Scion of Lost Magic (Merlin x Reader)

Settling in to My New Life.

It didn't take more than a few days for me to settle into this new life. Merlin resumed his duties working for Arthur. We saw one another at breakfast, and at the end of the day. Merlin told me that Arthur was trying to find a place for me to live. A place that I could call my own. Merlin sounded a little let down by this news. But changed his mind upon seeing my excitement. He tried his best to guilt me into staying, but ended up agreeing that it would be nice for me to have my own space. That comment had a wink that accompanied it. My face flushed red. Gaius happened to walk by as I stammered an incoherent retort. I like to think he hadn't figured out the feelings Merlin and I had, but I was sure didn't keep them very conspicuous. I would be home before Merlin was. Arthur kept him busy with all sorts of tasks. One afternoon I headed back to town to find him mucking out the stables. After getting my pay, I bought a snack to bring over to him.

"Good afternoon, Merlin," my voice was playful enough to catch his attention.

"____, are you done work already?"

"Mhm. How're the stables today?"

"Disgusting. What's in your hand?"

"Oh this?" I flashed his favorite snack in my hand. "A little treat for myself."

"I'm starving," he complained, "Arthur is in a mood today. He's giving me the most ridiculous jobs."

"You want some help?"

"I couldn't ask you to-"

"Merlin, I'm from the country, not Camelot. I used to clean stables most every day." I pulled another wrapped snack from my bag. "Don't worry I grabbed some food for you."

"You're the best."

"Why don't you eat a little? I'll get started."

Merlin leaned on the half door at the stables. He was smiling at me while I goofed off. The woman from the first time I met Uther was beside Gwen. They were walking back toward the castle. When she noticed his smile she wondered why he had been so happy recently.

"Merlin has been quite happy lately. What's going on with him?"

"That new girl and him have hit it off, I hear."

"The girl from the bandit attack? The one who got abducted before the feast?"

"Yes."

"How could someone so unrestrained end up with someone as serious as Merlin?"

Gwen laughed. She had seen Merlin get into all sorts of hijinks before. When he first arrived he ended up in the stock for arguing with Arthur. He often seemed to disobey orders. Gwen seemed to think they fit rather well together.

"I'm not sure, Lady Morgana. They seem to have bonded over something. It may be that they are both from the country."

"I suppose."

"Is she cleaning in the stables?" Morgana was appalled at the very idea.

"She is from the country."

Gwen tried to defend me, but could not do so without a slight laugh. I walked closer to Merlin to ask how the food was. But I noticed Gwen before I did. I waved to her with excitement. I called to her, forgetting that I should address the royalty at her side. Merlin nudged my arm and I was quick to address her. With a quick apology and awkward bow Morgana forced a smile. They continued on.

"You're going to end up getting locked up if you don't start using any manners."

"I don't remember meeting her. How was I supposed to know?"