Eight; See You At The Feast

Lynette knocked on Arthur's chamber door and with a grunt of approval to enter she opened the door. His room was in rather a state of disrepair as clothes were strewn around his bed and piles upon piles of paper were stacked on his desk. She knew Merlin was disorganized, but she hadn't thought it would get to this level. This was another level, even for him.

"Has Merlin been today?"

Arthur waved her off, "Don't blame him. I'm the one that created this mess."

"I gathered as much." She replied.

Lynette walked forward until she was standing in front of the royal prince. Arthur glanced up at her and stood and brought her into a tight embrace. The girl stood still taking in what was happening and feeling slightly confused. She had thought she had been called to check on the Prince's health. That perhaps he had been injured after all, but this was not what she had expected.

She pushed away to look into his deep blue gaze, "What is it?"

"I have something for you." Arthur took her hand and guided her over to his desk. "I thought it had been stolen, which is why I had to toss my chambers."

Lynette looked down and in his hand was a pale yellow ribbon made of the finest silk. She gently took the piece of fabric into her hands and held it close to her chest. She feared that a light breeze would take the fabric and make it disappear, but Arthur blocked the wind from reaching them.

"It was my mothers," Arthur began, causing Lynette's eyes to look up into his. "It's one of my few possessions I have of her. It's a part of the dress she wore for her coronation as Queen of Camelot. I recognized the fabric of the ribbon you gave me. It's from a dress you used to wear when we were children."

Lynette blushed, "I was hoping you wouldn't remember."

Arthur chuckled, "I can never forget it. It was the only dress you wore to special events, because it was Camelot red. Your other ones were earth toned."

Lynette couldn't believe what she was hearing as she looked down at the golden ribbon again, "Arthur this is too precious. What if I lose it? The last thing I would want to do is lose something so important to her memory."

Arthur closed her hand around the fabric, "I'm giving something precious to something even more so. Just promise me you'll hold on to it and wear it at the final match? I'll wear your favor if you wear mine."

Lynette smiled at him, "I promise, Arthur. Just be safe."

"When am I not?"

"Would you like a list?"

Arthur laughed and took a step back and tied the ribbon around her wrist for safe keeping. She touched it gently before standing up on her toes to place a quick kiss to his cheek in thanks. Heat spread across both of their cheeks, but neither could continue their private conversation as Merlin bursted through the door. Lynette took a step away to face her cousin who looked ready to kneel over from his run.

"Merlin?"

"I have something to tell Arthur." Merlin began, before realizing the state of the room. "What happened?"

Arthur waved him off, "You can tidy once you explain why you are coming into my chambers unannounced."

"Did I interrupt something?" Merlin asked, but received a glare from the couple. "I'll take that as a yes."

"Merlin!" Arthur yelled.

Merlin waved him off. "Alright."

Arthur and Lynette waited patiently for Merlin to explain what he saw. Each time he used the word 'snake' Lynette would physically flinch so they changed the term to 'caterpillar' for her sake. If anyone had overheard the trio's conversation they would have been considered mad, but it made sense to them. Valiant was cheating in the tournament and Arthur doesn't tolerate cheating.

"You? You chopped its head off?" Arthur asked, looking rather doubtful.

Merlin nodded, "Ewan was bitten by a 'caterpillar' from the shield when he was fighting Valiant. You can talk to Gaius, you can see the puncture wounds in Ewan's neck where the 'caterpillar' bit him. Ewan was beating him, he had to cheat."

Arthur shook his head, "Valiant wouldn't dare use magic in Camelot."

"Ewan was pinned under Valiant's shield. No one could see the 'caterpillar' bite him." Merlin pointed out.

Both men turned to Lynette for her opinion, "Regardless of his methods, Valiant still used a form unbefitting of a knight's status. Ewan isn't on his deathbed due to a sword injury but was poisoned instead. Arthur this isn't right and you know it."

"I don't like the guy, but that doesn't mean he's cheating." Arthur replied.

"Tell that to Ewan."

"Gaius is preparing an antidote to the venom. When Ewan's conscious, he'll tell you what happened. If you fight Valiant in the final, he'll use the shield. It's the only way he can beat you. Look at it!" Merlin held up the snake's head and Lynette looked away in discomfort.

She began to fiddle with the golden ribbon tied around her wrist as Arthur inspected the head. To her it looked like any other snake, but she supposed that it wasn't like any snake she had seen in her time. The green with red eyes would have stood out. Most of the snakes she has dealt with were green and brown to blend in with the forest.

"Have you ever seen any snakes like this in Camelot?" Merlin asked. "I know I'm just a servant and my word doesn't count for anything. I wouldn't lie to you."

Arthur glanced over to Lynette only to find her eyes on him. She sent him a nod and the prince looked back over at his servant, "I want you to swear to me what you're telling me is true."

"I swear it's true."

Arthur nodded, "Then I believe you."

The next morning Lynette sits beside Ewan once more only to have the knight stir as he wakes from his forty eight hour slumber. His movements cause Lynette to lean forward and dab his forehead with a cold cloth. The man squirms under her touch before settling once he realizes who it is.

"Hello, Sir Ewan."

"Lynette." He breathed letting out a sigh of relief.

Gaius comes to stand behind his daughter, "Welcome back."

"There was a snake on his shield. It came alive." Ewan began.

Gaius nodded, "You're weak. The snake's venom is still in your system."

"I must warn Arthur." Ewan tried to sit up, but Lynette pushed him back down.

"Arthur already knows." Gaius informs the restless knight. "He's requested an audience with the King. Now, they'll want to talk to you. Rest. You'll need your strength. I need to fetch more herbs. I'll be right back."

Lynette looks over at Ewan and sends him a smile, "I'm glad to see you are recovering."

Ewan smiled at her, "Was it you that warned him?"

Lynette laughed, "Merlin helped as well. Arthur was less than pleased at the news."

Ewan nodded, "I have no doubts about that. None at all."

Lynette stood and took the warm bowl of water, "I'll just be a moment. I want to get you some water to drink as well as make you a sandwich. Anything in particular?"

Ewan shook his head, "I'm sure I'll like whatever you make."

Lynette blushed at the compliment and went to the back to water some plants with the warm water. As she freshened up the water, she heard hissing, but assumed it to be the water. When she returned she dropped the bowl in shock. Lying on the cot moments before had been a man on the mend, but now he lied still. Motionless. Sir Ewan, Knight of Camelot, had passed on to the land of the dead.

Gaius entered his chambers stirring a potion, "I'm afraid this potion tastes like toad water, but it'll get you back on your feet. Ewan?" He looked up to find Lynette standing still with a fearful look in her eyes, "My dear?"

"He's gone. One minute he was here and the next-" Lynette couldn't finish her sentence as fresh tears fell from her eyes. Ewan had been a good knight and an even better man. He didn't deserve this end.

Gaius checked his pulse before standing up, "I must inform Merlin and Arthur."

Lynette nodded and watched him go. Guilt washed over her. She hadn't meant to leave Ewan unattended for so long, but it appears that even a minute was long enough for a snake to kill. The girl knows better than to stand around waiting for answers and makes her way to Arthur's chambers.

She sits on his bed and begins to fiddled with the yellow ribbon once more until Arthur and Merlin enter through the chamber door. She stood and rushed over to see what had happened, but Arthur couldn't look her in the eye and Merlin appeared apprehensive.

"I'm so sorry." She began. "I turned around only for a moment."

"It's not your fault." Merlin says.

She looked between the two, "What happened?"

Arthur turned and gestured to Merlin, "I believed you, I trusted you, and you made me look a complete fool."

"Arthur, that's not fair." Lynette said. "Merlin is telling the truth."

"I know it didn't go exactly to plan." Merlin added. More guilt weighed on Lynette's heart as she dropped her head in shame.

Arthur couldn't contain his anger as he shouted, "'Didn't go to plan'?! My father and the entire royal court think I'm a coward! YOU HUMILIATED ME!"

"We can still expose Valiant." Merlin tried to reassured, but Arthur couldn't bear the sight of his servant.

"I no longer require your services."

Lynette couldn't believe her ears as she looked over at Arthur in shock, "Arthur that is uncalled for!"

"You're sacking me?" Merlin asked.

"I need a servant I can trust." Arthur answered.

"You can trust me!" Merlin said and then pointed to Lynette. "I know you trust her."

"And look where it got me this time. Get out of my sight!"

Merlin left without another word, but Lynette stayed just long enough to say the words Arthur hated hearing, especially from her.

"I'm very disappointed in you Arthur. I thought I knew you better than this."

Lynette and Merlin sit on the steps of the courtyard with the girl laying her head on his shoulder. She couldn't help the sadness at having seen that side of Arthur that was so much like Uther. She had hoped Arthur would be different and fight harder for those who needed it, but she was wrong. He would only do what his father told him and nothing more.

Gwen ascends the steps and joins the two, "Hello, Merlin. Good evening Lynn."

"Is it true what you said about Valiant using magic?" She asked. Merlin nods and Gwen looks out at the courtyard in worry. "What are you going to do?"

"Why does everyone seem to think it's down to me to do something about it?" Merlin asked.

"Because it is! Isn't it?" Gwen answered, but wavered slightly. "You have to show everyone that you were right and they were wrong."

"And you won't be alone." Lynette said.

"And how do I do that?"

"I don't know."

The trio sit in silence until a dog statue catches Merlin's eye, "That's it."

"What?" Lynette asked.

"Where are you going?" Gwen added.

"Lynette go make room in our chamber." Merlin said before facing Gwen. "Do you have a wheelbarrow?"

Lynette watched as Gwen and Merlin disappeared down to her father's forge. She waited until they disappeared around the bend before going to do as Merlin asked. She gathered all of his clothes and set it down on his bed before moving the stool and wash bin to the side. When she turned around she saw Merlin placing the dog statue from the courtyard in the corner.

"What is it for?"

Merlin moves to pull the magic book out from under a floor board, "I'm going to prove them wrong."

Lynette smiled, "I know you will."

Merlin and Lynette spent all night together with Merlin trying desperately to bring the statue to life and Lynette offering words of encouragement where she could. As the evening turned to the night the two found it harder to stay awake. As Lynette drifted off the last thing she heard was Merlin slurring the spell, but not having much luck.

It wasn't until a growl startled the girl awake only to find her face inches from a large dog. She slowly backs away from it as she hits Merlin awake, "MERLIN!"

The sorcerer looks over, "I did it!"

The dog lunges at the two and Merlin pulls Lynette out of the way as the two rush out of the room. Merlin barricades the door and Lynette lets out a sigh of relief and a slight laugh, "I was kind of hoping he would be friendly."

"Are you serious?" Merlin asked.

She nodded, "I was going to name him Sir Ewan the Brave."

The two were unable to finish their conversation as Gaius rushes over to them, "Arthur's fighting Valiant!"

Lynette wasted no time in rushing towards the arena, not waiting to hear Merlin's excuse about scruffy Sir Ewan. When she arrives she struggles to make it to the front, but spots Morgana and Gwen ushering her over. She makes her way over just in time to see Valiant pins Arthur against a wall. She tries yelling, but her cries fall on death ears.

Across the crowd Merlin works his magic and soon the crowd is shocked into an up roar as Valiant's shield comes alive. Lynette flinches at the sight of the snakes and both Gwen and Morgan comfort the door as they stare on in horror. Uther stands from his chair as he tries his best to contain his rage at the scene before him.

"What are you doing? I didn't summon you!" Valiant cried.

"He is using magic."

"And now they see you for what you really are." Arthur announced.

Lynette watched in horror as the snakes slipped from the shield and dropped to the ground. Arthur briefly glanced in her direction, noticing her for the first time, and positioned his body to be in front of her. She watches on in apprehension as Valiant gives the order to kill, with Arthur standing weaponless. The young prince backs up until he hits the side of the arena near Lynette, Gwen and Morgana.

Morgana grabs the sword from a nearby knight and throws it, "Arthur!"

Arthur catches it with ease and slices the snakes, beheading them. Lynette stares at the slithering beasts lifeless body only for a flash of red to catch her attention. On Arthur's right arm was her favor flying in the wind as Arthur delivers the final blow on Valiant. The entire crowd cheers, but Lynette stands unmoving.

She doesn't know how to feel after Arthur's unbecoming behavior earlier and now he proudly wears her favor for all to see. All she knows as she rubs the yellow ribbon on her wrist was that he owed her an apology. She catches his eye and sends him a firm nod, before descending the stands. Leaving him to relish his victory.

That night at the banquet. Lynette tries her best to appear cheery as she allows Gwen and Morgana to dress in whatever they deemed appropriate. The king's ward has her dress in an emerald green dress that flows beautifully and Gwen uses the yellow ribbon to weave into her hair. When they were done Lynette could hardly recognize herself, but she supposed that was the point.

Lynette stands next to her father and Merlin as Uther announces the arrival of Morgana and Arthur. The court applauds as their prince offers his arm and escorts the raven haired beauty down the aisle. Merlin joins in the cheering and Lynette claps politely.

"See, I told you he gets all the girls and the glory." Merlin said with a laugh.

"And he owes it all to you." Gaius replies. "Both of you."

Lynette shook her head, "This was all Merlin and heart of gold. Without him Camelot would be without a prince and heir. So here to you Merlin."

Lynette raised her one cup of wine and downed it in one gulp. She relished the sweet taste as she felt a small smile form on her face. She could tell from where she stood that Arthur and Morgana were having another one of their spats. In the end Morgana stormed off toward Gwen and Arthur made his way over to Merlin, Lynette and Gaius.

"Can you believe Morgana? She says she saved me. Like I needed any help." Arthur scoffed.

"She did save you." Lynette pointed out.

Arthur groaned, "Not you too."

"Arthur, I was there." Lynette deadpanned.

Arthur didn't want to start an argument he knew he wouldn't win so he turned to Merlin, "I wanted to say I made a mistake. It was unfair to sack you."

"No, don't worry about it. Buy me a drink and call it even." Merlin replied.

"Uh, I can't be seen to be buying drinks for my servant."

"Your servant? You sacked me."

Arthur shrugged, "Now I'm rehiring you."

Merlin snorted as Lynette asked, "What makes you think he will accept?"

Arthur turned to look at her, "Because I am sorry for my outburst. I know that word doesn't cover it, but I hope I can make it up to you in future."

Lynette shook her head, "You're right. Sorry doesn't cover it Arthur. Not even close. You don't get to throw a tantrum and sack Merlin just because something doesn't go your way. I know you were raised better than that so start acting like it."

Arthur nodded, "I will."

Merlin snorted in between, "She's right you know."

"About?"

"What makes you think I want to work for you?"

Arthur smirks and holds up hi shand and begins to count on each finger, "My chambers are a complete mess. My clothes need washing. My, uh, armour needs repairing. My boots need cleaning. My dogs need exercise. My fireplace needs sweeping. My bed needs changing. And someone needs to muck out my stables."

Lynette laughed at the look of pure horror and dread etched onto Merlin's face.