1. 𝕻𝖆𝖕𝖊𝖗 𝖂𝖎𝖓𝖌𝖘 • bbc merlin

𝔠𝔥𝔞𝔭𝔱𝔢𝔯 𝔰𝔦𝔵𝔱𝔢𝔢𝔫

📍 Camelot

⏳ April, 504 AD

Dallas and I returned from a peaceful morning ride to find a frantic Merlin leaning against the white fence of my horse's paddock. "Hey, what's wrong?" I asked, instantly worried about him. "You did not hear the warning bells?" he replied with his own question. I tilted my head. "Well, no, we were away," I responded. He huffed and looked around nervously for a few seconds, then motioned for me to come closer. 

I hopped off the Thoroughbred and loosened his girth before stepping next to my friend. 

"Astra, I broke the law," Merlin whispered. "What? Without me? Rude!" I replied, earning a pointed look from my friend. "This is a serious matter," he scolded. "A seerioos mattah, chew say?" I said, mocking his accent. "Astra!" he exclaimed in exasperation. "Sorry," I sighed, "What did you do?" "I rescued a druid boy from the citadel after Uther sent the knights after him and his guardian while they were shopping. The boy is safe with Morgana and Gwen, for the time being, but his guardian will be executed soon," he explained. 

I looked down as I felt a pang in my chest. "Oh shoot, poor kid," I mumbled, feeling empathetic. I prayed that his guardian wasn't the only person in his life. I can't imagine what would've happened to me if Gustab and Kelly hadn't taken me in. "I'm gonna talk to Utah," I stated decisively, going to untack Dallas. "Do you think he will listen?" Merlin asked nervously. "I'm not sure. But I have to at least try," I replied with a shrug. 

I led my horse into his paddock and then began making my way towards the castle. "Good luck!" Merlin called after me. I turned around and saluted him before continuing. 

"Hey, Lee. Where's Utah?" I asked Sir Leon as I came across him in the corridor. "Hello, my Lady," I huffed at the title, "He is in the Council Chamber," the knight replied. "Cool. Thanks, buddy," I gave him a small grin before jogging up to said room.

An upset-looking Arthur left it just as I arrived at the door. He looked down at me and sighed. "Do not bother, he will not change his mind about the execution," he told me sadly. My eyes widened, then I frowned and tilted my head as I analysed him. I was shocked that he had apparently tried to talk his father out of killing the druid man. "Wow," was all I could say in a soft mumble. 

He reached forwards to put a hand on my shoulder. I followed his movements with my gaze as my heart began to race, then returned my eyes to his. They were cloudy and remorseful. "It is unfair, I know, but there is nothing we can do," he said softly and squeezed me gently before walking away. 

I stared after him for a few moments, stunned as I could still feel the tingle of his touch on my shoulder. Then I remembered the pressing matters at hand and shook my head to rid it of the confusing emotions I was feeling, already trying to think of a plan B to save the little boy.