Merlin stood before Gaiusâ looking glass; shock and confusion filling bright blue eyes.
What looked back at the servant was not how he had gone to bed last night.
âMERLIN!â The Princeâs voice came from the hallway causing the brunette to jump and grab up his bed robe quickly. Heâd just managed to get it on and situated when; âMerlin! Wake up you idiot! Weâve not got-â The Crown Prince of Camelot stopped in his tracks after nearly throwing open the door.
âIâm so sorry Miss, I was looking for my-â He paused for a moment and examined the sight before him. âAre you alright? You seem lost. I could send for Gaius if you need him?â Arthur offered politely.
âYes, please. I would greatly appreciate that, Sire.â
And with a nod Prince Arthur turned to leave the room in search of the court physician.
Back in the room a stunned Merlin turned back to the mirror, staring at herself in utter disbelief.
âOh, this is not goodâŚâ
âWell Iâm sure that Merlin is around somewhere, Sire.â Merlin heard Gaius tell the Prince just in the hallway. The servant was standing in the middle of the room now; having moved away from the mirror.
Blue eyes had scanned the sight long enough and had it memorized. A slender body with a naturally narrow waist. Waist length black hair fell in waves- it sort of reminded him of Morganaâs hair- and an ample breast that seemed out of place on that afore mentioned slender body. How had this happened? How had Merlin become a woman? This was not something he had done. Was it? No! Impossible! Heâd remember doing something like this. And he certainly wouldnât have chosen a female form!
âI hope so, weâre supposed to be going on a hunt with the knights and I need him ready to go soon.â They were getting closer and Merlinâs nerves were on edge. âOh, Gaius, the woman I spoke of, sheâs waiting for you inside.â They were at the door!
âThank you, Sire, and Iâll send Merlin to you as soon as I see him.â
The two men had entered Gaiusâ home and stopped just inside the door now. Both stood looking at the female before them. Arthurâs gaze made Merlin feel a slight mix of emotions and Gaius looked at Merlin as if he should know the other.
âWhat can I help you with, Maâam?â
âWell, itâs of a personal nature.â Merlin answered with a pointed look at the Prince who gave a slight start and bowed his head, âIâll leave you to it then.â
With that as Arthurâs goodbye Merlin waited a beat when he was sure Arthur was out of earshot and burst out, âGaius I donât know whatâs going on!â
âMerlin?â The physician sounded as shocked as Merlin felt, âGood Gods child, what happened?â
âI donât know, I went to bed last night and I was still me and when I woke up this is what I found!â He was starting to panic slightly. âGaius what am I going to do? This isnât a spell of my doing! I didnât do this; I donât know what to do!â
âCalm down Merlin, it wonât do any good for you to hyperventilate. Weâll figure this out.â
It was just as Gaius finished those words that Morgana came in followed quickly by her maid Gwen, âGaius! Something is going to happen to Merlin!â She sounded just as panicked as Merlin felt.
âIt already has.â Morganaâs eyes tracked to the voice to see Merlin standing there looking just as her dream had shown.
âWell on the bright side, getting clothes for you to wear wonât be hard.â Merlin gave Gwen a bland look as Morganaâs serving girl now laughed lightly at her own words. âMorgana has several old dresses she no longer wears and Iâve several things that I can alter to fit your new figure.â
Why was she taking this so calmly? She really ought to be freaking out. But instead she was easily taking Merlinâs measurements while Morgana pulled the old dresses that her serving girl had mentioned from her wardrobe. âI think this one might need a bit of fitting in the waist, Guinevere, Merlin is narrower than I through there from the looks of it.â She was holding a red velvet gown at armâs length and examining it.
âYou would be right in that.â Gwen confirmed as she took the measuring tape from Merlinâs waist and walked to Morgana. âBut she may make up the difference in the bust.â Both turned to look at Merlin now who was standing on a small pedestal before Morganaâs full length mirror.
The conversation with Gaius had ended in him agreeing with Morgana and Gwen on Merlin going with them so that Gwen could get started on fitting Merlin for new clothes.
âI still donât understand why I canât wear my own clothes.â Merlin complained as he- now she- folded her arms over her newly acquired bust. âIâm more comfortable in them anyway.â
âBecause Merlin, you may be comfortable in them, but they now donât fit properly.â Gwen stated as she took the dress from Morgana and walked to Merlin with it. âArms up.â With a heavy sigh Merlin did as told and closed her eyes as Guinevere slipped the dress over her head settled over and around Merlinâs new feminine frame.
âArms out, now, please and thank you.â Another sigh and Merlin held her arms out to the sides and then let them fall to her sides as Gwen stepped in front of her to look. âSee, I was right, she more than makes up for it in the bust.â
âFor that dress weâll need to get her a corset then.â Morgana was standing with Gwen now and Merlin didnât like the sound of that.
âNo, I donât think sheâll need one if I bring the waist in right.â They were ignoring Merlin now, âThough it may not be a bad idea to have her fitted for one, just in case.â Gwen looked at her Mistress now, âDo you think Nadine would be able to fit her?â
âI donât see why not, Merlin could go in with me later today as Iâve got to be fitted for a new one since Uther had that new gown made.â
Was she invisible now? âWhy would I need a corset? And for that matter why would I need all of these dresses? I donât expect to be like this for too long!â
âMerlin, itâs for the time being, you can always get rid of everything after. But in the off chance that you are stuck like this, youâll at least have some clothing to wear.â Morgana stated this all in a matter of fact tone that Merlin had only ever heard her use with Arthur. âAnd the corset is to make wearing certain gowns a bit easier and makes for fewer alterations than would be needed otherwise.â
âIt will also show off your assets better.â Gwen snickered as she walked around and back behind Merlin. âOkay, letâs get you into something that wonât need altering and you can wear for today.â
Morgana then produced a blue silk dress with sliver trimming from the confines of her wardrobe followed by a green satin with gold piping. âWhich one?â
âMorgana?â Arthurâs voice sounded from the door as he entered the room after a loud knock. âMorgana, Gaius told me to come see you about Merlin?â The Prince voice sounded questioning to Merlin as Gwen ran a brush through her hair to detangle it. âWhatâs this about?â
Merlin swallowed a lump in her throat as Gwen patted her shoulder lightly and placed the brush aside. âRelax, Morgana will break it to him gently.â She promised, âOr as gently as Morgana can do anything, really.â Okay that didnât do much to assure her of anything. Merlin seemed full of sighs as she nodded and let out another while Guinevere pulled the front of her hair back and twisted it into a thin braid to keep it out of the girlâs face.
Morgana could be heard speaking now from the other side of the partition she and Gwen had set up. âWell, do you remember last night? The argument you and Merlin had? The one just as Merlin was leaving the tavern?â That hadnât been an argument in that sense but stillâŚ
âYesâŚâ Arthur took pause here and Merlin could almost hear him frowning. âI do remember.â As did MerlinâŚ
The Matron placed a mug of ale in front of Merlin and he handed her two gold pieces in payment as he lifted it to his lips. Looking across the room to where the Prince sat with a few of the knights and some random wench on his lap.
As the serving boy to the Prince sat at the bar he sipped silently at his drink. Who did that woman think she was? Tomorrow sheâd just be another nameless woman that heâd have to usher from Arthurâs bed as he cleaned up after them and contend with a gloating prince as he boasted about how easily she fell for him- like all the ones before.
The laughter from that same corner snapped him back to the present and he watched as the stupid wench kissed Arthur and the prince kissed back with fervor. Finishing off his ale- the only drink heâd had all night- he placed the mug aside and pushed away from the bar to make his way over to the group.
He noticed that Gwaine looked up at him as he got nearer and the look on his face must have displeased the Knight because a frown crossed the elder manâs lips as Merlin stepped up and clapped a hand down on the Arthurâs shoulder.
The Prince pulled away from the very sloppy looking kiss to look blearily up at the brunette, âMERLIN! Join us for a drink!â He was smirking now and Merlin found himself not amused. âJenaveve here is very friendly, maybe she can be your friend too.â He suggested with a roguish grin that had several of the Knights laughing- save Gwaine and Lancelot- and the woman giggling.
âIâll pass Arthur, thanks,â He managed to sound polite at least, âIâm sure you know your way home from here, Sire.â He put a bit of emphasis on the last word, âAnd Iâm also sure that one of the knights can pour you into bed.â He gave a pointed look at the woman and then back to Arthur, âIâm tired.â With that Merlin bid good night to Gwaine and Lancelot and made his way to the entrance hall.
As the Sorcerer turned away he didnât see the frown cross Arthurâs lips and the way he pushed the girl from his lap and started after Merlin. It wasnât until Merlin was in the ivy decorated hallway that he knew Arthur had followed him.
âMerlin, whatâs wrong?â Heâd realized- a bit too late- that something was wrong with Merlin as heâd said goodnight. âI thought we were supposed to be out having fun tonight? No Prince and Servant tonight, just friends.â He was a bit confused at Merlinâs reaction. âYouâve been distant all night.â
âArthur, every time weâre supposed to go out as âjust friendsâ I end up still feeling like a servant and not your friend. You treat me the same either way.â Merlin was frowning deeply now, âI just wishâŚâ He paused here and looked away and at the ivy plant that was covering the trellis that lined the hallway.
âYou wish what, Merlin?â
âSometimes, I just wish that- for once- you would look at me differently.â Blue eyes were filled with sadness as he spoke those words.
Arthur was very confused now as he looked the other over and when it didnât seem that he was going to say anything Merlin sighed and shook his head, âLook, Iâm going home, Arthur, good night.â
âHe said he was going homeâŚâ Arthur seemed to be putting something together in his mind for his next words were, âDid he go back to Ealdor?â Merlin thought the Prince sounded slightly panicked and it seemed that Morgana heard that as well.
âNo Arthur, Merlin didnât leave Camelot. But the reason youâve not been able to find Merlin, is because you didnât know where to look.â
Oh yes, that wasnât cryptic at all! Merlin then heard the door of Morganaâs room open then close again and Gaiusâ voice floated behind the partition, âI think Iâve figured out what happened. Whereâs Merlin?â
Gwen nodded to Merlin now and she stood to follow Morganaâs serving girl into the main of the room. âHere she is Gaius.â
Arthurâs eyes landed on the dark haired, blue eyed woman in green and felt his jaw drop. âArthur calmly, please donât yell, sheâs freaked out enough for the both of you.â Morganaâs voice had a strange soothing tone to it that heâd never heard her use.
âMerlin?â The female nodded and started to chew on her bottom lip in what Arthur figured had to do with nerves. âWhat happened?â She shook her head and that was when Gaius spoke up.
âThe argument that the two of you had, I asked Merlin to describe everything about that moment. From the words spoken to the surrounding room.â Arthur couldnât take his eyes off of Merlin just now so he just nodded and the Physician continued, âWell the area you two were standing was lined with an ivy plant that grows well in dimly lit areas.â Arthur remembered the hallway being lit by only one torch now, âIt is sometimes known as the Wishing Vine- the actual name is one that even I cannot pronounce.â Merlin was looking at Gaius and not at Arthur who was still looking at her in utter disbelief.
âMerlin it seems that what you said triggered this magical reaction.â Arthurâs attention now snapped to Gaius, âThe Wishing Vine has magical properties in its raw form and if some sort of wish is made in close proximity to the plant then there is some sort of reaction.â Two pair of blue eyes looked at the man with different emotions swirling in their oceanic depths. Merlin with fear and Arthur with confusion and mild anger.
âWhat was Merlinâs wish that caused this outcome?â Gwen seemed a tad confused as well.
âFor Arthur to look at him differently.â Morgana again used that soothing tone that seemed to be for Merlinâs benefit as the newly made female looked at Morgana sharply and the fear in her eyes intensified.
âMerlin, what had you meant when you said that?â Gaius asked and Arthur found himself looking back at his servant again; confusion and frustration evident upon his features.
Merlin was again chewing on her bottom lip and cerulean eyes closed as she shook her dark head. There was no way she was answering that question. Arthur had once said Merlin was a bad liar, so coming up with anything at all would be futile right now. But Arthur just had to speak now!
âPlease, Merlin, what did you mean?â
It had seemed like a good idea at the time. But Merlin hadnât counted on Arthur following after, and being faster than her. Though if she was being honest, she really should have known that Arthur was faster than her, he was always ahead of Merlin anytime they were running from something.
So with all of that why the hell had she run?
âMerlin! Stop running damn it!â Arthurâs hand snapped out and caught her elbow pulling her to an abrupt stop and almost causing her to topple over- were it not for his hand on her elbow she surly would have.
âPlease, Arthur, let me go!â Her voice sounded panicked as she tried to tug her arm from his grasp.
âNot until you tell me what you meant by what you said, Merlin.â Arthur was using that demanding tone of his again and it took everything in her not to give some snarky reply that would normally have gotten her placed in the stocks or stuck with some punishment.
âNo, Arthur, please? Just let go.â The prince was rather stubborn and was still refusing to release her.
âMerlin! Just tell me and Iâll let you go.â Oh yeah right! If she told him not only would Merlin get the granted wish, but Arthur would laugh at her and then remind her of her station.
âIâm sorry Arthur-â
âArthur!â Merlin had never been so happy to hear Utherâs voice in her life. âWhatâs going on here?â The king came to a stop before them and looked between the pair, âWho is this?â He demanded and both were spared answering by Morgana rushing up.
âThere you are, Lady Emrys! I am so sorry to have left you so long, Arthur didnât scare you did he?â She gently and discreetly pried Arthurâs fingers from around Merlinâs elbow to replace his hand with her own, gently rubbing at the spot, âUther, this is Lady Emrys, she is from Cenridâs kingdom- seeking refuge from his apparent tyranny.â The Kingâs ward looked to Uther beseechingly, âShe doesnât speak much, but what she has told me since I found her can only confirm what rumors weâve heard as of late.â Arthur was looking at Morgana with such surprise that Merlin almost laughed at the expression.
âLady Emrys,â Uther bowed his head to her politely, âMay I inquire as to where in Cenridâs kingdom you hale from?â
Ducking her head Merlin blushed a bit and thanked the heavens for her newly acquired silken voice, âJust over the northern borders of Ealdor, My Lord.â She flushed a bit brighter now but kept her head bowed.
As vague as the answer was it seemed to satisfy Uther for he nodded then and spoke again, âWell, Arthur will see that you have favorable accommodations and Morgana I am sure might spare her maid for you should you have need of her. Arthur may even spare Merlin if heâs not got the boy doing some pointless chore to annoy him.â
HA! So Uther thought Merlinâs chores were pointless too! And Merlin was right! They were just to annoy her! Oh, Arthur would pay. SomehowâŚ
Sheâd figure that out later, for the moment Merlin gave a surprisingly fluid curtsy to the King, âThank you, My Lord. You are too kind.â He nodded to her, gave an appraising once over that her cheeks flushing almost fuchsia, and left the three of them standing in silence.
âI always knew you were just giving me senseless chores!â
âOh no you didnât! Youâre just saying that because my father-â
âEnough! Both of you! Arthur, we have to find a room for Merlin to use and then we have to come up with a half believable back story for her.â With Morgana in bossy mode since Utherâs finding them she shoved them both ahead of her and they started down the corridor.
âI still want your answer, Merlin.â Arthurâs words caused a bit of dread to fill Merlinâs stomach, âBut weâll talk later.â His words spoke of finality and promise to do just that, effectively ending any discussion for the time being.