A/N: Sorry for the long wait on this chapter! Work was hell last week of term and I was away on a holiday down south this last week gone. But here is another nice long chapter to make up for it. With luck you shouldn't have to wait so long for the next chapter.
Once again many thanks to ebhg for taking the time to edit this and give me feedback. Thanks also for the many reviews. They always make me smile and brighten my day.
Enjoy!
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Chapter 4.
Gwaine was bored. The usual Friday night card game was called off. He thought about going to the pub but strangely he wasn't in the mood for it tonight. Then his eyes rested on Merlin. Merlin curled up on the couch reading a book.
As much as Merlin was pretty much the same in every way, there was also something different about him. Was it a quiet determination? But then he'd always been that way, no it was something else. More like a calm acceptance of what happened around him. Is that what came about with having lived for so long or was that from being a monk for a hundred years? At times it really did Gwaine's head in.
He was curious by nature. It had often gotten him into trouble. But he was okay with that. It kept life interesting. His own predisposition for being in the wrong place at the wrong time and finding his way out of tight situations were moments he revelled in. But would a day come when he'd become an old man and lose that curiosity? Is that why Merlin was so laid back about everything? Merlin would have lived through so many difficult times and yet he seemed unaffected by it. He was an enigma. Different, special and important. Everything really did seem brighter when he was around. As it always had.
Gwaine had spent many hours reflecting over his life in Camelot, avoiding the memories of how his life had ended there. Feeling as if he had failed everyone. All because of some blonde haired pretty young woman, whose face he could no longer recall, yet he could still feel the same sense of betrayal. In the heat of the moment, hurt, angry and confused, he'd made a stupid decision. A decision that had cost him his own life and the life of Arthur.
'We have all made rash decisions in the heat of the moment Gwaine,' Merlin would reassure him.
Merlin was about the only person he could talk to about that time, the shame he felt. It's as if he understood that sense of failure on a level that no one else had; could.
'It still led to something good, it allowed me to kill Morgana and bring an end to her tyranny. It brought about peace.'
Gwaine hadn't looked at it like that before.
'It ended how it was supposed to end.'
Merlin had a way with words, was wise and infinitely patient. Arthur wasn't the only one who was protective over him. Gwaine might act like the jovial buffoon in front of everyone else, and he did like to have fun. Mostly because having fun kept the dark doubtful thoughts that flittered through his mind at bay. But there wasn't a thing he wouldn't do for Merlin.
It made him feel lucky. He'd lived long enough in both lifetimes to come to the conclusion that there really were moments in time when someone very special came along. It was never forever. But it would always happen when one needed it the most. That day in some village pub, the tall skinny kid with a mouth was someone after his own heart. The boy was witty, charming and unusually kind. Gwaine was drawn to the kid instantaneously. How could he not. Merlin would change the shape of his life and its destiny. Merlin brought out in him the person he was always meant to be.
"Funny how life goes," he murmured out loud.
Merlin looked up from his book, a question in his eyes. "You getting philosophical again Gwaine?"
"Yeah. I get like that when I'm bored," he returned. "Don't you ever get bored Merlin?"
Stupid question, of course he didn't. He had lived the life as a monk for a hundred years and that … that would have been hell boring.
Merlin tilted his head to the side in contemplation. "No, not really, been too busy most my life. I don't mind the quiet times."
"Busy doing what?"
Merlin's gaze shifted away from his. "I wouldn't even know where to begin on that one."
And getting Merlin to talk about it was easier said than done. A thought began to take hold in Gwaine's mind, and a slow smile crossed his face.
"I think it's about time we visited that little antique shop of yours."
How had he gotten talked into this? Merlin continued to chide himself as he collected his jacket from the coat hanger. Gwaine had enlisted the help of Arthur and between the two of them he'd given in. But on one proviso. He was driving.
"That'll take twice as long," Arthur muttered under his breath.
"You don't have to come," he returned, knowing that Arthur was just as curious as Gwaine, even if he hid it.
"Not like there's anything else to do," he grumbled as they walked to the car.
"There's always Gwen. Not chatting with her tonight?"
"I was, until Gwaine walked in."
"They were blowing each other kisses," Gwaine quipped.
Arthur shot Gwaine a murderous look and Merlin smiled.
"I was not blowing kisses," he muttered through gritted teeth, pushing Gwaine away from the passenger door. "You can sit in the back."
Gwaine merely laughed. "C'mon princess admit it."
No matter how much Gwaine teased, Arthur wouldn't admit to it. And Gwaine was like a dog at a bone, once an idea took hold in his head he wouldn't let it go. The bantering continued as Merlin drove.
"Then there were the lovey dovey eyes they made at each other."
Merlin laughed. Arthur sat with arms folded, looking unimpressed.
"Oh Arthur I love you so much. I miss you. I can't wait to run my fingers through your golden hair," Gwaine continued, mimicking a girl's voice.
"Merlin do you have any swords in that shop of yours?" Arthur asked in a low voice.
"Yeah. Why?"
"So I can run Gwaine through with one."
Gwaine laughed at that. "Like to see you try. You're so unfit you wouldn't stand a chance against me now."
Arthur turned in his seat and glared over his shoulder at a grinning Gwaine. "Have you even picked up a sword this lifetime?"
"No, but I'm sure it'll come back to me."
A malicious glint flickered in Arthur's eye. "You care to test that theory?"
Gwaine folded his arms, gaze steady and nodded. "Yep."
Merlin sighed and shook his head.
"I'm not taking the two of you to the shop so you can sword fight. This isn't an ego trip. You can both just nip the male testosterone in the bud right here and now."
"Merlin, mate, you're no fun," Gwaine grumbled.
"He's right," Arthur added beside him and Merlin shot him a glare. "You're beginning to sound like an old man."
Merlin gripped the steering wheel tightly and sped up.
"Careful, Merlin, you might yet hit the speed limit," he continued with a quick amused grin.
The late afternoon sky was a dusty pink as the lake came into sight. Still as breath takingly beautiful as it always had been. Merlin didn't expect the sight of the lake to cause the same sense of sad nostalgia. Not now that Arthur was back. For the last sixty years he'd walked the path along the lake, often thinking about all that had been lost, how different life was; how much had changed.
He pulled into the car park atop the hill. Now a tourist spot.
"Why are we stopping here?" Arthur asked.
Merlin took a deep breath. "Something I want to show you." Something Arthur should know, for reasons he couldn't explain. Only a thought had come to mind and he had to follow through with it.
Climbing out of the car, Arthur and Gwaine followed. There was a slight chill in the breeze despite it being summer. He zipped his jacket up and walked across the pebbled stone floor to a nearby stone wall.
"This doesn't look like a shop," Gwaine remarked.
"We're taking a detour," he began, "Think of it as a history tour."
"Great, I love history," Arthur dryly muttered, shoving his hands in his pockets.
Merlin stood atop the lookout for a moment to catch his breath.
"I know this place," Arthur murmured beside him.
Merlin glanced sideways noting the sudden stillness of his face. Did he remember it?
"I-It's … you brought me here," he stammered.
"Yes."
Arthur's breath hitched in his throat, eyes widening. "I died here?"
Merlin was unable to answer for a moment, despite all this time, emotion still got the better of him.
He nodded.
Arthur slowly turned to gaze out over the lake.
All three of them, stood in silence as past memories took hold.
"C'mon there is something I have to check on," Merlin finally spoke, breaking the silence.
He continued down stone steps that eventually smoothed out onto a sandy path. The trees around him rustled but there was no other sound. No hint of a breeze down here.
He finally reached the shore.
"Lake Avalon," he said over his shoulder, "Well it used to be."
A sudden desire to enter the water overcame him. He acted instinctively and began walking into the water.
"What are you doing Merlin?" Arthur asked, a hint of exasperation in his voice.
He ignored him and continued to walk into the lake, stopping when the water reached his thighs. Raising a hand he held it out across the lake. His eyes glowed gold as he murmured those foreign words. It had been a long time since he'd last uttered them. Searching for answers that never came. He didn't know why it would be any different now? Perhaps because Arthur was back. But the lake lay still and unmoving, apart from the ripples across the water his magic had caused.
The lady of the lake was still dormant as was the magic. He lowered his hand and sighed. Nothing had changed yet.
Swallowing in disappointment he turned around and walked back to shore.
"Merlin?" Arthur began hesitantly, "Care to fill us in anytime soon?"
He glanced up at Gwaine and Arthur. For a moment he expected to see them in their familiar chainmail and red capes. It was almost surreal seeing them dressed so. Both wearing jeans, Gwaine a black leather jacket, Arthur a dark blue sweater. Both peering at him with curiosity, as if he was some sort of apparition.
"Your sword," he began, "I threw it into that lake."
Arthur frowned. "Why?"
"It's not something that should fall into anyone else's hands."
Arthur still looked perplexed, confused, a question in his eyes, 'why did you bring me here?'
"I put your body in a boat and sent it out over the lake as well, right from this very spot where we stand."
Arthur blinked, eyes scanning the lake, an array of different emotions flickering across his face.
"Over there," Merlin continued, pointing across the lake, "Is a village and my antique shop."
Arthur's face softened as a certain realization dawned. "You waited by the lake for me?"
A slow sad bitter smile crossed Merlin's face. "Not always, just now and again."
When he became burnt out by life, too jaded. Sometimes he needed a break.
"And the last sixty years before joining the Army." He smiled. "And meeting you lot again."
He'd called it retirement.
"C'mon this is where the fun starts now."
"About time, this place is kind of depressing Merlin," Gwaine returned.
Arthur grabbed him by the arm as he went to walk past them. Merlin stopped and looked at him.
"What were you doing a moment ago Merlin?"
He could see this was something Arthur needed to know, wanted to understand. He had promised no more secrets.
"I was trying to summon the lady of the lake," he slowly replied.
"And?"
"She is no longer there, magic is still dormant … I thought it might start stirring again now you've returned."
Arthur nodded, as if trying to understand but Merlin could see the confusion in his eyes.
"What does that mean?"
"It isn't time yet, I think."
They continued walking along the shore. Merlin felt stronger than he had in a long while. It was as if coming here had restored some of his health. His head felt clearer. He was able to walk faster. The left side of his body felt … normal. There wasn't the usual stiffness.
"This lady of the lake," Arthur began, falling in step beside him. "Who is she?"
"Her name was Freya."
It was a story Arthur didn't need to know. He hastened his stride, eager to get to the tunnel.
"How is it Merlin that you can suddenly walk so fast?" Arthur continued, struggling to keep up with him.
Merlin stopped in his tracks causing Arthur to almost collide into him. Yes … how was that? A faint whisper echoed across the lake. An excitement took hold. Maybe the magic wasn't as dormant as he thought. He spun around to face Arthur.
"I stood in the lake," he stammered, running a hand through his hair, "in the water."
"Yes I know," Arthur returned impatiently, "your shoes are wet now."
Merlin looked down at his feet, muttered a spell and glanced back at Arthur.
"Not anymore," he grinned.
Arthur was carefully scrutinizing him. "You've done that before haven't you?"
His smile widened. "Yeah, when a certain prat tipped a bucket of water over my head."
A flicker of a smile hovered over Arthur's lips, before disappearing and the confusion returned.
"You are not making any sense Merlin?"
"I think the water had a healing effect on me."
Arthur was still frowning.
Merlin merely smiled. "I feel great. I should have done this sooner."
"Just remember who to thank," Gwaine butted in, gesturing to his chest with his thumb. "Me. This was my idea after all."
Arthur watched Merlin scamper up the hill with Gwaine in tow. He glanced over his shoulder and took one last look at the lake, feeling a peace he couldn't explain steal over him. There was something unique about this place, something special; something important. He shook his head to clear it, now he was starting to get Merlin's funny feelings.
"These tunnels were built during the second world war," Merlin explained as the dense shrubbery began to clear away from his raised hand revealing a stone, sealed narrow arch. "For weapon storage mostly. They even go under the lake."
"What is that? Batman's cave?" Gwaine quipped.
"Even better," Merlin returned.
Gwaine and Arthur exchanged a quick glance before following him. Merlin closed the arch behind them and they were cast into sudden darkness.
"Anyone think to bring a torch?" Gwaine remarked.
"We don't need one, we have Merlin remember."
And on cue the walls lit up with fiery torches. Merlin gave them a quick wide grin.
"This way," he indicated with his head and they followed.
The tunnel was exceptionally wide and high, the floor filled with pebbles.
"For all we know Merlin you could have been the one responsible for the superhero comics. After all the notion had to have come about somehow," Gwaine chatted as they walked.
"Believe me I wasn't."
"So you weren't like some sort of secret vigilante? Donning a costume and fighting the streets of crime at night using your magic?" he continued.
Merlin grinned over his shoulder. "I had plenty of disguises, and I used magic when and where I could but I was no superhero."
"Still doing it all behind the scenes and getting no recognition," Arthur spoke softly, at the remembered words of his death bed.
Warmth filled Merlin's eyes as he too shared the memory. "Once they would have burnt me at the stake, and now I'd probably be seen as some sort of freak or even worse some sort of alien life form. They'd probably lock me up in Area 51 and do all sorts of experiments and tests trying to figure out what I am."
That thought alone made Arthur shudder. Merlin was right. Just like before, what and who he was would always have to remain a secret.
"I don't think there will ever be a place for people like me," he sighed. "It's not about glory, or power. I've seen enough of the destruction that causes."
Arthur glimpsed the brief despair in his eyes, and shivered again. No doubt he had and he couldn't even begin to imagine that.
"So you've kept your magic a secret all this time?" Gwaine asked.
"Mostly, sometimes I slipped up."
They came across a wooden door. Merlin didn't even need to utter a word. His eyes glowed and the door sprung open. Arthur still found himself marvelling at Merlin's magic. He certainly didn't view it in the same way he had done in Camelot days, but then he'd already lived 24 years in current day and those bigoted types of views had long changed.
He stepped through the door and found himself in a warm cosy cavern of sorts, filled with all sorts of ancient artefacts. The room hummed and brought on a rush of nostalgia, causing his throat to tighten. Shields and tapestries from a thousand years ago hung on the stone walls. Old wooden tables lined the walls filled with an array of different trinkets and ornaments. Wooden shelves lined one of the walls, containing scrolls, tomes of books.
Arthur slowly turned around on the one spot in amazement. Gwaine let out a long low whistle.
"After the second world war I set up this place, took me years," Merlin spoke.
Arthur turned to face him, feeling suddenly concerned. "What if this was to be found Merlin?"
"Not possible," he returned with a shake of his head. "These tunnels no longer exist and there is no record of them having ever been made."
Arthur frowned. "How …"
"I made sure of it." Merlin smiled. "I have my ways."
He then turned on his heel and walked towards a spiral staircase, carved into the stone wall.
"Follow me."
Gwaine glanced at him. "Our friend is full of surprises," he remarked.
He was indeed.
The spiral staircase led to a room, a rather cluttered room.
"This is my office," Merlin said.
Arthur glanced at the window. It was dark outside now. He turned around but the staircase and door they had just entered was replaced with a fireplace.
"It's …" he spluttered.
"An illusion," Merlin finished for him.
He stepped forward and ran his hands over the wooden mantle. "But it feels real."
"It's not."
He kept running his hands across the mantle in disbelief.
"Picture the door in your mind and the staircase," Merlin instructed.
Arthur tried but every time he looked all he saw was the fireplace. "I can't."
"Try harder Arthur. It's a trick of the mind. If you defeat it you will always see past the illusion."
Merlin's voice was strangely compelling. He closed his eyes and waited till he had a clear picture of the door and staircase. When convinced the picture was concrete enough in his mind he opened his eyes and much to his amazement there was the door. He stepped forward, turn the handle. The door swung open and he peered down the staircase.
He quickly turned around, eyes met with Merlin's in amazement.
"You did it," he grinned. "Who'd ever think?"
Arthur suddenly felt proud of himself. He'd seen through the illusion; him. Of all people.
"I better go turn off the alarm," Merlin said and quickly disappeared out of the room.
He turned to Gwaine excitedly. "Did you see that?"
But Gwaine was distracted with investigating a number of boxes sitting on the shelves.
"This looks interesting," he returned over his shoulder.
"That could be private," he pointed out.
Gwaine shot him a mischievous grin. "Let's hope so."
He pulled an old ancient looking wooden box from the shelf and placed it on the nearby desk. Arthur wanted to protest but finding his own curiosity aroused he moved to the table, pulling his reading glasses from his pocket.
The box contained letters and a couple of black and white photos. Gwaine picked up several letters, peering at them.
"These letters are all from the same person," he spoke.
"What I leave you two for a minute and you're already going through my things," Merlin remarked.
"You have a lot of interesting stuff here Merlin," Gwaine replied without looking up from the antique wooden box he was fossicking through.
Arthur picked up a photo of a person that looked very familiar and then it clicked.
"This is a photo of you Merlin," he gasped.
He peered down at it closely. Given the clothes Merlin was wearing it must have been taken a good fifty or so years ago. It was the oddest thing. Seeing a photo of the very said person now standing in front of you.
Gwaine leaned over his shoulder. "Nice haircut, very forties," he grinned.
"Merlin, you have a cigarette in your hand," Arthur exclaimed in disbelief.
Merlin just shrugged. "It was the forties, everyone smoked then. No one realised it could one day kill you."
"These letters are from a girl called Marie," Gwaine observed.
He picked up a photo and turning it around read. "Love always Marie."
Merlin snatched the photo out of his hand.
"She's hot."
He glared at him, putting the photo back in the box, shutting the lid.
"Was she your girlfriend?" Gwaine continued unperturbed.
"No."
Merlin put the box back up on the shelf.
"You have a fling with her?"
His face reddened slightly.
"You did!"
He nodded. Trust Gwaine to point it out.
"C'mon mate, spill the beans," he continued.
Merlin shot Arthur an imploring look. But Arthur looked as interested as Gwaine. He was no help.
"It wasn't a fling and it wasn't smutty if that's what you're thinking."
"Of course it wouldn't be, you were a monk after all." Gwaine drawled.
A wry smile touched his lips. If it shut Gwaine up then he would, so called, spill the beans.
"She worked with the French Resistance."
Did he have some stories to tell! No one knew even a fraction of what he had done.
"I'd escaped from a German prisoner of war camp and I happened to stay with her before returning to England."
She had nursed him back to health. Even now he could recall the scent of her hair, how soft it was to touch.
He glanced up to find both Gwaine and Arthur's eyes glued to his face in fascination.
"Her husband had been executed by the Gestapo not long before I met her."
So many days she moved in robotic fashion, living but not really there. So was he.
"She was grieving. It was more of a comfort thing." He shrugged, as if that's all it was.
Her words echoed in his ears.
'I see the same pain in your eyes. You have suffered grief. You understand what it is to lose everything that ever mattered to you.'
'Yes.'
Shadows darkened her eyes. Pain etched in the lines bracketing her mouth.
He drew a deep breath. "We sought relief in each other's arms and one thing led to another."
'I want to feel alive again … I just want to feel … anything but this numbness.'
So did he … so did he. Clutching her face gently with both his hands, he softly kissed her cheek, tasting the saltiness of her tears. Need he hadn't felt in a long time swamped him. He just wanted to forget everything he'd ever seen, every horrible sight, every agonised scream uttered. Noises and sights that had haunted him for years.
In fervent haste he rained kisses over every square inch of her face. He could feel her pulse quicken beneath his thumb pressed against her neck. Her need matched his own. She wanted to forget, as much as him. Her arms weaved around him, pulling him close.
'Make love to me.'
Somehow they made it to the bed, pulling clothes off in random haste. Before he collected her in his arms and they fell back onto the bed, arms and legs entangled.
It was intense.
It was beautiful. A connection in body and spirit. Finding solace in the only thing left, each other.
Simple, human contact.
He had locked all of his pain deep in his heart for so long that it now came tumbling out. Much to his shame. Tears streamed down his face.
She held him. Long into the night. Till the sobs that racketed his body subsided. He fell into an exhausted sleep.
"Merlin!" He felt a hand tightly grip his shoulder, blinking he looked straight into Arthur's concerned expression.
"Sorry, you were saying?"
But rather than answering, Arthur turned to Gwaine annoyed.
"Don't ask him about his past again."
Gwaine just nodded, alarming Merlin.
"I just didn't say anything then did I?" he hesitantly asked.
Gwaine patted him on the shoulder. His face a bit grim. "You didn't need to mate."
Great. Terrific.
"It wasn't that bad," he stammered, "I mean those six months were …
"Something else," Gwaine finished for him, his hand coming to rest on his shoulder.
"What happened to her?" Arthur asked.
"I went back to England, she married again and had a couple of children."
"But you kept in contact?"
He nodded. "We wrote letters, until she died in 1980."
Her letters meant the world to him. He clung to them, only knowing nothing would last forever for him.
"What did she die from?" Gwaine asked.
"Old age."
As everyone else before her. He didn't want to see pity in their eyes. It was his living reality after all. He had had a long time to come to terms with it.
Gwaine as if sensing his discomfort, and seeming to want to lighten the mood, said. "So where are those swords?"
Merlin should have realised Arthur and Gwaine wouldn't forget about the sword fight. He let them at it. Welcoming the change in topic. It proved a handy distraction after all. Put his mind back into the present and out of the past.
They were back in the cavern.
Gwaine was holding a sword in his hand.
"C'mon tubby give it your best shot," he taunted.
Arthur gave Gwaine the death glare, picked up the sword and twirled it in his hand. Merlin sat on an old rickety stool and watched in amusement.
Gwaine might not have picked up a sword in this lifetime but he was still handy enough with one, even if somewhat rusty. Arthur had definitely had more experience but he was at a disadvantage due to his leg. They went back and forth, the pace starting to pick up as Gwaine became more adventurous with his strokes which Arthur deftly blocked.
"You're looking a bit out of breath there princess," he quipped. "You need to work at getting your fitness back."
"I feel fine," Arthur shot back. "But I see your sword fighting skills are not what they used to be."
"Neither are yours."
"I'm just toying with you Gwaine," Arthur smiled.
Gwaine, starting to get the hang of it, took a swipe which Arthur blocked once again.
"I'm the one making the more aggressive moves, I don't see you doing the same."
"I'm just waiting for the right moment."
Plus he was hindered by his injured leg, though he hid it well, Merlin observed.
"Admit it princess," Gwaine teased, "It's because you no longer have the physical strength and you're unfit. You seriously need to get your ass back in the gym …" his voice broke off there and much to his astonishment Arthur had disarmed him.
Sword pointed to his throat. A look of triumph on his face. "You were saying?"
Gwaine scowled. "You just got lucky," he muttered, shoving the sword away from his throat.
"No, like I said I was waiting for the right moment," he grinned. "It feels good."
It might be the 21st century. Arthur might have a bung leg. But he still proved to be very much skilled with the sword.
"You hold onto that feeling Arthur because it's only a matter of time before I beat you," Gwaine retorted and turned his head to look at him.
"Hey Merlin, can we take these swords back to the cottage?"
"Alright."
If it meant Arthur would get back to exercising then why not. There was a certain light in his eyes he hadn't seen in a very long time. And it was a good thing. Watching the two of them sword fight was just like old times. It gave him a warm tingling feeling. He never thought he'd ever see this again.
They made their way back into the shop.
"Does this mean we have to walk back to the car?" Arthur grimaced.
His leg was aching, not that he was about to admit it. But the thought of walking all that way back to the lookout was something he wasn't looking forward to.
"I don't suppose you can use magic to bring the car here Merlin?" he continued, turning to face him.
Merlin was standing at the counter, going through mail that had been piling up.
"It would look a bit odd I think."
Arthur sighed and sat down on a nearby chair. Gwaine was inspecting the different old relics in the shop.
"Hey Merlin there is some old codger at the front door," he announced.
Merlin looked up quickly. "It's Bob." A smile lit his face, moving from behind the counter he quickly went to the front door and opened it.
The man that stood there looked positively ancient. His eyes wandered over Merlin without any recognition.
"Who are you?"
The smile left Merlin's face. "I'm Emmett, Marven's grandson."
"Is Marvin back?" he asked.
"No, sorry, he's been ill, staying with my mother."
The old man was obviously disappointed but also suspicious. "He never mentioned you."
"Well that's because he never knew I existed until 18 months ago."
"Is that why he left?" the old man asked.
Merlin nodded. "You see my mother was adopted and she had been trying to, for years, find who her real parents were. Eventually she discovered that Marven was her father. Once Marven found this out he went to see her. Us actually and has been with us ever since."
Arthur was amazed by the sincerity on Merlin's face. He was the expert liar, but then this was something he had had to do all his life; lie.
"I was hoping to catch up with him, it's been months."
Merlin nodded but Arthur noted the brief shadows in his eyes. Merlin was Marven. He was the one that was friends with the old man standing at the door. How weird that must feel.
"I hope he gets better soon. Give him my regards."
"I will."
Merlin closed the door and leant against it for a moment. A look, Arthur couldn't define, on his face. It must suck to have to spend your days as such, always living a lie, getting attached to people, watching them age and then die. And suddenly Arthur was able to define the look on Merlin's face; loneliness.
Merlin glanced at him and the look vanished, as if it had never been there at all.
"I'll go get the car," Gwaine offered, "Princess here looks all done in."
He was, not that it was about to admit it to Gwaine. Gwaine really didn't need any more fodder to tease him with.
"Thanks Gwaine," Merlin threw him the car keys and Gwaine left.
Arthur carefully watched Merlin as he made his way back to the counter.
"Marven," he began, "That's the best you could come up with?"
A quick smile crossed Merlin's face. "You try being original with names after a thousand years."
Then his eyes rested on his leg.
"It's bothering you isn't it?"
Merlin, always astute. He nodded.
He stopped, crouched down and raising a hand he murmured, 'gestathole'. Eyes turned gold. Arthur didn't think he would ever stop marvelling at how Merlin performed magic.
"The old man," he began, curious, "you knew him well."
Merlin nodded before straightening up. "He used to call in all the time. I'd brew a pot of tea and he'd prattle on about the war years."
"Which you lived through."
"Yes," he said with a hint of sadness in his voice.
"Which reminds me," he continued, turning abruptly on his heel. "I need to do a death certificate for Marven."
Arthur watched him disappear into the back office and followed out of curiosity. Amazed at how much better his leg felt.
Merlin the whizz kid, he mused.
He was sitting at the desk, and had switched the computer on. Arthur grabbing a nearby stool, pulled it across to the desk.
"How are you going to do a death certificate?"
Merlin held up a finger. "Watch and learn."
Arthur sat down, watched in amazement as Merlin hacked into the general register for Births and Deaths website. He marvelled at how easily Merlin was able to create a death certificate for Marven. He'd obviously done this before.
"So you have a birth certificate too?"
"Yeah."
Merlin showed him his birth certificate. "You see, I was born on the 16th January 1991, mother Hunith, father unknown."
"But Hunith wouldn't exist?"
"I've already done a birth and death certificate for her too."
"What about the census?"
Merlin gave him a patient look. "That's easy to fill in. I just lie, like I always have done."
"It must suck Merlin, to live you whole life a lie," he softly said.
Merlin blinked and averted his eyes. "I'm a myth Arthur, that's all I can ever be."
But it wasn't right that Merlin was forced to live his life so.
"I've started an enquiry into Gwen's case," he continued, quick to change the subject. "An investigation as to why she was given two Tour of Duties back to back."
He raised an eyebrow, impressed. "How did you do that?"
A brief smile hovered at the corners of Merlin's mouth. "I have my ways."
He most certainly did.
"I never realised how clever you were Merlin."
"Yeah well I've had to be."
Merlin returned his attention to the screen and was now opening an email account for some bloke's name he'd never heard before.
"I sent an anonymous letter of enquiry to this guy. He is the one who oversees what soldiers get posted to which base."
Arthur's eyes widened in surprise. "Seems he wasn't aware of Gwen doing a back to back tour at Camp Bastion. He's now looking into it."
"Why didn't you tell me before?" he exclaimed.
"I didn't want to get anyone's hopes up. Once this guy knows about it there is no way Gwen can be sent back to Camp Bastion when her R&R is finished. She will have to be posted to a base in England."
Arthur was stunned, then amazed and then thankful. He'd be screwed without Merlin.
"You know Merlin you truly are amazing," he murmured.
"Yeah I know," he grinned but Arthur detected the sudden shyness in his eyes.
It amazed him that after living all of this time, Merlin was still often shy.
"Have you told Gwen?"
He shook his head. "No, maybe when I see her tomorrow."
Arthur took a deep sigh. "Lucky you. You get to spend the night with Gwen and I get to spend the night with my father," he bitterly muttered.
It wasn't fair. He would have to spend the whole of tomorrow night having to be civil to his father when all he wanted to do was tell him to 'piss off'. And knowing that Gwen would be home, with Merlin and her brother, him forbidden to see her.
"Don't worry, you'll get to see her soon enough," Merlin reassured.
"How?"
Merlin grinned. "I have a plan."
No doubt he did. "Care to fill me in Merlin?"
"What. And ruin the surprise."
Arthur shook his head bemused. But he had total faith in him.
"Oi you two!" Gwaine called out from the shop, "Taxi's here."
The austere mansion came into view as Arthur drove up the long winding driveway. His heart sank at the sight. He glanced at Morgana.
"The sooner this is over the better," he muttered.
He had picked her up from the base along the way. And for morale support. Least he wouldn't be alone.
"It's only for the night. I'm sure you'll survive."
If only he was sure of that.
"I know where I'd rather be," he continued.
She shot him a sympathetic look. "With Gwen."
He nodded. "I could swear Father arranged this weekend because she was returning."
"I'm even surprised he's decided to make amends with Aunt Kateline."
"Something in it for him do doubt," he returned.
His father had motives for everything he ever did. Arthur couldn't understand how anyone could live their life that way.
"Apparently she has her granddaughter living with her now. I hear she's a handful."
His father hadn't mentioned any granddaughter.
"The loss of a mother can do that though," Morgana continued wistfully.
Neither of them had ever had a mother. Cursed both lifetimes in that way. If there was one thing he could change it would be that. To experience a mother's love. Maybe his father would have been different if she hadn't died. He recalled Merlin's mother, Hunith. How much she loved Merlin. He had envied him that. Not that he would ever tell him.
"What's her name?" he asked.
"I'm not sure."
He parked the car. They both climbed out and Arthur retrieved their overnight travel cases from the boot. Morgana was staring up at the mansion, her expression unreadable. A light breeze blowing a strand of her long dark hair across her cheek.
He handed the case to her and she took it from him. Turning to look at him they exchanged a knowing look.
"Are you going to behave?"
She gave a small mischievous smile. "Now where would be the fun in that?"
He sighed and shook his head. If anything he should get some entertainment at least.
"Whatever you do, don't talk about Merlin. Father's already getting suspicious of you two spending time together. We don't need him banishing Merlin next."
Her face darkened. There would be hell to pay if father did, given her expression, Arthur mused.
They walked towards the front door and Arthur pushed the doorbell. He could hear it echo ominously down the corridor.
"I guess the fun begins," Morgana grinned.
He frowned. She still had a weird idea of fun.
"Lighten up Arthur," she continued, nudging him with her shoulder.
"Gwen will be in safe hands with Merlin."
"Lucky him," he muttered. "How I wish we could change places right now."
The door opened and the house maid ushered them inside, taking their cases.
"There you both are," Uther exclaimed, appearing from the doorway that led into the lounge room.
He hugged a stiff Morgana and shook his hand.
"Glad you could both make it. I don't think either of you have met my sister before? You might remember her Arthur?"
He shook his head.
"Never mind. She is here now and you can both get to know her."
If she was anything like his father, then it wouldn't be happening.
"Is she anything like you?" Morgana asked.
Trust Morgana to be blunt. Always saying would he wanted to say but never could.
"We are nothing alike."
"Then I think I should like her," Morgana quipped.
His Father's face hardened briefly. Arthur braced himself for the retort but it never came. Much to his surprise. Father was obviously putting on his best behaviour whilst his sister was here.
"Let's go to the sitting room. I've asked Rosemary to serve brunch there."
Arthur briefly wondered why his father had a falling out with his sister. He exchanged a glance with Morgana as they followed him. Surprised she hadn't asked this question yet. He was about to prompt her when they entered the sitting room and he kept his mouth shut.
"Kateline," Uther spoke as they entered, "Arthur and Morgana are here."
A woman in her late 60's, standing near a window turned around. She was elegantly dressed. Quite tall and slender. Her hair cut into a sleek bob. She smiled warmly and walked across the floor to greet them.
"Why Arthur I haven't seen you since you were a small boy," she spoke, embracing him.
He was surprised by the warm reception.
"Hello Aunt Kateline," he mumbled.
She pulled back and her eyes swept over Morgana. "And you were just a toddler Morgana and now you're all grown up and very beautiful I might add."
Kateline hugged Morgana in the same way she had hugged him. Morgana smiled sweetly at her.
"I'm so glad that I've finally gotten to meet you Aunt Kateline."
Her words carefully chosen with the subtle underlying meaning to them. He could see the slight scowl on his father's face.
"You should be proud of yourself Uther. Having such fine looking children."
Her blue eyes sparkled and rested on him.
"You look so much like your mother Arthur," she continued, glancing at his father, "Is he not just like Ygraine Uther?"
His father nodded. "In some ways," came his terse reply. "And where is your granddaughter Kateline. I'm sure Morgana and Arthur would like to meet their cousin."
Kateline turned around, eyes searching the room. "She is here somewhere."
Arthur watched her cross the floor towards a two seat settee in the far corner. A girl was sprawled across it, eyes glued to her iPod.
"Emma," he heard her lightly hiss, "Please don't be so impolite and come and meet your cousins."
The girl shot Kateline a glare. "I'm only here under duress grandmother."
A frown began to dent Arthur's forehead, a nagging thought in the back of his head. Emma, where had he heard that name before?
He watched the girl begrudgingly drag herself from the settee. She would probably be all of 18 or 19 years of age. And his father thought he dressed bad, Arthur mused. This girl's whole appearance was like, don't mess with me. She was wearing black tight fitting jeans on her slender frame, a blank tank top with bright glaring pink writing on it, 'If you think life's a bitch then you haven't met me'.
Arthur nearly spat out the mint in his mouth when he suddenly recalled the name on the piece of paper that Merlin carried in his wallet; Emma.
Nah, couldn't possibly be her. It was a common name after all. His eyes rested on her face as she approached them. He tried to recall the girl from the tavern all those months ago, but he had only a brief glance at her. It was hard to tell if she was the same girl, given the thick black eyeliner she wore.
Her too short hair was slicked back. Her eyes were a pretty brown with flecks of green in them. There was a familiarity about her. The way she held herself … it reminded him of someone. He swallowed hard. Mithian.
"This is my granddaughter Emelyn but she prefers to be called Emma," Aunt Kateline introduced.
She held out a pale hand and Arthur shook it. His eyes coming to rest on her face, an unsettling feeling taking residence in the pit of his gut.
But it couldn't be … she could not be Merlin's Emma. Not this girl with the punk attitude, and look to match. She couldn't have been his once granddaughter!
"I'm Arthur." He managed a smile.
She looked him over with disinterest.
What the hell was her problem now? His eyes met with hers. Eyes that were not so dissimilar to Gwen's. A slight frown dented her smooth forehead. Was she having a thought? Did she remember him from the tavern?
He swallowed again and realization dawned.
Shit. She was now his cousin. No … not possible. It couldn't be; could it?
There was only one way to find out. Merlin. He would know. He turned to face Aunt Kateline.
"You and Emma should come at stay at the Cottage," he suggested. "It's lovely this time of year."
"That's a wonderful idea Arthur," Uther enthused. "Arthur's been living there since being based at Aldershot."
Aunt Kateline smiled warmly. "That would be lovely wouldn't it Emma?"
Emma's eyes met with his and she blinked, a look of uncertainty crossing her face. "I guess."
Merlin was what she needed. He would sort her out.
Arthur's smile widened. "Terrific I'll look forward to it. Perhaps we can make it next weekend?"
The sooner the better.
"We are free then," Aunt Kateline replied. "That would be perfect."
Later that evening Morgana pulled him aside.
"What are you up to?" she whispered in his ear.
"I was just being friendly."
"You would subject the poor girl to Gwaine?" she quipped. "Though I don't think Gwaine would stand a chance. She's a diehard feminist. I think she hates men more than I do."
Just great, Arthur dryly mused and rubbed his forehead. He could feel a headache coming on.
"And I thought I was bad at her age," she continued ruefully.
"You were."
She lightly punched him in the arm.
"Anyway it would be a good chance to find out why Aunt Kateline and Father had a falling out."
Morgana nodded. "Yes, we might unearth some interesting information there."
His gaze drifted across the room to where Emma sat. Arms folded, legs crossed, a bored look on her face. He sipped the glass of wine in his hand. He was going to try not to drink. But then he hadn't expected Emma either. Now he really needed a drink more than ever. Feeling disturbed. His life had just gotten even weirder.
"I wonder what Merlin would make of her?" Morgana spoke.
Arthur nearly choked on his wine. His eyes watered. If it was his Emma, and the more he studied the girl the further he came to the conclusion she probably was, Merlin was in for a …. Surprise. Or more like shock. The same sort of numb shock he was still feeling.
'You see what's become of my granddaughter, Merlin. You have to fix this!'
Turning his head to look at Morgana, he said with a wry smile. "Guess we'll find out next weekend."
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A/N: Emma makes her grand appearance, or more like troubled appearance. Now I'm most curious to see what people think? And Merlin's going to have his hands full trying to sort her out. But that will keep it interesting.
Everything that happens in this chapter is of significance later down the track.
Please review and tell me what you think. What parts you liked the most. It's always nice to hear what people enjoyed about the chapter.
Gwen will also make a return next chapter. Things are set to heat up!
Cheers and thanks for reading.