Sequel to 'Regrets'.
This starts off after the Fires of Idirsholas, after the spell. Merlin doesn't try to poison Morgana, because Morgause (and a still alive Nimueh) are on the same side as they are, sort of (you'll see).
Righting Wrongs
She had been promised freedom and a peaceful life. Magic users would be free to practice without fear of burning. She was given another chance at this life, and she took it. They took it.
Had she known it would mean she'd be locked up, with only cold stone floors and walls as her comfort, she wouldn't have taken it. She's lost count of the hours (or perhaps days) she's been locked up. Nimueh had promised them so much, but here they are, stuck in the dungeons, captured.
Another chance at this life started well enough. She and Merlin remained close without raising suspicions. He kept Arthur safe, winning over the prince with his quick wit and loyalty. She was kinder to Gwen, as a way to make up for her past treatment of her, in a way. She watched as the girl fell for Lancelot, only for him to leave. Morgana couldn't look at the future knight of Camelot without feeling guilty for raising him from the dead, and now for tearing him away from the Lady of the Lake because of her agreement to relive this life (though neither remember, no one remembers). No one was aware that they've already lived this, that they were pulled away from their eternity, and she feels terrible for it. The course of their lives have changed, hopefully for the better. Freya. She smiles softly, glad that she was able to help Merlin help the girl escape. She's back with the Druids, discovering her ability to control water. Morgana smiles fleetingly, hoping Lancelot will run into her on his travels. She can only hope, for hope is all she has left.
The cell door opens and she stands hurriedly, broken out of her thoughts, shackles on her wrists clinking together, keeping her from attacking the man in front of her. She remembers Arthur being the one to free her in her past life, proving that he was a better man than Uther, last time when they saved Mordred, but now her guardian stands before her, face cold and uncaring.
"You are a coward, Uther Pendragon," she snarls at him.
After all she and Merlin did to save his life from the spell, to save Camelot, this is how they were repaid. With imprisonment. She can't help but sneer at him in disgust.
"I show you kindness and give you a home, and how do you thank me? By performing magic and consorting with a sorcerer," he says slowly, as if trying not to let his anger overcome him.
"I was born with magic, father," she smirks gleefully upon seeing the shock on his face, "I know the truth, Uther. No need to look so surprised."
He remains silent, impassive, schooling his features into a blank expression.
"These chains cannot confine me," she says, anger in her voice replaced with mirth, "you will not remain king for long. It has been foretold."
"Silence, you wicked child!" his rage finally gets the best of him.
"Perhaps I should tell Arthur how your desperation for a child led you to magic to conceive him. Your actions killed your wife, Uther, not magic. You were warned!" she yells at him, "Or maybe I should tell him I'm his sister."
The color drains from Uther's face. Arthur can't know of the truth or he will never forgive him.
"Silence! Morgana, see reason," he shouts, voice cracking.
She glares at him with cold green eyes, lips quirking into a ghost of a smile.
"How can I see reason when you're not only holding me captive, but the man who has prevented me from killing you time and time again," she says, eyes wandering to a neighboring cell.
Uther's rage returns, "He's a servant! He lied to Arthur, to me, and shall be punished!"
"For what? Saving your lives every day?" she laughs bitterly. She knows he can hear her, he always hears her.
"For treason and lying," he regards his daughter pitifully, "he is the one who introduced you to magic, was he not?" To think the strong Morgana could be fooled by a boy with a goofy grin.
"No," she says harshly, "magic is inborn."
"Defend him, then, protect him. It will be of no use. Renounce magic and return to your place," he orders.
"My place? I am not a decoration to be placed in court to look pretty! I have opinions, beliefs, and magic! I am proud to be a sorceress, and I will not deny who I am any longer. Do your worst," she sends a steely glare.
Uther regards her for a few moments before storming out of the cell.
Morgana breathes heavily, energy spent. She slouches onto the cold floor, exhausted. She needs to get out. She needs Merlin. She needs Uther gone. In her vision he was still alive when Arthur was crowned, but she hates the thought of Uther being free after all of the heinous crimes he committed.
She wraps her arms around her knees, shaking with unshed tears. A guard comes to the cell, slowly, as if afraid she's harm him with magic. She entertains the thought briefly, she then sees Uther with him and snarls.
"What?" she spits out with venom.
"You are to be executed in the morning with the sorcerer," he informs her, watching her reaction.
She refuses to give Uther the satisfaction of seeing her break. Her heart goes cold but her face remains impassive. To think she had been willing to give this monster another chance.
"Last chance, Morgana, renounce this evil," he says with authority he doesn't deserve.
"Go to hell, my lord," she says with a twisted smile, stressing the last two words. Her father glares at her and leaves with the guard.
As soon as they're out of sight, she lets the panic settle in. She's petrified of the fate that awaits her. She tries to break free of the chains, but can't when her mind isn't clear. And her magic isn't as strong as it will be. She takes a deep breath, closing her eyes. She feels the magic inside of her, but nothing.
Silent tears stream down her face until she falls asleep, awaiting her death in the morning.
She wakes up, blinking in confusion. There's a torch in front of her, and a smiling Merlin. Her heart soars and she tries to hug him.
"Merlin," she whispers in joy.
"I told you I'd always come for you," he says, taking her hands. His eyes glow gold and the shackles break free.
"We're escaping," he informs her, though it's obvious.
She lets out a relieved laugh, before quieting. They can't get caught. He leads her out of the cell, and they see guards knocked out on the ground. She bites back a chuckle.
"Your doing?" she asks.
"No, actually," he says cryptically.
They creep out of the dungeons through a secret passageway, leading to Kilgarrah's lair. Morgana grips Merlin's hand tightly, nervous. The Great Dragon is a no show, and she relaxes ever so slightly. Merlin pulls her along to the other side of the cave. She didn't even know there was another side, with an exit.
They step out into the dark night, stars shining. To her surprise, Arthur and Gwen are next to two horses, Gwen carrying a basket and a bag.
"What is all this?" she asks, raising a brow.
"Your escape," Gwen smiles sadly, not wanting to see her friend go.
Morgana smiles faintly, not wanting to believe it. Arthur doesn't hate them. He's helping them escape. She hugs her brother, catching him off guard.
"Thank you," she whispers.
"I won't let anyone hurt you," he promises, "either of you," his eyes linger on Merlin for a moment, sad to lose his first real friend, besides Morgana. A friend who isn't afraid to call him on his crap, when need be.
"Thank you," Merlin nods. He's glad he won't be burning at the stake in the morning, but he has a nagging feeling that with him gone, Arthur may not survive to see his own regency over Camelot.
"It's the least I could do after you saved my life," Arthur smiles slightly.
Merlin shrugs as if it's nothing, "Who else would boss me around if you were dead?"
Arthur steps forward, and Merlin smirks.
"Are you going in for a hug?" he asks the prince.
"For god's sake, Merlin," he huffs, rolling his eyes.
Merlin chuckles and hugs his master, his friend.
"Tell no one of this," Arthur instructs Gwen and Morgana, who nod and smile. Morgana holds Gwen's hand, sad.
"I'm going to miss you, Gwen," she says quietly.
"You'll be back soon. I know it. I'm going to miss you so much," she hugs Morgana, and sniffs back tears.
The Lady Morgana was her friend first, mistress second. She can only hope the next person she works for will be so kind.
"We will be back," Morgana holds Gwen's hands in hers, "soon enough."
They let go of each other, and Gwen gives Merlin a hug, telling him to be careful like an over-protective mother, while Morgana bids her brother farewell.
"Be careful," she warns, "people want you dead. Be alert."
"Don't worry," Arthur says, "I'll be fine."
He catches Merlin's eye from over Morgana's shoulder. His blue eyes are grim and he looks worried for the future king.
"Oh for heavens sake, Merlin, I'll be fine," he sounds exasperated and cracks a grin, "I'm fighting fit."
"For now, you are," the sorcerer deadpans.
Arthur rolls his eyes in annoyance, and pulls Merlin into a one-armed hug.
"Take care of her, alright? I know she can be grating on the nerves-" he's interrupted by a smack on the arm by his sister, "see what I mean?"
"My mother will be glad to have us, until we get things sorted," Merlin nods. Morgana smiles. She likes Hunith, and she likes Ealdor. It's just what they need, a small little village to hide away in.
Gwen's unusually quiet and upon noticing her concerned look, all are silent.
"Footsteps," she whispers, "go, go where it's safe."
Merlin and Morgana give their friends their final farewells before settling onto the horses, off into the night, leaving Gwen and Arthur staring after them until they're out of sight. As the horses trot away, Merlin looks back, a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. If Arthur is hurt, it'll be all his fault because he ran away. Morgana follows his gaze and offers a reassuring smile. He knows what she's thinking. They'll be back to protect Arthur, just as they should.
Back in Camelot, Gwen smiles wistfully, praying for their safety, "Well, goodnight, Arthur."
She moves to walk away when Arthur follows her, "Let me walk you home. It's late."
"I'm perfectly capable..." she doesn't finish her sentence when she sees how heartbroken the prince looks after bidding goodbye to his best friend and foster sister, "Fine," she concedes.
So...what do you think? Next up is the actual escape from Camelot. Morgause and Nimueh will be around soon enough. Please review!