Kilgharrah the last of his kind woke from a deep slumber. The first thing he noticed was a feeling of confusion and doubt. The second was of a significant change. The air around him was charged with magic, something, something terrible had happened. He growled trying to see what had happened and as he looked beyond time what he saw truly frightened him.
Roaring into the mountains Kilgharrah stretched his wings and soared into the night. He knew exactly who was responsible for such devastation. "Merlin!"
Merlin jolted from sleep as an angry voice entered his thoughts. He groaned, he had just gotten back from that damned library that he was dreading to ever step foot in again. "Can't it wait until morning?" Over and over the Great Dragon called him name and then threatened to come into the castle to get him. He stumbled into his boots and made his way out. "I'm coming doubt shout." It didn't take long to get out of the castle then into the forest.
"What have you done warlock?" Kilgharrah demanded the moment Merlin came into view. Guilty and frustrated Merlin shook his head, "This time it really was not my fault." He was cut off by a great roar, "Have you no sense? The future is in disarray, how could you do something as stupid as this? Have you no idea of the consequences of such magic?" Merlin groaned, "Yes I know what I did was horrible but-"
Another roar, but before the dragon could speak another person did, "You know this could be a good thing." Merlin froze as the dragon's eyes narrowed. King Arthur didn't look shocked or at all uncomfortable, it was as if he was completely comfortable around the dragon, considering the last time they met, he was trying to destroy Camelot. "Have you considered the possibility of changing the future?"
The Great Dragon leered down at the king, "Changing the future is one thing, but you do not know what you are changing it to King Arthur." Arthur nodded, "Yes but wouldn't take the chance. You once told Merlin to kill Morderd," Kilgharrah raised his head, "I did say such a thing." Arthur nodded, "So should I take your advice Dragon? Should I kill Morderd Le Fey?"
Merlin could do nothing but stare as the dragon settled down and the conversation went on until sunrise. And in the meadow overlooked by the great castle of Camelot a plan was formed. Merlin had his doubts, Kilgharrah was finally somewhat agreeable, but Arthur…Arthur's head swam with memories not yet taken place, and he formed not one but two plans. If he was going to change the future, he was going to try his damn hardest to keep something unchangeable. He was not going to lose Merlin a second time.
Merlin sat in his library trying his best not to think of anything of real importance. Arthur was now speaking to him, although he was hesitant around him. Merlin smiled, it seemed the even the past Arthur had some sense to distrust him. It was only at night, as the two of them were alone that Arthur voiced his thoughts, just as he did for all those years. Where were you? How could you do such a thing? Mordred? What happen to us?
What happened…Merlin was still trying to figure it out himself. His being was full agony, deepened and sharpened every day he was away from his Arthur. There bond was never meant to be stretched, Merlin was supposed to be at Arthur's side always. And it had constantly felt wrong when he was away. But there bond once as strong as Camelot itself withered, and when Arthur finally married, Merlin thought he'd die of the physical pain. He relied so much on his magic now, to keep Arthur from hurting because of the bond. He had learned long ago Arthur never wanted to feel Merlin's emotions. Not as they were now.
And that fateful day came when Arthur truly lost Merlin. The day he questioned whether Merlin was even loyal to him anymore.
Flashback.
Mordred had long ago gave up battling his feelings. He hated, loved and admired Emrys. Their magic was both instinctual, the only two it seemed that understood the full circle of it. But Mordred had also long ago promised to murder Arthur. It was after all Arthur who had tried to kill him not once but three times even after he restored magic. Mordred after all was the leader of the druids and his hatred of all things Pendragon was instilled too deep, his fury seeped into his blood and then into his soul. It was his fate it seemed, he couldn't escape it just as Arthur couldn't give up his thrown to the rightful person.
Mordred had found Merlin in complete isolation in a world between worlds surrounded by the infamous sidhe and of course his companion Kilgharrah. He had left his king for reasons not even Morgana could see. Merlin was not the man he once was, instead of trying to kill one another, slowly as if both needed it, they spoke, openly and truthfully, they practiced magic almost all sorcerers couldn't perform. A deep sense of understanding left the pair silent seemingly for eternity. Then without speaking they turned to each other and grasped for something, anything that would comfort them in their desperation.
Arthur at that time had been celebrating a victory of a battle. He had danced with his wife, his almost nephew Alaric and then suddenly he stopped laughing at Gawain's jokes and looked out the balcony. A feeling of betrayal seemed to enter his limbs slowly making its way to his heart. He knew then, with a flash in his mind of Merlin, whom he hadn't seen in years. And what made him collapse was the pain both of them had felt, and the image of his worst enemy Mordred in Merlin's arms.
When Arthur finally woke it was mid afternoon. Four knights and his wife sat around his bed. He groaned in pain, their bond once weakened was now crippled, like a rope coming undone, it ripped at his heart, making it impossible to breathe. "Arthur, you mustn't move so much." But Arthur took no heed of his wife instead he summoned Merlin for the first time in five years.
Merlin appeared quickly and never took his eyes off his king. The others around the room looked both surprised and pleased to see him. There was no welcoming sign from Arthur instead he asked, "Are you still loyal to Camelot?" Merlin raised his head just as Lancelot snorted ready to defend his friend, "Arthur this is Merlin your talking to," Gawain shook his head, "Don't worry Merlin, the king just knocked himself out last night. He's speaking nonsense." Galahad said nothing always one to wait before passing judgement, while poor Tristan who knew much about betrayal just stood at attention ready to strike.
Everyone quieted when they realized Merlin didn't speak his innocence. "Merlin…" Lancelot looked shocked. But Merlin himself never took his eyes off his king. He paced slowly as if thinking of many deep and terrible things all at once. Then slowly he straightened and as if holding the weight of the world on his shoulders and more secrets in his eyes than he could keep he said, "I am yours to command Your Majesty."
"Are you telling me the truth?" No one saw what happened but the kings eyes widened, his already pale face blanched, and started taking deep breaths. Then he nodded and fatefully said, "Leave and don't return unless I summon you."
With that Merlin's eyes flickered and no one save the king knew what emotions were displayed. The Great Warlock Merlin bowed, disappeared, and waited for his king's orders.
End of Flashback
"Merlin!" Merlin jolted looking at Arthur who was now glaring at him as if he was being greatly insulted. Merlin couldn't help the sad smile that appeared on his face. He knew deep down Arthur wouldn't have summoned him until the great battle. In a way he was glad he once again saw his prince. It had been such a long time he had almost forgotten him. He was glad until Arthur ordered, "Tell me more about Morgana."
