Merlin
Episode 4.09: Lancelot du Lac Rewrite
Merlin du Lac
Chapter 2: Reunion
The fire cackled in the hearth, illuminating the dark hovel with its dim orange light. Merlin sat near the flames, a towel covering his bare back, his eyes watching the flames. Morgana stood a couple of feet behind him, lost in her thoughts. Agravaine, on the other hand, was hiding behind one of the countless shelves that housed poisonous vials.
Morgana looked at the lanky man in front of her. It was true that at one point, she did harbor feelings for the manservant, but after he had tried to murder her… whatever feelings she had evaporated, leaving only an empty hatred for the man.
I have trapped a valuable soul.
A powerful gift…
And no matter what angle Morgana observed Merlin, she could not see how he would be valuable. Or powerful. So what did Morgause mean? What did the Dochraid mean? How was she supposed to defeat the now heavily guarded kingdom with an incompetent servant, the worst of the five kingdoms?
She moved forwards, her robes scraping against the floor and creating a soft rustle for Merlin to turn around. "My lady," he greeted her. Morgana felt her blood boil.
"What, pray tell, am I supposed to do with you?" she asked exasperated with a hint of anger mingled in.
Merlin bowed his head respectfully. "I'm yours to command, milady. Your slave and servant." Maybe in a different time, Morgana would have been flattered to hear those words. Now, however, she wanted to command the betrayer to go kill himself. A hundred times. Not that that would help with destroying Camelot.
"You're an incompetent servant, incapable of even holding a sword properly," Morgana started slowly but gaining speed as she went on. "And even if you did improve from the time I left, I doubt you're strong enough to take on Arthur. You're loved by all like a brother, so you'd be no help whatsoever in destroying Gwen. You possess no magic so you're useless against the sorceress. What the hell are you good for?! Polishing boots!?" Morgana was screaming.
Merlin looked at her as if she struck him, a pained expression on his face. "I'm sorry, milady. I can try and improve my sword skills?" he offered, hoping to placate the witch.
"No! You're useless. Good for nothing! And my sister traveled in dreams to hand you to me!" Morgana was now stomping across the small hovel. Agravaine cowered in the corner, already sensing another temper tantrum from his niece.
Merlin looked around confused. "I'm yours to command, milady. If it is the destruction of Camelot you desire, I shall see to it that it is done."
"HOW?" Morgana screamed, her eyes flashing gold once again as her anger pushed the startled servant. The wave of magic lifted the Merlin into the air and threw him against the dirt wall. Merlin fell unconscious to the floor at the feet of the now panting witch. "Aaargh!" She yelled as she punched the air. She looked around the hovel, surprised to see her uncle still standing at the corner and watching the scene, amused.
Morgana collected herself as she walked coolly up to the noble. "Do you find this amusing, Agravaine?"
Agravaine shook his head instantly. "No, milady."
Morgana smiled, cruelly. "Good. Then find a way to make that useless pile there somewhat useful." Morgana turned around, ready to leave.
"I think he's not completely useless, milady." Agravaine said, prompting her to turn back around. "Arthur is strangely fond of the boy… He trusts him so much that even an unlikely situation where Merlin comes back from the dead would not taint his trust…" Agravaine's voice trailed off just as Morgana's smile got larger.
"Seems you can think, Agravaine." Morgana turned around to face the limp shell of the servant. "But how to infiltrate him into the kingdom…"
Agravaine stepped forward, leaning in so that his mouth tallied with her ear. "Arthur is leaving on a hunting trip tomorrow…"
Morgana smiled. It seemed that Merlin was indeed valuable.
The morning bells rang, waking the sleeping King. Arthur opened his eyes, shocked to see a blurry silhouette standing in front of him - a swirl of brown, blue and red.
Merlin? Arthur thought as he tried to sit up. He blinked, focusing on the man before him. Instead, he was greeted by an unfamiliar face, waiting patiently at the foot of his bed, his hands locked behind him submissively.
Arthur's eyes narrowed slightly. "Who are you?" The only people that usually entered his chambers after Merlin's death were Gwen, the knights, and Gaius.
The man lifted his chin proudly. "I am your new manservant, sire. I have polished your armor, sharpened your sword, and selected your clothes." Arthur's new manservant tilted his head slightly as if he was evaluating the atmosphere around him. "There is a slight chill in the air today, sir, therefore I chose warmer clothes – especially since I know you will be heading out for the hunting trip today. And now, if you would allow me, I would like to serve you breakfast."
Arthur stared wide eyed at the overly-polite man before – this man was the most perfect manservant any King would adore. Arthur's eyes followed the man to the breakfast table –
Wait.
What was that? Was that the breakfast table?
The table that would normally have a single tray containing a half-filled bowl of plain porridge and a glass of tea was now flooded with numerous bowls of assorted fruits, cheese, and bread. It was a breakfast fit for a King. Arthur turned back to the man, who was now propping him up with the pillows.
"What's your name," Arthur asked, his voice prominently displaying the surprise he felt.
"George, sire, at your service." George unfolded a napkin and placed it on Arthur's chest. Yep, this man was definitely a bootlicker.
"George, listen George." Arthur started, only being interrupted by the busy servant who was now adding an extra pillow behind his head. "This is all very impressive." George smiled proudly, accepting the compliment.
"Very impressive, indeed. But I did have a manservant." Arthur shook his head at the memories. George handed him a goblet, not really paying much attention to anything Arthur said. "All right, he was shabby looking, and he had appalling manners and, until a couple of days ago, I thought he spent most of his time in the tavern. Until I found out that the tavern was code for 'saving Camelot behind my back'."
George handed Arthur a plate, shaking the King out of his memories. "He was a great manservant. And his only wish was that I don't get a bootlicker as my next manservant. Do you know when he asked that? Almost five years ago. He tried to sacrifice his life to save mine when a questing beast bit me." Arthur scowled at the goblet in his hand, an inexplicable anger sprouting through him. That idiot was too loyal and self-sacrificing. He handed the plate and goblet back to the bewildered servant.
"As his King, I intend to at least do that much for my friend." Arthur tossed the napkin at George and scrambled out of bed. He looked at the servant.
"Who hired you?"
"Lady Guinevere, sire." George still looked confused, even as Arthur left his chambers, bare-chested and still in his night clothes. George stared at the empty bed before him. Friend? He thought. The King of Camelot had called his previous manservant a friend.
Arthur's head peeped back in from the entrance. "Oh, and George, in case you didn't get the message, I basically dismissed you."
George looked shocked. When the other servants had told him that the King valued his previous servant, he hadn't known that Arthur valued him as a brother.
"I don't believe it, Arthur Pendragon!" Gwen exclaimed as she helped Arthur into his armor. "This was the twentieth servant that you dismissed from your service. And he actually lasted longer than most of the others."
Arthur shrugged. "I don't need another manservant."
Gwen looked at him irritated. "No, and your armor never needs polishing, your sword never needs to be sharpened, you no longer need to take any baths, and you – mphf!" Arthur pushed himself onto the rambling woman before him, effectively silencing her with a single kiss.
Gwen pushed him back, walking out of his embrace. A smile danced on her lips, but she didn't show it to the King behind her. She opened the door, and turned around, beckoning him to follow. "Seriously, Arthur. Unless you intend to hire me as your servant – "
Arthur caught up to her in the hall and forced her to turn around. "Never, Guinevere. You aren't meant to be a servant." He blushed slightly as he pulled away. Gwen smiled. Although, Arthur never actually proposed to her, she knew that he had made all of intentions of making Gwen the Queen of Camelot quite clear.
Arthur returned the smile and began to walk out, Gwen following close behind. "Besides, I promised Merlin that I would not get a bootlicker for a servant. And I still can't get over losing him, Gwen."
Gwen nodded, her hazel brown eyes darkening instantly. "I was his friend too, Arthur. All of us were. We thought of him as our brother. But we have to move on. In a healthy manner." She glared at the King. "And throwing yourself into work or refusing every manservant I, or anyone else, choose for you isn't the right way."
Arthur opened his mouth to protest, but was promptly cut off. "Besides, if you don't want a bootlicker, maybe you should demote Gwaine and hire him as your servant. He's anything but a bootlicker, and I heard from Seibara that you promised to 'rid him of his knighthood' as soon as you returned to Camelot. Something about the Tunnels of Andor and Wilddeoren," She laughed.
Arthur's eyebrows shot up in the air. "I completely forgot about that!" The couple made their way into the courtyard, where six horses were being readied. "No, if Gwaine not being a knight means he becomes my manservant, I would rather do all of those chores myself." Gwen laughed again. "Moreover, would you condemn me to mindless, nonstop chatter for eternity? That's a harsh punishment, Gwen."
"Oi! I don't talk that much!" Gwaine's protests were heard before the couple saw him. Arthur watched as the knights entered the courtyard. Leon nodded towards the King before mounting his horse. It wasn't long before the remainder of the knights followed the suit.
Arthur too mounted his horse. He smiled one final time towards Gwen and then pulled the reigns, pulling the horse towards the gates. Time for a random hunt, Arthur thought to himself. And normally he would refuse going hunting, especially in times such as these. But Gwen was right too. He really needed a break from the countless days of unrest and overwork. Hopefully, something good might come out of it…
The Knights' red capes billowed behind them as they rode out of Camelot.
The sun light filtered onto the forest floor, casting a green shadow. The birds chirped happily as the forest came to life with each passing minute. A frog croaked as it made its way to its home, now occupied by an unconscious man.
Merlin lay, face down, in the mud. He was clothed in plain trousers, a gray tunic and nothing else – no boots, jacket nor his signature neckerchief. Merlin shivered involuntarily as he stirred. He got up to his knees drowsily, his hands squelching the mud. One of his hands made their way to his head, and Merlin let his thoughts drift. Why was he here?
Morgana! Lady Morgana – his mistress that he had intended to please must have thrown him here. Merlin felt an inexpressible sorrow. His mistress had called him useless. The servant suppressed a sob. He started to crawl out of the bog, generating plenty of noise in the process and only stopping halfway when he heard the steady trot of several horses.
"You know what I like about Merlin?" Someone asked. Merlin's head shot up. That was his name! "He never expects any praise. All of these things he does just for the good of doing them – "
The man stopped talking as soon as Merlin accidently placed his hand on a twig, cracking it underneath the weight of his palm. There was sliding noise, as if several men dismounted their horses followed by a sharp metallic sound of a sword being unsheathed.
"Declare yourself!" Someone commanded. Merlin paused before he decided to climb out of the muddy hole he was in. Slowly he pulled himself out onto a dirt path, before straightening himself and turning to the spectators.
There were six men, all dressed in armor and red flowing capes. All of their eyes were wide in shock, as they evaluated the man before them.
"Merlin?" The blonde haired man with the drawn out sword called to him. Merlin started to nod, until his eyes fell on the golden dragon on the cape. Merlin's eyes widened in realization. This man was from Camelot.
A plan began to form in his head as he realized – this was the perfect way for him to prove himself to his mistress, a perfect opportunity for him to destroy Camelot! Merlin laughed in joy, displaying a pure white set of teeth in stark contrast to his muddy face. All of the knights before him returned the laugh, as the blonde stuck the sword into the ground, nearly sprinting to the servant and encompassing him – mud and all – in a great hug.
"I'd though we lost you," the man whispered brokenly in his ear before bursting into slightly maniac and relieved laugh. The other knights made their way to Merlin patting him and ruffling his hair, and Merlin only stood there, slightly confused but returning the smile.
Merlin sighed as he stared at the soapy swirls in the wash basin. He picked up the cloth and scrubbed the dirt off his face.
The knights had taken him back to Camelot, slightly shocked to realize that Merlin didn't really remember anything (besides his name and that he could polish boots really well). They were kind to him, all of those men. And despite his silence and kingly manner, Merlin could tell that the King Arthur was also fond of him. They had entered Camelot a few hours ago. The mighty citadel awed the enchanted warlock so much that it had left his mouth gaping (something that was subjected to ridicule, to his utter dismay). Arthur had personally taken him to Gaius's chambers, where Merlin was locked into an impenetrable embrace from an old man. After a thorough check-up, Merlin was left to clean himself.
Merlin shook his head. If these people, no matter how kind, were enemies of his mistress, then he would be their downfall. Merlin wiped the left side of his face, revealing the pale skin underneath. He smiled as he gazed at his reflection in the dirty water. He would prove himself to Lady Morgana. He would be the destruction of Camelot if that was the last thing he did.
The door creaked opened, startling the servant from his thoughts. Merlin turned around, placing the rag down.
Agravaine stood outside Gaius's chambers, adorning a wicked smile that Merlin instantly returned.
"I fear I remember very little after the moment I stepped through the veil. My story will not be as illuminating as I would like." Merlin said softly, parroting what the Lord Agravaine had told him moments before Arthur had summoned him to a council meeting. The council meeting that really only consisted of the Knights of the Round Table, Arthur, Guinevere, Gaius, and Seibara.
"We're just please to see you. Well… pleased and amazed." Arthur said sincerely. He smiled warmly at his manservant. Yes, he was astonished to see Merlin alive. After all, he hadn't really believed it when Gaius had told him Merlin was immortal. At that time (and even now, if truth be told), it seemed to be a bit of a stretch. And yet, here was Merlin sitting before the council of the Round Table.
"I owe everything to the Madhavi people." Again, Merlin was merely repeating the same story told to him by Agravaine, who had popped into the chambers while Merlin was dressing to assure the dejected man that his mistress did not reject him. Agravaine, who Merlin had seen next to Lady Morgana, who was (apparently) far more valuable than the loyal young man.
"When they found me, I was near death. Luckily for me, their customs dictate that they must give food and shelter to the needy." The servant sighed as he continued. "And I was certainly that."
"Where did they find you," one of the knights (Sir Leon, Merlin soon learned) asked.
"On one of the silk road passes, high in the Feorre Mountains," Merlin replied.
"Cenrad's kingdom," Elyan said softly as he nodded. Merlin returned the nod as he continued.
"I travelled with them for many weeks, deep into the deserts of the south. Then, slowly my strength returned. I left them when I was capable of traveling on my own, aiming to come to Camelot as soon as I could." Merlin smiled hesitantly as he looked around at the kind faces. "And here I am now."
Percival eyebrows furrowed in confusion as he asked, "How did you end up in the bog?"
Merlin looked up at the bigger knight, pausing only for a moment before answering his question. "On my way here, I was captured by the bandits." Gwen gasped, her hands flying to her mouth instantly. "They hadn't harmed me much," Merlin tried to assure them, surprised to see the angry looks flashing across the group. "It took a while for me to escape from them."
Arthur nodded. "You have been through quite an ordeal, Merlin." He stopped, looking slightly abashed. "And although we can't thank you enough for your sacrifice, I forbid you to ever do that again."
Merlin gazed back at the King, slightly confused. "Of course, sire."
Gwaine laughed as he got up to pat the secret warlock. "That's a first time. What happened to your sharp tongue and strong affinity towards disobeying direct orders from the princess, mate?" The entire group chuckled.
The said man cocked his head. Sharp tongue? Add that to the personality list, Merlin thought as he smiled towards Gwaine politely.
"Well, that is enough for today. I'm sure Merlin is very tired and is also very much entitled to a nice long rest." Arthur turned towards the servant. "When you feel ready, you may resume your duties." Again, he looked down slightly ashamed. "I know I promised you that you could live freely once I became King, but I think it would be safer for you if we wait till the entire council approves." Arthur glanced at Merlin, surprised to see him smile and nod.
"It's alright, sire," Merlin said, once again with the unnatural politeness. He smiled warmly towards the King, despite his eyes remaining apathetic, with a hint of confusion and malice hidden underneath.
Arthur shook off the thought and instead dismissed the council, watching as Merlin shuffled out of the chambers. The King of Camelot only sighed as he leaned back in his chair.
Merlin was back. And Arthur promised himself that he would keep the idiot from ever attempting to pull off another idiotic feat in the name of Camelot or himself.
Gaius scooped out the warm soup and placed in the bowl in front of him. The old man looked at the young warlock, a sense of joy and warmth still spreading through his entire being to see his surrogate son alive.
"Don't do that again, Merlin. My heart cannot take the strain," Gaius chided, his old eyes focusing on the soup rather than the ward before him.
Merlin watched the man before him, although his thoughts were going back to what Gwaine had said about him. Sharp tongue. What would he normally respond to that statement? Merlin's eyes lit up as he replied. "Yes, well you are getting on a bit."
Gaius stopped, almost dropping the ladle into the cauldron. He looked at the boy, shocked at the rather blunt statement. Merlin, on the other hand, didn't seem to care and instead picked up the spoon.
"What is this?" Merlin asked, lifting the liquid. Gaius sat down with his own bowl, attempting to smile but still shocked.
"It's a special welcome home. Your favorite." The old man again stared at the warlock, confused as to why Merlin didn't recognize his favorite dish. His boy went head over heels for this soup.
Merlin took one sip before he moved back disgusted. The spoon splashed back into the bowl. Again, Gaius only watched shocked at the strange behavior. "I think that you should stick to cooking up potions Gaius. This tastes like the bog Arthur found me in."
Gaius chuckled weakly, confused and offended at Merlin's comment. Merlin looked around, as if searching for something.
"How did you escape from those bandits?" Gaius asked, attempting to change to topic.
"With great skill." Again, a blunt response with no specific details. There was a change in the air, as the blue eyes lit up with another idea. Merlin stood up abruptly and made his way to the potions table. "Can I ask you something?"
"Yes, of course. Anything."
"What is the strongest poison that you possess?" Gaius fell silent, regarding Merlin curiously. The warlock didn't notice and continued to gaze at the potions with newfound interest. "I had this great opportunity to lace the bandits' food with poison and nothing to do it with."
"Well, that would be aconite." The physician finally replied. Gaius's eyes narrowed his eyes. The Merlin he knew would never kill anyone intentionally. All of the deaths that resulted (even indirectly) in the process of saving Camelot, Gaius knew the young warlock regretted heavily.
"Ah-conite." Merlin spotted the label bearing the same name on a large vial containing indigo-blue liquid. He picked up the vial as he turned to face his mentor.
"Well, I think I should take some of this with me from now on. You never know when you might need to kill someone." Merlin smiled before heading out leaving a baffled physician and an uneaten bowl of soup behind.
"Indeed." Gaius said quietly, lost in thought. He's probably just tired, Gaius thought to himself.
Maybe…
A/N:This chapter took so long to write, it's no joke. The problem was adapting the dialogues to fit my story… took a shit ton of time. Anyhow, hope you liked it!
But hey, for all the people that wanted Merlin back in Camelot, he's back! :D
I really like Morgana/Merlin scene in the beginning. It was fun to write. I also like the George and Arthur scene too. :D
Compared to the last fic, this episode is so much lighter and (hopefully) funnier. :D What do you guys think?
On a different note... 100! A Hundred Followers! For my Story! I love you all so much! I already started working on Chapter 3 of this episode (and I think it's going to be around 9 pages lol...) The problem with this story is the complexity of it... I don't want it to turn out like an angsty story - I'm aiming for a mostly humorous tone with angst breaks. Anyhow, hope you enjoyed this chapter. And Please Review to let me know what you think. Like seriously. I want to know. I need to know! :)
Don't forget to review! I appreciate all the reviews I get!
