Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin.
The Poisoned Chalice
As Nimueh prepares to leave the isle, a woman appears at the archway to her left. The woman stands tall and dark-haired, impassively watching her mentor with luminous, emerald green eyes.
"Dearest, Vivienne, come to see me off?" the Priestess inquires whilst turning towards her.
The other woman smiles slightly. "Well, I thought someone must."
Nimueh knits her brows, "Where are the others?"
"My daughter is dedicated to her studies and training and Valeria has gone to visit Estella." She answers smoothly.
Nimueh absently nods. "A safe and successful journey." The emerald-eyed woman says.
The Priestess then smiles. "Oh, it will be."
Ever since the near execution of Gwen, Merlin and Gwen's mistresses have been quite attentive toward the young woman. The noblewomen tried to give her fewer chores to do, as well as more breaks (although the blacksmith's daughter is already, perhaps, the most privileged maid – servant in the castle), while Merlin actually brought her a flowers everyday and would keep her company more often than before (and this causes everyone to believe that Merlin truly is in love with Gwen).
Currently the two servants are returning from the market together, laughing simply enjoying each other's. Morgana is watching from the window with a small smile on her face.
"They are quite adorable, together." Morgana says to Estella who is standing beside her, reading a book.
Before the older woman can respond, another person joins them. "Who?" Arthur asks while looking over Morgana's shoulder.
"Merlin and Gwen," the Lady answers matter-factly.
The prince snorts, "Oh."
The woman lifts an elegant brow, "What?"
Estella answers (while still reading her book) before Arthur can. "He's trying to say that there are two other people who are even more so lovely together."
"Oh, and who would they be?" Morgana has taken to not mentioning Estella and Owain and Arthur is aware of this, as well.
The eldest of the three smiles conspiratorially. "Why, the two of you, my cousins." Their eyes widen and suddenly the atmosphere is tense.
Arthur tries to alleviate this. He laughs jokingly, "You are very amusing." Morgana is quick to join in the laughter and agree with him.
Their mutual cousin rolls her eyes. "Please, I am aware of that, but that was not meant to be jest."
"Could have fooled anyone," the prince spots the Mercian party entering the main square. "And if you'll excuse me, but the king wants me in the throne room." With that, the golden-haired man walks down the stairs to the aforementioned location (he walked away faster than he meant to and Estella notices this).
Morgana doesn't have any such luck at escape, but her cousin takes pity on her and starts talking about gowns and the Mercians.
...
King Bayard and his retinue march into the throne room as King Uther and his company meet them half way. A heavy silence settles after everyone stops and stands. An out of place servant (Nimueh in disguise) continues to look towards Prince Arthur's manservant.
Uther breaks the silence. "Camelot welcomes you, King Bayard of Mercia. The treaty we sign today marks an end to war and a beginning to a new friendship between our people."
The other king nods and Uther and Bayard grasp arms. Both parties applaud, while Nimueh stares at Merlin. The young warlock, of course, is oblivious to her angered gaze.
After Nimueh leaves the chambers of King Bayard, she starts to head to the banquet hall. As she turns the corners she runs into a beautiful, young woman dressed in a lovely, sea green, satin gown. Her raven hair in curls and flowing, adorned with tiny pearls.
"Forgive me, I should have…" the woman stops as she notices the servant staring at her.
The Priestess has never met the girl before this moment, but her aura is familiar, as is her face. "…You look very much like your mother." She remarks bluntly.
The young woman feigns bewilderment. "How do you-?"
Nimueh interrupts, "We are close acquaintances… The only question is which daughter are you?" She continues to scrutinize the girl and the essence of magical experience in the girl's stormy gray eyes tells her the answer she is looking for.
The young woman realizes that the 'servant' is aware of her true identity. "I don't want any trouble here, my Lady."
"Quite formal aren't we? And shouldn't I be calling you that Lady Estella?" the Priestess questions with a smirk on her face. "And there won't be any trouble." She brushes past the girl.
"Whatever you're trying to d-" The younger girl starts.
She nearly laughs; such strong powers, yet so naïve (at least that is how she plays herself to be, but Nimueh does not know that). "Trying? I don't need to try, what I've planned has already begun and no one can nor will stop me." She pauses, "Especially you. You may play the part of the king's adoring niece, but you are one of us and with us is where your loyalties lie."
Estella says nothing, not wanting to invoke the anger of a High Priestess, but she's sure her inner turmoil is apparent on her face. Briskly she turns and continues toward her former destination. Nimueh is silent as well, as she follows suit.
The ward of the king, dressed in her resplendent royal purple and teal gown with many jewels decorating her black locks, sits beside her cousin as she watches her guardian and King Bayard sign the peace treaty between their two kingdoms. Arthur is standing close to his father, wearing his red jacket with the golden buttons.
Gwen stands next Merlin and she can't help but laugh at his outfit. "Nice hat," she compliments cheerily. (Secretly, she is glad that her mistresses do not force her to wear such ridiculous clothing).
Not unkindly, the other servant retorts, "Thanks."
The maid catches sight of Merlin staring at another dark-haired woman, and a quite attractive one at that, as he takes off the hat and tries to smooth his ruffled hair. "She's pretty isn't she…" Gwen adds, "For a handmaiden, I mean."
"She's pretty for a princess, let alone a handmaiden." Merlin counters (of course the young boy would think that about any woman).
"Hmm," Gwen answers seeing the obvious charm the other woman had on her friend. She didn't want to admit it, but she felt a slight tug at her heart at the idea (what she does not know, is that Merlin had the same thought about her when they first met). As the kings clasp arms, Gwen silently moves from Merlin's side to Gaius'. The older man nods and gives the girl a gentle smile. Merlin looks after he, a bit confused.
King Bayard begins to speak, "People of Camelot, for a great many years, we have been mortal enemies. The blood of our men stains the ground from the walls of Camelot to the gates of Mercia. And though we remember those who have died, we must not allow any more to join them." A servant comes to Bayard's side carrying a chest. Estella notices Nimueh leaving her former place with a satisfied expression on her face. "As a symbol of our good will, and of our new-found friendship, I present these ceremonial goblets to you, Uther, and to your son, Arthur, in the hope that our friendship may last." The cups were given to their respective recipients as Bayard continues with his speech. "And may the differences of our past remain there." The Mercian king raises his goblet to the royals of Camelot, "To your health, Uther… Arthur… Lady Estella… the Lady Morgana… the people of Camelot."
"And to fallen warriors, on both sides," Uther adds in.
Arthur begins to bring the cup to his lips when suddenly Merlin runs into the room. "Stop; it's poisoned! Don't drink it!" Merlin grabs the goblet from the prince.
"What?" Uther asks.
"Merlin, what are you doing?" Arthur questions demandingly.
He quickly explains, "Bayard laced Arthur's goblet with poison."
"This is an outrage!" The Mercian king yells, astonished. He and his men draw their swords and the knights of Camelot do the same.
"Order your men to put down their swords. You're outnumbered." Uther verbalizes.
Bayard does just that, but also proclaims, "I will not allow this insult to go unchallenged."
Uther addresses Merlin, "On what grounds do you base this accusation?"
Arthur interjects, "I'll handle this. Merlin, you idiot, have you been at the sloe gin again?"
"Unless you want to be strung up, you will tell me why you think it's poisoned, now." Uther emphasizes.
"He was seen lacing it." The servant informs his king.
"By whom?" the older man questions.
Merlin hesitates, "I can't say."
Bayard speaks, "I won't listen to this anymore."
Uther walks to Arthur's side. "Pass me the goblet." The king turns to Bayard, "If you're telling the truth..."
"I am," the Mercian is adamant.
"Then you have nothing to fear, do you?" Uther counters. Bayard finally sheaths his own sword and gestures for the chalice, but Uther turns away. "No. If this does prove to be poisoned, I want the pleasure of killing you myself." The other king stands affronted as Uther turns to back to Merlin. "He'll drink it."
The prince then speaks up, "But if it is poisoned, he'll die."
"Then we'll know he was telling the truth." His father says.
Gaius tries to come to Merlin's defense, but it is fruitless. Uther demands the task be done to prove someone's guilt and so, Estella is left to stare at the servant with masked terror in her eyes, everyone else with nervous anticipation, and Gwen even steps forward as Merlin drinks deeply from the cup.
The occupants of the hall wait for something to happen, but nothing does (yet). Bayard stands smugly as Merlin admits that the goblet is not poisoned.
However, he spoke too soon. A second after those words left his mouth, he starts to cough raggedly and clutches at his throat. The people in the hall watch in horror as he collapses on the floor.
Arthur runs to Merlin's side while the swords are drawn once more. Estella (allow, she sees the pleased gaze of Nimueh) discreetly pulls the dagger from her sleeve while Morgana grabs the knife on the table.
Gaius and Arthur quickly grab Merlin to take to the physician's chambers, as Gwen picks up the goblet and follows. The Mercians are then taken into the dungeons.
Estella looks out of Morgana's window, watching solemnly as Nimueh rides out of Camelot (of course she's not going to do anything about that). Her cousin sits at her dressing table, carefully removing the jewels from her ebony hair.
Suddenly Gwen enters, speaking rapidly. "My Ladies, I am so sorry I haven't been here to attend to you both."
"Don't worry, we're alright." Morgana assures. "How's Merlin?" she asks with concern.
"If Prince Arthur comes back with the antidote in time, then he'll be fine." Gwen says shakily.
"Then he'll be fine," Morgana says firmly. "You should be with him, we'll manage. I know what he means to you, go."
"Thank you," the maid swiftly curtsies and leaves.
After a silent moment, Estella starts walking to the door. "I should go and speak to Uncle; you know that Arthur won't be able to convince him."
She didn't have to elaborate for her cousin to understand. "Where Arthur fails with his father, you will succeed."
Estella smiles, "And if I fail with the king, then we know that you shall succeed with the prince." Morgana is taken aback by the statement, but Estella is gone before she could say something else.
...
"Arthur, you are my only son and heir. I can't risk losing you for the sake of some serving boy." The king emphasizes.
"Because his life's worthless?" the prince incredulously asks.
"No, because it's worth less than yours," Uther corrects.
"I can save him. Let me take some men..." the younger man tries to convince his father.
"No"
"We'll find the antidote and bring it back." He finishes.
The king is adamant, "No."
"Why not?" his son demands hotly.
"Because one day I will be dead and Camelot will need a king." His eyes stare into his son's, almost commanding him to understand. "I'm not going to let you jeopardize the future of this kingdom over some fool's errand."
"It's not a fool's errand." Arthur defends, "Gaius says that if we can get-"
Uther disbelievingly remarks, "Gaius says? That's exactly what makes it so!"
Arthur then attempts a different tactic. "Please, Father. He saved my life. I can't stand by and watch him die."
The king turns to his son and says the hard truth that the boy must face. "Then don't look. This boy won't be the last to die on your behalf. You're going to be king. It's something you'll have to get used to."
The prince shakes his head, "I can't accept that."
When their argument ends with Arthur going to his chambers, his father having established his authority, Estella decides to reveal her presence to the king.
"Uncle-" she starts, but is interrupted.
Uther turns to her, "There you are, I wanted to speak to you."
She furrows her brow. "About what?" but she quickly realizes what he is going to say. "Uncle-"
"You are not leaving Camelot tomorrow or in the near future." The older man declares.
"I'm not going on some foolish mission." Estella reasons (but she considers Arthur's desired mission far from foolish).
"No, but you'll be traveling outside of my ability to protect you. The Mercians are in the dungeons and you are my niece. Bayard's armies will not hesitate to make you a hostage." His words are logical… still.
"But-" she starts.
"I've already made my decision. Your safety is the issue here and I'm sure Agravaine and the people of Caerleon shall understand. Now go to your chambers. I've already had to deal with Morgana and Arthur; will you at least relieve me of some aggravation?" Uther sighs tiredly.
Estella loudly exhales, but complies, nonetheless; always the obedient one, the eldest of the three… in the public eye that is.
Arthur storms into his chambers and drops his sword onto the table. Standing in front of the fireplace, he presses his hands against the stone and hangs his head in defeat.
The soft brush of silk against stone and a melodious voice catches his attention.
"Say what you like about the food, but you can't beat our feasts for entertainment." She starts.
For some unknown reason, his heart lightens. "Morgana, I'm sorry, I should have made sure you were alright."
The Lady ignores his concern. "Disappointed, actually, was looking forward to clumping a couple round the head with a ladle." She says as she walks to him.
Arthur turns to her. "I'm sure the guards could have handled Bayard and his men."
"Yeah, but why let the boys have all the fun?" the Lady half-jests.
The prince sighs, "Morgana, you shouldn't get involved. It's dangerous."
She rolls her eyes. "Spare me the lecture. I've already had it from Uther."
"If it's any consolation, you weren't the only one." He turns his back to her once more.
After a slight pause, she decides it's time to say what needs to be said. "Not that I listen to him. Sometimes you've got to do what you think is right and damn the consequences."
Arthur turns to face Morgana, catching the full meaning of her words. "You think I should go."
She shakes her head. "It doesn't matter what I think."
"If I don't make it back, who will be the next king of Camelot?" Morgana flinches slightly at the thought of him not returning. "There's more than just my life at stake."
Instead of answering she asks, "And what kind of king would Camelot want?" She draws his sword from its scabbard, "One who would risk his life for that of a lowly servant, or one who does what his father tells him to?" The Lady holds up the sword to her prince. Arthur pauses attempting to discern her true intentions, but it is clear what her motivations are, what they always were in times like this. She is trying to help him see things clearly – pushing him to do the right thing, to prove that he actually deserved to rule Camelot when he is king.
Arthur takes his sword from her and grabs the scabbard, sheathing his blade. With one look at her face, he knows that despite the odds that are apparently against him, he'll have the strength to somehow return. Because she believes that he would, even if she won't say it.
"I expressly ordered Arthur not to go!" Uther rants as Morgana stands unconcerned with his complaints.
"It worked like a charm too," she says.
"Not another word!" he chides.
The king's ward retorts wittily, "My lips are sealed."
"I should have put him under lock and key."
"You can't chain him up every time he disagrees with you." Morgana reprimands.
The king raises his voice. "Just you watch me! I will not be disobeyed – especially by my own son."
The Lady settles into her chair and picks up a quill. "No. Of course you won't."
Something then occurs to the king, "You knew about this, didn't you?" She looks up innocently. "Morgana... Don't lie to me."
She dips her head. "Arthur's old enough to make decisions for himself."
"He's just a boy," Uther says.
She nearly scoffs. "Have you seen your son, recently?" He gives her a look. "You have to let him make his own mind up."
Uther counters, "Even if it means letting him go to his death?"
In spite of her confidence in Arthur, she slightly winces at the question. Her guardian says nothing more and leaves her chambers.
Valeria stares into the basin, watching as Nimueh leads Arthur into the cave. Her elder twin sister is standing right beside her.
"Emrys is too weak to aid him with this," the younger twin states with worry.
Vivienne nods, "Estella will not interfere and Morgana cannot help either." She looks at her sibling. "It is up to us."
The sisters take hold of each other's hand, watching and waiting. They see Nimueh lead the young prince to the Mortaeus flower. Soon though, the Priestess casts a spell. The rock he is standing on falls out beneath him. He jumps for the opposite ledge and catches it with his hand. The witch gives Arthur cryptic words and leaves the prince to be killed the giant spiders she summoned.
Vivienne glances at Valeria, "Ready?" the younger twin nods.
Holding their other hands side-by-side, they conjure and combine their magic. "Fromum feohgiftum on fæder bearme. Fromum feohgiftum."
A glowing orb of mystical, opalescent light forms between their palms. The light flows into the basin and is magically transported to the prince's location.
Arthur mistakes the light as another threat, but he soon realizes that this is not the case. The light is working as his guide to the follow, but he is losing his strength from holding onto the rock. An image of an ethereal, raven-haired, sea green-eyed woman flashes in his mind. Her enchanting voice rings in his mind and this gives him the extra strength to climb up, retrieve the flower, and escape his potential death.
Vivienne releases the breath she was holding.
"He'll still have to face his father's wrath," Valeria points out.
The older sibling nods solemnly, "He will be alright."
Arthur rides into the city briskly with the antidote for Merlin in his possession. As he nears the castle, half a dozen guards stop him.
Doing as the king orders, they take the prince and put him in the dungeons. His father enters the cell almost immediately.
Uther glares furiously at his son, "You disobeyed me!"
"Of course I did. A man's life was at stake. Do not let Merlin die because of something I did." Arthur pleads.
The king then asks, "Why do you care so much? The boy's just a servant."
"He knew the danger he was putting himself in. He knew what would happen if he drank from that goblet, but he did it anyway. He saved my life." The king is about to turn away, but his son continues to speak. "There's more. There was a woman at the mountain. She knew I was there for the flower. I don't think it was Bayard who tried to poison me."
"Of course it was." He says, dismissing Arthur's suspicions.
His son promptly takes the flower for Merlin's antidote from his waist and takes a step toward his father. "Gaius knows what to do with it." Uther takes the flower. "Put me in the stocks for a week, a month even. I don't care. Just make sure that it gets to him. I'm begging you." He backs away and his father instantly crushes the plant. "No!"
"You have to learn there's a right and a wrong way of doing things. I'll see you're let out in a week." The king walks out of the cell as his son stares at him with disbelieving eyes. "Then you can find yourself another servant." Uther drops the flower in front of the door and closes it.
When his father is out of sight, Arthur drops to the ground and extends his arm out of the cell for the flower. It's still an inch away from his reach, so he attempts to stretch a bit further.
Suddenly, he sees blue fabric in front of him. Pale fingers pick up the flower and softly brush his. Arthur looks up to see…"Morgana?"
He straightens up and she looks him up and down. "Arthur… are you alright?"
"Morgana, Mer-" he starts.
She interrupts, "I will get this to Merlin, but are you alright?"
The prince takes a moment to look at her. Was she actually concerned? Was she really worried about him? Was she-? Arthur pushes the thoughts away, saving them for his week-long stay in the dungeons.
"I'm fine – I'll be fine." She still looks skeptical. "Morgana, go. Merlin needs the antidote, now." He tells her fervently.
With one last look at her friend, Morgana quickly walks out of the dungeons, leaving Arthur staring after her with relief and awe.
...
Taking care to avoiding the eyes of the guards, which are thankfully distracted by Estella, she climbs the stairs and heads to Gaius' chambers.
Morgana is halfway there when she runs into Gwen.
"My Lady, I'm sorry I didn't-" the girl begins.
She brushes her maid's apologies. "It's alright Gwen, but where are you going, shouldn't you be with Merlin?"
The dark-skinned girl explains, "I heard that the prince returned, but the king had put him the dungeons-"
Now the Lady understands. "Oh," she reveals the flower from underneath her blue cloak. "You were going to retrieve this?"
Gwen looks at her mistress in shock, "How did you-is that-?"
"There's no time to explain. Just get this to Gaius so he can cure Merlin. I must return to my chambers in case Uther decides to make sure I didn't do anything. Go." Morgana gives her a hopeful smile.
The dark-skinned girl nods and swiftly does as her mistress orders, hope blossoming in her chest.
...
"His heart has stopped," Gaius says slowly.
Gwen shakes her head, "He's dead." The servant gets up and cries in Gaius' arms.
"I should've looked after him better." The physician whispers.
Suddenly Merlin opens his eyes and speaks, "That's disgusting. You should be ashamed of yourself. You're old enough to be her grandfather."
The older man and the young woman stare in shock. "Merlin, you're alive."
The young man fixes his eyes on his guardian. "No. I'm the ghost come back to haunt you." He jokes with a crooked smile on his still sickly-looking face.
Gwen suddenly grabs Merlin's face and kisses him soundly on the lips.
When she lets go, she flushes. "Sorry, I'm just... I thought you were dead."
Slight coloring fills the warlock's cheeks. "It's fine. It's more than fine." He smiles brilliantly up at Gwen.
Uther made his apologies to Bayard and the Mercian king was gracious enough to accept. Despite the fact that there is no longer any real danger from the Mercians, Uther still orders his niece to remain in Camelot for extra precaution, much to her chagrin.
As Estella stands at her window watching the guests return to Mercia, she feels a presence enter her chambers. The familiar aura of magic and authority touches her mind.
She turns to see her mother. Valeria looks lazily at the jewels on her daughter's vanity. "You do have more of those here than in Caerleon." She comments.
"In Caerleon, I am a warrior-trained Lady, soon-to-be duchess, raised to lead the army and govern the people." Her nose wrinkles slightly at the jewelry. "Here, I'm the king's niece, meant for him to show off whenever he likes." (This is only her venting her, she truly does love Uther dearly).
"And that is the only reason you wish to leave?" (Although she doesn't). Her mother inquires slyly.
Estella casts her head down. "Mother-"
"I know… I know better than anyone, daughter." She fixes her emerald eyes on her child. "But we all have our duties and allegiances that we must uphold."
The Lady turns away from the window and tentatively asks, "Why are you here, Mother?"
Valeria stares at her child and then answers, "I wanted to see how much Camelot has changed since I last was here." She makes a show of disdainfully looking around. "Not much I see." Her daughter is not convinced, so she drops the charade. "You had Morgana go to the dungeons to retrieve the flower," It was more a statement than a question. "There is still time for the dragon's desired prophecy to come to pass."
Fire ignites in the girl's moonlight eyes, "I won't let it happen. I won't let Morgana fall."
"Make sure of it." Her mother immediately commands. "And take care to ensure that 'the Bravest and Most Noblest of Them All' establishes his place here."
Estella's eyes actually widen. "He-"
"Yes, in a fortnight, you should expect a new knight of Camelot." Without another word, the woman abruptly departs.
...
Arthur is finally released from his cell in the dungeons. Now, he is standing on the battlements beside Morgana, watching the Mercians leave Camelot.
"Okay," Morgana starts, "let the bragging begin – how did you manage it?"
The prince glances at her, but he is not going to brag, "I'm not sure… All I know is that I had help." Morgana's smile drops and she turns to face him. "Someone knew I was in trouble and sent a light to guide the way."
The Lady's forehead creases, "Who?"
Her friend looks down. "I don't know. Whoever it was, I'm only here because of them." That was partially a lie. The light is what guided him to the flower and his escape, but what gave him the strength to return (and he won't be telling anyone this) was… Morgana.
She smiles at him, as if she can hear his thoughts (and most of the time, it seems like she can). "I'm glad you're back," she briefly puts a warm, gentle hand on his shoulder and then turns and goes inside. He's left staring at his shoulder for awhile, until his father calls his name and approaches him.
After a brief discussion of what happened in the forest and magic, Uther says the words that his son is always yearning to hear from him. "I'm proud of you Arthur, never forget that." (And he won't).
Nimueh glares furiously at the basin, seeing that it shows Merlin completely well and healing. She smashes her fist into the water, breaking the image. The memories of numerous screams echo in her mind.
"I will avenge you, Niniane." The Priestess whispers, "I will have Uther pay for all his sins against you, sister, and our people."
Author's Note: As usual, let me know what you think and if you have any questions, I'm always keen to answer. Thanks for reading and please review (and please don't favorite or subscribe w/o reviewing, I would like to know to what you liked about the story and I'm an extremely paranoid writer).