We All Make Our Mistakes (merthur)

Part 1

She first appeared in Camelot when King Uther hosted a feast to celebrate the defeat of a dangerous shape-shifting beast that he claimed his son slaughtered. (But we all know it was really Merlin who did so.) The beautiful, cloaked woman who had introduced herself to the King as Lady Eris, eldest daughter of the late Lord Cronus. She said that her home and family had been taken from her by raiders and bandits and she had barely made it out alive. The King had taken pity on her and allowed her to stay in Camelot for as long as she needed.

Merlin didn't like her in the least.

~

Lady Eris had been staying with them for three months now and somehow charmed the hearts of a majority of Camelot's population. Especially of one Arthur Pendragon. Merlin noticed how the two seemed to spend a lot of time together, sharing secret affectionate smiles when every they were near one another. The sight made him sick. Not wanting a replay of the Sofia incident, the manservant had gone out of his way to search her rooms. Unfortunately, he found nothing suspicious.

Anyway, Uther was hosting another celebration to welcome the arrival of a king from a neighboring land who wished to become an ally of Camelot. Merlin was forced to serve, not only Arthur, but also all of the other lords and ladies who were attending. So, as Merlin stood all the way across the room, pouring Leon some more wine, he watched with narrow eyes as Arthur and Lady Eris whispered words into each other's ears, giggling and blushing at their comments. The manservant's hands gripped the wine bottle tightly and he didn't realize that the cup had overflowed.

"Merlin," Leon muttered, though loud enough to hear over the music. "I believe that's plenty of wine."

The manservant stopped pouring and looked down at the purple puddle that had formed on the table. "Oh! My apologies, Leon," he said, hastily finding a rag to soak up the spilled beverage.

The knight looked at him with a raised brow. "You seem distracted tonight," he noticed. "Well... more distracted than usual."

Merlin's ears burned and his eyes cast downwards in embarrassment. "I-I suppose I'm just overwhelmed with the task of serving everyone," he lied blatantly.

Leon looked at him, unconvinced, but decided not to pry. Merlin tried one of his signature goofy grins in reassurance before walking off to serve Morgana who had beckoned him over. When he got to her, she pushed her cup to him.

"I don't like her," she whispered.

"Excuse me, milady? Who do you mean?" Merlin inquired, pausing in his pouring.

"Lady Eris. I don't like her and I never have. And I know you dislike her as well," she accused. "Everyone seems to be so taken with her but you and I. Even Gwen has succumbed to her charms."

Merlin bit his lip. It was true, he did not like Lady Eris very much. She may be beautiful with her wavy auburn hair and brilliant emerald eyes, kind to everyone regardless of their rank, and has a voice as lovely and delicate as a prose sung by a seraph of heaven. Merlin knew that there had to be some ulterior motive, some dark, secret plan. But he had no evidence. Morgana drew him nearer.

"I had a dream, Merlin. And Eris was in it like Sofia had been. But this time, it was worse," her eyes were wide and afraid.

"What? What happened?" the manservant urged.

"She... she watched as Camelot burned. And Arthur," she choked. "He laid dead at her feet. Merlin, it felt so real. I-"

"Shh, it's alright," Merlin cooed, trying to keep her quiet as to keep unwanted attention away. "When did you have this dream?"