Well, well! How are you? :D I hope you're all okay and thriving. Not much to mention about this week so just hope you enjoy this chapter.

DISCLAIMER: Merlin belongs to BBC. I do not own any of the characters, or settings, except my OC, Estelle and others that will likely appear as the story goes on. This fanfic is for the purpose of entertainment and fun only, and I make no monetary gain by writing my stories.

Merlin and I stood still, an arm gently placed around my brother's shoulder. After a brief while just enjoying the silence of the morning back at the Square, looking the people lively chatting and walking around, we finally decided it was time to go. I knew better than probably anyone (excepting Morgana) what the boy felt. He didn't hate Gaius, quite the contrary actually, he loved the physician. He was just burdened with everything that was going around. All the while, not only going unnoticed, and hiding what he knew, but seeing those around him getting hurt. I knew...because I also felt that way. As sister, as friend, as someone who carried the weight of knowledge...

We sighed as we arrived to Arthur's tent. Merlin was back again up with a grin, which made me frown at the quick change, but I shook it off after realizing his smile was genuine. Maybe he just needed some time. It had been long since we got any.

"Congratulations, Arthur. You are now in the final," I sighed to Arthur as he entered the tent, sweat streaming down his forehead. Merlin nodding with a smirk.

Arthur grinned before turning to William handing him the helmet for him to hold, "Go on then. You're people await you." He cheerfully laughed, "No one can say Sir Leon let me win this time."

Merlin snorted and teased hearing the people cheer crazily after spotting William on the arena, "Sounds like the crowd've really taken to William."

Arthur nodded but said, "That will change when I reveal my identity."

I shook my head and teased him in a 'mocking' tone, "Oh, can't you see Mer, that Arthur here misses the glory!"

Arthur snorted and rolled his eyes, "Just go and water the horse, will you?"

...

Merlin walked by my side, making a witty remark here and there as I lead the horse to the water trough. One of his teasing jokes had been particularly funny, sending me into a fit of laughter... which was soon to disappear as a tall, dark coloured man approached to us as casually as possible. He inspected us with caution and smiled with a deceiving friendliness, faking a dearing and good-intentioned innocence. I gritted my teeth, trying to retain a calm composure, and smiled as unsuspiciously as possible. I titled my head as he spoke, frowning, hoping to be wrong.

"He's a fine horse," he pointed out, "I see your master has advanced to the final. He's extremely skilled with a lance."

I sighed, "William's doing well. Just one more match to go."

He nodded and asked, not so subtlety, "Tell me, what is he like to work for?"

Merlin chuckled and approached him to whisper, "Between you and me? He can be a bit of a prat."

Myror laughed at the statement and queried with his brows knitted together, "So you are no longer working for Prince Arthur?"

Before Merlin could answer I replied nonchalantly with a smile, "Oh, no. We are. It's that we owe William a favour, as he saved us from, um, a bandit attack some while ago. We are just...helping around." Merlin looked at me and smiled nodding in agreement.

Myror nodded and grinned back, "Well, I, erm, I wish your master luck in the final."

Merlin smirked and finally said, "Thanks," Merlin turned to me and snorted, "A bandit attack?"

I poked his side, "We need a cover," looking at his smirk I rolled my eyes, "Hey, I never said it was perfect..."

...

I yawned in my way to Gwen's house, I had left Merlin's side as he just took care of the horse and made his way to take it back to the stables where it belonged to. I had told him where I was to be and he'd been quite alright with the idea. Maybe I could continue to aid Gwen with whatever she could need. I made haste to hear everything oddly silent. I took my dagger silently and began to walk around the house. Until pulling out the curtains that devided one section from the house to reveal a tired and sleeping Gwen. I gave her a small smile and sighed, looking at the bed on the other side of the house, and shaking my head.

I began to sweep a little, letting the girl sleep and glancing back in case there was a way to carry her back to the bed...without risking letting her fall down.

As if on cure, Arthur entered the house, "Guinevere?" he loudly called out, making me curse.

"Shh!" I hushed him, rolling my eyes at how comfortable he'd made himself to not ene knock.

Arthur looked at me with a frown, but spoke more quietly "Elle. Do you know if Guinevere has a needle and threat? My shirt needs mending."

I sighed, "I suppose she does, she is a seamstress."

He suddenly glanced at Gwen, "Is this where she sleeps? Where's her bed?"

I rolled my eyes and continued to sweep the floor, "You are sleeping in it."

He seemed taken back, "Why didn't she say something?"

I rubbed my eyes and template before turning to face him, "How could she? You're Prince Arthur. Did you even give her the chance to do so? You just assumed the bed was yours, flopped into it, and went to sleep!"

"Well, how am I supposed to know if you don't tell me?"

"Arthur...you're not a child to be told things over. You're a grown man, and think about others too!" I stated sighing, as Gwen turned over.

He looked partially offended and crossed his arms, "Is there anything else you'd like to say to me? Please, I'd like to hear it. If there's something you want to say to me, don't let me stop you."

"Fine!" I scoffed and rolled my eyes at him, "You really are clueless, aren't you?"

Arthur sighed, "About what?"

"About how rude and arrogant you can be! This," I pointed at the house, "is Gwen's home and you are a guest in it! Me and Merlin, more than anybody, know that you are used to more luxurious things, but that is no excuse to be so impolite!" I scoffed, "You keep on, time and time again, saying that titles don't matter to you. But you act like a prince. As if you owned the whole place, expecting us to wait on you like servants! Your words mean nothing if you don't stand up to them! If we didn't keep you so on check, then you'd be even more rude towards others. Would it honestly kill you to say please and thank you once in a while, Arthur?!" I finally shot at him sighing at the end of my rant.

Arthur frowned, surprised, "Is there anything else you'd like to add?"

I rambled through my hair and shook my head, "No, I think that's quite it."

The prince sighed and looked at Guinever who seemed to be waking up, before taking his hand to his face, "You're right, Elle. Guinevere has invited me into her home, and I have behaved appallingly."

I chuckled, "Sorry if by any means I offended you."

"Oh, really?" he chuckled.

I tilted my head and narrowed my eyes, "Mmm, no not really...Maybe just a little."

He snorted making me laugh to myself, and finally cleared his throat, "There's no excuse. I'll make it up to you. Tonight, I will make dinner for you."

With a big smile I asked, "You're going to cook Gwen dinner?"

He blinked, "I was thinking on making a meal for the, um... three of us."

A small blush begain to creep my cheeks, and I took his hands out squeezing them softly, "I'd love to. But tonight, there is something I have to do. Make this for her alright?" seeing he seemed slightly upset I giggled, "Oh worry not, maybe we could postpone it for another day, the two of us." I cheered feeling the warmth spread across my body.

I cleared my throat, and was just about to speak up, when Gwen blinked rubbing her eyes tiredly, "Elle? My Lord?!" she quickly stood up and arranged herself, "What is it?"

"Well apparently Arthur will prepare dinner for you to apologize for his...childish behavious," I stated.

Arthur narrowed his eyes a bit at that last bit, but smiled in a proud manner, "I most certainly am. Now go for a walk or do whatever it is that you girls do at this time of the evening…"

Gwen smiled and stretched herself, "A walk would be nice," she said before grabbing her shawl and finally heading out.

He turned to me, "Now off you go too, Elle. You might not be able to come, but please do go take some free time."

Shaking my head I rolled my eyes, and muttered with a smirk, "Oh no, this is a must see." But Arthur, didn't seem too happy with that, and grabbing me from my shoulders, he took me out of the house, and closed the door.

"…and your dinner will be ready when you return," he said, making me shake my head laughing loudly.

...

I watched quietly from outside the windows, not minding the strange glances from the peasants as they walked around. Arthur was, to put it simply, playing with the pink raw chicken's legs, inspecting it cluelessly. I was holding my laughter when I heard steps, I quickly glanced and kept my dagger on my hands. To my relief it was just my brother.

"Merlin," I hissed with a smirk, "Just look at that." I pointed out and took a finger to my mouth signaling him to be as silent as possible.

He snorted and then entered crossing his arms and leaning against the door frame.

Arthur turned to him and exclaimed, praising the heavens, "Merlin, thank God."

He looked at him with a small grin, "Gwen says you're cooking."

"I need you to fetch me two dinners from the palace kitchens," he told him sending him off.

Merlin looked at him with a frown, "So…you're not cooking."

Arthur rolled his eyes and shook his head, "No, but Elle and Guinevere don't need to know that. As far as they're concerned, dinner will be prepared and cooked by me."

I entered the house and shook my head sighing, "Oh too bad, Elle knows...Come on Arthur, give it a try!"

He looked at me surprised, "Estelle? Wha..." he shook his head, "But I have!"

I chuckled, "Yeah, I don't think the chicken's legs will tell you the answer..."

He blushed, "Don't be ridiculous."

With a hearty laugh I approached him, "Look...we won't care if your chicken is over roasted, but that you do it yourself. Gwen isn't dumb. Don't you think she'll notice?" I smiled and placed my hands on his shoulders shaking him, "Just do your best." I smiled and then an idea popped inside my head, "Well, it has been quite the long time since I don't actually prepare a meal. I'm not great at cooking myself, but perhaps it'd be nice to get on back to the kitchen."

...

Cooking had gone by with messy experiments and different tastes. The first try, with Gwen's chicken had become a bit too roasted, and Arthur had decided to try again. He wasn't willing to be beaten by a piece of raw meat, and then Merlin was quickly sent to check for a new chicken. When afternoon arrived, Merlin prepared the table with my aid, we placed the napkins and some flowers to add a nice touch. Arthur glanced through the window and hurriedly helped us.

I approached the door and opened it, "Ah, Gwen. Welcome."

Merlin smiled and left through the other door, and the girl giggled at me.

Arthur gave her a small nod, "Guinevere. Perfect timing."

He smiled and placed his hand on the chair, pulling out her seat for her.

Gwen looked at me surprised and smiled, "Thank you."

—

3rd POV

That night, Merlin had decided to prepare certain surprise for Gaius. After what he'd said to him in a fit of tiredness, worry, and anger, he felt truly guilty. However, he had the perfect way to apologize. He had everything he needed ready, and in no time the first attempt he, Elle, and Arthur had made for Gwen's dinner was readily placed on the table. Gaius entered and looked at cooked chicken set accompanied by some vegetables and goods. He was geniuenly surprised and touched, and couldn't help but smile.

"Dinner's ready," Merlin greeted him warmly, and explained "Um, Elle had to do something, and won't be able to come tonight," he said before sighing with a ring of guilt on his voice, "What I said this morning…"

Gaius shook his head, "It is I who should be apologising to you," he sighed, "I have failed to appreciate just how heavy your burden must be."

Merlin nodded but frowned, "I shouldn't've lost my temper with you."

"It's no wonder you're upset. There's so much resting on your young shoulders," he then smirked and stated, "Now that Arthur's away, you must take time to enjoy yourself."

The boy smiled but tentatively asked, "What about the leech tank?"

Gaius shook his hands dismissively and squeezed Merlin's shoulders, "Don't even think about the leech tank."

Merlin grinned from ear to ear, "Really?"

Gaius chuckled and glanced at his plate, "All this talk of leeches will put us off our dinner. A pity your sister couldn't accompany us today," he sighed before asking, "Where'd that chicken come from?" Suddenly there was a knock on the door making Merlin roll his eyes and groan to himself. "Come in!" The physician called.

Sir Leon entered and said, "The King commands your presence immediately."

...

Merlin didn't expect the sight in front of him. There was a knight, lying limplessly on the floor, and Gaius was inspecting it crouching by his side. He shifted uncomfortably as Leon and Uther frowned at the corpse. There were lots of possibilities on why the man had passed away. There was no true trace of violence, so at least that felt reassuring for them.

"Can you determine a cause of death?" The king asked and Gaius stood up.

The physician frowned and sighed, "His neck's been broken. There's scarcely a mark on the flesh," he continued and looked at Merlin warily, "Whoever killed him knew exactly what he was doing."

Leon narrowed his eyes and said, "Earlier this morning, an intruder was spotted in the lower town."

Uther clenched his fists and stormed off, "Then I fear it's true, Odin has sent an assassin to kill Arthur."

"An assassin?" Merlin gulped. Arthur was still in Camelot...What id this assassin found Arthur? Knowing Elle she'd also interfere...What then? What would happen to those he loved?

Uther faced the boy and proceeded to ask, "Have you any word from Arthur since he left for the northern borders?"

"No. None," Merlin lied.

The king sighed and relaxed his tense features, "With this assassin in Camelot, we must be thankful Arthur isn't here," he continued walking and turned to Leon and ordered him, "Search the entire town. I want the assassin found before Arthur returns."

—

Estelle's POV

I sighed and went outside siting from the other side of the house, watching in case Myror appeared. His previous attempts had failed originally, from what I remembered, but I wasn't going to risk it and sit around while doing nothing. I blinked for a while and suddenly saw a cloaked figure approaching holding a mini crossbow and aiming him at the window inside Gwen's cott.

I unsheated my sword, calling to the guards and making Myror flinch, and turn to me as I approached him with fury. He knew there was no way to aim the shot clearly. Not without risking himself, so he began to run away. And he was astoundingly fast...I thought I was just about to loose him, when several guards surrounded the man.

"Halt! Stop right there!" They called out, and I blocked Myror's only option of escape. He gritted his teeth and tried to slide down, but I blocked him and pushed him away.

He glared at me and tried to dash, grabbing his crossbow and aiming it at me and the guards threatiningly. However he was soon to be attacked and pinned by Camelot's men.

"By the laws of Camelot, you are arrested and sentenced to trial for treason," The head of the knights boomed and spat, "Take him to the dungeons." He turned to me and nodded.

I sighed out of relief and headed back to Gwen's house, knocking it open.

"I. Do. Not. Snore," Arthur was trying to say to a chuckling Gwen.

There was a little bit of sweat on my forehead, but I was cheering out smiling happily. Arthur frowned as he glanced at me and I was about tto explain everything, when Merlin banged the doors opened, hitting me and making me stumble.

"Ah! Elle!" He exclaimed and I shook my head.

Arthur frowned and grumbled, "Merlin!"

I sighed and settled them down, "It's alright," I turned to my brother, "What is it?"

Merlin nodded and gulped before exclaimined, "Arthur, there's an assassin's in Camelot. He's here to kill you."

Arthur face became pale and he glanced at me, his fitures tense.

I let Merlin continue, "The assassin killed a guard. Your father said Odin sent him."

Gwen frowned, "Why would Odin want you dead?"

Arthur gulped and turned away, "Because I killed his son," he closed his eyes and I could see the guilt on his face, this was a sensitive topic for him, "Odin's son challenged me to a fight," he explained, his tone more somber than before, "I had no quarrel with him. I asked him to withdraw. Perhaps he felt he had to prove himself. I can still see his face," Arthur turned to me his eyes filled with pity, "He looked so scared."

I frowned and shook my head, taking his hands into mine, "That wasn't your fault..."

Merlin looked at us but continued, "If the assassin can't find you, he can't kill you."

"Oh, guys?" I called them out.

Arthur turned to Merlin not listening to me as Gwen said, "And no one but us knows where you are."

"Guys!" I called again louder than before, seeing they looked at me I sighed, "Thank you. And...about that. Myror was caught just a while ago by the patrol."

Arthur frowned, "How do you know?"

I scratched the back of my head, "I was coming to check on you, and well, I saw him...he had," I closed my eyes and slumped down, "he was coming ready to kill you Arthur. He knew were you were."

"You faced him?" Merlin asked and I could see that both him and Arthur were tensing up.

I shook my head, "No! No...I alerted the guards and helped them capture him. Now we're all safe."

Arthur sighed and nodded, before glancing to Gwen, "May I continue to stay here?"

She nodded, "Of course, for as long as you need."

He smiled and said, "Thank you. I'll sleep on the floor tonight."

She shook her head, "No, have my bed," she continued, "You need to be well rested for the tournament tomorrow."

Arthur chuckled, "I'll not hear of it. Goodnight, Guinevere."

"Goodnight," she replied back.

Arthur smiled and I was about to leave through the back door, when he squeezed my hands, "Good night Elle."

I hugged him and gently said, "Good night. Oh, remember that this is more comfortable than a late night camping on hunts, and you'll sleep tightly. "

...

I walked over at Gwen's house early in the morning and arrived just in time to see Arthur preparing to leave.

Approaching the latter I smirked, "So how did you sleep?"

He sighed, "How did you manage at Ealdor?"

I shrugged and chuckled, "Well, you get used to it."

"One more match. The tournament will be over," Arthur said with a smile.

Gwen giggled, "You can go back to being Prince Arthur."

"Back to your soft and comfortable bed and pillows," I added seeing his dreamy face.

Sudennly something inside me snapped, and I leaned to give him a small peck on his lips, "I thought it might be for...luck?"

Arthur looked at me and smirked, "Thank you."

I was unsure if it actually cualified as an actual kiss, but I was blushing wildly. I turned around awkardly and started to push him out to the arena, "You don't want to be late now, do you?"

...

I was quite happy with how things had come to be, and my anxiety had lowered down inmensely by the fact that Myror was emprisoned, and therefore could cause no harm to Arthur. I just hoped things would work out this time...

"They're ready for you, Sire," I heard William say handing Arthur the helmet.

Arthur nodded and prepared himself all ready for the last fight, to finally achieve his victory. I was quite curious by how his new oponent, from what I'd gathered, Sir Alinor, was great at jousting as well, and I'd actually never seen him in action. This taking into consideration the original plot set on the series. I smiled as Arthur went down, before spotting two knights hushingly talking to each other.

I was shocked with their words.

"No. T-that can't be right!" I exclaimed and dashed, hearing my heartbeat on my ears, toward Sir Alinor in his tent... Dresses, armour, and a c-corpse. Myror...he had really escaped...Of course he had, he had connections, Elle! 'A mole inside the castle,' I thought bitterly. But then, "Arthur..." I breathed shakily. Please...Just..."Please be okay."

I ran slipping on my boots as I arrived close to the stands.

I noticed the deadly lance, much more pointy than it should. Arthur and Myror faced each other on the course, dangerously charging towards each other. I concentrated myself on a spell and silently muttered it as the familiar magic rushed through my veins and eyes.

"Unbinde þé téage," I incanted shakily and quickly, hoping for it to work. Maybe the nerves of the moment made my concentration flalter, but finally I breathed and sighed, "Unbinde þé téage."

Sure enough, the grith of Myror snapped causing him to stumble. Arthur took the opportunity and charged to the weak spot, hitting it perfectly. However, not without suddenly getting hit with the sharp lance that would pierce his armour, making me quiver. I ran towards the injured prince, who was bleeding way too much. I gulped and with Merlin helped him rushing towards the tent.

"His lance pierced my armour," Arthur said, his eyelids closing from the blood loss.

I grumbled and placed a cloth on his injury, rapidly taking his armour, "I have to stop you bleeding..."

Merlin forced a smile, "The tournament is over! You won!"

I shook my head, "How can you only think about winning! You were jousting against the assassin! You could've died there! He killed Sir Alinor and took his place," I rushed my hand to my hair, and backed away as Arthur's bandage was ready, "And even if you'd known...even if you'd have to continue fighting like this...You would've."

Arthur nodded, "I have never withdrawn from a match. I do not intend to start now."

"Why would you risk everything for a prize? You have nothing to prove," I said with a frown.

Arthur shook his head, "I have everything to prove. To myself."

Merlin cleared his throat, "The people are waiting for their champion. It's time to reveal yourself."

Arthur sighed, and turned to William, "You must go and collect the trophy."

I smirked and narrowed my eyes to him, "Wasn't this going to be your great entrance? Your moment of glory?"

Arthur smiled to me and shook his head, "Perhaps this is a time for humility."

And so it was, Merlin, Gwen, and me looked at the background and laughed as William celebrated victory to the wild applauses of the crowd.

...

At the Council Chamber of Doom, Arthur stood before the court. The news of is 'arrival' had been spread through the castle, and with them, the fact he'd been injured during his hunt. He'd been called to explain the results of his trip, as well let his father rest assured from the news of Myror's sudden and unexpected escape, which he'd learnt about briefly after the tournament ending. Nobody seemed to question the great coincidence between the prince's injury, compared to the one of "William" and how his arrival matched exactly that of the end of the jousting competition.

"The assassin attacked us as we returned to Camelot," the prince stated signaling to the bandage sling over his bloody armour, "I was injured whilst killing him."

Uther frowned, "Odin must be made to pay for his actions;" he turned to his council, "We must strike back at him."

Arthur shifted and humbly said, "Surely you understand the grief he feels for the loss of his son? We should try to make peace with him," he sighed sadly, "There's been enough bloodshed."

Uther nodded thoughtfully, "Perhaps you're right," he then continued and asked, "How was the rest of your trip? Fruitful?"

Arthur looked at me, as we stood behing Gaius with a small smile, "Very. I learned a great deal," he changed the topic, "How was the tournament?"

Uther smiled, "Excellent," and proudly mentioned, "We have a new champion, Sir William of Daira."

Arthur smiled knowingly and chuckled, "I'm sorry I missed all the excitement."

...

At the ends, things worked out correctly. Arthur was alive, and more humble than he'd ever been. He'd talked to me on our way to the physician's chambers, explaining the impossibility of anything happening between us. I had replied him understandingly, with a small smile. I knew, many things. About the hardships we would face, but also about the changes that would happen. It had taken me time to realize that my prescence had also altered more things I'd ever think about. In a way, I had replaced Gwen's place, and even though it was quite scary to explore a yet undiscovered territory...I was happy to count with said opportunity.

But not everything was swift and sweet, because after Gaius found out the truth. And, let's just say he had the perfect job for us to do as payment for our lies...cleaning the leech tank.

"This is horrible," Merlin said, "This is so disgusting."

I grimanced at the job, and every time I'd see the black slimy blood-sucking creatures move.

"Why do you even have leeches in the first place?!" I shuddered, "Gross..."

Gaius laughed and looked at us, leaving his reading for a while to say, "Well, perhaps you'll think twice about lying to me in the future," he paused and slowly warned, "And Merlin, there's something on your face."

"Where?"

I looked at him with shock, a leech hanging on his cheek.

"R-right there..." I gulped.

When I realized I had one glued to my arm myself. We both freaked out, and, stood up quickly, continuesly trying to shake them off, while Gaius laughed at the scene.

"Gaius!" We both called out frowning, but then laughing once we were thankfully rid of the leeches.

What did you think? Don't forget to comment down below on what you though, tips, ideas, theories, corrections. They'll be greatly appreaciated.

Guest: Well, I am unsure you'll ever read this, if you do then feel free to comment down. :)

Based on your chapter number, I have to admit that nothing really changed up to that point, later on, things began to be altered, and different twists were added. Were they not, my dear readers? Aside from that, I feel the need to answer to your question, "why did you bother to write this ?"

First, I'd like to say that I actually and genuinely enjoy to write my story down. I have the opprotunity to share a lil' bout myself on my story and OCs. Then comes the fact, that this idea popped out of nowhere. (In the middle of my b-day lol). Since I quite felt happy of it, instead of letting it sink and go to waist, I decided to go out of my comfort zone and try something new. Waiting to see how it went on the way, and make it a project of my own. I have tbh and mention it was scary, and I had little to no experience when it comes to this. So actually doing it, and keeping up with it makes me feel happy and proud...It does become tiring, but I always try to do it the best way possible.

LairaCapulet: I'm so happy you enjoyed it! Makes my day whenver someone says that. I tried picturing it myself lol, XD...And as always, thank you for the observations. The chapter should be edited, and corrected. Hope you liked this one too!

OechsnerC: As always it's really nice to hear from you. Seriously, since the very beginning you've commented! Means a lot to me. Looking forward to writing more ;D

Stay safe, take care, do what you truly love
Otter reader out~