Summery: New arrivals bring some unexpected revelations, but more importantly the promise of hope.
"I know it's a serious occasion but you don't have to look so miserable."
Arthur started but quickly covered it with a glare. "It so happens Merlin the sun is in my eyes."
Merlin looked pointedly back and forth between him and the thick layer of clouds covering the sky. "I have magic and even can't see how that's possible. But whatever, they're your eyes."
"Yes they are and right now they're looking at a servant who is most definitely not in their proper place for receiving a royal envoy."
"I've been receiving royal envoys from the back row for the last two days. I thought I'd mix it up a little this time." He raised his eyebrows innocently at the withering look he received. "Fine but when your welcoming committee is labeled as painfully ordinary don't go blaming it on me."
Arthur's retort was cut off as the signal trumpets blew and soldiers carrying the jade green standards of the kingdom of Nemeth marched into view. A group of maybe two dozen all included followed them, their rulers at the lead.
At a respectable distance King Rodor held up a hand to halt the procession. With a nod to the knight seated on the horse next to him he swung himself to the ground and waited for his daughter to dismount before finishing his approach on foot.
"Welcome Your Highness," Arthur greeted as they clasped arms firmly. "I'm pleased you arrived safely."
"And in good health I am pleased to report. If you permit me some advice for the future, don't ever let anyone be it your children or your men confine you to a stuffy old carriage under the guise of 'concern'. Fresh air and exercise do far more to benefit you then a comfortable seat."
"I'll keep it in mind." Arthur acknowledged, holding back a smile at the sight of Mithian heaving an exasperated sigh. He had to admit the other king, even attired in basic travel clothes slightly dampened by days on the road, managed to look as much if not far more regal and dignified than others who'd arrived in ostentatious conveyance.
"We've not kept everyone waiting I hope." Rodor added.
No indeed. Queen Annis arrived only yesterday, King Alined the day before that. We still await Lord Godwin and his party, I'm afraid they've been delayed longer than we expected."
"Traveling with children will always do that."
"Children?"
"Princess Elena refuses to be away from her son for more than a day or two at a time," Mithian explained. "And that is only when she remains in her own kingdom. She would not leave him behind for such a long trip as this."
Arthur really didn't think the distance was all that great and he fought off a frown at the little wrinkle this presented. The thought of ensuring a child of three at the oldest was cared for so his parents attention was undivided wasn't something he'd anticipated. Something of his uncertainty must have shown in his face for King Rodor smiled faintly.
"I have hosted many discussions with the princess and her husband and I can assure you they are quite capable of keeping focused on the task at hand. And the young lad is quite the charmer." The king's eye twinkled faintly as he turned to Guinevere, "I suggest Your Highness take precautions."
She laughed light and clear. "I thank you for your kind warning."
"As do I," Arthur added, allowing a mock frown this time. "Shall we?"
The Nemethian servants gathered their master's personal belongings and followed as the royal party moved indoors while those of Camelot split into two groups, one to aid in securing the horses, the other to act as escorts. From the corner of his eye Arthur saw Merlin confidently join the latter, only to pause almost shyly when Mithian acknowledged him with a bright smile. It was some seconds before he seemed to remember his task.
The king kept his confusion to himself with an effort. Merlin was a good friend but he got decidedly odd sometimes.
"Merlin. Might I trouble you for a moment?"
The warlock hastily tugged his jacked closed, hoping to cover the fresh stain courtesy of the exuberant little Prince Lofric. The toddler was very well mannered and had apologized for spilling his drink without prompting, but Merlin was thoroughly worn out looking after guests and had to bury a sharp twinge of disappointment that now he doubted he'd have time to change before he had to dress Arthur for dinner.
"How can I help you Princess?"
Mithian twisted her hands nervously. "It might be nothing, in which case I'm sorry for wasting your time. But I can't think who else might listen. I mean I don't like thinking the worst of people and I'm sure Camelot's security is nothing to be laughed at…" Merlin had to hold back an urge to do just that. "But I fear the unconventionalness of our kingdoms gathering like this has put me
a little on edge. I'm not asking for specifics but… well I should like to know if some sort of plan is in place should things go... wrong."
All thoughts of stained clothes were forgotten. "Can you think of a reason why they are likely to go wrong?"
She blushed faintly but didn't pretend to misunderstand him. "There is no threat being held over my family in an effort to make negotiations go awry. But I can't say so for any of the others. Nor can we give you any assurances that the others might make trouble for any personal reasons of their own." She rubbed her forehead. "I'm not even sure why I'm saying any of this, it's not like you need me to tell you not to blindly trust what people tell you. I just feel.. Never mind, it's probably my imagination more than anything."
"I doubt you're the paranoid type Your Highness. And thank you. Most nobles are either too wrapped in their own concerns to offer a warning that might appear undesirable. And others wouldn't speak of disquiet for fear of seeming weak." He tried to put on a reassuring smile. "I'm sure Arthur would be willing to hear your concerns. Would you like me to take you to him-"
"No, no. I have nothing to go on. It's just a feeling."
"I trust feelings. And he still needs to know others have more than political concerns. I'll tell him if you want. We'll be on guard."
She smiled gratefully. "I would appreciate that. I know you're both busy, and my experiences are probably leading me to exaggerate. But thank you for the indulgence."
"Not at all. Would you like an escort back to your room?"
"I...alright."
They fell into step, side by side.
"Perhaps this isn't the right moment but since you're with me I've been wanting to ask you a question." He turned toward her, fully alert. "Your king appears quite eager to reintroduce magic into Camelot. I'm curious what your feelings are on the subject."
"I'm in favor of freedom for all people regardless of belief."
"Especially as you are one who needs that freedom."
He pulled back a little, rapidly paling. "What..when..does everyone know?!"
"Merlin please I-" she hurriedly glanced around to see if anyone else observed their exchange. As luck would have it, the corridor was deserted. Looking back at her companion she saw he'd gathered himself and was now standing with cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
"I...I'm sorry, I don't usually panic like that. Of course it's hardly a secret anymore, I just..."
"It's ok, I promise. We all have our demons. They take us by surprise when we least expect it. I'll tell you this, the other day I passed one of our cooks, and I've known this woman my whole life mind you, and I only saw her out of the corner of my eye but just that glance about made me run for my life. She's in mourning for her husband and her long grey hair was hanging loose around her face. You can probably guess who I imagined it was."
He nodded, gaze full of sympathy and understanding. After a moment she took his arm and headed on. He followed slowly, his flush deepening at the sight of their intertwined fingers.
"You shouldn't, someone will see. They'll think…"
She drew herself up and arched a brow. "Think what? It so happens I've come over faint and you're kind enough to offer your support until I reach a private place to rest, that's all."
His answering grin was a bit forced but he didn't argue.
Her smile turned uneasy. "Actually now that the situation has been brought up, I've realized I never took the time to apologize for your injury. When I asked for your help I never.. I had no idea Morgana would-"
"Mithian." Coming to a stop, he continued in a gentle tone. "What happened wasn't anyone's fault but Morgana's."
She shook her head. "I should have found another way. One that didn't involve risking your life. If you had died it would have been my fault, you'll never convince me otherwise. So don't try."
"As you wish Princess."
"Really?"
"What?"
"You use my name to interrupt me, and now I'm 'Princess'? One or the other if you please, and be consistent."
"Whatever you say Princess."
A frown tugged at her brow until she glanced sideways and caught the twinkle in his sky blue eyes. "Ah so friendship is synonymous with teasing. I might have guessed."
"Friendship?"
She smiled tentatively at his puzzled look.
"Surely we can be friends this time? Now that you're not worrying about stopping me from marrying your king and I haven't been forced to lead you to your doom."
He hesitated then gave an awkward smile "You realize you're asking to be friends with a servant right?"
She snorted and leaned a little heavier on him as they resumed walking. "Anyone who'd frown on such connections is a fool. If Arthur can fall in love with and marry a servant, I can be friends with one. And anyway we both know you're more far than that."
They were halfway up the stairway leading to the guest chambers before he managed to ask how she was so sure he had magic.
"Who else would Arthur do this for?"
That answer prompted a strange look in her direction. "What do you mean?"
"Oh really, Merlin! You don't just wake up one morning and decide to revise your whole system of belief. Someone had to have been the motivation. The only ones he would care enough to do that for are his queen and you. And in the intimacy of a marriage there is no way Guinevere could have kept that kind of secret. So when did you learn? Or do you not wish to talk about it?"
"It's a bit strange is all. To answer your question though, I never had to formally learn, I've been able to use it my entire life."
That brought her to a stop. "Your entire...so even? You... You must have found a way to save us, back at the tomb. It's bothered me for so long, our escape was too much of a coincidence. Your magic is the only explanation. How did I not see? Well now I'm annoyed."
"I'm good at hiding it."
"Clearly."
"Is that a problem?"
"On the contrary, I like you all the better for it."
"What do you mean?" This conversation was beginning to strain the limits of his vocabulary.
"I've grown up around magic." She answered after a moment. "Our court life, my education, magic's been a part of all of it for as long as I can remember. It's even saved the life of various members of my family - before we met you. My not being able to spot it, that's a rare thing indeed."
"What would…?"
"What?"
"Maybe I shouldn't.."
"Ask Merlin. If I don't want to answer, I'll say so."
"Well it's just… What if you had married Arthur? What would you have done moving into a kingdom who treated magic as evil when you knew that wasn't the case?"
She lowered her head in thought. "It would have been delicate, I agree. But had I become Camelot's queen, I would have seen the ban was lifted in time." She spoke with such calm assurance that Merlin couldn't help but believe her, although he added, "You would have found it a tough job swaying Arthur to go along with that."
Mithian gave him a secretive smile. "Do not underestimate the influence a wife can have. And really, knowing you would have been on my side I don't think it would have been hard at all. But it's of no consequence now, and so much the better I say. Maybe now you'll finally see how much Arthur values you. You're very brave."
Redness rose in his cheeks and he tried to brush away the compliment, but she wasn't having it.
"You are, truly. Not only to have held onto hope all these years, but with the truth coming out now you're opening yourself up to the very thing that people fear most - rejection. You are putting yourself out there, stating who you are and that you are not ashamed to be who you are, and hoping against hope that the people who've come to know and love you can accept that after years of believing you to be someone else. You're willing to face whatever hurt or disappointment they're feeling, whether it's justified or not. And it's your strength that will carry them through this change."
"Arthur-"
"Arthur's brave in that he's willing to accept change," she interrupted. "You are brave for being willing to be the reason for change."
"You should listen to her Merlin."
They both startled at the soft voice behind them. Mithian turned to see a small, neatly dressed but obviously peasant woman with bright blue eyes smiling at them from the end of the hall.
Merlin abruptly pulled his arm from her's and rushed to the woman, enveloping her in an enthusiastic embrace. He practically smothered her with the strength of the hug but she didn't complain. In fact she clung to him with equal intensity, whispering low and fast.
Before Mithian could hasten away from the clearly personal reunion, the two separated and quickly remembered they weren't alone.
"Oh ah forgive me Princess," Merlin gave an embarrassed smile, his arm wrapped tight around the woman's shoulders.
"No, no um," Mithian was feeling equally awkward. The other woman smiled at her so warmly though that she couldn't help but stay. "Would you introduce us?" she finally asked.
"Oh uh yes. Mother this is-" he paused and corrected himself. "Princess Mithian, I'd like you to meet my mother Hunith of Ealdor. Mother, this is Mithian, Princess of Nemeth."
If Hunith made the proper salutation Mithian missed it, too busy processing the word mother coming out of Merlin's mouth. Only ever having seen him in his role devoted to Arthur and his friends, it had, rather foolishly, never occurred to her that he might have a family as well. Parents, brothers and sisters perhaps. She wondered how often he got to see them. The joy and tenderness of the exchange she's just seen clearly implied it had been some time since he and his mother had been together.
That realization is followed by a pang of guilt and sorrow at the thought that, if anything happened to Merlin it would leave more than a group of friends in a world of despair. Not to mention that his family will be impacted - for good or bad - by all the things that are changing. She can only imagine the relief this woman must be feeling at the thought that her son will no longer have to live everyday in fear for his life.
A subtle clearing of a throat brought her back to the present and she blushed at having been caught staring. Falling back on years of court training she straightened and approached with a polite smile.
"My apologies, I don't know what came over me. I'm very pleased to meet you Hunith."
"The pleasure is mine Princess," Hunith answered kindly, no judgement or amusement in her voice. She didn't seem overawed or even openly curious at meeting a princess like so many others Mithian has met. Although perhaps her son's daily brushing shoulders with royalty has taken some of the novelty out of it for her. Either way Mithian already knew this was a woman she wanted more time with.
"Well, I'll leave you two alone." She told mother and son before any more awkward things can happen. "Will I see you at the feast tomorrow Hunith?"
"Feast?" Hunith asked quizzically.
"It's an informal gathering, just a short official welcome for the entourage of the other kingdoms," Merlin answers. "You know what, I'll fill you in in a bit. Arthur heard you were coming for a visit, so he said you were welcome to join us as my guest if you got here in time."
"Oh please do," Mithian encouraged. "I can't promise you'll enjoy it, but these sorts of events need as many friendly faces in attendance as possible. I think your son might say the same."
"She's right Mother." Merlin gave the older women a pleading look which she raised a confused eyebrow at.
"I suppose.. I'll be there?" A lost looking Hunith agreed after a moment.
Mithian nodded in acknowledgement "I look forward to it. Until then."
With one last smile the princess turned back toward her chambers leaving a ridiculously happy warlock and a slightly bewildered village woman standing in the middle of the hallway.
Yay Hunith's here! She probably won't have a huge role but I love her character and considering what's happened in the storyline I couldn't not include her. Plus awkward interactions are sometimes (always?) cuter with a third person involved.
Also from what I could look up: Formal etiquette says when making introductions the person of higher rank should be addressed first. Merlin's mother is (arguably) the most important person in his life so even after years of being at court that little fact might easily slip his mind. Thankfully Mithian isn't a stickler on propriety so she wouldn't care that he almost did them backwards.