Disclaimer: I solemnly swear I do not own Merlin :)
A.N. Hello readers!Hope you had a wonderful mothers day! Here is The Poisoned Chalice which was very fun to write! I haven't been getting any feedback especially from the last couple of chapters, so I am a bit concern for the story. If you have any comments/concerns please review or PM to let me know! Again this is my first story so I am constantly learning. :D
"Camelot welcomes you, Lord Bayard of Mercia. The treaty we sign today marks and end to war and a beginning to a new friendship between our people." King Uther grandly stated to the sea of blue men. All of Camelot's nobility was dressed in a mass of red clothing contrasting to Mercia blue dressed nobility. I was standing next to the my sister Morgana staring as Uther and Bayard King of Mercia grasped each other's arm in a symbol of peace. Both parties started clapping at land's prospect of peace; I nudged Morgana gently pointing distinctly at one of Mercia's female servant who was giving Merlin the stare down. She rolled her eyes and muttered 'Who knew that boy was so popular with the ladies?"
We both quickly took our leave of each going to get our official 'we must impress' clothing ready for tonight's feast. A certain red headed woman was waiting for me in my chambers. Reggie has been trying to convince me all day to wear my favorite purple dress to match Morgana's purple and blue; she thought that Morgana was so clever.
"Lady Lyanna, please wear the violet dress…Morgana has the right idea it symbolizes red and blue…Camelot and Mercia. Plus isn't purple your favorite color?"
"Reggie, I appreciate your opinion really I do but I want to represent Camelot and Cornwall so I will go with my black and red dress that I receive for 16th names day" I replied kindly to my handmaiden who simply huffed but laid out the dress I desired on my bed. The dress was beautiful all a dark red with long billowy sleeves that bleed to the color black, there was also embroidery of black roses on a vine that went from my left hip to the train of her gown. I personally loved this dress and only wore it to represent Cornwall in few occasions. I started humming as Reggie grabbed my curls and started pile them up into a high ponytail, grabbing some of my signature wild red roses that I love and arranging them they so that they hid all the pins. I opted again for new jewelry not wanting to be too flashy but did again put some kohl on my eyes a bit more than usual to make them pop. "Even though it is not purple you look enchanting milady" admitted Reggie with a smile as I grabbed my black satin flats quickly worried that I would be late. I thanked her in a rush as I went out the door towards the grand Hall of Ceremonies. I saw the Camelot's fine nobles and their servants bow and curtsy as I quickly took my place on Morgana left. Morgana looked gorgeous as usual with her purple and light blue dress she also was wearing her hair down with small jewels in it. We both shared a smile when we looked eyes at King Bayard signing a treaty in front of Uther and Prince Arthur. Prince Arthur looked back and his eyes widened at me then gestured to look behind, as I did I had to cover a giggle because there was poor Merlin wearing an outdated and over sized for that matter red cape with a huge feathered hat. I looked back at the prince who was smirking and wiggling his eyebrows a bit to give him my own smirk back. As the party evaporated for mingling, I walked straight to Merlin and Gwen
"What in all of Avalon are you wearing Merlin?" I asked. Sharing a glance at Gwen who was laughing silently.
"Shut up …Arthur made me" He stated miserably.
"Don't be rude to those who can help you "I stated sarcastically. Merlin gave me curious look while I faked a yawn putting my hands over my head as if I was stretching knocking down the ridiculous hat. I then proceeded to step on it tearing the feathers and clothing a bit.
"Oops! Did I do that? Well my condolences then Merlin, but I am afraid this hat is unfit to be worn to a royal ceremony!" I acted in my nobility voice as I sent Gwen a wink. I turned around to make my way to Camelot's table to take my seat again next to Morgana. We all proceeded to talk amongst ourselves until the Bayard stood up with his goblet
"May the differences from our past remain there. To your health, Uther, Arthur, Lady Morgana, Lady Lyanna and the people of Camelot." He proclaimed as he nodded to each of us as he stated our name. We all lifted our goblets and King Uther ended with "And to fallen warriors on both sides!"
Everyone was about to take a drink from their cups but a frantic looking Merlin yelled to stop!
"It's poisoned! Don't drink it!" He shouted as he grabbed Arthur goblet from his hands "Bayard laced Arthur's goblet with poison!"
Immediately Bayard started spurting insults and complaints to Uther as everyone Mercia and Camelot men drawled their swords. Both I and Morgana pulled our matching daggers we kept on us almost all the time. Uther and Bayard started sizing themselves up and Bayard demanded for someone to prove what Merlin was claiming was true. Arthur walked over to Merlin and hit him on his head telling him to keep out of the ale and that he would be happy to drink it. Merlin kept on going on how someone saw Bayard poison it but could not relieve his witness. I bit my lip as the scene unwrapped before my eyes, if Merlin was telling the truth was would follow; if he was lying then Merlin would have to face dire consequences for his false accusations. Uther was now deciding who would prove the accusations; I froze as I saw Uther staring at Merlin
"He will drink it!" he stated loudly. After a few protests from Arthur and Gaius trying to get Merlin off the hook, "No, no, no, no, no. It's, it's alright." Merlin remarked as he toasted Arthur and Bayard.
I held my breath as Merlin drank the contents of the goblet. We all waited anxiously peering at Merlin.
"Its fine" stated Merlin with disbelief almost. Everyone sighed and Uther gave Bayard permission to take Merlin who I was still staring at. Merlin then stated to cough awfully and made a chocking notion with his hands. Then dropped to the floor with a bang, Me, Arthur, Gwen and Gaius ran to him. Gaius put his hand to the Merlin's face.
"Merlin. Can you hear me? We have to get him back to my chambers. Bring the goblet. I need to identify the poison!"
Gwen quickly grabbed the goblet as Arthur swooped down to carry sick Merlin to the physician's chambers. We all walked quickly ignoring King Uther's shouts to lock up all of Mercia's men. Arthur laid Merlin on the cot, as Gaius ordered Gwen to get some water and towels.
"Is he going to be alright Gaius?" I asked in a small voice. Arthur went over to me and putted his hand on my shoulder making it suddenly on fire.
"I won't know until I can identify the poison. Pass me the goblet" Gaius honestly stated. After a few minutes of research Gaius explained that there were a few petals sticking in the goblet. The petals came from the Mortaeus flower. They are rumors someone poisoned by the Mortaeus can only be saved by a potion made from the leaf of the very same flower. It can only be found in the caves deep beneath the Forest of Balor. The flower grows on the roots of the Mortaeus tree. He continued to explain how deadly Cockatrices and how almost nobody faced them and survived. Arthur made a jab to Gaius about how fun it would be to get them. I looked at Arthur's determined face with a new light; he was going to save Merlin. I made the silent decision of going with him after all Merlin was my friend and I didn't like the thought of Arthur traveling alone on a quest that few came back on. I slipped out as Gwen came to aid Gaius while Arthur went to prepare for his journey. I first went to my chambers where Reggie was sleeping on my chair. I gently woke her up and told her to go home and rest that I didn't need her services tonight. When the door slammed I ransacked my closet looking for an outfit to wear, I pulled out a long forest green tunic that had a black corset built on top of so that it still gave me a woman's figure and tight black breeches. I slipped off my flats for a more studier looking boots, I grabbed the same messenger bag I used to smuggle goods to the orphanage and silently sneaked out of my room with my emerald green cloak.
My first stop was the kitchens which wasn't very hard to get food from since no one got a chance to eat tonight. I then sneaked my way down to the armory to grab a sword. Even though, King Uther let me and Morgana have sword fighting lessons he did find it acceptable to have our owned. I tried to hold a couple of swords trying to feel the weight and balance of them choosing a lighter one that I felt comfortable carrying on a sword carrier around my waist and my way to the stables.
Leaning on the fireplace, Arthur stared at the flames thinking of the words his father told him. Arthur felt torn from what his father said and what he believed, somehow the fire gave him a small comfort for it reminded him of a young woman; he knew most of his life. A voice suddenly interrupted his thoughts-
"Say what you like about the food, but you can't beat our feast for entertainment!"
"Morgana, I'm sorry, I should have made sure you were alright" he replied.
"Disappointed actually. I was looking forward to clumping a couple around the head with a ladle." She retorted back, Arthur could help but snort a bit knowing that it would be the same reaction of Lyanna's. There was no doubt that they were sisters, they both were strong independent women who usually scoff at the knowledge of men being than women. His mind wondered back Lyanna, where was she? Was she by Merlin's bedside or in her room? He snapped back to Morgana, who was gazing up at him, they continued to talk about what happened that night. Morgana mentioned she fought with his father, which wasn't news to him since they rarely saw eye to eye, but he knew his father cared deeply for her.
"Not that I listen to him. Sometimes you've got to do what you think is right, and damn the consequences." Morgana said defiantly, as if she knew that Arthur was having a mini battle within himself. He brought up a couple of points that his father told him like the main one of what would happen if he did not make it. What would Camelot do without him? But as usual Morgana had an answer for everything:
"And what kind of king would Camelot want? One that would risk his life to save that of a lowly servant? Or one who does what his father tells him to?"
Arthur quickly made his way to the stables dressed all in chain mail with his sword by his side, when he got in he made his way to his favorite white stallion, Lorcan, shocked to see him all saddled up as if her was waiting for him.
"What took you so long, I was about to start without!" no other than Lyanna remarked with a smirk on her face. Arthur took in her appearance, she changed from her previous dress to a tunic with what looked like a corset on it emphasizing her chest area (not that she needed help with that he thought) and breeches, but her hair was still the same with beautiful roses in it. She looked fierce yet lovely but the thing that bothered him the most was the sword at her side and how she was on her favorite black mare she named Breana.
"NO! Get off now, Lyanna! No way in hell I am taking you to get kill. Father will have more of a connection fit than ever!" he shouted at her
"Really Arthur? You are going have to better than that or you can get on and we can go save Merlin! Your choice" I said with a wicked grin while playing with a loose thread on my sleeve.
"Lyanna, I don't have time for this! Get off your horse or I will go over and get you off myself! Your choice!" he retorted back with a smirk on his lips playing with my words.
"My choice? Hmm better be the second one, oh and just to warn you the second you step towards me I am going to scream bloody murder" I stated keeping my smile on as i grabbed my reins.
"I bloody swear...FINE! Stay behind me though!" he yelled as he mounted up on Lorcan muttering under his breath along the lines that I would be the death of him. As soon as we were settled we both galloped to gates of Camelot not caring for the guards shouting and protests. I was getting tired of staying behind him so i urged my Breana to stay at the side of Lorcan and Arthur, as soon as Lorcan felt Breana close to his side he sped a little faster till he was on the lead. Breana having a similar temperament as her mistress took the challenge and charged ahead. The two horses kept this up for most of the journey until they tired of it and both hesitantly took up the same pace.
Back in Camelot King Uther stormed into his ward, Morgana chambers with pure fury on his face "I can not believe that son of mine! I clearly ordered Arthur not to go!" he paced.
"I'd say it worked like a charm, too." Morgana snapped at him; her lips turning upwards. Uther warned his to shut her mouth but pressed her further, "You knew about this, didn't you? Morgana...don't lie to me. Did you know that Lyanna went with him?"
"Arthur is old enough to make his decisions. Let him become his own man..and for the other matter Lyanna is of age to do what she pleases" she said hiding the shock that Lyanna went with Arthur
"Not in my household!I shouldn't put them under lock and key." he snarled back
"You can't chain him or my sister up every time they disagrees with you" she stressed on to him, a tad worry for her sister if she came back and Uther was still seeing red.
"Just you watch me! I will not be disobeyed! Especially by my own son and ward!" he yelled back
"No. Of course you won't." Morgana retorted bitterly staring at parchment she was planning to write on.
Arthur and I pressed on through mountain ranges, valleys and other breath taking scenery both to concern for their task to enjoy it. Arthur kept stealing glances at me making me want to fidget but i would not let myself. Finally I had to know what was wrong with him ..was it just that he didn't wish for company?
"Arthur, do I have something on my face or are you just mystified at my presence?" I asked looking straight ahead, gently stroking Breana's mane.
"Is there something going on between you and Merlin? If there is I would remind you that it is forbidden for a noble and servant to be in a romantic affair...father will be furious" he asked after he cleared his throat. My head snapped to look at him staring into his beautiful eyes and then threw my head up to let out a loud laugh.
"The only thing between Merlin and me is a strong bond of friendship, I know we met only recently but i feel as if we known each other all my life. Plus May I remind you that Gwen is the one making lovey dovey eyes at him not me. and another point that Prince or not my love life is none of your concern. I remarked as Arthur's cheeks turned a bit pink.
"So uh if you and Merlin are not in love" he spat the word as if it was poison in his mouth " Why are you here?"
"For the same reason as you although I doubt you will admit it, Merlin is a good friend and a loyal man. It is the right thing to do" I answered simply "I would happily die protecting the people close to me, no matter status or their name "
"Am I on this exclusive list?" Arthur questioned as if he didn't care the answer but his eyes were gazing at my face.
"of course" I whisper watching Arthur's lips break into a grin. I suddenly felt my face warming so I urged Breana to speed up.
When we get to the forest we decided to give our horses a break and stretch our legs. We made little conversation while walking about trying to find our way in this twisted forest. Every few yards it seemed Arthur would remind me to stay close or behind him and that he didn't need me poking my eye out with my sword. A scream pierced the forest like a knife to a heart , I unintentionally got closer to Arthur as he led us to the terrible sound. We followed the sound of sobs and whimpers that came after the scream all the way to a pretty young woman in a tattered red dress. The woman had bruises on her arms that were turning an ugly greenish purple. Arthur tried approaching the crying woman but at his back was one of the creatures Gaius told us about.
"Arthur! Behind you a cockatrice!" I yelled but the sound of the creatures roar covered my feeble attempts to get Arthur's attention. Arthur grabbed his sword for battle and fought the beast. I turned my attentions to young woman pulling her hand to get out of the way. Arthur defeated the cockatrice with strength then turned to the two of us. His attentions where brought upon the women's bruises asking her what happen she whimpered to us as she grabbed my arm.
"My master. I ran away from him, but then I got lost. Please don't leave me!"
"It is okay we won't leave you but we have to do something first" I said trying to soothe her .Arthur nodded to her and started to approach the cave.
"Why is your lover going to the caves?"she asked innocently while I began to blush and babble.
"He is-he is not my lover! I-he-we don't think of each other that way! We are only friends-ish!"
"We are looking for something. It can only be found here," Arthur told her as he walked towards us a faint pink brushing his face. She looked at us curiously and asked
"What is it? I know this place; I could help you two as a sign of gratitude" she remarked earnestly.
"It's a type of flower that only grows inside the cave. It's very rare. We need it" I explained to her as she hers clouded with recognition.
"The Mortaeus flower? I know where they are. I'll show you!" she said and walked towards the caves I began to follow right as Arthur grabbed my hand to turn me to face him.
"Lyanna, stay here! You will be safe outside the caves, we will hurry and get the flower," he commanded.
"But ...Arthur...that is not fair! I am here to help you-"
He interrupted "I cant be worrying about the both of us when I am in the cave, please just stay here and be safe"
Feeling sparks go from our hands, I yanked it quickly; crossing my arms and reluctantly I agreed but told him if I felt he was taking to long I would not hesitate to go in.
"Don't worry your love will be safe with me" the mysterious woman answered as she made her way into the cave with Arthur right before I could deny that Arthur was my love.
After a while I felt bored just standing and petting Breana and Lorcan, I took the sword on my hip and began to swing it around. Making believe I had enemy in front of me I twirled the sword in my hands swinging the imaginary blows to my invisible enemy. It has been too long since the last time I actually had a duel of blades knowing my skills were incredibly rusty. A loud shaking noise erupted from the cave I ran to the opening of the cave and plunge myself in the dark but the young women we found was walking out with a torch and a smirk on her face.
"Where is Arthur?" I yelled at her.
"Don't worry, little one, you will see your precious prince soon enough...in death" she snarled at me. I grabbed my sword and took a swing to her chest, she barely dodged it and began muttering words I never heard in my life. Her eyes flashed gold as she again started to smile I was about to attack her smug face but several loud roars sounded behind me. I spun around on my heels grimacing at the three cockatrices making their way towards me . The woman walked towards them with no fear and again yelled words that made no sense to me. The creatures eyes turned the same gold color that the womans were and started to charge at me. My grip on the handle of my sword tighten as I began to fight off the first one. The creatures were fast and strong, I was basically defending myself only giving a few of my own blows. The second creature joined in the fight trying to keep my focus on the two in front of me I forgot all about the last one until it scratched my neck with its claws. I screamed in pain feeling a bit of blood tickle down my neck, the woman still watching the fight started to laugh I turned my eyes to meet hers. My blood started to boil for this woman who not only fooled both me and Arthur but murdered him, a surge of hatred jolt through me and the fire on the torch seemed to enlarge itself. She stared at me and her burnt hand with bewilderment and whispered words I barely made out. It sounded a lot like 'impossible, your kind are all wiped out' . She descended to the forest only looking back once. My focus changed as I was flung to a tree, I grabbed my sword and tried to attack the one that was closest to me. I plunged my sword in the gut with one hand as I felt myself getting weaker and weaker. My legs felt a bit wobbly as I tried to walk towards the other creatures, the cockatrices were circling around me. I let out a battle cry as I went to take down the smaller of the two. I thrusted my sword over and over finally getting my sword into the creatures heads moving it to split in half. The last one charged at me in full force knocking me to the ground but more importantly knocking my sword across the land. I tried to get my dagger I placed in my boot but the beast was approaching me with full force until it made a horrid cry and fell a mere a couple feet from where I was. I noticed a sword sticking inside the back then a glowing blue silverish ball of light circled around my body and disappeared into thin air. My eyes then focused on a sight that made me jump for joy, I cried out "ARTHUR!" and staggered to throw my body on his and enveloping him to a hug. He returned the hug with ease whispering that he was all right and brought his hand to my hair that half spilled out of my pins. We broke the hug and surveyed the damage on each other. He looked beaten up a bit a few scratches seen on his body, his hair sticking up with sweat at all angles. His eyes seemed glued to my neck as he growled " Did she do this or was it the beasts?"
I explained everything to him as he tore a piece of his under tunic and wrapped around my neck, then walked to our horses that were still tied to a tree. Arthur helped me get up on Breana then ready his self on Lorcan. I was hesitant to ask about the flower not wanting to seem that I didn't care that he was alive for my heart felt like it was going to explode when I saw him. As he was ready on Lorcan a small smile slipped on as he pulled a flower out of his belt and handed it to me. I beamed back to him and we both made are way to Camelot. On our journey we rarely talked only to feed the horses for a few minutes when he explained what happened in the cave. It sounded so odd but we both knew somehow we or Arthur for that matter was set up for a trap. We made our way towards the drawbridge to Camelot where we were bombarded the guards ordering us to halt.
"What are you doing? Let us pass this instant!" Arthur commanded
"I'm sorry, Sire. You're under arrest, by order of the King and Lady Lyanna I am here to escort you to throne room were the king is waiting for you." Some guard by the name of Gregory announced. The men separated us in a instant leading us in two different paths. I walked up the steps of the castle and made my way to the throne room I was immediately greeted with a hug from my sister.
"My little foolish sister, brave yet foolish!" she muttered in my ear as I hugged her back. She took my hand and led me to the King.
"My King!" I curtsied to him. He rose from his throne and began to bark
"How dare you! You are my ward not some common vagabond! What were you thinking running around putting your life in danger?"
"I was doing what I believed was best and so was Arthur. You should be proud of the man he is becoming and not trying to tear him down! Please my grace...Arthur has the flower that will save Merlin, the servant that is ill; I beg you-" I snapped back
"Shut your mouth Lyanna! If you say one word you will be joining Arthur in the dungeons!" He shouted back in my face. I flinched and began to open my mouth but Morgana's grasp on my hand tighten as a warning.
"You are confined in your chambers for the time being. You are not allowed any visitors or to go anywhere. All your meals will be brought to you by your maid. Guards will stand outside your door and window to make sure my orders are followed out!" he announced
"Yes my grace" I gritted out and was escorted back to my chambers not knowing the outcome of Merlin or Arthur.
Days went by and I was locked in my room. I begged the maid (who I never met in my life for Reggie was taken away from me for my punishment) for any information regarding Merlin or Arthur. Needless to say the women did not say a word but threw my tray on the table. I was feeling horrible not knowing if my friend was okay and if Arthur's punishment was worse than mine.
Morgana saw the prince was standing from the battlement watching Bayard and his men ride off. All of the people of Mercia were proved innocent by knowledge of Gaius. She walked over to Arthur taking his appearance in and stated "Okay. Let the bragging begin. How'd you and Ana manage it?"
"I'm not sure. All I do know is I had help. Someone knew I was in trouble and sent a light to guide the way." he said slowly "Is Lyanna alright? I haven't seen her for days"
"I don't know she is not permitted any visitors not even me" she answered "the King thinks that her chamber arrest will knock out of her independence and willfulness."
"Highly doubtful" Arthur responded automatically, running his thumb over his lips as he remembered everything that happened on the journey.
"I'm glad you're back" Morgana concluded putting her hand on top of his arm then walked away. He turned around to watch her leave but his father went blocked his view.
"Arthur? The woman you met in the forest, what did she tell you? Do you know if she said something to Lyanna?" King Uther asked
"Not much. She was too busy trying to get me killed. You would have to ask Lyanna herself if she told her something. It was strange, though."
"In what way?" Uther earnestly asked
"I was at her mercy. She could have finished me off, but she chose not to. She said it wasn't my destiny to die at her hand."he confessed to his father
"Those who practice magic know only evil. They despise and seek to destroy goodness wherever they find it. Which is why she wanted you dead. She is evil." Uther lectured Arthur; Arthur couldn't help but wonder if his father knew the woman who tried to kill him and Lyanna. When asked his father responded my saying
"I do. To know the heart of one sorcerer is to know them all. You did the right thing. Even though you were disobeying me. I'm proud of you, Arthur. Never forget that. And in my own way I am proud of Lyanna too but her wild streak and easy friendship with servants will be the death of her. I hope you see I am only trying to aid her"
"Still Father I think her punishment has gone long enough" gently pushed Arthur hoping his father would give him leave to free her of the confinements of her room which he knew must be killing her. "Very well" King Uther replied with a head nod.
As the sun went down, Arthur made his way to Lyanna chambers. He knocked on the door loudly before he let himself in giving a hearty laugh at the image before his eyes. There was Lyanna hanging upside down off her bed all her long curls touching the floor as she was reading some type of book. Arthur laughed startled Lyanna as her book slipped out of her fingers and she was looking at an upside down Arthur, She carefully maneuvered so that she wasn't upside down or showing her undergarments under her dress.
"Arthur! Finally! Is Merlin alive? How are you? Has you father finally released me?" I asked one after another. Arthur smiled as he answered all her questions taking in how her eyes sparkled when she learned that Merlin was alive.
"I was actually going to go see him, make sure he is ready to get his lazy arse off to work in the morning, would you like to go with me?" Arthur asked her intently staring at her face. After nodding my head off Arthur offered his arm which I took with a small blush on my cheeks as we made our way towards Gaius chambers. I carefully opened Gaius door to reveal a blanket wrapped Merlin sitting at a table across from Gaius. I ran to go hug Merlin gently and asked him how we was doing. He answered that he was well.
"Still alive, then?" Arthur asked Merlin
"Oh. Yeah, just about. I understand I have you two to thank for that." Merlin started looking sheepish at the both of us.
"Yeah, well, it was nothing. A half decent servant is hard to come by. I was only dropping by to make sure you're alright and Lyanna wanted to see you since she has been locked up for days. I expect you to be back to work tomorrow."
"Oh yeah, yeah of course, er, bright and early." he smiled goofy a bit
" I am so happy you are alive Merlin" I told him one last time as I squeezed his shoulder smiling at his face. "who else am I going to badmouth a certain prince with"
"Lyanna " warned Arthur as I threw an elvish grin to both men. Both me and Arthur turned to leave Merlin and Gaius bidding them both farewell. As we were about to walk out the door Merlin called out for the both of us;
"Arthur. Lyanna!Thank you."
"You too. Get some rest." Arthur stated as I beamed him one last smile. We made our way back to my chambers were Reggie was waiting for me. I went to go towards her but first I turned to face Arthur one last time.
" Goodnight milady" Arthur told me and he bowed to me.
"Good night my champion" I curtsied with a small smile on my lips as I watch Arthur leave my chambers and went to Reggie to tell her everything that happened and find out if I missed anything going on in Camelot since I have been locked away.
Please Review they make me happy!
