Merlin
Merlin stretched his mouth, letting out a loud yawn while gathering food on the thin copper plate. He groggily swayed in the kitchens, stacking an array of fruits, chesses, and meats.
Merlin puckered his lips. He made a "tsk" sound through his teeth as he rethought of his comfortable bed.
Would a bad servant wake in the early morning just to make sure his prat of a prince could get his usual delicious breakfast? Yes…that's what I'll say to him when I wake him up.
"Oi! boy!" The head kitchen lady, Audrey, slapped the back of Merlin's palm with a wooden spoon. He was reaching for a second apple. "We still need food in the chambers for the incoming guests." She scowled.
Merlin set down the plate on the wooden table and rubbed his hand that now stung, "Yes, I'm aware. Hence why I am here earlier so you wouldn't be inconsiderate to the prince's meal, letting my head be hit for it." Merlin held back a swear as he grabbed the copper with both hands. His retreat wasn't exactly ideal with his head hitting one of the strung up woven baskets over the large table. He stabilized the basket from swinging and looked back at the kitchen servants, who held choked up laughter with air puffed cheeks.
If I could just let Arthur starve I would. Merlin thought.
As Merlin left the kitchens with his mood soured, he passed the library and the scribes workshop. Merlin paused momentarily to see people carrying scrolls in and out of the room as apparently, they also rise to the early morning. Their own tunics were a bit more embroidered than most, with golden strings on the hem and sleeves, indicating status above the average servant.
Merlin looked down at his own clothes, a breath escaping his lips.
If I hadn't saved Arthur's life on that one fateful day…what would I be doing for work?
While in his dreams of imagining himself in scribe squire attire, he suddenly saw a figure quickly dash through the hall in front of him, only to leave through one of the ongoing passages. Details of the figure started piecing in his head with a delay.
Blue satin dress…black hair...short hair…there is only one I know.
Merlin quickened his pace while still balancing Arthur's food as he followed her, now accustomed to her typical stride.
The other times Merlin had secretly followed Red, it just led him to find her in the market, getting well water, or going on a simple walk outside of the castle.
But…she has never left this early in the morning before? Have I just not noticed due to Arthur's morning rising?
It wasn't exactly Merlin's proudest moments following Red, but after Nimueh's warning.
Merlin wasn't going to take any chances.
It was still partly dusk as he trailed her outside to the square, her descending the stairs as he went through a side entrance. He was partly sheltered from sight, treading through the walkway of columns, keeping his eyes on Red who he now noticed swung a wooden basket.
Merlin continued quiet footsteps till reaching the end of the columns, rounding his head at the side. He saw Red in the hush morning approach the well. She put down the bucket and rubbed her shoulder, likely adjusting the wraps on her wound from Nimueh's dagger and itched the cloths wrapped around her neck. She pushed the wooden lever for water that slowly filled her bucket.
Merlin felt putting on the full attire of a jester, he was truly an idiot.
Clotpole…what were you expecting? It's the same every time, an early morning isn't going to change that…
He shook his head, about to leave until he saw Red look around, as if trying to catch any eyes on her. She grabbed the bucket and went straight out of the main entrance of the citadel.
I don't need to follow…she is just going to purchase something at the market, perhaps something that needs to be done… in the early morning…with a full bucket of water in hand…
Merlin put Arthur's dish on a window stone arch next to him as he picked up his pace and walked out the entrance, only to quickly hide behind a horse wagon, with Red walking along the walls of the citadel and not through the middle street sellers. Who also still haven't risen from their beds.
Now…what are you doing then? Merlin thought, his curiosity peaking to the point of no return.
He saw Red stroll casually before stopping to clear patch along the wall and crunched down on one knee. He then saw her reach in an inside pocket, taking out a thin and small piece of parchment and a charcoal wood stick. She used her leg as leverage as she scribbled down something on the paper, before rolling it tightly up. Then sticking it in one of the cracks along the wall.
She wrote something? But…for who?
The pit in Merlin's stomach hardened uncomfortably.
"There is an uncertainty entity in this realm"
"Red told me she found the water odd and advised me not to use it."
"Perhaps you should rethink your own allies."
The words of Kilgharrah, Gwen and Nimueh circled around Merlin, taunting him.
Red stood up and brushed her hands against her dress and picked up the bucket, with a rim of water escaping the sides with her heavy pull. Merlin's head stayed in place as his eyes followed her, her reentering the Camelot castle entrance. Merlin held his breath as he trotted around the wagon and into the grass patch where Red just left from.
He slowly approached the clearing and to the jagged stone wall, making a quick memory of which crack the note was stowed away, to properly place it back if need be.
So she sends secret messages to someone?…Arthur was right…a servant to the ward is a favored position to be in…
He grabbed the tightly scrolled paper and holding the parchment, he slowly opened it to reveal the message.
"Merlin stop following me."
After reading the words, Merlin twirled around to find Red leaned against the wall. Her arms were crossed and she had eyes of a thousand suns.
Merlin felt like crumpling or more accurately running, straight out of Camelot and beyond.
She knew
She knew…for how long?
Words got caught in his throat walking up to her, "Red… I…I can explain."
Red simply put her hand up, "Merlin, it has been weeks since the banquet. I am doing fine and Gaius says my wound is healing nicely. I know you're worried about me, but this has to come to a stop sometime?"
Merlin remained staggered at her words.
That is why she thinks I am following her? Well…I guess a dragon beneath Camelot calling for her demise wouldn't be the first thing that comes to mind.
Red patted his shoulder before making a nod for him to follow her. She carried the water bucket, before briefly stopping, to readjust her grip.
"Here, let me." Merlin reached for the handle, but Red extended her arms. To keep him from touching it.
"No, you don't need to. If I accept such gestures, my performance will start lacking." Red remained completely stoic in her words, "No need to treat me differently than any other servant."
"Ah yes…no different from any other servant…" He clasped his hands behind his back while walking beside her, entering the main square.
One thing is weird however Red…
"Do you normally carry strips of parchment and charcoal stick?" Merlin asked.
Merlin analyzed her movements, eyes scanning Red to see her readjusted the bucket in her hands to give her enough time to think of an answer.
"I…I just do it for lady Morgana. I like to write small messages in her room if she happen to wake up in the night from a nightmare."
At that moment Merlin felt his head change to a donkey's behind.
Okay…I guess that is reasonable…
Merlin's guilt side chipped away as yet again, another question echoed in his mind. Practically festering on lips to speak it.
No…you don't need to say it…
"You know…"
You should stop now.
"Most servants wouldn't be able to read and write."
Merlin almost winced from his lack of restraint.
Red slowly blinked to him, "As do you? what does that have to do with anything?"
"Not many servants know how to, I was fortunate to have a mother skilled in such arts, it isn't exactly commonplace among here." Merlin stopped walking and Red followed suit. The early light quietness made their interaction that much more secluded, the only other presence being noisy birds. "I think it's odd you write yourself off so quickly from the possibility of your nobility."
Red's chest heaved as her eyes flamed at Merlin and Merlin, sending the looks right back.
"You're right, I suppose I should flaunt my unnamed status and non-existent family crest and demand the loyalty of the courts."
"Red…"
Red brought up the bucket to her chest, water wetting her front. "And will you take this too? A noble lady such as myself shouldn't be caught doing commoner work?"
She let the bucket fall at waist height, with another splash of water.
"Merlin…if I could know for certain of my background…then perhaps I can stand taller. In the meantime however…I have to worry about preparing for our incoming visitors."
"I wasn't trying to-"
"Merlin…just…please."
Red walked to the entrance stairs of Camelot, but Merlin's feet planted where he stood. He replayed the exchange in his head, embarrassment washed over his cheeks.
I deserved that…
…..
Taryan
Taryan walked up the stairs feeling Merlin's stare on her back.
Shit
Shit shit shit shit shit
Taryan kept her pace steady but she slowly picked it up with each ascending step, water in the bucket sloshing.
I always suspected Merlin was following me…this was the first time I properly caught him. He's clearly poking holes in my story…
She swung open the doors with one hand, hearing the hard clasp of them reshutting.
I have to stop inferenfering in this story… can't risk causing any more doubt.
Taryan thought back to a few weeks ago, where she had a long talk with Uther and Gaius after Nimueh's attack. Uther stood near the doors of the physician's chambers as she gave a partially fake story of how she 'witnessed' Nimueh poison the goblets. Then after a tussle, a Mercia knight came to 'defend' her, only to be killed by Nimueh's magic and thus making her narrowly escape. Taryan thought it was wise not to mention Nimueh's magic not working on her.
Taryan wasn't sure how much they bought it. The silence of Uther and Gaius told her they partly doubted her story.
Her shoulder wound began to sting with the weight of the bucket she carried.
I just need to learn to keep my head down…
…..
Taryan swiped debris off a gargoyle statue while she stood in the main square, beside the grand stairs. Morgana elegantly shifted next to her. Taryan leaned back, looking behind Morgana before immediately straightening. Realizing their was a missing face.
"Where is Gwen?" She whispered.
"She wanted to add final touches in the guests' chambers." Morgana leaned down briefly to Taryan's height. Two wooden carriages approached and curved around past them to stop in line with Uther, who was also standing in the middle of the stairs awaiting their arrival.
The carriages came to a halt and a man that was steering the horses of the first carriage jumped down. He bowed to Uther and Arthur who now approached the doors of the carriage. Taryan leaned her forearm against the stone platform of the statue, surveying the scene.
King August and Queen Amelia… from the Capell family line. Those names don't sound familiar? They aren't just unfamiliar from the book series but also the Autherian legends as well?
The creek of the carriage door opened from the Island Mora servant.
Taryan began to calm herself internally, physically trying to brush off her concerns by standing straight and off of the statue she leaned on.
I'm sure the series didn't include every little detail….nobles visit aristocracy all the time. I'm likely reading too much into it.
As Taryan looked at the carriages she felt a presence of weight come over and cloud her suddenly. She looked over her shoulder to find Merlin, at the top of the stairs.
She froze as they locked eyes. Even after being caught Merlin simply leaned back not removing his eyes from Taryan. He eventually averted his gaze with sudden "interest" in the new arrivals.
Taryan frowned, facing her head back with hair locks hitting her face. It seems this morning hasn't changed anything…he's still weary of me.
"I take it from your smiles you had a pleasant journey?" Uther grinned he walked to the now open carriage door, Arthur beside him.
"My backside will likely say otherwise, friend."
King August said from within the carriage still outta sight which caused Uther to laugh. The first to walk out was Queen Amelia, her dress cascading over the carriage seat before smoothing to her ankle height.
Taryan's eyebrows rose at the beauty and elegant entrance of the queen.
Queen Amelia bore a yellow dress with brown strings that tied in detail on her arms, against long white sleeves which flared out at the bends of her elbows. Her russet brown skin matched exquisitely with her bronze jewelry, brown hair tight back in a bun with a yellow ribbon that matched her grand crown.
This brought Taryan to King August as he stepped down the carriage doors. He was pale skinned and had a crown that stood tall on all sides and didn't round off like the queens. The king wore layered clothes with a heavily embroidered tunic of yellow strings paired with red sleeves. Everything was partially sheltered from view as a large silk yellow cloth wrapped around his shoulder before cascading like a cloak. The king's sharp and short beard contrasted well with the slight curls that ended his hair.
Taryan couldn't help but think that yellow was clearly the theme for the family and it was even more evident to anyone watching that many years had passed on them, but together. Their smile lines practically matched.
"Arthur…I haven't seen you since you were this tall." Queen Amelia laughed as she brought her flat hand at hip height.
Arthur simply smiled, "It has certainly been long. Too long."
The second carriage door opened and out stepped princess Agnes who's skin appeared tan. She wore something Taryan hadn't seen often since arriving in this era with a yellow dress that flared at her midriff line and didn't cling to the hips. Her hair was half put up, similar to Taryan's own style but their similarities ended as Agnes had dark chestnut brown hair that curled ever so slightly, likely a heritage from her father.
She moved out of her carriage in the same graceful manner as her mother. That was until she was pushed out at the end leaving her to land on her feet harshly, completely unstabling her balance. She whipped around and slammed the carriage door shut. Only for it to instantly reopen, revealing a small boy who looked nearly identical to his sister, despite his attire.
"How long does it take for you to leave a carriage! I was going to become a skeleton with the way you were going."
Taryan and Morgana gave peculiar eyes as they saw the young boy practically jump from the carriage. The boy couldn't be more than thirteen and had a slim blue tunic with gray details at the hem and sleeves and wavy brown texture hair with small curls over his forehead.
From Taryan's place, she could see Arthur slightly lean into his father, softly asking, "I thought King August and Queen Amelia had one sole child?"
Uther eyes didn't move from the young boy. "I thought so too…"
Their servant scurried off the other side entrance of the carriage, her cheeks illuminated a chalky powder, wearing an apron with a slick black bun.
"It is a pleasure to finally be reunited once again, Sire." Agnes bowed, then nudge the boy who only tilted his head in acknowledgement of Uther.
"Yes, reunited." Uther relaxed his expression as he looked at Agnes. "You have grown into a fine lady since I last saw you."
Agnes gave a small smile in return, moving a pieces of hair behind her ear that framed her face.
"And who might this be?" Uther finally inquired, looking from the boy to August and Amelia again.
"This is our son, Cornelius. He is soon to be twelve."
"Pardon for my lack of acknowledgement, but I don't recall hearing you had a second child?" Uther asked, as he furrowed his brows at the boy, who only snarky smirked at his parents as if anticipating their answers.
Queen Ameila leaned into her husband, clearly hearing of this for the first time. "I thought you made it clear in the letters we sent back?"
"Apologies, I didn't think Cornelious was going to attend this visit. You see Sire, he still has yet to make his debut in society. I hope this doesn't cause troubles."
Everyone in the group collectively nodded, seemingly to realize exactly why with the boy's clear 'un-princely' behavior.
"No matter." Uther smiled in the direction of the king and queen. "Many years have passed, but I would like to catch up when you are all hale from your long travels. We will have plenty of time to discuss over a good meal tonight."
The adults, with Arthur a step behind them, began walking up the grand stairs. Merlin gave one more fleeting look to Taryan as he waited for Cornelius to run up the stairs so he could be behind the royals.
Agnes walked to Morgana where they exchanged hugs. Taryan awkwardly stood in their meeting, feeling she was intruding on a special moment.
"It's been much too long Agnes! I recall meeting each other once as children and begging Uther to let you stay here forever." Morgana smiled.
Agnes rolled her eyes. "The joys of being a Capell, stuck living on a island."
"Well if you are looking to rest, my servant Red here can show you. She is also to service you for the rest of your stay." Morgana nodded towards Taryan, stepping back.
Taryan's mouth opened at her turn of acknowledgement and instantly bowed, "I will be happy to show you your chambers princess."
…..
Agnes nodded affirmingly as she looked at her champers.
"Well…you are dismissed now…Miss…" Agnes looked at Taryan with continuance confusion. Biting the inside of her cheek as she circled one of her hands.
"Red." Taryan's replied.
"Ah yes. You are dismissed now Red. I no longer require your assistance."
"Okay princess, when will it be best for me to return to your chambers?" Taryan slowly approached the dining table. "Is there a certain time you prefer?" She asked as she picked up the water pitcher to quickly rewater a banquet of irises. She would hate for Gwen's hard work to instantly die.
"No…I'm afraid you're mistaken…you don't need to personally assist me at all anymore." Agnes said casually as she leaned against her bedpost, twirling the end of one of her curled hairs.
"Ah…pardon?" Taryan made a thud with the pitcher before spinning around. "I have been personally assigned to you for your stay?"
"Yes, now you have done your duty therefore I no longer require it. My servant Elena can handle everything else."
Taryan brought a brow to Elena who crossed her ankles and gave a pleasant bow.
Taryan tilted her chin up and looked at Elena with her next words still directed at Agnes. "Princess, apologies for the confusion but lady Morgana has given me the responsibility to handle your care?
The door suddenly swung open, to reveal a very unpleasant young prince.
"How about you just knock off my door while you're at it?" Agnes's mood completely turned heated the second she saw her brother.
To Taryan's surprise, Cornelius reacted to none of Agnes's words and simply narrowed his eyes to Elena.
"Elena, when you're done come to my chambers to unpack my cases. I also want you to tell the kitchens and servant staff how I prefer my usual meals and routines."
Before Elena could bow yet again, Agnes stepped in front of her.
"The last time I checked, Elena was my servant. I would appreciate it if you didn't give her senseless orders."
Cornelius only blinked at her words, shockingly unfazed. "Because of carriage space we were limited on servants. You can't expect to horde her? Because of father's failure to mention me, I haven't even been assigned a servant."
"And who's fault is that?"
During the sibling quarrel, Taryan stepped closer and closer to the heavy doors. Trying to make a swift and unnoticeable exit.
She failed however, when she pressed a hand to the door, only to make eye contact with Agnes whose eyes became expressive.
Taryan already knew what she was going to say as Agnes started to open up her mouth.
"This servant happens to have a open position for our stay. I'm positive lady Morgana won't think much of the change."
Cornelius looked over his shoulder, looking Taryan up and down then turned back to Elena. He scratched the shoulder of his tunic, clearly uncomfortable. "I would prefer Elena."
Agnes simply gave him narrowed eyes that Taryan assumed Cornelius only knew the meaning behind them. He let out an exaggerated sign.
"I expect Elena to at least handle my breakfast." Cornelius turned away and walked towards the doors, pulling the handle with a harsh creek. "Well come on."
Taryan remained still as she looked at both Elena and Agnes, expecting something. In truth, not sure on exactly what but nevertheless, expecting something. An apology perhaps or a sudden change of mind.
Cornelius snap his head back to Taryan where he was already out the door, being annoyed by holding it open.
"What? Don't tell me I need to whistle for you to move?"
Taryan only let heated breathe escape her.
This child…
"Coming…young lord."
Taryan gave one more glance to Agnes and Elena. Elena looked to be pitying Taryan with heavy eyes while Agnes just seemed to be happy to have her brother out of sight. Waving her hand joyfully in their departure.
Perhaps I hadn't given Arthur enough credit…royals are a pain.
…..
"You want me to go to the market?"
Cornelius shoved pillows to the window arch of his new chambers. He stacked multiple brought quilts while continuing to talk to Taryan. "No, a pirate ship, yes the market."
He turned around, still on the window arch. "I want you to get some cloth, blue. Like the dress you're wearing. That is all."
"Right…" Taryan said as she turned around, scratching her neck.
"Where are you going?"
Taryan physically held herself back from laughing.
Where do you think?
"The market?" She responded, gripping the handle on the door.
Cornelius flipped his legs off the windowsill. He slipped his hand in his boot and pulled out a small black string bag. He tossed it to Taryan. The coins jingled as it slapped against her palm in her stress to catch it.
Cornelius said nothing as he shoved a silk red pillow under his back and faced the window.
Taryan left the small room, weirdly feeling a tinged of sympathy strike her. She gently lifted the coin bag, judging the weight.
It's clear he didn't want to attend this visit…but it appears that the feeling is mutual with his family? Not wanting to bring him but feeling the need to? And now he wants to buy blue fabric? Is he that desperate not to blend in with his family?
…..
The skinny man peered in the small circular glass disk, analyzing the red ruby gems. He stroked his short grey beard, clearing fuzziness deep in his throat.
"And just where did you get this from? I haven't seen anything like it?"
Because it's cheap plastic and I received from my broke ex.
"It has been in my family heritage for a long time."
After Taryan picked up the blue cloth, which was more than a single month's wage, an idea hit her from Cornelius. It's not a bad idea to carry a little extra money for emergencies. The thought of something going wrong and having to split from Camelot, with having all but two coins to her name unnerved her. She needs to be prepared if things go downhill.
The jeweler twisted the ruby back and forth. Taryan felt her now empty ear lobes, a twinge of sadness escaping from her.
The man twerked his wrinkled forehead. "May I ask what you do for work?"
"I am a personal servant at Camelot. Now, may you just tell me how much it could be worth?" Taryan felt tense when the man deepened his eyes after her words.
"Am I to expect a simple servant could come from family that withheld this?"
Taryan grabbed the gems out of the elder man's. He chuckled humorously as if in disbelief, when she put them in her own skin pouch. "Sorry for wasting your time." Taryan saw the man look her up and down, something reddened underneath his gaze.
"I'm afraid I don't accept theft lightly."
Taryan huffed. "You think I stole this?"
"Who do you serve under?"
Taryan averted her eyes as she readjusted her pouch. Taryan knew his doubt would only further by saying her mistress was none other than lady Morgana. "I'm afraid you have lost this trade. Perhaps when I'm paid with my meager servant wage I can buy one of your overpriced jewels."
Taryan smiled as she patted her pouch that held Cornelius's cloths and turned around, gripping the fabric of the heavy cloth tent. She left the darkened atmosphere and set her nose free from stuffy air.
Taryan swallowed as she heard the table shift from within. The jeweler was getting up.
She picked her pace as she went through the market, doing her best to get away from him, but not flat out running. Then she would truly look like a criminal.
This is insane…this is what I get for just wanting some extra coin. I guess plastic would be an oddity…
Taryan's efforts of escape were in vain though when an hand gripped her shoulder halting her walking. Taryan gripped her pouch tighter as she was forcibly turned around by the jeweler.
The man grinned. "You're a bold one…you do realize there are nearby posted guards?"
Taryan nudged her shoulder free from his grasp. He let it go easily, but weirdly grinned at her dismissal of him.
"Then you will look like a fool? I am completely innocent." Taryan said.
"If you give me the gems I promise your theft will be sealed on my lips."
Taryan's eyes and mouth widened at his suggestion.
Ha…blackmail at its finest.
"Well your morals certainly fall loose." Taryan resumed forward before she was gripped on her wrist as opposed to her shoulder. She found herself contorting to get free, making sharp japs to break from his grip to no avail. The man only strengthened his hold. "Let go of me!" Taryan shouted.
"Do we have a problem here?" Two camelot guards approached them, a long blonde curly man and another with short brown hair. Likely seeing the exchange from afar.
Wonderful…. Taryan thought.
"I have reason to suspect this girl committed a crime against Camelot, stealing from within the walls."
Taryan sharpened her glare at him which he only returned to her, more sinisterly with an added smirk.
The Camelot guards looked at each other briefly.
"Miss? Does this man speak the truth?"
"No, I was only trying to sell my earrings to him, you can likely expect how surprised I was…for him to only get aggressive and accuse me of stealing."
The brown haired Camelot guard brought up his hand, flapping his fingertips against his palm. Taryan begrudgingly set the pouch in his hand.
When he opened and an impressive nod came from where he looked.
"This seems pretty impressive for a simple commoner to carry." The brown haired knight said.
The jeweler shifted his feet, broadening his stance in superiority feeling his suspicions proven. "She said she was nothing more than a personal servant of Camelot."
A realization came over the blonde Knight, "Owain, let me see the pouch."
The brown haired knight looked briefly at the pouch before handing it over.
The knight opened it and he bit his lower lip. He reclosed the pouch before handing it right back into Taryan's hands, shocking everyone.
"Sorry to take up your time miss." The blonde knight said.
Why are they just giving it back? Have they…heard the rumors of my supposed nobility?
The jeweler practically pushed Taryan out of the way, to come face to face with the knights. Taryan almost fell to the ground at his roughness.
"Am I hearing this right! You are letting a thief proceed in the heart of Camelot!"
The loud shouts of the jeweler drew eyes in the market. Taryan looked over her shoulder to find sellers leaning over their stands to better hear the conversation, some even eyeing Taryan in disgust.
"This is a simple misunderstanding. This woman is no thief. Please carry on."
The jeweler chuckled. "It seems Camelot has fallen from grace…for even a knight to be a part of slithering schemes for their personal gain."
The brown haired man angered on his fellows knights behalf. "Sir Leon doesn't need approval by a jeweler for his loyalty to Camelot!"
Taryan froze.
Leon?
As Taryan looked back at the blonde knight she was surprised she didn't figure it out before. His description was vague in the series, but made sure to highlight his green eyes and curled locks.
One of the five knights….
Taryan tapped the shoulder of the jeweler where he turned fastly. She smiled.
"If I were you I would worry less about my supposed stealing and more about your current unoccupied tent. You will soon have a real thief on your hands."
The jeweler scowled before leaving the group of them. She likely made a good point, for him to give up that easily. Taryan let out a frustrated sign, pitching between her eyes. The market now went back to the busy aroma it captured moments before their tussle of words.
"Sorr-"
"Sorr-"
Leon and Taryan both paused after accidentally talking over each other. Leon nodded for her to go first.
"Sorry for the trouble, Sir Leon and Sir Owain. Thank you for defending me."
"It's no problem, Miss." Owain interjected, despite him doing none of the actual 'defending'.
Taryan bowed before walking past them, as she circled, Taryan noticed Leon's eyes never left hers.
He called out to her.
"I suggest you hold on to valuables of your past."
Taryan stopped mid stride.
Shit…I didn't think about how that would look…
"Not everyone gets the wage of a knight."
"Not everyone loses their memories."
Taryan started to take the conversation more seriously, she completely faced him.
Before she could reply, Leon got words out first. "It might prove to be assistance to you…in providing proof of your identity. In my opinion…"
Taryan curled her lips.
I doubt I will be needing that soon.
Taryan only nodded before making her way out the market.
Well…that was an entire waste of time….
…..
"You are now Lord Cornelius servant?"
"Apparently, Lady Agnes wanted nothing to do with me and seemed to practically shove me to his side."
Gwen and Taryan sat on a stone ledge next to a window, in a rounded alcove. They had bump into each other when Taryan delivered the blue cloth to Cornelius. Now, they shared a discarded piece of bread from the kitchens. They passed it between each other in turns, both complaining about their day.
Taryan's cheek rounded on one side to continue chewing as she spoke, "I had never seen someone so desperate to get me out of their hair."
"I know the feeling. Just today as I finally finished preparing the kings and Queens room with flowers they were escorted in. The queen commented briefly on the layout of the room before loudly stating that the king gets sneezy with flowers and shoved the vases in my arms."
Taryan and Gwen both shook their heads at their endeavors of the day.
"I almost got arrested at the market."
Gwen almost choked on the bread, she flapped her palm against her chest as if to stop herself from choking "Pardon?"
"I almost got arrested at the market." Taryan said calmly again. "I was just trying to sell my pair of earrings when the jeweler accused me of stealing from someone within Camelot walls."
"What did you do!? Did…you run?"
"Kinda."
Gwen practically paled at Taryans words making her hold back a laugh.
"Sir Leon came out of nowhere, defended me."
"Oh." Gwen tried to hide a smile by tightening her lips.
"What?" Taryan let out a breathy laugh, nudging her shoulder against Gwen's.
"Nothing…just…wish I could get defended by a handsome knight." Gwen passed the bread to Taryan again.
"Something tells me you're more of a prince type." Taryan finished the bread in a single bite.
Gwen scoffed jokingly, "And what makes you say that?"
Taryan swiped her fingertips together from any crumbs. "Well you and-"
Taryan physically stopped her next words. The plotline for Gwen and Arthur had barely begun.
"If you're about to say Arthur I will truly pitch you." Gwen smiled while glaring her eyes, but Taryan couldn't help but feel she truly meant it.
"Never say never." Taryan replied, realizing the humor behind her words. Gwen and Arthur would become an item, eventually that is.
"I don't know what you are insinuating. If anything, I should be asking about you and Merlin." Gwen's eyebrow tweaked.
"Merrr-lin?" Taryan blinked, replaying all her interactions with Merlin thus far.
When exactly did Gwen get such an idea?
"At the Mercia banquet he seemed to care quite a lot about your safety. He also was adamant that he was the one to watch over you. Not to mention, I will never forget his face when he first walked in the chambers with Arthur after your attack." Gwen lifted her chin up, as if the information would surprise Taryan.
Taryan reached up to the cloths that were still wrapped around her neck from the attack. "Gwen, I was stabbed and he is an apprentice of the court physician. Of course he would be concerned."
Gwen signed, her shoulders slouching at the motion. It seemed she desperately wanted Taryan to show the slightest interest.
Taryan hopped off the stone ledge, landing roughly on her boots. "Believe me, Merlin and I aren't exactly compatible."
Especially considering he has taken a liking to stalking me. Not in a jealousy way, but a "are you secretly evil?" way.
"What ever happened to never say never?" Gwen said, leaning her torso forward.
"I heard they need extra help in the kitchens. Four extra mouths to prepare to feed, sadly." Taryan stretched her arms above her head, already imagining the load of plates she was going to be carrying.
"Oh? As soon as I bring up something concerning you, is it suddenly time to do work?" Gwen took Taryan's change of subject as evidence for something deeper. Gwen got on footing next to Taryan smiling as if she knew something.
In truth, Taryan had started to feel extremely uncomfortable at every mention of romance since entering. Considering how, her last relationship ended in shambles just days before arriving in this world. Even worse, the rare times when she thinks back on it, she isn't sure anymore who is to blame for the demise of the relationship.
The sheer idea of trying to start romantic relations here is laughable…
After Gwen gave up on convincing Taryan of further development of Merlin they headed to the kitchens. Gwen quickly got swiped up to help finish preparing the garnishes for the meats and Taryan had a stack of copper plates shoved into her, the prediction of her task coming true.
Taryan made her way to the royal dining room, she used her back to open the door as she swiftly came in. The hem of her dress swayed in place as she saw Merlin, who was completely still and looking at her, taking a pause from setting up the goblets.
"Red." Merlin stated.
"Merlin." Taryan replied.
They both remained silent after their exchange of eachother names. They clearly hadn't gotten over their morning outing, setting the table in utter silence.
Of all the days…well…guess it makes sense the kitchen would asked him for help with the extra royals.
The awkward quietness was eventually broken as more servants came in. Setting up the silverware along the plates, lit candlesticks, and a main center dish with a cooked head of a pig. Its mouth even pried opened with an apple.
Taryan tried her best not to look at it.
The servants plated drumsticks, rye breads, sliced fruits, and fresh spinach on each of the seats. Just as they finished, they started to arrive.
The first was Uther and Morgana, who came in laughing from some unknown spectacle they witnessed. They were shortly followed by King August and Queen Amelia who seemed to already had a few goblets of wine, Amelia clinging to August's arm. Then finally, Arthur came together with princess Agnes and prince Cornelius, likely escorting them both.
Uther sat at the head of the table, on his left sat Morgana and Arthur with Gwen and Merlin standing behind them. Then to Uther's right, the entire Capell family was situated. August, Amelia, Agnes, and Cornelius with Taryan standing behind.
I guess Agnes' servant Elena wasn't invited to help… Taryan begrudgingly thought.
All the leftover kitchen servants trickled out the room making the atmosphere only filled with diverse conversations. Uther discussed some story of a broken sword in a duel that apparently August was a witness of, despite having no clear memory. Taryan thought he still looked to be enthralled with the story either way.
Morgana and Agnes practically talked across the table at the distant childhood memories they held from a long celebrated festival, Arthur adding in a detail or two every so often. They have only previously met once in their lives.
Cornelius simply slowly ate his spinach, resting one cheek on his palm. Stabbing his fork with a single leaf each time.
"Are you still planning on only staying here for nine days?" Uther asked, cutting into his meat.
Morgana immediately diverged from the conversation with Agnes and Arthur.
"Nine days? It practically takes that much time to get to Camelot?"
"Afraid we have important affairs." Queen Amelia shook her head in disappointment, causing her earrings to sway.
"Yes Morgana, you can't expect people of such caliber to spend significant time outside their kingdom."
Morgana tightened one cheek as she nodded.
Now the entire presence of the table seemed to be one. Uther used the opportunity as he looked around at everyone, eyes landing on Agnes.
"Princess Agnes, I hear you are engaged to the duke's son? Lord Louis?"
Agnes' surprise jolt at her name quickly dissipated to a smile as she realized the question. "Lord Louis is very kind. I have much to look forward to, in the prospects for our marriage. I have known for many years this arrangement would prove fruitful."
Uther nodded seemingly pleased at her clear rehearsed answer, "Good to hear, wish I could get such pleasant arrangements for my son."
Arthur only cut harder on his chicken with his knife. Not giving in to his father's clear jab.
Taryan rubbed her arm sleeves and swayed from her heels where she stood. There wasn't many times she felt bad for Arthur, but now happened to be one.
Engaged for years even before adulthood? I'm glad most practices have stayed behind in this era.
After Uther's words, Queen Amelia looked perplexed. Her eyes casting over everyone till it went back to Uther, who sipped his goblet.
"Oh…I always thought…perhaps Prince Arthur and Lady Morgana were going to be arranged?"
Uther coughed in his goblet causing just about everyone to startle. Uther wiped his dribbling mouth with his wrist before Merlin came to his side, offering a table cloth. Uther took it swiftly, dabbing his lips. "Apologies."
Arthur only grinned at his father's reaction. "It's no matter, father. It's a reasonable response to something so outrageous and delusional."
Morgana poked her tongue through one side of her cheek, clearly trying to refrain from laughing or insulting, or both.
"God, Morgana being Queen? I would likely sleep in the cells every night."
Arthur seemed to enjoy his father's upheaval to the fake situation, adding lint to the flame. Uther only tried to calmly drink his goblet this time, like Arthur's words didn't affect him.
"I wouldn't sentence you there every night." Morgana smirked, going along with his joke.
"No…I would choose to be there." Arthur took a mouthful of spinach.
"Are there any plans for tomorrow?" Uther slyly changed the topic of discussion.
Taryan felt like laughing with a gust of breath.
Considering you know their secretly half siblings then you would know how truly wrong that arrangement would be…
"Before we leave, I was thinking we could go to that one river we did as children?" Agnes spoke.
Arthur squinted one eye, the details clawing at him to remember. "Was it…that one river with the layered stone at one end…those two small waterfalls?"
Agnes' eyes lit. "Yes! Exactly!"
Subtle smile crept on Morgana's lips, "Remember Arthur being scolded by one of the maids for jumping in?"
Arthur rolled his eyes with such strain Taryan was surprised they didn't fall out. "I was only in there for a second and I was going to be fine."
"That sounds pleasant." August added. "All of you should take a ride there tomorrow."
"I want to go." Cornelius spoke for the first time since the entire meal.
The energy in Agnes's eyes drained at her brother's words. "No, you will just get bored."
"It's no matter, really." Arthur said as he sliced more of his fruit. "I can bring Sir Leon. Two trained knights should be sufficient. It isn't a long ride."
Agnes pitched the bridge of her nose at Arthur's clear missignal of not wanting her brother to attend at all.
"Well that sounds marvelous." Amelia added, giving a sly stern look to her daughter.
Arthur swallowed, bringing up a crunch fist to his lips. "We only need two servants. Merlin and Gwen should-"
"No, I want my servant to attend." Cornelius said, pointing behind him from where Taryan stood, not even looking up from his plate.
Arthur briefly shot his stare at Taryan, mouth slowly opening. Half the eyes in the room followed his sight. Merlin and Morgana gave confused glances, never informed of the new arrangements of Taryan being Cornelius' servant.
Taryan did her best to not get uncomfortable with the stares and suddenly being thrown into the conversation. It seemed only this would happen to her.
"Miss Red is still healing from certain injuries. I have to advise against that." Arthur gave a forbidding look to Cornelius, like an older brother would.
"What?" Cornelius shot his head to Arthur's "Injuries? What injuries?" Cornelius asked.
Taryan immediately leaned up, not liking the direction of the conversation.
"Sire, it's fine. I will attend." Taryan nodded at Arthur.
"Red, you will not." Arthur said as he looked at the bandages on Taryan's neck before meeting her eyes.
"Is something the matter?" Amelia asked.
"Nothing is the matter." Arthur somewhat coldly responded.
"Arthur." Uther sternly said.
"Don't I have a right to ask what happened to my temporary servant?" Cornelius dropped his iron fork, causing a clatter of noise.
"Don't other people have a right to their personal affairs?" Agnes harshly whispered to Cornelius, despite everyone clearly being able to hear it.
Taryan turned her head in every direction desperately trying to keep up. Everything came to a grinding halt as she heard Morgana's words.
"She was attacked by a sorceress."
There was a small dip of silence until the queen awkwardly coughed. "Perhaps this is not a discussion fit for a meal."
"On Camelot grounds?" August asked, completely ignoring his wife's words. August stared straight at Uther as he spoke.
Uther tensed at the forwardness of the fellow king. Uther begrudgingly admitted it, a sign escaping while he said the words.
"Unfortunately yes."
August chuckled, picking up his chalice.
Taryan took notice that it wasn't any chuckle. It was the chuckle of disbelief to the information. Clear disapproval of Uther's words.
"Why is that such a recent theme for you? Uther." August lips pursed as he set down his chalice.
In all of the silent moments thus far, it was now the quietness it had ever been. Silverware clanged to the table surface, a pause of swallowing, and small in takes of breaths throughout the room.
Taryan, Gwen and Merlin shot fearful looks towards each other, all thinking the same thing.
Do…do we leave?
Uther's eyes darken. "It seems now we are discussing the heavy heart in the room."
"It was a primary reason for coming all the way out here, Uther." August said.
"We greatly apologize for what happened with lady Helen. Believe me when I say that if I could have foreseen it, I would have had thousands of guards accompany her."
Taryan's head spun as she tried to keep up with everything.
Lady Helen? Where is that name from?
"Her singing was quite a staple for us."
Things began to clink in Taryan's mind after King August's words.
She was the singer from Island of Mora…who was killed by that sorceress whose son had died in the very first chapter. Helen's identity was taken to assassinate Arthur...
Cornelius now was completely still, gripping a red cloth harshly. His face seemed to pale at the mention of lady Helen.
"You are not to blame Uther, it's the witch that killed her." Amelia nudged her husband, seemingly embarrassed by his attitude.
Uther's eyes seemed to pain, "You have my utmost regret, I am terribly sorry for what happened regarding lady Helen."
It seemed Uther enhanced the name Helen in his words. He felt sorry for her death but not the boy he hanged. The spiral effect of revenge that hit lady Helen in the process.
August looked down briefly, as he took in Uther's apology. "Forgive me, my wife is right. We should put it past us."
With that, Cornelius scratched his wooden chair harshly against the floor. Nearly knocking it over.
"Forgive me, I am retiring to my chambers."
"Cornelius!" August shouted and Amelia only rubbed her fingers along one of her temples, clearly not seeing this for the first time. Agnes quietly sipped her chalice but she gripped the handle harshly, either infuriated or embarrassed at her family's spectacle.
"It's quite alright." Uther said loudly, purposely for even Cornelius to hear it.
Taryan quickly repositioned Cornelius's chair to follow him.
Cornelius heard Taryan's footsteps and turned around, eyes blazing. "No." Is all he said before he opened the heavy doors. The confused guards shared glances towards Taryan as Cornelius walked past them, the doors reshutting.
Taryan stood still for a number of seconds, in disbelief. She eventually made her awkward way back at the table, seeing Arthur's head remain in place as he eyed her coming back.
"Well Cornelius certainly is…" Uther pressed his lips together as he boggled to think of a complement. "Eccentric."
Gwen and Merlin walked around the table pouring wine into chalices as if in sync, likely wanting to do something other than awkwardly stand.
"He hasn't always been like this. Only recently…he had been acting out."
Arthur tried to give a comforting smile to the queen, who was clearly distressed as she shook her head. "He reminds me of myself at that age. He is just transitioning to a proper adult, these changes our common."
Taryan translated Arthur's words in her head. So he's going through puberty?
Amelia only let a small crinkle of a smile show at Arthur's words before it slowly faded. "Lately he just hasn't been himself, he rarely comes down for dinning back at our kingdom. In truth…we have barely even seen our own son. He just seems different after Lady Helen…"
"Lady Helen?" Uther inquired, completely befuddled on how lady Helen was tied to Cornelius's attitude.
"She was a caretaker of Cornelius when he was young, before her singing talents were discovered. Her lovely voice could be heard throughout the castle as she sang lullabies."
Uther only nodded with the information. Morgana's eyes shifted between everyone before going back to Uther, seemingly waiting for a response from him, to which there was none.
"We also had to practically drag him into the carriage. Did everything in the book to get out of it…took sudden interest in his studies, faked an illness, begging on his knees, you would think I asked him to go on the front lines of war."
"Hence why I suggested Cornelius should have never-"
"August."
Tension stirred once more in the room with the queen's clear disapproval of the next king's words. The air once again heavy.
Somehow, Merlin was the first to break the silence. "I heard the kitchens have made special herb bread."
Arthur physically hid his closed eyes at Merlin's clear attempt to lighten the mood.
Despite Arthur's reaction, Merlin's words did seem to work some magic. The chokable air now a musty residue with prior talk of the great meal returning as well as complements from wine.
Taryan however, almost felt disgusted with how quick the conversation changed.
Her heart stung as she rethought Amelia's words. Cornelius wasn't a spoiled prince that didn't want to attend a royal visit. He just didn't want to come to the place that took his dear friend, caregiver even. He was hurting.
And here the adults were, questioning his grief over a meal.
God, Taryan hated this place.
