. The knights felt that, as he had lots of energy for his one to one battle. After those, he ordered Merlin to put up the targets for his archers. He told Merlin to put it further away than they were used to – he wanted to challenge his archers to become greater and thereby stronger. Some were quite good. They hit the third from the middle. And some were, well – not so good. They didn't even get close to the target. When it was Leon's turn, he did the best shot. His arrow landed on the first line before the middle, just a few inches from the centre. Arthur praised him highly. Until he felt a slight whiff of air. He turned around and looked at the target. And right there, exactly in the middle on the red spot, there was a dark brown arrow with grey feathers. He turned around once again to find the archer. And there she stood with her reddish brown bow held straight in her left arm. She lowered the bow and curtseyed to her king. Arthur released a short amount of air saying a brief 'huh' in the process. She was indeed the greatest archer he had ever met. And thus an idea began to form in his head. He knew, though, that this was against every meaning of generality. Ha. As if I haven't already gone against every principal my father made, Arthur thought with a light chuckle.
When Aya had returned with the herbs for Gaius he stared at her without her noticing for a moment. He still couldn't put his finger on, where he had seen her before. When she turned to him to ask if there was anything else she could do, a knock on the door interrupted both of their intentions. Merlin walked in.
"Merlin! What a surprise! Why aren't you with Arthur?" Gaius said, as it was still day time – and Arthur never seemed to give Merlin a break.
"Oh, but I am still working," Merlin assured them. "I was told to fetch Aya" he said and looked at her. She looked pale for a moment and was about to ask him why, when Gaius beat her to it.
"What does Arthur want from Aya?"
"I don't know, I was just told to fetch her. Though I did notice that, he talked to Gwen before calling me. It must be important" Merlin answered. Aya looked even paler, but she hid her face in her usual dark cloak before the two of them noticed. She nodded slightly not showing any emotions as she went for the royal chambers.
Aya took a deep breath as she stood just outside the doors for the royal chambers. Inside she heard the queen's laughter and the king's voice. She stood there, considering if she should disappear, like she always did, or walk in there and face whatever they wanted to talk to her about. She had just decided on the first part when Merlin turned the corner, saw her and waved happily. She smiled at the pleasant fool that wore a more sincere smile than she had ever shared.
"Nervous?" he asked and smiled that foolish smile of his. She was a bit taken aback by his ability of seeing straight through her thick façade. Noticing her stunned face he chuckled slightly. He then opened the doors announcing her entry. Arthur showed no sign of disgust as she entered, which she took as a good sign.
"Come on in" he said in his royal voice – the one he used for formal events. Like execution. Aya stepped in as far as she could within the range of the door, so that she could run if necessary.
"As you know, my wife's opinion means a lot to me" Arthur started. "Without her consent I wouldn't do anything" Aya looked at the queen. She knew what a soft and kind human she was, but she also knew that she would do anything to protect those she loved from trespassers. From her.
"And that's why I was relieved, when she eagerly agreed to let you become one on my team". Aya was astonished. Had she heard wrong? Arthur saw her expression and couldn't help but let out a little laugh.
"How about it, Aya? Do you want to be a knight of Camelot?" She was speechless. Had the king of Camelot just asked her to be a part of his noble knights? She would be a knight? Her? A woman? He was indeed the most untraditional king of the Pendragon legacy. Merlin stood with a confident smile. He knew all along what Arthur was going to ask her about. He had a feeling she would react this way. Finally after a few minutes of being paralysed, Aya was able to answer.
"It would be an honour, sire" she said, still quite shocked.
"All right then, see you tomorrow at practice!" Arthur said as a matter of fact. Aya walked out of the door still not believing what had just happened. Despite her lack of belief, she was still indescribable happy.
Just behind the corner a curly haired druid had heard everything. He was stunned as well. He knew how good Aya was with weapons – especially bows and arrows – so he knew, she would fulfil her place as a knight of Camelot. He smiled to himself, knowing how utterly thrilled she must be by getting a chance to protect the people she loved. No matter how much he wanted to hold her and congratulate her, he knew he had to take his distance. After all, what he did all those years ago, she could never forget, and he feared – never forgive.
