"Fulfilled Expectations" (Rose)

The evening begins to fall as my anticipation rises. I go and change into my finest party dress. It's a dazzling white, and for a good purpose. Not only is this the night that I bear the right to wear my family crest, I, given my birthright, am also provided with the option to accept the position of being a noble. Once decided by the one in question (in this case, me) and confirmed with ritual, he or she is granted into a leadership position. In addition, each clan has its own color. The nobles in a clan are the only ones regularly to wear the color of their clan (ours is white). It is like the knights of a kingdom, not only wearing its emblem, but also flying its colors on their very being. Everyone else wears it strictly on special occasions, hence why white is the color of my dress. Those of the proper bloodline, like me, have a choice to be a noble or lead a normal life for the reason that being a noble is not just bringing on the responsibility for a people, but their land and all that lives in it. I hope that my decision suits everyone's needs to the greatest extent.

Partially taking me by surprise is an approaching horse. I hear the hoof beats on the soft dirt surrounding our encampment. My heart begins to race when my mind recalls that Gaius had promised to come at about sunset. It will be good fun to inform him of his being late.

I push the flap of tightly woven, thick fabric that makes up my tent's door to the side and pick up my skirt and my feet as I go to greet a man who I consider a second father to me. I watch from a short distance as he slowly dismounts his steed. I wait for him to make his way to me. He steps forward. I smile. "My lady," he bows slightly.

"Gaius," I keep my smile, "You're late."

His countenance falls, "I am sorry, my lady," he bows again.

I laugh, "Would you stop that and hug me?"

He returns my laughter and grabs me in a big bear hug- the kind only he could give. His arms were always a shelter to me, ever since that night when I was young and thought I would never see the light of day again. He holds my hands with his old, withered, warm, rough hands that have saved many lives including mine, tears filling his eyes, "My how you've grown."

"You are a man of science, Gaius," I glare at him playfully, "This fact should not shock you."

"It's not the fact that bewilders me, it's you!" he laughs.

"I do that with everybody! Now come and see Father!" I take him by the hand and lead him through the camp. "Father!" I call out. "Gaius has arrived!"

My mild tempered father with his brown, now graying head of hair and goatee steps out from behind one of the large, nearby trees. "Gaius," he says with the most sincere warmth. It is the way he speaks that adds to most people listening to him. He is a strong, caring leader.

"Hello, old friend," Gaius smiles, "It is good to see you again."

They hug and clap each other on the back. I can't help but inwardly laugh at the strange antics of males. Their behavior is so foreign sometimes. The last thing I think of when hugging someone is hitting him or her. My father's voice breaks into my thoughts, "Isn't my daughter breathtaking?"

"She is beautiful, Alric," Gaius nods, "It's a good thing I didn't bring my assistant with me. I would have to beat him away from her with a stick or perhaps something more effective."

I laugh aloud, "You two are quite ridiculous, but I thank you nonetheless. Now, if the time for flattery has passed us, I say that we should join the others for the ceremonies, shall we not?"

"She also has matured maybe a bit too much for my liking," Father says with a fake subtlety.

Gaius chuckles, as do I, but I shake my head and start for the center of camp where what is considered our court lies. Everything of note concerning public affairs takes place there. All of our meetings concerning our clan as a whole, and all of our celebrations are conducted in that place in the most fashionable of manners. This sacred place comes into view. I can now see and fully appreciate the great lengths, which my people have gone to make this night special for me. The area, elegantly decorated, is exactly the way I have always dreamed it would be. I smile at those who await me in a semicircle around the fire pit. They welcome me with applause. "Thank you," I make sure to look at every one of them, "I look forward to what the night will bring us," I smile, raising my hands, "Let the celebrations begin!"

"The Works of Magic" (Merlin)

I sit upon my bed alone in my chambers in the back of Gaius' quarters that also serve as a laboratory. Thoughts of Gaius' whereabouts and what he could possibly be doing cloud my mind. I have to occupy myself with something, anything, before my thinking gets out of hand, which it usually does. I stand and begin pacing about my small room. "I know!" I say to no one but myself, "I'll take a walk. That'll clear my mind."

I step through my door and into the front room. As I reach out for the main door, the royal prat himself bursts through. "Arthur!" I blurt, nearly dumbfounded.

"Merlin!" he says, looking at me the way he usually does (like I'm a fool), "Now that we're through with proper introductions, let's go."

"Go?" I question, "Go where?"

"You're needed in the throne room. My father wishes to consult with you," he informs me.

"Uther wants to consult with me? What on earth for? What matter could I possibly have a say on?"

"He'll explain! Let's get a move on!" He practically pushes me all the way to there.

"Merlin," King Uther addresses me gravely as we walk through the heavy wooden doors of the castle courtroom.

"Sire," I bow, "What have I done to receive such bidding?"

"I need your expert advice," he turns to the side and calls behind him, "Bring them in."

I glance quizzically in the direction he spoke. The knights of Camelot bring in three of their own, dead. "What happened?" I exclaim.

"I was hoping," Uther eyes me, "That you could tell me."

"My lord?" I puzzle.

"Since you have studied under my physician for quite a while now, I know that you have learned quite a few things. I want you to take a look at these men, my men, and tell me what you think killed them."

I nod and swallow, stepping up to the bodies on the cold stone floor before the king. I examine them as best I know how. "From their wounds," I begin, "What I can conclude is that they were strangled... However, the marks on their necks are not from human hands and they are not from rope. I can't imagine-" I stop short, unsure how to proceed.

"Vines," the king states.

"Your Highness?"

"These marks are from vines. The vines that hang on the farther east side of the castle walls to be exact," he stares almost through me with a look I cannot read.

"If I may, Sire," I make a motion to let him know I have input of my own.

He permits me to continue by saying, "Speak."

"I passed by those vines just yesterday and none of them had been moved or removed for that matter and these men have been dead for, at the very least, two days."

"The vines were manipulated to do such a task," he glares at me, searching for acknowledgment, "Do you know how this could have been accomplished without the vines being used by human hands, Merlin?"

I control myself from gulping, "The only thing I can think of, Sire, is magic."

"Can you confirm this?"

"I can go take a look at the site of the murders for further evidence."

"I have already done so myself. I merely needed you to confirm my suspicions. The works of magic did this, and I know of those who possess such talents as to control other life forms," he says with a curious air about him. He turns to the crown prince, "Send out your finest warriors to Alric's camp. Leave none alive."

I don't know why, but I have a strong feeling this is a huge mistake. I know that Uther reacts out of anger and doesn't take the time to think things through rationally until after the fact. "Wouldn't it be more just for whomever it is you're after to receive a fair trial, Your Majesty?" I try to sound as innocent as possible.

"Do not question me on matters of justice, boy!" He stands in rage, "I have seen the evils of magic at work first hand. Do you not see these men lying before you? I am not willing to risk any more lives for the sake of sorcerers when I know they are guilty. They are all traitors- every one of them. We have not the time for trials!"

His words sting me at the core... little does he know that I have magic and am as loyal to Camelot as any knight... maybe even more so.