This was written for the 'What Might Have Been' drabble challenge on the Heart of Camelot website: Choose one major decision a character has made on the show, then have them choose a different path. I used Episode 2x03 "The Nightmare Begins"
A/N OK, I know that this episode and the general theme of 'what if Morgana found out early on' has been done many times, but as much as I tried to find a different idea for the challenge, this one kept coming back to me. It's a slightly different take on it I think!
Beta'd by LyricalSinger and polished with help from Moon Fox
A/N italics in the first three paragraphs indicate dialog from the episode.
What Might Have Been
"You need to be honest with her," Merlin insisted to Gaius. The warlock was not pleased that his mentor wanted to deny to Morgana what she had obviously figured out for herself - that she had magic.
"What makes you so certain that you know better than me?" the physician countered.
"Because I went through the same thing. I know exactly how she's feeling right now!" Merlin answered.
Gaius was about to put his foot down but hesitated, taking in the drawn features and pale skin of his young ward.
The twin burdens of hiding his magic in a city like Camelot and yet needing to stay close to the people most likely to kill him for it were taking their toll on the boy, and the current situation was not going to help.
Gaius regarded Merlin for a moment longer before concluding that perhaps telling Morgana would be the right thing after all; not just for her sake, but for that of the young warlock. The boy needed to have a companion in his gifts every bit as much as Merlin thought the young Lady did.
Also, Morgana had influence at Court and the love both King and Prince on her side. Joining that with Emrys' selflessness and power could well be what would change attitudes and allow magic to return.
Gaius reluctantly admitted to himself that although he had tried his best to minimize the effect of Uther's hatred of magic, he was not a man of action. Merlin was. No doubt that's why the prophecies never mentioned any elderly mentor. The physician realized that maybe it was time to let the boy - no, the young man he corrected himself - start making the decisions.
"Perhaps you have a point, Merlin," he finally conceded. "Why don't you go and fetch her, so we three may talk."
The kaleidoscope of the future suddenly made a great shift. Unheard by any in Camelot, the Great Dragon roared with ecstasy as all of the cloudy possibilities roiled and finally coalesced into a simple, beautiful pattern.
Kilgharrah had no idea what had just occurred far above him, but it was something momentous; one that would lead straight to the harmonious future of Albion with its shining King and his Court Sorcerer serving joyously by his side.