Time Immortal
Disclaimer: This is my first attempt at writing fan fiction. Obviously I have no rights to MERLIN, or King Arthur or anything relating to the legend of Camelot. Nor do I make any money from them.
MERLIN is the registered property of BBC; and the characters of the Arthurian legend are copy written by Sir Thomas Malory's, Le Mort D'Arthur and T.H. White's, The Once and Future King, as well as several other authors too numerous to list. I have fantasized about King Arthur, Merlin, the knights, and Camelot since I first read the book The Once and Future King, by T. H. White, as a teenager. Over time I have read many different stories and watched several movies and documentaries about the Arthurian legend.
This story is my attempt to reconcile the ending of BBC's MERLIN, and my understanding of the Arthurian legend; with a little fantasy thrown in for fun. My story is not based on cannon of any form; whether show, movie, documentary or novel. I wrote my story in first person using Merlin's point of view. I hope you enjoy the story. Reviews would be appreciated.
Time Immortal: the Beginning of the End
As a cold drizzle fell, I realized that the gloom of the day matched my feelings. I wondered if the sun would ever shine again. As I pushed the barge across the lake toward the Isle of Avalon, I fell to my knees in grief.
One thought swirled through my mind, WHY! Why was my power not enough to save the most important person in my life? Why was I too late? Why did I not stop Mordred years ago when the great dragon warned me I would regret allowing the druid boy to live? Why did I not listen to Kilgharrah's other warnings? Why could I not have died as well?
As I sobbed out my grief, rain mixing with tears on my face, I remembered our time together. In those early days there were so many times I questioned whether or not I even wanted him to survive. At first he appeared to be a judgmental bully who never listened to anyone. I wondered how such an arrogant prat could ever manage to make anything better. And I questioned how I was supposed to help him, when I had to hide my greatest strength.
We had both matured so much since that time. I was much stronger and more confident, not to mention I had learned discretion and subtlety when practicing my skills. Arthur was not nearly as arrogant and close-minded, though he would forever be a prat. In truth, Arthur had finally become the great king Kilgharrah had said he would. We had changed each other for the better, and I was lucky to have had such a friend.
The way Arthur acted when I revealed that I used magic, caused me to fear I had lost his friendship and trust completely. When I explained that not only did I use magic, I was magic, the revulsion I saw in his eyes ensured the certainty of it. I knew that Arthur resented his own helplessness and that if he had the strength, he would have ridden as far away from me as possible. Had it not been for Gaius' reassurances, I am sure that Arthur would have ordered me not to touch him and to leave him alone to die. In fact, I think that if he had the strength, Arthur would have killed me himself.
I wished that we had time for me to explain everything that had happened. I wanted Arthur to know exactly how much magic had helped him, had protected him. Unfortunately, time was too short for me to explain in detail, not that I could form the words around the pain Arthur's hatred cause me. Realizing my discomfort, Gaius quickly and briefly explained what little he was able to in the time we had together. Too quickly, our time was up and Arthur and I had to leave him behind.
I recalled how Arthur and I traveled in complete silence for the better part of a day. The silence fraying my nerves until I was as jumpy and irritable as a wet cat. Eventually, Arthur begin to question me, demanding to know why with all of the power I possess, would I choose to remain his servant. When Arthur finally processed my answer, and what little information Gaius shared, when he eventually understood and forgave me for all the lies, my relief was indescribable. It was in that timeless instant that I realized the true extent and strength of our friendship and that I would have to bear the pain and loss of Arthur's absence for an eternity.
Lost in my memories as I was, I failed to notice the golden glow that enveloped the barge. However, I felt my magic build and swirl and knew with absolute certainty, something powerful was happening. Looking up, I saw the glowing barge, and watched in wonder as three silvery orbs floated over the lake and settled their growing into the shape of three beautiful ladies.
Using my magic to enhance my vision; I saw Igraine, Arthur's mother, Freya, the love of my life, and a woman I did not know. In my mind, I heard the woman call to me in the words of the Old Religion. She calmed me by saying, I am Vivianne, High Priestess of the Old Religion. Worry not Merlin. You did not fail. There is yet a faint spark of life within your king. We will ensure that he reaches the Isle of Avalon safely. There he will await the time of his return.
Several Heart beats later, I felt Freya enter my thoughts. She encouraged me whispering, despair not my love; you too will have time in Avalon. Be patient, your time will come. An arm rose from the water and Freya took Excalibur, passing it to the outstretched hand, which immediately sank beneath the surface. With that the ladies left my mind and the barge and all aboard vanished.
Staring at the lake, I felt hope bloom in my heart. There is still life within my prat of a king. I knew that faint though the spark of life was, the magic of Avalon would strengthen it, and heal my king. Not only would the king prat live, but my love hinted that I too would visit Avalon. Perhaps I would reunite with the prat sooner than I expected.
Now if the clot-pole would only open his mind, and take advantage of the time in Avalon to learn, and understand a thing or two about magic. In my mind, I heard a whisper so faint I almost missed it, I am not the only one with something to learn cabbage head. I knew that the ladies had helped Arthur send the message, but I did not care. My joy overflowed, and suddenly the sun burst out from behind the clouds. In that moment, I knew that life would move forward, and everything would be fine.
Author's Note: I would like to thank ITgwendolendragon for encouraging me to write my own story and for providing words of wisdom when I thought I was making a mistake trying to write. Rivermoon1970, DoctorMerlinReid, and StayMagical, thank you for taking the time to beta my story. You all provided equal amounts encouragement and criticism, and I am sure that was not easy.