Amelia's POV
Amelia slowly opens her eyes and glances to her left where she sees daylight creeping through the curtains that her maidservant, Anne, had closed the previous night. As she opens the curtains she can see that the sun is still rising over the trees and she wonders why she had woken up so early in the day.
Amelia's thoughts are broken by the sound of the door to her Chambers. As she glances over her shoulders, she can see that it is Anne.
"You're early today Anne," Amelia says in a confused tone.
"It is the execution today my lady. You informed me that you wanted to get ready early," Anne responds.
The execution of course...
Amelia sighs and moves towards the basin of water Anne had brought in to wash her face. Amelia then moves towards the screen in the corners of her Chambers so that Anne can assist her with changing into her clothes for the day. Even though Amelia has been in this world for over 20 years now, she was still not completely used to someone assisting her with every little thing.
As she then sits down at her dresser so that Anne can do her hair.
"What is the matter, my lady?" She asks having noticed Amelia's sullen face
"It's just the execution, Anne," Amelia answers. "I feel like Uther is doing the wrong thing by executing this man. I do not believe that he is evil."
"I'm sure the King knows what he is doing my lady," Anne says attempting to reassure her.
From what Amelia can remember of the TV show from her previous life, she knows magic is not evil, it is how the person uses it but Amelia understands why Anne is saying this. She has been brought up with the belief that magic has been evil all her life. Amelia knows Uther tried to convince her as well but because she already was mentally an adult with her own opinions, Amelia could not be so easily influenced. She already knew her own mind.
When Anne finishes helping her get ready, Amelia leaves her Chambers and begins walking toward Morgana's. As she walks along the corridors, servants step aside to let her through and even though Amelia should be used to this type of treatment, she can tell you that she still finds it very weird.
—
When Amelia reaches Morgana's Chambers, she simply steps right inside (her and Morgana have long since given up knocking on each other's doors) and sees Morgana looking forlornly out of her window. She walks up to the woman she has grown to love as a sister.
Morgana glances at Amelia and tries to give her a smile though she is not successful. Amelia immediately hurries to give her a hug. Morgana clings to her as Amelia glances over her shoulder towards the window; her own Chambers do not face the Main Square as Morgana's does.
Through the window, Amelia can see the crowds gathered around the stand where the execution block stands. She has been excited but also dreading this day. This is the day that Merlin comes to Camelot but it is also the day that an innocent man will meet his death.
The dreaded drums begin to beat as the man is led by Guards towards his fate. Morgana lifts her head from Amelia's shoulder to look out of the window again.
Amelia then hears Uther begin his speech: "Let this serve as a lesson to all. This man, Thomas James Collins, is adjudged guilty of conspiring to use enchantments and magic. And, pursuant to the laws of Camelot, I, Uther Pendragon, have decreed that such practices are banned on penalty of death. I pride myself as a fair and just King, but for the crime of sorcery, there is but one sentence I can pass."
Hypocrite.
Uther raises his arm, then lowers it as a signal to the executioner. Morgana and Amelia turn their heads away, not wanting to see the man lose his head. The sudden thump and the gasps can be heard so they know it has been done.
"When I came to this land, this Kingdom was mired in chaos, but with the people's help magic was driven from the realm. So I declare a festival to celebrate twenty years since the Great Dragon was captured and Camelot freed from the evil of sorcery. Let the celebrations begin."
But as soon as Uther finishes his speech, a wailing wafts up from among the crowd. The crowd breaks away to reveal Mary Collins, the now deceased Tom Collin's mother.
"There is only one evil in this land, and it is not magic! It is you!" She cries. "With your hatred and your ignorance! You took my son! And I promise you, before these celebrations are over, you will share my tears. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a son for a son."
Clearly uncomfortable with this, Uther immediately orders the Guards to seize her. But before the Guards can reach her, Mary has already begun chanting and disappears in a whirl of wind and smoke.
"I wonder what will happen now," Morgana wonders. Amelia can only nod knowing what will happen but also knowing that everything will be resolved and be okay for the time being.
She stays with Morgana for the rest of the day comforting her. She gets very upset after every execution and would often rant angrily about Uther. It is at this time that Amelia cannot help but think about evil Morgana in the later seasons.
—
Later, Morgana and Amelia are looking out the window from the Griffin Landing. They stand in silence both caught up in their own thoughts before they are broken by the sound of footsteps though neither turn around.
"Amelia. Morgana." Uther says as he walks towards them.
"Yes?" Morgana says still looking out of the window while Amelia just glances over her shoulder at him not showing any emotions on her face. She has unnervingly gotten good at it.
"What is this? Why are you both not joining us at the feast?"
"We just don't think chopping someone's head off is cause for a celebration," Amelia tells him in a cold blunt tone as he stands next to them.
"That poor mother." Morgana murmurs.
"It was simple justice for what he'd done," says Uther in a tone that sounds annoyed clearly expressing how many times he's had to say this type of thing.
"To whom? He practiced some magic, he didn't hurt anyone." Amelia says, glaring at him.
"You were not around twenty years ago, you have no idea what it was like," Uther says in an increasingly angry and patronising voice.
"How long are you going to keep punishing people for what happened then?" Morgana says in her own increasingly angry voice.
"Until they realise there is no room for magic in my Kingdom! You will be with me when I greet Lady Helen." Uther responds. Amelia tries to not show him how affected she is by his shouting, trying to be strong like Morgana is.
"We told you! We want no part in these celebrations!" Amelia calls after him as he begins to walk away.
Uther turns back towards them as they glare at him. "I'm your guardian!" He growls. "I expect you to do as I ask. If you show me no respect at least respect our finest singer." Before he turns around and once again begins walking away from them.
"You know, the more brutal you are, the more enemies you will create!" Amelia yells after him. Uther does not turn around as he turns the corner. Seeing how agitated Amelia looks, Morgana grabs her hand, something they have done since they were children to comfort one another.
"There's no point trying to convince him otherwise," Morgana utters quietly.
"I know."
—
Amelia wakes up the next morning feeling very excited about what will happen. Things are going to become much more interesting now that Merlin has arrived. She hopes to introduce herself somehow, she'll have to wait for her opportunity.
After repeating the same usual routine, she decides to perhaps walk to the Lower Town to maybe talk to some people and look at the stalls. As Amelia steps outside of the Castle with Anne following behind her, she hears a commotion near where the Drawbridge is.
"What is going on?" Anne murmurs.
"Let's look," Amelia says running towards the commotion. In her previous life, she did not do much exercise, which caused her to get stitches from just walking for 10 minutes... down a hill. However, since coming into this world, she has to do a lot more exercising (riding, sword fighting) so she actually is quite successful in running over to the noise without getting a stitch despite the dress she is wearing.
Nearing the crowds, Amelia can now see that Arthur had twisted Merlin's arm behind his back. She cringes; she had forgotten about this bit...
"I'll have you thrown in jail for that." Arthur barks.
"What, who do you think you are? The King?" Oh, Merlin...
"No. I'm his son, Arthur." The way that Merlin's shoulders slumped, you can tell that he has realised how much trouble he is in.
Arthur then takes Merlin out at the knees before turning around and ordering some Guards to take him to the Cells.
"Amelia," Arthur cries cheerfully when he notices her. "Did you see that? Not very bright is he?!"
"No Arthur." Amelia murmurs angrily before turning away from him, Anne following her, not trying to see if he has actually heard her.
There are times like this when Amelia has to remind herself that Arthur will not always be this bad and that he will grow as a person with Merlin's help.
—
After meeting Lady Helena the previous night, Amelia goes with Gaius to release Merlin from his Cell. She approached Gaius earlier hoping to help him with Merlin, he seemed a bit surprised by her insistence. He asked her why and Amelia simply replied with, "Anyone that stands up to Arthur deserves help".
She follows Gaius as he moves towards where Merlin's Cell is and as they reach the Cell, they can see Merlin leaning his head towards the floor as if he was trying to hear something. Perhaps he was hearing the Dragon? Amelia's memories of the show are not perfect since it had been so long since she has watched it.
Merlin immediately jumps up when the Cell door opens and spins around towards them.
"Merlin!" Gaius cries walking up to him as soon as the door opened while Amelia stays outside of the Cell waiting for her opportunity.
Gaius sighs, "You never cease to amaze me! The one thing that someone like you should do is keep your head down, and what do you do? You behave like an idiot."
Merlin sheepishly looks to the floor murmuring "I'm sorry."
"You're lucky. Gaius and I managed to pull a few strings to get you released." Amelia says announcing her presence. This causes Merlin's head to snap towards her in an almost comical fashion.
"This is Lady Amelia Hallewell, one of the King's wards." Gaius introduces.
"My lady," Merlin says almost bowing, Amelia scrunches up her nose. She still does not like it when people did that. Gaius notices and gives her an amused look. When he realises what Amelia had said, Merlin suddenly springs up. "Did you say that I'm free to go? Oh, thank you! Thank you!" He cries.
Gaius gives him a disapproving look for being so excited.
"I won't forget this," Merlin exclaims. Gaius and Amelia look at each other grimacing as they know what is about to happen.
"Well, there is a small price to pay," Gaius says. This causes Merlin's happy expression to drop.
—
Before long Merlin is in the stocks in the Lower Town being pelted with rotten fruit and vegetables by children. Gaius and Amelia cannot help but laugh at his disgruntled expression. Amelia decides to walk over to him and have a little fun when she sees the children leave to get more rotten fruit and vegetables.
"Having fun?" Amelia asks in an amused tone.
"No My Lady," He grumbles.
"Please call me Amelia," Amelia says. "I hope we can be friends."
"Of course My L- Amelia," He says with an embarrassed smile on his face, trying not to open his mouth as the children are still throwing food at him. Amelia simply laughs in response. She then notices Gwen approaching them.
"Hello Gwen," Amelia says with a smile.
"Hello Amelia," she responds softly before turning to Merlin. "I'm Guinevere, but most people call me Gwen. I'm the Lady Morgana's maid."
"Right. I'm Merlin." He awkwardly reached his hand further out of the stocks to shake hers in an equally awkward handshake. Sweet. "Although, most people just call me Idiot."
"No, no, no. I saw what you did. It was so brave." Gwen hurriedly says.
"I agree," Amelia says warmly.
Merlin gives an adorably awkward smile before saying, "It was stupid."
"Well, I'm glad you walked away. You weren't going to beat him." Oh, Gwen.
"Oh, I- I can beat him." Merlin snorts.
"You think? Because you don't look like one of these big, muscle-y kind of fellows." Oh dear, maybe she should intervene but it is so adorable and awkward to watch.
"Thanks," Merlin says in an offended tone.
"No! No, I'm sure you're stronger than you look. It's just, erm... Arthur's one of these real rough, tough, save the world kind of men, and... well..." Gwen stumbles before trailing off.
"What?"
"You don't look like that." At this point, Amelia cannot help but laugh out loud at this.
"Very smooth Gwen," She says chuckling.
Merlin then motions for the two to come closer and then whispers, "I'm in disguise."
Gwen then lets out a laugh, Amelia joining her. "Well, I can say for both of us when I say it's great you stood up to him," Amelia says.
"What? You think so?" Merlin says hopefully.
"Arthur's a bully, and everyone thought you were a real hero," Gwen says admiringly.
"Oh, yeah?"
Gwen nods, "Mm-hmm." They all then spot the children returning with more rotten fruit.
"Oh, excuse me, Guinevere, Amelia. My fans are waiting."
Gwen and Amelia share a smile before scurrying off together, they can both hear the laughter of the children as they start to pelt him.
—
Later as Amelia walks through the Lower Town looking at the stalls, she notices a commotion in front of her and as she walks closer Amelia sees Arthur and Merlin in the middle of the crowd. Oh, dear.
She sees that she has appeared to have arrived at the tail end of the fight as she pushes her way through the crowd and stands next to Gaius to see what is going to happen.
Arthur backs up, catching his foot in a bucket and falling over backwards. Merlin, thrilled by his victory, looks up at the crowd and spots Gaius giving him a disapproving stare and pauses. Arthur notices this and attacks him from behind with a broom, knocking him to the ground. Guards quickly step forward and begin picking Merlin up.
"Wait," Arthur calls to them. "Let him go. He may be an idiot, but he's a brave one." Before stepping up to Merlin. "There's something about you, Merlin. I can't quite put my finger on it."
Amelia does not follow as Merlin scurries off with Gaius following. Partly because she knows that at this moment she is not supposed to 'know' about Merlin's magic yet and can't really have an excuse for being there. Though it is also because Arthur once again notices her and pulls her by the arm towards the Castle while informing her of how she shouldn't get involved, which has been a running theme since Arthur decided that Morgana and her should stay away from the 'men' stuff.
—
No one's POV
"Oi!" Gaius cries as he walks into Merlin's Chamber as the boy is just waking up. "Have you seen the state of this room?!"
"It just happens." Merlin mumbles.
"By magic?" Gaius sarcastically asks.
"Yeah."
Exasperated, Gaius simply replies, "Yes. Well, you can clear it up without magic. And then I want you to get me some herbs: henbane, wormwood, and sorrel. And deliver these to Morgana and Amelia. Poor girls are suffering from nightmares."
"Mmm, I know the feeling," Merlin murmurs to himself as Gaius leaves his room.
—
Amelia's POV
Amelia has once again snuck past the Guards and is scurrying down the steps to where the Dragon is kept. She often visited him during her time in Camelot with the aim to not only learn more from him, not that he told her much, but also to keep him company until Merlin arrived as he will get plenty of company then.
"Kilgharrah?" Amelia calls out. After a moment of silence she continues, "Don't try and scare me again, I do not appreciate it!"
"Of course young one," he booms as he flies down to his rock. "I learnt my lesson when you threatened with burning me alive."
Amelia shakes her head in exasperation, which seems to be what she always does when she talks to him.
"Have you talked to Merlin yet?" Amelia asks deciding to change the topic.
"I have spoken to the young warlock," Kilgharrah answers in a humoured tone. "He seemed as irritated as you used to be."
"Well, I am no longer as irritated as I have learnt not to expect a straight answer from you." Amelia rebuts. "You tell him about his destiny?"
"I did. I assume you are wondering whether you will know about his magic?"
"Well obviously!" Amelia answers exasperated, a common mood around him.
"Time will tell young one." He answers cryptically. "You will find the right moment."
"Hmmm... as clear as always Kilgharrah," She speaks sarcastically. "What about how our destinies will link?"
"Again you will see as your path unfolds."
She sighs, "I will have to go now. People expect me."
"Of course, until the next time young one."
—
Amelia is walking towards Morgana's door after speaking with the Dragon when she hears Morgana ask, "Be a darling and pass me that dress, will you Amelia?" This confuses her as Amelia knows she can not be talking to her as she is not even in the room.
When she peers round the door, Amelia can see Merlin panicking before fetching the dress while Morgana can be seen behind the screen undressing. Ah, now she knows what is happening. Yet when realising what scene this is, Amelia does not want to interrupt as it looks as hilarious as she remembered with seeing Merlin panic and Morgana being completely unawares.
"I mean, the man's a total jouster," Morgana utters as Merlin places the gown on the screen. "And just because I'm one of the King's wards, does not mean either you or I have to accompany him to the feast, does it." After no response, Morgana repeats in a questioning tone, "Well, does it?"
"Mm-Mmm," Merlin says in a funny high pitched voice while shaking his head. Amelia sniggers behind her hand as she stands by the door, receiving odd looks from servants passing by.
"If he wants me to go, then he should invite me, and he hasn't," Morgana says in an exasperated tone as Merlin jerks about in a panicked fashion trying to figure a way out of his situation again making Amelia laugh quietly.
"So do you know what that means?" Morgana asks.
Merlin again utters in a high pitched voice, "Mm-Mmm." While shaking his head.
"Where are you, Amelia?" Morgana asks looking over the screen causing Merlin to hurriedly hold up one of her cloaks to hide his face.
"Here," Merlin says in a high pitched voice while peeking through the neck of the cloak. She does not sound like that.
"It means you and I will go together and show everyone that we do not need any man to accompany us." That makes Amelia smile.
She does not know how Morgana has not realised that it is not her she is talking to but that may be due to the probability Merlin did not knock, which is a usual indicator that Amelia has entered her Chambers.
Merlin puts the cloak down and starts to leave, however not before Morgana says, "I need some help with this fastening."
This sends Merlin into high panic mode as he looks around at a loss for what to do. Amelia knows she should put him out of his misery so she enters the room behind him.
"Amelia?"
"I'm here," Amelia answers trying to control her laughter as Merlin spins around to face her then sighs with relief once he realises who is behind him.
Amelia gives him a small smile. "What are you doing here?" She mouths.
Merlin motions that Morgana needs help dressing, smiling adorably.
Amelia laughs silently while gesturing to him that he should leave. After he scurries away, Amelia walks behind the screen to help Morgana. She had agreed to come round earlier to help her decide on what to wear for the feast while Gwen completed other chores.
Amelia follows Morgana out from behind the screen as she begins holding up the different dresses she had come out carrying.
"So, it's whether I wear this little tease..." She smirks as she spins around towards her, changing what dress she was holding up to a maroon gown. "...or give them a night they'll really remember."
Amelia laughs. "The second one."
"You should put on something similar!" Morgana declares. "Then we will really make an entrance."
—
When the evening comes about, Morgana and Amelia walk towards the Banquet Hall with their arms linked. Morgana wears her maroon dress that has no sleeves being held up by being tied around her neck with a circlet around her head. While Amelia wears an off the shoulder dress with long sleeves with a similar circlet around her own head. Though while Morgana has all of her dark, almost black, hair tied up, Amelia only has the front parts of her brown hair tied behind her head.
"Ready?" Morgana asks knowing how Amelia is not a big fan of being the centre of attention.
"Of course," Amelia says reassuringly. Court members would have already entered the Hall, which is important for Morgana and Amelia's entrance.
Amelia clings to her arm as they enter and everyone turns to look at them. Amelia takes in a deep breath and strides down the aisle between the tables without looking at anyone.
Once they get to the end, Amelia turns around and notices some people have turned away to continue to talk to one another while some continue to stare.
"Morgana, Amelia you both look well," Arthur says approaching them.
While everyone only know Arthur and Morgana as cousins and that means there still is this expectation of them possibly marrying, which Amelia finds a bit strange. Nonetheless, it does not seem to be an issue here. However, Amelia finds it especially weird with Morgana and Arthur, probably because she knows they are actually brother and sister. Yet if they do not marry, it is expected that Arthur and Amelia might marry, but she sees him as her brother and is very much against it.
Other Court members also approach Morgana and Amelia to talk with them; Amelia lets Morgana lead these conversations. While she has become more confident while living here in Camelot, she is still the person that only talked more with people she is comfortable with and know.
Amelia notices Merlin by one of these tables as Gwen appears to be walking away from him and decides to talk to him.
"Excuse me," Amelia says to the noble in front of her before walking over to Merlin. "Hello," Amelia says when she reaches him.
Merlin jumps spinning around to face her and begins gaping at her like he is a fish.
"Merlin?" Amelia asks laughing awkwardly. He quickly stops.
"H-hello Amelia, you look n-nice," he stammers. He smiles bashfully.
"Oh...thank you," Amelia says sheepishly, looking down at her outfit. "Is this your first feast?" She is desperately trying to make small talk.
"Y-yes!" He says enthusiastically. "It is amazing!"
"Well, you will get bored with them after a while," Amelia speaks. "Though you are lucky that Lady Helena is performing at your very first feast." While Amelia knows that it isn't actually going to happen, the Dragon, soon after she met him, said she has to keep up the pretence.
"The reason for this feast is quite sad though," Amelia says daringly wondering what his reaction would be. She knows he was at the execution where Uther mentioned that the feast tonight would be celebrating the capture of the Great Dragon and 'freedom' from sorcery.
"W-what makes you say that?" He says nervously glancing around him at the people standing around them.
"Well," Amelia says lowering her voice. "We are celebrating the persecution of people who did nothing wrong but be themselves. I think that is wrong."
"Y-you really mean that?" He asks almost hopefully.
"I do," Amelia says with a slight smile on her face prior to turning away from him and walking back to where Morgana is standing.
—
It is a little later when everyone moves to their places at the table as the celebratory horns signalled Uther's entrance; Amelia notices Merlin standing in a corner near the head table. Arthur sits on Uther's right while Morgana sits on his left with Amelia on her other side.
Standing in front of his seat, Uther begins his speech, "We have enjoyed twenty years of peace and prosperity. It has brought the Kingdom and myself many pleasures, but few can compare with the honour of introducing Lady Helen of Mora." They all applaud and as the music begins, they all take their seats.
Amelia takes a deep breath, this is it.
Helena begins to sing. Everyone begins nodding off to sleep. Amelia quickly covers her ears, when she notices Merlin doing the same. He glances over at her and the two of them make eye contact. Cobwebs begin forming over the enchanted sleepers. Merlin is looking at Helena, who is staring at Arthur as she walks forward.
As she pulls a dagger from her sleeve, Amelia looks back over to Merlin with a panicked look on her face. "What do we do?!" She hurriedly mouths to him. Instead of answering her, Merlin looks down as if debating with himself, probably because he knows his next actions would reveal his magic to her. He then looks up directly at the chandelier and as his eyes flash gold, the chandelier drops on Helena as she raises her arm to throw the dagger.
The break in her concentration on maintaining the spell through her song causes everyone to wake up and pull the cobwebs off themselves while muttering. Amelia hurriedly does the same. Everyone either leans forward in their seats or stands up to look at what is now Mary Collins lying on the floor.
Mary raises herself up enough to throw the dagger at Arthur. But before the dagger slices into Arthur's chair, Merlin reaches Arthur and pulls him out of harm's way. They then tumble to the floor. Mary then collapses on the floor dead after witnessing that her last attempt at revenge failed.
Tearing their eyes from the dead woman, everyone turns towards Merlin. He looks somewhat nervous so Amelia gives him a small smile in an attempt to comfort him.
"You saved my boy's life. A debt must be repaid." Uther then speaks gratefully, breaking the silence.
"Oh, well..." Merlin says bashfully.
"Don't be so modest." Uther insists. "You shall be rewarded."
"No, honestly, you don't have to, Your Highness." Merlin pointlessly refutes.
"No, absolutely. This merits something quite special."
"Well..." Merlin says with a small smile on his face. You won't be looking that happy in a minute Merlin...
"You shall be rewarded a position in the royal household. You shall be Prince Arthur's manservant." She doesn't think Uther understands what a reward actually means.
They all begin to applaud after Uther finishes his statement.
"Father!" Arthur objects indignantly.
Amelia can't help but laugh quietly as Arthur and Merlin look away from each other unhappily.
—
After Anne had helped her get dressed for bed, Amelia sneaks out and starts heading towards Gaius's Chambers. She feels like she has to talk to Merlin and basically reassure him that she is not going to tell anyone about him and also to tell him that she does not think him a monster or evil.
Once she gets to the door, Amelia knocks gently before poking her head around the door. Amelia notices Gaius standing at one of the tables sorting out his bottles and pots of god knows what.
When he looks at her, Amelia smiles sheepishly. "I was looking for Merlin?" Amelia asks.
"He is in his room," he says gently while pointing towards the door at the end of the room they are in. Amelia steps into the room fully and looks at him questioningly, wondering if he knows that she has seen Merlin use magic. Seeing her look, Gaius speaks, "Yes he told me."
Amelia nods and walks to Merlin's door and knocks. Amelia hears ruffling before the door opens.
"Gaius what do you- Amelia?" Merlin speaks in surprise. He looks over her head at Gaius before ushering her into his Chamber. Amelia smiles slightly at all the mess.
"I meant what I said before," Amelia decides to start with. "I think it is wrong to persecute people with magic just because they have it and I do not know whose good idea it was for you to Camelot of all places."
Merlin laughs slightly. "It was my mother's. She believed I needed a mentor." He speaks before becoming nervous. "So you do not think I am a monster or anything?"
"No Merlin!" Amelia immediately says. "Of course not!" Merlin smiles thankfully. "I was wondering though, how long have you had magic?"
"My whole life" Merlin answers. "Gaius gave me this magic book to learn spells." He then grabs a book that is lying on the floor. Not very well hidden Merlin.
For the next hour, Merlin shows her the different pages of spells and which ones he will try to learn first but once Amelia begins yawning too often, they realise that they should continue another time.
"Thank you, Merlin," Amelia says with a smile while moving towards the door.
"N-no thank you!" He insists.
"It's nothing."
"No, it is not nothing!" Merlin again insists.
Amelia smiles and before she opens the door, she turns towards him, "I'm not going to tell anyone by the way." Amelia then turns away and opened the door and travels the journey to her own Chambers.
—
A/N: I hope I wrote that last scene alright. I was trying not to make it a copy of someone else's work.
Since in my story Ygraine and Vivienne are sisters, Arthur and Morgana are cousins, which I think brings an interesting complexity.