Lost in Albion 3 (Merlin) - Completed

Chapter 16: Memories

Chapter 16

Getting ready and dressed for the day, I grab a weaved basket and my coin sack, tying it off to my waist to prepare to go down to the markets. I love the markets here in Camelot, and I should probably go around to visit Gorham today or soon. I'm afraid I've neglected her company for longer than I would like to admit.

It's a fine day out in Camelot, nothing special, a few clouds in the sky. But it's fine, and that is a good enough day as any to be out and about in the sun. I grab the small piece of parchment that I've written down my list in, tucking it into the basket.

I make a move to leave, but my eye catches a ribbon that Gwen gave me, resting over the knob of my wardrobe. I smile, putting the basket down for a moment to tie it around my bun before continuing down out of the castle.

Just before I come to the front entrance, Merlin and Arthur walk towards me.

"Don't forget you need to go buy cloth," Merlin grins. I roll my eyes, placing a hand on my hip.

"Thank you, I had completely forgotten," I deadpan, holding the basket up. "How's Arthur's saviour doing?"

"I don't know about saviour," Arthur coughs and I roll my eyes again, turning to Merlin for information.

"He's fine. I think he's gone to wander the town for a while. If you want, I'll introduce you to him when he's back."

"I would love that," I beam. "I should get going but I'll see you two later."

"Do you want some company?" Arthur asks suddenly, stopping me in my tracks. "I've got nothing to do," he adds.

"Arthur walking to markets to buy cloth? Never thought I'd see the day," I muse. "I don't mind the company."

Arthur nods, facing Merlin. "Make sure that armour is polished, and my boots are ready. Clean my chambers, walk the dogs, muck out my stables, and get my laundry."

"And here I thought I would nothing to do," he grins sarcastically. The warlock waves shortly at me as I giggle behind my hand. I turn to Arthur, gesturing outside with my head.

"Let's go, your highness."

"My lady," he cheeks.

"Ass."

"I will throw you in the dungeons," he warns, a finger pointing at me as we descend the stairs. I laugh to the wind, the ribbon blowing around in place of my hair.

"Who would fix your clothes then?"

"I'm pretty sure Genevieve is a seamstress," he counters and my face drops.

"I'm sorry, Sire. Please don't throw me in the dungeons," I plea, but the façade soon drops and laughter bubbles out of my throat again, Arthur's following suit. "I'll warn you I do have a long list so feel free to escape any time you want."

"I enjoy spending time with you, and I have the entire day off in preparation for the melee."

"Ah, the melee. Where men ride around, hitting each other with blunt sticks," I sing, glancing at the arriving knights.

"Merlin has the same opinion," the Prince adds, his nose shrivelling. "It's not just about fighting you know. It's-"

"Proving yourself," I intervene. Arthur's head turns to me in shock. "I'm not Merlin. I understand the point of all these tournaments. They're training, proving your skills to both them and yourself."

"You sound like you want to be in there," he notes slowly, deep in thought. I shake my head, glancing up to the sky then back to Arthur.

"I have no desire to fight in them," I say truthfully. "The only reason I want to fight is to be able to fight for my life and others. I don't need to prove anything to anyone. I'm not a Prince."