Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin, whateves.
X
X
Merlin stared her reflection in the stilled water as she focused on fastening her braid in place. The beads clacked as she fastened the end and giggled as the merlin feathers tickled her finger tips. When her braid was securely fashion she appraised her image in the magically frozen water-mirror. The young witch frowned and tried to neaten the rebellious little curls that strayed from her hair, pushing them away. The curls proved a worthy adversary and stubbornly remained free. Merlin sat back on her heels and sighed, deciding her hair was going to be too difficult to do much else. Then a soft pair of arms draped about her shoulders from behind.
'I like your hair better when it's loose Emrys.' Mordred pouted, nuzzling her neck.
"Well, I'm glad someone likes this rat's nest of mine, especially if he's my betrothed." Merlin nuzzled him back, their noses rubbing. Mordred rested his head on her shoulder, waiting for her to look away, once Merlin did, Mordred swept in for a kiss but Merlin dodged with a laugh.
"I already told you several times, no kissing until you're sixteen." She laughed, kissing his cheek instead.
'But Emrys, I'm man enough now! I'm almost twelve!' He groused, snuggling his way into her lap.
"I am eighteen my little darling, it's not proper for old lady like me to prowling on her younger man."
'I am not little, I'm growing every day, and you're hardly old.' Merlin giggled.
"When you come up to my eyes, we'll talk."
'I'm not short, you're just tall.'
''Tis one and the same, beloved.' Merlin kissed the tip of his nose, causing the boy's face to flush.
"Mordred! Lady Emrys!"
"Cerdan's calling; we better show him we're not up to mischief." Merlin winked. Mordred sulked at their alone time being cut so short, by Merlin calmed him by threading their fingers together. They returned to their campsite, hand in hand.
"Ah, there you two are. We have to keep moving My Lady."
"Cerdan, I have asked you countless times to call me Merlin. I'm your student."
"Yet I learn more from you than you could ever learn from me." Merlin smiled.
"Well, we better get moving if we want to visit Mother before the planting."
"We shall My Lady but we need to make a stop."
"A stop?"
"We need to get some supplies, from Camelot."
"Camelot?"
"I know it's risky My Lady, but-"
"You're joking, go to the source of our strife?! It was Camelot's men who destroyed our tribe! Camelot was where both of my parents were driven from and nearly killed, along with countless others!"
"My Lady, they have things there that we won't find in a village. We'll be in and out, quickly. I already made contact." Merlin still looked unconvinced, tugging at Mordred's cloak.
"It could be a chance to find your uncle My Lady." Merlin flicked her gaze to Cerdan again.
"We don't even know if my Uncle Gaius is still alive."
"Your mother wanted you to deliver a letter to him."
"Yes, but….."
"This could be your chance."
"How would I find him? I don't even know what he looks like."
"You look just like your mother, child. You also have good deal of your father in you, if your mother is to be believed. He would recognize you."
"With luck after all."
"Yes, but it's worth a shot since we'll be there any way." Merlin sighed and glanced to Mordred.
"What do you think Mordred?"
'I think we can all trust Father's judgment.' Merlin smiled wearily.
"It doesn't strike me as a good idea, but, I trust you to keep us safe."
X
Arthur wrenched up from his sleep startling his manservant cowering before him. It was that dream again, the dream of the blue eyed girl he had saved. Every night and day, it ate away at him. He had killed one of his own men, for what? A druid witch? The girl was about to be raped and murdered, something Arthur had explicitly forbidden. Even when he was young as he was then, he knew war was ugly. No matter what Arthur did, there would be innocent casualties. The girl and the boy, probably her brother, with her would be just two more. Yet she was so scared, and he had felt such an overwhelming need to help her. Several women had already suffered the fate that seemed inevitable to her. Arthur couldn't let it happen. He saved her, a druid girl and she ran off with the boy in her arms. But she did not leave before thanking him, telling him she would not forget the debt she owed him. Arthur could only hope he didn't make a mistake.
Yet those eyes did not allow him to doubt, they captivated him, like siren's song.
Arthur got up and continued to prepare for the day.
X
Despite her reservations about coming Merlin was enchanted by Camelot. She had never seen so many people in one place, so many buildings. Per Cerdan's orders, she kept her hood up and a firm grip on Mordred's hand. The hand holding was to keep her from straying rather than Mordred. Merlin stilled and looked at everything in wonder. It was strange and kind of scary. For Merlin was a child who spent most of her life living in the woods, it was completely odd. The most civilization the witch had ever seen was the occasional inn or village. But the worst part was that she couldn't hear the voices of the trees and animals, it was silent. For all of Camelot's wonder, it was dead land.
'Emrys, don't dawdle.' Mordred skulked; he didn't like his woman being so fascinated by world out of his element. Mordred resisted change, Merlin did not. But she smiled sheepishly, giving his hand an affectionate squeeze.
"Sorry." Mordred didn't look comforted; she was far too fascinated for his liking. There was nothing the druid boy feared more than losing his beloved Emrys, his wife-to-be. To lose her to a world far from theirs, a world of magic and nature would break his heart.
'I love you.' Merlin stopped in the middle of the road, and stared at him. It was hardly the first time Mordred stated his feelings for the older witch but it was first time he ever said it like that. He said like a man, clinging to something desperately.
"Mordred, that's…" Merlin started, rubbing his hand with her thumb.
"Both of you hurry, we have to get there soon." Cerdan snapped quietly and both hurried behind him. Merlin tried her best to stay focused but there was too much going on around her. How could the locals focus on anything? Mordred's insistent tugging drew her back to reality. He gaze at her uneasily, he was fascinated but more scared. Merlin smiled reassuringly, tightening the grip on their hands. She fondly ruffled his hair through his green hood as they walked into a secluded ally. Though Cerdan was just as anxious, he took a moment to glance at the pair and smile fondly before reaching the desired merchant. The merchant was an older man, bald and well dressed, in his stall of herbs. He ran his gaze over the trio quickly, losing no time in identifying them.
"Do you have my supplies ready?" Cerdan asked, glancing about, pulling Mordred between him and Merlin.
"I must leave the city without delay." he whispered glancing at Mordred and Merlin.
"Everything you asked for." The merchant answered, handing Cerdan a small bag. The tense moment passed and Merlin readied to leave when the man spoke again.
"I'm sorry." Merlin and Cerdan's faces dropped in sheer horror as the man looked on apologetically. Merlin clutched Mordred to herself as she spotted guards fast approaching. Cerdan clutched them both and led them to duck underneath the merchants table as the guards ordered their arrest. Cerdan and Merlin clutched Mordred's hands as they rushed behind the merchant tables, their chests heaving in fear. Cerdan let go briefly to flip one table to distract them for a moment. Then he latched hands with Mordred again and dashed with Merlin running alongside them. They fled the alleyway and into the main streets, running as fast as their feet would carry them. They tried to leave the city only to have guards cut them off.
Not knowing what else to do, Cerdan beckoned them to follow as he dashed toward the citadel. Merlin was dragging Mordred so they would be sure not to lose the youth in the chase. They passed through the gates, nearly shoving people aside. Just as they were within the outer walls a guard leapt and slashed down at them with a sword. A loud shriek echoed though the mental frequency that magic-born shared. Morgana within the castle heard it loud and clear, stunned for a moment. Back in the courtyard, Merlin held her side, gripping the nasty wound bleeding there. She had shielded Mordred at the last minute, but now she could barely move. Mordred was screaming and crying, as Cerdan hauled her off her feet and half-carried her from the guard's grip. The man charged again only to have Cerdan throw him back with magic. They were standing on the bridge near the gates to the inner walls.
Cerdan pulled the stumbling Merlin toward the inner gates as more guards came running for them. Merlin could barely walk causing Mordred to continue crying and tugging at her as well. Cerdan saw the guards and began to panic. He had sworn to Hunith he would look after Merlin for her and sworn to his late wife that he would protect their son. Cerdan was about to break both oaths. Not knowing what else to do, he gestured toward the heavy metal gates and ordered them closed with magic. Then he got down before his son, who was now supporting his much older fiancé. Cerdan stared at the boy desperately, scared because he knew what was to come.
"Run!" He hissed. Mordred didn't respond at first so Cerdan pushed him, Mordred ran that time, pulling Merlin with him. The girl was half stumbling alongside him but she would be fast enough. They got inside the gates before they closed. Not until then did either dare to glance back. Cerdan was standing, scared but satisfied. He almost smiled at them as the door closed and the guards overtook him.
Morgana walked briskly into the courtyard, curious why she had heard screaming. Her only companion was her young maidservant Guinevere. Thorough her mind, she heard it again. She heard crying but this time there was speaking as well. A voice was calling for help, the voice of a child, a boy if she were to guess. It was begging and Morgana scanned the courtyard until she saw the one who the voice was coming from. It was a boy, dressed in a green cloak, huddling beneath a stone trough. With him was a girl, a girl who was clearly hurt and staring around in the same desperation. The boy was clinging to the girl, as if his life depended on it. Then his gaze fell to Morgana.
'Please, you have to help us.' Morgana could hear him clearly and somehow she knew it was the boy. Their gazes locked. Morgana hesitated; Gwen could see them as well and gazed at her mistress, wondering what was required now. Then the voice was heard again.
'Help us, help her.' His gaze turned to the injured girl who now saw Morgana as well. The boy clutched her cloak. Guards came into the square, both looked upon them and back at Morgana. Morgana glanced at saw the guards too.
"You, have you seen a boy and maiden run through here?" The guard asked, stopping a pedestrian.
'They're searching for us.' He pleaded. The girl was beginning to move the boy behind her, as if she was trying to shield him further. Morgana, despite all of the abnormality around her, did not question but answered with her mind.
'Why are they after you?' The boy looked pained then gazed at Morgana again, pleadingly.
'They're going to kill us, kill her.' His flicked his eyes to the girl again. She was obviously quite important to the boy. The guards were called and began searching in a niche within the square, far from the refuge pair. Morgana ducked into a doorway with Gwen and connected her gaze with the boy again.
'This way.' She told him. The boy glanced to the guards to make sure they weren't looking.
'Run.' Morgana urged.
'Run!' She forced; the boy got to his feet dragging the girl with him. They ran toward her and Gwen, the girl clutching her side all the while. But they were unlucky; a guard noticed them, but not Morgana or her maidservant. They rushed into the doorway and Morgana broke into a run. All she could think of was to lead them to her room and hide them. They ran up the stairs into her room and ducked inside. Not one minute in, the guards knocked on the door. Morgana directed Gwen to hide them in a small alcove while she answered the door. Behind the curtain, Merlin collapsed from pain and Mordred tried to support her so she wouldn't make a sound.
"We're searching for a pair of druids My Lady, have you seen them?"
"I haven't seen anyone. It's just me and my maid." Morgana lied smoothly.
"Keep the door locked till we find them." The guard advised.
"Of course, thank you." She replied curtly. The minute the door shut Morgana rushed to the hiding spot behind the curtain. She pulled it back with Gwen at her heels. The boy looked scared but otherwise fine, the girl, no, the maiden was hurt, badly. The boy put a hand to her side and his hand came away bloody. He almost started to cry and looked at Morgana pleadingly.
X
"The druids were only in Camelot to collect supplies. He meant no harm, is it really necessary to execute him?" Arthur asked, broaching the topic delicately.
"Absolutely necessary. Those who use magic cannot be tolerated." Suddenly Arthur thought of the blue eyed druid girl he had spared. She was just a child, and she had been trying to save a child younger than her. Were they so awful?
"The druids are peaceful people."
"Given the chance they would return magic to the kingdom." The King persisted. He took a long swig of his wine and set it down gracefully. His son could only watch in mildly disguised distaste.
"They preach peace but conspire against me. We cannot appear weak." Uther insisted walking away. Arthur thought of the girl again. She had never come for revenge, nor had the boy, for the slaughter of her tribe.
"Surely mercy can be a sign of strength." The mercy he had shown that girl had not gone unrewarded. She promised peace and to repay him one day for his mercy. She clearly didn't think him weak.
"Our enemies will not see it that way. We have a responsibility to protect this kingdom. Executing the druid will send out a clear message." Uther argued. Yet Arthur could not think of their enemies, he only imagine it was the blue eyed druid girl marching to the executioner's block instead of this nameless man. The thought sickened him a little.
"Find the boy and girl, search every inch of the city." Uther called as he walked away.
X
Merlin was lying awake but clearly in pain. She wasn't speaking, neither was Mordred. They were grateful for the Lady's mercy, but not sure what it would entail later on. Merlin clutched her bandaged side, dressed only in her small clothes. Her breasts were hidden by wrappings and she wore her underskirt and lower undergarments lower on her hips than usual. Her side was displayed and bandaged at the convenience of the maid. Merlin stared blankly forward, breathing quietly. Mordred hovered, even though both Morgana and Gwen had tried to pull him away so as to not violate the girl's privacy. The boy refused to speak but made it clear he would not leave her sight for a moment. On her right hipbone was a distinct tattoo. Normally druids all had tattoo of a trigram to mark themselves as a druid. Merlin's was different; it marked her as Emrys, a water lily and three feathers. Gwen and Morgana paced through the room.
Outside, Cerdan stood at the executioner's block, lacking his robe. Merlin had not seen but she knew. Mordred had seen. He had spotted his father before the Camelot girls could stop him. After witnessing his father waiting to die, Mordred retreated and curled up against Merlin's uninjured side, for comfort. Merlin stroked his hair, waiting for the moment to come. Morgana stared out the window, forcing herself to witness another cruelty of Uther's. Merlin heard Uther's heavy steps as he approached the balcony. She curled Mordred tighter against her.
"People of Camelot." His voice echoed through the room.
"The man before you is guilty of using enchantments and magic." Merlin grimaced. Was this man truly as cowardly and weak as Cerdan always told her?
"Under our law, the sentence for this crime is death." Merlin screwed her eyes shut, as if to will away what was happening. Her world was falling apart. Cerdan was like a father to her. To lose him would be unimaginable, even more so for Mordred, who had no other family.
"We're still searching for his accomplices. Anyone found harboring the boy or the girl is guilty of conspiracy, and will be executed as a traitor." Merlin stared at Morgana who looked at her nervously.
"Let this serve as a warning to your people." Merlin almost wanted to laugh. Uther and his men had already disposed of their people. Mordred whimpered and pressed his face into her soft chest. Then she heard her father-figure's voice ring out.
"You have let your fear of magic turn to hate. I pity you." Merlin smiled bitterly, she could always count on Cerdan to make a scene. He was no coward, and no fool. Morgana broke away from the window, muttering how she couldn't watch it. Merlin almost wanted to, to see this final moment. It would make her feel as though she were with him. But her body betrayed her, it was still too weak. Morgana came to sit by them. Mordred did not move. Merlin could hear Cerdan being forced to his knees, but she knew he would hold the gaze of Uther until the end. Mordred's breath quickened while Merlin's became tenser. The sound of the executioner's axe cutting through Cerdan's neck made her want to vomit. Mordred's scream echoed through her mind and Morgana's as well. A nearby mirror shattered and Merlin held Mordred closer, as if she were trying to take him into her own body so she could protect him. He did not cry, but his breaths were heaving.
X
Morgana entered her chambers quietly bypassing Gwen who warned her that the girl was sleeping. She approached their hiding place where the girl was asleep on cushions from Morgana's bed. Morgana had tried to make a second bed for the boy but he was adamant about refusing it. He was sitting next to her now, his icy eyes never leaving her prone form for a moment. Morgana sat down next to them. His gaze flicked to her then back to the girl. He hadn't said a word since he had arrived. Though he was definitely grateful for Morgana's hospitality, he was incredibly distrustful. Morgana watched the boy push a stay curl from his sleeping companion's face. It was such a mature and tender gesture; it surprised Morgana that a boy his age would use it.
"She must be very important to you." Morgana stated, almost as a question. The boy glanced at her, and seemed as though he were about to respond. But he said nothing and went back to stroking her cheek and running his childish fingers through her now loose curls.
"Is she your sister?" Morgana honestly didn't expect an answer but tried all the same. She was surprised when the boy slowly shook his head.
"She's not? Then what is she? You two seem very close." The boy smiled weakly at Morgana and picked her right hand. He pressed a gentle kiss against the pulse on her wrist. Morgana blinked and opened her mouth to respond when the girl moaned and shifted in her sleep. Morgana took a look at the girl for the first time. She was pale, too pale to be healthy. She must have lost more blood than initially thought.
"I thought you were going to hand us over."Morgana started at the sound of the boy's voice.
"Huh?"
"I heard the other one talking; she says you're the King's ward."
"Do you know what a ward is?" Morgana asked.
"She was my father's ward." The boy said quietly, holding the girl's hand against himself.
"I thank you, for helping us. She's very important, and not just to me." The boy lapsed back into silence as he stared upon his companion.
"But why?"
"What?"
"Why are you helping us, you heard the king."
"I'll not see an innocent girl and child executed. What have you or her ever done to deserve it?" The boy accepted her answer and went back to stroking his companion's hand.
"What are your names? I hate to refer to you and boy and girl." The boy remained silent for a bit. Then he answered.
"I'm Mordred, she's Emrys." He went back to gazing fondly upon her.
"I'll get you out of here, I promise." Mordred treated her to a small smile before snuggling against Emrys.
X
X
X
X
X
Princess: And so it begins. Mordred and Merlin are entwined by fate, Merlin didn't grow with Ealdor, Cerdan taught her magic, there was never need for her to go to Camelot. And we get to see Mordred being all protective and tender despite being a kid and the bond that the two already share. This Mordred is a bit more talkative because Merlin encourages it, but he usually speaks to Merlin with his mind.
Reviews:
NamikazeMia: Thank you, I think so too.
Hitomi95: Thank you!
Flyaway213: I am to, to see the responses to this!
Cheekysorcerer: I hope to continue impressing.
SHERlocked2012: You're making me blush haha.
Guest: Here you go!