Chapter Two: Of Beginnings.
Disclaimer: Merlin and all its characters belong to the BBC.
Authors note: Sorry to take so long to upload this. It's a bit tricky to switch two characters around, try to stay true to the episodes story line and the twist I'm trying to pull off. Which is why episode three may take as long (especially as I will have to watch it again.) Anyways I hope it's worth the wait and any constructive feedback would be very much appreciated.
Camelot was under-siege. Not under attack by hostile forces mind you, but preparation for the Camelot sword tournament was planned almost to the finest detail. It had knights from all over Albion descending on the citadel with their entourages in order to take part in the barbaric sport.
For Merlyn it had been a painful task, sewing and altering Lady Morgana's wardrobe so she would have a new and stunning dress for the reception and the third and final evening's ball. Not to mention the stylish outdoor wear she would don whilst watching the tournament. Merlyn wished dearly for one of the fur lined cloaks that she was mending, but knew she would have to make do with the old worn clock her mother had stitched together years ago.
But no matter how pain her many pricked fingers gave her, it could not compare with the beating Glyndwr was taking in the courtyard. He was attempting to spar with Prince Arthur and was doing…badly. She winced at every blow. Despite this she found herself distracted by the Princes athletic form. Despite the chain mail disguise, she could see his muscular form move gracefully as he handled the powerful sword. So distracted was she, she was not aware of Morgana as she entered her chambers until she huffed in disapproval beside her. But it was not aimed at her day-dreaming maid, but at the Prince.
"Honestly, how arrogant is he. That poor boy is going to be black and blue." She protested as Glen was sent to the floor.
"And knocked senseless." Merlyn agreed. Morgana nodded and caught sight of the dress Merlyn had just finished.
"Oh that is nice," an odd tone in her voice. Merlyn sighed inwardly
"Nice." She repeated.
Morgana nodded again. "I know I asked for it to be trimmed with this, but I remembered how Lady Ruth's evening dress had this…"
Merlyn grew tense as she realised half her immaculate stitching she had painstakingly attached would have to be carefully unpicked but managed to hold her tongue. She had been Morgana's maid for long enough to know that she wasn't as vain as she appeared, but whenever she had the opportunity to dress up, she made the most of it. In truth she was a kind if sometimes oblivious mistress and Merlyn liked her for the most part.
She was walking back down the stairs later that evening just in time to witness Glens nasty fall down the stairs. It appeared that she had been right; poor Glen had been knocked senseless. Merlyn felt sorry as the manservant protested at Gaius instruction that he rest for the next day. It was the first day of the tournament tomorrow and someone needed to prepare Arthur. In a weak moment (at least that's what she told herself) she agreed to take over some of his chores; however this involved her staying late as Glen instructed her on the application of the Knights armour.
It was late when she made her way back to the castle. It was almost curfew as she hurried though the court yard, she slowed as she heard the sound of armour rubbing together and the whish of swords slicing though thin air. She rounded the corner and the swordsman came into view. She recognised him immediately due to her peeping that morning. Arthur was completely focussed on his routine that she almost passed him unnoticed.
"Merlyn." Almost.
"Yes, sire." She replied obediently, spinning around to face him and adopting an innocent air. He skilfully re-sheaved his sword and gave her his full attention. From their first meeting he had always made her feel uncomfortable, threatened. Not menacingly but different to how she had felt about people before. He watched her. That she was certain of. She would often feel his eyes on her across the room. He wouldn't stare outright but she got the impression that he was keeping track of her.
"Why are you out so late? You've missed curfew." He told her sternly.
"I apologise, Sire. I had to escort Glyndwr home after you'd finished trying to bash his brains in." Even as the words left her mouth she regretted them. She had a list of chores the length of her arm without spending the night in the dungeon.
The Prince lifted one eyebrow in what could have been amusement and smirked at her, shaking his head
"Still not learned to control that tongue of yours?" He asked, clicking his own.
Merlyn held hers knowing it would be best not to inflame the situation.
"Glen was fine when he left this morning." He said deciding to let her impertinence go. "I did not know he was unwell."
"He collapsed and fell down the stairs," she informed him. "Gaius has ordered that he stay in bed for the next two days."
"Two days!" To say Arthur looked a bit put out was an understatement. "Doesn't he know I have a tournament starting tomorrow!"
"Glen is very aware." Merlyn says curtly. Wincing internally as the prince refocused his attention on her. She really needed to learn to keep her mouth shut.
"I am sorry Glen is unwell, but that doesn't change the situation. He has left me with out help at a most inconvenient time." He told her.
Merlyn took a deep breath, not sure how the infuriating man was going to take her next comment.
"Glen has been showing me how to dress someone in their armour as I agreed to step in if no one else was spare. I can stand in if you require it. That's why I am home late, Sire."
To say Arthur was pleased would be an extreme over statement. He looked incredulously at her.
"You?"
"Yes, Sire."
He grumbled under his breath before sighing in resignation.
"I guess I'll be seeing you in the morning then."
"I guess so, Sire." She agreed her jaw so tense it began to ache. He was not at all overwhelmed with appreciation. Not that she wanted him to at all. No she was doing this for Glyndwr. "May I be excused."
"Of course," Arthur inclined his head and watched as she turned.
She could have sworn she heard a "Good night, Merlyn", but when she turned around he was already striding in the opposite direction.
As good as her word, Merlyn appeared early the next morning to help him with his armour. He felt uncomfortable as she assisted him with the heavy chainmail. This young girl had a strange effect on him. She wasn't an obvious beauty like Morgana, but she had an interesting face with elfin like features. Her hair was long, thick and wild, only just restrained by the waist length braid that trailed down her back.. Her eyes where crystal clear blue that sparkled with life. There were so many conflicting emotions in those orbs which managed to look both innocent and ancient at the same time. She was tiny, her head only just reaching his shoulder, her figure was slim and lean. Her hands were rough, working hands. The tilt of her jaw was defiant and stubborn, much like her herself.
He would never admit it aloud, but he quite enjoyed their verbal spars. She was so easy to provoke and, to borrow a phase, beautiful when she was angry. She would often forget herself and that he was a prince. He knew Morgana was fond of her, and sometimes wondered (not worried of course) what his foster sister was telling her about him.
She quickly and he had to admit competently dressed in his tunic and identified the correct pieces of armour. She was focussed solely on the task. He tried to hide how disconcerted he was at her close proximity. She was a servant for goodness sake and a young mouthy one at that. He watched as she fumbled with a few of his fastenings and flattered himself for a moment that she felt as disturbed by this attraction as he was.
"You do realise that the tournament starts today, Merlyn." He decided being a jerk would be the quickest way to create some distance.
"I'm new at this," She practically hissed at him. "There. I think we're there."
"You think? Sure you're not missing anything?" He asked irritated before looking over his shoulder at the sword rack. Hiding a smile, he heard her muttered curse before she brushed pass him to get the sword.
She spun around; face all innocence before presenting it to him.
"I suppose this would be useful." She said, before turning and leaving the room.
He was amazing. In the privacy of her own mind, Merlyn could admire the way faced his opponents with a confidence that seemed to radiate from within. He fought hard and skilfully, his ability undeniable. She still thought it a brutal sport but could see why her friend Iain was fascinated. She felt a pang as she remembered her old friend. It had been barely a month but it seemed an age since she had left Ealdor. She often found herself thinking of her home, especially her Mother, Will and Iain.
She was deep in thought when Arthur left his group of knights ready to shed his armour. She automatically stepped into help, her small nimble fingers loosening the fastenings. She felt someone approach and looked up, watching the other knight in the yellow cloak. Valiant. He was also a skilled fighter, seemingly sailing though his heats. He held himself in a confident, superior manner. She didn't like him.
She listened with half an ear as she removed Arthur's cloak. That was when she felt the challenger knight eyeball her. His gaze felt slimy and uncomfortable, causing her to turn and took distastefully at him. The look in his face changed into a confident smirk. She heard Arthur cough and snapped her attention to him, only to find that he was looking at the knight with a hard, unimpressed stare.
They exchanged a few more words of small talk before Valiant left for his tent.
"Creep!" She whispered under her breath, surprised when the prince turned slightly to face her, an amused look on his face.
Arthur stood in the assembly line that moved down the great hall. All the knights that made it though to the second day waited in line to greet the King of Camelot. He amused himself by watching Morgana flirt with the knights, watching as one by one they were charmed. If only they knew the sharp tongue and strong willed woman behind the beautiful looks and delicate trimmings. His attention was caught as Valiant approached her and struck up a conversation. It seemed it was now Morgana's turn to be charmed. He was a big enough man to admit, if only to himself, that he was slightly jealous at the interest she was showing. But his attention was soon drawn to her hand maid. Merlyn had quietly rolled her eyes at what ever Valiant had said to Morgana. His fire-cracker guardian angel had no problem seeing though the other knights smug charm.
He felt a small spark of anger as he remembered the way Valiant's eyes had roved over her, and the predatory gleam in his eyes. He hoped he had made it clear that the girl was off limits. In his boredom, he couldn't help but compare the two of them. Although Morgana was taller in stature, they were both slim with tiny hands and waists. Although he knew from his observations that while Morgana's hands were smooth and pampered, Merlyns were worn with work. The Lady was dressed in riches, the peasant in rags. So why was it he found Merlyn so much more…pleasant to look at?
"They are impressed by him." He over heard Morgana remark to her hand-maid, as he left his fathers side.
"They're not the only ones," he insinuated as reached them. He caught Merlyns eye briefly, catching her small eye roll. She blushed prettily and he determinedly redirected his gaze to Morgana.
" Jealous," Morgana taunted, trying to provoke him.
"No need." He said confidently, moving on. Not before he saw her mouth, open in amazement at his cocky behaviour.
By the next day he was slightly concerned. He had made it to the third round, as had Valiant. Things soon changed when Glyndwr barged though his doors talking about snakes and shields. He would have dismissed the boy's ramblings if it hadn't been for the death of Valiant's opponent. The unfortunate man died several hours later, but as he was hearing Glen's wild claims out, Merlyn had arrived and overheard his account. She told him that it was Gaius's belief that the knight had been poisoned, that he had two puncture wounds in his neck and had been rambling on about snakes before death took him…
They had convinced him that he needed to alert the King, Instead he had been embarrassed. He had fired Glen, who continued to accuse Valiant of magic, and shouted at Merlyn. It troubled him that she hadn't argued back. She had just absorbed the criticism and told him once, that Valiant was using magic to cheat. He knew something was up with Valiant and felt unsettled at the idea of duelling against him in the next round. He stood at the window, staring out over the citadel, in deep thought.
"Where are you?" It was disconcerting to talk into the darkness. She stood on the outlaying platform, the torch reaching out into the claustrophobic atmosphere of the cavern. She was hurt, angry and lost. Valiant was dangerous and Arthur was too stubborn, too full of pride to see.
"I just came to tell you, that what ever you think my destiny is, what ever it is that I'm supposed to do, you've got the wrong person". There was still no answer from the depths of darkness. She took a deep, disappointed breath. "That's it…Goodbye". Resolved she turned way ready to flee the cave when she heard the booming voice of the great dragon.
"If only it were that easy to escape ones destiny." She heard the clang of chains and the whoosh of wings descending behind her as she turned in time to see the dragon land on the crop of rock opposite.
"How can it be my destiny to protect someone who hates me?" She asked, trying to deny the part of her that had been hurt by Arthur's fury.
"A half can not truly hate that which makes it whole. Very soon you shall learn that."
"Oh great, just what I need, another riddle." Angry disbelief nearly choked her. Things were falling apart and he was talking in riddles!
"That yours and Arthur's path lies together is but the truth." The great dragon persisted.
"What is that supposed to mean?" She said shaking the flame a little.
"This is not the end, young Witch. This is the being," Without waiting for a reply, the ancient beast took to the air, ascending to the ceiling and over the rock out of sight.
Merlyn sighed as she spotted Glyndwr sat forlornly on the palace step. Guilt swamped her at the memory of only that afternoon and Arthur's reaction. He had been angry. Embarrassed and angry. He had told both her-self and Glen that he had been stupid to trust them, that they had made him look like a fool. He fired Glen on the spot. And his final remark had hit the other man hard.
"I need a servant I can trust."
"Hey," She greeted him as she lowered herself to the step beside him.
"Hey," He answered morosely, staring at the lower step.
"I'm so sorry," She told him, "I can't believe that Arthur…"
"It's OK." Glen interrupted. "You tried to help. Maybe I was imagining it. After all I did take a hard knock and then fell down some stairs. Maybe I was just seeing things. Merlyn could see he was desperately trying to rationalise what he saw, hiding his heart-break at being fired in such a manner. She hadn't known him long, but knew he held a certain pride at being the future King of Camelot's manservant, and that he gave everything to his duty.
"I believe you saw something real." She told him. "I believe that Valiant is up to something. I think he is a liar, a cheat and a murderer."
Glen looked at her, a hint of hope in his eyes.
"Thank you". He told her. "But that doesn't really help me get my job back."
"It would if we can make everyone see that you are right."
"And how do we do that?"
Merlyn huffed out a small breath. 'Why does everyone think it's up to me to sort it?' He eyes wondered over the courtyard looking for inspiration. That was then she saw the stone statue.
A frustrating afternoon passed without result. Merlyn reluctantly left her studies to attend to her mistress, hoping the break would do her some good. As she left Morgana's chambers she neared Arthurs and paused. Something compelled her to seek him out. Something unidentifiable. She turned down the corridor and found the door standing open. Inside Arthur was visible standing at the fireplace and staring at the flames. The troubled look on his face disturbed her. Although she made no sound he turned and looked at her, before returning his gaze to the fireplace.
"I thought I told you to get out of my sight." His voice held no emotion this time.
"Don't fight Valiant in the tournament tomorrow." She asked. He was shaking his head before she had finished her sentence. "He'll use the shield."
"I know."
"Then withdraw. You have to withdraw."
"You don't understand. I can't withdraw. I'm expected to fight. How can I lead men into battle if they think I'm a coward?"
"Valiant will kill you if you fight."
"Then I die." She stared at him in disbelief. She understood he needed to be able to lead his men with confidence. But what good would it do if he died tomorrow. If he believed he would die tomorrow.
"How can you go out and fight like that?" She asked.
"Because I have to. It's my duty."
The night quietly descended over a troubled household. Merlyn had quickly seen to her mistress before looking herself in her room and attempting to master the complex enchantment. Morgana spent hers tossing and turning as terrible nightmares attacked her sleeping state. The unsettled night passed slowly for Arthur, who had spent it in deep contemplation and troubled rest as he lay in bed waiting for the dawn.
A new servant was ready to dress him in the morning, bothering him more than he wanted to admit. The boy had just finished when he heard someone enter the room. He heard her voice as she conversed with the servant who then left them alone. He braced himself for a tongue lashing and was surprised when she picked up his armour and started adjusting it for him.
"What are you doing here he asked, her present unsettling him.
"You've won every match I have attended you for. I thought we'd better not jinx it." Merlyns voice was pleasant enough, but Arthur could hear the annoyance in her tone.
"You're still angry." It was a statement of fact. Not an apology or a question.
"Yes, you're a jerk." She stated just as simply. He coughed out a small laugh, wondering why he let her get away with insulting him.
"Are you going to stay angry at me now, before I die this…uneven…duel."
"Yes." Again her answer took him by surprise.
"Yes!" He repeated bewildered. Whirring around he faced her, his face incredulous.
"Yes. You're going to have to apologise to Glen and give him back his job. Then apologise to me before I even think about forgiving you. So when you've defeated Valiant, you'd better get on with it, Sire, your not getting out of it that easy."
He stared at her and saw the tired eyes, the hint of fear behind the anger. But more than that, he saw something that calmed the turmoil in his heart. It was belief. A simple belief, that he would be there apologising to her after the battle. That he would triumph. His eyes connected with hers and he swallowed his mouth suddenly dry.
The moment was interrupted by the quick knock and Morgana's entrance; he pulled his eyes from Merlyn's stunned own.
"Arthur, I just wanted to see you before you went out…"
His eyes followed her as she left.
She broke into a run as she moved away from the door. She had so little time but she had to be successful. She ran into Gaius's chamber and into her room, flipping the book open at the page, hurling the enchantments at the stone statue. She could feel the magic inside her ripple with interest as she got closer to the right combination. She could hear the military drums start in the courtyard and knew she had to be quick. So focused on the words, she missed the stone dog turn into a living, breathing and rather cross one.
Arthur walked into the tournament ring, his head held high, his stature proud, any worries he had safely hidden away. The cheers from the crowd reached him and buoyed him slightly before he started to tune them out. He could not afford any distractions. He nodded at his father. Looked at Morgana, and briefly across the ring, looking for someone. She wasn't there. Part of him was relieved, the other disappointed. As much as he didn't need the distraction, the other part wanted her there.
He meet Valiant's cold, smug smile and put on his helmet. His eyes fixed on his opponent. He and Valiant tipped swords and the fight of his life began.
She arrived just as Arthur knocked Valiant's helmet off and cursed as he removed his. Darn his ability to be noble! The crowd cheered and King Uthur applauded with them.
She gasped out loud as Valiant knocked him to his feet. Arthur managed to dodge his determined stab but lost his sword in the process. He got to his feet and fought back, but another successful move from Valiant caused him to lose his sword. Arthur closed the distance and tackled Valiant, making it hard for the other man to use his sword or shield. They crashed into the wall beside her and she watched the furious grappling. Arthur proved the strongest fending him off. If she was going to act, it had to be now.
"Berbey odothey arisan quicken."
The crowd gasped as the painted serpents came to life, in full view of the crowd, the King and Arthur. Valiant whispered furiously at the reptiles, looking around him in disbelief.
"Now they see you for what you truly are." Arthur told him.
Valiant laughed a dark malicious laugh before switching his attention to the hissing snakes.
"Kill him." He commanded. Merlyn watched in horror as the snakes slid toward the Prince, fangs poised to strike. Morgana snatched the sword from one of Uthurs guards and shouted at Arthur, throwing the sword into the ring. Within seconds the decapitated heads of the snakes lay on the ground. It was now between Arthur and Valiant. She watched weak kneed as swords clashed. Leaning against the wall she heard someone come up behind her. She half turned, too scared too take her eyes of the unfolding scene, to see Glen move to her side.
"My God!" He whispered as he saw the dead snakes on his ground. Together they watched as Arthur got the upper hand and slid his sword into his opponent's stomach. Glen broke out in loud cheers along with the rest of the stadium. Merlyn felt all the tension drain from her body and slump in relief, a tear tracking down her face. He'd done it.
"I think I'll make it to the feast after all." He whispered as he thrust his sword further into Valiant before letting him drop. He never took any joy in taking a life, but the relief he felt at Valiant's loss could not be helped. He'd made it. He dimly heard the sound of applause which grew louder as he tuned back to his surroundings. The crowd were on their feet. His father was on his feet. He stood in front of his father, his exhausted head held high in triumph. 'I did it, Father'. He turned in a fall circle and headed toward the castle wall.
That's when he saw her. She had come. And she had watched him fight. She was leant against the wall with her face paler than he had ever seen it. At that moment she was the most beautiful girl on the planet. The most beautiful smile he had ever encountered was lighting up her eyes. What took his breath away, was that it was directed solely at him
To her left he saw Glyndwr, his faithful servant clapping hard whistling at his victory. As he neared them, he reached out a hand and rested it on her upper arm in passing, feeling her heat as he walked on, clapping Glen on his shoulder before entering the castle.
"My noble guests, I give you Prince Arthur, your champion."
Merlyn, like the rest of the hall turned as the King announced his son's entrance. The pride in his voice was unmistakable. She watched as he walked in, escorting the Lady Morgana. She smiled as she remembered the extra care Morgana seemed to put into her appearance as she got ready for the Ball. She knew Morgana had some feelings for Arthur, but not entirely sure what they were. Merlyn found she could empathise. Prince Arthur Pendragon tied her in knots. He was rude, arrogant, honourable and fair. He stirred something inside her that she could not name. And it wasn't important. He was a Prince, she a servant. She would protect him, but they could never be friends.
"See, I told you he gets all the girls and all the glory." Glen told her, appearing at her side. She smiled back but could see the shadows in her friend's eye. She only hoped that Arthur would apologise and reinstate Glen.
Ashe moved off into the crowd and noticed Arthur and Morgana exchanging words before turning on their heels and heading in opposite directions. Arthur towards Glen, Morgana towards her.
"I wanted to say…I made a mistake."
Arthur was humbled when Glens head shot up in disbelief at his words. When he had told Morgana that his Father would never apologise, he realised he owed a few himself. He did not want to follow his Fathers example in that regard. He was not proud of the manner in which he had treated Glen and Merlyn. He had turned on them, but they continued to support him. He would not forget that.
"It was unfair to sack you." He admitted.
"Don't worry about it. Buy me a drink and we'll call it even." Glen replied hopefully.
"I can't really be seen to be buying drinks for my servant."
"Your servant?" Glen questioned a hopeful smile on his face. "You sacked me."
"Now I'm rehiring you."
Merlyn could see the wry smile on Glens face as he spoke to Arthur. It seemed the Prince had made good and given the boy back his job. She was glad she was not wrong about Arthur, maybe there was something in what the dragon said.
It wasn't until later that she got her apology. She was finishing up in the main hall, now deserted of its guests. She was on her own when Arthur came to her.
"Sire, I'm surprised you're not in bed by now. Aren't you tired?" She asked.
"I'm on my way. I just realised I had to do something to do. Stop you being angry with me."
She swallowed and smiled slightly. He had remembered.
"I saw you talking with Glyndwr. I know you gave him his job back."
He took a step closer, his eyes on her as he smiled warily. "Yes, I apologised to Glen. But I owe you an apology as well. You were only trying to help."
"Turns out you didn't need any." She told him. "But apology accepted, Sire." Uncomfortable she started to move pass him, the table clothes bundled to her chest. She was surprised when he stopped her. His hand on her upper arm, the same place he had held briefly that morning. This time his grip was firmer. She knew she could have broken it easily but for some reason found herself unable to move.
"I wanted to thank you." He said, "For everything you did."
"I did little, Sire." She told hm.
"You did more than you know." What he did next neither of them could ever have expected. It was an impulse, seemingly out of the blue. He ducked his head and rested his lips on the delicate skin of her cheek. His lips were warm, soft, the kiss but a whisper, but it burned her. Her breath caught in her throat, his eyes flared with surprise as he took a step back.
"Good Night, Merlyn." He told her, turning and striding out of the great hall, leaving her hugging the tablecloths to her chest and staring after him.