Of Monsters and Men (BBC Merlin)

Childhood

In a land of myth and a time of magic the future of a great kingdom rests in the hands of a young warrior. Her name; Yvaine.

The bustling sounds from Camelot's markets could be heard from the gates. Merchants selling wares of all kinds were lined up against each other. Fabric and silk for clothing, fruit and vegetables for meals, flowers and jewelry for ladies and the occasional livestock for farmers.

Faint clanging can be heard from the blacksmiths when venturing further down the path in Camelot. The street itself occupied by many who were already getting on with their day with work, chores or browsing the stalls.

A happy chaos.

"Hey!"

A woman was thrown off balance, basket escaping her grasp and falling to the floor as a small girl, no more than eight years old sprinted past her.

The little girl glanced back only briefly to the poor woman, as her way of an apology for she was too focused on running to verbally apologise. While continuing her way through the street she managed to knock a cage full of chickens with her feet causing the latch to open and the chickens to come flying out,  earning a disgruntled yell from the owner of the chickens.

"Sorry!" She squeaked out still running like mad to her destination.

Yvaine had gotten distracted this morning and was late for practice. If she had left any later she'd surely receive a scolding from her father about being punctual. After all, this was the second time this week she was late.

Gasping for breath, she managed to get to the training field a couple minutes later. Yvaine's small hands held her knees for support as she regained her energy. Not too far off she could see the leather boots of her trainer walking towards her as well as the soft clank of his chainmail that sounded with each step towards her.

The leather boots came to a standstill a metre away from her hunched over form, "You're late." Came the gruff response of the man.

Yvaine peered up to the neatly groomed man with a cheeky grin.

"I'm not late." She replied, voice filled with confidence.

"Oh?" The knight arched his brow towards the young girl.

"You're just early." Yvaine continued cheekily.

"Thirty minutes early it seems." The man replied, a playful stern coming across in his voice. "I wonder what your father would think of my punctuality?" The girl's face dropped at his comment.

"You wouldn't..." Yvaine's tone though strong held uncertainty towards the man before her.

"Well..." He trailed off, scratching his chin.

"Sir Kane!" The girl pleaded, "I won't be late again this week I swear!" Satisfied with Yvaine's promise, Kane smiled and ruffled her hair causing some strands to loosen from her plait. "Hey, Cordelia just did my hair!" She complained to which the knight laughed.

-

Eight year old Yvaine stood before the King, craning her head up to look at him in curiosity. "Yes father?" She inquired politely wondering why she was summoned.

"As you know, when Arthur grows up he will become King of Camelot." Uther paused, the ghost of a smile appearing before vanishing and acknowledging his daughter with complete seriousness. "It is your purpose to keep him safe." The small girl was stunned into silence by the king's words. "You must become a great warrior, the greatest in Camelot for Arthur will face many a challenge growing up; from friend and foe alike and you must take swift justice, show no mercy to those that wish to harm him. He will be a great king but you must help me in guiding him there. Magic is the enemy to us all." Uther stepped away from his throne to stand in front of his daughter.