My Ghost Named Merlin
Chapter 11: Dressage
"You're holding the reigns too tight Miss Pendragon. You need to loosen up," comments Merlin as he watches Morgana trying to trot in a neatl fashion on Aithusa.
Morgana loosens her grip on the reigns and tries to relax, willing Aithusa to continue trotting, lifting her legs high and landing back on the soft grass of the field.
"That's right Miss Pendragon, now one more lap."
She performs one more lap in a circle and then ends elegantly. She gets off the Aithusa and leads her to Merlin who is walking up to them.
"Wonderful ending Miss Pendragon, I do believe endings are one of your strengths but you still seem too nervous and forceful on Aithusa."
Morgana looks at her ghost-friend, his cobalt eyes seem to fill with enthusiasm when they train. "Well at least I'm doing something right," she grins as she enters the stables and begins taking the gear off Aithusa.
"You are doing very well considering that this is a paddock and not a proper sand filled arena you are training on," Merlin reassures her with a small smile.
They hear a familiar pickup car engine chortle its way down the property's infinite driveway. Morgana finishes Aithusa off and with Merlin heads outside to see Arthur opening the passenger door to let Gwen out. It was actually quite sweet to see Arthur's more sensitive side. Gwen hurries off to meet with Morgana in a bone crushing which she returns, but not so enthusiastically. Arthur trails behind at a more leisurely pace.
When the two girls finally break apart Morgana asks, "What's got you so excited Gwen?"
Gwen looks like she's burst from excitement. "I've entered you into the junior dressage competition at the Annual Summer Fair!" she exclaims.
Morgana's eyes widen, she is stunned. Gwen looks at her in that concerned and worried face that makes you feel like you just kicked a puppy.
"Aren't you excited?"
Morgana quickly shakes her head, "Do you really think I'm good enough to enter a competition in this place's biggest event?"
Morgana quickly glances at Arthur and Merlin. Arthur looks like he knows how she feels. In fact when he and Gwen went to the office he tried persuading Gwen not too. Merlin on the other hand looks excited as Gwen.
"You'll be fine Morgana. I mean I'll be here to train and help you. Here I even got the CD with the moves and steps Aithusa and yourself have to perform with the music," she smiles ad she rummages through her handbag for the CD.
Morgana thinks otherwise. Gwen doesn't realise that ever since she and Arthur started dating that she hasn't hung out with Morgana as often as she use too.
"Don't be worry Morgana," Gwen senses her unease, "I mean you only have another month here before the beginning of uni and I'm pretty sure you want to do something worthwhile and exciting right?"
A month? Morgana realises that she really does have a month until the end of summer vacation before she heads back to London, before she leaves Aithusa whom she'll need to find a groomer which Merlin would probably volunteer if he could. A month until Morgana leaves Merlin.
Morgana gathers her resolve and puts on a determined face, "Yes, let's give it our best shot."
Gwen cheers, Arthur her not so annoying brother smiles, whilst Merlin grins, his cheekbones looking extra prominent.
Morgana spends the next week training rigorously. Whether if Gwen was there or not. She knows Gwen feels a little guilty for not being there sometimes but she has the shop to manage too. But at least Merlin was always there for her. Being a ghost he doesn't even need to sleep and all but he can when he wants too.
Merlin however, cautions her time not overtrain so she doesn't injure Aithusa or herself. But the horse seems to have other ideas and appears to be overly energetic lately and looks like she enjoys the extra attention given to her.
One day whilst Morgana was practising on the grassy plain, trying to get Aithusa to get a clean transition from one leg yield to another she sees a new shiny pickup car driving down the driveway. Morgana tries to complete the manoeuvre, which was proving to be a little difficult since Aithusa was so full of energy and Morgana was a little unbalanced on the spongy grass (Merlin said it wasn't a proper arena to practise on) but gives up eventually. She opts to ride out to find out who is the visitor with Merlin quickly whooshing his way with them.
Morgana watches the driver park the car in the end of the driveway and open their door to get out. The person turns out to be Alvarr, than guy from Mercia Stables.
"Hey Morgana," he calls out when he spots her on a horse.
She gets off Aithusa and walks towards Alvarr leading the mare with her. "Hi Alvarr, how are you?" she greets.
"I'm pretty fine," he smiles in what she could only describe as dazzling. It proves to be a little infectious too.
She returns the smile, "That's nice. May I ask why you're here though? My father isn't at home. He should be at your stables at the moment."
Alvarr laughs, "That he is. Actually I just came back from the Leondegrance shop and overheard Gwen and Arthur talking about you riding a horse and entering the dressage competition at the fair. Is it true?"
Morgana nods, "Sure is."
"And I'll assume that fine mare you're holding is the horse you are entering with."
"Correct." Morgana isn't sure where Alvarr is trying to go with this conversation.
Alvarr moves to pet Aithusa who doesn't seem to mind the new person. But then again she is practically a wild horse that ended up following her home and doesn't care for anything but apples.
"What's her name?" he asks.
"Aithusa."
"Strange name."
"I think it's rather a lovely name," Morgana quickly retorts.
"Sorry. I meant no offense. It's just unusual that's all."
"Ok, apology accepted. So why are you here again Alvarr?"
Alvarr turns his head from Aithusa to look at Morgana clearly. "I was wondering if you wanted to train for your competition at the Mercia Stables since you don't have a proper arena here?" he offers.
Morgana is a bit surprised at the offer. It was too good to be true. But she really needed practise on a proper field. She looks at Merlin who gives her a shrug as if trying to tell her to do whatever she feels like.
"Actually I love to Alvarr," she smiles widely, "When can I come over?"
"Tomorrow, I can bring the trailer to take Aithusa over. You can watch Nero being trained too if you like."
She had totally forgotten about Nero, the Black Stallion that her father had invested in with Cenred.
"No problem. I shall see you tomorrow then."
"Cool, I'll meet you and the horse here at eight in the morning?"
"Sure I'll see you then."
Alvarr and gets into his car, says his goodbyes and drives off.
Morgana and merlin are waiting in front of the stable with Aithusa and all her gear at the ungodly hour of eight in the morning. It used to be that at least for Morgana, but ever since she started training with Aithusa she somehow did manage to wake up at the crack of dawn. Merlin, on the other hand had not trouble at all. Not because he was ghost but it used to be his routine he never really got out of it.
"Do you think he'll come?" asks Merlin.
"Of course, why wouldn't he?"
"I think he's a …." Merlin thinks for a moment, his hand scratching his chin, "I believe the word is a jerk these days?"
Morgana does a wonderful impression of raising an eyebrow like Merlin, "Why do you think that?" she asks curiously.
"I just got a funny feeling. And I know from firsthand experience to trust your instincts."
Morgana looks at him oddly before replying, "Well he was a bit pushy at first. I mean talk about personal space. But it is really nice of him to offer his riding arena for me to practise on."
It was then that Morgana and Merlin sees Alvarr's shiny pickupcar and horse trailer coming towards them. Alvarr comes to greet them (well Morgana and Aithusa only since Merlin is invisible) and helps convince Aithusa to get into the trailer with carrots and apples. She responds to the apples quickly and is easily bribed to get in.
The drive to Mercia Stables wasn't a long one, in time that is. But Merlin just has funny feelings from Alvarr, he laughs and smiles too much. He keeps on switching radio stations until he finds a song that he and Morgana can sing too and Merlin even though he may like the song too is treated to some bad karaoke. Merlin just decided that he wasn't in a good mood and not left out. Or so he told himself.
Training on the sand helped Morgana and Aithusa a lot. They were able the get a feel for the ground and the arena was the exact size that would be judged in the competition.
Much to Merlin's glee (even though he felt the most minute feeling of pity) Alvarr wasn't very good a dressage trainer, he was too impatient. Merlin consequently helped Morgana as much as he could. But now being in an area full of people moving between yards, stables and paddocks it was much harder. Luckily, Gwen and Arthur came often to assist Morgana in her training.
Even though Alvarr wasn't a very good trainer, he always found some time to come over and bring a drink or snack for Morgana and Aithusa, asking how it was going and complimenting her. Morgana realised soon enough that he wasn't a jerk and maybe Merlin's gut feeling might be wrong.
Overall her skill in the manoeuvres since coming to Mercia Stables has improved vastly.
"Do you think I'm ready Gwen?" Morgana asks nervously
"You'll be fine, just remember to have fun," Gwen replied in a motherly manner and then straigtens the braid. "Well now that's done, I'll leave that the on you on your own to relax. I'll meet you downstairs in the living room." Gwen finishes and leaves the room.
Merlin snickers and Morgana quickly sends an annoyed glance at him. Merlin feigns disgrace by putting his hand on his chest. "Miss Pendragon, please have some faith in yourself. I could only have so much faith in this airy fairy body of mind."
"But Merlin, I've been riding for two and a half months. What happens if I screw up?" she whines.
"We can say that you've tried your best and we will be really proud of you nonetheless. But I highly doubt. Anyway look at yourself in the mirror. You make a fine rider."
Morgana looks at her herself in the mirror and indeed she looked like a proper dressage rider, like those in the Olympics. She was wearing an emerald green vest, jet black tail coat, white jodphurs and shiny black riding boots. Morgana was so thankful for Gwen in assisting with the clothes and braiding Morgana's hair into one thick braid with matching green ribbons woven into. Morgana smiles a little.
"See Miss Pendragon nothing to worry, and now let us got meet up with the others."
The Festival was in full swing by the time they arrived. Fair rides with screaming teens, kids trying to win toys (or parents doing it for them), local produced displayed amongst other things. Morgana lead her Aithusa to the temporary stable to be kept safe there so she could hang out with Gwen, Arthur and Merlin (secretly) at the festival. It was all simply good fun except the part where she had to keep her attire as clean as possible.
Soon Morgana had to prepare for the competition and left the others to fetch Aithusa. She gave Aithusa a quick brush up before leaving to see the others at the viewing stands.
"Good luck Morgana," said Arthur.
"You go girl," from Gwen.
She grabs the pair of them in a massive hug.
"Good luck Morgana," she hears a deeper voice behind her which turned out to be Uther who for this entire time did not mention her 'rebellious-ness'. Now instead instead he wishes her luck in which Morgana hugs her father furiously.
"Good luck Morgana." She turns around and sees Alvarr flashing her a dazzling smile.
"Thanks Alvarr," she returns the smile.
"Aren't I going to get a hug too?" he gives her a pleading look in which Morgana relents and gives him one too.
She finally heads back to the stables. Afterward she goes back to collects Aithusa and waits for her turn.
When she is finally called Morgana gets on her horse and begins to exit the pen.
"Good luck Miss Pendragon," says Merlin.
Morgana looks at him and gives him a small nod and enters the arena.
Merlin whooshes to where the others are watching from. As Morgana begins the routine Merlin analyzes it carefully,proud that she is doing so well. He is calculating the points she has gains and loses too. But someone talking beside him is distracting him and his hears snippets of their conversation.
"You have beautiful eyes Enmyria."
"Umm thank you cutie," this Enmyria girl boldly replies.
"Hey do you want to come to the dance with me tonight?"
"Sure."
"Cool I'll meet you at eight under the ferris wheel?"
"No problems meet you then."
By that stage Merlin was sure he heard something like that before and realised it was Alvarr flirting with some buxom blonde girl and asking her on a date. Merlin ignores it quickly since it's wasn't worth his time and concentrated on Morgana finishing her routine.
Her ending was perfect and the judges gave her an 8.7, through highest score. She was definitely in the finals tomorrow.
Morgana comes around after putting Aithusa back in the stables and Gwen leaps at her.
"See I told you you'll be fine. You've made it to the finals!" she cheers.
"I know, can you believe it?" Morgana is astonished herself.
"Well I'm proud of you," congratulates Uther.
The Alvarr comes in joins and leads Morgana a little out of the way but still within range that Merlin doesn't get dragged along and says something to her that has Morgana grinning happily. Something that felt like he should've been eavesdropping in horror the as a perfect gentleman did not .
It was when they returned back to the Camelot stables that Merlin was able go finally congratulate Morgana for making it into the finals.
"Thanks Merlin," her smile is warm and bright as she closes the door for Aithusa's pen. "I was kind of wondering when you'll say that."
"Just when people aren't around so you won't look crazy Miss Pendragon," he jokes.
"Yeah about that, in an hour Alvarr is going to take me to the dance and I was thinking that I should leave your neckerchief here so we could get some privacy, you know. I hope that's alright with you Merlin."
Merlin frowns, not because he was being left behind but he was pretty sure the other girl Enmyria said yes to Alvarr too.
"What's wrong Merlin?"
"I don't think it's a good idea Miss Pendragon."
"Why?" she is surprised at his refusal.
Merlin repeats what he heard between Alvarr and the blonde and added, "And also you need to sleep well for the finals tomorrow."
Now it's Morgana's turn to frown. "How do I know this is not a way you are trying to keep me from dating Alvarr Merlin?"
Merlin is shocked and offended that she even considers that. "Excuse me Miss Pendragon I am just trying to look for your well being," he curtly replies.
Morgana narrows her eyes at him, "I think you're jealous Merlin. You have always disliked Alvarr." Before Merlin could reply she adds, "I think you might actually like me now. It's always the way isn't it. You want what you can't have. But I gave you a chance at the apple grove but you threw it away."
"Now that is preposterous Miss Pendragon. I think you should reconsider," Merlin growls a little.
"Well whatever you think I'm going anyway," she replies darkly and turns on her heel to exit the stables. She reaches the large doors and takes off the neckerchief on her wrist and chucks it on the floor before closing the door.
Merlin doesn't feel the tug when she gets out of range. He looks at the neckerchief and sees he can't move anywhere tonight.
Author's Note
Who thinks this is a little rushed? Because I feel that it's not fulfilling? You guys hate me don't you? Hopefully next update should make it all up. And thank you for all the lovely reviews; it makes my exam time more bearable (if you haven't noticed I tend to update more during exams T_T, not good for me but good for you). The poll on some still up on my profile too :)