"it's a shame. lancelot's been a knight for a matter of hours and he's already managed to win her over."
[1.5 — Lancelot]
Merlin and Lia were spending their afternoon in the woods. Gaius was in need of more mushrooms for various remedies. That meant Merlin was sent off to harvest them, and Lia, bored and wanting to get out of the castle, tagged along.
"You think this is enough?" Merlin asked, showing her the contents of the bag.
Lia judged the basket, which was a little over half full. Gaius hadn't told them how many mushrooms to pick, but she didn't want to get too few. "Let's grab those over by that tree and then head back."
As the pair knelt by the base of a large tree, they heard a loud screeching sound in the distance — but much closer than they would have liked. Merlin looked over their shoulder and then quickly stood, pulling Lia with him.
"Time to go!" he shouted.
Lia sparred a look over her shoulder and her eyes widened when she saw some kind of large, winged creature chasing after them. She pushed her legs to run even faster, not wanting to be killed by the creature. She kept a tight grip on Merlin's hand, but after a while, he tripped and fell to the ground.
"Merlin!" she shouted, trying to pull him up.
However, it was too late. The creature was upon them. Lia tried to drag Merlin farther from it even as it reared back to attack. But before the deadly blow could come, a man appeared. He shouted and jumped in front of Lia and Merlin, brandishing a sword. He attacked the creature, but upon making contact with its skin, the sword broke as if it was made of glass.
The man turned and helped Lia pull Merlin to his feet while shouting for them to run. The two men made sure that Lia was in front of them as they fled from the creature. They ran into a clearing before hiding behind a fallen tree. Lia hid her head in Merlin's chest, scared that the beast would find them, but soon it flew off with its giant wings.
"It's gone," Merlin breathed out, coaxing Lia out of his arms. She began to calm down once she knew she was safe. They both turned to the man that had saved them. "You saved our lives. I'm Merlin."
The man slowly shook Merlin's outstretched hand. "Lancelot."
He had only looked at Lia for half a second before he lost consciousness. That was when they finally noticed Lancelot's wounded side. Lia quickly jumped into action, ripping a part of her dress off the bottom. She could not treat the wound there, but she wrapped the cloth tightly around his waist to try and slow the bleeding until they made it back to the physician chambers.
With Merlin's help, they managed to get Lancelot all the way back to Camelot. Gaius was quite surprised to see them rush in with an unconscious and injured man, but that did not deter him from jumping into action.
Once Lancelot was laid on a bed, Lia grabbed bandages while Gaius checked his wound. It did not take long to clean and dress the injury, as well as apply some cream in order to stop any kind of infection.
"The wound itself is superficial," Gaius explained to Merlin, who was worried. "The fever will pass. He should be fine in the morning."
Lia had a wet towel in her hands and was dabbing the sweat from Lancelot's forehead. "He's quite handsome," she murmured. Then she froze, hearing Merlin's snickers, and realized she had said that out loud. "Shut up, Merlin."
He continued to laugh as she put the towel down and headed to their room for bed, her cheeks red. He quickly followed her in the room and watched as she folded back her bedsheets.
"I meant it, Merlin. Shut up," she said, rolling her eyes. "It just slipped out."
"Hmm, I wonder what will happen when your future husband finds out you're in love with another," he teased.
Lia threw her pillow at him, which he easily dodged. "I am not in love with Lancelot and Arthur is not my future husband!"
Merlin smirked at her while he began getting ready for bed. "Right, well, you'll want to get a good night's rest to make sure you look pretty for Lancelot when he wakes up tomorrow."
"I hate you," Lia muttered, rolling her eyes.
"No you don't," he said confidently. "Just last week you were sobbing uncontrollably at the thought of losing me."
"Right. My mistake," she mumbled.
| | |
Lancelot woke with a start the next morning. He stared up at the ceiling, trying to remember where he was and how he ended up there, but he came up empty. Then he became aware that he wasn't alone. Lancelot blinked a few times before his eyes traveled to the side and landed on the most beautiful girl he had ever seen.
Her blonde curls were pulled back with a pink ribbon, and she wore a soft blue linen dress which was quite flattering to her figure. The girl was concentrated, and her bottom lip, which looked as soft as a flower petal, was caught between her teeth. She had dark brown eyes, which were fixed on his side — or rather his wound which she had been cleaning.
Even with the knowledge that he had been wounded, he could not tear his gaze from her. He could only focus on the feeling of her soft fingers brushing across his stomach. In all honesty, Lancelot was not sure how long he watched her, but eventually, she noticed.
"Oh!" Lia exclaimed. She had innocently glanced at Lancelot's face and noticed his eyes were open and fixed on her. "You're awake. Wonderful. How are you feeling?"
Lancelot took a moment to answer, moving to sit up. He winced when the motion pulled at his wound, so Lia helped him sit all the way.
"It stings, but I have had worse," he admitted. Then he frowned, finally remembering what had happened. "The beast! What happened?"
Before Lia could reply, Merlin entered the room from his and Lia's chambers. "You saved us from it, that's what happened. Glad to see you're alright."
"Merlin, right?" Lancelot asked, recalling the name he had heard before passing out. Then he looked at Lia once more, who was now wrapping a bandage over his freshly cleaned wound. "I'm afraid I did not get your name, My Lady."
"Lia," she introduced, smiling softly. He then decided that he could look at her smile all day. "But I am no lady. I'm the apprentice of the court physician here in Camelot."
Lancelot perked up as she revealed where they were. "Wait? Camelot? I'm in Camelot?"
"Yes," Merlin told him. "We're in the castle."
Lancelot got up from his cot, ignoring Lia's instructions to be careful, and he moved to the window. He had to stand on a chair to see out of it as he looked over the great city. Lia was still worried about his wound, but the look of awe on his face kept her from reprimanding him.
"Ever since I was a child I've dreamed of coming here. It's my life's ambition to join the knights of Camelot," Lancelot explained to them. Lia and Merlin couldn't help but smile. "I know what you're thinking — I expect too much. After all, who am I? They have their pick of the best and bravest in the land."
"Lancelot," Merlin stopped him.
"Yes?" he asked, stepping away from the window.
"They are going to love you," Merlin assured him.
"They are?" Lancelot, giving him a doubtful look.
"Absolutely," Lia assured him, smiling. "You certainly seem like the best and bravest."
"And we've seen you in action," Merlin added. "You could shame the great Arthur himself."
Lia giggled, knowing that Merlin had better not let Arthur hear that. Lancelot chucked in disbelief. "I hardly think so."
Merlin thought for a moment. "In fact, you know what I'm going to do? I'm going to talk to him right now." He got up and moved to leave the room, but Lancelot stopped him, confused.
"You know Arthur?" he asked in disbelief.
"Oh yes," Merlin said, grinning. Then he rushed from the chambers, off to find the Prince.
"Don't look so impressed," Lia said, shaking her head. "He's Prince Arthur's manservant."
Lancelot raised an eyebrow. "How did he manage such a high up position?"
"He saved his life," she explained. "Though I'm sure Merlin would've rather preferred some gold or land rather than being bossed around all day. Now, are you having any trouble moving around?"
"None, My Lady," he assured her. Lia didn't bother to try and tell him again that she had no title — he seemed like the type to not listen, just like Sir Leon.
"Well then," she said, grabbing a basket. "I've got to run and buy some herbs from the market. Would you like to accompany me? I could drop you by the knight training grounds on my way. I'm sure you'd love it."
"Sounds wonderful," he said, grinning.
Lancelot surprised Lia by offering his arm to take, but she took it nonetheless. As they made their way out of the castle, they chatted about the village that Lancelot grew up in, as well as how Lia liked being an apprentice. Soon they made it to the training grounds, where Arthur was currently giving a potential new knight his final test. The pair quickly found Merlin standing to the side and joined him.
"Right, you jumped up dung beetle, this is it. The final test. Pass this and you're a knight of Camelot. Fail, and you're no one. You face the most feared of all foes, the ultimate killing machine. You face me."
Lia couldn't help but snort as Arthur referred to himself as the "ultimate killing machine." Merlin lightly nudged her to keep her quiet. Arthur's opponent was already wildly swinging his swords at his side.
"Your challenge is to last one minute in free combat. Grummond, Second son of Wessex, your time starts now."
Grummond approached Arthur, still swinging the swords as Arthur remained still, just watching him. Then Grummond lunged to attack. Arthur dodged him easily before delivering two swift-blows, sending Grummond to the ground.
"Well, that was anticlimactic," Lia murmured as the crowd applauded.
"Take him away," Arthur ordered once removing Grummond's flag.
Merlin was quick to chase after his master, while Lancelot remained by Lia's side. She noticed that he had looked disheartened after watching the fight, which was the opposite effect she had been hoping for.
"Merlin was just being nice. Prince Arthur is a far better warrior than I," Lancelot told her, sighing. "I do not know if I truly have the skills to be a knight."
"Don't say that, Lancelot," she said, frowning. "Not only did you fight off the creature on your own and save my and Merlin's lives, but you are a kind man. You are brave and selfless."
"How could you possibly know that? We've only just met," he reminded her.
Lia smiled up at him. "I just do. Now, would you like to head back to the physician chambers to rest, or would you like to see Camelot with me?"
Lancelot grinned and offered Lia his arm once more. "I shall accompany you anywhere, My Lady."
| | |
After Lia and Lancelot's lovely morning in the markets, they returned to the physician chambers. Lancelot had trouble sitting still, waiting for Merlin to return from talking with Arthur. Thankfully, he didn't have to wait long. As soon as Merlin came through the door, Lancelot ran up to him.
"Well? Did you speak to him?" he asked anxiously.
"Yeah, I spoke to him," Merlin said, not giving anything away.
"And?" Lia asked, joining Lancelot's side. She knew it could go either way, depending on Arthur's mood when Merlin asked.
"And..." Merlin trailed off with a frown on his face.
"No," Lancelot muttered in disappointment, shaking his head.
Suddenly, Merlin smiled. "He said he would like to meet you."
"Yes!" Lancelot exclaimed. He quickly shook Merlin's hand. "Thank you. Thank you!"
"Hey, really, it was no problem, really. It's nothing," Merlin told him. But then he cleared his throat. "You're not a nobleman, by any chance, are you?"
"A nobleman? No," he denied, laughing while looking down at his appearance. "Good lord, no. Why do you ask?"
"It's just that there's this—"
"The First Code of Camelot states that only those of noble blood can serve as a knight," Gaius interrupted. "Uther created the knights to protect this kingdom from those who wished to destroy it. He knew he would have to trust each of his knights with his life. So, he chose them from the families that had sworn allegiance to him."
"The nobility," Merlin muttered.
"And thus the First Code of Camelot was born, and ever since that day, only the sons of noble families have served as knights," Gaius explained.
Lia watched as Lancelot's face fell, all his hope lost. "But that is not fair," she mumbled.
"Fair or unfair, that's the way it is. I'm sorry, Lancelot. Truly, I am," Gaius told him.
He left the trio alone, all of them feeling down in their spirits.
"You would've made a wonderful knight," Lia told him, rubbing his shoulder in comfort. "And who knows. Maybe one day, when Arthur is king, things will be different."
"Why do you want to be a knight so much?" Merlin then asked him.
"When I was a boy, my village was attacked by raiders from the northern plains. They were slaughtered where they stood, my father, my mother. Everyone. I alone escaped. I vowed that day that never again would I be helpless in the face of tyranny. I made swordcraft my life. Every waking hour since that day, I devoted to the art of combat, and when I was ready, I set forth for Camelot. And now, it seems, my journey ends. Everything I fought for, wasted."
Lia sat next to him and squeezed his hand in comfort. His story, which had been so similar to her own, broke her heart. Lancelot had lost everything, just like her. She wished that she could do more for him.
"I give you my word, whatever it takes, I will make this right," Merlin promised.
Lia just wasn't sure how he planned to do that.
| | |
Evidently, magic was how Merlin planned to make all things right. Normally, Lia might have protested, but as he marched in with the fake seal of nobility for Lancelot, she kept quiet. Perhaps she just thought he really deserved to be a knight or maybe she just wanted him to stay around Camelot, but she remained silent. Lancelot, as noble as ever, was hesitant to agree to the plan. He didn't think it was fair to break the rules, but Merlin was able to convince him.
Now all that was needed was for Lancelot to look the part. That's where Gwen came in. She was reluctant to agree to help them but gave in to help please Merlin. However, when she went to start taking Lancelot's measurements for new armor, she found her tape measurer missing. That led to Lia running off to get her own from her room.
"What's taking her so long," Merlin grumbled impatiently.
Gwen chuckled. "We've got plenty of time. Besides, she had to go all the way back to the castle."
"I hope Gaius doesn't ask her any questions," he said. Merlin was terrified that Gaius would find out what he had done. Lia was a good liar, but Gaius always seemed to have a habit of seeing through the both of them.
The real reason that Lia had taken so long was because she had run into someone on the way out of the castle, but it wasn't Gaius. Arthur had caught her just as she left the grounds. Since saving Merlin's life, Arthur had been a bit friendlier with Lia — smiling from her across the room or offering to carry things for her when he came across her making a delivery for Gaius.
"Where are you off to?" he asked, smiling. He seemed to be in a good mood, Lia noted. He glanced down at the measuring tape in her hands and raised an eyebrow, silently wondering what it was for.
"Oh, um, to Gwen's house," she admitted. Then she remembered that she needed to cover up for Lancelot. "I decided to buy some new dresses from her, but she'd lost her measuring tape."
"Ah, a new dress. That's nice," Arthur said. The small talk was a bit awkward, but really, he just wanted a reason to speak with her. "So, um, wh - what color dress are you getting?"
Lia couldn't help but smile at his interest in her fake dress. "Oh, I hadn't thought of a color yet. I just wanted some nicer ones since I'll continue going to feasts and banquets as Gaius' apprentice. I have plenty of blue and yellow and pink ones though."
"Red," Arthur had said suddenly. Lia tilted her head as she looked up at him. Arthur cleared his throat awkwardly. "I mean, it is the color of the kingdom after all. And... I think you'd look lovely in it."
Lia's cheeks heated up and she looked at the ground. "Very well, Sire. Red it is."
Once Lia reached Gwen's home, the blush was gone from her cheeks. But it came back as Lancelot smiled at her. Before she could let his handsome face distract her, Lia handed the measuring tape to Gwen. While she took Lancelot's measurements, Lia hovered behind her, marking the numbers down on a piece of paper. Lancelot couldn't help but feel a little uncomfortable, never having had someone measure him for armor.
"This is very kind of you, er..."
"Gwen," she replied when Lancelot realized he hadn't caught her name.
"Gwen," he repeated.
"It's short for Guinevere," Lia added, smiling at her friend. "She has a beautiful name."
"Then thank you, Guinevere," Lancelot said, using her full name.
"Don't thank me," Gwen told him. She glanced back at Merlin, smiling at him. "Thank Merlin. Merlin would do anything for anyone, wouldn't you, Merlin? Sorry, can you raise your arms? Thank you."
When following her instructions, Lancelot had taken a moment. Gwen noticed that he had been distracted by Lia, who was across the room and looking at some of the samples of fabric that Gwen had lying around. She smiled to herself before focusing back on the knight-to-be.
"I think it's great that Merlin's got you this chance, don't you, Lia?"
"Of course," Lia said, having been listening in on the conversation. She finally wandered away from the red fabric and stood next to Gwen, smiling at Lancelot. "We need men like you."
"You do?" Lia couldn't pinpoint the emotion, but Lancelot seemed almost hopeful of something. Merlin smirked to himself and refrained from laughing at the lovestruck look on Lancelot's face as he stared at Lia — he couldn't understand how she didn't see it herself.
"Of course," Lia replied.
The pair stared at each other for a moment before Gwen spoke back up, moving to measure Lancelot's neck. "Camelot needs knights. Not just Arthur and his kind, but ordinary people like us."
"And he will be a fantastic knight," Lia added proudly.
"Well, I'm not a knight yet, My Lady."
Lia giggled and rolled her eyes. "And I've told you that I am not a lady."
"Sorry, my—" Lancelot cut himself off when he went to call her that again, making her grin.
Gwen and Merlin shared a mischievous look before the seamstress stepped back. "Okay, we're done. I should have these ready in no time. It's nice to meet you, Lancelot."
"You as well, Gwen," he said, shaking her outstretched hand.
Merlin and Lancelot left, letting Gwen get to work. However, they noticed Lia staying behind.
"You coming, Lia?" Merlin asked her.
"Oh, I'll be just behind you," she said, smiling. "I um, wanted to ask her about making a dress."
The boys left her with the seamstress, heading back to the castle. As they walked, both men had small smiles on their faces. So far, the plan was going quite well.
"She seems lovely. Guinevere," Lancelot said.
Merlin immediately grinned at the mention of her name, something Lancelot picked up on. "Oh, yeah. Yeah, she is. And the best seamstress in Camelot, I promise."
Lancelot smirked. "Are you two...you know?"
Merlin laughed awkwardly. "Well, I don't... I don't really know. It's complicated."
"Ah," Lancelot said, nodding. "So then you and Lia?"
"Oh, absolutely not," Merlin replied, shaking his head. "She's like my sister."
"Right," Lancelot muttered, smiling at the ground. "Good."
| | |
Arthur was conducting the knight training as usual when he spotted something odd. Merlin was off to the side with some man he had never met, but Gwen and Lia were by their sides. The Prince couldn't ever recall the physician's apprentice ever coming to watch knight training. But she stood by the man's side, smiling up at him as she adjusted his armor.
"Well, you certainly look the part," Merlin said as they finished with Lancelot's armor.
"Doesn't he just?" Gwen asked, grinning at her handiwork.
"I don't feel it," Lancelot said, tugging at his collar.
"Relax," Lia said, putting a hand on his arm. "You're everything a knight could ever hope to be."
"Here's your chance," Merlin said as Arthur ended the training session. "Go for it."
With a pat on the back from Merlin, Lancelot set off towards the Prince. After putting away his sword, Arthur looked at him expectantly.
"Yes?"
"Lancelot, fifth son of Lord Eldred of Northumbria," he introduced.
Arthur looked him up and down before stepping closer. He looked surprisingly unimpressed. "Lance... a lot? My servant mentioned you. Got your seal?"
"Sire," Lancelot said, bowing as he presented the fake seal.
However, Arthur suddenly smacked Lancelot across the face, knocking him down. "Sluggish reactions. In a battlefield, you'd be dead by now. Come back when you're ready."
Lancelot jumped up and placed his hand on his sword. "I'm ready now, Sire."
Arthur stopped walking away and turned back to Lancelot. Then he glanced at Lia, whose attention was solely on Lancelot. "You are, are you? Fine. You can start by cleaning out the stables."
The onlookers laughed, and Lancelot looked back at Merlin, uncertain. Gwen and Lia quickly flashed him smiles while Merlin gave him two thumbs up. Though, Lia wondered if the thumbs up were because now Merlin didn't have to clean the stables.
| | |
That night, Merlin was helping Lia brew some potions while Gaius watched their progress. Lancelot had yet to return from the day.
"I'm sorry about Lancelot. I see you were upset," Gaius told them both.
"Oh. You know...that's life. You win some, you lose some," Merlin said, trying to act disappointed.
"Great things still await Lancelot, knight or not," Lia added, staring down at the bottle she was filling with a sleeping draught.
"You're both taking it very well, I have to say. Very mature," Gaius complimented.
Merlin smiled at him. "Thank you, Gaius."
However, Merlin couldn't bask in Gaius' approval for long, as Lancelot entered the chambers. He looked exhausted and was covered in dirt.
"How'd it go?" Merlin asked him, grinning.
Lancelot simply grunted before heading towards Merlin and Lia's room. Lia watched him go with a small frown. She had no idea why Arthur had been so harsh to him, but there was nothing she could do about it. Perhaps the Prince had just been in a foul mood.
Gaius gave Merlin a stern look. "He found work at the stables," he quickly lied.
"I see," Gaius said, nodding slowly. "And the truth before I lose my temper?"
Lia winced and backed away from the table. "I'm gonna go check on Lancelot," she decided, not wanting to be there for Gaius yelling at Merlin.
Lia headed towards her room, knocking lightly on the door before entering. After hearing a quiet, "come in," she entered the room. Lancelot was sitting at the edge of Merlin's bed wiping his face off with a damp cloth, trying to get the dirt off.
"Would you like some help?" she offered.
He looked up at her just as she gently took the cloth from him. Lia joined him on the bed, holding his cheek to keep his head steady with one hand and wiping away the dirt with the other. He watched her face as she took care of him.
"Thank you," he said, quietly. "Do you think I'll ever be a knight, Lia?"
"I think that Arthur was just in a horrid mood today," she stated. "But give it time, and I know you will prove yourself. He will see you just as I do one day."
"And how do you see me?"
Lia finished wiping the dirt from his face but stayed just as close. "I see you as a brave, kind man who wants more than anything to serve his kingdom and protect its people. And there is nothing nobler than that, seal or no seal."
Lancelot's eyes flickered down to Lia's lips for half a second, and for a moment he thought about kissing her. Perhaps he would've even gotten the courage to if Merlin had not burst into the room. The pair scooched apart as Merlin talked about new ways to make Lancelot a knight, blissfully unaware of the tender moment he had ruined.
| | |
Lancelot and Arthur had just finished their duel with broomsticks. Arthur had to admit that Lancelot was a good fighter and so he permitted him to start basic training to become a knight. A part of him wondered if he would regret it, but his need for good knights outweighed the worry. As Arthur walked off though, the warning bells sounded. The two men heard screaming and ran towards the sound.
People were crowding in the square. They were coming from another village, and many of them were injured. Gaius, Lia, and Merlin had headed there immediately to administer medical attention.
Lia was treating a young boy with a head wound as Merlin approached, helping a woman to walk.
"You're safe now, I promise," he told her. Gaius immediately started to check on the woman's condition. Merlin glanced at the boy that was holding on to Lia while she wrapped his head in a bandage. "How is he?"
"He's alright. You're very strong, aren't you Joshua?" she asked the child. He nodded up at her, putting on a brave face.
Then Lancelot joined them, having run through the square looking for them. He looked around at the chaos, his win with Arthur already forgotten. "What happened to these people?"
"Their village was attacked by a winged monster," Gaius told him.
Lancelot, Merlin, and Lia all glanced at each other, worried. They had to tell Gaius about their encounter with it and hope he could help.
| | |
Gaius had identified the creature that was attacking. It was called a Griffin, with the wings of an eagle and the body of a lion. Though they now knew what it was called, the danger had not passed. Because of this, Arthur saw it fit to move up Lancelot's final test in order to become a knight.
Lia stood with Gwen and Merlin on the training grounds. She watched nervously as Lancelot stood before Arthur in his armor.
"Well, here we are. Your final challenge. Succeed and you join the elite. Fail and your journey ends here. Lancelot, fifth son of Lord Eldred of Northumbria—" Arthur signaled for the timekeeper to start the match. "—Your time starts now."
As both men put on their helmets, the fight began. Lancelot was the one to make the first move. He held against Arthur very well, already doing much better than Grummond had. He had even gotten in some impressive hits. Though, so had Arthur. At one point, Lancelot had swung and missed, leaving both Gwen and Lia to gasp, hoping that Arthur would not take him down for it. However, Lancelot remained standing.
Until Arthur swung his fist, punching Lancelot in the head. Lancelot fell back, his helmet rolling away. Lia bit her lip as Arthur stuck his sword in the ground and approached Lancelot to take the flag off his belt.
"Shame," he muttered. Though as he noticed the upset look on Lia's face from Lancelot's loss, he wondered if he really meant it.
However, Lancelot suddenly knocked Arthur's feet out from under him and wrestled him to the ground. He stood over the Prince, pointing his sword at his chest.
"Do you submit, Sire?"
Lia grinned brightly, but it fell as two guards restrained Lancelot. Arthur angrily stood up and grabbed his sword.
"On your knees!" he ordered.
Lia gasped as Lancelot was forced to the ground. She feared the worst as Arthur held his sword to Lancelot's chest.
| | |
Once again, Lancelot was on his knees with a sword pressed to his chest.
"Arise, Sir Lancelot, Knight of Camelot," Uther announced throughout the throne room.
Lia stood next to Gwen and Morgana, unable to stop smiling as the room applauded for Lancelot. He spared a quick glance at Lia before looking back at the King as he stood.
"Who is this man? He seems to have come out of nowhere," Morgana whispered while clapping.
"I know. It's been a bit of a surprise to all of us," Gwen said. And then she smirked. "Right, Lia?"
Lia did her best to ignore the now prying look that Morgana was giving her. She was far too happy to let any teasing about Lancelot get on her nerves. She watched as Uther clapped Lancelot on the back and led him from the Throne Room. Lia would have liked to congratulate him then and there but knew she would see him at the celebration later that night.
"So, Lia," Morgana started with a mischievous look on her face. "Will you be wearing anything special to the celebration for Sir Lancelot? Perhaps you'd like to impress him."
Before Lia could open her mouth, Gwen spoke up. "Actually, I've just finished the dress you commissioned. It'd be a wonderful night to wear it for the first time."
"Then it's settled," Morgana declared. "We must get you ready. Sir Lancelot won't know what hit him."
Lancelot certainly didn't know what hit him, but he was not the only one. Arthur had stuck by the new knight's side once they reached the Great Hall for the celebration. They had spent the time getting to know each other better, and Arthur was ashamed to say that he had greatly misjudged Lancelot. He only wished he hadn't been so mean to him when they first met. The two of them were in a rousing discussion about Lancelot's fighting technique when she came in.
It was not Morgana, who was wearing a dress Arthur had probably seen twenty times, or Gwen, in a lovely orange dress, who captured their attention.
It was Lia.
The girl who almost exclusively wore light and flowing pastel-colored dresses, walked into the room wearing a deep red gown.
Pendragon red, Arthur thought, not taking his eyes off of her. She was wearing his color.
The dress hugged her far tighter than anything either man had seen her in. Two pairs of eyes trailed down her body, unable to stop themselves despite how inappropriate it would've been had someone caught them. They both felt speechless as she stood next to Morgana and Gwen, laughing about something.
"Tell me, do you think her... beautiful?" Arthur asked. He didn't know where the question came from, and it was far from appropriate, but he could only hope anyone overhearing thought he meant Lady Morgana. She was the last person on his mind though.
"Yes, Sire. I do," Lancelot answered honestly.
"Yeah. I suppose she is," Arthur said, sounding a bit breathless.
Morgana was the one to notice the gaze of the two men. Sure, she had been expecting to see Lancelot's eyes glued to Lia, but she had been surprised to see Arthur's as well. Despite her curiosity, she kept it to herself.
"You know what? I think our Sir Lancelot might have eyes for you, Lia," Morgana told her in a teasing tone.
"Don't be silly," Lia said, shaking her head. But she spared a glance as finally noticed the two men watching her. Quickly, she looked away, her cheeks heating up.
"What? So what if he did? Would that really be so bad?" Gwen asked her, smiling softly.
Lia hesitated before answering. "I suppose not. I've just never... I haven't exactly..."
"Courted someone?" Morgana asked, grinning. "It's nothing to be embarrassed about. Though, it is surprising considering how beautiful you are."
"I mean, I've had offers," she mumbled, feeling flustered now that she was on the spot. "I guess I've just never met someone my type."
Gwen couldn't help but chuckle. "Would you even know your type if he was standing right in front of you?"
"Probably not," Lia admitted, giggling.
"Alright, just for fun," Morgana said, grinning mischievously once more. "If you had to, Arthur or Lancelot?"
"Ah, but I don't have to and I never will," Lia immediately replied.
"Oh, you are no fun, Lia," Morgana said, chuckling. Though she took notice of how Lia's eyes shyly glanced between Arthur and Lancelot, lingering longer on one in particular.
Suddenly, Arthur pounded on the table, gathering everyone's attention. "Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in a toast to our new recruit, our new knight of Camelot, Sir Lancelot."
Everyone cheered as Lancelot and Arthur toasted their goblets. Soon, music started up and the celebration could really begin. And as people began pulling each other onto the floor to dance, Lancelot finally plucked up the courage to go and speak with Lia.
Morgana and Gwen had seen him coming before Lia, and they quickly came up with an excuse to leave her side. Before Lia could question them, she heard someone softly clearing their throat. She turned and saw Lancelot, who immediately bowed towards her.
"My Lady," he greeted. He took her hand and pressed a gentle kiss to her knuckles as she curtsied.
"Sir Knight," she said, smiling softly. Lancelot could not help but grin at the use of his official title. It sounded wonderful to hear from Lia's lips. "I must offer you my congratulations."
"Well, I wouldn't have been able to do it without you."
She waved him off. "Please, it was all Merlin. You're lucky to have him."
"I'm lucky to have you," he told her. "Please allow me to tell you how magnificent you look tonight."
Lia's cheeks heated up from the compliment and she shyly looked down. "Yes, well, Gwen is a wonderful seamstress. I haven't worn a dress this nice in a long time."
"Then I am honored that you wore it for my knighting ceremony. But," Lancelot said, stepping closer, "the dress has nothing to do with how beautiful you are."
"You flatter me too much, Sir Lancelot," she said, smiling. "So, how does it feel to finally be a Knight of Camelot?"
"I feel as if I am the luckiest man on the earth," he admitted. "And I certainly would be if you'd join me in a dance."
Lancelot smiled as he bowed, offering her his hand. Lia happily took it and let him lead her to the dance floor. Several people had their eyes glued to the couple, wondering who had captured the eye of the new knight so soon.
"I must warn you," Lancelot said as they stopped walking and faced each other. "I am not quite sure how to dance."
Lia took his hand and put it on her waist, and she could've sworn Lancelot blushed from the contact. She felt butterflies in her own stomach as he pulled her closer, their chests almost touching. Then she grabbed his other hand and held it in the air.
"Lucky for you," Lia said, beginning to lead the dance, "I was well trained growing up."
From across the room, one person was unknowingly watching Lia and Lancelot dance with a bitter look on his face — the Prince hadn't even realized his eyes were trained on them. Arthur didn't know why he felt irritable all of the sudden but tried to ignore it and finished off his tankard of mead.
"It's a shame." Arthur almost jumped, not having noticed Sir Leon walk up to him. He looked at the knight and saw that he too was watching Lia and Lancelot, but the look on his face was not nearly as sour. "Lancelot's been a knight for a matter of hours and he's already managed to win her over."
"He has not won Lia over," Arthur said, scoffing. Then he frowned. "Has he?"
Leon could not help but smile mischievously — he could see what his friend and Prince did not want to yet admit. "Does that bother you, Sire? After all, Lia is a skilled apprentice and Lancelot is an honorable knight."
"Of course it doesn't bother me," Arthur answered quickly — perhaps too quickly, he realized. He caught the look on Leon's face and rolled his eyes. "Tell you what, Leon. How about you sod off and I go back to drinking alone?"
"Have fun, My Lord," Leon said, smirking. He clapped Arthur on the back before turning to leave. "Perhaps try not to stare as much when I'm gone. People might start to notice."
Arthur rolled his eyes and scanned the room, refusing to let his eyes land on Lia once more. "I was not staring," he muttered.
| | |
Lancelot and Merlin had consumed a rather ridiculous amount of alcohol over the night. Despite the small part of Lia that wanted to throw the curtains open and let in the sunlight before shouting at them to get up, she let them rest. After getting dressed for the day, she left the two boys — who were crammed together in Merlin's bed — in the room. Gaius had breakfast almost cooked, so Lia got to work making a concoction to help with their hangovers.
Before long, Merlin and Lancelot managed to wake themselves up and come out of their room. They were greeted by Lia, who smiled brightly at them.
"Morning boys!" she greeted, a little louder than necessary.
They both winced and covered their ears. "Shut up, Lia," Merlin whined, rubbing his bounding head.
"Argh," Lancelot groaned. "Two yards of ale? Two miles, more like it."
"Good morning, gentlemen," Gaius said in a much softer tone than Lia had used.
She held out two cups, full of the fizzing hangover cure. "Don't look at it, don't smell it. Just down it in one."
They took the drinks and quickly downed them, disgusted by the taste. Merlin had hoped Lia had been overexaggerating about the taste just to mess with them, but it had been horrid.
"Better?" Lia asked, getting nods. "Good. Can't have you nodding off first day on the job, Lancelot."
"That's Sir Lancelot if you don't mind," Merlin reminded her, laughing.
"How could I forget," Lia said, grinning proudly at Lancelot.
They were only able to laugh for a few moments before two guards entered the room, immediately heading towards Lancelot.
"What are you doing?" Merlin demanded.
"King's orders," a guard said before they grabbed Lancelot.
"Stop!" Merlin shouted though it did nothing to stop the guard from dragging Lancelot out of the room. Lia and Merlin could only watch helplessly, having no idea what to do now.
Merlin, Lia, and Gaius waited anxiously until they got word of what happened to Lancelot. Evidently, Uther had learned that Lancelot's seal of nobility was forged. Not only was his knighthood revoked, but Uther had him thrown in jail. As soon as they heard, Lia and Merlin ran down to the dungeons to see him.
Lancelot was sitting on the floor of his cell, looking positively distraught with the whole situation. He looked up when Merlin and Lia approached but did not move from his spot.
"I don't know what to say to you, Lancelot," Merlin told him, leaning against the bars of the cell.
"You're not to blame," Lancelot told him.
"Yes, I am. I pushed you. I made you lie," Merlin reminded him.
Lancelot shook his head. "The choice was mine. My punishment is mine to bear, and mine to bear alone."
"I wish there was something I could do."
"There is. You can stop blaming yourself," Lancelot told him.
Merlin still felt horrible, even more so considering that Lancelot was not mad at him. He apologized once more but then turned to Lia. She had her eyes glued to Lancelot with a sad look in her eyes. He could sense that she wanted a moment alone with Lancelot, so Merlin returned to the physician chambers to speak with Gaius.
Once Merlin was gone, Lia sank down to the floor. As Lancelot moved closer, she reached for his hand through the bars.
"You do not belong here," she told him, gently rubbing his knuckles with her thumb. "I'm sorry that I do not know how to help you."
He stared down at their hands with a soft smile on his face. Then he brought her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles. "You help just by being here. Seeing your lovely face brightens my spirits."
Lia chuckled. "Amazing. You're in a jail cell yet find the time to tell me you think I'm pretty."
"If you were mine, I would not let a day go by without reminding you of your beauty."
Lia looked up at him shyly through her lashes and raised an eyebrow. "If I were yours?"
Lancelot took in a deep breath and studied her carefully. "Lia?"
"Lancelot?" she asked, sounding almost hopeful.
He was going to ask her something — something rather important — but before he could, bells sounded throughout the kingdom. Then, shortly after the warning bells started, the screams followed. Lia and Lancelot looked towards the window in the cell, listening to the cries of the people.
"The creature," Lancelot realized, standing quickly. Though, he realized then that he had nowhere he could go.
Lia got to her feet as well, worried about what was happening. "I have to go. There will be injuries to tend to."
Before she could go and find Gaius, Lancelot grabbed her hand through the cell, squeezing it tightly. "Please be careful."
"Of course."
| | |
People had cleared the streets of Camelot for the attack. Thankfully, no citizen had been harmed, and very little property had been damaged. But the Knights of Camelot had sustained several injuries. They did not kill the creature, though they did manage to chase it off, buying some more time. It was a blessing that Prince Arthur hadn't been harmed, and no other knight had died while fighting the beast. Lia and Gaius made quick work of treating the injured knights — Lia did most of the work while Gaius tried to find out more about the Griffin.
After they treated everyone, they were called to the council chambers by Uther to discuss the situation.
"You said your knights were the best in the land. You proved that today," Uther congratulated his son.
"All I know is it's still out there," Arthur said, not accepting his father's praise. As far as he was concerned, the creature was still alive, and that meant he had failed.
"Let's not wait for it. The kingdom has been menaced by this creature for too long. We finish this now."
"Sire, if I may," Gaius politely interrupted.
"Gaius?"
"I've been researching this creature, Sire. I believe it to be a Griffin," he explained.
"A Griffin? What's in a name?" Uther asked, not familiar with the name.
"The griffin is a creature of magic," Gaius told him.
Uther's jaw clenched, not wanting to deal with such a thing. "I don't have time for this, physician."
"It is born of magic, Sire, and it can only be killed by magic," he told him.
"You are mistaken. It's a creature of flesh and blood like any other. Arthur proved that today," Uther argued.
Arthur quickly shook his head in disagreement. "I'm not so sure, Father. I think there may be some truth in what he says."
"What truth?"
"The Griffin was unharmed, Sire. Our weapons seemed useless against it." Lia and Merlin shared a look, remembering how Lancelot's sword had shattered upon making contact with the Griffin.
"Useless? I think not," Uther said, still not wanting to believe that magic was involved. "No, it's tasted our steel once. The next time will be its last. When will your knights be ready to ride again?"
"An hour. Maybe two," Arthur said, sighing. He glanced at Lia. "What of their injuries?"
"They were all superficial, My Lord, thankfully. None should have to remain in Camelot," she reported.
"Good," Uther said. "We finish this tonight."
After Uther dismissed the court, Merlin, Gaius, and Lia headed back to the physician chambers. Things were feeling even grimmer, with Lancelot in jail and the knights running off to kill a creature that they stood no chance against.
"Is it true? The Griffin can only be killed by magic?" Merlin asked Gaius.
"Yes, Merlin. I'm certain of it. If Arthur rides out against it, he'll die."
"W - well, then we have to stop him," Lia told them, worrying greatly for the Prince. "Uther must see reason."
"Where magic is concerned, our King is blind to reason. And yet... magic is our only hope," Gaius said, turning to Merlin.
"You're not suggesting—"
Gaius cut Merlin off by nodding. "It is your destiny, Merlin. The true purpose of your magic."
Merlin shook his head, already beginning to doubt himself. "You saw it, Gaius. I can't go up against that thing. It almost killed Lia and me once."
"But if you do not, then Arthur will surely perish," Gaius warned.
"No, no. This is madness. I don't have magic that powerful. There must be another way," Merlin said.
"Merlin, you've got to try," Lia pleaded with him. She couldn't stand to watch Arthur and the knights die. "Arthur will die. Leon will die."
"Do you even care what happens to me?" Merlin asked them angrily. Lia flinched, upset that he could even ask her that. "Oh, just do this, Merlin. Do that, Merlin. Go and kill the Griffin, Merlin. I'll just sit here and warm my feet by the fire."
"Merlin!" Lia shouted, stopping him in his place. She grabbed his hands tightly and held them close to her chest. "You are the only thing I care about most in this world. I do not want you to ever doubt that. I would give my life for you without a thought, but for what? Gaius and I, we cannot save Arthur. It is not our destinies, and you know that."
Merlin sighed and looked down at their hands, now upset with himself — he and Lia never argued. He pulled Lia into his chest, hugging her tightly. "I'm sorry. To both of you."
"I don't know what else I can say," Gaius said, not sure if he had convinced Merlin. But Lia knew her best friend, and she knew he would come through.
"I'll say it for you. We have two hours to find a way to kill that thing."
| | |
Arthur stormed down to the dungeons, frustrated with himself and the man he was going to see. "I should've known," he shouted, entering Lancelot's cell. The former knight stood quickly. "How could I have been so stupid? You don't sound like a knight! You don't even look like a knight!"
"I'm sorry," he murmured.
"I'm sorry, too," Arthur said, frowning. "Because, Lancelot, you fight like a knight. And I need — Camelot needs—"
"The creature?" Lancelot asked, knowing what he faced.
"We could not kill it," Arthur admitted. "I've never faced its like."
"I faced it myself, Sire, some days past — I saved Lia from it." Arthur's eyes widened at the fact that Lia had been attacked by the Griffin. "I struck it full square. I wondered how it endured."
"There are those that believe this creature — this Griffin — is a creature of magic, that only magic can destroy it," he revealed.
"Do you believe this?"
Arthur turned away from him, facing the door of the cell. "It doesn't matter what I believe. The use of magic is not permitted. The knights must prevail with steel and sinew alone."
"Sire—"
"There's a horse waiting outside," Arthur told him.
Lancelot couldn't believe it. He was being set free. "Thank you. Thank you, Sire." He could not wait to go and find L—
"Lancelot," Arthur said in a firm voice, "take it and never return to this place."
"No. No, please," Lancelot begged. To never return to Camelot meant to never return to Lia — a thought that both men had. "It's not my freedom I seek. I only wish to serve with honor."
"I know."
"Then let me ride with you, Sire."
"I cannot," Arthur regretfully said. "My father knows nothing of this. I release you myself, but I can do no more. Now go before I change my mind."
Arthur walked across the cell, turning his back to the door and Lancelot. He spared one last look at the Prince before leaving the dungeon, a plan forming in his mind.
| | |
Gaius had managed to locate a spell to defeat the Griffin. Merlin simply had to enchant a weapon and it would be able to kill the creature. The only problem was that Merlin had never cast such a powerful spell. Lia did her best to comfort and encourage him, but he still struggled. And as he kept struggling, the more his faith in himself began to dwindle.
"Don't worry, Merlin. I know you're trying," Gaius said as Merlin once again failed to enchant the dagger.
He sighed angrily and fell back into a chair. "And I'm failing. And if Arthur dies because I'm not good enough—"
"Merlin," Lia cut him off, wanting him to stop hating on himself.
"Merlin!" They were interrupted by Gwen shouting as she ran into the room. "Lancelot's riding out to kill the griffin!"
"He's what?" both Lia and Merlin asked at the same time.
Gwen could only shrug at them helplessly. Merlin wasted no time in running after Lancelot, despite the fact that he had not perfected the spell. Lia sank into her chair, tears gathering in her eyes. Now, Arthur, Leon, Lancelot, and Merlin were about to face a beast that had no way of being killed.
"Lia," Gwen said hesitantly. She joined the apprentice's side. "Lancelot, he said..."
"What?" she asked, sitting forward. "What did he say?"
Gwen reached for Lia's hand and squeezed it comfortingly. "That if he died, his last thoughts would be only of you."
| | |
Lia and Gaius waited very anxiously for Merlin to return. Though eventually, he ran back in with a triumphant grin on his face. Then, he grabbed Lia's hand and dragged her all the way back to the council chambers, where Arthur and Lancelot went to meet with King Uther.
As they rounded the corner, Lia saw Lancelot waiting outside in the hallway. She didn't think as she ran to him and hugged him, relief washing over him now that she knew he was safe.
"You're alive," she whispered as Lancelot hugged her back, cradling the back of her head. Then she pulled back and looked him over. "You're not hurt, are you? Did it hurt you?"
"I am alright, Lia," he assured her. "Prince Arthur and the other knights were the ones harmed."
"What are they doing?" Merlin asked, nodding to the closed door.
"Deciding my fate," Lancelot stated, looking at the door with a nervous look.
"They'll restore your knighthood, of course, they will," Merlin stated confidently. "You killed the Griffin."
"But I didn't kill the griffin," Lancelot told them. Then he walked farther from the guards at the door, glancing at Merlin. "You did."
Lia's eyes widened, but Merlin chuckled. "That's ridiculous," he lied.
"Bregdan anweald..." Merlin glanced back at the guards nervously as Lancelot mimicked his enchanting from earlier. "I heard you. I saw you." Lia and Merlin shared a worried look. "Don't worry, your secret's safe with me. But I cannot take the credit for what I did not do. There'll be no more lies, no more deceit."
"What are you going to do?" Merlin asked.
"You can't just tell them that Merlin killed the Griffin," Lia added.
Lancelot turned to him, and Lia thought for a moment that she saw a flash of regret, perhaps for what he was about to do. "The only thing I can do."
Lancelot suddenly turned and rushed into the council chambers, passing the guards as he threw the doors open. Lia and Merlin trailed in behind him. Gwen, who was standing to the side with Morgana, caught Lia's eye. She was silently asking what was going on, but Lia didn't know the answer either.
"What is this?" Uther asked as the guards restrained Lancelot.
"Let me speak!" Lancelot requested.
"Wait!" Uther said, stopping the guards from taking him away. "I'll hear him."
The guards released Lancelot, who approached Arthur and Uther. "Forgive me, Sire. I've come to bid you farewell."
Arthur shook his head. "What is this, Lancelot?"
"I lied to you both and now there is conflict between you. I cannot bear that burden, as you should not bear mine. I must start again, far from here," Lancelot said. He glanced to the side at Lia, who watched him with a heartbroken face. "Then maybe one day fate shall grant me another chance to prove myself a worthy knight of Camelot."
"But, Lancelot, you've already proved that to us," Arthur said, smiling at him. He did not want to see Lancelot leave, and he would continue to argue with his father over it if need be.
"But I must prove it to myself. Your Highness. Prince Arthur."
Lancelot bowed to each of them. He slowly backed away but paused as he saw Lia. She shook her head lightly, not wanting him to go. Then Lancelot, suddenly filled with a new kind of bravery, strode towards her with purpose, not caring about the watching eyes of the room.
A gasp left Lia's lips, though it was quickly silenced as Lancelot's lips fell on her own. He cupped her face gently, brushing his thumb across her cheekbones. Lia held her breath as he slowly pulled away, and all she could see on Lancelot's face was love.
The pair were in their only little bubble. They didn't hear the surprised gasps from Morgana and Gwen at the scandalous action. They didn't notice the huge, amused grin on Merlin's face — even King Uther had to hide a smirk from the whole ideal. Nor did they see how absolutely crestfallen Prince Arthur looked in that moment.
"I had to do that," Lancelot whispered, stepping back. "Just once."
And then he was gone.
It took a moment for Lia to collect herself, though everyone in the room could understand why. With red cheeks, she turned to face the King.
"My apologies, My King. That was highly inappropri—"
Surprisingly, King Uther waved her off, a small grin on his face. "I understand young love."
Lia, though touched by Uther's rare sign of humanity, chose not to dwell on what had just happened. She nodded politely to him. "I must go see to the wounded knights."
"Take my son with you," Uther commanded.
"I'm fine, Sire," Arthur assured him.
Uther rolled his eyes at his son. "You have two breaks in your chainmail and there is blood on your neck. You are wounded and therefore will be treated by the physician."
Arthur, not able to deny his father's request in front of the whole court, agreed. So, he trailed quietly behind Lia all the way back to the physician chambers. Neither could really think of anything to say, so they stayed quiet. The awkwardness continued when they reached the room and realized that they were alone — Merlin had probably started on chores, and Gaius was already visiting the other knights.
Lia had to help Arthur remove his chainmail and armor to get to his wounds. He winced as she lifted the heavy metal off of his chest. As soon as it was gone, she spotted the two wounds on Arthur.
"Oh yeah, you're totally fine," she muttered, sarcastically.
While she ran around the room to grab some bandages and water, Arthur sat on a cot. When Lia returned, she sat in front of him, setting her supplies down. She cleared her throat before glancing at the two bloodstains on his white shirt — one on his waist and one near his shoulder.
"Can you remove your tunic or do you need help?" she asked, not sure how badly his shoulder wound hurt.
Arthur grunted before complying, lifting the bloodied garment off. Lia quickly reminded herself that she was a physician and was meant to be professional, so she did not allow herself to stare at his broad chest. Perhaps Arthur would just assume her cheeks were still red from the incident with Lancelot. She quickly began attending to the wound on his side.
Arthur winced quietly as she cleaned it but did not complain. "So, am I going to die slowly and painfully from my battle wounds?"
Lia laughed softly. "I think you'll live, My Lord."
"Be sure to tell my father that. Any time he sees a speck of blood, he overreacts," Arthur said.
"They may be shallow wounds, but you still needed them to be checked. You wouldn't want to survive a battle with a Griffin and then die from infection," Lia told him. "The tale would make for some pretty uninspiring ballads."
Arthur snorted at her snide joke. "It would've been fitting. I didn't even get a good hit on the beast. Lancelot was the hero."
"Yes, he is," she said, smiling softly. Then she noticed the small frown on Arthur's face. "You're all heroes. You and all of your knights. You faced the Griffin not even knowing if it could be killed."
After wrapping the wound on Arthur's side, she moved to his shoulder. Lia pretended to not notice the way he was carefully watching her.
"Did you know?" he asked after a few moments of silence.
"Know what?" Lia asked, playing innocent.
Arthur rolled his eyes. "So, you did know."
"Of course I knew," Lia said quietly, wiping the blood from his neck. "I did not care that he had no title — it's not as if I'm a Princess. Lancelot is strong, brave, and a good man. He deserved to be a knight."
"He did," Arthur agreed. Then he swallowed thickly. "He was a good man. I'm sorry that he's gone."
Lia bit her lip and glanced up at the Prince. "I suppose he just... wasn't my destiny."