Surprise! Chapter Eight! Let's see how things start to unfold with Arthur and Sasha's planning. Extra long chapter since I couldn't see to stop typing. :)
Special thanks to equine 14 for being such a loyal and encouraging follower. Thank you for your support! Enjoy the next chapter! I added a little flare near the end just for you! ;) let's see if things heat up between our feisty newcomer and the tall, handsome and ever so quiet knight.
Chapter Eight: Secret Meetings
Three days had passed since that night and after speaking with Gaius about a project the king was working on that he wanted her help with the physician had let her off duties while Arthur had assigned Merlin to help him and George to take over Merlin's duties for the time being. Shortly after breakfast Arthur would vanish and so would Sasha. At first they hadn't thought anything of it but after a few days where Arthur was distracted during council meetings and Sasha gone the knights and manservant were starting to wonder what was going on and decided on a plan. Merlin, Percival and Gwaine would follow Sasha while Leon and Elyan would follow Arthur and maybe they would figure something out. Sure enough the next morning the five friends found themselves standing outside the library and staring at the doors in surprise.
"Okay," Gwaine frowned, "Not what I was expecting." They glanced at each other and carefully snuck in past Geoffrey at his desk and crouched behind a bookcase. At the back of the east wing at a large table that was covered in books and paper were both Arthur and Sasha.
"Okay what about this?" Arthur handed her a piece of paper and she looked up from her book where she was making notes carefully on a piece of parchment next to her.
She looked up and took it. After reading it through she grinned and nodded, "A few mistakes that are easy to fix but otherwise a brilliant speech."
"Think it'll shock Merlin?" Arthur grinned and Sasha gave a wolfish smile back that usually preceded a sarcastic comment.
"What? The contents of the speech or the fact that you managed to write an entire speech without his help or him having to write it for you?" Arthur glared at her and she laughed at him while the knights glanced at each other.
"What do you think he's writing a speech for?" Elyan asked quietly while glancing at the group.
"Don't know," Gwaine frowned, "Merlin?"
"No idea," he shrugged with a frown, "they've both been keeping secrets the past few days." Suddenly they went silent as Arthur held up another piece of parchment. This one was far longer and he hesitated before handing it over.
"Look this one over, make any changes and we can review it later," he said softly.
"Oh!" She read the first paragraph and then grinned, "The treaty! I'll read it over tonight in my room and note any amendments needed on my end. Tomorrow we can review it?" She seemed a little hesitant and Arthur grinned back.
"Yes, we can review it tomorrow. I know you aren't used to it," Arthur said calmly, "but you need to get used to it." Sasha groaned and leaned back in her chair while her head hung over the back and her arms drooped at her sides. "Get over it," Arthur grinned, "Politics is part of royal life, highness!" The group of friends looked shocked and their eyes only grew larger as she glared at the king and stuck her tongue out at him while rubbing the back of her neck.
"My brain hurts," she sighed and Arthur laughed.
"Okay so my speech is done, the first draft of our treaty is complete," Arthur sighed and stretched in his chair.
"Oh, signing of the treaty? Any thoughts on time frame for that?" She asked as she cracked her neck and then her back.
Arthur nodded and paced behind his chair to stretch his legs, "I was thinking after the announcement. I know you want to keep your identity quiet until it is safe so we should wait until after everything been fixed. I was thinking maybe a month after," he asked and Sasha nodded.
"Good thinking," she smiled, "gives me a chance to contact my people and for them to send an envoy safely into Camelot. Not to mention it will give people a chance to get used to the changes, my people tend to be less than subtle," she laughed.
"Okay, so we'll set the treaty signing for a month after the big announcement," Arthur nodded. "So we'll have time to finalize the treaty then. Guess we should get to work on the rest," he frowned. "Not sure how to start," he admitted after a few long minutes of silence.
"Start with something small over the next few days," she suggested softly.
"I had thought," he handed her a page with writing scribbled over it and she looked it over.
"While it's good in theory," she said with a smile, "in reality doing something like this without anything in place would end in panic and injuries."
"I figured as much," Arthur grinned, "suggestions?"
"Before we get started," she had stiffened during Arthur's last sentence and slowly turned now to glare at the bookcase. "If you five don't get back to your duties and stop spying on us I'll make you clean out Gaius's leech tank!" The five glanced at each other and scrambled out the door so fast Arthur just about fell out of his chair laughing.
"Leech tank?" He grinned and she smirked back.
"Well I couldn't exactly threaten to use magic on them yet could I?" She chuckled. "Okay so back on topic," she sat back down and looked at all the books and pieces of parchment. "You already have an agreement with the druids that as long as they don't practice magic they're fine and under no threat. Maybe expand on that and make an alteration to the law," she stood and came around his side of the table to sit next to him. "For starters maybe change the law so that instead of magic being an automatic death sentence instead back it so that the punishment matches the crime."
"What if the magic is used for good? Like someone using healing magic?" Arthur frowned. "It's still magic so they would have to be punished according to the law."
"Fair point," she nodded, "perhaps there's a way to make the punishment gentle? Say if someone uses magic for good like healing and it can be proven during their trial than it would be pardoned?"
"Sounds good," he nodded and frowned while writing furiously. "The druids?"
"Have a meeting with the elders of the nearby camps," she said softly, "not in Camelot as that would make them wary and wouldn't be fair but also not in their camps as it would cause them concern for you to know where they were so easily." Sasha pulled out a map on which they had indicated all the nearby camps they knew of, "how about here?" She pointed to a fair sized clearing in the woods. "It's not too far from Camelot or the camps but not too close either, neutral ground." She explained, "Also might want to consider taking some of us with you. Merlin and myself for sure," Arthur nodded as she spoke. "Maybe arrange for them to be able to practice their magic in their camps and allow them into Camelot for supplies without threat of being hunted. Let them know about the changes to the law," the two spent the next two hours going over the meeting with the druids, what would be said, when it would happen, who to take. Every little detail was carefully considered before they were pleased with results.
"Okay," Arthur grinned, "I have a council meeting this afternoon so I'll announce the changes then and then to the people after. Tomorrow would you go and let the elders of each camp know I would like to meet with them in three days?"
"Sounds like a plan," she said slowly, "Can I take a knight with me? Percival has spent time among the druids and should be fairly comfortable with them while still being able help me if I need it."
"Thought you could handle yourself?" Arthur teased and watched her turn bright red, "Take him Sasha. Spend some time with him, maybe you can convince him to talk." They both chuckled at the thought of the silent knight. "For now," he smiled, "I would like you with me when I make the announcement both to my council and to the people."
"The council I accept but the one for your people it would not be appropriate. The people do not know who I am any more than your council and while we can tell your council that I've been helping you since I have so much knowledge from my journeys but the people is a different matter. I'll stand with Gaius as his apprentice for that."
Arthur nodded and grinned, "You're going to be a great leader for your people!" She blushed and grinned back at him. "Come on," he stood and then glanced back at their stuff. "I don't want anyone looking at that stuff, anything you can do?" She grinned and whispered, her eyes flashing gold and a soft shimmer later the table looked empty.
"Glamour," she grinned at him. "No one should disturb anything so long as we tell Geoffrey that the table is off limits."
The council was already sitting when they entered side by side still talking quietly.
"You're not serious?" Arthur blinked and Sasha flicked him an exasperated look.
"Of course I'm serious," she scolding calmly, "You can't just spit something like that out and hope for the best! You could get seriously injured if you try something like that," Arthur considered and nodded in understanding before looking at her while walking around the table. Everyone was staring at them but he ignored them calmly.
"So what should I say?" He sat heavily and sighed.
"My personal opinion?" He nodded and she seemed to consider before leaning down and whispering something to him. "That should go over far better," she nodded and Arthur nodded gratefully before turning his attention to the group around him.
"Alright," Arthur smiled, "I've called this council to discuss something I've been working on for some time. I've been meaning to change the laws regarding magic but was unsure how to best proceed." He held up a hand at some of the protests while Merlin glanced at Sasha who was looking like a pleased cat. "What I lacked before was information and council. Much information was destroyed during the purge and magic is illegal here on pain of death. However," Arthur continued calmly, "A recent addition to that staff provided me with much of the information I needed. Sasha," he gestured to the young woman next to Merlin, "Has travelled much and learned a great deal. She has been to kingdoms where magic is legal and welcomed. She has stayed among druids and learned their customs and she knows much about magic," Arthur spoke slowly and firmly. "WE spent several days merely talking about the places she had been and what she had seen, talking about the different laws in places where magic wasn't illegal, and about magic itself." Arthur paused and continued, "My father was a good king and a good man but he could be stubborn and blind on some things. Magic is one of those things. I have seen magic used for good with my own eyes," he smiled slightly, "and know that magic has not only saved my life but this kingdom a few times as well. I've decided to change the law. Magic will no longer be persecuted the way it has been before. We will not pay for magic users only to execute them ourselves. Magic will no longer be punishable by death but instead the punishment will suit the crime. I have outlined the new laws regarding magic," he turned, "Sasha." The young woman nodded and ignoring the looks she got for not bowing to the king handed him the stack of papers. "Sasha made a few copies so please look over them. I will also be meeting with the druids in three days to discuss the changes and to let them know that they are welcome to openly practice magic in their camps so long as it does not harm others." The council sat in silence as they read through the new laws and the changes. Merlin caught his cousin's eyes and she winked at him making him choke back a laugh. Some of Uther's most loyal followers were turning red and then purple while the first circle of the round table were nodding and looked approving. "Now I'm going to go and announce these changes to the people," Arthur stood and offered his queen his arm and she accepted with a warm, knowing smile.
"Percival," the large knight had just stood up when the pretty red-head put a hand on his arm. "May I speak with you?" She asked softly and he nodded after a moment. As she led him to a quiet corner away from the others while Arthur made his speech about the changes Percival considered what he had learned in the library earlier. The woman in front of him was of royal blood but Merlin wasn't which meant it was from her mother's side. She really was a lady or perhaps a princess given that Arthur had called her 'highness' and Percival knew that even as a knight he had little to offer a lady much less royalty. He wondered if she was going to tell him that she couldn't see him anymore. When they stopped in a quiet little alcove and were completely alone Sasha turned a little nervously to him and studied his face. "I was wondering if you would accompany me tomorrow. Arthur wants to meet with the druid elders and has asked that since I have good relations with the druids I speak to them about meeting in a clearing just inside the forest. I was hoping you would come and keep me company?" She spoke in a rush and Percival blinked as he registered what she had said. Not only was she not telling him to leave her alone but she was asking him to spend more time with her?
"You want me to accompany you my lady?" He asked slowly.
Sasha rolled her eyes and poked a finger into his chest, "Sasha! My name is Sasha," she glared at him, "And if I didn't want to spend time with you I would go by myself."
"I'm not sure I'm considered appropriate company for," he started but her growl caught him off-guard.
"Blast it all!" She snarled softly and stepped into his space, "Listen here Sir Knight! I don't care what others think or if you're considered appropriate! I don't care if you're common born or a prince! I chose my own path," she grabbed the top of the three brown buckles on his chain mail and Percival just stared in surprise at the fierce young woman in front of him. Those beautiful yet strange eyes were flashing furiously up at him. "I chose my own path," she snarled again, "And this is the path I chose!" With one smooth motion that caught the knight completely by surprise she yanked on the buckle with her left hand while her right hand moved to the back of his neck. Standing on tiptoe she pulled his head down until his lips crashed against her own. For a moment he just stood there in shock before he registered what was happening. Wrapping his right arm around her waist he pulled her closer until her toes were barely on the ground and buried his left hand in her thick red hair. Releasing his tunic she wrapped both arms around his neck and pulled him closer, deepening the kiss. They held the kiss until they ran out of breath and had to back off slightly. Leaning his forehead against hers they both just stood there, eyes closed, trying to catch their breath. Percival finally opened his eyes and stared at the young woman in his arms. Her eyes glistened with an emotion he had yet to name, her lips swollen from the kiss tilted upwards in a smile.
"I," he started but she merely pressed a fingertip to his lips and smiled warmly up at him.
"There now," she said so softly he barely heard her, "I think you understand." He nodded silently and smiled back at the young woman. "Come on," she stepped back and gave him a grin, "they'll be looking for us soon." Nodding he started to walk down the hall towards where the others waited, smiling as she linked her arm with his as they entered the throne room. The entire first circle was there and most of them were grinning while Gwaine winked at Sasha. The rest of the council and a few other knights were there as well and while some of them were smiling others looked less than impressed.
"Hey there," he chuckled and she shot him a look with an eyebrow raised.
"Spying is rude Gwaine," she said pointedly.
"Then don't do things like that in public," he shot back easily and she huffed while rolling her eyes and muttering under her breath. "What was that?" Gwaine asked innocently but she just huffed again.
"I said," Sasha sat down on the edge of the round table, "I wouldn't have to if someone wasn't being so stubborn." The knights all laughed and Percival blushed slightly while moving to stand next to the young woman, silently stating his claim to the few men in the room who hadn't taken the hint. She smiled up at him before turning her eyes to Arthur, "Percival has agreed to accompany me, and we leave at dawn." The two shared a significant look before Arthur began to address the group and give a vague outline of his plan for the druids.
"What is it?" Percival asked while lowering his head so she could whisper to him.
"Get ready once this is over," she smirked, "we leave one hour after midnight." Percival frowned in confusion and she chuckle darkly, "Arthur and I agree that there will be those who are not only not happy about the changes with regards to the laws but also the druids. Not to mention some concerns with regards to certain individuals and my interest in you. We don't want to risk being followed or attacked if we can avoid it, hence the small deception." Percival considered the plan and noticing the Lord from the feast eyeing Sasha and glaring at him decided that perhaps it was prudent planning after all. Stepping slightly closer he placed a hand on her shoulder and couldn't decide if he felt possessive or protective over his lady. His lady?Did this mean they were courting?
"Sasha?" He whispered and she hummed and looked up at him curiously, "Are we courting?"
She blinked owlishly up at him, "do you want to be?" She asked honestly and without hesitation he nodded and she smiled, "I think earlier I demonstrated my opinion just fine. So then yes," she grinned and gave his hand a squeeze, "we are courting." Percival felt a smile tugging at his lips and a lightness in his chest. Then excitement and dread at the prospect of travelling around Camelot talking to druids alone with the beautiful young woman. It really wasn't appropriate but he wasn't about to tell the feisty red-head that. He smiled on the inside at the thought of what she would say to that and felt his excitement rise. This would be a great opportunity to get to know each other better without all the knights, Merlin, the king, the queen and everyone else hovering around the all the time and Percival found he was looking forward to it.
Read and Review folks! :)
