Chapter 3

Cecilia wandered through the forest picking wild green and fruit to make breakfast for her, Merlin and Gauis. She carried a hand-woven basket and her side bag.

'Its peaceful here, I got a lot of things maybe I could trade some for supplies? I'll need some for the trip.' Cecilia thought her eyes glanced seeing a few bees collecting pollen from a flower.

'Bees? If there are bees then there's honey!' She looked around and followed a few bees.

An hour and thirty minutes later…

Merlin and Gauis woke up by a sweet aroma, they got dressed and saw a small array of items at the table. Cecilia shifted a bit reaching for the plates she noticed their presence and smiled.

"Good morning, I hope you're hungry ." Cecilia said placing a small plate of three cooked eggs.

All three of them sat at the table to enjoy some breakfast. Merlin noticed a small jar with liquid amber inside.

"Is that honey?" Merlin asked

"Where did you manage to get some?" Gauis asked

"I got it in the forest, there was a big beehive and I manage to get some honey." Cecilia explained

"You didn't stung? Bees aren't particularly happy on you taking their honey." Gauis replied

"I did get stung once or twice, it doesn't hurt."Cecilia confessed raising her hand that had bandages around it.

Gauis immediately grabbed a few vials to treat Cecilia's wound, when he unbandaged it he raised an eyebrow.

"Is something wrong?" Merlin asks

"No, here this should help." Gauis replied adding a few drops of medicine on Cecilia's hand then wrapping it up. 'Usually, there would be redness and slight swelling within the hour after being stung by bees yet she doesn't have those symptoms. I can see the marks...was she really hurt?' He thought

"I don't think its worth the honey if the bees attacked you." Merlin said

"But I thought it would be nice for us to have some and for me to have to take home." Cecilia replied softly. "When I can't buy sugar, i use honey to make the jam or preserve fruit, so when i saw that beehive i couldn't resist."

"Try to be careful." Merlin replied

"Well I have some news for you, Cecilia." Gauis announced, "In two days I'll finish making the remedy then I'll go with you and a few of the knights to your village to cure the illness."

Cecilia's eyes went wide and grinned happily at the news.

"Thank you! Gauis! "Cecilia said " I just hope that the illness hasn't spread..I don't want other villages to get it."

"Let's hope not." Merlin said

After enjoying a brief meal, Merlin went to find some fresh herbs and deliver a draught to Morgana, Gauis went to make the rest of the medicine for his patients, Cecilia cleaned the table and use her time to make a bit of Jam. She set up her small pot near the open fire and added in the wild blueberries in the pot with half of lemon juice, then some honey.

Merlin's P.o.v

I thanked Gwen coming in to help Morgana with her dress. I don't want to think about what could've happen if she wasn't there on time.

I went back to tell Gauis that i finished delivering the medicine, to my surprise he wasn't there but Cecilia was. I saw her stirring the small pot on the wooden table it smelled so good, she was in her own world smiling and humming.

I felt content seeing her there, by my own clumsiness i knocked over one of the potted plants that Gauis kept near, the loud crash got her attention, i get so frantic in trying to clean it up, She blushed immediately and hid her face in her hands.

"A bit clumsy i see..." She playfully teased.

"I..well…" i stumbled in my own words, she didn't laugh at me, she stopped what she was doing and helped me clean.

After cleaning up the mess, Cecilia held out a small jar with a purple color inside.

"Here i finished making this for you, as promised a blueberry and blackcurrant jam." Cecilia pride fully said.

"Thanks, i don't know what to say." I replied i haven't had anyone make something for me except for what my mother made.

"You could try it and tell me what you think." Cecilia simply said

I opened the jar to try some right away, having it with some bread. I don't know if it was her mother's recipe or her natural talent in making delicious food, it was tasty not too sweet slightly tart.

"This is delicious." I said

"Really? You really like it?" she smiled "I was afraid you wouldn't like blueberry with blackcurrants.

"Yes, it's very good." I replied

"I'm glad you like it, i sometimes make different flavors of jam for myself, some of the villagers prefer the simple ones." Cecilia said

"I wish i could enjoy flavors like this everyday." I muttered under my breath watching her add the rest of the dark purple mixture into the jars sealing them up adding them into the basket.

"Well if you're ever in Asvanger, feel free to drop by." Cecilia said cleaning up. "I have a full stock of different jams that you will love."

"I'd like that." I said softly, smiling at her for some reason i felt comfortable around her.

"I better go and take a walk." Cecilia said "This will take time to cool off, so can you put the basket where my things are?" I nodded yes while enjoying the jam.

Third person's P.o.v.

Before she exited, she looked back at him one last time before going out the door.

Merlin looked at the other jam jars on the basket, he raised his hand to grab another until Cecilia came back in.

"Don't touch my jam!" Cecilia scolded, then smiled. "You can have one more jar, just wait for it to cool down or you'll burn your mouth."

Now she was out to explore the castle a bit. She's never been inside the castle before it was big and spacious, many servants walked working on their daily tasks, a few cleaning the floors, another bringing in clean sheets.

Cecilia stopped in the hallway to look at the view, it took her breath away, Seeing the mountains and the lush green trees.

"Wow…" Cecilia whispered

"Beautiful isn't it?"

She turned around seeing a servant girl with blonde hair the same shade as wheat. She held a large basket full of different fruit.

"Ah, yes it is." Cecilia agreed. "The view is fantastic."

"I'm Claire. " the girl said

"I'm Cecilia." She said

"Are you staying to enjoy the feast tonight?" Claire asked

Cecilia had heard about the feast, earlier in her trip to the market she overheard that Lady Helen a wonderful singer will be performing tonight, she had heard a few stories of the woman's work.

"Yes, I've always wanted to hear Lady Helen sing." Cecilia confessed.

"Cecilia, can you do me a favor?" Claire asked "I know we only met but i have a lot to do for tonight's feast, can you deliver this to Lady Helen? It's from the king."

"Of course! I'd be happy to!" Cecilia said taking the basket off of Claire's hands.

"When you're there just do a bit of tidying up and see if she needs anything else, water, extra blankets anything, I'll be in the Kitchens." Claire informed and grinned at her, after telling Cecilia where to find Helen's room she thanked the brunette.

Cecilia held the basket nervously, she's going to meet with one of the king's favorite performers! She knocked on the door, seeing a youthful beautiful woman.

"Lady Helen..compliments from the king." Cecilia said with a small bow offering the basket.

"Come in." Helen said

Cecilia went inside and saw the large room, she placed the fruit on the table as Lady Helen sat down looking at the assortment.

Cecilia then went to work remembering what Claire told her to do. She picked up a few pieces of clothing from the floor.

"How sweet." She said "How will i ever repay him?"

"Just giving him a great performance is enough, I've heard a few stories in the market earlier..that you have a beautiful voice." Cecilia said "I'm really looking forward to it."

"So am i." Helen replied

Cecilia folded some of the clothes her eyes glanced at the mirror that was covered up with a blanket. She moved to clean one of the tables, her hand trembled that she spilled one of the silver cups onto herself.

"Ah!" Cecilia grabbed a rag to clean herself up, her hand pressed onto her dress carefully getting the ale out, she patted the belt to get any excess moisture out, her hand still on her belt trying to get a stain out that was near the sapphire jewel, she noticed that the jewel was dull she wondered why, it never turned dull before and it felt warm why was the jewel warm?

"I must get ready for the feast."

Cecilia turned around and froze instead of Lady Helen it's an old woman. Cecilia removed her hand from her belt , seeing Lady Helen in the same spot as where the old woman was.

'Huh? W..what?' Cecilia thought her heart beating fast. 'Am...am i seeing things?' she touched the sapphire again and saw what the woman really is.

"Are you alright?" Lady Helen asked full of concern.

"Y...yes..I..i just remembered that i have to go and help in the kitchens!" Cecilia said running out of the room, she went far towards Gauis place.

She wondered why did she see that? How? Was her mind playing tricks to her? Was that really Lady Helen? She's an old woman? Her hazel eyes widen, the belt is enchanted! She remembered the text that she read in the book written from her mother.

'The Sapphire it dulls when fraud and treachery is discovered , it also protects the wearer from fever, poison, the plague , skin diseases, when this gem is next to the diamond it has great power in resisting black magic and ill-wishing. It makes the wearer aware of any illusions from enemies.'

'It makes me aware of any illusions….so does that mean that she isn't Lady Helen?!' Panic rushed in at this information she could go and tell the king but she doesn't have any proof to reveal that Lady Helen is not who she is. So what is she supposed to do? So many questions ran by her head, wishing for an answer.

"What should i do?" Cecilia whispered

Cecilia's P.o.v.

I got scared, was that really what the belt showed me? It could be my eyes playing a trick, i want to believe that but deep down i know that it isn't true. I heard the story that happened yesterday, moments before i arrived the King ordered a man to be executed for practicing magic then an old woman claiming to be the mother threaten him that he'll feel the same pain as hers.

'Is...is she here to kill Arthur?' i thought 'Arthur may be a jerk but he doesn't deserve to die like that. What should i do?...maybe if she uses magic i could do something to stop her?' '

"Cecilia? Is that you?"

I turn to see Gwen, i tried to put on a smile and said hello to her, she asked me if i was going to the feast. I said yes but i needed to be a bit more presentable at the feast, that gave me an excuse to think of a plan. If that woman is planning something i should be ready just in case but at the same time i was scared.

Before the feast started i saw Arthur with his group of Knights doing silly stuff, i saw Lady Morgana dressed so gorgeous in that red silk dress.

"Wow..." I whispered in complete awe.

"Having fun?" A voice said

I turn my head seeing Merlin wearing a dark red shirt and brown pants. "A bit, I'm just nervous ." i said

"Nervous? About what?" Merlin asked

I took Merlin's hand dragging him into a small hallway, i looked around the room hoping that no one would hear us.

"Is something wrong? He asked his eyes full of concern.

"I...well..you'll think I'm crazy but Lady Helen is not who you think she is." I slowly said.

"What?"

"She's an..an old woman." I said Merlin chuckled.

"Cecilia, she's not that old." He replied.

"I didn't mean it like that!" I whispered harshly. "I mean she's an old woman! She's using magic to look young! Look i don't care if you believe me or not but i think she's going to hurt someone!"

Merlin gave me a serious look, he opened his mouth and closed it. After a minute he talked.

"How do you know all of this?" Merlin asked

Before i could answer his question ,The trumpets sounded, and we all stood up, taking our places for when Uther walked in.

"We have enjoyed, twenty years of peace and prosperity. It has brought to the Kingdom and myself, many pleasures. But few can compare to the honor of introducing Lady Helen, of Mora!" Uther announced.

We all clapped, but I kept my guard up in case if she does something as soon as the old woman started her song. Arthur and the rest of the nobles sat down, and she began to sing.

I felt fine for the first few minutes, but i could feel something in my belt being warm, the same warmth that alerted me about the old witch.

Around me, people were starting to succumb to the song, and fell asleep. Arthur looked like he was being affected too. I finally put my hands to my ears, and turn my head to look at Merlin who was doing the same thing as me.

I got scared, I'm afraid of using magic in front of someone i met. I was frantic until i saw something i didnt expect to see...Merlin has magic too. He used it to cut the chandelier from the ceiling that Lady Helen was standing under, and it came crashing to her head. She fell to the ground.

Merlin took his hands away from his ears, so I cautiously did the same. We looked around at everybody, and they seemed to start waking up. Merlin looked back at me, with a pleading look on his face. I smiled at him.

"I won't tell..." I whispered softly. He sighed in relief.

Uther stood up after pulling the cobwebs off of him, to see Lady Helen on the floor. Only, it wasn't Lady Helen anymore. It was the old woman from earlier , who was trying to avenge her son.

She used the rest of her strength to grab the knife off of the ground. I realized what she was about to do, and screamed, "No!"

But to my relief Merlin pulled Arthur out of the way. I sighed in relief that he wasn't hurt.

Uther and Arthur both turned to Merlin. "You saved my boy's life." Uther said, his face full of graciousness. "A debt must be repaid."

Merlin started to protest. "No, well..."

"No, don't be modest," Uther protested. "You will be rewarded."

"Honestly, you don't have to," Merlin continued.

"No, absolutely. This merits something special."

Merlin looked like he was actually considering it. "Well..."

"You will be given a position in the Royal Household. You shall be Prince Arthur's manservant," Uther stated.

I tried not to burst out laughing at the look on Arthur's face, i never thought he could make that face! "Father!" He argued.

Everybody started clapping, I joined in. I looked back at the boys, and saw that Merlin and Arthur looked at each other for a second, then looked away, both clearly disgusted. That's when I actually laughed, which Arthur heard. I quickly covered my mouth still giggling but by the glare on his face it's clear that he heard me, i didn't care may be some time together the boys will grow to be friends.

"Merlin you've earned another blueberry and blackcurrant jam." I said giggling.

After the feast, I was sitting in Merlin's bed, running a brush through my hair. I had already changed into my nightgown.

I heard a knock at the door, and turned my head. "Come in," I called out.

I saw Merlin walk in, holding a small vial of something. "This is for you," He said, putting it on the dresser. "Gaius said it's one of the draught to help your village, he's bottling the other ones."

I nodded to him. "Thank you for bringing it, after tonight you'll have your bed again."

I could tell that Merlin wanted to bring up the part about me seeing his magic, but he was too afraid to. I sighed, got up, ran to the door to check if the coast was clear, then shut the door.

I walked back towards Merlin. "I meant what I said I'm not going to tell anyone."

"Why not?" He asked, clearly confused. "If anyone finds out that you knew..."

"Merlin. I saw you save Arthur. I was there, remember?" I lightly tapped his head. "You saved someone's life, he may not know it how it really happen, but I do in return of gratitude i won't tell anyone your secret. You know….i...well..i." I didn't know how to tell him that I have magic too in fear I changed my mind changing the subject." Merlin, its getting late, we should go to sleep we have a long day. "

Merlin groaned then smiled. "Good night, Cecilia." Then he began to leave.

"Ceci, you can call me Ceci" I called after him.

Merlin paused at the door. "Good night...Ceci." he said, then he left to get extra blankets to sleep. I smiled to myself, I always wanted to meet someone like me, it's just sad that i have to leave tomorrow.

That's the end of this chapter! in the next one Cecilia journey's home with the remedy along with company, please leave a review and tell me what you guys think! if you have any ideas or suggestions feel free to Pm me! or if you cant just leave it in the review!