Okay. ... Hello!

My exams are finished (only trials) until next term, where they will begin in the first week -_-

However, over the holidays I will be NINJA and completely write and study at the same time, which will ultimately work out for the best... hopefully. Anyways, here is one of my favourite episodes of Season 3. The Changeling.

Sorry if there are mistakes. My Microsoft will not let me download the trial version of things, saying that I need to put it in the shopping cart when I cleary did! Grr... so I am using the stupid wordpad, which does not include automatic spelling thing-o with the red, blue and green squiggly lines.

Season 4 will be out soon - I'm counting down the days! Ah! I have so much planned ;)

Anyways - read on! Or, as the fine Joker says, "And here...we...go!"


Merlynn's arm had healed for the most part. There was now a long scar on her arm; streaming from her thumb bone and curved around to her elbow. It didn't hurt, and none could see it. Arthur knew that she had been caught in the fire in Morgana's room; she had stretched the truth a little, to be honest.

"I went to Morgana's room to see if she was okay, but she was gone. There was a fire; I stumbled, and was knocked unconscious. When I woke up, my arm was on fire."

He was kind to her especially, not making her do strenuous task. Instead, he forced other servants to do her duties for her. She only had to bring him food; that was all she was told to do. Now, she was in Arthur's chambers, preparing him for the day.

"So, what exactly is the big event Uther is so nervous about?" she announced, breaking the pleasant silence between them.

He sighed; Arthur stared down at her from where she stood in front of him, tying his cloak around his neck. "Lord Godwyn is an old friend of my father's, and he is coming down to visit for some unknown reason; father won't tell me. His daughter's coming, Princess Elena."

"Oh, nice. What's she like?" she asked curiously. Merlynn smiled wryly; things had been casual, and pretty good between them - nothing had changed too much for them, except maybe become closer.

"I have no clue. I think the last time we met, I was four," he confessed. "She's not important. You, however, are." Arthur grabbed at her hips, but she skillfully dodged his eager hands.

"No," she said, tapping his nose. "We need to get going."

"Mean woman, you are."

Merlynn walked with Uther and Arthur in the Throne Room. Since Morgana's brush with death, and Merlynn's kind words toward Uther, he had sufficiently become a lot more polite and almost...nice, toward her. He acknowledged her with a slight nod, and didn't yell at her when she did something wrong.

"Arthur," Uther announced. Merlynn snapped from her thoughts. "It is an exciting day."

"The arrival of Lord Godwyn is always a cause for celebration," Arthur replied, slightly sarcastic.

He looked almost suggestive as he added, "And Princess Elena."

"Yes." His brow quirked curiously at the pointed attitude of his father.

"I hear she's something of a beauty," he said airily, nonchalant, but Merlynn caught on to his silent hints. She narrowed her eyes slightly, suspicious now of his motives toward the present situation. Trickery was at foot here, and Merlynn knew it.

"Really?" he scoffed, uninterested. Arthur didn't care about any other woman's beauty but the one standing next to him. In fact, he believed, knew, that Merlynn made many pale in comparison. Except for, as an exception, Morgana.

Uther nodded, leaning into his son to continue, "Oh, yes. Beautiful, charming, witty. Strategic."

"Strategic?" Arthur repeated in confusion.

"I have always thought so." The prince turned to him with furrowed brows. "W-we have always thought so," he explained, slightly stuttering. "That is, Lord Godwyn and myself. That is, he finds you strategic, not Princess Elena." He finished with a slight nod.

He frowned. "He finds me strategic?"

"Oh, yes."

"And beautiful?" Uther opened his mouth to speak, but the Throne Room doors opened to reveal Lord Godwyn, Princess Elena and their robust servant. Arthur turned to his father, voice lowering dangerously. "Father, what are you trying to say?"

"Lord Godwyn is a serious ally. The strength of such a match cannot be underestimated," Uther whispered.

Arthur's eyes widened. "Please tell me you mean a jousting match."

"I mean a love match," he concluded.

"Love?" he snapped, horrified.

"Not love. Love has nothing to do with it, but the other bit. You know, a permanent union."

"Marriage?" he hissed, even louder. Merlynn brought confused eyes up to them, hearing Arthur last word. She frowned slightly.

"I knew you would understand." Uther pasted on a smile to hug his friend. "Godwyn!"

"Oh, it's been too long," Godwyn said.

"Princess Elena, you are most welcome," he greeted.

Elena stepped toward them, but fell flat on her face. Merlynn's eyes widened and she helped her stand once more. "Sorry 'bout that," the young, blonde princess said, and scratched her ratty hair. "I, uh, slipped. These shoes are damned uncomfortable."

"Elena!" Godwyn berated. "Language."

oOo

Arthur, Gwen and Merlynn carried the new visitors' bags through the Pheonix Corridor. Merlynn had been elected to choose the most suitable chambers for each guest; they were, in her opinion, very well selected. Elena seemed like a sunny sort of person, so she put her in the spare quarters facing the east wing, where the sun beamed through the windows during the day.

"You sure you put them in the best guest quarters?" Arthur asked for the third time.

Merlynn sighed. "Yes, for the last time. Everything is arranged. Princess Elena will definitely be impressed." She glanced toward Gwen; her eyes then flickered toward Arthur, silently sending her a message.

Gwen nodded in realisation, and she smiled. "Uh, I'll hurry forward and get most of the bags there before they get to their guest chambers. Want to leave an impression." She then hurried off with a wink in the young servant's direction.

"What's that about?" Arthur questioned curiously.

She frowned slightly. "She's helping me out. What's wrong, Arthur? You seem...strangely troubled about something."

He hesitated, leaning against one of the stone pillars behind his head, and crossed his arms over his broad chest. "My, er, my father had some surprising news for me." She cocked her brow expectantly. "He expects me to marry Princess Elena."

Merlynn froze. Marry? There was no warning, no time to prepare. She released a shaky breath, and tried to calm her frazzled mind. "Marry?" she echoed in shock.

Arthur noticed her expression, and took a step toward her. "I'm not going to be, though. Don't worry."

"I - I'm not -" she cleared her throat. "I'm not worried. I, uh, I said I'd be fine with this."

"It's not going to happen," he assured her.

"A - alright," Merlynn said, and smiled, but there was a hint of doubt in her eyes. She stole the bags off of Arthur and rushed off through the corridor toward Elena's guest chamber.

oOo

They hadn't spoken since Arthur confessed Uther's intentions toward Princess Elena. From what Merlynn knew, Elena was exactly the type of woman that Arthur needed to wed. She was of noble blood, next in line for the throne, pretty; she was what Arthur was required to marry, what he should want in a wife. Even as she prepared him for bed, fixing up his sheets as he settled between them, it was silent. Finally, Arthur sighed. He knew she was paranoid, or upset, and needed to reassure her. He would not marry Elena; she wasn't what he desired, what he longed for. For it was only Merlynn.

"You must know, Merlynn, that I will not be marrying Elena," he told her.

She nodded hesitantly, mouth twisted. "You cannot stop the works of your father. Besides, she seems...sweet."

He scoffed, glad that she was slightly happier. "It's strange, isn't it? Elena couldn't be more different to Lord Godwyn," he remarked.

"Yeah. Perhaps she takes after her mother," she suggested.

"I never met her," he shrugged, then his eyes dimmed slightly. "She died when Elena was born."

Merlynn could understand what Elena had gone through, as could Arthur, and she paused in her cleaning. "That can't've been easy. Perhaps you've more in common than you think. Augh, bad breath for example."

"Excuse me?" he scoffed. "I seem to remember you craving my kiss for a while."

"Sacrifices I make for my love," she teased. "Anyway, appalling table manners."

"Er, now, hang on a minute."

"Good sense of humour," Merlynn added, and giggled. "No, no, you're right, you've nothing in common."

Arthur playfully tossed a pillow at Merlynn; she ducked, laughing, and turned to pick it up. She found it at Uther's feet and froze guiltily. Merlynn composed herself with a sheepish smile his way. Uther acknowledged Merlynn with a nod.

"A word," he announced. "Alone."

Merlynn held back a slight snicker at the awkwardness but nodded, bowed, and handed the pillow to Arthur. "Sire," she muttered in respect, and ran out.

"I need to talk to you about Elena," Uther said, shutting the door behind Merlynn. "I realise that this is a delicate situation."

He shrugged carelessly. "There's nothing delicate about it."

"Lord Godwyn, as you know, is not only a very good friend of mine, but a longstanding ally of Camelot," he began.

"I have nothing against Lord Godwyn. I've nothing against Elena," he insisted. "Except marriage."

Uther sat on the bed beside him, eyes set in determination to put his order across. "When we talk about your future, Arthur, we're not just talking about your happiness, but the safety and security of the whole of Camelot. You may one day be a husband, but more importantly, you will one day be King," he reminded him.

He sighed; it was not Elena he wanted to marry, but Merlynn. "But I have no feelings for her whatsoever."

"Then I would encourage you find some," he suggested, pet his arm, then left, leaving Arthur to wallow in his thoughts.

oOo

Merlynn readied hers, Arthur's and Elena's horses to go out for a daily ride. She was very uncertain toward her feelings for Elena's and Arthur's 'love match' but couldn't find it in her heart to be jealous or angered toward Elena. She seemed just as oblivious and uncaring as Arthur was.

Arthur hurried up to the young servant, and put a hand on her arm. "Please don't leave me alone today," he whispered desperately, almost begging. "I don't want to deal with her."

She sent him a wry grin. "Why of course, Arthur." Merlynn then turned to Elena with a welcoming, kind smile; she may have been chosen to marry Arthur, due to the cheeky kings, but it didn't mean that Merlynn had to hate her. She seemed sweet. "Princess."

"Just Elena. I hate that term."

Arthur and Elena didn't have much in common at all, she realised jokingly. Elena was dressed in the same gown as yesterday; bright, sunshine yellow. Her hair was brushed, but desperately tangled, sticking up in every direction. Arthur held up his hand for her as she approached her horse.

"Here, let me assist you," he offered.

"Oh please," Elena brushed off, skillfully mounting her mare even with the dress on. "This is something I can actually do." She nudged the animal into a fast gallop.

Arthur and Merlynn stared after her for a moment, before rushing to follow her lead. She let Arthur speed in front of her, taking a steady pace on the back of Firefoot; she was sure that she could not stop the marriage of the two if Uther willed it, so she didn't want to get in the way. Merlynn released a saddened breath - Firefoot snorted, feeling her depressed mood, and slowly went into a quick run after the two royals.

She couldn't help but giggle delightfully.

In front, Arthur caught up to Princess Elena with stride. "Slow down!" he shouted.

"No chance!" she called back, instead speeding up.

Arthur actually smiled; he hadn't had such a fun ride since he and Merlynn headed out two years ago, when Lady Catrina ruled his father's heart. He found that Elena had dismounted near a cool stream, and was gently petting her speckled horse lovingly. He followed, and let his horse drink as he wandered over to her.

"That was impressive," he complemented. "I'm not easily impressed."

"Oh. Well, neither am I. And I wasn't!" she exclaimed, her attempt at what many people would call 'flirting.' Instead, as she laughed, a loud snort came out as she punched him in the arm.

There was an awkward silence. Arthur glanced back, wondering where Merlynn could be. She was a fast rider; unless she was doing it on purpose. In that case, she would get a flogging so mighty...

"I've been riding since I was a child," she admitted, snapping him out of his mental pursuit to punish Merlynn. "I don't get to do it as much as I'd like, princesses don't, but apparently my mother was an excellent horsewoman. I never met her."

"I never met mine either," Arthur told her. "I...often wonder if I'm like her. I hope I don't take after my father entirely."

"Oh, you don't! I don't mean that in, in a bad way," she assured desperately. Elena was trying very hard to entice him, and make a good impression, but was finding it difficult with her overly strange, somewhat overbearing self.

Arthur laughed awkwardly. "Er...so, the real reason why you beat me here is because I stopped to smell the roses." He pulled out a large, pink rose out of seemingly the air and handed it to her.

"Aw, thank you," she cooed, staring at it with her large, doe-like eyes. "It, it's beautiful." Elena sniffed the rose, trying to be cute, as she had seen it many a time in her kingdom by women seducing men by smelling pretty flowers they offered them. But, she ended up sneezing - all over Arthur, who grimaced in disgust at having the result of her sneeze all over him.

Merlynn brought her horse to a stop; she smiled hesitantly at the two of them, and held up the basket she had for them. "Shall I set up here?" she announced.

Arthur turned to her with a tight, angered smile. "Merlynn! What kept you?" He brought his voice to a low undertone. "Do not leave me again."

"You were riding so fast," she replied innocently. "Your father and hers are so adament for you two to be together, have some alone time, so I really am not in the mood to be pegged with food just because you don't like her."

He growled. "Fine. You can set up."

Merlynn lay the picnic blanket down, along with the basket full of freshly prepared food (from herself, if she were to be so proud). After she was finished, she stood and made a move to wander off. "I'll leave you two to yourselves," she declared. "You may call me when you want to leave, Sire. I'll be somewhere in that...general direction." She pointed down the stream.

Arthur's eyes were pleading with her to stay, to keep him dormant for the time being. He wasn't sure he could endure Elena's appalling manners. Elena smiled brightly in Merlynn's direction; she seemed like a nice person.

"Why don't you join us?" Elena offered. "You must be hungry."

"Oh, no, I shouldn't," she denied. Truly, she did not want to see Arthur and Elena become cozy with each other.

Arthur smiled, thankful for Elena. "Don't be silly, Merlynn. You hardly feed yourself. Sit, enjoy." Merlynn glared slightly as the three took a seat.

"So, Elena, what do you like to do when you're back at your own kingdom?" Merlynn asked politely, legs tucked beneath her.

Elena was sitting with her legs crossed, dress shoved down into her lap to cover her undergarments. "Horse ride. Like I was telling Arthur, even though I don't get to do it often, I love ride horses whenever I get the chance. Also, I like archery."

"Really? Did you beat Arthur here?" she inquired, slightly teasing.

"Yes. I kicked his royal bottom!"

Merlynn couldn't help but smile; the two were getting along famously, and she was taking quite a liking to the Princess. "I did too. He'll never admit it, but I've done it twice."

"Nice!" Elena exclaimed, bringing her hand up for a high-five. Merlynn did so, slightly awkwardly. No one had ever given her a high-five before. Arthur pouted; he didn't enjoy spending time with Elena, and simply wanted some alone time with Merlynn. "Oh, right." She acknowledged Arthur. "What do you like to do?"

"Er...I enjoy training. I do so everyday; to be fit, and because it adds to my skill," he addressed. "I do love horse riding, and hunting."

"The poor animals!" Elena gasped.

Merlynn nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I know. I have to haul them around for him, carrying dead rabbits and even a deer!" She then realised she was talking to a Princess, and hurriedly stood. "Well, I best leave you two alone."

"No -" Arthur protested.

"No, i - it's for the best. It'll give you time to get to know each other more," Merlynn said. "I'll take Firefoot for a swim."

"O - Okay. It was nice to meet you!" Elena called after her.

Merlynn smiled slightly. "You, too."

As she walked off, andalusian in hand, Elena turned to her 'love match'. "She's lovely."

"Hm."

Merlynn lead Firefoot through the trees, following the long stream until she reached a small body of water. There was a little waterfall trailing down into it, which fell from a drop-off in the land. She sighed as a relaxed mood washed over her and she stripped Firefoot of her saddle and other equipment.

Then, she took off her boots and mounted Firefoot from a rock. "Come on, girl," she whistled. "Let's go for a swim." She gently nudged the animal into the small river, laughing slightly as Firefoot snorted delightfully.

She spent her time by the river, either watching from the shore as Firefoot played about in the water, or gently treading alongside her. She didn't go any higher than knee-length in the river; Merlynn didn't want to get her tunic wet. Soon, she heard, "Merlynn!" ring through the trees, and she sighed. Merlynn tied her hair up in it's ever-present bun and, after re-saddling Firefoot, trekked through the forest until she reached Arthur and Elena's resting spot.

Arthur had obviously packed everything. He raised a speculative brow from her damp appearance. "Where have you been?" he asked.

"Swimming," she answered simply. Merlynn glanced at Elena, then bowed. "I mean - swimming, Sire."

"Did you have fun?" Leaving me here alone without any protection. He was sure to have foot particles all over his tunic.

"Much," she returned. "Did you two enjoy yourselves?"

Elena nodded eagerly. "Oh, yes. It was delightfully delicious! I must pay thanks to whoever made all those treats."

"You're very welcome."

"You did? Wow, you must teach me how you cooked them up," she gushed.

Merlynn chuckled. "Really, I had the firm eye of the chef watching over me, so you'd have to ask him."

"I'll be sure to."

oOo

The three rode back into Camelot. Arthur was broody, because he was being forced to begin a relationship with a girl who was socially awkward and very appalling. He wished she could properly brush her hair, or put on a prettier dress; the yellow velvet wasn't very attractive. It was like mustard. It seemed like Merlynn had simply dealt with his forged marriage, as though she didn't even care.

Merlynn did care, however. Very much. But Elena was amusing, and the two had become fast friends. She hoped that, if the two (the word made her stomach clench) married, then she could remain friends with her despite the fact that she would most probably become very jealous.

"Thank you," Elena said uncertainly as she and Arthur dismounted. "I had a, er, lovely time."

"Me too," he lied.

She then hugged him awkwardly, body bent until her head was smushed sideways into his chest, arms tight around his back. "See you soon I'd expect."

"I hope so."

Merlynn dismounted and walked over to them. Elena sent her a slight, friendly smile. Then, she began to make her way up the stairs, but tripped embarrassingly. Arthur jerked forward for a moment as if to help her up, but Elena stood with a sheepish smile, before tromping up the stairs.

"Oh, dear," she whispered in horror.

Arthur sighed in agreement. "I completely agree, Merlynn."

"I should go help her," Merlynn said hesitantly, then began to follow after the stumbling Elena.

"Merlyn -" She paused, and turned expectantly. "Nothing."

She smiled slightly, disappointed, and continued up the stairs to the guest chambers.

oOo

When she entered, Elena was alone, moping about. She whined and moaned, pacing like a caged animal in desperation. As she caught sight of Merlynn, her eyes lit up.

"Merly -" she stumbled and fell, knocking over a pitcher of water. "Oh, silly me."

Merlynn couldn't help but chuckle as she mopped up the water and picked up all the glass. "Don't worry, I'm just as clumsy."

"Please, you're probably much better than I am," she moaned. "I fell and sent half a table of food all over the Dining Hall in my kingdom. On my birthday. All over the nobles; there was chicken, wine and rice everywhere."

"Wow. Um, I, er, fell in front of Uther. That's a nightmare within itself," she joked.

Elena smiled slightly, thankful for the distraction to rid her embarrassment. "Surely the consequences were dire," she played along.

"Oh, most definitely!"

The two laughed. Elena then sighed sadly, taking a seat on her bed. Merlynn stole the chair at her vanity, and leaned her elbows onto her knees, letting her arms hang limply. "I'll never be good enough for Arthur, will I?" she inquired sadly.

"D - Don't say that," she assured, a bit nervous, considering who Elena was attempting to wean advice from.

Elena shook her head. "No, it's true. When you were still catching up, I sneezed all over him! If that wasn't bad enough, I then coughed food on him while you were out swimming. I keep embarrassing myself." She turned to Merlynn, eyes hopeful. "What does Arthur like in a woman?"

Merlynn hesitated, eyes wide and anxious.

"Um - I - I'm not too sure."

"How long have you been servant to him?"

She pondered it for a moment. "Three years," she admitted. She was shocked with the answer - she had lived in Camelot for three years? Time just seemed to fly, she realised.

"Then you must know what he likes in a woman. Surely you've seen him around them; what ones attract him. Please, I would forever be in your debt if you could just answer me!" she begged. "I need to do this for my father."

Merlynn sighed and moved so she sat next to Princess Elena. She could not believe she was basically giving advice as to how to 'woo' her only love; but, she knew that Elena's intentions were good. "Well, I guess he likes women who can amuse him," she began. "He has always said he enjoys the company of those who make him laugh, intentionally. Strong, I guess. He's a prince; he must like women who match him in caliber. He doesn't like docile women. Arthur has lived amongst people like Morgana, Gwen and myself, who definitely do not follow the rules most of the time. Someone who he can truly spend his time with."

She smiled sadly. "He's a good man, Princess Elena. He is the perfect match for any woman, and you are lucky to have him as your match. Arthur will take care of you; he is very protective over those that matter to him." Elena listened attentively. "I'm sure you'll make him very happy."

"I only hope so," she muttered. "I do not love him, neither does he love me. But in time, I'm sure, we can find a way to settle. I don't want to disappoint my father."

"I understand."

And she did.

oOo

Later in the afternoon, Gwen and Merlynn (amongst various other servants) prepared the Hall of Ceremonies for the great feast. Marcus had grouped together a few of the skilled lower class citizens who worked for the kingdom, both which included the two girls, to cook the meals for all the nobles. Now, they were laying them out over the span of the long dining tables. Merlynn and Gwen put the most delectable and large selections of the meals over the royal table; while the two did so, they chatted like the friends they were.

"So, I heard about Elena," Gwen said suddenly, breaking their previous conversation about how they would 'steal the food' for themselves, especially the desserts which would come soon after the main meal.

Merlynn paused, but continued to lay out the porcelain plates. "What about her?"

"Morgana was telling me that Uther wants Arthur and Elena to...marry," she explained, biting her lip; her voice was hesitant, full of trepidation, about the present situation.

"And?"

"I'm so sorry, Merlynn," she breathed.

Merlynn shrugged. "It's - it's troubling, of course. But...Elena's such a sweet, funny girl; extremely awkward, but she and I are becoming friends," she told her. "I cannot hate her like I extremely wish I could've. Besides, I have told Arthur countless times that," she swallowed, feeling her throat thicken, "that when the time comes, he'll have to marry someone who isn't me."

"Oh, it's all so terrible!" Gwen pouted. "You are perfect for Arthur, and you both love each other dearly. It's so heartbreaking to see this happening."

"Well, at least Elena will be an interesting woman." She sighed. "I'll always be there, no matter what."

"I could never live like that - having to watch the man I love sleep next to another woman." She noticed Merlynn's crestfallen expression. "Damn! I've done it again. I'm so sorry, I'm an idiot."

"It's alright, Gwen," she assured.

Gwen smiled slightly. "Hey, let's go ask Marcus if he has any spare treats to steal away."

oOo

The Hall of Ceremonies had been lavishly done up to the point that even Merlynn was awestruck by the design. Reds, pale blues, yellows and greens all hung from the high ceiling; she hadn't been there for the final decoration. She took her place next to Gwen as the royal's personal servers for the evening.

Arthur waited for Elena to take her seat; his eyes strayed over to Merlynn, who sent him a slight nod. He hadn't been able to spend any time with her all day, which is all he wanted to do. He missed speaking to her alone, without the stern, hopeful eyes of his father and Godwyn.

Arthur strolled down the corridor, and glanced inside the thick, wide doors which lead into the Hall of Ceremonies. He seemed to be the dullest person in the castle; everyone was all bright-eyed and bushy tailed, while he still found it hard to wake up. He truly, from the bottom of his heart, could not hate Elena. She was a good rider, and a (somewhat) lovely person, other than her bad manners; she wasn't annoying like Vivian had been.

Even Merlynn was happier than he was, he noted. She was talking with Gwen as the two set up the royal dinner table. Arthur sighed. So beautiful, she was, and the only woman he ever wanted to spend the rest of his life with. His head leaned on the side of the door as he stared at her. Then, he noticed her sadness. He could see it; he could read her like a book, and in the way she moved, it was slow, careless, and she continuously paused to sigh and play with her hair. He didn't enjoy putting her through all this stress, for he wasn't enjoying the situation either.

"Arthur!" Godwyn greeted joyously.

Arthur shut his eyes for a few moments, before he pasted an awkward, but polite smile on his face. "Lord Godwyn," he returned.

"Just Godwyn, Arthur. There's no need for formalities, soon you'll be calling me father, eh?" he jested, nudging him.

He laughed uncomfortably. "Uh - yes."

"So, how was your ride with my lovely Elena?" he asked boldly; Godwyn surveyed the Hall of Ceremonies also while he waited for Arthur's reply.

"It was - well, it was interesting, to say the least," he admitted. "But I did enjoy myself."

"Yes, my daughter has always been a handful! But she is a perfect specimen for a bride."

"Hm." Arthur found himself staring, once again, at Merlynn. Now she was the perfect specimen for his bride. "She's a good rider."

He hummed. "That she is. Her mother was just as skilled; that's where she gets all the expertise from." Godwyn pointed out Merlynn amongst the crowd. "Isn't that your servant?"

"What? Oh, yes. Her name's Merlynn. Why?"

"Elena seems to have taken a liking to her," he said.

Arthur smiled slightly. "Yes, she tries to make all the visitors comfortable in Camelot. She's taken a liking to Elena, also. I heard the two chatting like a bunch of old wives while we were out."

"I'm glad Elena's gotten a friend," Godwyn remarked; he sighed sadly. "I just want the best for her. She's a sweet girl, but she's just a wee bit immature sometimes. I want to secure her future; she means so much to me. Reminds me so much of her mother."

He gave him an understanding look. "Elena and I have a bit in common. We've both lost our mother at birth."

"Maybe you can bond over that, eh?"

Arthur shrugged, a bit uncomfortable again, then turned from the Hall of Ceremonies to avoid staring over at his servant for the upteenth time. Godwyn decided to walk with him.

He had soon dismissed himself from Godwyn's company with the excuse that he needed to get ready for the feast, and hurried off. From that moment, Arthur thought of what the Lord had told him. Godwyn was an honourable man, he deliberated, with only the best intentions in mind for the security of his daughter. Arthur could understand that; but he couldn't find it in himself to accept the arranged marriage between he and Elena. They just didn't fit. Besides, Arthur was already in love, and nothing could surpass the feelings Merlynn gave him.

He took a seat quickly, realising that during his thoughts, he had completely flew away from reality. Uther was staring expectantly; he sent him an apologetic look.

"It's a big occasion. The total joining of our two families," Godwyn declared delightfully.

Uther grinned. "Indeed, this union would cement what has long been an unofficial alliance between our kingdoms."

"It would give me great pleasure. I can assure you, my heart lies with yours." He sighed, glancing over at Arthur and Elena. They weren't talking; Arthur looked more than awkward. "As for their hearts, who can say?"

"No matter," he brushed off. "The affairs of state take precedence over feelings. Arthur knows that. I'm sure Elena does too."

Merlynn stepped closer to Arthur and poured his goblet full; she gave Elena a reassuring smile as she looked at the crowd, wide-eyed.

"Oh, 'lo, Merlynn!" Elena chirped. "It's good to see you."

Morgana tensed, and glared at Merlynn as the servant shuffled closer to Elena. The two hadn't spoken since their brush in Morgana's chambers, when she had thrown Merlynn against the wall and scorched her skin. For that knowledge, she noticed the servant girl being checked out by Gaius when she came to collect a sleeping draught.

"You as well, My Lady," she returned, curtsying. As she did so, she winked as to say she was joking.

Elena glanced down her dress as she felt a small object rolling about in her bodice. She retrieved a pea and, after a quick surveyal, ate it willingly. Morgana, Arthur, Gwen and Merlynn all looked on, the slight bit disgusted at the sight. Arthur groaned; he could not believe that this was the woman he was being forced to marry!

"Oh dear," Elena hiccuped. "I seem to have, erm...had a little too much," hic, "of what is in that glass." She repeated the noise. "What, erm...what is in that glass?"

Merlynn and Gwen shared an 'oh, dear' glance. Elena was a disaster in the making, and Merlynn was the least bit worried that this would be Camelot's new Queen. The young servant put the jug of mead down; as she did so, she squeezed Arthur's shoulder before she headed toward Gaius.

He was speaking to Grunhilda, looking the slight bit nervous to be around the very forward servant. Gaius' eyes lit up as she put a hand on his arm. "Oh, Merlynn! I'm so glad to see you."

"Excuse me, but we were having a conversation," Grunhilda interrupted.

"Grunhilda, this - this is Merlynn. She's under my charge, like a daughter to me," he introduced and Merlynn snickered as the nurse's eyes widened.

"Oh! Hello, dear," she greeted, her tone immediately friendly at the notice of how close Merlynn was to Gaius.

"Hi. Listen, Gaius, I'm, er, not feeling to well. I'm going to head back to my chambers now. Just thought you wanted to know."

Gaius winked, looking very relieved that she was there. "Oh, poor thing. As much fun as this has been, I really must take care of her."

"Such an honourable man you are," Grunhilda gushed.


Just a thing - I love Elena, just like I loved Vivian. Because they're hilarious and a fresh, new female brand to royals, whether in Camelot or not. They seem to be the only female royalty who don't willingly destroy something - they're either too busy being in love under an enchantment, or possessed by a changeling.

Also, Grunhilda amuses me. Disgusts me truly, but amuses me none the less. She's so funny - and she has been in some of my favourite movies of all time: Harry Potter, Romeo + Juliet, Mulan (the whole "FAR Mulan", which soon became mine and my sister's nicknames for each other), Happy Feet... etc. Anyway, she's awesome! :D

Okay. So, for the 'Castle of Fyrian', I have decided to change it up, and was just wondering: (curious really, not to give anything away)

If I were to have Merlynn kidnapped (just an idea I've got in my head), who would you like for Cenred to use as leverage:

. Gwaine?

. Hunith?

Because I can either have it being Gwen and Elyan, or the other options, which you see above.

Hope you enjoyed the chapter, and I'll be updating as soon as I feel like it :P Cheerio! Review!