13th Challenge: Compose a letter from one character to another.

A/N: This is Merlin's first letter home after having arrived in Camelot. Beta'ed by sarajm.


Dear Mother:

Well, I've arrived in Camelot and what an exciting week I've had.

First of all, the castle is HUGE and it took me forever to find Gaius' chambers. Once I finally arrived at his rooms, he was confused as to what day it was so he had no idea who I was. But don't worry, I think I made a good first impression!

Though I don't really know him well, Gaius seems very kind. I've got my own room, and from the window I can see out over the Lower Town. I've been busy helping Gaius with his work as the Court Physician (no, I'm not making any potions or draughts – I'm just the delivery boy at the moment). I think I'm going to really like learning everything that Gaius can teach me.

The other big news is … I've now been made the personal manservant to Prince Arthur. I know … me! Mind you, he is just about the biggest prat I've ever met, and I honestly don't think I'm going to enjoy this new job one bit, but I've got no choice. A few days ago, Lady Helen of Mora was in Camelot to perform at a dinner hosted by the King. Only, it turned out the singer wasn't really Lady Helen; rather, she was a witch with a vendetta against the King (when I arrived at Camelot, the witch's son was being executed for practicing sorcery – what a "Welcome to Camelot" that was).

Anyway, the witch had enchanted the inhabitants of the Castle with her singing but was killed when the chandelier suddenly fell on her. But just before she died, she threw a knife straight at Prince Arthur's heart and I just happened to be nearby and shoved the Prince out of way and saved his life. The King decided to reward me by making me the Prince's manservant. Some reward!

Anyway, I'm settling in here, though I miss you very much.

Got to go, Mother. Apparently Arthur needs me right away (though it's probably for nothing more than finding his socks … he seems to lose them regularly). Take care and I'll write again soon.

Your loving son,

Merlin