In a land of myth and a time of magic, the destiny of a great kingdom rests on the shoulders of a young girl. Her name: Merlyn. But what happens when Merlyn's vagabond older brother, Gwaine, shows up?

The small village in front of him was remenisant of days gone by. It reminded Gwaine of Ealdor and his family there. He wondered what he would have to do to get kicked out of this place; like Ealdor, it was probably full of nice people who wouldn't begrudge him anything. Unlike Ealdor, Gwaine knew he would be welcomed here. Ealdor had always been uncomfortable for him. Gwaine figured he'd feel this way even if he'd lived there his whole life.

He arrived at the tavern and ordered some mead. Thinking of Ealdor always made him think of his mother…and of Merlyn. Gwaine hadn't seen his little sister since he was fifteen, when he'd decided Ealdor wasn't for him, and took off. It'd been eleven years…and he hadn't sent them word at all. He felt slightly guilty about that.

He kept finding ways to put it off, or convincing himself that they probably didn't even live there anymore. He knew it was cowardice. He wasn't known for his courage. He was known for his strength. It just seemed that the only strength he lacked was the strength to face his family again. He missed them desperately, though, and thought of them often.

Hunith had to be in her forties by now. She was still in her thirties when he left, still quite young. Had she ever married? Had she ever had any more children? Did she miss Gwaine as much as he missed her? Most of all, Gwaine wondered about Merlyn. Merlyn had been twelve years old when Gwaine left. She'd be twenty three now. Gwaine wondered if Merlyn had married and had children yet. There were two village boys, Artie and Will, who'd been quite in love with Merlyn, it was quite possible.

In his head, Gwaine had created a whole life for his little sister. Merlyn grew up strong and independent and beautiful. She'd out grown her ears and her cheekbones were just right. She'd grown out of her lanky, clumsy self. She'd married Artie (Gwaine just couldn't picture her with Will) when they were seventeen and had two children and one on the way. Hunith was a doting grandmother and Merlyn was a loving mother.

He never even considered the notion that Merlyn had left Ealdor. It just wasn't in the girl. Merlyn loved Ealdor; she'd lived her whole life there. Gwaine hadn't seen the place until his eighth year. Gwaine's father had taken Hunith's dignity when she was sixteen. He'd come back later and taken their infant child with him.

Gwaine had spent the first years of his life at court before being sent back to Ealdor. Sir Ector had made arrangements, in case of his death, to send Gwaine back to his mother…Gwaine was eight when Sir Ector was killed by Camelot's knights.

Hunith and Merlyn did not know how to act around this boy who had just lost his father. Hunith hadn't seen her son in eight years and knew positively nothing about him. Gwaine had never heard tell of his mother, or of his half sister. Merlyn had looked at him like she was sizing him up for a good fight. It took everyone almost a year to get used to one another.

Gwaine let out a weary sigh and called for some ale. He was not usually a melancholy drunk. He was usually a cheerful, if slightly violent, drunkard. What was worse was Gwaine wasn't drunk; he hadn't had a drink in a fortnight. He's not even sure he wants this second drink, and that scares him. The prattle of the tavern is silenced when the doors open. Two tall travelers stood in the doorway.

The man waved cheerily and the woman other scowled at him. Once the villagers have decided these people are no threat they go back to normal. They find a table toward the left and Gwaine watches them. He doesn't know why, perhaps it's because he has nothing else to do.

The man (hereto called Blondie) is cheery and happy to be there. He is slightly shorter than Gwaine and slightly bulkier. The kind of bulk that comes from years spent training to fight. Gwaine was no fool and could see that this man is more likely than not, a trained fighter. The question is, where did he train, and in what? Perhaps he was one of Uther's knights? Gwaine harbored a deep seated resentment towards the man; he'd killed his father after all. Merlyn had hated Uther as well but she'd never said why.

The woman seemed to have a naturally happy disposition but she was scowling at her friend. She was, maybe, one or two inches taller than normal and roughly fifteen pounds lighter. She was pale, with dark hair, and ridiculous cheekbones. She seemed cheered by something Mary said to her and she produced a goofy grin that instantly reminded Gwaine of Merlyn.

The man looked eerily similar to the way Merlyn had, last Gwaine had seen her. Gwaine couldn't decide if it was because he had been thinking about his sister, or if she could actually be his estranged kin. But no, Gwaine had always assumed Merlyn would grow out of her awkwardness, and he'd also decided Merlyn would never leave Ealdor.

The comfortable chatter of the tavern was interrupted (again!) when a large man rudely barged in. Everyone suddenly became very interested in anything but the man. The barmaid, the maybe-sister, and the Blondie are the only other people paying them any attention. Mary looks scared and annoyed. Maybe-sister looks suspiciously at the man, and Blondie looks intrigued.

"Afternoon Mary! Business looks good." The man calls.

"We've had our better days."

"I don't suppose you'd begrudge me my share then?" Mary tossed him some coins. "And the rest?"

"That's all we got." The man (who Gwaine recognizes as the thug Dagr) growls and grabs the front of her dress, pointing a dagger at her. Gwaine chuckles quietly at the irony of this. Blondie is out of his chair in an instant and the girl sighs in exasperation.

"I'll not ask again."

"Take your hands off her!" The blonde demands superiorly. A small scuffle ensures and everyone watches in amusement, horror, and shock…or a mixture of the feelings.

"I'm gonna make you pay for that." The brute threatens.

"I'd like to see you try." The raven haired girl chuckles before instantly cursing herself for never filtering what she has to say. The man whistles loudly and several more large thugs barge in.

"You had to open your big mouth, didn't you Merlyn?" Blondie moans. Gwaine's head whips towards her, knowing her to be his sister, but not believing it. Merlyn shrugs helplessly and watches as Gwaine saunters between the prince and the ruffian.

"You two have got yourselves in a bit of a pickle, haven't you?" he chuckles.

"You should get out of here while you have the chance." Blondie warns him.

"You're probably right." Gwaine smirks, taking a swig from his drink. He hands Dagr his empty cup and proceeds to punch him in the face. The entire tavern erupts into a writhing, swirling mass of chaos as everyone finds someone to take out their frustration on. Merlyn shrugs and throws herself into the brawl. Narrowly missing getting knocked out with a chair, thanks to a warning from Blondie.

Merlyn turns and slides under the bar to protect Mary as she tries to save her wares. Gwaine swaggers up to them, and stops. He had a man pinned in a head lock and promptly concusses the man.

"Pass the jug, eh?" Merlyn passes him the jug and he gulps down half it and then smashes it on an attacker's head. "Such a waste, eh? What do they call you, then?" he asks, wanting to be sure he heard right.

"You've hardly changed Gwaine." Merlyn smirks, tossing another just at someone behind Gwaine. Gwaine narrows his eyes at her in suspicion. "It's me, Merlyn." Merlyn chuckles. Gwaine marvels about how calm Merlyn is in a bar fight and reunited with his brother. Merlyn had never seemed like the type to get into a serious fight.

"Little sister!" Gwaine laughs in surprise but Merlyn's turned pale.

"Arthur!" she calls out in warning. Gwaine turns to see Blondie and Dagr facing off; Dagr has another dagger in his hand. Gwaine rolls his eyes at the man's originality. He lunges at the man, and ends up with the knife in his thigh. He tries to stand but stumbles, hitting his head on a bench and passing out.

When Gwaine wakes up he's not at the tavern. He's in a smallish room, on a smallish bed and shirtless. He looks around in wonder and lets out a relieved sigh when he sees his things by the bed. The door opens and Merlyn enters. Gwaine rubs his eyes and looks at his sister.

"What am I doing in this bed?" he asks warily. He doesn't know what kind of person his sister has become; so far she's defied all Gwaine's expectations.

"You were wounded. Arthur wanted to make sure you were treated by his physician." Merlyn shrugs, as if it is no big deal, and everyone has their own physician. So the Arthur he rescued was not Ealdor's Artie, then.

"Arthur?"

"Prince Arthur. You saved his life." Merlyn explains, sitting down.

"If I'd known who he was, I probably wouldn't have. He's a noble. And Uther's son, to boot."

"Yeah, but he's a good man." Merlyn shrugs, surprising Gwaine once again.

"If you say so." Gwaine snorts.

"You're a hero, Gwaine. The King wants to thank you in person." Merlyn looks pleased and Gwaine balks at the idea.

"Please, no. I've met a few Kings. Once you've met one, you've…you've met them all." Merlyn ponders this for a moment.

"He'll probably give you a reward." Merlyn suggests. Gwaine wonders what became of his little sister. Had his leaving changed her enough to suggest meeting Uther?

"I'm not interested." He says simply.

"Why did you help us?" Merlyn asks. Gwaine could tell that saying he wanted to help his baby sister wouldn't cut it, and he thinks it over.

"Your chances looked between slim and none. I, er…I guess I just kind of like the look of those odds." Merlyn eyes him, like he's the one that's acting differently. The door opens again and an old man with wavy hair pokes his head in. He instantly reminds Gwaine of a turtle for some strange reason. A wise old snapping turtle.

"Merlyn if you don't hurry up and get Arthur his breakfast…" he said, leaving the threat open. Merlyn swore under her breath and tore out of the room, not bothering to say goodbye to her brother or the old turtle.

"Why would Merlyn get Arthur his breakfast?" he asks. The man looks back to him and Gwaine feels as though he's being studied.

"She's Arthur's servant."

"Merlyn?" Gwaine squawks in shock. "Merlyn would never do that! She hates the Pendragons!" it seems he's failed his test; the man frowns and raises a terrifying eyebrow.

"Merlyn and Arthur are friends. I don't know what gave you the impression that Merlyn hates the Pendragons. Especially seeing as you've known the girl for all of…" he looks at the window. "half a day." He raises his eyebrow and closes the door. So this man wasn't aware of Gwaine and Merlyn's relation. Interesting. Gwaine wondered at the fact that Merlyn didn't even tell the man she lived with, that she had a brother.

He pulls on his boots at goes to the window, to look at the kingdom he never wanted to enter. He had to admit that it was breathtaking. Gwaine wasn't one for such things, but he supposed that if he ever did stop wandering, he'd stop at a place like this. If only it didn't belong to Uther.

He pulled on his shirt and hobbled down the stairs. The physician, for that what who Gwaine assumed he was, didn't look up and simply pointed to a table. There was a small portion of food set out. Gwaine gently maneuvered himself into a chair and began to eat the porridge and watch the old man. He was mixing and crushing and pouring and studying everything on his table.

"So…what do they call you then?" Gwaine asked after a few moments. The man's eyebrow shot up to frightening heights.

"My name, is Gaius." He said, studying Gwaine again and then returning to his potions.

"And how do you know Merlyn?" Gwaine asked casually.

"She is my sister's daughter." The man remarked while sniffing a purple liquid. "And, she is my apprentice." It was Gwaine's turn to lift an eyebrow. This man was his uncle? Hunith had never mentioned the man. And Merlyn was studying medicine? Gwaine realized, suddenly, that eleven years was a very long time to go without knowing his family.

If Merlyn had changed so much in eleven years, how had his mother changed? The thought made Gwaine sick and suddenly, he couldn't eat another bite. Gaius checked his wound quickly and passed him off as healing. He sat there for a while and decided that if Gaius didn't know about him, he was going to keep it that way.

"Has Merlyn always lived in Camelot? Why isn't he with your sister?"

"No, Merlyn has only lived here for the past three years. She wasn't well liked in her home village. Her mother sent her to me, so I could teach her something useful." Merlyn wasn't well liked? Everybody loved Merlyn. It was Gwaine they hated. "Though I suppose the hate they felt for her was largely due to her status as a bastard."

The man had said it lightly, like it was no big deal. Gwaine had grown up being called a bastard and he knew how cutting the remarks could be. He'd never heard anyone call Merlyn that, even if she was one. The man was mixing potions again and pointedly ignoring him. Merlyn walked in with an armful of armor that she quickly deposited on the table.

She walked into her room without as much as a glance in Gwaine's direction. So…Gwaine thought, back to avoiding each other, not knowing what to think of the other. Just like when we first met, eh? Merlyn came back with a rag and some polish.

"Hey Gwaine." She pushed up his sleeves and began to vigorously polish the armor. Gwaine watched his sister work, in wonder. "Gaius, I'm going to need something for the pain; Arthur wants this done by noon." Merlyn moaned. Gaius chuckled and even Gwaine could tell that Merlyn didn't mind, not really.

"So…Merlyn," Merlyn glanced at him to show that she was listening, but didn't stop working. "How'd you become Arthur's servant?" Merlyn snorted.

"Saved the arse's life and Uther rewards me by making me Arthur's servant." Gwaine marveled at his little sister. "I still don't see how it's a reward. But it turns out, I'm the only servant that can put up with Arthur, and I'm the only servant he can put up with."

"They hated each other at first." Gaius chuckled. Merlyn pinked but didn't contradict him. "Merlyn tried to fight him the first they met, and ended up in the dungeons."

"Not, my best moment, I'll admit. But I've been to the dungeons for far worse things." Merlyn chuckled. Gwaine was completely baffled now. Fighting a prince was treason. What worse things had she done besides treason?

"Then after that," Gaius continued. "they got in another fight. This time, with maces involved." Merlyn turned positively red at that.

"I've still got the scars on my shoulders." Merlyn just chuckled like it was nothing and moved on to a new piece of armor. They sat in silence for several more moments. Gwaine was flabbergasted by his little sister. She was a woman now, who did (seemingly) violent, dangerous and/or treasonous things often enough to think them inconsequential.

"Oh, by the way, Merlyn, Gwen came by earlier. She wanted to talk to you about something. Perhaps she needs your help. Now that Lady Morgana has returned, Gwen's work load has doubled." Gwaine noticed that Merlyn's face got a pinched look when Gaius said the lady's name.

Merlyn had left to give Blondie his armor and Gwaine had decided to stroll through the lower town. He'd been thinking about his little sister the previous evening, and like his thoughts had summoned her, Merlyn had appeared. But she was unlike anything Gwaine had expected. In a way she was still the same Merlyn Gwaine had left years ago.

She seemed to get into fights or arguments regularly. She was still a klutz, still had ridiculous cheekbones and giant ears (which she'd learned to hide with her hair). She still had that distracted air about her. And her humor was still the same.

But something was different. She seemed happier, more sure of herself. Like she had a purpose in life and she was fulfilled, because she had found it. Even if it was just cleaning up after a spoilt princess. Speaking of princesses…Gwaine noticed a rather beautiful girl walking down the road.

Gwaine may not know his sister anymore but he did know other women. He stole a flower from a passing girl and presented it to the dark haired vixen.

"I believe this belongs to you." He smiled charmingly.

"I don't think so." She chuckled. "It's not my colour." Ah, she was playing hard to get.

"Ah, well, let us see." He beamed and placed it behind her ear.

"I bet you've got loads of those to hand out." She giggled. He liked her; she saw through him in seconds.

"Nope, yours is the only one." He smirks, holding up his hands as proof. She scoffed and tried to pass him. First he'd lost his understanding of his sister; he couldn't bear to lose his understanding of ladies altogether.

"I'm Gwaine." He said, stepping in front of her and offering his hand. She shakes it and tries to pass again. He pulls her back towards him. "You haven't told me your name. You look like a princess to me. So it's probably something like Sophie or…or Esmeralda. That's it. Princes Esmeralda." He bows deeply and is rewarded by a bright flush.

"Stop it! People are staring!" she looks mortified.

"Not until you tell me your name." he peeks up at her.

"It's Gwen."

"Ah, so this is the elusive Gwen!" she narrows her eyes at him. "I was just with Merlyn and Gaius mentioned you'd dropped by." He clarified.

"You are a friend of Merlyn's?" she eyed him like she didn't know what to make of him. Merlyn's friends liked to study him, it seemed.

"You could say that." He smiled charmingly. "Let's walk back together. Let me carry that." He gestures toward her basket. "A princess shouldn't' have to lump her washing around."

"Unfortunately I'm not a princess."

"Ah, but you see…you are to me." He beamed. She laughed a delightful little gurgle that he automatically adored. "This isn't working is it?"

"No, not really. But I like that you tried, and that you know when to give up." She pulled the flower out of her hair and handed it back. "You'd better have this, in case anyone else takes your fancy."

"I've only eyes for you."

"I'm sure." She was definitely amused. There was a snort from the side and they turned to see Merlyn standing there eating an apple.

"Goddesses, Guinevere, every time I bring home a stray, they all come running to your door."

"Oh, really?" she challenged; ignoring that Merlyn had just said something about the Old Religion in Camelot. Gwaine admired his sister's gumption. "Pray explain yourself?"

"I've been in Camelot, three years and you've had…" he pauses, "As many men, that I know of, groveling at your feet. You heartbreaker." She chuckled.

"And who would they be?" she scowled but everyone knew she wasn't really angry with her.

"Well, there's Lancelot," She began counting on her fingers. "Arthur, and now Gwaine!" Merlyn's eyes were laughing at her. She blushed and tucked a strand of hair away.

"You said every time you bring home strays? Make a habit of it do you?" Gwaine chuckled.

"I can't help it! It's part of my charm; they just flock to me!" Gwen giggled and patted her on the shoulder as she passed. Merlyn and Gwaine watched her go. "Word to the wise: leave her be; she's Arthur's girl." Merlyn said quietly, she sounded almost resigned.

"But she's a servant!"

"Yes, and they're keeping it on the down low. I know you're a drunkard, I just don't know what kind. If any word of this gets out…" Merlyn left the suggestion open. Gwaine studied her.

"What happened to you, little sister? You're different."

"No, I'm not. Really. You're just seeing me as a woman now, rather than your pathetic baby sister. I'd much appreciate it if you didn't mention our relation, by the way. It'd bring up questions I'd rather avoid." She scowled at a passing knight. "I hate the mêlée." She whispered and jogged off leaving Gwaine even more confused that before.

It was night time and Gwaine was plastered. He wanted to get away from the thought that he'd never noticed the person his sister was, before. Away from the thought that he'd babied her. Because he knew it had to be true. He looked up and suddenly, there she was, his baby sis in the flesh. She looked angry. Livid even.

"You drank all this?" she asked, gesturing toward the bill.

"With some help from my new friends!" Gwaine shouted and the tavern folk cheered.

"He says that he hasn't got any money. So it looks like you'll have to pay." The innkeeper frowned.

"But…I can't afford this."

"You better find someone who can." Gwaine laughed at this and fell off his chair. When he came to, Merlyn was dragging him toward the castle. He decided to help his little sis, unfortunately, his legs weren't working just right.

"You're the best friend I've ever had." He hiccupped as they entered the physician's chambers.

"You seem to have quite a few." Merlyn chuckled. Gwaine laughed as well.

"I'd love to see Arthur's face when he gets that bill." Gwaine slurred as he sat down.

"Right. What is it with you and nobles?"

"Oh, nothing. My father was a knight in Caerleon's army, you know. I don't know if mum ever told you. He died in battle…against Uther's army. Caerleon sent me straight home to Ealdor! I didn't even know you guys existed!"

"I didn't know about you either."

"Whatever. They're both responsible for my father's death. You know I hardly knew him?"

"What?"

"He was never around. I just have a few stories I've been told."

"Yeah," Merlyn sat next to him. "I know how that feels. I met my father, just briefly before he died." Gwaine looked at her in surprise. "He was banished."

"What had he done?" Hunith had never mentioned Merlyn's father.

"Nothing. He served the King."

"But the King turned against him? That doesn't surprise me." Gwaine supposed he should feel bad for turning the conversations back to himself but he was too drunk to care.

"Arthur's not like that." Merlyn defended. It sounded more like she was trying to convince herself and not Gwaine. Gwaine briefly wondered what Merlyn thought Arthur would turn on her for. He stood, shakily and made his way towards Merlyn's room.

"Maybe." He slurred. "But none of them are worth dying for, heh?" he laughed, hit his head on a wall and laughed again before passing out on the bed.

When Gwaine woke up he had a splitting headache. He looked around and noticed he was in Merlyn's be again. He vaguely wondered where she slept now. Merlyn strode through the door and handed him a foul smelling vial. She looked haggard and worn out, he'd seen women who looked like that after being harassed.

"Don't think about the smell, or the taste. Just down it. It's for hangovers." She chirped, searching through her belongings for something. Gwaine groaned and chugged the potion and sputtered at its horrid taste. Merlyn giggled and emerged with several rags and polish.

"Come on, dung-beetle, we have work to do." She kicked his foot and sauntered off. Gwaine chuckled at his old nickname. Then he paused…work? What work? He soon found out. An hour later found him in a throne room with Merlyn, polishing boots.

"Arthur is a thoroughbred little braggart." He moaned.

"Why?" Merlyn seemed inappropriately happy.

"For making us do this." Gwaine held up the boot he was cleaning.

"I think it's fair." Gwaine stared at his sister in horror.

"For the entire army?"

"If you admitted your father was a knight, you wouldn't have to." She smiled and reached for a new pair of boots.

"Maybe. But I'm not making the same mistakes that he did. Anyway, my father always treated his servants well."

"I thought you hardly knew him?"

"Well, I like to think that he did." He said defensively. "What about yours?"

"No, he didn't have any servants. He didn't have…well…anyone." Gwaine felt sad for his little sister.

"When did he die?"

"About a year ago." Gwaine winced. "I just wish that I had the chance to know him better. There was so much that he could have taught me."

"But you did get to meet him."Gwaine said, trying to cheer his sister up. He wondered what she wanted her father to teach her.

"Yeah." She sighed. Obviously it was still painful. Gwaine cursed himself for bringing this up.

"If there's one thing that I learned from my father's life, it's that titles don't mean anything/ it's what's inside," he slapped her knee with the brush. "that counts."

"Ow." She glared, rubbing her knee.

Later that night, Gwaine watched and Gaius bandaged Merlyn's finger and she explained what happened. "To the eye the sword appeared blunt, but when I touched it…" she grimaced.

"You were lucky." Gwaine growled. 'I've seen those blades in action. They're forged using sorcery."

"What would they want with such a blade?" Gaius asked.

"I think they mean to kill Arthur in the mêlée." Merlyn sighed wearily, as if threats on the princes' life happened all the time.

"But in front of all those people?" Gaius seemed skeptical.

"It's the perfect cover. If they succeed, nobody will suspect it was intentional." Yes, Gwaine could see the merits of this plan. If Uther had been fighting, Gwaine probably would have stolen their swords to kill the king.

"I need to warn Arthur." Merlyn said suddenly.

"Merlyn, Sir Oswald's a knight. He comes from a well respected family. You can't accuse him without proof."

"Then we need that blade."

"I'll get it!" Gwaine said, rising. There was no way in hell he was letting his little sister go into their den.

"What if they catch you? What reason would you have to be in Sir Oswald's chamber? No, it's safer if I do it." Gwaine didn't like it and after a bit more arguing he reluctantly agreed. He began pacing though when she didn't return within a few minutes.

"Merlyn should be back by now." He growled.

"I know." Gaius sighed.

"I'm going to see what's going on." He turned and stalked to the door.

"Gwaine!" Gaius called after him but he was already gone. When Gwaine got there, his blood went cold. The "knights" were throwing daggers at and swinging swords at his baby sister.

"Is there a problem here?" he growled.

"No, now leave." Sir Oswald grumbled.

"You alright Merlyn?" Merlyn shook her head and mouthed no. Gwaine couldn't tell if she was saying she wasn't alright or if she was telling him to back off.

"I thought I told you to leave?" Sir Oswald growled.

"I wasn't talking to you." Gwaine snapped. Merlyn groaned at his mistake.

"How dare you speak to a knight like that!" Sir Ethan spat and attacked Gwaine. Gwaine quickly disarmed him and Sir Oswald attacked.

"Careful!" Merlyn screeched.

"Don't worry little sister, I can handle this thug." Sir Ethan decided to attack from behind while Gwaine was facing off Sir Oswald. As he turned to knock Sir Ethan down, Sir Oswald attacked from behind. Yes, this was definitely dirty fighting.

"Watch out!" Merlyn's voice was reaching hysteria. Gwaine disarmed Sir Oswald right as one of the King's knights entered.

"What is going on here?" Sir Leon asked. Gwaine turned to look and Sir Oswald knocked him to the floor.

"This man attacked me! I demand an audience with the King!"

Gwaine was dragged into the council chamber in chains. He saw Merlyn watching him with concern on her face. He winked at her but her worry increased.

"Sire, this man attacked me, with a sword, tried to kill me." Sir Oswald declared.

"Is t his true?" Uther growled. Gwaine narrowed his eyes.

"I stepped in to protect Merlyn."

"I tried to talk to him. He was like a man possessed. I'm sure Sir Ethan will back me up."

"Indeed. I can vouch for his every word."

"He's a liar!" Gwaine roared.

"I will have your tongue! How dare you speak to a knight in that way?!" Gwaine was hating Uther more and more by the second.

"Nobility is defined by what you do and not by who you are. And these men are anything but. They are arrogant thugs!" Merlyn smiled slightly and it gave Gwaine more confidence.

"Gwaine!" Arthur warned.

"Well, you see, Sire, how he behaves." Sir Oswald preened.

"I've heard enough. For a commoner to attack a nobleman is in violation of the Knight's code."

"I couldn't agree with you more, Sire. He must be made an example of."

"Sir Oswald, please!" Arthur pleaded.

"Nothing less than his execution will give me satisfaction." Merlyn glared threateningly at the man.

"Father, I understand how this must look, it's an embarrassing situation. Sir Oswald is a dear friend, and or guest here in Camelot. But Gwaine is my guest here, too. And he may not be of noble birth, but I can vouch that he has a noble heart." Arthur defended. Gwaine was taken back. This snot nosed princess was defending him? Merlyn smiled and Gwaine and then sidled out of one of the side doors.

"How can you say that when you see the way he behaves?" the King demanded.

"Gwaine risked his life to save mine. I beg you, please, if a knight's word is his bond, then I give you my word Gwaine is a good man. He deserves clemency." Gwaine stared at the prince in wonder.

"You are banished from Camelot. If you ever return, you will pay for it with your life. You have until dawn to leave the city." Uther declared.

"My King! Wait!" Merlyn gasped, rushing into the chamber. She panted for a second. "I have something you should see." She passed the king a scroll. Gwaine's blood turned cold. He knew what it was. He just didn't know how she'd gotten it. Arthur took the scroll from her and opened it. He paled and looked at Gwaine in shock and then handed the paper to Uther. He read it and a muscle worked in his mouth.

"This is a patents of nobility." He stated.

"Is it?" Gwaine glared at Merlyn but she wasn't looking at him

"Yes, my King. Sir Gwaine is the son of the late Sir Ector. Who was a knight of Caeleon's." Merlyn said, smiling at Sir Oswald smugly. Sir Oswald glared back.

"This changes everything." The king murmured. "Why did you say nothing?" he demanded suddenly.

"I don't exactly look like nobility right now do I?" Gwaine snipped. "And why would you believe me?" the King nodded as though it made sense.

"Explain why you were in their chambers."

"I was walking by and the door was open." Gwaine was no fool; he was going to seize this opportunity with both hands. "I heard a tussle and found them…attacking….Merlyn. I stepped in to help her." He said looking at Arthur instead of the King. Arthur's eyes flashed with worry and he looked to his maid. She didn't even acknowledge him. She'd blushed and looked at her feet.

"Is this true?" the King asked Merlyn. She nodded mutely. Sir Oswald and Sir Ethan tried to protest. The King held up a hand to stop them. "Why did you say nothing?"

"What reason would you have to believe me, Sire?" she mumbled. The King sighed. "And this patents is real?" Gwaine and his sister nodded.

"This better not be like the time you forged one for Lancelot." Arthur sighed. Merlyn turned very pink and looked at the ceiling. Gwaine stared at his sister in wonder.

"This is serious…we will decided after the mêlée. You may stay." He said to Gwaine. "Release him." He snapped at a knight and dismissed Sir Oswald and Sir Ethan. Then he turned to Merlyn. "There's an ink stain on here, next to Sir Gwaine's name."

"Oh, yes that would be his sister. I may have….accidentally…spilt some ink on there." Merlyn blundered.

"Why did you have ink near this?" the King growled, thinking she'd forged this one as well.

"I was practicing my writing and the writing on there is just names so I figured I'd try it. Sorry I blotted out your sister Gwaine." She blushed. Arthur narrowed his eyes at her, as did Gaius. Apparently Gwaine wasn't the only one who knew she was fully literate. More so than him even. The King dismissed them and Merlyn grabbed Gwaine's arm and skipped away with them. Gwaine could feel Arthur's narrowed eyes burning a hole in his back.

"Where did you get that? I burned mine." Gwaine asked, gesturing to the scroll in her hand. "And which sister did you blot out; I have five, not counting yourself."

"It's mine." She whispered. I blotted out my own name." Gwaine stared at her in confusion. "Sir Ector gave me a patents of nobility, claiming me as his own. He wanted to make sure I had a good life."

"And yet you work as a servant when you could be a lady of the court?"

"Come off it! Me a lady? I'm just me. I'm not that special. But I do appreciate your father's gesture."

"If you became a lady you could marry Arthur." He suggested. She looked at him, scandalized. "You come off it! I know you like him and I know he likes you!" They ran into Gwen suddenly. Merlyn blushed and looked away. Gwaine hoped the girl hadn't heard what he'd just said.

"I heard what happened." She smiled.

"Yeah, well, there you go." Gwaine shrugged.

"You did a brave thing."

"Hell of a lot of good it did me." He smirked. Merlyn rolled her eyes.

"I know Arthur. He's not like Uther. You saved his life, I'm sure one day he'll repay you."

"He tried to speak up for me."

"Arthur's fair. He's loyal. He'll be a great king. I know he will."

"Clearly. If he makes everyone feel the way that you do. At least now I know why you turned me down."

"It's not just me that says that." Gwen blushed and scurried away. She passed Arthur and they both blushed and bowed and continued on. Arthur clapped Gwaine on the back.

"Sir Gwaine huh?" Gwaine shrugged and noticed Merlyn trying very hard not to stare at the prince. "I'm glad Merlyn found your seal. Merlyn." Arthur nodded to her and blushed slightly. Merlyn rolled her eyes and watched him go with a sort of resigned longing.

"I told you." Gwaine nudged her side. Arthur had stopped to talk to the Lady Morgana and was watching them out of the corner of his eye.

"What?" she hissed, watching Morgana.

"He fancies you, you fancy him. Become a lady and he'll make you his in no time!"

"He fancies Gwen!" Gwaine noticed that she didn't deny her own affections.

"I know, but he fancies you as well."

"Gwaine stop. Please." Gwaine blushed and looked away. They were quiet as they passed the prince and lady. "I'll race you home dung-beetle!" Merlyn yelled suddenly, taking off.

"Oi! No fair!" Gwaine took off after his sister.

The mêlée was a mass of chaos. Merlyn had no taste for the thing but Gwaine loved a good fight. Merlyn helped him prepare for the fight and she tied a scarf around his arm. They'd decided that the only way to save Arthur was for Gwaine to save him on the field. Gwaine ended up stabbing both "knights".

"They'll expect us to fight to the end now." Arthur groaned. He pulled off his helmet and the crowd cheered. "You fought bravely. The field is yours." Gwaine stabbed his sword into the ground and pulled off his visor. "I should have known. Nobody fights like you do." Arthur chuckled.

In the end, Gwaine decided to leave Camelot. He was glad that he got to see his sister again. He stopped and said goodbye to Gwen on his way out. He figured it would be best to leave while Merlyn was busy. As he watched Gwen walk away he saw Merlyn and Arthur at the castle watching him. Merlyn held up a hand and ran away. Gwaine sighed, knowing Merlyn would force a goodbye out of him; he didn't say goodbye last time. Merlyn tore down the street and crashed into him, embracing him in a fierce hug.

"Why do you have to go?" she mumbled into his chest.

"I never stay in one place for very long. People get sick of me too quickly."

"I didn't."

"After the trouble I caused."

"You lived the place up." Gwaine chuckled at that. "I missed you, you know. I used to wait on the hill every morning and evening and wait for you to come back." She still hadn't let go of him. Gwaine could tell she was crying.

"When did you stop?" he wanted to know when she'd given up on him.

"When I left Ealdor. I couldn't wait for you in Camelot; you wouldn't know I'd be here."

"You waited every morn and eve for nine years?" she nodded and sniffled.

"Yeah, well, make sure you look after Arthur. Something tells me he's in danger."

"I thought you hated nobles?" she joked, pulling back to look at him.

"Heh, well…maybe that one's worth dying for, eh?" he said wiping her tears.

"Where will you go?"

"I was thinking Mercia." He shrugged.

"It's dangerous." She scolded.

"Yeah. And you get a lot more ale for your coin. I'm joking!" he laughed when she scowled.

"Why not stay?" she mumbled, hugging him again.

"I could never serve under a man like Uther."

"Yet you helped Arthur."

"He stood up for me."

"I knew he would."

"That showed he is, indeed, a noble man."

"Then why don't you stay?" she pleaded, looking up at him. He sighed. "You could be a knight. Like your father. You and Arthur, you fought well together."

"Then maybe one day we will again." He wiped her tears again. "I'll miss you baby sis."

"Please don't just vanish without a trace again." She sobbed.

"I'll write."

"Promise?"

"It'll just be drunk tavern stories." He laughed.

"Good, I need a good story to liven up my week. Promise you'll write?"

"Whenever I can." He looked at saw Arthur approaching. "I love you Merly." He smiled at flicked her nose.

"I love you too, dung-beetle." She sighed and pulled away far enough that Arthur and Gwaine could talk privately.

"Take care of her, would you, princess?" Arthur raised a brow at his nickname. "That little girl means the world to me. You hurt her feelings and I'll rip your eyes out." Gwaine threatened.

"Why would I hurt her?"

"Look, I may be a drunken playboy…but I know love when I see it." Arthur pinked at that. "I know you love her. I also know you love Gwen. But if you break Merlyn's heart…I'll come back and you won't like it." He clapped Arthur on the shoulder. "Take care princess." He turned to leave but Merlyn attacked him with a bear hug again and kissed his cheek.

"Take care of yourself dung-beetle."

"You too, Merly." He kissed her cheek and was off. When he got to the forest line he looked back and saw Merlyn crying into Arthur's chest. Yes, Arthur would take care of her, and she would take care of him. Gwaine's little sister was an amazing little girl with a bright future.