The first thing Mordred became aware of when he swam out of the darkness was the cold. It was strange. Even on the coldest of nights in the forest with Cerden, he only ever experienced a slight chill in his bones. Mordred's eyes scanned around the unfamiliar room in search of his master. He knew that he couldn't be far, since the moment that he became Cerden's apprentice the older druid had never been out of earshot. Mordred moved to sit up, only to be forced back down with the pain that radiated from his arm.
with the pain came the memories. Each wave of pain bringing a new fragment of his memory.
The supply run to Camelot.
The guards.
The running
The blade piercing his arm.
He was in the forest again, surrounded by nature and the magic that flowed out of every living thing around him. The young boy clung tighter to his master's hand. Around him the trees quivered with the restless wind whistling through the trees.
"Mordred," Cedrid crouched beside his pupil, "You know if your scared you can stay in the camp to wait for me, elders be damned."
Mordred nodded quickly, smiling. He was glad that Cerden was willing to go against the elders if it meant that his pupil was more at ease.
Usually when supplies where needed in any town, especialy one this close to the king's wrath, Mordred, along with any other druid children, would stay behind in the camps while their parents or masters went out to obtain whatever was needed. However, the elders had been insistent that Mordred accompany his master to Camelot. At first Mordred had been excited, thinking that it meant he was all grown up, but the elders had quickly shattered that illusion with the true reason of his journey.
Cerden smiled and stood up from his crouching position.
"You don't have any reason to be afraid," His master said, giving his hand a
reassuring squeeze, "the elders wouldn't dare put you in harm's way. Your too important."
Mordred wasnt sure if that was a comforting thought or a frightening thought, but he trusted Cerden, and Cerden said all would be well, so it would be. Around him the trees continued to rustle with the same restlessness Mordred felt in the pit of his stomach. He wondered if they felt the crushing weight of the destiny that was about to unfold.
When he once again returned to consciousness it was to the sensation of a hand gently smoothing down his hair. Mordred opened his eyes, he was met with a face of one of his own people.
She was very beautiful, Mordred decided he had never met someone as beautiful as the woman comforting him now. With dark hair and light skin much like his own, he could almost fool himself into thinking that the women kneeling beside him was his mother, instead of a stranger. The most breathtaking thing about her though, was her magic.
It was beautiful, just like the woman. It radiated with a nervous energy beneath her skin, stratching restlessly at the surface, waiting impatiently to be put to use. But the most breathtaking thing about it, was it's power. Even while still dormant, it was as strong as, or even stronger than, his own magic. It made him a little anxious to see what it would be at it's full potential.
All of these traits could only make her one person. Morgana. Mordred smiled at her. He was safe, she would't let any harm come to him. Even without her yet knowing who she was, he was sure she felt that their destinies were too intertwined for Mordred too meet his end just yet.
Just then the door to Morgana's chambers opened and Mordred quickly changed his ideas about Morgana.
She was now the second most beautiful person he had ever seen. The first was Emrys.
