among magic and knights A Merlin/oc Arthur/oc fanfiction

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Chapter 1: Speed of Light

A young boy of about 18 with short brown hair and mischievous brown eyes stood by his bedroom window looking out upon the currently celebrating town. The young boy looked up at the sky to see a bright light strike across the sky in brilliant shades of white and blue. Curiously he watched the light until it landed in the nearby forest in an exploding pulse causing the boy to jump back and fall to the ground. Quickly the boy jolted up from the ground and dusted off his brown pants and ran to his closet to get his matching brown jacket and red scarf to put on over his dull blue shirt. Once dressed he briskly walked out of his room and toward the door out of the humble place in the castle given to his caretaker for serving as the kings court physician. It was small but quaint with 2 rooms a back room for him and the frount room for his caretaker, Gaius and for Gaius’s medical supplies. As the boy reached the door Gaius’s voice rang out from the upper platform of the ‘house’ which Gaius used to keep more of his supplies and books.

“Merlin? Merlin, where on earth do you think your going at this time of night?” Gaius said in an annoyed tone as he started to walk down the stairs toward Merlin. Gaius had shoulder length silver hair with all knowing grey eyes and showed signs of aging in his skin and wore a long dark brown rob with two gold clasps.

“I saw a light in the sky land in the forest near by. Im going to go check it out.” Merlind said as he finish putting on his coat and open the door which let to the halls of the castle.

“No, you’re not. Your staying right here. You just got here yesterday and I’m not going to have you running off all willy nilly.” Gaius said, getting more annoyed then before.

“Well I’ll be back in an hour or two. See you later.” Merlin said and walked out the door, ran down a few hallways and down a couple fights of stairs and out of the castle toward the forest. Little does Merlin know what layed where the light landed would change his and anothers life forever. Two girls layed where the light had landed, one knocked out and the other conscious . The conscious girl, though she was in much pain, crawled over towards the other girl. Her traits were barly visible in the moon light. She was about 17, she had smooth long brown hair and shining blue eyes like sapphires. She had a tall wirey frame of a body that was clothed by her flowery purple and blue shirt, jeans and lace up sandals which where covered in dirt, and now had a few grass stains on her knees. The brown haired girl tried to wake the other girl from her unconscious slumber by shaking her. The currently knocked out girl was 18, she had short curly dark blonde hair that barly reached chin level and was much shorter the the brown haired girl. The blonde haired girl was wearing a hakama and gi and was clinging to a small japanese style sword. The blonde girl’s strange position caused the brown haired girl to chuckle a bit until she heard a rustling from a nearby bush. Frightened by the sudden noise the brown haired girl started to shake the blonde haired girl a little harder then before. From the bushes a person’s silluete was visible, which scared the poor girl even more and she started to shake the other girl even harder. From the shadow Merlin appeared with his hand in the air as a sign of peace. This jesture caused the frightened girl to stop shaking the unconscious blonde and to stare at the slowly approching male. Merlin noticed the pure terror in the brown haired girl’s face and stopped moving forward, the brown haired girl’s body now trembling. although she was terrified she refused to move from the blonde girls side. Noticing the brown haired girl’s determination and the condition of the blonde girl Merlin quickly thought of a way to get the brown haired girl to trust him.

“I can help her,” Merlin stated making a jesture towards the blonde girl then continued “ But not here. Will you help me take her to a place where I can?” Merlin said his words where kind and sincere. Merlin slowly lowered his hands and watched the brown haired girl think about his offer and made sure he didn’t make any sudden movements.

“ My name is Acacia. If you can help my friend then I will help you move her.” Acacia said obviously against her better judgement. She watch Merlin very closely as he picked up the blonde girl and stood up as well, even though it hurt.

“Well then Acacia, please come with me and I’ll get you both treated.” Merlin said with a genuine smile and led Acacia to his and Gaius’s home.

“Merlin, there you are. Where on earth have you been?!”Gaius said in a displeased tone then noticed the two girls. “ Who are they?” Gaius said his tone changed to a confused tone.

“They need help” Merlin said ignoring Gaius’s questions and made a small jesture to the girl curently in his arms. Gaius relentingly took the knocked out blonde from Merlin’s arms and layed her down on the nearby bed and sitting in a chair next to the bed the looked over at Acacia. “Well, what happened?” Gaius said impatiently. Gaius’s quick statement caused agacia to jump a bit.

“You see Ashley and I where in the middle of a ceremony at her swordsfighting class. She was getting the sword you see now, It was her teacher first sword. Either ways, half way through the ceremony a blue-white light appeared and just floated there for a while. Everything seemed so tense then the blue light went straight for me and Ashely grabbed the sword and ran infront of me. To keep me safe” Acacia said sort of trailing off as she stared at her friend. Gaius nooded and replied

“Well it looks to me like she bumped her head. Rather hard for that matter. One nights rest and she’ll be fine.” Gaius said giving Acacia a small smile as Acacia gave a look of relief and smiled down at her resting friend.

“I expect you’ll be wanting to spend the night now as well?” Gaius said as he stood up from his seat and walked over to the stairs that lead to his books as Acacia nodded in reply. Gaius looked over to Merlin “Very well. Merlin get your room straightened up they will be using it for the night” Gaius said with another small smile as Merlin left in a huff to clean his room.

*End Chapter One: Speed of light*  

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hello ready for chapter two? cause here it is.

Chapter two: A Rude Awakening

The next morning Acacia awoke to find her friend staring at her with her now visible stormy blue-gray eyes and a huge smile on her face. Acacia happily hugged her friend and laughed.

“ Oh, Ashley your alright!” Ashley laughed at Acacia outburst.

“ Of course I’m alright I just took a little bump to the head, that’s all.” Ashley said with a pretend cocky grin “ nothing can take me down for good.” Ashley said then laughed at herself then looked at her hands for the first time to notice a sword in her hands. “ Holy crud! I took my teachers sword. Its technically not mine yet since we didn’t finish the ceremony.” Ashley said panicking

“Well I don’t think your going to be giving it back anytime soon. We’re in Camelot now.” Acacia laughed at her friend’s current state of turmoil. Ashley froze in her place. Then turned to look at Acacia.

“Well I didn’t think I hit my head that hard!” Ashley exclaimed in a joking manner. Minus some minor shock from the news of there new location the girls took the news rather well. They walked out of Merlin’s room to see Gaius giving a tired and somewhat grumpy Merlin a list of things to do for the day. As Gaius continued his list of things for Merlin to do he turned and noticed Ashley and Acacia watching.

“Ah yes, and before you do any of that, take the two girls to the market for some decent clothes.” Gaius said and started to walk to his desk in the middle of the room.

“What?!” Merlin complained, first he had to sleep on the floor because of them and now this.

“Well from what I understand, they came here from somewhere else by force so they have no one to take care of them. Now, do as your told boy.” Gaius said controlling his temper and turned to face his work.

“You mean they’re staying here?” Merlin said not believing what he was hearing. Causing Gaius to violently turn back around glaring at Merlin.

“No, we’ll send them off to their relatives down the road. Of course they’re staying here! They have nowhere else to go and you brought them here in the first place! Now, do as your told!” Gaius said frustrated, shooing Merlin, Acacia and Ashley out the door with a bag each. Merlin’s bag held the medicine he was suppose to deliver, Acacia’s held the gold for their clothes and Ashley’s held lunch for the three of them.

“Who was that?” Ashley asked confused, still holding her sword that she meant to put down, as she looked between the bag and the door. “ And who are you?” Ashley asks looking at Merlin.

“ Oh. Um. My names Merlin” Merlin said then continued looking away “ and that man you just saw was Gaius. He can be a pain sometimes, but he’s nice once you get to know him.” Merlin said somewhat annoyed then looked back at Ashley.

“Ashley. It’s a pleasure to meet you Merlin.” Ashley said with a small nod.

“Right then. Tons to do and only a small amount of time to do it in. Lets go.” Merlin said walking off as Acacia and Ashley followed. “Well then, have your pick. Gaius gave you enough for two dresses each. One to wear while the other is washed.” Merlin said still not in the best of moods after sleeping on the floor. Acacia was the first to find any dresses that she liked. Her first dress was a nice off-white color with crimson over dress with fancy stitch work all over it. All of a sudden Acacia face lit up and she turned to face Ashley, who was currently looking through the tunics.

“Hey Ashley I got an idea.” Acacia say deviously.

“hn?” Ashley replied obviously use to Acacia scheming, and she continued to inspect a red tunic.

“Merlin, what is the currency here?” Acacia asked curiously as a smile played across her face.

“ Its gold. Why do you ask?” Merlin said confused. Acacia ignored Merlin’s question and continued.

“How much does royalty normally pay for a dress?” Acacia asked Merlin, hoping for a high price.

“ I don’t know Um, About 2,000 to 2,500 gold coins a dress.... seriously why are you asking me this?” Merlin said, more perplexed then before.

“Oh, no reason” Acacia said, continuing to shop, and got another dress. This one was a nice light shade of brown with a forest green over dress with similar stitch work to her other dress. She also picked up a nice pair of black flat shoes, and a ribbon to put in her hair. Merlin paid for Acacia dresses and Acacia found a spot to change in to her brown and green dress her hair now in a nice braid. Acacia walked up to the vender with her old clothes and started to talk to the vender.

“I’d like to sell these.” Acacia said containing a wicked grin as she handed her clothes to the vendor.

“Well you won’t get much for it. Maybe 100 gold if your lucky” the vendor said uninterested in the clothes.

“I don’t think your seeing the full potential of these items. Here at this for example.” Acacia said pulling the shirt from the pile of clothes. “ Look at the intricate designs. I’m sure the royalty here would pay anything to get their hands on this. You’re looking at a major investment here.” Acacia exclaimed as the merchant gave her a skeptical look, but was interested nonetheless.

“Now tell me what royalty is going to fit in that?” The merchant said thinking he had outsmarted Acacia.

“The babies. Sir, I promise this is a major deal here. Once the local lordlings come of age to marry and have kids you could sell them this at the price of a full dress for the queen!” Acacia said extolling the virtues of her bargain rack shirt that she got for a dollar. With that last statement the merchant’s eyes lit up.

“Alright then how much?” the merchant said his greed consuming him.

“2,500 gold pieces” Acacia said causing the merchant’s face to drop. “ And that’s a bargain. I swear you never find anything like it for a 1,000 years” Acacia said with an even voice as Ashley and Merlin watched in wonder and awe. “ And if you buy the dress I’ll give you the pants and shoes for a group price of 1,500 gold pieces” Acacia added as she noticed the merchant eyeing the jeans. This caused the merchant to grumble.

“Oh…oh alright. I’ll give you the gold but you better be telling the truth.” The merchant said giving Acacia the gold. Acacia turned to face Ashley unhappily holding two dresses a ribbon and a pair of black flats while glaring at Merlin. Acacia giggled a bit then gave Ashley some of the gold that she just earned.

“Put one of the dresses back and get one of the tunics you where looking at.” Acacia said smiling, which caused Ashley’s face to brighten up like a child on Christmas day. Ashley quickly ran of to put one of the dresses back and get the tunic that she had been eyeing for some time. Even though Ashley was older then Acacia, some times she acted like she was younger, while other times she acted like a responsible adult. Ashley’s character changes where enough to give a stranger wipe lash. Soon after she left Ashley returned still smiling.

“Find what you wanted?” Acacia said eyeing Ashley’s pile, which was completely different then what she had expected.

“I think so” Ashley said looking through her pile. She had picked a blush read dress with a purple over dress and fancy stitch marks like the ones on Acacia’s dresses. Also she had a blue tunic with black leggings, black knee high boots and a black belt to hold her sword. Acacia just smiled at her tomboy friend as Merlin rolled his eyes and gave Ashley the rest of the gold so she could buy her clothes.

*end chapter two: A Rude Awakening*  

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and here it is chapter three!

Chapter Three: Just Great

After paying for her clothes Ashley changed into her tunic, leggings, boots, and belt then left the merchants tent. Ashley put her dress in the bag acacia bought, as Ashley was busy changing.

“Aren’t you going to sell those? Acacia asked pointing to the Hakama and gi that Ashley was about to put in the bag as well.

“Well I don’t think I’ll get much for it and besides I had to spend a whole lot more on my uniform then you did for your shirt.” Ashley said clinging to her old clothes

“Oh come on Ashley its not like we’re going to get back. I promise I’ll get at least 3,000 gold for each piece.” Acacia said with a fire in her eye. “ And beside if we do get back you’ve been needing to get an new one anyways right?” acacia said noticing Ashley letting her grip slack from her uniform.

“But… oh alright. Just do it fast before I change my mind.” Ashley said, looking away as she surrendered her clothes to acacia. Acacia happily took the clothes and ran to a different merchants tent that looked wealthier. Ashley unhappily fiddled with the hilt of her sword when she heard a cocky voice ring out through the noise.

“Where’s the target?” the cocky voice came from a young man that Ashley could barely see. Just from his tone Ashley could tell that she wasn’t going to like this guy one bit just from his voice.

“There.” A confused servant said pointing to a large wooden target.

“Ah so its in the sun” the cocky boy said in a rude manner as his friends laughed at the servant knowing that the servant was going to get in trouble.

“It’s not that bright” the servant said not understanding the cocky boys point.

“ Well, A bit likes you then. Move the target over there” the boy order and pointed to a different target stand that was in the shade.

“Honestly who does he think he is?” Ashley said to herself while glaring at the back the cocky boys head since that’s all she’s been able to see.

“This’ll teach him” the boy whispered so only he and his friends could hear then threw a dagger at the target that the servant was moving, causing all his friend to laugh a bit.

“What the?” the servant said confused looking back and forth between the dagger and the boy ordering him around.

“Come on then, keep moving” the boy said with an arrogant smirk. The servent started to move toward the other target holder a bit faster then before and the cocky boy through another dagger at the target hitting the bull’s eye this time.

“Here?” the servant said completely terrified, wanting to just drop the target and run.

“Keep moving” the boy said as his friends echoed.

“Keep moving! Come on run! He wants a moving target practice!” the boys friend yelled at the servant. Each time one of them said something the cocky boy would throw another dagger. After a few minutes of carrying the heavy target while running around the servant lost his grip and the target rolled towards Merlin and Ashley.

“Come on now that’s enough” Merlin said probable just as annoyed with the boy as Ashley was.

“What?” the cocky boy said in disgust making Ashley want to punch him even more. Well, that is until he turned around. The boy was actually taller then he looked and was around 19 years old he had light blond hair and dark blue eyes that almost looked like a dark gray. He was wearing a red tunic, dark brown leggings and black boots. He also had silver arm and shoulder armor on.

“You’ve had you fun, friend” Merlin said feeling more confident ad the cocky boy walked up to Merlin annoyed.

“Do I know you?” the boy asked arrogantly which quickly reminded Ashley that he was a total jerk.

“Ah. My names Merlin” Merlin said holding his and out for the to shake.

“So I don’t know you. And yet you call me friend?” the boy said in mock confusion.

“Sorry my mistake. I’d never have a friend that could be such a pain.” Merlin said and turned to walk away.

“Merlin” Ashley said in a cautious whisper still watching the cocky boy for any sudden movements.

“And I wouldn’t have one so stupid.” the cocky boy said back to Merlin. “Do you know how to walk on you knees?” the boy asked Merlin in a mocking tone, as he continued to walk towards Merlin.

“No I don’t believe I do.” Merlin said calmly holding his ground.

“Would you like me to help you?” the boy said now standing right in front of Merlin.

“I wouldn’t do that if I where you” Merlin said starting to lose his temper.

“Merlin.” Ashley said more alarmed then before.

“Come on the, what are you going to do about it” the cocky boy said getting into Merlin’s face.

“A lot more then you think” Merlin said without an ounce of fear.

“Alright then, come then! Come on.” The cocky boy said egging Merlin on as he backed away to give Merlin an easier target.

“No, Merlin. Just leave it its not worth it.” Ashley said Her eyes now wide and ready for anything to happen. Instead of listening Merlin ignored Ashley and went to punch the boy in the face. Just as Ashley thought, the cocky boy was a strong fighter and quickly grabbed Merlin’s arm and twisted it behind his back. In rage Ashley drew her sword and pointed it at the cocky boy neck.

“Oh now you wanna fight too?” the cocky boy said entertained with all the practice he was getting.

“No, just let go of him” Ashley said not dropping her gaze for a second, her eyes now hard and colder then ice.

“My gosh you’re a girl!” the cocky boy said half trying to get on Ashley’s nerve and half actually surprised.

“ And you aren’t?” Merlin asked sarcastically, which earned him a knock on the head from the cocky boy. At this Ashley rolled her eyes and put her sword away.

“Merlin your not helping” Ashley said not knowing who she was more annoyed with at the time.

“You know I could put you in jail for that” the cocky boy said to Merlin, bending Merlin’s arm more.

“Who do you think you are the king?” Merlin asked through clenched teeth.

“No. I’m his son, Arthur.” Arthur then he pushed Merlin to the ground and two guards escorted Merlin away towards the castle prison. As Merlin was being taken away Acacia walked up to Ashley with a large sack of gold.

“What are they doing with Merlin?” Acacia Asked confused and worried.

“They’re taking him to jail.” Ashley said turning her gaze from Merlin to her friend.

“Why didn’t you do some thing? What did he do wrong?” Acacia asked more confused then before.

“Well, Merlin just went and made the prince really, really mad.” Ashley said taking the bag from acacia and looking through it, and continued. “ And if I had done something it would have landed me in jail as well.” Ashley said looking up her friend visible upset. “ So how much is in here? It weighs a ton.” Ashley said trying to change topics.

“8,500 gold coins” Acacia said distantly still looking where Merlin previously was. Ashley sighed, as she looked between her friend and the castle the turned to walk a way.

“Lets hope that’s enough to get him out.” Ashley said then she and acacia walked back to Gaius’s house.

"End Chapter Three: Just Great*  

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whats after three ah yess

Chapter Four: Feelings and freedom

“Gaius! Merlin got him self locked in the dungeon.” Ashley said as she walked through the door Acacia followed behind Ashley, shaking her head.

“He what?! How could, How did this happen?” Gaius said in a confused rage.

“He made enemies with the prince.” Acacia said annoyed which caught Ashley off guard. Normally Acacia was an easygoing person and not one to let her emotions control her but now it seems like she’s lost all that control.

“Well that’s just great.” Gaius said just as annoyed as Acacia, and then continued. “How are we going to get him out of there?” Gaius said overwhelmed now by the thoughts of failing poor Merlin’s mother. Ashley dropped her bag on the table, allowing some of the gold to spill out. “Where did you get that?” Gaius said dumbfound staring at the gold on his table.

“ Oh, we just sold a few things.” Acacia said with an innocent smile.

“Well that may just bee enough to get Merlin out of there.” Gaius said with his hope returning” but let’s have him stay aright to make sure he learns a lesson. ”Gaius said with a smile. The next morning Gauis went to the king to discuss the terms of Merlin’s release.

“I told you Gaius you don’t have enough. The bail is 15,000 gold pieces and you only have 8,500. Unless you can think of something else, Merlin will remain in the dungeon.” the king said to Gaius.

“But my lord Uther he is just a boy. He didn’t know what he was doing! Please release him.” Gaius begged king Uther.

“Be gone with you. Just go and enjoy the celebrations. Only come back to me if you are summoned or have enough for the bail.” king Uther said almost at the point of rage.

“But I can give you more!” Gaius said which peeked the king’s interest.

“What more can you give, then what you have offered?” the king asked curiously.

“You can use Merlin as entertainment during the festival. Put him in the stock and let the citizens throw rotten food at him. Then he will surely learn his lesson and you will give the citizens a fun way to pass the time.” Gaius said hoping that by using the people that he my get to the kings heart.

“Very well. Give me the 8,500 gold pieces as well and I will let Merlin go. He will be assigned 7 hours in the stocks.” King Uther said, and then happily Gaius gave Uther the gold. After receiving the gold Uther started to scribble something down onto a nearby peace of paper. “ Here you are a letter of release. Give this to the guards and they should let him go and escort him to the stocks.” Uther said giving the letter to Gaius. Gaius humbly took the paper and quickly left for the dungeon. When he got there he gave the paper to the guards like he was told and they showed him to Merlin. When he got there he found Merlin sleeping in a small pile of hay.

“Merlin” Gaius said loudly to try and get Merlin to wake up. Upon hearing Gaius’s voice, Merlin jumped awake with a smile on his face. “Ugh, you. You never cease to amaze me. Most people at that time would be able to keep their head down but what do you do? You act like an idiot.” Gaius scolded Merlin, which caused Merlin to hang his head in shame. “Luckily for you I managed to pull a couple of strings and get you out of prison” Gaius said looking down on Merlin.

“Thank you. Oh thank you. I’ll never forget this.” Merlin joyously replied with the biggest grin on his face.

“Well there is a small price to pay. Luckily those girls you found already paid for half.” Gaius said smiling at Merlin’s now confused and questioning gaze. “in short you owe them 8,500 gold pieces” Gaius said curing Merlin of his confusion.

“So who paid for the other half?” Merlin asked happily

“You’ll be paying the other half Gaius said leading Merlin out of the prison and towards the stocks. After 6 hours of being stuck in the stock, and still an hour to go, Merlin smelled vile. Gaius, Ashley and Acacia would occasionally come and check on him to make sure he was ok and didn’t need anything to drink. This time Acacia walked up to check on him as the citizens went to get more rotten vegetables.

“So how are you doing?” Acacia asked smiling playfully.

“Oh pretty good minute the smell of rotten tomatoes that are shoved up my nose.” Merlin said sarcastically, smiling back.

“I heard about what you did.” Acacia said changing topic her smile still visible but more sincere.

“Yea, pretty stupid right?” Merlin said and turned to look down still smiling a bit.

“No, actually I think that” Acacia stopped for a second as Merlin turned to look at her, causing Acacia to blush a bit. “ That you where brave” Acacia said not knowing that some one saw her tinted checks.

“Ah. Um. Acacia.” Merlin said. Pointing to a group of people looking at him. “My fans await me,” Merlin said in a joking manner Causing Acacia to laugh.

“Alright then see you later Merlin.” Acacia said still smiling about ready to turn and walk back to Gaius and Ashley.

“Oh and Acacia.” Merlin said getting Acacia to turn back around. “Thanks” Merlin said giving one of his famous smiles, which cause Acacia to blush harder. Acacia quickly nodded at Merlin and ran back to Gaius and Ashley.

“Well your face sure is red. Any reason in particular?” Ashley whispered to acacia with an all-knowing smirk.

“Shut up” Acacia said, her face turning even redder then before. An hour later Gaius, Acacia and Ashley returned to get Merlin out from his punishment.

“Well I think Merlin’s learned his lesson.” Gaius said with a devious smile.

“Not quite.” Ashley said with the same devious smile as Gaius and pulled a tomato from behind her back. Gaius took the tomato from Ashley and smashed the tomato on Merlin’s head.

“Well let’s get you cleaned up shall we? Ashley will you go draw some water and bring it back to the house” Gaius said holding back his laughter as he unlocked Merlin from the stock.

“Yes Gaius, right away.” Ashley said and walked off towards the water pump as Gaius watched her with a fatherly smile and turned to Merlin.

“You could learn a thing or two from her,” Gaius said teasing Merlin. “Come now I have much to talk to you two about.” Gaius said in a businesslike manner then started walking back to his home.

*End Chapter Four: Feelings and freedom*  

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wow five chapters already nice.

Chapter Five: If Walls Could Talk

Once Gaius, Merlin and Acacia made it back to the house, Gaius had Merlin and Acacia sit at the table with him and gave Merlin something to eat. “Would you like some vegetables with that?” Gaius said sarcastically.

“Look I know your still mad at me but. ”Merlin started but was cut off by Gaius.

“What did your mother day about your gifts?” Gaius asked Merlin.

“That I was special.” Merlin replied as Acacia watched confused.

“What gifts?” Acacia asked to no one in particular.

“Well you are special Merlin. Acacia he has a gift that I think you might have as well” Gaius said cryptically in response to Acacia. “Which is why I want you to have this. Both of you will share it and learn from it I hope.” Gaius said Handing Merlin and Acacia a large book

“What is this?” Acacia said staring at the book in awe and wonder.

“It’s a spell book, but remember to keep it hidden and tell no one that you have it. Magic has been band since king Uther drove all the dragons from the land.” Gaius said warning Merlin and Acacia.

“All the dragons?” Merlin asked startled.

“Well except for one that king Uther keeps as a trophy far beneath the castle where no one can see it.” Gaius said to a dumbfound Merlin and Acacia.

“I’m back!” Ashley said happily entering the room with two buckets of water.

“Ah, perfect timing. Merlin once you are washed and clean I want you to take this to lady Helen. She will need it before she sings to night.” Gaius said as he got up from the table to make the preparation for the lady Helen. “Also take Ashley with you. Maybe she can keep you out of trouble” Gaius said point blankly as he worked with his herbs. After Merlin was fed and washed he quickly took the potion from Gaius and walked out the door not waiting for Ashley like he was told.

“Hey!” Ashley said as Merlin walked down the hall. “Hey wait!” Ashley said as she walked out the door only to see Merlin’s shadow going up the winding stare case. “Why that little.” Ashley exclaimed under her breath and headed up the stairs in a hurry just to find Merlin’s shadow rounding a near by corner. “When I get my hands on that little... urgh!” she continued to vent in frustration and continued to follow Merlin’s shadow until she lost it at a cross section in the hallway “okay” Ashley said looking around. “Lets be reasonable, he can’t have gone the way I just came. That would be impossible. He cant have gone to the right cause there are stairs there and I would have heard him going up” she thought as she eliminated her options. “Which leaves forward and left” Ashley said quietly as she started to concentrate, listening for any sound of movement near by. After a couple of seconds she heard foot steps coming from the left and briskly started to walk toward the sound, the foot steps becoming louder every second. “Merlin I swear when I get my hands on you” Ashley said a little louder then she meant to and raised her hand so she could lightly bop Merlin in the head after she rounded the corner. Although she may act violent Ashley didn’t really like to hurt people she just tries to sound tuff so she does get hurt instead and that just turned in to a bad habit of blindly threatening people. Ashley was ready to strike but of course if you make plans they are sure to fail because around the corner was not Merlin but prince Arthur.

“Can I help you?” Arthur asked in his oh so cocky voice as he grabbed Ashley’s raised arm so she wouldn’t hit him.

“Well you can start by letting go of me” Ashley said staring at Arthur defiantly. Arthur notices her curious and unguarded sword. Arthur used his other hand to quickly grab the sword and pull it out of its sheathe, then let go of her wrist knowing she probable wouldn’t leave with out getting her sword back.

“What a curious blade you have.” Arthur said as he examined the sword in a bored manner. “Strange, though I admit its well made, its only sharp on one side. It seems rather pointless to carry around a half sharpen sword.” Arthur said finishing the last of his analysis, still rather bored. “The handle is too long as well. Either ways my last statement holds strong. I don’t see why you keep this thing with you. Women shouldn’t even carry a sword in the first place,” Arthur said smirking, hoping he had hit a sensitive nerve. Now that would make things interesting, but she just hid her anger and held out her hand.

“Sword please.” She said almost on the verge of sweetly, minus some hidden spite in her two simple words. Surprised he handed back the sword.

“Strange. The ‘because you’re a women’ comment always makes the other girls go in to a hissy fit.” Arthur thought as Ashley eyed her sword thinking of what to say.

“This type of sword is only suppose to be sharp on one end and the and the handle is long because of the length of the blade and you need two hands to control properly it so its just the perfect length. Also when in the hands of an expert its just as deadly as any other sword.” Ashley said her mind still tinkering away at a cryptic insult that would take him a little while to understand. “Of course a home centered knight wouldn’t even be able to begin to understand the complex art of foreign swords.” Ashley said walking away then looked back. “Then again even swords from the local black smith might be foreign to you.” Ashley said with a playful smile, which shortly disappeared after seeing Arthur’s enraged expression. “Crud” Ashley said under her breath as she slowly tip toed away. Though tiptoeing didn’t seem that effective at getting away so it turned into a full out sprint.

“Get back here you!” Arthur yelled as he chased after her.

“Where to go, where to go.” Ashley thought panicking as she ran down the halls and turn around different corners. To Ashley this quickly turned into a game, laughing and giggling any time she made a sharp turn, which would cause Arthur to crash from time to time. Eventually she ran past the exit to the market square. “That’s it!” she said and turned around. At the time it was a good of a plan but now she would have to run past Arthur to get out.

“What the!” Arthur exclaimed as Ashley ran past him and into the crowed. Ashley ran past a few vendors then found a familiar face.

“ACACIA!” Ashley yelled and ducked behind her friend.

“What the? Ashley what in the world are you doing?” Acacia asked very confused at her friend’s strange and childish behavior.

“Less questions, more hiding” Ashley said still giggling a bit as Merlin came in to view.

“Why is Merlin in the market place?” Acacia said even more confused.

“Why are you in the market place?” Ashley said just as confused forgetting her game for a bit.

“Looking for work. Like you should be doing. Honestly can you become a mercenary or something?” Acacia ask

“Love to, but can’t. I don’t think any one here will hire a girl when there are boys that they can hire.” Ashley said a bit annoyed now and went back to watching Merlin walk towards Arthur and his posse. “Crud he’s coming this way.” Ashley said now understanding that she could be in some big trouble if he finds her. Arthur rather pissed off now see Merlin walking towards him. “Umm Acacia are you ready to carry a body home?” Ashley said as she noticed Arthur moving towards Merlin.

“Come on now Ashley he’s not going to kill you.” Acacia said in a comforting way.

“Its not me, that’s gonna get killed its Merlin.” Ashley said.

“Oh. Good point.” Acacia said now watching intently to see what will happen.

“How’s your knee walking coming along?” Arthur asked Merlin trying to relive some of his pent up anger. But once again his insult is just brushed off and Merlin kept walking.

“Hmmm maybe we shouldn’t have been worried.” Acacia said happily.

“Aw don’t run away” Arthur said with fake disappointment. This statement caused Merlin to stop.

“From you?” Merlin said anger appearing in his voice

“Darn spoke to soon,” Ashley said to Acacia still hiding.

“Thank heavens I thought that you were deaf as well as dumb” Arthur said only to provoke Merlin more.

“Look I’ve told you you’re a pain, I just didn’t realize you’re a royal one.” Merlin said turning around to face Arthur.

“Not good” Acacia said to Ashley still watching as intently as before if not more then before.

“Oh what are you going to do? You got your daddy’s men to protect you?” Merlin said now provoking Arthur.

“Defiantly not good” Ashley replied to Acacia as Arthur laughed.

“ I could take you apart with one blow” Arthur said not taking Merlin seriously.

“I could take you apart with less then that” Merlin said with a dangerous gleam in his eye.

“He’s doomed” Ashley said in a rather point blank manner.

“You sure?” Arthur asked in a mocking quizzically tone. This angered Merlin so much that he took of his coat so that it would be easier to fight Arthur this just made Arthur laugh. “Here you go then big man” Arthur said still laughing and he threw Merlin a flail to fight with which Merlin dropped.

“Yep. He’s doomed.” Acacia conformed as Arthur began to swing around his flail.

“Come on then. I must warn you I’ve been trained to kill since birth.” Arthur said slowing the motion of his flail.

“Wow, and how long have you been training to be a brat.” Merlin said not the lest bit intimidated by Arthur.

“You know he just can’t stop making things worse can he?” Acacia said in an almost annoyed voice.

“You can’t address me like that,” Arthur said a little bit more then pissed now.

“Sorry, how-how long have you been training to be a brat, my lord.” Merlin said wearing his infamous smile that always brings trouble. At that statement Arthur swung his flail at Merlin’s head, luckily Merlin ducked.

“Well at least he’s got guts.” Acacia said trying to be optimistic.

“Well he’s not going to have them any more at this rate, Arthur will tear Merlin to shreds.” Ashley said less then amused with Merlin’s behavior.

“Come on then Merlin, come on” Arthur said tauntingly noticing that Merlin managed to get his flail stuck already and swung his flail at Merlin again. Mean while Gaius was taking a break to look out on the peaceful market square…well not so peaceful due to the fight between Merlin and Arthur. En raged he stormed out to give Merlin a lecture that he would never forget. But Merlin would have to wait for that pleasant discussion cause at the moment Arthur was winning. It almost seemed like Arthur was toying with Merlin following Merlin wherever he ran going over the same obstacles when Merlin finally tripped with Arthur right in front of him, ready to strike. “oh your in trouble now” Arthur said ready to kill Merlin.

“Ashley do something” Acacia said full of panic her eyes not leaving the fight. Ashley hesitantly went to grab her sword “Ashley do something now!” Acacia yelled at her friend, which only caused her to fumble more. Acacia is not one to yell actually Ashley had never herd her yell or get mad at her like this before. Luckily for Merlin, and possibly Ashley as well, Arthur’s flail got stuck on a farmer’s sickle that was hung up in the stand that they where currently fighting in. actually a lot of things went right for Merlin Arthur stepped in a box that went and hit his shin and then he tripped over a rope and dropped his flail, which Merlin picked up.

“This is to strange,” Ashley said to herself now ready at any moment to jump in and help, do to Acacia outburst. Merlin now had Arthur knocked down to the ground when he noticed Gaius in the crowed his back now facing Arthur. Arthur’s hand snaked out to grab a near by broom, and luckily again for Merlin Ashley noticed. Arthur had hit Merlin plenty of time and was about to knock him to the ground when Ashley ran in and chopped off a good portion of the broom handle.

“You!” Arthur said glaring at Ashley.

“ Hmm, why is it that everyone seems to be calling me that ever since I got here,” Ashley said in mock thought. “ I wish they’d just call me by my name really.” Ashley said straightening up her posture and put her sword away. “Sorry about the broom it looked like it was going to slip and hit Merlin.” Ashley said turning around to see Merlin being lead away by the guards…again.

“Wait.” Arthur said calling to the guards “let him go. He may be an idiot but he’s a brave one.” This statement surprised Ashley, Merlin, and Acacia, who had just joined back up with Ashley. “There’s something about you Merlin. I cant quite put my finger on it.” Arthur said then walked away with the guards only to have Gaius walk up to him.

“Quite frankly I don’t know which I prefer a beating from Arthur or a lecture from Gaius” Merlin thought as he was led back to Gauis’s home.

“How could you be so foolish?!” Gaius said as he slammed the door behind him

“He needed to be tought a lesson.” Merlin said the pain from his injuries now showing his face.

“Magic must be studied, master and used for good, not used for idiotic pranks” Gaius said still enraged.

“What is there to master, I could move objects like that before I could talk!” Merlin said his temper flaring.

“Then by now you should know how to control yourself” Gaius said making an impressive comeback.

“I don’t want to! If I can’t use magic what have I got, I’m just a nobody, and always will be. If I can’t use magic I might as well die.” Merlin said sadly then left for his room. A couple hours later Merlin still hadn’t came out of his room. Slowly Acacia walked up to Gaius’s desk where Gaius was working.

“Gaius.” Acacia said quietly so she wouldn’t surprise him. Gaius just nodded. “Gaius, may I…may I have some healing herbs? Please?” Acacia said in the same quiet whispering tone.

“ I suppose that would be alright.” Gaius said an got up” this one is for bruises and here, this one for cuts, this is used for aches and pains you might want this one to it stings at first but it should sterilize any open wounds.” Gaius said handing her the three herbs and a small bottle of alcohol. Acacia quickly took the herbs and alcohol and walked to Merlin’s door and knocked.

“Its not locked” Merlin said in a sulking tone. Acacia enter silently then closed the door and Gaius went to sit back down.

“Took her long enough.” Ashley said sitting in a chair her head bent back.

“True I though that she would have asked for those herbs an hour ago.” Gaius said calmly as he continued to write in his book.

“You knew that would happen too?” Ashley said not raising her head.

“Who wouldn’t? She’s rather smitten by him isn’t she?” Gaius said amused.

“Yea she actually yelled at me today cause I hesitated to help Merlin” Ashley said her voice drifted a bit. “She’s never yelled at me before. Not like that.” Ashley said her voice sounded hurt but if you knew her well enough you wouldn’t have though so.

“Well if you ask me Acacia not the only girl that I know that’s been smitten.” Gaius said a little smirk played across his face.

“Really? who?” Ashley said lifting her head a little out of curiosity to look at Gaius.

“You” Gaius said smiling more then smirking now.

“Me?!” Ashley said falling out of her chair.

“Yes you. You’re stare off with Arthur was rather long wasn’t it. And why else would you hesitate.” Gaius said the smirk now completely replaced with a smile.

“NEVER!” Ashley practically hissed “I only hesitated because I though I could have got in trouble.”

“Yes in trouble with Arthur that would be terrible.” Gaius said teasing.

“ Oh shut it, dad. Why would I like a jerk like him.” Ashley pouted a bit then realized what she said and turned red. “ Sorry bout that I meant to say Gaius. Slip of the mouth that’s all.”

“That’s alright. I don’t mind.” Gaius said his smile softened as he looked at the flustered girl. During all this Merlin and Acacia where having a conversation of their own. Acacia had just started to care for Merlin’s wounds when he decided to talk.

“I’m not a monster am I?” Merlin asked Acacia.

“Don’t you ever think that.” Acacia said in a caring but stern voice. “Do you think that I would be in here bandaging your wounds if I thought that you where a monster?” Acacia said with a little laugh.

“No, I-I guess not.” Merlin said smiling now as he looked over to Acacia. Her face heated up and started to turn a tomato red, but before Merlin could notice, the sound of Ashley’s shout filled the room.

“Me?!” they heard her wailed in surprise along with the sound of her chair crashing over. Acacia suppressed their laughter at Ashley’s sudden outburst.

“Really, what could Gaius have said to shake her up that badly,” Merlin said looking at the floor again as acacia continued to treat his back.

“The world may never know.” Acacia laughed, but now really wanted a tootsie pop.

“Unless we ask her” Merlin said now curiously wanting to know what was said.

“She’ll never tell. She’s just too stubborn for that.” Acacia said smiling as she finished treating Merlin’s back and started to wrap it up.

“What if we ask Gaius” Merlin asked acacia now determined to figure out what was said.

“Gaius? Merlin you’re better off asking the wall.” Acacia said jokingly.

“A wall, huh?” Merlin said mischievously.

“Now Merlin Don’t you go getting any funny ideas. I don’t think that magic can make walls talk”. Acacia said finishing her bandage job and got up from where she was sitting. "Good night Merlin." Acacia said and walked to the door.

"Wait. where are you going to be sleeping? There's only on bed out there." Merlin said confused and curious.

"I don't think that sleeping on the floor for one night will kill me." Acacia said with a small smile and left the room closeing the door behind her.

*end chapter Five: If Walls Could Talk*  

[amsharp]

six... Sweetness

Chapter Six: Dragons and Blood

“What are you doing up?” Merlin whispered to Acacia, who flew in to the air from surprise, then turned to face Merlin.

“I’d like to ask you the same thing.” Acacia whispered as well while trying to calm her heart attack.

“I- well I thought I heard a voice call my name.” Merlin confessed knowing that hearing voices is not something to admit proudly.

“You too?” Acacia said confused.

“Yea. I’m going to go find it” Merlin said walking past Acacia towards the door.

“I’m going too.” Acacia said, causing Merlin to turn around. As Merlin was about to speak Acacia cut him off. “I’m going and that’s that. I heard the voice too.” Acacia said determined to go with, but Merlin just smiled.

“ I know your going. I was going to tell you to hurry up.” Merlin said, which confused the daylights out of Acacia for a bit. Although she quickly recovered and hurried to Merlin’s side, then out the door to explore the castle. Their adventures lead them all through out the castle then in to the main court where they heard the voice again. “Did you here that?” Merlin said excited as he turned to Acacia.

“Yea it said my name again.” Acacia said becoming a bit frightened.

“What are you talking about it said my name.” Merlin replied, confusion replacing his excitement. “Which way did it come from?” Merlin asked Acacia.

“It came from that way.” Acacia replied pointing to the dungeon entrance.

“That’s where I heard it coming from too.” Merlin said perplexed. “Well then, to the dungeon we go.” Merlin said not letting something so tiny as what the voice said bother him. Once in the dungeon Merlin and Acacia found two guards at a table playing dice. “Watch the dice.” Merlin whispered very quietly to Acacia so the guards wouldn’t hear him. Acacia turned her attention to the dice when suddenly they flew off the table. Confused one of the guards got up to retrieve the dice but the dice moved again, this happened several times and eventually the second guard got up to help the first guard. Eventually the guards were out of the room following the dice wherever they might go. Merlin grabbed Acacia’s hand and led her down the stairs and walked over to another darker set of stairs, grabbing and lighting a torch with his other free hand. At the entrance to the dark and creepy stairs Merlin and Acacia heard the voice again. “Ready?” Merlin asked a now pale Acacia, Acacia just nodded. “Scared?” Merlin asked with a light chuckle.

“Not really” Acacia whispered to Merlin so she didn’t attract the guard’s attention.

“Good” Merlin said smiling to acacia and led her once more down the flight of stairs, not once letting go of her hand. At the end of the staircase was a giant hollowed out area under the castle and a dead end. Laughter resounded through the under ground chasm. “Scared now?” Merlin asked Acacia as she gripped his hand tighter.

“Yes” Acacia managed to squeak out.

“Good, me too.” Merlin whispered to Acacia the fear now evident in his voice. Even so he let go of Acacia hand and took a few steps forward. “Where are you?” Merlin called out hoping the voice would hear him. Suddenly a loud sound filled the cave. Merlin took a few steps back so that he was in front of Acacia. The great dragon suddenly appeared before them, Merlin lightly pushed Acacia back farther towards the exit and pointed the torch at the dragon.

“I am here.” The dragon said calmly to Merlin, mentally laughing at Merlin’s out cast torch. Slowly Merlin’s confidence came back and he walked towards the edge of the cliff, Acacia following slowly behind him. “How small you both are for such great destinies.” Now completely taken over by his terrible curiosity Merlin stared wide-eyed at the dragon.

“Why? What do you mean?” Merlin asked hoping his questions would be answered.

“What destiny?” Acacia said very confused. How could she have a destiny already she’s only been her a few days.

“Your gift Merlin, and yours too Acacia, has been given to you for a reason.” The dragon said cryptically to the two wizards.

“So there is a reason.” Merlin said joy washing over him knowing fully now that he was not some sort of monster.

“Arthur is the once and future king who will unit the land of Alvion.” The dragon said, which to Acacia and Merlin this sounded quiet random and in no way related to them.

“Riiiight?” Acacia said to the dragon, not knowing if she wanted to understand how she was connected to Arthur.

“But he faces many threats. From friend and foe alike.” the dragon continued to ramble on leaving Merlin severely confused.

“I don’t see what this has to do with us.” Merlin said, wanting to know more about why he had his gift.

“Everything! With out you Arthur will never succeed. With out you there will be no Alvion.” The dragon said in a rather frank way.

“Great. Pressure. No problem. Without me there’s no Alvion. Any one see a problem?” Merlin thought freaking out. “No, no you got this wrong.” Merlin said, thinking that this might be some sort of sick twisted joke.

“There is no right or wrong, only what is and isn’t.” The dragon said trying to convince Merlin that there is no mistake.

“Well I’m serious, if any one wants to go and kill him they can go ahead. In fact I’ll give them a hand.” Merlin said getting angrier.

“Merlin. That’s rude” Acacia said jabbing Merlin in the side with her elbow. This just caused the dragon to chuckle again.

“None of us can choose our destiny, Merlin. And none of us can escape it.” The dragon said wisely, smiling at Merlin and Acacia.

“No. No way. No. Nope. There must be another Arthur because this ones an idiot.” Merlin barely finished what he had said, then got another well-earned jab from Acacia’s elbow.

“What? Its true.” Merlin said, now facing Acacia. Acacia just rolled her eyes and looked back at the dragon, no longer afraid.

“Perhaps its you destiny to change that.” The dragon said and flapped its great powerful wings and started to fly upwards.

“Wait!” Merlin yelled so the dragon could hear over the flapping of its wings. “Stop, I need to know more!” Merlin yelled louder as the dragon got farther and farther away from him. Quietly Acacia And Merlin crept back up the stairs to the dungeon, then up the second flight of steps to the main courtyard, then from the main courtyard to their home. Gaius’ loud snoring and Ashley’s soft breathing filled the room. “ Good night.” Merlin said as he looked out the window to see the beginning of the sun rising. “Or well what’s left of it.” Merlin said smiling as he walked in to his room and shut the door, changing in to his pajamas and leaving his clothes all over the floor. Only a few hours later Gaius could be heard walking around the main room.

“Oui!” Gaius snapped as he entered Merlin’s room causing Merlin to jump from his slumber. “ Have you seen the state of this room?” Gaius said appalled, Merlin shrugged.

“It just happens” Merlin said smiling.

“By magic?” Gaius said not believing Merlin.

“Yea” Merlin said wanting to go back to sleep.

“Yea, well you can clean it up with out magic.” Gaius said throwing Merlin’s jacket at him. “Then I want you to get me some herbs, Heads bane, Worms wood and salvo. And I need you to take this to Morgana. Poor girl’s been suffering from nightmares.” Gaius said calmed a bit now and walked out of the room. This whole time Ashley has been trying to wake up Acacia.

“ Acacia” Ashley said softly trying to get her buddy to wake up. “ Come on now. Its time to get up.” Acacia barely budged. “Seriously what where you doing last night?” Ashley said Curiously to her friend who after thirty tries still wouldn’t wake up.

“ I was exploring…with …Merlin.” Acacia replied in her sleep.

“Exploring? WITH MERLIN? Where?” Ashley said with a smirk but still confuse nonetheless.

“Yea…we went to see…. *yawn*...The great dragon.” Acacia replied then snuggled her pillow into her face.

“Ok… I guess that you can sleep then…” Ashley just looked at her friend baffled as Gaius walked out of Merlin’s room.

“I swear that boy…” Gaius muttered to himself then looked over to Ashley. “Any luck?” Gaius said now looking at the sleeping Acacia. “Apparently not.” Gaius said as Acacia cuddled her pillow again.

“ Can we let her sleep? She was up late last night.” Ashley said pleadingly to Gaius

“What on earth was she doing?” Gaius asked Ashley perplexed.

“She went to… to explore the castle and get to know her surroundings better. Merlin went with her to keep her safe” Ashley lied knowing that the truth would get Acacia and Merlin an ear full of lectures.

“Really? How could you know all that when she is still sleeping?” Gaius asked, not believing Ashley’s story.

“She answers questions in her sleep. Right acacia?” Ashley asked her friends sleeping figure.

“Yep” Acacia said, popping the p, then yawned and rolled over.

“Very well then. I’ll let her sleep a little longer.” Gaius said defeated. Then turned to face the door to Merlin’s room “Merlin! Merlin hurry up!” Gaius yelled and walked over to the door.

“5 gold coins say that he fell back asleep.” Ashley said calmly looking at the door now as well. Gaius opened Merlin’s door slightly to find that Ashley was correct.

“Ugh. He’s completely out.” Gaius said quietly closing the door.

“Don’t worry about it Gaius. You needed Heads bane and Worms wood right?” Ashley said grabbing a basket and some gold coins she managed to earn the other day.

“Also I need some Salvo if you could.” Gaius said and retrieved the medicine that he made for Morgana. “Would you be willing to take this to Morgana? It’s important that she have this as soon as possible.” Gaius said holding out the Medicine for Ashley to grab.

“Consider it done. Anything else I can do for you?” Ashley asked with a smile as she put the medicine in her basket.

“No that will be all.” Gaius said and walked over to his desk to start studying but Ashley just stood there.

“Um. Gaius? Was does Heads bane, Worms wood and Salvo look like?” Ashley asked embarrassed. Gaius looked up surprised then smiled. Getting up from his desk he walked over to a pile of books and pulled out a rather dusty old book and dusted it off as he walked over to Ashley.

“This should help you. It’s a basic guild to herbs.” Gaius said and handed to book to Ashley who took the book nervously. “Don’t worry its not as hard as it looks.” Ashley nodded and put the book into her basket as well.

“ Thank you.” Ashley said smiling again and walked out the door and headed towards the forest where She and Acacia were found. There she found a beautiful clearing full of plants of all different color and high grass it look untouched by humanity, well until now. “ And now to find the herbs.” Ashley said determined, getting down on her hands and knees and opened the book that Gaius gave her. “Ok first off Heads bane.” Ashley said flipping through the pages of the book. “Oh great its written in rune!” Ashley said glaring at the book now trying to remember how to read runic writing. “Come on Ashley it was only two years ago that I learned this I should be able to remember. Now is that a q or an o.” Ashley said now sitting cross-legged and frustrated, trying to read the book. “AHA! Heads bane!” Ashley said thrilled that she found the page so quickly.” Darn it, there’s no picture.” Ashley said mopping, the book had officially won this battle Ashley wouldn’t be able to find Heads bane after all. “Maybe I’ll just buy it in the market.” Ashley said putting the book down on the ground. “Well, better find something to sell.” Ashley had only taken one step when her ankle was suddenly yanked into the air pulling her at least ten feet from the ground. “What the?!” Ashley cried, now looking at the ground. Ashley strained her neck to took at he ankle and there she found it noosed by a long piece of rope that was rigged so if some thing got its leg caught that it would be hoisted into the air. “ Great a hunters trap.” Ashley said dangling and not amused at all. “Good thing I’m not wearing my dress.” Ashley muttered to herself.

“A good thing indeed.” Said a familiar voice from behind the tree across from Ashley.

“You have got to be kidding me.” Ashley said as Arthur appeared from behind the tree and walked towards her laughing.

“I believe that’s my line. What are you doing stuck in my trap?” Arthur said looking at her amused, his laughter now down to a dull chuckle.

“Oh, just hanging.” Ashley dully as she started to sway back and forward on the rope because of the wind.

“Well I can see that.” Arthur chuckled again then notice the book on the ground and picked it up. “And what might this be some light reading about Wolfs bane?” asked Arthur quizzically.

“What? Wolfs bane? Darn, wrong page. Wait you can read that?” Ashley said figuring out a way to get down and get the herbs.

“Of course. And you cant?” Arthur said his back facing Ashley now. Mean while Ashley was swinging with the rope to get momentum.

“Um. If I said I could then I would be lying.” Ashley said embarrassed still trying to get out the entire time the rope got tighter around Ashley’s ankle.

“Really? I should have expected that. An average present girl would never understand reading.” Arthur said taking the time to enlarge his ego.

“Yea great. Your better then the average peasant.” Ashley said in a not so caring tone. Though now she was up side right holding onto the rope with one hand and untying the knot with her other hand. “But guess what.” Ashley said now free and only in the air because she was holding the rope.

“What?” Arthur said humoring Ashley. Or so he thought. Ashley pushed her self forward and let go of the rope landing right behind Arthur.

“ I’m not your average peasant.” Ashley said smugly, and then walked around Arthur so she was facing him.

“How did you?” Arthur started to say.

“Get out of the trap? Well that’s a peasants trick.” Ashley said smiling. “Um, by the way could you- well.” Ashley said embarrassment sinking in again for the third time that day.

“Could I what?” Arthur said staring very hard at her waiting for an insult.

“Could you help me?” Ashley said the embarrassment of having to ask Arthur, the conceded jerk, to help her took over.

“Pardon?” Arthur said taken back by the fact that she was humbling herself enough to ask him for help

“Please help me. I need to gather herbs for Gaius but I cant read the book so I have no clue what I should be looking for.” Ashley said, her face now red from humiliation.

“You did ruin my trap.” Arthur said looking down at Ashley then sighed. “What herbs are you looking for?” Arthur said not knowing why he even bothered.

“Heads bane, Worms wood and Salvo.” Ashley said looking up at Arthur because he’s a good 6 inches taller then her.

“Right then.” Arthur said and flipped through the pages till he found the right one. “Ok it has a tall stem ‘being crowned by racemes of large and eye-catching blue, purple, white, yellow or pink flowers.’” Arthur said reading the book word for word.

“well I see a buch of blue long stemed flowersover here.” Ashley said picking a bunch of them and putting them in her basket. “next is”

“Worms wood”Arthur said them flipped throught the pages. “it grows in bushes and has a hard, woody texture. The stems are straight, growing to 0.8-1.2 m (rarely 1.5 m) tall, grooved, branched, and silvery-green. The leaves are spirally arranged, greenish-grey above and white below, covered with silky silvery-white hairs, and is oily.” Athur said rather quickly but Ashley was able to understand him and went looking for a bush that matched Arthur’s discription humming then singing as she walked around.

“Migi kara hidari heto koto baga nagare ru, taikutsu souna kao gamen mitsu meru kuni, jigen nokabe koete itsu demo ai niiku,” Ashley sang in a small whisper. “Kokoro no junbi wo chanto shite oitene, kun nokoto dare yorimo waka tteru, dakara watashi ni makase te,” Ashley smiled then sang louder “kowaga ranaide futari de odori mashou, rukaruka naitofever, hajikeru rizumu ni awa sete.” Ashley was about to continue when she was cut off.

“What on earth are you saying?” Arthur asked completely lost at the sounds coming frome Ashley’s mouth.

“I was speaking in Japanese. I don’t thin that you’d understand even if I translated for you.” Ashley said now embaressed for the fourth time today. Seriously, new record.

“Right, I wont ask.” Arthur said giving ashley a strange look. Arthur caught a glimps of something that seemed to make him rather mad, then looked over at a bush. “theres the worms wood.” Arthur said pionting to the bush his anger evedent in his voice. “and theres Salvo.” Arthur said pointing at another plant near by. Quickly Arthur closed the book and shoved it at Ashley. “ Good day.” Arthur said, Turning around then leaving in a hurry.

“That was strange.” Ashley said confused looking between where arthur was standing, and the book that he just practically threw at her.”Well what ever. On to picking the herbs.” Ashley said as she walked to the bush and nelt down to have her leg stabbed by something hard. Ashley held her breath to keep herself from screaming then tried to breath evenly and calm down and look at her knee.
there proturding from her lower leg was a shiney, seethrough, light blue stone. Curiousity calming her pain Ashley grabbed the rather large gem that she had just found and pulled it from her leg which was now covered in blood. “great I just got these leggings and now I have to get new ones. Hopefully this rock will pay for it.” Ashley huffed as she quickly gathered the plants that she needed and put them and the rock in the basket and quickly limped back to Gaius’s knowing that if she bled too long she would faint. During all this Arthur was briskly walking thourgh the forest until he came back to the clearing where he glared at a very large bush that moved abit.

“Come out you idiots. I know that your there.” Arthur said his glare darkened as his three friends walk out of the bush.

“Hello Arthur. Enjoying the plant life are we?”the first friend said with a checky smile though he looked a few years older then Arthur.

“A little yes. There are a lot of herbs in this part of the forest.” Arthur said trying to not give his friends the answer they were looking for.

“Arthur I thought that we were hunting for game.”the second friend started, this friend seemed to bee at lest the same age as Arthur if not younger.

“Not for girls.” The third said, finishing his twins sentence, this friend looked exactly like the second friend but his hair was a little longer.

“We are hunting for game.” Arthur said getting a little annoyed. The three notice Arthur’s srpug trap with nothing in it and the knot untied.

“Oh don’t tell me.”The first twin said with a smirk.

“That you caught her.” The second twin said smirking as well.

“In your trap. Did you?” The first twin spoke again finishing the statement.

“Ugh. You guys know I hate it when you finish each others sentances like that.” Arthur said avoiding the twins statement. Arthur started to walk away, when the first friend blocked his way and looked down at Arthur since he was taller then arther by two or three inches..

“You know you never answered there question.” The first friend said his smirk still pleaguing his face. “ that’s rude you know.”

“Yes.” Arthur said shruging his friend off and walking in the other direction.

“Yes you know its rude, or yes you caught the girl in you trap?” The first twin asked.

“Both” Arthur said not facing any of his friends. Arthur said knowing what came next… humiliation.

“That must be one dumb girl. Couldn’t even spot a hunters trap.”the second twin said laughing under his breath.

“So did you have to climb the tree to get her out.” The first twin said not hideing his laughter like his brother.

“No actually she got herself out with out destroying the trap.” Arthur said and turned around to face his friends. Its so much easier to talk to people when your facing them. The first friend wistled.

“Nice. How’d she get out?” The first friend asked truly interested.

“No clue. She did it while my back was turned.” Arthur said now curious as well.

“Well she’s coming this way why don’t we find out.” The twins said at the same time as they reset the trap.

“Quick Arthur, in to the bush.” The first friend said as he pushed Arthur gently towards the bush that they where in before, the twins quickly followed. Ashley panted and moved as best as she could through the tall grass in the clearing when a fimilar zip sound filled her ears and her injured leg was hoisted in to the air. Ashley couldn’t the pain any longer, She let out a srill scream of pain andclutched her now profusely bleeding leg and dropped her basket.

“She’s hurt.” Arthur thought some what cencerned.

“Arthur this isn’t funny! I was already hurt and now you just made it worse you freaking jerk!” Ashley said tears threatened to leak from her eye as the pain only grew worse as the noose tightened around her ankle. A small pop was heard from her leg as it was streached beyond its comfert causing Ashley to scream again her tears freely falling from her face. Although she was strong there’s only so much pain a person can take before they break. Not thinking ashley drew her sword and sliced at the rope and managed to land on her good ankle, which didn’t stay good for long because with Ashleys luck her fot landed in a small hole, twisting her ankle. Now well past her limit, Ashley forced herself to stay concious and picked up her basket and all the herbs she found and her gem. Guilt started to overwelm Arthur, this guilt drove Arthur to leave the safety of the bush. “You!” Ashley said Spite filled her eyes as she glared at Arthur. Arthur started to walk towards Ashley but her glare just became more intense. “Stay away from me.”Ashley said pointing her sword at Arthur. Panting heavier them before, but Arthur continued to walk towards her. Ashley wasn’t able to hold her sword up for long, though quickly she stuck it in to the ground to use as a leaning post. “Crud. I’ve lost to much blood.” Ashley thought to herself but she didn’t let her fear show instead she just made her glare harded. Arthur stood in frount of Ashley now looking down at her. “I said, leave me alone!” Ashley yelled at Arthur and swung her sword at him. This also caused her to loose her very unstable balance and fall to the ground, still glaring at Arthur.

“You stubborn pain! I’m just trying to help! Put that darn sword away!” Arthur yelled getting impatient. “If you going to be so ungreatful then I should have never came out to help you in the first place.” Arthur yelled again suprising Ashley.

“…Fine” Ashley said quietly then put her swords away and winced. This action startiled both Arthur and his friends.

“Where are you hurt?” Arthur asked still alittle angry.

“It’s my leg and my ankles.” Ashley said trying to sit up now.

“Come on we have to get you to Gaius.” Arthur said picking up the Ashley bridal style, while she carried the basket. Arthurs friends just watched in amusement and followed after him.

“T-thank you.” Ashley said as she faded out of conciousness. Arthur just quicked his speed to get to Gaius. With in a matter of minutes he found him self infront of Gaius’ door. He gentally put Ashley down infront of the door then knocked and quickly walked away so he wouldn’t be seen. Gaius opened the door to have Ashley’s head hit the ground with a loud thud infront of him. Gaius smiled until he noticed the blood coming from her leg. Panic filled Gaius’ face as he picked her up and rushed inside.

“Merlin! MERLIN WAKE UP NOW!” Gaius yelled at the lazily sleeping boy.

*End of Chapter Six: Dragons and blood*  

[amsharp]

well it's been a nice long while. i've written alot since then, if you want to read the rest i suggest going to fanfiction.net and searching amoung magic and knights. it has a lot more then what i posted here. (*cough cough* 56 word document pages*cough*)