Love Match- ch.2
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.
.............................................................................................................
Merlin was awake early the next morning. He stationed himself near the stables so he could see the messengers as they left. Not too long later, he saw the group of young men exit the castle and walk toward him. They all filed into the stables, emerging minutes later with their readied horses. He sauntered out from his hiding place like he’d been taking a casual walk across the courtyard. Merlin strolled up to one and made to engage him in conversation.
“Hey there. Where are you off to this morning?” Merlin asked the young man.
“Northumbria, on the King’s orders,” he replied.
“Wow, I’ve heard that’s a lovely area. I’ve always wanted to see it myself.”
“Really,” the young man replied. He seemed distracted.
“Hey,” Merlin said. “I’ve an idea. The Prince has given me a couple of days off. Why don’t I deliver whatever it is, and you can relax for a
couple of days.”
“I’m not . . .” the messenger thought a moment. “Well, why not? I hardly get any rest between errands anyway. Here, take the horse.” He handed off the horse’s reins to Merlin, and explained the what and where of the job. “Have a nice trip Merlin,” he said as he walked away.
“Enjoy your days off,” Merlin yelled back. He chuckled as he mounted the horse and rode off with the other messengers.
Not long after they’d separated to the various roads, Merlin turned around and headed back to Camelot. He came back through a different gate and stabled the horse at a place in the lower town, promising to come back for it later in the day. A few minutes later, he entered the castle near Gaius’s chambers and went right to his room.
Fortunately Gaius was out. Merlin didn’t want to answer questions about why he was back here. He carefully unrolled the parchment and stared at it a minute, thinking. He found an identical-sized piece of parchment and laid it next to the unfurled scroll. After making sure he had the wording right, he held each hand over a paper and said, “Áwrítaþ epistol tó þes carte, onwendþ ágennama tó Guinevere.”
The words from the invitation copied themselves to the blank parchment, changing the Lady’s name from Jennafær to Guinevere. Now he hoped Arthur had found out how to get access to the royal seal or Gwen would know something’s up.
Merlin set off for Arthur’s chambers, only to meet the Prince coming out. “Have you got it?” Arthur asked.
“Right here,” Merlin replied, holding up the rolled parchment. “I’ve already copied it with the name changed.”
“Oh that’s what took you so long I had to fetch my own breakfast.”
“Yeah,” Merlin said, and rolled his eyes. Poor baby Arty. “Anyway, have you figured out how to get the seal?”
“Yep. Father’s going on a ride with Morgana in a little while. While he’s gone we’ll sneak into his chambers and use the seal.”
“Sounds good.”
“Let’s find a window overlooking the courtyard so we can tell when he leaves.”
“Arthur, I never knew you were so devious.”
“Wait ‘til I really get going.”
So they went back into Arthur’s room and watched the courtyard. A short time later, they saw Uther and Morgana come out of the castle to find their horses waiting. Just before she mounted her horse, Morgana turned to the window they were peering out of and winked. And then they were off, riding out the gate.
Merlin was taken aback-did she know something? “Why did she do that? Does she know what we’re doing?”
Arthur scratched at his chin. “I might have mentioned something of the sort to her. Besides, we’ll likely need her help to disguise Guinevere anyhow. Unlike you, I don’t know anything about dresses and make-up.”
“Hey, I told you that wasn’t for me-“
“Shut up Merlin, we need to get this done.”
“Right.”
So they ambled off to the King’s chambers. Arthur used his princely powers of persuasion to get past the guards and they went straight over to Uther’s desk. After poking around in a couple drawers, they found the seal and wax. They’d just about got the wax lit when they heard keys in the door.
“Merlin, put it out!”
“I’m trying to not burn myself-OW! Never mind.”
“Get down here!” Arthur reached up to yank Merlin behind the desk just as the door opened. It was one of his father’s servants; he went to a wardrobe and took out a riding crop, then left again.
“Ow, you didn’t have to yank so hard!”
“Quit whining and relight it.” Without further ado, or interruption, they sealed the scroll and left the King’s chambers. They walked a few corridors away then stopped. Arthur looked around for passers-by. Finding none, he handed the scroll to Merlin. “Now take this to Guinevere. Say whatever you have to so she’ll agree to participate. Offer her whatever help she needs, and remember Morgana will help too. Since Morgana’s gone, she’s probably back at her house sewing. Okay? Go.”
Merlin gave Arthur a queer look. “How do you know Gwen’s schedule?” Arthur merely stared at him as if to say “how do you think?” Hello, girlfriend. Merlin blinked. “Ah, yes. I’m an idiot.”
“I’m glad to know you’ve acknowledged your place in the world. Now go!”
Merlin scurried off, out of the castle and into the lower town. He knocked on Gwen’s door and heard a faint, “come in,” so he opened the door and stepped inside.
“Oh hi Merlin, what can I do for you?” Gwen asked.
“Well actually I have something for you,” he replied.
She stood up, puzzled. He walked over to her and handed her the scroll. “Go ahead, open it.”
Gwen looked at the seal and said, “The royal seal . . . what could the king want with me?”
“That’s why you need to open it Gwen,” he laughed.
She laughed and broke the seal, then unfurled the scroll. He watched her eyes widen in disbelief as they went back and forth, reading what was there. When she got to the end, her mouth popped open. She started to wobble, so Merlin guided her to sit on the bench at her table. He sat beside her as she finally spoke, “I-I can’t believe . . .”
“What is it Gwen?”
“I’ve been invited to . . . to participate in a game, a competition.”
“For . . ?” He prompted.
“To win-well, Arthur’s hand. In marriage. I don’t understand though-why me? Wouldn’t the King invite only noblewomen?”
He took the invitation from her and pretended to see it for the first time. “Well Gwen, it’s addressed to you. There’s your name right there.” He pointed it out.
“Oh yeah,” she replied, still dazed. “But if I accept this, I’ll have to lie and pretend I’m someone I’m not. And even if I do, Uther will recognize me and won’t allow me to enter.”
“Gwen, calm down. This is for Arthur, right?” She nodded. “You like him and he likes you, right?” She nodded again. “Okay then. If this game gets you and Arthur together legitimately, in a way Uther has to recognize it, isn’t it worth a little lie?” He couldn’t believe he was doing this. Here he was, the good guy, persuading his good friend to do something wrong. And it was working, he could tell. Yikes.
“Well, I suppose it’s worth it. If we could be married, that would be wonderful.” He could practically see stars twinkling in her eyes.
“As far as the King not recognizing you, well, you’ll be hiding in plain sight beforehand. He doesn’t know your full name, and you can use an alias when your name is announced. Like, ah, a variation on your name. Maybe Jennafær? Anyway, you’ll have to use a fake name when you reply.”
“Oh yes. Jennafær; I like that. And my disguise for the game?”
“Well, we can probably ask Morgana to dress and make you up so you don’t look like yourself. Or more like your best self,” he said hurriedly when she gave him an annoyed look. “What do you think?”
“I think . . . that I’m going to do this!” She clapped her hands excitedly.
Merlin stood. “Great! If you need help with anything . . . well, anything besides the girl stuff, I’m at your disposal.” He winked at her playfully.
“Thank you Merlin; I’ll let you know.”
He turned and left her house, feeling so light-hearted that he almost skipped back to the castle.
xxxXxxx
Time passed in Camelot as Merlin watched the replies come in from the invited ladies. Rumors as to who was invited spread through the castle and town. The only ones who knew for sure were the King, the royal scribe and the messengers. And for once, none of them were talking.
Finally the carriages started arriving. None of them bore any identifying marks. Everyone who stepped out of them were either veiled or hooded and conducted straight to guest chambers. Only a few maids were allowed in those chambers, and they didn’t talk either. Merlin and others mused that the King must have paid them handsomely for their silence.
Finally the morning of the competition arrived. On his way to Arthur’s chambers, he saw Gwen in the corridor outside Morgana’s chambers. He threw her a wave and she waved back nervously. Then she just stood there, so he walked over to her. “Hey Gwen.”
“Hiiiii . . .” She stuttered back.
“Nervous huh?” She nodded, so he took her hands. “Hey, everything’s going to be fine. Remember why you’re doing this-Arthur. It’s all going to work out, I promise.” And he was darn well determined to keep that promise.
She took a deep breath. “Thank you Merlin. I just have to remember my goal. It will be worth it.” She turned to open the door to Morgana’s chambers. “I’ll see you later!”
“Later, then. Good luck Gwen.” As she closed the door he turned and resumed his walk to Arthur’s chambers.
Merlin opened the door to find Arthur pacing. “Breakfast!” He declared and set it on the table. Arthur glanced at it then resumed his pacing.
Merlin shrugged and walked over to open the drapes. He turned and contemplated Arthur for a moment. “Arthur, you really should eat something.”
“Not hungry,” Arthur replied shortly, and kept pacing.
“You’re going to wear a rut in the floor if you don’t stop pacing.” He was ignored. This will take some finesse, Merlin thought. He walked over to Arthur and placed his hand on his shoulder, then whispered almost soundlessly, “stillaþ.” Arthur immediately stopped, briefly closing and reopening his eyes.
“What were you saying?” Arthur asked.
“I said, have some breakfast. It’s going to be an eventful day and you’ll need your strength.”
“Yeah, right you are.” Arthur immediately sat down and started on his breakfast. When Merlin inquired about his clothing choices, he replied calmly and succinctly.
When Arthur finished eating, he got up and let Merlin help him dress. “How are you feeling Sire?” Merlin asked.
“I feel great!” Arthur replied. He felt like he’d had the best night’s sleep ever combined with the rush of a good training session. “I am ready to go and face this game. I just know it’s all going to work out somehow.”
Merlin brushed down Arthur’s jacket, then stood back to make sure everything looked all right. “That’s great to hear Arthur. That’s the kind of
positive thinking that will get you through the next few days. Ready?”
“I’m as ready as I’m going to get! Let’s go.”
As they walked out the door and down to the Great Hall, Merlin thought about Arthur’s abrupt change in attitude. Maybe he’d overdone the spell a bit. I’ll have to remember it though. Who knows when he’ll flip out again?
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.
.............................................................................................................
Merlin was awake early the next morning. He stationed himself near the stables so he could see the messengers as they left. Not too long later, he saw the group of young men exit the castle and walk toward him. They all filed into the stables, emerging minutes later with their readied horses. He sauntered out from his hiding place like he’d been taking a casual walk across the courtyard. Merlin strolled up to one and made to engage him in conversation.
“Hey there. Where are you off to this morning?” Merlin asked the young man.
“Northumbria, on the King’s orders,” he replied.
“Wow, I’ve heard that’s a lovely area. I’ve always wanted to see it myself.”
“Really,” the young man replied. He seemed distracted.
“Hey,” Merlin said. “I’ve an idea. The Prince has given me a couple of days off. Why don’t I deliver whatever it is, and you can relax for a
couple of days.”
“I’m not . . .” the messenger thought a moment. “Well, why not? I hardly get any rest between errands anyway. Here, take the horse.” He handed off the horse’s reins to Merlin, and explained the what and where of the job. “Have a nice trip Merlin,” he said as he walked away.
“Enjoy your days off,” Merlin yelled back. He chuckled as he mounted the horse and rode off with the other messengers.
Not long after they’d separated to the various roads, Merlin turned around and headed back to Camelot. He came back through a different gate and stabled the horse at a place in the lower town, promising to come back for it later in the day. A few minutes later, he entered the castle near Gaius’s chambers and went right to his room.
Fortunately Gaius was out. Merlin didn’t want to answer questions about why he was back here. He carefully unrolled the parchment and stared at it a minute, thinking. He found an identical-sized piece of parchment and laid it next to the unfurled scroll. After making sure he had the wording right, he held each hand over a paper and said, “Áwrítaþ epistol tó þes carte, onwendþ ágennama tó Guinevere.”
The words from the invitation copied themselves to the blank parchment, changing the Lady’s name from Jennafær to Guinevere. Now he hoped Arthur had found out how to get access to the royal seal or Gwen would know something’s up.
Merlin set off for Arthur’s chambers, only to meet the Prince coming out. “Have you got it?” Arthur asked.
“Right here,” Merlin replied, holding up the rolled parchment. “I’ve already copied it with the name changed.”
“Oh that’s what took you so long I had to fetch my own breakfast.”
“Yeah,” Merlin said, and rolled his eyes. Poor baby Arty. “Anyway, have you figured out how to get the seal?”
“Yep. Father’s going on a ride with Morgana in a little while. While he’s gone we’ll sneak into his chambers and use the seal.”
“Sounds good.”
“Let’s find a window overlooking the courtyard so we can tell when he leaves.”
“Arthur, I never knew you were so devious.”
“Wait ‘til I really get going.”
So they went back into Arthur’s room and watched the courtyard. A short time later, they saw Uther and Morgana come out of the castle to find their horses waiting. Just before she mounted her horse, Morgana turned to the window they were peering out of and winked. And then they were off, riding out the gate.
Merlin was taken aback-did she know something? “Why did she do that? Does she know what we’re doing?”
Arthur scratched at his chin. “I might have mentioned something of the sort to her. Besides, we’ll likely need her help to disguise Guinevere anyhow. Unlike you, I don’t know anything about dresses and make-up.”
“Hey, I told you that wasn’t for me-“
“Shut up Merlin, we need to get this done.”
“Right.”
So they ambled off to the King’s chambers. Arthur used his princely powers of persuasion to get past the guards and they went straight over to Uther’s desk. After poking around in a couple drawers, they found the seal and wax. They’d just about got the wax lit when they heard keys in the door.
“Merlin, put it out!”
“I’m trying to not burn myself-OW! Never mind.”
“Get down here!” Arthur reached up to yank Merlin behind the desk just as the door opened. It was one of his father’s servants; he went to a wardrobe and took out a riding crop, then left again.
“Ow, you didn’t have to yank so hard!”
“Quit whining and relight it.” Without further ado, or interruption, they sealed the scroll and left the King’s chambers. They walked a few corridors away then stopped. Arthur looked around for passers-by. Finding none, he handed the scroll to Merlin. “Now take this to Guinevere. Say whatever you have to so she’ll agree to participate. Offer her whatever help she needs, and remember Morgana will help too. Since Morgana’s gone, she’s probably back at her house sewing. Okay? Go.”
Merlin gave Arthur a queer look. “How do you know Gwen’s schedule?” Arthur merely stared at him as if to say “how do you think?” Hello, girlfriend. Merlin blinked. “Ah, yes. I’m an idiot.”
“I’m glad to know you’ve acknowledged your place in the world. Now go!”
Merlin scurried off, out of the castle and into the lower town. He knocked on Gwen’s door and heard a faint, “come in,” so he opened the door and stepped inside.
“Oh hi Merlin, what can I do for you?” Gwen asked.
“Well actually I have something for you,” he replied.
She stood up, puzzled. He walked over to her and handed her the scroll. “Go ahead, open it.”
Gwen looked at the seal and said, “The royal seal . . . what could the king want with me?”
“That’s why you need to open it Gwen,” he laughed.
She laughed and broke the seal, then unfurled the scroll. He watched her eyes widen in disbelief as they went back and forth, reading what was there. When she got to the end, her mouth popped open. She started to wobble, so Merlin guided her to sit on the bench at her table. He sat beside her as she finally spoke, “I-I can’t believe . . .”
“What is it Gwen?”
“I’ve been invited to . . . to participate in a game, a competition.”
“For . . ?” He prompted.
“To win-well, Arthur’s hand. In marriage. I don’t understand though-why me? Wouldn’t the King invite only noblewomen?”
He took the invitation from her and pretended to see it for the first time. “Well Gwen, it’s addressed to you. There’s your name right there.” He pointed it out.
“Oh yeah,” she replied, still dazed. “But if I accept this, I’ll have to lie and pretend I’m someone I’m not. And even if I do, Uther will recognize me and won’t allow me to enter.”
“Gwen, calm down. This is for Arthur, right?” She nodded. “You like him and he likes you, right?” She nodded again. “Okay then. If this game gets you and Arthur together legitimately, in a way Uther has to recognize it, isn’t it worth a little lie?” He couldn’t believe he was doing this. Here he was, the good guy, persuading his good friend to do something wrong. And it was working, he could tell. Yikes.
“Well, I suppose it’s worth it. If we could be married, that would be wonderful.” He could practically see stars twinkling in her eyes.
“As far as the King not recognizing you, well, you’ll be hiding in plain sight beforehand. He doesn’t know your full name, and you can use an alias when your name is announced. Like, ah, a variation on your name. Maybe Jennafær? Anyway, you’ll have to use a fake name when you reply.”
“Oh yes. Jennafær; I like that. And my disguise for the game?”
“Well, we can probably ask Morgana to dress and make you up so you don’t look like yourself. Or more like your best self,” he said hurriedly when she gave him an annoyed look. “What do you think?”
“I think . . . that I’m going to do this!” She clapped her hands excitedly.
Merlin stood. “Great! If you need help with anything . . . well, anything besides the girl stuff, I’m at your disposal.” He winked at her playfully.
“Thank you Merlin; I’ll let you know.”
He turned and left her house, feeling so light-hearted that he almost skipped back to the castle.
xxxXxxx
Time passed in Camelot as Merlin watched the replies come in from the invited ladies. Rumors as to who was invited spread through the castle and town. The only ones who knew for sure were the King, the royal scribe and the messengers. And for once, none of them were talking.
Finally the carriages started arriving. None of them bore any identifying marks. Everyone who stepped out of them were either veiled or hooded and conducted straight to guest chambers. Only a few maids were allowed in those chambers, and they didn’t talk either. Merlin and others mused that the King must have paid them handsomely for their silence.
Finally the morning of the competition arrived. On his way to Arthur’s chambers, he saw Gwen in the corridor outside Morgana’s chambers. He threw her a wave and she waved back nervously. Then she just stood there, so he walked over to her. “Hey Gwen.”
“Hiiiii . . .” She stuttered back.
“Nervous huh?” She nodded, so he took her hands. “Hey, everything’s going to be fine. Remember why you’re doing this-Arthur. It’s all going to work out, I promise.” And he was darn well determined to keep that promise.
She took a deep breath. “Thank you Merlin. I just have to remember my goal. It will be worth it.” She turned to open the door to Morgana’s chambers. “I’ll see you later!”
“Later, then. Good luck Gwen.” As she closed the door he turned and resumed his walk to Arthur’s chambers.
Merlin opened the door to find Arthur pacing. “Breakfast!” He declared and set it on the table. Arthur glanced at it then resumed his pacing.
Merlin shrugged and walked over to open the drapes. He turned and contemplated Arthur for a moment. “Arthur, you really should eat something.”
“Not hungry,” Arthur replied shortly, and kept pacing.
“You’re going to wear a rut in the floor if you don’t stop pacing.” He was ignored. This will take some finesse, Merlin thought. He walked over to Arthur and placed his hand on his shoulder, then whispered almost soundlessly, “stillaþ.” Arthur immediately stopped, briefly closing and reopening his eyes.
“What were you saying?” Arthur asked.
“I said, have some breakfast. It’s going to be an eventful day and you’ll need your strength.”
“Yeah, right you are.” Arthur immediately sat down and started on his breakfast. When Merlin inquired about his clothing choices, he replied calmly and succinctly.
When Arthur finished eating, he got up and let Merlin help him dress. “How are you feeling Sire?” Merlin asked.
“I feel great!” Arthur replied. He felt like he’d had the best night’s sleep ever combined with the rush of a good training session. “I am ready to go and face this game. I just know it’s all going to work out somehow.”
Merlin brushed down Arthur’s jacket, then stood back to make sure everything looked all right. “That’s great to hear Arthur. That’s the kind of
positive thinking that will get you through the next few days. Ready?”
“I’m as ready as I’m going to get! Let’s go.”
As they walked out the door and down to the Great Hall, Merlin thought about Arthur’s abrupt change in attitude. Maybe he’d overdone the spell a bit. I’ll have to remember it though. Who knows when he’ll flip out again?