Gwen had a little time to herself that morning so she decided to go for a walk slightly hoping to run into her friend Alice.

She had meet Alice a year back while she was getting herds for Gaius. Alice was up in tree munchin' on and apple when bandits attacked Gwen. Alice jumped out of the tree landing on one of then gaining her balance she then proceeded to defend the rest off.

Gwen was grateful and offered for her to stay in her house for the night. Alice hesitantly agreed, but when Gwen woke up the next morning Alice was gone and a breakfast was made for her along with a thank you card. Since then Alice showed up randomly during the day but always disappeared while Gwen was asleep.

Sadly today wasn't a day Alice was around so she walked around absently walking towards the castle. As she was walking she noticed a depressed Merlin sitting on the stairs staring off into space. "Hello, Merlin." She greeted happily trying to lighten his mood.

Merlin glanced up mumbling. "All right?" She didn't entirely know what that meant but she sat down by him because he clearly need some cheering up.

Unsure how to help she decided to ask him the question that had been bothering her since the night before. "Is it true what you said about Valiant using magic?" Merlin nods not looking at her. Gwen clasped her hands together biting her lip. "What are you going to do?"

Merlin looks over to her with a scoff. "Why does everyone seem to think it's down to me to do something about it?"

She was a lost for words. She hadn't meant to put all the pressure on him but it did seem like he was the right man for the job. "Because it is! Isn't it? You have to show everyone that you were right and they were wrong."

Now both were on their feet. Merlin was a bit frustrated. "And how do I do that?" He said gesturing around searching for an answer.

Gwen glances around with him shrugging, "I don't know."

Merlin finds something he believes is called hope or a dog statue. Slowly a plan began to form in his head. "That's it." Merlin says smiling waking over to the dog statue.

Gwen followed behind him watching as he tried to pick up the doe statue. Giggling she asked, "Where are you going?"

With a finally try of picking up to dog he turns to Gwen. "Do you have a wheelbarrow?" Confused she nodded turning and racing towards her house for her wheelbarrow.
~~~~~~~~~~
Artura woke up with her back aching. She had ended up sleeping on the floor that night and not in a comfortable position. She had done some stretches and eaten breakfast but her muscles still cried in agony.

"Ahh," Artura groaned rubbing her back. "I wonder if Gaius has something to help." They had one day of rest before the final fight and this morning Artura was nothing but grateful.

Checking in the mirror to make sure she was properly dressed in prince attire she exited her room going straight to Gaius's chambers.

Artura hoped Gaius wasn't there she felt bad about what she had done but there wasn't any chance she was going to take it back until her name was cleared. It was dump and selfish but she didn't want him thinking she liked him or anything. Also she was worried her father would get on her back about it.

She walked slowly with a slight limp on her right leg since that was where the majority of the pain was coming from. Many servants rushed to her side offering help but she waved them all off. She needed a break from nosy servants. She needed to practice like crazy otherwise her fight would end with her dead sooner than she would like.

The stairs to his room were agonizing and long. She sort of wished she was brave enough to ask one of the guards to help her up, however, she had always been taught to appear strong in front of all and asking for help up the stairs was in her category for weak.

The door was only a step away and she managed to make it up without falling on her face. The whole walk to his place and her back seemed to hurt more and more.

Unlike Merlin her manners were always on point so she knocked on the door leaning against the wall waiting for Gaius. The old man opened the door his smile fading to worry.

"What happened Artura?" He asked ushering her in checking around to make sure no one was around to here.

"In not sure. I thought it was just a knot from sleeping weird last night but it got worse as I came here." Artura explained taking a slow and careful seat on his bench.

"I didn't mean that I mean what happened last night your jaw is a little bruised as well. What did Uther do?" Gaius interrogated. The memory of the night before resurfaced she had pushed it away not wanting to think about it.

"He just got a bit angry that's all I'm fine." Artura waved it off. She realized that her back probably hurt from running unto her table and wall, that plus sleeping on the ground in a strange position squealed her back in bad shape. Gaius's whole aura softened.

"Could you please get me something to help with the pain and hide the bruises. No need for people to get..."

"The right idea," Gaius said interrupting her. She frowned looking down at the ground nodding. He gave a small nod back fetching some medicine and cream.

From there he went to work helping her to the best of his abilities. Not once did he ask her to drop out of the fight he understood that backing out came out as worse than death when it came to her father. And so he got her peeped and ready. All bandages were extra tight so that by the time her fight had came they would have loosened and they would be huge support and she trained recklessly today.

Artura was grateful she felt he was her grandfather and she loved him above all in the castle. "Thank you." She said before turning and leaving.

She pushed everything away as she headed towards the train ring grounds to practice all she knew starting from the basics up. This was her fight for her life and she wasn't going to cheat it at all.
~~~~~~~~~~
Morgana shifted around in her bed deep inside her own mind. She seemed to be watching Arthur's fight against Sir Valiant. The fight wasn't completely clear, but she watched as Valiant stabbed towards The floor where Arthur lied. Right before Morgana could watch Arthur die she woke up in a cold sweat

She looked around desperately. "Arthur!" she shouted her heart racing thirty miles an hour.

He wasn't anywhere near her. She stood up about to head towards his bed but she knew him better than that. She heads over the her window watching at Arthur practiced his attacks and blocks preparing himself for the fight to come.
~~~~~~~~~~
Hours upon hours of practicing for one moment on the field seemed ridiculous for those who had never experienced a real fight. Artura loved the thrill of fighting, she did her best not think about winning but rather to have fun. This was hard with her father breathing down her neck at all times.

She had trained for the moment to come for long, but another impotent step to training was sleep for if a fighter in not well rested they cannot perform at their best. So although Artura wanted to practice the while knight though she knew that it would do her no good if she fell asleep during the match.

So she pulled herself from her own inner battle to head to bed. She didn't ask for any help getting armour off or help getting to bed allowing the servant in the castle the chance to get their own well deserved sleep.

As she loosened the string that held the cuffs of her shirt together she could hear footsteps approaching her. The were light but determined. Footsteps she could never forget. "I thought I told you to get out of my sight." she said turning to face Merlin.

Merlin ignored her request taking another step towards her. He held his hands up as he spoke convincingly, "Don't fight Valiant in the tournament tomorrow. He'll use the shield against you."

"I know." Artura said nodding. She wouldn't dare back especially after all of what her father had done.

Merlin didn't get it though he continued on. "Then withdraw. You have to withdraw."

For a split second Merlin could've sworn he had just seen Artura smile for a quick second. It, however, was replaced by a frown in an instant. " Don't you understand? I can't withdraw. The people expect their prince to fight. How can I lead men into battle if they think I'm a coward?" she explained. Merlin had to understand that she was not the fortunate one she had one of the biggest responsibilities in the whole kingdom. She wanted a friend and it meant a lot that he was still trying to keep her safe even after she had sacked him.

"Valiant will kill you. If you fight, you die." Merlin pleaded placing a hand on her shoulder.

Artura sighed shrugging off the arm. "Then I die." She didn't know how she was so calm about this. It must have something to do with training as knight. They all learning knowing that they are probably going to die just so that she could live.

Knowingly fighting to one's death was one of the biggest things Merlin could not understand. All knights signed up for it and yet even then they didn't appear noble. Artura herself often came across as cocky however now she seem seldom and calm. Merlin couldn't phantom such emotions. "How can you go out there and fight like that?"

She stared him right in the eyes. This was an important message. She spoke sternly, "Because I have to. It's my duty."

Merlin sighed feeling he had fail turned and left. He too needed sleep to perform at his best as well.
~~~~~~~~~~
Merlin was hoping to get some sleep but found none continued on practicing his spells. He must have fallen asleep at one point because he woke up sitting in a chair with his book resting in his lap.

Merlin's drowsy eyes lift up eyeing the dog statue. He took a deep breath before slurring out the spell. "Bebay odothay... arisan quickum."
~~~~~~~~~~
One hour until judgement day. Artura found herself standing on the grounds eyes locked on her father's throne.

Valiant was close by sharpening his sword. Each run down on the sword made Artura's heart race a little faster.

'Deep breaths,' Artura reminds herself sighing. She gives a small bow to her where her father would be sitting. She was his to command and she would be obedient to the end even if it meant dying just to prove a point. She wondered if he would mourn for her or would he turn to the next best knight.

Raising her head high she leaves the arena walking to her room for what could be her last time.

Morris was there waiting for her. He worked quickly and quietly. There was no banter or teasing. There was only respect and solemness to comforter her.

He was just about to tighten her armour when he stopped stepping away from her. Artura turned to ask him what he was doing only to find Morgana there.

"Let me." Morgana offers turning Artura to face the window. Morgana expertly fixes the strap to Artura's gorget and then went over to her vambrace tightening so it would stay on but still be comfortable.

Leaning forward Morgana talked into Artura's ear. "I used to help my father with his armour."

Artura gives a small nod Turing to face what she had come to see as her sister, Morgana. Artura took the helmet smiling softly.

"Thanks." Artura said grateful for Morgana's kindness. Artura knew she sometimes came off as a jerk but even then Morgana was still so full of love when Artura needed it.

However it was not time for sentiments that was for after the fight. Right now it was game time and Artura needed to be on the field early.

Artura walked to her door. Taking a deep breath she put her game face one. "Arthur, be careful." Morgana yelled after her. Artura nodded making a silent promise that today was not going to be her death day.

She looks back at Morgana pulling out a small smirk. "See you at the feast."

Now all Artura had to do was fulfill that promise and survive not only Valiants brutal fighting but also dodge his snakes as well. She cracked her neck jogging onto the grounds. This was the moment everyone had been waiting for and Artura was going to come out victorious.
~~~~~~~~~~
Merlin repeats the spell once again more clearer. "Bebay odothay arisan quickum." His eyes glowed and slowly the dog began to move. He let out a warning growl at Merlin. Merlin not noticing tries again. "Bebay odothay arisan quickum."

This time the dog barks and Merlin's eyes jump up to it. "I did it!" Merlin shouted jumping up to his feet. He was so excited he could save the Prat Arthur from dying a painful death.

Merlin basically leaps towards the door only to jump back as the dog lungs at him. Fear swept over him as he rushed out closing the door and locking it.

Gaius finds it to be the perfect moment to enter the chambers. "Arthur's fighting Valiant!"

Merlin smiles unfazed by the danger Arthur was now in."I know. I'm on my way. Oh, whatever you do, don't go into my room. We'll deal with it later." Merlin points to his room jogging out of the room and out to the grounds.
~~~~~~~~~~
Merlin sprinted reaching the fight as Arthur blocked an attack from the side with his shield. Merlin had a hard time telling who had the upper hand until Arthur drives a punch at Valiant knocking his helmet over.

Startled Valiant stumbled away trying to regain his control. Arthur took off his helmet tossing it into the crowd. They both removed their mail coif before lunging into another round of attacks.

Merlin could tell Arthur was better but Valiant provided quite the challenge. Getting the upper hand Valiant knocks Arthur off his feet landing roughly on the ground. Before Arthur could move his shield Valiant stepped on it stopping all hope of Arthur being protected. He then disarm Arthur leaving him defenseless. Valiant would win without the use of magic.

Arthur, fortunately, had other plans. He catches Valiant off guard before he could strike. Unbeknownst to Arthur, Uther had risen to his seat worried. Morgana and Gaius who were both watching worried smiled softly and Uther's affection. Valiant still having the upper hand manages to pin Arthur to a wall.

If Arthur played his next move correctly Merlin knew he could expose him for all to see. Arthur pushed Valiant away from him opening up the opportunity Merlin needed. "Bebay odothay arisan quickum."

The snakes come to life swimming out of Valiant's shield. Everyone is on there feet shocked to see alive snakes coming out of his shield.

The crowd wasn't the only one surprised. "What are you doing? I didn't summon you!" Valiant hissed at the snakes glancing around wishing no one had seen it.

Uther pointed his famous accusing finger at Valiant saying, "He is using magic."

Arthur grinned opening his arms out wide at display Valiant. "And now they see you for what you really are." Arthur believe he had won the fight smiles brightly until Valiant lets out a deep chuckle as the snakes jump completely out of the shield and onto the ground.

"Kill him!" Valiant ordered taking a step away from the snakes. They hiss in agreement slithering towards Arthur. He bet and to back away towards his father and Morgana.

Acting quickly Merlin watched Morgana do the most amazing thing ever. She turns her body a little stealing the sword from the knight next to her thrusting it towards Arthur. "Arthur!"

Spinning around Arthur catches it swing the sword towards the snakes and Valiant intimidating them both. The snakes reach up to strike but Arthur is too quick slashing off the heads much like Merlin had a couple nights before.

He turns from the snakes heading towards Valiant quickly disarming him. Shrugging a little Arthur ran through his chest leaning forwards he muttered something into Valaints ear. Something Merlin couldn't make out but wished he had.

Speaking loudly Arthur looks up to Morgana. "It's looks like I'll be going to the feast after all."

Valiant's body drops to the ground and the crowd erupts into the loudest round of cheers.

Arthur made a quick exit slapping Merlin on the shoulder on his way.
~~~~~~~~~~
Morgana felt nothing but relief Arthur was alive and kicking. She wasn't the only one Arthur may not see it but Uther was more than glad he wasn't dead.

She watched as Arthur walked into the party. Uther gestured to him proudly, "My honourable guests, I give you Prince Arthur, your champion."

Everyone claps but doesn't not cheer like they would out in the stands.

Arthur smiles kindly offering Morgana's his arm. "My Lady." Arthur says bowing his head a little.

Morgana smiled back cursing. "My champion." They walked with each other both a little.lost in thought.

"Has your father apologised yet for not believing you?" Morgana asked her smile still brighter than the stars.

Arthur scoffed looking around. "He'll never apologise. I hope, uh, you're not disappointed Valiant's not escorting you." Arthur said staring at the ground.

Morgana's forced habit smile disappeared replacing a more earnest smile. "Turns out he wasn't really champion material."

"That was some tournament final." Arthur chuckled waking with her towards a group of both of their friends

Morgana smirked, "Tell me about it. It's not every day a girl gets to save her prince."

Arthur seemed taken aback by the final statement. "Uh, I wouldn't say I needed exactly saving. I'm sure I would've thought of something." Arthur said his normal cockiness shining through for all to see.

"So you're too proud to admit you were saved by a girl." Morgana sighed shaking her head.

"Because I wasn't."

"You know what? I wish Valiant was escorting me." Morgana countered folding her arms turning her body away from his.

Offended Arthur turned himself the other day also folding his arms. And just like any good sibling relationship Arthur replied, "Me too. Then I wouldn't have to listen to you."

"Fine!" Morgana growled.

"Fine." Arthur said getting in the last word like his mature self.

Morgana groans storming away from Arthur heading towards Guinevere instead. Arthur rolled his eyes searching for Merlin to complain to.
~~~~~~~~~~
Artura stops in front of Merlin hands glaring back at Morgana. She was unbelievably annoying. "Can you believe Morgana? She says she saved me. Like I needed any help. I wanted to say that I made a mistake. It was unfair to sack you." Artura ranted saying the lat bot quickly.

Eyebrow raised Merlin waved her off. "No, don't worry about it. Buy me a drink and call it even."

Artura snorts shaking her head. "Uh, I can't be seen to be buying drinks for my servant." She spoke quieter glancing around at the crowd.

"Your servant? You sacked me." Merlin pointed between the two of them.

"Now I'm rehiring you." Artura said shrugging. Merlin in response snorts shaking his head but smiling.

Artura nods allowing an evil grin com into play. "My chambers are a complete mess. My clothes need washing. My, uh, armour needs repairing. My boots need cleaning. My dogs need exercising. My fireplace needs sweeping. My bed needs changing. And someone needs to muck out my stables." Merlin groaned but bowed a little.
~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~
A.N: Sorry if this chapter doesn't make complete sense. I get caught up in the moment and so my writing doesn't always come out in the right order. Also not all sense follow the show simply because I don't watch all that much while writing this fanfic. Also in case someone missed it this show Merlin BBC is not mine at all, none whatsoever. I have a bit of my on pzazz that I add and Artura, and Alice are basically mine with a mix of the TV's Arthur.

Issue #8: Relationships. I don't want it to seem like Morgana likes him romantically so hopefully they came off as more siblings that anything else. Also who ends up with who. Is it going to be Merlin and Artura or Merlin and Gwen and Sir Leon and Artura. ???❤