Disclaimer: As always I don't own Merlin or Arthur

A.N. Hello everyone! I just want to thank everyone who has been supportive by reading/alerting/reviewing especially aradi la fata and babydake93. It means the world to me when I hear feedback! So i ask again Please review! :) and without further ado Merlin's episode 1: the Dragons Call!

"Hmmm which one to choose?" I contemplated, looking at my wardrobe featuring dozens of dresses and a few hidden pants and tunics. Knowing me and Gwen had plans to go pick flowers after her duties with my sister I pulled a simple forest green dress. The dress was not so extravagant that I receive stares from Camelot's people and wouldn't mind it becoming dirty.

I quickly dressed myself for the day, thankful that the dress I sported didn't need any help putting on and worked my messy hair to a braid called mermaid tail on my left side. On a whim I decided to take some green ribbon the exact color of my dress and weave it into my braid to give it a special flair. By the time I finished getting myself ready I heard a light knock on the door, turning to the door to see who it was came in a gingered hair servant.

"Good morning milady" Regane spoke with a smile, putting down a tray filled with delicious strawberries and pieces of bread toasted lightly.

"Good morning Reggie" I replied nicking a strawberry off the plate with a cheeky smile. "How has your morning been?"

"Fine, it's just the beheading for today is making me well a bit shaky" she confessed

I took her shoulder giving it a light squeeze. I too hated seeing people being persecuted for the King's hatred for all things magic. I kept my opinions on the whole subject to myself only ever speaking to Morgana about it. Morgana and me both suffered from terrible nightmares, although it seemed to hit Morgana a lot worse than me. I felt that our nightmares were trying to tell us something, they did not feel like a regular dream it felt as if I was transported there feeling, breathing using all my senses. Bringing myself out of my daze I told Reggie I was going to visit my sister and told her not to work too hard. Taking the familiar path to my older sister chambers I nodded and smiled to everyone who came across my path. Finally reaching my destination, not bothering to knock I let myself in her room laughing at the sight that beheld my eyes. Gwen was half under the bed yelling and waving her legs like a mad man while Morgana was nervously trying to get her to calm down and grab a leg.

" My my my what in all of Avalon is going on here?" I about yelled at them.

"Oh! Thank the holy Gods" replied Morgana walking towards me where she proceeded to tell me how Gwen was trying to find Morgana gold earring that rolled under the bed and somehow she managed to get herself stuck. trying to keep a straight face as Morgana told the story I came up with a plan to get our dear friend out. I told Morgana to grab one of her legs while I got to the other side of the bed and lied down on my stomach until I saw Gwen's panicking face. I tried to tell her to remain calm while instructing her to slowly and little by little scootch down while Morgana will gently but firmly pull her out. Sure enough it worked and made a couple jokes on poor Gwen expense. She was about to go do laundry for awhile but after that we would meet each other in her father's shoppe. When the sound of drums filled Morgana's chamber, we hypnotically went to the large widow opening it to see the horrible scene. Right away my eyes locked onto the king, he stood on top of a balcony strong and proud but very aged from the time where he took me and my sister from our Cornwall home.

"Let this serve as a lesson to all. This man, Thomas James Collins, is judged guilty of conspiring to use enchantments and magic. And, pursuant to the laws of Camelot, I, Uther Pendragon, have decreed that such practices are banned on penalty of death. I pride myself as a fair and just king, but for the crime of sorcery there is but one sentence I can pass." Uther's hand gave the signal to the executioner. My eyes instinctively went to man shaking trying to keep still on the block and in a flash the man stopped shaking without a head. I grasped the window till my knuckles were snow white while the audience gave horrible gasps and shudders.

" When I came to this land, this kingdom was mired in chaos, but with the people's help magic was driven from the realm. So I declare a festival to celebrate twenty years since the Great Dragon was captured and Camelot freed from the evil of sorcery. Let the celebrations begin."

A piercing scream hit everyone's ears while the townspeople moved out of the way isolating an old raging women.

"There is only one evil in this land, and it is not magic! It is you! With your hatred and your ignorance! You killed my son! But I promise you, before these celebrations are over, you will share my tears. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a son for a son.!" the women who everyone recognized as Mary Collins screamed back at Uther.

I breathed out the prince's name 'Arthur' scared what the hysterical women was threatening to do.

Uther instantly commanded his men to seize her but it was too late she vanished before our eyes. Both me and Morgana retreated into her room closing the door silently behind us. I could tell by just glancing at Morgana she was in rage.

"Who does he think he is...making a celebration when he murdered a young man in cold blood!" Morgana broke down saying.

"Sister he is the King and no matter what we think or say that will never change" replying back to her "but I do agree with you how can we celebrate after this horrible death!"

"that poor mother in so much grief over her boy!" continued Morgana

I kept quiet when she spoke about Mary, apart of me was frightened on what she said and silently prayed that she would not do what she promised. ' A son for a son ' rang in my ears till I shaken it out and went back to Morgana rant.

"Perhaps, if we told the King we are feeling ill he will excuse us" I thought out loud.

"Why should we make excuses little sister, I will inform the King myself that we will not take part in such evil gatherings!"

I smiled and told her to tell me what the king said, knowing full well that this was a battle Morgana was going to lose unfortunately. I made my way out of Morgana's chamber after a little mindless gossip with her to do a little market place shopping to wait for Gwen. Chatting to the townspeople and seeing how they were doing was a pleasure of mine. They were so welcoming and made me proud to be one of Camelot's Ladies. I was talking to a dear old lady, Cindy, I knew for years who would always let me have a juicy red apple she sold for free even when I came of age. When I started to receive allowance for Uther I made sure to leave a few gold coins for her before I left no matter her constant protests. As I grew older she liked to talk to me about court gossip and today's topic was Gauis's new apprentice. Gauis was Camelot's physician and a good friend of King Uthers. To me he was a kind older man who always treated me and Morgana for our nightmares, with sleeping droughts that sometimes proved to useless. Gauis did mention something of a young man coming to work for him somebody with the name "Melvin" or "Merrick". Cindy apparently saw the young man saying he was a man easy to smile with huge ears. I laughed when the older lady put her hands to her ears claiming they where that big.

"But what do you always say dear Cindy" I started " the bigger the ears the more luck in on their side!

"So you do listen little one" she stated "you are usually running to one thing or another as fast as the wind"

I blushed knowing I can be a bit on the run. We started talking again till she had a customer , I bidded her good day leaving her 2 gold coins on her stool. I was walking along until I saw something a group of knights hassling some poor servant. The leader of the group (to no ones surprise) was Arthur he was laughing throwing knives at the terrified servant. Right when I was about to march up to Prince 'Everyone fawns over me' Arthur and I saw a slim dark headed man make his way to Arthur. I stood back watching the interaction between the two young men. It was obvious the dark head man didn't know who Arthur was which was a bit funny to be honest. As soon as he the unknown boy took his jacket off I knew I had to intervene there was no way this boy as brave as he was could take

Arthur down, it just wasn't possible. Arthur may be an arrogant prat but as much as it pains me to say he deserves some praise in his weaponry and fighting style. When I finally made my way to them Arthur had the guards take the man to dungeons.

"Arthur! Why are you sending that man to dungeons?" I remarked at the Prince.

Arthur was take back that I popped out of no where and took a step back his eyes trailing my clothing, "Not that it is any of your concerns Lyanna, but he was disrespecting his Prince and threatening my life"

"Do you mean he insulted your pride for not knowing who you are?" I replied "It is so obvious that boy is new to Camelot and was greeted by the Prince's inflated ego!"

Walking past him and the bowing knights I made myself not look back at Arthur and go straight to Tom's shoppe. It didn't take too long until Gwen showed up and we went to a field well-known for growing wild beautiful flowers. We chatted some, talking about the boy who stood up against Arthur. It seemed that when Gwen spoke of him her cheek got stained with bright pink color. I also found out from Gwen that the King ordered the presence of my sister Morgana and me at the magic free celebration which was no surprise to my ears. I started humming while picking a few wild red roses that were my favorite laying them in my basket. Gwen and I had a wonderful time chatting, singing lightly and gushing on the mesmerizing flowers we found.

The next day I got to meet the man who went up against Arthur. While walking around Camelot I noticed a group of children caring a basket filled with tomato talking excitedly with one another. I followed the kids till they were in front of the stocks being occupied by Arthur's challenger. I watched a couple of kids about to throw some tomatoes at the poor boy when I intervene saying

"what will your parents say when they see how you are treating this poor thing in the stocks" using my best "noble" voice to frighten the kids, a couple of them recognized me bowing before scrambling off. I laughed at them as they zoomed away . I made my way closer to the boy in the stocks.

"hello there!" I smiled tilting my head to see the boys.

"hiya ..thank you for that" he smiled back. I took noticed of his features, he was cute looking to me but not my type. But the thing that held my interest was his larger than normal ears.

"no problem but they will be back unfortunately!" I replied "I am Lyanna"

"Merlin" he answered "I am Gauis new apprentice, and the town's new village idiot"

"You are not an idiot..just not aware of who you were talking to but that hardly matters Arthur is a prat and deserves everything you were saying."

"Well look where it landed me,"he remarked gesturing to the stocks he was caged in.

"Not for long" I answered mischievously as I skipped my way to a guard, pointing at merlin telling him to release him right away. The guard recognizing who I am did what he was told right away. Merlin looking amazed at what just happened, I bite my lip realizing he did not know I was technically a noble woman, today I was wearing a pink and white dress with gold embroidery but was mostly hidden by the cloak I borrowed from Gwen, deciding to have a little fun I yelled "It was nice to meet you Merlin..I believe I will be seeing more of you" before I ran to the castle all the way to my chamber earning a few disapproval heads shakes and more smiles of acknowledgment.

I spent the rest of the day in my chambers reading or chatting with Gwen and Morgana. Apparently, Merlin and Arthur had another row in front of a large group of townspeople. But to both me and Morgana (who hasn't met Merlin yet) he held his own for a long time. Gwen gushed on how brave and strong Merlin was. Every time she mentioned his name she blushed and a small smile appeared on her lips. Gana and I took noticed, happy that maybe our dear friend finally found someone. After we proclaimed that we were getting a bit hungry, Gwen decided to go get some snacks from the kitchen. Morgana went to go change her midnight blue dress while I went to go brush my hair at my sister's vanity. I did not pay much attention even when I heard the door opening figuring it was Gwen returning from the kitchen and to my sisters idle chit chat till I heard Arthur's name.

"You know, I've been thinking about Arthur. I wouldn't touch him with a lance pole. Pass me that dress, will you Gwen? I mean, the man's a total jouster. And just because I'm the King's ward, that doesn't mean I have to accompany him to the feast, does it?

I sighed again, for some reason the thought of Morgana and Arthur being accompanying each other to the banquet bothered me to high heaven. I already suspected the king wanted Arthur and Morgana to be a couple.

"Well, does it?" she asked. I answered her with no but what surprised me was Gwen odd sounding "Mm-Mmm"
"If he wants me to go, then he should invite me, and he hasn't. So do you know what that means? She continued on.

"Mm-Mmm." Gwen strange high pitched voice sounded again

"Where are you, Gwen?I heard from the vanity.

"Here" Gwen's odd voice filled the room.

"Gwen, are you feeling alright you sound um odd" I asked, getting up from the vanity walking to were my sister and friend were.

"It means I'm going by myself." Morgana stated "I need some help with this fastening."
As I made my way to them I saw Gwen looking like she was about to laugh and a retreating figure away from Morgana's chamber since the door was open.

"Gwen, did you hear me, I asked if you were feeling ill" I asked a bit worried about her odd behavior.

"no of course not, just had a tickle in my throat: she gestures to her throat.

Morgana came out of the dressing screen with a pure vixen face on. "So, dear sister it's whether I wear this little tease or give them a night they'll really remember." she finished pulling up a gorgeous maroon dress to her body. Both me and Gwen had amazed faces, there was no doubt in both our minds Morgana would knock everyone dead tonight.

"oh and Lyanna , I got you a special number in you room" she stated wickedly "Me and Gwen couldn't resist."

I looked towards Gwen who was smiling but had a guilty face on. I loved dressing up but not like Morgana . Morgana was made to stop men from doing whatever they were to gaze at her in aww. I just recently felt like I can actually look good enough to belong to the Pendragon household. Morgana and Gwen grabbed one of my arms dragged me back to my chambers. When we made it the first thing my eyes were staring at was a blood red gown hanging on my full length mirror. The dress was a bit low cut but enough to be modest, it left the shoulders completely bare the sleeves starting about 2 inches above the elbow. There was outstanding silver stitching in swirls around the waist and up the leg where the was a cut to were you can see a bit of leg.

"Oh My ...it is literally breathtaking!" I squealed putting my arms around them. We then both decided to leave each other to get ready. I called for Reggie asking her to drawl me a bath filled with the rose petals I picked out with Gwen at our little flower trip. I took my bath at peace, then I got dressed in the silky dress that I was so excited to put on. It fitted me perfect, I don't know how they did it but it felt like it was made for me. Reggie gasped after I showed her saying all the knights were going to be fitting for my hand at the banquet. I blushed settling myself in front of the mirror putting on silver knotted necklace with a ruby in the middle the king gave me for my 13th name's day. Reggie came up to me with a silver pearl diadem, securing my curls to the right side of my face with tiny pearl pins, she put the diadem on me. Reggie then outlined my eyes with a piece of black Kohl and I staining my lips with berries.

"Lyanna you look amazing, your eyes are glowing silver milady" she gushed. I smiled with a small blush on my cheeks.

"All thanks to you, Morgana and Gwen" I stated while Reggie shook her head.

"no milady, we only enhance you beauty, now you better get going or you will be even more late" she instructed like I was a child.

I walked down to the dining hall, just now realizing how late I must be. As I made my way closer I noticed Morgana and Gwen in front of me, I called out for them. As they stopped and waited for me, we all praised each other. Morgana looking like a siren, I felt pride that she was my sister. Morgana insisted on her walking in alone and then me. I walked to an area where no one would see me I would see everyone expression as my sister walked in. Morgana never failed to disappoint and here was proof. It was as time stood still as the announcer called her name she floated in. My eyes went to Arthur who was looking dashing in his princely attire. I felt my cheeks flush and wave of pleasure when he saw Morgana and merely rolled his eyes. Merlin's expression caught my interest next, he looked like he was mesmerized. I soon realized it was my turn I started to feel nervous but gently told myself it was just a banquet, no big deal what so ever. I heard the announcer state my name 'the Lady Lyanna Le Fay' I held my head high and walked straight into the party, I looked at the wall as I walked towards Gana the only time I looked away was when I heard a gasp towards where the prince was. My eyes met his for a couple of seconds and a shiver came to me when his mouth spoke "God Have Mercy" . I blinked as I felt my face flush and went to where Morgana was. The rest of the evening was splendid I stayed with my sister for a while then going to chat with a few ladies and knights. As Sir John was telling me a rather boring tale of his training my eyes went to Arthur he seemed to be walking right towards Morgana. My hands involuntary made a fist as I excused myself and stormed off to Gwen. Gwen was a refreshing air from the noblemen and women of Camelot, I was actually starting to forget the weird feeling that overcame me when I saw Arthur and Morgana together.

" So Lady Lyanna huh?" came a familiar voice. I turned my head to see Merlin smiling at me.

"All my life..well there might be some to disagree though" I cheekily replied back.

All three of us started conversioning about everything; filling Merlin in a daily court life and gossip. I could see Gwen liked Merlin very much sometimes even tripping on her words and blushing every time he would ask questions to her personally. All of a sudden both Merlin and Gwen bowed and curtsy away from me, I gave them a confused look but Gwen nodded ahead of me. I quickly turned around to be faced at no other than Prince Arthur. I was a bit stunned to be honest, he was so gorgeous I couldn't help think. His eyes were practically on fire when he looked at me.

"Lyanna" he greeted

"Arthur" I replied giving him a bit of a curtsy while looking up at him through my eyelashes.

"Are servants better company than me?" he inquired with an annoyed face as he looked past to stare at Merlin.

"Yes as a matter a fact" I replied with ease but broke down with giggles at Arthur's dark face"I am merely teasing milord"

The way Arthur smiled back at me made my heart beat even faster.

"You look nice" he stated "but you seem to be missing some of your dress"

I was getting red face, how dare he try to mock me.

"Arthur I never got the chance to ask you where were you at the execution a couple nights ago?" I asked

Arthur expression again changed for the worse. "why did you miss me?"

"No, not really..but I was surprised not to see you there. I expected as the future King as you let everyone know you would be there to oversee what your future holds for you...thats if you follow your father's footsteps!" I retorted

"I am not my father!" He angrily remarked

"I hope so" I said as I gave him one other curtsy before going to the table.

Knowing I left him stun I smiled to myself and began eating my soup gently talking to Morgana. King Uther rose from his seat and lifted his cup.

"We have enjoyed twenty years of peace and prosperity. It has brought the kingdom and myself many pleasures, but few can compare with the honor of introducing Lady Helen.

We all clapped merrily. I was excited to hear the Lady Helen sing. Helen's voice started like lullaby making my eyelids feel heavy. I slowly felt myself get out of consciousness. All of a sudden I felt a jolt as I awoken with spiderwebs all over me, the first thing I noticed was Mary Collins crushed under a chandelier, spurting words that I couldn't hear. All of a sudden she lifted her head and arm that held a knife and threw it at Arthur. Despite myself I yelled Arthur's name. Watching the scene before my eyes with tears until Merlin ran like time was slowing down and pulled Arthur out of harms way. The dagger slices into Arthur's chair as they fall to the floor where his heart should have been. Mary then fell dead at the sight. Me and Morgana got up and ran towards them. Uther got up and stared at Merlin

"You saved my boy's life. A debt must be repaid." he said with disbelief.

Merlin being all modest was trying not to make a big deal of the whole situation.

"Don't be so modest. You shall be rewarded." Uther insisted. Wondering where this was going I stared at the king.

"No, honestly, you don't have to, Your Highness." Merlin tried one more time.
"No, absolutely. This merits something quite special. You shall be rewarded a position in the royal household. You shall be Prince Arthur's manservant." Uther concluded happily.
The whole court applauded while I giggled. Leave it to King Uther to think the biggest honor in the world was making someone a servant to his son. I saw Gwen give a pity smile at Merlin while clapping. Arthur and Merlin were looking like they rather be dead then in the position they were in. While everyone began to file out of the dining hall I walked up to the two upset boys.

"Well that was thrilling!" I remarked with a small smile, "I am glad you are well Arthur! I can not wait to see more of you two together. And Merlin didn't I tell you I would be seeing more of you. Goodnight Milord, Merlin!"

I walked towards my chambers smiling a bit when I heard Arthur yell for his father. Arthur Pendragon lingered in my head the rest of the night. I thanked the Gods for Merlin being there to save him even though I wondered how did he have such fast reflexes. Yes, life in Camelot was going to be definitely interesting with this new comer Merlin.

A.N. Lots of love to my readers!