Chapter 7-Love can make you do strange things.

Hope everybody had a great summer!

Sorry this is really late. I won't give you an explanation because you have read so many and are probably bored of reading them now.

I would like to thank the following for alerting my story, mistymorning86, ElvinaPotter and Scream-Me-A-Dream.

I would like to thank darkest passion of love, appleattack1, Meggie cronwall and TsukihanaYUE for adding this story to your favourites.

I would like thank L.A.H.H, Elin Marc, Meggie cronwall and noreallyidontcare (Thank you for telling me about the spelling mistake, it is unintentional) for reviewing.

Please enjoy the chapter!


The darkness had settled outside, the only things illuminating the sky was the clear full moon and the stars that twinkled innocently.

Merlin held Morgana's hand in his, her perfectly manicured nails digging into his hand. She sobbed silently into his shoulder, Merlin ran his other hand through her glossy midnight hair.

Morgana had woken without making a sound and burst into noiseless tears. Merlin woke up to find Morgana crying, slightly confused, he took her into a hug and she had told him that she had framed Gwen for being a sorceress.

Merlin had just been able to convince her that Gwen was still alive, so he was letting her calm down before they have to leave.

They had decided yesterday that it would be safer for Morgana to travel under the veil of darkness the night provided, with Merlin traveling back to collect supplies and not raising suspicion for being gone for some of the night.

Morgana finally got up and whispered "We need to get going".

Merlin nodded in agreement, picking up the blue cloak, even though the veil of darkness was good cover it was a clear night with a full moon and he would preferably like to keep unrecognised when riding at the dead of night with a mysterious hooded figure.

Flicking up his hood, making sure it completely hid his face, he opened the door silently and they both stalked across the room. Gauis was fast asleep in his bed, snoring now and then.

They finally reached the door on the other side and opened it, it squeaked a bit but Gauis showed no signs of waking up. Sighing in relief, Merlin closed the door and hurried down the corridor with Morgana.

There were few interruptions in getting to the stables, only having to slip into the shadows twice to avoid guards.

The stables were empty apart from the horses. They both in unison climbed onto their horses and rode out, the familiar feeling of the wind rushing across his face greeted him.

The guards didn't look twice at two hooded figures riding out of Camelot.

It took around an hour in the darkness to locate the place they had decided they would meet.

The clearing was lit by the moon in the sky. They both dismounted from their horses and faced each-other. They both leaned forward and their lips met. Merlin wished that the moment would not end, but he pulled out from the kiss.

"Stay safe" He whispered, clasping both her hands in his.

Morgana nodded, and then pulled him into a hug.

"Thank you, you have done so much for me" Her sweet voice breathed into his ear.

Merlin allowed her hands to slip out of his grip and he watched her climb up the tree. When she was high enough in the tree, the leaves completely hiding her, Merlin mounted his horse and headed back to Camelot.

OoOoOo

The morning was bright and cheery, the birds sang from the battlements.

Merlin secured the basket to the saddle of the horse. He had managed to get the basket from one of the kitchen servants, who he had managed to convince that the food was for a picnic for Arthur and Gwen.

He smiled to himself, nothing could ruin this day with just him and Morgana.

Merlin mounted his horse and rode out of the stables, the wind catching his hair. Navigating the forest was harder than he thought. Everything looked different in the daylight.

"Merlin over here"

Merlin looked around and saw Morgana rushing towards him, her jet black hair flowing behind her.

Merlin dismounted and walked towards her. At closer exception she seemed to have the light faded streaks of tear tracks running down her face but the smile that had spread across her face seemed to deny anything was wrong.

Merlin lead his horse forward by the rains, Morgana walked steadily beside him till they got to the clearing were she ran to her own horse and lead it forward.

They walked through the dense forest in silence.

The sound of flowing water started to get louder and soon they were travelling further downstream next to the river.

Merlin heard Morgana gasp from beside him, but he didn't blame her. The water in the lake shone in the sunlight, the flowers surrounding it were blooming in all different colours.

Tying the horses to a tree nearest to the lake, Merlin unfastened the bag. Finding the best spot he could find, Merlin pulled out a blanket and spread it across the ground. Before he could even sit down Morgana had grabbed his hand and was leading him to the lake.

"What?" Merlin spluttered, completely court off guard.

"I didn't come all this way not to go for a swim" Morgana replied, letting go of his hand and unbuttoning her purple coat, revealing a dark blue under layer that remind Merlin of what she wore when they found her after Gwen was kidnapped the first time, well minus the cuts and bruises.

She slid of her shoes and slipped into the sparkling water. Briefly she was submerged by the water, but her head broke the surface of the water. Morgana smiled happily before swimming further into the lake.

Merlin unbuckled his boots and pulled off a sock. Slowly he dipped his foot into the shinning water. A shiver ran from his toes to his head. The water was freezing. He could hear Morgana calling for him to get in.

Trying to ignore the spreading numbness coming from his submerged foot, Merlin carefully took off his jacket and his remaining sock.

Deeply regretting what he was about to do, Merlin slowly lowered himself into the icy water.

The water rose to Merlin's shoulders. He shivered as he swam across the lake, being careful not to get his head underwater. Merlin was never taught how to swim since there was no need to learn how in Ealdor. So he was doing a basic stroke that Morgana was doing earlier and trying to copy it the best he could. Morgana on the other hand seemed to have had years of experience, easily cutting through the water.

Suddenly darkness covered his vision, as two soft hands placed themselves over his eyes.

"Guess who" said a soft teasing voice came from behind him.

Merlin span around seeing Morgana's face alight with happiness. She dropped her arms around his neck and tapped his nose lightly.

"You take your shoes, socks and your jacket of but you don't take off you scarf"

Merlin tilted his head to the side, as if to say yep.

Morgana giggled and placed one of her soft hands upon his cheek, but immediately removed it with a wince.

"You're freezing. Let's get out before you catch a death if a cold"

Merlin hastily agreed for he could no longer feel his legs.

Morgana reached the edge first and was pulling on her long purple coat when Merlin had finally pulled himself up. Morgana rushed over to him, clutching his jacket and helped him into it.

They both settled down upon the blanket Merlin had laid down, Morgana laying her head in the crook of his neck and began to make a colourful wildflower chain.

The sun slowly dried them out, the glorious late summer sun high in the clear blue sky.

Merlin turned his head slightly to watch Morgana thread a purple flower into a blue one.

Her pale skin had been cleared of the tear stains she had earlier, her brow was creased in concentration.

"You were upset earlier" Merlin said, breaking their comfortable silence.

Morgana court off guard ripped the chain in half. She looked up to look at him and grimaced.

"Well yes and no" Morgana replied.

Merlin raised his eyebrow to show he wanted to know what was wrong.

"I woke up the first time because I was crowned queen" she spoke the words like venom "I just felt disgusted with myself. I could not understand how, even if I was not in my right mind, I could do those things and think that way"

A tear trailed down her cheek, which she quickly wiped away.

"I managed to fall asleep again and it was like time was going fast again. Then time slowed down and I was looking for Morgause. I walked into a room and she was on the floor unconscious. I ran to her and you told me that it was over and I said that it had only just begun. Then I started screaming and the room was crumbling around me, but then I felt like I was being let go. I could only see a thick fog around me, and then I was back in that destroyed room. I was too scared to shout for help but I think I might have shouted out with my magic. Then you walked through the door, saw me and I woke up" Morgana took a deep breath after her long explanation. "I just burst into tears, but they were not sad tears, I think I was happy that these nightmares are now over. Well now you know why I was upset". She looked down at the torn chain in her hands.

"Everything that goes wrong is because of magic, maybe it does make people evil"

"Don't think that. It's the person who uses it, magic itself does not make anyone evil"

"And you would know how?" She pierced him with a hard, desperate stare.

"Because you have magic and you are not evil"

Morgana gave a disbelieving huff and got up, dropping her broken chain as she walked away, her arms crossed in a sulk.

Merlin sighed, picking up the torn flowers and laying them in his palm. If only she knew how beautiful and good magic could be used for. It is not always used for destruction.

He looked up to see Morgana lying back on a tree taking deep breaths. She was scared, scared of turning evil. The Gauis sounding part of his brain was screaming at him not to do what he was about to do.

Merlin dropped the flowers to the ground and stood for a few seconds, breathing deeply. He walked slowly towards Morgana, laying his back against the tree.

"You alright" Merlin asked kindly.

"Do you think I am alright? I might turn evil any second so sure, I'm alright" Morgana snapped back, but seaming to have just realised what she had just said quickly said "I didn't mean to snap it's that, I'm so scared what might happen to me. I have never felt so lost and alone".

"You don't have to feel alone anymore, because I know how it feels because...because I have been through it too"

Morgana looked at him shocked.

"What do you mean" She stuttered.

Merlin raised his closed hand and whispered "Forbærnan" Into it. After a glitter of gold shined over his eyes he opened his fingers to reveal a flame dancing in the centre of his palm.

Morgana looked at the fire flickering in his palm, quickly catching his eyes before looking back into the flames.

"How long" She whispered "How long have you had magic?"

"Ever since I could remember" Merlin said closing his hand, extinguishing the flame.

"Why did you never tell me before?"

"Because you were the kings ward, I thought that you would turn me in" He bowed his head, ashamed "I realise now that if you knew you were not alone then you might not have gone to Morgause and be enchanted".

Morgana went from cold and annoyed to kind and comforting. "You were not to know of the repercussions for not telling me, you cannot blame yourself for everything wrong I have done"

Merlin looked up and grimaced thanks to her.

"But everything I have seen of magic has shown me that it is evil"

Merlin turned to face Morgana and held out his hand "Magic can be used for good and be so beautiful. Let me show you".

Morgana looked curiously at Merlin then took his hand.

He led her forward and bowed "Would you care to dance?" Merlin asked.

"Ok..." Morgana answered slightly confused but still curtsied to him.

Merlin raised his head and seemed to addresses everything "dail ar y coed blodau yn y dŵr daear yn y llyn, natur helpu i wneud cerddoriaeth".

Everything around them stared to chime together. The trickling of the water, the wind running through the trees, it seemed that nature was making a beautiful yet unnatural (but it had to be natural) sound. Even the birds added their own music to accompany the song.

Merlin looked awkwardly around then said "I don't know how to dance".

Morgana, who was staring at everything in a stunned awe, snapped back to Merlin as he spoke and laughed.

"I'll show you then" she giggled "Right, to start with place one hand on my waist and you hold my hand in the other".

Merlin followed her instructions, blushing as he placed his hand upon her waist. Morgana placed her hand upon his shoulder.

"Just follow what I do" she said and started to take steps in time with the unearthly sound.

Merlin tried to move in time, trying not to trip on Morgana's long coat trail.

But the inevitable happened, Merlin stumbled mid-turn on Morgana's dress and fell backwards to the floor dragging Morgana on top of him.

"Sorry" Merlin spluttered.

Morgana got up and helped him to his feet. The music had faltered when Merlin had fallen and had now changed to a much slower rhythm. She placed her arms round his neck and he naturally placed his hand around her waist. She was so close to him, too close. He could see all the different shades of green reflecting from her eyes. She had her head tilted upwards looking deep into his own eyes. He bent his head and their lips met. It was small and gentle kiss, which they parted from quickly. Morgana had a small smile caressing her lips and Merlin knew that he was blushing again.

They silently hand in hand went to sit on the blanket and began lunch. Because the kitchen staff thought that the food they were preparing was for Arthur and Guinevere they had the best food they had, had in a while. There were strawberries, grapes, a dozen or so chicken legs and other delicacies only available for wealthy noble people.

Morgana ate hungrily for she had not eaten any breakfast and felt starving, but she still ate in a lady like way even if she was eating hurriedly. When she had finished she excused herself and went to dip her feet into the water. Merlin watched her pick up some flowers and began to make a chain again.

Merlin himself had not eaten much because he was thinking. He loved Morgana and she loved him, well he thought she did. Well they did just kiss. Would it be so stupid to do what he was thinking? The Gauis sounding part of his brain was shouting at him again but decided to ignore it again.

He cupped his hands and whispered "Forbærnan". With a golden shine over his eyes the dancing flames danced upon his hands again. Thinking hard again he tried to remember the correct spell.

"Gwnewch gylch" He felt the gold glitter over his eyes but the flames stayed flickering in his hand, unchanged. Slightly annoyed Merlin tried another spell.

"Gadewch y tân yn troi at fetel wneud cylch" Another flash of gold glowed on his eyes and the fire changed in his hand. It twisted and moulded itself into a reddish golden ring. It was plain but elegant and Merlin thought it was beautiful.

Going to the water's edge, Merlin picked up a water lily floating on the surface and carefully placed it inside. Whispering "gau eich petalau" The flowers petals closed, leaving the ring counselled inside.

He placed the flower back upon the water and breathed "Ewch i Morgana ac agored pan fyddwch yn cyrraedd ei". Merlin watched the flower float slowly away in the direction of Morgana.

Merlin walked over to where Morgana was sitting and sat beside her. Morgana acknowledged him with a satisfied smile and looked down at the finally finished chain.

"Here" Merlin carefully picked up the flowers and placed them upon Morgana's raven locks.

She looked into the water to see her reflection in the water and her smile broadened, then her features turned to curiosity as she watched the lily propel itself forward, standing still right in front of Morgana.

She scooped up the flower carefully from the water and placed it on the grass between herself and Merlin.

The lily's pinkish petals opened to reveal the glittering ring Merlin had placed there moments before. Morgana's shocked face looked at Merlin, she seemed to want to speak but could not get the words out.

"Morgana, I love you and I want to be with you for the rest of my life" Merlin picked up the ring and continued "Will you marry me?"

Morgana still looked shocked but it quickly changed to happiness.

"Yes" She stuttered "Yes".

Merlin felt a new feeling wash over him, like he was filled with a hot liquid that spread from his fingertips to his toes and it made him feel that he was the happiest person alive. He slipped the ring onto Morgana's finger, which she returned with a quick kiss to the lips and a hug.

They were going to be alright, weren't they?

OoO Earlier that day, aka chapter 7.5: Gwaine the amazing sneaking super spy OoO

He made his horse trot quietly behind Merlin. He had brought everything he needed for a spy mission, his sword, food and two water skins filled with mead, well one and a half now.

Gwaine had only just caught up with Merlin after sleeping in late. Well it wasn't his fault, he had a late night and mead doesn't drink itself.

Merlin seemed to be lost, then Gwaine could he a girl's voice calling Merlin's name. He dismounted and made a mental note which tree he tied his horse to.

Gwaine followed at a distance, he could just about see the girl now. She was quite pretty with dark hair. She was vaguely familiar, though he didn't know why. She wore an embroidered dress coat thing that suggested that she must be a noble woman. Maybe that was why Merlin tried to keep it quiet. A servant and a noble woman, it was an impossible relationship, well Arthur and Gwen don't count. She's a lady now anyway.

Gee they were boring just walking along in silence. He took a deep draft from his mead filled water skin. I mean he could at least talk to her. They walked next to river for a while till they reached a sparkling lake.

Gwaine sat behind a tree and watched his friend and his lady friend from there.

The girl seemed quite excited and immediately pulled Merlin over to the water's edge. She took off her coat and dipped into the water.

Merlin being the woose he was, took his time to get into the water.

This was getting painful. Watching Merlin "swim" while the girl swam behind and surprised him. Just as it was about to get interesting they got out.

Gwaine was halfway through his second water skin when he noticed that they were talking again. He could not hear them but whatever they were talking about was deeply distressing the lady. She eventually got up and walked away and leaned back on the tree Gwaine was hiding behind. He could hear the girl's deep breathing. Moments later Merlin joined her.

Gwaine hardly dared to breath, he really didn't want to be caught spying on his best friend while he was in the middle of an argument with his girlfriend.

"You alright?" He heard Merlin ask. Bit of a stupid question and the lady seemed to agree with him.

"Do you think I am alright? I might turn evil any second so sure, I'm alright" but then she immediately changed tact "I didn't mean to snap it's that, I'm so scared what might happen to me. I have never felt so lost and alone"

What did she mean? Scared of what might happen to her? Never felt so lost and alone? Was she pregnant? No Gwaine don't rush to conclusions, Merlin would not do something like that.

"You don't have to feel alone anymore, because I know how it feels because...because I have been through it too"

Right, my query is defiantly wrong, over wise that would be really odd.

"What do you mean?"

Yes I want to know too.

"Forbærnan"

Well that wasn't an answer... Wait was that magic?

Gwaine chanced a quick look and to his surprise there was a small flickering flame in the centre of Merlin's hand. He quickly hid behind the tree again and checked how much he had drunk.

Dam I've run out, he thought tipping the now empty water skin upside down before discarding it on the floor.

It wasn't like he was a lightweight when it came to drinking but it was enough to make his disoriented. Maybe the flame was a product from drinking too much, but then again what if it wasn't? Magic was a dark and dangerous art that should not be tampered with, or so most people thought (especially in Camelot), though he had never seen proof of this. If this was a dark skill would Merlin be showing it to his girlfriend? And anyway when was Merlin suddenly a sorcerer? Merlin was his best friend, surly he would have told him. But maybe Merlin thought that he would freak out if he told him and turn him into Uther. Thanks for trusting me mate.

"How long" Gwaine could just hear the girl ask "How long have you had magic?"

"Ever since I could remember"

So Merlin was born with magic. What the hell is someone with magic doing in Camelot? Though it explains why he hasn't told anyone. It's not like he can stop using it, it would have become instinctive, like sword fighting. Learn it young and it stays with you forever (well as long as you practice).

"Why did you never tell me before?"

Hmm, her response seams to back up the magic theory, though he could just have been showing her something in his hand. And speaking of hands.

Gwaine lifted his hands in fount of his face and wiggled his fingers. He was seeing double, nothing out of the ordinary.

Ooooo, another water skin.

Gwaine blindly reached out for the "new" water skin and brought it to his lips before chucking in away in annoyance. Who even leaves empty water skins around anyway?

"Be enchanted" Merlin finished.

Dam now he had missed what he just said, it might have been important. Right he would have to pay more attention now.

"You were not to know of the repercussions for not telling me, you cannot blame yourself for everything wrong I have done"

Huh? What had he missed? What repercussions? Gwaine fidgeted where he was sitting. He could feel the strange tingling sensation that preceded pins and needles. He straightened his legs out in the hope it would stop the full blown pins and needles.

"But everything I have seen of magic has shown me that it is evil" The girl stated.

It seems that the magic theory is probably true now. Gwaine was relived to find that the tingling sensation was now receding and sighed in relief.

"Magic can be used for good and be so beautiful. Let me show you"

Gwaine was now ninety nine point nine per cent sure that Merlin had magic. A zero point one per cent of him still felt that if he did have magic then he would have told him.

He watched as the couple walked away from the tree, allowing Gwaine to breathe more easily and chance another look.

The noble looking lady had cheered up considerably and was looking at Merlin with curiosity. Merlin bowed to her and she curtsied back. Gwaine watched in confusion, why are they bowing?

Merlin raised his head as if to address everything and said loudly "dail ar y coed blodau yn y dŵr daear yn y llyn, natur helpu i wneud cerddoriaeth"

Everything started to chime together, the rustle of leaves, the flowing water from the river nearby, even the birds! It was the strangest music Gwaine had ever heard. But now there was no denying it now Merlin had magic!

Yes he was slightly drunk but he knew the difference between things his brain was making up and what it wasn't most of the time. Should he tell anyone? No, he couldn't believe that he even thought of that. Merlin trusted him and though he did come here to spy and report back to Arthur he could just say he was with a girl he didn't recognise. No need to mention the fact that magic was involved and that Gwaine had got drunk one third into the mission (though Arthur would probably figure that bit out).

Gwaine continued watching and saw to his amazement that the couple were now waltzing in time to the music.

Maybe he had drunk too much but he felt parched. Gwaine licked his lips to moisten them. He really wanted a drink.

Gwaine got up and wobbled forward. Feeling confident that he would not be spotted or fall over after one step, he tried to retrace his steps back to his horse. He followed the river back to the clearing where he had first seen the lady and looked around for his horse. To his dismay he could not find her anywhere but what he could find where hoof shaped marks leading away from the clearing. Gwaine sighed deeply, looked like he was walking for his drink.


Hope you enjoyed this chapter! It was a bit long, but I hope that makes up for my lateness.

The good news is that I have already started chapter 9, the bad news is that I start school tomorrow so I am going to try and write what I can when I can so I have no idea when the next chapter will come out, so look out for it.

Please Review! :D