For the Ones We Love (Merlin Fan Fiction)

Chapter Three

Gwen’s house was small—quaint, really. There was only one bed, but I agreed to sleep on the stone floor.

On the way from the square to my new home, it was confirmed that Merlin still did not trust me. He and Gwen walked a few steps ahead of me, murmuring in hushed voices.

Even quieter than the two in front of me, I muttered a line I’d learned a few years ago. Everything except Merlin and Gwen’s voices hushed.

“Why don’t you trust her?” Gwen whispered. To me, it had been as loud as if she were speaking normally.

Merlin glanced around before answering, “I think she has magic and I don’t think she has good intentions.”

“Merlin, this is unlike you. You usually at least give them the benefit of the doubt.”

“When we met her she was disgruntled and obviously hiding something. She was followed by a huge fire breathing snake, she talks to her horse, and she claims to know my mother. Besides, I’m not turning her in, am I?” His voice was strained and sounded… conflicted when he spoke the last sentence. He glanced back at me and my concentration broke. The regular afternoon drone seeped back into my ears. I smiled innocently. He muttered one more thing to Gwen.

“What plans do you have for your new life?” Gwen asked after Merlin had left. It was obvious that she was trying—in vain—to act conversational.

I pulled my gaze from outside the window. I laughed casually. It was easier for me to act relaxed than it was for her. I’d had years of practice. “I just thought I’d find work and find a place to live.” I smiled to myself. “You’d think I would have thought this through more, wouldn’t you?”

Gwen nodded curtly. Her discomfort made me feel guilty. I hadn’t wanted to be a bother. “It’s not an easy decision to move away from everything you know. This must be difficult.”

I nodded, appreciating her words. “Not as difficult as it may seem. I was young when my father died. My mother died only a few years later.” I traced my finger along the wall. “My brother and I parted ways a few years ago.” I smiled at the memory of my troublemaker brother. “He was always very independent.”

Gwen laughed. “My brother was always very independent too. I have no idea where he is now.”

“If he’s anything like my brother, I’ll bet he’s in some tavern running up some stranger’s bill and getting into a fight with men three times his size.” I shuddered. “He always seems to land himself in some kind of trouble.”

“That sounds exactly like Elyan. Though, not the tavern part.” Gwen shook her head, looking past me and out the window. “I’m always worried about him.”

Unsure of what else to do, I patted her on her shoulder. “I’m sure he’s fine, Gwen.” When she turned around, I could see a tears welling up in her eyes.

“I don’t know what I would do if I lost him.” She pulled a hand across her face, wiping away tears. “I’m sorry. I’m being ridiculous.” She rolled her eyes at herself.

“No, I get it. I would feel lost if I knew I would never see my brother again.” I laughed. “We were always at each other’s throats, but we did love each other.” I liked to think the last part was true. I wasn’t certain though.

Gwen nodded. I could tell that she’d let her guard down. I wasn’t sure if that was a good thing. Maybe it was better if no one trusted me. Maybe I was dangerous.

No. I have to trust myself. I shook away my thoughts.

“So, what types of things are there to do here?” I asked. I forced a smile that I hoped looked comforting. “Work wise?”

Gwen thought for a moment. “Well, let’s see. The taverns are always in need of more help.”

I shook my head, appalled at the idea. “I’d rather not work at a tavern. Is there anything else?”

She hesitated before answering, “No… not that I can think of.” I knew that she was lying, but I let it slide. “But first things first,” she continued, changing the subject, “We need to find you something decent to wear.”

I looked down and the blouse and breeches I was wearing. “You’re probably right.” I laugh escaped my lips, ending in a yawn. “Wow, it feels like ages since I’ve slept!” Though it was still a little early, sleep was a welcomed thought.

“You’ve had a long day. You should get some sleep.”

“Okay. Good night.”

Gwen woke me the next morning, a light purple frock in her hand. “Did you sleep well?” she asked.

I pushed myself up from the hard floor. “Not especially,” I admitted. “It wasn’t the floor, though,” I added quickly. “I just had a lot on my mind.”

“Well, breakfast is ready. I hope you’re okay with having porridge.”

I moaned. “Oh, that sounds lovely!” I stretched out my back, a chorus of pops reaching up my spine.

“I also found you this,” she held out the dress. “It’s one of my old ones. I hope it fits.”

I lifted it from her hands. “I think it will be fine, thank you.” I smiled.

“I have the morning off, so I can show you around the city if you’d like.”

I followed her to the table before answering, “That would be great, if you don’t mind.”

She shook her head. “Oh, I don’t mind at all. The city is at its best in the morning.” She set a bowl of steaming oats on the table in front of me.

“You’re being so kind. Thank you.” It had been a long year time since someone had been this nice to me. Hunith, Merlin’s mother, had been the last to show me any kindness. I involuntarily frowned at the thought of Merlin. “I don’t know how I will ever pay you back.”

“You don’t have to!” she assured me. “I’m sure you’d do the same for me.” I wasn’t positive that that was true, but I said nothing.

Gwen’s tour started at the Upper Square. She showed me the blacksmith shop and the Butcher’s. She explained to me where the market was, but it was on the other side of town, so we didn’t visit it.

Everywhere we went in the city, the castle was visible. It wasn’t the biggest, or the fiercest-looking castle, but it gave an air of power like no other. It had a vile history, I could feel it.

After an hour of walking around the upper city, Gwen stopped in front of a tavern. The sign above our heads read, “The Rising Sun.”

“Are you sure there’s no other option?” I asked Gwen hopefully.

Gwen bit her lip. I could tell there was something she wasn’t telling me. “No, I’m sure this is it. Sorry.” She smiled apologetically. “I’ll keep my ears open, though.”

“Thanks anyway.” I took a deep breath. “Wish me luck.” I pushed open the door and stepped inside. The acrid smell hit my nose as soon as I stepped in. It reminded me of my brother. I smiled at the thought. I often wished that he’d been easier to get along with, but no. He’d often called me an “evil old toad”.

It was dark and far from empty inside. Despite the early hour, the large room was already filled with off-duty knights and loud townsmen. I looked around at the bare walls and dirty floors.

“Can I help you?” The loud voice could be heard over the ruckus. Everyone stopped talking.

I looked up. The bartender, half hidden in shadow, was looking right at me. He lifted his eyebrows, repeating his question silently. I nodded.

“Yes. You can”