"The greatest sweetener of human life is Friendship. To raise this to the highest pitch of enjoyment, is a secret which few but discover"-Joseph Addison
"Come on, Merlin! Keep up! I can't have you lagging behind all day if we're to reach the lake by dusk." Arthur called behind him.
Merlin rolled his eyes and spurred his horse forward. "Remind me again why we're going?" he said flatly. His body ached from riding and he needed to drink, but Arthur refused to stop for anyone. His iron will once again proved most irritating.
"Because Father's looking to expand the kingdom so that people like you don't have to moan he's not good enough anymore. And quite frankly, I'm quite bored of hearing him talk about it."
A thousand retorts sprung to Merlin's lips, but he bit them back, as always. If he let one escape, it would mean the stocks, a punishment he had never been particularly fond of. He simply kept his head down and pretended to concede defeat. It was petty moments like these Merlin felt most annoyed Arthur did not know who he really was- a sorcerer whose coming had been foretold by Prophets and Dragons with more power than Arthur could even imagine. The sound of hooves striking the ground was the only sound amongst the trees, until Arthur suddenly sat up straight and looked around.
"What is it?" asked Merlin, watching him curiously. Arthur put a finger to his lips.
"We're being watched." He mouthed. Arthur's hand slid down to the hilt of his sword. They slowed the horses to a stop and listened carefully. The wind rustled the leaves. A red squirrel jumped from tree to tree. Then all was still.
Suddenly, a flock of birds took off from their perches. They jumped in surprise. Arthur spurred his horse forward, Merlin close behind him. They risked a fleeting glance back. Merlin saw flickers of movement and knew they were being followed. He immediately felt vulnerable. He had no weapons. Servants were not allowed in case of treason-a stupid rule in his opinion. The only means of defence he had was his magic, but with Arthur so close, could he risk being caught?
They rode as fast as their horses could for a few minutes more, but there was no more signs of life near them, save for the trees and a few blackbirds here and there. The path they had chosen was near a terrifying cliff drop that made Merlin feel nauseous just thinking about it. They slowed to their original speed and both looked at each other.
"Do you think they're gone?" Merlin asked. Arthur looked unsure.
"We'd best stay on our guard. There's every chance they'll come back again." He looked around. "We're not far from the lake anyway."
They travelled in silence for a while, still buzzing with suspicion. But as the fear passed, they began to lower their guard.
"There is one thing I don't get-"Merlin began.
"Believe me Merlin, there are many things you don't get." Arthur sighed.
Ignoring him, he went on. "Why would Uther want to expand the kingdom to a place that is known for natural magic activity?"
"The lake is strategic more than anything else. It has fertile land, a large water supply and can hold the entire population of Camelot in the immediate surrounding lands. As for the magic, Father hopes he can learn from it for future battles. With Morgana still out there, we need to build up our defences."
Merlin knew this was useless. Morgana was a much darker evil than the magic at Lake Avalon. The magic there was pure, untainted by those who use it for their own ends. But a part of him wished Uther did expand here. After all, Freya was buried in the water. Coming back to her filled Merlin with rejuvenation, as if the hole in his heart left behind by her death was going to be, for a time, refilled.
Arthur had killed her. He never forgot that. It was the only strongly founded grudge he had against him, but no matter how many times he cursed him, he knew he could not blame him. He did not know who she was. He didn't even know she was, in fact, human. All Arthur saw was the beast that threatened his kingdom, but Merlin had seen so much more in her. She was kind, gentle and loving. Her laughter was like silver when it escaped her scarlet lips. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, and he had even thought that maybe, one day, she could have been his. But nothing could bring her back now.
He stayed in his perfect daydream until Arthur said "Merlin, I've been thinking."
There's something new, he thought to himself.
"Now that Morgana's gone, Guinevere doesn't have a job does she?"
Oh for goodness sake, here he goes again. Off in Gwen land...That'll be him occupied for the next 6-8 hours. "Not that I know of. Elyan said she's been helping around the smiths, but she seems pretty down these days. Like she doesn't have a purpose anymore."
"Hmm..." said Arthur quietly.
They emerged from the trees toward the Lake in its splendid glory and beauty. It was sunset, and a glowing golden light gently caressed the mountains and trees. The plants lit up like delicately burning candles in a darkened room, warming them both inside. But it was the lake itself that captured their attention. The water was a pool of molten gold that moved almost undetectably in the slow sweeping breeze. The sight was breath-taking, and they stood side by side together, taking everything in, unable to look away from the majestic beauty of Lake Avalon.
"Wow." whispered Arthur.
"Yeah. Wow." said Merlin, equally hushed. They watched until the sun was blocked by the mountains and twilight began to fall. Urged on by Arthur's taunts, Merlin began to set up camp on the shore. Arthur collected firewood and tethered the horses to nearby trees. Once the dinner was finished, Merlin took the dishes to wash in the water. He was almost finished and turned to walk away, when a glint of blue-silver caught his eye. It was some way along the along the shore, and at first Merlin was thought he may lose sight of the campsite, but when he saw what it was, or rather who it was, he ran fast. Arthur called after him, but he kept going, because it was no ordinary sight.
The fragile body of a woman lay in the flowers. She had long damp hair and pale skin, so white it was as if she had never been in the sun. Merlin touched her neck. Her pulse was weak. She wore a baby blue dress, but no shoes, which would have puzzled him had he not known what the delicate framework of blue-silver tattoos along her neck and arms meant she was.
This woman was a water nymph.
...