Hey guys… just wanted to thank all of you 3 For your support, for your advice, for your comments and most of all… for your loyalty to this story… I know how long winded it is trust me. SO thank you sooooo much :D
I hope you enjoy and I apologize for the gap again… trying to find my motivation again I guess… Missing my Dad lots :'( but I won't depress you any further. Enjoy..
The labyrinth of Gendef
How was I meant to survive a whole afternoon without Merlin here? I sigh to myself as Morgana pulls me around the town looking at scarfs and things I already owned or did not want to own. She refused to let me just mope around the castle when Merlin was away.
Not really caring for what Morgana and Gwen were deep in convocation about I slipped away heading back to my room to mope knowing Merlin might not be back for another couple days. So I set along the courtyard corridor when I saw Arthur in strut in front of Merlin who had a pillow in his arms with two guards either side of him. I saw what was on the pillow and rushed over glad to he returned so quickly
"Mer-" Arthur had noticed Merlin stopped and stormed over to me.
"Adira would you please let him walk we are on the way to father" I growled at him
"I'm allowed to talk to whomever I wish and for your information brother, this will never be the gift you expect it to be. There are legends that misfortune will come to those who bring harm to a unicorn" Arthur waved his hand dismissing my thoughts. I sigh loudly
"You mark my word Arthur. Nothing but suffering will come of this horn. Such a pure creature's destruction will bring nothing but destruction in it's path" Merlin was looking at me as if I've just told him his worst nightmare has come true and Arthur looked at me as if I'd grown a second head. But when he finally started marching forward ordering Merlin to follow, I felt Merlin shiver slightly at my side.
My ring to which I kept around my neck as father would ask questions if it came to be on my finger while around the kingdom seem to cling to my skin tighter as it always did when I was nervous or upset. I think it might be of some magical origins because I found it glowed when I was happy but then dimmed and dulled at the thoughts of fear or sorrow.
"Father a unicorn horn... has graced the walls of Camelot" Father was in one of his usual meetings in the throne room and with the mention and sight of such a horn he turned to Arthur and the horn in splendour
"Magnificent" He mutters to Arthur as he picks it up and much like Arthur to Merlin, he turned to Gaius to show the wonder of this new item. One in which I did very carefully to stay away from.
"Gaius look at this" Gaius glanced over the 4 of us, totting quickly at Arthurs and Uther's excited and shared mine and Merlin's worries even if none of them have been spoken between us yet.
"It is very impressive my lord" His voice isn't excited and even father can tell something is wrong
"What is it Gaius?" Rolling his eyes at Arthur as if Gaius was just an old fool and even with all Gaius has done for him he'll still believe Gaius would speak of doubt just to ruin is fun. Again just like Arthur to Merlin… funny how the relationships ran in a similar pattern sometimes
"Unicorns are rare and mystical creature and there is a legend that says that misfortune will come to anyone who slays one" Glancing at Arthur in fear of his life and I sigh under my breath... Why did he have to be so stubborn. Father patted Arthur shoulder as Arthur followed him saying how please he was that he likes it. I follow Merlin and Gaius out of the grand hall in which all this had commenced.
"I don't understand how Arthur could have taken any pleasure in killing the unicorn"
"Arthur is a hunter, it's in his blood as in yours there is something different" I scoffed
"And for me then Gaius?" Gaius laughed
"My dear girl you are a women and one of power and love beyond Arthur's understanding" Merlin sighed
"It was the most beautiful creature I had ever seen.. I wish you could have been there" I sigh grabbed the rips of his jacket and pulling them closer together
"So do I, though there are very unicorns left in this world" Merlin grabbed my hands that held his jacket and sigh
"Try telling that to Arthur" Gaius smiled at him and as he turned towards his chambers
"I can imagine it'll be difficult" I almost wanted to curse at Gaius but I couldn't think straight as Merlin pecked my lips and rushed off to find Arthur who was evidently in his chambers. It wasn't long after Merlin had gone in search of Arthur had I heard the gossip between the knights that crops were dying all over the farm lands of Camelot and I knew even if I had not dreamt it to be that this was the unicorns death misfortunes in which the legends spoke.
I was just getting bored of following the knight to get all the information I could when I saw Arthur rush out of his chambers looking flustered and worried, never a good sign but I let him go not wanting to get in the way of wherever he was going and to what important business he must attend to. I stepped out and moved to go towards Arthurs but someone grabbed my from behind and picking me off the ground.
I squeal and giggle as Leon sets me back on the ground.
"Now my dear princess why would you be spying on my knights?" I look down at the floor guilty
"Sorry Leon. I could have just come to you I didn't think. I was just wondering where all the knights were going and why this courtyard was so empty to feels almost abandoned" He laughed lifting up my chin looking me straight in the eye.
"Now now, you know whatever you need to know, whether your father permits it or not I will tell you. You need only ask. I'm sorry my lady but I must go, you're father is waiting for us to ride out... I'll get you all the details when I get back?" I nod at him and he strokes my hair as he kisses me forehead and runs off with a sad grin back at me. Little did I know that Merlin at seen the whole scene and was now standing next to me.
"What was that?" I shook my head
"Nothing" He stepped closer to me
"So why do you look so guilty?" I shrug
"Guess I knew you'd take it the wrong way and get jealous" It was a snap at him I was worried about the curse and like usual I vented at Merlin.
"Well can you blame the jealousy when knights are kissing you and hugging you" I scoff
"Merlin it was a friendly kiss on the cheek and secondly he's always done that. I grew up with him!" Merlin shook his head in disapproval.
"Firstly Adira... No other knight or person you 'grew up' with treats you like that other than Arthur and secondly, he doesn't always do that only when he knows I'm around to make me jealous cuz he wants you all to himself"
"Merlin, I'm no only loved by you, you know. I do have friends and people in my life who care and cherish me. But you wouldn't see that you just want every moment of my time to spent complimenting you on your gifts and that someone with high standings will accept it" Merlin scoff
"So that's what you think our relationship is? So all those kisses? Nights spent together, that was just 'keeping me happy' was it?" I scoff, swallowing down the tears
"If I don't make you happy then I'll go... you'll never have to see me again" And with that I ran off, he'd obviously realised his mistake the moment he saw the first tear fall but he let me run off.
Even with the fight we'd had I found myself laying in his bed cherishing his smell. It was stupid of me to over react of course Merlin was going to worry that Leon or any other knight was going to be able to offer me more than what he could. Even if I knew that would never happen and Merlin would always provide me with what I needed and wanted he would never be able to ease those worries even as hard as he tried. I must have fallen asleep cuz when I awoke Gaius was sitting in the stool by himself. It looked as if Merlin had just ran off so I waited until I heard Gaius leaves and enter his own room before I quickly sneaked out of the chambers unseen.
I ran knowing that wearing my flat shoes was a good idea today. The sun was already hidden and the moon shone bright in the sky. I knew not of what was going on within the kingdom specifically but I knew it was bad because no one walked around the courtyard even at this late hours, in fact the only people outside I found were guards and Merlin with Arthur. Deciding I did not want Arthur to know of our argument I kept myself hidden and almost burst out laughing as they were arguing about a rat of all things.
That when I saw a hooded figure sweep past me so much as I had to hold my breath to stop the screams. Arthur saw it too and within the time it took me to let out a breath they were both running off after this figure. I took another deep breath and ran at lightening speed to keep up with them. We tailed this figure until it took us to the entrance to the dungeons, where the dragon slept. I stopped myself at the top of the stairs, making sure Merlin and Arthur could still not see me and watched the scene as it unfolded.
They ran through the corridors and it seemed as if the figure had just disappeared and it was only when the boys let their guards down and started bickering did the figure flash in front of them.
"Are you looking for me? I am the keeper of the unicorns" Spoke a wise voice, one that did not seem real.
"What is your business here?" The man, half smiled
"I am here to deliver a message" Arthur stepped closer to the man
"And who is this message for?"
"For you, Arthur pendragon"
"Is it you who is responsible for killing our crops, turning our water to sand"
"You alone are responsible for the misfortune that has befallen Camelot" I told him didn't I? I told him but does he listen? No stubborn just like his father.
"ME? You think I'd bring draught and fanon upon my own people?"
"When you killed the Unicorn you unleashed a curse for which this Camelot will suffer greatly"
"If you have put a curse of Camelot" Really Arthur, Really? "You lift it or pay with your life"
"The curse was not my doing" Arthur stepped even closer.
"Undo the curse or face excruciation" Not wanting to keep my presence unknown.
"Only you can do that" As I stepped down the stairs "You will be tested" And in that spilt second both of them were looking at me the man disappeared.
"ADIRA!" I shook my head
"You wouldn't listen would you? Wouldn't heed my warning, Gaius's warnings and now you're going to blame me for the man you want to blame for your own wrong doings. You'll face this Arthur, you won't coward away from responsibility for your actions, you won't hide behind your power... you will be tested, more than once, if you fail any of them Camelot is doomed forever" I glanced over at Merlin.
"Make him see sense would you. It's one thing I know you won't get emotional over" Then I storm off, not knowing where I was going but needing some fresh air. I end up leaning on of the many pillars lining the courtyard and I must have fallen asleep because the next thing I felt was a cold hand stroke the hair out of my face.
"Typical you Adira, sit in the cold, make yourself suffer until you've solved the problem. I swear you'll get yourself killed one day. But even if you hate me I would never let that happen. You could kick and scream but I'd never let you neglect your health for the sake of pride" He then leaned in a kissed me, softly but enough to make my self control weave and for me to grab him by the neck and kiss him back.
"Arthur told you off I take it?" Merlin laughed as he pecked my lips a couple more times.
"He almost strung me up... but I made him understand it was just me coming to terms with just how many men will fall at your feet" I wrap my arms around his neck and his lifts me up.
"And Many a men may do that... but hey what's not fun without a little challenge. You'll have to work for me" He laughed
"Haven't I already" I smacked him playfully on the chest
"I'm sorry I should have understood how inappropriate Leon was being. I just got so use to the hug and when being princess and no one wants to hug you or even attempt to give you any physical contact. It's nice to know someone outside of family is willing to just be playful with me every now and then" Merlin sighed
"And I should have realised that you have just as much right to be playful and have fun with Leon, as long as it's friendly without me jumping down your throat about it. I apologize for my jealousy" I shrugged
"Nice to know you still think I'm worth getting jealous over"
I went to bed that night safe in his arms, glad that our argument was over. I should have known better, I should have stopped the argument. But then what is a relationship without a few disagreements that keeps you on your toes. I've always moaned about my dreams plaguing my sleep when something dreadful is coming Camelot's way. But never have I wished that they would happen. If I knew how this was going to end maybe I could stop it, maybe I could warn Merlin on what to avoid or what to do and the worry that something was up with my magic as such a critical time more sleep disturbing than the actual dreams.
FInding myself hungry as I woke up I went back to my chambers to change and to seek out Mary. Who little girl was now 6 months old or more. I ate what little I could before heading out to find Morgana only to find out from Father that she was visited friends in a neighbouring kingdom, at least she was eating well right? In need of some company and comfort I found myself outside Arthur's chambers, questioning whether or not if I should intrude. So when I heard Arthur angerly mutter the words
"My father told me about sorcerers like him, they will not rest until our kingdom is destroyed" I slowly open the door to hear them facing each other the table between them.
"Well I believe his telling the truth"
"Then you're a fool, you cannot trust a single word a sorcerer says, you'll do well to remember that" I had to speak up
"And if I too believe him? Arthur you heard of the curses that would befall Camelot when you killed that unicorn and this all started minutes after you returned with that horn. So do not tell Merlin he's a fool when you believe it even more strongly than we do. But you're hiding behind what magic is, behind what someone is just so you don't have to face what you are"
How do I manage it? How do I manage to get myself caught up in Arthur's plans and Merlin's secret business within minutes. We had sat there for what? 6 hours and Merlin had fallen asleep my head on his lap.
"Well I'm glad you could make yourself comfy" I half smiled as I sat up shaking Merlin out of his sleep. Within seconds of me shaking him awake we were stopping a man from stealing grain and to my shock and disbelief Arthur not only speared him, from the punishment of his crime but still let him walk away with a bag of grain. It wasn't until the man said
"This will bring it's own reward" Did I realise that this was one of those 'tests' the unicorn Keeper had warned us about. Yet Arthur seemed oblivious to it's nature probably just put it down to his thirsty and hungry state. With that thought in mind without answers to Merlin and Arthur I rushed to the well and to my deepest hopes. It was not sand, it was indeed water. I grabbed a bucket and carried it back to my chambers, before returning with another bucket to take it Gaius's chambers. When Merlin returned to the chambers he almost drunk the whole basket, well what was left anyway after me and Gaius had had our sharing's.
Everyone else figured it out in the morning. It would seem Gwen is either very lucky or just observant or maybe she thought she was seeing things I really couldn't say. But the spirits in Camelot were brighter than they had been for days. I drunk so much water that night I thought I might be sick but that morning I found Arthur drinking cups after cups of the stuff.
"Never knew water could taste so good" As he emptied yet another cup.
"My throat was so dry I thought I wouldn't be able to talk" Merlin said as he grabbed the flask and silently offered Arthur another cup as I watched unnoticed in the doorway.
"Well at least something good would have come from the drought then" But I saw the smile in Arthurs voice. If he was happy enough to joke and tease then it means Merlin was being a good servant.
"Sands disappear, water returns to the well, it doesn't make any sense" Merlin tensed for just a second, enough for someone who knew him to know he was hesitating to speak his mind. To my surprise Arthur then said
"I suppose you have some explanation for this, Merlin, let's hear it" Merlin then spoke the very thing I had thought last night and it once again reminded me just how on the same wave length we were sometimes. But of course Arthur was stubborn enough to just believe the man was grateful.
"I know you don't have to listen to me" I wish Arthur would say 'no I trust you're opinion, you're a good friend' but of course he said
"Glad we agree on something" And even more to my surprise Merlin didn't back down. Normally he would have stopped himself from speaking out of term but instead he spoke out.
"If you are tested again you can stop your peoples suffering, I know you want that more than anything... Perhaps we should seek Angora out" Ok so maybe Merlin was spending too much time with Arthur, but if bringing the fight to the people who wanted to make us prove ourselves what better way than to go to them instead of waiting for more people to starve then why not?
"We do not negotiate with sorcerers my father wouldn't hear of it" I had to wonder what had gotten into Merlin today, maybe it was his fear of the fact I did not see this, maybe he was just annoyed that he was hungry than usual or maybe he just wanted to save Camelot, it could even be a mixture of all those things.
"Then it's best you not tell him" I knock on the door softly bringing attention to myself
"I think it's a great idea if you're looking for opinions" Arthur stood up and walked up to me
"No I did not ask nor did I want your opinion, I need to go check in with the guard. Merlin do what you can to find me some food" I ready to scream at him before he had the chance to leave but Merlin grabbed me by the waist probably knowing what I was going to plan.
"We all want food" I grumble after him but then we both hear a russle from the other side of Arthur's bed and Merlin was obviously thinking on the same thought as me because he had that same vengeful smile on his face as I did. If Arthur wanted food, he's sure as well get it.
The following day I was walking around town and before long I was noticing the long lines of people coming to fetch food from the outlining villages and just as I was ready to march into the castle in search of the person responsible for all this. I saw him with Morgana
"Who are they?"
"They come from the outline villages in search of food, we barely have enough rations to feed those already here" Morgana then said the most false statement there was
"You shouldn't blame yourself I'm sure you're going all you can" Arthur glanced at me and then said to Morgana as he stormed back towards the castle
"It's not enough" That's when I saw something that almost made me laugh in obviousness. Morgana getting Gwen to steal food from the palace to give to the people. I just turned my head and pretended not to see, plausible deniability is what I wanted with something like this. I spent the next few hours finding what little food I could fresh and multiplying it with magic, not enough as I would have liked but enough to keep people alive until Arthur could prove himself worthy of food for this kingdom, I only prayed it would happen soon or who knows how many will starve to death because people could only last a week without food at the best of times and it's not like the lower towns are well feed as it is. The sun had set by the time I had feed enough people to my satisfaction. I didn't even make it to my bed I feel asleep against one of the carts. It was only the sound of rushing hooves that awoke me with a start.
They zoomed past my sunlight adjusting eyes and it wasn't the riders I recognised, it was the horses. Arthur and Merlin had hurried past in determination, no doubt they hatch some kind of plan to find that man that appeared about the unicorn and the test that will feed them and the rest of the kingdom. I growled in frustration as rose to my feet and without much thought rushed up the castle and into my chamber.
I may have wanted to follow them with every fibre of my being but there was only one reason Merlin would not seek me out and tell me about sometimes, either Arthur hadn't given him the chance too and he knew to let me know in kind of way that he had sometimes to tell me or the most likely option, he was protecting me from whatever danger he felt his venture might bring me too. I always found it more frustrating than sweet if I was honest.
I grabbed my bowl that sat still shiny and silver on the table and poured water into it and cast a spell that I hadn't in quite a while. It felt strange watching Merlin and Arthur as they chased the familiar looking man, well more like ghost. But it didn't long for Arthur to out run Merlin which with the speed in which Arthur was running no wonder he couldn't keep up. I trained the spell in on Arthur, knowing Merlin would find him in his own time. When Arthur finally stopped he was at a camp and the hooded ghost of a man had once again disappeared.
The man who he had given spare grain to for free at the mill turns out to be a thief, though I have no doubt this man will only exist until Arthur passed the tests so why does Arthur insist on listening to this 'pretend' mans insults about him not making a good king, saying he was a disappointment. That Father was shamed of him… if Arthur knew anything he'd have realised he is the only person Father truly loves.
So the sword fight starts, I almost growl infrustration but realising Mary had walked in and started cleaning I just starred at the water like some crazy person. But as Arthur lost his sword I worried for his life but then something shocked me, my brother the honest and good hearted man killed someone (no matter how pretend) over his honour? What happened to the brother who use to skip lunch to give it to a pregnant poor women? What happened to the brother would have protected his sister from many-a-men but would always let them live out the shame they have brought upon themselves?
It was this moment that the ghost man appeared and once again Arthur took to his rage and sword to solve his problem. I started mumbling to myself and pacing as I help the bowl in fascination
"Arthur you prat, don't you realise just how much Camelot will suffer because of all your stupid deeds? Sometimes I wished I was an only child, idiotic prat" The man mimicked my words to Arthur (Without the insults) and disappeared once again and it was only then that Merlin's calls could be heard and Arthur rose from the place he had fallen in his attempts to attack and magical man.
I watched until they had both gotten on their horses back and with little explanation to Mary, whom the poor dear seemed confused as ever I rushed out to the city edge and leant against the post, as if I'd been there a while and waited only mere minutes before they came back at a galloping speed. Merlin jumped of his horse just as Arthur took off at the sound of the alarm bells leaving Merlin to tend to the horse. I waited until Arthur was out of sight until I slapped Merlin around the head.
"Owww what was that for?" I glare at him
"I could have stopped him killing that man, I could have helped him see his pride if a stupid thing to kill over but no you had to 'protect me'" He sighed as he handed over the horses to the stable hands and took hold of my hand.
"I'm sorry okay, But no matter how stupid and idiotic he is, he does care about his people probably more than he cares about himself… that's why he was so quiet on the way back here. You know when he's angry at you because he'll let you know but when he's angry at himself Adira he's a completely different person, in fact its one of the only things I think you have in common, apart from parents I mean" We walked towards the mills, seeing Father and Arthur talking just outside and me just being curious.
Once inside Father explained what had happened and then he stormed out in search of some food no doubt. Arthur looked over at me and Merlin, us interwined hands and then I saw it. That defeat, that given up expression on his face. I sighed to myself and grabbed his hand.
"We'll find a way to fix this Arthur" Arthur took his hand out of mine and stroked my cheek for a second
"The how is what I can't figure out" With those words he slowly walked out an air of depression around him. Knowing him he'll starve himself until he finds someway to help the people of Camelot. Merlin set home for dinner then, probably to tell Gaius of all that has happened. With things 'non-magical' (Well ish) he tends to tell Gaius about. I set out to find Morgana who was indeed still hungry and laying on her bed hugging her stomach as Gwen took to tidying her things.
It took me almost five seconds to realise that I had been listening to a private convocation between the two girls before I quickly made my way to the grand hall, knowing that was where Arthur would be. I was just about to walk in from the door behind the throne when I heard Arthur speaking to someone, father I realised.
"We had some spare food in the palace storage and we've started giving it to the people. But it is not enough to live on for long" What surprised me was Father's answer was almost predictable.
"Then you must stop distributing food to the people" I almost shouted out in frustration but held it in.
"They will starve" Father took a deep breath as if disappointed Arthur would care for the people.
"we must conserve the food we have.. for our Army" Arthur started to argue but Father once again cut him off, the authority rising in his voice
"We must Defend the kingdom at all costs" Arthur argued back and I mentally cheered him on
"what's the point of having an army if our people starve to death… ask the neighbouring kingdoms for help"
"The moment they realise we are weak they will attack" Arthur sighed
"You don't know that" Father's voice was closer to me now I knew he'd be pacing it was what he did when frustrated.
"I will not give in to our enemies, have you no pride?" That's when the realisation hit me, this was again… a test. It was not over he could still be proven to save the kingdom.
"I cannot think of my pride when the people are starving, my thoughts are on them"
"Give the order to stop disturbing the food" I snuck into the room and I saw the small smile appear on Arthur's face as he saw me as he looked at father.
"You'll have to give that order yourself" With that he walked away and I retreated back into the corridor thinking that was it.
"Very well Arthur, but if you'd caught the sorcerer I wouldn't have to, that's your responsibility, one day you will know what it takes to be king" I laugh aloud and father finally takes in my presences
"You seem to like Listening to private convocations Adira" I smirk at him
"Oh I'm soo sorry was I not meant to see how Arthur's realised his mistakes? That he knows more of the responsibilities of being king than you do. He'd do anything to protect the people but you would let them die, let them starve for you own stupid pride" He looked as if he were about to say something so I cut him off "Don't even try arguing Father, I've got your stubbornness? Remember?" and with that I walked away.
To say the least I got little to no sleep that night I found my sleep confusing, in a fog and somewhere in it I could hear Merlin shouting something, but what wasn't clear and then I would see Arthur laying, dead on the floor on wounds on his body but the live no longer in him. The dreams would scare me so much I would wake in a cold sweat to find Merlin looking at me wide awake with worry, he was humming the tune to my favourite song as I fell back and relaxed and the same cycle happened about 7 times during the night. It was like my magic was trying to tell me something, trying to get me to understand but that something was blocking my perception, no doubt the same thing that stopped me seeing all these ills that would befall Camelot.
Arthur told us that following morning as we watched the masses line up for food as to what he planned. I did not let on that I had actually hurt this when he argued with father but I was sure he was telling Merlin because I did not have the heart to. I've never seen him so low, so convinced that so much suffering was his fault and it pained me see him so down, I let him wonder off, time to think in these situations was normally bests.
Merlin spent most of the morning with me wondering the lower town trying to replicate what little food we could, by lunch time both of us a little more well feed but not more happier Merlin grabbed my hand and pulled my off out of the city gates and into the forest to find the 'unicorn' man. He did have a name, a name Merlin was now showing to the heavens in some hope he'll hear. I sat myself down on a log and hummed by favourite tune while I magically braided my hair in front of myself, it gave me something to do while the man who obviously had time to waste took ages to appear.
"Lets just go Merlin, he's not coming" and with those damned words he appeared
"You called to me?" I answer
"I'm in search of your help, the people will soon die" The man stepped forward
"you must believe me when I saw it brings me no pleasure to see your people suffer" Merlin cut in doing his best to keep calm but I saw the crakes
"If it pains you put a stop to it" The man shook his head
"It is not in my power to lift the curse" I took a deep breath, bored of the repeated words. Merlin than said somethings that made me love him even more
"You have to give Arthur another chance, he's accepted it as his responsibility and he will pass the test if you give him one more chance" The man who seemed to get paler the more I saw him then said
"You believe in Arthur?" Merlin half smiled, turned to me quickly and said
"I trust him with my life"
"Arthur must go to the The Labyrinth of Gedref and there he will face his final test. If he shall fail the curse will destroy Camelot" With those cheery words he disappeared from our sights. I screamed to the heavens in frustration, Merlin grabbed my hand to distract me from my frustration
"Come on honey, he's been doing that for years he knows what he's doing. We must go and tell Arthur of what we have discovered"
It was then that Merlin turned to me, so suddenly, so without warning as to why he would wish to stand so close and stroke my hair I started to worry he had planned in his little head about saving Camelot.
"You trust me don't you?" The words were whispered with so much emotion I almost had to blink back the tears.
"Of course I do. With my life, Merlin what—"He kissed me with so much passion I actually did go weak in the knees. He kept me up right with his arms strongly around my waist. When I finally did look around we were standing…. In my chambers? How on earth…
"Merlin how—" He pecked my lips a couple more time, laughing through them.
"I'll explain later, now we much find Arthur" With a peck on the lips we set our separate ways to find Arthur. It was clear after an hour of searching that Merlin had found him because he wasn't sending me some form of magical signal that he was still in search so I decided to check Arthur's chambers one last time before heading to bed and trusting Merlin to tell him of all he needs to know.
When I open the door, the sun already set and most people in Camelot heading home from a long day of work. I was Arthur and Merlin arguing, Merlin wanted to go with him and Arthur demanded he stayed here. Maybe it was because he wanted to protect Merlin I saw the look of fear, of letting me down, of letting merlin down, the one person who's always believed in him and most importantly he didn't want to let Camelot down… He wanted to do it alone because it was his responsibility and he wanted to fix it on his own.
"Well then I'll die knowing I did all I could" Merlin wasn't going to back down, even if they had both now taken in my appearance in the room.
"I'm coming with you" Arthur turned back to him, having grabbed his helmet and was half way to the door.
"Merlin you are to stay here and help the people best you can is that understood?" He then turned around to me and kissed my cheek and whispered
"You'll make a great Queen if I don't come back" and without any time for me to protest that remark he left us dreading for his life. I should have known it wasn't going to be that easy because the moment Arthur was running down the stairs Merlin rushed after him.
"BE CAREFUL" shouting as he ran at lightening speed. I sat down in the chair and sighed. Why does Merlin have to go running after him? Why would I ever think this wouldn't happen? No matter how much they complain about each other they need and want each other around. It's the honesty between them, it's the unspoken bond of friendship and loyalty that master and servant should not have. It goes beyond the level of trust and even though I was glad they had it I kind of wished they didn't because then if I were to lose anyone it would only be one person, not two.
I grabbed a bowl of water that Merlin had obviously left on the table for me to use. As soon as I whispered the spell I was Merlin and Arthur within a maze. One so huge and confusing I almost wanted to send them some help but if I sent some to Merlin I don't think would make things any better and Arthur had to face this alone.
I knew something was wrong the moment he saw the ghostly man in a path that was obviously a dead end. I sighed as I watched him be magically tangled into the vines of the bushes as Arthur continued to search for an exit. Why was it that Merlin always found a way of getting caught when he doesn't want to and doesn't get caught when he wants to be… it's infuriating.
Arthur finally made it the exit of the maze and felt the same way I did with the view of Merlin sitting on the stall next to a table with 2 goblets on it.
"Merlin" Was all Arthur had to say and Merlin knew just how annoyed he was.
"I'm sorry" it was an attempt to make amend when it was hopeless just like the current situation. Arthur turned to the man who strangely seemed more solid on the sea line.
"Let him go, I'll take your test but not until he is realised" The man simply stated
"That is not possible, Merlin is part of the test…Please sit" Merlin was part of the test? Two goblets? Test of loyalty? I curse aloud
"Really Poison? Hadn't Merlin been poisoned enough for one life time? Hmm?" It was then that Gwen came rushing through the door of Arthur chambers
"Merlin's been poisoned?" I turn around so quickly I almost knocked the bowl over almost disconnected the spell. I grabbed the bowl and in those few seconds I flashed my eye and turned the spell to silent.
"Merlin poisoned? Gwen What are you—" She put her hands to her hips
"You were dreaming weren't you? About Merlin being poisoned?" I clear my throat… well if she was going to give me an excuse for screaming, then yes sure I was dreaming.
"Sorry if I worried you Gwen. I just worry, it happened once and it could happen again" Gwen took a step into the room.
"Merlin isn't going to get poisoned. Though I haven't seen him today. Any ideas where he went?" I shrug
"Probably after Arthur because of his 'quest' to save Camelot from this starvation. Probably a waste of time, but at least he's trying right?" Gwen sighed
"He's doing more than your father is.. do not think ill of me for speaking out my lady" I burst out laughing
"Gwen trust me I've said worse and called my father worse names than what you just spoke but do be careful to whom to speak those words to. Any knight and they are law bond to slay you on the spot, harsh but true" Gwen sighed
"I know… I have faith that he has some good in him. If he married a women that made you and Arthur the people you are then he must have some good to have loved that at some point" I shrugged
"I guess I never looked at it that way but.. you have more faith than I. Gwen would you please bring me my dinner here? I have not eaten yet.. is that okay? Or is Morgana in need of your services?" Gwen smiled and bowed
"I shall see to your dinner, would you like to eat with Morgana tonight? As she too is eating late?" I nod
"Please bring them to her chambers and I'll arrive when I'm ready, thank you Gwen" With that she left. I flashed my eyes and the Arthur voice rung out
"I thought I told you to say at home" he said to Merlin as he sat down, laying his sword on the table. When Merlin failed to find words Arthur turned to the man and said "Well lets get on with this then" The man then explained the rules and it was just as I thought. Arthur was non to pleased
"What kind of ridiculous test is that? What does that prove?"
"The meaning is for you to decide" Even as they argued about just how to solve the issue they seemed to be saying things to each other.. it was soo frustrating.
"This is no time to be a hero Merlin, it really doesn't suite you" Merlin lost it
"You think I'll do this for you? I'm doing this for Adira? Do you know how upset she was that you ran off like that not even a proper goodbye? I won't let her lose the most important person in her life" Arthur scoffed
"And you think that's me? Merlin have you been paying attention? You're the most important person in her life. That's why I can't let you die… she'll never forgive me for one and I won't let her turn into father by losing the love of her life. Did you ever think that maybe you're worth more than you give yourself credit for?" Merlin looks down at the goblets forgetting what Arthur had said, I would be having a word with him about that later.
"I had no idea you were so keen to die for me" Merlin didn't even look at him as he mumbled
"Trust me I can't hardly believe it myself" Arthur let out a breathy laugh, as if to say 'thanks' sarcastically.
"I'm glad you're here Merlin" Wow where did that come from? He's never been so open with him before. Even with the situation they were in I had a small smile appear on my lips.
"We'll pour all the liquid into one goblet, we'll be sure it's posion and it'll be from a single goblet" I was going to have to talk to Merlin about his 'catching' on ability. But then even I took a while, it was only because I had time to think about it while Gwen was talking to me and then hearing the rules after already understanding the game.
"You never seize to surprise me. You're a lot smarter than you look" Merlin leaned back and I saw the smile creep on his fave. Those words coming from Arthur actually meant he cared enough to notice his ability, even if I knew they'd turn it into some manly joke.
"Is that actually a compliment?" Arthur took that chance to point to something behind Merlin giving him the oppocunity to take the poison without Merlin being able to stop him. Even as he swallowed the poison and Merlin screamed protest telling him it wasn't his destiny and to listen and Arthur just telling him he was wrong and that he'd never listen to Merlin I just starred at the water as if my own life depended on it.
He swallowed the poison and within seconds of heavy breathing he fell backward. Merlin rushing to his side. Merlin tried to shake him away and I just starred at the water with misty eyes and the image becoming wave as my salty tear connected with the water in the bowl. After minutes of screaming at Arthur to wake up he turned to the man who'd been watching the situation in silence.
"Please.. let me take his place" I didn't know what I wanted. I wanted my brother back but then if I got that I didn't want to lose Merlin, he'd become the rock in my life and the only person who knew the full me and loved me for it. But Arthur was my brother he helped my grow up , helped me through so much from lessons with the librarian on how to read and write to boys and crushes.
"This was Arthur's test, not yours" I heard the man mumble as I tried to not let my thoughts consume me.
"But you've killed him" I heard Merlin scream voice strained with emotion "I was meant to protect him" I wipe my eyes
"He's not dead he's simply consumed a sleeping draft, he will be conscious shortly" Those words were so shocking I said 'what' the same time as Merlin did and almost laughed at my emotional state.
"A unicorn is pure of heart, by killing one you must also prove you are pure of heart, Arthur was willing to sacrifice his life to save yours, he has proven but is truly… in his heart. The curse will be lifted" I ran.. I ran so fast probably spilling the water as I went. I ran straight into Morgana's chambers and before she could mutter questions I was hugging her so tightly.
"The curse.. it's been… lifted" Morgana pulled my away from her
"Adira what are you talking about? I'm too hungry to consider your nonsense on curse" I took a deep breath
"You trust me right?" Morgana nodded "Could you send order to send all avalible wagons down to the crop fields. Don't question it and pay the men whatever they want to convince them. Just get them down there and back to the Villages as soon as possible. Can you do that for me?" She laughed
"Sure I can. But why?" I smile and kiss her forehead.
"Do questions remember I must rush. Merlin's in need of a firm talking to and who better than the princess?" I wink at her and she giggles as I rush away. I didn't wait till they met the city walls as soon as I saw them in view I ran to meet them. I didn't care about the guard who shouted protest at me. I didn't care that Arthur was looking at me as if I'd grown a second head I just ran until the point where they slowed down to not trample me.
"Thank god. I was so worried. Grain is being brought in from the field as we speak and I've put Morgana in charge of bring the food from the fields to the villages in whatever form of transport possible. Well done Arthur" Arthur spotted and put out his hand for me. I grabbed in and within seconds I was hugging his waist as he continued to trot towards Camelot.
"How did you know that I'd—" I laugh
"The crops of course, they magically regrew and I knew it was to do with the curse I figured you'd passed the test and therefore were on your way home so I rushed to the edge of the castle the moment I knew that and I waited" Arthur smiled
"I guess that makes sense, so is the food being distributed amoungst the people?" I nod
"Yup So what was the test?" Arthur laughed
"Get Merlin to explain later, we need to check in with father" I nod and winked at Merlin was riding a little behind Arthur. I reached out and grabbed his hand
"Thank you" He raised his eyebrow in confusion
"For looking after Arthur. I know you wouldn't have gone if I hadn't been so upset and well if I haven't already told you. I love you" Merlin kissed my head and mutter
"I love you too" Arthur fake puked
"Save the romantic stuff for when I'm not around please" Merlin laughed and kissed my hand once more before letting it go with a look of wanting later. He wasn't the only one but I wanted time to just hold Arthur close for the moment just to know he was safe, even if he wasn't in danger in the first place.
As we came to a stop and Merlin helped me off the horse, careful of seeming too familiar with the notion because he noticed Father coming down the path. He bowed low and spoke clearly
"Is there anything else you wish of my lady?" I nod
"Merlin could you please escort me to the Lady Morgana" Merlin smiled as I took his arm. As father walked away from Arthur and Arthur telling him he'll see to whatever it was Father wanted I still caught the glare he sent Merlin's way. I simple pulled myself slightly loser to Merlin as he walked away.
Me and Merlin had barely walked a dozen steps before Arthur caught hold of my other arm and walked with us up to the castle telling us there was one last task me must complete. Confused as ever we followed him to the vault and to the unicorn horn. That very horn was the reason why I found myself at the very edge of the castle walls that was engulfed in trees and root. The one part of the forest me and Arthur avoided growing up because it seemed so fragile at the time we felt best to leave the structural weakens of the castle to fall on their own not by our doing.
The horn was being buried by Arthur as I clung to Merlin's jacket. It had become a comfortable stance for us considering the amount of time I was emotional about something father/Arthur/Magic had done to confuse my life. After Arthur had finished speaking we both grabbed a rock and help him bury the horn. It took all of two seconds for us to sense a magical presence, look at each other and notice the presence in the distance, glowing beautifully.
"Arthur" Merlin whispered to not scare the creature away and to hopefully show Arthur the beauty he had not seen before. I smile and mumble words I knew from the start of the curse just never thought I would see to happen.
"When he who kills a unicorn proves to be pure of heart.. the unicorn will live again" I kissed Merlin's cheek and smiled. I then grabbed one of Merlin's hands and one of Arthur's hands and walked them back the a castle
"So who's up for an all you can eat banquet?" Arthur laughed
"I thought you hated banquets" I smile
"With how hungry I am Arthur I could eat all and more of what is usually served in a banquet" Merlin laughs
"And yet you'd remain skinny as ever how do you do it?" I scoff
"Hello Merlin I put on every calorie I eat, you eat just as much as me and yet you seem to get skinner" Arthur nodded in agreement
"He even steals some of my left over sausage" Merlin shrugs
"Blame my mother" I laugh and look at them as they continued to banter. The brother like relationship between them was beautiful and stronger than possibly my love for Merlin.