" oh Alexia! What you faced was so wrong. But now it's time to end your suffering. You have the purest of hearts my dear! A soul not seen in centuries. Now you will experience what you always desired. Love. It's time for you to fulfill your destiny. And for that, I, the white goddess bless you with my blessings and give you the title of Arian! The queen of kindness and purity. And you shall help your king. " The white goddess said.
Alexia groaned and sat up. She turned and saw that she was wearing a jacket.
She quickly took it off but regretted it immediately. She was just in her trouser and bra. She put it back and looked around. It was a clearing.
Her eyes then fell upon her skin as she saw many red marks on her body. Her eyes filled with tears as last night came back to her sight.
" No!" She cried in her hands.
Suddenly she heard some rustle. She quickly turned her head to the sound and saw a boy standing there.
" Oh so you are awake." He said with a grin.
" I was getting worried." He completed. Alexia stared at him shocked.
" Stay away." Alexia said.
" Hey! I am not going to hurt you." He said taking a step near her.
" NO!" She screamed and her eyes turned gold. The boy was thrown few feet away.
" Ah!" The boy groaned.
Alexia's eyes widened.
" I... You.. what?" She whispered.
The boy too was surprised but a huge smile adorned his face.
" You! You know magic!" The boy said with a grin.
" I... I don't..." She confessed.
The boy frowned.
He stood up and came to her.
This time she didn't flinch or shout.
" I am Merlin." He said coming close to her.
" Merlin?" Alexia thought, her eyes widening as she saw him.
" Is some shooting going on over here? But there was no news of this season... was there?" Alexia asked.
Merlin frowned.
" Are you well? What is this shooting? I think you are in trauma or something." Merlin said.
" Don't worry I am going to Camelot, specifically Gaius. He is court physician. He can cure you. But what happened to you?" Merlin asked.
Alexia stared at the young man. Her mind rushing. She then was reminded of the incident once again.
" I.. I... They.. they came and... And then he..." Alexia tried to form words.
Merlin frowned at her confused.
" Were they bandits?" He asked.
Alexia shook her head before bursting into fits of tears.
" Hey! Don't cry!" He said placing his hand on her shoulder.
Alexia jumped a bit back.
" They.. they attacked me.. forced me.. he.. he tried to.. I jumped off the cliff." Alexia said while crying. A look of realisation drawned on his face.
" Who tried to do this to you?" He asked, his voice becoming shocked.
" Mark.. Mark was there." She said.
" You knew them?" Merlin asked.
" They were in my col.. they studied with me." Alexia said choosing her words carefully.
" Where are we right now?" She asked.
" I actually heard the sound of water and came here. I don't know this place, but I know we are heading towards Camelot. we will reach there by evening today." Merlin told her.
Alexia just nodded not trusting her voice.
' What in the name of Christ is going here? I jumped off the cliff yesterday. And now I am with is man, Merlin specifically, who was the greatest wizard to ever exist. And I am stuck with this time. And cherry on the cake, I am having magic. Great!' Alexia thought to herself.
' wait great? Oh yeah the great dragon. Kilgharah will be having answers.' Alexia thought.
" Alexia! Shall we move?" Merlin asked.
" Why are you helping me?" She asked.
Merlin frowned.
" Uh. I am not exactly... You know... It's just that I am not pure anymore... I guess?" The last words were spoken in mere whispers and looking towards the ground.
Merlin stared at her in shock.
" It wasn't your fault. And Alexia, purity is in heart. And I am sure that you are quite 'pure' in your heart." He said.
Alexia looked at him in surprise and tears.
" Wait. Do you have spare clothes?" Alexia asked. Merlin nodded.
" Can I borrow a pair? We can buy new ones at City." Alexia said.
" Are you having money?" Merlin asked.
Alexia flushed.
" No." She said.
" Don't worry, I am having few. Those bandits would have took it. We will arrange something." He said.
And after few moments a set of trouser, tunic and jacket was in her hands.
" Here." Merlin said and then smiled at her.
Alexia smiled back.
Alexia looked around and saw a spot where she can change.
" Will you watch?" She asked Merlin to keep an eye if someone came here.
Merlin nodded.
She went behind the tree and changed into the clothes he gave.
After that she came out from behind.
" Merlin! How is it?" She asked glancing at the dress. Merlin stared at her shocked. Her long black hair were falling till her hips and her hazel brown eyes were complementing the dress colour. Her high shoes were perfect and the dress was quite matching with her. Except it was a bit big.
" You are looking nice!" He said a bit red.
" But Merlin, I can't... No... Just wait." She said and went back behind the tree. After few moments, she came back, but this time, her features were hidden. Her black hair were tied and the neckerchief given by Merlin, was now used to hide her long hair. Her chest was looking tight and now she was looking like a male.
Merlin was quite shocked.
" I can't go like a girl. It's quite dangerous." She mumbled looking down.
Merlin came towards her and patted her arm.
" Don't worry. I understand. Let's go." He said.
" Let's go." She said repeated.
"So you have magic?" Merlin asked while they were walking.
Alexia nodded.
" Even I have magic." He said smiling at her.
" I was born with it." He said with a grin.
" I only got to know today." Alexia muttered.
" Did you say something?" Merlin asked.
" No! Nothing." Alexia said with a small smile.
Merlin shrugged and moved forward.
" I think we will reach soon." He told her.
Alexia just nodded.
Finally, Merlin and Alexia arrived at the Camelot. For the whole way, they shared there life Stories. Well mostly Merlin. Alexia had to bend the truth trying to make it sound like she was from same age.
Alexia was amazed by the city. It was so big and marvelous. Its ancient look made it more magnificent. She looked at Merlin and found that he too was amazed.
" It's magnificent." Alexia said.
Merlin nodded.
" Let's move forward. We have to go to Gaius." Merlin said. Alexia nodded.
As they passed the markets, they were attracted to many things but money was a problem for them.
They reached the citadel, at square, where many people were standing forming a circle.
Merlin and Alexia neared and were trying to comprehend the situation when they were called back by a voice.
"Let this serve as a lesson to all. This man, Thomas James Collins, is adjudged guilty of conspiring to use enchantments and magic. And, pursuant to the laws of Camelot, I, Uther Pendragon, have decreed that such practices are banned on penalty of death. I pride myself as a fair and just king, but for the crime of sorcery, there is but one sentence I can pass." The king said.
Alexia's eyes widened.
' this is the very first scene of Merlin ' she realised.
Merlin looked at the man and gulped. His eyes had a hint of fear, Alexia was clearly able to realise it.
Uther raised his arm. And then dropped it signalling to execute Thomas. Alexia closed her eyes, suddenly she felt a hand on her shoulder. Alexia jerked away from the hand bumping into someone else. She quickly turned her head to the person who startled her, only to realise it was Merlin, who was looking at her with a sorry expression.
" I am Sorry!" He said quickly.
Alexia just gave a nod.
The attention was again turned to the king.
"When I came to this land, this kingdom was mired in chaos. But with the people's help, magic was driven from the realm. So I declare a festival, to celebrate 20 years since the Great Dragon was captured, and Camelot freed from the evil of sorcery. Let the celebrations begin!" He announced while Alexia just glared at the tyrant.
As Uther turned to leave, a woman's high wailing quickly parted the crowd to reveal an aging woman with long grey hair.
"There is only one evil in this land and it is not magic! It is you. With your hatred, and your ignorance. You took my son; and I promise you, before these celebrations are over, you will share my tears." She said.
Alexia gasped realising she was going after Arthur.
Merlin gave her a curious look but shrugged it.
The old woman wailed and said her parting words.
"An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a son for a son." The old woman's voice cracked.
Alexia stared at the woman in pity.
"Seize her!" Uther ordered, pointing at the old woman.
Grabbing her necklace, the old woman quickly hissed a spell and began to disappear in a whirlwind.
The crowd dispersed.
Merlin and Alexia shared a glance.
" I am going to Gaius. Where will you go?" Merlin asked.
" I don't have anywhere to go." Alexia said realising she didn't know a single person in this world.
Merlin looked at her.
" You can come with me." He suggested.
Alexia looked at him with her eyes wide and filled with hope.
She smiled.
" Yes! Thank you! Thank you very much." Alexia said.
They moved forward and reached a gaurd.
"Where would I find Gaius, the Court Physician?" Merlin asked one of the guards. The guard grunted and pointed behind him. Alexia gave a quick thanks in her manly voice.
When they reached a wooden door, Merlin knocked softly, and entered Gaius' chambers. "Hello?" He called softly into the room. Entering the room, he allowed Alexia too. They looked through some of the strange objects covering the tables. Plants, flasks, beakers full of strange chemicals, and other unusual objects covered every table space in the room.
" Quite wierd!" Alexia mumbled.
"Hello?" Merlin called out again. He looked up to see Gaius standing at the top of a staircase, looking through piles of books stacked at the top.
"Gaius?" Merlin tried again. When that didn't work, he loudly cleared his throat.
Gaius turned to see who had entered his chambers when the railing behind him broke, and he began falling towards the ground.
Merlin's eyes flashed gold, and time around them began to slow to a crawl. Alexia while looking quickly around the room, saw the thing she was searching for, Gaius' cot. With another flash of gold, from Alexia the bed whisked to the other side of the room. As time resumed it's normal pace, Gaius fell with a crash onto the cot.
Gaius scrambled up from the cot, fixing Merlin and Alexia with a piercing glare. "What did you just do?" He asked harshly.
"Erm..." Merlin replied, trying to think of what to say.
"Tell me!" Gaius ordered.
Merlin looked at Alexia "I-I- I have no idea what happened." He stuttered.
"If anyone had seen that..."
"Er, no! That-that was- that was nothing to do with us. That-that was..." Merlin tried to lie.
"I know what it was!" Gaius said. "I just want to know where you learned how to do it!"
"Nowhere." Merlin said quickly.
"So how is it you know magic?" Gaius questioned.
"We don't." Merlin replied.
"Where did you study? Answer me!"
"We have never studied magic or, or been taught." Alexia said looking at Gaius. She remembered the scene very well but still, Gaius was a bit scary.
Gaius fixed them with a calculating glare. "Are you both lying to me, boys?" He demanded.
"What do you want us to say?" Merlin asked desperately.
"The truth!"
"I was born like this!" Merlin informed him in a desperate voice.
" And I... Well I never learned it. It's just that I got to know few days back only." Alexia said.
"That's impossible!" Gaius denied vehemently.
"Who are you?" Gaius asked suspiciously.
"Oh, erm..." Pulling off his backpack, Merlin begins to search through it. "I have this letter." Merlin said, pulling it out of his pack and holding it towards Gaius.
"I- I don't have my glasses."
"I'm Merlin."
Gaius' face brightened in recognition. "Hunith's son?"
"Yes!" Merlin agreed with a bright smile.
"But you're not meant to be here till Wednesday!"
Merlin's smile fell slightly. "It is Wednesday." He said.
Alexia suppressed her chuckle.
" And who are you young boy?" Gaius asked Alexia.
" Uh... I am Alex." Alexia said.
Merlin stared at her.
" I am having no where to stay. My parents, when they found about my abilities, disowned me. I was willing to come here to get some work." Alexia said quickly making a story.
Merlin's mouth hung open. He stared at her while Gaius nodded.
" Right, then. You better put your bag in there. I think you both can share the room." Gaius said, motioning towards the back of the chambers.
Alexia and Merlin went inside.
But Merlin turned back after a few steps. "You- you won't say anything about, erm..." He motioned towards the balcony.
Gaius shook his head. "No. Although, Merlin, Alex, I should say thank you." Gaius said, offering the boys, well the boy and girl, a slight smile.
Merlin and Alexia entered the room and merlin threw his pack on the bed, sitting beside it. He then turned towards Alexia.
" What was that?" He asked.
" I can't tell him about me. I am sorry. But it's not easy for me. You don't know how it was like. How I was begging them to leave me. How I tried to free myself." Alexia said frustrated and her eyes were filling with tears. Merlin sighed.
" You don't know Merlin. But it's worst. And I am not willing to turn back to my old self right now. No! There are many things that I can't do as a girl. And you know what's worse, freedom is one of that thing." Alexia said slumping on the bed wiping her tears and trying to be strong.
Merlin shifted near her and hugged her.
Alexia flinched a bit but relaxed immediately.
" I am sorry. But you know, Gaius can be trusted. And there are injuries on your body. You have to let him check you. He will understand." Merlin said.
Alexia glanced at him.
" I... I don't know... Yes you are right. I will inform him." Alexia said.
Merlin flashed a smile.
" I am going to call him." He said and went out.
After few moments Gaius entered and he was shocked to see a girl sitting on the bed rather than Alex.
" Who are you?" He asked.
" I.. I am sorry Gaius. I am Alexia." Alexia said.
Gaius raised his brow.
" I found her yesterday! While coming towards Camelot. She.. she was attacked and well... I think you must check her." Merlin said awkwardly.
Alexia's eyes watered. That night was now going to haunt her for the whole life time.
" I am sorry Gaius. I truly am. But what happened few days ago, it was awful. I can't forget about that night. And I don't feel safe anymore... So.." Alexia said looking at the floor.
She heard a sigh and Gaius moved towards her.
" Don't worry girl, I won't tell a single soul. It's your wish. You can do what you want. Merlin will you please leave for few moments, I need to check her." Gaius said.
Merlin nodded.
Alexia glanced at him leaving.
" Let me bring my supplies." He said and went out.
Alexia allowed her tears to fall.
" Ugh! I want to forget it. I am not weak." Alexia said irritated and ran her hand throught her hair.
After a moment or two, Gaius entered again.
" Alexia!" He said signalling her shirt.
Alexia blushed a bit but complied regardless.
She took off her jacket and then tunic. There was now just a cloth which was tightly wrapped around her chest.
Gaius sat beside her and applied some ointment at the marks and scratches.
" I am sorry dear. I can't do anything more for you." Gaius said.
Alexia just nodded and whimpered as the ointment stinged.
" Rest for today." He said.
Alexia nodded. And put back her tunic.
She laid on the bed with tears in her eyes.
After few moments, Merlin entered.
" Alexia!" He called.
Alexia turned to him.
" The cot will be there by tomorrow. You can sleep on that, I will sleep on floor for today." Merlin said.
Alexia just nodded.
Merlin sighed.
" Don't worry, from tomorrow new life will begin." He said.
Alexia nodded again.
Outside the room, Gaius was sitting at his table with his glasses on, reading the letter that Merlin had brought with him. Hunith's voice is heard as Gaius reads:
"My dear Gaius,
I turn to you for I feel lost and alone and don't know who to trust. It is every mother's fate to think her child is special, and yet I would give my life that Merlin were not so. Ours is a small village and he is so clearly at odds with people here that, if he were to remain, I fear what would become of him. He needs a hand to hold, a voice to guide, someone that might help him find a purpose for his gifts. I beg you, if you understand a mother's love for her son, keep him safe, and may God save you both."
Finished with the letter, Gaius folded it back and went to check on the pair, who are fast asleep.
He sighed as his eyes fell on the girl sleeping with tear stains on her cheeks.
Meanwhile, Morgana was standing at the window, looking out over the courtyard as Uther approached her from behind.
"Morgana." Uther said, approaching the girl.
"Yes?" Morgana replied, looking lost in thought.
"What is it? Why are you not joining us at the feast?" Uther questioned.
"I just don't think chopping someone's head off is cause for celebration." Morgana replied, and then turned back towards the window.
"That poor mother." She murmured.
Uther looked confused at the thoughts of his ward. "It was simple justice for what he'd done."
"To whom?" Morgana questioned. "He practiced some magic, he didn't hurt anyone."
Uther's face hardened. "You were not around twenty years ago, you have no idea what it was like."
"How long are you going to keep punishing people for what happened then?" Morgana asked, shaking her head slightly.
"Until they realise there is no room for magic in my kingdom!" Uther barked, looking irate. "You will be with me when I greet Lady Helen." Uther ordered, turning to leave.
"I told you! I want no part in these celebrations!" Morgana replied angrily.
"I'm your guardian! I expect you to do as I ask. If you show me no respect at least respect our finest singer." Uther turned on his heel and marched away.
"You know, the more brutal you are, the more enemies you will create!" Morgana exclaimed.
A large tent was set up among the trees, and horses and knights of Camelot were scattered around the clearing in front of the tent. Inside, the Lady Helen was humming while brushing through her hair. Hearing a noise outside of her tent, Lady Helen quickly stopped humming and put down the hair brush.
"Hello? Gregory?" Lady Helen called out.
A knight poked his head into the tent. "Lady Helen." He said respectively.
Lady Helen looked relieved at the sight of the knight. "Is all well?" She asked.
"Yes, ma'am." Gregory replied. "With luck, we should reach Camelot late tomorrow."
"That's good." Lady Helen replied, a smile on her face.
"I'll be outside if you need me." Gregory informed her before pulling his head out of the tent. Hearing a noise from the woods, Gregory drew his sword and stalked forward. "Who's there? Who's there?" He called before falling silent.
Inside the tent, Lady Helen heard more noises and watches as a dark shape walks around her tent. Mary Collins suddenly appeared at the tent entrance, holding a knife and a small poppet.
"Akwele seo magdp." Mary Collins chanted, driving the knife into the poppet. Lady Helen gasped and held her midsection, staring at the witch in horror. "Akwele seo magdp. Akwele seo magdp." Mary chanted, stabbing the poppet each time. The third time, Lady Helen fell onto the bed, dead.
Sitting in front of Lady Helen's mirror and picking up the crystal on her necklace, Mary Collins chanted "Ghefrolinz grimpoxin kouata." And her face slowly morphed into that of the Lady Helen.