Love Match- ch.7
Rating: PG
Genre: Humor/Romance
Length: 7 chapters, 12,993 words
Summary: Uther decides Arthur needs to get married, and this time he's got a game plan- a twisted mix of "Love Connection" and "The Bachelor." And poor Merlin has to make everything go right, of course. Who will really win here? Crack will definitely be involved! Arwen and light Mergana.
.............................................................................................................
Arthur was woken the next morning by Merlin’s usual ritual of “Rise and shine!” and opening of the drapes. He laid there a minute, thinking about the events of last evening. Ahhh. Then he remembered what he had to do today. The day of reckoning. Then he scowled.
“Do you have to be so cheerful?” he said to Merlin’s back.
Merlin turned around and quirked an eyebrow at him. “Aw, what’s wrong? Didn’t you have a wonderful evening?”
“Oh yes . . .” He got a dreamy look on his face before it fell again. “But today I have to tell Father who my choice is.”
“And he’s not gonna like it. Her.”
“Your genius never ceases to astound me.” He wanted to throw something but nothing was handy.
“Well, you won’t know unless you try. Although in this case . . .”
“Merlin?
“Shut up?”
“You got it.”
Arthur got dressed and ate breakfast in almost total silence for once. It must be some kind of record for Merlin to go without speaking for so long. But eventually Arthur had dawdled long enough, and he headed for the council chamber, Merlin trailing along behind.
He took a deep breath before entering; Merlin briefly put his hand on Arthur’s shoulder. Arthur indicated to the guards to open the door and they entered. Much of the court was inside, but the one person who really mattered, Guinevere, was there, standing beside Morgana, who sat on one side of Uther. They walked toward the king, stopping a few feet away. Arthur bowed.
“Arthur. I assume you’ve made your decision,” the king said.
“Yes,” Arthur replied.
“And? Who wins the competition?” Uther prompted impatiently.
“Lady Jennafær of Northumbria. Or as she’s more commonly known as,” he paused to gesture Gwen over to him. “Guinevere.” She walked over and stood next to him.
Uther stood abruptly. “The serving girl? But how . . . why . . . who?”
“We are in love, and I wish to marry her.” He took Gwen’s hand.
“But where is Lady Jennafær?”
“Father, this is Lady Jennafær. Look at her.”
Uther walked closer to Gwen and in a full circle around her. Gwen helpfully held her hair in the same hairstyle she’d had during the game. Uther’s eyes widened in recognition. “It is you! But how? You weren’t supposed to be invited. Only noblewomen . . .”
“I got the invitation, so I came,” Gwen replied simply.
“Silence,” Uther directed her. “Arthur?”
“It happened as she said. I love her and I choose her. I will marry her Father.”
Uther marched angrily to his throne and turned back around to face Arthur. “She’s a serving girl. You will not marry her. You will marry within your station. Choose one of the other women. One of the other noblewomen.”
Arthur stepped in front of Gwen and pulled her slightly behind him. “No.”
“You dare defy me?” Uther yelled. He indicated to the guards to herd everyone out of the room except those involved in the “discussion.” Morgana threw Gwen a look of support as she left, walking behind Merlin. “Now Arthur,” Uther tried more reasonably.
“I’ve already told you how I feel about Guinevere. I will marry no other.”
“Fine. That’s just fine. Then you will not marry her as long as I live. And you will not be seen with her either. If I catch you together, she will be banished from Camelot.”
“But Father . . .”
“If you prefer, I can banish her now.” Gwen looked devastated.
“NO!” Arthur yelled. He turned to face Gwen and took her hands. “Remember what I told you last night,” he whispered. “We will find a way, someday.” He brought her hands together in one of his and kissed them.
“Arthur,” Uther interjected warningly.
“Goodbye, Guinevere.”
“Goodbye, Arthur,” she replied, and left the room.
“This is for the best, Arthur. You must learn that, as king, you cannot always have what you want.”
“Thanks Father,” Arthur replied sarcastically, then turned on his heel and marched from the room. It was time to relieve some tension by bashing around a few of his knights.
xxxXxxx
Arthur mock-battled his knights for several hours. He felt much better at the end. Well, he felt he could resist killing someone, anyway. He remembered that he’d promised Princess Mithian he’d introduce her to Sir Leon. After he’d put his sword away, he approached Leon, who was conversing with his squire.
“Sir Leon, a word, if you please.”
“Of course Sire.” He dismissed the squire and they walked a short way away from the rest of the knights.
“Leon, I’ve a sort of odd request of you.” Leon looked puzzled, but nodded for him to continue. “Her Highness, Princess Mithian, would like to meet you.”
“Me, Sire?”
“Yes. Would you consent to a late lunch with me and her? In the royal dining room.” When Leon looked apprehensive, he added, “This isn’t an order. You can say no.”
Leon cracked a smile. “And refuse such a beautiful woman as the Princess? No, I’ll come.”
And that’s how Arthur found himself in the dining room with Leon, Mithian and Merlin, who was serving them. Fortunately he’d gotten to bathe and re-dress, as had Leon.
He and Leon had arrived first, so when Mithian came in, they stood. “Princess Mithian,” he said, and walked over to her and kissed her hand.
“Let me introduce you to my First Knight, Sir Leon. Leon, Princess Mithian.”
Leon walked over to them and took her hand to kiss it. “The pleasure is all mine, Princess.”
“Not all yours, Sir Leon,” she replied, and winked. Leon looked a little stunned at this gesture.
Arthur intervened, “Well, shall we eat?” He walked to the table, letting Leon attend Mithian.
They sat and began eating. Most of the conversation was carried on by Leon and Mithian. They conversed about topics ranging from hunting to jousting to opinions of the Saxons’ movements. Whenever Arthur glanced at Merlin, he had a huge cheeky grin on his face. Arthur mentally rolled his eyes.
It certainly looked like Leon and Mithian were getting along fine. Better than fine, actually. He watched as Leon said something witty and Mithian laughed delightedly. Leon was watching her laugh with a goofy little smile on his face. Well, at least one of us can be with someone we want.
A little while later, he finished eating. He glanced over at his companions’ plates. They were nowhere near done. He sighed quietly, then spoke up, “Well, I’d better be off. I’ve got . . . things to attend to this afternoon.” Still talking, they glanced at him briefly and tossed him identical goodbye waves. Scary.
He stood and said to Merlin, “Shall we?”
“Should I stay to attend them?” Merlin asked.
“Nah. Leave the pitcher on the table. I’m sure they’ll be fine.” Merlin did as he was told, and they walked out together, leaving the chatting couple to get better acquainted.
xxxXxxx
Later, in the evening, Morgana and Gwen were chatting over dinner. Well, Morgana was eating dinner and Gwen was bustling around Morgana’s chambers, tidying them before bedtime.
“I still can’t believe you’re Arthur’s mystery sweetheart! How did it begin?” Morgana asked.
Gwen blushed. “I’d tell you, but it involves a secret that isn’t mine.”
“Oh, go on.”
“Well, it involves that jousting tournament several months ago; the one Arthur didn’t participate in.”
“Oh, that tournament. The one he pretended to not participate in.” Gwen’s mouth dropped open in surprise. “Don’t worry Gwen, he told me about it. It looks like he didn’t tell me everything though.” She winked.
“Ah, no,” Gwen replied. “He, uh, stayed at my house for the duration of the tournament.”
“Gwen, you sly temptress!”
“No! It wasn’t like that! I was just doing Merlin a favor by letting him stay with me. We spent a lot of time together. You do that when you live together.” She giggled nervously.
“Oh I see. You talked, got familiar with one another, and it just happened.”
“Yeah,” Gwen said breathlessly. “One night I said something rather boldly, and he invited me to speak my opinion of his faults. So I did. I think he respected that.”
“He does seem to respect that in certain people,” Morgana mused.
“Well, the morning before the final, I offered him a token, and . . . he kissed me. Ever since, we’ve just kind of danced around the subject. But he was obviously more affected than I thought.” She blushed again.
“Aww, that’s so sweet Gwen! I wish Uther wasn’t so opposed to you two marrying.”
“So do I.” Tears filled Gwen’s eyes. They hadn’t been far from the surface all day.
“Oh Gwen.” Morgana jumped up to embrace Gwen fiercely. “I’m sorry; I shouldn’t have brought it up.”
“No, it’s fine,” Gwen sniffed. “Here, let me show you this.” She stepped back a bit and withdrew a chain from the front of her dress. On the end of it was a plain gold ring. She held it in the palm of her hand so Morgana could see it better.
“What’s this?” Morgana asked.
“Arthur gave it to me last night. He said it was to remind me of how he feels about me, even when we’re not around each other. He must have had an idea of what Uther would say this morning.” She sighed.
“Gwen, this is beautiful! And so romantic. He really does love you a lot.”
“I know. And it will help me remember his feelings, especially now. Maybe when he’s king he can change the law. I mean, I don’t want the King to die soon or anything. Just . . .”
“I think I know what you mean. It would be nice if we could be with whomever we wanted, regardless of rank or position . . .” She stared out into the distance for a minute.
Gwen continued her work, finishing by turning down the bed. “Would you like to change now Morgana?”
Morgana startled back into awareness. “No, thank you Gwen. I’m not quite tired yet.”
“Would you like me to visit Gaius to ask for a sleeping draught?”
“No, thank you Gwen,” she replied, then got an idea. “I think I’ll visit him myself. I’ve got to ask him something anyway.” That was a lie-it wasn’t Gaius she wanted to talk to.
One of Gwen’s eyebrows rose, but she didn’t comment on that. “Very well, My Lady. Is there anything else you need before I leave?”
“I think that’s all Gwen. Have a good night.”
“Sweet dreams, Morgana.”
Morgana waited until Gwen had been gone a few minutes, then got up and left her chambers. As she walked to Gaius’s chambers, she thought about what she would say. I never thanked you enough for sending me to the Druids. Hmm. I wanted to thank you for helping me while the Witchfinder was here. Better. Or maybe . . .
She looked up just in time to avoid running into Gaius’s door. Here I go! She opened the door and walked into the main chamber. Merlin sat at the table alone at the table, eating dinner. He looked up when the door closed behind her. He stood up so quickly he nearly knocked his plate to the floor. “Milady! Ah, how can I help you?”
She looked around. “Is Gaius here?”
“No, he’s down in the lower town, attending a birth. I guess babies come when they want, eh? He laughed nervously.
“Oh that’s all right. I can talk to him another time.” She noticed he was standing there awkwardly. “Oh, you can go ahead and finish your dinner. Don’t mind me.”
He gave her an odd look, but sat down anyway. As he finished eating, she sat down across from him and looked around her. An open book here, a mortar and pestle there, something bubbling over the fire-there was no shortage of things to do around here, apparently. “Did you want a sleeping draught?”
“What?” Morgana had been caught staring off into space again.
“Did you want a sleeping draught? We have some . . .”
“No thanks. I actually came to talk to you.”
“Me? Whatever for?”
“Oh, I couldn’t sleep, and Gwen’s already gone home. I wanted to talk to someone my own age and figured you’d still be awake.”
“Okay. Um, what do you want to talk about?” He moved his empty plate to the side.
“Hmm. Arthur and Gwen? So that’s kind of a surprise huh?”
“Yeah. Well, not for me. I’ve known for a while actually.”
“Really? When did you find out? I’m around Gwen all the time and I had no idea.”
“Remember when you both were taken and you got away?”
She nodded. “How could I forget?”
“While we were on our way to rescue her, I noticed Arthur was a lot more agitated than normal. He didn’t want to stop to rest, and when we did, he didn’t sleep. And he seemed to take a few more risks than normal, just so we could get to Gwen as quickly as possible. I finally got him to admit how he felt about her, but he was in such despair I didn’t press him about it.”
“Wow, poor man.”
“Yeah. But I think they’ll be together someday. I have a feeling.”
“Really? After Uther’s gone?”
“Probably. I mean, I don’t want him to die right now or anything, I’m not going to . . .”
Morgana giggled. “Relax Merlin. No one thinks you would, even if you could.”
“Yeah, scrawny me. Can’t wield a sword to save my own life.”
“I didn’t mean it like that. Okay, I kind of did, sorry. But you’ve got lots of other great qualities.”
“Oh, so now I’m worth admiration? Do tell.” He smirked.
“Well, you’re a good friend. Loyal, kind, selfless, hardworking, cheerful . . . and since you’ve been here, Arthur’s been less of a prat.”
He blinked at her for a few moments, then looked her in the eyes, and said slowly, “Do you really think that?”
Morgana stared back, into those blue, blue eyes. “Yes. And I’m not the only one. Gwen, Arthur . . .” she stopped when he took one of her hands.
“Thank you Morgana. It’s nice to hear it from someone besides Gaius.” Just then he glanced down and saw their hands together. He tried to withdraw it, but she held on and brought her other one over to cover his.
“Merlin, do you ever wish for something you could probably never have?”
“W-What do you mean?” He had lots of reasons to be nervous at this question.
“Oh, like I wish I didn’t have to hide part of myself, I wish people could be with whomever they wanted, regardless of their place in society . . . I speak of Arthur and Gwen, of course.”
He gave her a thoughtful look. “Of course. But yeah, I have several wishes that look like they’ll never come to anything.”
“Have you ever had a good friend that you always got along with, who made you laugh, and who’d do anything for you . . . then woke up one morning and realize you felt differently about them?”
He looked very surprised at this. “Um, I . . .” She put a finger over his mouth to stop him.
“Shh. Well, that recently happened to me. And I don’t know what, if anything, I should do about it.”
Is she trying to say . . ? He looked into her eyes again, and found something indefinable. “Do they feel the same way?”
“I don’t know. And I’m afraid to ask. Me, the indomitable Lady Morgana, afraid. Who’d believe it?”
“I think we’re all afraid of something, but I don’t think you should give up hope.” He reached out and took her other hand in his free one. She’s looking at me like . . .
“So you think I should move forward, having hope things will work out?” Has he figured me out yet?
“Yes, there’s always hope. It’s possible this person could be afraid too. I mean, you’re ‘the indomitable Lady Morgana,’ so you seem unattainable.” So I’ve thought for over a year.
“Do you think I’m unattainable?” He looked again into those jade-green eyes and almost got lost.
“Ah-yes-no-um, what was the question?” She’d gotten him flustered. Well that was an answer in and of itself. She giggled.
“I see how it is.” She withdrew a hand and touched his face briefly. “If only I had some way to know for sure.”
He blinked at her, his flustered look changing to one of determination. “Indeed, Milady. And ask yourself what you would regret more-being safe and surely missing out on happiness, or taking a risk and be rewarded.”
Just then, the clock struck midnight. “Goodness, it’s late,” she said, and stood, reluctantly letting go of his hand. She came around to Merlin’s side of the table. “Thanks for keeping me company, Merlin.”
“Of course. I’m at your disposal.”
She noticed the slight emphasis; her heartbeat picked up a bit. “Well, goodnight then.”
“Goodnight, Milady.”
They stared at each other for an awkward moment before she stepped over to give him an impulsive hug. He hesitantly put his arms around her. So warm, they both thought. She whispered, “See you tomorrow,” before taking a small step back, then darting forward again to kiss his cheek. Then she stepped away, turned around and hurried to the door.
“Tomorrow,” he said faintly. She gave him a little wave before leaving the room. He put a hand to the cheek she’d kissed. What just happened here? Does she? Will she? Will I?
He stood there deliberating various unanswerable questions in his head until an exhausted Gaius came home. “Merlin, why are you standing in the middle of the room, talking to yourself?”
He jumped, startled back into awareness. “Ah, nothing important . . . I’ve got to go to bed. Yeah, sleep will help. Good old sleep. Good.” And with that dubious statement, he turned and walked up to his room, closing the door behind him.
“That boy . . .” Gaius said to himself. “Greatest warlock ever, hmm. Maybe someday he’ll figure out girls.” He got ready for bed and blew out the candles. Good luck with that, he thought, before drifting into a sound sleep.
Genre: Humor/Romance
Length: 7 chapters, 12,993 words
Summary: Uther decides Arthur needs to get married, and this time he's got a game plan- a twisted mix of "Love Connection" and "The Bachelor." And poor Merlin has to make everything go right, of course. Who will really win here? Crack will definitely be involved! Arwen and light Mergana.
.............................................................................................................
Arthur was woken the next morning by Merlin’s usual ritual of “Rise and shine!” and opening of the drapes. He laid there a minute, thinking about the events of last evening. Ahhh. Then he remembered what he had to do today. The day of reckoning. Then he scowled.
“Do you have to be so cheerful?” he said to Merlin’s back.
Merlin turned around and quirked an eyebrow at him. “Aw, what’s wrong? Didn’t you have a wonderful evening?”
“Oh yes . . .” He got a dreamy look on his face before it fell again. “But today I have to tell Father who my choice is.”
“And he’s not gonna like it. Her.”
“Your genius never ceases to astound me.” He wanted to throw something but nothing was handy.
“Well, you won’t know unless you try. Although in this case . . .”
“Merlin?
“Shut up?”
“You got it.”
Arthur got dressed and ate breakfast in almost total silence for once. It must be some kind of record for Merlin to go without speaking for so long. But eventually Arthur had dawdled long enough, and he headed for the council chamber, Merlin trailing along behind.
He took a deep breath before entering; Merlin briefly put his hand on Arthur’s shoulder. Arthur indicated to the guards to open the door and they entered. Much of the court was inside, but the one person who really mattered, Guinevere, was there, standing beside Morgana, who sat on one side of Uther. They walked toward the king, stopping a few feet away. Arthur bowed.
“Arthur. I assume you’ve made your decision,” the king said.
“Yes,” Arthur replied.
“And? Who wins the competition?” Uther prompted impatiently.
“Lady Jennafær of Northumbria. Or as she’s more commonly known as,” he paused to gesture Gwen over to him. “Guinevere.” She walked over and stood next to him.
Uther stood abruptly. “The serving girl? But how . . . why . . . who?”
“We are in love, and I wish to marry her.” He took Gwen’s hand.
“But where is Lady Jennafær?”
“Father, this is Lady Jennafær. Look at her.”
Uther walked closer to Gwen and in a full circle around her. Gwen helpfully held her hair in the same hairstyle she’d had during the game. Uther’s eyes widened in recognition. “It is you! But how? You weren’t supposed to be invited. Only noblewomen . . .”
“I got the invitation, so I came,” Gwen replied simply.
“Silence,” Uther directed her. “Arthur?”
“It happened as she said. I love her and I choose her. I will marry her Father.”
Uther marched angrily to his throne and turned back around to face Arthur. “She’s a serving girl. You will not marry her. You will marry within your station. Choose one of the other women. One of the other noblewomen.”
Arthur stepped in front of Gwen and pulled her slightly behind him. “No.”
“You dare defy me?” Uther yelled. He indicated to the guards to herd everyone out of the room except those involved in the “discussion.” Morgana threw Gwen a look of support as she left, walking behind Merlin. “Now Arthur,” Uther tried more reasonably.
“I’ve already told you how I feel about Guinevere. I will marry no other.”
“Fine. That’s just fine. Then you will not marry her as long as I live. And you will not be seen with her either. If I catch you together, she will be banished from Camelot.”
“But Father . . .”
“If you prefer, I can banish her now.” Gwen looked devastated.
“NO!” Arthur yelled. He turned to face Gwen and took her hands. “Remember what I told you last night,” he whispered. “We will find a way, someday.” He brought her hands together in one of his and kissed them.
“Arthur,” Uther interjected warningly.
“Goodbye, Guinevere.”
“Goodbye, Arthur,” she replied, and left the room.
“This is for the best, Arthur. You must learn that, as king, you cannot always have what you want.”
“Thanks Father,” Arthur replied sarcastically, then turned on his heel and marched from the room. It was time to relieve some tension by bashing around a few of his knights.
xxxXxxx
Arthur mock-battled his knights for several hours. He felt much better at the end. Well, he felt he could resist killing someone, anyway. He remembered that he’d promised Princess Mithian he’d introduce her to Sir Leon. After he’d put his sword away, he approached Leon, who was conversing with his squire.
“Sir Leon, a word, if you please.”
“Of course Sire.” He dismissed the squire and they walked a short way away from the rest of the knights.
“Leon, I’ve a sort of odd request of you.” Leon looked puzzled, but nodded for him to continue. “Her Highness, Princess Mithian, would like to meet you.”
“Me, Sire?”
“Yes. Would you consent to a late lunch with me and her? In the royal dining room.” When Leon looked apprehensive, he added, “This isn’t an order. You can say no.”
Leon cracked a smile. “And refuse such a beautiful woman as the Princess? No, I’ll come.”
And that’s how Arthur found himself in the dining room with Leon, Mithian and Merlin, who was serving them. Fortunately he’d gotten to bathe and re-dress, as had Leon.
He and Leon had arrived first, so when Mithian came in, they stood. “Princess Mithian,” he said, and walked over to her and kissed her hand.
“Let me introduce you to my First Knight, Sir Leon. Leon, Princess Mithian.”
Leon walked over to them and took her hand to kiss it. “The pleasure is all mine, Princess.”
“Not all yours, Sir Leon,” she replied, and winked. Leon looked a little stunned at this gesture.
Arthur intervened, “Well, shall we eat?” He walked to the table, letting Leon attend Mithian.
They sat and began eating. Most of the conversation was carried on by Leon and Mithian. They conversed about topics ranging from hunting to jousting to opinions of the Saxons’ movements. Whenever Arthur glanced at Merlin, he had a huge cheeky grin on his face. Arthur mentally rolled his eyes.
It certainly looked like Leon and Mithian were getting along fine. Better than fine, actually. He watched as Leon said something witty and Mithian laughed delightedly. Leon was watching her laugh with a goofy little smile on his face. Well, at least one of us can be with someone we want.
A little while later, he finished eating. He glanced over at his companions’ plates. They were nowhere near done. He sighed quietly, then spoke up, “Well, I’d better be off. I’ve got . . . things to attend to this afternoon.” Still talking, they glanced at him briefly and tossed him identical goodbye waves. Scary.
He stood and said to Merlin, “Shall we?”
“Should I stay to attend them?” Merlin asked.
“Nah. Leave the pitcher on the table. I’m sure they’ll be fine.” Merlin did as he was told, and they walked out together, leaving the chatting couple to get better acquainted.
xxxXxxx
Later, in the evening, Morgana and Gwen were chatting over dinner. Well, Morgana was eating dinner and Gwen was bustling around Morgana’s chambers, tidying them before bedtime.
“I still can’t believe you’re Arthur’s mystery sweetheart! How did it begin?” Morgana asked.
Gwen blushed. “I’d tell you, but it involves a secret that isn’t mine.”
“Oh, go on.”
“Well, it involves that jousting tournament several months ago; the one Arthur didn’t participate in.”
“Oh, that tournament. The one he pretended to not participate in.” Gwen’s mouth dropped open in surprise. “Don’t worry Gwen, he told me about it. It looks like he didn’t tell me everything though.” She winked.
“Ah, no,” Gwen replied. “He, uh, stayed at my house for the duration of the tournament.”
“Gwen, you sly temptress!”
“No! It wasn’t like that! I was just doing Merlin a favor by letting him stay with me. We spent a lot of time together. You do that when you live together.” She giggled nervously.
“Oh I see. You talked, got familiar with one another, and it just happened.”
“Yeah,” Gwen said breathlessly. “One night I said something rather boldly, and he invited me to speak my opinion of his faults. So I did. I think he respected that.”
“He does seem to respect that in certain people,” Morgana mused.
“Well, the morning before the final, I offered him a token, and . . . he kissed me. Ever since, we’ve just kind of danced around the subject. But he was obviously more affected than I thought.” She blushed again.
“Aww, that’s so sweet Gwen! I wish Uther wasn’t so opposed to you two marrying.”
“So do I.” Tears filled Gwen’s eyes. They hadn’t been far from the surface all day.
“Oh Gwen.” Morgana jumped up to embrace Gwen fiercely. “I’m sorry; I shouldn’t have brought it up.”
“No, it’s fine,” Gwen sniffed. “Here, let me show you this.” She stepped back a bit and withdrew a chain from the front of her dress. On the end of it was a plain gold ring. She held it in the palm of her hand so Morgana could see it better.
“What’s this?” Morgana asked.
“Arthur gave it to me last night. He said it was to remind me of how he feels about me, even when we’re not around each other. He must have had an idea of what Uther would say this morning.” She sighed.
“Gwen, this is beautiful! And so romantic. He really does love you a lot.”
“I know. And it will help me remember his feelings, especially now. Maybe when he’s king he can change the law. I mean, I don’t want the King to die soon or anything. Just . . .”
“I think I know what you mean. It would be nice if we could be with whomever we wanted, regardless of rank or position . . .” She stared out into the distance for a minute.
Gwen continued her work, finishing by turning down the bed. “Would you like to change now Morgana?”
Morgana startled back into awareness. “No, thank you Gwen. I’m not quite tired yet.”
“Would you like me to visit Gaius to ask for a sleeping draught?”
“No, thank you Gwen,” she replied, then got an idea. “I think I’ll visit him myself. I’ve got to ask him something anyway.” That was a lie-it wasn’t Gaius she wanted to talk to.
One of Gwen’s eyebrows rose, but she didn’t comment on that. “Very well, My Lady. Is there anything else you need before I leave?”
“I think that’s all Gwen. Have a good night.”
“Sweet dreams, Morgana.”
Morgana waited until Gwen had been gone a few minutes, then got up and left her chambers. As she walked to Gaius’s chambers, she thought about what she would say. I never thanked you enough for sending me to the Druids. Hmm. I wanted to thank you for helping me while the Witchfinder was here. Better. Or maybe . . .
She looked up just in time to avoid running into Gaius’s door. Here I go! She opened the door and walked into the main chamber. Merlin sat at the table alone at the table, eating dinner. He looked up when the door closed behind her. He stood up so quickly he nearly knocked his plate to the floor. “Milady! Ah, how can I help you?”
She looked around. “Is Gaius here?”
“No, he’s down in the lower town, attending a birth. I guess babies come when they want, eh? He laughed nervously.
“Oh that’s all right. I can talk to him another time.” She noticed he was standing there awkwardly. “Oh, you can go ahead and finish your dinner. Don’t mind me.”
He gave her an odd look, but sat down anyway. As he finished eating, she sat down across from him and looked around her. An open book here, a mortar and pestle there, something bubbling over the fire-there was no shortage of things to do around here, apparently. “Did you want a sleeping draught?”
“What?” Morgana had been caught staring off into space again.
“Did you want a sleeping draught? We have some . . .”
“No thanks. I actually came to talk to you.”
“Me? Whatever for?”
“Oh, I couldn’t sleep, and Gwen’s already gone home. I wanted to talk to someone my own age and figured you’d still be awake.”
“Okay. Um, what do you want to talk about?” He moved his empty plate to the side.
“Hmm. Arthur and Gwen? So that’s kind of a surprise huh?”
“Yeah. Well, not for me. I’ve known for a while actually.”
“Really? When did you find out? I’m around Gwen all the time and I had no idea.”
“Remember when you both were taken and you got away?”
She nodded. “How could I forget?”
“While we were on our way to rescue her, I noticed Arthur was a lot more agitated than normal. He didn’t want to stop to rest, and when we did, he didn’t sleep. And he seemed to take a few more risks than normal, just so we could get to Gwen as quickly as possible. I finally got him to admit how he felt about her, but he was in such despair I didn’t press him about it.”
“Wow, poor man.”
“Yeah. But I think they’ll be together someday. I have a feeling.”
“Really? After Uther’s gone?”
“Probably. I mean, I don’t want him to die right now or anything, I’m not going to . . .”
Morgana giggled. “Relax Merlin. No one thinks you would, even if you could.”
“Yeah, scrawny me. Can’t wield a sword to save my own life.”
“I didn’t mean it like that. Okay, I kind of did, sorry. But you’ve got lots of other great qualities.”
“Oh, so now I’m worth admiration? Do tell.” He smirked.
“Well, you’re a good friend. Loyal, kind, selfless, hardworking, cheerful . . . and since you’ve been here, Arthur’s been less of a prat.”
He blinked at her for a few moments, then looked her in the eyes, and said slowly, “Do you really think that?”
Morgana stared back, into those blue, blue eyes. “Yes. And I’m not the only one. Gwen, Arthur . . .” she stopped when he took one of her hands.
“Thank you Morgana. It’s nice to hear it from someone besides Gaius.” Just then he glanced down and saw their hands together. He tried to withdraw it, but she held on and brought her other one over to cover his.
“Merlin, do you ever wish for something you could probably never have?”
“W-What do you mean?” He had lots of reasons to be nervous at this question.
“Oh, like I wish I didn’t have to hide part of myself, I wish people could be with whomever they wanted, regardless of their place in society . . . I speak of Arthur and Gwen, of course.”
He gave her a thoughtful look. “Of course. But yeah, I have several wishes that look like they’ll never come to anything.”
“Have you ever had a good friend that you always got along with, who made you laugh, and who’d do anything for you . . . then woke up one morning and realize you felt differently about them?”
He looked very surprised at this. “Um, I . . .” She put a finger over his mouth to stop him.
“Shh. Well, that recently happened to me. And I don’t know what, if anything, I should do about it.”
Is she trying to say . . ? He looked into her eyes again, and found something indefinable. “Do they feel the same way?”
“I don’t know. And I’m afraid to ask. Me, the indomitable Lady Morgana, afraid. Who’d believe it?”
“I think we’re all afraid of something, but I don’t think you should give up hope.” He reached out and took her other hand in his free one. She’s looking at me like . . .
“So you think I should move forward, having hope things will work out?” Has he figured me out yet?
“Yes, there’s always hope. It’s possible this person could be afraid too. I mean, you’re ‘the indomitable Lady Morgana,’ so you seem unattainable.” So I’ve thought for over a year.
“Do you think I’m unattainable?” He looked again into those jade-green eyes and almost got lost.
“Ah-yes-no-um, what was the question?” She’d gotten him flustered. Well that was an answer in and of itself. She giggled.
“I see how it is.” She withdrew a hand and touched his face briefly. “If only I had some way to know for sure.”
He blinked at her, his flustered look changing to one of determination. “Indeed, Milady. And ask yourself what you would regret more-being safe and surely missing out on happiness, or taking a risk and be rewarded.”
Just then, the clock struck midnight. “Goodness, it’s late,” she said, and stood, reluctantly letting go of his hand. She came around to Merlin’s side of the table. “Thanks for keeping me company, Merlin.”
“Of course. I’m at your disposal.”
She noticed the slight emphasis; her heartbeat picked up a bit. “Well, goodnight then.”
“Goodnight, Milady.”
They stared at each other for an awkward moment before she stepped over to give him an impulsive hug. He hesitantly put his arms around her. So warm, they both thought. She whispered, “See you tomorrow,” before taking a small step back, then darting forward again to kiss his cheek. Then she stepped away, turned around and hurried to the door.
“Tomorrow,” he said faintly. She gave him a little wave before leaving the room. He put a hand to the cheek she’d kissed. What just happened here? Does she? Will she? Will I?
He stood there deliberating various unanswerable questions in his head until an exhausted Gaius came home. “Merlin, why are you standing in the middle of the room, talking to yourself?”
He jumped, startled back into awareness. “Ah, nothing important . . . I’ve got to go to bed. Yeah, sleep will help. Good old sleep. Good.” And with that dubious statement, he turned and walked up to his room, closing the door behind him.
“That boy . . .” Gaius said to himself. “Greatest warlock ever, hmm. Maybe someday he’ll figure out girls.” He got ready for bed and blew out the candles. Good luck with that, he thought, before drifting into a sound sleep.