Chapter 7
Merlin set the crystal down gently, squinting against the meager light in the tent. The woman knelt beside him, beaming. Taking his hands she helped him stand. He felt so weak! Gently she led him outside. Into the midday sun. It had been morning when he had arrived at the camp! Using a hand to shield his eyes from the bright light, Merlin looked at the woman questioningly.
"Almost, Emrys. Almost. There's one more thing that you need to do before you meet with Vadoma. Your spirit is clean, but, and please don't be insulted. But you could use a bath." She flashed a compassionate and conspiratorial grin, softening the words.
Well that frankly sounded wonderful. Merlin laughed. He laughed for so long and so hard that men and women walking by stopped and stared, looking for the cause of such mirth. "You are as kind as you are lovely, my guide. I'm sorry. Please, tell me your name. I cannot continue to refer to you as 'the woman in purple.'"
At this the woman laughed, a deep, throaty, carefree laugh the came from deep within her, "My name is Purah. You nearly had it right!"
"Well then, Purah. Lead on! For I would greatly like a bath after days of imprisonment and hard travel."
At this, the woman clapped her hands and a group of women near Merlin's own age rushed up to him and pulled him away from Purah. Shooting her a quizzical look, she smiled and nodded in encouragement. Shrugging, Merlin allowed the girls to lead him to a blue tent near what seemed to be the main cooking fires at the center of the encampment. He entered with them and found a sparse but clean room with a long curtain dividing the room in two. Giggling and talking to one another in a language Merlin didn't understand, the ladies reached for his clothes and tried to take them off!
Merlin squawked in outrage and escaped their feminine clutches, preventing the admittedly lovely ladies from taking even his neckerchief. "Now hold on just one minute! I don't know what you think this is but I will have no part of-"
"Poor Emrys!" One of the girls eyed him with sly brown eyes and a lovely smile on her copper colored face. She spoke with a particular cadence that indicated she was more comfortable speaking another language. "No no please it is our fault! I am Tianra. Please forgive us. You are...unfamiliar with our customs and we made an...assumption that has proven untrue. Please. We are to...facilitate your bath. We apologize for our...enthusiasm. We so rarely have visitors. And never those as...intriguing as you!"
The girls all started giggling and fluttering around him again. At this, Tianra, who was clearly in charge here, gave a sharp command and the other girls scattered behind the curtain in the tent. He could hear water being poured. Excellent! Turning to Tianra he said, "I thank you for your hospitality. I am indeed grateful for the chance to clean before I meet with the leader of your people. Thank you for bringing me here. I will be happy to bathe as soon as you are done with your preparations and can give me privacy."
"I...privacy? You..don't want us here? Oh! Oh I am...so sorry, Emrys! I didn't even think that you would...prefer the company of our brothers but I will of course be happy to-"
Why would he want her brothers to help him.. Oh! "What? No! No!" Merlin sputtered. "It's not that! I don't want anybody here while I bathe! Do you understand?"
"Well...while I comprehend what it is you are saying I must admit that I don't honestly understand it. No. But...you are our guest and of course it will be as you say. Sisters! Come at once and leave our honored guest to his...ablutions in peace."
Good natured grumbling from the girls greeted this command, but within a few minutes they had shown him the bathing chamber that lay behind the large curtain dividing the tent. There was a large metal trough filled with. Hot water! What luxury! Piles of thick fluffy fabric to dry himself, and more oils and soaps and who knows what else than he even knew existed sat on ornate tables arrayed around the bathing trough. Looking around three time to assure himself that they had indeed left him his privacy, Merlin quickly stripped down and gingerly lowered himself into the hot, fragrant water.
Oh he could definitely get used to this.
For a long while Merlin just sat in the hot bath, feeling muscles he hadn't remembered even having slowly relax one by one. He felt surprisingly calm. With the turmoil of not just the cleansing ceremony, but of the past week he shouldn't have been able to relax. Yet here he was. He pondered this for quite some time.
Eventually realizing that the water was beginning to cool, Merlin looked with interest at the tables of soaps and oils. With a flash of golden eyes he moved a table near to the tub and began examining the various bottles and jars. Removing the cork from a random bottle he gave an experimental sniff. Roses. Nope! Absolutely not! Setting the jar down perhaps more sharply than he intended, he tried several more. Some were nice, others smelled terrible! Lifting the last bottle on the table he sniffed at it. Bayberry. Why, this was the scent he himself favored! What luck! Experimentally he poured out some of the fragrant substance. It might be a lotion? Rubbing it into his skin it began to lather on his wet hands. Ah, soap! Just what he needed! Quickly, for now he had become aware of just how cool the bathwater had gotten, he washed himself from head to toe and dunked under the water to rinse off.
Grabbing one of the soft cloths and toweling himself off as he stepped out of the bathing basin, he glanced at his clothes and made a moue of distaste. It seemed rude to put those filthy clothes back on when he had just gotten clean for the first time in what felt like forever. Resignedly he grabbed the pants and was about to put them on when he heard a voice call from the other side of the curtain. "Emrys? Are you finished?"
"Erm, don't come in!" He called in a panic. "Yes I'm just getting dressed. I'll be right out!"
"Oh no! Please don't!" the voice, it must be Tianra continued, "We have...clean new clothes for you! I'll just...bring them in." And putting action to statement, she pulled aside the curtain and entered the bathing chamber.
Merlin tightened the drying cloth around his waist, turning a deep shade of red in embarrassment as Tianra's appreciative gaze slowly swept over him.
Beaming, Tianra held out a pair of underpants like a child presenting a prize to a parent. But that was it. Just a pair of underpants. "Umm I'm so sorry but I will need more than this..I can't very well meet your leader in nothing but. No absolutely not. It wouldn't be decent!"
Tianra let loose a light, tinkling laugh at that. "Oh Emrys you are a...delight! Why would you get dressed before you've had your...massage? Oh no...You are surely making a joke! Come now, put those on and come out here! You don't want to keep Vadoma waiting longer than...necessary, do you?" And with that she walked back out of the chamber, leaving a stunned Merlin standing there, holding a fine clean pair of underpants in his hand, and with his jaw on the floor. She had him there. Merlin supposed. There seemed to be nothing to do but gracefully submit to the customs of these people. He was here to ask for their help, after all. No need to insult anyone. As he quickly dressed and crossed into the larger room he wondered, what was a massage?
Gwen spoke quietly with Leon. They had known each other their whole lives and both valued and trusted each other's judgment. The topic of conversation was the same as it had been since the events with Merlin, a week ago. Arthur was despondent. His personality was completely gone. It was as if he weren't even in his own skin. Just a walking ghost.
"Surely if anyone can reach him it's you. You're his wife and he loves you more than even Camelot." Leon whispered to the Queen. His eyes beseeching her to somehow make this all better. "What can be done?"
"I have tried everything, as you well know, Leon! Nothing is helping." Gwen sighed and glanced across the hall at her husband. Sitting in his throne and staring at absolutely nothing. He might as well have been carved from stone. "You lot haven't left his side since Merlin's exile. What about your efforts? Was he at all improved when you took him hunting?"
"At first it seemed that he might be in better spirits, you know how he likes hunting. But as we were setting out, the stable lad brought his pack to him and as fast as that, he was like a statue again. Nothing could reach him."
Gwen sighed again. "The problem is that Merlin was with him from dawn to dusk every day. Literally the only time they weren't together was when I shooed him out so we could go to bed. I think that Arthur is likely plagued by memories of Merlin at every waking moment."
"What do you think, my Queen? What are your feelings on this matter? You were nearly as close with Merlin as Arthur. How are you holding up?"
Gwen looked up in surprise. She had been so focused on Arthur that she hadn't taken a moment to discern her own feelings on the events. She sat quietly for several minutes, going over the events of that day in her head, before finally speaking. "At first I was shocked. I didn't want to believe what I had seen. But after everyone else had left the room I was left there with Gaius. Leon, I've never seen him like that. He was broken. But he was alive. I cannot believe that the power that saved Gaius is evil. And I know now that Merlin risked his own life to save Gaius. But the law is the law. We cannot make exceptions for our friends, no matter how much we wish we could. I agree with Arthur's judgment and I support him in this. Time will dull this pain and we will heal. And in the meantime we go on."
At this Leon paused before cautiously speaking. He was on dangerously personal and private territory but felt that this needed saying. "My Queen. My friend. Gwen. Arthur changed the customs and laws of the kingdom to knight deserving men who weren't from noble families. He knighted your own brother. He changed the law again to marry you. He did these things out of love for you, and the knights, and damn the consequences." Pausing to gather his courage, Sir Leon continued. "Gwen, does Merlin deserve any less?"
Leon left a shocked Gwen sitting by herself. Quiet tears streaming from her normally sparkling brown eyes.
A massage was Merlin's new favorite thing in the world. Better than honeyed apples. Better than flying on a dragon! It didn't hurt that being tended to so thoroughly by several lovely ladies wasn't the worst thing he's ever endured. But beyond that! Beyond their exclamations at his muscles, (they would faint if they met Percival!) beyond their awe at his blue eyes (they would sing songs about Arthur's!) beyond their flirting and attempting to get a reaction from him (Gwaine would love these women!) was the relief and comfort of the massage itself.
Nothing in the world could create relaxation like a massage. Adjusting the fine blue shirt, the sisters had told him it was made from worm cocoons and called silk! How amazing! Merlin marveled at his appearance in the polished silver mirror inside the tent. He hardly recognized himself. Gone was the tired refugee. Gone was the servant he had been for years. Clad in the fine silk tunic, soft leather pants, fine leather boots that fit like they had been made for him, and a brown hooded cloak of dense, fine wool that was lined and trimmed with soft brown fur, Merlin felt and looked like a king! The cloak should have been too hot to wear, but Merlin found that it was absolutely perfect. With a final look at his appearance, pulling the hood off to see his face, Merlin determined that now, dressed in fine clothes from his hosts, relaxed from the tender ministrations of Tianra and her sisters, and clean inside and out, was finally ready to meet the famed Vadoma. It was too bad he hadn't been able to shave, though, he thought; absent-mindedly scratching at the weeks' worth of growth on his jaw.
As he exited the bathing tent Merlin saw that it was early evening. Where had the day gone? His escort of ladies led him to an enormous tent set in the center of the encampment. Nearly as large as the great hall in Camelot, the tent was a deep, rich red trimmed and embroidered in a riot of colors; greens, blues, and golds. The streamers and flags arrayed all carried a particular symbol in gold that Merlin took to be the sigil of this leader or the people. Clearly this was a palace to these people and Merlin found it was quite impressive.
At Tianra's urging, Merlin entered the tent. Immediately a sweet, woodsy smell teased at his nose. Looking around he saw several small metal boxes that had smoke coming from them. This must be the source of the scent, like the cleansing. It was soothing and he made a mental note to see about obtaining some of this fantastic smoke.
Looking around in interest, he saw more of the Atzinganoi people in the enormous tent. Many appeared to be preparing for a feast, others were sitting on cushions and smoking pipes. Still others were playing small harps and singing to children. These people were clean, healthy, prosperous, and happy. All of this, hidden in the heart of an ancient forest at the edge of The Perilous Lands. Merlin shook his head in amusement. Albion never ceased to amaze him with its people and their tenacity.
Purah approached him. "Ah Emrys! There you are! We almost didn't recognize you in your guise as Merlin! Now you look yourself! This is who you are! Come, come! Vadoma is ready to see you." And she swept away in a sea of bouncing curls and swaying hips. Bemused, Merlin followed the woman deeper into the large tent. He was ready to meet Vadoma and seek her counsel.
Two heavily muscled and tattooed guards armed with wickedly sharp axes bowed to him and pulled aside curtains, leading into a chamber that was dimly lit. Walking into the room alone, he could see a throne with a woman upon it. The bronze skinned woman had long silver hair like an ancient, but she looked to be no more than a few years older than him. Her eyes were a deep, complete black. Merlin was shocked at her appearance. She was beautiful and ageless and terrifying and ancient and clearly held great power. He nearly fell over his own feet on his way to greet her. Stopping before he made a complete fool of himself, Merlin bowed to the woman in the throne. "Vadoma, I presume. I am Merlin and I have come a long way in hopes of seeking your counsel and advice. I thank you for your generous hospitality. You are truly a kind and prosperous people and a credit to your homeland." Hey, that was pretty good! He never was good at speeches but that had come out exactly the way he had hoped!
"Emrys. Long have I awaited this day and this meeting. Welcome." Vadoma spoke in a voice that reminded him of smoke and honey. Gesturing gracefully with a bejewel hand, she indicated that Merlin should sit next to her. Once he was seated at her side she continued.
"I have seen two possible futures for this land, Emrys. In one, Albion is joined together again and made whole. A land of love, prosperity, and joy. The likes of which will be remembered until the end of all days. In the other, Albion remains shattered, a sad, broken land of needless war and suffering. It has been shown to me that a man with two names, with two identities but one steadfast heart is to be the key to ensuring that Albion is reforged. Emrys, in my vision I saw you as you stand before me today. I know what it is that you seek, and it is my greatest pleasure to be of assistance to you in this time."
Leaning forward expectantly, Merlin couldn't help but ask, "So you know of a way I can continue to protect Arthur and Camelot while exiled? Please you must tell me!"
Vadoma sighed deeply. "Emrys, things are never as simple as we would like. I have your answer, though it may not seem to be the one that you seek."
"Anything. Please you must help me." Merlin was desperate for her to get on with it!
Vadoma paused for a long minute before continuing. "In order to reforge a sword, all of the pieces must be brought back together. Anything less and the sword can never truly be remade. Emrys, in order to succeed in your quest you must set it aside."
"What? Set aside protecting Arthur? That can't possibly be-"
"Please. Let me continue. You are not whole. You are incomplete. Surely you must feel it. Tell me, what did the crystal show you?"
Merlin had to hand it to his host. She was very good. "I was shown those I love most," he admitted. "Not just shown of them, but reminded of how very much each of them means to me."
"Keep tight to those people, Emrys. They are all a part of you and without each of them you will never be whole."
At this Merlin's heart dropped and tears stung his eyes. "Vadoma, they are almost all lost to me. There is only one left that I can even still see. Everyone else is far from my reach." Merlin's shoulders slumped in defeat. It seemed that he would never help Arthur fulfill his destiny.
Vadoma gently touched Merlin's jaw and looked into his deep blue eyes. "Emrys. Everyone else is gone because you must start at the beginning. You say there is only one person you love that you can still reach? Then that is the place you must go. In order to reforge Albion, Camelot must be reforged, in order to reforge Camelot, you yourself need to be reforged. Thus you must start over. Go to this person. Steep yourself in that relationship. Renew yourself with that love. Surprises await. And you will know when it is time to take the next step. That is my advice for you. Do you understand?"
Merlin nodded. His mother. He would go to his mother. It seemed so simple. Really where else could he go? "I thank you for your guidance, Vadoma. With your leave I shall head out immediately."
Shaking her head, Vadoma looked insulted. "Emrys! I wouldn't hear of it!" Standing, the woman walked to the curtain. Looking back she commanded, "Now come. We have been preparing a feast in your honor. This is not a time for sadness. This is a time for celebration! Your journey truly begins here amongst the Atzinganoi and we are both honored and humbled to be a part of this. So come!" Taking his hand, she lead a bemused but optimistic Merlin out of her throne room, out of the now empty large tent, and into the twilight.
Before them were all of the Atzinganoi, dancing and singing around a giant bonfire. As they left the tent, a flurry of whispers rolled across the crowd like wind through a meadow. Every eye was trained on Merlin and Vadoma. It was completely silent save for the sounds of the forest itself.
Vadoma lifted her hand, clasped with Merlin's. "My people! The time of legend has begun! Emrys has come to us as it was foreseen!" The people cheered loudly. Raising her hands above her head for attention, they quieted again. Next, to Merlin's complete amazement, Vadoma knelt at his feet. The movement spread amongst the people as they matched their actions to their leader's. Looking up at him with her mesmerizing black gaze, the regal woman called out in a voice pitched to carry throughout the encampment, "Emrys, who is called Merlin. From this day forward the Atzinganoi people swear our loyalty and our lives to you and your noble cause. Command us and we will answer with blood or magic. With the guidance of Emrys, Albion will be united by Arthur of Camelot and the golden age will come to this land!" At this, the crowd stood and began cheering so loudly that Merlin barely caught the next thing a grinning Vadoma said as she stood to her feet. "Now let us show our honored guest how the Atzinganoi people celebrate!"