Disclaimer: I do not own Labyrinth or Merlin.

Keely fastened the bronze brooch at the top of Ariella's shoulder, securing the smooth folds of golden yellow draped along her body. Ariella looked down at herself and smoothed out the soft silken material unconsciously. "There," Keely smiled, "pretty as a sunbeam."

Ariella said nothing in return, only continued to smooth out her gown and combed hair.

Keely clasped Ariella's hands in her own. "Now don't fret. The Queen is kind and Sir Lancelot is just. They will know what to do." The young blonde wasn't particularly pretty, and was in fact much too skinny, but she was kind to Ariella; almost treating her like a small child.

But Ariella did in fact behave like a child. For two days she had not said a word to anyone, not even to Merlin, and she absolutely refused to leave his side. When Ianna came back the first night to bring her back to her quarters, Ariella cried hysterically until she was finally allowed to stay in a makeshift loft, with Merlin sleeping directly below her. Merlin was readily unwilling to leave her alone after that.

When he was finally able to have an audience with both the Queen and Sir Lancelot, Ianna practically shoved him out of his own room in order to bathe Ariella. But when Ariella realized Merlin had left, she kicked and screamed and clawed; and Ianna had to have her aide, Keely, assist her. But even the two of them could not restrain her. She screamed and howled like a wild thing before Merlin finally came back to his room and stayed on the other side of a thick panel. The two women rinsed and scrubbed and combed the poor creature until Ianna was finally satisfied.

"Merlin," she warned when they were finished, "do not move an inch from your place."

Ariella let Keely hold her hands for a moment longer; she could see this thin girl was a sweet soul, but even so, she did not keep eye contact with her for long. Ever since she had had her first meeting with Merlin she was able to hear voices clearly now. It was almost as if Merlin had awakened something within her. Unfortunately, her confidence was still very short, and still very wary of people; she shrunk back and resumed to nervously fiddle with her gown. Keely sighed, tucked a few more corners here and there, and finally fixed the sleeves of her under gown, which ended at the palms of Ariella's hands.

Keely was specifically told by her mistress to tell no one of the mark on the dark haired girl's wrist. Keely readily obeyed, not only was she completely loyal to Ianna, but she genuinely liked this poor child standing before her. To her, Ariella really was a child and she really did not want anything bad to happen to her.

Keely was still smoothing out the folds of Ariella's gown when Merlin appeared in the doorway. Ariella immediately sensed his presence and looked up anxiously before he said a word.

"Is she finished, Keely?"

Keely made a small curtsey before answering, "Yes, Master Merlin."

Merlin held his hand out to Ariella. "Come. We can't keep the Queen waiting."

Ariella readily obeyed. Although she was only vaguely aware of what her present situation was. Her only real concern was staying as close to Merlin as possible. He was her guardian, her shield, the one person in this foreign world she completely trusted with her life.

This meeting with the Queen would either allow her to reside with Merlin or to be forced to move in with the other ladies of the castle; ladies who happened to be servants. Merlin was going to need all the diplomatic authority and charm he could muster; he could not bear the thought of his Ariella being taken from him, much less becoming a servant. Thankfully, he had noticed Ariella was not aware of the present situation and of his currently anxious disposition.

Ariella took his arm and proceeded down the hallway. She pushed her combed hair away from her face as she followed Merlin down the castle hallway. Nervously she fingered at the soft silken material of her gown as the scenery passed before her and Merlin. This was the first time in two days that she had gone outside of Merlin's quarters and into the castle halls. The walls seemed to close in on her, the dampness of the stones sent chills through her body, and the people… all of these strange people, watching and looking and pointing their fingers at her.

Merlin turned to Ariella beside him, saw her fidgeting with the dress, and grinned, "You look beautiful."

Ariella smiled, her cheeks flushing slightly.

"She understands beauty," he thought, silently pleased with the revelation.

As they entered through a large pair of wooden doors, Ariella's breath caught in her throat as she looked about the sunlit hall. An immense room supported by columns throughout the way surrounded them on all sides. High windows caught the morning sunlight as people dressed in fine robes and gowns began filing into the grand hall. As more strangers brushed past her, the more Ariella clung to Merlin; and as more people greeted Merlin, the tighter her grip became.

Merlin began to turn to her, but just as he did, an older man with thinning hair approached the two. "Merlin," he began, "is this the girl?"

Merlin regarded the man with a nod of his head. "It is, Sir Hector. This is Ariella," he turned, presenting her, effectively returning the flow of blood through his numb arm.

The soft spoken man known as Sir Hector looked upon Ariella with a slight smile. "So you are the one causing all of the trouble?" He reached his hand up to cup Ariella's chin, but as soon as he touched her skin she started back. Merlin sighed inwardly at her reaction.

Sir Hector glanced back at Merlin with a look of confused shock. "Oh, forgive me, child."

"No," Merlin said, rather impatiently, "it's alright. She is still very wary of strangers. Apparently she did not have a very genuine welcome to Camelot, and unfortunately suffers from a severe case of memory loss."

Sir Hector's face carried a genuine look of sympathy and his eyes spoke more than his words. "After what you have done for me and Arthur, I honestly hope that this meeting ends in your favor. I do know of the difficulties you will face today with your audience here, but if you need me to speak for you, I will do so."

Merlin smiled. "Thank you, Hector," he extended his arm, and Sir Hector took it and held it as a sign of friendship. Sir Hector owed Merlin a great deal. Being the surrogate father of the King himself put him in a high position. And Merlin chose wisely when giving handing Arthur over to him; he was an exceptional father figure to the King.

Ariella's grip on Merlin's arm became even tighter when more people began filing in. "It's alright, child," Merlin whispered, "didn't I promise no harm will come to you?"

Ariella did not seem to hear him; she only looked about the great hall warily, at the strangers that were now steadily making their way to the sides in order to for the center of the hall to remain open. Their voices were becoming louder and more impatient as they continued to wait for their Queen.

"Always like Lancelot to be late," Merlin thought, disdainfully.

Finally the crowd began to formally part and become silent as a small procession entered through the grand doors. First, men with arms entered followed by a small band of young, unarmored men. Ariella couldn't help but flinch at the sight, but Merlin softly laid his hand over hers. Cael then entered, walking as well as he could side by side with one of the young men.

Ariella did not flinch but instead could not take her eyes off of the young man walking with Cael. She was immediately struck by his piercing blue eyes set against a handsomely chiseled face and an equally strapping physique. He was just as tall as Cael, with hair dark as a raven's wing, and when he took a quick glance at her; she trembled and quickly shot her eyes down to the floor.

Merlin noticed the young man glancing over at Ariella. "That is Cael's son, Thomas. He is his only son."

Ariella brought her gaze back to eye level, but Merlin quickly added, "But child, you shouldn't stare so much. Only greet," he flashed a quick grin at Cael and his son, "and look away politely."

As soon as Cael and Thomas took their places at the foot of the dais in the center of the hall, they greeted Merlin with a nod and a smile; although Thomas' smile seemed to be only for Ariella. At this, she felt her face turn hot and her whole body trembled.

Fortunately, the rest of the procession had begun to distract her. A small group of young women in fine gowns entered through the doors bunched together, as if they were afraid to be too far away from each other. In the middle of the small cluster of women walked a tall, beautifully dressed woman. Her robes were by the finest Ariella had seen, and her dark hair was beautifully done in soft waves with a small crown circling her delicate head. She walked with dignity and held her head high, as if she could walk right over the other women. She was immediately followed by a broad-shouldered man with long, wavy hair the color of sand. He carried a sword by his side and watched his Queen's every dainty step. Ending the procession were two men in white robes carrying strands of beads in their fingertips, and at their necks hung large wooden crosses.

The Queen climbed the dais and sat at her throne. The throne on her right remained empty as the handsome man following her stood at her left side. Her voice was as clear and soft as flowing water. "Merlin," she began, finding him in the crowd right away, "you have requested an audience with both myself and Sir Lancelot. And you tell me yourself only yesterday that all of this concerns a girl. Why bring Sir Lancelot into this matter and not settle it with me when you had the chance?" Her voice and countenance remained clear but demanding. She was the Queen and she deserved an outright, honest answer. It seemed ridiculous to bring the entire court into a matter concerning a strange and questionable young girl.

Merlin led Ariella to the center of the hall, his hand over hers the entire time. "My lady," he answered, his voice heard over the entire court, "I bring this matter to you, Sir Lancelot, and the whole of Camelot so there are no secrets between anyone here. No questions or whispers. This," he stepped away from Ariella, "is the girl that was brought to Camelot several days ago. She was however, not treated as well as we would have expected." His last statement was directed to Cael's men who showed no reaction. "I have been told she arrived flung over the back of a packhorse, filth ridden. They were going to hand her off like a slave without bothering to ask who she was or where she came from."

The Lady Guinevere eased back into her chair. "Did you see her arrive?"

"No, my lady," Merlin said. "Ianna saw Cael's men bring her in."

Guinevere turned to Cael. "Sir Cael, what do you have to say?"

Cael limped forward with a rather embarrassed look on his face. "My lady, I did lead my men in that day after returning from the south to hear news of our King. We found her in strange clothing hiding underneath a tree in the valley. Forgive me; I suppose we did startle her. When we called for her, she did not come. And she ran when the horses went for her. She did take a bad fall." His voice began to waver. "At the time, I thought there had been... no other way… to bring her here. One of my men tied her to… to the horse he had…" Cael turned to Merlin with a most pitiful face. "Merlin, I am to blame. Perhaps she would not be in this present state if I had taken better care of her-"

"Cael," Guinevere interrupted, "you brought her back?"

Cael straightened. "Yes, my Queen. We brought her in and I left the men to report on news of the King. When I had returned I found Ianna within my company demanding that the girl be handed over to her."

Guinevere looked back over the crowd. "Where is Ianna?"

"Here, my lady." Ianna stepped out of the crowd dressed in a light blue robe. She walked over to Merlin's side. "I wish to plead this case with Merlin."

The Queen smiled coldly. "Why?"

"Merlin has shown great care for the girl. She will only respond to him, in fact, she will panic if he gets too far," Ianna gave Merlin a cocky sideways glance, but continued, "she would not stay in my care; she has no memory and no past, but she clings to Merlin. I do not blame her. I have known Merlin since he was born and is the best man I know to care for this girl."

Guinevere turned to Merlin. "She has no memory?"

Merlin confirmed she did not.

"And no relations?"

None that Merlin knew of. No one had claimed her… yet.

The Queen finally regarded Ariella with a raised brow. After a moment, Guinevere held her hand out. "Come here, child."

Ariella's face turned ash white and she hesitated, but Merlin gently nudged her forward. At this, she took slow, careful steps and kept her gaze at the floor the entire time. She approached the steps to the dais and did not look up until she was commanded to.

"Come closer," the Queen demanded, her arm still extended.

Ariella did as she was told, but was becoming increasingly nervous. When the Queen's hand came to her face to cup her chin, Ariella didn't flinch as she had before; instead she felt every muscle in her body become very tense.

Guinevere didn't say a word as she tilted Ariella's head this way and that. Silence permeated the entire hall as Ariella was inspected by the Queen.

"She's very pretty," she finally said. She released her chin and leaned back into her throne with a sigh. "I do see why it would be inappropriate for a young, unmarried girl to stay in the same quarters with a man. But, this girl is in need of guidance, Merlin. That much is clear." Her voice then became very quiet, so only the few people near her throne could here. "You have served my husband, the King, well. You are a good man, and I only ask that you look after her," she smiled sardonically, "like a pet. You may give her lessons as you see fit. Though I see no reason for it." She made a silent gesture with her hand that commanded Ariella to return to Merlin's side. Ariella readily obeyed. "I ask that you also raise her to be a good, Christian woman; and not at all in the Old Ways."

Merlin bowed. "To this, I readily oblige, my lady."

She smiled again. "Good." She turned to the armed man on her left. "Lancelot, I think this audience is over and done with. Anything else?"

Lancelot shifted. "Sir Hector and your father wish to speak with you."

"I also must discuss other matters with Her Majesty," Merlin interrupted.

"Of course, Merlin." The Queen greeted Sir Hector and father, Lord Lot, as Merlin turned to Ariella.

"Ariella, everything will be alright." He cupped her cheek with his hand, and Ariella only felt warmth flowing through her body. "I must stay here for a while longer with Ianna. Go with Keely, she will take you back to the rooms. You will be fine, I promise you."

The calming spell he released simply by touching her cheek with his hand immediately softened Ariella's stiff composure.

Ianna pulled her aside and motioned for her aide. "Take her back to Merlin's quarters. She seems to have grown somewhat fond of you."

Keely made a slight bow of the head and reached for Ariella. They both did as they were told, but with much more resistance on Ariella's part. Before she left the hall, Ariella took one last look behind her, and saw Thomas watching her leave. Her head felt light, her body became hot again. She rushed out of the hall in a yellow flourish with Keely on her heels.

Keely had to run to keep up with Ariella, whom really wasn't running at all. "Ariella," she called, "please, calm yourself." She grabbed her arm and Ariella didn't protest. "Wait, you cannot run around the castle halls like this." Keely caught her breath while smoothing out Ariella's yellow folds. "I know I'm supposed to take you back to Merlin's rooms, but there is something I must do first. I forgot to collect Ianna's herbs this morning and must go to the lakeshore before dusk." She continued to smooth Ariella's combed hair. "Please don't say a word. I will be quick. And I do think you need some fresh air."

Of course Ariella didn't say a word, and Keely took her silence as a sort of compliance.

Not wanting to pass by the great hall again, Keely took her hand and led her through a small passageway around the opposite corner. After walking down narrow passages and tight corners of the castle, they stopped in front of a small wooden door at the bottom of a short flight of stairs. Keely turned to Ariella and pressed her finger to her lips. She silently pushed at the door and flung it open with all her might when it had opened halfway.

Bright, yellow sunlight greeted the two young women as Keely stepped out into the open air. She turned to Ariella and held her hand out. "Come on, it's alright. The sun can't hurt you."

Ariella warily stepped out into the light and took Keely's hand. She really did not like to be this far away from Merlin even if Keely was with her. But Keely didn't seem to see the fear in her eyes and didn't care to remain gentle with Ariella; she had to get her herbs before Ianna seriously considered chopping off her dull blonde hair. She pulled the poor girl toward the lake, yet careful to watch where she was stepping when they reached the thick plot of reeds.

"Good thing we're wearing boots," Keely observed, pushing reeds aside. "But you might want to watch the bottom of your gown."

Keely stopped before they reached the very edge of the silver lake. She turned to Ariella and took both of her hands. "Ariella," she said slowly. "You will not lose sight of me. I will be right here. You may do whatever you like. But please, please do not try to run off."

Ariella pulled her hand away and twisted a lock of her black hair around her slender fingers.

Keely sighed. "Alright, I won't be long."

The blonde-haired girl turned and made her way along the relaxed slope of the lakeshore. Ariella looked back to the castle where Merlin was, but she dared not go back alone with all of those men guarding every corner of the castle grounds. For the first time since arriving she was out alone in the open.

Everything seemed so vast and enormous, like the earth below her and the sky high above her would envelop and take her in at any moment.

She wrapped her arms around herself, shivering. Keely was still within her sight. But that didn't keep her from trembling. She wanted to leave now. Why did she let Keely bring her here?

Close to the panic she was so accustomed to, she shot her head around her surroundings looking all around her. For what she didn't know. But she was becoming more and more frantic by the second.

She heard a rustle in the reeds behind her and she turned around with a frightful gasp. A willow tree was encircled with reeds and grass of green, swaying softly with the wind. Then Ariella saw it. She saw a little creature with knobbed limbs and fur growing out of his skin. She was frozen to the spot, her clammy hands were pressed firmly to her stomach; too frightened to scream or breathe. The creature caught sight of her and turned to face her. He had an ugly, squashed face with a long pointed nose. Only three feet tall, he was definitely not human, but the little bundle he carried in his arms was. It was a baby, perhaps only a month old. The creature soon became aware that she had seen the baby in his furry arms and quickly turned and vanished into the willow tree.

Ariella's eyes widened and she opened her mouth to scream, but no sound escaped her. She realized with mounting fear that she was the only one who had seen it, Keely was still gathering her herbs. Her knees buckled under her and she fell to the ground with a soft thud.

She struggled to catch her breath, her hands clasped to her chest. What was that? Why was it carrying a baby… just a baby. She whimpered pitifully as she attempted to bring warmth into her frail body, she soon began to look around her frantically again. Where was Merlin? She needed to go back. She needed to be with him, in the castle, where it was safe. Perhaps soon the creature would come back and take her instead –

She gasped and scrambled back as she heard another rustle just behind her. Her breathing came out in short, hurried gasps as her eyes shot back and forth within her line of sight. She couldn't see anything directly, but something or someone was casting a long shadow before her. She couldn't quite see who it was, but she could sense him.

A man of dark, sensual power. She gasped again as she felt cold, soft waves of dark power seep through her. It held her frozen to the spot, but she let it overcome her… it felt wonderful. The seductive power that held her now forced her to her feet and she willingly obliged. She stood and swayed for a moment, relying on the dark currents of energy to hold her up.

A dark silhouette of man with long golden hair that reached to his shoulders looked upon her. He was dressed imposingly and magnificently in black. A most impressive figure… darkly majestic in his appearance. The fading sunlight gleamed in his wild, blond hair and his eyes seemed to pin her to her very being. Fear, certainly, but something else seemed to make her insides shiver. Her heart quickened as she took in the sight of his unearthly beauty. She could not see his face but it did not matter. She felt as if a light were drawing her in, and that light was him.

The strands of magic kept her in his sight and they began to pull at her, forcing her to move towards him. Again, she did not resist. She was completely entranced by this man in front of her.

She wanted to be touched by him, held by him, consumed by him…

"Ariella!"

She heard her name from far away, but she ignored it.

"Ariella!"

No. She wanted to be with him.

"Ariella!"

The voice became louder and she recognized it.

"Ariella!"

Merlin! She blinked only once, turned away and ran in the direction of Merlin's voice and into his arms.

The dark haired girl sat next to the small fire, bundled in Merlin's enormous, fur-lined robe. It was too large for her, but the sight of her delicate beauty engulfed in his clothing caused Merlin to sigh outwardly. She was his responsibility, he was her caretaker and guardian. He should have been more careful today, much more careful. He shuddered to think what could have happened should he have arrived too late. She would be gone, stolen by him.

Merlin knew who he was. He was the Goblin King. He had remembered reading about him and his goblin minions when he still under the tutelage of Mab's servant, Frik the gnome. He knew what they did, stealing babies for their growing population, taking them to their Labyrinth kingdom. He was also the only cousin of Mab's that he knew of, and despised him already just for that.

Exactly what he wanted with Ariella, he did not know yet, but it terrified and angered him to the core. No one would take her away from him. Not even the King of Goblins.

He rose from his chair and made his way to his work table. Ariella followed him with wary eyes. She knew she had done something wrong, but for the life of her, she couldn't remember what.

She was becoming physically sick of that empty feeling of loss she couldn't quite place and had spent the last few hours in a terrible crying fit. Merlin comforted her the whole time and when he felt he could do no more, he immediately called for Ianna to watch after her as he went out onto the castle grounds for a few quiet moments of night air. He had only just returned moments ago. Ariella was much calmer but her eyes were red and swollen from the amount of tears she had shed.

"Ariella," Merlin's gentle voice broke the harsh silence. "I have something for you." He turned to face her and held his hand out. "Come."

Ariella slowly rose from her makeshift bed of pillows and came to Merlin's side, clutching the robe to her frail body.

Merlin reached into a small box and proceeded to pull out a chain made of spun gold suspended between his thumb and forefinger. A single blue gem, the color of the sky at dusk, hung encased in solid gold. It glittered in the firelight as Ariella reached out for it tentatively.

But Merlin drew back. "No," he reprimanded, "this is not for you. This," he said, grabbing a bundle from behind him and holding it up to her, "is for you."

The wrapped bundle gave a quick yelp and squirmed in Merlin's grasp. "Go ahead," he encouraged, noticing Ariella's wary look.

She cautiously reached out and threw back the flap of blanket. A squirmy puppy was buried within the folds of the frayed blanket. Ariella's face lit at the sight of such an adorable creature as Merlin released the puppy into her outstretched hands. She smiled as she clutched the wriggling bundle of creamy white fur to her chest. She laughed quietly as the bright brown eyes became ecstatic with interest, and the tongue that flicked out below the moist black button of the nose to lick her chin was pink and warm.

She gathered the puppy to her chest as he tried to lick her face for a second time. Her eyes met Merlin's for a moment. He saw such happiness and delight in her eyes that there was no need for thanks.

"He will protect you. Keep him by your side always," he reached out to scratch the pup's ear, "and when he's big enough, he can wear his chain of gold."

Ariella cuddled the puppy in her arms as she made her way back to her corner of pillows. Merlin watched her embrace her new gift with awe and affection, and he knew he made the right choice today.

"Thank you, for your gift, my Lady of the Lake."

He knew she heard him.