Camelot

September, 503 AD

"What is there to master? I could move objects like that before I could talk!" I heard Merlin say with pain in his voice – and slightly louder than he should've – as I entered Gaius's apartment after returning from a relaxing morning ride with Dallas.

I found the pair arguing in the middle of the living space and I gently closed the door, not wanting to interrupt them.

"Then, by now, you should know how to control yourself!" the physician argued back, looking at the boy with pure disapproval.

"I do not want to! If I cannot use magic, what have I got?!" Merlin shot back. "I am just a nobody, and I always will be… If I cannot use magic, I might as well die." And with that, he went to the staircase and disappeared into the room we share.

I felt my heart churn at his words as I watched him go, feeling a wave of sympathy because that's exactly how I've always felt about horses.

Gaius dropped his head and sighed in frustration.

"What happened?" I asked the elderly man, the soft tone I used doing nothing to avoid the startle he gave.

"He got into trouble with Arthur again and used magic to gain advantage," he explained with a shake of his head. "He is unbelievably lucky that nobody noticed."

I was slightly curious to learn more, but saved that question for a better moment as I instead asked, "Is he okay?"

"He is slightly bruised from the fight – and of course, upset. But he will be just fine," the man assured me, offering a small smile.

"Good," I nodded and set my riding gear down on the work table. "Do you have anything I can use to wash Dallas's leg protectors? The trail was a bit muddy," I asked, changing the subject.

"Of course. There are cleaning supplies in there," Gaius motioned towards a wooden cupboard. "Help yourself to them anytime you need," he added before grabbing some doctor-y stuff and going up to Merlin and I's room.

I called a quick 'thanks' after him and went to get a brush, a bucket, and soap.

Some two hours later, Merlin finally came out of hiding in time to eat supper with Gaius and I.

"Hey, buddy. Feelin' better?" I asked, offering a small smile.

He nodded as he sat down next to me. "I am just… angry, I suppose," he replied.

"Yeah, I know. Arthur's an ass-butt," I whispered to him, but the physician had sharper hearing than I'd anticipated and he sent me a disapproving look while Merlin laughed. "Tell me I'm wrong," I challenged the elderly man, who simply shrugged and placed a pot on top of the kitchen bench.

I peeked inside and found a mix of cooked vegetables, which smelled delicious.

"Yum!" I exclaimed as I served myself a spoonful, then I served some to Merlin and Gaius, accidentally dropping a little broccoli on the table. I froze and looked up at the elderly man. "Sorry," I said sheepishly. The sorcerer snorted and pinched the fallen veggie with a fork, then he ate it. I grinned at him and finally sat down, ready to enjoy the meal.

We went to sleep as soon as we were done.

"Where are you going, dude?" I mumbled sleepily as I heard Merlin shuffling around the room in the middle of the night.

The boy froze. "Uh… I forgot something outside," he very clearly made up.

"Liar," I replied as I sat up, covering my mouth as I yawned.

"Do not worry about it, I will be right back," he assured me.

I would've fought him on it, but was too tired to do so. "Fine. Ya' better not end up in jail again," I warned, pointing a menacing finger at him before rolling over and going back to sleep.


My eyes shot open in the morning and I turned around to see that Merlin was back. A sigh of relief left me and I grabbed a change of clothes before heading downstairs. Gaius was still asleep as well, so I quietly sneaked into the small room that could be described as a prehistoric bathroom and changed out of my PJs. Then I grabbed two apples and my riding equipment; and exited the small living quarters, feeling an eager buzz in my stomach as I walked towards the equestrian facilities.

"Hold her still!" I heard a masculine voice shout as I walked past the stables, which made me flinch.

"This animal is crazy!" another man replied.

"Quickly, get to the gate!" a third one yelled.

Feeling curious and slightly scared that they might be hurting a horse, I peeked inside the wooden building and saw four men struggling with a beautiful dark bay Iberian-type horse; who was giving them a bit of a hard time as they tried to get it inside a stall.

As much as I hate the practice of confining prey animals to what are essentially cages, they were not visibly harming the horse, so there really was nothing I could do to help the situation without potentially getting into trouble. With a reluctant sigh, I turned away from the scene and went to get Dallas.

"The treatment of some animals has not evolved in fifteen centuries, aye Dal?" I asked the Thoroughbred as I approached the paddock he shares with Gaius's mule. He immediately walked up to the fence when he heard my voice, his light blue eyes soft as he greeted me with a nicker. "Let's go for a ride before I have to go back to runnin' around the city delivering medicine for Gaius," I mumbled as I rubbed his neck, then I walked with him to the gate and let him out.

He followed me to the tack room and I borrowed a brush and a hoof pick, quickly grooming him before I tacked him up in his usual pale blue saddle pad, matching leg protectors, black all-round English saddle, and black faux leather neck-rope.

"Would you like me to get you a bridle, miss?" a chubby guy asked just as I was about to mount Dallas.

"There's no need, but thanks," I replied while offering a tight-lipped grin. He nodded and frowned before walking away.

I swiftly climbed onto the comfortable saddle and slipped my feet into the stirrups before asking Dallas to walk.


"Where have you been?! I just went through the most embarrassing thing ever!" Merlin yelled in my face when I ran into him as I was heading back to Gaius's home. I recoiled at his intensity, but quickly covered up the uneasiness with a grin.

"More embarrassing than dropping a whole shelf on top of yourself in the grocery store after you resorted to climbing it to reach the chocolate-flavoured almond milk?" I asked quickly and grimaced at the memory.

"Yes!" he replied, his eyes wide.

I recoiled again and puffed, "Yikes."

He dragged me to our room for privacy and explained how Gaius had asked him to deliver a potion for the Lady Morgana, and how he'd accidentally walked into her room while she'd been changing. She'd heard him, but thought he was Gwen as she hadn't been able to see him because she'd been behind a dressing screen, so he'd had to pass her a dress and vaguely answer some questions in a high-pitched girly voice regarding his archenemy – 'Artha' – who wanted her to accompany him to some feast.

I bursted out laughing when he was done. "Oh, dude, this is gold!" I said in between laughs, falling onto my back on my bed.

"Astra!" he protested while throwing a pillow at me, which I dodged.

"Well, what did you tell her?" I asked, still giggling. "Did you at least give 'er good advice?"

He scoffed. "I mostly just hummed in response," he responded as he looked down. I laughed again at the mental picture.

"Great news, children!" Gaius exclaimed happily as he entered the room without warning, startling me.

"Ya' could've knocked," I scolded with a playful glare.

"The King has agreed to let you both attend the feast tonight!" the physician stated, ignoring my comment.

"Oof, that's very nice of him, but I'm gonna have to politely decline because I have a bad case of not wanting to go," I replied with a fake pout.

"No! You are not getting out of this! If I am going, so are you!" Merlin protested while pointing a menacing finger at me.

"You don't have to go either," I argued while quirking an eyebrow.

"I am not going to let Gaius go alone!" the boy retorted.

The elderly man simply watched us in amusement.

"But…" I paused to think of an excuse, "I don't have any formal clothing!" I exclaimed as if it were the most amazing discovery since electricity.

"I am sure that Gwen would be willing to lend you something," my friend affirmed. "Maybe she still keeps something from when she was eight!" he added with a laugh.

I looked down at my body with a small frown, knowing very well that I'm a flat, plain, little sack of bones; and then I glared up at him.

Merlin ended up dragging me towards Gwen's house against my will and he asked her if she had anything she could lend me.

"You really don't have to, Gwen. Merlin has been spending way too much time around Gaius's herbs," I continued to resist, sending the girl a pleading look.

"Oh, it is no trouble, really," she assured me before going into another room, obviously not catching the true meaning of my words. "I think I have some dresses from when I was younger that may fit you."

I puffed in disappointment.

"You are gonna look so strange wearing a dress," Merlin snickered.

"Shut up before I make ya'," I muttered with a glare.


"I feel like a forking Barbie," I complained as Merlin tugged on my arm, trying to get me to enter the 'grand hall'. I was all but dropping to the floor and clinging to columns as I continued to fight the social appearance.

I wore an emerald-green dress with long sleeves that widened towards the bottom and silver lacing at the waist. It was simple and, honestly, gorgeous; but it didn't belong on me. My body isn't made for fancy and eye-catching dresses.

"You look like any other girl here. Stop being a baby and come on in," the boy scolded with a stern look and he used a second arm to move me, easily pulling me into the big room.

"Ah! You idiot! You're gonna dislocate my poor arm!" I protested and punched his shoulder.

He gasped, "Come on in, then!"

"Fine!"

A bit to my relief, there weren't that many people inside. Maybe fifty in total – which was still a big crowd to me, but it was definitely much better than modern parties where one can't even move because everyone is pushing everyone, and it's dark – other than the annoying coloured lights flashing from the ceiling – and the music is loud and repetitive. Instead, this room was greatly decorated with gold ornaments and crimson tapestries with golden dragons sewn on them. A long table covered in a cloth that matched the tapestries was set towards the middle of the room with a large buffet on it. The seating tables were arranged in a square that lined the room, with fancy-looking silver plates and cutlery set masterfully in front of each chair. Towards the back of the room, facing the door, were three larger chairs decorated with red velvet. I assume that's where the royals are supposed to sit.

My eyes found Gaius standing near the buffet and I could see him shaking his head at us in disapproval – clearly having spotted our argument. I sent him a sheepish smile and followed Merlin as we moved to stand in a corner while people continued to pour in – including Gwen and whom I presumed to be the Lady Morgana by the way she held herself, demanding all attention. She was honestly beautiful: her skin, pale but lively, seemed to be made of marble; her long wavy black hair cascaded down her shoulders without a single rebel strand; and her jade-green eyes seemed kind but fierce.

I suddenly felt self-conscious and I averted my gaze. This is what I mean! What am I doing embarrassing myself by standing in the same room as someone who looks like that?! I belong in the stables with the horses!

"She looks great, does she not?" Gwen asked Merlin as she moved to stand next to him with an amused grin. The boy was practically drooling at the sight of the Lady.

"Yes," he replied, not even glancing at the dark-skinned girl.

"Some people are just born to be Queen," she added with what I would describe as a dreamy sigh.

"No!" Merlin quickly replied, his eyes darting towards Arthur for a moment.

I followed his gaze and considered the Prince for a few seconds. He wore a simple dark shirt with similarly-coloured trousers, but what stood out was the rich-looking crimson cape hanging from his broad shoulders, which signified his status. The blond smiled brightly as he spoke to a knight and I looked away as my heart began to race like an idiot again.

There's something very wrong with it!

"I hope so, one day…" Gwen speaking again is what pulled me out of my contemplations. "Not that I would want to be her. Who would want to marry Arthur?" she wondered with a snort before turning to me, "What do you think?"

"Well, he's total eye-candy, but his attitude makes me wanna kick 'em where the sun doesn't shine," I blurted out, the words rebelliously skipping my brain-mouth filter.

Both Gwen and Merlin looked at me with stunned looks; and, honestly, I was surprised, too! I could feel the blood rushing to my cheeks and I dropped my head in an instant. I cannot be attracted to Arthur!

"Sorry, ignore me, it was a bad joke. I don't think before speaking," I apologised to Gwen in a quick mumble. She giggled and waved me off.

"I like much more ordinary men," Gwen stated, glancing up at Merlin with a glint in her eyes. "Like Merlin, here."

My eyes widened in realisation and I couldn't restrain myself, "Ooh! Merls and Gwennie sitting on a tree. K-I-S-S-I-N-G. First comes love-" my teasing was abruptly cut off by the King walking by and glaring at me. I froze as Merlin put a hand over my mouth.

"Shut up, Astra," he scolded and, only this time, I listened.

The King walked towards his seat at the head of the table, next to where Arthur now sat, but he remained standing as he addressed the crowd in a booming voice (I noticed that almost everyone had taken their seats), "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."

Yet another beautiful woman entered the room, her countenance proud and mighty as she strode in decisively. I looked down at myself and sighed.

Loud clapping echoed throughout the room and I clenched my jaw at the unnecessary, annoying sound; but said nothing as I moved to sit next to Gaius, Merlin taking his other side, and I let out a sigh as I propped my head up on my arm atop the table. The physician tapped my arm and discreetly shook his head when I glanced at him. I frowned as I put my limb down, then my eyes widened as I remembered that placing one's elbows atop a table is considered rude, for some probably dumb reason.

A harp began to play once the enthusiasm quieted down and I instantly grew bored.

The woman started to sing an opera that sounded a lot like a lullaby and I groaned inwardly.

"She is one of the best singers in the realm," Gaius whispered with a small grin playing on his lips, only for Merlin and I to hear.

"I dunno. Rock's more my thing," I replied in the same tone, leaning back on my chair as I tried to get comfortable. The hard wood wasn't at all gentle on my unpadded sit-bones and my legs hung a couple of centimetres above the floor.

Lady Helen moved to stand in the middle of the room, smiling around at the people as the song continued.

"Ugh, come on, even the last season of 'The Vampire Diaries' was more entertaining than this," I whispered, which earned me a nudge to the side from Gaius. I glared at him for a second and then crossed my arms over the table, resting my head on top of them. I tried my best to keep my eyes open, but the woman's soft voice lulled me to sleep in no time.


"Astra, wake up!" I heard a panicked male voice whisper-yell above me as my body was roughly shaken.

"Is the sorry excuse for a concert over?" I asked in a mumble, lazily opening my eyes to glance around the room.

I straightened up in a flash when I noticed a fallen chandelier on top of a dead old lady on the floor; the candles that had previously lit the room had been extinguished; and cobwebs covered most of the room, which was now empty except for Gaius, Merlin and myself.

"What happened? Am we back in my time?" I wondered as I frowned at the aged scene.

Merlin quickly shook his head and explained, "Lady Helen turned out to be Thomas Collins's mother in disguise. She tried to kill Arthur after making everyone fall asleep."

"Oh, that sucks," I said with a disappointed sigh.

"It seems like Astra genuinely fell asleep," Gaius noted with a chuckle, which made me grin sheepishly.

"I told ya', I prefer rock."

As we walked back to Gaius' home, Merlin explained everything that had happened in more detail: the lyrics from the woman's song had been an enchantment, which had caused everyone to fall asleep. He'd realised this just in time to cover his ears and protect himself from the spell, and then he'd seen her raise a dagger and aim it at Arthur, so he'd used his magic to cause the chandelier to fall on top of her. However, that hadn't been enough to stop her and she'd used what little life had remained in her afterwards to actually fling the dagger. Lucky for the Prince, my friend had acted quickly and shoved him out of the way. The King had been shocked and, as a 'reward', he'd appointed Merlin as Arthur's new servant.

"Dream job, aye?" I teased Merlin with a chuckle, earning a glare. "Remind me never to save his life. I don't wanna end up havin' to follow 'em around everywhere," I added, making him shove me – gently enough not to knock me over. I giggled and returned it.