Merlin's POV
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"Polish my armor merlin, walk the dogs merlin, pick herbs merlin. Run yourself raggedy merlin. Sometimes I think they forget I am only human." I grumbled tiredly trudging through the forest. Satchel slung over my shoulder.
Stopping beside a clump of mushrooms. I carefully began plucking them from the ground. Careful not to pull to hard and smash them in the process. It would be just like me to suddenly trip landing face first destroying the small clump. I had just picked the last one needed when i froze. Whipping my head to the right of me where a horrible screech could be heard, heading straight toward me. I gasped in fear at the sight of the giant winged beast galloping toward me. Eyes flashing in rage as its sharp taloned claws tore up the ground in its wake.
"Ok time to go." I yelped leaping to my feet and racing as fast as possible away from the danger. Yet as we all know quite well the universe hates me. Tripping over an uprooted root in the ground. I faceplanted hard into the ground. Groaning in pain I am just attempting to push myself back to my feet when a large claw lands on my back. Pinning me to the ground. I cry out in agony as i feel its talons slicing through my dress. Drawing blood as it made contact with my soft flesh. I whimper fearfully as it lets out a victory screech before i feel its hot breath on my neck. I am trembling in both fear and pain as its sharp pointed beak slots itself around my neck as it prepares to bite down.
I am just bracing myself for the pain followed by death when its went vanishes from my back as a loud war cry is heard. Rolling over and propping myself on my hands. I stare in disbelief at the young man bravely, (or maybe he is just stupid), going head to head with the beast in nothing but a simple tunic and breeches. He waves his sword around threateningly as he stabs at the creature. Only to stumble back in dismay as the metal sword shatters upon contact with its thick hide.
"Well, that didn't work." He huffs spinning around and dragging me to my feet by my arm. Pulling me roughly along by my hand. We race away as the creature gives chase. Leaping over a falling log and pressing ourselves against it on the ground. We watch in fear as the creatures leaps over us and upon losing our trail takes to the air. Flying away as we both let out the breath we had been holding. Turning to my companion. I give him a soft smile as his green eyes connect with my blue eyes.
"You saved my life." I laugh relieved. My smile quickly falls though upon noticing the growing blood stain beneath his hand on his chest.
"Oh no are you alright? Mister can you hear me hey?"
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"Will he be alright Gaius?" I nervously ask. Biting my lower lip as i anxiously gazed at this mysterious hero.
"Yeah, he will be fine. It was more a flesh wound than anything. Poor thing past out because of hunger more than blood loss. Looks to me like he hasn't had a good meal in a few days now. Anyway, I have rounds to make. If he awakes before i return have him drink some water and eat a half a bowl of this broth here. I shall see you later merlin."
"Yeah, sure broth and water. Bye Gaius." I distractedly answer my eyes never leaving the strangers exhausted face as i sat down beside him. Gaius took one last look at me before fondly shaking his head and leaving. It was shortly after he left that my hero began to stir.
Groaning in pain before groggily blinking his eyes open. Resting a hand on his bandaged torso he slowly turned his head from side to side until his gaze finally landed on me.
"Hey." He rasped. His dry throat causing him to cough uncomfortably. Grabbing the cup and pitcher by his bed I carefully poured him some water. Making sure he didn't drink too much or too fast so as not to puke. Once i was satisfied he had enough I carefully set the cup down and turned back to my charge. I wanted to give his stomach a moment to settle before handing him the broth.
"How are you feeling?" I softly enquired anxiously scanning his face for any discomfort.
"Could be better. What happened?"
"You were hurt while fighting that creature. But Gaius said its nothing to worry about. It’s your lack of nutrition that worries him." I explained a question in my words.
"Hmm well I guess i should start at the beginning. It all started about 2 weeks ago. You see ever since i was young i have had a desire to be a knight. I loved hearing tales of knights adventures and defending the weak. I loved it so much that I started sneaking out to the woods and teaching myself to sword fight with a stick. At first my parents just brushed it off as childish fantasy, but as i got older and continued my ramblings about being a knight my parents became concerned. They tried distracting me by keeping me busy with chores or encouraging me to find a girl and settle down. They hoped that if they just kept distracting me that i would eventually give up on my dreams. It was about 2 weeks ago when it came to a head.
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(Lancelot’s POV)
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"Lancelot du lark cease this nonsense at once." My dad snapped throwing down the brush he had been using on the dishes and turning his exasperated eyes onto me. I froze in my ramblings. Staring up at my dad in confusion.
"I have had enough. It was cute when you were young. Your mom and I figured hey your young you will eventually grow out of these childish dreams. Yet here you are still going on about these foolish dreams." He spat waving his hands in the air in frustration.
"Dad being a knight is not foolish. It’s an honorable pursuit." He merely rolled his eyes at that.
"Yes, lance it is honorable, but you’re a commoner. Commers don't become knights. Only nobles do."
"That’s why i have been teaching myself to sword fight. I am positive if I can just prove my worth..."
"Your fooling yourself if you think the king would ever take someone like you as a knight. No matter how good a fighter you may be." I frowned my anger building rapidly at that.
"Someone like me? What is that supposed to mean? You don't think I am good enough to be a knight?"
"Of course, you’re not. You’re a peasant for crying out loud." He shouted throwing his hands up exasperated.
"You just wait I am good enough. I will work hard and prove to you that just because i am a peasant doesn't mean i can't defend the kingdom. Just you wait dad." I spat leaping from my seat at the table and racing angrily from the room.
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(Merlin's POV)
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"I left after that. Spending a few days in the forest to cool off. I spent the time training my skills and building up more muscle. It was about 3 days later that i returned. I had planned to apologize to my dad for my harsh words but when i arrived..." he closed his eyes as if in pain. Taking a shaky breath to calm himself he continued. His eyes remaining closed as if to block out painful memories.
"When i arrived back, the whole village was in shambles. Bodies lining the path, houses burned to the ground. There was practically nothing left of my home. In shock and terrified of what this meant. I raced for my parents cottage. I nearly gagged at the smell of vomit and blood just getting within feet of the charred remains of my home. It was at this moment i saw him. My dad lying face down in the dirt. Blood flowing freely from his head. I raced to his side and nearly leaped from joy when i turned him over and saw he was still alive. My joy was short lived through for he had already lost too much blood by that point. There was nothing i could do except hold him one last time. I will never forget his last words to me as he lay there gasping for breath, trembling in my arms."
"Go live your dream my boy. I ...will al... always lovvvvve youuuuu." Lance stalled at this a tear slipping down his cheek as he squeezed his eyes tighter together. Laying my hand gently on his shoulder i smiled encourage at him. Waiting patiently for him to continue. After a moment he did continue but a little stronger this time.
"I vowed from that day forth that i would find a way to become a knight or die trying. Though since my home was destroyed i had very little supplies to live off of. What little money i had left was stolen from me by bandits about 3 days ago." He finished opening his eyes and gazing at me. I felt my heart break for him. He isn't much older than me yet the things he endured he might as well be an old man. Licking my lips, I made a decision. Smiling at my new friend. I quickly got up from my seat just as Gaius came back. Ignoring Gaius questions of where i was going I left the room. A determined look on my face as I stopped in front of my destination. Pushing the door open and closing it behind me. I calmly made eye contact with my target. Who was watching me curiously?
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"Arthur. We need to talk."
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"Arthurrrr!" I whined trailing angrily after him.
"Merlin, I already told you unless he is a noble..."
"Yes, i know you said that but that’s stupid. Who cares if they are a noble or a commoner? As long as they have the heart and ability it shouldn't matter their upbringing." He rolled his eyes at this not even honoring me with a glance as he continued on his way to the council meeting.
"Merlin enough. I don't make the rules. But if it will make you happy i will at least give him a trial run. Have him meet me on the training grounds in one hour. Now will you please stop pestering me." I squealed in excitement flinging myself at him in a hug before darting away. Not before he muttered something that suspiciously sounded like idiot after me. Bursting into the physicians chambers i an pleased to see Lancelot already well enough to be sitting at the table eating.
"Lance the prince has agreed to give you a trial run. He wants you ready to fight in an jour." He gasps excitedly at this. His eyes as big as saucers as he leaps to his feet in joy. Only to be pushed back down a moment later by Gaius.
"You aren't going anywhere until you finish that bowl young man." Gaius states sternly. His eyebrow rapidly climbing as he stared him down. Grabbing the bowl and tipping it rapidly into his mouth. Lance quickly empties his bowl setting it back down on the table as he jumps to his feet. Mouth full of soup. Gaius rolls his eyes as he waves us off. Neither of us can help but grin as we race for the training field.
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"Not bad. Still a little rough around the edges, but not bad." Arthur states helping lance up from where Arthur previously had him pinned. Lance has a brilliant hopeful smile on his face as he accepts Arthur's hand up. Which quickly vanishes upon Arthur's next words.
"Look I'm not going to lie to you. You have potential that is true, but my dad is extremely prejudice against commoners becoming knights. There is a way but it’s very rare that anyone survives the trial." Arthur admits running his hand through his golden hair.
"What trial?" Lance curiously asks. New hope burning in his eyes.
"Have you heard of the flame trial?" Arthur reluctantly enquiries. Folding his arms tightly over his chest.
"No?" Both lance and i say at the same time. Arthur is looking more and more uncomfortable by the second.
"The flame trial is the only way a commoner can ever become a knight. Basically, during a time of great danger such as an army attacking the kingdom, or a magical beasts attack. A commoner has the right to come before the king an ask to partake in the flame trial. That commoner will then be sent out on a dangerous mission by themselves and must complete the mission alone. No help, no armor. Only a sword, a horse, and your own skills to win. The last flame trial happened about 5 years ago. It was during a time of war. The commoner was sent out with a sword and a horse to the location of a camp of 10 enemies. He was ordered to kill everyone in the camp and bring back information on the enemy. He was instructed to bring back the heads of everyone there as proof. Needless to say, he died. As far as I know no commoner has ever completed the flame trial and come back alive. It’s impossible. My dad makes sure the tasks he sets upon them is physically impossible for one untrained man to complete. It’s a suicide mission." The last shred of hope Lance had disappeared at that. Shoulders slumping, he nodded before slowly making his way back to Gaius chambers. Arthur watched him go a look of deep regret upon his face.
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"We have been receiving reports of a magical creature with the head of a eagle, and body of a lion attacking people. They claim this creature has a taste for flesh. Gaius do you perhaps know what it is?" Uther asked turning his attention to my mentor as Uther shifted in his throne. Gaius nodded a grave expression on his face.
"I believe sire, we are dealing with a Griffin."
"Does any of your books say how to defeat a creature such as this?" Uther prompted leaning forward in his seat.
"I am afraid only magic can defeat magic."
"Nonsense i am sure there’s a way. After all we haven't met a creature, we can't handle." Uther laughed waving away Gaius concerns as he sat back in his chair.
"If you say so sire." Gaius mumbled bowing as he retreated once more to stand with me and Lancelot in the shadows. Lancelot had a look of deep thought as he listened carefully to what was being said. I frowned anxiety building as i realized what he was about to do. Yet before i could stop him he darted forward to kneel in front of the king.
"Sire I implore you allow me to handle the Griffin. Give me the chance to prove myself to you by partaking in the flame trial." One glance at Arthur and I could tell he was cursing himself for telling the idiot about the trial. Uther clasping his hands in front of himself. Regarded the kneeling commoner with a calculating gaze.
"Are you aware if I allow this you must complete this alone?"
"Yes, sire i am aware."
"Are you also aware that you will not be allowed armor. Only a sword and horse?"
"I am."
"Very well. I accept your petition. You shall, in accordance with the trial, leave at dawn to slay the Griffin without aid. You are dismissed." I stared horrified as lance getting up from the ground bowed to the king before retreating to prepare. The fool was going to get himself killed.
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(Lancelot’s POV
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"Are you sure you want to do this? There's no shame in backing out." I smiled at the young woman strapping a sword to my belt.
"I know but being a knight is all i have ever dreamed of. Now that i finally have a shot who am i not to take it."
"But it’s basically a suicide mission. No one has ever survived the trial." She sighed avoiding my gaze.
"What did you say your name was?"
"Gwen."
"Well Gwen i realize that these trials are nearly impossible to complete but I can’t just quit because it’s hard. If I back out now what kind of man would that make me?"
"An alive one."
"Hmm maybe but i would never forgive myself if i passed up this one opportunity to fulfill my dream just because I was scared."
"I still think it’s foolish, but i can't fault a man for following his dreams." I smiled at that heading toward the door with my new sword.
"Thanks for the sword, Gwen. See you around."
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(Merlin's POV)
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"That fool is going to get himself killed." I raved marching into my chambers and racing toward my room. Gaius hot on my heels. Throwing my bedroom door open. I leaped onto my bed, pulling my book out from the floorboard by my bed before frantically flipping through it.
"What in the blazes are you doing?" Gaius demanded coming into my room to see me looking through my forbidden book.
"Looking for a spell to kill the Griffin." I replied not bothering to look up as i continued my search.
"How do you plan to kill it without lance seeing you?"
"Very carefully. Ah found it." I excitedly exclaimed sitting up and pointing to a page.
"You’re going to be the death of me." He sighed coming over to glance over my shoulder.
"Oh, that might work." Gaius stated a hint of surprise in his voice.
"Now i just need to cast it while lance is distracted, and all will be well." I laughed closing and hiding my book.
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(Lancelot’s POV)
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"Sir Lancelot hold on a moment. " A young female voice called as i swung myself into the saddle. Glancing over at the beautiful black haired girl racing toward me, i smiled as i waited for her to speak. Stopping in front of me she blushed stammering as she held out a red handkerchief.
"I know i can't convince you not to take part but... well... i was wondering..."
"I would love to wear your favor, Gwen." I laughed gently taking the fabric from her hands and tying it around my arm. She smiled up at me, relieved that i understood what she was trying to say.
"Good luck sir la..."
"Please just lance is fine."
"Ok good luck Lance." She softly intoned smiling up at me as i nodded before kicking my horse into gear. It was time to make my dreams a reality. If i had been paying more attention i would have seen the other black haired girl, eyes flashing golden, following close behind. Using a spell to keep up with me without being seen on her own horse. I had barely been riding for 5 minutes when my horse suddenly reared as the Griffon landed right in front of me. Charging forward i attempted to land a hit with my sword but it merely dodged and swiped its talons across my arm. Making me hiss in pain as droplets of blood beaded its way through my tunic sleeve. Swiftly untying Gwen’s favor i used it to stem the flow as i secured it around my wound.
Turning my attention back to the Griffin. I once more went to strike only for it to once more dodge and barely miss cutting my throat. It was on my third try that i managed to impale it on my sword. I stopped blinking in shock at the blue flames coming from my sword now impaled in the dead creatures belly. Glancing around I caught a brief glimpse of a black haired maiden with glowing golden eyes in the trees before she vanished. I felt my heart sink as i withdrew my sword cutting off the Griffins head to take back with me. I may have killed the Griffin but i failed the challenge. I did not do it alone.
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"Are you sure you won't stay. The king was willing to make you a knight. Unhappily, but he was." Merlin sighed handing me my bag so i could tie it to the horse prince Arthur gave me.
"Yes, but i couldn't accept it. I didn't complete the challenge. " I stated pausing to regard the young woman before me.
"What do you mean. You killed the Griffin? Even brought its head back and everything." Glancing around to make sure my next words wouldn't be over heard. I stepped close to her. My breath trickling her ear as I whispered 8 little words that turned her pale skin as white as death.
"Yes, but not alone. I saw you, Merlin."
"W... what do you mean. I wasn’t there. Don't know how you could of seen me." She nervously laughed as i stepped away from her. Shaking my head i swung myself into the saddle. Gazing down at her as i gripped the reigns.
"It’s ok I'm not going to say anything but i can't in good conscience accept a reward for defeating the Griffin alone. When I had help. Maybe one day I will return but until than farewell my friend." Flicking the reigns, I galloped out of Camelot. Pausing upon seeing Gwen watching me. Slowing the horse to a stop in front of her. I withdrew her favor from my bag. Offering it to her. Which she declined. Shaking her head as she smiled up at me.
"Keep it. You never know when you might need a bit of luck." I smiled at that. Pulling my hand back and tying the neckerchief once more around my arm.
"Until we meet again my lady." She giggled at that.
"I'm not a lady."
"You are to me. So long Gwen." I could feel her eyes on me all the way out of the gates. Her soft smile and sparkling brown eyes haunting me all the way out of Camelot.