The sorcerer's shadow
You know this tournament that I moan about every year? Yup here it is again… oh the joys. Sense the sarcasm? You would think that was all I had to endure but this tournament was bigger than the others… the others had rules that only nobles could take part, this Tournament meant ANYONE could take part and the one rule was: there are no rules… you can use what means you want to fight your opponent, the only thing forbidden was (that's right you guessed it) magic. Merlin had taken to expressing his dislikes along with mine to Arthur, which had landed him with a list of reasons why this tournament happens every year.
I was walking through the lower town, trying to avoid seeing Arthur during this time. I had wanted to lock myself in my room but since Morgana was busy greeting the more 'royal' guests today Gwen had asked if I would like to spend the afternoon with her and I had openly agreed. Walking along minding my own business trying to ignore all the whistles I bumped shoulders with a young boy. I grabbed his shoulder gently
"Wow there dear boy, there is no rush" The boy bowed his head low
"My lady I am sorry, please except a most humble apology" I smiled brightly
"We shall have none of that 'my lady' business you hear. Now tell me why you are so jumpy?" The boy looked panicked for a moment
"W-What makes you say that?" I laughed lightly
"I've known a scatty man for many years now and I know when he is nervous by the avoidance of eye contact and heartbeat is racing, which you have both. I would say it's because of me… but I saw you a little while down the path and you seemed just as nervous. Now come on be honest what are you afraid of?" The boy shook his head
"I've never been to Camelot or around so many people" I smiled softly
"Trust me, they're more scared of you than you are of them" He raised his eyebrows
"I thought that was for dogs" I burst out laughing again
"Well most of the men entering this stupid tournament are dogs so the rule applies… anyways dear boy you must excuse me a friend is waiting and I am late as it is" He bowed low
"My apologies for making you" I patted his shoulder
"No apologies needed, though may I ask your name?" he smiled
"It's Gilli my lady" I held out my hand and he kissed it in good grace
"And I am the lady Adira, though call me Adira" He nodded and I rushed off noticing the jealous glancing from many a men. I glanced back at him as he entered the inn and I realised I probably insulted him because I knew those who were in the tournament stayed at the inn.
I had been with Gwen no more than a couple hours when I sensed a kind of panic in Merlin.
"Gwen I'm sorry to have to rush off, but I fear Arthur may be bullying Merlin and I haven't seen him in days with all this extra preparation" Gwen laughed
"Of course I understand, say hi from me" I nodded thanking her and then rushed off. I realised it wasn't Arthur bullying him, but I feared if I had said something else Gwen would only worried, probably tell Arthur and then I would have to explain how I knew he was in trouble and that could lead to consequences even I couldn't foresee.
I knew he'd probably be in the armoury doing damage control on Arthurs armour so I pushed myself into the room without much thought to what I might be walking in on. When I caught sight of a man wiping Merlin's behind with a whip. I grabbed one of the swords and put it to the man's back
"You give put that down or I put you down, which will be it?" He slowly turned around and his friend looked like he might grab one of the swords within his reach. Gilli walked in by my side
"You touch that sword I put a sword through you" I didn't move my glance from the arrogant pig who just hurt my fiancée but I smiled
"Gilli nice to see you again" The boy nodded
"Likewise My- Adira" I nodded in approval and watch Gilli magically move a sword into his hands as the man I had at sword point lashed his whip at Gilli. The boy had managed to defend himself, but I grabbed hold of the rope now tangled in Gilli's sword and pulled it out of his hand. Before I had time to register anything else I could sense Merlin's panic for my safety before I heard him scream 'Watch out'. The whip now in my hand, I used it to pull the axe out of his hand and into mine.
"Now leave, before I really do call my dear brother you half hats" They left quickly and I let my strength drop a little and I staggered forwards a step, Merlin caught me
"Adira, I didn't know you knew how to use a whip" I smiled evilly at him
"There many things even you do not know about me Merlin" I turned to Gilli who was placing his sword back.
"Thank you Gilli, I could have been a goner if not for you" He smiled
"It was my pleasure… how did you know to be here when you were with your friend?" I shrugged
"I had come in search of Merlin to discuss something of a sensitive matter. Merlin this is Gilli, Gilli this is my brother servant and my good friend Merlin" Arthur started to call Merlin then and I wondered why we could hear Arthur suddenly and yet he had not hear all of what had happened in here... stupid brother!
"Sorry Gilli I have to go, thank you for the help and nice meeting you. As for you I will be knocking on your door at 6 be ready otherwise Arthur really will kill me" I nodded in understanding.
"If I could stop him from being a complete prat you know I would" Merlin laughed
"I know I know, see you at 6" I nodded, watched him run off and sighed as he left my sights
"Now Gilli, you must tell me how you knew those men, they seemed to know you" The young man smiled
"They robbed me of my sword on the way to Camelot for the tournament" I sighed
"I don't know which to apologise for first, my insults on your part in the tournament or the fact that they did that to you" Gilli smiled
"You need not apology for either… I've grown up dealing with bullies like them" I nodded in complete understanding.
"You know what's funny? I've dealt with bullies like that always picking on those of a lower stands or a women in secret because they fear they more skills than them. I've grown up having to hide my swordsmanship all because my father would probably put me restricted classes of 'women' learning" He looked surprised
"You can wield a sword?" I laughed
"See? Probably better than my own brother, but shh don't tell him that" The convocation seemed to die then.
"Gilli how about you let me treat you to some chocolate chip cookies? I have a fresh bag in my room. Merlin's forever giving them to me" Gilli smiled
"Merlin is good to you?" I smile got a little bright
"He's the best friend I have if you don't include the one I went to see earlier" Refering to Gwen obviously
It got to six and Gilli was talking aimlessly about his father… but I could sense there was a fact about his father he was leaving out, from the way he was tiptoeing around it I would have guessed magic, but then he was very good at keeping who he was a secret… a skill that's taken a life time to learn I have no doubt. When Merlin opened the door Gilli stopped babbling and he see me brushing the final touches to my hair and Gilli sitting at the table eating an apple he glanced over at me.
"Should I be jealous?" I heard him say as he moved around the bed to behind me and gently took the brush from hand.
"You know I live to make you want me" He smiled, this typical argument.
"Oh dear I know, you've done a very good job so far" Gilli stood up then
"Adira, I am sorry I should go… I did not mean to take up your day" I smiled softly at him from his reflection in the mirror
"Gilli I told you it's no probably you should probably go though, I'd not trust any man with my thinking's in that tavern for very long" As he left the room and grabbed the door to close it I noticed his ring glow. I saw the symbols on it before and had mentioned it was his father's gift but with that glow I knew it was more of a magical gift.
"He has magic" Merlin said once he was sure Gilli would not hear us.
"Of that I am sure… did you see that ring? It glowed and that sword just flew into his hand during that fight with those thugs" Merlin sighed
"And If he's here and fighting the tournament…" I sighed
"He's probably planting on using it to win himself, which puts Arthur in danger which is probably his plan all along… shame he's such a sweet kid" Merlin smiled as he kissed the back of my hair
"Sometimes even good people do bad things for reasons they feel are just, Adira" I let out a breath
"I know that all too well dear, just sometimes I wish it wasn't so true… wish bad would do bad and good would do good and good would win and then we can all live in happy ever after" Merlin laughed
"I know you well enough to know you do not believe in happy ever after, you believe in periods of peace which you take complete advantage of. You believe in winning a battle at a time and you believe the only constant in your life is your magic and me" I turned and patted his chest
"Seems you know what I believe before I do dear" He then lead me to dinner and I endure 2 hours of Morgana goating father on to join in the tournament. I sat there, not knowing what to do. As I listened to Morgana's words, kind but her intent to make father believe in his fighting ability to make him join the tournament… which posed the risk of him losing his life. I jumped up as Father's face set in thought
"If you'll so excuse me father, Morgana. Father a king does not need another crown to tell his people he'll protect them. He merely needs men that he commands to wield any battle… A good king is a wise and alive man…keep that in mind when making you decision" He seemed to hear me so I kissed his forehead bowed my head slightly to Morgana and left after Merlin and Arthur.
He never listened did he? I say one thing… does another and every time I think he'll finally listen he goes against all I believe and care about! I knew something was up the moment I sat myself down in my throne within the stands, Morgana made her way to hers but Father was nowhere to be seen. I cursed under my breath and met Merlin's eyes across the field and he looked just as shocked as I did from where he stood by Gaius's side.
The battles fell into a blur, I wasn't really paying attention unless it was Gilli, Father or Arthur. All reigning champions by the time the days battles ended. But it was Gilli's battles I watched with extreme interest he was using magic,that much was clear. If it wasn't before it sure as hell was now. But I would do nothing until I was certain he was using it to just defend himself and in discrete ways. Especially if he ended up having to fight with Arthur or father in the battles to come. I waited until Morgana had ended the tournament's day before rushing to find Gaius and Merlin, who were talking about Gilli's ring when I caught up and I fell into step with them I sighed
"It's so hard to find good magic users these days and now we have to stop him from hurting himself and others" Gaius's words set my heart in terrible pain
"He's either brave or stupid. If your father find out he'll have him killed" I knew all that to be true, but hearing someone saying it like that, so final got to me. He was a good lad at heart…just a little on the naïve side.
I walked around the lower town with Merlin then, knowing Arthur was already out of his armour and planning the spend the day reliving his battles with the knights like he usually did in these victorious situations. It took no more than 2 hours for alarm bells to be sounded, magic on fathers tongue and Gaius convinced it was Gillis because of the ring he left behind at the scene. He had used magic to heal a wound on his shoulder he received during battle.
I slummed onto a familiar bench in the chambers as Gaius explained to Merlin he must speak to him, alone as I would provoke worry in him being my father's daughter and for once I was inclined to agree. I didn't like it and I want to help the dear boy but I couldn't risk even more fear in his heart from me speaking to him about such forbidden topics.
Merlin sat beside me as the sun set
"What do I say to make him see sense?" I shrugged at him
"I do not know what words will convince his heart, just be honest… even if that means trusting him with your secret" Merlin looked shocked at such words
"But that's the thing we've been keeping so hidden and you just want to tell some boy?" I sighed
"Merlin… How can you expect him to think you understand if you aren't going through what he is? How can he expect you to think of him as anything more than a criminal? He's faced dishonesty and betrayal for an ability I'm sure he was taught to be weary of. Someone should show him magic should be tried with caution yes, but not murder, not the aid in victories you did not gain like other men" Merlin kissed my forehead and was about to leave but I grabbed my cloak and tied it around his neck.
"You can go save this boys soul all you wish, but if you catch a cold while doing so you'll have me to answer to" He smiled and kissed my forehead again before leaving with a cloak to keep him warm and the ring in his hand.
The following Morning I knew Merlin had not been successful but I knew he had also not told him about his magic… but then his roommates might have caught it and I wondered if maybe Merlin had made the right decision. Once again I sat on my throne watching the battles as they went by one by one. I paid special attention the Gilli's battle with the thug who tried to kill Merlin and myself. When Gilli managed to kill him I didn't know whether to be relieved that he'd kill such a scumbag or fear for his soul at the guilt that would eat at him. The crowd was silent for a long while so I started clapping and everyone joined in as I used my usual hand signals to tell them to remove the body. He caught my eye as the crowd cheered for his victory. I mouthed
"Sorry" To him, but he was so shocked I don't think he really understood. I let out a breath as he walked off, heartbroken. The poor boy. Merlin sent me an emotion that told me he was worried about him too and went after him once Arthur's battles had finished. I was glad he understood what I was feeling. While Merlin off tending to Gilli I found Arthur pacing the floor to his room still in his armour. I got the feeling that Merlin had been ordered to leave him with little consideration to the fact he was still wearing his armour.
"You keep pacing like that, you'll wear a hole in the floor" He turned to face me and he sighed
"What do I do Adira?" I sighed and moved over to him to and started removing his armour.
"I don't know… you know he'll never back down Arthur, but I know the strength in your pride too" Arthur sighed deeply again his mind still plagued with the dilemma, whether to allow Father to have victory in their battle or not. I let him think in silence as I pulled him out of his armour. Merlin came in half an hour later looking bittersweet. I smiled sadly at him and kissed his cheek
"I'm proud of you" He sighed
"I know dear, I know" I knew he was down that someone like Gilli had to deal with a life time of guilt… alone.
"There was nothing you could do to stop it" Merlin slammed his fist against the table and fell into a chair causing even Arthur to jump slightly.
"Sorry, sorry" He kept mumbling, I bent down beside him.
"There's no reason to say sorry you've done nothing wrong other than care about a young boy who killed his first man today. You could not have changed it, he joined the tournament of his own free will" Merlin let a tear stream
"That's all fine and good but do you know what that guilt does to you? It breaks you… tears you apart… you relive the moment a thousand times in your head but you still cannot escape what you feel" I rested my head in his lap
"I know how that feels Merlin" Arthur jumped forward.
"Adira no… you promised" I turned and snapped at him.
"I promised to Marry him with no secrets between us and that is what I shall do. If you're upset arrest me go on" Arthur slummed into the seat opposite Merlin.
"What we are about to tell you does not leave this room you hear?" Merlin nodded his confusion overcoming his other emotions.
"I-" Arthur grabbed my hand across the table.
"Adira please don't make yourself say it" I shook my head
"It's time I was able to Arthur, besides Merlin has no secrets from me… how can I expect him to love me if I don't pay him the same respect?" Arthur nodded hesitantly.
"Arthur and I were spoilt you see, I was always 'mine' 'mine' 'mine', Morgana was considered the nice one out of us" Merlin scoffed and I smiled briefly before continuing
"Anyways… We had this friend Rosa-Lee" Merlin nodded
"The one you said taught you how to braid your hair and attract knights?" Arthur looked surprised
"You told him about the amount of flirting you did?" I glared at Arthur
"I told him what he already knew and that was that knights were young and easily fell for any beauty and most fell for the one they could not have even if I flirted to toy with them. Rosa was a little older than us and as you can imagine Arthur was head over heels in love with her and I idolised her… We were in the forest one day, Leon and a couple others knights were our usual protection. Leon had stuck with me while the other knights gawked after Rosa and Arthur tried to compete stupidly with them. I had heard someone whisper behind a tree a little while off, I thought I was going mad as no one else could hear them… but then Leon and the other knights were slammed against the trees and someone grabbed me from behind. I bite the guy and screamed and run off towards Rosa and Arthur. Rosa managed to kick him back… when another guy grabbed her paying little attention to Arthur who was screaming at him and hitting him bluntly with little sword training he had had. I having grabbed Rosa's fallen sword stabbed the guy in the back… My first kill. When the other guy came for me Rosa jumped in front of me and died in—" Merlin was holding me closer now.
"Oh Adira why did you never tell me?" Arthur spoke up then
"Because Rosa may have been an attraction in town but she was a servant girl… and the knights caring for us had always allowed to spend time with Rosa. But father didn't approve" Merlin had to remember to hold back his tongue being in front of Arthur. But spoke up seeming to understand the rest
"So you lied to your father telling him that Rosa was killed by bandits somewhere else and he took little care in it so you secretly buried her and mourned her. I understand why you've kept it low key, but why a completely shy secret?" I glanced at Arthur and he nodded reassuringly
"She was Leon's daughter" Merlin leaned forward
"okay… I'm dreaming. He was what? But Leon couldn't have been no more than 18 when she was born" Arthur nodded
"Leon fell in love with a serving girl… who father killed just after she'd secretly given birth to Rosa… Leon has taken her in, telling father he'd found her… he practically raised her but because she was still not 'noble blood' Leon and father butted heads and so that day we promised we'd never tell anyone who she really was" Merlin had pulled me onto his lap while I was crying, I rested his head on my shoulder.
"Just when I thought all of Camelot's secrets were known to me" I laughed
"Well that's all my secrets told to you" Arthur looked generally shocked about that fact.
"You even told him about—" I hissed at him
"You breath a word" Merlin looked confused and I just smiled sweetly. There was a knock at the door and Leon popped his head in
"Adira could I—" I nodded, I waited until Leon was inside before I spoke up again
"Of course, Leon I'm going to be honest. I told Merlin about Rosa" The name brought a haunted look to his face.
"I thought you did that years ago" I looked at him confused
"You're not mad?" Leon laughed
"Adira, I know that someone who gains your trust so completely like Merlin will not go blabbing my story to the king after all these years" Merlin stood up, placing me on my feet as he did so.
"You have my promise and my word I shall not speak a word of this to anyone. Although very late, I'm very sorry to hear about her passing" Leon smiled
"No one has actually said that to me. Adira blamed herself, Arthur did much talk about it so thank you Merlin" Merlin smiled sadly at him
"It'll be little comfort to you, but my father past shortly after I met him… didn't get to know him very well but he was a good man and every day I wonder if I'm anything like him" I smiled
"From what you've told me of him Merlin, I can honestly say you are the very much like your father" Arthur stood up confused
"You got to meet your father?" Merlin nodded
"Last visit home…He'd come to visit Mother. Mother always spoke about him like he was a hero and until he died protecting me I didn't quite know what she meant"
The night was filled with emotions I had not felt for a long time, But Merlin finding something else to concentrate on seemed to help. Merlin had agreed with me that Arthur let Father win the next battle.
The next day at the tournament I was expecting to just look forward to Father and Arthur's battle knowing Gilli was out of the completion. I was sitting in my throne just as their battle commenced and Merlin's eyes met mine, even though he was watching the battle with interest as my eyes rolled back and flashed images in my head, they lasted mere seconds and Morgana who was closed to me had not noticed my lack in concentration. Father had beaten Arthur as I knew he would… because Arthur threw the match. He caught my eye and I mouthed 'well done' to him and nodded and walked off letting father enjoy some moments of victory.
When father walked off the battle field and the next two contests fell onto the battlefield I knew what would happen. Merlin had finally noticed why I was looking so panicked and I knew we would have to deal with an intervention.
I thought maybe my visions had been wrong considering how close Gilli came to death but his ring worked much like Merlin's panic magic, burning of the sword in the hand trick. The battle was over quickly. I used that to rush off, not caring much for those other battles. I rushed after Gilli was being patted on the back left right and centre like a hero
"Oh I see… so killing makes you a hero now does it?" Gilli bowed his head quickly, still the shy cowardly boy.
"My lady…" I rushed up to him getting into his personal space.
"Be careful Gilli be very very careful. You're not winning your battles fair and square we both know it. You think killing more men will help your popularity. The more blood the more people will think your special? What a joke. Being special is about having gifts and appreciating them to help others… not killing for your own bloody benefit" Gilli didn't know how to respond. I shrug
"You're just lucky I'm too nice to go to my father with this information… Your father would be so disappointed in you right now" Gilli then did something even I wasn't expect he slap me across the face. Leon and a few other knights who saw the slap came rushing over swords pointed at him, knowing his ring would react to danger I turned to Leon
"It's fine, honestly I provoked him. Please go… Now!" Leon looked at me with concern but did as he did. Merlin came running over then
"Adira?" I shook my head
"You talk sense into his arrogant head" Merlin looked confused and then caught sight of my cheek
"Ouch, we should get that seen to...come on. Gilli I'll be coming by later and I'll expect a hand written apology to Adira. She's only trying to be your friend" We walked away then and I sighed as I tried to deal with the pain of my bruised cheek.
It took till early evening before Merlin's anger had finally got the better of him and he left to see Gilli. I had followed mere 10 minutes after and I stood just behind the doorway to Gilli's room and I heard Gilli talk of respect and how Merlin didn't understand. Merlin went to shut the door and I knew he knew I was following him. He grabbed my arm
"You might as well be in here for this… you're going to burst in anyways" I leaned against the wall besides the door
"You make me sound like such a burden" He smiled
"That's because Adira, despite all your wonders you sometimes are" He grabs my hand
"Would you rather I do the honours or you?" I leaned in and whispered in his ear and he nodded. He then whispered the word for fire into his palm and show the flame the base of his hand. I then whispered the word for water into mine and as we slowly put our hands together this beautiful glittery steam fell around our hands. The look on Gilli's face was not one I had expected, but then maybe I should have.
"It's lonely" I heard Merlin say "To be more powerful than any man you know and have to live like a shadow" I nodded, continuing
"To be special and have to pretend you're a fool" I had heard these words from Merlin the rare times he was really down about his secret. Merlin continued after giving me a look of deep care
"I know how it feel Gilli, I understand" Gilli's answer was frustrating but I didn't let it take control of me
"Then you understand why I have to fight, Adira I mean no disrespect but if Uther is killed so what? How many of our kind have suffered or died at his hands? How many more will? It's time that those with magic fought back" I scoffed
"All is true, I've grown up around it enough to know… too young to understand why a 'bad man' might be innocent. But no matter what you do you cannot not control life and death, no matter your power" He shook his head
"No you can't tell me what to do" Merlin screamed at him then
"Learn to use your magic for good,that is its true purpose, not for you own vanity" He screamed back
"I'm not going to apologize for who I am… you can be a servant and pretend you're less than them" Merlin sounded back
"No that's not what I do" I stepped closer to Gilli but kept my voice low
"No, he protects Arthur and My father from those who would see them both destroyed. Arthur has no debt to pay but many will use him and myself to pay the debt they think is due to them from my father. You think you have the right to decide why and if any man should die?"
"You would protect a man who would have you dead if he found out who you really are?" I sighed
"Despite all his wrong he is my father and my master… I do as he wishes. It does not make me happy. But I protect his life not his reputation, I know he is scum to this earth… a Villain in most children's eyes. But I will protect both you and your honour because you are a good man...Well at least I thought you were and that was before I knew even your name"
"And what of you Merlin? Have you pretended for so long that you've forgotten who you are?"
"It's time someone struck a blow for like likes of us, but if you are too weak I will do it myself" He tried to walk past me but I grabbed his arm. His magic tried to force my off the floor but mine was quicker in response and shoved him against the door.
"Do not threaten me dear boy…You will find I have merits for not killing people but I can usually get what I want from them if I so desire" I let him drop to the floor. I walked out and Merlin looked as if he was to try and talk in around and I let him if he believed it would help.
I knew Gilli's words have affected Merlin as we lay in bed and I knew the moment he would have enough of trying to be still. I knew the moment he left the chambers just what he was doing as I felt the lovely burn of his magic within me. I wouldn't follow him to talk to Kilgarrah as I did not want to push and I knew he would tell me in the morning anyways.
I watched the tournament that morning with little chance to talk to Merlin as he had taken to my safe haven in the battlements to think. I knew his dilemma without knowing what he was thinking… Merlin only felt guilt when someone's life was at state and he would be the deciding fact if one shall live and one shall die. It was amazing how someone said no one should have control over life and death, yet mine and Merlin's lives are filled with such decisions.
As the battle between father and Gilli waged on, I could feel the stress in Merlin build. I wish I could be there but with Father not on this stand I had to make it seem like I was taking an interest. Merlin used his magic to keep the battle fair if I was honest it was more than I would have done. Gilli looked at Merlin as if ready to die after a few moments of hopeless 'regular' battle with Father. When Father pushed him to the floor I cringed and closed my eyes getting ready for the noise of metal on tearing skin. But no such noise came as the crowd broke into cheers.
I felt Merlin's relief mixed with my own but then his guilt set in place and I rushed off despite Arthurs and Morgana's shock and father still being in the arena soaking in another boost to his ego. I pulled Merlin into my arms as he watched Gilli walk away.
"I'm sorry… why must I always hurt those who are good?" I stroked his cheek
"Because… you're too kind to really hurt those you hate… it's a rule of life I guess. Go speak to him Merlin. He must listen to reason, he has a good heart despite all his mistakes"
I waited outside the Inn as Merlin spoke to Gilli and when Gilli came out a few moments later I couldn't help but smile at the boy. He bowed his head low
"I cannot apologize enough for what I have done my lady. I deserve to be jailed if you shall so wish" I laughed
"If I jailed every man who hit me this kingdom would not run at all" Gilli's eye filled with pain then.
"Must be hard having a father who hates what you are" I nodded
"Hardest task is keeping my love for Merlin check if I'm honest...My abilities is something I can keep hidden. I've never much relied on them for everyday use but my love… is something I feel everyday" Gilli smiled
"I always thought you were close considering Merlin must spend a great deal of time with you for being Arthur's servant" I laughed out loud and threw my hands up in the air
"Thank you someone who can see things I'm not doing… thank you you've given me hope in normal people again" He laughed
"Glad normal people could be good for something my lady" I sighed
"I've never been normal Gilli, I've never been common. But I can tell you my heart is as normal as yours. Though I have wealth and riches, the only rich I want is someone who loves me and a safe place to call home. Isn't that every person wishes?" He shrugged
"I suppose" I smiled and nodded
"I am sure we shall meet again dear friend… we are kin" Gilli looked surprised
"You've spoken to Merlin about being kin?" I raised my eyebrow
"No...Why?" Gilli let out a huff
"No reason" He kissed my cheek and was about to walk away.
"Oh Gilli" He turned back to me a few steps away I moved over to him and handed him a pouch of coins and a few letters.
"Here is a letter I wrote to you. I thought it might keep you company… also considering you have no location in mind yet? Could you deliver this to man named Lancelot? Give him the letter and you shall find yourself with a friend and hopefully a good paying job. Do well to remember he will keep your secret" He nodded
"Of course I'd be honoured, but my lady I cannot take your money" I pushed his hand back at him
"Gilli that money is my allowance from 4 years ago that has been building up with rest of my money. I don't need it… nor want it, you need it to get buy and if you don't want it I've left enough in there so Lancelot can have some too. I'm sure there are some less forcunant souls he knows who could really use it" Merlin walked up to me then and pulled me into a sideways hug and shook Gilli hand once more before watching him leave.
"Oh crap Merlin what time is it?" He looked up at the sky
"A little after 3 why?" I slapped his arm
"Because we have dinner with father in an hour and you're yet to get Arthur out of his armour and me out of this dress!" Merlin sighed and with the empty street sweeping me of my feet and I squealed with delight
"Then we'd better get the lady back to her room" I covered my mouth and giggled like crazy and as I caught sight of Gilli having turned back a little down the road watching us with a smile on his face I closed my eyes and whispered with magic
"Go and live the life of a man who is wise to magic" His smile got a little brighter as he nodded and turned to walk away. Merlin still carrying me away towards the castle.
That dinner I sat beside Arthur holding his hand, Morgana boasting aimlessly about the fact that Arthur had lost to Father. So when Father actually depended Arthur to Morgana I was shocked to the point where I almost dropped the napkin I was unfolding on my lap.
"It was Arthur who should have gained the prize" Morgana nipped into Arthur again
"But sadly he wasn't good enough" Father and I spoke at the same time
"He threw the fight" Arthur didn't know who to be more surprised who knew. He turned to me first
"Okay I knew you knew of my worries but how did you find out?" I scoffed
"Oh come on Arthur… you've faced that situation in sword fights more times than I dare count, even I could have overcome that and besides you always do the right thing in the end"
"And you father?" Father smiled
"I've been following your progress with a sword since you were a boy, I know your abilities better than anyone… I am eternally grateful" I bumped shoulders with him
"And I am proud of you… see sometimes it's not always about the glory"
"I hope that when you are king and have son of your own they will afford you the same honour, the greatest outcome of this tournament is that Arthur has shown me he's now truly ready to be king" I didn't know whether to be angry that it took Arthur having to show himself up in public in front of father or be happy that he meant Arthur now put good deeds after the honour of battle. Father then clicked trinkets with us all and Morgana looked like she might cry which only boosted my moods. I glance at Merlin who had a smile of fondness on his face which I returned back to him as he refilled my cup.
A couple hours later I found myself sitting at the table in Gaius's chambers beside Merlin laughing about something stupid and I realised my two families were both finally getting to a place I could appreciate… it also meant I knew Morgana would be the thing that broke it up. Gaius and Merlin argued over dinner, that I had especially brought up for them, saying thank you them both for how happy they make me feel didn't seem like enough. My life was looking up and I knew to cherish every last moment.