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My thanks to Guardian of Inheritance, Guest, Meri Ley, JesseWells, Guest and Hoegh for their reviews and all of those who followed and favorited my story! Y'all are amazing!
Please Read and Review! I greatly appreciate reviews and critiques (constructive criticism) I promise I don't bite.
Merlin's going to a little checkout for the next couple chapters but I promise you he is a very important part of this story so please just bare with me!
~Midnight
Chapter 4
In a castle in the North there was a room that was never allowed furniture with no door to speak of but when a bright light emanates from it the people within the castle know that their people had returned. This one afternoon it was drizzly out with soft grey skies so many easily noticed the bright light. A castle maid was in the corridor when the light broke through. As the light dimmed she quickly made her way toward the doorway and the sight that met her was not what she expected. Her Lady and the men, two men short, were accompanied by a man laid out in a litter and a woman that was being carried by Sir Gwaine, at once her hands came up to cover up a small scream. When they heard her gasp the others looked up at her horrified expression. Runa quickly took action.
"Nell," she said getting the young maid's attention. "Nell, I need you to go to the healers tell them they have two, make that three, incoming," she added as she glanced at Knox's bloody face. "One severely injured with poison in his blood, multiply wounds, many still bleeding, malnourished, just… just barely alive…" she faltered trying to tell the maid how bad the young man, Merlin, she reminded herself, really was. At once the maid was at attention she curtsied and left quickly to do as she was told. As the maid's retreating back Runa turned back to her men and took stock. Gwaine had the girl while Shaw, Hayes, Wyatt and Knox supported the man.
"Cromwell, report to the King. Let him know what's going on." Crom nodded and left following her orders. "Let's get to the healers." The rest trailed behind her. They quickly made their way toward the Healing Wing. As they were intent on getting there and radiated an aura that made people not stop them their journey was uninterrupted. Once they entered the Healing Wing the head Healer immediately started barking orders.
"Place the bad one on the high cot," the old healer ordered, his pale grey eyes still sharp as he assessed what it was they would need. "I've already sent Nell to get Healers' Sirona and Ase but I also need Healers' Galen and Lee." After they set Merlin where they were ordered Wyatt bowed to the head Healer and responded.
"Yes, Healer Lenus." He quickly made his way out of the wing in search of the two healers. When Runa looked to the old man questionably he gave an answer to her unasked question.
"They've gotten enough rest and I need as much help as we can get to save that boy." He gestured to Merlin's unconscious form. "Is he the one…?" Lenus whispered to Runa who only nodded solemnly. He breathed out a sigh then he squared his shoulders and restarted his orders.
"Set the girl on the bed," he ordered pointing to one of the beds that was farthest from where Merlin was placed. "Healer Althea will tend to her once the others have gotten here." The brown haired woman who had moved to Merlin's side looked up at the use of her name, her hazel eyes watching everything that was going on and taking it in. She nodded to let them know she understood. "I was told there were three injured, who else?"
"Sir Knox has a broken nose," Hayes responded with a smirk, they knew better than to not use titles. The old healer was a stickler for formalities but he was okay with humor so long as protocol was met. Lenus and Althea's eyes fell on the blooming bruise that was taking over Knox's face and could tell with their healer-trained eyes that it would be an interesting story behind the injury.
"Healer Althea will tend to that after she's finished with the girl." Knox nodded his head in understanding but turned his head away from the probing eyes of his fiancée who had raised one eyebrow in a silent question. As all the injured had been identified and what was to be done about them sorted, Lenus and Althea got to work on saving Merlin. As they scanned him the others could hear them muttering to one another as they unwound the improvised bandage. When they finally revealed his horrendous wound both stopped talking. They could see the evidence of burns that were meant to close his wound and it was everything they could do to not gag from the smell of infection in his blood. They also could see the evidence of shallower cuts most likely made from a knife, torn flesh that was made from a barbed whip and scars, so many scars. The boy's body was a patchwork of torn, sliced, burned and scarred flesh that neither healer had ever seen anything quite like it and neither ever wished to see anything like it again.
After the initial shock of the severity of the wounds both healers started chanting spells. As they worked the other four healers entered. Two women and two men, Sirona was willowy and pale with white blonde hair and pale blue eyes while Galen was curvy and tanned with brown hair and forest green eyes. The two men were just as different, Ase was originally from Persia, and his coloring reflected his heritage, dark skin, dark hair but it was his golden brown eyes that stood out, while Lee had been born and raised in their kingdom along with all his ancestors and his coloring spoke to the same, pale in hair, eye and skin. However different they may have seemed they all had the same look on their faces, a look of intense concern.
"How bad?" Lee demanded as he came up to the table. Lenus brought his gaze up to meet identical eyes of grey and in that single look the others could see it was really bad. Almost all at once the other healers started moving and as the others surround Merlin, Althea moved away to start checking on the others. As she approached the girl she was stopped by a question.
"How bad is he really, Althea?" Runa asked in concern.
"I don't know how he's alive," at her words her Lady's head dropped. "But he's survived up till now so he has a chance." Runa gave her a small smile and a nod. Althea turned towards the young woman and started her examination.
"She only has one injury and it seems that have been a knock in the head…"
"Yeah that's our fault," Gwaine supplied, Althea just looked at him in confusion. "She didn't react too well to her friend over there being in the condition he's in. She made everything shake."
"That was her?" Hayes questioned
"I thought you used the dampeners." Shaw followed.
"I did but I focused it more on Morgause and her Blood Guard than her. She doesn't have much control if any at all, but she is powerful, far more powerful than Morgause. However she should have been affected at least a little bit…"
"I think she was," they all turned to Wyatt as he spoke. "She never used her magic on either Knox or I when we went after her. Also when I caught up to her, Morgause was making to grab her. She looked terrified."
"So we were right, she's not with Morgause," Gwaine said. "But then how did she brake through the dampeners?"
"Her emotions could have made her magic swell past her normal levels, which would have allowed her to brake through and cause the trembles. It wasn't any specific spell just raw power, you know how someone's magic can be affected by their emotions especially someone untrained."
"I'm inclined to agree with you my Lady. She's magically exhausted and most likely mentally and emotionally as well, however physically, besides the injury to the head, she's fine. She'll sleep for some time but if she exceeds two days of sleep we will have to find a way to wake her." Her diagnosis was met with nods.
"Should we leave her here or move her to a more comfortable place with less noise?" Runa asked.
"That would probably be best and maybe have the maids give her a sponge bath and a change of clothes?"
"I'll get Nell on it, then we'll move her." Althea nodded to Runa in understanding, she then moved over to a shelf with many different potions and grabbed the pain relieving one to dab on the young woman's bump. After she was finished with the girl she turned toward her fiancé and gave him a look that made him cringe and squirm.
"Now how did you break your nose?" she questioned as she cupped his face turning it one way then the other.
"I didn't… Ow!" She had just pinched his nose as if to prove her point about it being broken and raised one eyebrow as if daring him to lie again. "I didn't mean it that way. I know it's broken but I wasn't the one to break it. She did." He gestured to the unconscious woman she had just been working on. She looked back and forth between them as she did she bit her lip to try and not let out a laugh. He scoffed at her attempt.
"Go ahead and laugh, milady already did." Her shoulders started to shake and before too long she was laughing but she contained herself as to not be too loud as to distract the other healers trying to work a miracle. At her laugh the corner of Knox's mouth twitched as if he was trying not to smile which he lost. They smiled at each other in a way that made the others with them smirk and roll their eyes but they were brought back to attention when Runa cleared her throat causing both of them to become flustered. Althea was the first to regain her composure.
"This is going to hurt a little bit," Knox braced himself. "Þu you gebéteest." She placed her hand on his nose as she spoke the words and with a crack his nose was perfectly healed. Knox moved his nose around to feel for pain, it still hurt but the break was gone. Althea touched his nose and tweaked it again, nodding satisfied with the fix she spread the pain potion on his face to help with the bruise. As Knox was healed Cromwell had entered and made for Runa.
"The King wishes to see you my Lady." Runa nodded then looked to Althea who nodded her head in silent understanding that she would get the girl settled and with that handled she made her way out of the Healing Wing but before she left she had one more request.
"Healer Lenus?"
"Hmm?"
"Please keep me apprised of his progress."
"Of course my Lady."
As she made her way down the halls Gwaine and Cromwell fell in step with her. As they drew near the council chambers the doors were opened by a pair of guards allowing them to make a grand entry. There were many men and women present but Runa's attention was only for the King whose blond hair only had one streak of white, his breaded face that was as prone to smiles as it was glares that could slice and his pale blue eyes that could be as warm as the sky or as cold a ice. He had been king for over thirty years but besides the laugh lines around his eyes and the one streak of white in his hair one would think him younger than his years. When Runa had entered he had turned and had given her the smile that was for her alone.
"Daughter," he called as she entered. The rest of the court bowed or curtsied as she walked past. "Welcome home." He embraced her in one of his full body hugs that always served as a way to calm her. She took a deep breath and it felt like the first real breath she had taken since they had left three week prior. Her father always had a way to bring her back down from her anxieties.
Gwaine just smiled at the father-daughter moment but then he noticed the look the King was giving him. It was a look that said they would talk after this was all done. Gwaine gave his King a nod of understanding. Gwaine was one of the few people in the kingdom that the King fully trusted with his daughter's complete safety, not just physically but her emotional and mental safety as well and Runa knew that well, she usually just shook her head at them.
As the King pulled back he held his daughter's face in his hands looking over her. He noted the dark circles and the slight thinning in her face but other than that she seemed fine. He smiled at her kissing her forehead and moved back.
"What's this I hear about you bringing back two injured unknowns?" He questioned as he sat. He gestured to the other courtiers to sit as well. They followed his gesture as Gwaine and Cromwell flanked Runa as she gave them the details of their mission.
"As many of you have felt of the last three weeks someone has been sending out magical pulse or outburst of power…"
"Yes we know this Princess Runa but what does this have to do about you bringing back outsiders?" asked one of the more obnoxious Lords. Runa ignored him but had to put a hand out to stop Gwaine who had stepped forward at the tone of the Lord.
"I was getting there if you wouldn't interrupt me." The Lord sat back disgruntled and then noticed the glares not only from the Knights by the Princess's side but many of the other Lords and Ladies present, even the King's stare was irritated.
"As I was saying we left three weeks ago to find out where this was coming from and we found it. In a ruined fortress in Camelot." This news resulted in many gasps. "But even before we got there I knew what the cause was."
"And what was that your Highness?" asked one of the elder Ladies of the court. She was the matriarch of her family and had treated Runa as a granddaughter of sorts as both of her own grandmothers were no longer with them.
"I found out that High Priestess Morgause has been torturing another of magic and it was he who was sending out the pulses and it is he who is one of the injured that I brought back." Her announcement was met with silence that quickly descended into pandemonium. So many questions were thrown about that they were lost and the noise level was getting louder and louder until finally the King had had enough.
"Silence!" he yelled as he slammed his fist on the table with his enormous strength, which in turn cracked the table, again. However before the table collapsed Runa's eyes flashed gold as she spoke, "remian sê ginian," mending the crack her father had created. He looked at her then nodded his head in thanks.
"Keep your questions till the end, is that understood?" The King cut his eyes to get his point across. The courtiers all nodded. "Continue."
"Everyday we got closer but it wasn't until this morning that I was able to get an exact location on where they were. It was a ruined fortress where Camelot, Essetir, Caerleon and Elmet borders meet."
"That used to be a large trading post until Elmet became the Perilous Lands," stated Lord Gregory, their court historian. Runa nodded at his input. She continued her retelling and when she was finished the entire court was silent. It was the elder Lady who broke the silence.
"And the young man? What are his chances?" Her face had greyed considerably as Runa had spoken. Runa's eyes dropped giving a silent answer.
"Not good but he's survived this long without proper treatment so the healers are hopeful." Many of the court nodded.
"What about the girl?" the obnoxious Lord asked.
"What about her?"
"Why bring her here?"
"Or what?" Runa asked incredulously. "Leave her to deal with Morgause by herself? Or no wait we leave her to an even worse fate at the hands of Uther Pendragon. She's a natural magic user, a witch, and you would have preferred me leaving her to die at the hands of a tyrant or used as a pawn by a murderous bitch. We protect our own Lord Owen that also means innocent magic users in other kingdoms. That also means that girl who has most likely had to suffer for three weeks having to hear someone she cares about being tortured. You did not hear her cry of anguish when she saw her friend in the condition he's in so I'd watch your tongue."
Runa's anger had risen as she had spoken and it was noticeable. Runa was the more levelheaded out of the father-daughter pair and it usually took a lot to get her angry and the courtier knew it. He sat back in his chair under not only his Princess's glare but also the glare of all the other courtiers and his King. He knew he had over stepped his bounds and knew when to graciously bow out. Runa took a deep breath and let it out in a sigh bringing herself back under control. She couldn't let her anger control her.
"Anymore questions?"
"Do you know anything about them besides their magical gifts?" Lord Gregory asked.
"We only know the young man's name is Merlin and that they are both extremely powerful. Merlin might have a little training but the young woman seems to be completely untrained. We'll watch and monitor them. Healer Althea does not think the girl will awaken anytime soon and Merlin's fate is in the hands of the rest of our healers so we will wait." She cut her eyes to the council who all nodded in understanding that they were to leave this matter to her.
"Yes, then," the king said as he stood. "There's nothing else that is pressing at the moment so we are adjourned until tomorrow. Now I wish to speak with my daughter, so not to be rude, but leave."
"Yes, King Brynjarr." The courtiers chorused, many of them with a laugh. The council chamber was quickly emptied leaving only Runa, her father and Gwaine behind. Cromwell had left citing the need to get some rest. Runa and Gwaine looked at each other and knew that his 'rest' was to go see the woman he had been unofficially courting.
"How bad is the boy really?" Runa snorted at her father's question, as it had been the same question she had asked.
"Althea said she didn't know how he's still alive, but he's in the best possible hands, so all we can do now is hope." Runa sat with a thump, very unladylike but she didn't care and knew the men with her wouldn't either. Brynjarr sat back down at the head of the table but Gwaine went up behind her and dug his fingertips into her shoulders eliciting a moan.
"You're full of stress," he grumbled at her. She just closed her eyes.
"Berate me all you want but just don't stop." She couldn't see but Gwaine had a big smile on his face as he continued to massage her shoulders and neck. Brynjarr just smiled at them. "Where's Uncle? I didn't see him here today."
"Those pulses upset some of our more temperamental residents, so he went to deal with them."
"I don't envy him that."
"Nor do I. Could you explain to me what you plan on doing with them?" Brynjarr asked. Runa cracked one eye open, sighed and closed them.
"For now Merlin's situation is precarious so I'll let the healers decide what to do with him as for the girl… Well I plan on having her moved to one of the quieter rooms and let Nell take care of her. Althea thinks she'll be out for a day at least but if it gets past two we have to find a way to wake her. Her only physical injury came from us when she lost control. However she wasn't physically tortured she's most likely been through mental and emotional torture as long as Merlin has been physically. Sleep might be an escape for her right now."
"Good," Brynjarr nodded as he stood. Runa hadn't even moved and he gave her a soft smile she couldn't see. She was falling asleep. He just quirked his eyebrow at Gwaine who just shrugged his shoulders in turn. "My lítill úlfur, you need sleep, go to your chambers and get ready for bed, Dinah most likely already has your bath ready."
"Hmmmm," she mumbled as she sluggishly stood. With one look from Brynjarr Gwaine swept her up into his arms to carry her to her chambers. Come back once you have her settled, Brynjarr spoke into Gwaine's mind. He gave a slight nod to indicate he understood. As Gwaine left Brynjarr called to one of the servents to get two dinners ready for him and Gwaine, they had a discussion they needed to have regarding his hardhead daughter and Gwaine's bethrothed.
Runa's chamber doors were open and when Gwaine entered the doorway carrying her half asleep, her long time maid, Dinah, gave him a look that translated to what did you do to my Lady? Gwaine just gave her one of his roughish smile that always seemed to work. Dinah just rolled her eyes as she was happily married with three children one almost full grown on top of that.
"Hello, Dinah," Gwaine said as he set Runa down. "She's exhuasted so if you need any help..."
"Oh, phsst, you scoundrel," she said waving her hands at him. "Not till you're married. Not get on with you. I can deal with my Princess." Runa just sleepily smiled at them both causing them to smile back at her in return.
"I'll see you when you're awake once agian my Warrior," Gwaine said as he kissed her temple. He closed the doors as he left and made his way back to the council chambers. When he entered he was surprised to see food laid out for them. When he raised his brow at Brynjarr, who was reading some papers when he had entered, he just raised his brow back at him.
"I thought we could eat and then you can get to your own chambers for rest. You've been gone just as long."
"Ah, well yes but I'm used to these kind of travel conditions, well at least compared to some pampered lordly knight," Gwaine scoffed as he sat down. Brynjarr just smiled and shook his head. Gwaine didn't rely on his noble haritage much if at all and Brynjarr liked him all the more for it. He was rough, there was no doubt about that, and he wasn't raised in court, which many people of the court weren't too happy about, but Gwaine was the right one for his daughter. He had seen it too many times to discount it. He knew his daughter was often times too serious but Gwaine made her slow down and see the world in a different way and she too had healed his heart even when he hadn't known it was hurt. She gave him a home, a home that he never thought he would have and a purpose far greater than himself. They suited each other.
"How was it?"
"Not too terrible but Runa was getting run down pretty fast and I couldn't figure out why."
"What did you do?" He knew how stubborn his daughter was, unfortunatly that came from both of her parents.
"We had been asleep when one of the pulses came and she woke up screaming," Gwaine said gritting his teeth. "The others took off thinking it was something else but I noticed she was clutching her side and hugging herself. She had tears streaming down her face. I, I had never seen her like that and it sort of unnerved me. So I didn't relent until she told me." Gwaine was just as stubborn. "She finally told me she could see and feel exactly what happened to make him send out the pulses."
"What?" Brynjarr roared.
"She explained that it was like a ghost sensation but she felt his pain and his plea for help. That's how she knew it was Morgause before we even reached that fortress."
"How?"
"She couldn't explain that one, because I asked that very question. We still have no idea why it was she felt that. The best she could come up with is that she was powerful enough to feel it but, even she didn't believe that was the reason. It drug on her for a while until I made her talk to me about what she saw and felt." Gwaine took a swig of ale thinking of what she told him. "I don't know how the hell Merlin is alive. What she explained to me alone would have broken even the strongest men." Silence desended on the two men.
"I really hope he survives." When Brynjarr looked at Gwaine in question he elaborated. "I want to get to know the man who has the strength of mind, body and soul to withstand three weeks of horrid torture and not break." Brynjarr nodded in agreement. They contiuned their dinner with small talk but Brynjarr did want to know if there had been any injuries on their side, which caused Gwaine to smirk.
"What?"
"We only had one injured. It was Knox and he receved a broken nose."
"How'd he get a broken nose?"
"Runa had sent him and Wyatt to get the girl, she was kept seperate from Merlin. Apprently when they entered her room she was hidden behind the door with a tray, which she used to break his nose." Brynjarr looked at Gwaine and blinked once, twice then threw his head back and let out a roaring laugh.
"Oh that boy will never hear the end of that."
"No, he won't, especailly since Althea was the one to heal his nose." Brynjarr chuckled then noticed that Gwaine was dead on his feet. He just shook his head. They are both so stubborn
"Get to bed with you," he said dismissing him. Gwaine looked up at him and gave him a small smile.
"I'm going to check in with the healers then get on to bed if that's okay?"
"Of course," Brynjarr said as they both stood. "I believe I'll go with you." They left as the servants started to clean away their dinner. When they entered the Healing Wing Gwaine noticed that Merlin had been moved to one of the normal beds. They could see Ase and Sirona looking over him as Lenus, Lee and Galen were talking off to the side, there was no sign of the girl or Althea.
"Healer Lenus," Brynjarr said as he approached the group of three.
"Sire," Lenus said as he bowed followed by Lee, Galen, Ase and Sirona. "What brings you here?"
"I was checking on how your patients were doing."
"Well the boy, Merlin was it?" Gwaine nodded in answer. "We've done what we can. Many of the shallower cuts we were able to heal without leaving a scar but he won't be without scars. The wound on his side is especially scarred but we have poultices that are helping to fight the posion in his blood from getting worse. We've given him potions that should help replinish his blood and clean out the posioned blood. His back is also going to be heavily scarred. That, that horrid woman used a barbed whip on his back several times. He's lucky she didn't paralyze him." The two men cringed at just the thought. "His magical reserves were nearly depleated but they are filling up faster than I've ever seen. So that's a good sign but he does have some old scars that are curious."
"What do you mean?"
"He has a burn mark right over his heart and I'd say it's at least a year or two old. He also has a mace wound on his shoulder that's older than the burn. I fear this boy has been on the run most of his life so they're most likely from one of the Southern kingdoms."
"They were found in Camelot, so most likely. Could they be Druids?"
"I don't think so, at least not for the girl. Her hands are too soft for someone whose lived the Druidic way of life, but as for him, maybe, however he doesn't have any markers that identify him as such." Brynjarr and Gwaine nodded at Lenus' observations.
"Now as for the girl, Healer Althea and Nell have already moved her to one of the guest chambers. Now she is another curious case, she doesn't seem to have much in the ways of scars if any at all. However she does have specfic callauses that make me think she is of higher birth."
"What kind of callauses would that be?"
"She has callauses of someone who was taught swordsmanship." Brynjarr and Gwaine looked at each other surprised. Most women weren't taught how to use a sword, especially in the Southern kingdoms. It wasn't tooterribly uncommon in the Northern kingdoms, save for their own where it was common place. However the women who did learn swordsmanship in the Southern kingdoms were almost always women of higher birth. So Lenus was probably right.
"Hm," said the king. "Well we won't get our answers speculating, we'll have to wait for her to wake up, which should be...?" Lenus just gave Brynjarr a reporachful look.
"*sigh* I would like to say tomorrow but I don't think so. It has nothing to do with the knock she took, but everything to do with her mental and emotional state so most likely the day after in the morning, I'm hoping. If not we'll have to wake her, which I want to avoid. She needs to wake up naturally if she can. As for him... He needs as much rest as he can get and I honsetly don't want to wake him. He has to wake naturally and that's what I'm fearing."
"What do you mean?" Gwaine asked.
"That he won't want to wake up."
(Two days later)
Morgana could feel the sun on her face as her conciousness rose to the surface. She squinted her eyes as her chamber door opened and she could hear Gwen come in.
"Good morning my Lady," Gwen said, she sound different but then Morgana threw her arm over her eyes as her horrid dream came back to her.
"Oh, Gwen you have no idea what a horrible nightmare I had. Merlin was..." At the sound of a gasp and crash Morgana sat up and turned her head toward Gwen only to find out it was not Gwen and she was not in her chambers in Camelot. The maid in her room was young, a number of years younger than Gwen and she was pale where Gwen was dark. This maid's eyes were a light smokey grey and her hair a very pale shade of strawberry-blonde, she even had a dusting of freckles on the bridge of her pert nose that made her rounded face look even younger and more innocent. Morgana's breaths started becoming shallow as she fought to fill her lungs.
"You're not Gwen," she said slowly as her eyes moved around the room, taking in the lighter stone, the bigger widows and what appeared to be doors that lead out to a balcony.
"I'm afarid not my Lady," the girl said as she curtsied. "My name is Nell."
Tears quickly filled Morgana's eyes and she didn't fight them this time nor did she fight the wail that rose in her throat. It wasn't just a nightmare it was a living one. She buried her head in her knees and contiuned to cry however unbeknowst to her things had started to tremble making Nell look around nervously. Sir Knox had told her about what she had done in the ruin and now Nell was in a room alone with an uncontrolable witch, but just as things really started rattling they stopped. Nell let out a sigh as the chamber doors were opened by none other than Princess Runa.
Morgana felt the same pressure on her chest as she had back in the ruins and she couldn't explain what it was but she looked up when she heard the door open. In the doorway was someone who was vaguely familiar but also exceptionally beautiful. Her long dark red hair was in three different braids, one on each side and one on top that laid flat to her head, that went to the back of her head and made an intricae bun at the nape of her neck. She was tall for a woman and she looked to have the physique of a warrior, with the clothes to match. But it was when Morgana looked her in the eyes that she placed where she recognized her from. She was in that chamber, the one where Merlin... she choked back another cry.
"You're awake my Lady." Morgana could not tell if that was supposed to be a question so she just nodded. The warrior's turquoise eyes softened and the pressure on Morgana's chest lessend. "We've been worried..."
"Why didn't you just leave me there?" she cried horsely. Runa was taken aback by the young woman's question.
"Why would we leave you there?" she asked back.
"So that I could be with him. So that he wouldn't be alone. So he..." she choked on her words as tears filled her eyes. She buried her head again and cried. She felt a weight settle down next to her and she could feel someone rubbing circles on her back. When she looked up she was surprised to see it was the warrior woman. The soft look in her eyes made Morgana want to scream at her. Why didn't you get there sooner? Maybe Merlin would still be alive! But nothing would pass her lips but more sobs. She turned and buried herself into the woman's chest and just held on. Runa started humming a lullby to try and calm the young woman so that they could talk because she knew there was a misunderstanding on the young woman's part.
Nell was standing in the chamber uncomfortably so she started to clean up what she had dropped. Once it was all gathered she didn't know what to do and when she had looked to Runa for guidence she spoke into her mind. Go get her some breakfast and some oils for a scented bath that can help her calm down. Ask whose ever on duty in the healer wing what would work best. Then get one of the men to bring up a tub for her. Nell nodded, curtsied and left to do as her Lady told her, at least this made her feel useful. She passed Sir Gwaine as she left, and was unsurprised he was there.
As the young woman's cries slowed and quieted Runa felt this was her chance to ask some questions to hopefully clear up whatever misunderstandings they seemed to have.
"Now," she said, at her voice the young woman lifted her head and Runa's heart broke a little from the look of utter devestation on her face. "This 'he' you're talking about wouldn't be Merlin would it?"
"You knew him?" her voice quivered.
"No, but you told us his name when we knocked you out. Sorry about that by the way." The young woman just shook her head. "Now what's this all about?"
"It's all my fault. I trusted her and she used me."
"'She' being Morgause correct?" The young woman nodded sniffling.
"If I hadn't then Merlin would still be alive," her tears welled up again and her voice broke on a sob. "He's dead because me!"
"Whoa, whoa there, Merlin's not dead," Runa assured as she brought the young woman's head back up to look her in the eye.
"Wh, what?" her voice trembled as much as her lips. "But, but I saw him. He was..."
"No, your companion is still alive. It was a near thing trust me but he is still very much alive." The relief that flooded Morgana made her tear up again, making her throw her arms around this unknown woman's waist, burying her head in her chest once again and cry. She felt the woman's arms come around her and rock her back and forth in a calming motion. This is what a big sister is supposed to be like, Morgana thought. As she calmed down a thousand questions popped into her head, first and foremost was...
"Can I see Merlin?" The woman just smiled warmly and let out a little chuckle.
"Yes but there's a couple things first..."
"Okay," she said quickly.
"What's your name?"
"Morgana." She left out the 'Lady' part, because she didn't want them to find out about the status difference between her and Merlin and not allow her to see him and God forbid send her back to Uther before Merlin could come with her. She wasn't going anywhere without him.
"Okay Morgana, Nell is going to be back with with your breakfast soon and she's also getting things for a bath. After you're finished and ready the King would like to meet you." At the woman's words Morgana stiffened and froze. Fear started rushing through her. She started shaking her head back and forth thinking, no, nonononono.
"Morgana," Runa shook her a little to get her attention. "Morgana, what's wrong?" Morgana started hyperventlating. "Morgana breath. Breath with me. In. Out. In. Out." They repeated this until Morgana had her beath back under control.
"Now what was that about?" Morgana kept look up at her then back down to her hands with anixety filled eyes. Then suddenly it came to her, She's most likely from a Southern kingdom. In those kingdoms having magic is a death sentence. "Morgana, look at me." Finally when Morgana brought her eyes up to look at her she spoke a spell.
"Blóstmá."
Morgana's eyes widen when the other woman's eyes went from beautiful turquoise to molten gold and back. When the woman opened her hand a beautiful white flower with five petals that Morgana often saw in spring laid in her hand.
"You, you have magic?" There was amusement and kindness in eyes her as she nodded. Morgana took a shuddering breath.
"Many people in this kingdom have magic," the woman explained. "Even the King."
Runa chuckled as Morgana made an impressive imitation of an owl, all wide-eyed and slow blinking.
"You're not badgering my patient are you?" Althea said as she entered the chambers. Morgana just turned toward her and gave her the owl treatment.
"Me, badger your patients? Never." They could hear the sarcasm dripping in her statement. Their exchange made a giggle bubble up in Morgana's throat and before she could stop it, it got out. Once it did she couldn't stop. As she laughed she realized she hadn't truly laughed in quite some time but it made her feel lighter than she had in a long time.
Althea and Runa looked at each other then at the young woman who was holding her stomach as she laughed. When they looked back at one another their smiles matched. Nell had come and asked Althea about what oil would be best for the young woman and she had told her she would bring it up as she wanted to check on her, especially after Nell explained her breakdown. However Runa seemed to have it covered.
What happened? Nell said she was having a breakdown.
She thought Merlin was dead and was blaming herself.
Ah.
"Milady," Morgana's head shot up a the title and her eyes widened a little in panic, which didn't go unnoticed by the two women but Runa just shook her head indicating not to worry about it. "I'm Healer Althea. I'm the one who checked you over when you first came here and I would like to check you over again if you're okay with that." Morgana nodded. "Now what's your name?"
"Morgana."
"Okay I'm going to ask you a few questions. I just want to make sure that Gwaine's hit didn't cause any lasting damage." She then raised her voice so that Gwaine could hear out in the hall. "Men, I mean really they're all brawn no brain. They don't understand that they need to temper their hits depending on the situation."
"Oi!" was heard from out in the hall and a handsome man popped his head in the doorway and glared at Althea until the women all dissolved into giggles. He just scoffed at them and moved away but not before Runa noticed the smile tugging at his lips.
"But really I need to ask some questions because even the most minor hits can cause problems." Morgana just nodded at her.
"Okay, is your vision fuzzy or cloudy at all?"
"No."
"Any black spots in your vision."
Morgana shook her head.
"Does your head hurt at all?"
"Other than the pain from crying so much no." Althea nodded. She moved closer and moved the girl's head back and forth telling her to tell her if a move made her head hurt in the least. Nothing she did caused any pain.
"Leohtfæt." A tiny light appeared in front of Morgana surprising her. "Follow the light with your eyes please." Morgana did so but she also studied how Althea controlled the little light. It seemed as if her finger caused it to move one way then the other but before she could study it more it was gone.
"I don't see or sense anything amiss but if that changes at all immediately come to the Healing Wing is that understood?"
"She doesn't know where that is," Gwaine commented from the hall.
"Don't worry Althea, I'm taking her there after her meeting with the King. She wants to see Merlin." Althea nodded.
"Well I better get back. Oh, here is an oil I want you to have put in your bath. I suggest just nine drops, it helps relieve stress." She placed the pretty bottle on the table in her hearth area.
"Thank you," Morgana said quickly as Althea left. She turned back and smiled at her.
"It's not only my job but my pleasure, especially since you broke my fiancé's nose. I'm never letting him live that down." Morgana tilted her head to the side in confusion. Althea just laughed at her expression and left but not before giving Gwaine a swift whack upside his head, which he had not been expecting.
"Hey, you're supposed to be a healer who lessens pain not causes it," he yelled as her laugh echoed down the hall. Morgana looked at Runa in question.
"Althea and Knox have always been like this. We half the time can't tell if they hate or love each other." Runa let out her a quick wicked laugh. "The one in the hall isn't Knox by the way, that's Gwaine he was…"
"The one who knocked me out."
"Yeah sorry about that," he said from the doorway, now that she got a better look he was indeed very handsome in a roguish way. "Ah it looks like your bath is here." He moved out of the way of a man who was floating a rather large bathtub. Morgana was shocked every time she saw the blatant use of magic even for every day things. When it was set down Morgana moved over to look at it. It was a very fine tub but when she looked inside she noted strange etchings on the inside. As she traced one with her finger Runa explained what they meant.
"Those are runes that keep the water as warm or as cool as you want it, you just have to get the temperature right in the beginning. They are activated when someone gets in."
"That's amazing," Morgana exclaimed.
"You're going to be really easy to impress, aren't you?" Runa quipped. Morgana ducked her head as she felt her face heat. Runa just smiled and added, "That also means you're going to be curious about everything which isn't a bad thing but be cautious about what you look into further." Morgana just nodded. As her mind whirled about everything she had just seen Nell had returned with a late breakfast.
"Morgana," Runa said bring her out of her thoughts.
"Nell's back with your food. Please eat and bathe, we've taken the liberty to alter some dresses to fit your frame so you have something else to wear besides what you had been in. Don't worry they're dresses I wouldn't subject you to the clothing I wear, that 'no proper Lady would be caught dead in' or so my maid says."
"Well I think they're brilliant, at least for training and travel." Her comment caught them all off guard but it earned her a smile from both Gwaine and Runa, which made her feel warm.
"Finally someone who agrees with me," Runa said dramatically. "I'll have to let Dinah know I'm not alone." Gwaine snorted at her theatrics earning him a mock glare.
"I haven't said anything about your training and travel clothes in years, my Lady," said an indignant voice from behind Gwaine. Gwaine moved aside revealing a woman who could only be Nell's mother. They looked identical save for their hair Dinah's was a dark honey color that was greying at her temples.
"And I only had a problem when that was all you would wear. Even to feasts," she said exasperatedly. "You finally grew out of that rebellion when Sir Gwaine came along." At her words Runa's face flamed and Gwaine laughed wickedly, then wiggled his eyebrows suggestively at Runa, which earned him an eye roll. Morgana just smiled at the exchange. This kingdom is so different, I feel so at home here.
"Well my Lady you also need a bath since you're meeting with the King as well. You've been out training all morning and you stink." Everyone laughed even Runa. They bid each other farewell, Runa telling Morgana that someone would be there to guide her to the council chambers when it was time so she could relax until then.
Nell had gotten her a plate of cheeses, fruit, some meat, and fresh baked bread that smelled heavenly. Morgana's stomach grumbled loudly enough to make it known. She sat as the table to eat as Nell fluttered around the chamber getting her bath ready. Morgana told her what Althea had said about the oil for the water and as Nell added the nine drops the air in the chamber took on the scent of lavender. She finished her meal quickly and was surprised by the amount she ate but then Nell told her she had been asleep for close to two days so it was to be expected.
Nell then helped her undress for the bath and as she slipped into the warm water she let out a sigh of contentment. She lay there soaking before Nell asked what kind of hair soap she wanted. She asked if there was lavender to which Nell just smiled and grabbed one of the bottles. Morgana ducked under the water to soak her hair and sighed again when Nell's small but strong hands lathered the soap into her hair and massaged her scalp. Nell washed her hair twice and Morgana almost fell asleep the second time. It was extremely hard to get out of the bath as it was still the perfect temperature but Nell said it wouldn't be too much longer until she had to meet the King so she got out.
Nell had set out a pot of cream and said that she could use but this was where Morgana stopped Nell from helping her. Instead as she slathered the cream on her body she asked Nell to show her the different dresses that she had to chose from. All of them were as fine as some of the finest she had back in Camelot and Nell was apologizing for not having something better. She assured her that they were more than adequate. Morgana stopped on one that was absolutely beautiful. It had an underdress of dark forest green with a slightly sheer over dress of the deepest purple with long flowing sleeves. The dress fit her perfectly and it felt divine on her skin.
Morgana's hair was still damp so Nell asked if she wanted her to use a spell to dry it or put it up.
"You have magic too?"
"Yes but I'm only an enchantress." Morgana was confused by the words but before she could ask her for more details there was a knock on the door. Nell went to the door to answer, when she came back she said that the King was expecting her within the next hour. Morgana's nervousness returned and the other woman wasn't here to calm her down. That's when she noticed she hadn't even asked the woman her name.
"What is it my Lady?" Nell asked when she took notice of Morgana's shocked face.
"I never even asked the Lady what her was name was."
"Oh, well that's easy, the Lady is Crown Princess Runa Ambrosius." At Nell's words Morgana's stomach dropped.
"Wh, What?" Morgana squeaked out. "She, She's the Crown Princess?" she stammered.
"Hmm, oh yes," Nell continued talking not even noticing the panic that was settling over Morgana's features. Morgana didn't hear a word that Nell was saying as she was internally panicking. I can't believe I treated the Crown Princess like that! Oh goddess! Morgana continued to panic until Nell finally regained her attention. "My Lady?"
"Hmm?"
"Don't worry about offending Princess Runa, she doesn't really like it when people treat her different just because she was born royal. Most people treat her as the Head of the Queen's Guard." Since Morgana hadn't decided on what to do with her hair Nell took the initiative and used a spell to dry her hair quickly. She was now pulling it half up in an intricate braided bun.
"Queen's Guard?"
"Yes we have the King's Guard and the Queen's Guard. They are usually the elite Knights but the Queen's Guard is only made up of women."
"Women can be Knight's in this kingdom?"
"Yes and so can those of common birth. It's been a long held belief that it is not one's birth that determines ones worth but their actions."
"Wow," Morgana breathed out. This place really is different. Nell looked at Morgana's awed face when an idea popped in her head.
"You haven't seen the kingdom at all have you?"
"Well no, but…"
"Come with me." The girl led Morgana to the doors that she guessed lead to a balcony, but she wasn't able to tell because of the slightly sheer curtains. Nell stood in front of the doors facing Morgana with an excited smile on her face.
"Welcome to Galdra," Nell said with a flourish as she opened the doors to a world Morgana hadn't known existed.
Sorry for the cliffy. If I didn't end it here the chapter would be endless or I wouldn't update for a while! Please leave your reviews! Also favorite and follow for updates as we go along.
A/N: Just a fair warning I'm moving so it might be a while until I update again but I promise you I have not abandoned it! We'll get some more surprises next chapter and the Lot in Camelot will be back! I know this chapter had a lot about my OC's and my AU kingdom but I felt it was necessary.
