Lady of Magic

I

Ava turns over, curling up to Merlin. Now that she isn't engaged with Klaus anymore, she can actually be in a relationship with Merlin. Uther is still destroyed from the betrayal of Morgana, so Arthur has been leading the country since. He is a little more relaxed on inter-class marriage. Though she may want to wait still. Merlin shifts and pulls her closer to him. She looks to see he has one open and smirking. 

"You arse," she chuckles, pushing him back some. He starts laughing, wrapping his arms around her. There is a knock on the door. The two look at each other. He grabs his stuff before getting in her wardrobe. She pulls her robe over her nightgown before opening the door. Arthur maybe okay with them in a relationship, but he will go berserk if he thought they were actually having sex before marriage. Her brother looks around. She spots Merlin's shoes by her bed. When her brother isn't looking, she sends hem under her bed with magic. He didn't even notice.

"Have you seen Merlin?" he asks.

"Nope."

"I thought I heard him."

"You can see no one else is here."

"Well if you find him, let him know I'm looking for him."

"I will do that."

Her brother leaves and she closes the door loud enough for Merlin to get the hint. He pushes the wardrobe open and the two start chuckling. She motions for them to be quiet as she listens to her brother walking down the hallway. Once the footsteps are so far off she chuckles.

"You should go soon," she tells him. "Don't want the future king to get angry at you."

"I think he can handle himself a few more minutes," he responds, crossing the room to her. He pushes his lips against her's as they kiss. She pushes him back gently, smirking.

"Go before he figures it out."

"As you wish."

He sarcastically bows before grabbing his shoes from under her bed. He puts them on before leaving. She quickly changes into trousers and blouse before leaving her chambers. A year since Morgana attacked and almost everything is back to normal. The people are preparing for a feast tonight to celebrate the ancestors. 

Servants are bustling about to prepare for the festivities. A smile grows on her face as she moves about the area. Eventually Merlin runs by with Arthur's shirt for tonight. He winks at her before going off. She chuckles before going to the kitchens where Gwen is. She is gathering food to deliver to Uther. 

"May I come with you?" Ava asks.

"Of course," Gwen responds. The two ladies head up and into the king's chamber. Uther sits in his usual seat, staring out the window. His hair has turn grey and has aged so quickly over a short time. Gwen sets the tray to his right and Ava goes to his left. She crouches next to him, grabbing his hand.

"How are you feeling today, Father?" she asks, putting a kind smile. He barely even looks at her. He won't touch his food or wine. Just stares out the window blankly. She kisses his hand before exiting. Gaius goes to enter to check on the king. 

~~~

Gwen helps Ava finish putting on the dress. A green dress with long sleeves and fall just off her shoulders. 

"There you are," Gwen smiles.

"Would you like to borrow one of mine for the night?"

"No. But thank you."

"Yes, well Arthur will be looking at you no matter what you wear."

The servant blushes some. She excuses herself and goes off. Ava pulls on a pair of shoes, spotting her mother's necklace on the table. It has been so long since she has even looked at it. After a short debate, she puts it on and head downstairs. She takes her place next to her brother as the feast goes into full swing. Merlin walks over to the table, filling her glass with wine. They share a small smile.

"Well come on," Arthur jokes with his servant. "You two already see each other enough."

Ava feels her face turn red as she punches Arthur in the arm. He laughs and Merlin continues to go and serve other people. The crown prince stands up, holding his goblet. 

"Tonight we remember our ancestors. As such we shall raise a glass in their honor."

He lifts his cup and everyone follows suit. As the clock strikes midnight, a shadow figure flashes before Ava's eyes very quickly. It disappears within a second. Merlin falls over, the metal pitcher in his hands clanging against the stone floor. The red head quickly stands to her feet. 

Lancelot quickly picks the servant up and carries him to Gaius' home. Ava excuses herself and follow the two men with Gaius next to her. Lancelot lays Merlin on the bed. Ava starts a small fire in order to start heating water.

"I never felt someone this cold while still being alive," Gaius states. Ava pours the water in a bowl and uses a cloth to dab on his forehead. His eyes start to open slightly. Gaius gets a heavy blanket for the boy and Lancelot eventually leaves. Once Merlin is fully awake, he wraps the blanket fully around him. He explains what he saw.

"I fear the veil between the living and dead is torn," the older man states. "We need to figure out how to close it before someone gets hurt."