AN: Okay, I hope this isn't too rushed. Please tell me if you think it's not clear enough. Thank you! Owl Watcher
Chapter 4
Carnation POV
Carnation was in the courtyard enjoying the warm summer breeze when Arthur approached her. She smiled and nodded at him.
"Greetings, Arthur," she said amiably. "It's a fine day, is it not?"
"Indeed," Arthur said a little too happily.
Carnation saw that his back was stiff with anger, and his eyes contradicted the joy in his voice. His fists clenched and unclenched, and he wouldn't stand still, constantly shifting from one foot to the other.
"I did not intend to offend you," she said quietly.
Arthur jumped. "What? Who said you offended me?"
Carnation smiled. "No one had to tell me. I can see for myself."
Arthur looked confused, but Carnation swept on before he could deny it.
"I meant no disrespect to you or your father," she said. "Please accept my apology and let us move on."
The prince nodded slowly. "Alright. But will you please tell me why you did not bow?"
Carnation hesitated. "Are you sure you would like to know? You will not like the answer."
"You don't know that," Arthur said.
"Yes, I do," Carnation said.
"I want to know," Arthur insisted.
Carnation looked down. "Very well. I did not bow because I do not bow to anyone unless I truly believe they deserve it."
Arthur was silent for a moment. "You do not respect my father."
"I cannot deny it," Carnation said quietly.
"But-why?" Arthur asked.
Carnation shook her head. "He is not a good man. He has much blood on hands. Too much blood."
Arthur sighed. "I know that he has killed many people. But they practiced magic, so they were evil."
"Perhaps the magic you have seen is evil," Carnation said. "But not all magic is so. I have seen magic do good at the hands of many."
Arthur peered at her suspiciously. "Really?"
Carnation saw his look and shook her head. "I do not live here. My views are bound to be different from yours, especially if I have seen many good people use magic to serve and protect others."
Arthur shook his head. "No. Magic is evil. It is used to kill. It could not be good."
Carnation smiled. "You carry a sword. Is that not used to kill?"
Arthur was startled. "Yes."
"Magic is like a sword," Carnation said. "You do not always choose whether or not to wield it, but if you do, you must choose how you use it. It can be used to kill and destroy. Or, it can be used to serve and protect. Most magic you have seen is wielded by angry magicians who have chosen to use their gifts for evil intent."
Arthur shook his head. "I do not wish to argue with you, Carnation, so I will drop the matter. I want to be friends, despite our different views."
Carnation smiled. "I agree. I have a feeling that you and I will get along very well. Now, I need to find Mara. Good day, Arthur."
Merlin POV
Merlin was sharpening Arthur's sword in his bedroom, feeling extremely bored. He peeked out his door. Gaius was out shopping for herbs, and Mara was with Gwen. He was sure that Carnation was out in the courtyard, and he couldn't think of anyone else who would come to see him. He closed the door and opened his spell book. He flipped through it, trying to find something to entertain himself with.
The door suddenly burst open. Merlin jumped and threw his spell book under his pillow.
"Carrie!" he exclaimed. "Ever heard of knocking?"
Carnation looked embarrassed as well as worried. "I'm sorry, Merlin. But do you know where Mara is? I cannot find her anywhere."
"Oh, yeah," Merlin said. "She's with my friend Gwen. She lives close by the castle. I can take you there if you'd like."
Carnation shook her head. "No. That's okay. I was just a little worried about her, is all. I've been a bit paranoid, ever since the forest."
She looked at him curiously. "Are you okay? You seemed frightened when I first came in."
"Huh?" Merlin said. "Oh, no. You just surprised me."
Carnation did not say anything. She just nodded and left the room, closing the door behind her.
Merlin sighed. She knew he was lying. He had seen how observant she was. But how much did she know? Did she know that he had magic? He picked up Arthur's sword and began sharpening again, this time no longer feeling bored.
Carnation POV
Carnation dug through the pile of rags sitting in the corner pf Gaius' chambers. Finally, she found what she was looking for: the dress she had worn the day she had been rescued in the forest. She patted it desperately, relieved when she felt the lump inside one of the pouches.
Carnation pulled out the vials from the ragged dress. Inside was a misty brown liquid that looked a lot like mud. She popped the cork off and took a tiny sip. She grimaced as it went down her throat. A shuddered passed through her entire body. She looked at her hands. The affects were already taking place. Her nails became blunt, and the small scales that were starting to grow on her hands and arms shed off. Carnation quickly swept them up and threw them in the pile of rags. No one would find them now.
AN: Not one of the best chapters I've written. I wasn't exactly prepared for this one. Please review and tell me what you thought.