Merlin Fic: A Momentary Flooding
Feb. 8th, 2011 11:47 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
libra_travellerTitle: A Momentary Flooding
Author: libra_traveller
Fandom: Merlin
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Merlin/Arthur
Spoilers: Everything from all three series.
Summary: A vengeful Morgause traps Merlin and Arthur in the crystal caves. Magic leaves Arthur drowning in the past, while a crystal rises up to devour Merlin.
Author’s Note: The theme song to the story is “What About Now” by Daughtry.
“Can’t you carry your own sword?” Merlin groused as he once again stumbled over a tree root. It was getting to become a bad habit. He started to wonder what would happen if one day on their hunting trips he failed to trip. Would Arthur think him enchanted? Maybe Merlin should add falling flat on his face to his growing list of tricks for throwing off Arthur’s suspicion.
Arthur didn’t seem to hear him, so Merlin sighed. It took several minutes as Arthur was listening to the birds and small mammals in the forest, but he eventually came up with a suitable reply. “Sure Merlin,” Arthur said agreeably. “Why don’t I carry the sword in my right hand and that rucksack in my left, so I can carry you on my back. Then I’ll just throw the spear with my teeth!”
“You have a belt,” Merlin whined.
“And yet you are my manservant and it is your duty to make my life easier, not harder. Though you fail at that spectacularly every day.”
Both Arthur and Merlin continued to bicker as they hunted. They had gone alone that afternoon. More precisely, Arthur dragged a reluctant Merlin in his flight to escape the castle. Not even the Knights knew that Arthur had left the city. It had been several months since Morgana and her half-sister Morgause had attempted and almost succeeded in taking over Camelot. At first Uther was in a state of shock and allowed Arthur to oversee all repairs as well as the rebuilding of their defenses. In the last couple months, Uther had begun reasserting himself. He declared Morgana a traitor and placed a bounty on her head. He sent fliers to every village asking not for her to be delivered alive, but with her head on a pike.
Merlin couldn’t say he was very sympathetic. Three years he worked to make her see the difference between what was right and what would end up being horribly catastrophic. Time and again he gave his heart to save her from herself. Call it madness if you will, but everyday Merlin faced the same heartache of hiding his strengths and abilities, of never knowing if today will be the day the people you love turned around and gladly lit the fire that would consume your every breath.
Arthur stopped thinking about it. Every time he let his mind wander towards his newly discovered sister, a blackened rage enveloped him. Whatever object was nearest him shattered in his hands leaving his palms streaked with crusty blood. He once gave Merlin a black eye though he couldn’t recall hearing Merlin enter the room. He nearly did the same to Gwen but her shriek pierced through his anger in time. He watched in horror as she fled crying from the room. They haven’t spoken since. Sometimes he’ll see her with Lancelot in passing and a cold runs through his veins. But he knew he had only himself to blame. Merlin learned early on never to mention Morgana. He liked being able to look out both eyes thank you very much.
Their impromptu hunt was one of the first since Morgana had put her plan to the test. They joked around so they could pretend nothing had changed. And if Merlin’s complaints were half-hearted, and Arthur’s return volleys a little forced, no one was there to witness their meagre acting.
They were in the middle of a verbal spar, and had long ago stopped pretending they actually meant to kill any furry animals when a specter floated past them. Merlin noticed it immediately, though it happened so fast he couldn’t see any features but it was clearly a woman in a flowing dress. Arthur only noticed something had happened when Merlin paused mid word. He followed Merlin’s line of sight in time to see it flit past again. Silently, Merlin handed Arthur his sword in exchange for the spear. When it appeared a third time it had circled around them and stood still. She was transparent, with sunken eyes and an open mouth that seemed to wail though she made no sound. Her hair was brittle and her fingernails broken as she curled them against her arms. What Merlin had thought was a dress appeared to be a nightgown matched with worn slippers. The woman had no color in her skin or clothes, yet her eyes were a striking violet.
Merlin and Arthur mimicked her by standing absolutely still. Arthur tried to assess how she could physically harm them, while Merlin used his senses to discern what sort of magic she was. She didn’t feel like something dead. In fact she felt false, but he didn’t know exactly how that could be.
She started to fade from view and Merlin unconsciously took a deep breath. After she disappeared completely Arthur’s grip on his sword relaxed. His fist tightened all but five seconds later when she appeared again yards in front of them, wispy but still visible through the trees. Arthur immediately began to follow but Merlin gripped his forearm in warning. With a quick look back at the fear on Merlin’s face, Arthur cut back his rebuke. Quietly, he asserted, “I’m going. We don’t know why she’s here nor what she wants. I must protect my people.” He didn’t say it aloud, but his eyes told Merlin that he needn’t come with him. Merlin only frowned and followed.
The specter took them through the forest for hours though they didn’t seem to notice the passing time, only that once it had been light and now it was dark. When they came upon a cave that didn’t belong Merlin abruptly stopped. Arthur continued on not noticing Merlin wasn’t beside him. They had not spoken the entire trip, nor had Merlin fallen once even though he had given no thought to where his feet had stepped. The cave felt familiar, and though it did not look like the crystal cave Merlin had once visited, he knew it to be so. When Arthur was finally at its entrance, Merlin snapped out of his daze and sprinted as fast as he could. He tackled Arthur. With a hiss, Arthur shoved him away and bravely entered with his sword at the ready. Without taking a breath, Merlin jumped up from the ground and flew after Arthur, just escaping being crushed as the cave opening collapsed upon itself.
Merlin hit the floor hard knocking the wind out of him. When he could look up he realized it was too late. Morgause was in the cave and ropes were wrapping themselves around Arthur’s middle, tightening around his limbs and neck. Though he fought, Arthur lost the sword and was thrown up against a large crystalline stalagmite. One of many. Although the cave was smaller this time, Merlin averted his eyes as he struggled to his knees. As soon as the ropes fastened Arthur to the stalagmite, Morgause turned her attention to Merlin. He felt as if he were moving through quicksand and couldn’t catch his breath. He refused to use magic. The crystals craved to indulge in it. He found he could no more stop himself from being strangled by a second set of ropes than Arthur could. They fastened him against a crystal exactly opposite Arthur. Merlin was relieved to see Arthur still drew breath though he couldn’t move and his eyes watered from the strain. Merlin felt the crystal at his back calling not to him but to the ground at his feet. He didn’t know what it meant, but knew it was the sorceress’s doing.
Morgause sauntered forward, an almost demented smile stretching across her face. She wore a long black dress belted with runes and flowers of a sort. The sleeves barely covered the scars from the battle. She held a dagger in her hands. After months of recovery and plotting she came to the moment she dreamt of and knew not what to say. She waited for inspiration, and maybe hoped they could speak despite the ropes digging into their windpipes.
She turned her back on them, missing the fury in their eyes. She focused her thoughts on why she brought them to this place. Why despite her being the one to plan the siege, she knew she had been the one deceived. All this time she had known that Merlin saw everything, knew that he was almost comically loyal to Arthur. She understood that danger. But she didn’t know he had a power to rival her own. She did not know why a man with the greatest gift of magic would ally himself with the prince and son of a king that had almost extinguished her race. She knew that she would have only one opportunity to destroy Merlin. She understood that someone with his gifts would be at his most vulnerable amongst the crystals. Best of all she knew how to make the crystals work. Merlin was yet young and had likely only experienced time streaming towards the future. But with skill and practice any moment of the past could be shown as well. And this she would put to use. She would reveal to Arthur Merlin’s treachery and let Arthur kill Merlin in his rage. And if that did not work she’d let the crystals have their say.
***
Merlin locked eyes with Arthur. The thought swept through his mind that he had failed utterly. He should have known it was an illusion. He should have tried harder to convince Arthur not to follow it. He could have done anything, including knocking him out. Arthur wouldn’t even question that Merlin could have gotten in a lucky shot. He would have been mad sure, but he’d be alive. Now Morgause had him at a disadvantage. Had he went looking for this cave on his own, perhaps he could have mastered his magic around the crystals. Oh, but he’d been afraid. Looking at all the ruin that would befall Camelot, befall his friends, had made him start to go mad. He worried that if he knew every possible future, he would unknowingly cause the worst to happen. So he stayed away, afraid of its power and what it could mean. Now Arthur would die. Morgause will have taken Merlin out of the picture leaving Camelot defenseless. He was an idiot.
Arthur could barely see straight. The rage was back in its full force. He continuously fought the bindings leaving bruises on his legs and arms. His face was red with exertion and each breath he took grew harder than the last, but he didn’t care. His determination to free himself had a split focus. He had to protect Merlin, and he had to kill the woman that destroyed his life.
Morgause had mastered her emotions and readied her spells in her mind. But first she needed to explain to these boys what was about to happen, lest they forget for even a moment that she was in control.
“Prince Arthur,” she addressed him as courteously as she could stomach. She glanced behind her at Merlin, and spoke in thought. “Merlin, Merlin, Merlin. You chose the wrong side, didn’t you? You will regret this.”
For a second, she pretended that she was listening for a response. Arthur didn’t bother to choke out a reply and Merlin tried to shield his mind, though the crystals were a constant distraction.
“I woke up this morning ready to trap you and enjoy tearing you apart. Yet, as night fell, I became more reasonable and have chosen to let you decide your own fate.” Morgause came closer to Arthur and placed her dagger in his hand. This elicited the response she’d hoped for. Arthur’s eyes grew wide in surprise. “You see I wanted to do you a favor. I learned of a traitor in your midst. One more powerful than our sister. More powerful than even I. And I’m going to give you a chance to take care of this upsetting discovery.” Merlin began to listen with dread. “I do not expect you to believe me. So I brought you here. It is a cave of crystals that let you see the future.” At this she winked back at Merlin. “But they also show you the past.”
Morgause could see the confusion in Arthur’s eyes, and she reveled in it. Then with a flourish she stepped to the side so Arthur could see Merlin’s wide eyes. She loved the questions that seemed to shout from Arthur despite his troubling breaths. She didn’t even need to speak, when Arthur looked back at her she only nodded. Then with a soft spoken word she activated a crystal beside Arthur, and watched as a delightful scene presented itself.
When she’d discovered Merlin’s treachery she went hunting in the past to find that one moment that Arthur could never forgive. She didn’t have to look long.
In the crystal played Merlin’s greatest mistake, the one he almost didn’t recover from. The great dragon waited with excitement as Merlin struck the chain that for years had kept him from acting out his revenge. The dragon’s roar reverberated off every crystal.
Arthur’s rage that was always black suddenly turned white. He stopped struggling, stopped trying to escape. He thought he’d felt the worst of shocks when Morgana had stolen his Kingdom from him. He thought he understood how deep betrayal could go when he learned his father let his mother die so Arthur could be born, and then hid it from him. Now he knew. He couldn’t feel his hands or feet. His face had gone numb. His ears were buzzing. And he knew that if he didn’t take another breath he would pass out. His thoughts kept replaying that scene even after the light in the crystal had vanished. He kept thinking, if He had done that, what else had he done?
Morgause took in Arthur’s clenched fist around the dagger. She knew it would not be long before he freed himself. “Arthur.” He glanced at her, but she could tell he didn’t see her. “I trust you will take care of this.” And then she headed towards the back of the cave, created an opening and left with it closing back behind her.
As soon as she left Arthur bored his eyes into Merlin. Merlin swallowed nervously. He knew that he could never free himself in time to reason with Arthur if that were even possible. So he did the only thing he knew how to do, he called his magic. All the crystals in the cave lit up and at first they showed Camelot in the midst of a great battle, and both Merlin and Arthur watched in horror. Arthur shook off the image and began struggling to free himself, murder his only thought.
When Merlin had opened up his magic he had discovered Morgause’s plan. The cavern floor at his feet was growing a new crystal. And now that his magic was feeding it, it grew even faster. Merlin ignored this and attempted to discover how Morgause had altered the flow of time. Finally, he was able to stop the destruction of Camelot and turn to the past.
Arthur stopped cutting at the ropes when he saw Merlin drink from a poisoned goblet and fall to the floor. He watched as he himself carried Merlin to Gaius’ chambers. Then he saw Merlin sweating and chanting odd words, a ball of light revealed in his hands. The same ball of light that rescued him.
He watched Merlin barter his life to Nimueh, watched as Merlin’s mother grew ill and Gaius sacrificed his life to stop Merlin from trying again. Then he was awed when he witnessed the battle between Nimueh and Merlin. Saw how angry Merlin was when he realized Gaius was dead. Arthur had never witnessed Merlin being anything but jolly or sullen. Scared sometimes yes, but never had he seen how strong and dangerous Merlin could be.
Arthur was so focused he didn’t notice the fear on Merlin’s face when the crystal encased his legs all the way to his knees.
The next scene drew all of Arthur’s attention. He remembered when Morgana had been ill and Edwin had saved her life. He recalled his father also becoming ill, but he never was clear on how Gaius had saved his life nor what had really happened to Edwin. So he didn’t know that Merlin had killed Edwin, the sorcerer. He didn’t know that despite Merlin hating Arthur’s father for all the people he had killed, Merlin would risk his own life to save that of King Uther’s.
After that, Arthur watched Merlin save his village and saw his sadness as Will lied to Arthur on his deathbed, taking the blame for magic to keep Merlin’s secret. Then he saw the shapeshifter that had terrorized the city transform into a girl and tell Merlin of her curse. He followed the moments of Merlin falling in love with Freya, and failing to save her. He watched as Lancelot discovered Merlin’s secret and saw that Lancelot was proud of his friend.
Merlin watched with fear as the crystal reached his elbows. And then he looked at Arthur’s face. Though Arthur no longer looked angry, he didn’t look pleased.
The scenes started to speed up and stop at somewhat random moments. Arthur watched Merlin using magic to clean Arthur’s shield and his armor. This made him snort. He then saw Merlin talking to other servants asking them to teach him how to clean and polish. He saw Arthur in the beginning being proud of how shiny his armor was when Merlin first presented them, though he hid it. And then later he saw how angry he was when it seemed Merlin had regressed and he figured Merlin must have been making other servants do the job for him.
He watched as Merlin studied hard at botany for Gaius, though Arthur could see the texts continually gave him headaches. Then he saw Merlin, who had just had a long day taking care of Arthur’s needs, eat a rushed dinner and slip into his room to study magic. How he seemed night after night to stay up till dawn, before taking a quick nap then rushing to get to Arthur’s chambers. How Arthur threw dishes at him when Merlin’s naps made him late.
Then he saw all those moments of crisis, even the ones Arthur had known nothing about, where Merlin would work for several days without any sleep. He remembered often being concerned, but thinking Merlin must have been drinking at the tavern. He watched confused as he realized all those lectures about battles and fighting he gave Merlin, that Merlin had pretended to ignore, had captivated his entire attention. He realized that Merlin wanted to know when Arthur and the Knights were in danger, so he could protect them.
He watched himself for a time, seeing how frustrated he got at Merlin for always being distracted and saying silly things that had no bearing on their conversation. He saw that Merlin was always worried, staying up at night trying to make tough decisions, weighing the morality of his choices. He saw how Merlin was actually relieved whenever Arthur was in a playful mood, because it took his mind off his problems. Merlin actually loved to spend time with Arthur. Loved to make Arthur laugh. Merlin enjoyed pretending that he was nothing but a servant, and could let Arthur make the decisions, as long as they didn’t endanger Arthur’s life.
Arthur saw himself fighting constantly with Merlin for questioning his orders. And realized that each of those times, Merlin had known some vital piece of information, but couldn’t tell Arthur without revealing his magic. Each time he saw Merlin struggle against his desire to confide in Arthur. How each time he spoke to Gaius, he was told that not only might it risk Merlin’s own life and subsequently leave Arthur with no protection, but if Arthur chose to hide Merlin’s magic it would put Arthur in a precarious position against his King. So Merlin kept quiet.
Various expressions took hold of Arthur’s face, and Merlin didn’t know what any of them meant. Arthur wouldn’t look at Merlin, he was so deep into the past and its revelations. Merlin couldn’t choose the moments shown in the crystals, he only told them his wishes. They seemed to be responding to Arthur’s need for answers. The newest crystal had already risen to his neck, and Merlin feared that he wouldn’t be able to make Arthur understand in time. He sent out one last wish.
Arthur startled when the crystals blanked for one moment and then he saw himself being carried by his knights into Gaius’s chambers. Saw the blood on his shoulder and realized this was when he was bitten by the questing beast. He watched as Merlin tried to save him, but after all he had witnessed, this didn’t surprise him. No, it was the words that Merlin had desperately spoken to Gaius.
“He can’t die... it is my destiny to protect him.” Stricken he whispered, “We haven’t done all the things we’re meant to do.” When this didn’t seem to faze a man who had seen so many deaths, Merlin begged him. “Gaius, he’s my friend.”
Arthur had never realized how important that one word could be. He remembered why he liked Merlin despite his quirks and daily disrespect. He realized why every time he was in his company he had to keep from smiling. Why every time he managed to make Merlin laugh he felt lighter inside. Arthur suddenly knew it wasn’t just friendship.
He was distracted from his thoughts when he saw Merlin talking to the Dragonlord Belanore. He felt his heart sinking when he realized that Merlin had finally gotten his greatest wish and was able to meet his father. He watched Merlin learning why his father had abandoned him. Saw him find a connection only to be turned away. And then when his father came to his rescue, Merlin held him in his arms as he died. The devastation was beyond anything Arthur had experienced and watching Merlin go through it made his heart stutter and tears fall down his face.
Then the inevitable punch to the gut came. He saw Merlin helping Arthur into his armor and trying to give advice. Watched as he gave Merlin his own advice, “No man is worth your tears.” He didn’t notice the hurt that Merlin had swallowed. Didn’t know that Merlin was grieving. Didn’t know that Merlin was scared because not only was Arthur going into battle, but that it was up to Merlin to use a magic he had never learned, a magic that his father died to surrender to him. And if he failed everyone would perish.
Arthur never realized how powerful Merlin could be. Never realized how power means nothing if you don’t have the compassion to use it for the people who mean the most to you, even people you had never met before. Arthur realized that Merlin’s greatest gift was love and he gave it freely to Arthur.
The crystals went dark again. Arthur woke from a daze just in time to see Merlin crying as the crystal completely covered his face. Arthur panicked as he began to cut away the rope. He stumbled as he fell towards Merlin shouting his name. He clawed at the crystal trying to free Merlin, too afraid that his sword would kill him. Crying he turned around in circles only to notice that the last thing Merlin had done was create an opening in the cave so Arthur could live.
Arthur stared into Merlin’s face. At the last second, Merlin had closed his eyes and he looked almost peaceful. “I’ll be back Merlin. I promise. I will save you.” Arthur closed his eyes in grief and whispered, “I love you”, before running out of the cave.
It seemed to take him a lifetime to reach Camelot.
***
The sun had risen by the time he found himself in Gaius’s chambers. He couldn’t help shuddering as he remembered this was where Merlin tried to save his life. And he realized now that Merlin had bartered his life for Arthur’s.
It took some convincing but Gaius accepted that Arthur knew of their magic and they took to the forest as fast as Arthur had arrived. The cave was gone. Arthur described it and Gaius disclosed that it has been known to move. He was rusty but declared he’d call it back. They returned to Camelot.
Weeks passed. Gaius spoke with Lancelot who then revealed Merlin’s secret to Gwen. They both tried to comfort Arthur but he turned them away. Gaius found Arthur ripping at his hair, his food untouched. The cave had shown itself again. Lancelot and Gwen both insisted they come. The four of them traveled for two days to reach the cave. Arthur sighed with relief when the entrance appeared to be open.
They split up looking for Merlin. The cave was more of a cavern with crystals hanging from the ceiling. After searching for a half an hour, Arthur found Morgause’s dagger. He turned around and paused. The crystal was opaque and much thicker. Arthur could barely see the tears that had crystallized on Merlin’s face. He touched the crystal with his palm as he shouted to Gaius.
Gaius did every spell he could, practiced for weeks, while staying hidden from Uther. Exhausted, he panted as not one seemed to work. Lancelot held Gwen’s hand while Arthur screamed.
Arthur fell to his knees sobbing. When he could finally catch his breath he crawled to Merlin. Wiping his face, he placed his hands where Merlin’s hands were, wishing he could hold them. When the tears touched the crystal it shimmered. Arthur looked up to see Merlin had opened his eyes. The crystal shone with a sudden bright light. Lancelot and Gaius gripped Arthur under his arms and dragged him away. The crystal exploded outwards. The crash was deafening. Arthur was the first to recover and ran forward as he saw Merlin falling, the ropes dissolving around him.
Arthur cradled Merlin in his arms, soothing his hands through Merlin’s hair as he kept up a litany of his name. Arthur held him for an eternity before Merlin stirred. As soon as he opened his eyes, Arthur’s breath caught. When Merlin smiled, a dam broke inside, and Arthur leaned down to capture his lips with his own. Merlin didn’t move for a second and then grabbed onto Arthur’s shoulders and kissed back as hard as he could.
Gaius blushed as he brought himself to his feet. Gwen hugged Lancelot with joy.
Eventually, Arthur and Merlin calmed. Arthur looked down at him. “I lost you,” and he cried anew. Merlin wiped his tears. “Arthur, you can never lose me.” Arthur smiled softly and then helped Merlin to his feet. Carefully, they left the cave, Arthur’s arms wrapped around Merlin and their hands held together.
From a cottage in a far away village, a shrill scream could be heard.
the end
Author: libra_traveller
Fandom: Merlin
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Merlin/Arthur
Spoilers: Everything from all three series.
Summary: A vengeful Morgause traps Merlin and Arthur in the crystal caves. Magic leaves Arthur drowning in the past, while a crystal rises up to devour Merlin.
Author’s Note: The theme song to the story is “What About Now” by Daughtry.
“Can’t you carry your own sword?” Merlin groused as he once again stumbled over a tree root. It was getting to become a bad habit. He started to wonder what would happen if one day on their hunting trips he failed to trip. Would Arthur think him enchanted? Maybe Merlin should add falling flat on his face to his growing list of tricks for throwing off Arthur’s suspicion.
Arthur didn’t seem to hear him, so Merlin sighed. It took several minutes as Arthur was listening to the birds and small mammals in the forest, but he eventually came up with a suitable reply. “Sure Merlin,” Arthur said agreeably. “Why don’t I carry the sword in my right hand and that rucksack in my left, so I can carry you on my back. Then I’ll just throw the spear with my teeth!”
“You have a belt,” Merlin whined.
“And yet you are my manservant and it is your duty to make my life easier, not harder. Though you fail at that spectacularly every day.”
Both Arthur and Merlin continued to bicker as they hunted. They had gone alone that afternoon. More precisely, Arthur dragged a reluctant Merlin in his flight to escape the castle. Not even the Knights knew that Arthur had left the city. It had been several months since Morgana and her half-sister Morgause had attempted and almost succeeded in taking over Camelot. At first Uther was in a state of shock and allowed Arthur to oversee all repairs as well as the rebuilding of their defenses. In the last couple months, Uther had begun reasserting himself. He declared Morgana a traitor and placed a bounty on her head. He sent fliers to every village asking not for her to be delivered alive, but with her head on a pike.
Merlin couldn’t say he was very sympathetic. Three years he worked to make her see the difference between what was right and what would end up being horribly catastrophic. Time and again he gave his heart to save her from herself. Call it madness if you will, but everyday Merlin faced the same heartache of hiding his strengths and abilities, of never knowing if today will be the day the people you love turned around and gladly lit the fire that would consume your every breath.
Arthur stopped thinking about it. Every time he let his mind wander towards his newly discovered sister, a blackened rage enveloped him. Whatever object was nearest him shattered in his hands leaving his palms streaked with crusty blood. He once gave Merlin a black eye though he couldn’t recall hearing Merlin enter the room. He nearly did the same to Gwen but her shriek pierced through his anger in time. He watched in horror as she fled crying from the room. They haven’t spoken since. Sometimes he’ll see her with Lancelot in passing and a cold runs through his veins. But he knew he had only himself to blame. Merlin learned early on never to mention Morgana. He liked being able to look out both eyes thank you very much.
Their impromptu hunt was one of the first since Morgana had put her plan to the test. They joked around so they could pretend nothing had changed. And if Merlin’s complaints were half-hearted, and Arthur’s return volleys a little forced, no one was there to witness their meagre acting.
They were in the middle of a verbal spar, and had long ago stopped pretending they actually meant to kill any furry animals when a specter floated past them. Merlin noticed it immediately, though it happened so fast he couldn’t see any features but it was clearly a woman in a flowing dress. Arthur only noticed something had happened when Merlin paused mid word. He followed Merlin’s line of sight in time to see it flit past again. Silently, Merlin handed Arthur his sword in exchange for the spear. When it appeared a third time it had circled around them and stood still. She was transparent, with sunken eyes and an open mouth that seemed to wail though she made no sound. Her hair was brittle and her fingernails broken as she curled them against her arms. What Merlin had thought was a dress appeared to be a nightgown matched with worn slippers. The woman had no color in her skin or clothes, yet her eyes were a striking violet.
Merlin and Arthur mimicked her by standing absolutely still. Arthur tried to assess how she could physically harm them, while Merlin used his senses to discern what sort of magic she was. She didn’t feel like something dead. In fact she felt false, but he didn’t know exactly how that could be.
She started to fade from view and Merlin unconsciously took a deep breath. After she disappeared completely Arthur’s grip on his sword relaxed. His fist tightened all but five seconds later when she appeared again yards in front of them, wispy but still visible through the trees. Arthur immediately began to follow but Merlin gripped his forearm in warning. With a quick look back at the fear on Merlin’s face, Arthur cut back his rebuke. Quietly, he asserted, “I’m going. We don’t know why she’s here nor what she wants. I must protect my people.” He didn’t say it aloud, but his eyes told Merlin that he needn’t come with him. Merlin only frowned and followed.
The specter took them through the forest for hours though they didn’t seem to notice the passing time, only that once it had been light and now it was dark. When they came upon a cave that didn’t belong Merlin abruptly stopped. Arthur continued on not noticing Merlin wasn’t beside him. They had not spoken the entire trip, nor had Merlin fallen once even though he had given no thought to where his feet had stepped. The cave felt familiar, and though it did not look like the crystal cave Merlin had once visited, he knew it to be so. When Arthur was finally at its entrance, Merlin snapped out of his daze and sprinted as fast as he could. He tackled Arthur. With a hiss, Arthur shoved him away and bravely entered with his sword at the ready. Without taking a breath, Merlin jumped up from the ground and flew after Arthur, just escaping being crushed as the cave opening collapsed upon itself.
Merlin hit the floor hard knocking the wind out of him. When he could look up he realized it was too late. Morgause was in the cave and ropes were wrapping themselves around Arthur’s middle, tightening around his limbs and neck. Though he fought, Arthur lost the sword and was thrown up against a large crystalline stalagmite. One of many. Although the cave was smaller this time, Merlin averted his eyes as he struggled to his knees. As soon as the ropes fastened Arthur to the stalagmite, Morgause turned her attention to Merlin. He felt as if he were moving through quicksand and couldn’t catch his breath. He refused to use magic. The crystals craved to indulge in it. He found he could no more stop himself from being strangled by a second set of ropes than Arthur could. They fastened him against a crystal exactly opposite Arthur. Merlin was relieved to see Arthur still drew breath though he couldn’t move and his eyes watered from the strain. Merlin felt the crystal at his back calling not to him but to the ground at his feet. He didn’t know what it meant, but knew it was the sorceress’s doing.
Morgause sauntered forward, an almost demented smile stretching across her face. She wore a long black dress belted with runes and flowers of a sort. The sleeves barely covered the scars from the battle. She held a dagger in her hands. After months of recovery and plotting she came to the moment she dreamt of and knew not what to say. She waited for inspiration, and maybe hoped they could speak despite the ropes digging into their windpipes.
She turned her back on them, missing the fury in their eyes. She focused her thoughts on why she brought them to this place. Why despite her being the one to plan the siege, she knew she had been the one deceived. All this time she had known that Merlin saw everything, knew that he was almost comically loyal to Arthur. She understood that danger. But she didn’t know he had a power to rival her own. She did not know why a man with the greatest gift of magic would ally himself with the prince and son of a king that had almost extinguished her race. She knew that she would have only one opportunity to destroy Merlin. She understood that someone with his gifts would be at his most vulnerable amongst the crystals. Best of all she knew how to make the crystals work. Merlin was yet young and had likely only experienced time streaming towards the future. But with skill and practice any moment of the past could be shown as well. And this she would put to use. She would reveal to Arthur Merlin’s treachery and let Arthur kill Merlin in his rage. And if that did not work she’d let the crystals have their say.
***
Merlin locked eyes with Arthur. The thought swept through his mind that he had failed utterly. He should have known it was an illusion. He should have tried harder to convince Arthur not to follow it. He could have done anything, including knocking him out. Arthur wouldn’t even question that Merlin could have gotten in a lucky shot. He would have been mad sure, but he’d be alive. Now Morgause had him at a disadvantage. Had he went looking for this cave on his own, perhaps he could have mastered his magic around the crystals. Oh, but he’d been afraid. Looking at all the ruin that would befall Camelot, befall his friends, had made him start to go mad. He worried that if he knew every possible future, he would unknowingly cause the worst to happen. So he stayed away, afraid of its power and what it could mean. Now Arthur would die. Morgause will have taken Merlin out of the picture leaving Camelot defenseless. He was an idiot.
Arthur could barely see straight. The rage was back in its full force. He continuously fought the bindings leaving bruises on his legs and arms. His face was red with exertion and each breath he took grew harder than the last, but he didn’t care. His determination to free himself had a split focus. He had to protect Merlin, and he had to kill the woman that destroyed his life.
Morgause had mastered her emotions and readied her spells in her mind. But first she needed to explain to these boys what was about to happen, lest they forget for even a moment that she was in control.
“Prince Arthur,” she addressed him as courteously as she could stomach. She glanced behind her at Merlin, and spoke in thought. “Merlin, Merlin, Merlin. You chose the wrong side, didn’t you? You will regret this.”
For a second, she pretended that she was listening for a response. Arthur didn’t bother to choke out a reply and Merlin tried to shield his mind, though the crystals were a constant distraction.
“I woke up this morning ready to trap you and enjoy tearing you apart. Yet, as night fell, I became more reasonable and have chosen to let you decide your own fate.” Morgause came closer to Arthur and placed her dagger in his hand. This elicited the response she’d hoped for. Arthur’s eyes grew wide in surprise. “You see I wanted to do you a favor. I learned of a traitor in your midst. One more powerful than our sister. More powerful than even I. And I’m going to give you a chance to take care of this upsetting discovery.” Merlin began to listen with dread. “I do not expect you to believe me. So I brought you here. It is a cave of crystals that let you see the future.” At this she winked back at Merlin. “But they also show you the past.”
Morgause could see the confusion in Arthur’s eyes, and she reveled in it. Then with a flourish she stepped to the side so Arthur could see Merlin’s wide eyes. She loved the questions that seemed to shout from Arthur despite his troubling breaths. She didn’t even need to speak, when Arthur looked back at her she only nodded. Then with a soft spoken word she activated a crystal beside Arthur, and watched as a delightful scene presented itself.
When she’d discovered Merlin’s treachery she went hunting in the past to find that one moment that Arthur could never forgive. She didn’t have to look long.
In the crystal played Merlin’s greatest mistake, the one he almost didn’t recover from. The great dragon waited with excitement as Merlin struck the chain that for years had kept him from acting out his revenge. The dragon’s roar reverberated off every crystal.
Arthur’s rage that was always black suddenly turned white. He stopped struggling, stopped trying to escape. He thought he’d felt the worst of shocks when Morgana had stolen his Kingdom from him. He thought he understood how deep betrayal could go when he learned his father let his mother die so Arthur could be born, and then hid it from him. Now he knew. He couldn’t feel his hands or feet. His face had gone numb. His ears were buzzing. And he knew that if he didn’t take another breath he would pass out. His thoughts kept replaying that scene even after the light in the crystal had vanished. He kept thinking, if He had done that, what else had he done?
Morgause took in Arthur’s clenched fist around the dagger. She knew it would not be long before he freed himself. “Arthur.” He glanced at her, but she could tell he didn’t see her. “I trust you will take care of this.” And then she headed towards the back of the cave, created an opening and left with it closing back behind her.
As soon as she left Arthur bored his eyes into Merlin. Merlin swallowed nervously. He knew that he could never free himself in time to reason with Arthur if that were even possible. So he did the only thing he knew how to do, he called his magic. All the crystals in the cave lit up and at first they showed Camelot in the midst of a great battle, and both Merlin and Arthur watched in horror. Arthur shook off the image and began struggling to free himself, murder his only thought.
When Merlin had opened up his magic he had discovered Morgause’s plan. The cavern floor at his feet was growing a new crystal. And now that his magic was feeding it, it grew even faster. Merlin ignored this and attempted to discover how Morgause had altered the flow of time. Finally, he was able to stop the destruction of Camelot and turn to the past.
Arthur stopped cutting at the ropes when he saw Merlin drink from a poisoned goblet and fall to the floor. He watched as he himself carried Merlin to Gaius’ chambers. Then he saw Merlin sweating and chanting odd words, a ball of light revealed in his hands. The same ball of light that rescued him.
He watched Merlin barter his life to Nimueh, watched as Merlin’s mother grew ill and Gaius sacrificed his life to stop Merlin from trying again. Then he was awed when he witnessed the battle between Nimueh and Merlin. Saw how angry Merlin was when he realized Gaius was dead. Arthur had never witnessed Merlin being anything but jolly or sullen. Scared sometimes yes, but never had he seen how strong and dangerous Merlin could be.
Arthur was so focused he didn’t notice the fear on Merlin’s face when the crystal encased his legs all the way to his knees.
The next scene drew all of Arthur’s attention. He remembered when Morgana had been ill and Edwin had saved her life. He recalled his father also becoming ill, but he never was clear on how Gaius had saved his life nor what had really happened to Edwin. So he didn’t know that Merlin had killed Edwin, the sorcerer. He didn’t know that despite Merlin hating Arthur’s father for all the people he had killed, Merlin would risk his own life to save that of King Uther’s.
After that, Arthur watched Merlin save his village and saw his sadness as Will lied to Arthur on his deathbed, taking the blame for magic to keep Merlin’s secret. Then he saw the shapeshifter that had terrorized the city transform into a girl and tell Merlin of her curse. He followed the moments of Merlin falling in love with Freya, and failing to save her. He watched as Lancelot discovered Merlin’s secret and saw that Lancelot was proud of his friend.
Merlin watched with fear as the crystal reached his elbows. And then he looked at Arthur’s face. Though Arthur no longer looked angry, he didn’t look pleased.
The scenes started to speed up and stop at somewhat random moments. Arthur watched Merlin using magic to clean Arthur’s shield and his armor. This made him snort. He then saw Merlin talking to other servants asking them to teach him how to clean and polish. He saw Arthur in the beginning being proud of how shiny his armor was when Merlin first presented them, though he hid it. And then later he saw how angry he was when it seemed Merlin had regressed and he figured Merlin must have been making other servants do the job for him.
He watched as Merlin studied hard at botany for Gaius, though Arthur could see the texts continually gave him headaches. Then he saw Merlin, who had just had a long day taking care of Arthur’s needs, eat a rushed dinner and slip into his room to study magic. How he seemed night after night to stay up till dawn, before taking a quick nap then rushing to get to Arthur’s chambers. How Arthur threw dishes at him when Merlin’s naps made him late.
Then he saw all those moments of crisis, even the ones Arthur had known nothing about, where Merlin would work for several days without any sleep. He remembered often being concerned, but thinking Merlin must have been drinking at the tavern. He watched confused as he realized all those lectures about battles and fighting he gave Merlin, that Merlin had pretended to ignore, had captivated his entire attention. He realized that Merlin wanted to know when Arthur and the Knights were in danger, so he could protect them.
He watched himself for a time, seeing how frustrated he got at Merlin for always being distracted and saying silly things that had no bearing on their conversation. He saw that Merlin was always worried, staying up at night trying to make tough decisions, weighing the morality of his choices. He saw how Merlin was actually relieved whenever Arthur was in a playful mood, because it took his mind off his problems. Merlin actually loved to spend time with Arthur. Loved to make Arthur laugh. Merlin enjoyed pretending that he was nothing but a servant, and could let Arthur make the decisions, as long as they didn’t endanger Arthur’s life.
Arthur saw himself fighting constantly with Merlin for questioning his orders. And realized that each of those times, Merlin had known some vital piece of information, but couldn’t tell Arthur without revealing his magic. Each time he saw Merlin struggle against his desire to confide in Arthur. How each time he spoke to Gaius, he was told that not only might it risk Merlin’s own life and subsequently leave Arthur with no protection, but if Arthur chose to hide Merlin’s magic it would put Arthur in a precarious position against his King. So Merlin kept quiet.
Various expressions took hold of Arthur’s face, and Merlin didn’t know what any of them meant. Arthur wouldn’t look at Merlin, he was so deep into the past and its revelations. Merlin couldn’t choose the moments shown in the crystals, he only told them his wishes. They seemed to be responding to Arthur’s need for answers. The newest crystal had already risen to his neck, and Merlin feared that he wouldn’t be able to make Arthur understand in time. He sent out one last wish.
Arthur startled when the crystals blanked for one moment and then he saw himself being carried by his knights into Gaius’s chambers. Saw the blood on his shoulder and realized this was when he was bitten by the questing beast. He watched as Merlin tried to save him, but after all he had witnessed, this didn’t surprise him. No, it was the words that Merlin had desperately spoken to Gaius.
“He can’t die... it is my destiny to protect him.” Stricken he whispered, “We haven’t done all the things we’re meant to do.” When this didn’t seem to faze a man who had seen so many deaths, Merlin begged him. “Gaius, he’s my friend.”
Arthur had never realized how important that one word could be. He remembered why he liked Merlin despite his quirks and daily disrespect. He realized why every time he was in his company he had to keep from smiling. Why every time he managed to make Merlin laugh he felt lighter inside. Arthur suddenly knew it wasn’t just friendship.
He was distracted from his thoughts when he saw Merlin talking to the Dragonlord Belanore. He felt his heart sinking when he realized that Merlin had finally gotten his greatest wish and was able to meet his father. He watched Merlin learning why his father had abandoned him. Saw him find a connection only to be turned away. And then when his father came to his rescue, Merlin held him in his arms as he died. The devastation was beyond anything Arthur had experienced and watching Merlin go through it made his heart stutter and tears fall down his face.
Then the inevitable punch to the gut came. He saw Merlin helping Arthur into his armor and trying to give advice. Watched as he gave Merlin his own advice, “No man is worth your tears.” He didn’t notice the hurt that Merlin had swallowed. Didn’t know that Merlin was grieving. Didn’t know that Merlin was scared because not only was Arthur going into battle, but that it was up to Merlin to use a magic he had never learned, a magic that his father died to surrender to him. And if he failed everyone would perish.
Arthur never realized how powerful Merlin could be. Never realized how power means nothing if you don’t have the compassion to use it for the people who mean the most to you, even people you had never met before. Arthur realized that Merlin’s greatest gift was love and he gave it freely to Arthur.
The crystals went dark again. Arthur woke from a daze just in time to see Merlin crying as the crystal completely covered his face. Arthur panicked as he began to cut away the rope. He stumbled as he fell towards Merlin shouting his name. He clawed at the crystal trying to free Merlin, too afraid that his sword would kill him. Crying he turned around in circles only to notice that the last thing Merlin had done was create an opening in the cave so Arthur could live.
Arthur stared into Merlin’s face. At the last second, Merlin had closed his eyes and he looked almost peaceful. “I’ll be back Merlin. I promise. I will save you.” Arthur closed his eyes in grief and whispered, “I love you”, before running out of the cave.
It seemed to take him a lifetime to reach Camelot.
***
The sun had risen by the time he found himself in Gaius’s chambers. He couldn’t help shuddering as he remembered this was where Merlin tried to save his life. And he realized now that Merlin had bartered his life for Arthur’s.
It took some convincing but Gaius accepted that Arthur knew of their magic and they took to the forest as fast as Arthur had arrived. The cave was gone. Arthur described it and Gaius disclosed that it has been known to move. He was rusty but declared he’d call it back. They returned to Camelot.
Weeks passed. Gaius spoke with Lancelot who then revealed Merlin’s secret to Gwen. They both tried to comfort Arthur but he turned them away. Gaius found Arthur ripping at his hair, his food untouched. The cave had shown itself again. Lancelot and Gwen both insisted they come. The four of them traveled for two days to reach the cave. Arthur sighed with relief when the entrance appeared to be open.
They split up looking for Merlin. The cave was more of a cavern with crystals hanging from the ceiling. After searching for a half an hour, Arthur found Morgause’s dagger. He turned around and paused. The crystal was opaque and much thicker. Arthur could barely see the tears that had crystallized on Merlin’s face. He touched the crystal with his palm as he shouted to Gaius.
Gaius did every spell he could, practiced for weeks, while staying hidden from Uther. Exhausted, he panted as not one seemed to work. Lancelot held Gwen’s hand while Arthur screamed.
Arthur fell to his knees sobbing. When he could finally catch his breath he crawled to Merlin. Wiping his face, he placed his hands where Merlin’s hands were, wishing he could hold them. When the tears touched the crystal it shimmered. Arthur looked up to see Merlin had opened his eyes. The crystal shone with a sudden bright light. Lancelot and Gaius gripped Arthur under his arms and dragged him away. The crystal exploded outwards. The crash was deafening. Arthur was the first to recover and ran forward as he saw Merlin falling, the ropes dissolving around him.
Arthur cradled Merlin in his arms, soothing his hands through Merlin’s hair as he kept up a litany of his name. Arthur held him for an eternity before Merlin stirred. As soon as he opened his eyes, Arthur’s breath caught. When Merlin smiled, a dam broke inside, and Arthur leaned down to capture his lips with his own. Merlin didn’t move for a second and then grabbed onto Arthur’s shoulders and kissed back as hard as he could.
Gaius blushed as he brought himself to his feet. Gwen hugged Lancelot with joy.
Eventually, Arthur and Merlin calmed. Arthur looked down at him. “I lost you,” and he cried anew. Merlin wiped his tears. “Arthur, you can never lose me.” Arthur smiled softly and then helped Merlin to his feet. Carefully, they left the cave, Arthur’s arms wrapped around Merlin and their hands held together.
From a cottage in a far away village, a shrill scream could be heard.
the end
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on 2011-02-10 01:09 am (UTC)Well done! ♥
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on 2011-02-12 04:49 pm (UTC)no subject
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on 2011-02-10 04:18 pm (UTC)no subject
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on 2011-02-10 09:12 pm (UTC)no subject
on 2011-02-12 04:58 pm (UTC)