Merlynn's Secret

Chapter 5

Healing is a slow process for ordinary people, but for Merlynn all it took was a few days rest and the young witch was good as new. However, Arthur has been insisting she not do any strenuous work for at least another week. Merlynn tried and tried again to help around the castle until Arthur thwarted her attempts by sending his knights to watch her in shifts.  

"Oh, why hello Elyan. I really, really didn't expect to see you here so early the morning." Merlynn says, trying to think of an excuse as to why she is attempting to leave Gaius' chambers when the sun has not yet risen.

Elyan's eyebrow raises and he shoots his friend a look, "really Merlynn? Are we really going to play this game?"

"I have no idea what you are talking about."

"I'll take that as a yes. What are you doing sneaking out at night?"

"Elyan, I'm thoroughly offended. I am not sneaking, I'm just practicing my stealth. When I get dragged on hunting trips with you lot, Arthur always says I'm too 'loud and clumsy'. So, I have decided to practice before the next one."

"Well, he's not wrong, Merlynn." In a final attempt to get an inch of freedom from the insanity that is this conversation, Merlynn takes off in a sprint down the corridors. "Bye Elyan! I'll see you later, please don't be too angry with me!"

Unfortunately, Merlynn didn't make far before she bumps into a firm chest belonging to Percival. "Oh hey, buddy. How are you?" Percival looks on at Merlynn amused.

"Nice try Merlynn." Percival hoists Merlynn in his arms, not unlike he did when she was injured, and carried her back towards Gaius' chambers.

"I can walk you know." He didn't respond but he did give a small chuckle to Merlynn's antics.

"Lose something Elyan?" Percival asks as he turns the corner. There stands Elyan and now Gwaine and Lancelot as well.

"Merlynn! What happened? Are you hurt!?" Ever since the incident, Gwaine has been acting very strange around Merlynn. Everyone's noticed except for Merlynn.

"I'm fine." Gwaine visibly relaxes and he takes a breath. "I'm just tired of doing nothing. I'm so bored all the time!" It's true Merlynn's been restless since the proverbial cat jumped out of the bag and revealed her not so secret, secret in a not so subtle way (thank you Gwaine).

...

Later that day when Arthur came to visit Merlynn the two had a similar conversation. "Honestly, Arthur I'm fine. I can come back to work now!" Merlynn never thought in a million years would she have to plead Arthur to allow her to come back to work.

"Not yet Merlynn, you still need to rest," Arthur responded with the same authoritative tone he has been using since Merlynn decided she is ready to start working again. Arthur knows his dear friend is well again, but he wants to surprise her with a few changes before she comes back to the castle. Therefore, Merlynn must be kept in the dark and occupied a while longer.

...

Life in Camelot is finally starting to change for Merlynn. The ban on magic has officially been lifted and magic is slowly being reintroduced into the citadel. Arthur has made Merlynn an official member of his court as a liaison between Camelot and the magical community. Although Arthur finds his new manservant agonizingly boring he can't deny that George is efficient if nothing else.

Merlynn is learning to adjust to her new role as a member of Arthur's court. She now has a maidservant to tend to her needs. It was odd at first and it took Merlynn some time to get used to having someone doing all of the chores she once had to do. To make things more awkward, Merlynn's maidservant, Edith, is someone Merlynn used to see in the halls when she worked as Arthur's servant. They both work through their initial shock and work around each other in comfortable silence.

To Gwen's delight and Merlynn's complete dismay, being a member of the royal court means dressing the part. No longer can she wear her raggedy tunics and worn breeches. Now Merlynn is reduced to wearing fine silk dresses. Gwen was all too excited to pick out all new dresses for Merlynn to wear.

"I-I don't think I can come out looking like this Gwen," Merlynn's voice shakes.

"Merlynn no one else is here. It's just us girls." Gwen hears a cough come from her left, "and Gaius. Sorry, Gaius, I forgot you were still here." Gwen says apologetically.

"I know, but I look ridiculous!"

"I'm sure you don't. Come on out so we can decide if the dress suits you."

"Oh alright, but you better not laugh."

"We wouldn't dream of it, Merlynn." Gaius is someone Merlynn counts on for support in all things. Now apparently that includes what to wear.

"We won't laugh, I promise." Merlynn slowly steps down the stairs from her room. She enters the main room expecting only to see Gwen and Gaius. Instead, Merlynn is met with the shocked faces of Lancelot, Elyan, and Gwaine.

"M-Merlynn," Gwaine managed to squeak out.

"Gwen! you said no one else was here!" Merlynn shouts at her friend accusingly, a look of betrayal plastered on her face.

"I'm sorry Merlynn they showed up as soon as you went up to change. I knew you would never have come down had you known they were here so I chose not to tell you."

"Well go on then, get it over with already," Merlynn said directed at Gwaine.

"What?" Elyan asked wide-eyed and confused.

"Don't be a prat Elyan, at least no more then Arthur is. Just laugh already, tell me I look as ridiculous as I feel. Go on, get it over with. I am well aware already that I look strange dressed like this." Merlynn tries to cover herself by folding her arms around herself.

"Merlynn, you're beautiful. I never knew you were hiding this much beauty under those rags you call clothes. Had I known we would have done this much sooner." Gwen says as she eyes Merlynn.

"Those are my favorite clothes! They are comfortable and easy to move around in. This dress, however, is tight around my chest and midsection. It's also making me feel quite scratchy!" Merlynn says as she tries to scratch her back.

"No you are scratching because the dress is itchy," Gaius corrects.

"That is what I said Gaius," Merlynn sounds defeated because she can't reach the itch and instead begins to rub her back against the wall.

Of course, that's when Arthur decides to show up with Leon and Percival in tow. "Merlynn, what the hell are you doing?"