Chapter 1 [Two Days Past Samhain]
Autumn's season stood at its peak. Solstice's color still accented a few trees. Other Leaves littered Forest's turf. Grass retained its color and vitality. Yet, Winter blew its first chill across Britannia's countryside. Rain spat down from Gray Overcast overhead. Sol's beams forced weakening warmth through said barrier toward ground below.
Preparations wrapped up across Countryside. Farmers brought last Grain and Winter Wheat in from fields. Mills ground Flour for the next year's baking. Branches and Peat sat ready for Warming Fires. Straw and Mud patched Drafts in Hovels' Walls and Roofs. Villagers prepared to butcher some livestock. Pigs and Squirrels rummaged for Acorns and Warm Cover from Elements and Hunters alike.
Harder times ahead….
[Whitgate—Citadel]
Samhain's Celebration and Remembrance had passed for another year. Castellans cleaned and swept away Feast's and Ceremony's dirt and remnants. Hands lowered Banners and set them away. Thoughts and Musings pressed on their minds. Love and Honor warmed Ancestors' hearts for another year.
Some thoughts burdened others more than the rest….
[Archives]
Merlin sat amidst Documents and Parchment Tomes. Since his transition from Camelot's Chamberlain to Nemeth's Crown Prince, Law Codes and Maps occupied his time. His eyes drank in every detail. His mind spun with new information. (Some times, Learning required second and third passes through said records.) Maps required updates. Observation noted current generation's behaviors and perceptions. Nemeth's traditions came easily in some cases but with more difficulty in others. Experience, however, translated between roles. Whereas Arthur allowed Merlin only minimal training, Knights expected increased Military Skill and Acumen. Sorcerers' Code awaited rebirth and renewal.
So much to learn. Burden to steer clear of Disappointment where Rodor and Mithian were concerned….
Mithian….
Amor's warmth buoyed his heart. Tension eased. Sigh drifted forth from his lips. Disbelief still spun his mind over turning of events. Gaius, Hunith, Gawain, Boeve and he all enjoyed shelter, warm hearth, food and respect. No mean feat with Arthur's renewed Purge against Magic and Old Religion. Balinor's and Robert's legacy insured said things. Rodor's generosity extended their promises to them. Mithian, Rejection's long-standing target, opened Heart and Arms to him. Support, Love, Patience and Acceptance came without Effort. Her eyes sparkled akin to Polaris in Nocturne's inky backdrop. He flipped Vellum Skin.
Dust's cloud greeted Nose yet again. Sneeze echoed throughout Chamber.
Grimace twisted his mouth. His allergy tincture held less than the desired effect it seemed. Embarrassment elicited look around Chamber. Gaius and Master Wyngate have enough to do with the latest outbreak. I cannot burden them with another treatment for the dust. Groan escaped his mouth. Slight Pressure pushed against Temples and Sinuses. I cannot let her down. I'm going to learn all of this!
I have no doubt of that, my Prince. Have more faith in yourself. Besides, Masters Wyngate and Gaius are here to serve us. Do I have to remind you of that *again*? Hand rested on his shoulder. Amor's whisper caressed his cheek.
He turned to find the Princess in Question watching him in turn. "I lost track of time again. Haven't I?" Lament and Apology sagged down on his heart. "Have I missed a meeting?" He didn't wish to add to that total and test Rodor's patience further in that regard.
"Nay. We have a turn and a half of the hourglass before the day's cases. You need to eat before that point. Hunith and I know how you can be." Her eyebrow raised on that point. She raised Glass Vial with Pink Liquid inside of it. "It is a good thing we thought ahead. Master Gaius sends this with his regards. Take it, Merlin." She handed it to him. Insistence pressed her point.
He shook his head. Mother and Mithian are getting along so well…almost too well…. He accepted the vial. "I suppose we will be here until I do?" Teasing and Cheekiness glinted in his eyes.
Snort replied to that observation. "Perhaps, Merlin, we will. Father would not be pleased. We need you at your best for the cases." She'd learned of his stubborn streak during the previous months. "Please take it. Clear your head."
Merlin shrugged. He drank Elixir last drops and all. He capped Vial and handed it back to her. "There! Now, I believe we can eat." Smirk widened across his face.
She rolled her eyes. "I'd say we could be on our way already, my Prince. I believe you'd know why?" Despite trying to sound stern, Warmth came through in her tone. Smile poked through Mask of State. She just couldn't help herself. "We love you, Merlin, rough edges and all. Now come along. Midday Meal is almost ready." She motioned to Lord Blumenwald. "We just need to eat and change our clothes before cases."
"Aye, Milady. Thomas will make sure these works are put away. Have a good meal." Blumenwald bowed to them. Merlin's work ethic impressed him. He'd watched the new Prince study Dusty Tomes for hours. Questions delved into Complexity's increasing acumen toward Rodor, Mithian and himself. Respect came from all corners of Royal Council even from begrudged opponents. Those feats balanced against Subjects', Training's and Princess' necessities. He learns faster than any of us expected. Still, Prince Merlin doubts himself. He marked Merlin's place in those works. Then, he set them aside for Aforementioned Page to shelve later.
Details to be considered after all…
