Camelot
March, 505 AD
I frowned when the hotcake on the pan crumbled as soon as I tried to slip the spatula under it, realising that the food had gotten stuck. Then I pouted.
"Something tells me that was not supposed to happen," Merlin noted beside me.
"No crap, Watson," I mumbled in response and glared towards the hotcake mix box I'd bought at the H-E-B. I grabbed it and scanned the instructions at the back once more, "I don't get it, we did everything right… oh."
"What?" my best friend wondered.
I giggled, "We forgot to coat the pan with butter before putting it on."
"Oh!" Merlin exclaimed and he rushed to get some butter out of the pantry.
I chuckled and, in the meantime, I moved the failed hotcake onto a plate (we're not gonna waste food just 'cause it's not aesthetically pleasing, y'know?) and scraped off the stuck batter before stepping back to allow my friend to handle the buttering-up part. Then I poured on a new spoonful of batter and we exchanged a high-five and a small grin. It'll turn out good this time, for sure.
A minute later, I flipped it and smirked in triumph when everything kept going well.
Another minute went by and the hotcake was done. I moved it onto the plate and covered it while Merlin coated the pan again, and then I poured on the batter for another one.
"There's hope for us as cooks, after all," I noted while smiling up at my best friend.
"Yes, provided there is an illustrated instruction manual," he responded, giving me an amused look.
I nudged his side, "Rome wasn't built in a day, buddy."
Four successful hotcakes later, I started feeling confident and decided to attempt flipping the fifth one in the air like chefs do in the movies. It wouldn't have taken someone like Nostradamus to predict that this choice would be a mistake, for the hotcake was sent flying upwards and it got stuck to the ceiling.
"Oops," I said.
"You had to try to show off," Merlin quipped.
I was about to fire back, when the half-cooked hotcake fell and landed on my shoulder. I huffed in annoyance and looked up at my friend again, "Next time ya' wanna do something nice for Gaius – you're on your own, kid."
"Kid?" he echoed with a chuckle. "I am older than you!"
I waved him off and threw the soiled hotcake in the trash before moving to make another one. This time without crazy antics.
Ten minutes later, breakfast was served just in time for the physician to arrive from delivering an early morning baby. He seemed exhausted, though he had a big grin on his face. I suppose it must be rewarding to be in charge of helping new life come into this world… if you ignore the blood, and the agony that women go through, and how disgusting babies are…
"You two made this?" Gaius questioned as he scanned the table hesitantly.
"No, we hired an invisible elf to do it," I sassed.
"I doubt you could find an elf in Camelot," he noted while sitting down at the kitchen bench.
"Elves are real?!" I exclaimed.
Merlin chuckled beside me and I gave him a bewildered look before the two of us sat down and began to dig into our breakfasts. It's safe to say, my former roommates became quick fans of hotcakes! It's a shame we can't bring IHOP into Camelot. Or a Creams Cafe!
Once we were done eating, I returned to my room and changed out of my stained hoodie before brushing my teeth and putting on my riding boots. Then I began to make my way towards the equestrian facilities, knowing that I had a busy day ahead working with horses and knights.
I paused when I reached the stables to find Morgana, Gwen, and a couple of guards setting off.
"Hey! Where're you guys going?" I asked with a small grin.
"Out," a puzzling stone-cold Gwen responded, not sparing me a glance as she rode past. The Lady simply sent me a narrow-eyed look before speeding up Cinderella.
I frowned and tilted my head as I watched them go, wondering if something could be wrong. Did they find out that the thing with the druids was mostly my fault? Does Gwen know about the fact that Morgana has magic? Are they simply in an off mood and I'm reading way too much into this?
I shook my head, knowing that I'm probably overthinking things as I tend to do, and I continued on my path. I reached Dallas's paddock and got him out, wanting to give him a maintenance workout before moving on to the knights' horses.
The afternoon rolled around as I was finishing my work for the day and I soon started to make my way back towards the castle, wishing for a hot bath (and dreading the fact that I needed to fill up the bathtub). I've gotten used to that task and it doesn't annoy me as much anymore, but today was different due to the slight limp I was trying to mask. I stumbled over a rock while doing groundwork with one of the horses. No biggie.
I spotted Merlin and Arthur in the distance and grinned to myself as I sped up a little to catch up with them. I know I shouldn't feel so eager to interact with the Prince, but the wire that connects my heart and my brain seems to be experiencing a worrisome short circuit.
"Hello, boys," I greeted as I linked my arm with my best friend's. I noticed that he was flushed and panting, and that Arthur was sweaty and tense. "'S everything okay?" I asked.
"We just had a training session… the usual," Merlin responded in a mumble while casting a wary look towards the Prince.
I gave Arthur a look of disapproval as I scolded, "Stop using my best friend as a punchin' bag. It's not princely behaviour." He rolled his eyes and walked away from us without another word, leaving me feeling stunned. I mean, I know he doesn't like me the way I like him, but he's usually not rude to me. I mean… only yesterday, he was thanking me for helping search for Morgana!
"Is it just me, or is everyone a bit off today?" I asked Merlin.
He nodded, "I think you are right. Arthur has been grumpier than normal, and Gwen did not speak to me at all before leaving." I frowned and looked up at him. "I thought that we had cleared things up and that we were all right…" he continued.
"She was cold to me, as well… And Morgana, too," I noted. "Where'd they go, anyways?"
"To visit the grave of Morgana's father," Merlin responded. "It is the anniversary of his death."
"That's probably it, then," I deduced with a shrug. "She's Uther's ward so there probably was a close family relationship that affects Arthur, too. And Gwennie… I guess she's been around Morg for long enough to be upset by the date? I dunno."
"You are probably right," my best friend agreed with a nod. Then we shared a grin in what I took to be a silent agreement to not worry about the situation.
I hung out around him during the rest of the afternoon following my much-desired bath and was gracious enough to help him tend to some of his chores… at least until he noticed my limp and forced me to sit down at Arthur's desk while he continued to clean the room. So I decided to help by folding some shirts that had just been washed while trying not to think too much of the manly scent they expelled.
My brain soon got bored of the mundane task and I started to sing Paula Cole's 'I Don't Want To Wait' under my breath to provide myself with a bit more stimulation, earning a playful eye-roll from Merlin.
I jolted when the door to the room suddenly flew open and Arthur stormed inside. I noticed that he was even more tense than he'd been earlier and there was a wild look in his eyes. I stood up and took a few cautious steps towards him as I softly asked, "What's wrong?"
He walked right past me and pointed a finger at Merlin as he ordered, "Pack a bag, we need to leave."
I shared a concerned look with my best friend as the blond began to pace the room.
"Why? What happened?" I asked again.
"Now!" Arthur roared at the sorcerer, who started and rushed to get a bag from a wardrobe.
"Arthur – what the heck is happening?!" I repeated, more sternly this time as my heart-rate began to accelerate from anxiety.
His head turned to me for a moment before he returned his attention to the ground. "Morgana's party is not back yet," he informed in a stoic tone.
I'm not sure how far the party was supposed to go, and how long they were supposed to take; but the Prince's demeanour told me that I should be concerned and I felt my stomach drop as I nodded in understanding. I suppose we're going after them, then.
"I'll meet you at the stables," I told the boys before sprinting over to my room.
I hurried to pack a duffel bag with a blanket, my water thermos and an extra hoodie. Then I changed out of the pants I'd put on after my bath and switched them for some riding leggings, my boots, and threw my bomber jacket on top of the sweatshirt I was wearing. I grabbed my (stolen) bow, and then took off sprinting again, this time towards the horse paddocks.
Dallas was quick to meet me at the gate as soon as I whistled him over and I let him out, getting him to follow me towards the stables. Merlin was already there, tacking up Bronze and his usual ride – whom I'd named Falcon at some point. I gave my friend a tight-lipped smile before going to get my own horse's equipment.
Once I finished saddling Dallas, I turned to Merlin and instantly noticed that his hands were shaking as he tried to tighten the girth on Falcon's saddle. I guess he must be really worried about Gwen, and he has every reason to be. If push comes to shove and they're truly in danger, I know that the guards would save Morgana and leave the maidservant to rot without a second thought. The idea sent shivers up my spine.
"Here, let me help," I said as I gently nudged my best friend out of the way and I completed the task myself, earning a grateful look. I moved to hug him and he returned it instantly, resting his head on top of mine. "She'll be fine, Merls. We'll find 'em," I promised.
"Yeah," he breathed out.
A few moments later, Arthur entered the stables and he cleared his throat as he reached Merlin and I. We separated from the hug and shared a nod. I did not miss the glare that the Prince sent my best friend, but I didn't comment on it. He's probably just worried about Morgana and his face is aiming the feeling at the wrong person.
Without a word, Arthur grabbed Bronze's reins and led him out of the stables. I sighed, my soul feeling heavy with empathy, and I shared a determined look with my best friend before we and our horses followed the Prince.
Keeping quiet throughout the whole ride was probably one of the hardest things I've ever done. I hate being trapped in my own head, and riding isn't so fun when you're stuck to a compact pack that moves at a monotonous pace. Still, I didn't complain aloud a single time. Morgana is the priority, screw my easily bored brain!
The search party rode through the forest for most of the evening with Arthur leading the way and his knights following close behind; which left Merlin and I to trail the pack. It was hard to miss how increasingly worried my best friend was growing as colour drained out of his face and his eyes darted around with a dreadful look in them. I began to get worried that he'd end up having a panic attack, or falling off Falcon, or something; so I did my best to give him reassuring looks whenever our eyes connected and prayed that he would at least feel supported with that.
My heart churned when we came across a distressing sight – littering the ground right ahead were multiple bodies of men in crimson and silver. Camelot guards, of course. Possibly the ones that had gone out with the girls.
Arthur quickly stopped Bronze and dismounted. "Check to see if anyone is alive!" he ordered.
Merlin and I hopped off our horses, too, and I hung back slightly while he pulled his weight in checking for pulses. I felt my lungs constricting more and more with each confirmation of death and I started to bite on my bottom lip.
"It is Mercian craftsmanship," the Prince noted. I glanced at him and found him analysing an arrow that stuck out one of the deceased guard's chest. My head started to spin a little and I stumbled slightly, so I moved towards Dallas and leant against his shoulder.
"Arthur!" Merlin suddenly called out, turning all attention towards himself. He held up a piece of paper that I assume he found somewhere laying around. "It is a ransom note! They have taken Morgana hostage."
I watched as the Prince inhaled deeply and he scanned the ground for a few moments before stating, "Tracks lead off this way!" and he moved off the path and into the thickness of the forest.
The knights were quick to follow and I exchanged a nod with Merlin before doing the same. I found some comfort in clinging to the sleeve of his jacket and my other hand gripped my bow tightly as we silently trailed the search party once more.
A gust of wind whistled past and shook the trees, producing a swooshing sound. I zipped up my bomber jacket and cursed myself for having brought a sweatshirt and not a hoodie when another gust caused a shiver to run down my spine, making me wish I could pull on a hood and shield my neck and ears from the coolness that hit me.
A rustling sound ahead caused me to freeze for a moment and Merlin pulled me to hide behind a tree. I peeked around it and watched as Arthur exchanged his sword for a crossbow before he creeped ahead and pressed up against another tree. I drew my bow, ready to use it if anyone jumped out at him.
My jaw dropped when Morgana appeared before us. She was no longer wearing one of her fancy gowns, but what I assume is the medieval equivalent of underwear (which is a sort of camisole dress). She appeared to be wet, was shivering badly, and she had a trail of blood cascading down the side of her face.
Arthur instantly dropped his weapon and moved to hug the Lady. I squeezed my best friend's arm and informed him in a whisper that I was gonna run back to Dallas and get the blanket and extra hoodie I'd brought before doing so; then I returned in a sprint and went straight to Morgana.
"Here," I said in a gentle tone as I handed her the hoodie. She was quick to take it and put it on, thanking me in a low, shaky tone. I also put the blanket around her shoulders and gave her a gentle pat that I hoped was comforting in some way.
"Where is Gwen?" a desperate Merlin suddenly asked.
My stomach churned when Morgana dropped her head and shook it 'no'.
On the way back to the castle, Morgana explained that they had been ambushed by some bandits and taken hostage. She had obviously managed to escape, but the men still had Gwen. Merlin and I were quick to offer to go in search of her, but Arthur made us return under the promise that she would not be left to rot.
Once we arrived, the knights hung back to take care of untacking and grooming the horses and I left Dallas under the charge of a nice stablehand named Tyr – who's usually the one to take care of feeding and monitoring Arthur and Uther's horses. In the meantime, the Prince, Merlin and I accompanied Morgana towards the throne room so that the King could be informed of what had happened.
"It is such a relief to see you safe," the usually stoic man said in a sweet tone as he took the Lady into his arms. "I could not bear the thought of anyone harming you."
"The bandits still have Gwen," Morgana told him, a desperate pleading look on her face.
"I believe they were Mercian," Arthur noted. "We have received reports that Hengist has crossed the border."
"Hengist?" Uther questioned as his smile dropped. I've never heard that name before, but I can tell it's not good news.
"You must send a rescue party," Morgana implored him.
"If Hengist is holding her, it would take a small army to rescue your maid," Uther noted with a look that seemed almost sympathetic. So… in other words… he wants to leave our friend to rot.
"We cannot abandon her!" the Lady protested, raising her voice.
"How many men would you have me sacrifice to save a mere servant?" the King questioned.
"As many as it takes!" she replied. "Gwen gave herself up so that I might escape. I owe her my life!"
"She did so willingly, and she will be honoured for it," Uther assured her in an almost nonchalant tone before moving to leave the room.
Oh! In that case, it's all good!
"I do not want her honoured, I want her rescued!" Morgana cried. "She is more than just my maid. She is my friend!"
Unable to bite my tongue any longer, I stepped up and addressed the King, "Look, if you don't wanna risk your men, I'll go…" Now that I say it aloud, it sounds like the dumbest plan ever, but I can't backtrack now that it's out – not even in the face of the bewildered looks I suddenly got from the two Pendragon men. "I'm gettin' pretty good with a bow. I can do it."
Uther scoffed and rolled his eyes before turning to Morgana again. "A servant is of no value to these bandits," he said gently. "I fear she is dead already."
The words struck at my chest like a rogue baseball and my heart-rate started to accelerate. He's likely right… I gazed towards Merlin and my soul shattered at the horrified look on his face.
"No!" Morgana cried as she backed away from Uther, who seemed slightly shaken at her alarmed state. "We cannot give up hope!"
"We won't," I supported the Lady, stepping up to place a hand on her shoulder as I raised a challenging eyebrow at the King. He simply turned his back on us and moved towards the window.
I was wrong. He's a heartless ass.
Morgana promptly approached Arthur, "Arthur? I am begging you! You have to do something!"
The Prince straightened up, not even granting her a little bit of eye contact as he stoically responded, "My father is right. I am afraid there is nothing we can do."
"Dude! You promised!" I raised my voice at him, feeling my heart break a little at the betrayal. Arthur remained stoic and staring ahead. I clenched my jaw and closed my fists, wishing that I could punch him in his stupidly attractive face.
"How can you live with yourselves!" the Lady cried once more as she frantically looked around the room. I tried to catch her eyes so that I could attempt to reassure her; but she was rapidly led away by Gaius.
Obviously, it's the dumbest thing I've ever thought of doing, but I won't be able to live with myself if I don't at least try to do something for Gwen. Even if I die trying (which is likely what will happen, but who will care?). At least I won't be sitting on my butt and hanging back as more innocent people die. I already got a bunch of druids killed. If I do nothing, knowing that I could (however small the odds of success), my friend's blood will be partly on my hands, too.
"Right," I breathed out and returned my attention to Uther. "Well, I'm off to find Gwen," I announced before turning to leave the room.
"You will do no such thing, Astraea!" the King roared.
"Watch me!" I responded, not stopping.
After Merlin and I had agreed to meet up in the stables once all lights were out so that we could sneak out of the castle; I busied myself with packing my duffel bag once more. It will probably take us at least a day to get to Gwen (though maybe more), so I determined that I needed a change of clothes, some more water, a bit of food, my sleeping bag, my Avengers blanket, and a pillow.
I was wrestling with the zipper as I tried to close the bag when I heard a knock on the door. I froze for a moment, kinda fearing that Uther was coming to… like… chain me to the wall, or something, so that I couldn't leave.
"Who is it?" I called out in the most innocent tone I could put on.
No reply came, but the door opened all the same to reveal the handsome piece of crap that is the Prince of Camelot. I noticed that he wasn't carrying anything he could chain me up with, so I simply sent him a glare and returned my attention to my bag. I pushed my pillow down before trying the zipper once more.
"I am here to inform you that you will not be joining us," Arthur stated in a monotone voice.
"Okay, one – yes I will and there's nothing you can do to stop me," I responded, turning to him again and raising my eyebrows in a challenging manner. "And two – you're coming?!" Hope rose in my chest and I allowed my expression to soften.
He nodded, which made me grin.
"What changed your mind?" I asked.
"I could not disagree in front of my father, but I always planned on going," he responded. "Gwen is my friend as well," he added while giving me a pointed look.
A full smile formed on my lips. "Y'know, it's moments like this when I know you'll be an awesome King," I noted. Then I turned back to my duffel bag and, with a new-found strength, I finally managed to zip it up completely.
"You are not coming, Astraea," he repeated sternly.
I snorted, "Make me stay, I dare you."
He went to protest when Merlin abruptly entered the room as well. I smiled again at seeing him, and I was pleased to find that he had a bag hanging from his shoulder. He smiled back and we exchanged a nod. I guess it's the three of us, then!
"Merlin, tell her she is staying," the Prince commanded his servant, not looking at either of us as his gaze was suddenly fixed on the floor.
My best friend turned to me with a playful look dancing in his eyes, "Astra, you are staying."
"Nope," I responded with a smirk.
Merlin made a 'tsk' sound as he turned to Arthur again. "She says no," he reported with a nonchalant shrug, which made me giggle.
"Astraea – it is dangerous!" Arthur exclaimed in exasperation.
"Well, I walk on the wild side and laugh in the face of danger," I sharply quoted Simba from 'The Lion King'.
Merlin snorted and shook his head at me before addressing the blond again as he warned, "You will not talk her out of going."
"Are you not worried she will get hurt?" the Prince questioned him, a look in his eyes that seemed almost enraged… but it must've been my imagination, because why would he be angry at that?
"Of course I am," the sorcerer responded with a sigh, which caused me to frown. "But she will follow us either way, so there is no point in trying to argue."
Arthur dropped his head in defeat and I smirked in triumph as I turned towards my best friend again. He rolled his eyes and patted my shoulder. He's seriously the greatest friend ever.
"I want you near me at all times," the Prince suddenly demanded of me in a mutter as his eyes met mine. I recoiled slightly at the intensity in his tone and look, but nodded all the same.
"Sounds good."
As agreed upon, Merlin and I snuck out of the castle once everyone had gone to bed – only we were accompanied by the Prince, who led the way through the dark corridors without paying us much attention.
We exited the building through one of the doors that lead to the servants' quarters. There were a bunch of carts and barrels right outside, which provided multiple hiding spots while we surveyed the area to ensure we wouldn't get caught.
I grimaced and looked up at Arthur when I spotted two guards perched at the only gate that remains open at this time of the night. "Astraea – you and I will fetch the horses," he commanded in a whisper. I nodded in understanding. Then he turned to Merlin, "You distract the guards."
The Prince started to move towards the stables and I followed, though my best friend's voice soon caused us to halt as he asked in bewilderment, "How do I do that?!"
"I do not know. Do I have to think of everything!?" an exasperated Arthur responded through gritted teeth before continuing.
"Challenge them to a dance-off!" I suggested with a wink and a shrug, and gave my friend an encouraging shoulder squeeze before racing after the Prince.
I let Dallas out of his paddock and stole a halter to get Falcon out, too; while Arthur took care of bringing Bronze. We lined them up in the stables and I hurried to give the first two horses a quick rubdown while the Prince watched from the side with his arms crossed.
"Don't tell me you've never brushed a horse," I said while raising an eyebrow at him.
"That is what servants are for," he responded dryly.
"I'm not a servant," I pointed out and rolled my eyes, resigning to brushing Bronze as well. I mean, I don't mind it. I just think that it's embarrassing that Arthur doesn't know how to do it.
"But you certainly enjoy getting a taste of that life, do you not?" he spat.
"What's that supposed to mean?" I asked and sent him a glare before I went into the tack room to start getting the equipment for the horses.
I grabbed Dallas's neck-rope and Bronze and Falcon's bridles off their respective hooks; then I grabbed the three saddle pads, and the three girths. I'll have to return for the saddles and my horse's leg protectors. I set everything down atop a wooden stand near the equines and glanced at the Prince before re-entering the tack room. "Y'know, this would go a lot quicker if you'd at least help me carry stuff," I called out. I heard an exasperated sigh some moments before he entered the small room as well. I passed him his horse's saddle, along with Falcon's, and gave him a sarcastic smile before grabbing mine off its rack.
Arthur stood back once more while I hurried to tack up all three horses, and then we led them back to where we'd left Merlin, not exchanging a single word. Only a couple of glares.
We found an amusing sight, as a bunch of barrels littered the patio with the two guards passed out on the ground while my best friend stood to the side with a sheepish look on his face. I turned to hide my face against Dallas's neck so that I could muffle a chuckle.
"What did you do?" Arthur whined. "I said distract them, not knock them out!"
Merlin and I shared an annoyed look. "There is just no pleasing you sometimes," he responded to the Prince with a disappointed shake of his head.