Hey guys. I was going to update two days ago, but something absolutely wonderful…amazing…splendiferous happened. I finally got on to Pottermore! It's amazing! If any of you are on there, look me up! I'm SpiritSparks5656! Also amazing: For years I've been doing those fan-made Sorting Hat quizzes, and I was always Gryffindor. I was a little apprehensive about Pottermore, 'cause I thought I might not be, but…Crisis averted! Better be…Gryffindor! My family all looked at me weird because I did laps round my house screaming 'I'M A GRYFFINDOR!' I've never been so happy! ='D
Anyway, 9wolf? A while back you gave me a prompt for a Merlin and Aithusa fic, and here it is. It's a darn sight longer than I thought it'd be too.
Thanks to Catkid14, The Skeleckian, Kitty O, EnchantedWorlds and anon for reviewing!
Catkid14 – I luvs Uther. I'm not entirely sure why. I love the dynamic between him and Merlin especially. At least he got a badass moment before he died, though when he did die, I couldn't believe it. I thought it'd be a trick, but nope…I'm so gonna miss him next season. =(
The Skeleckian – I love that name. Glad you're enjoying these!
Kitty O – You liked Broken Sky? I thought people would be iffy on that one. And yes, luvin' the Uther. You prefer angst to humour? I don't really have a preference, but I think I like writing humour more, 'cause I love making people laugh.
EnchantedWorlds – You liked Broken Sky too? My audience surprises me again, but in a good way. I thought people would be iffy on it, but I was intrigued by the idea of Merlin causing some big disaster out of grief. I mean, look at what he did to Nimueh…
anon – Another Broken Sky review? And request for continuation? I never thought I would…but now that I think about it, it'd be really interesting to write. Would a one-shot/two-shot be okay?
So, 9wolf's prompt is below, but first is an idea I had clanging around in my head for ages. Enjoy!
"It's magnificent."
Merlin disagreed. The pure white stallion may have fooled Arthur, but the warlock could sense hidden malice in those soft, dark eyes. As the Crown Prince of Camelot appraised this 'perfect' equine paragon, Merlin's gaze slipped beneath the glamour, beauty turning to horror before his eyes.
The vision of snowy perfection slipped away. The blindingly white coat became a sullen stormy grey, like the swollen underbelly of thunderclouds. The strong flank became sunken, jagged ribs jutting out against the ashen hide. The soft flowing mane became tangled bulrushes, dead stems matted with river mud.
But – most worryingly – the benevolent brown eyes became red; slit pupils radiating cold, calculated malice. Merlin remembers flicking through various bestiaries, hoping that the next time he faced a magical beastie he might know in advance what the heck it was.
The equine form. The water dripping from that twisted mane of water foliage. The way those malevolent eyes were appraising Arthur like a prized catch. It all added up to one thing…
Kelpie. It would lure Arthur in and once he had a hold of it, it would drag him down into the water. Never to be seen again. Merlin scoffed. Not if he had anything to say about it.
Arthur was closer to the beast now – spare bridle in hand – slowly reaching out a hand to it. Merlin cleared his throat.
"I don't think you should do that."
Arthur ignored him, too entranced by well-turned hooves and powerful flanks of purest white.
"Arthur? I really don't think –"
The warlock had been moving, hoping to intercept the addled Prince before he reached it. Seeing this, the Kelpie had started forward, moving into the Pendragon's grasp. His hand clasped around its mane and his eyes widened as the illusion vanished and he found himself clutching a handful of damp reeds. Before he could let go, the Kelpie was off, dragging behind its hapless victim.
Heaving a long-suffering sigh, Merlin slowed time and grabbed hold of a flailing boot. He failed to take into account that by touching Arthur, he was indirectly in contact with the Kelpie which, as a magical critter, had magic-dampening powers. Time sped up, Merlin became too preoccupied with holding on to do anything to stop their mad dash water-wards, and the Kelpie was no doubt feeling pleased as punch to have gotten a two-for-one deal.
Kelpie, Prat and Warlock hit the water with an almighty splash. The force of it stunned Arthur, thus giving Merlin a small window of opportunity. The Kelpie used magic to keep a hold of its victims, but as Merlin was not in direct contact, he was free to let go. However, this attracted the attention of the beast, stopping its rapid descent and turning to face the warlock. Merlin raised a hand, power flaring threateningly. The Kelpie opened its mouth, revealing two rows of razor-sharp fangs. Merlin gulped. The Kelpie lunged.
After a short struggle, Merlin emerged from the river, dragging behind him an unconscious Arthur and a bridled Kelpie. He thanked the stars that he'd read about the river-horse beforehand, knowing now that the only way to save yourself from a Kelpie was to bridle it. He also volubly cursed Arthur's impulsive nature; for almost killing them and for getting Merlin's boots all squidgy.
Squelching over to the captive beast, he glared at its surly expression. Putting a hand on the bridle, he offered a deal.
"If you let me and my friend leave safely, I'll let you go, alright?"
It was a bit disconcerting seeing a horse scowl at him, but it slowly nodded its assent.
Camelot's two bravest heroes returned, one abashed, the other fuming, and both of them sopping wet.
Merlin stared in amazement at Aithusa. He had just named a baby dragon. He had just called a new life into the world. He had –
Oof!
He had just been bowled over by a very enthusiastic – and surprisingly heavy – baby dragon, which was now staring at him with adorable blue eyes. The little hatchling crowed happily and Merlin grinned broadly in response. He raised a gentle hand and Aithusa bumped it with his nose, snuffling curiously. Merlin's grin dropped off his face abruptly when his finger was engulfed by a mouth that, while small, was equipped with very sharp teeth. Biting back a curse – there was no way he'd swear in front of a baby, even if said baby was a dragon – he extricated his finger from the jagged cavern and looked up at a chuckling Kilgharrah.
"It seems the young one is hungry."
Gingerly petting Aithusa with his un-maimed hand, Merlin chuckled.
"I guess I'd be hungry too if I was cooped up in a tomb for centuries."
Standing, he carefully placed the hatchling on the ground, smiling a little wistfully. He wished he could stay and raise the little one, but he had a destiny to fulfil if Aithusa was ever to live in peace. He knew the hatchling would be in safe hands – claws? – with Kilgharrah.
"Well, I'd better get going. Got places to be, kingdoms to protect, prats to save…"
He wandered reluctantly away from the clearing, only to be followed by a mournful wail and a small white figure. Turning, the warlock once more received a stomach-full of newly-hatched dragon. Looking up from his downed position, he saw a highly amused Kilgharrah and a highly distressed Aithusa. Crooning heartbreakingly, the newest dragon snuggled into the last Dragonlord's chest, his feelings on their separation clear. Huffing in amused – and slightly winded – disbelief, Merlin tried to untangle Aithusa's claws from his tunic. Unsuccessful, he carefully gathered the precious youngling into his arms and pointed towards Kilgharrah.
"Look, it's Uncle Kilgharrah! He's going to teach all you need to know about being a dragon!"
There was a long pause as Aithusa nervously studied his 'Uncle.' Squawking in fright, he buried his face in Merlin's tunic. The Dragonlord gave the Great Dragon a pointed look, gesturing at the trembling hatchling.
"Could you maybe not…look so scary?"
The ancient dragon tried smiling, which only succeeded in displaying his rather large teeth and causing Aithusa to burrow further into his Dragonlord's embrace. Merlin gave the older dragon a disparaging look.
"I said less terrifying. Poor little guy probably thinks you're going to eat him."
The Great Dragon snorted.
"I would do no such thing. He just needs to get used to me. Bring him closer."
Merlin brought the little one closer to his giant kin in tiny increments, wincing as little claws pierced the thin fabric of his shirt. The warlock was getting a little impatient, knowing he was running out of time.
"This is ridiculous. Are all baby dragons terrified of their parents?"
Kilgharrah's lips twitched. His amusement was clear in his voice.
"I think I know what the problem is. The little one has not identified me as a parent, so he is somewhat intimidated. Normally, a hatchling sees it's mother first as it emerges."
In his sleep-deprived state, Merlin didn't get what the dragon what implying. He prompted Kilgharrah to continue with a raised brow.
"Well, the first thing Aithusa saw when he hatched was you."
Merlin looked at the bundled youngling in his arms.
"No…No way. You can't be serious."
"It appears Aithusa thinks you're his mother."
The newest dragon hummed contentedly, as if in agreement. Struggling once more to detach claws from clothes, the warlock turned the little dragon until he once more faced Kilgharrah.
"No. Look, that's Kilgharrah. He's going to raise you. I'm just a friend. I'm –"
Tug.
"– not –"
Tug.
"– your –"
Tug.
"– mother!"
Finally free from fettering feet, Merlin placed Aithusa on the ground. In response, the little dragon began wailing. Loudly.
Great Dragon and Last Dragonlord exchanged exasperated glances before the warlock once more picked up the yowling youngling. Immediately, the hatchling stopped screeching and warbled curiously, gazing up with sad eyes at the man who had called him into the world. Sighing softly, Merlin stroked delicate wings in an attempt to further calm him.
"I'm sorry. I want to stick around too, but I can't. I'll come visit you and Kilgharrah though."
Aithusa eyed the other dragon warily. Merlin chuckled.
"You don't need to be frightened of Kilgharrah. He's been wanting to meet you for a very long time. You should go say hello."
Sensing the little one's trepidation, Merlin made sure to give plenty of reassurance. A little distance and a lot of encouragement later, Aithusa was happily crawling over Kilgharrah's back, while Kilgharrah had such a tender look in his eye that the warlock once more felt reluctant to leave. He did, however, want to get some sleep tonight, so he began to creep away while the youngling was distracted.
Oof! Busted.
Grumbling into the dirt – Aithusa had barged into his back, causing a face-first impact this time – the warlock hit upon an idea. Sitting upright, with the clingy hatchling cradled in his lap, he untied his neckerchief. The little dragon sniffed it, and upon recognising the Dragonlord's scent, nuzzled it affectionately.
"Keep it. That way you'll always have a little bit of me, no matter where you are."
Looking forlornly between the neckerchief and 'mother', Aithusa relented, giving a small, keening assent. Fondly petting the newest dragon one last time, Merlin finally escaped the clearing and reached his quarters only a few hours before the sun rose. Settling down on his narrow bed, Merlin couldn't keep the smile off his face. And a couple of leagues away, in a cave inaccessible to those without wings, Aithusa settled down at the side of his kin; the magnificence of the two dragons in stark contrast to the raggedy red cloth that the hatchling curled up on.
D'aw. Merlin's a Mummy. And for the Kelpie one, the magic-dampening effect came from the whole 'magic can't kill magical creatures' rule. I thought, seeing as how the Kelpie used magic to trap its prey, the mythical water-horse can perhaps counter Merlin. Seeing the show use magical creatures from Greece and Africa and so forth made me want to write about a critter a little closer to home, so – being Scottish – I of course picked the Kelpie.
Thanks for reading!