I Own Nothing of the Merlin TV Series or anything that has that copyright thing...But The Arthurian Legends belong to the world. Long Live The Once and Future King...ARTORAX!

I advise you to, when you get to 'Merlin brought her in for a hug when...' you play 'In search of the Holy Grail' a score by Trevor Jones. It was the original inspiration for this chapter for I was listening to it and all of a sudden i pictured certain intimate moments between Merlin and Morgana

Chapter Ten- Moonlighting

Mordred walked slowly, keeping in mind that this place, this shadow he was in was highly dangerous. Black, everything was black. The shadows clouded everything he tried to look upon. The darkness blinding, the shades whispering in his ear as he passed, Mordred was starting to feel...fear.

From where he was he could faintly make out a skeletal figure, lifeless and stiff. No movement whatsoever. Upon closer inspection, Mordred realised it was the gruesome leftovers of a dragon. Judging by the beast's deteriorating flesh he deduced its colour was black. However the beast was still depicted with armour.

He had heard rumours about a battle at Vortygen's Tower between two dragons but had never believed them true. He had known the mystical creatures to have been extinct but this new revelation brought with it some good news that Mordred could use later on.

"What business, say you, mortal?" came a hissing and screeching voice. Mordred felt red eyes burning into his soul.

"I have come to form an alliance and ask for your assistance."

The voice chuckled coldly, "So direct and to the point. We have not even been probably introduced young warlock. You ask for an alliance when we have not yet come to an agreement."

Mordred backed away a little bit; suddenly the urge to cower away was growing. "Believe me my lord, we have a lot in common and I can help you get revenge on the person that has imprisoned you here." Mordred decided to dismiss his fears for the time being. He knew that he was far too close to back down now. Finally he would have an ally as powerful as the great House of Emrys. If only he could persuade this creature to comply.

Mordred approached the voice and stared open mouthed with shock and a mixture of disgust and fear at a monster, neither dead nor alive, human flesh overing part of him while the other was naked of skin and bone and skeleton was all that could be seen. This cursed beast with glowing red eyes and an evil smile that could best that of the Lady Morgana.

"I can help you get revenge on Merlin," Mordred advanced but the creature stayed as it appeared that his right side was frozen stiff in a cool block of ice. "I can offer you freedom, power and vengeance, my lord Vortygen."

With his message relayed, Mordred clenched his fists and then his eyes sparkled and in a livid motion, struck the ice and it shattered to shards too small to see. The cursed Vortygen roared in pain to the new sensation of freedom. The burning in his skin which was the only part of him exposed to the ice was too much, for his left side was the only part he could not feel. His half being was the result of the preservation spell that Merlin had wrought upon him in the battle of his Tower. When the tower fell and so did the warlord, his dragon had been slain and the corpse had landed right on top of him. The Draconian blood had melted the enchanted ice but his other half was still caught and alive. Vortygen was alive...but only half.

"I will gladly follow you my prince..."

"Mordred," the wizard said, "My name is Mordred." He said as he led the fragile ruler out of the dark caverns.

Slowly they made their way to the surface. The site of the great battle of two dragons was renamed Dinas Emrys after the hero that stopped an epic slaughter of millions in the great battle between Albion and the Saxon warriors.

-==M==-

A voice, there was a still fell voice in the distance. A whisper in her ears as she searched around for it. The bloody remains of a battle were where she stood, as a shade, a phantom, an observer. Everywhere she looked she saw lifeless bodies of soldiers in Camelot colours and some in dark garments and an evil symbol belonging to Mordred.

When she searched through the wreckage, she then saw a familiar face- that of Sir Gwaine. By then, Morgana began to run, looking at the many nameless faces of the dead in desperate search of a face in particular. Finally, in due time, Morgana found them.

There a few metres away from her were Merlin and Arthur. The two were seated on the ground with their backs against a boulder. They were bloodied and scratched by what only men after battle could gain. The High King clutched his sword Ezkalibur and Merlin was holding Eilazaid's hilt with a broken blade.

Morgana nearly cried as she approached them but she could see that they did not see her. She was but a shadow, watching them. "How goes your day, old friend?" she heard her husband speak. His features now covered by a beard and long, black hair.

"I've seen better," replied the king and then they both chuckled painfully. "Guess we go now," Came the whispers of the High King Arthur.

"Does this mean you'll finally consider me a hero?" laughed her smiling husband.

Arthur rolled his eyes, "Don't be stupid, Merlin," he laughed and patted his old friend's shoulder. "I'll meet you on the other side. Eh?"

Merlin shook his head in refusal. "No, Arthur. You will live. My wife: Morgana, the High priestesses Nimueh and Morgause will carry you to Avalon where you will heal and rest...until the time when Albion truly needs its king."

Arthur turned to meet eye-to-eye with his former servant and said, "Wha...what about you, Merlin?"

The Warlock King sighed deeply and closed his eyes. "I will meet my destiny and diminish into myth, legend or memory, as everyone else."

Arthur then started to shake his head furiously, "No," he tried to shout, "No! I will not have it. The world needs you more than me." As he said this, three women appeared from the smoke and aftermath of the battle. They were all cloaked and covered. Two of them took the king by the arms and lifted him up, much to his protest as he watched Merlin behind him, still seated. "No, MERLIN!"

"Good-bye, old prat." And then he was silent.

One woman of the trio stayed behind. She crouched down, looking through his eyes for any sign of life. She lifted his chin and gave him a short chaste kiss on the lips before getting up and leaving. "Good-bye, my beautiful husband."

She was about to leave when a hand caught hers. Merlin's gentle touch had sent shivers down her spine. "I love you, Morgana."

That Morgana started to weep and pressed his hand against her lips. "I love you, Merlin."

Both Morganas broke into tears as that Morgana walked away in the direction of her company and heard Merlin's body hit the harsh ground, the boulder no longer supporting him.

"MERLIN!" Morgana jumped up from her slumber, drenched in sweat and panting. She panicked as she searched the surroundings of her tent for her husband and found him fast asleep beside her. In meeting this realty, she relaxed and collapsed onto his chest, feeling his warmth and hearing his heartbeat.

After a while of just simple resting and listening to the songs played by Merlin's heart, she abandoned her sleep and exited her shelter, into the wide world. Her first sight when she left was Vectis, the dark wolf staring at her with curious but troubled yellow eyes. "I know what it was you saw, M'Lady, for it has also plagued my mind and the minds of all my kind."

"Will it come true?"

Vectis sighed, he truly could not say. The future was always clouded and impossible to see completely. Times keep changing and what one sees could itself changed the way the future that peered presents itself entirely. It was a heavy burden, the power of Seers. "Only God will tell, M'Lady."

"I fear for his life sometimes, Vectis."

The Night Wolf nodded and walked over to the diminished campfire. It was just before dawn and the birds were not yet singing. Vectis moved back to the carriage where Sarah and Angwyn slept, and layed himself just beside the front wheel.

Keeping Vectis with them was quite interesting. He had now began to speak with human tongue and would start long conversation with Gwaine. Unstoppable chatter those two.

In no time, Morgana had finished preparing breakfast of eggs and sausages and had woken up her Compony. They were all eager to taste Morgana's food and had gulped it all down quickly. Normally she would then lecture them about their poor eating habits and behaviour but she had too much on her mind.

Merlin saw some trouble stirring in her wife's eyes, her absence in case of mind and walked up to her and placed his arms around her waist in a loving embrace, making her giggle a little. Merlin sent kisses along the side of her neck and had gotten a sigh from his darling wife, before saying how much he loved her and then went back to start packing for the journey.

The beautiful trees had sheltered them as well as provide breathtaking scenery. The hills stood over paddocks of harvest and a bright sun welcomed them to a new day.

After some well deserved fun and playing around, Merlin had the Company move out.

When they reached Narbonne, they did not stop for the town had been deserted and had given the Compony shivers and fears. It had appeared that raiders and bandits had attacked the village and judging by local farmer's, the town had moved itself to Arles.

Every night of their travel was now somewhat more warmer and joyous. Stories were told and sung and for once, fears where forgotten. A night once they had crossed the River Rhone and arrived at Arles where they were permitted to stay at the church building had brought much stories.

That night Merlin told them a story. It was a story most if not all were eager to hear. That of how Merlin had acquired the sword Ezkalibur. "I travelled many miles, until I came to a lake, where everywhere was mist," Merlin said to his audience, all seated around him, even the priests and monks of the church had been seated and listening. "Then out of the mist, a beautiful woman. She then vanished into the water. I searched and then she stretched her arm out to me from the waters. Her shimmering white hand clutching a sword. I took the sword and thanked her...she smiled. She said, 'Take it up for this is the sword of King Arthur. Cast it away, for this is Ezkalibur.'

I took the sword in hand and sung it to the cold air of the lake and heard its song. It was beautiful. The singing of Ezkalibur rung in my ears and I was in good conditions to cry. With the sword I had taken down many knights brought by immortality. With Ezkalibur, I emptied the Cup of Life, containing the blood of the immortal army, the only way to destroy them all and flaunted my loving wife's reign of terror." Merlin took his wife's hands and kissed her in front of them, for some reason the room erupted in awes.

"Good tale indeed, Master Myrddion." Said one of the priests.

"What happened next?" asked a monk.

"After my victory, I had taken the sword to a place deep into the forest, where there lay in the clearing of trees...a stone. A rock, round and large, where I took the sword and struck the boulder and left the sword's beautiful blade stuck within the rock. I left it where no one could get it. Until finally at Camelot's direst need; I told him the story of the sword in the stone."

Father Germanius was the head of that church- he was both wise and compassionate. During their stay they had learnt that the church there was not what is considered an orthodox church. It was a small church and so attracted little attention. Merlin's teachings on their first meeting had changed the way many churches around the Rome. Equality and justice through compassion was now the basis in many countries and small towns. Germanius was also not like any holy man, though all in his status vowed to live a life in celibacy, Germanius had a wife and two young daughters, one of which was around Angwyn's age- Miriam and the youngest daughter, Angela.

It was a strange atmosphere to see in a church. There was music and dancing, Arles was a small town and it seemed everyone had turned up and started dancing. When asked, Germanius had simply shrugged and explained that they do not normally have visitors, so they were rejoicing in their bounty that their God has bestowed upon them.

By one hour, Sir Gwaine was gone, drunk and happy, dragging Captain Anna away. Sarah and Angwyn were with the other children, playing around and sharing stories, most of them were girls who took fond interest in Angwyn- his lush and growing hair, tense and focused eyes had definitely caught their attention, not to mention his big ears. When saw this, Morgana smirked and hung on tighter to her husband's arm. Sarah was giving disapproving glances to any of the girls that went a little too close to her brother.

Dagonet was deep in conversation with some of the priests and monks, Martius was for some reason not with his twin, he was talking to some of the women, flirting no doubt while Bartius was seated with Vectis, watching the party before them. Bors had asked one of the women of Arles to dance with him and the music was simply perfect, fitting the joyous mood and atmosphere of the church. For the first time in a long while, they completely forgot about the quest, about their duty. That night was about them.

Morgana, still holding to Merlin's arm felt her husband's warm breath against the side of her face. His mouth just millimetres away from her ear and then she heard him say, "I love you, Morgana." Then her head went spiralling, the thoughts of her nightmare flooded in; the limp body of her beloved blurred her eyes and she broke off.

Morgana silently left the party and the comforts of Merlin's embrace.

Outside, by the river bank she found solitude. She silently sobbed, locked in a foetal position on the foliage, her tears dripped onto the ground. She knew the dreams were vision, her nightmare of her husband's death would come true.

Then she heard a rustling of leaves behind her and took her head out of her knees and looked toward the noise. To her relief she found her Merlin walking towards her with concern written in his face. "Are you alright, M'Lady?" he inquired mockingly as he sat down beside her.

Morgana quickly wiped away the tear stains under her eyes and sniffled. Merlin moved his arms around her and his hands on her shoulders.

"What's the matter?" he asked her, this time more concerned. "Is it a vision, a nightmare?"

Morgana was afraid that he'd figure it out, she would then have to explain her dread to him. She was not looking forward to do so, especially given the fact it was about the very person she would have to tell. "I saw the results of a great battle, Merlin," she whispered into his ears, tears beginning to again. "I saw myself...accompanying Arthur to Avalon...I saw...you...dying." She said it, she told her husband she saw him dying. To her surprise however, he looked at her with a smile. "I am so sorry, Merlin."

Merlin brought her in for a hug when he saw she was about to break down and cry.

Soon, Morgana saw a strange light appear...two...ten strange lights surround them. They were fairies, pixie people with little wings. Little beings of light and magic and they brought with them, musical instruments. Merlin brought his lips and had the touch hers for a brief moment before sitting up. She stared up at him as he bent over and bowed to her, he inserted his to her and she took it hesitantly.

Then there was music. A soft and inspiring sound of pixie music, "They call this 'In Search of the Holy Grail." He informed and paced a hand on her waist while the other took her hand. Morgana had her other hand on his broad left shoulder and their bodies began to rock side to side to the music playing.

Morgana could feel nothing but pure bliss that night, and shared them with Merlin. The two swayed around, following the melodious tune of the ferries playing on the branches of trees. Naturally Morgana would ask how he was able to do that, but right now she was just silent, trying to enjoy every second of the slow and steady movements. Then finally, their bodies stopped and Morgana's face which had been buried in Merlin's shoulder had propped up and her eyes met his. Merlin's shade of blue glistened in the moonlight, she was completely lost in them.

Merlin smiled and moved his head in to give her a kiss. When their lips met, there was a sensation that Morgana could not fathom. Sure she had kissed him many times on their journey but perhaps it was the setting, the lighting of the moon upon them as they danced or the water's effect? Whatever it was it intensified the sensation of the contact. "Have I told you how beautiful you are?" Merlin sighed when the broke apart.

Morgana blushed and kissed his soft lips once again. They rubbed their nose together and where going in for another snog session when, "You two were made for each other, seriously."

They all snapped their heads behind them, looking at the church and saw Captain Sinbad leaning on one side against a tree and with his arms crossed. "What do you want? Can't you see I'm trying to have a romantic and highly intimate moment with my wife?"

"Sorry, but Gwaine is a little too drunk at the moment, so I am not going back in there. But don't let me ruin your night." Sinbad was just about to leave when out of nowhere, a seemingly invisible force pushed the poor pirate across the area and into the dark river waters.

Instinctively, Merlin and Morgana positioned themselves for combat. Merlin spotted his sword and he had placed by a tree and using magic had summoned the sword and he caught the hilt. "Do you have a weapon?" Merlin asked his wife who simply looked at him, giving him a silent 'no'.

There was a puff of black mist surrounding them and then out of this dark cloud came a figure too deformed to make out a face. Half form with the other half of rotting flesh and bone. There were tissues in its eye socket which moved as the creature adjusted his view upon the couple." Sorry to drop in...uninvited." the creature spoke.

Morgana sighed annoyed. "That line is so cliché now."

"Then I suppose you would find this the same," the creature pulled out a humungous sword with the blade reaching so high it was literally taller than a human being. It would seem impossible for anyone to wield such a weapon, but there this creature was, holding it.

"Surely you wouldn't harm an unarmed lady?" said Merlin, referring to his wife.

The monster laughed out evilly and pointed his sword toward the warlock. "It is you I want, Myrddion. Vengeance is mine."

"What exactly have I done?"

Then to answer the warlock's question, the creature stepped into the lunar rays. "Surely you can recognise me, Myrddion." Merlin was shocked, for there standing before him was a ghost, a phantom. It was Vortygen, the Saxon thane.

Merlin repositioned his sword in a striking ready. "I thought you were dead, going down with that monstrosity at Dinas Emrys?"

"Oh no, I lived, preserved in that magic you encased me in. But the dragon blood that spilled upon me washed away only half of the encasing. Over time, that half died as I was forgotten. For many days and nights I suffered. The only thing in my mind that kept me sane was you. To kill you slowly and painfully." The Saxon thane began to advance. "A friend found me and released me, I was weak but he gave me strength, enough to wield this sword."

"And the drop of your body will be heavier than that of the sword." Merlin shot out, mainly to shut the man up. "You want to kill me? Here I am."

"Oh no, I don't just want to kill you, Myrddion Merlin. I want you to suffer...AARGH!" He was cut off by an axe that hit his back, surprising though that shot did not kill him and Vortygen had risen again.

It was Dagonet that chucked the axe and now had his sword drawn. Bors had joined him and so did Bartius and Vectis as well. "What the hell is that?" Dagg yelled.

"To be honest, Dagonet; I don't care." Interjected Bors and then he charged at the Saxon. Dagonet was shortly following, as was Bartius and Vectis.

Vortygen was about to swing at the attackers when, Merlin's golden eyes had sent the Saxon's weapon in place, Vortygen could not move, "You and your puny magic."

"Let's see how puny it is now," and with that Merlin flicked his fingers and the force of the magic had sent the Saxon thane Vortygen into the dark sky.

They all sighed in relief and after picking up Sinbad had returned back to the church. Bartius just could not shut up as he sent comments and appraises to Merlin's use of magic. They had not even gotten to the front side of the church when...a giant's sword had appeared from the sky. It penetrated from the skull of Bartius.

They were all nullified as Bartius' body, still impaled by giant sword, dropped to the cobblestone road. Morgana screamed and ran into Merlin's protective embrace.

-==M==-

Inside the church at Arles, where a party was going on, Salvation Knight Martius felt a stabbing pain in his heart and head. He collapsed in agony on the church floor.

Everyone in the nave surrounded him in panic.

Martius could feel it. Something terrible had happened.

-===MERLIN===-

Author's Comment: Well? How was it? I did not feel my last submission was a complete success. I agreed that I should not have put in incest into this particular series. I did really like writing this chapter. It was relaxing in a way because I was listening to soft music from the Merlin movie soundtrack. The one with Sam Neill. Ave and review please. They do aid me.