Intertwined (Merlin Fanfiction)

Chapter Two

Once inside the walls of Camelot, we entered the lower town that was bursting with busy townsfolk doing tasks this way and that. The paths were paved with cobblestone and loose locks of hay scattered throughout by loads carried by farmers and traders. Ladies were getting water from wells, and many marketers were trying to sell goods. I marveled at all the new sounds, smells, and sights of this new area I have yet to explore. Here in Camelot was a lot better than my dark work place in Morgana's lair. We stood there for minutes as he let me take it all in. I could see in the corner of my eye Merlin watching me with a smile. I turned my astonished face towards him and his cute grin became bigger. He made me smile.
"Um, Evangeline?" he questioned
"Yes Merlin?" I replied. But, before he could speak, realization hit me and I gave him a sudden great big hug.
"I'm sorry for not saying earlier! Thank you! Thank you so much for saving me!" I cried.
He returned the hug and nervously replied, "Oh, oh that? Of course, you were in danger, I had to save you".
We exchanged smiles once more and started walking down the path. I told him about my service with Lady Morgana. He explained to me her relationship to the royal family and her evil intentions. He also let me know of his powers and I told him what of my background I could remember.
Once the castle steps appeared, I asked, "Merlin, what are we doing at the castle?" I laughed thinking this was some sort of joke.
He walked up the steps and turned behind him to see me staying on the pavement.
"Well, I live here" he started. My face lit up, but then his hands flew up in front him waving, "No, no not like that" he laughed nervously.
"I'm the servant of King Arthur. I live with the physician in the castle"
I thought about how marvelous the King must be, and how wonderful it must be to stay in one of the castle rooms. But, then I remembered and spoke out loud to myself.
"Oh, where am I going to go? I can't possibly stay in the castle with you!" I stressed.
Merlin smiled and said, "Don't worry Evangeline, I'll talk with the King, and I'll have him let you stay in my chambers"
I followed him up the stairs of the castle.
The towers looked like they could reach the sky. The gigantic wooden doors opened with a stretch of a screeching sound and an abrupt stop. The grand hall had sleek floors and beautiful panes of stained glass.
Merlin lead me into the royal court room with an equally stunning architecture but much smaller. There sat King Arthur upon a throne. His head of
blonde hair was adorned with a golden crown and he wore chain-mail that shackled as he made movements to tell his many servants and advisors answers and orders to their questions they all crowded him with. It seemed there was going to be a big celebration, and they were trying to make preparations for.
I stood back and watched Merlin walk confidently towards the King. Arthur's eyes lit up seeing him.

"Ah, Merlin! I've been needing your help, where have you been?" He said stepping off his throne to speak with him.

"Oh I was out to get herbs from the forest for Giaus but, thats not important right now-"

Arthur interrupted him, "Okay thats good well do you know what is important? The grand festival I'll be holding for the new knight, and I need you to go-"

"My lord, I have to ask you something-" Merlin tried, but The king was quite persistent.

"Merlin it can wait!" Arthur exclaimed, "Now go prepare my clothes for the celebration".

I laughed at his dilemma while I held the door frame. Keeping eye contact with Merlin as he shrugged and flashed a smile making his way back to me.

"I'm saying you can stay with me. Arthur doesn't need to know" he assured me.

"If it's okay with you" I said.

He nodded and lead me towards a spiraling staircase with a plaque labeled 'Court Physician'. Merlin took my hand and helped me up the steps and into a room. Books upon books crowded the many shelves that lined the walls and almost all the tables in there were full of lab and alchemy equipment. Bottles and jars of mixtures and potions lined the countertops, and in the corner reading a book by a desk sat an old man with long white hair.

"Merlin!" He exclaimed. And as I stepped into his vision, he quickly said, "Oh and a lady friend".

I laughed and Merlin nervously introduced us. "Gias, this is Lady Evangeline. Evangeline, this is my guardian and the royal court physician, Gias"

"Hello sir" I smiled and Gias bowed his head and replied, "Hello my lady".

After greetings, Gias quickly pulled Merlin over and whispered quite angrily.

"Who is she and why did you bring her here!" he asked quietly.

Merlin responded, "I saved her from Morgana, she needs a place to stay so Im going to let her sleep here, if thats alright"

Gias took another glance at me and I gave a little wave and smiled. He smiled and quickly ducked down with Merlin to whisper-shout at him again.

"We don't have any extra rooms! Have you told the king about this?"

"It's okay Gias, she can sleep in my room, and I can just rest in the living room" he whispered.

Hearing this, I exclaimed, "Oh, Merlin, you don't have to give up your room for me! I've already caused you enough trouble"

He quickly reassured me, "No, no, you need a place to stay and rest and I will make sure you get that. You've suffered at the hand of Morgana for too long, and I want you to feel safe and comfortable"

He's so good to me, and we only just met.
"Thank you, Merlin. And I'm so sorry I'm troubling you Gias-"

"No, no my dear, you're always welcomed" Gias nodded.

I bowed slightly and followed Merlin towards the steps into his room. His small chamber was humble and had a little bed in the middle of the room.
A single window let in the warm light of the sunset. And a smile stretched across my face seeing a real place to sleep.

Merlin quickly rushed around picking up loose clothing that laid misplaced on the floor. I stayed by the door and laughed as he cleaned. He smoothed out the bed and sat down, patting the mattress for me to sit.
I sat myself down and smiled at his caring face. I gave him another big hug and whispered, "Thank you so much, for everything". I started crying into his shoulder and I couldn't stop. He hugged me back even tighter. No one has ever showed me this much kindness as he has. He pulled away from our hug and looked at me. He wiped my tears with his soft hands and said, "There's nothing I wouldn't do for you. I-I'm sorry, if this is so sudden, I mean we just met and I know you've been traumatized with all of this and I-"

I laid my lips on his cheek. Quieting his talkative rambling and pulled away quickly. I laid my head on his shoulder and fell asleep right then and there.