Merlin walked...more like stormed into Artura's room completely dismissing the need to knock. She paid him no mind though as she filled out papers. Her father didn't want her to fill out the real paper into she had proven she was ready so he got her cookies to see what she would do then ignore her work and do whatever he wanted.

A loud thump came from right in front of her before the most disgusting thing rolled onto her papers. It was a head of a snake. She quickly scooted back her squeal dying in her throat.

Her eyes snapped to Merlin. "What is the meaning of this?"

Merlin scratched the back of his neck. "Well you see I...." Merlin then told her the most bizarre story she had heard in a long time.

She had stood up by the end of the story walking around her desk leaning against it with the head in her hands. "You? You chopped its head off?" She asked skeptically.

Merlin nodded quickly continuing his ridiculous actuation. "Ewan was bitten by a snake from the shield when he was fighting Valiant. You can talk to Gaius, you can see the puncture wounds in Ewan's neck where the snake bit him. Ewan was beating him, he had to cheat."

"I've seen the wound but that doesn't mean Valiant had anything to do with it." Artura said wanting Merlin to give her a convincing agreement. She already believed Valiant was behind it somehow.

"The bite didn't come before and there were no snakes on the ground. He was using magic." Merlin countered.

She suppressed a smile. She was on his side but there was a part of her that had to argue that had to find all the answers. And for one Valiant didn't seem like an idiot like Merlin was. "Valiant wouldn't dare use magic in Camelot."

Merlin paused for a second searching for a way to fight for what he thought to be true. "Ewan was pinned under Valiant's shield. No one could see the snake bite him." He said finding an answer.

It wasn't good enough some one should've seen it. This is why she hasn't said anything easier now if someone had seen it this would be a different story but no one had. "I don't like the guy, but that doesn't mean he's cheating." she said begrudgingly.

She could see how desperate he was, it was honestly annoying. She could take care of herself just fine. Merlin want for he had more proof. "Gaius is preparing an antidote to the snake venom. When Ewan's conscious, he'll tell you what happened. If you fight Valiant in the final, he'll use the shield. It's the only way he can beat you. Look at it!"

Merlin takes the head shoving it towards her face. She tries to back up, he didn't see her discomfort bring it in closer. "Have you ever seen any snakes like this in Camelot?"

Artura snatches the snake pulling it away from her face. She wasn't a snake expert, but she had more than enough experience with all the poisonous snakes around Camelot. Merlin takes a deep breath catching Artura's attention. "I know I'm just a servant and my word doesn't count for anything. I wouldn't lie to you." He seemed so sure of himself.

Artura sighed examining the snake once again. She hasn't seen a snake like that in Camelot before and it oddly did look similar to the snakes on Valiant's shield. "I want you to swear to me what you're telling me is true." She was taking a huge risk here. If he was lying to her that was it she was dead and he was without a job.

Merlin looked at the snake thinking. "I swear it's true."

She waved the snake at him threateningly, but her words protested something different. "Then I believe you." Just this once words did speak louder than her actions.
                  ~~~~~~~~~~
Nervous; was a feeling all humans have felt at one point. Whether its giving an important talk, speaking the that one person whole lights up your day, fighting to win, going through a new experience, taking some sort of test, etc.. If Artura knew a word that would amplify that word by a thousand that would be the word she would use to describe what she was feeling right about now.

Courage; taking that leap of faith into the unknown. All those who are successful or thought highly of had one thing in common they had courage. We all have it sometimes it's hard to see other times its all you can see. Artura needed courage, she always needed courage when she was to speak or worse go against her father. Her situation was with but also against her father's ideas.

Trust; can only go so far before it snaps in half; not something to be played around with; may never return to what it once was. Artura was trusting Merlin, she hasn't known him for all that long. She wondered where in there few encounters he had gained her trust. In this situation she was placing her trust on him hard.

She felt as if she was asked to walk across pillars, with lava under her, blindfolded, and her only guide was Merlin. She was nervous about it going bad. She was going to have the courage to press on through it all. And most importantly she was putting her trust in Merlin's hand to guide her in and out of it all.

Artura stood before the council. She stared forward right on over her father's head. She had once made the mistake of looking him in the eyes while sharing an idea, Uther took it as a challenge to his leadership. Artura left the fight bloody and scarred. Uther left satisfied. She never did and never would do it again.

Uther sat in his throne unhappy. He wanted the tournament to continue but his son had news to share that couldn't wait until later. "Why have you summoned the court?"

Artura glanced back at Merlin ready for him to tell her where to step first. He nodded and she closed her eyes taking a calming breath. She spoke the way her father had drilled her to. She spoke with power that filled the room, her voice did not quaver that would show weakness. That would show uncertainty. "I believe Knight Valiant is using a magic shield to cheat in the tournament."

Uther nodded taking it well. He turned to the accused eyebrow raised. "Valiant, what do you have to say to this?"

Shocked; not a good position. "My Lord, this is ridiculous. I've never used magic. Does your son have any evidence to support this outrageous accusation?" Valiant argued offended.

Another one of his nods his head turning back to Artura. "Do you have evidence?"

Artura licked her lips refusing to look at Merlin again for guidance. She knew where he wanted her to step next. "I do."

Finally she turns away from her father's penetrating stare. Motioning for Merlin to step forward. He comes up head bowed handing the snake head over. His hands were shaking like an old grandfather.
                  ~~~~~~~~~~
"I'm afraid this potion tastes like toad water, but it'll get you back on your feet. Ewan?" Gaius said waking back into the room. Ewan had woken up and just need a bit more medicine to get him on his feet. However, Ewan didn't response he laid unmoving. Gaius walked briskly over to him. He had bits covering him. Gaius placed a hand on the side of his throat checking for a pulse.
                  ~~~~~~~~~~
Artura felt as if the walk was going well Merlin was a good guide and Uther was on his way to believing. "Let me see this shield." Uther motioned for the shield.

A servant walks forward with it Merlin took a step closer to Artura. "Don't let him get too close." Merlin whispered.

Artura nodded knowing Merlin was probably right to be cautious. "Be careful, My Lord." she warned drawing her sword in case they came out like Merlin said.

Uther takes the shield ignoring Artura's odd behavior. They both look at the shield searching for the magic behind it all. A door opens starring her view from the shield she sees Gaius walk in worried

"Merlin." Gaius whispered waving hum over.

It was time for their main source of evidence a knight who had seen the magic. Someone Uther would believe. "We need Ewan. Find out what's happening." Artura ordered. Merlin nodded walking briskly over to Gaius.

Valiant was also walking across pillars. He wasn't blindfolded like she was but that didn't make any less dangerous. "As you can see, My Lord, it's just an ordinary shield." Valiant didn't show his nervousness instead he was protective over himself.

She rolled her eyes. Merlin was right to be cautious but Valiant was no idiot. "He's not going to let everyone see the snakes come alive."

"Then how am I to know that what you say is true?" Uther questioned.

She faltered hesitantly taking the next step. This step was different she could hear Merlin he wasn't there she was playing the guessing game and one wrong more and splat she's dead. The pillar was wobbly and showed no promise of holding her weight and yet she stepped on it. "I have a witness. Knight Ewan was bitten by one of the snakes from the shield. Its venom made him grievously ill, however, he has received an antidote. He will confirm that Knight Valiant is using magic."

"Where is this witness?" Uther asked looking around for Sir Ewan.

That was Ewan's que they may not of practiced but she felt that it was quite clear. She looked over to Merlin taking another uncertain step towards what she hoped was light. "He should be here..."

Merlin and Gaius came closer this wasn't good where was Sir Ewan. "Where's Ewan?" Artura hissed.

Merlin didn't look as excited or prepared as he did in the beginning. He didn't know where she should step next as well. In a hushed voice he told her the worst news of the day. " He's dead."

Panic; not fear, not being scared, this was the feeling when all goes wrong. Artura really had taken the wrong step. Her pillar wasn't strong and was crumbling from her weight. "I'm waiting!" Uther said impatiently.

With one finally attempt to stay alive she thrust off the blindfold jumping to another pillar grasping its edge. She bowed her head, " I'm afraid the witness is dead."

"So you have no proof to support these allegations. Have you seen Valiant using magic?" Uther said disappointed. Disappointment; kids worst nightmare. You want you parent proud of you and love you. Sadly sometime form parents to see you need help you got to disappoint them. Worst gut feeling in the whole universe.

She tried to pull herself up. This was the final battle. "No. But my servant fought one of the snakes from..." That was her mistake.

He raised his eyebrows. No longer was he disappointed but mad. "Your servant? You made these outrageous accusations against a knight on the word of your servant?"

She could've made it onto the pillar but the beast came stomping on her feet. She cried out, "I believe he's telling the truth!" Artura had been taught to fight for what she believed and her she was basically on her knees.

The beast was not alone he had a valiant friend to help him. "My Lord, am I really to be judged on some hearsay from a boy?" the valiant friend asked gesturing towards Merlin.

She wasn't alone she too had a friend. He kept forward attacking the valiant friend. "I've seen those snakes come alive!"

The beast growls, "How dare you interrupt?! Guards!" Guards appear from both sides grabbing Merlin. He was dragged out putting up a small fight.

She didn't mean for Merlin to get involved he shouldn't have approached the beast and the valiant friend. She saw no point to holding on, Merlin was probably going to die because of her. "My Lord." Valiant said holding up a hand.

The beast roared. "Wait!" Causing all the guards to come to quick halt.

A smirk appeared the valiant friends face as he walks in front of the beast towards Merlin. Artura held her sword tighter. "I'm sure he was merely mistaken. I wouldn't want him punished on my account." He spoke so convincingly. He seemed to have heart and be so noble. It was like a stab to the gut.

"You see? This is how a true knight behaves - with gallantry and honour." Uther praised ignoring Artura struggling to hold on showing off his new knight.

The valiant friend was not done, no a simple stab to the gut was not all. He raised his sword strike at the heart. "My Lord, if your son made these accusations because he's afraid to fight me, then I will graciously accept his withdrawal." Artura could not believe she could handle being called a prat, idiot, jerk, etc. But to call her a coward was low. She fought men while people didn't believe in the strength of women. She was facing her father head on taking sides with a...a simpleton.

Uther was blind by many things, she didn't think he would ever view her as a coward and yet he was questioning it. 'Is this true? Do you wish to withdraw from the tournament?"

Her eyes widened shaking her head. "No!" She shouted this wasn't the plan and now because of Merlin she was to blame.

"Then what am I to make of these allegations?" Uther asked looking around the room. He was right she was a coward trying to get out of the fight. No! She could handle Valiant she could not defeat magic however and that yes did frighten her.

Taking a deep breath she pushed away all fear running a hand threw her hair. "Obviously there has been a misunderstanding. I withdraw the allegation against Knight Valiant. Please accept my apology." Use bowed to the man completely humiliated. She trusted Merlin this was supposed to go well not disgrace her and embarrass her good name.

He placed a hand in Artura's shoulder nodding his head. "Accepted."
                  ~~~~~~~~~~
She had to get out of their quick because she was going to explode. Her anger did not match her father but could one day be a worthy rival. She stormed past her guards and into her room Merlin right behind her.

"I believed you, I trusted you, and you made me look a complete fool." Artura began her voice low and dangerous, but it wouldn't stay like that for long.

Merlin bit his lip running both hands through his hair. "I know it didn't go exactly to plan."

Her face brightened. She could not believe how casual and calm Merlin was. He could've died for questioning a knight. ""Didn't go to plan"?! My father and the entire royal court think I'm a coward! YOU HUMILIATED ME!" She had lost her cool shoving things off her desk.

He just wouldn't give up or in fact shut up. "We can still expose Valiant."

She was done with him. She had tried to be good to Merlin to befriend him like Morgana had to Gwen, but this...this was bad. She sighed she hated to do this to the young boy. "I no longer require your services."

"You're sacking me?" Merlin asked his voice cracking a little.

She had a hand on her forehead looking down at the ground. "I need a servant I can trust." she could face him. If she looked at his face she would lose the rope she had on her emotions.

This broke Merlin he want a friend to and Artura wasn't as bad as she had first came across as. "You can trust me!" He cried pushing at his chest.

She wanted to believe him to trust him but his trust didn't do anything for her or at least anything good. "And look where it got me this time. Get out of my sight!" She didn't move until she heard the door close.

Slowly she fell to the floor allowing a single tear to fall. She couldn't phantom how boys concealed their feelings. Maybe she had too much and that's why she struggled so much.
                  ~~~~~~~~~~
Artura sat on the ground staring at the wall waiting for the storm to come. You can't hide from a storm it always finds you so she didn't she just sat and waited.

'BANG!' the doors slammed open and then closed. Footsteps stomped up to her. Uther grabbed her shirt pulling her to her feet. She kept her head down feeling his hot angry breath on hers.

"WHAT WERE YOU DOING!" Uther shouted into her ear. "LOOK AT ME WHEN I AM SPEAKING TO YOU!" Quickly her eyes drifted up to his but never full making it.

He shoved her backwards causing her to run into her desk and fall over. "I-I..."

"YOU ARE DISGRACE Y-you have brought shame upon this family." his voice going from loud and angry to quiet and pissed in a second flat.

"I-I didn't m-mean to." Artura whispered. He raised his hand up and she flinched back.

Instead of slapping her he grasped her chin hard. "Where are your dress up clothes?" Artura shrugged avoid his look. She loved her outfits they were her freedom she didn't want him to take them away. "Where are your dress up clothes." he growled squeezing harder.

She tried to pull back as his nails dug into her skin. "I-In the-the chest o-over there." she stutters pointing to her chest.

"Do not stutter it makes you appear as you are a coward." he shoved her again this time she ran into the wall. She stayed on her feet not wanting to be pulled up again. "Grab the torch," he ordered waking over to her chest.

"Father, no please," She cried the tears pooling up threatening to fall.

"The torch now. Or do I need to teach you another lesson about questioning my leadership." he asked ripping open the chest.

Choosing silence she scrambled for the torch and over to her father. She pushes it over to him but he shakes his head pointing to the chest. Gulping she turned towards her chest, towards her freedom and brought the blasted torch down to the clothes letting it slip out of her hands. The clothed caught fire right away brightening the room.

"You have gotten to friendly with the people coming to believe they are one of us. They are not we are above them. We tell them what to do and they obey. We are the masters and they are out dogs. Don't treat them any other way." Uther lectured staring into the fire.

She watched with him horrified. A nod and a tear. They weren't meant to be friends that wasn't how a royal life went. She was alone with no one there to be by her side.
                  ~~~~~~~~~~
Merlin needed answers. He needed to inform The Great Dragon to give his message to the next unlucky man who walked into his cage. He held his torch but made no move to search for him he was sure he would hear. "Where are you? I just came to tell you: whatever you think my destiny, whatever it is you think I'm supposed to do, you've got the wrong person! That's it. Goodbye." Merlin turned to leave.

A loud laugh bounced off the walls along with a couple gust of wind. He dropped onto his rock looking down at Merlin. "If only it were so easy to escape one's destiny."

"How can it be my destiny to protect someone who hates me?" Merlin asked turning to face him fling an arm out to the side.

The great Dragon shook his head. "A half cannot truly hate that which makes it whole. Very soon you shall learn that."

Merlin rolled his eyes just what he was searching for. "Oh, great. Just what I needed, another riddle." Merlin was done with the dragons and others I'm straight answers.

"That your and Arthur's path lies together is but the truth." Kilgharrah clarifies.

Merlin did not understand he could really put things together at the moment he had to many things running through his head. "What is that supposed to mean?"

"You know, young warlock, this is not the end. It is the beginning." Spreading his wings out he took flight up into the cage where he could no longer be seen.

"Just give me a straight answer!" Merlin shouted after him. He huffed in annoyance before stalking out of the cave.
                  ~~~~~~~~~~                  ~~~~~~~~~~                  ~~~~~~~~~~
A.N: Dudes I was so unsure about writing the scene what Artura has to burn her clothes because I didn't want Uther to come across as a monster. Also I'm like way close with my emotions so I struggle with writing unattached characters.

Issue #7: Most girls express their emotions differently to boys. Artura had been suppressing them for so long and everyone has to break at some point right. Was she to emotional?