Chapter Text
Oh Dear 3
A/N: Hi everyone! There are gonna be a couple short stories before the actual ‘episode’ starts. ALSO I AM SO SORRY FOR NOT UPDATING MY COMPUTER SHUT DOWN AND I HAD TO GET A NEW ONE AND I HAD TO FIND THE USB THAT HELD THE STORIES YES THIS IS NEVER HAPPENING AGAIN I PROMISE ITLL TAKE NO MORE THAN 3 WEEKS TO UPDATE AND IF IT DOES FEEL FREE TO YELL AT ME LOVE YOU ALL
ARTHUR’S POV
He leaned against the windowsill, fiddling with the ring necklace (Y/N) had given him. It’d been a few weeks since the black knight had been defeated, but when he had tried giving it back, she insisted he kept it, as an ‘apology for what I said, and an apology for what I probably will say in the future.’
Arthur reminisced the kiss they had shared. It didn’t go as he imagined it would; but he supposed it was in fact for the best. But he had felt something, something so golden and pure and beautiful. And he knew that she was right, there was a small chance it would ever work. That’s how she was; she pulled away before things could be pulled away from her. And in this situation, it was probably good she made him do the same.
Sighing, he watched her from the window. She was smiling gracefully, waving at commoners and teasing Merlin, no doubt. She mounted her horse, and he recalled that she said she was going to spend the day in the forest and practice her sword work on her own. (Y/N) was decent at it, but she needed more work, and she’d been avoiding him lately, which had hurt him. She couldn’t even attack him with a sword?
“You’re something special, (Y/N).” He whispered. How could someone so bright and happy and open somehow seem to hold an endless void of secrets? How could someone so beautiful who spread a light whenever she entered a room be so fierce and serious? How could a seemingly open book have so many things untold? So many codes, so many words he’d doubtfully ever be able to comprehend?
It confused him.
Sometimes, he would be jealous of Merlin. The two seemed so comfortable with one another. They knew each other like the back of their own hands. They even shared a room for God’s sake.
Had he fallen for her? Maybe. He didn’t know. The woman was in fact strange. She wore ‘pants,’ for starters. (Y/N) was also a very bold person, a jokester too. But under all of that she seemed fierce, like she could chop someones head off if she felt inclined to do so.
Speaking of chopping, (Y/N) also genuinely showed an interest in the art of combat. While she sucked at archery, she was in fact exceptional with smaller weapons and the axe.
All in all, she was a mystery. A mystery Arthur one day hoped to understand.
READERS POV
You were looking for the flower.
After the last few incidents, Merlin had been flipping through an old book this morning and had come across a magic bonding ritual. He had explained to you, whilst eating breakfast, that it was when two sorcerers combined their powers, or souls, for eternity. While it did seem scary, it did strengthen every spell an indivual used.
You had probed at him that it would be a good idea, but it required a potion. So, Merlin had decided he would be the one to get the ingredients available in Camelot, and you would go to the forest. You had brought your sword, just in case.
Merlin had told you that the spell would be permanent and was very serious, and it was nothing to be taken lightly. You didn’t care- you’d be stuck with the idiot for the rest of your life, might as well try and enhance it. It could save someones life, maybe even someone you cared about; no need to take chances now.
The flower was- well you forgot the name, oops- it was a large purple one. Or was it blue? You couldn’t remember.
A sound from the left made you stop, and you regretted leaving Caspian at Gwens. You didn’t want people to be suspicious of your whereabouts, mainly because you wanted a day alone. You grapsed the hilt of your sword, looking around quickly and breathing through your mouth.
Letting out a sigh of relief when you saw Sir Leon break through the trees, you smiled.
“Ah, Sir Leon! What brings you out here?” You asked as he brought his horse closer to you. He smiled and looked down at you.
“Just taking a stroll. And you?”
“I was… I was doing the same. It’s a lovely day out.” You forced a smile. Sir Leon was a kind man, but you wouldn’t tell him what you were looking for. He might ask more questions then.
“Then I suppose we should accompany each other?” He smiled down at you, and you paused, quirking an eyebrow. Would it look weird if you walked in the same direction if he was going where you were?
“Why not?” You laughed. His smile grew as he extended a hand, and you took it, sitting behind him and hesitantly wrapping your arms around his chest.
“You do look lovely today, (Y/N).”
“Oh, you do too! I mean, handsome. Not that lovely is a bad thing. I mean-“
The knight chuckled. “I’m surprised you didn’t come with Merlin.”
“Yea… we’re looking for some ingredients for Gaius, and we thought we’d have more free time if we split up, you know?” Glad that he couldn’t see your face, your eyes darted around the forest.
Now that you remember it, it was a purple flower with blue on the inside petals. It grew on trees. What kind of trees?
You rode in silence for a few moments, the air between you becoming increasingly awkward.
“Wait!” You told him. Quickly getting off the horse, you jogged towards the flower that looked similar to the diagram in the old spellbook; not only did it seem familiar, but it held a certain energy that a person with magic such as yourself was naturally drawn to.
“I found it..” you muttered. Turning around, you saw Sir Leon right behind you, and you nearly jumped.
“That’s what you’re looking for? I was told it was just a weed.” He chuckled.
“Oh, no… This… it helps with relaxing. You know, for people who are stressed out… or have headaches…” You smiled at him. “Seems lots of people are stressed out these days.”
He leaned down, picking a flower and very slowly put it behind your ear. “Beautiful.” He smiled.
Your eyes widened. Was he leaning closer? Oh God no you couldn’t –
“Oh dear!” You yelled. “Look at the time! I promised to be back, they might be worried!” You darted away from him, feeling a bit guilty but relieved at the same time. And while you ran back to the castle, Arthur’s face appeared in your mind at least every 2 seconds.
(TIME SKIP)
“Are we really doing this, Merlin?” You whispered. It was nearly nightfall until Merlin had gotten the rest of the needed ingredients, and you both stood straight, looking each other in the eye. Your hands were tied together and your heart was racing.
“If you want.” He whispered back. You gripped his hand tighter. Without thinking about it anymore, you reached towards the vile with your free hand and unbuttoned both you and Merlin’s shirt. You swallowed quietly.
Popping open the lid, you poured a tiny bit over where your heart should be. It was oddly warm, and smelled much like lavender. The moment it touched your skin, your heart began to slow down.
Merlin did the same to himself, still gripping your hand.
“We speak at the same time.” He said.
Another moment of silence. And then you nodded.
“Ne gain teher, ali nach sin. E Merlin don (Y/N), in silen torn kiini.”
Your hands that were entwined glowed for a couple seconds, and you felt an unrelenting loyalty towards Merlin, a need to protect him, to shelter him. It was so strong it nearly knocked you off your feet, but you stayed still.
The glowing finally died down.
“It’s done.”
You both exchanged looks for at least a minute, before you fixed your own shirt and looked at him once again.
“So that’s it then, partner.” You giggled, silently thinking of your own joke.
“I wonder what else this is going to do.”
“Well, it’ll tell us when the other is in danger, or scared.” You said.
________________________________________________________________________________-
AND NOW FOR THE ACTUAL STORY
AN: I’m so sorry I haven’t updated. My computer stopped working and I had to wait a while to get a new one, but here you go!
“The moment of truth”
You watched as Merlin’s mother pleaded her case to Uther, not listening, already have heard her troubles. How you had a disdain for the selfish and ruthless king; how you hated him. He would not even consider it; there were many options to help these people and Uther chose not to even consider one of them.
You knew what Uther would say. You knew what he was saying, so you simply held Merlin’s hand.
(TIME SKIP)
Merlin was apparently talking with Arthur on the balcony. While you wished to do so as well, you had some work to do. You wanted to get some extra money for Merlin’s mother before she went back, hoping it would help.
Sighing, you finally finished loading the last shipment of wool onto the carriage.
Looking at the old man who had hired you, you smiled. “Do you need anything else, sir?”
“No, you have worked enough already, dear. Thank you.” He gave you a small pouch of coins, and you grasped his hand greatfully. This could help save her life.
The sun was still up; you might be able to find a couple more jobs before she had to leave tomorrow.
(SMALL TIME SKIP)
Opening the door to your home and stretching your arms a bit, you laid the three small pouches of coins on the table. You’d might as well wait until Merlin came back.
MERLINS POV
“I’ll be going back to Eildor.” He spoke. Arthur looked over the horizon, arms crossed.
“Right. Good.” He nodded.
“… It’s.. It’s been an honor serving you, sire.” Merlin spoke.
“You’ll be coming back.” Arthur’s eyes narrowed, as he turned towards Merlin.
“She’s my mother. I have to be there for her before anyone else.”
Arthur was quiet for a few moments. “Well… I’d do the same.” He cleared his throat. “Well you’ve been a terrible servant. The worst by far.”
Merlin laughed. “Thank you sire.” He looked again towards the sky. “I should probably get back, tell (Y/N) to start packing.”
Arthur turned. “She’s going with you?”
“Well, I would imagine…” Merlin spoke.
“What, are you getting married now?” His blue eyes narrowed as he stared at Merlin, his jaw clenched.
“No! Dear God no, it’s just…” Merlin trailed off.
Arthur ignored him again, looking out across his kingdom. “You should probably hurry.”
The wizard smiled, and was off.
“Merlin.” He spoke before he could leave. He turned. “Good luck.”
Merlin smiled and nodded.
TIME SKIP
Your bags were all packed.
Now, you stood beside Morganna as she told Merlin the news. Her and Gwen were planning on coming with the two of you.
“It’s… it’s great. It’s very swordy.” Merlin attempted to tell Gwen. “But how am I supposed to carry all of this armor?”
“You wont have to.” Morganna spoke. “We’re coming with you.”
“What do mean? You cant? Why would you-“
“We owe it to you. All of us.” You spoke.
TIME SKIP
Merlin’s mother had found out about your similar gifts to Merlin, but he hadn’t told her the whole story, which you were thankful for. The woman had enough stress on her plate, and you also didn’t want yet another person asking you questions and thinking you were a strange person. Even though you were.
You laid on your blanket, watching as Merlin and his mother exchanged whispers. Standing up, you nodded towards his mother as she got in her own blanket.
You put a hand on Merlin’s shoulder, squeezing it lightly.
“It’s time to sleep.” You told him. He nodded, getting up and stretching. His black hair was a bit haphazard given the current traveling circumstances. “Can you… can you sleep with me?” You whispered. His eyes shot up to look into yours.
Recently, you had gotten the same feeling in the pit of your stomach that Merlin had. It had to have been the whole bonding thing, and it hadn’t settled well with you.
“Yea.” You let out a shaky smile. Merlin laid down first, and you slowly laid down next to him, turning to face away. His arm wrapped around your waist protectively, and you held his hand, finally being lulled asleep by his warm breath down your back. You felt him plant a soft kiss on your hair, and you snuggled closer.
“I want you to know, Merlin…” You whispered. “That I’ll do anything for you, and your mother. I promise.”
He was quiet for a few moments. “And the same to you.”
________________________________________________-
TIME SKIP
Now, you were on your way to Eildor. But Arthur had found you all sometime during the night and you were being annoyed every step of the way. Every. Single. Step.
“So.” He said as he spoke rode next to you. You were getting ready to urge Caspian faster, but he spoke again. “I saw you and Merlin last night.” That stupid tone in his voice; how dare he care?! Can he not see that he does not have permission to care?! That ass!
“We’re not eloping, if that’s what you want to say. I was cold and I’m scared, if you haven’t noticed.” You spoke firmly, not looking at him. You gripped the reins tighter, and Caspian, sensing your fidgeting, sidestepped away from Arthur’s horse a bit.
“I want to talk to you. I need to step up.” The blond prince tried again. He reached one hand out to grasp your wrist, and you stiffened, resisting the urge to hold his hand but also urge your horse to gallop away.
You stopped your horse. “You need to step up?” You laughed. “I have already done the stepping up. Theres nothing else to step up to. Nothing happened, Arthur. It was a heat of the moment thing that happened because we both happen to be attractive and have conflicting personalities. Now it’s gone.”
“But-“
You heard a distant yell, and Arthur turned his head. You urged Caspian into a full gallop, unsheathing your sword and taking the lead in your small procession.
Finally breaking out of the woods, you came to a small village and saw figures, one of which was about to bring down his sword on a commoner.
You jumped off of your horse, nearly falling but managing to get your balance back quickly, and ran forwards, stopping him last minute. A bit ungracefully, but brave all the same.
The brute looked at you with wide eyes, and you grinned.
“Nice to meet you.” You swung at him, and he barely dodged. “Now, I believe that you should get your ass in gear and leave. Now.” You swung at him again, and he snarled. But he watched as the others came in, fighting his men.
You had to leave him and defend yourself against another man, but at the end, he was on his horse.
“You’ll pay for this! You’ll pay for this with your lives!”
TIME SKIP
“This is (Y/N), William.” Merlin spoke. You smiled at him as he stared at you with wide eyes, mouthing something to Merlin. “She’s like me.”
“And no,” you said, sheathing your sword as you walked towards Arthur, “We aren’t married. But nice to meet you.”
You turned back and saw William and Merlin exchanging whispers, and Merlin had a blush on his cheeks as his eyes darted towards you.
You couldn’t count on your fingers the number of people whom had suspected you and Merlin were eloping. It was ridiculous.
Arthur had gathered the villagers into the town square, or middle of the village. Whatever. The people looked at him with various expressions, at least half of which were untrusting and doubting, so you pushed around them and stood beside Arthur. He looked down at you, a small smile on his face. Merlin and William joined the crowd, watching readily.
“I know Kanens kind.” Arthur spoke. “He’ll be back and when he is, we must be ready for him.”
You looked at the prince again, an eyebrow raised. While it might be true, these villgers were not exactly “soldier” material.
“First of all we must prepare-“ he continued, but William interrupted him.
“Am I the only one wondering, who the hell is this?” He jibed in a mocking tone.
Arthur was getting ready to speak, but you spoke for him. “That is Prince Arthur of Camelot.” You narrowed your eyes at William who was a bit shocked at your defense for the so called prince, but he kept on.
“Yeah, and I’m Prince William of Ealdor.” He snorted as Arthur clenched his jaw. Merlin was uncomfortable, you could feel it, but you stayed put.
His mother spoke up for Arthur. “Keep quiet! He’s here to help us.”
“He’s made things worse!” William insisted. He turned to the crowd, stubborn on proving his point. “Kanen will be back and when he is, he’ll be looking for revenge.” He then faced Arthur. “You’ve just signed our death warrant.”
“He SAVED Mathew’s life!” Merlins mother yelled.
“It’s all right, Hunith.” Arthur talked calmy. Your eyes widened, he was so much more calm than you expected. “This is his village- what would you have us do?”
You had to resist from smirking. William looked dumbfounded for a few moments. “We- we cant fight against Kanen he has too many men.”
“So what’s the alternative?” Arthur asked.
“Would you rather all of them die?” You muttered, but a bit too loudly for everyone heard you.
William looked at you angrily for a few moments. “We give him what he wants.”
People murmured amoungst themselves, all having different points of view, but then you shouted at him. He was such an idiot.
“Then what?!” Arthur nodded towards you, surprised you were supporting him.
“Those of you who don’t starve to death will face him again next harvest, and the harvest after that.”
“We’ll manage, we’ll survive.”
“Tell us how that works for you if you’re still around.” You told him, and the villagers agreed, the murmurs getting louder. Arthur put a hand on your shoulder to calm you down, and instead of igniting a certain fire, this time it was… soothing.
“The only way he can be stopped is if you stand up to him.” You looked up at Arthur.
At this moment, he looked like a king. A good king. His blond hair was wisped around his face as he stood tall from the battle, his blue eyes were pensive and focused and his jaw was clenched, but at the same time his face held that of understanding.
You almost felt pride in your heart.
But William would not give up. “No! You just want the honor and glory of the battle. That’s what drives men like you.” He breathed angrily. “Look if you want to fight, then go home and risk the lives of your own people. Not ours.” He pointed to the forest that you had previously come out of. Then, he left.
Merlin looked at you for a second, before turning and walking after his friend. “Will!”
Hunith spoke up. “I’ll follow you.” You looked at the woman with admiration, nodding your head in thanks. “If I’m to die, then I want to go our fighting.”
“That goes for me too.” The man, Mathew you think, spoke up.
“You can count me in, too!” “And me.” “Count me in!”
Voices of agreement from the villagers quickly heightened, and you smiled.
You had faith. In these people, in yourself and Merlin, but most of all you had faith in Arthur at this moment.
(TIME SKIP)
As night fell, you placed your sleeping blankets beside Merlin. He smiled at you, but it faded when Arthur came to sleep beside you.
Something happened. Merlins eyes looked at him with a bit distrust. You’d have to ask about that later.
After a few hours of trying to get to sleep, you finally sighed, turning to look at the ceiling.
Arthur’s voice interrupted your pondering. “Have you always slept on the floor, Merlin?”
“Yeah. The bed I’ve got in Camelot’s luxury in comparison.”
Arthur sighed. You pretended to be asleep to listen to their conversation, slowing your breathing. It was so dark you were pretty sure they didn’t notice you were awake.
“It mustve been hard.” Arthur said.
“Mmm.” Was all Merlin answered. “It’s like rock.”
You nearly giggled at Merlin’s stupidity, but forced it down.
“I didn’t mean the ground you idiot, I meant… For you. It mustve been difficult.”
Merlin shuffled beside you. “Hmm. Not really, I didn’t know any different.” He continued. “Life’s simple out here. You eat what you grow and everyone pitches in together. As long as you’ve food on the table and a roof over your head you’re happy.” His blankets moved a bit more, and you shivered at the bit of wind that came through the barn panels.
You hoped they didn’t think you were awake.
Merlin mustve draped a blanket over you, because you felt another layer of cloth sweep over your form. “And a friend or two.”
Arthur hesitated a moment. “Sounds… nice.” Jesus, he was the worst liar you’ve ever seen and you couldn’t even see.
“You’d hate it.” You could tell Merlin was grinning.
“No doubt.” Another pause. “Why’d you leave?”
Shit.
“Things just… changed.”
“How?” Merlin didn’t answer, and a dog barked outside. “Come on, stop pretending to be interesting. Tell me.”
Arthurs hand stretched over your form and mustve slapped Merlin in the face gently. Merlin pushed it away, and laughed a little.
“I just didn’t fit in anymore.” He breathed in. “I wanted to find somewhere that I did.”
You nearly let out a sigh of relief.
“Had any luck?” Arthur asked.
“I’m not sure yet.” Suddenly, you could feel his eyes on you, and his fingers played with the ends of your hair a bit.
You could hear Arthur swallow as your hair was fiddled with a bit more. “We’ll start training the men tomorrow. It’s gonna be a long day.” He groaned, turning over a bit. “Get the candle.”
The warmth left you for a bit as Merlin mustve reached to snuff the flame, then settled back into his blankets. You finally opened yours eyes and scooted towards him, sharing the blanket he had given you a while ago.
You weren’t asleep? His voice resounded in your head.
No. You answered. But let’s sleep now.
You felt fingers intertwine with yours, and a nose laid against your neck while Merlin scooted down so he could fit more comfortably.
Goodnight.
Goodnight, Merlin. Using your other hand, you brought it around his head to caress his hair, for you knew it calmed him and usually helped him sleep.
In the morning, you were awoken by the sounds of footsteps. You leaned up, stretching a bit and stood up.
Merlin was still dressing Arthur, and you shook your head. “Still haven’t learned to dress yourself?”
Arthur rolled his eyes. “You don’t have a dog and fetch the stick yourself.”
“Merlin’s not a dog.” You told him.
“No offense, Merlin.” Arthur told him quietly.
“None taken.” Merlin answered as he adjusted the Prince’s vest.
Hunith came into the room. “Prince Arthur, you didn’t finish your breakfast.”
“Didn’t I?”
He didn’t like it.
“Come on, eat up.” You grinned.
“Mmm.” He looked to make sure Hunith had left before just handing it to Gwen. Ah, if looks could kill.
“(Y/N), you still need to eat something.” Merlin said.
“It’s fine, I’ll find something later.”
“Good. Arthur spoke. “Right. Lets get going, we need wood, and lots of it.” He hustled out the door, gripping your shirt and hoisting you up. You slapped away his hand.
“Of course.” Merlin said as you and Morgana followed Arthur out.
(TIME SKIP)
Now, after the “amazing” morning of getting wood with Arthur as Morganna and Gwen went to get their own, the villagers gathered as Arthur spoke.
“Ah, yes, battleface. Strut, Arthur.” You bit at him sarcastically. This morning, a tree nearly fell on him and you stopped it, only to have him yell at you for nearly getting hit by said tree.
Magic, only appreciated by one person, was not fun to have. Especially when saving a handsome princes very fine ass every 2 seconds.
Arthur ignored you.
“I wont be able to teach you everything there is to know about fighting with a sword, but you can learn the basics.” He spoke. “The stance, parry a blow, how to land your own.” He explained.
You, personally, found this a bit unfair. Where were all the women? No one here had any experience with swordsmanship, you’d might as well teach as many as you can.
The men split into groups, or stations.
“I want you to teach the group over there the correct stance.” Arthur told you. “Please.”
You said nothing, but simply shouldered past him and obeyed his orders.
(Time skip) You were drinking water as Gwen and Morgana spoke to Arthur. A while ago they had gotten you in on their plan to convince Arthur to train women too. If not, the three of you were going to do it yourselves, but it was better to have his permission so everyone was on the same page. If not, then you would simply tell the women all the plans and put it together with your own.
You perked up when they got to the juice of the conversation. “We think the women should be allowed to fight.”
“You haven’t enough men.” Morgana said.
“She’s right, you know.” You raised your eyebrows at him. “If they were trained soldiers maybe you’d stand a chance but they’re not.”
Arthur swallowed, looking at the three of you. “It’s too dangerous.” Then, he walked off.
You stopped the two of them. “I’ll handle this.”
You jogged after Arthur and stopped him. “Arthur, it’s dangerous for everyone.” He still looked down. “Look at me!”
His blue eyes finally met your face, and you continued. “We need as many people as possible. Hell, you’re letting me fight! In case you’ve forgotten, I am a woman!”
“Who said I was going to let you fight?” Arthur spoke.
Your eyes widened. “Excuse me?”
“As I said, it’s too dangerous.” He tried walking off again.
Oh no he didn’t. He dare call a powerful woman, you, a sorceress who equals Emrys, a woman who could defeat Kanen’s men with the snap of her fingers, weak.
This wasn’t going to go down.
“How dare you!” He stopped, crossing his arms. “I am fighting whether you allow it or not!”
“I am your prince and you obey my orders!”
“We’re not in Camelot now. We’re in Ealdor, where we need as many people as possible. You’re not my prince. I do not have to listen to you!” You shouted.
“Then what about your friend?” Arthur murmured quietly.
You breathed out. “If you were my friend you would realize that I am not weak and fragile, and you would let me protect you.”
With that, you stomped off, occasionally taking your frustration out on various rocks and pebbles by kicking them angrily into various objects.
(TINE SKIP)
You’d moved your sleeping area over to Gwen and Morgannas side.
“We don’t stand a chance.” Gwen said.
“Arthur cant see that. He’s too stubborn.” Said Morgana.
“An arrogant pompus stubborn ass.” You muttered.
“why do you think he came here?” Gwen asked.
“The same reason we all did.” You said. “Merlin.”
Morgana nodded. “Arthur may act like he doesn’t care be he wouldn’t be here if he didn’t.”
(time skip)
It was not your morning. Or anyones, for that matter. Mathew had been shot with an arrow and his dead body was discovered this morning as a threat, and William put the doubt and fear into everyones hearts that they would be next.
Merlin, you spoke, we must use magic.
I know, (Y/n). I know.
(TIME SKIP)
You sat beside Arthur as he sharpened his sword and you fiddled with your pants, occasionally scratching the material.
“Merlin told me about William. And Williams father.” You started, and Arthur stopped his sharpening. “He was killed, fighting for King Cenred… So he doesn’t trust anyone of nobility. Especially when they try to make people fight.”
“Do you think the villagers believed him?” Arthur asked.
You paused. “No. Maybe. Probably not.” You breathed, getting out the right answer. “I think they’ll still fight, no matter how afraid they are.”
You saw him lick his lips. “And if he’s right?”
“Well, he isn’t.”
You saw him bite his cheek. “I’m treating these men like soldiers and they’re not.” He shook his head, gesturing towards the rest of the village in front of Huniths house. “You’ve seen them fight! They haven’t got a clue!” The prince leaned back forward. “You and Merlin need to tell them all to leave the village before Kanen returns.”
“Arthur, no. We’re going to stay. We’re going to fight. We’re going to win!” You leaned closer, looking at him with steady eyes.
“(Y/n), it cant be done. The odds are too great.” His voice raised, and you took his hand in yours.
“It can. We’re going to make Kanen regret the day he ever came to this village! All you need to do is ready the men for battle and the rest… it’ll take care of itself.”
“How?” He asked a bit loudly, a bit rudely.
“You’ve just got to believe in them. Because, your majesty, if you don’t, they’ll sense it. And the battle will be lost before it’s even begun.”
You squeezed his hand tighter, and finally, he looked down to see your fingers intertwined. You saw him swallow and hesitantly bring a hand up to your face, tucking back your hair.
You regretted looking down at his lips, you regretted being drawn in by his hand on your cheek and his breath on your face.
You most certaintly regretted closing your eyes and allowing yourself sanctuary while his lips touched and mingled with yours. Unlike the last one, this was warm and gentle, and it lasted a few more moments than usual.
But then you remembered who this was. This wasn’t Arthur. This was Prince Arthur of Camelot. And you were (Y/n), just (Y/n), with no title before or after that.
So when he kissed you one last time you broke away with wide eyes. You forced yourself not to look into his own wide and haphazard eyes, you forced yourself to rip yourself from his grasp that tried pulling you back in.
“No, Arthur.” You whispered. “We cant do this.”
“Don’t deny you felt the same thing I did…” He spoke in hushed tones, looking at you with pleading eyes.
“Does it matter? We both know this has to stop.” You looked down at him with small tears pooling in your eyes. “Goodbye, Arthur.”
“Wait!” Oh, how you wish you could wait. You wish you could turn around and run into his arms and hold him with your own and keep kissing him like nothing else mattered in the world. But you couldn’t.
So, with swollen lips and eyes and red cheeks, you ran away from the blond man and did not look back.
(TIME SKIP)
Now, the villagers were gathered in the house. It was nighttime, and you chose to sit beside Merlin, as far away from Arthur as possible without looking suspicious.
“Tomorrow, women and children should gather their belongings and make way for the woods.”
That was not going to do.
“We’re not going anywhere.” You spoke up. Arthur looked at you and swallowed, suddenly finding the floor very interesting, but turned his attention back to you.
“I know you want to help. Women cant stay here, its too dangerous. Think of the other things that could happen if they capture you.”
You narrowed your eyes. “The women have as much right to fight for their lives as the men do.”
“None of you know how to fight.” He said. You raised your eyebrows. “Save for you and Gwen and Morgana, of course.”
You stood up. “The more of us there are, the better chance we stand.” You cleared your throat. “You underestimate us, Arthur.”
He looked like he wanted to argue, but women slowly stood up and it was clear they weren’t giving up. You smiled.
“This is your home, if you want to fight to defend it that’s your choice.” Arthur said as he turned to face all the women in the room. Finally, he turned back to you. “I’d be honored to stand alongside you.”
You nodded your head respectfully, before taking your seat back beside merlin.
“Kanen attacks tomorrow.” He continued. “He’s brutal. He fights only to kill, which is why he will never defeat us.” You looked up at him.
“Look around… in this circle, we’re all equals.”
Suddenly, a flashback of an 8 year old you in class resounded through your head.
King Arthur and the knights of the round table.
“In this circle we are all equals…” You muttered, your eyes widening. It was like Déjà vu.
Arthur continued. “You’re not fighting because someones ordering you to, you’re fighting for so much more than that. You fight for your homes! You fight for your family, you fight for your friends.” He gestured to where you and Merlin sat.
“You fight for the right to grow crops in peace. And if you fall, you fall fighting for the noblest of causes. Fighting for your very right to survive! And when you’re old and gray, you’ll look back on this day and you’ll know, you earned the right to live every day in between. So you fight! For your family! For your friends! For Ealdor!”
Everyone stood and raised their weapons, chanting the villages name over and over.
Merlin whispered in your ear that he wanted to leave early and speak to his mother, and you nodded, saying you’d go outside and take watch. He squeezed your hand gratefully, and you parted ways.
(TIME SKIP)
In the morning, Hunith made you all breakfast as you and Merlin mentally went over the plan if things went bad.
You had promised each other that when it came to saving peoples lives, then you would risk revealing yourselves. Really there was no choice.
Hunith asked for you to take Arthurs bowl of porridge to him, and you nodded reluctantly, taking the bowl and trudging through the small patch of woods. Just say what needs to be said and be done with it.
“Arthur! Hunith made breakfast for you.” You handed him the bowl.
He looked down at it, then at you, and looked like he wanted to say something but decided not to. Taking the bowl from your hands, he allowed his fingers to touch yours a moment longer than necessary.
“Thanks…. I think.” He muttered.
Your nostrils flared. “Food is scarce for these people, you shouldn’t turn your nose up at it.”
He breathed for a second, before looking back at you. “Thank you. Thank you for speaking up. I should have listened to you three. We need everyone we can get.”
“We’ll be fine.”
“How can you be sure?”
“Because I have faith in you. I always have, Arthur.”
He looked at you. “Thank you (Y/N).” There was an awkward pause. “If you do not wish for me to bring up our kiss… or kisses… I will not, if it makes you happy.” He looked at the leaves beneath his feet, fiddling with the bowl in his hand.
“It does.” No it doesn’t. In fact, it makes me the opposite of happy, you thought.
“Then… okay.”
“See you in battle, your majesty.” You bowed, holding the hilt of your sword, before turning and walking away before you did something you’d regret.
(TIME SKIP)
Before the battle, Arthur swiftly shook your hand and you were the first person to your post. You didn’t need any distractions.
Merlin and Arthur had finally arrived to stand beside you, but your eyes were fixed on the treeline, shfting in your awkward crouched position to see better.
And there they were.
Kanen had more men on horses than suspected, at least 25, but you held your ground before following Merlin and Arthur to your next position, behind a stone house.
“Hold.” Arthur said, watching them rampage through the village. You gripped your sword. “No one moves until I give the signal.” Now, Kanen and his men had stopped, looking around the village a bit confused. The silence was deafening, and now your knuckles had turned white. “Hold.”
Kanens voice cut out across the village. “Come out, come out, wherever you are.”
At that moment, Gwen must have pulled the gate up, because a horse far away near the bordres whinnied.
“Now, Morgana, what’re you waiting for?!” Arthur whispered hastily. You looked at Merlin, nodding at each other. “Somethings gone wrong.”
You weren’t going to let Merlin take fault for this, so without a second thought, you ran. “(Y/N)!”
You ran out into the field as fast as your legs could carry you, barely missing an arrow. “Theres one, get her!” The bandit yelled. “Kill her!”
You ran through two cobblestone houses, nearly running over Morgana. “Give me the flints!”
She handed them to you, getting up and dodging behind the house. You looked behind you, making sure she was distracted, and whispered, “Bellnir.”
The fire came to life quickly and powerfully, and you were glad you and Merlin chose to bind each other’s powers. The bandits were surrounded by fire, and you and Morgana sprinted back to Arthur and Merlin and the others. She was a bit faster than you, so she got there first, but you made it without getting shot. Arthur looked at you like he wanted to kill you, but you ignored it.
“Now!”
Without another second to lose, everyone came out of their hiding spots and attacked with all the ferocity they could. When you swung your weapon to embed in the someones gut, they weren’t human. No, they were just bandits, dolls that happened to be in the way of your victory.
You had about ten seconds of no one, so you looked around and saw Arthur was surrouneded. A man tried to stab him in his back, but missed, for you threw your sword and thanks to the help of your magic, got it perfectly in his back. You ran up to the body and pulled out your sword, turning to parry another mans blade.
Arthur seemed to be doing okay, and the tingling in your gut told you to go to Merlin, so that’s exactly where you went. He was standing beside Will, and you looked around the battle too in disdain.
“Theres too many of them,” Will said.
“Not for us there isn’t.” Merlin spoke, and you nodded to no one in particular.
“Kmoai teureden” You spoke at the ground, slowly lifting your hand. Merlin did the same, and a dust storm eventually took over through the middle of the town, engulfing the bandits and making everyones eyes sting.
Since all of the bandits were on horses, they were all quickly dragged away, some of them through the still growing fire. The battle was won in a few minutes after that, and you looked at Merlin, hugging him tightly as he too wrapped his arms around your back.
You clapped a hand on Will’s shoulder before running over the Morgana and Gwen, who also engulfed you in a hug. The village cheered as you embraced your two friends.
“We did it!” You shouted, letting go of the two to grab a rock and throw it in the now nearly invisible bandits direction. “And if you ever come back here, we’ll kick your ass!” You yelled, waving your sword around so the sun glinted off of it.
But it was short lived for Kanen was still there. “Pendragon!”
Like the previous one, this battle was short and Kanen was defeated within a few parrys of Arthurs blade. But Arthur wasn’t happy. No, he stomped towards where you and Merlin and the others stood.
“Where did that come from?” He nearly shouted.
“Where did what come from?” You asked.
“Wind like that doesn’t appear from nowhere. I know magic when I see it. One of you three made it happen.” He pointed to you, Merlin, and Will.
You looked at merlin. “Arthur…” Merlin spoke first, but was interrupted.
“Look out!” Will shouted, pushing Arthur out of the way. Your eyes widened as the ZING of the crossbow stopped at Wills chest.
“Will!” Merlin yelled. You quickly went the Wills other side, catching him before he fell.
“You saved my life…” Arthur said.
Will smiled. “Yeah. I don’t know what I was thinking.” He snorted.
“Come on!” You yelled. “Get him inside!”
You had gotten him situated on the table, and tears burnt behind your eyes as you could see more clearly how deep the arrow was in his chest.
There was nothing you could do.
“That’s twice I’ve saved you.” Will said.
“Twice?”
“It was me.” A grunt of pain. “I was the one who used the magic.”
“Will, don’t…” Merlin whispered. You swallowed back your tears, biting your lip.
“Is alright, I wont be alive long enough for anyone to do anything to me.” He coughed, then looked at Arthur. “I did it. I saw how desperate things were becoming, I-I had to do something.”
“You’re a sorcerer?” Asked Arthur, his eyes wide.
Will let out a pained laugh again. “Yea, what are you gonna do? Kill me?”
“No. Of course not.” You looked up to see Hunith, Morgana and Gwen in the doorway. “Do what you can for him.” Arthur said to Merlin. He gestured for you to leave, and you understood.
You grasped Merlins hand and kissed his cheek, whispering him sweet nothings that you hoped were comforting. Then, you forced a smile and kissed Will’s forhead and left as Arthur place his hand on your elbow, ushering everyone out.
(TIME SKIP)
The funeral was that of one you would make for a soldier. And that’s exactly what he was.
His body was burned, and all the villagers stood around it, clasping their or each others hands. You had hugged Merlins arm, rubbing it in hope of comfort.
He died for us.
I know.
He was a hero.
That he was.
The conversation in your head was short, but held a thousand words.
Arthur spoke now. “I’m sorry… I know he was a close friend.”
Merlin swallowed. “He still is.”
“You knew he was a sorcerer, didn’t you?”
Your heart sped up a bit, but you only focused more on hugging Merlins arm and staring at the fire. “That’s what you were going to tell me.” Arthur continued.
“Yes. It was.” Merlin spoke.
“You know how dangerous magic is,” Arthur continued, and you leaned away from Merlin to glare at him. This was his friends funeral, for christs sake. At this moment, you wanted nothing more than to punch him in the face. “You shouldn’t have kept this from me, Merlin.”
You could do nothing but hug Merlins arm tighter, clenching your jaw.
Arthur walked away and Hunith walked up, patting Merlin on the back. “You two had better be going.”
“I don’t have to go.” Said Merlin. Your eyes widened a fraction and you let go of his arm. Hunith looked towards you.
“Yes, you do.” She said.
“If anything were to happen to you…”
“I know where to find you.” Hunith grasped her sons hands. “Both of you. You have to go, Merlin. You both belong at Arthur’s side.”
Merlin sighed.
“I’ve seen how much he needs you two. How you two need him.”
“…I’m gonna miss you.” Merlin leaned down to hug his mother, and you nodded at her gratefully.
“I’m gonna miss you too.” She pulled away, adjusting his jacket. “When you left, you were just a boy. Now look at you. I’m so proud of you.”
Hunith gestured for the two of you to come closer. “When the time is right… The truth will be known.”
You smiled at her, tears prickling in your eyes. The words comforted you, and Merlin too. “Until then, you must keep your talents hidden. It’s better for everyone.”
_______________________________________________________________________________-
A/N: Don’t worry. There not going to exactly be a love triangle, a bit more complicated than that. I’m actually going to have multiple endings (the ending is not coming until a long while, don’t worry.) Stay tuned! Please comment!