That night, Merlin was standing off to the sidelines of the banquet. When he had delivered Arthur's clothing later that afternoon, the Prince had told him that Merlin must be present tonight, with the excuse that Arthur's cup mustn't run dry.

At least this time he didn't have to wear that ridiculous headdress and robe.

Suddenly, a pale skinned, dark haired woman entered the grande hall. She wore a jade green dress, and her long hair was plaited in an extravagant style. Merlin would have thought her beautiful, if it weren't for the smug better-than-you expression on her face.

A young servant girl, a few years younger than Merlin, trailed her, and he couldn't help but admire her. She was just about the opposite of the Lady she obviously worked for, with tanned skin, and long, light brown hair that was done in one long side braid. She wore a plain, light blue dress that complemented her bright blue eyes beautifully, with a slender, silver chain around her throat. From the chain hung a small amethyst, about the size of a pea.

But Merlin's eyes were dragged from this girl as Arthur called him over, waving a now empty goblet back and forth. Merlin rolled his eyes ever so slightly and advanced forward, pitcher of wine in hand.

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Serella gazed around the grande hall with wide eyes. Her mistress had never allowed her to a banquet before, and she was eager to drink in every moment.

There were lords and ladies all about her, all dressed quite elegantly. The crimson and gold banners, bearing the Crest of Camelot, hung from the ceilings and tables as decorations, and they added to the ambiance beautifully. She felt very out of place in her modest, faded blue dress. It was, however, her nicest dress, with white, lace, three quarter length arms and beaded waist. It had been her mother's, and was the second dress Serella owned.

Suddenly, Lydia stamped on her foot. "You are only here to stay off in the sidelines. If my goblet runs dry, you full it, understood? You will not mingle, and for pity's sake don't make yourself known!" She hissed. Serella whimpered in pain, fighting the urge to clutch her injured foot.

So much for drinking in every minute. Serella finally nodded dejectedly, and went to stand in a corner of the hall, not far from her mistress and out of the sight of people. Or so she thought.

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Though Serella thought she was unnoticed, Merlin had seen the unkind movement of her mistress and felt anger bubble within him. How could anyone be so cruel?

As soon as he had filled Arthur's goblet once more, he made his way over to the girl, who now stood in a shadowy corner.

"Hello," he said softly, coming to stand next to her. She nearly jumped out of her skin.

"Oh, em, hello," she answered awkwardly, not exactly certain what she should say, or how to react.

"It's all right, my name's Merlin. I haven't seen you around Camelot before, so I thought I'd welcome you."

The girl looked up, smiling. "You would be the first to do so. I'm Serella, though I'm usually called Seria, for short."

Merlin grinned and extended his hand. "Very nice to meet you, Seria. How did you come to Camelot, if I might ask?"

Seria sighed. "I serve the object of this banquet, Lydia of Cambria. She is standing over there," she said, pointing to the lady in the green dress, who was now standing near Arthur and his father, king Uther.

Merlin wrinkled his nose. "You mean the woman who treated you so rudely before?"

Seria blushed. "Y-you saw that?" she stuttered.

Merlin nodded and was about to say more, when Arthur spotted him and waved his goblet again.

"Shall I see you again?" Merlin asked hesitantly.

Seria looked up. "You must go?"

Merlin half grinned. "Yes. I serve the Prince of Camelot. We have something in common."

At this, Seria smiled. "Yes, I suppose we do. I certainly hope I will see you again, Merlin."

Merlin smiled as he walked away. Certainly tonight wouldn't be so bad.

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Serella smiled, until she saw her mistress waving her over again with a distasteful expression on her face. Serella sighed and made her way over, trying her hardest not to be annoyed. But as she saw Merlin, now serving Arthur, it wasn't exactly the hardest thing she had ever done to survive the night.

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A/N

Hey guys! Just wanted to thank all my readers who stumbled across this story, and I also wanted to ask if anyone knows how to paste pictures at the beginning? I haven't been able to figure it out and would live to show you what the dresses look like.

I guess that's all, enjoy the book!

HalfABrandybuck.