Merlin
(Later that night)
Arthur looked at his wardrobe in a stunned state as his fingers wrapped around the wood corner of the door. "Favors…" he slowly started. "Since when, has my father, given favors?" Arthur brought a hand to himself, flattened on his chest. "I don't get favors?" Arthur swung the hand to Merlin. "Do you get favors?"
Merlin looked up from where he wiped Arthur's table with a cloth. He rapidly shook his head back and forth.
"Who the hell gets favors?" Arthur said once more. He grabbed a white tunic for sleeping. His blonde hair flopped on his head as he pulled the hole over his head, retightening the strings at his collar.
Merlin slowly started muttering to himself, "Being born a prince is a life of favors."
Merlin heard the harsh creek of the wardrobe door as Arthur moved it to properly eye him.
Merlin paused in mid wipe. "Sorry…" he fastly let out, squeezing the rag full of water as small droplets fell.
Merlin waited to be threatened or physically hurt with a pelted pillow but he only heard a defeated sign come from Arthur, as he walked towards him.
"My father has specifically given Lancelot an impossible task…" Arthur looked up high as he shook his head. "Only two days to track a creature's past whereabouts that can fly…he has purposely done this."
Merlin nodded, he figured as much. Uther made his dislike of Lancelot well known in the throne room. In truth, Lancelot is far pushing his luck with Uther at the moment.
"There is one thing I'm confused about…" Merlin admitted.
Arthur adjusted his sleeves as his eyes followed Merlin where he blew out a candle on the long table.
Smoke of the candle wafted in the air after Merlin's blow of air. "Why would Red do that? I mean…a favor from the king…and you use it for someone you barely know?"
Arthur brought his hands to his hips, shaking his head to refrain from laughing. "Oh Merlin…Merlin…isn't it obvious?"
Merlin raised his shoulders, dumbfounded.
"Red clearly fancies Lancelot."
Merlin blinked.
Arthur blinked.
"What?" Merlin eventually asked, after an exceptionally long silence.
Of all the reasons?…I don't quite think that is the case?
Arthur awkwardly shifted as he felt the weight of Merlin's unconcealed doubts. "She dared to insult me in front of him, he saved her from serious injury, and now has taken down a winged creature. At this point…" Arthur grunted as he climbed into bed. "It would be concerning if she didn't develop feelings for him."
Merlin clicked his tongue to hold in a chuckle.
For some reason, Merlin's anger at the situation only seemed to heighten from Arthur's theory. To Merlin, it painted Red as an innocent girl when he felt she was anything but that.
No, Merlin was just making excuses to be angry towards her. Deep down, in a sheltered part of him, he knew the real reason, selfish reason.
I focus on Lancelot for one second and Red comes storming in the throne room. She finished what I couldn't, giving Lancelot a possible chance at knighthood.
Arthur pointed to the last candle lit, at his writing table. The untold que to Merlin that he was going to sleep and time for him to leave.
Merlin blew out the candle, shrouding everything in darkness. Unfortunately for Merlin, he was now blind to his surroundings. He stepped back from the table, unaware Arthur had placed his training boots beneath the table.
Merlin's belt buckle on his boots somehow tangled within Arthur's, he fell hard on the stone floor. Not before, taking down half the items upon Arthur's desk. Parchment, books, and the candle broke in half on impact.
"Don't even think about leaving before you clean that." Arthur said in a pillow.
"I'm okay by the way." Merlin spat out.
…
Merlin's mood for the night was soiled, it was set on fire then pounded into ashes in the ground. Merlin was irritated, angry, but most of all just tired.
This is what Merlin blames for his next mistake, that would haunt him for days on end.
He walked into his and Gaius's chambers. Gaius was nowhere to be found.
Merlin noticed a giant pile of books stacked on the small narrow stairwell, likely from Gaius's intense search of the griffin. After more investigation, there were books on Merlin's small steps to his room, some on the wooden tables, and even more at the top of the stairwell not properly put away. Merlin circled his eyelids with his fingers tips before sagging his eye bags.
Merlin's room never looked so inviting before, just even imagining his bed nearly knocked him out right there. He raised his hands.
I'll just do it quick…
"Inbringe cume mec" Merlin muttered.
The books on the wooden stairs started levitating off the ground and floated to Merlin. Merlin analyzed each book before swinging a finger to properly place it back in each section Gaius sorted his books which included anatomy, injury, creatures, and myth.
After finishing everything on the wooden stairs, Merlin directed his attention to the tables, once again repeating the process. Then it came to the entryway of his room as it was the last task. As if the final obstacle before going into his room for his nice slumber.
The final books circled around him as he read the titles. He was on the last two books.
Then, the door opened.
Merlin's eyes immediately lit up with magic to stop the spell. He moved his feet just in time before the books came crashing down on him. He cringed as he prepared to hear Gaius's nagging words for using magic.
"Merlin?"
Merlin turned in horror as Red stood at the door, hand clasping the handle.
No
No no no no no no
"Ah…Red!" Merlin shouted as he stiffly brought his arms to his sides, his eyes full circles as he stared.
In hindsight, it was probably only three seconds of silence, but to Merlin it might as well have been three decades.
She saw, she knows, she'll expos-
"Do you know where Morgana's sleep tonic is?"
"Huh?" Merlin said.
"Ah…you know? For Morgana's dreams?" Red casually walked in, eyeing the tables. "Morgana has asked me to retrieve it. Do you know where Gaius is?"
Merlin opened his lips to mouth words but it seemed nothing would come out. He couldn't help but rethink the memory in his head over and over again. Timing of the door opening and his eyes lighting was practically aligned.
Did she see? Did she really miss it? But…how could she?
"Is it this?" Red picked up a small glass vial with a cork.
Merlin broke out of his trance and walked beside her. "It's this one…" he picked up a darker glass one that was in a small wooden carrier on the table.
"Ah…that does look more familiar." Red's hands brushed Merlin's as she grabbed it. "Thank you."
Merlin nodded as she turned away. "Ah…Red?"
Her eyebrows rose as she twirled around.
"It…was brave…what you did for Lancelot… just now…" Merlin said, but partially forcing himself to. He still didn't know her true objective for that stunt.
She smiled, "See you tomorrow…"
Merlin nodded again but with a half smile.
When Merlin heard the door fully shut he collapsed in himself. His body fell before he caught himself at the table's edge with his hands, Gaius's instruments clattering. A breath he was holding escaped through him as a gasp.
Merlin didn't know which was worse. Red knowing he had magic or the agonizing terror that he really…
Did not know…
Taryan
Taryan's back hit the front of the physician's door immediately. She gripped the glass vial to her chest.
Merlin! Why are you such an idiot!
Taryan pushed herself off the door. Her footsteps grew quicker, she bit her thumb nail.
What if I was some other servant? Or even Arthur? Or Uther?! God…does Merlin think I saw? I tried to play it off, but Merlin appeared like… well….
He got caught…
……
(The morning)
Merlin
Merlin impatiently bounced one knee continually as he sat at Arthur's dining table. He bit his knuckles, causing a tinged of redness. He simply stared at the armor to polish. It was now early morning, not that it mattered as Merlin didn't get a wink of sleep.
"So that's when Sir Owain came out of nowhere, taking down the fool."
Merlin could hardly listen to Arthur's duel training stories of his youth. Normally, he would smile and snicker, perhaps slip in an insult if he could.
Right now, nothing was funny to Merlin.
If Red saw me using magic…
Why…how…
Did she not react?
"So dirt is in the fellow's face and it took three knights to pull Owain off of him. I had to install punishment of course, but I can't lie that there wasn't a bit of me that was actually impressed." Arthur talked, as he put off writing a letter, a trait that annoyed Merlin as it made him a talker. He dramatically turned the quill back and forth as if it was the sword.
"Hmmm." Merlin muttered back.
Is Red waiting for something? Perhaps a ceremony to dramatically reveal my magic?
In Merlin's late night of tossing and turning, he could only think of two possibilities.
One, she didn't see it, perhaps went blind in those seconds.
And two, she already knew.
Merlin was slowly doubting his first theory on the basis it was pure denial, but he shuttered every instance as he thought of the second one.
"Looking back, I think Sir Louis knew beforehand how miffed Owain would become at the arrival of his mud smeared Camelot cape. Owain was always the first to drop off his training clothes to the servants to clean it, and head to wash himself."
Does Red…not even care? I mean…she supposedly was powerful enough to counter Gaius's truth potion? Am I just a below average sorcerer that can make books float to her?
"Oh, did I forget to mention that we stormed the throne room, stabbed my father in the back and my first declaration as king is to bring free mead to all civilians that could sing."
"Interesting." Merlin replied, not remotely listening.
Arthur slumped his hand and dropped his writing feather, after speaking pure nonsense that Merlin was in fact, not listening.
"Perhaps I should let there be silence, considering if you have not even begun your work." Arthur hauntily walked over, looming over Merlin as he sat at the chair with the unpolished armor in front of him.
"You know how many princes let their servants sit in their own chambers to complete their duties? The comfort I have given you is beyond me."
"Well…princes probably specifically have a knight squire that would handle…"
Merlin slowed his talking as Arthur sent him a brow, saying that he would regret his next words.
"Merlin?"
"Yes?"
"Why…do you look?" Arthur pointed to his face.
The harsh turn of conversation caused all of Merlin's forethought to cease. Merlin grabbed Arthur's shoulder guard as he looked at the bended reflection of him. He touched his under bags and glanced at his disheveled hair. In simple terms, he looked like shit.
"Afraid I spent my night thinking how to help Lancelot pass Uther's strange test." Merlin blatantly lied, he hadn't even begun to get consumed by that new little development.
"Lancelot…" Arthur muttered, as if last night's ordeal came flashing through him. "When have you last heard from him?"
"This morning, he was preparing for the journey of what he couldn't do last night."
Arthur got to his window, "Dammit! He's about to leave!"
Arthur left Merlin in mere seconds as Merlin scratched the chair against the floor.
"Wha- Arthur!"
Taryan
Taryan yawned in the early morning as she walked to retrieve water from the well. The bucket swayed as she abruptly stopped, seeing Lancelot suit up a horse in front of the grand stairs. Leon stood close, seemingly helping him get ready. She meekly raised her hand as she approached him.
"Lancelot." She greeted.
"Miss Red…" Lancelot smiled, he brushed his hand against his tunic after finishing feeding oats he was giving the horse.
"I see you are wasting no time." Taryan glanced at the pouches all saddled and ready for travel. "I'm afraid two days isn't much…"
"She's correct, Lancelot you best get going. An earlier morning is a good advantage."
Lancelot tilted his head in acknowledgement as his eyes followed Leon as he left them. Lancelot immediately brought his full attention back to Taryan, lessening their distance.
"I will not let your favor go to waste."
"I know."
Lancelot's chest grew as he took in a breath, creating a wide smile. He gave a fond look with squinted eyes, as if trying to gauge her expression. "Before I depart, Miss Red." Lancelot knelt his head slightly down.
Taryan let her hand be held up as Lancelot laid a kiss upon it. It was a kind and normal gesture of the time she had begun to get used to. What she didn't prepare for though, was Lancelot's eyes, which gently closed with the act. He only allowed himself to open them as he looked down to her.
"Lancelot." Arthur called as he walked down the stairs.
Taryan looked up to see Arthur smugly smile between her and Lancelot, as if something was proven for him. Merlin was right beside him but instead of looking at her and Lancelot's faces, he was looking at Lancelot's hand which was still holding Taryan's.
Taryan slightly adjusted her hand and Lancelot instantly let go, realizing his lack of awareness at the prince's sudden arrival.
"Sire." Lancelot bowed as Arthur stepped in front of him. "How may I hope to assist?"
Arthur quickly judged the weight of supplies he was carrying on the horse before looking back at Lancelot, "I suggest you head to the mouth of the valley, the griffin's first sighting."
"I know sire, I have analyzed the reports of griffin's movements all of last night. I will go to the origin of the first sightings, along the trail of Willowdale and Greensward. I will ask along the way for any suspicious witnesses, possible sorcerers."
"Well, I shall hope to see you soon, Lancelot."
Lancelot hosted himself on the horse. A silent head nod went back and forth between Arthur and Lancelot. A 'manly' goodbye if you will.
Lancelot pulled the reins and the horse was off. The hooves sound fading in the distance.
Arthur folded his arms as he came to Taryan's side, bending down to her height. "If he completes his task…perhaps you should give him something in return."
"Like what?"
"A token of affection one gives to another…"
Taryan looked at him as if he sprouted two heads. "What?"
"Arthur! Your loyal knights are getting ready for training. We should get going." Merlin batted Arthur's back, an attempt to lead him away from Taryan.
"Since when, have you been enthusiastic about training?"
"Since I had to see my good polish work be put to use."
"To which you hadn't completely."
Their conversation quieted as they walked out of ear-shot from Taryan. She only looked at their retreating backs oddly.
…..
Merlin
Merlin readjusted a broken strap on a yellow striped shield, trying to reattach it to its base at the side of the training field. Sitting in the prickly grass cross legged.
"Give it to Merlin, let him be useful for once."
Merlin's fingertips turned white as he gripped the strap harder, recalling Arthur's words. A knight broke the strap of his shield in mid fight and before the knight could say anything Arthur shoved the shield into Merlin, saying his 'dainty hands' could likely fix it.
Merlin loosened his hands on the strap for a brief second before he tightly coiled a fist with strap in hand.
Merlin in fair honesty, had a lot to be seething about and Arthur certainly wasn't helping the mix. Merlin was aware his anger always seemed to have a target, Red. His blood heated at how casual she looked next to Lancelot and Lancelot, displaying grateful eyes while still knowing nothing of her or her background. Merlin felt as if he was going mad with these mind games Red had begun to start. But, were they both playing in the game? Or is he by himself with such thoughts?
Did she see me using magic…or not?
How would one even find the answer? Merlin didn't have a clue. It wasn't like he could walk up to her like, 'Hello Red? Did you happen to walk in on me doing magic? And while we're talking about it, can you please not expose me as I will be burned alive?
Merlin broke the strap.
No…I…I can't…
"Did you just-"
Arthur came out of nowhere, grabbing the shield as the straps slapped against his arms. "How did you manage to break it even more?"
As Arthur looked at the straps in utter disbelief, Merlin used his knee as leverage to get up. "Well, if you don't like my services I will be glad to be on my way. Gaius has some errands for me." Merlin lied
Arthur queried a brow, "Sometimes…it amazes me how little you care about keeping your job."
Merlin flared an arm as he left. "Servants aren't exactly lined up to take my place."
Merlin couldn't handle this, he couldn't take it. At this point, he was a danger to someone and himself, that broken strap could have easily been someone's head.
Unfortunately for Merlin, he had only one person to reside with.
…
Merlin arrived at the last cold step, wiping the cobwebs on his hands against his tunic that he gained in his travels.
This time, no calling was necessary. Kilgharrah confidently flew down, perching himself on the large rock as if he was a falcon ready to deliver a message.
"What or who may I owe your visit, young warlock."
"Just…some concerns."
Merlin then had the painful realization he had not exactly rehearsed what he was going to say. Everytime he had come down here, it was for a direct and precise reason.
I have a slight suspicion…no…I'm leaning towards? No….she might've…
Second guessing himself seemed to be his ongoing dilemma for the day and Kilgharrah's threatening presence sure wasn't helping things.
Merlin avoided eye contact as he practically whispered in the echoey cave. "I think…that girl I mentioned before…Red…" Merlin took a hasty breath. "Saw me using magic…"
Kilgharrah wrinkled the top of his head, as if in surprise of raising his imaginary eyebrows. The surprise quickly turned stern when he narrowed and glared at Merlin, as if he was truly disappointed. "Think?"
Merlin went to pull his hair with his hand, only to realize it was busy holding a torch. He instead, flared his arms back and forth as he spoke. "I…I don't know! She…she didn't react…but I don't know how she would have missed it. I…nothing…she-"
"Merlin, I believe we both know what it means."
Merlin's entire body stilled with Kilgharrah's words. Despite the harsh tone he felt against him, he was slightly embarrassed to reveal he did in fact, not know what Kilgharrah was referring to.
"This girl, through unknown ways, knows of your destiny."
"Know of my destiny? That doesn't exactly explain her behavior?" Merlin shook his head as rethought Red's reactions. "If she was truly against me…wouldn't she march to Uther to tell him of my magic?"
"You will soon find out, warlock, that pure execution is not always what the enemy desires."
"So she is more into mental torture it would seem?"
"Each move has been calculated by her, from her origin to gaining the relationships that you hold dear. I sensed this odd presence as soon as it arrived."
Merlin nervously scratched the wood of the torch with his finger. It was sickening to realize the god forsaken dragon made some points.
Kilgharrah sensed her 'oddity' before she ever arrived, and happened to come across lady Morgana? She lied about her knowledge of the disease spreading in the water, Nimueh gave me and Arthur a verbal warning about her in the midst of escaping, somehow able to 'counter' Gaius's truth potion, doesn't react to me using magic? And let's not forget she has lost all her memories but is perfectly well aquantined?
She needs to go.
An idea instantly fell on him. "What if I set her up? I make it look like she stole something from Camelot for her to be banished?"
"Ah yes. Anger the entity then send them on their way with vengeance at their heart. Nothing could go wrong."
Merlin defeately nodded his head as he unwillingly agreed with the dragon's words.
"Merlin, there is only one way."
"Is there…" Merlin paled at what exactly he was about to ask. He physically had to tear his gaze away from Kilgharrah to get out the words. "If I were to…I don't want her to suffer in her final moments?"
It seemed Kilgharrah wanted to chuckle but instead held back on banter and creaked a smile, showing the rounded and worn yellow teeth. Then, to Merlin's horror, he showed pride, for Merlin.
"It's hard to find a peaceful poison Merlin."
Merlin started shaking his head rapidly, "No…no no no…I am not…getting bloody to do this Kilgharrah."
"A sword is the most efficient…"
"No, I refuse." If Merlin was going to do something so immorally, the least he could do is set ground rules.
"Natural poison is the best option."
"That would cause her pain. Magic is our best option to make it look like a natural death."
"Why are you providing pity to someone that has only ever lied since arriving? Who is sure to wreak havoc?"
"Not just pitying but I'm also concerned about myself. Natural poison could be traced back down to me through association of Gaius's workplace. I have to do everything I can to not let Gaius ever…ever find…out…that I..."
Merlin's tongue stopped working as he came to the words.
Murder? Forced execution?
He didn't like either of those options. This wasn't him. He wasn't a murderer.
However, there was another part of him screaming at himself for hesistanting. The more he grew to know her the more it seemed his body grew fearful of her. It was odd to have such a reaction, considering he had faced people ready to kill at a moment's notice. Why was Red his crippling scare?
"Merlin, it is not a matter of if, but when with that girl."
No….I can't do this.
Merlin abruptly turned to leave. It was always the dragon that ended the conversations between them by flying to gods nowhere in his underground enclosure. Merlin hated to admit it but it felt good flipping the dynamic.
"Merlin!" Kilgharrah shouted. "If you do not heed my warning!"
Merlin fumed as he climbed up the stairs.
What am I doing? What was I thinking?
…..
(One day later)
Lancelot
Lancelot cupped water from a clear flowing stream and raised it to his lips, healing his dry and scratchy throat. He had just finished talking to the villagers of Greensward, giving their descriptions of the attack and their best estimate of where the griffin came from.
Lancelot was surprised how quickly villagers seemed to help him, especially considering he was in no knight gear. It seemed the people here were desperate for answers just as Uther was. They revealed their horrors to who they thought was a curious traveler looking for answers.
Throughout the journey, Lancelot admitted to becoming increasingly impatient. He started to worry if there was ever a chance of figuring out why the griffin attacked. Much less, in two days. The only clue the village people provided was that they saw a suspicious onlooker who, in passing, briefly asked if there was a place he could stay. The odd thing about this person, their line of direction seemed to follow that of the griffin. As if…they were following it?
As Lancelot cupped water and washed his face, a squirrel slowly hopped on a couple slippery rocks in front of him. Lancelot remained frozen, eyes following it as he slowly reached for his dagger in his belt loop. Drops of water vibrated from his nose as he let out a slow breath before striking. In his strike, his boots hit the water with a splash alarming the squirrel where it took off. Its tail became soaked from scrambling on the slippery rock. Lancelot signed as he leaned back at the shallow rivers edge.
The squirrel got to the other side of the river, continuing to run. Lancelot's eyes followed the squirrel when he noticed something, a tree cut in three deep lines.
The work of large claws.
Lancelot practically ran across the stone coated river, soaking the ends of his breeches. He caught his breath as he got to the tree, running the pads of his fingertips over the sharp intents in the wood. He harshly retracted when he felt a splitter. Lancelot rubbed his thumb as his jaw slacked, he now saw a line of trees utterly abused and destroyed. Getting a closer look, some of the trees were even completely broken in half.
Lancelot retracted his dagger again as he followed the trail of destruction to find a dark cave.
The cave was small, it had a small amount of moss on top as if to disguise itself from surroundings. Lancelot had to duck his head to get in only to realize there was a major dip in the earth. His breeches further dirtied as he slid down.
After brushing himself, he cautiously entered. He was able to make a couple steps in before he saw a large nest, his boots cracked with large sticks.
Merlin
A new day for Merlin meant a new chance to forget.
Technically, not fully forget but at least put some things aside for now. He was ready to let everything simmer. If things should go badly with Red then fine, it's unreasonable to kill someone who officially has caused no harm. He'll keep an eye on her, sure, but it ends there.
Merlin stretched his arms in the narrow stairs as he walked to his chambers, he had just finished Arthur's morning duties.
Besides, I can at least always count on Gaius to be on my side. If I have one person, it's enough.
"Gaius?" Merlin stared in disbelief as he opened the door.
"Hello Merlin." Red leaned back from the table with Gaius as they were studying a book. "I hope you can better piece together Cornelius's recovery now. Thank you for showing me these heart anatomy illustrations."
"On the contrary, I should be the one providing thanks, you were extremely helpful, Red."
Red gave a pleasant nod before turning to Merlin, giving him a crinkle of a smile, as if forced. Merlin's eyes only looked her up and down, unconcealing his annoyance and doubts of her presence. He purposefully ignored her as he brushed past her. "Gaius, can I speak to you?" Merlin asked, side-eyeing Red as he spoke.
Red caught his untold cue and tilted her head. "I best be going anyway, see you later, Gaius." Red left, but not before purposefully showing her smile fade as she looked from Gaius to Merlin in her departure.
Merlin stared at the closed door for numerous seconds before sharply turning.
"What was that?"
"What was what Merlin?"
"Why was she here?"
"Because she offered her assistance?"
Merlin rubbed his hand down his face as his eye bags pulled. "Have you…quite literally forgotten everything concerning Red?"
"Hush Merlin, it's nothing. I got some clarification of some things with the issue of Cornelius's near drowning."
Merlin rolled his eyes, "You're still on about that?"
"Yes, it may not matter to you but what Red did that day has truly broadened many things to consider in the art of healing and medicine."
"You know…" Merlin started to take his brown coat off, first pulling at his collar. "You seem to have a lot of faith in her little story, especially considering the alternative."
Gaius stacked the anatomy books on the table as he slowly turned to Merlin, knowing Merlin would continue his theory no matter what Gaius had to say.
"Perhaps Red planned the whole Cornelius incident to get people on her side."
"Merlin."
"I'll say she did a good job. Gained the respect of you, the nobles, and even the king apparently. Job well done I say." Merlin folded his coat in his arms.
"You speak a lot about someone you actively avoid?" Gaius sharply said.
Merlin's eyes widened as he huffed in breath. "Yes, and for some reason she is a presence you actively seek out?" Merlin shook his head in dismay. "Have you ever thought my separation has aided me to be clear headed of her true intentions? You getting attached to her does us both no good."
Merlin's original plan of remaining calm and analytical after Kilgharrah's visit practically shattered in front of him. He couldn't lose Gaius, the one person besides a bloodthirsty dragon to talk to.
"I'm afraid…I may have scared you with that truth potion."
"What?" Merlin asked.
No, this cannot happen.
"Perhaps we misinterpreted." Gaius said weakly.
No no no no no no. Merlin's mind derailed.
"Gaius…you drank the potion too, it worked."
"What if Morgana was mistaken? She wasn't actually hurt on her arm to cause the lie to enlighten in her eyes?"
"Oh god…" Merlin laughed as he pulled his hair, the coat in his arm falling to his bended elbow. "I can't believe this."
"Merlin." Gaius warned. "I never did see her have a wound."
"You-you are just retracting everything we figured out so far? One little nice study session with Red has reversed your thoughts? She certainly has more power than I thought."
"I have lived plenty of more years than you, Merlin. I like to think I can somewhat sense the true nature of people. Red…seems to be a…" Gaius hesitated, "Good person…but…maybe her suspicions could be tied with some sort of magic."
"This girl, through unknown ways, knows of your destiny."
Knows my destiny…. Merlin thought, thinking of Kilgharrah's words.
Knows my destiny, knows my secrets, knows my goals, knows my close relationships…
"I…need a rest." Merlin muttered to Gaius as he scurried to his bedroom door, closing the jittery door. Merlin rubbed the corners of his mouth, pitching his bottom lip.
I have been a fool.
I am not frantically dancing in Red's little game anymore. She has to know perfectly well what she is doing to me?
She saw me using magic, I just know it. Then she comes here, to dangle it in front of my face.
Merlin's bed creaked with his weight as he sat down with his hefty magic book. Without skipping a second, he rapidly started flipping the pages. He only stopped when he would see the mention of one word.
Poison
Merlin admitted his back and forth thinking was draining, even for him. Gaius's sudden appreciation and retraction of Red was the last solidifying piece. You shouldn't need reasons to protect those you care about. Red was a clear danger of that. Yes, a danger. Gaius would understand one day of this decision, Merlin was sure of it.
Merlin continued flipping pages when he stumbled on the truth potion page again, hand cascading over the green shade of the drawing.
Merlin now realized just how foolish he and Gaius were in this attempt. They blatantly displayed their nerves and guilt.
Great, she saw me using magic and knew me and Gaius tried to deliver a potion.
Now, Merlin needed something sneaky, unrecognizable, undetectable, and most importantly, something powerful.
And as if the lord himself wanted Merlin to pursue such an act, he found exactly what he needed.
A gentle but powerful poison. One that goes into effect, as soon as the person falls asleep.
Taryan
Taryan defeatly left the physician's chambers. Her gloom was quickly replaced with irritation, she tightened a fist. She rethought of Merlin's rude arrival and not so subtle way of kicking her out.
I had hoped to see Merlin to calm his nerves. I mean…what kind of person visits someone's place, offers them a smile, when they think they are practicing magic?
Taryan didn't want to brag but she felt she put her best acting skills to the test.
Taryan went back to glumly walking, slacking the arm from her gripped fist. She recalled Merlin's face, as if he was disgusted by her physical presence.
Based on Merlin's reaction...his suspicions of me have only heightened. Did I somehow make things worse for myself? I only wanted Merlin to think I didn't see his magic?
……..
(Next day)
Taryan hummed as she stood in Morgana's chambers, she wiped the pillars of Morgana's bed as she prepared to put a new cloth to hang over for decoration.
Gwen helped Morgana get ready at her wardrobe. Morgana did the final touches and adjusted a yellow embroidered cloth belt against her green dress.
Taryan continued to hum. She recently had been trying to practice the act of not caring anymore. Which was a working process.
She folded the heavy cloth with a smile as her eyes gently closed.
So far, the only characters in this story that seem to like me are Morgana and Gwen. Arthur is now…tolerable…of me? Hopefully? And Merlin…
Taryan pried her eyes open.
Well he hates me. The goddamn protagonist.
Taryan plumped a pillow on Morgana's bed. Oh well! Can't win them all!
Taryan slowed down her humming as she noticed a dip in the silence of the room. Morgana and Gwen were staring at her.
"What is it?" Taryan's eyes went back and forth between them.
"You seem…happy Red?" Gwen shyly started.
Why did she ask that in a confused tone?
"Ah yes, so far today has been…good."
"Good…" Morgana started. "Any reason? In pendicular?"
Taryan rubbed her hands against her blue cloth dress, picking up the rags she used to wipe the bed pillars. "Nice sleep perhaps? The kitchen had spare food? Many things I guess." Taryan walked to the window. She began wiping the glass.
"That's all? You aren't nervous at all?"
I've been nervous since the moment I crawled out of the damn lake.
"Ah, no."
Morgana and Gwen eyed each other, in some secret code only they knew how to decipher. "Really…" Morgana happily started.
"Not even a particular reason? Or perhaps…someone for your heightened mood?"
"Well…someone…it…Lancelot?" She pressed her fingertips to the window.
"Oh…she's already admitting it?" Gwen's cheeks dimpled.
"What? No? Lancelot." Taryan pointed a finger tip at the window. "He's…back."
All of them gauged their surprised expressions before they circled at the window, seeing Lancelot jump off a horse at the grand stairs, a servant girl helping to bring back the horse.
"I thought for sure…he wouldn't be back till nightfall?" Gwen asked. "If…even then…"
Did Lancelot…really complete the task? I gave him encouraging words but…I honestly thought…
"Throne room, now." Morgana started to open the door.
"Are we even allowed-"
"Doesn't matter."
…..
The three of them took the side passage to the throne room. They stood close to a side opening. Despite Morgana's boldness in her own chambers, it seemed she didn't want to draw any attention to them as they stood far behind Uther. Taryan wasn't even sure Uther knew of their presence or he was just ignoring them.
A knight escorted Lancelot in just in time as the three of them composed themselves from hasting to get there. Lancelot bowed his head. "Sire."
Lancelot leaned down as he set down a large tinted white cloth beside him that sagged to the floor.
Uther's head tilted to the messenger currently talking to him, directing him where to stand in the meantime. The young man bowed politely before he stepped back.
The doors came flying open, it didn't take much guessing to realize it was Arthur, who was in full training gear. Taryan imagined him dropping everything on the training field at the news of Lancelot's arrival. Merlin, as usual, was right behind him where his hand flapped against the wooden door that almost smacked him from Arthur's lack of awareness to hold it open.
Lancelot gave a subtle smile at their entrance and reassurance of their presence.
"Father." Arthur stated, matter of factly. He gained his standing to the king.
Taryan briefly took notice of Merlin where he followed and remained planted next to Arthur. He swayed unsteadily and seemed to be less joyus than Taryan thought he would be with Lancelot's return. His under eyes were dark and he blinked multiple times before shaking his head to stay awake.
"Lancelot, you have returned." Uther said, but Taryan couldn't shake the feeling he didn't mean it in a welcoming way.
"Indeed and I hope to bring you news you desire."
Uther's eyes flickered to the bag on the floor before catching Lancelot's glance. Lancelot quickly caught on to his curiosity. "There was a clear reason the griffin attacked."
Lancelot removed the top string of the large clump of cloth. "Revenge."
The string fell and the cloth folded out in a perfect square as the center showed two large eggs completely crushed in from some force. "Someone destroyed the griffin eggs and the griffin, now we know a mother, went on a rampage. It killed any human insight."
Uther let out a deep breath from his nose. "You, the boy." Uther pointed to Merlin.
Merlin immediately straightened and instantly broke out of his sleepy state.
"Bring in the physician."
Merlin scurried out with no further questions as Uther stepped closer to Lancelot. "Any other findings?"
"Yes, there were multiple villagers in my travels that described a suspicious man that seemed to purposely hide his face with a cloth. He looked for a place to stay but the villagers were hesitant about his concealed identity, worried he was covering his face for a reason."
Lancelot relooked at the shattered eggs, saddened at the sight. "The Greensward villages witnessed this man the day of the first attack, I can't help but think there is a connection."
Lancelot took a waited breath as he gauged Uther's expression, awaiting words. When silence went through the room, Lancelot began talking again.
"It's unsure how this creature first emerged but it seems it revealed itself at the realization of her killed offspring. The villagers reported no other sightings beyond the brutal attack."
Uther only nodded with Lancelot's tellings and not long Merlin and Gaius entered. In Merlin's second entrance, he caught the notice of Taryan, where he averted his eyes from, as if guilty.
"Gaius, are these truly griffin eggs?" Uther asked.
Gaius bent down, carefully with his old knees. He analyzed a shard of the egg as he rubbed his thumb pad on a cracked surface. He then attempted to pick up what was left of the whole egg, feeling the weight. "Unless owls have decided to quadruple their size, these are indeed griffin eggs. Their shells aren't exactly easy to crack."
Uther's expression was difficult to read. There seemed to be a mix of confusion, annoyance, and a touch of intrigue.
"So Lancelot has done it." Arthur started. "He found the reason the griffin attacked."
"Arthur." Uther warned.
"You practically gave Lancelot an impossible task but yet, he still prevailed. He showed excellent tracking, mapping, and gathering intel skills. Not to mention, in only two days."
Merlin smiled with Arthur compliments and Lancelot avoided the gaze of Uther, feeling sheepish of Arthur defending him.
"Not only is a great soldier but…"
Uther stretched his neck at Arthur's words where Arthur felt silenced.
"Father, you promised."
"I did not promise anything, Arthur."
"You said!"
"That it will be solely up to me? Did I not?"
Uther shortened his distance between him and Lancelot, "The rules bend for no one, a non noble can never dream of becoming a knight. Therefore, as king of Camelot…"
Arthur fumed as he bit his tongue, he was able to remain his composure for a grand total of three seconds before he went storming. "Father! I will not accept it!"
"Lancelot." Uther walked even closer. "Kneel."
Everyone froze in the throne room. Arthur was bewildered in mid stride, halting to intervene from his own father.
"I hereby…give authority, to grant you a seal of nobility."
…
"Miss Red." Lancelot extended his arm before retracting, becoming hesitant.
The three of them turned around. Morgana, Gwen, and Taryan just left the throne room after everyone dispersed with Uther's (surprising) announcement. Uther stated he needed to get back to his duties, despite everyone clear lingering questions of his decision.
Now, the four of them stood by the curving stone steps that led up to the chambers.
"Lady Morgana." Lancelot started as Arthur and Merlin appeared. "Do you mind if I speak to Miss Red?"
Morgana and Gwen shared an eyed-wide glance. "Of course." Morgana smiled. The two of them went up the stairs not before, giving Taryan a look that said were going to get this outta you later.
Arthur quickly followed them, "Come now, Merlin."
Merlin surveyed between Taryan and Lancelot, not wanting to follow Arthur. He took a couple side steps before completely facing forward as he realized Lancelot was watching him, waiting for his departure.
"Miss Red."
Lancelot immediately fell to the ground and Taryan gasped.
He knelt on one knee with his head completely bowed as if swearing loyalty.
"I knelt before king Uther as of order and respect, I kneel before you in true gratefulness."
He looked up.
"I will repay you." He grabbed her hand and he laid a chivalry kiss on it. "You have changed my life."
Taryan took a breath.
"Lancelot, please stand up."
Lancelot obeyed, his hand still clasped on Taryan's as he stood up. Their hands slowly fell to their sides.
"You were always going to become a knight, I just made it faster."
"You don't know for certain Red…"
Oh believe me…I know….
"Don't disregard what you've done, you helped me out of the pure kindness of your heart." Lancelot said in almost desperation. He wanted Taryan to accept what she did graciously, without a shred of doubt.
Merlin
Merlin trailed behind Arthur as they walked into Arthur's chambers.
Arthur angrily threw down his long brown coat on the ground, as he struggled to get it off his shoulders. Merlin simply closed the door, thinning his lips into a straight line.
Okay…most times he's considerate enough to leave the coat on the chair…so it means he is in a really bad mood…
"Arthur….is something?"
"Merlin."
Arthur rubbed his eyes as he put up a hand to stop Merlin from further asking.
"Okay."
Merlin quietly picked up the coat and folded it in his arms. He counted to twenty seconds in his head before asking again.
"Shouldn't….you be happy?"
Arthur removed his hands from his eyes, creating a forced smile. "Oh, I am ecstatic."
"Okay, I'm confused." Merlin admitted as he swung the wardrobe door open. "Lancelot is becoming a knight?"
Arthur collapsed in his wooden desk chair, loudly creaking as he put his boots on top of his table. "I'm happy Lancelot is becoming a knight, I just hate what my father is doing."
"Granting Lancelot nobility?"
"He is so…" Arthur tightened his lips to refrain from saying what Merlin could only assume to be nasty. "Bent…on his way. He is willing to go the extra distance, making it more difficult for him than to start accepting commoners as knights."
Arthur closed his eyes as he leaned his head against the wooden chair. "To hell with the knight's code. That's what I say."
Now Merlin was getting it. In the throne room, he gave Arthur a side smile at Uther's decision. He tightened his expression when he saw Arthur's face hardened. Arthur thought that maybe, just maybe, this was the breakthrough where he could start accepting people with such potential to be knights. Merlin knew he saw such prospects.
Uther purely lost his bet he felt he was sure to succeed. To get rid of Lancelot's knighthood and apparently some hold of a favor Red had over him. This way, Uther partially got what he still wanted.
"I should have known my father would do this. Only the king has authority to grant nobility."
Merlin walked to be beside Arthur. "You shouldn't dwell on this Arthur, we still have made a huge achievement." Merlin then grabbed Arthur's ankles and shoved them off the table. "And I just wiped that surface!"
Arthur scowled as he obeyed. "Then you simply do it again."
Merlin took in a sharp breath through his nose as he debated the cost of treason of smacking a royal.
Arthur in this time, gained new confidence and a spark of an idea with his feet planted to the ground. "In a weird way…you are right, Merlin. I can't dwell on what could've been, but what is to come."
Arthur launched from his chair as he smiled, hanging his hand on Merlin's shoulder. "Which starts tonight, a whole night of filling mead in our bellies and our money being gambled away."
"Going to a tavern!" Merlin harshly whispered.
"Celebration to Lancelot…yes?"
Okay…I guess I can see why he would want to do that….Uther surely will not throw a second banquet for Lancelot after our initial forgery.
"Can't we just have it here? Lancelot doesn't strike me as a tavern type."
Arthur now brought considerable thinking, scratching his chin. "Hmmm you may be right…"
Merlin almost went to his knees as realization struck him. As if an imaginary person was grabbing him by the shoulders, roughly shaking him.
This is truly the most perfect chance…
"You know that large storage open space? Next to the armory?"
"Indeed…" Arthur questioned.
"Arthur, I'll handle everything regarding this banquet!" Merlin rubbed his hands as he gained pace to the door.
"What?"
"I'll handle it!" Merlin shouted as the door closed.
Merlin walked down the corridors as he picked up speed, until he was fully running through the narrow passages. He made a quick note that he was passing a servant girl in his travels as he went to Morgana's chambers. His boots skeeted to a halt as he whipped his head around.
Damn! That girl was Red!
Merlin instantly turned around, opening his mouth to call but waited till he was closer.
"Red! Wait!"
Red carried a pitcher of water as she stopped, Merlin could hear the water slouching as she came to a stop. She was traveling in the same direction as him.
"We are having a small…banquet…if you will…by the armory tonight. Will you be able to come?"
Red gave a questionable glance at Merlin. Merlin couldn't really blame her either, this was uncharacteristic of him. She pondered for a couple seconds, "It depends how tired I am tonight…"
"You should come." Merlin said, but more like a statement than a suggestion.
She nodded warily as she continued forward. Merlin hastily tried to match her pace, "I just think it will be a lot of fun and the more people the better, please bring Morgana and Gwen if you can."
Red just gave another head nod, not caring to respond. She started to pick up her pace as Merlin still matched it.
"Lancelot will be there." Merlin cheekly pointed out, he forgot he had that up his sleeve.
"Okay?"
Merlin slacked his jaw. He surely thought that would be the last piece he would need.
Was Arthur's theory wrong?
Suddenly, Red came to a stop. She turned around and gave Merlin a peculiar expression with an eyebrow.
"Why did you stop?" Merlin asked.
Red pointed to the door behind her, Morgana's chamber door. "I'll see you later, Merlin."
Merlin felt his cheeks flame, he hadn't meant to weirdly follow her.
"Ah yes…please be there."
….
Perhaps Merlin was over his head on this. Preparing the space next to the armory to hold a small celebration took longer than he thought. Not to mention, the knights coming in were enthralled with this development meaning Arthur had truly spread the message, more than Merlin cared for.
At least some of the knights cared to help instead of purely spreading the rumor.
Merlin entered his and Gaius's space. Gaius stood in his usual spot at the table, swirling an unknown mixture. "Oh Merlin, good…I was wondering if you could-"
"Sorry, really busy." Merlin bluntly said as he closed his chamber door, alone in his room. He took one long sign as he leaned his back against the door, desperately trying to regain confidence and willpower for what he needed to do next.
Merlin dropped to the floor beside his bed, pulling out his magic book he hid, flopping it on his bed where it bounced.
He turned to the page he previously folded. It actually surprised Merlin with the amount of ingredients Gaius seemed to have for this poison. Tree root extract, charcoal, ground feather, etc.
However, Merlin pulled his hair when it came to the last ingredient he would need.
"How the hell am I going to get a sapphire gem? Then I have to use magic to make it liquid sapphire?"
Merlin admitted he had been unusually lucky to obtain all the components here, almost too easy. Scarily so. Merlin sneaked out what he could from Gaius's shelves in the middle of last night. Merlin had never been more grateful for Gaius's loud snores.
The night was nearing now thus the banquet was approaching, furthering Merlin's anxiousness.
He looked at his window, the fading sunlight.
….
Merlin walked through the market with a blue cloak, doing his best to cover his identity. He moved his forehead hair as he pulled back a heavy cloth entrance of a tent in the market.
As he entered, his throat immediately regurgitated air. His cheeks puffed before starting an entire coughing fit.
A thin old man with a long beard, sat behind a long table. He closed a bronze incense capsule, ridding the smoke dispensing in the air. "Apologies, I don't usually expect late customers."
Merlin nodded his head in understanding but still waved his hand in an attempt to waft the smoke.
"Please…please enter." The man stood up as he directed to multiple items in the tent. "So what are you looking for traveler?"
Traveler? Well…it's better if he thinks that.
"I hear you sell jewels." Merlin asked, pulling down his hood further on his face.
"Not just gems but oils, medicine, incense, herbs, cloth." He wiggled an eyebrow. "And if you are feeling advantageous, I do have certain aphrodisiacs available."
Merlin blushed.
"That…won't be necessary." He stuttered. Merlin walked further in the tent.
"So jewels." The man directed Merlin to a small side table. "Anything specific?"
"Sapphire."
"Awfully rare, you have the coin?"
"Let me see the gem first."
"Ah so you're a quick one." He shrugged, "I would do the same."
He picked up a small blue gem carefully along an alignment of diamonds. He placed it into Merlin's hands. Merlin felt the weight and analyzed the shine.
This is truly sapphire…
"Two gold coins should be sufficient."
"Gold!?" Merlin asked, still holding the jewel.
That is twenty years of servant wage, if that.
Merlin quickly switched hands holding the sapphire. "I'm afraid I can't afford, thank you for your time."
"Ah there is still plenty, perhaps there are less expensive gems you are willing to look at?"
Merlin placed the gem back into the jeweler's wrinkled hands.
"No, I'm alright." Merlin ignored the final calls of the merchant as he entered the chilly night air. He took a large breath to relieve himself of the stuffiness he felt.
Damn what a crook…
Merlin put his hand in his pocket, feeling the real gem he swiped. He pulled off his hood.
Too bad for him, that "sapphire" gem will revert back to a stone pebble in exactly a day.
Now…I have everything….
…….
Taryan
After Taryan tried to downplay the supposed 'party' in the armory space, Morgana and Gwen happily and boastfully agreed to go.
Now Taryan, Morgana, and Gwen walked down the stairs to the cellar of the castle. The closer they got, the more vibrant the conservations seemed to get.
They arrived at the last step. It seemed hundreds of candle rim stands were brought down as the normal dim lighting of the storage next to the armory had an uplifting and inviting atmosphere. Someone even taking the time to bring down multiple Camelot tapestries.
Chalices clanked as if a welcome to their entrance.
"Lady Morgana!" A knight announced, drawing eyes. Some even straighten their backs to her arrival.
Taryan could see from her view that a barrel of mead was broken in, clearly the reason why some knights were feeling more brilliant than normal.
Arthur weaved through a couple of people before he appeared before them. "Merlin mentioned inviting you, should have figured you wouldn't miss a night of drinking."
"Well…I would hate to miss a night of you making a fool of yourself."
Arthur rolled his eyes at Morgana's words as the three of them joined the crowded space.
"Well you made it just in time, we just started the dagger throw."
Arthur led them to an open space after walking through a stone arch with torches against each side.
A group of four men were in a line, throwing daggers into a worn table. It was clear to Taryan that the middle of the table was the goal to hit, with a harsh cut in the form of an 'x' at the center.
They watched as the men took turns exchanging, all hitting at least the outer edge of the table. They would be forced to take a drink when a dagger clattered to the stone floor.
"Can I have a go?" Morgana asked.
Chalices and tankards crashed together in response.
"Have a go Morgana!" One knight said.
Arthur however, leaned up from the arch passageway.
"Are you sure Morgana? I don't know if you know this, but daggers have a pointy end." Arthur said, condescendly.
"Step outta the way before I make you the target."
A burst of laughter came from the knights, their true loyalties practically shown.
Arthur bit a small part of his lip and he leaned back to his original position, surveying Morgana approach the knight that was handing her a dagger.
Most of the knights threw the dagger by the handle, relying on blunt force to penetrate the wood. Morgana's fingers held the blunt edge of the blade as she bent, straightened, and rebent her wrist.
The dagger went flying with one flick of her wrist, turning multiple times in the air before perfectly landing in the center 'x'.
While everyone uproared in amazement and cheering, Arthur remained in his casual position, but his eyes betrayed him as they slightly lifted with shock.
Taryan happily clapped with a grin as she felt a tap on her shoulder.
She looked up to find Lancelot smiling down at her. "Miss Red…you came."
"Indeed." She glanced back at Arthur, Morgana, and Gwen clearly distracted with some knight chugging a whole tankard of mead with a crowd cheering him on.
"Uh…let's get out of here, before they drag you into this."
Lancelot and Taryan weaved through the people. Taryan let her hand cascade on the stone wall as she passed. They eventually reached a stone alcove where they felt partially sheltered.
"Did the knights put you up to this? This… banquet?" Taryan asked. "You can tell me the truth?"
"Well…in pure honesty, I was suddenly dragged here by Arthur? Like a surprise?" Lancelot scratched his neck under the collar of his white tunic. "I have never been much of a drinker…I don't like nights to feel blurry."
"That's the biggest reason why people drink." Taryan replied, "The act of forgetting everything is a beautiful thing." She mocked with a head shake.
Lancelot slowly closed his eyes, before lazily reopening them. It was then Taryan realized Lancelot was drunk, at least a little. He had a certain color to his cheeks that even intense training hadn't brought out.
"I know you feel indebted to me…from using my favor…"
Lancelot straightened in seriousness of her words. As if he was desperately trying to counter the drunkenness he felt.
"Just know I was the one repaying you. It may seem silly but you saving me from that out of control horse made me realize you deserve to be a knight now."
"We keep talking about my Knighthood…." Lancelot swayed his head in frustration.
Taryan lifted a brow.
"I would like to hear about you?"
Son of a-
"Me? There is not much to tell."
"I truly doubt that."
"Ah…don't be so quick to assume…" Taryan let out while looking past the alcove, desperate for a distraction.
Great…telling drunk Lancelot my made-up story was not exactly on my to-do list tonight.
"What is your name? Let's start there." Lancelot's long hair fluffed up to the top of his head as he leaned against the stone wall. "Red is surely a nickname? Is it not?"
"I…I'm afraid I don't know."
Lancelot's hair flopped back down as he leaned off the wall. "Don't know…" he started.
"Sir Lancelot! Red!" Merlin appeared after swinging into the alcove, now more tightly packed with the three of them. He held a chalice tightly to his chest and seemed almost relieved to see Taryan. "What are you two doing?"
Lancelot didn't remove his eyes off Taryan in Merlin's entrance. His mouth opened despite not saying anything.
"Someone opened up a wine cask and according to history tellings of Camelot, they never last long, especially in the presence of knights."
"Yes!" Taryan happily agreed, she grabbed Merlin's forearm. "Lead us the way!"
Who knew Merlin would be helpful to me?
Lancelot and Taryan followed Merlin where he went back under the stone arch entrance where the dagger throwing game was directed. However now, the knife chipped table was facing upwards, holding multiple pitchers and chalices.
Most of the knights and a couple servants were busy in the intersecting cellar halls, supposedly breaking into another mead barrel. This led to the six of them being able to share a cask of wine. Morgana, Arthur and Gwen all raised their heads from the table when Taryan, Lancelot, and Merlin entered.
"Perfect." Arthur started handing out chalices
Taryan reached for one when Merlin suddenly came to her side. "Oh Red…I already poured you one." Merlin gestured to the chalice that he held when Taryan first saw him in the stone alcove.
He poured it for me without even checking if I was even down here?
"Thank…you." Taryan reached for the handle of the chalice.
Merlin brightly smiled back as their fingers brushed at the handle. For some reason, it felt there was a little hesitance on Merlin's part. She felt a last pull of the handle from him before he let her fully grip it.
"A toast…to Sir Lancelot now officially a knight of Camelot." Arthur brought his chalice in the air. Everyone reached their arms up, to clank their chalices together in a full circle. It seemed Merlin appeared nervous at the action, eyeing the chalices as they swished around the wine with the movement.
Merlin gestured his chalice to Taryan as he brought it to his lips, as if asking her to repeat the action.
Taryan brought the rim of the chalice to her mouth. She started to tilt the liquid.
"Wait!"
Everyone froze with these words. All in the same action of the chalice rim on their lips.
Arthur clapped after his shout. "It's much too boring to simply drink this good potent wine? We shall play a game."
Merlin slowly lowered the chalice from his lips, he appeared like he was angry with this development.
"What game?" Lancelot inquired.
"The game is called, are you lying? Where it's between two people." Arthur held up two fingers as he spoke. "One person…" Arthur wiggled one of his fingers. "Says a lie or truth about them while the other has to correctly guess if they are telling the truth or not. If the person doesn't guess correctly then they drink, if the person does guess correctly then the asker drinks."
"Seems pretty simple." Gwen said.
"I suppose you want to go first?" Morgana asked.
Arthur tilted his head. "No Morgana, how about you go first?"
She smiled, maniacally. "Alright Arthur, I'll ask you a question." She tucked a hair piece behind her ear as she fully turned to him. "One time when I was twelve, I snuck out of the castle and walked right past you at the citadel and you didn't even realize."
Arthur shook his head. "Lie."
"Nope, it happened. Now drink up." Morgana flicked his chalice with her fingernail.
Arthur muttered unknown words as he took a large gulp.
"Since I won, I'll choose who gets to play next…" Morgana tapped her lips as her eyes laid on Taryan and Gwen.
"Gwen, try to see if Red can correctly guess."
Merlin straightened his back with her decision.
"Oh…ah…" Gwen thought for a couple seconds. "I am an only child."
"Lie." Taryan said.
Everyone collectively blinked and Taryan realized she answered far too quickly.
"Correct…" Gwen said and took a large gulp like Arthur. "How did you know that so fast? I don't remember mentioning my brother?" Gwen wiped her mouth with her wrist.
Taryan's eyes darted around them. "Ah…well…I just figured you were trying to trick me as I've only met your father."
"Well Red…now you choose." Arthur rose his chalice.
"Uh…how about Merlin and Lancelot? Since they hadn't played yet. Lancelot, ask a question…"
Lancelot confidently faced Merlin. "Alright Merlin…truth or lie...I have never tasted wine before."
Merlin debated for numerous seconds, his mouth opening multiple times before reclosing it. He was clearly taking more thought than any other person yet. "Truth."
When everyone looked at Lancelot for the answer he smiled. Then he raised the chalice to his lips, indicating Merlin was correct.
Arthur smiled. "Well now it's false…Lancelot. How is it?"
Lancelot's tongue slid across his upper lip, the wine even darkening his lip slightly. "Perhaps I like this better than ale…sweeter than I expected."
Merlin turned to Red as he side eyed Arthur. "I'm allowed to choose myself to question someone, right Arthur?"
"Ah…sure?"
"Red." Merlin stated, bringing his eyes to her. "Truth or lie, I had a pet bird growing up."
What? I don't remember Merlin having any sort of pet?
Merlin rubbed the rim of his chalice as he patiently waited.
"Ah…I will say that's a lie."
Merlin slowly grinned. "Drink up." He pointed to her wine.
"Hmmmm what was this bird's name?" Arthur folded his arms.
"Um…." Merlin scratched the chalice handle. "Mutton."
"You named your bird after a type of meat?" Arthur questioned. "Were you hungry when you caught the poor thing? Merlin, a pet, isn't winter food?"
"It was my pet, okay?" Merlin sternly corrected as he looked back at Taryan's chalice.
Taryan stared at the dark liquid as she rose it to her lips. Something deep in her mind said Merlin would have chosen any answer just to make her wrong.
She took a large gulp, using her thumb as she pressed the corner of her mouth from a sliding drop.
…..
Merlin
As the night grew darker, cheering got louder, Merlin's will to not regurgitate his entire stomach had become increasingly weakened.
After the truth and lie game he had four more wine chalices and two tankards of mead. Or was it three? Or…four? Merlin was started to lose count.
Now, Morgana was teaching Red how she apparently accomplishes knife throwing. Arthur declared he could do the same thing and grabbed Gwen to be his partner.
Gwen's cheeks flared as Arthur firmly grasped her hands, supposedly showing the 'correct' form to do it. Lancelot and Merlin only watched the chaos at a distance, meaning more drinking for Merlin.
Everytime Merlin caught a glimpse of Red he would need to take a drink. Anything to not let him think about….
Think about….
Think about…
"Merlin?"
"What?" Merlin snapped his head to Lancelot.
Lancelot followed Merlin's line of sight for it to be Red. A twerk of his mouth appeared as he pondered.
"Merlin, can you tell me something?" Lancelot asked, but didn't wait for permission as he continued. "I asked Red something and it ended somewhat…oddly? Can you tell me exactly what her background is?"
Oh wonderful…talking more about Red…
Merlin took another large gulp of mead, lines of it cascading down his throat. He signed before coughing slightly. "It makes sense any conversation with her would turn odd, she doesn't exactly have a background."
This clearly furthered Lancelot's confusion. "I'm afraid…I'm…"
"Morgana and Gwen were out riding one day when all of a sudden an injured girl stumbled on their path." Merlin took a large breath to remain focused. "She had no concept of what happened to her or even her own name but…" Merlin twirled his hand in irritation. "Gaius made a theory that she was a noble lady on certain characteristics like…the jewelry? Or something…" Merlin clanked his tankard against Lancelot's despite him not participating. "Then! For some reason! We grant her a living space and work here at the castle, until her memories come back."
Merlin's voice muttered in his tankard, a muffled sound escaping. "Well…if her memories come back."
"Merlin…" Lancelot stared at him in disbelief before looking back at Red. "That…that is truly awful."
Merlin shrugged while still sipping. "Lancelot, remember, this is your night! How does it feel to now finally be a knight? No forgery required!" Merlin was eager for a conversation change.
"Merlin!" Lancelot whispered, "Let's try to keep that…" Lancelot pushed his hand down.
Merlin cupped his hand over his mouth before laughing. "Oh, forgot. You didn't mention me in your punishment." Merlin draped his arm over Lancelot's shoulders. "Killing a griffin is one mighty start to a knight, I must say."
Lancelot seemed saddened by Merlin's words. Merlin slowly slid his arm off of him.
"Is it bad that….I feel a little guilty for killing the griffin?" Lancelot said quietly, he wouldn't look Merlin in the face.
However, the only thing Merlin did was stare at Lancelot in shock. "Uh….you shouldn't." Merlin said bluntly. "It killed Lancelot. Fathers, mothers….children."
"I know, believe me…" Lancelot shut his eyes as if recounting what he witnessed in his travels. "I'm not saying I would replace what I did."
He should know better than anyone what he did was necessary?
"Someone….a person….shattered those eggs. One of our kind killed her babies."
Lancelot took another swing of mead. "Weren't we the evil ones to the mother griffin?"
Merlin felt rooted in place as he took in Lancelot's words. Over time, he had to conceal his sadness when it came to hunting with Arthur and his knights. It was survival to not be called a girl for the rest of his life. Lancelot was likely the first man to display similar reactions.
But here Merlin was….
Merlin looked at Red, the sickness in his stomach churning into rotten acid.
Killing someone….I am killing someone.
When Red goes to sleep tonight….
Merlin shoved his tankard into Lancelot's chest. "You can have this…I…have to go…" Merlin clung onto his red neckerchief as he stumbled to leave.
He heard a brief worry go over his friends.
"Merlin isn't feeling well?"
"Lancelot, where is he going?"
"Well…that's expected after the barrel of mead he consumed."
Merlin profusely apologized to every knight and servant he bumped into in his search for the stone stairs. When Merlin clasped his hand over his mouth and made an unpleasant gurgle, people parted away as they gave him a clear escape.
Merlin did his best not to run, but not walk. Breath, but not gasp as he made his way to the physician's chambers. He acted as if his body was made of glass as the slightest bump from someone would absolutely shatter him.
But in this case, it would release his contents.
After what felt like hours of walking in the corridors, Merlin made it. He swung open the physician's door and ran to his chambers.
Gaius leaned up from his creaky bed in a startled fashion. The previous drinking nights Merlin had he was considerate not to mutter a peep when arriving. Unfortunately, that wasn't a luxury this time around.
Merlin fell to the ground of his chambers and grabbed his chamber pot, grossly dispensing (mostly liquid) from his stomach. A long drool line passed his chin as he aggressively wiped his mouth with his cloth sleeve.
Merin felt the faintest relief before that too was ruined.
"Merlin?" Gaius questioned, now outside his door.
Merlin frantically shoved his magic book under his bed, along with all of the small ingredients he made for Red's poison. Small bottles rolled around as his hands shaked to make them stable.
When he heard the door opening he grabbed the chamber pot again, pretending he was still sick.
"Oh…boy…" Gaius said, almost sweetly, which somehow made Merlin feel worse. "It's best to sleep this off, but try to let it be a lesson when you should stop your consumption?"
"You…knew about the banquet?" Merlin said, adding another spit in the pot for effect.
"Go to bed." Is all Gaius said as the door closed.
For once in his life, Merlin followed direct orders as he climbed into bed. He tried his best to ignore the blatant ringing in his head and ears, never bothering to pull the blanket over him. He shut his eyes, telling himself he would not reopen them.
A small part of him knew that if he did awake….
He would try and save Red, no matter the consequences.
…
Merlin slowly sipped soup with Gaius.
"I managed to get some bread this morning." Gaius said, splitting the bread in half and sliding it across the table.
Merlin nodded pleasantly and played with the thick soup. He ripped off a piece of the flour coded bread that whitened his fingers.
Merlin dapped the bread in the soup. "Gaius?"
"Yes Merlin?" Gaius sipped.
"I poisoned Red."
Soup spilled all over the table surface from Gaius's bowl. The spoon falling to the floor. When Merlin looked up from the mess he found Gaius's face horrified.
Gaius sharply stood up, "Merlin! Where is she!?"
Merlin slowly leaned down as he picked up Gaius's fallen spoon. Merlin went to his chamber in utter silence.
"Merlin!" Gaius shouted. "What the hell do you think-"
Gaius stopped as Merlin reappeared, holding his magic book. Merin tossed it on the table that didn't hold spilled soup.
"Merlin…this poison..." Gaius's face began to whiten as he approached the page. His fingers trembled. "This is powerful enough…to kill even great magical beings."
"So you recognize it? Did you use it often?" Merlin asked, "You seem to have quite a lot of the unusual ingredients on hand?"
Gaius looked at Merlin as if he didn't recognize him. His face contorted as if trying to appear rational with his words. "Merlin, I used it for sorcerers that wanted to end their lives by their own means when captured. When they didn't want their last moments to be sent ablaze. When they wanted to peacefully depart from the world in their sleep."
Merlin only shook his head.
"Red is dead in her chambers? As we speak?"
Merlin's face only showed dejection to the conversation, as if he was annoyed with Gaius asking.
"Merlin! Answer me!"
"Hello?" The door partially opened, a voice went through their chambers.
Gaius's back completely stiffened.
"Sorry if this is a bad time…"
Red fully opened the door and walked in the room. "I just wanted to pick up Morgana's sleep tonic."
"Oh…ah….I…well." Gaius stuttered as he didn't hide his shock and pure confusion. He whipped his head to Merlin, expecting a similar reaction.
Merlin tightly shut his eyes in annoyance before he came to Red. Picking up the vial from a wooden carrier, "In the future, we always store Morgana's sleep tonic here. Okay?"
"Thank you." Red grabbed it. She looked past Merlin's shoulder to Gaius. "Is he okay? It's like he saw a ghost of something?"
"Something like that." Merlin smiled, as he shuffled her out. "Have a good day, Miss Red."
"Wha- Merlin."
Merlin shut the door without a care for her to finish. Merlin signed as it caused his whole body to rise and fall.
"Merlin, explain." Gaius asked.
Merlin stepped to him. "Gaius…I poisoned Red…four days ago…"
Gaius's face continued to pale.
"Can you think of an explanation this time?"
Author Note: Sorry for the later update than usual! work, school, and etc. Anyway, I would love to hear thoughts on this chapter! This chapter was really fun to write and I hope it was enjoyable to read lol.