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Part 1 of Cadentibus Astris
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2017-10-06
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2017-12-11
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Cadentibus Astris

Chapter 2: Arriving in Camelot

Notes:

Yo! Second chapter and oh my gosh you guys! Thank you so much for all the lovely comments, just all the thanks. As always I'm happy to answer question, nerd out, ect. down in the comments if any of you want to come say hi.

For anyone who hasn't watched Merlin, the really important bits to understand would be:
A. Uther Pendragon is alive and king of Camelot
B. Magic is illegal and punishable by death
C. Merlin is a young dude and works as Arthur's servant
D. Gwen is Morgana's servant
E. Nobody knows Morgana is Uther's daughter and not just his ward

If anyone gets a bit lost on the Merlin and just general 'who's who' feel free to drop by in the comments and I'll answer any questions you have.

Chapter Text

Mithian laughed as she rode along besides her brother. “Get back here you idiot!”

“Nope!” Karac stuck his tongue out at her as he trotted along ahead of her holding her lace triumphantly. “You’ll just have to come and get it.”

“I have plans for that! If you get it dirty so help you!” She kicked her heels into her horse speeding it up towards her brother.

Grinning Karac loosened the reins and laughed as he took off ahead of her. Mithian smiled as she realized a race was on. Soon they were thundering down the road. Her heart was racing as she leaned slightly, moving in tandem with her horse to chase her brother down. Bright laughter from ahead of her edged her on as she encouraged her horse to gallop faster.

They both ignored the shouts of their escort as they left them behind. Mithian felt like snorting at the idea that either of them needed guards, well if Karac wasn’t there she would. Still it was irksome how many guards their father had seen fit to send with them. She almost felt bad for Kael being left to bear the brunt of their overprotective parents alone, almost.

“Get back here you thief!” She called out as she began to catch up to her brother’s horse. Mithian was not going to lose, so she ignored it as her horse’s hooves began to clatter across cobblestones instead of dirt as they made their way through the streets of their destination. She wasn’t going to lose, not today.

As they moved through the streets they were both forced to slow down to keep from trampling innocent civilians. Mithian found she was nearly caught up with her brother who was clearing the way for her on accident as he made this way through the streets. Reaching out she just missed grabbing her piece of lace as Karac pulled his horse up sharply.

Surprised Mithian followed suit reining in her horse sharply. “Karac? What’s wrong?”

Karac was already jumping off his horse. She sighed as she realized he was helping pick up a basket of apples that an older woman had dropped while moving out of their way. Mithian easily caught the reigns of her brother’s horse to prevent it from running off and just watched amused as Karac apologized in a ramble of nonsense while helping with the apples.

Mithian reached into her pouch and pulled out a piece of gold. Interrupting her brother’s rambles she decided to save him. “We’re terribly sorry our game harmed your produce. Here, consider it payment for any damaged goods.”

“You’re too kind your grace.” The woman curtsied deeply before accepting the coin.

Karac laughed easily while reaching out and catching the older woman’s elbow and helping her out of her courtesy. “Please we’re sorry for bothering you, no need for formality.” He smiled brightly as he held out the refilled basket of apples. Then he seemed to pause and consider. “Do you need help carrying these somewhere? I’d be happy to help.”

“Oh you sweet boy.” The woman said her face softening. Shifting to the side she glared at a young gangly teen. “You could learn to be more like this here lord, boy.”

Mithian had to bite her lip to prevent herself from laughing at the horror on the boy’s face as his cheeks turned a bright red. “Karac, give the boy his grandmother’s apples.”

“Of course.” He quickly handed the basket over to the boy, who was still doing his best impression of an apple. “Are you sure you’re alright ma’am?”

The woman reached up and patted his cheek. “I’m just fine. Go on then, I’m sure a lord like you has more important things to do than bother with an old woman like me.”

“That’s just not true.” Karac smiled brightly at her before swinging himself back up into the saddle. “Sorry again for almost knocking you over.”

Mithian clicked her tongue encouraging her horse forward snatching her lace from Karac before trotting off with it ahead of him. He let out a squawk of protest from behind her. It didn’t escape her that their guards, and a very angry Sir Ector had caught up with them as she entered the open square. Well, he could lecture them about propriety and safety later.

As she pulled her horse up before the stairs she couldn’t keep her amusement in check at the shocked and rather horrified faces of Camelot’s court staring at them. Forcing her face to remain easy she waited for Karac to dismount and step to the side of her horse to help her down. She shared a conspiratorial look with her brother as his hands caught her round the waist helped lift her off the horse.

“You’re a brat.” She murmured softly before slapping his shoulder lightly, she’d long ago learned that actually hitting Karac was a terrible idea.

He grinned at her smugly as he set her down and offered his arm to her. Linking their arms she smiled as they moved to greet Camelot’s royals. She noted the way the court ladies were looking at her brother. A side eye at her brother explained why. His hair was perfectly tousled from riding, because the great idiot’s hair never looked less than perfect. It was all tousled blond curls, his bright blue eyes and wide smile didn’t help. And she wasn’t above knowing that his actual gender led him to looking well, really quite lovely. It was a burden not to roll her eyes, it had begun already.

“Welcome to Camelot.” Uther declared stepping forward and offering his hand.

Mithian accepted it and curtsied before accepting the brush of lips over her knuckles. “It’s an honor to be in your great city your majesty.”

////

Uther drummed his fingers on the table of his small council chamber. His closest advisors were gathered. He didn’t like this conversation, but it was something he’d known was coming for a long time. “Isn’t he a bit low in rank?”

“Well he might only be the Baron of the Isle of Mora now, but it’s an important piece of land strategically for Nemeth.” Sir Kay said while gesturing to the laid out map.

Lord Bruin took up from where Sir Kay had left off. “The unofficial engagement between prince Arthur and princess Elena will unite us with King Godwyn’s kingdom. A marriage between your Ward and King Rodor’s illegitimate son would strengthen our ties to Nemeth. A proper dowry, perhaps the contested lands of Gedref and an alliance against Cendred. It would aid Camelot to gain these alliances.” The man shifted, his great furs ruffling slightly. “Not only that but he’s a good match for the lady Morgana. He’s young, has already been knighted and earned a baronship. He’s only twenty four. He will likely rise further in power inside Nemeth as he gets older.”

“He’s a good option.” Sir Kay agreed. “No rumors that would detract from his honor either. By all accounts he’s a talented knight and intelligent lord. He may only be in his twenty fourth year but that is a marriageable age. And to be blunt sire, the lady Morgana will need to be married and soon. She’s nearly twenty already.”

Uther felt his knuckles crack as his fists clenched. While he might not openly admit it, Morgana was his heart. If he could keep her safely in Camelot and keep every male in the country away from her, he’d do it. But he was a king, and kings had to put their countries first. And he wasn’t ignorant that a young man with a reputation for kindness was likely the best he could find for his child. Uther wouldn’t live forever, and when he died Morgana would need a husband to protect and care for her. “What exactly are you proposing? King Rodor has rejected any overtures of an arranged marriage towards any of his children.”

“Well the lady Morgana is the most beautiful woman in Camelot. Surely some...encouragement for the lad to court her?” Lord Bruin looked distinctly uncomfortable beneath his shortly cropped grey beard. “Surely a conversation with Sir Ector of Nemeth to imply that if the young baron were to court the lady it would be taken favorably?”

Sir Kay made a grunt. “We all know the lady Morgana could catch the lord of her choice if she wished. The problem will be convincing her to let the boy court her. This Karac is only a man at the end of the day. He won’t be the problem, one smile and he’ll be as good as won over.”

Uther frowned. “She’ll do as she’s told.”

Gaius looked at him in plain disbelief. “Perhaps a gentler method? Let the young people spend time together and come to know one another.”

“She’s my ward and she will do as I tell her.” Uther said firmly putting an end to that line of discussion. He would not have his authority questioned.

“Quite right my lord.” Gaius conceded, though Uther noted he gave a look to the other advisors while pursing his lips.

Uther stared at his friend and physician for a long moment. He was going to have to have a word with his friend, privately. “Lord Candor if you would speak to Sir Ector about our openness for the boy Karac to court the lady Morgana.”

“Of course sire.” The man dipped his head.

////

Mithian stared at Sir Ector in disbelief. “You’re not serious.”

“I am. And you’re intelligent enough to know it is a good match your highness.” He said kindly.

She looked about despite knowing that no one else was in her rooms. “And what happens when the wedding night comes and the lady finds out Karac’s not exactly as male as we all pretend he is? And that’s assuming he’s not stupid enough to tell her before the wedding night.”

Ector winced before pushing on. “You know that love matches are a thing for stories. Name one marriage that would be better for the lady Morgana?”

Mithian bit her lip, it was true. She knew she was fortunate that she had two brothers and a kind father. For someone without either of those blessings, even with them a marriage to someone as kind as Karac would be better than most expected. “We don’t even know her, she could be awful. I won’t sentence my brother to a marriage to some snippy or cruel woman just because it’s politically convenient.”

“Just encourage him to befriend the lady.” Ector pushed gently. “If they hate each other there’s no binding promises. But if they get along, well it’s safer for Karac to be wed. We both know his marriage is going to be brought up more often in negotiations now that he’s been given a baronship. Nearly as much yours is your majesty. If they could be friends, it could be a good marriage.”

“We don’t tell him about any of this.” She said feeling her resolve to prevent this from happening dying. “At least not yet. I may encourage him to befriend the lady, though I’ll probably have to help. If they get along we can bring up the idea of a marriage and courtship.”

Sir Ector softened in relief. “Thank you, it’s for the best.”

“I hope he does not hate us for this.” She said miserably.

“We both know his people practiced arranged marriages as well. He’ll understand.” Ector patted her shoulder. “It’s for the best for Nemeth and him.”

Mithian nodded, it was true. “You’re correct of course. I need to get ready for the feast.”

“Of course, by your leave.” He bowed before leaving the guest quarters awarded to her.

She let her shoulders drop and groaned. Political marriage was a horrible conundrum and she wasn’t sure what to do about it when it came to Karac. She was perfectly able to navigate the waters of political intrigue and courtship. But Karac? Karac had never been good at it. Aside from his general cluelessness, the strangeness of human courtship rituals to him, and the fact that while she’d learned about political courtships and such he’d been off learning to be a knight and to manage lands, well he was useless at it.

Mithian stepped to the screen and began to unfasten her dress. She envied how much faster Karac was at getting ready for feasts even without using his powers sometimes. She sighed as her maid servant for the night entered the room and took away her traveling dress and handed over her dress for the feast.

It wasn’t till her hair was being pinned up that the door opened and Karac came trotting in. “I keep getting pitying looks from the older men when I pass them in the halls.” He was frowning as he walked further into the room. “Do you have any idea why?”

She had to resist banging her head on something. Instead she raised a brow at him in the mirror, ignoring the servant’s scandalized look. “Maybe the prince intends to challenge you to a spar? He is famous for his ability in the ring.”

“I’ve been the champion of Nemeth since we were sixteen.” He said flopping down on her bed.

Mithian had to bite her lip at the truly horrified expression on the servants face. “Yes well, I’m sure he’s defeated lots of champions throughout his time at court. And you don’t quite look as strong as you are.”

“Huh.” He seemed to consider that before shrugging. “I doubt that’s it though. There’s a tourney in a week. There’s no point to sparing earlier than that other than for bragging rights.”

“Just because it’s not sensible doesn’t mean the prince won’t ask it.” She said mildly while reaching for her lip paint. “Speaking of Camelot’s royal family we need their favor. Try and be friendly with the king’s ward Morgana.”

Karac sat up and looked at her face in the mirror curiously. “Why not Arthur?”

“Because I intend to see what all the rumors about the prince are about.” She painted her lips before grabbing her powder. “And if I don’t at least nominally show interest in the other sex occasionally, father’s advisors will try and bring up some horrid arranged affair with someone twice our age.”

Her brother winced. “Right, you know we’ll never let that happen? Even if someone manages to strong arm father into it Kael and I won’t let that happen.”

“I know.” She looked over her shoulder and smiled at her brother. “But let’s not invite trouble shall we. Also the knights of Camelot have quite the reputation. It can’t hurt to see if there’s any prospects here that I wouldn’t mind entering an arrangement with.”

Karac hopped up onto his feet and stepped over brushing the maid servant aside as he grabbed the necklace she’d be wearing. “Alright, I’ll get to know the lady Morgana then. Try not to break too many hearts.” He laughed as he clasped the necklace around her neck before stepping back. “Now, can we go to the feast? I’m starving!”

“You’re always starving.” She said while rolling her eyes and standing up. Giving him a careful look over she reached up brushing off his shoulders. He did look quite handsome in Nemeth’s green. “Shall we leave then?”

////

Morgana was surprised to see Uther waiting for her outside her door. “I was unaware you intended to escort me to the feast?”

“Yes, well there was something I needed to speak with you about.” He indicated for her to walk with him.

She felt a nervous weight in her stomach at the words. He couldn’t know she’d helped the sorcerer Alavarr escape. “Of course.” She fell into step with him as they walked down the stairs towards the halls.

“As you know I won’t be able to protect you forever.” His voice was hesitant. “You will need a husband.”

Morgana tensed ever so slightly. “Surely not a pressing need.”

“I have hoped you would find a suitable suitor to wed, but perhaps I have been too lenient.” He clasped his hands behind his back, either ignorant or ignoring her paling face. “Baron Karac holds land, title, and the favor of his father. He’s young, but that is perhaps a good thing in these matters. You could do far worse.”

She felt like she’d been punched in the gut. “You’ve entered negotiations?”

“Yes, we have. The council is in favor of the match. And I am as well.” His voice was softer than normal. “You are already older than is customary for a lady of your rank to remain unattached. And all reports say he is a good man.”

Morgana wanted to throw up. She stopped walking. “I’m not hungry.”

Uther’s eyes hardened. “You will attend this feast Morgana. This match would secure your future not to mention Camelot’s relations with Nemeth.”

“I won’t marry someone I don’t know.” She protested sharply.

“That is not your decision to make. I’m ordering you to attend this feast. And when that boy attempts to court you, you will allow it. If you don’t I will be forced to reconsider King Odin’s proposal.” His shoulders squared as he raised a hand pointing at her firmly.

Morgana felt herself shake. “You would sell me to the man who murdered my father and conquered his lands?”

“If you leave me no choice then I will have to put the good of Camelot above your personal happiness.” He declared sharply, as if this made it right. “Now, you will go to this feast, and you will speak to this son of Rodor’s and you will smile and encourage him. Is that understood?”

She had to hold in her panic. Swallowing she grimaced. If she pushed further he’d go through with his threat of Odin. “I won’t forgive you if you make me do this.”

“You will see that it is for your own good.” He reached out grabbing her arm and forcing her to keep moving with him.

Digging her heels in she glared as she yanked her arm out of his grip. “I am not piece of meat that you can sell!”

Uther turned, his face stormy. “I have treated you as a daughter. But if you refuse I will send you to the dungeons and you will not come out of them till I’ve decided on a marriage for you. And then you’ll be your husband’s.”

////

Morgana sat rigidly in her seat. Her face was completely pale as she stared blankly at her plate filled with food she couldn’t stomach the idea of eating. Her smile felt brittle as she forced herself through the banal pleasantries expected of her. It wasn’t surprising that she found herself sitting besides Karac, but it still made her feel like she was drowning.

“Are you looking forward to the tournament?” Karac asked clearly trying to form a conversation now that the pleasantries were out of the way. He had a certain hopefulness to his face. “I know I am, not that I like hitting people with swords and all that. But it’s really satisfying to be good at something and well I always enjoyed watching when I was younger. The colors and there’s always special food being sold on the streets. Like those roasted pigeons on a spit with the honey sauce? I love those. They’re like the best things and they only sell them at the tourneys. Do they have them here?”

She swallowed while reaching out for her wine. “I don’t eat the tourney food.”

“Oh.” Karac awkwardly stuffed a piece of meat into his mouth. As he chewed his eyes lit up and he quickly swallowed. “Well what type of food do you like? Food’s ever so important. I always like trying new foods.”

“Edible.” Morgana took a drink from her chalise. She needed it, maybe she could pretend it had gone to her head before the next course and make her excuses?

She could hear the boy shifting slightly. “I um...well uh what do you like to do?”

Morgana wanted to scream. Turning to put him off with another one word answer she saw his stupid face looking oh so innocent. As if he wasn’t trying to buy her like a piece of cattle. Her temper flared. How dare he act like he wasn’t forcing her into a corner? Narrowing her eyes she glared at him. “I like to sword fight, particularly while wearing pants. I also enjoy ale more than wine, and I’ve made a courtier cry three times this year so far and I take great pleasure in it. I outride the knights regularly and I certainly don’t like embroidery.”

Gaping Karac stared at her in a sort of horror. He really looked rather like someone had hit him over the head. Every eye within hearing distance was looking now. He seemed to pick up on that as he attempted to speak. It came out as more of a squeak. “Embroider?”

She stood up. “My apologies, I’m not feeling well.” Turning to the truly murderous gaze of Uther she curtsied slightly. “Your Majesty.” Before sweeping out of the room.

////

Uther threw a pitcher against the wall letting it shatter into a hundred pieces. “How dare she!?”

“Sire,” Gaius said cautiously from where he was standing to the side. “Might I suggest giving the lady Morgana some time to adjust to the idea? These things take time. Perhaps not...surprising her with it would be a better approach?”

Uther whirled round glaring at his advisor. “She openly defied me! Ruined the opportunity for a marriage with that boy.”

“Perhaps not.” Gaius started, the man folded his hands in front of him. “Morgana is a beautiful lady. Any man would accept she simply was feeling unwell than the alternative. I suggest you let things fall where they may. There is no taking back what happened tonight.”

He felt his chest heave in anger as he tried to calm himself down. “I should send her to the dungeons to think about what she’s done.”

“Sire, perhaps a gentle touch?” Gaius said while remaining distant. “Let her come round to the idea. Perhaps she will take the suitors who come here more seriously now?”

“Fine. I will do this as you suggest. But if she challenges me like this again I won’t be so lenient.” Uther dropped down into his chair with a groan. “Where did I go wrong Gaius? Why must she defy me so?”

Gaius shuffled closer. “I believe it’s a natural progression with ladies your majesty.”

////

Gwen rubbed circles on Morgana’s back. “We’ll just have to get him to break it off.”

“I doubt that will be the problem.” Morgana croaked as she hugged knees to her chest. “Uther will never forgive me for this.”

Gwen clenched her teeth, she’d gotten the story out of her friend through sobs. The king was an awful man, but she’d never thought he would go about the inevitable with Morgana in such an awful way. “Well he’ll just have to. Anyways Karac looked more surprised than upset. Waived any attempts to apologize for you.”

“Is that a good thing though?” She looked up at her through red rimmed eyes. “I’ll throw myself from the tower before I let Uther marry me to Odin. But that doesn’t...”

“Doesn’t mean that Karac isn’t a horrible person secretly.” Gwen finished for her. Wrapping her arm around Morgana’s shoulders she settled beside her hugging her gently. “Arthur and Merlin will help. If he turns out to be a horrible person we can scare him off. Or maybe Arthur can intercede for you with Uther.”

“Uther listen to reason?” Morgana scoffed. “That’s never going to happen.”

Gwen rubbed her thumb in circles against Morgana’s shoulder. “Well, maybe he isn’t so bad. All the ladies of the court seem quite taken with him. He is handsome, and if the rumors are true not a bad person.”

“I don’t want to be wed just to become the broodmare for some man. Regardless of whether he can make air headed idiots swoon.” Morgana snarled slightly.

“That’s not fair.” Gwen chided her gently. “They want a husband their age and he has land, position and is young.” She snickered. “Merlin thinks he looks rather like a girl though. Must be the french in him.”

Morgana let out an unladylike chuckle. “God, and he rambles worse than Merlin.”

“Really? What was he talking to you about at the table?” Gwen hugged her friend close and felt some ease. Talking badly of the visiting lord was completely something she could do.

“Food, he wouldn’t shut up about it. Something about tourny stand food.” She sighed leaning her head against Gwen’s shoulder.

Gwen considered the problem. “Well his mother was french. You know how odd they are about food. I even heard that they eat snails over there sometimes!”

“Worse they use cream sauces so the taste of rotten meat can’t be tasted.” Morgana’s nose scrunched up.

Gwen’s face crinkled up in horror. She would never understand foreign nobility. “He’s going to lose horribly to Arthur in the tourney next week you know. Maybe he’ll be so embarrassed he’ll never show his face here again?”

“He is isn’t he.” Morgana bit her lip in amusement. “He’s certainly doesn’t look strong enough to lift a sword. Arthur will beat him black and blue.”

“I almost feel bad for him.” She pressed a handkerchief into Morgana’s hand as she continued speaking. “This whole thing won’t last a month. And after that you should have some time before Uther brings it up again.”

Morgana wiped at her face. “Thank you Gwen, I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“Stab unsuspecting suitors?” She teased gently.

“Probably.” Morgana straightened a bit, pulling away from her arms. “Would you mind setting out my purple gown with the sheer blue sleeves and the gold detailing.”

Gwen grinned as she stood up from the bed. “Of course my lady.”

“If Uther wants me to do this let’s make this Karac feel like the idiot boy he is. I don’t want to see a single white or soft colored piece of clothing while he’s here. Dark colors only. We’re going to intimidate him and then let Arthur humiliate him.” Morgana’s eyes glinted.

Gwen smiled as she pulled out the requested dress. She felt a little bad for the man, but well she cared for Morgana more than she cared for the feelings of some foreigner. “Perhaps the darker lip paint for a few days?”

“Excellent idea.” Morgana stood as well coming to join her by her assortment of dresses. “We’re going to make him feel like a little boy who’s been sent to bed.”

Frowning Gwen tilted her head. “Perhaps avoid the green for a while my lady? It is Nemeth’s color.”

“The forest green, but other shades I believe will still be acceptable though.” Morgana ran her finger along a lovely sage green sleeve. “It is my color. Also emerald green is a strong color.”

////

Karac sat slumped on in the chair by the fire in their sister’s room. “That couldn’t have gone worse.”

“She could have dumped her wine over your head.” Mithian said helpfully from where she was working the pins out of her hair. “What on earth did you say to her?”

“I don’t know.” They groaned. “I was just trying to start a conversation. I tried to ask her about the tourney and the food and then I asked her what she liked to do. I don’t know where I went wrong.”

Mithian let out a resigned sigh. “Well, you did learn some about her. Though try not to insult the woman again. Maybe offer to spar with her tomorrow? She did seem rather keen on the practice if her words are anything to go by. Also it might help her to get her irritation out practically.”

Karac perked up. “That’s a good idea! Why didn’t I think of that?”

“Because you’re you.” Mithian said while taking off her earrings. “And try not to eat like a starved dog. It’s your worst habit.” She gave them a pleading look. “Please try to fix whatever it is going on with the lady Morgana. We need good relations with Camelot. Just befriend her, you can be charming when you want.”

“No I’m not.” Karac protested, their brow crinkling. “I know you say I am but I’m not.”

Mithian let out a sigh. “Just...try not to stick your foot in your mouth again.”