Chapter Text
“And that's how I received this welt and this horrendous hair, my Lady!” finished Master Bran, pointing at his frizzy blue-ish green hair while he lifted his robes in order for a bruise on his shin to show. Lady Hunith gave the poor tutor a sympathetic look. Then she moved her weary eyes towards her son and her gaze became stern. Her young and only son, Merlin, scowled from where he stood next to his tutor. He had his twig-arms crossed over his chest and refused to look at either of them. Lady Hunith sighed. This wasn't the first time Master Bran asked for her attention while she was brooding away in her cold chambers. But this time Master Bran was very angry.
“Master Bran, Merlin will not go without repercussion.” Hunith glanced at her son. “Merlin turn his hair back.” Merlin had the audacity to grumble at her. “Now Merlin!” Hunith exclaimed. Merlin half-heartedly complied and magicked Master Bran's hair to its usual faded brown. “Now apologize.” she said. Merlin looked at her, scandalized but realized he better obey when his mother tightened her hand around her wrist. Merlin gave a low 'forgive me Master Bran'. Hunith turned to the tutor again. “You are excused. I wish to speak to my son alone.” Master Bran harrumphed after a stiff bow and stormed away, holding back on slamming the door shut. When they were alone, Hunith addressed her son.
“Merlin, I'm disappointed in you. Not only did you use your magic for foolish tricks, but you disrespected and humiliated Master Bran! You are the Emrys! Behave like it!” With every word Hunith sounded angrier. She usually used a gentle tone, but she too had enough.
“He deserved it.” Merlin mumbled and shuffled his feet.
“I don't care.” Hunith said. She was tired of her son's snappy behavior. “You will suffer the consequences. I forbid you of your archery and magic lessons for a week and in the meantime you will sit with me and go over your history and Latin lessons.” Merlin groaned. Both subjects were his least favorite.
“I don't want to study a useless language and know about who died and when!” Merlin retorted. A vein on Hunith's forehead began to pulse.
“I've had enough of your behavior, young man!” she shouted. Merlin stepped back, caught off-guard. She immdiately regretted her outburst. Merlin's eyes shined with unspilled tears. He turned around and rushed out of his mother's chambers.
Hunith sighed and sank into a chair. She put her arms over the desk in front of her and twiddled with her wedding ring on her finger. She glanced at her bed and studied it with sorrowful eyes. She would have to lay there, alone without a warm body and a safe embrace again. With a heavy heart, she recalled how two years ago, how she eagerly opened a letter that carried news of her husband, only to regret ever opening it when she read its contents. Her husband, Lord Balinor, was dead.
And now, Merlin was eleven years old, barely on his merry way to become a man. However, his father was dead and Merlin was only getting more out of hand. If Balinor was alive, he would of led their son with a firm, but gentle hand. Hunith rubbed at her temples. She had tried, honestly she had. But she just wasn't what Merlin needed. She was good with lessons, as Balinor was good with magic and drilling. But Merlin hated lessons and would snap at her. She would snap back and then Merlin would be punished which would only make him more bratty. She was ashamed to say, she couldn't handle him anymore like she used to when he was younger. Merlin needed a strong, stern, brotherly figure he could get along with splendidly. And that's when it came to her.
King Uther certainly had his son in line. Thankfully Camelot was over the 'burn the magic users to ashes' so it was safe for Merlin. She decided to inform King Uther right away. The Pendragons and Drakons were close enough friends for Hunith to ask for such a task. She grabbed a parchment and began to write away.
Dearest King Uther Pendragon of Camelot,
I have something to ask of you. Its about my son, Merlin. You see, he's at that age where he gets smart-mouthed. I'm sure you remember how Arthur or Morgana (most likely Morgana) behaved at that age. However, without his father, Merlin is, to put it lightly, a nightmare. I ask for a favor. I wish to send my son to Camelot. He's in dire need of a role model. His Royal Highness is the perfect model of honor and control, he could learn much from your regal court. I plea for his Highness to understand. I do not know what to do with him anymore. He's finally cracked his tutor.
Please answer soon.
Signed, Lady Hunith Drakon
Hunith nodded, satisfied with how her letter turned out and wrapped it into a tube and sealed it. She called for her messenger from her window—a magical raven. “Take this to King Uther Pendragon of Camelot.” she instructed. The raven squawked and plucked the rolled up parchment from her hands then flew away. Hunith relaxed into her seat. All Uther needed to do was answer.
At last, after two and a half days, Uther responded back. Hunith opened the letter with trembling hands, not sure if she should be jumping with joy or quaking with fear. But when she read its contents, she decided jumping with joy (mentally) would be the right reaction.
Dearest Lady Hunith Drakon of Ealdor,
Thank you for trusting me with your concerns. I am deeply honored, my Lady. And as for your request, of course I accept! Merlin may stay in Camelot for as long as it pleases my Lady and as long as the boy needs! Its not a bother at all. Why, I remember just like it was yesterday when my dearest daughter Morgana threw her little tantrums. And just like my Lady suggested, the boy is indeed of need of a brotherly figure. I have the perfect young man for this task. My son, Prince Arthur will be the most fitting. You have my word. In fact, my son has agreed to fetch the little Lordling and is on his way as I write.
Signed, King Uther Pendragon
Hunith carefully put away the letter in the drawer of her desk and went to find her son. He would prepare at once!
When Hunith told her son of her plans he reacted the exact way she knew he would.
“WHAT!?” Merlin had screeched. “You're abandoning me!? Why!? Don't you love me? I don't understand what I did wrong!” Hunith put her hands firmly on her hips.
“Its time you have a change of character, young man. I think this little trip is the perfect way of doing so!” Hunith tried to ruffle her son's hair, but the boy backed away with wide doe-eyes.
“You're going to send me where they kill magic users? Have you forgotten that I have magic, mother?” Hunith rolled her eyes.
“Dearest son, I'm not sending you anywhere. Prince Arthur is coming for you. And if you had put your full attention to your studies, you would of known that the ban of magic was lifted over twenty years ago. Now enough of this! Prince Arthur will arrive at any moment! Unlike yourself, he immediately obeyed his father and is half way here! I had your manservant prepare your things in advance. Just a few things since Prince Arthur was kind enough to go out of his way to fetch you.” Merlin groaned loudly and in a completely theatrical manner. Hunith clicked her tongue.
“I hope Prince Arthur is a patient man.”