Camelot
September, 503 AD
I woke up the next morning before Merlin did and I exited the room quietly, not wanting to disturb his sleep. I knew that he was exhausted from the past week – and I was, too, but I hadn't had to walk the whole way to Camelot. Plus, from what he'd told me, he had never slept on an actual bed before; which was incredibly sad to hear and kinda hard to believe at first, but, in the end, I guess it makes a lot of sense.
"So, you are the girl from the future," Gaius stated as I descended the staircase. His words made me freeze in my tracks as dread filled me. Is he psychic or did Merlin accidentally let my secret slip? "Hunith told me all about your situation in a letter she sent for me," he said, almost as if he'd read my thoughts. "Not to worry, my dear. Your secret is safe with me."
I sighed in relief and continued moving, "Okay, cool, thanks." He gave me a gentle grin. "Hard to believe, I know. It's a big mess," I added as I took a seat at the kitchen bench, resting my arms on it.
A sweet smell reached me, which I couldn't quite place, but it made me realise that the man was cooking something – presumably breakfast.
"It must have been frightening for you," he said as he turned to me again after having stirred the pot.
"Yeah, but I'm somewhat used to it by now. Hopefully it won't be forever," I replied, though I suddenly wondered if Leo, Henry and Mason were even trying to get me back. Surely Uncle Gus would have his big lawyer guns aimed at them until they did so, right?
I'm still lost as to what could've gone wrong.
"There is a bathtub in that room back there," Gaius spoke again, pulling me out of my pensive state as he pointed towards a wooden door at the back of the apartment. "You can fill it with water from the pump right outside the castle."
Great – having to manually fill a tub won't get annoying any time soon!
"Free to use it whenever you want. Breakfast will be ready soon," he added.
"Cool, thanks," I responded before silently going up Merlin and I's bedroom so that I could retrieve my toiletries bag – I still have some conditioner and shampoo from my time, but they're running dangerously low.
Gaius served Merlin and I what turned out to be oatmeal seasoned with cinnamon and sugar. I found that he was a very decent cook, though no one could ever measure up to Aunt Kelly in my eyes. We ate in silence for a few minutes, until I grew bored and decided to start a conversation.
"So, Gaius, what do you do?" I asked the elderly man as I glanced around the room. If I didn't know any better – thanks to the gruesome display of beheadings the day before – I would've thought he was a wizard.
"I am a physician," he replied. I tried to hide an involuntary grimace brought on by the thought of hospitals. "I imagine the profession has changed drastically throughout the centuries," he noted.
I puffed, "Where do I begin? Vaccines, x-rays, antibiotics, MRIs, plastic surgery..." I trailed off when I noticed the dumbfounded expressions on my companions' features. "Just, y'know, many improvements," I summarised with a shrug.
Once we were done with breakfast, Gaius gave Merlin and I our first task as his new helpers – a job that I only then found out came with the 'free' housing – which was delivering medicine to his patients. He had assured us that it wouldn't take us longer than an hour, but we ended up spending three hours on it as we got lost multiple times while trying to navigate the maze that was the castle – never mind the city!
"Oh, and Gaius said not to drink it all at…" Merlin tried to warn the final patient just as the man swallowed the full contents of the small vial he'd handed him.
My eyes widened in fear. "Great, less than a day and we've already almost murdered someone," I mumbled to my friend, flinching as the man slammed the door shut.
"I am sure it is fine," the boy replied, looking like he was also trying to convince himself of that.
"Next time, we'll make 'em sign liability waivers," I noted.
Now done with our free delivery service, we decided to take another stroll around the citadel and visit the little shops. I was especially interested in checking out the hygiene products, wishing to replace my shampoo and conditioner before I ran out. I was surprised to find a large assortment of multiple-use soap bars, which didn't look too different from what one would find in a modern farmers' market. Comforted by the familiarity, I bought a rosemary soap and a lavender one – ignoring Merlin's jokes about me being 'such a girl' because… well, I am a girl.
After that, we walked around the perimeter of the castle and I spotted the paddock where Dallas was grazing alongside the tall, grey mule; so I went to greet him while Merlin remained behind to watch some knights, who appeared to be training.
I gazed at the scene while leaning against the fence and frowned when I noticed that the knights were having fun at the expense of some poor servant. I thought that knights were supposed to be chivalrous and noble! But, as Thanos wisely noted, 'reality is often disappointing'.
Roaring laughter filled the air as knives were continuously thrown carelessly towards the lanky guy, who ran around the field while carrying a large wooden wheel on his back, which had target circles painted on it in green and orange. The men reminded me too much of high-school bullies, and I felt some anger pooling in my gut; but I knew that I couldn't do anything without getting into a world of trouble. I doubt that the King cares, if they're comfortable doing this so out in the open.
I was distracted by a nicker and I turned to find Dallas approaching me. A smile formed on my lips and my heart warmed as he placed his big head in my hands. I didn't waste a moment before starting to caress him gently.
"Hey, handsome," I spoke softly. "Are ya' enjoying our little vacation? We'll go for a ride as soon as possible, I promise."
My attention was pulled away from the Thoroughbred only moments after when I heard Merlin's voice in the distance. "Hey, come on, that's enough," he told the knights – his voice stern but, somehow, still gentle.
The men stared at him in puzzlement while I smirked at his use of a contraction – he often accuses me of 'butchering words' and 'not speaking properly', so hearing him do the same is a sure sign that I'm rubbing off on him.
"What?" a blond knight asked while letting out an amused scoff as he stepped forwards. He was tall and athletic, with sharp and admittedly handsome features.
I frowned and looked down at my chest when I felt my heart skip a beat. It's not supposed to do that.
"I'll be back soon," I whispered to Dallas and kissed his muzzle before reluctantly stepping away and moving closer to Merlin, figuring that I should be ready to back him up or pull him away from the scene if things got out of hand.
"You have had your fun, my friend," my friend replied politely.
The handsome– I mean, the blond, tilted his head and walked closer to Merlin, a faint smirk playing on his soft-looking– I mean, on his lips, as he asked, "Do I know you?"
"Uh, I am Merlin," my friend introduced himself and offered a hand for a shake.
"So I do not know you," the hot– the knight noted while completely ignoring the friendly gesture.
"No," Merlin answered promptly, letting his arm fall to his side.
"Yet you called me 'friend'," eye-candy– I mean, the blond knight, continued while frowning.
Merlin nodded as friendliness disappeared from his features, being replaced by a sassy smirk, "That was my mistake."
"Yes, I think so," the gorgeous… brain, stop it! – the knight nodded, smiling once more.
My heart skipped a beat again and I flicked the inside of my wrist in an attempt to condition the rebellious organ not to do that by ways of positive punishment.
"Yeah," Merlin echoed. "I would never have a friend who could be such an ass!"
I chuckled at that, but decided to step in before things escalated and Merlin got beaten up. He's not exactly muscular, y'know? Though he's not as helpless as pre-serum!Steve Rogers, either.
"Actually, that's a lie. You're friends with Will," I told the young sorcerer with a pointed look as I moved to stand beside him, shoving my hands into the pockets of my hoodie. "And me," I conceded, not afraid to admit that I can be a sarcastic jerk at times.
I felt the blond's gaze on me and gulped when my eyes connected with his. They were an enchanting cerulean-blue colour that caused my heart to skip another beat. Or maybe five. I didn't stop to count before I averted my gaze, feeling my face warm up.
"Howdy, Mr. Knight," I addressed him, swallowing the strange feelings that were plaguing my body while I still avoided meeting his eyes again. "I'm sorry about my friend here. His people skills are rusty."
"He is definitely stupid," the guy stated.
"Maybe, but I don't think it's knightly to say it," I replied, my mouth running faster than my brain while I narrowed my eyes at him, which I instantly regretted when my stomach did a backflip as our gazes connected.
He snorted before returning his attention to my friend, "Tell me, Merlin… do you know how to walk on your knees?"
My eyes widened.
"No," my friend replied.
"Okay Merls, let it go," I warned as I grabbed the sleeve of his jacket and tugged on it, trying to pull him away from the handsome– the blond. However, the fact that I said he's not strong doesn't mean that I am.
The knight smirked, "Would you like me to help you?"
"I would not if I were you," Merlin shot back, mirroring his expression.
"Dude, what are you doing?! You can't take him!" I said through gritted teeth, but I was ignored once more.
I gulped as the blond chuckled. "Why? What are you going to do to me?" he challenged.
"Nothin'! He's gonna walk away like the big boy he is!" I interjected, still doing my best to try to pull my friend away from the scene, but my attempts remained fruitless. "C'mon, Merls!"
He continued to ignore me as he snorted, "Oh, you have no idea."
"Be my guest!" the blond laughed and extended his arms, as if inviting Merlin to strike.
I groaned in frustration and let go of my friend, taking a few steps back. I tried. Whatever happens next, I'm not to blame.
"Come on!" the knight pressed. "Come on! Come ooon!"
A gasp escaped my lips when Merlin threw a punch, which the knight easily blocked and then he twisted my friend's arm behind his back, causing his features to contort in pain.
"Awesome, Merls!" I quipped with a huff. "Any other skills worthy of James Bond that you'd like to show us, or can we get goin' before you end up with a broken arm?"
"Oh, I will have you thrown in jail for that!" the blond growled at Merlin, my words going falling on deaf ears once more.
Why do I even bother speaking?!
"Who do you think you are? The King?" Merlin spat while struggling against his hold.
"No, I am his son," the knight answered, which caused my eyes to widen. "Arthur."
Well… I guess the legends are a bunch of hokum, then, because there's nothing great about this arrogant jerk… except for his looks.
No, brain, shut up!
Arthur kicked the back of Merlin's legs and now really did have him on his knees. Two guards promptly grabbed him by the arms and they dragged him inside the castle. I let out a long exhale as I watched them go. I could've protested, but my friend brought this upon himself.
Once they were out of sight, I sighed and turned to the Prince while raising an eyebrow, "You're Arthur?"
He smirked proudly as he faced me, "Indeed."
"Big yikes," I mumbled and gave him an acknowledging nod before starting to walk away, figuring that I should probably let Gaius know that his stupid ward is in jail.
"Hey! What is the meaning of that?!" Arthur called after me. I only picked up my pace, not really feeling like joining Merlin.
"So?" I asked Gaius as he exited the throne room. He'd gone in to have a talk with the King – with whom he's apparently fairly close – in an attempt to get Merlin released from jail.
The elderly man sighed, "He has agreed to release him tomorrow morning, although he will have to spend the day in the stocks."
My eyes widened in wonder as I asked, "The stocks?! Is that where criminals are tied and then people come up n' throw rotten food at 'em?!"
"Yes, that is it," Gaius responded with a nod before lowering his voice, "Do you still have that in your time?"
"I wish!" I replied with an amused chuckle, feeling very eager to throw spoiled veggies at my friend.
That night I had dinner alone with Gaius and we had a fun talk about some relevant scientific advancements through history all the way up to the twenty-first century. He was especially interested to hear about genetics and astronomy – though I couldn't really tell him much because I'm not wired for science. I tried to compensate by showing him my phone, which scared the crap out of him for a minute, but after the initial shock, I was able to show him some photos of the time machine.
I got up early the next morning and hurried to eat an apple, change out of my PJs, and brush my teeth before running to the courtyard.
"Well, well, well. If it isn't my dear friend Merlin," I taunted as I approached the boy, who was now in the stocks, getting pelted with food.
He gave me a sarcastic smile, then he warily eyed the wooden bucket in my hand.
"Oh, that?" I continued teasing and pulled out a mouldy mandarin. "Gaius found some old veggies in his home and was kind enough to let me take 'em!"
"Oh, get it done already," Merlin grumbled, clearly annoyed by my shenanigans. The only reply he got was an orange splat to the forehead.
After a few minutes of fun, the children (who were the ones enjoying this the most, besides me) left to get more food and I was kind enough to give Merlin a break from the game. I moved closer to him and leant against the wooden mechanism he was trapped in, giving him an innocent smile when he glared up at me.
"I thought you said that Arthur was supposed to be a noble and just man, not a prat," Merlin said after a few seconds, his tone almost accusatory as his features contorted into a frown.
"Yeah, well, Merlin's supposed to be an old, powerful man – not a lanky boy," I replied with a shrug and a sarcastic smile, "so this journey has been a bit of a disappointment. But, hey, that's life."
"You would have been lost had you not come across me," Merlin claimed.
"Nah, I would've managed," I shot back, grinning.
I noticed a girl who appeared to be some couple of years older than us walking our way. She had brown skin, black curly hair, and there was a kind look in her eyes – though that didn't take away the slight unease I felt at being so casually approached by someone unknown.
"Hello. I am Guinevere, but most people call me Gwen," she introduced herself with an amicable smile. "I am the Lady Morgana's maid."
"I am Merlin," my friend was quick to show off his actually not at all rusty people skills as he offered a handshake, which the girl promptly accepted. "And this is my friend, Astra," he then added, nodding his head towards me while his eyes scanned the girl with interest.
I gave Gwen a little awkward wave when her gaze travelled to me for a moment and she offered a handshake as well. She gave me a little grin after releasing my hand before addressing Merlin again, "I saw what you did. It was very brave."
"It was stupid," he replied, shaking his head.
She gave him a pitying look. "Well, I am glad you walked away. You were not going to beat him," she noted.
"Oh, no, I can beat him," the sorcerer affirmed while attempting to put a tough face on.
"You think? Because you do not look like one of those big, muscle-y kind of fellows," Gwen pointed out, biting her lip.
"Thanks," Merlin replied sarcastically.
"That's what I told 'em," I semi-joked.
"No! No, I am sure you are stronger than you look," she seemed mortified to have offended him, which was puzzling because he's probably one of the friendliest people ever… though I guess she doesn't know that yet. "It is just that, um… Arthur is one of those real rough, tough, save the world kind of men, and... well..." she trailed off and tilted her head, as if trying to find a way to explain what she wanted to say.
I frowned at her words. Arthur's nothing but a spoiled brat!
"You're built like a twig," I bluntly told my friend when Gwen took too long, earning a nod of agreement from her.
Merlin motioned for the girl to lean closer. "I am in disguise," he whispered, which made her giggle.
"Well, I am glad you stood up to him. Arthur is a bully and everyone thought you were a real hero," she told him in a way that seemed very genuine, which earned her a wide smile.
Not long after, the children returned with more food and Gwen decided to leave and not take part in Merlin's torture. Her loss, I suppose.
