Author's Note: A few of our favorite ArMor scenes are in this chapter ;).
Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin.
Valiant
Estella and Morgana lean against the wall of the castle as they watch Arthur train for the tournament with his new manservant. Both women clad in belted tunics, breeches, and worn boots; their long raven locks tied back and swords on their hip.
"Does he have to be so hard on the poor boy?" Morgana casually remarks.
Estella shrugs lightly before saying, "You know Arthur rarely fights without using all his strength."
Morgana snorts. "Oh, of course that 'honor' is only reserved for us." The two women share a laugh.
"I wish he would spar with us again." The king's niece comments wistfully.
"Perhaps you can use your authority as his elder to command that of him," Morgana suggests.
This time, Estella snorts. "You know he would say that I am older than him by only two years and the fact that he is the prince gives him more authority than me."
Her cousin shakes her head, "As if that has ever stopped you."
The older woman smiles. "I could say the same for you. Despite him being a few months older, you've continuously been able to keep him under control."
"Well, someone must keep his head from swelling too much. Since you are not always here, I have to take that task solely upon myself." Morgana sighs softly.
For the many years that she kept a residence in Camelot, Estella would spend – at most – a few months in Caerleon, being groomed by Lord Agravaine to become the High Duchess of Caerleon, the duchy of the House de Bois. However, for nearly all of the previous year, she has been away. Aside from the fact that here are no other de Bois heirs, but Arthur (who already has a crown he is waiting for) and Agravaine (who was removed from succession given that he has apparently rejected the inheritance and is ultimately unfit to rule anyway), Tristan de Bois proclaimed his only daughter and child his sole and legitimate heir. And so Estella has to take the responsibility of her birthright. She claimed this stay in Camelot was a short one, to last only a few weeks.
"I don't think that will keep him from winning the tournament, though." Estella remarks.
The younger woman jerks head. "What makes you think he's going to win again?"
"Several reasons: he isn't competing against you or me, he is the best knight Camelot has ever seen, and he has won for the past two years; shall I go on?" She asks while sideways glancing at her cousin.
Morgana rolls her eyes. "You never know. There could be some incredibly strong knight out there that we have never heard of that will beat him." Estella is not swayed as she shakes her head in disagreement. "I do not understand why you have so much confidence in him."
Her companion counters with, "I do not understand why you have so much doubt."
The Lady shifts uncomfortably at her double meaning. "What is that supposed to mean?"
"You know what I mean," Estella says as she straightens up. "Come on, before Arthur notices that we have been defying his father again."
"I wonder what punishment we will receive this time if Uther learns we have been training with some of the knights." Morgana muses.
"Nothing we have never had before," And the future Duchess adds, "but he should not find out."
Morgana purses her lips. "Oh, so did you promise Owain and Leon invitations into your chambers or were you using threats this time?"
"Both," Estella answers noncommittally (but she is serious), causing Morgana to laugh airily. Oh, she would miss Estella dearly when she decides to go back to Caerleon.
Arthur and Merlin are walking into the castle, the servant, staggering rather than walking, barely hearing his master list his duties.
Dismissing Merlin, the prince makes his way to his chambers.
"Did you have to be so hard on him?" Arthur jumps slightly as Morgana appears at his side. She had washed and changed from her morning training with her cousin.
The young man shrugs. "It's his job to do as I command and since I am the prince, I can treat him how I like. He's a servant Morgana, not my friend."
"Even so, those points don't call for you to be such an ass." She tells him.
Arthur rolls his eyes, but decides not to chide her for her language that is unfit for a Lady of the court (it wouldn't do anything anyway). "We all can't be the king's loving ward who makes friends with everyone, servants and nobles alike."
Morgana stops walking. "It may be beneficial to you to start doing as such, Arthur."
"What's that supposed to-" but when he turns around the Lady had already walked and disappeared around a corner.
He sighs, 'Why does she have to be such a mystery these days?' The prince still remembers the times in which he and Morgana were the best of friends who shared anything and everything with each other. Hopes, fears, dreams, and ambitions. There was nothing they could say and be ashamed of, for they both understood each other. But those times are gone (or so he believes), they have grown up now and with that, they have grown apart. He'll never admit it, but he misses her. All the times they spent simply lying in the grass, simply at peace with nature together.
Arthur is thankful that she is, at least, still in Camelot. Most women would be offered to high ranking noblemen and princes to be their wives at Morgana's age. Hell, their cousin Estella should be married with heirs by now. But these women would not be used as objects and his father knows this and for now, respects it.
His uncle, Agravaine, however, knows this, but doesn't like it in the slightest. From what Estella tells him, for the past year that she had been in Caerleon, their uncle had been calling suitors (notably none were kings or princes) from across the land to be her husband. The highest Lady of Caerleon made a chaos of the duchy and they were all scared away.
He laughs to himself. His cousin truly is something else, but he agrees with her refusals. No man he knows of is good enough for the woman he considers his elder sister, even brave and young Owain is unworthy.
The first day of the tournament arrives with excitement and anticipation in the air. After the competing knights enter the arena, Uther makes his introduction speech.
"Knights of the realm, it's a great honor to welcome you to the tournament at Camelot. Over the next three days, you will come to put your bravery to the test, your skills as warriors, and of course to challenge the reigning champion – my son, Prince Arthur."
The knight in yellow turns his head to glance at Arthur. To this the prince looks the knight up and down with a calculating gaze.
"Only one can have the honor of being crowned champion and he will receive a prize of one thousand gold pieces. It is in combat that we learn a knight's true nature, whether he is indeed a warrior or a coward. The tournament begins!"
The crowds applaud as the knights file out of the arena. The knight in yellow gives an appreciative smile to Estella and Morgana before he leaves.
As Arthur prepares to face his first opponent, Uther goes to his son and pats him rather roughly on the back. Arthur's face is a mix of annoyance and disappointment at what his father said to him.
For the first round, Arthur prevails, displaying his truly superior skills. Despite Morgana's previous accusations towards Arthur, she is clearly impressed by him. However, she is also awed by the knight in yellow. The niece of the king didn't know if she is being paranoid, but whenever that knight fought, Estella had an unsettling feeling about him.
King Uther stands proud and mighty as he greets the knights at the reception that night. Estella and Morgana stand on his right, looking poised and lady-like. For the most part they are only at the reception because of their nobility and for the knights to look upon the two beauties that Camelot possesses – that is, until a certain knight came forth.
"Knight Valiant of the Western Isles, my Lord," says the knight as he bows before the king.
"I saw you fighting today. You have a very aggressive style." The king comments.
"As my Lord said, to lose is to be disgraced." Valiant quite arrogantly tells him.
Smiling, "I couldn't agree more." Uther, deeming the knight worthy, directs Valiant to the two Ladies. "Knight Valiant may I present my niece, the Lady Estella and the Lady Morgana, my ward."
Valiant giving them that appreciative smile again, bends down to first kiss Estella's and then Morgana's hand.
"My Ladies."
"I saw you competing today." Morgana says with an appraising tone.
"I saw you watching." Valiant replies.
During this little flirtatious exchange, Estella glances at her other cousin to see him glaring at Valiant. The action causes her to smirk slightly, but she quashes it and speaks up.
"You have very impression skills." She compliments smoothly.
The knight turns his gaze back to Estella. "And you have very impressive beauty." She raises her sculpted brow suggestively. "Such virtues should stand together, my Lady." He obviously caught onto the meaning of her expression.
"Unfortunately, I'm not the prize this year," she sighs, feigning disappointment.
"So, I'm to understand that the tournament champion shall have the honor of escorting the Lady Morgana to the feast, instead?" he asks as he looks back at Morgana.
"That's correct," the Lady answers.
"Then I will do everything to win the tournaments." The knight promises and Morgana gives him a wide smile. "My efforts would be just as great if the prize were you, Lady Estella." The Lady offers the knight a smile, as well. "My Ladies," he bows one more time before moving on to converse with the other knights. Morgana's eyes follow him and Estella sees Arthur's glare darken. Gwen also seems quite interested in Valiant.
After bowing to the king, the prince swiftly approaches Morgana, only pausing to bow briefly to his cousin to which she smirks once more, anticipating what he will say. Arthur's jaw clenches as he stands before his father's ward.
"They all seem rather impressed by Knight Valiant," Morgana comments.
"They're not the only ones." His voice was surprisingly calm, but the tone was blatantly envious.
Quirking a brow, "You're not jealous, are you?" she teases.
"I don't see that there's anything to be jealous of." Arthur states arrogantly and walks away before she could respond.
"Could Arthur be any more annoying?" Morgana whispers to Gwen. "I so hope Knight Valiant wins the tournament."
"You don't really mean that," Gwen insists (though she would find that quite an interesting occurrence).
"Yes, I do," her mistress emphasizes.
Estella shakes her head. "And I will soon declare that Sir Owain is 'the love of my life.'"
Morgana wears a genuine smile now. "Well it is about time. The two of have been sneaking around the castle for too long, nearly two years, now, isn't it? I fully expect an announcement for the wedding at the feast."
Her cousin rolls her eyes while shaking her head. "Only if Valiant wins, which he won't, because Arthur's now got another reason to win."
"Which is?" Morgana prods.
The other Lady lifts a delicate brow. "I'm sure you know, so do you really want me to say?"
Realization hits her and Morgana hastily says, "No," and turns away.
Estella sighs lightly. She didn't know how much longer the two could stay in denial, because almost eight years is far too long.
The second day of the tournament is even more exciting. Arthur and Valiant continue to prevail through the competition. Estella's uneasiness about the knight from the Western Isles only increases. During his fight with Sir Ewan, he knocks the knight to the ground and Estella is taken aback when she feels a slight tingling of magic. Valiant stands victorious and his opponent is left immobile on the ground. She quickly covers her shock and claps for Valiant.
The third day of the tournament, the prince's first opponent is the largest knight in the competition, Sir Julian. As the two prepare to fight, Morgana grips Gwen's arm tightly.
"You're not worried, are you?" the maid questions.
"N-no," she lies, trying to hide her fear, as she lets go.
Morgana's anxiety was for nothing as Arthur shows off hers and Estella's favorable advantage against stronger opponents – agility. After the prince strikes down the giant, he makes a subtle tilt of his sword toward Morgana. She, in turn, applauds him and smiles brightly.
At the end of the day, the finals show that Valiant will be facing Arthur.
That night, the king invites all the knights into the council chambers for bit of a pre-celebratory drink. They all toast and Arthur feels inadequate as they glorify Valiant instead of him.
"So Valiant, do you think you stand a chance of defeating my son?" Uther asks casually.
The knight glances at the prince. "He is a great warrior, My Lord." Looking back at the king. "I do hope to be a worthy opponent."
"You should stay in Camelot after the tournament." Arthur gives his father an incredulous look. "I could do with more knights like you."
Valiant smirks superiorly, pleased that he has gained the king's favor, "I'd be honored, My Lord."
The prince doesn't like this idea, at all. Not only will he have a potential rival in the training grounds, but there would be certain other matters for him to worry about, as well, if Valiant stayed in Camelot.
When Arthur and Merlin step forth accusing Valiant of using magic, Morgana is shocked as she turns to look at Gwen, but Estella holds her breath as she remains motionless beside her cousin. At first, the king is torn between his son and his new favorite knight, but the tables unfortunately turn.
"So, you have no proof to support these allegations. Have you seen Valiant using magic?" Uther inquires.
Arthur pauses, "No… But my servant fought-"
"Your servant? You make these outrageous accusations against a knight on the word of your servant?" Uther's words are completely livid as Morgana and Estella watch somberly.
"I believe he's telling the truth." Arthur stresses vehemently.
"My Lord, am I really to be judged on some hearsay from a boy?" Valiant drawls.
"I've seen those snakes come alive!" Merlin claims as he steps forward.
"How dare you interrupt!" Uther exclaims and calls for the guards.
Valiant stops him. "I'm sure he was merely mistaken. I wouldn't want him punished on my account."
Uther looks harshly upon his son. "You see? This is how a true knight behaves – with gallantry and honor." Arthur looks down shamefully as his father scolds him.
"My Lord, if your son made these accusations because he's afraid to fight me, then I will graciously accept his withdrawal." Valiant voices.
The king looks his son in the eye, "Is this true? Do you wish to withdraw from the tournament?"
"No!" the prince exclaims.
"Then what am I to make of these allegations?" Uther questions.
The prince knows that he has lost, so he does the only thing he can to save himself. "Obviously there has been a misunderstanding. I withdraw the allegation against Knight Valiant. Please accept my apology."
Valiant wears a smug expression as he accepts. Estella narrows her eyes at the knight and is thankful he isn't looking at her, but rather watching triumphantly as Arthur quickly walks to the door, rushing past Morgana before she could say something to him. Her gaze follows Arthur and he can feel it on his back, all the while dreading what Morgana thinks of him now.
...
Valiant is entering his guest chambers when he notices that they are not empty. Laying languidly amongst the pillows on the bed is the king's niece.
He smirks, "My Lady Estella, to what do I owe this pleasure?"
She gives him a sultry look, "Well isn't that always the purpose, pleasure?"
The knight raises an eyebrow, "My Lady, I would not be living up to my name if I were to take advantage of you in such a way."
But she can see his struggle to keep from coming closer to her. Ever so slowly, she draws the skirt of violet dress up, revealing her smooth, pale leg. Valiant's lust filled eyes follow the motion of her hand. "You are not taking advantage if I spur you on and.. enjoy it." She lifts her chin slightly, signaling for him to come to her.
Without further encouragement, he removes his robe and jacket and nearly jumps on the bed. He tries to crush her to the mattress, but Estella is quick to flip the knight to his back and press him down. Valiant seems to like her feistiness as she feels the bulge in his breeches grow harder.
"I see you like to be in control," he comments huskily.
"What woman doesn't?" She pauses, "So, tell me, why are you in Camelot?" Her tone only hints her suspicion, but the man doesn't even notice as he moves his hands on her lithe body.
"I thought it was obvious, there is a tournament going on," Valiant answers huskily as he moves to try and kiss her lips, but she restricts him.
"I'm no one's fool, you come for the tournament and you come to win and you will do whatever it takes to win." Her gray eyes resemble the steel of swords, "Even if it means to kill your opponents."
Now, he can see that she has ulterior motives in coming to him, "You believe what that idiotic servant said?"
"No," she shakes her head, "I believe what I suspect and know myself," drawing a dagger from her sleeve, she holds the blade to Valiant's neck, his lustful eyes now widen with fear. "Who sent you?" He doesn't answer and so she decides that she must penetrate his mind. When she does, Estella immediately gets her answer (and it is as she expected). "Thank you, Knight Valiant, you have been very helpful."
The woman promptly knocks the man out, enough to make him think this encounter a strange dream and gets off the bed and quickly leaves the room.
Estella solemnly looks out her window as she watches her cousin continue to swing his sword. 'Probably trying to work off his anger', she thinks. Even with their years in each other's company Estella could never read Arthur, not really. She could advise him and know everything that he told her, but it was Morgana who knew him and his mind (and heart) better than anyone, 'maybe more than his father, even.'
The Lady turns away and goes to her bed, a tinge of guilt twists in her chest. She wants to help Arthur, to at least assure him or even try to stop him, but she can't. For one, comforting someone is not something she is proficient at; Morgana is always better at that, especially with Arthur. And another, she cannot ask her cousin to be a coward; he will not stand for that. So, she stands on the sidelines and lets fate and destiny rule (for now).
The likeness, in appearance and to an extent character, between the Estella and Morgana is because their mothers were twins, although their upbringings were very different. Gorlois (without Vivienne) had raised his and Vivienne's daughter to be honorable, warm-hearted, and compassionate. While Estella was raised by mother, Valeria, to be proud, strong-willed, and detached. Unlike Vivienne's daughter, Valeria's never (very rarely, actually) meddled, unless the situation called for it and that occasion is extremely rare. Despite her many small rebellions, she is always obedient, absolutely so to her mother.
Her head hurt from her self-contemplation, so she clears her mind and attempts to rest, but sleep has never come easy for her. Unlike Morgana, it wasn't because she had nightmares, but simply due to the fact that her body never seems to be able to fall asleep completely. After about three hours, her eyes involuntarily shut and her body allows her a few hours of sleep, but she will be skipping the tournament tomorrow and probably the feast, as well.
...
Two men are fighting in the arena; one in yellow, one in red. The one in yellow – Knight Valiant – disarms the man in red – Arthur – and knocks him to the ground. The other knight, his features contorted in fury and triumph, looms over the prince, whose own face hold fear, and thrusts his sword into Arthur's chest.
"Arthur," Morgana gasps as she sits up on her chaise, the dream still very clear in her mind.
A sound from the main square makes her start. She walks to her window and sees Arthur in the courtyard expertly handling his sword. She didn't know him to be so dedicated in his practice. 'He's probably having doubts about the fight he'll face in the morning, too.'
Persistently, he practices the movements of combat, his feet moving across the flagstones with effortless ease. Morgana could watch him for hours. She has always been impressed by his commitment to sword fighting, even as a child there had been precision in his play fights and Morgana has always been proud of him for his skill. Not that she would tell him. His arrogance is great enough.
It is when Arthur finally retires from his moonlit practice that Morgana prepares herself for bed.
Arthur stands at the window with his back to the door. His former manservant Morris attending to his armor, working at a horrendously slow pace. If not for the prince's uneasy nerves he would chastise him for it.
Morgana gracefully walks into the room. The servant, noticing her, bows and hurries out of the chambers. Arthur, now aware of her presence, attempts to turn to her.
She softly places her hands on his back, "Let me."
Arthur then allows her to, but he doubts she knows what she's doing. Morgana tightens the strap on his shoulder and gives him a look as she moves onto the metal on his arm. To Arthur's surprise, the Lady works quickly and efficiently.
The prince looks down at her, silently questioning. Feeling his eyes on her, she looks up to meet his stare. Her face is innocent, but her eyes are wide and dark, matching his.
"I used to help my father with his armor," she explains, slightly breathless.
Arthur says nothing as he continues to watch her with a heated gaze. Her hand lingers for a moment on his chest when she goes to pick up his helmet on the table. As her eyes are always able to ensnare him, Arthur notices that the long skirt of her blue gown has wrapped around his feet; as if she is trying to trap him there, to keep him from fighting. The prince turns toward the Lady and she hands him his helmet.
"Thanks," he says softly.
The two pause and continue to look into each other's eyes; although, Morgana looks down a few times, his gaze too penetrating for her to withstand. Slowly, he steps over her dress and walks toward the door.
Then, she speaks up, "Arthur…"
He turns back to Morgana. She knows she can't stop him from going; he's too stubborn to be dissuaded from his duty. So, as she struggles with her words, she comes to, "B-be careful."
He gives her a faint smile and nods. "See you at the feast."
Morgana sees the flicker of apprehension in his expression before he turns to leave. The same anxiety is written on her own face.
The prince strides into the arena with his usual confidence and strength. The crowds are cheering loudly as Uther nods for the fight to commence. Arthur turns to Valiant, the prince's fear clear in his eyes as both knights put their helmets on.
Once, they take their battle stance, Valiant aggressively attacks first. Initially, the two seem to be evenly matched, though Arthur appears to show a bit of a struggle. Valiant's helmet is knocked off and the crowds cheer wildly as Arthur removes his.
Morgana gasps loudly after Valiant punches Arthur under his chin. The prince falls to the ground and loses his shield, but quickly gets back onto his feet. Unfortunately, the other knight disarms Arthur and he is left with only his strength to defend himself.
However, when the prince pushes Valiant away from him, the snakes on the knight's shield come alive. The people rise from their seats in shock of what they were seeing.
"He is using magic," Uther gasps.
"And now they see you for what you really are." Arthur proclaims.
Valiant simply laughs at the prince as the snakes slither out of the shield. "Kill him!"
Arthur starts backing away as the snakes followed, trying to do as their master bid. A thought suddenly occurs to Morgana as she reaches for the sword of the knight standing next to her.
"Arthur!" Miraculously, he's able to hear Morgana through the loudness in the arena. She throws the sword perfectly to Arthur and he catches it; quickly slaying the snakes and moments later, Knight Valiant.
The people happily cheer for their prince as he stands before them, in victory, gasping for breath. Morgana is in the same state while she looks at him with relief.
Uther looks around the banquet hall and calls for everyone's attention. "My honorable guests, I give you Prince Arthur, your champion." Everyone in the hall applauds proudly as Arthur walks over to Morgana's side and offers her his arm.
"My Lady," He smiles down at her, the tenderness he feels for her, apparent.
"My Champion," Morgana curtsies slightly and smiles back radiantly, her own affections clear.
The two of them walk arm-in-arm towards the king – a true vision of the future monarchies of Camelot in everyone's eyes.
"Has your father apologized yet for not believing you?" Morgana asks.
Arthur sighs. "He'll never apologize. I hope you're not disappointed Valiant's not escorting you."
"Turns out he wasn't really champion material." Arthur gives Morgana an appreciative smirk as she lets go of his arm.
"That was some tournament final." He comments.
Morgana smiles, "Tell me about it. It's not every day a girl gets to save her prince."
Arthur purses his lips and laughs, "I wouldn't say I needed exactly saving. I'm sure I would have thought of something." The prince declares superiorly.
She narrows her eyes, "See, you're too proud to admit you were saved by a girl!"
"Because I wasn't," insists Arthur.
"You know what? I wish Valiant was escorting me." Morgana tells him.
He nods his head once, "Me too, then I wouldn't have to listen to you."
"Fine," she retorts.
"Fine," he throws back.
Morgana turns on her heel and walks to her maid, while Arthur goes to Merlin.
"Can you believe Morgana; she says she saved me – like I needed any help." Merlin doesn't say anything, so Arthur gets to the point. "I wanted to say, I made a mistake. It was unfair to sack you."
Merlin smiles as Arthur looks away. "No, don't worry about it. Buy me a drink and we'll call it even."
Arthur scoffs, "I can't really be seen to be buying drinks for my servant."
The boy is confused. "Your servant? You sacked me."
"Now I'm rehiring you. My chambers are a complete mess. My clothes need washing, my armor needs repairing, my boots need cleaning, my dogs need exercising, my fireplace needs sweeping, my bed needs changing, and someone needs to muck out my stables…"
Merlin sighs as he tries to drown out all the orders Arthur is giving him.
Author's Note: Just to get things straight-
-Estella's father was Tristan de Bois (Ygraine Pendragon's older brother).
-Estella's mother is Valeria (younger twin sister to Vivienne, Morgana's mother).
-Tristan and Valeria were not married, but Estella was legitimized by Tristan before he died.
-Morgana and Arthur are both Estella's cousin (but no relation exists between them...yet...maybe).
Any other questions let me know. Thanks for reading and please review.