Merlynn meets the Royal Guard and has a formal meeting with her King. How do you think it goes?
And Arthur has an epiphany that's been a long time coming.
What a night. First it was awkward but pleasant meeting everyone. But then her introduction to the prince, who she most wanted to meet, didn't go well. But then she had a spectacular time dancing with all her new friends. But then someone tried to murder her King. But then she got to comfort her King. It was just a rollercoaster from beginning to end, and her emotions were shot. After she returned from booking the prisoner, Merlynn collapsed on her bed in exhaustion. She decided to postpone calling Mordred until the next day.
Sunday, she spent the day preparing both mentally and physically for Monday. She ran hard that morning, trying to shake off the turbulence from the night before. Her muscles ached from working them so vigorously strength training, she had to magically repair some of the damage.
Her roommates tried to cheer her up with comedic action movies. She found she really liked superhero ones. It was inspiring to see people use their powers to help the public and be revered for it. Why can't society see there are real heroes that can perform the same feats as those on screen? Yes, there are villains, but that's what the heroes are for. As long as the power is balanced in favor of the good guys there shouldn't be a problem with anyone having special gifts. The films were not just entertainment to her. They embodied hope of a possible better world.
As much as she enjoyed the Marvel Universe while it was playing, once it concluded her despair returned with a vengeance. Not wanting to dispirit anyone else, Merlynn retired to her room for the rest of the evening.
Mordred did brighten her mood some. He was undeniably proud of her, not entirely for all the honor she amassed for him, but also because she got to go all badass and take down her first assassin to their King. She did enjoy terrorizing the cretin that dared harm the prince. The upshot was that word should spread now that she's here and here to stay.
The intent of the conversation did achieve its goal in lightening her mood. But the creme de la creme of the evening was when he sang her a song he composed wholly for her. Merlynn fell asleep to her beloved's melodious voice and his guitar.
--
Monday has finally arrived. After her heart-to-heart with Mordred the night before she makes a decision. In the period of merely a few days, Merlynn has gained two phenomenal roommates and a band of friends, that in such a short amount of time have grown to be more like family. Also, the phrase 'absence makes the heart grow fonder' is unmistakably true pertaining to Mordred. Her relationship is stronger than ever. Her love multiplies more and more day by day. Not to mention she has dispatched not one but two criminals with her, in Mordred's words, 'badass self', proving she's also completely competent in her job. In short, so what her King doesn't like her or wants to keep things professional. She has a good life here, and she isn't going to squander anymore of it sulking.
With a reinvigorated attitude and new lease on life, Merlynn begins a fresh new day with a smile on her face. The gleaming sun and cloudless weather match her enlivened outlook, and she sets off for her daily run. This time she periodically stops to meet her neighbors and other students. She's actually spelled for people to leave her alone unless she approaches them. Otherwise she would be inundated with admirers, journalists, and even the paparazzi for the simple fact she's Emrys. She cannot do her job proficiently if she is constantly being accosted. She cuts her run short because she still needs to workout and shower before she leaves for work. Moreover, she was wanting to have some breakfast.
Following her shower Merlynn lays out her mandatory apparel for her new position as her King's personal bodyguard. It is identical to the rest of the royal guard as she wants to remain inconspicuous to everyone else and no one can recognize her as Emrys. She's even contemplated spelling herself a glamour, recourse she may consider at a later date. Mordred is in agreement that she shouldn't be concerned with attaining him more honor while on the job. Therefore, she has no issues with her new uniform, despite it clashing with her normal attire.
The outfit is a pair of black trousers with a white button-down. A pair of women's loafers complete the ensemble. When she peers in the mirror she decides that although it's not her usual fashion, it will suffice. She can move freely and implement any maneuvers necessary. That is the chief objective ultimately. Once she is properly dressed, she ties her hair up in a tight bun and exits the room.
The aroma drifting from the kitchen lures her in. She's greeted by her blonde roommate apprehensively.
"Hey, how ya doin?"
"Actually, I'm good. I'm really good in fact. I spoke with Mordred last night, and I realized some things." She gestures a countdown with her fingers. "One - you and Gwen are fabulous. I couldn't ask for better flatmates. Two - the rest of the group are phenomenal. I see them as family and not just friends. Three - Mordred and I are better than ever. He actually wrote me a song and sang me to sleep. He has the voice of an angel," she adds dreamily. "Fourth - I have proven I am good at my job. So, it doesn't matter if my King doesn't like me or wants to be formal and whatnot. I have a good life, and I'm not going to waste anymore of it complaining," she announces proudly and matter-of-factly.
"Well good for you, girl! That's the spirit! I will say not all hope is lost with Arthur, though. It was a weird night. Don't give up on him yet."
"If he wants to be friends I will gladly accept with open arms. It's just... my life may revolve around him, but my heart doesn't have to."
The blonde beams at her friend. "And that, my dear, is the perfect attitude to have." She swivels back to the stove to tend to the eggs. "Would you like some breakfast?"
"I would love some! Thank you." Merlynn notices someone is missing. "Where's Gwen this morning?"
"Uh... I think she had class..." Elena pauses to think more about it. "Actually, maybe she's at Lance's. Shit, hell if I know. She could be sleeping. Can't keep track of that girl. Med student and all." She flips a couple eggs onto a plate and places it in front of Merlynn sitting at the island. "Sausage?"
The raven's already started eating and with a full mouth, she bobs her head and politely accepts. "Please." The blonde plucks a couple sausage links from a bowl and adds them to her roommate's plate. "Thank you. This is delicious."
"No problem. Gotta have a hearty breakfast for your first day."
"It's not going to be a normal work day. I'm just going in to meet the rest of the guard, learn the ins and outs of headquarters." But then she remembers a couple more plans on the agenda. "Oh, I think I'm getting assigned my weapons too. Then of course my meeting with Arthur. I have to explain various shielding methods and prevention tactics."
Elena admires how pensively the raven regards her mission to the prince... no, her King and her people. "You really have it down to a science, don't you?"
"I've been training for this my entire life. It's all I know. When I say my world revolves around my King I'm not exaggerating." She glances down at her phone and notes the time. "Well, I think I'm gonna have to get out of here." She stands and carries her dishes to the sink to rinse them and place them in the dishwasher.
"I'm curious. How come you don't just magic it all clean or teleport it to the dishwasher or something?"
"I try to do chores and things the mundane way. Keeps me from getting lazy." She winks and procures her keys, purse, and sunglasses from her room. "Have a good day!" she says with a grin and a wave and leaves the flat.
"You too!" Elena yells to a closed door.
"You deserve it," she murmurs fondly to the ghost of her friend that still lingers in the air.
--
When Arthur arrived home that night he honestly couldn't say what happened. He was in a daze. It seemed as if he had left Avalon, and the next thing he knew he was rousing from sleep wrapped in the sateen silk sheets of his bed. Once he had fully awoken from both sleep and shock, he took some time and contemplated the previous evening.
Strangely enough, it was not the attempt on his life that disturbed him the most. It was the revelation that was Merlynn. His father was thrilled with how it all transpired. The incident was apparently filmed and leaked to the media, and news spread worldwide that the British Royal Family was under the protection of the all powerful witch, Emrys. Arthur knew how the king viewed it. He believed he had the supreme of all magic users, unrivaled to anyone in existence, collared. A slave to his whims and mercy. And it made the prince sick. Merlynn was a beautiful, vivacious, autonomous young woman, and no one was going to hold her down. Not if he had anything to say about it.
Merlynn... god, Merlynn. He knew he was in love with her. And wasn't how it was supposed to work, that if you loved someone you let them go? That their happiness was all that mattered. And Mordred made her happy, so shouldn't he be happy for her? But what he didn't seem to have shaken off is that their engagement was arranged, and her clan arranged it for Arthur. Ergo Merlynn was trapped for Arthur. Shouldn't he be the one to free her? Give her choice back? Women's rights, right? He would be doing her a favor, wouldn't he? And if she just so happened to choose Arthur, to love Arthur... well, happily ever after and all that. Except... she wouldn't choose Arthur, would she? She may have not had the choice as a child, but she was as Gwen said, head-over-heels in love now. And that was all that mattered.
Arthur spent the rest of the day endeavoring to distract himself. He failed but hey... A for effort. He needed something mindless, something where he could just shut off his brain for a while. And you could always count on good old Stan Lee to do the job. He loved superheroes. The idea of someone having superpowers was awesome! It took him a little bit. After all, the goal was to shut his brain off... but finally, something sparked it back on and... light bulb! He felt like such a fool. The world already had superheroes - they're called sorcerers and sorceresses, witches and warlocks - and modern society is too stupid to realize it. And the biggest fool of all... his father.
Arthur never was able to distract himself. And instead of no longer thinking about Merlynn, he was thinking about Merlynn and the treatment of magic users, which was all kinds of fucked up. His father called it superstitious nonsense, but Arthur started believing the prophecy was true. More and more he saw that his reign was going to be marked by the eradication of mistreatment to magic. And wasn't that what was prophesied? Arthur spent the rest of the evening reviewing any laws pertaining to magic. He fell asleep with reform on his mind.
--
Arthur awakens in the morning with hope coursing through his veins. He has plans, plans he wants to start covertly implementing. The problem with waiting is he is clueless of when his reign will begin. His father is not that old and is in relatively good health. It could be years before he passes; meanwhile magic is suffering. And when his reign does finally commence opinions will not magically change overnight. It will take time to persuade the public. Hence, why he believes if they can discreetly start swaying the people to the magical allies side, then when he becomes king and abrogates these senseless laws, the people will be primed to accept them and finally launch society into a time of peace and prosperity.
All he needs is a council. They together can formulate a plan. A step-by-step process. Morgana for sure. Even if she wasn't his sister, she's a platinum magic user and will be a valuable asset. Plus, the fact she is Uther Pendragon's daughter will work in their favor. They can talk to their friends. Even if they don't want to be part of the council they can still contribute ideas and broaden the influence of the movement. And that is what it is, a movement, really a revolution. And then naturally the council will include Merlynn. Can't have a magic movement without Magic herself.
Holy fuck, Merlynn! He can't believe he forgot about Merlynn. That was his intention, but why does it feel so wrong? He knows why. She is his other half. What did Morgana call it? Oh yes... his soulmate. Forgetting her is like forgetting part of himself. He knows the Ambrosians have it wrong. He can feel it. What he doesn't understand is why can't she? Shouldn't the feeling be mutual? Especially if it's supposedly destiny? Regardless, she is with Mordred. She is happy with Mordred. Morgana is right. He has to get over Merlynn. Who cares he wants to take her against the wall every time he sees her. He'll get over it. He will. He has to. He hurt her deeply Saturday. According to her, she was made for him, that she was his... PLATONICLY Arthur! Remember platonicly. She lives for him. The least he could do is be her friend. Yeah, friends... he could do friends. He may struggle at first, but it will get easier, right? What is it they say - time heals all wounds. Now, they probably didn't mean wounds you kept suffering, but still... he is Arthur fucking Pendragon, future King, and according to magic, savior for their people. He can achieve things others can't. This will simply be one of them. What he needs is a mantra. Something to repeat over and over to himself until it sinks in. MERLYNN IS MY BODYGUARD AND PLATONIC FRIEND. MERLYNN IS MY BODYGUARD AND PLATONIC FRIEND. MERLYNN IS MY BODYGUARD AND PLATONIC. FUCKING. FRIEND.
There. Now, he has a bodyguard and platonic friend to grovel and beg forgiveness to. And so, he's up and steeling himself for the day. Let's go meet Merlynn.
--
Merlynn arrives at headquarters on time. Upon entry, she makes her way to a large reception desk centered in the lobby and signs her name on the sign-in sheet sitting on the counter.
"May I help you?"
The receptionist is a middle-aged blonde. She has her hair up in a traditional ninety's French twist, and she's dressed professionally in a pencil skirt and blouse. The woman has a soft, friendly smile and Merlynn instantly likes her. "I'm Merlynn Ambrose. It's my first day."
"Oh hello, Ms. Ambrose. They told me you were coming in. My name is Beverly, and I'm the Royal Guard Headquarters receptionist." She reaches to shake Merlynn's hand. "It's wonderful to meet you."
She greets her with a wide, genuine smile. Beverly's not starstruck; she's not worshipping at Merlynn's feet. She really is just being kind. And it. is. a relief. She was worried people would be hung up on her being Emrys. She wants to be Merlynn. Emrys is her power. Merlynn is who she is.
"Likewise, and call me Merlynn." She returns the smile in full.
"Let me just let them know you're here."
--
Leon is sitting in the conference room waiting for the last of the stragglers. It appears they still need Kay. When the largest man of the Guard finally comes in and takes a seat they get down to business.
"Alright everyone, before we go over the children's benefit for Wednesday, I want to remind you all Merlynn Ambrose is starting today. And in case you haven't heard, she is Emrys." There's some grumbling in the back from Bors and Hector. They are ultra conservative and Uther's through and through. And Leon remembers they are not sympathetic to magic at all. He decides to continue and address the prejudice later. "Now does everyone know what that means?"
"Fucking magic," Bors mumbles under his breath.
Or he can address it now. "Do you have something to say, Bors?"
"No sir," he responds sarcastically.
"Let me make this clear. If any of you have a problem with magic then either keep it to yourself or walk out now. Because if I hear that anyone has disrespected Merlynn in any way, you're fired. She's here and here to stay folks. Better get used to it. His majesty himself summoned her and appointed her guard over his son. So believe me when I tell you if the choice comes down to you or her, you will be the one sent packing. I was there on Saturday and make no mistake, the only reason your prince lives is because of her. And what saved him, magic. Owain and Gareth can attest that what I'm saying is the truth." They both bow their heads in confirmation.
"Now about respecting her. It's easy enough to respect her power, it might be a little harder to respect her person. Let me be frank. Merlynn is a beautiful woman and she exudes sex appeal. But she is also spelled." Everyone is staring at him in confusion. "As a way to protect herself because of her... " Leon's rolling his hand, floundering for words, "...looks, she enchanted herself. If anyone who's attracted to her touches her they are shocked, like an actual electric shock. So if you don't want to be humiliated or... hurt... hands off."
"What about when training?" Lucan questions.
"The key to the shock is the intentions. If you are training the contact is for training. But if you want to sleep with her and then touch her, literal sparks will fly. Believe me. I've seen it."
The intercom buzzes for an incoming call. "Mr. Knight?"
"Yes?"
"Ms. Ambrose has arrived."
"Okay. Thank you Beverly. I'll be right there." There's a second buzz announcing the call is over. "I need to go and retrieve our newest member. She will be participating in the meeting today as she is on duty Wednesday. Are there anymore questions before I bring her back?" Leon scans the room. "No? Okay... I want to add that I mentioned the enchantment not only for your information. But by nature of our job, you may be seeing her in various stages of undress. Because of that you might be more susceptible to... consequences. But this can cause a problem out there." He means in the field. "The sparks are visible and they will hinder our ability to be stealth and discreet. I am not implying you all are animals and can't control yourselves. I do not think any one of you would touch her without her consent. But intention is in the mind, lust is in the mind, and that is a lot harder to control. Best to just stay out of her personal space." He stands to leave but stops in the doorway. "Also, she's engaged. Do not bring it up," and he walks out.
Merlynn is sitting in reception when she sees a friendly face approach her. "Leon! It never occurred to me you would be here."
He wraps his arms around her in a brotherly embrace. "Of course I am. I lead the Royal Guard." He pulls back to speak face to face. "We actually are currently in a meeting that you should be participating in, since you will be working the benefit Wednesday. After that we can discuss what's on today's schedule, and I'll show you around."
"Well lead the way, sir knight."
"You know it's kind of a running joke that everyone calls me first knight, including Arthur. Actually he's the one who started it since my surname is Knight."
"Oh? I didn't know that. I must say it fits." He grins at the compliment and guides her down a corridor to the right of the reception desk. There is an all glass room at the end of the hall that seems to be where they're heading. There's a long rectangular table with what appears eleven men, if she's counted right, positioned around it. They are all dressed like Leon in all black, but they aren't dress clothes like she's wearing. They are more for active ventures like combat training or field operations.
"Here we are, Merlynn."
Sure enough, he steers her towards the glass room.
"You can bring your things with you for now. I'll show you where we keep them later." He holds the door open for her to step inside. "Merlynn Ambrose, meet the Royal Guard. You have Gareth and Owaine, who you might have already seen Saturday night. Then there's Bohrs, Bedivere, Lamorak, Lucan, Pellinore, Galahad, Kay, Hector, and Geraint."
As he's introducing them, each man motions their greetings and/or acknowledgments. It will take her a while to match the name with the face, but she's a fast learner. They all are fit, but that is where the similarities end. Some are tall, some are short, some are dark skinned, some are light, some are more lithe while others have a bulkier build, some are older, some are younger. It's logical there would be such a large variety in a group of twelve men. What really caught her eye with each introduction, however, was the reception in their demeanor. Some were warm, some were friendly, some were indifferent, some were bitter, but some were downright hostile. Interesting. It is inconclusive whether its on account of her being a woman or being magic, but one observation is for certain, she is not welcome by all of her team. How unfortunate.
Leon continues. "Why don't you have a seat, and we'll get started explaining how everything works."
An empty office chair was left available next to her new friend and apparent boss. She appreciates being allowed that familiar comfort amongst a new environment and meeting all her new colleagues. Calms the nerves a bit. She gives the team leader a grateful grin, in which he responds with a nod in comprehension.
"Now, who we are... It is important to note that we are the Royal Guard. We are not royal guards. There is a difference. We are responsible for guarding the royal family only. Guards watch over the premises, property, etcetera. They do protect the family when they are at the palace or at their homes in Kensington. It is outside where we are in charge. We work events, we travel, we go to social functions. You saw how we were there Saturday night." She dips her head in understanding.
"This is our conference room where we have meetings and prepare for upcoming jobs. We will be discussing the children's benefit in a moment.
"You may have noticed you are the only female in our squad. This is not because we are sexist. I'm going to be blunt. What we have found in the past is that women can't really stand Uther. There are female guards, but as involved as we, as the Royal Guard, have to get sometimes with our charges we have learned they want nothing to do with his majesty."
Merlynn almost snorts but stops herself. Have to remain professional.
"As for the princess, she doesn't want a female guard. Let's just say she wants be top dog and another woman hinders that. Now Arthur, Arthur is a different story. He has a history of getting involved with his Guards and his father has since insisted he have solely male security. Until now, obviously. Arthur has also been... difficult to say the least. But I have a feeling that is going to change." Leon grins to himself knowingly.
"Now, if no one has any questions, let's get started discussing Wednesday's benefit. As all royals will be in attendance, we will need eight men. Merlynn, when I say men I mean people in general, not males," he explains tentatively, troubled he might have offended her.
Merlynn brushes him off. "Say what you will, Leon. I'm not one for political correctness. No one has to walk on egg shells around me," she informs him and consequently the whole room.
He smiles at her in silent relief. He's dealt with only men for years now. He doesn't want to unintentionally commit some kind of sexual faux pas. Peering around the room, he sees the rest of the team appreciates it as well.
"Okay then. We will need eight men. That leaves five of you here. Does anyone wish to bow out that night?"
"I would like to if I can. Annabel has a dance recital." Bedivere voices with a raised hand.
He's the shortest man in their force and Latino. Further, she remembers from introductions he was one of the friendlier members. It's sweet that he has a daughter and endears him to her more. Moreover, it will help her distinguish him from the rest of the group.
"Okay. Anyone else?" Silence. "Next week the prince is traveling to Switzerland. Who is assigned to his detail?" A few of the men look at Leon confused, then glance towards Merlynn. "Merlynn is only part-time. When she is working, she will be with the prince. It's my understanding you've worked some means to defend the prince when you're not on duty, in case of magical interference?"
"That is correct. I will be going over some of those measures with him today."
Leon nods. "So who is working Switzerland?"
Four men raise their hands. Merlynn recalls two of them were the hostiles and the other two were indifferent. She wonders if they volunteered because they knew she wasn't going. She thinks Leon might be wondering the same thing.
"Fine then. Bedivere, Bohrs, Geraint, Kay, and Hector, you may leave and work on your training. If their are reports to write on Saturday's incident, finish those."
"Shouldn't she write them? After all, wasn't she the big hero of the day?" Bohrs inquires snidely.
Yep, confirmation. He is not a fan of Merlynn.
"Watch your tone, Bohrs, or we are going to have a problem. And no, she technically hadn't started yet, so she is not responsible for documenting it. A recording is on file from those that were there, including witness interviews. Since the four of us are also working the benefit, you are responsible for the paperwork. Now go," Leon asserts firmly, signaling for the five men to leave, as the order is not up for discussion.
Once the door closes behind those exiting, Leon proceeds. "Merlynn." A blue folder is tossed in front of her. "A lot is entailed when we work larger events." He indicates the packet. "If you all can turn to the first page, we'll begin..."
The rest of the meeting is spent discussing the vetting of known attendees, determining who the unknown attendees are, the time and location of the event, transportation to and from, the layout of the venue, where each of them will be posted on location, if they have any particular contingencies for said event, if there are any specific needs for their assigned royal for the night, and how they will control the press and media. It is fascinating to learn what all is involved in guarding the royal family and specifically her role in it. Her position indubitably beside her King.
"All right men." Leon discreetly glances at Merlynn affirming her earlier indifference was genuine. He's pleased to see it was. "That's all. Lamorak, Pellinore, and Galahad. You need to find out who else is going to this thing, and get their names to Division. The rest of you head to training. Merlynn, you're with me."
After they vacate the conference room, the first stop is the locker room. It's in the basement, so they use the lift. "What'd you think?" Leon asks after the doors close.
"I think I'm going to like it here. I never knew there was so much involved in protecting his royal backside." Leon chuckles at her candidness. "Seriously, I'm trained in magic and all manners of defense and offensive maneuvers. All this other stuff like vetting or dealing with the paparazzi, for example, that's out of my wheelhouse. Don't get me wrong. I can learn. Just... be patient with me, yeah?"
"Of course. No one expects you to come in here automatically knowing everything. There's always a learning curve when you start a new job. The vetting, though, that's not us. That's why I told those guys to find out who else was going. Once they do, they give the names to Investigative Division. We just call it Division, and they do all the vetting." The lift doors open. "Come on. I'm going to give you a tour. Then you can show us where your skill levels are at. After that, you'll meet with Arthur. Sound good?" She nods with a small grin.
He takes her into the locker room after verifying they were unoccupied. "We don't currently have female facilities. What we can do is set up times where you can use them or just ask when they're clear?" he brainstorms. The lockers and showers are in the same vicinity, so she can't be around one and not the other. Leon is scratching the back of his head trying to find a solution.
Merlynn sights a shower at the end of a row of lockers. "Do I have your permission to use magic?"
He looks at her curiously and gestures his assent, keen to see what she's going to do.
She focuses on the last locker next to the shower. Her eyes glow, and she magically detaches the end locker and butts it adjacent the shower. She then encloses the pair in an opaque barrier. Once she's finished, she touches it to solidify the walls so they are no longer spelled but a permanent fixture of the building. From the inside of the locker room it just appears as a wall's been added and lost some square footage. Leon's mouth is gaping in awe.
"That's astonishing!" Leon's sincerely impressed. "But how are you going to get in?" She winks and closes her eyes, then vanishes. "Wha?" Only a moment later she reappears in front of him.
"Teleportation. As long as I know where I am going, it works." He stands there dumbfounded at his new colleague and pseudo sister. She misunderstands his blank face. "If you want me to take it down I can. It's just...you know... who doesn't like a good shower?" She shrugs.
Leon smiles. "No sweetheart. You definitely deserve a good shower." She glees at the nickname and he wraps her in a warm hug.
"Let's go finish the tour. Then you can show us your incredible skills. If Saturday was anything to go by I'm sure we won't be disappointed." He winks.
The rest of the tour includes the "office," which is where all their desks are to write reports and make any necessary calls; Administration, which doesn't concern her; neither does Investigative Division that deals with vetting; the break/rec room actually includes cubicles with beds and a kitchen. Leon explains that sometimes they're there overnight or even several days, which is why the rec room. There's a big screen tv, pool table, ping pong table, and video games. The other side of the building is for all things physical. There's a workout gym with equipment and a pool. Another gym for hand-to-hand combat training including boxing, kickboxing, martial arts, and general self-defense. There's a room for weapons training, which surprisingly includes some medieval ones. In addition to knives, throwing stars, and staffs, there's swords and even maces. Giving Leon a dubious look, he shrugs. 'You'd be surprised.' There's also a firing range, which Leon apprises her will be her first evaluation after the tour. It makes sense the headquarters also has an infirmary. The physical activities they do are prone to frequent injury. But she did not expect holding cells. 'It is occasionally necessary to hold prisoners,' he informs her. Their final destination for the tour is the weapons and supply room. She is assigned a registered gun and two official Royal Guard daggers. Additionally, she is given her own set of training and workout clothes in which she is responsible for laundering and upkeep. Merlynn is now ready for what's next on the schedule.
"Well, that's the end of the tour. Time for you to get dressed and show us what training since birth looks like," he says with twinkling eyes. She counters with a smug grin and fades away. "I don't think I'll ever get used to that." Resting his chin to his chest, he smiles to himself and leans against the wall awaiting his friend's return. Which doesn't take very long. When she materializes and he sees her in her assigned training/workout gear he snorts, anticipating sparks in the near future.
The outfit they prescribe her is tight, which is vital for free movement and range in motion. You cannot properly execute defense and offensive measures if you are constrained by your own clothes. In addition they gave her a monogrammed Royal Guard jacket for when they go to the firing range since it isn't all that physical.
"For all of my demonstrations today I will not be using magic. Truth be told I can pretty much do anything with magic, so it would be pointless to use it to prove my competency." Leon agrees. First they do distance shooting, then the obstacle course, which has random friend and foe targets popping up throughout. She tests well.
Next, she moves on to hand-to-hand combat where she'll need to work with a partner. Galahad, Bedivere, and Bohrs are present in the gym. Bedivere had the daughter she recalls. Galahad was one of the friendlies. She can't forget his wide smile at introductions. He is blonde and wears his hair spiked but short. His facial features remind her of a mouse but oddly in a handsome way. She looks forward to working with him. Bohrs, he was hostile. He looks like he's in his forty's. He has brown hair but keeps it slicked back with product. She will be avoiding him.
The room is warm, so she removes her jacket and lays it on the floor by the wall. When she turns around Bohrs is sneering at her and scoffs. Galahad is smiling, almost proud. And Bedivere nods, polite and professional. Fortunately Galahad is the one free, so she asks him to be her sparring partner.
"Hi, we didn't really get to meet earlier." She reaches out to shake his hand, which he accepts in kind. "Would you be willing to spar with me for my evaluation?"
"Sure." He grins. They both arrange into a fighting stance on the mat, but are interrupted before they begin.
"Be careful, Galahad. She may cheat with her voodoo."
"Bohrs!" Leon intervenes, irritated by his comrade's bigotry.
"No Leon. It's a legitimate concern. I'll respond." She looks at Bohrs. "I don't use magic with layman unless it is imperative for survival. Only magic can fight magic, so I will intercede with my power when the situation calls for it. I am not out to lord my gifts over anyone, and I'm not in competition with any of you. I am here to protect my King, no more, no less."
"Your king? I thought you were on the prince's detail," he says scornfully.
"Arthur Pendragon is my King. His Majesty is yours." She faces Galahad to begin her evaluation, ignoring the flustered teammate.
Merlynn is tested on various forms of martial arts, boxing and kickboxing without the gear, and self-defense. She downs Galahad in less than a minute for every test, passing her evaluation. She regrets sending him to the infirmary, but he assures her he holds no ill will.
Weapons will be her final assessment on the schedule. As expected she impresses with her skills in knives, staffs, and throwing stars. But as predicted she fails miserably with maces and swords. Considering she's never even picked either of them up before, she is not too upset. "If it is necessary for me to use these weapons in the field I can do it proficiently utilizing magic. Until then, I will have to train like anyone else."
Leon circles his arm around her shoulders in a one arm hug grinning proudly. "That, sister, is all we can ask for." Merlynn thrills once again at the endearment. "Now, why don't you hit the showers. Get cleaned up for your meeting with his highness. He should be here in forty-five." She faces him and cheerfully waves, then disappears.
--
Arthur's a tad early. He had figured he might need some time to calm his nerves, and he was right. He's practically shaking in anxiety at seeing his soulmate again. You can't think like that, Arthur. Best to get that term out of your head. It will only confuse you. MERLYNN IS MY BODYGUARD AND PLATONIC FRIEND. MERLYNN IS MY BODYGUARD AND PLATONIC FRIEND. MERLYNN IS MY BODYGUARD AND PLATONIC FRIEND. He paces the room trying to settle himself before the raven beauty arrives. He's fine with waiting. Currently he prefers it; his heart's still beating out of his chest in anticipation. Yes waiting, waiting is good. Right now he feels like he could wait forever, simply so he doesn't have to make a complete arse of himself in front of the woman he loves. Stop it Arthur. MERLYNN IS MY BODYGUARD AND PLATONIC FRIEND.
Tragically, he apparently didn't have forever, because in strides the woman herself, the light of his world. Dammit! She's dressed in traditional Guard attire, which admittedly is not sexy. But on her... he swallows. On her, it takes his breath away. Shit!
"Hello, Your Highness," she states phlegmatically and sits at the conference table, straight back, arms folded in front of her.
He's frozen, beholding a woman that is not Merlynn. Where's the lively, spirited, bubbly, young woman that left him speechless? Dormant, buried under her King's rejection. Arthur did this. She wanted friendship, and Arthur turned her down. Arthur created this cold, business Merlynn, and now Arthur must undo what he's done.
"Hello, Merlynn. Before we get started I have some things I need to say." He pauses to verify she's listening. She is, but she remains stoic and stiff, antithetical to their previous encounter. "Saturday night... well, to put it lightly, I was not at my best." He sits so he's not standing over her. Speaking to people on the same level is always more respectful, and he wants to give the raven all the respect she deserves. "Because of that, you believed me to think less of you. That is simply not true." He grabs her hand and holds it between them demonstrating his sincerity. "Merlynn, when I met you..." MERLYNN IS MY BODYGUARD AND PLATONIC FRIEND. Fuck, how's Arthur supposed to say this?! Taking a deep breath, "I knew that you were going to remain by my side forever." If she can use this vernacular, so can he. "I could feel that, like you said, were mine. I could feel that connection with our souls." Connecting souls?! Seriously? And he's in the friend zone?! MERLYNN IS MY BODYGUARD AND PLATONIC FRIEND. "So, obviously I don't have this bond with anyone else, and meeting the person I'm literally soul-bonded to I was... what's the best way to say this?" Arthur mutters to himself "...caught off guard. I was..."
"You were speechless," she realizes. "Like I was. Only for you it persisted." That makes sense. She'd been raised in the knowledge of their bond. He only learned of it a couple nights ago. Discovering you have another half must feel overwhelming. How could she not have considered that before? "And then there was the whole attempt on your life thing that just added to the shock." The witch's speaking to herself at the moment, slowly ascertaining that her King is still who she always dreamed he would be.
"Exactly! So you see, Merlynn, it wasn't you. My life just changed in a moment, and I needed time to... process. And I have processed, Merlynn, I have. Now, I know my life has changed, but I also realize it's for the better." He bestows her a kind and tender grin, hoping she understands the meaning behind it.
It takes a moment for his words to compute, but once they finally click... Merlynn's radiant smile is practically spreading off her face and her eyes are crinkling to the point the orbs are no longer visible. She gets it now! And more importantly her King is the great man she's been taught he was since birth. She springs from her chair with such speed she knocks it on its back. Naturally, she's oblivious to the raucous she just made.
God, this woman is adorable. She sprints over to him and crushes him in a bear hug, which he melts into, relishing it as if it could be his last. She holds him for what probably is slightly too long for appropriate, then lamentably releases him.
Still holding the blonde's bicep, she lays a hand on her chest. "Thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart." Merlynn notices she's still clutching his arm. "Oh, sorry." She apologetically detaches her grip and wipes her tears.
Arthur's unable to shift his gaze from hers. There're those eyes again. No, stop! He looks elsewhere, anywhere! Anywhere that's not her. MERLYNN IS MY BODYGUARD AND PLATONIC FRIEND.
She collects her chair and retakes her seat. "I'm sorry. I got carried away." The prince joins her at the table with a fond smile and resumes holding her hand. "I'm..." The raven's suddenly embarrassed by all her prior words said at Avalon. Laid it on kind of thick, didn't she? Anyway, it doesn't bear repeating. She makes a gesture for him to remember on his own.
He does. Arthur will never forget.
"...you know, all the stuff I said before."
"I understand." She's so cute when she blushes. Maybe a proper display of intimacy will help subtly express his feelings more. Doesn't hurt to try. "You know, I never actually apologized. I think I owe you a genuine one." He ascends to his feet and treks around the table to face her. Go big or go home, Pendragon. Arthur then drops to one knee and grasps both of her hands in his. "I'm sorry Merlynn, from the bottom..." He echos her action from earlier. "...of my heart. I'm sorry for all the confusion I caused, and most of all, for your suffering." He rises pulling the raven from her chair and affectionately kisses her on the cheek. He spots over the witch's shoulder they have an audience and marks Leon observing them. The first knight does not look happy. The prince pivots them away to avoid his friend's judgment. Merlynn draws back, once again eyes locked on his.
And then she embraces him in a brotherly hug, pats his back, and reaches to shake his hand. "Friends?"
What. the. fuck? Is she serious? What about any of that encounter said 'friendship'?! How could she...? How is it...? How can a woman literally trained in the art of seduction have no concept of flirtation? He was on one knee for fuck's sake! Holy shit, this woman wasn't sheltered. They dug a hole and buried her. Okay, he'll work with this if he has to. He merely needs to understand she's naive...very naive...extremely naive. Okay, the woman is astromically naive. He has to learn her language, that's all. Yeah, he can do that. He can do that. But for now he has to play along, so he shakes her hand. "Friends." He gives, well what he hopes he gives, is a FRIENDLY smile. Then both reinstall themselves back at the table, this time next to each other. Time to get down to business.
Focus, Merlynn. You've cleared the air, but now you need to do your job. "All right." Breathe. "I don't have to tell you I'm not your average bodyguard. Well, I have devised some safeguards to protect you even when I'm not around. There are means I need to implement today, some measures I've designed that are ongoing, and obviously other security techniques I can only tell you about as their need arises. Now, what I want to do today is get you shielded and put up wards."
"What'd you mean?" This sounds interesting.
"The shields are for your body and person. The wards are for your bedroom and car. The shields will ensure you cannot be stabbed, shot, or burned. Now, that is only from a distance. If someone puts a gun to your chest and pulls the trigger, your dead. If someone covers you in gasoline and sets you on fire, your dead. You get the picture." Arthur nods. "The wards inform me if someone with harmful ends in mind enters the premises. If I'm in class and an assassin enters your room, I will sense it and teleport there immediately." Her eyes widen. "Oh..." She summons a small bottle. "...I forgot. Here, drink this." She passes him the mixture.
"Why? What is it?" he asks suspiciously.
She detects the misgivings in his tone. "Hey now, I know you don't really know me. Hopefully you'll learn everything you want to know this weekend. But it is crucial that we trust each other a hundred percent. Any delays, any doubt, could have disastrous consequences. Are we clear?"
It's not a question. She says this with authority. Arthur thinks it's hot! Control yourself, Pendragon. Focus!
"Good."
God she doesn't even wait for an answer. Ah, down boy.
"Now, drink the damn potion." This is a test to see if he'll follow orders, at least where his safety is concerned. He drinks it. Good. Moving on. "That is a potion of my own creation. You are now protected from any known poisons. You can down a whole bottle of hemlock and all it might give you is the runs. Key word here is - known. I can't protect you if I don't know it exists. Now, that will be all the immediate magic I want to accomplish today. I'll institute the shields and wards after our meeting. But first, we need to go over the ongoing magic."
The raven surprises Arthur when suddenly her eyes shine gold, and a stone appears in her hand. Her hands are exquisite, long fingers, manicured nails. Ahh! MERLYNN IS MY BODYGUARD AND MY PLATONIC FRIEND.
"This is important Arthur, so focus on me."
Until the end of time. Pay attention Arthur!
"This right here is a summoning stone. It is for you and you alone. No one else can activate it. If you are touching it and say my title, Emrys, three times I will automatically teleport to your location." She sets the rock in front of him. "Try it." She saunters to the end of the room.
He rolls the stone in his hand eyeing it curiously. "Emrys, Emrys, Emrys." He holds his breath while Merlynn fades away and rematerializes about two meters from him. He glances back and forth from the stone to Merlynn in awe... Such power... so hot. He gulps while she returns to her seat.
"Obviously, this is for emergencies only. I'm serious Arthur. This will pull me from anytime, anywhere. The distance is unlimited. You could pull me out of the middle of class, out of a family function. Hell, I could show up in front of you naked or fresh from the shower."
Oh, god, she's going to kill him. She's actually going to kill him. Does she have any wards or shields against blue balls?
"The stone is for life or death situations only, also only if the threat is immediate. Keep in mind, you can always text me and I can teleport there. The difference is I can inform my professor or family I'm leaving or I can finish my shower. Basically, what this stone does is take away my choice in the matter. It is for when there isn't time to text me, when waiting on me for anything will result in your death. And I'm giving it to you. I am putting a hundred percent faith in you to use it wisely.
"Now, what I am going to do is link it to a necklace that you will wear at all times. I will enchant the jewelry so it can't separate from the stone, which can't be dislodged from your chest. So you won't have to worry about losing it playing footie or something. I'm also going to glamour it so it's transparent. Only you can remove it, Arthur. Not even I can because I'm the subject of the summoning. And like I said, it won't initiate for anyone else if you somehow get subdued and it's discovered.
"You see the only way I could get this to function was..." She sighs. How does she explain this? "You know I'm all powerful, right?" His head dips. "Like I said, this takes away my choice. I will be transported from wherever/whenever, whether I want to or not. So the only way I could get it to magically take away my choice is to GIVE it my free will. Do you understand what I'm telling you?"
Arthur nods slowly, disbelieving the power she is handing him. In essence, she is giving him rights over her. The trust she must have in him... he can't fathom it. He doesn't think he could trust anyone to that extent and is humbled by her faith. The prince will prove he is worthy. God as his witness, he will. Merlynn's eyes glow gold once more, and soon she's placing an invisible chain around his neck with a stone pendant. He feels the weight of it in more ways than one.
"I am honored Merlynn. Really, I truly am." He squeezes her hand. "I promise you on my life you can trust me with this."
She returns the gesture and tenderly smiles."I know I can." The witch feels as safe virtually handing over her autonomy to her King as if she were to give it to Mordred. She believes him. The moment is sacred between the two prophesied saviors of magic. There is something significant happening here that neither can comprehend. This, right now, is when everything changes. Merlynn's magic is thrilled.
"So that is the ongoing magic I was talking about. The magic I will do as it comes, naturally, is when whatever threat emerges. I need you to be comfortable, Arthur, with whatever I choose to do, and I need you to follow any instructions I give. I promise they will only be to save your life." He bows his head in agreement. "Well, that's everything. Do you have any questions?"
Will you marry me? Will you be mine for all eternity, ROMANTICALLY? Will you let me fuck you on this table right here, right now? "No. No questions." Arthur wants to bang his head against the wall. Give him waterboarding, rip off his fingernails one by one, slice him up and rub salt in the wound. This. This right here. This is the true torture. Unrequited love. And you have to see that love not once, not twice, but for the rest of your born life. MERLYNN IS MY BODYGUARD AND PLATONIC FRIEND. MERLYNN IS MY BODYGUARD AND PLATONIC FRIEND. MERLYNN IS MY BODYGUARD AND PLATONIC FRIEND.
Tap, tap, tap.
They look to the origin of the sound and spot Leon standing outside the glass. The prince signals for him to come in with a crook of his finger.
"I was hoping to talk with your highness before you leave."
She twists her gaze to Arthur "That's fine. We're about done here. There's just a few things I have to do." She pitches herself off the chair until she's standing before her King, who has also risen erect. She positions a hand parallel to his forehead and with golden eyes she slowly guides it all the way to his feet. Aurelian tendrils stream from her palms. Every part of his body shimmers and glows. When she's finished Arthur glistens gold for a moment more, then the light dims away. "All done. You are officially shielded." She delights, proud of her accomplishment. "Now, I just need to know what car you drive and the exact location of your bedroom."
"I have the floorplan of Kensington cottage, where Arthur stays. Will that work?" Leon offers.
"Perfect. Arthur, how 'bout that car?" Leon leaves to fetch the plan.
"It's a red sports BMW with the license plate, XCLIBR." He blushes sheepishly.
"Seriously?" She gives him a charming smile. "Well, I'm Merlynn. We're a match made in Avalon." She winks, teasing him.
Why God?! Just why?!
Leon comes back with the plan and lays it in front of Merlynn. "How's this?"
She first registers a picture of the flat, then scans the blueprint and memorizes the layout. "This will work. Thanks! Arthur can you call ahead and tell them I'm coming? I don't want to appear and they try and shoot me or something."
He reaches for his phone and texts Kensington security.
"All right, I'm going to head out. I'll take care of the ward for the car first, then your bedroom. After that, I think I'll go home if that's all right with you, boss. I'm beat." She yawns as if on cue.
"Certainly. It's past your shift time, anyway."
The raven lightly grins in appreciation, then moves to properly say goodbye to her King and friend. She embraces the blonde first.
"I'm really glad we cleared things up, Arthur. You have no idea what it means to me." Then she moseys up to the first knight and accords him the same sentiment. "And you, Leon, have been wonderful and made me feel welcome in a new place with new people. I felt completely comfortable in your hands today, and I want you to know how much I appreciate it. You're already like a brother to me, and I look forward to a positive working and personal relationship with you."
Leon softly smiles at his new friend, happy she feels the same for him as he does her. Odd, how he already feels so protective of her. And she's Emrys! "Likewise. And you, sister, were incredible today. Go home and put your feet up."
"Oh, I plan on it. After a nice, long bath." She sighs blissfully. She then gathers her belongings and ambles out of the conference room. "See you Wednesday!" she yells with her back stil facing them.
Leon watches her fondly, and then regards the prince who is staring down the corridor she just vacated.
"You're picturing her naked, aren't you?"
Arthur's response is to collapse in a chair, groan defeatedly, and then proceed to bang his head against the table.
Leon shakes his head in pity.
"Thought so."
