And here it is! The next chapter. The following chapters are in the works but there is no guarantee they will be finished any time soon... forever my apologies. However, please enjoy!
Ch. 10
Mordred was frantic. He was alone, yet he was sure he entered the cave with his lover and friends. "Merlin!" He shouted. 'Emrys?!" he called through their bond, with no answer. He looked around himself before noticing the cave had closed up behind him.
He ran to the solid wall where the entrance had been and frantically clawed at the stone. Suddenly a calm came over him as Merlin's voice drifted to him on a light breeze in the cave: "You will be alright my love. I will see you at the end of your journey." With the encouraging words from his love a determined look came over his face and Mordred set forward.
0~•o•~0
As Mordred walked he realized that while no torches were lit around the walls, the path he walked had seemed to be glowing. After taking several turns, he started to feel like he had been walking in circles. Another wash of calm came over him and he shrugged and continued walking down his glowing path. This was the source of magic after all, there would be a purpose for his seemingly aimless wandering.
After another short while Mordred came to a stone hall where a young looking boy hid in the corner, covering himself with his blue cloak. Mordred tried to call out to the boy but got no response. He walked over to make sure the boy was not injured or ill. It wasn't until he got a few feet from the boy that a different figure approached him instead. Mordred watched as the second figure interacted with the boy, prompting him to look up and dart towards a different path. As the pair moved, their path lit up as well, Mordred followed them. They both seemed so familiar.
Seconds passed before Mordred realized the taller figure was in fact Merlin. A younger looking Merlin, but him none the less. Mordred tried calling out again, still nothing. He watched carefully as the pair entered a phantom door. Another familiar figure came into view as they continued on. It wasn't until he saw the elegant purple dress that Morgana wore that he realized, he was watching his own memories. The young boy was him from years ago.
After this realization came to him, he watched the scene with rapt attention. Obviously the cave wished for him to see this again. He smiled as his younger self attempted to speak with Morgana through their magic. It was against the rules of his mentor, but he had wanted her to know that whatever she was feeling, she wasn't alone. Merlin burst into the room, warning them about the guards coming to search Morgana's room. Then he saw it, the twinkle in both their eyes, that fierce protection.
0~•o•~0
The scene dissolved and changed into something else, another of his memories. Arthur and Merlin were tied to a cart, being dragged along. Arthur begged for water and food. He remembers this, it hadn't happened too long before he became a knight of Camelot. Still he watched, the scene skipped a bit to where he had given Merlin the bread. He saw it again but this time, in his own eyes. He had remembered how Merlin had done so much to protect him and get him out of Camelot safely. How he had to at least try to return the favor.
The scene changed once again, this time all the figures from his memories stood before him. Merlin, Morgana, and both of his younger selves. Morgana stepped forward and the image of her shifted, revealing who she was today. Merlin stepped forward too, and once again revealed him today. Then both his younger selves stepped in front of him and they morphed into a glowing mirror, surrounded by bright glowing crystals. The glowing forms of Morgana and Merlin stepped to either of his sides, Gwaine appeared behind them, his arms wrapped around the other's shoulders. They all smiled into the reflection. The mirror showed them older, glowing with power and love. It showed their little family together, happy, protected.
0~•o•~0
A voice rang through the room "Now, why are you here, my child?" It asked.
Originally Mordred had not known the reason, besides preparing for the upcoming battle, now he knew exactly why, "I came to find myself and my place. To find where I belonged in this world. I came to strengthen my magic for the sake of protecting the ones I love and care about. For the family I made myself." As he spoke, the images before him disappeared. Now he was standing before a magnificent, elegant woman.
The woman smiled at him, "and have you found what you seek?" She questioned. At the question, Mordred's eyes watered slightly and he gave a nod with a smile on his face. "I am proud, my child." The woman swept forward placing her hand on Mordred's cheek in a motherly caress. "Now sleep, Child and in the morning wake and find your family." She led him to a soft looking bed surrounded by the crystals from before. As he fell asleep he heard her whisper one last thing
"Remember always, for thousands of years, your family will remain strong."