Thanks to Paralelsky for beta-ing! And to all you lovely people who read and reviewed :)
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Appetizing aromas originating from the kitchens wafted into the corridors stretching from it. The cooks were starting to prepare dinner for the entire castle and Mordred was making a point to arrive extra early. There were no other servants save for the scullions, scullery and kitchen maids which the boy found himself thankful for. Many took heed of his entrance but Mordred sought out the head cook, a beefy and intimidating woman who was eyeing him mistrustfully. According to Morris, Audrey was still undecided about him because he, 'hasn't made no mistakes yet, but he has the look of trouble.' She redirected her attention from a relieved scullery maid to Mordred and barked for him to speak.
Mordred cared not what the cook thought of him, but spoke very politely since he would be asking a favour. "Hello, miss. I was wondering if you could perhaps cook more of the prince's favourites for his dinner tonight?" He wanted to thank Arthur for his kindness this morning.
Audrey scowled. "Our prince has a great many favourites and they change every month, speak plainer, boy."
Mordred blinked at her harsh tone and exchanged a look with the scullery maid. "Well, I know he mentioned a fondness for honey ham. And roasted potatoes, and meat pie. And-"
"I get it," Audrey snapped, "you know this was going to be a smooth night until you came along, scamp."
The servant felt himself smile. "You'll do it?"
Audrey scoffed loudly. "Well I've got to, haven't I?" She turned to the fidgeting maid beside her. "Take him to wash the dishes, it's the least he can do now that he's given me more work." The cook then waddled off to bear down on a kitchen maid preparing some fish.
Mordred at once opened his mouth to protest but was stopped by the scullery maid who shook her head back and forth, causing strands of dark blonde hair to become free of her braid. "Come on, just follow me," she whispered in a slight brogue and led the way to the far wall.
"I have to get back to Gaius," Mordred looked down to her and complained.
The girl offered him a smile. "Well, you're lucky since all the dishes are washed." She pointed to the rows of shelves which bore stacks of plates and goblets. "She's a bit hasty sometimes."
"Oh," Mordred sighed in relief. "I'm Mordred." He hadn't spoken with a girl around his age in years and struggled to think of the appropriate greeting. The young sorcerer settled with a small bow.
She laughed and stuck her hand out. "I know, and I'm Emily." Mordred blushed slightly and shook her hand. "Everyone talks about you. They're all surprised that you are still the prince's servant."
Mordred frowned. "Why are they surprised?"
"Well you're a bit young to be a manservant," she pointed out.
"I turn twelve this spring," he defended.
"Oh, well that's not too bad I suppose. I won't turn twelve until next year. Other than my elder sister- she's over there- I'm the oldest of four brothers. Where's yours?
Mordred looked at her. "Merlin?"
Emily grinned. "Yeah, doesn't he usually follow you everywhere?"
"Well he isn't feeling well today," Mordred told her.
"Oi!" Audrey's yell had them jumping in alarm. "Less talk, more work! Get out of my kitchen, whelp!"
Emily laughed but hurried past Mordred to help the cooking effort. "Bye, whelp. I hope your brother feels better."
A scowl jumped onto Mordred's face at being called a whelp but he did not send a comment after the younger servant, for she had scurried out of whispering distance. He harrumphed, but hurried out of the kitchens, being covertly monitored by Emily.
Mordred felt rather proud of himself for going out of his way to thank Arthur. He felt it was the least he could do since the prince had cheered Merlin up, and Mordred felt indebted to him. But now the next time that Morgana complained about Arthur, Mordred would feel obligated to defend him. The thought made him frown because he did not particularly want to start opposing her in any way. He supposed he would just say nothing instead of agreeing. Right now he needed to go collect some herbs for Gaius, thankfully only a few basic ones.
The young warlock walked through the courtyard but elected to not retrieve a basket from the physician's chambers as he did not want to upset Merlin by leaving again so soon. Mordred glanced down at his cloak and decided he would just have to bear the chill and use it instead. He approached the tree line in good time and recalled the path Gaius told him to take which was the rough trail by the gangly willow tree bearing southeast. The clamour of the city was quickly muffled by the music of the forest and Mordred allowed himself a small smile. While he was growing to become fond of Camelot, he was sure that he would always feel an attachment to the sheltering trees.
Before long the boy came across some comfrey and stooped down to pick some. He held the small heap in his hands until he found the thornroot and then he made a net with his cloak and placed both piles in it. It took him a bit longer to find the bugleweed because he kept on mistaking them for regular flowers. Mordred was grateful when he was finished since the day was getting cooler and searching for herbs was becoming boring. An hour from when he started, Mordred was nearing the edge of the forest again but a rustle in the trees behind him made him freeze. The boy whipped around and clutched his cloak tighter upon hearing snapping twigs. He recognized footsteps and knew that whoever it was would not be good news. Mordred only hoped it was not a druid. The thought of running occurred to him too late when a figure stepped out of the trees. He almost sighed in relief at seeing one of Arthur's friends, but knew not to be happy about it. Especially when Lord Leonard looked at him in surprise before repugnance and when Lord Alan followed.
To Mordred's extreme disappointment they stopped in front of him. "Well, well, look who we have here, Alan," Leonard scoffed.
"The prince's slip of a servant," Alan answered derisively and then laughed aloud with the other lord.
Mordred only frowned at them silently, wishing that he was the black bird in a branch above so he could fly away. Or better yet, walk away without reprimand.
Alan's long face became hard with the glare he sent Mordred. "Who said you can look upon us, urchin?"
Mordred ground his teeth and narrowed his eyes before he looked down. He kept his lips shut so he would not accidentally be rude to them.
"Looks like he's a brainless wit just like his brother," Leonard spat.
Mordred did not know why everyone thought Merlin and he were brothers, but they might as well have been anyway. And Mordred would never let anyone insult his brother within his hearing.
"Neither Merlin nor myself are brainless wits," he bit out sharply and glared up at them both. "I suggest you go bother someone who is more than half your size."
The lords gaped at him like he was a dog that started to recite a poem so he quickly spun on his heel and began to walk away. He should not have been startled when he was pushed. Mordred tumbled forwards and his grip slackened on his cloak which dipped enough to drop most of the herbs onto the forest floor. Mordred valiantly reined in an indignant huff and instead attempted to feign fear by hunching his shoulders and looking down. He did not need to use his imagination much because both the lords were quite a bit larger than him. Mordred's facade nearly cracked when he caught Leonard hesitating in the corner of his vision.
Alan though surged forward. "I think you need a little lesson in propriety. The stocks have been too lonely as of late."
At this Leonard laughed. "I think he might be too short for them."
The taller man grabbed the scruff of Mordred's collar. "Well there is no harm in checking, I say. Move it." Alan hauled Mordred along and the boy accidently let go of his cloak. He looked miserably after it as he was pushed roughly along. He debated the wisdom of trying to brandish the small dagger that was hanging from his belt.
Leonard followed behind them, making comments that may have convinced the other lord to let up if he made any move to stop Alan. But the younger lord simply trailed along and let Alan drag Mordred to the city. The former druid did not protest but his anger simmered dangerously and when the clouds above began dropping rain, Mordred attempted to free himself. It did not have the outcome he desired and all too soon they were entering the courtyard. People leaving to avoid the rain gave the lords disapproving looks, but none could or would do anything to help the boy.
It turned out that he was just barely tall enough for the stocks. The lords stepped back and laughed uproariously. Mordred shivered involuntarily against the cold and tried to bid for his freedom. "I have to get the prince's dinner; he won't be pleased if I'm late.
Leonard sneered at him. "Well since he's so very fond of you he might not mind," he drawled, "have fun."
"I hate the smell of wet dog," Alan sneered before finally leaving.
The two lords strolled away laughing and Mordred watched with an embarrassed flush heating his face. The boy didn't know what he did to earn their ire and it only added fuel to the unsettling twisting in his stomach. Mordred was far too offended to feel sorry for himself, and instead poured all his negative feelings into hate for the prince's friends, even the one who had not joined the other two. He grunted and tried to pull away from the restraints, looking around for anyone to help him. But the two people that he did see cross his vision kept their eyes averted from his own. Mordred shuffled his feet and failed to ignore the rain that now had him soaked to the bone. By the time his muscles were starting to cramp he was sorely tempted to use the now mastered unlocking spell that he learned. But he was saved from his internal debate by a familiar voice shouting his name.
He looked up at Morgana who rushed into his view and placed a hand on his shoulder. "What are you doing here? Who is responsible?" she demanded.
"Oh, hello, my lady." Mordred felt his anger abate at the sight of her and he smiled. "And Arthur's friends said I needed a lesson in propriety."
The lady's celadon eyes burned with wrath. She took off her own green cloak and flung it over Mordred despite his protest. "And was Arthur with them?"
"No. I was collecting herbs in the forest," Mordred answered, "and dropped my cloak. There isn't sense in you getting wet as well, pl-"
Morgana shook her head. "How long have you been here? Don't worry, I sent Gwen to fetch a key to release you."
A slight blush crept across Mordred's cheeks. "Thank you. And a little, but Prince Arthur let me have most of the day off. It is not dinner time yet, is it?
"Not yet, are you hungry? Oh just wait until I get my hands on them," she spat venomously.
"I just don't want to be late with the prince's food," Mordred told her.
Morgana frowned but whatever she was going to say was interrupted by Gwen's appearance in the courtyard. The dark maidservant's footfalls slapped loudly against the wet cobblestones and Morgana called a warning for her to be careful.
"Sorry it took so long!" Gwen shouted to be heard over the rain. Morgana stepped aside to let the blacksmith's daughter rush in towards the stocks. She demanded answers as she swiftly released the locks.
Once they were open Mordred gratefully straightened out but found that embarrassment kept the words lodged in his throat. He found that he could not look up at either woman so he just whispered a thank you to Gwen and tried to give Morgana's cloak back to her. The young sorcerer missed the glances the two women exchanged and was grateful when the lady relented and took back her cloak.
"Come on, let's get out of this rain," Morgana said brightly. She laid a hand on Mordred's shoulder and guided him to the castle. She did not enter the main doors but went through one of the hallways connecting to the courtyard. They only stopped when they were well inside and had a torch flickering warmly above them. The flames served to highlight how soaked they all were, and the rainwater that was glistening on them due to the firelight dripped steadily onto the floor.
When the silence drew out, Morgana leant forwards and brushed away the hair that was adhered to Mordred's face. The fire casting dancing shadows upon the ground entered Mordred's eyes as he glanced to her, revealing the stunning shade of blue. "Are you alright, Mordred?" She asked gently.
He nodded and finally made eye contact with Morgana and Gwen. "Yes I'm fine, thank you for helping me. I'm grateful." And dreadfully embarrassed.
"There is no need to thank us," Morgana stated quickly. She knelt down and grabbed his hands to examine his irritated wrists. The rain only seemed to make the shackles rougher and the iron had rubbed the skin slightly raw. Thankfully he wasn't there long enough for the skin to have broken.
"Don't worry about Arthur's dinner, I shall get Gwen to serve it to him. You need to get Gaius to look at your wrists."
Mordred's brow drew downward and he glanced at Gwen before looking back to Morgana. "I wanted to thank him. He's been very kind to me and Merlin. And they don't even hurt."
Morgana sighed but was quietly pleased that Mordred was no longer staring at his wet boots. "Alright, but I want you to warm up before you serve him, alright?" She stood up again and exacted the promise from Mordred.
"Here," Gwen could no longer contain herself and stepped forward, placing her faded red cloak around Mordred's shoulders. It was not completely wet and it blocked the draft from breathing on the boy's cold skin. The maidservant immediately stopped fidgeting and smiled at Mordred while firmly denying his attempts to give it back.
"Keep it until you get your own back. I have others. Now if you would excuse me my lady, I shall go get your chambers ready."
Morgana let her go with a grin, noting the way Mordred was trying to shrug the cloak off his narrow shoulders. Gwen smiled sweetly at the prince's servant and quickly retreated after patting the cloak down. Mordred sighed and wrapped the cloak tighter around himself now that it was clear that Gwen was running away from it.
In front of him, Morgana suddenly stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him. Mordred wasn't all that upset by his treatment, and his anger was simmering. But he gladly received the hug Morgana was offering. With a pang, the always present phantom at the back of his mind flared and he remembered that he missed his mother very much. Mordred's arms tightened and he sank further into the hug.
"You're freezing," Morgana fussed.
Mordred drew back and smiled brightly at her. "So are you."
The lady returned the smile and used her sleeve to wipe away the rainwater shining on Mordred's face. "Now let's get you home, I don't want you catching a cold." Her tone brooked no room for argument and she began to lead Mordred by the shoulder.
"You do not need to come with me, my lady," Mordred said with alarm.
Morgana just gave him a sidelong look, clearly not trusting him not to hurry to the kitchens while he was still soaking wet. She quickly inquired about Merlin to divert his attention. Mordred told her about the child's bad days, and it most certainly struck a chord within the lady.
"I wish you told me sooner, Mordred. I could have spent the day with him," she frowned.
"He doesn't usually desire company when he's like this. But I promise I will inform you next time."
"Make sure of it," Morgana smiled at him. When they were close, Morgana turned to him. "I'll just go put on a change of clothes. I will see you soon."
"Alright," Mordred smiled. They parted ways and he arrived shortly at the physician's chambers. When Mordred walked in, the physician immediately frowned at him. "You're soaked! What were you doing outside in this weather?" he demanded and motioned to the closed window. It was still raining but had slowed to a mild patter tapping on the castle.
"How is Merlin?" Mordred asked instead of answering while striding to the back room.
Gaius allowed the change of topic. "He had a little outburst, but he's quiet now. He will be happy to see you."
Mordred bit his lip and jogged the rest of the way, closing the door behind him.
Merlin was huddled on bed farthest from the window and immediately sat up when Mordred entered. His angry expression cleared instantly upon seeing his waterlogged guardian. Merlin looked at him curiously and awaited an answer to his unspoken question.
"I just got caught in the rain, Merlin. Sorry I'm late," Mordred offered gingerly while opening the dresser to retrieve his only other pair of clothes. Merlin seemed mollified and gave Mordred privacy while he switched attire. The older boy shivered slightly but gratefully sighed when he got the warm clothes on. He had brought an extra pair of dark pants from the druid camp, and a brown shirt. Mordred was mildly surprised when Merlin did not use magic to change his own white shirt a different colour. His boots were another issue though and he wondered if Morgana would let him go with wet footwear. Just when he decided to suck it up and don them again, a warm breeze wafted by and dropped onto his boots. Mordred watched as the water seeped from them and made the air around damp. Instead of reprimanding Merlin he turned with a smile. "Thank you, Merlin," he said.
The boy blinked and even smiled a fraction. Mordred thought for a moment and stood so his back was against the door. "Do you want to put these onto the line?" He asked the boy, gesturing to his wet clothes and then to the clothes line hanging low across the ceiling.
Merlin nodded with a touch of enthusiasm and his large eyes did not even burn with gold as the clothes drifted into the air and draped heavily across the cord. Mordred busied himself with flinging Gwen's cloak onto the line as well so as to hide his alarm that Merlin's eyes had remained a deep blue while casting magic. His surprise wore off quickly since occasions like these happened frequently with the boy. Mordred walked over to the bed Merlin was perched on and ruffled his hair. "Thanks, Merlin," he smiled, "now Morgana is going to visit, do you want to come down to see her?"
Merlin looked to the door and then to Mordred before nodding. "Alright. Rolf always said to never keep a lady waiting." He quickly put on his now dry boots and helped Merlin down from the bed, letting the boy go first. Merlin opened the door and Mordred made sure the boy did not trip while conquering the steps.
Merlin hesitated before wandering to Gaius who smiled warmly at him. "Are you feeling better now, Merlin?" The boy nodded and hugged Gaius's legs in what Mordred recognized as an apology. The old man shared a smile with Mordred and guided the child to the table where dinner was laid out. "I hope you are at least a little hungry then." He took a seat beside the boy and looked at Mordred expectantly.
Mordred lingered where he was. "I have to go get the prince his dinner, I'll be back soon though," he told Gaius and threw an apologetic glance at Merlin.
Gaius frowned but could not very well delay Arthur's dinner. "Then you'd best hurry before you are late."
The young sorcerer nodded before sprinting from the chambers. He made it to the kitchens in record time and frantically searched for Arthur's plate on the main table. Panic bubbled to the surface when it appeared nowhere in sight.
"Whelp!" A girl's voice called.
He only turned because he recognized it as Emily's. She laughed at the indignant expression on his face. "The prince's food is over there," Emily told him with a smile and pointed to the table on the far side of the kitchen.
"Thank you!" Mordred called back and rushed toward it. He grabbed the heavily laden tray and left the kitchens as quick as he dared. Many of the older kitchen maids tittered motherly after him.
By the time he arrived at the prince's door, he was thoroughly out of breath. Mordred took a short moment to regain his composure before gently easing the door open. He gingerly proceeded through the threshold and swallowed when he noticed that the prince was gazing out the window. The prince started turning around when Mordred stepped inside.
"You're la-" he began but broke off to gawk at the food laden tray in the servants hands.
Mordred smiled and rushed to the table, setting the tray down and sighing in relief. His arms had been starting to shake at the weight of Arthur's dinner.
"What is this?" Arthur asked and strode forward while sniffing at the delicious scent of all the food. There were two plates burdened with all of the prince's favorites.
Mordred felt a light flush colour his cheeks. "I wanted to thank you for being so kind to Merlin this morning." He glanced down to his toes while Arthur plunked himself into his seat.
"There was no need to thank me," the prince stated around a stuffed mouth. Mordred only grinned.
"Is he any better this evening?" the prince asked without taking his eyes off his plate.
"A little. Lady Morgana is going to visit him and I think that will also cheer him up."
Arthur nodded in a satisfied manner, now wholly focused on eating.
Mordred straightened proudly and busied himself with gathering Arthur's dirty clothes strewn around the room. But as he passed behind the prince, he caught another whiff of the food and his stomach gave a rumbling, high pitched whine.
The boy stiffened and made to carry on but froze when Arthur slowly turned in his seat. The prince rested an elbow on the back of the chair and scrutinized the servant. Mordred was suddenly very aware that his cloak was missing.
"Does Gaius not feed you?" he remarked.
Mordred cleared his throat and did his best to not look embarrassed. "Yes, of course he does."
"Enough?" Arthur asked dubiously, "You're as thin as a spear. And why are you wet?"
Mordred subconsciously swept away the wet strands of hair away from his eyes. "I eat well. And Morgana gave Gaius a raise to better take care of us and I also contribute my wages."
"Hmm." Arthur went back to his no doubt delicious food and Mordred foolishly thought that he was free. "I suppose you got caught in the rain then," Arthur guessed.
Mordred reined in a sigh. "Yes, Sire."
"And you missed dinner?" Arthur asked around a mouthful of meat pie.
Mordred made sure his back was facing Arthur as he replied since the prince appeared especially shrewd this evening. "I was picking herbs for Gaius and then got lost." Mordred turned around when it sounded like Arthur stopped eating. His eyes met Arthur's suspicious ones.
"You got lost?"
"...yes," Mordred replied slowly.
The prince's face adopted a doubtful look. "Really? The same child that found his way to Camelot from the forest of Ascetir, got lost a few miles from the city?"
Mordred looked at the ground. "Thank you for rubbing it in, Sire."
Arthur eyed him before going back to his food. "Well as long as there's enough to drink.. Ah, wine, excellent. You may go and come back when you have eaten your own supper."
"You're too kind, my lord."
"Nonsense, I can't have my servant blowing away on the wind, can I?" Arthur asked and then laughed at an apparent joke.
Mordred blushed but left with a bow. Once he was outside his stomach gave a loud groan that Mordred feared that Arthur could hear through the door. He allowed himself a small laugh before hurrying back home, his stomach urging him to go faster all the way.
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I went to school early just so I could publish for you guys! But then last minute work happened and then class was starting (inconsiderately I might add) so it was a no go. But here it is now! Darn computer troubles. Lol I hope the chapter was worth it, so please review :)
Thanks for reading!