In a land of myth, and a time of magic, the destiny of a great kingdom rests on the shoulders of a young man. His name: Merlin.
Okay, this is my first Merlin fic. I've been watching Merlin way too much (although, I guess there really isn't a too much for Merlin, is there?)
This takes place in season 5, before Gwen enters the Dark Tower. So, there are spoiler alerts up until there. Just in caseā¦
Please note that I don't own Merlin. That belongs to the BBC and SyFy here in America. I just own the concept of the story. I hope you enjoy!
Revelations
A dark haired, handsome man walked outside into the square of Camelot, taking in the morning sun and the breeze of the summer day. Over his shoulder was a bundle of clothes. The clothes of King Arthur.
"Merlin! You forgot this!" The King cried, tossing the young Warlock two more shirts.
In his hurry to catch the two garments, Merlin dropped the giant bundle. Arthur's clothes, including undergarments, were strewn everywhere. The breeze that had been enjoyable only moments ago, became a mischievous wind, causing things to move just out of the reach of Merlin's outstretched hands.
"Merlin, you are such an idiot!" Arthur abashed his servant as he tried to grab a fluttering piece of cloth he recognized as his undergarments.
"And you are so supercilious," Merlin said under his breath.
"I heard that!" Arthur said, grabbing another shirt.
With the clothes gathered, Merlin went on his way. His mood was dampened, however, by Arthur's words. Normally, they didn't really bother him. They were friends, after all, even if Arthur didn't want to admit it. It was just over the last few days, tensions were running high in the kingdom.
There was to be a gathering of all the kings within Albion. Camelot, being the center of the United Kingdoms, was to host the event. Which meant Arthur was to lead the feast, say a speech and so on. So, the entire city of Camelot was preparing.
Merlin was, as well. He was preparing King Arthur's clothes, robes, room, everything. He'd hardly had time to prepare himself.
After the clothes were soaking in the kitchen/laundry, Merlin went back to Gaius' chambers to help with the preparing of potions and drafts for the upcoming days.
"Merlin, bring me the worm wart for this potion," Gaius said, as he stirred liquid in a pot.
"Gaius, are you as excited as the rest of Camelot about the gathering?" Merlin asked as he handed the court physician what he'd asked for.
"Well, it's another step in Arthur's destiny, and yours. Aren't you excited, Merlin?" he asked.
"Yes and no," Merlin said, sitting down on the wooden bench nearby. He picked up the mortar and began to crush another herb, "I mean, I should be happy. Arthur is a great king and he's about to unite the kingdoms with the signing of a treaty."
"But?" Gaius asked.
"But, he still doesn't trust magic. Not fully," Merlin said sadly.
"You still want him to know who and what you really are, don't you?"
"If I could only test him. See how he would react to knowing about my powers," Merlin said, more thoughtfully than just wishing.
"Merlin, what are you up to?" Gaius asked with the wisdom of a father. He knew when Merlin was planning something, and he felt he wouldn't like it.
"There has to be a spell. A spell that would allow me to tell Arthur the truth, and if he doesn't accept me for who I really am, I'll make him forget," Merlin said, already grabbing his spell book from his room.
"Merlin! No!" Gaius ordered.
"I have to try, Gaius!"
Merlin grabbed his book and ran out; out toward the Darkling Woods. Once there, he opened his book and closed his eyes. Thinking hard, he used his powers to find the perfect spell.
In the meantime, Arthur and Gwen were talking in the main throne room. Surrounding them were planners and decorators, covering the room with flowers and ribbons for the coming guests.
"Arthur, the flowers and the ribbons are beautiful!" Gwen said with a smile.
"I thought you would like them, Guinevere," Arthur stated, returning the warm grin.
"My Lord, the caterer wanted to know what we would be serving tomorrow night for the opening feast. Roast chicken, spiced mutton or roasted pig?" a young servant asked.
"Roasted pig. We'll start with a feast to rival all feasts!" Arthur said with gusto.
Gwen smiled knowingly at her husband. Nodding her head, she agreed silently. The young servant bowed and went out the doors to let the cook know what would be on the menu.
"You know, I just realized I haven't seen Merlin for a few hours," Arthur said.
"He's helping Gaius, Arthur. Remember?" Gwen stated.
"I thought it was too quiet in here. He hasn't been prattling on about nonsense," Arthur joked.
"You love him like a brother, Arthur. Don't deny it," Gwen said with a smile.
"Just don't ever tell him. I'd never hear the end of it," Arthur whispered.
Back in the Darkling Woods, Merlin smiled with confidence. He'd found the spell to reverse time. If things didn't go right with Arthur, he'd just turn time back to this moment and all would be right.
There was, however, that feeling in the back of his mind; a thought that said it wasn't a good idea in the first place. Shaking it off, Merlin walked back to the castle, hiding the book under his jacket. He prepared himself for the day ahead. It was time to tell Arthur the truth.
Gaius was still up when Merlin walked in the door. The young Warlock stopped in his tracks after shutting the door; surprised to see his mentor still up at this late hour.
"Gaius? What are you still doing up?" Merlin asked.
Gaius sighed before speaking, "Whatever you're planning, Merlin, I have a feeling it won't turn out the way you hope."
"Don't worry, Gaius. I know what I'm doing," Merlin stated.
"I fear you don't really know what may happen," the Court Physician said sadly.
"Gaius, it'll be fine," Merlin assured his mentor.
Without another word, Gaius walked back to the bench and began stirring a potion he'd been working on for Gwaine, who had been sick.
"Merlin, what are you planning?" he asked finally.
"I'm going to tell Arthur that I'm a sorcerer. If he accepts me for who I am, then we'll leave it at that. If not, I'll turn back time with a spell," Merlin said confidently.
"A time spell!? Merlin, those are some of the most dangerous forms of magic! Anything can go wrong, and usually does," Gaius stated.
"It'll be fine, Gaius! Now, in the morning, before the leaders of the surrounding kingdoms arrive, I'll pull Arthur aside and tell him," Merlin said, walking toward his room.
"Merlin? Merlin?" Gaius started, but the young Warlock was already in his bed. Tomorrow was the day Arthur would find out the truth.
True, Merlin was suddenly nervous about the plan. He wasn't sure how to go about telling him. Merlin ran through ideas on how. Cast a spell? Just tell him outright?
Merlin fell asleep with ideas on his mind.
