Watching the past (Merlin)

The Poisoned Chalice

Nimueh stood in her cave, her hand over the top of her basin which was dripping with blood she ran her hand through the water and began to chant "incantation" she picked up a small yellow flower and dragged it along the water

"Is that dark magic" Percival asked

"Year it is," Merlin said with a shiver

An image of Merlin cleaning Arthur's armour appeared in the basin, she picked up the gauntlet and then reached into the basin and pulled something and attached it to the side of the gauntlet, she raised the gauntlet in the air, like a toast "Merlin" she said with a smirk.

Bayard and his men arrive in Camelot. In the Throne Room, Uther and Arthur with their knight and Bayard and his party which had a disguised Nimueh walked towards each other at the same speed, the atmosphere was tense.

"Why is it so tense," Elyan asked

"Camelot and Mercia had been at war for a very long time, there was a lot of bloodshed because of it," Arthur told him

"Camelot welcomes you, The Lord Bayard of Mercia" Uther announced, Nimueh was staring at Merlin with a sinister look on her face. "The treaty we sign today marks an end to a war and a beginning to a new friendship between our people"

Nimueh hadn't taken her eyes off Merlin who was standing in the background looking at Uther and Bayard, who was oblivious to her stares. Uther and Bayard both grasped arms and the room started clapping.

Later in one of the castle's corridors, Gaius passed by Merlin caring a heavy bag.

"Why do I always get landed with the donkey work?" Merlin asked with a sigh as he passed him

"Well, it is your job, Merlin," Arthur said with a smirk

"You're a servant, Merlin. It's what you do" Gaius said with a laugh as he stopped walking

Merlin looked down at the bag he is holding "My arms be a foot longer by the time I get this lot inside"

"It's character-building. As the old proverb says, hard work breeds..." Gaius stopped for a moment "A harder soul"

Merlin shook his head a knowing smirk on his face "There is no way that's a proverb. You just made that up"

"I didn't" Gaius denied

Nimueh passed by them carrying some fabrics as she passed Merlin, she fakes a fall right in front of Merlin.

Gwaine let out a small snort at how bad the fake fall was.

"Sorry," she said in an overly sweet voice

"That's all right," Merlin said looking down at her then back at Gaius

"Excuse me," she said trying to sound innocent

"Let me give you a hand with that" Merlin sent on more look at Gaius before bending down to help her. When Merlin and Nimueh made eye contact, Merlin had a small smile on his face.

"Awww, Merlin has a crush," Gawain said with a smirk

"No, I don't," Merlin said his cheeks turning slightly red

"I take that as a yes" Gawain said sounding pleased

"Just drop it please," Merlin said shrinking into his chair