Arthur

(later that night)

Arthur sat at the dining table, stirring a goblet of wine in place. His father paused in chewing as he looked at him, hand coming to his mouth to cover his eating.

"I hear you had quite some trouble with the drawbridge this morning?"

Arthur rubbed his eyes in remembrance of this morning, "Yes…and the traveling merchants also made sure to put their thoughts on the matter."

Uther chuckled after his words and Morgana rolled her eyes. "I don't doubt that," Uther added before he begun to break off stems from his grapes, gently putting them in his cheek. "That reminds me, we have important visitors coming in next month. This drawbridge matter better be fixed soon or I'll have to send word for them to go on a different route." Uther now gave a conflicted expression which caught notice from Arthur.

"These visitors?…" Arthur asked.

"The rulers of the Isle of Mora. King August and his queen Amelia. They are also bringing their sole child, princess Agnes."

Arthur brought his eyes up in ponder before meeting his father's. "Isle of Mora? Wasn't that where lady Helen was from? The singer?"

More accurately, the identity that the sorceress used to try to assassinate me...

Arthur couldn't help but still feel a bit peeved on the matter. Afterall, a pure chandelier took the witch's life as opposed to what should have been his blade.

Arthur then caught sight of Merlin who refilled Morgana's water chalice, muttering a soft request to do so.

I guess one good thing came out of it…

"That's partly the reason they're coming." Uther rubbed his lips with a cloth and Arthur quickly brought his attention back to his father, "We equally acknowledge we don't want to tread dangerous waters in the future. Their renowned singer died on our grounds from a sorceress that had revenge against me solely. Lady Helen…" Uther paused in thought for a number of seconds,"Was unfortunately a simple piece in the witches plan."

Arthur rubbed his chin, "I see." Holding back on raising a brow.

My father apologizing? Well this is a turn of events.

"They are on good terms with the Tir-Mor kingdom," Uther then looked at Arthur in acknowledgement and loyal gratitude. "It could prove assistance to us if we wished to further our barter system and exchange with their aligned kingdoms."

Now it makes sense…. Arthur thought, almost mad at himself for giving his father some praise in his mind.

"Well I'm sure the drawbridge matter will be long past when they come." Arthur concluded.

"Speaking of foreign nobles…" Morgana spoke, looking down at the table before meeting Uther's eyes. "Have you made a decision with the women me and Guinevere found?"

Arthur turned to his father while setting down the goblet.

Well this will be interesting…

Uther looked back at Morgana with dejection in his eyes, he then gave a slight nod. "Yes, I gave it much thought and took Gaius's words into consideration. I'm afraid I didn't recognize her or even a family member she might have resembled."

"I also found no recent reports of anyone of nobility going missing under her physical traits." Arthur added in.

Morgana tilted her head towards him in a mocking attitude, eyes blazed. "And did this include how her appearance might have drastically changed due to her ordeal?"

"Enough Morgana," Uther raised his hand. "I will give her work here, but nothing more. She will not be part of this kingdom's council on the pure assumption she is a noble. I don't imagine her being a traitor with ill intentions, but I can't do more without a proper background."

Morgana leaned back in the chair creaking it. She tightened her lips and Arthur could read her that she wanted to say more but persevered to hold her tongue, which honestly Arthur found shocking but at the same time concerning. Morgana wasn't one to simply 'give up'.

Arthur picked up his goblet and thought about his first encounter with the strange girl, unconscious and laying out on Gaius's work table. She appeared to just walk out a bloody duel only for the blood to not be blood at all. Arthur lightly tapped the handle of the chalice, recalling the memory as in truth, it was all he had of the girl.

I honestly feel bad for her but for once I agree with my father. For all we know this 'lost memories' stunt could be fooling all of us. How common is 'full amnesia'? I mean…abandoned in the middle of nowhere? No sign of malnourishment and only a few signs of injuries? Conveniently runs into the King's ward? And the hair thing…I know what Gaius said about the slave trading. I have sadly seen it for myself despite other's knowledge…and it never appeared like that?

When Arthur suddenly felt his goblet getting heavier he diverted his thoughts and found Merlin pouring him more with the pitcher in his hands. Arthur tilted the cup annoyed and muttered, "I didn't want any more wine."

Merlin opened his mouth and gave a bewildered look. "You tapped your handle?"

Arthur sent down the goblet hard and waved Merlin off hearing only an unpleasant huff in the air from Merlin.

"I would like the girl to be my personal servant." Morgana confidently spoke out, catching all of them off guard, even including Merlin, who now looked at the entrance doors debating if he should be even hearing this.

Arthur blinked a few times and leaned forward in his chair, already trying to predict his father's disapproving words.

"Is your current servant not being proficient in her work?" Uther asked instead.

"No! Well…Gwen is amazing and I am not saying to replace her, but I would appreciate more help." Morgana said.

"Nonsense, we aren't giving the work for a single job to include two people." Uther threw the last grape stem from his fingers.

"I wake Gwen up at least three times a week due to my nightmares. If she could switch off once in a while it would be better for everyone."

"Why are you so desperate for this girl's company? You barely spoke to her."

Morgana seemed put off by the question and looked elsewhere in thinking. Arthur saw her eyes land on Merlin.

"Let's ask a servant in a similar position. Merlin, would you sometimes want an extra pair of hands on the job?"

"I…well…if…"

"Do not drag my servant into this." Arthur said, feeling weirdly defensive. "And he is fine with his job. Right Merlin?" He asked, turning his head around.

"Yes, sire." Merlin said in pure distaste, making Arthur grin.

Uther looked back and forth between all of them before making a final nod.

"I suppose it is common for people of royal houses to have multiple servants…Morgana you don't even have a lady in waiting." Uther rubbed his chin considering Morgana's idea.

Arthur held back from rolling his eyes with Morgana's words reaching his father. Not being much different when they were children and she asked for exquisite and obscure things then with a snap of his fingers, his father would grant them. While Arthur, would be the inconsiderate spoiled prince when asking for a change of tutors.

Uther made one final look at Morgana before continuing, "I suppose…I could allow it…many kings wards go on to have a collection of servant staff to properly assist them."

Merlin went on to start stacking the empty copper plates around the table, apologizing for leaning far into the table.

"Father, you don't even have a personal servant? Surely it's unnecessary to expect…" Arthur swayed off of speaking when Morgana's eyes set him off, clearly saying he would regret speaking more.

"I did have personal servants as a prince, but they always kept dying on me when I had to travel for expeditions. It just became easier to rely on an assortment rather than a single individual servant." Uther spoke casually, not even fazed when Merlin suddenly shuffled the copper plates making a harsh clang, back twitching before looking at Arthur in a terrified glance.

Arthur smiled at him and mouthed, "Good you made it this far."

"While we're discussing it, Arthur would you want more incorporation of personal servants." Uther asked and Arthur left Merlin's eyes to meet his fathers.

"No, I'm afraid I am more of a sole servant type of prince." Arthur smiled as Merlin looked to be shooting daggers in his sight, which was counterproductive as Arthur simply grinned more.

Morgana gave Uther a bright smile, full of gratitude, accomplishing whatever she stepped into here to do. Arthur ignored the urge to glare and brought a cloth to quickly wipe his mouth before leaning up, scratching the wood chair legs against the floor.

"Well I'll excuse myself, I still have to make arrangements for training tomorrow, Merlin." Arthur motioned his hand and began walking. Merlin quickly found an open space on the table to set down the copper plates and caught up with Arthur to walk out the doors the guards were holding open. When Arthur heard the door shut he turned to Merlin only to find his mouth already open.

"Do you do anything else than think about training? For god's sake it's nearly night hour?"

Arthur grabbed his shoulder, guided them both to his champers, hoping he would just catch on.

"I don't understand my father," Arthur begin, "He is completely rushing things with this…foreigner? We should keep watch of her, but not give the position of serving Morgana's side?" He pulled at his hair letting stressful strands fall to his forehead. "My father acts like that isn't favorable for someone trying to get information."

"Not every noble tells their servant everything". Merlin displayed a stoic blank face while walking.

Arthur ignored Merlin's blatant pull and continued, "There is something off about this girl…I can't place it."

"Right…" Merlin rolled the word off his tongue. "Well unfortunately for you, it seems Morgana has made up her mind, so unless you can somehow convince Uther of your hesitance..."

"And go against Morgana? It seems you want me to be killed?"

Taryan

Merlin stood in front of Taryan smiling as she rubbed her temples.

"I'm sorry…can you…repeat what you just said?" She asked, still in disbelief.

"You are now the second personal servant to lady Morgana?" Merlin questioned.

Taryan sat on Merlin's bed and after he brought her a meal that he managed to swipe from the kitchens, much to her delight. Right as Taryan was about to dig in Merlin started detailing the conservation of Morgana and Uther, casually slipping in her involvement and apparently new job title.

"Morgana asked for this?" Taryan asked, setting down the napkin of food on his bed.

"I believe she finds your story quite tragic…" Merlin brought a hand to his chest as if sadden, "Morgana is known for doing these kind acts."

Morgana has definitely not gone through her hardships yet… How much time do I have till she is… not so friendly?

Taryan figured she must have given a certain look as Merlin spoke out again.

"Morgana is a very good person to serve. You have no worry of being faced with disrespect. You can ask Gwen, she will tell you how much she loves serving Morgana."

"I have no idea how to even be a proper servant. If Gwen is going to train me she should know what she is getting into. I have no experience…at least… that I know of." She finished, almost forgetting her last comment.

"Ah don't worry about that. I don't know of a single person that dislikes Gwen and she will be happy to train even a goat if she felt it would help Morgana."

"So I'm comparable with a goat?" Taryan leaned back on the bed, head resting on her shoulder.

"What…no! It's just…don't worry okay." Merlin picked the napkin of food next to her. "Most of the servants live on the outskirts of Camelot but due to your situation, you will have chambers set up where the squires of scribes resign for the night, there happens to be a vacant room. Morgana will see you tomorrow morning to tell you the full details of your work." Merlin then slapped a hand on Taryan's shoulder, "Working under Morgana would be much more joyful than working under who I work for."

"Prince Arthur?"

"So you know?" Merlin asked, then quieted for a number of seconds, "I don't remember mentioning it?"

Taryan's body twitched, "Well…you're rather known…ever since I arrived…"

"Known? In a good or bad way?"

"More like a sympathy way."

(One week later)

"I think I have twenty tiny pieces of wood stuck in my hand." Taryan opened and closed her hands again and again, feeling tiny pricks between her finger joints.

Gwen came to her side, analyzing the hands as she took them in hers. She thinned her lips as she grimaced, constricting her eyes.

"These hands certainly hadn't carried wood often before coming to Camelot. This is my fault I should have…"

"No! Gwen…really I'm fine…" Taryan pulled her hands from her and slid it against her blue kirtle, ignoring the sharp pains. "I don't want you to go easy on me in my proper training."

Gwen signed as she shuffled the small wood logs in the pile, picking up good sturdy ones.

They were currently at the bottom of a set of curved stone stairs, carrying a load of wood to make piles beside the fireplaces inside the castle. They decided to take a small breather before ascending the stairs when Taryan noticed hands in a rather uncomfortable predicament.

Taryan crouched down beside Gwen, readying herself to carry more wood when her sleeve got pulled by Gwen's hand, moving her away from the wood.

"You should visit Gaius…I'm worried-"

"No! That's- that's quite unnecessary…he's a busy man after all…"

"And my job is to train you, not hurt you."

When Taryan made no movement Gwen signed again.

"Okay…then…how about instead of carrying it you can give me a quick run of the chambers to see which need the most firewood. Prince Arthur's chambers are the closest from here, so you can start there."

"Ah…will Prince Arthur or Merlin be there?" Taryan asked, already dreading the answer and also subconsciously knowing the answer.

"Well…yes…that is a possibility?"

"I am fine with carrying wood." Taryan started stacking up the small logs in her hands and Gwen simply looked at her, rubbing the back of her own neck and shifted her knees to start collecting her pile of wood.

"You know, correct me if I'm wrong…" Gwen quieted when a knight walked near the two of them, ascending the stairs. Gwen only continued when he was out of view, "You seem to want to avoid Merlin at all cost…did something happen?"

Taryan sat still for a second, her hand frozen over a piece of wood.

Merlin? well…I guess I can see why she would think that…it's not exactly Merlin himself….it's just who he is associated with that's the problem. If I see him then I will very likely see Arthur…which in turn…could put me at risk to see Uther again and that is something I would rather not do for a second time…

"Sorry if it appeared like that…I guess I am just embarrassed with the ruckus I brought on the day I arrived…Merlin and Arthur just remind me of that…and…well," Taryan looked over at Gwen who seemed stricken from her words, but her eyebrows raised in confusion.

I guess it doesn't hurt to be a little honest…

"I guess…being brought before Uther affected me more than I thought…it was honestly terrifying. Thus I didn't want to bring more attention to myself and…I just figured it would be easiest to avoid them."

Suddenly Taryan felt a hand grip against her side to realize Gwen pulled her into a side hug with her free hand, her head resting on Taryan's shoulder.

"Gwen?" Taryan asked, still holding the small logs in her hands.

"You shouldn't worry about stuff like that."

"I didn't say this to make you worried about me-"

Gwen cut her off, "I still want you to meet Gaius for your hands. I can promise you won't suddenly be in front of Uther again for being injured." Gwen pulled the wood out of Taryan's arms before patting her shoulder for her to continue forward. "When you are finished, just meet me at the horse stables. I still need to check on Morgana's horse. A stable boy informed her that it hadn't been eating its usual amount of food, enough to cause concern."

"Oh…Well, I think I should go with you?"

"No, you visit Gaius."

She smiled picking up the remaining wood to set aside for later waving her wrist for Taryan to travel up the stairs.

Taryan approached the physician doors, already irritated as she knocked. Her negative mood was heightened as she passed by two servants a moment ago, a man and a woman. Who, very unsubtly, whispered after she passed them.

It seems the rumors of me being a 'noble' has surfaced, making people think my job title was practically thrown into my lap…and it isn't exactly wrong.

Taryan tilted her head when she heard no response, "Gaius?" she cracked the door open, with grittery movements.

As she walked in, she saw both Gaius and Merlin leaning over a table where it laid a man.

"Oh, um." Merlin quickly covered the man with a white sheet, it then clicked in Taryan that it was not just a man but a 'body' of a man. Merlin leaned across the table, somewhat covering her view. "I have rarely seen you, is there something wrong?"

Taryan glanced at her hands, "Well…actually…but first, but how did that man die?" She pointed.

Merlin brought his lips to a line, clearly seeing his plan uncoiled for the body to go unnoticed.

Gaius didn't seem at all to care about Taryan's arrival, simply saying, "He is long dead. It is none of your concern, do not come any closer."

She then caught a glimpse of the man's hand hanging over the table which had shocking veins of unhuman light blue tones.

Blue veins? Wait…don't tell me.

Taryan backed up, nearly falling over her own feet, steading herself on the stone wall.

This is the story….about the disease! It's the monster in the water caused by Nimueh. I finally know where I landed in this series. I mean what was I expecting? For it to just be easy and have nothing go wrong?

She gripped her hands to her chest, "You know…I can come back later," Taryan quickened her pace towards the door not before hearing Merlin's nagging words to Gaius.

"I told you normal people are unsettled with dead bodies."

Unsettled? No…it's what is to come that is making me unsettled.

And the question to myself…

Should I do something?