Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin.
Hello :) This chapter wasn't beta read so I apologize for any mistakes I didn't notice, but I didn't want you to wait any longer.
I would also like to thank the lossofmerlin for wonderful reviews, which really made my day.
Edit: This chapter was beta read, but there are only cosmetic changes.
Merlin parried a blow aimed at his head, then jumped avoiding one that would hit his leg. The fight was already going on for some time and the warlock was tiring. The weight of both armour and sword didn't help either, even though he'd magically made them lighter. Unfortunately, the attacker didn't stop and pressed on, made a skillful move, disarmed Merlin and put a sword to the young man's throat soon after.
The warlock was breathing rapidly, looking into the only visible part of attacker's face: the blue eyes.
Arthur sheathed his sword, took off the helmet and playfully punched his friend in the arm. "Merlin, perhaps you aren't so useless after all." The king said smiling.
"Not useless?! I've almost beaten you!" The young warlock replied indignantly. "And I'm very good in other things too, you clotpole!"
"Really? Then why didn't you use any of your ample talents for all those years?" Arthur pretended to realize something. "Oh, but you did! You showed you are a master at being a complete idiot!"
They continued bantering all way to the armoury, and to the king's chambers, where greeted them a sight of George dusting. When he noticed them, the servant abruptly stopped his activity and deeply bowed before the monarch, giving Merlin only a nod.
George had been informed that he was required to serve the king, but nothing more. Officially Merlin was still a servant and will be until tomorrow. All those that knew the truth were sworn to secrecy.
"Your Majesty, I hope you had a nice morning. I have already washed your clothes, scrubbed the floor, fed the dogs and brought you lunch." He stood proud of his achievements and looked pointedly at Merlin. "There is also a message for you, Sire."
"Message, what message?" Asked the king while going behind the dressing screen to change his clothes.
"From the Court Physician, Sire. He asks to send Merlin to him as soon as he isn't needed."
That peeked the warlock's attention. Usually, when Gaius asked for him, the task concerned magic of some kind, but not always. Merlin grimaced at the memory of the leach tank.
"You may go," said Arthur. "Only remember to be on time for the Round Table meeting."
"When am I not?" answered the warlock with his trademark grin and left the room.
"Gaius, you wanted..." Merlin said barging into Physician's quarters, then he saw someone and became speechless.
A girl in her twenties was bent over the table grinding some herbs. But what a girl she was! After hearing the warlock, she raised her head allowing her long, brown hair to fall on her arm. She had smooth, fair skin with cute dimples in her cheek, which showed when she smiled and made the sun pale in comparison. The young woman was so captivating Merlin had to remind himself how to breathe.
Silence was stretching out and the girl blushed under the warlock's gaze. She was the first one to speak.
"Hello. If you are looking for Gaius he is checking on some lord, but should be back soon. "Her voice was even more wondrous than bird's warble, nevertheless it broke Merlin's stupor.
"Hi. He wanted something from me so I will just wait." The warlock held out his hand and continued. "By the way, I'm Merlin, Gaius' ward."
When the girl heard it, her eyes and mouth got round, she let go of the pestle, quickly stood up and deeply bowed. "Please forgive me, my lord. I had no idea, I.." the young woman clearly was panicked.
Merlin wasn't sure what was going on, but came to her, took the girl by arms and straightened her up. "I'm no lord, but even if I were, the bowing wouldn't be needed." He assured with a smile and saw confusion in girl's eyes."
"But..aren't you Emrys?" She asked. This time Merlin was surprised again, but quickly connected the dots.
"You're a Druid!" He exclaimed and right away covered his mouth, looking around. The warlock got to the entrance and checked whether someone could have heard him. He saw no one and relaxed. Merlin closed the door, got back to the disoriented girl, guided her to a chair and sat on an opposite bench himself.
"What are you doing in Camelot?" He asked curious.
If it was possible, the Druid's confusion only increased. "I came to serve you, my lord."
"What? Why would you..." The note to Iseldir came to Merlin's mind, who groaned. "Did Iseldir sent you?"
"Yes, my lord." She confirmed. "When he asked for volunteers to help The Great Emrys" At the mention of the title the warlock grimaced, "I didn't hesitate even a moment. You needed a healer and I was the best one of the volunteers, so here I am." The girl finished and belatedly added. "My lord."
"What's your name?" asked Merlin.
"Ninianne, my lord."
"Look Ninianne. I'm Merlin. I'm no lord and to most no Emrys." She wanted to interrupt, but he didn't let her. "And calling me so could land me in serious trouble. The same stands for bowing or openly talking about magic. To most I'm just the king's manservant who in no way could have magic, let alone a powerful one. Do you understand?" Merlin pierced her with a stern gaze, but his argument about trouble must have persuaded the girl, because she only nodded.
"Good. Now lets talk about something different. You would have never believed, that..." Merlin talked about his life in Camelot, his friends and many mishaps trying to make her relax, and also about what she could expect after announcing the new law. In return Ninianne told him about her life with Druids and this wonderful feeling when she used her gifts helping others.
They were so preoccupied that didn't even notice when Gaius came back until he cleared his throat and reminded Merlin of the meeting.
When Ninianne was chosen to help Emrys she was extremely proud and excited. She did as Iseldir told her and after entering Camelot, she hid her triskelion and asked for Court Physician. The Druid girl had found him without a problem and after explaining who she was, stayed in his quarters.
The arrival of a young man caught Ninianne unawares while she was helping Gaius by grinding some herbs. The newcomer was tall and lanky with a mop of black hair. However, the most captivating feature were his blue like a sky eyes. He had also too-big ears, but Ninianne thought them to be cute and blushed when she realised it.
After the girl found out that he was the Emrys, she started to panic and tried to remedy her mistake and lack of proper respect. His behaviour later totally surprised Ninianne, but also calmed her down and she spent some wonderful time talking and even sometimes giggling with him. The Druid didn't even realise when the physician came back and, as soon as Em..Merlin left, abashed got back to grinding herbs under Gaius' watchful gaze.
Ninianne imagined The Great Emrys totally differently, decidedly much older, at least at the same age as Iseldir, and like someone above her. Certainly not a cute person to have a pleasant chat with. He didn't seem like a powerful warlock and the Saviour of Magic at all.
What do you think?