Title: Yule-tide
Merlin Advent Prompt: Traditions
Word count: 100
Rating: G
Genre: angst
Characters: Merlin
Summary: Memories of Yule-tide


In Ealdor, there would have been songs and laughter, a Yule log burning merrily in the hearth. Children vying for sweets and everyone gathered around. A feast of fresh meats and puddings, games and dancing. His mother smiling as she pulled him close, kissing joy into his hair.

But in Camelot, Yule-tide was too close to magic.

Forbidden.

Instead, the day was like any other. The foul odour of ash and burnt flesh lingering in the courtyard, the memory of screams and a roaring fire. The taste of fear.

Uther's gift to the people of Camelot.

Merlin mourned the loss.