Chapter 27: A/N I do not own Merlin. Or most of the dialogue. It comes straight from the show.
"Gwen! Has Morgana asked for me to do her hair up for the feast tonight?"
"She doesn't wish to go, she dismissed me early, actually. But she did tell me to let you know that tomorrow morning at seven!" Gwen said happily.
"Okay, I'll be there. Is there something you need help with?"
"I'm just taking these down to the laundress and then I need to turn down her sheets. After that I'm off." Gwen said.
"Well I can do her sheets tonight. You go home to father." Cassie said kindly.
"Thank you, Cassie. Have a nice evening."
"You too, Gwen." Cassie called after the girl as she turned towards Morgana's rooms.
She arrived at the Griffin Landing and was about to approach Morgana when she heard the King's voice.
"Morgana."
"Yes?"
"What is this? Why are you not joining us at the feast?"
"I just don't think chopping someone's head off is cause for celebration. That poor mother."
"It was simple justice for what he'd done."
"To whom? He practiced some magic, he didn't hurt anyone." 'Unlike you!' she thought ruefully.
"You were not around twenty years ago, you have no idea what it was like." 'No idea what it took from me!' he thought, angry.
"How long are you going to keep punishing people for what happened then?"
"Until they realize there is no room for magic in my kingdom! You will be with me when I greet Lady Helen."
"I told you! I want no part in these celebrations!"
"I am your Guardian! I expect you to do as I ask. If you show me no respect, at least respect our finest singer."
"You know, the more brutal you are the more enemies you will create." Morgana called as he trailed away, turning back to look out the window.
"'Gana?" Cassie asked softly, not wanting to startle her friend.
"How long were you there?" she asked nervously.
"I saw the whole thing. Do you want to talk? I have all the time in the world for us to talk. Gaius is having his dinner with Merlin and Owaine's not due back until tomorrow afternoon."
"Thank you, Cassie." Morgana said with watery eyes. They walked to her chambers arm in arm and closed the door. Morgana got changed into her night clothes as Cassie turned down her bed and stoked the fire that Gwen had lit earlier.
"I know I shouldn't, that I should be grateful for him. But I can't help but hate the way he treats some people! He's such a hypocrite, talking of how good a king he is to his people when he really only cares about half of them!" Morgana started. She kept on this vein for another fifteen minutes, pacing her room, before Cassie walked in front of her.
"'Gana. I understand you. Where you're coming from. But ruling over a kingdom mustn't be easy. True, his hatred and fear blind him. But he does love you and Arthur. Even if he shows it very seldom."
"The tyrant loves no one! I have yet to see him show true affection to his only son! He shows me more than he does his heir." Morgana argued passionately.
"Uther loves Arthur! And you! 'Gana, you just have to learn to ignore his faults; it is nigh impossible to forgive his sins, but his faults... As his Ward, Morgana, as Arthur's friend, do it, go to the stupid feast. Even if it's just plastering a smile on your face for a night, placate him. Don't pick any fights with him. For both yours' and Arthur's sake." Cassie pleaded with her friend.
"You're right Cassie. As always." Morgana said, smiling. "Would you mind staying? Just until I fall asleep. Please?" she asked with big eyes.
"Of course i'll stay, 'Gana. What are sisters for?" Cassie said with a big smile on her face.
"Sisters." Morgana agreed with a small smile.
"Do you think the woman meant it when she threatened Arthur?" Morgana asked, worrying her lip.
"I truly hope not. Arthur is not his father." Cassie answered.
"Yes, you're right. Foolish of me to worry."
"No! It's not! You worried for your brother, even if he's not really." Cassie said, cutting Morgana's protests that Arthur was not her brother. What the two did not know was that Mary Collins was putting her plan into action in the woods at that very moment.
"Cassie?"
"Yes, 'Gana?"
"You and your sisters, were you very close?"
"Relatively, I suppose. They were all so much older than I. Xaxie, the one closest to me, was six years my elder. But we were close. There was nothing I wouldn't do for them, and vice versa."
"You must miss them terribly." Morgana said softly.
"I do. But, they can never come back. No matter what magic anyone decides to try, the dead are dead. And they should remain that way." Cassie replied sadly.
"Besides. I have a new family now. My sisters, my brothers, my soon-to-be husband." Cassie said with a smile.
"We're lucky you came into our lives, Cassie. You're a great person." Morgana whispered fondly before closing her eyes and falling asleep.
"As are you, 'Gana. You have the brightest smile I've ever seen. Next to Merlin, the guy can really smile!" Cassie said to the air.
She waited another half hour before turning to leave. The small girl walked to the window and found that it was quickly nearing midnight, around eleven forty, so she donned her cloak and walked out the door, shutting it quietly. Once she got back to her chambers she prepared for bed and quickly fell asleep, dreaming of the old woman and her threats.
When she woke the next morning, Cassie decided to have breakfast with Gaius and his nephew before making her rounds. She went to knock on the door and heard a bucket fall to the floor.
"How did you do that? Did you incant a spell in your mind?" Cassie heard muffled through the door.
"I don't know any spells."
"So what did you do? There must be something." Gaius said, and Cassie took this as her cue to make her presence known. She knocked on the door and waited for someone to open it. Merlin stood there, a mop in his hands and a frightened look in his eyes.
"Cassie! What are you doing here?" Merlin asked, trying to cover up his fear.
"Relax, Merlin. I come bearing gifts!" Cassie said, giving him a blinding smile and holding up food! Real food, not that watery porridge Gaius made for him.
"Hmm, food! See Gaius, that is food not that thing on the table." Merlin said looking with revulsion at the porridge.
"Yes! Well, we better keep you out of trouble, unless you want to eat this thing every morning for the rest of your life." Gaius said, teasing Merlin in a serious tone of voice.
"Here, Hollyhock and Feverfew for Lady Percival, and this is for Sir Olwin. He's as blind as a weevil so warn him not to take it all at once." Gaius said, placing the small sac and bottle on the table.
"Okay." Merlin told his uncle.
"Here you are, Merlin!" Cassie said brightly, handing him a sandwich.
"Thanks" Merlin said, noticing Gaius' look of 'Do not use any enchantments!'
"What's that look for?" Cassie asked, hoping they would trust her.
"Oh, now she notices! What? Do you just not look when I'm trying to tell you something!" Gaius started, Merlin leaving with a chuckle at the old man admonishing the young girl.
"Oi! Don't leave me alone with his eyebrow!" Cassie called after his shaking shoulders. "Just kidding Gaius!" she said when she turned around to see said eyebrow disappear into his hairline. "Morgana needs more sleeping draught. Poor girl stayed up half the night."
"I'll prepare it and have Merlin take it to her when I'm done." Gaius said, reaching for a sandwich. "Hang on, shouldn't you be on your way to Morgana's now." Gaius asked.
"I told Gwen she had a rough night and to let her sleep some more. I'm due in half an hour." Cassie said, shrugging her shoulders. Gaius just grunted in response and sat down to have his sandwich.
"How was Merlin's first night in Camelot? City noises get to him." Cassie teased.
"I think he spent half the night looking out his window. Much like you when you first arrived."
"The patrols are rather noisy, at least after so many months in the forest with practically undisturbed nights. But the view is amazing!" Cassie said dreamily.
"All right, enough daydreaming from you, you have duties to attend to. Patients to take care of. Your job with Lady Morgana to get to." Gaius said, rambling on and on while ushering Cassie out the room.
"All right!" Cassie cried as Gaius was ushering her out. "I'm not a child! No need to shoo me out of a room."
Gaius gave her his infamous eyebrow again before closing the door.
Cassie just shrugged and called through the door; "Don't forget the sleeping draught!" before turning around and walking down the corridors toward Morgana's rooms.
"Good morning, Gwen! 'Gana!" Cassie greeted them as Gwen opened the door for her.
"Morning Cassie! Sleep well?" Gwen asked.
"I did Gwen. And you?" Cassie replied gaily.
"Very well thank you. Morgana's just stepped into the bath, you're a bit early." Gwen told her.
"Gaius practically kicked me over here. Same with Merlin, he's around somewhere delivering the medicines to the nobles. Need any help?"
"Could you tend to Morgana, I've to dust the curtains."
"Of course, Gwen." Cassie said, walking around the corner to where the tub was.
"Cassie, could you prepare those oils for when I get out, my skin feels a little dry. And open the window, too, please." Morgana told her before submerging her head to take the shampoo off.
"Of course, 'Gana. How was the rest of your evening?" Cassie asked, making small talk.
"I slept through it peacefully. Thank you for staying with me for a bit."
"I meant what I said last night, I think of you two as my sisters." Cassie said fondly. "And Ellie, but she actually will be my sister once I marry Owaine." she added quickly.
"Yeah, how's the dress coming, Gwen?"
"I've just a few finishing touches and the first fitting. When can you do it, Cassie?"
"Anytime this week is fine Gwen. Mary's due next week, Angela has a check-up next Wednesday."
"I can't believe Mary's so close to giving birth! Little Alex is so adorable, but I hope she has a girl. Baby girls are just so much cuter! And dressing them up!"
"Well, we know what type of mother you'll be Gwen!" Morgana said.
"She'll be the fussy auntie too!" Cassie picked up.
"Oh, now I know how you felt all those months ago, Cassie! It is very annoying!"
"What's Merlin thinking!" Cassie cried suddenly looking out the window she was opening.
"I think it's brave of him. No one stands up to Arthur like that!" Gwen defended him. "He'll never win, but still...very brave of him."
"I think someone has her eyes set on a certain newcomer, Casse." Morgana teased.
"That boy will be the death of me! And Gaius. Picking fights with the Prince of Camelot!" Cassie muttered. "I'm afraid I have to go deal with this before he's thrown in the dungeons. Excuse me, 'Gana. Gwen." Cassie called over her shoulder as she stalked out the door.
"Good luck to Merlin! Having Gaius is bad enough, but now he has Cassie too!" Morgana chuckled.
"I think I'll go introduce myself to him later. If he's not thrown in the dungeons. You know how Arthur is." Gwen said with a look to her friend.
"You do have a crush on him! Morgana cried as she stepped out of the tub and gathered the oils Cassie had placed on her vanity.
"I wonder who he's going to be more afraid of: Cassie or Gaius." Gwen joked.
"Cassie." they said together after a brief look at each other.
Meanwhile, guards were escorting Merlin down to the dungeons to throw him in a cell. Cassie had told Gaius about what Merlin did and made her way down to the dungeons with a sandwich hidden in her medica bag.
"Where are you going? He's not hurt." The guard, Henry, asked
"He's Gaius' nephew. Got here yesterday. I just want to check him over." Cassie said, batting her eyelashes and making her voice sound innocent.
"Five minutes. That's all." Henry said.
"Thanks Henry!" Cassie said brightly, smiling to herself. '¡Amo mis pestañas largas, nunca me niegan nada!'
"Merlin! You're all kinds of foolish, aren't you?!" Cassie asked when she reached the cell and the guard opened the door for her and left.
"Cassie. I didn't know that was the prince! I swear!" Merlin said sheepishly, his hand going up to the back of his neck.
"He's so obviously royal. How could you not see it?"
"Thought he was just a knight." Merlin shrugged.
"Okay. Here. You'll be hungry later on. I don't see how you'll get out of here in time for dinner. Let alone lunch." Cassie said, turning around to call the guard back.
"For what it's worth, he deserved it." Merlin said.
"That may be, Merlin. But you must be more careful. He is the Prince. Of Camelot. Next time, just turn a blind eye. It'll keep you out of the dungeons," Cassie said, then added as Merlin opened his mouth to protest, "Even if he deserves it."
"Okay. I'll try." Merlin promised.
"That's all I ask. Gaius will probably ask for more though." Cassie said with a knowing smirk. "Good luck to you. I've been on the receiving end of his lectures, thank you for getting here and distracting him from me." Cassie said jokingly.
Cassie made her way up to Gaius' chambers to let him know Merlin had something to eat but was dragged into an alcove before she got anywhere near her destination.
"Owaine! What are you doing? You almost gave me a heart attack!"
"Couldn't help it." Owaine said, grinning. "I haven't seen you in too long, love."
"It's been five days too long since I last embraced you, my knight." Cassie replied, standing up on the tips of her toes to give him a kiss. They remained locked in each other's embrace far longer than would be appropriate, but neither cared. All they cared about was being close to the person they loved. When they were through, Cassie reluctantly stepped back and fixed her hair while Owaine did the same to his shirt. When Cassie looked back at him, she laughed and handed him her handkerchief.
"You've lip paint all over!"
"Well, can't help it if someone was a bit too over-enthusiastic with our reunion. If this is how you are while we're courting, I can just imagine our reunions when we're married." Owaine said, wiggling his eyebrows.
"Come on, you. I've work to do. And you desperately need to wash up." Cassie joked, scrunching up her nose.
"Well, I was going to do just that, then I saw you walking down the corridor and couldn't help myself." Owaine said, making to grab her waist and pull her back to him. Cassie, however, anticipated this and out-manoueverd him.
"Excuses, excuses." she said with a shake of her head. "I'll see you later, Owaine. I really have to go. Meet me for lunch."
"Can't. I have to train. Dinner?"
"I'm to greet Lady Helen when she arrives tonight at Morgana's side."
"Greet her at my side. We'll sup after. I'm sure Morgana won't mind."
"I'm sure she'd insist we go together. Okay. But I have to finish my work quickly so I can get ready. Oh, and I should probably tell her I'm going with you." Cassie said, turning back around to leave.
"I hate to see you go, but I love to watch you leave!" Owaine called after her, to which Cassie replied, turning and walking backwards,"Ditto!" (cliche I know, but I couldn't help it)
Later that day, after finishing her rounds and having lunch with Owaine, Cassie made her way to Morgana's chambers already dressed for the reception of Lady Helen.
"Wow, I know I've seen you in it before, but you look absolutely stunning, Cassie." Gwen said from the screen.
"She's stunning in whatever she wears, Gwen. I know, hate her too." Morgana joked.
"I pale in comparison to you, Morgana. I've heard knights say you are the most beautiful woman in Albion." Cassie responded in the same joking manner. "Now. The real question is what to do with your hair." Cassie said, looking at Morgana's hair with an analytical eye.
"I want it down tonight. I was planning on having you do it up for the big feast. Still haven't decided on what I'm wearing though, so I'll let you know by then." Morgana said as Cassie went over and began to do her hair down. They walked over together, but once Morgana pointed out that Owaine was waiting for her, the besotted blonde ran over and greeted him with a chaste kiss on the cheek. Morgana took her place with Gwen beside her, and Cassie and Owaine moved off to the side to stand next to Lady Ellie and Sir Pellinore.
"Lady Helen. Thank you so much for coming to sing at our celebrations." Uther greeted with open arms and a wide smile on his face as he got off his throne. Lady Helen ignored his arms and curtsied with a smile on her face.
"The pleasure's all mine."
"How was your journey?" Uther asked, taking her hands.
"Oh, the time it took, Sire." Lady Helen sighed, to which Uther kissed her hands.
"Well, it's always worth the wait." Uther told her with a smile.
"It will be." she said, holding her necklace rather ominously Cassie thought. But she really couldn't say anything, she did do the very same thing on a regular basis.
POST CHAPTER A/N The rest of the chapters Will be much like this. I know tried and tired, but I still love it! Hope you do too!