He felt the electric sensation searing beneath his skin before he woke. Energy buzzed through his body, a sharp, unrelenting sting in his blood. It pleaded - demanded - to be let out. It had been far too long - the stolen moments in hidden alcoves and solitary hallways never sufficed. The little lapses of time in his room were not enough, never enough to truly satisfy. He tossed and turned, willing the desire away. It would not abide. With a groan, he got up from his bed. The cool air of night rose goosebumps in his skin, completely at odds with the heat coursing through him.
Merlin dressed into a blue tunic and breeches without knowing how exactly, for there were no lights and his eyes remained firmly closed. He did know he wasn't dreaming, when a tremble shot through his body as he finished tying his neckerchief and buckling his boots.
The need was growing, impossible to ignore. His body ached for the release it knew was coming once Merlin was well and truly alone. With those thoughts in mind, he sped past the main chambers, down the halls and well into the forest without anyone noticing - he had always been good at hiding.
The Darkling Woods loomed with the familiarity of an old embrace.
Merlin broke into a run, tearing through the grounds until he deemed it far enough that there would be no witnesses. Panting, he let himself fall onto the cold ground. There, he spread his arms and legs around him, pressing his palms to the forest floor. When his breath evened out, Merlin curled his fingers and surrendered the cooped burning energy within him, letting it sink into the moss and leaves, into the air, into the roots of the trees and into the very earth itself. The boiling reduced to a simmer, the simmer to a warm, happy flow within him.
It wasn't enough, not today. Magic was energy in a constant state of flux, always changing, always moving. Without a proper outlet, his magic was still restless.
Simple chores didn't provide his magic the satisfaction of release that constantly threatened to burst. Petty parlour tricks did nothing more than scarcely scratch the burning itch. Merlin got up, walking deeper into the woods, letting his hands trace over the sturdy trunks of the trees and the soft leaves hanging overhead. The innate magic of the land sang to him, fluttering about and beckoning him deeper and deeper into the forest. Like a dance, the energy made him move to its rhythm.
The deeper he went, tiny lights started floating around him, little specks of brightness against the dark. The wind rustled through branches, creating an ethereal tune as fog accumulated low on the floor. Elemental Magic, weak as it was, permeated the air he breathed. In the depths of the woods, magic seeped through every living creature and plant. Merlin felt it, softly at first, a connection forming with the place as he let his own magic join that of the forest, steadily growing as he let more of his own energy join in.
Voices soon came to join in the song of nature. Merlin stood transfixed as five figures came into view, approaching him. They all seemed to glide rather than walk. At the lead came a man. He had thick, curved horns on his head, a square jaw, prominent cheekbones, broad shoulders and a taut stomach that lead way to powerful hind legs of a goat and sturdy hooves. He wore no clothes, his wrists decorated with twine and some of it draped over his chest. He was stunning, a presence that commanded attention. Recalling various creatures from one of Gaius's books, Merlin found what he was: a Faun.
He was flanked on evenly on both sides by tall and slender women dressed in leaves dancing across their bodies, barely covering their modesty, with crowns of twine and flowers to adorn their hair; let loose to sway with the breeze of late summer; what were once bright, alluring eyes of emerald and amber were now dulled to dreary greys. They had an air of gloom around them that took away from the sublime image they painted. His magic instantly went out to surround them, assessing the figures to determine if they were enemies. That proved unnecessary, as the figure on the far left called to him.
"Emrys!"
Her hair was the color of the bark of old trees and coated with moss, her bare feet kicking up fallen leaves as she came forth and kneeled before him in reverence. The other worldly women soon followed, each calling to him and thanking his appearance, however coincidental he felt it was. Their acknowledgement of him snapped him out of his daze, commanding him to attention. The use of his other name was not lost on him. Merlin tried to tell them that bowing was unneeded, but the Faun stepped forth and bowed, though did not sink to his knees as his companions before him.
"Emrys. I am Jair, Guardian of the Darkling Nymphs," he introduced them with calm and respect. "Ptelea," the one that had called to him first, "Morea," standing between Jair and Ptelea, her hair white as her skin and pink lips spreading into a smile. Merlin happily returned the gesture. "Kraneia," the one to his right, rich dark skin and ebony hair reflecting the lights around them with a gentle glow. She was adorned in white blossoms of the season. "And Meliae," The last one had dark brown hair, coming to rest by her ankles, flowers of pink on her. Each Nymph inclined her head as she was mentioned, waiting for the Faun to finish his introduction.
"We have wished for your presence, and the Gods have seen fit to deliver."
Merlin wanted to correct them, say that this was merely a chance encounter, yet he let it rest. Their magic was restless, though not in the same way as his. While Merlin's magic seeked release from its confine, theirs searched to devour energy. It was a hunger so primal, unlike any Merlin had ever felt before from another creature. It was desperate and lacked any sort of power after years of starvation.
"There's no need to be so formal. What can I do for you?"
At this, the Nymphs stood, soft smiles playing along their faces. The one that first called - Ptelea - took a step forth.
"We have become weak, Emrys. With Uther's purge, Magic has been drained from our home and we suffer for it. Today you have given some back to our lands, but we the Nymphs and the Faun are frail. We cannot take any more from the Earth, as we have nothing to give in return. We ask that you extend us the kindness that you've just bestowed upon our lands, unto us."
She finished with a bow of her head, a silent promise of servitude in exchange for his favor. Merlin bit his lip, wanting more than anything to help, yet unsure of how to proceed. Nymphs and Fauns were creatures of magic and nature, and he was their Kin. Their magic, although rooted from the same source, was different. The bond that was created allowed him to feel their presence, to translate their magic to something he could understand, but was that enough? Just like them, the bond was fragile and dim. They wouldn't last longer than a fortnight with the low reserves that they did have.
Without thinking any further, he asked, "What do I need to do?"
Meliae and Morea stepped forth, each taking a hand, and guiding him into a clearing. The rising sun shone brightly onto a slab of smooth stone at the center. The others followed a few steps behind.
"Give us, Emrys, what you wish to give. We shall take no more than what is offered. Let your nature unravel, and gift us as it sees fit," said the Faun, laying a hand on his shoulder. He retreated, and the Nymphs sat him on the edge of the makeshift altar.
The sun was beginning to peek through the sky as they took his neckerchief, folding it neatly and placing it to the side. Another took his jacket, a third removed his tunic and the fourth took his boots. The magic inside him fluttered through their connection, coursing from him to them as the layers were removed.
"Nature is bare, Emrys. We have no need to hide, but you come from a society of man. We do not expect anything from you, that you do not already give." Jair whispered, his voice carrying in the wind as he brought a hollowed rock filled with charcoal and oil mixed into a thick paste. His hands began to trace runes over his bared chest and arms with a gentle touch - a touch that reminded him of another sort of energy that needed release. The hesitant hands of one of the Nymphs stayed at the waistline of his breeches, awaiting the order to either unlace them or to retreat.
For a moment, Merlin felt naked, vulnerable, exposed for them to see. That passed quickly when he saw the look in their eyes. It was safety to reveal himself what he saw in them. As Jair had said, nature was bare. It was the Nymph's and the Faun's nature to be exposed and free. The rules of man did not apply to them. In here, they did not apply to him.
"I am of your Kin. I give you myself as I am."
The hands moved to untie the laces of his breeches and other sets pushed him down onto the stone warming under the sun's morning rays. The runes Jair traced onto him seared onto his body, temporarily marking him so that the transfer of magic flowed easily between them. The Nymph's hands stroked oil into his arms, into his chest and through his hair, massaging his scalp. Merlin let himself relax, feeling his energy fluxing and spreading, coursing through his veins and through the runes, into his companions. Jair stopped tracing marks into his body, eliciting a moan of protest from the warlock. He wasn't gone for long, as soon his hands were coursing through his stomach, reaching lower with each stroke.
The heat of arousal rose inside him, building with each caress to his skin. His magic curled around the Nymphs and the Faun, eliciting pleasure in them, much like they were on him. Their hands were all over his body, soothing and coaxing both magical and sexual energy through him. Every repressed desire was tended to, those careful hands wandering his skin, taking and giving. Merlin's magic spread through them, his hands touching their flesh as their hands touched his. They were all gasping and moaning, taking and taking from each other everything that they gave.
The ritual came to a climax with Jair in Merlin, his strong hands around his hips as he thrusted and the Nymphs teasing his skin, his nipples, and his cock. The magic surrounding them electrified the air. Clouds gathered and rumbled with thunder. Rain pelted down on them with each pleasured groan. Ptelea was the first to cry out in satisfaction, lightning striking the ground as she did. The others soon followed, each time a stroke of lightning signifying their release.
Merlin, Jair and the Nymphs exhaled, sated of their desires, and lay on the stone. The rain settled into a light shower that cleansed their bodies. Jair was the first to stir, procuring a lute and playing a jovial tune. The Nymphs soon sprang to their feet, taking hold of Merlin and pulling him into a dace. Water dripped down their naked skin as they frolicked, the rain coming stronger to the rhythm that was played.
Merlin was reminded of the night him and Will had snuck out into the caves by their homes, young and eager to discover and explore. Merlin had set a patch of the nearby forest on fire that night, his passion burning that bright. Neither realized it had been him until they had finished, the flames extinguishing themselves of their own accord. Since then, he had to take control, to reign in.
This night, guided by the Nymphs, the Faun and Nature, he let himself be free in a way he hadn't allowed himself to be.
They sat in the damp floor, snacking on berries and other nuts gathered from the forest. Merlin felt more relaxed than ever, simply existing in the moment. They drank the cool water collected from the rain. They laughed, they talked. And eventually, Merlin knew he should leave. Gaius would vouch that he'd been out collecting herbs, though he better be gone before patrols were sent near the area.
"Emrys, we humbly thank you for sharing your energy and your gift with us. We know you asked for nothing in return, yet we wish to gift you with something as a measure of thanks." Ptelea stood, going over to a tree and taking a pouch from one of the hollows.
"Some decades ago a traveler passed by this side of Darkling Woods. He was a Dragonlord, and he saved us from a Golem. In exchange, he asked that we keep this safe from the world. He said that one day, when the time was right, it would be passed onto another Dragonlord." Jair explained, voice low, "We believe, Emrys, that he meant you."
Merlin took the pouch gently, eyes wide and curious. The remnants of magic within it trembled, calling to him like Kilgharrah had done upon his arrival to Camelot. Raising his gaze and pocketing his prize, Merlin nodded at the forest creatures.
"Thank you for keeping it safe."
A smile crept unbidden onto his face. Jair returned the gesture, his own teeth gleaming in the sunlight. The Nymphs stood, each placing a kiss upon his cheek before departing to their trees. Jair remained, facing him. His features drew back, exposing concern.
"Many conflicts are fast approaching, Emrys. We have every faith that you shall overcome them, but we realize that the burden of Destiny is far too heavy to be carried alone. You have proven yourself to us, as you will soon to others of your Kin and those you protect. Know that you are of our own, we shall stand by you and by no other."
Jair's eyes were sincere, a vow to protect and to care. He stood, coming next to Merlin and lifting his chin delicately so their gazes could meet, "The Darkling Wood Nymphs and the Guardian Faun will always rise to your command, my Dragonlord."
A chaste kiss was placed upon his lips before Jair disappeared, leaving Merlin awed, touched and feeling better about overtaking his Destiny.
Merlin walked with a spring in his step as he made his way to Gaius's chambers. The physician was already up and about when he entered, rosemary, yarrow and lavender in hand.
"My boy, where have you been? I thought you were still asleep." He received the herbs, beginning to sort them as he waited for an explanation.
Merlin's eyes gleamed with the memories, eager to share what he had been through. Upon noticing this, Gaius' shoulders eased into relaxation, unknowing of the tension that had been in them before.
"I couldn't. My magic got restless and I had to go out to the forest. You'll never believe what happened! Gaius it was so," He raised his arms over his head, not knowing how to convey the feeling of the experience. Gaius only raised his eyebrow in amusement, a sign which Merlin took to mean as go on.
"There were Nymphs - four of them - they were so beautiful, unlike anything you've ever seen! And their Guardian was a Faun! His horns! His name was Jair! The Nymphs were amazing! I shared with them my magic! It just went all out and -! And then they -"
Merlin caught himself before he said anything that Gaius didn't need to know.
"They what, Merlin?" The eyebrow was back, questioning, daring him to lie. Merlin decided to omit that part, skipping to what happened next.
"They gave me this," He pulled the pouch from his pocket so that Gaius could examine it, "Said it was from a Dragonlord."
The contents poured out onto the table. Small stones smoothed on one side landed with soft thunks. Inspecting them showed that each one had engravings on them, looking further still, some of the stones fit together like pieces of a puzzle. The two examined them, though there was not enough time to decipher it at the moment. Aside from that, the runes were presumed to be in Dragonspeak, a language neither Gaius nor Merlin knew how to read. Merlin felt himself drawn to the stones, the runes changing in his eyes to accommodate to his language, but they flickered back before he could understand a word of them. Gaius watched in fascination as Merlin's eyes gazed upon the stone, having an inkling of what was happening. With a rueful smile, he said, "We have duties to attend, boy. Best hide that and tend to Arthur. We can go over them later tonight."
Nodding, Merlin went up to his room and placed the stones next to his book of spells under his floorboard. He ate his breakfast and hurried to the kitchen to grab Arthur's. With having hardly any sleep and his energy spent in such ways, today promised to be a long one.
Hopefully Arthur's feeling merciful.
Why do I hope for such miracles?
Arthur was not merciful.
It had been a month since the Great Dragon had been defeated, and even more since the Great Battle of Camelot. Tonight was to be a celebration in honour of Lady Morgana, commemorating the time she went deep into the catacombs to break the Rowan Staff casting the enchantment on the Undead Skeletons. Arthur had a lot of pain to vent, and Merlin -no sleep, no energy in him Merlin - was an easy target for the hurt Prince. Mocking Merlin kept him grounded. Which was the only reason as to why Merlin did not poke his fun at the prat for being the Ultimate Prince of Pratliness. Why he took it all in stride and then some. Unknown to him, Arthur was grateful.
"She was so brave. I never imagined she would be gone one day. I always thought that I would be King and she would still be here to harass me into doing her bidding."
Merlin gave him a sad smile, "That she was, my lord." However, he knew that Morgana's true bravery came not only from the destruction of the Staff. "I still think Morgana can find a way to cross the veil and harass you at any given moment." That at least got a weak laugh from Arthur. It had been so long since he had smiled, Merlin began to think he missed them.
"I don't doubt it, Merlin," he sighed, "I still miss her. She was like a sister to me." Merlin rests a comforting hand on his shoulder before continuing with his duties around the room. The quiet that surrounds them is comfortable, each retrieving into their own minds. That evening, Arthur asks for an early dinner and dismisses Merlin as soon as he finished serving the food.
Perhaps Arthur did have some mercy after all.
Merlin was up in the abandoned east tower, gazing at the courtyard as the sun began to set. It had been an exhausting day, yet sleep evaded him. Something called to him at the back of his mind - thankfully not the Dragon this time. He followed it here, and now sat in the windowsill, waiting.
As the sky turned dark and the first flash of stars came into view, he felt it. A tug in the fabric of magic, a different sort of flow in the energy. He turned around. His breath caught in his chest. Eyes wide, he didn't dare move.
Morgana.
She sat, regal as ever in her favorite emerald dress, her hair pinned artistically and a soft golden glow about her. She smiled kindly at him, the patient smile she showed him when he was being particularly slow about something. In this case, he figured, it could be excused.
She knows she's supposed to be dead, right?
"Merlin." She stood from her invisible perch, coming over to him and placing a loving hand on his cheek, "I am glad to see that you came unscathed."
He peered at her curiously, blue eyes trailing her movements, "I thought you were dead." The lady sighed, knowing that this meeting would not be easy. "I am. I took a pass, I needed to talk to you." He frowned at her words, tilting his head. "Talk to me? It must be important, if you're here." The comment resembled more his personality, so Morgana let her smile widen.
"Indeed. I wished to thank you," she motioned for him to stay silent at his hanging mouth. Once Merlin started blabbering, there was no stopping it.
"You were there for me, even if it seemed all hope was lost. You rid me of my fear and my hate, you didn't let them consume me as they have Uther. You showed me that there is a right way to bring magic back to the kingdom, to create peace for sorcerers and people alike. Merlin, you are everything that magic needs right now. Morgause was bitter, and she prayed on my bitterness as well. She may have loved me, but she used me too. I forgive you for poisoning me. I -"
"That was the Dragon's idea! It was the only way to break the spell and it was the hardest thing I've ever had to do - I'm so sorry! He told me - and you - and the prophecy - I was so scared. I'm still scared! Morgana I - I'm so sorry for what I did to you. I'm a bloody coward! I knew you had magic and I should've helped you and -"
"Merlin!"
He closed his mouth with a click! Eyes wide as he stared. A hurried 'Sorry!' escaped his lips at Morgana's mixture of fond exasperation.
"This is what I meant. Merlin, you have such a big heart, so much good in you. I understand now the position you were in. I understand your fear. I want you to know that all has been truly forgiven this time. Merlin, you've shown me that magic can be used for good, that the powers we share do not make what we are, that there is no reason to fear them as we have been taught. With your help, magic will return, I know it - I have every faith in you. I just wish I could still be in that side with all of you."
She brushed her fingers over his fringe in a gentle caress before enveloping him in a quick hug, "I know you're scared, I was too; but you are braver than I was. May you have the best of luck, Emrys."
As suddenly as she had appeared, she was gone. Merlin stared at the stars and the full moon for a while longer. His heart felt lighter, Morgana's words sinking in. As he walked back to Gaius' chambers, he felt magic humming within him. There was a shift in the way it felt, a wind of change bubbling in it. The tingle was something he had never felt with such ferocity before. It felt like the beginning of a tournament, like the pieces of a game falling into place.
Destiny was fast approaching.
