A/N:...AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. I honestly can't believe I'm actually updating. Finally. It's been 84 YEARS! Okay...not quite. But still. It's been like a year and a half at least. I went back and looked at the last update to punish myself. I honestly don't know where the time went. Well...I mean it went out the window. But time is just a construct. Okay I'm babbling. I'm eternally sorry it's taken this long to produce an update but honestly are we surprised by this anymore? For those of you still sticking around and reading this new post - THANK YOU. I honestly don't deserve any fans to still be sticking around. Not gonna lie...I wasn't even ready to post an update yet. After my last, albiet pity post, I told myself I'd finish the full episode before posting again. Well..I lied. The full episode isn't finished yet. It almost is! But I'm nearing 50 pages on my Google Docs and like I said I'm not even finished yet. The last update came 18 pages into the chapter but...none of that matters to you. Anyways. Hello. It me. I'm sorry. I apologize. You all are wonderful. HOPEFULLY the next and final part of Lancelot shouldn't be too far behind...but after that...*shrugs* who knows. JUST KNOW I HAVE NOT GIVEN UP ON THIS FIC YET. I honestly think about it almost everyday. Whenever I'm not thinking about my Cap fanfic. Or my Hook fanfic. Or...you get the point. But this fic is usually at the top of my list since it's the most fleshed out, I have actual chapters finished and posted. AND THE MOST AMAZING FANS WHO READ AND REVIEW. Okay I'm done babbling. I swear. Here you go my children. Read. Review. Enjoy.
Lancelot: Part 2
Long after Merlin, Lancelot, and Gaius had gone to sleep, Adrielle still lay awake in her bed. Her eyes were wide as they looked up at the dark ceiling, Lancelot's situation prodding at her to keep her awake her whenever she tried to fall asleep. He had risked his life to save hers back in the forest just the night before, and what did he have to show for it? A couple scars and a broken dream. Adrielle felt she owed him her life. They had in turn saved each other, but she still felt like she owed him so much more for his heroism. To see his dreams crushed by a stupid rule broke her heart.
Carefully, Adrielle pushed herself out of her bed, her thoughts finally propelling her to take some action. She wouldn't let herself lay idly in bed while Lancelot lost all the hopes he had for the future. He deserved a chance just as much as any other nobleman. Adrielle had witnessed firsthand some of the "noblemen" Arthur was supposed to recruit for his ranks. Grummond was a poor excuse for a knight. Noble didn't automatically mean he was better.
In an effort to not wake her brother, Adrielle tiptoed quietly across their room to their shared cupboard. At the very bottom of their cupboard, under articles of clothing, pieces of parchment, and other books laid their magic book. They really needed to find a better hiding spot; she really wasn't sure it could survive another surprise inspection from Arthur. Honestly she was surprised they'd managed to hide it from him the first time. Even then it had been a close call.
Adrielle made her way back to her bed as swiftly as a coursing river, her arms tightly gripping the key to Lancelot's future. A plan was starting to slowly manifest itself in her mind, but she wasn't entirely sure how she planned to achieve it.
Now sitting on her bed in the dark room, Adrielle started slowly flipping through the magic book. She squinted down at the book, pulling it closer to her in a vain attempt to read better. The room was too dark for her to read anything properly. What she needed was a light, but she had no intentions of getting up again and grabbing a candle. An incantation she had seen the other day came to her suddenly. Adrielle hadn't practiced it yet, but what a better time than now.
Adrielle set the book back down on her lap and held out her hands. She took a deep breath, steadying herself.
"Forbearnan."
Adrielle watched with wonder as her hands lit up, engulfed in a heatless fire. Her eyes were wide in amazement as the fire danced between her fingers as she moved them. She momentarily forgot what her real plan of action was; she was too entranced by what she could do with her powers. It was something so simple, creating light and fire. While there was danger in both magic and fire, they were so beautiful in their simplest form. Before others had a chance to corrupt it and use it for evil, of course.
Merlin snorted from across the dimly lit room, snapping Adrielle out of her trance. In a quick motion she pulled her hands to her chest, extinguishing the flame and sending the room cascading back into darkness. She waited, listening intently to the sounds of Merlin's breathing, concerned that she had woken him up with her magical fire. After a moment or two, Adrielle returned her attention back to her original task, content that Merlin was still fast asleep.
I should probably be quick about this, Adrielle thought to herself. She repeated the spell under her breath, pausing for a moment to admire the flames again. She twisted her hands in the air before her until the flame congregated into a tiny fireball. Holding it with one hand, she returned her attention back to her mission to grant Lancelot's wish of becoming a knight.
Adrielle didn't know how much time passed as she flipped through the pages of the magic book. It was as if she had unknowingly cast a time spell on herself. In reality not as much time passed as Adrielle would have guessed, but the minutes that ticked by felt like nothing as her eyes glossed over the ancient words and spells before her. She wanted to read every word in this book twice, learn every spell and everything there was to learn about her magic, but that would all have to wait for another opportunity. Adrielle focused her mind back on the certain spell she was looking for.
"Got it," she whispered, moments later when her eyes landed on just the incantation she was looking for. Adrielle quickly read over the entire entry, taking time to commit the spell to memory. Satisfied that she knew her plan well, she shut the magic book closed and stashed it underneath her bed. She cupped her hands together before swiftly blowing out the flame returning the room to darkness.
~xx~
Early the next morning, it was Adrielle's turn to sneak out without being noticed in an attempt to use magic to help their friends. The trick was she needed it to be early enough Gaius wouldn't notice, but not too early to be suspicious. Merlin's bed was already empty when Adrielle dressed herself. He must have left to attend to Arthur early this morning. It made it all the easier for her to slip silently out of their room. She tiptoed down the stairs into the main quarters, Gaius still sound asleep on his cot, and Lancelot quietly asleep on the spare (usually reserved for patients). Adrielle made her way across the chambers, barely making any noise as she padded her way out and down to her destination: the Hall of Records.
Less than an our later, Adrielle was racing back to her chambers as quickly as she could, parchment in hand. Adrielle came barreling into their chambers, both Lancelot and Merlin present as she returned.
"What's that?" Lancelot asked Adrielle, nodding to the rolled up parchment in her hand.
"This, my friend, is your seal of nobility," she replied with a bright smile.
"I don't understand, Adrielle."
"Ladies and gentlemen," Adrielle started as she unrolled the paper, "may I present to you Lancelot, fifth son of Lord Eldred of Northumbria."
"Adrielle, you're a genius!" Merlin cheered.
"No, Adrielle. No."
"Oh, right. So you don't want to be a knight, then?" Adrielle posed.
"Of course I do!" Lancelot said. "But the rules-"
"What? The rules don't allow it? Well damn the rules!" Merlin interjected.
"The rules are wrong," Adrielle said.
"But it's a lie. It's against everything the knights stand for," Lancelot continued.
"You have as much right to be a knight as any man. I know it. I've seen you with my own eyes. You're more deserving than half the men in the Pendragon's ranks," Adrielle added.
"But the rules, Adrielle, Merlin. I know you mean well but..."
"We're not breaking the rules," Merlin started. "We're bending them, that's all. You get your foot in the door. But after that you will be judged on your merit alone. And if you succeed - if they make you a knight - it'll be because you earned it, noble or not. I can't change the way things are done around here, but you can...if you let us help you."
Lancelot paused, considering his new friends for a moment. Adrielle hadn't meant to offend him or his honor in anyway. She was just trying to find a way to repay him for saving her life. Saving his life was probably enough, but it didn't feel like enough. If she had the chance to help repay him and give him a shot at his dreams she would.
"Alright," Lancelot responded.
"Wait, really?" Adrielle asked. "You don't have to go through with this if you really don't want to. I don't want to push you into doing it this way."
"I appreciate all your help and concern, Adrielle," Lancelot said while standing. He closed the distance between the two of them, placing his hands on her upper arms as he continued speaking. "You're right, this is the only way to help me to becoming a knight. The systems not fair. With your help this could be the chance to change things for the better."
"That's the spirit, Lancelot," Merlin chimed in, giving him a clap on the back.
"I do have one question, though," Lancelot began. "How do you expect Arthur to believe me a knight if I show up looking like this?" Adrielle watched Lancelot gesture to himself. His blue tunic was torn and frayed and it's ends. His trousers, much like his shirt, showed their age in the wear and tear. Lancelot might have the skills and seal to prove his fake nobility, but he was right. No one would ever believe him to be a nobleman looking like this.
"Leave that to me," Merlin said, a curious look crossing his face. He turned and darted out of the room before Adrielle could ask him what he meant.
~xx~
Within only an hour or so Adrielle discovered exactly what genius plan Merlin had come up with, or so he called it himself. Merlin had sought out the expertise help of one of the finest seamstresses in Camelot: their dear friend Guinevere. She had been happy to help once Merlin told her of Lancelot and his story. Adrielle had a feeling Gwen's answer would have been yes regardless of what sob story Merlin had told her. In practically no time Gwen had created a remarkable outfit for Lancelot. Her creation made Lancelot look almost identical to any other knight in Arthur's ranks.
The sun was bright in the sky over the training grounds the next day. Lancelot was accompanied by Merlin, Adrielle, and Gwen as he prepared to confront Arthur. Gwen and Merlin helped adjust Lancelot's chainmail while Adrielle held onto his convincing seal of nobility.
Arthur's voice echoed from across the field as he worked his current lot of knights through their training routines. One, two, three, four. One, two, three, four. Over and over again until they'd run it nearly a hundred times.
"Well...you certainly look the part," Merlin said, taking back and assessing Lancelot and his costume.
"Doesn't he just?" Gwen remarked.
"I don't feel it," Lancelot sighed, fidgeting with his collar out of nerves.
"Just relax, Lancelot. The worst thing he could say is no," Adrielle said, handing the seal over to him. Off in the distance Arthur called his men to stop and cease training for the day.
"Here's your chance. Go for it," Merlin said, clapping his new friend on his back. Lancelot visibly sighed once more, squeezing the parchment in his hands, and making his way over to Arthur.
Arthur dismissed his men and watched them depart before turning to put his swords away. Yet another training session had passed and none of the men showed any progress. Hardly any of them showed any real promise of being worthy of his ranks.
Arthur looked up when he noticed a presence lingering in front of him. "Yes?"
"Lancelot, 5th son of Lord Eldred of Northumbria," Lancelot said.
"Lance...a lot?" Arthur repeated, considering to himself if that was even a real name or not. "My servant mentioned you. Got your seal?"
"Sire," Lancelot bowed his head slightly and presented his seal to the prince. Arthur started to reach for the parchment but smacked Lancelot on the side of his head, sending him to the ground dazed. Adrielle watched the interaction, her mouth open in shock.
"Sluggish reactions," Arthur noted. "In a battlefield you'd be dead by now. Come back when you're ready."
Arthur turned to walk away, shaking his head to himself. Even the aspiring rookies weren't up to his standards. How was he meant to protect his kingdom when no one measured up to his standards?
"I'm ready now, Sire," Lancelot said, hurrying back up to his feet. His new friends had gone to a lot of trouble to help him get a chance at his dreams, he wasn't going to give up now.
Arthur stopped to turn around and face the young Lance-a-lot. He had to give it to him, he was persistent if nothing else. Determined. Which was more than he could say for half of his lot. "You are, are you? Fine. You can start by cleaning out the stables."
Jeers of laughter echoed from the watching bystanders as Arthur walked off. Adrielle tried not to let her irritation boil over. She couldn't believe Arthur - actually, she could. He was a rude and arrogant prick who didn't think twice about humiliating anyone who was below him. She could see him pulling something like this on Merlin or even herself, but as far as Arthur knew Lancelot was a nobleman. They were equals, of the same class. Well, Lancelot was as close to Arthur in terms as status without being an actual monarch. Lancelot turned back to face Merlin and Adrielle. The twins both posted the same sympathetic grin and thumbs up to encourage their friend.
"See," Adrielle said as Lancelot returned to their side. "Ya know it's not much but it's a start."
After Lancelot's trial the party returned to their respective duties. Merlin off to tend to Arthur, Adrielle to continue her reading of medicine and assisting Gaius, and after a quick change out of his knight's uniform, Lancelot was off to begin cleaning Arthur's stables. Not to mention whatever menial tasks Arthur came up with before giving Lancelot his proper training. Knowing how Arthur treated Merlin occasionally, he could keep him like this for weeks before giving him a real shot.
Adrielle spent the rest of her day with Gaius reading through some of his books on medicine and science and occasionally being quizzed and lectured on potions, ailments, herbs, etc. Really anything and everything Gaius could think of. Adrielle's brain was starting to burst again from all the intensive thinking and concentration it had been doing lately. She gladly welcomed the transition from books and studying to helping Gaius prepare his ingredients and medicine bag for the next day of rounds.
Merlin returned several hours later after tending to Arthur's every whit and whim. Merlin took a sluggish seat next to Adrielle who was grinding some herbs.
"I'm sorry about Lancelot. I can see the two of you were upset," Gaius said to the pair.
"Oh. You know...that's life," Merlin replied.
"Yeah, you can't win every battle," Adrielle continued, chancing a sideways glance at her brother before focusing on her mortar again.
"You're both taking it very well, I have to say. Very mature. I'm proud of you."
"Thank you, Gaius," Adrielle said. "Eventually you've got to learn when to let things go."
The doors to their chambers opened with a thud as Lancelot came trudging inside. The trio looked up sharply and watched him enter the room. Arthur must have really put him through the ringer today. Lancelot was covered head to toe in dirt and probably a hint of dung.
"How'd it go?" Merlin questioned.
"Ugh," was Lancelot's only response as he continued across the room and up to Merlin and Adrielle's chambers to freshen up in peace. Adrielle kept her gaze on her work, but she could feel Gaius' sharp focus on the twins.
"He found work at the stables," Merlin shrugged nonchalantly.
"Ah, I see... and the truth before I lose my temper?" Gaius inquired.
Damn, he's really good at this part of parenting; being able to detect a lie faster than Arthur could shoot a hen with an arrow. Not that she knew how quickly Arthur could do that. She just...she just assumed it was something that would happen fairly quickly.
"He's er..." Merlin started, looking over at Adrielle before finishing. "Trying out for the knights."
"The First Code of Camelot has never been broken for any man. What've you done, Merlin?"
"It wasn't him, it was me," Adrielle spoke up, dropping her pestle to the bowl with a tiny clank. "I may have bent the rules just a little. But they're wrong, they're unfair."
"How do you mean you 'bent the rules'? By using magic?" Gaius prodded.
"Maybe. It was nothing, honestly. It was more of a trick than actual magic."
"I'm surprised by you, Adrielle. Your magic is not a toy. It's not for you to use or abuse as you see fit."
"I know," Adrielle said with a sigh.
"Then why'd you do it?"
"Gaius, I owe Lancelot my life," Adrielle started. "If he had not been there the other night to save me from that beast I might not be here, I might not be around to complete my 'destiny' or whatever. Saving his life wasn't enough to repay him. He deserves to have an opportunity to actually live his life properly. To live out his dreams. I was trying to help him the only way I know how. If you want to punish me for it go ahead, I won't protest."
Adrielle's head was hung, eyes trained to the floor after her little speech. Part of her knew the entire time that Gaius would be disappointed if he knew she'd used her magic in this way. He was right. She and Merlin had been given these gifts as part of something greater. Performing parlor tricks was not part of it. That just put her on the same level as any foolish court jester.
Adrielle glanced up to see Gaius giving her a look; one of those looks that parents give you when they're disappointed in you, but not entirely upset to the point of anger.
"I think it's time we all get some rest," Gaius said, sending them all off to bed.
Come the morning, Adrielle was in no mood to socialize with anyone in her household. What Gaius had said the night before stuck with her throughout the night. Even now as she laid here in her bed, staring up at the old stone ceiling, Adrielle still turned the words over in her head. Begrudgingly, Adrielle had to admit that Gaius was right. Her magic was meant for more than cheap tricks and jokes. She wasn't sure what that was yet, surely involving Arthur as the dragon had said, but still. Her magic was a key part of her great destiny. Adrielle hadn't meant any harm, she was just trying to help Lancelot. She felt indebted to him for saving her life. There was no other way for her to help him; at least so she thought at the time. Maybe if she had given it some more thought, looked at it from another perspective, she could have found another way to help. Without using her powers for something as cheap as simply copying the Northumbria crest.
Who'd have thought Gaius could make me feel guilty about something when he's not even here, Adrielle sighed to herself. He was a better parental figure than probably any of them would have a guess.
She couldn't bear to lie in bed with all of this newfound guilt weighing her down. She had to go somewhere, get out of these chambers.
~xx~
"It was nice for you to come visit," Gwen spoke.
The two ladies strolled through the lower town, no destination in particular while they chatted.
"It's nothing, Gwen," Adrielle replied. "Sometimes a girl just needs to spend some time with friends who aren't male and aren't her family."
"So I'm guessing that counts Merlin out?" Gwen said with a chuckle.
" It counts out all of my friends in Camelot besides you. The only friends I really have here are you and Merlin. He's an obligatory friend because he's my brother," Adrielle said with a laugh while rolling her eyes.
"Don't worry, you're not the only one with siblings as your only friends."
"Wait, there's another one of you?" Adrielle asked surprised. "How have I not noticed this yet?"
"Because I haven't properly seen him in years. My brother, Elyan. He's a few years older than me and...well let's just say he's not known for always making the greatest life choices," Gwen explained.
"Where is he then? I know I haven't been in Camelot but a few weeks but you'd think I would have seen him by now. Unless he's..."
"No, no, nothing like that. Well as far as I know. Last I heard he was living in a small village far South of Camelot. Like I said, he doesn't always make the best choices. He doesn't seem to stay in the same place for too long, whether by choice or by force. I love him dearly, he's my brother after all, it's just I wish he wasn't so spontaneous. I wish he were easier to track, easier to get a hold of when we need him, easier to be there when I need him."
High pitched shrieks in the distance suddenly cut their conversation short. As they listened they grew louder, closer, more distinct. They could tell a fair amount of people were screaming and making their way to Camelot. Adrielle took off instantly towards the sounds of their screaming, Gwen trailing behind her. Gravel spun underneath her feet as she ran through the lower town towards the citadel by the main gate. The warning bells sounded, alerting the town to the oncoming danger.
By the time they reached the gates, the first few wounded villagers had stumbled into the lower town. As Adrielle quickly scanned over the people she could tell they were wounded. They came in clutching onto one another, limping, screaming still, some crying. Adrielle ran up to the next person who came staggering into the square, hoping she could offer them some assistance. She met the villager with care.
"Help us, please," the woman croaked. Her dress and apron were torn in multiple places. Her face was covered in dirt, ash, and riddled with cuts and scrapes.
"Hey, you're alright. You're safe now," Adrielle said softly. She went to place a calming hand on the woman's shoulder when her knees buckled, sending her crashing to the ground. Adrielle reacted quickly, catching her instead. She helped steady the woman before speaking again. "My name's Adrielle. What's yours?"
"Bianca."
"Bianca, what happened to you folks?" Adrielle continued.
"Our village was attacked," the villager said her voice hoarse.
"Attacked? By who? Who did this to you?"
"Not who, what," Bianca said. Adrielle looked at her closely, saw her eyes widen with fear. Her eyes shut suddenly, her face still showing the horrors she felt as she recounted the event in her mind. "A monster. I've...I've never seen a creature like this before. It was giant, enormous, and it could fly. It was absolutely horrifying."
Adrielle continued trying to comfort the woman, but she couldn't help feeling a sense of unease and fear sweep over her as well. An unknown creature that can fly? There was no way this was a coincidence; this had to be the same creature that attacked Adrielle and Lancelot. It was still out there, still reigning terror upon people. But now it was attacking a whole village instead of two strangers in the middle of the night.
"Adrielle!" Arthur's voice called behind her. She turned to see him running forward through the crowd of wounded villagers still making their way in, seeking sanctuary. Adrielle comforted Bianca once more, offering for her to sit down nearby, before turning her attention to Arthur fully as he approached. "What's happened here?"
"Their village was attacked by a creature," Adrielle divulged.
"A creature? Did they say what kind of creature did this?" Arthur asked, turning his attention from the weary villagers to her now.
She could see a new face she hadn't seen on him before. He looked genuinely concerned for these people. They were not from Camelot directly, but they must have been from a nearby village in the Pendragon's land. Of course, as a decent person and the future King of Camelot, Arthur should have been concerned for his people, and all people frankly. But it wasn't something Adrielle had seen personally yet. Sure, Arthur had shown his concern when the Afnac had poisoned the water, poisoning the people of Camelot. This, however, was an immediate threat. The creature was out their actively terrorizing people. Adrenaline was rushing through Arthur as he spoke but the genuine concern was still there.
"Not directly. All she told me was that it was some kind of winged beast. Larger than any horse with the wings of an eagle and razor sharp talons," Adrielle described. Bianca hadn't disclosed that much information to her about the attacker, but if Adrielle was right to assume this was the same beast that she had encountered, she might as well fill Arthur in with all the knowledge that she knew.
"Take care of these people. Treat the wounded and help those that you can. Let Gaius know that you may have whatever you need to help them. I must to my father at once," Arthur said.
He had touched Adrielle's arm before running off again, this time in search of his father. Adrielle watched as he took off, suddenly paying no attention to the helpless people still trickling in. She wasn't sure why she was so surprised by the fact that Arthur cared. Honestly and truly seemed to care about these people. His people. It was hard to hate him when he showed this much genuine concern.
"Adrielle!" another voice called as it approached her. She snapped out of her trance, unsure of what was happening to her, to look again at the voice that called her. She watched as Lancelot ran up to her this time, a major sense of dejavu washing over her. Lancelot stopped in front of her, Merlin also trailing behind him.
"What's happened?" Lancelot asked.
"Their village was attacked by a flying beast," Adrielle said with a pointed look at both men.
~xx~
For the rest of the afternoon Gaius, Adrielle, and Lancelot tended to the villagers who had sought sanctuary in Camelot. They soon discovered they had come from a nearby village just north of Camelot, Willowdale. For hours on end they heard the same account of the creature that had attacked them. There was no doubt that it had been the same one that hunted Adrielle and Lancelot in the woods the other night. Adrielle wasn't sure how many large, flying monsters with a sharp beak and talons existed, but she was confident enough to say not many.
Adrielle had learned that just before the villagers from Willowdale had come to Camelot, Arthur had given Lancelot clearance to begin his basic training. After the assault, Arthur had conversed with his father about the attack. Apparently it had already attacked Greensward before Willowdale. It was clear to the men that it was moving south, straight towards Camelot. Upon this revelation, Arthur was instructed to prepare his knights in the likely event that this creature came for Camelot next. In addition to that, not only had Lancelot been advanced to basic training, but his final test had been brought up to tomorrow morning. Arthur was in desperate need of knights. He had little time to properly train everyone before their trial against the flying demon.
"How are you feeling?" Adrielle asked Lancelot as the daylight outside was dying.
All of the refugees from Willowdale had been tended to and sent off to their temporary accommodations. Gaius, who was preparing himself for sleep, looked up and watched the pair closely. Adrielle was sure he still wasn't pleased with her use of magic to "cheat the system" for Lancelot, but he hadn't spoken a word of it since.
"Honestly?" Lancelot said with a uneasy laugh. "Nervous."
"A little bit of nerves is a good thing. It'll help keep you alert and on your toes tomorrow," Adrielle reassured. When Lancelot did not seem too moved by her words, she spoke up again. "You'll do great, Lancelot. Arthur would be a fool to not pass you tomorrow. Well, a bigger fool than he already is."
"You're too kind, Adrielle, you know that? What if I'm not ready for his trial? What if I fail and lose my shot at knighthood forever?" Lancelot continued.
"To be honest you're either ready or you're not, simple as that. The only way to find out for sure is to just go for it. You were on your way here to Camelot anyways when you saved me. Clearly you had decided then that you were ready. Really nothing has changed now," Adrielle continued.
"I've met you and Merlin since then. You've both showed me such kindness and hospitality. I could never repay you."
"You already did, Lancelot. You saved my life. I owe you much more than kindness and hospitality. You saved Merlin's sister, too, so he's helping repay for that as well," Adrielle said with a small laugh. Adrielle caught a smile and a laugh from Lancelot at her words. "We should probably get some rest. You're gonna need it for tomorrow."
"Yes, you're right," Lancelot said. Adrielle gave Lancelot's shoulder a squeeze as she stood up and began retreating to her bedroom. "Goodnight, Adrielle."
Halfway up her stairs Adrielle stopped, turning to regard Lancelot once more.
"Goodnight, Lancelot. Sleep well," she said, pausing a moment before continuing her way up the stairs.
~xx~
The next morning Adrielle, Merlin, and Gwen had all gathered to watch Lancelot's trial. Of course, the word that the 5th son of Lord Eldred of Northumbria's final test to becoming a knight was today, so naturally a fair amount of extra people gathered to watch. Even though they had no idea who the 5th son of Lord Eldred of Northumbria was, or the fact that he didn't even exist, it didn't matter.
"Well, here we are," Arthur addressed, not only to Lancelot but also to the crowd watching. Both men were dressed head to toe in their full armor. Arthur sporting his now famous Pendragon red linens and Lancelot in his orange and blue "Northumbira" ones. A strand of fabric was attached to each of their belts; in order to win one had to knock over their opponent and rip of his flag.
"Your final challenge. Succeed and you join the elite. Fail and your journey ends here. Lancelot, fifth son of Lord Eldred of Northumbria," Arthur continued. He paused, only to turn to a young servant, signaling him to start the time. The young boy nodded curtly, turning over a large hourglass. "Your time starts now."
At the start of their time both men put on their helmets and drew their swords. The two watched each other for a moment, sizing up the fight before striking. Lancelot was the first to move out of his defensive stance, lunging at Arthur. Arthur blocked this move easily, of course, but after the first move the duel was on.
Both men were equally skilled and well matched to fight each other. Each strike from either Lancelot or Arthur was met with a strong block from the other. Strike, block, strike, block, strike, and block. While the two were evenly matched and neither party was getting in many hits, watching them duel was still exhilarating. It wasn't an easy fight which made it all the more entertaining. Who would be the first to land a blow and how was the question.
The answer, in the end, was Lancelot. He landed a blow on Arthur's face, sending him reeling. From then on, even though Arthur blocked Lancelot's advances, he still had Arthur falling back with every hit. Lancelot finally had the upper hand. When it seemed he had Arthur near the end, Lancelot went in for another hit, but missed. Arthur ducked at the last minute, sending Lancelot hurtling to the side from the momentum of his swing. Lancelot steadied himself before striking back again.
The high ground was still with Lancelot in the fight, but the moment Lancelot had taken to readjust seemed to have given Arthur all the time he needed to re-strategize. The two men continued back and forth, but Arthur was more prepared for Lancelot's blows, keeping his footing in one place rather than succeeding backwards.
In a moment when Lancelot thought he had the upper hand again, Arthur struck at him with a hard punch to his jaw. Lancelot stumbled backwards, falling to the ground. His helmet fell off his face, and his eyes were closed, seemingly knocked unconscious from the blow. Adrielle brought her hand to her face, making a fist and resting it on the bridge between her nose and forehead. She completely missed the moment where Gwen grabbed onto Merlin's shirt, apologizing excessively when she realized what she'd done in the heat of the moment. It seemed everyone was shocked and let down by Lancelot's apparent failure. Arthur took his sword and struck it down into the ground, taking off his helmet and casting it to the side.
"What a shame," he said as he started towards Lancelot. Adrielle couldn't believe it. Lancelot had come all this way and fought so hard, only to lose in the final moment. It hadn't mattered that she had forged his seal of nobility. It seemed he was still no match for Arthur, whether he be a true nobleman or not. She watched as Arthur approached Lancelot to rip off his flag, signaling the end of the fight, when Lancelot did something that surprised them all.
In one swift movement Lancelot sprung up, knocked Arthur's foot out from underneath him, and pushed him to the ground. He grabbed Arthur's sword out of the earth and held it to his opponents chest.
"Do you submit, Sire?"
Adrielle watched the scene awestruck. She couldn't believe Lancelot had "played dead" to trick Arthur, but it was brilliant. A little unorthodox, but brilliant nonetheless! She looked down to Arthur on the ground behind the point of his own sword. He shared a look of disbelief, but it was soon muddled and replaced by anger. A pair of guards immediately came over, taking the sword out of Lancelot's hand and restraining him. Arthur was on his feet a second later picking up his own sword again.
"On your knees!" Arthur barked.
The two guards holding Lancelot pushed him down to his knees. Arthur took his sword and held it to Lancelot's chest.
Oh no, Adrielle thought to herself. Arthur can't seriously be pissed enough to hurt Lancelot, can he? He beat him fair and square. Well, maybe not depending on tactics you call fair, but still! No serious hard foul play was shown here. Arthur can't be ticked that he lost.
A second passed where Arthur let out a long, drawn out breath, before dropping his sword and his anger.
"Well done, Sir Lancelot."
That afternoon, Lancelot had his official knighting ceremony, and that evening celebrations in his honor. The entire kingdom was invited to eat, drink, and be merry in his honor. Adrielle was just glad that she didn't have to act as a servant this time around and could actually enjoy the festivities. That wasn't the whole truth though. She was extraordinarily proud of Lancelot and his accomplishment. While he appeared to be a man of noble blood, he proved that any man could fight as well as a knight. No one would ever know besides Merlin, Adrielle, and Gaius, but that didn't matter. The three of which stood together, watching Lancelot interact and mingle with his new brothers in arms.
"Look at him, Gaius. Does Lancelot not deserve this moment?" Adrielle said.
"I never said he didn't. But destiny and desserts are not the same thing. You played God, Adrielle. You set him on a path of your choosing. Tonight you brought him triumph, but who knows what the future may hold," Gaius said. Even during a party Gaius could still find time to lecture her.
"I don't know what it said on your invitation, but on mine it said celebration," Merlin retorted with a laugh.
"Point taken," Gaius said with a chuckle. "Don't come back too late. And look after your sister; make sure she doesn't get into any trouble."
"Easier said than done," Merlin said.
"Wait a minute, isn't that supposed to be the other way around?" Adrielle asked. Gaius paused, looking at the two before continuing.
"I meant what I said. Make sure you're both back in bed sometime before the morning. Goodnight."
Adrielle watched her uncle walk away, dumbfounded. It was usually Merlin he cautioned to stay out of trouble, not Adrielle. What did he think she was going to do tonight? She would still remain the sweet, mostly innocent, girl that she was even during a festive celebration such as this.
"Come on, Addy, relax. You'll look out for me and I'll look out for you like we always do. Let's have a drink," Merlin said. He grabbed two cups off a passing servants tray, handing one to his sister. "How about a toast. To our new friend, and knight, Lancelot. Fifth son of Lord Eldred of Northumbria."
"Yeah that's a mouthful, I'm just gonna toast to Lancelot," she said, taking one of the cups from Merlin.
She raised it before taking a sip. She recoiled at first when the bitter drink touched her lips. She'd never had wine before. Or mead. Or whatever it was that Merlin had grabbed. After the initial shock and pucker face she made, she took another sip, already enjoying it the second time.
"Humor me, Adrielle. If you had to pick one who would it be? Arthur or Lancelot?" Merlin asked while nodding to the two men who sat across the hall, laughing and drinking. She looked up on the direction that Merlin had nodded, considering this before answering.
"Is neither an option?" she laughed.
"Oh come on, Adrielle, have a little fun."
"I'm having trouble seeing how this qualifies as fun," she retorted.
"I have to know who your future husband is going to be," Merlin teased.
"Ah, so that's what you mean by fun: tormenting me. I should have known coming from you," Adrielle said while downing the rest of her drink already.
She'd never had the opportunity to drink wine or mead like this before. Hell, she'd never even been around this much alcohol at all. Wine and mead were much too luxurious for her small village of Ealdor. The only times she knew it was being served was when something huge and extra special was happening. Which nothing huge or special ever happened to anyone ever in the farming village. Her mother had suggested getting some for the twins before they set off on their journey to Camelot, but her mother had neither the time nor money to acquire the special beverage. Of course she knew she could pop into any tavern at any time, but it just didn't feel like her place.
"So, who's it gonna be?" Merlin nearly sang.
"Merlin, I'm not playing your stupid game with you," Adrielle replied firmly. He was starting to get on her nerves. More so than usual.
"Come on, Adrielle. Just pick one. Pick one and I'll leave you alone," Merlin continued to pester.
"No. We both know that's not true."
She tried her best to ignore him but he would not quit. Adrielle knew her brother too well; just "picking one" would not be enough to shut him up. She'd choose someone just for the sake of his argument and then he'd tease her relentlessly no matter which name she said. She just needed to get away from him long enough until he lost interest in bugging her. Who was she kidding, he'd never stop teasing her- it's what they did. Adrielle would just have to avoid Merlin for tonight.
"Goodbye, Merlin," Adrielle said shortly, taking off in a different direction before he could respond again.
She did her best to weave her way through the crowd of celebrating people, trying to shake Merlin off her trail. Eventually Adrielle had snaked her way through every guest in the hall, trailing her way across the entire room. In and out of patrons dancing and enjoying the festivities until Adrielle felt she was far enough away from her menace of a brother. She loved him, she really did, but holy hell he could be such a pain at times.
"Here comes trouble," Arthur noted, taking a sip of his drink as he watched Adrielle make her way through the crowd.
His eyes followed Adrielle as she moved closer towards them. She kept turning to look behind her every so often, as if she were running away from someone. Her back was turned to Morgana when the King's Ward approached and began speaking to her. Arthur laughed as he watched Adrielle nearly jump out of her skin after being startled. Her body relaxed once she realized it was Morgana and not whoever she was trying so desperately to avoid. He had an inkling feeling it was her brother from whom she ran.
"Tell me, Lancelot. Do you find her...beautiful?" Arthur asked, trying to keep it casual. He wasn't sure where this sudden intrigue had come from. "You can answer me honestly, Lancelot. You're a knight now. We're comrades."
"Of course, sire. If I am to answer honestly, I haven't really thought her as such. But...yes, I suppose she is. I have not known her long but her beauty was not the first thing that caught my eye," Lancelot provided.
Arthur took a moment to consider this, still watching the girl. He supposed she was beautiful. High cheekbones sharp enough they could cut jewels, dark hair that shined like the night sky. He watched as her blue eyes lit up as she laughed with the other woman, her cheeks rosy in the light of the torches. Perhaps it was the heat of the evening, or the maybe the wine she had been consuming tonight causing her skin to flush. He already knew she was beautiful. He knew it from the first moment he laid eyes on her. Of course, he knew too that there was more to her than just her appearance. Every time they interacted a part of him was surprised by her actions. Arthur hadn't meant to size her up and judge her prematurely, and yet it happened. And she managed to destroy all of those preconceived judgments without even trying to. He was starting to see how truly remarkable-
Arthur shook his head forcefully, dislodging whatever thoughts had begun to take root in his mind. Perhaps he'd grabbed an extra strong glass of mead this evening. Surely these thoughts were produced from the excess of alcohol. Sure, she was pretty. Pretty enough for a servant. So what? There were attractive maids and servants everywhere, but that didn't mean anything to Arthur. That's all they were to him; pretty faces. He could bed any pretty face whenever he wanted, that didn't mean he dare think to go any further than that. One day, when he was closer to taking the throne, he would wed a much prettier noblewoman. That's the kind of girl he belonged with. That's the kind of woman he would make his queen one day. Arthur silently resigned to lay off the mead for the remainder of the evening.
"Adrielle!" Merlin's cheery voice called behind her. She jumped again, cursing herself under her breath for being caught already. She turned to face him, glaring up at him from underneath her eyelids.
"No, Merlin," she said firmly.
"No what?" Morgana questioned. "Have I missed something here?"
"No."
"Yes, in fact you have," Merlin said at the same time at his sister. "Maybe you can help me with something."
"What is it?" Morgana asked again.
"I was simply just asking Adrielle who she'd pick if she had to choose between Lancelot and Arthur," Merlin said.
"And I said 'no way leave me alone, Merlin'," Adrielle retorted.
"Come on, Adrielle, it's just a simple -theoretical- question," Morgana replied.
"Oh god, you're starting to sound like him."
"Here, I'll answer first to show you how easy it is. I'd pick Arthur," Morgana continued.
"Finally, someone answered! Alright now it's your turn, Addy," Merlin said.
"I appreciate your attempt to help, Morgana, but I'm still not answering."
"Gwen!" Morgana called, ushering her handmaiden over to her. The girl in questioned rushed over quickly and dutifully.
"Yes, my lady?"
"We're trying to get Adrielle to answer a simple question for us and thought you could help. If you were to choose between Arthur or Lancelot, who would you pick?"
"I'm afraid neither are really my type," Gwen replied.
"I'm just saying, if they were, between the two, who would it be? And not picking isn't an option," Merlin added. Gwen looked up at Merlin, heat barely rising in her cheeks.
"Lancelot, I suppose. But like I said, neither is really my type," Gwen said bashfully.
"Alright, come one now, Adrielle. Just answer the question. Arthur or Lancelot?" Merlin prodded once more.
"Stop, Merlin. This isn't fun-."
"Come on, Adrielle."
Soon enough a chorus of voice rang in Adrielle's ears. Come on, just choose, pick one, Arthur, Lancelot, Arthur, Lancelot. She could try and run for it, again, but did she really want to run from the three of them all night? Gwen probably wouldn't keep this pursuit up, but Merlin definitely would and she had a feeling Morgana would, too. She couldn't answer them because she didn't have an answer for them. They were both decent guys; good men but in different ways. It was just a lighthearted "what if" but she was not going to give Merlin that fuel for his fire.
Adrielle's head was spinning, the pestering voices and wine finally starting to get to her. Before she realized or could even comprehend, her mouth was moving, her voice speaking out, but she didn't know what she said. The voices suddenly stopped. Three pairs of eyes stared at Adrielle blankly.
"What?" Adrielle asked confused.
"Did you just say-." Gwen started.
"No!" Merlin interjected. "Don't tell her."
"Wait what? What did I say?"
"You said one of their names but we're not going to tell you which one," Morgana said with a smile.
"What? No! You have to tell me what I said. Besides whoever I said I don't mean it I feel nothing for either of them," Adrielle protested.
"Sure you don't, Adrielle. Enjoy the rest of the festivities," Morgana replied, pulling Gwen along with her as they left.
"Merlin-."
"Bye, Addy," Merlin said with a quirk of his eyebrows before leaving as well.
Adrielle finally got what she wanted, to be left alone for the evening, but she didn't want it like this. In the midst of all the pestering and bothering, Adrielle must have snapped and said whichever name came out first, unbeknownst to her. She looked up across the hall to see both Arthur and Lancelot looking at her.
Oh God, what if they heard whichever name I said? Adrielle thought to herself. Her face blushed an even darker shade of red than it already was.
I gotta get out of here.
She turned on the spot, fleeing in the opposite direction, grabbing a drink in each hand as she fled.
