Arthur was roaming the corridors in search of his maidservant after seeing his sister and Gwen in the courtyard. When he found her, she was alone, resting upon the wall. "Marilyn!" her head snapped up and she blinked too fast "there you are, I was wondering if you'd care to join the knights and I for supper?" Marilyn stared at Arthur bewildered. He wanted her to dine with him and his knights? Supper...food...nonono that can't happen. But I can't say no...

"It would be an honor, sire" she bowed her head and turned to leave.

"Oh, and Marilyn?"

"Yes?" she glanced over her shoulder.

"Gwen will come to fetch you" Marilyn shuffled silently to her chambers to await Gwen's calling. She toyed with her hair before pinning up the sides to keep them away from her angular face. Some time later, a soft, hesitant knock broke the silence Marilyn loved.

"Marilyn? It's Gwen...Arthur sent me to fetch you" Marilyn pulled the door open and sewed on her smile.

"You've not changed" Gwen sated. Marilyn showed her confusion.

"Was I supposed to? I haven't anything nicer to wear..." the younger girl ducked her head, embarrassed. Gwen clicked her tongue and pulled the sorceress along to Morgana's chambers. "M'lady, Marilyn is attending dinner as a guest tonight, but it would seem she has nothing to wear." Morgana examined the girls attire, frowning a bit then a mischievous smile tugged her features.

"Close you're eyes please, Marilyn. No peeking" the older girl warned. Marilyn obeyed and her friends proceeded to redress her and apply things to her face with little brushes that tickled. When they were done, they brought her to the long mirror that rested just opposite of them. "Alright, now you may open them" Marilyn slowly opened her eyes, afraid to look.

When they were fully open, she noticed that the girl in the mirror was quite different. She was dressed in a beautiful, simple, flowing ivory elven-style gown that complimented her lovely marble skin. White flowers and ribbons were braided and twisted in her raven curls. Light golden powder danced across her gleaming blue eyes that stood out against the lack of color upon the girl. She turned to the older girls who smiled brilliantly at her "you look beautiful Mare" Gwen breathed. Marilyn thanked her and was grateful for the underdress she was wearing that prevented the girls from seeing her bruises and scars and the powder she'd applied to her arms that hid the crimson gashes.

Marilyn stood alone at the doors to the dining hall, unsure of herself. Just as she was about to leave, the large oak doors were open and the sound of laughter came upon her. When she entered the room, all sound cleared though laughter still lit the eyes of the knights. Gwaine was the first to speak "Marilyn, mate, you look lovely. Morgana get to you?" smiling, Marilyn nodded and strode across the room to where he stood. All eyes followed her as she sat between him and Lancelot.

When the food was served, the men ate as though they'd not been fed in days. Marilyn picked at her plate before excusing herself, claiming to be too tired to stay. She rushed from the table, all eyes on her. Lancelot and Gwaine followed minutes after to make sure their friend was alright. They walked the halls before emerging on the front stone steps of the castle where they saw the girl sitting, looking up at the darkening sky. "Tired huh?" Lancelot asked lightly. Startled, Marilyn whipped her head around to face them.

"Lance! Gwaine! What are you doing here?" her eyes were wild, traces of gold leaving them.

"Checking up on you Em" Gwaine had concern dancing in his brown eyes. She smiled slightly at the partial use of her real name. Not many knew it, but most that did feared it.

"I'm quite alright, thank you for your concern."

"Don't lie to us Emrys" Lancelot growled. Now she was in trouble.

She glared at him, her eyes turning that beautiful and deadly gold that indicated her using her magic or just allowing the sorceress to control her. "You dare speak to me that way and accuse me of lying!" her voice was raised in a dangerous calm. Gwaine took two steps back while Lancelot stood his ground.

"You've changed Em, you're not the same clumsy, carefree, happy, funny girl with a talent for getting herself in trouble I met." Yes, she was still clumsy and still got into a lot of trouble but all else had changed. Defeat shone through and her eyes faded back to blue. She apologized softly, slowly rising to her feet. She swayed a little and hoped that her companions didn't notice. If they had, they made no show of this. She trudged back up the steps and allowed the knights to escort her to Gaius's chambers.

When she opened the door, the voice of her uncle washed over her "ah, Marilyn. I have some soup for you if you're hungry. Hello Gwaine, Lancelot."

"No thanks Gaius. I had dinner with the knights" she mumbled walking to her small room in the back. She slammed the door and Gaius
sighed.

"I'm sorry, my niece has been like this for months" months? The knights looked at each other, almost horrified. How had they not noticed? They glanced back at the little door up the three old wooden steps where their favorite friend was hiding. A light glow momentarily caressed the door. She had sealed it shut with magic. "Damn it Marilyn, what's wrong?' Lancelot thought to her, knowing she heard him.

'Go away Lancelot du Lac. I wish to be let alone' she hissed 'and take Gwaine with you' she didn't trust her friend not to leave the man behind in hopes she'll speak with him. When she heard the door slam, the exhausted maid collapsed on her bed into a dreamless sleep.

The two knights made their way back to the dining hall, sitting heavy with guilt. The chatter stopped and all eyes were fixed on them "has anyone noticed anything odd about her? I don't believe she is just simply tired" Lancelot hissed lightly.

"Is she alright?" Percivle questioned.

"I don't know anymore" Gwaine whispered.