AN: My Isle of the Blessed is more like the one used in Season 3, mixed together with the Isle of Avalon from 'Mists of Avalon' and my own imagination. I'm so sorry for the delay. My life kinda imploded, so I haven't had the time or the right mindset to write. I hope you like this chapter and let me know what you think.
Guest: Thanks so much! I'm so thrilled you liked the chapter so much! I wasn't planning on writing the episode, but I really liked how it turned out. I also liked the scene with Sir Richard, as I thought it was interesting to see a knight's perspective. We don't get to see them often, but with my story, I think they'll play an important role in the future with regards to the couple's relationship. I'm so happy you think I've written Arthur well. I've tried to stay true to his character, while making him a tad bit more his own person instead of just blindly following Uther. I hope you like this chapter and will let me know!
Can't sign in: Thanks so much for the review. I'm so glad you liked the chapter and how I'm writing the story. Sweet Dreams is going to be a fun episode to write I think. I can so see a jealous Emerlyn making an appearance, lol.
Chapter 11: Saving Arthur…Again
Emerlyn really hated being dragged into the forest to investigate the rumors about a terrifying beast. At least this time Arthur had brought several knights and many sharpened weapons; hopefully they'd make it out unscratched. Yeah right.
They stopped while still being slightly camouflaged in some bushes, Arthur kneeling down to get into a better position. How well they blended in, however, Emerlyn didn't understand as the knights were all wearing their bright red capes that were a stark contrast to the green foliage around them.
"Emerlyn! Spear!" The prince held his hand out, eyes not stopping their perusal of any threat. Emerlyn tried to hand it to him, but one of the bushes got in the way, causing her to drop it.
"Do you have any natural gifts, Emerlyn?" He asked in annoyance, jerking the spear up off the ground.
"Yes. I have a lovable personality and an unexplainable ability to put up with you." She retorted, making the five knights have to swallow their amusement. Now really wasn't the time for laughs.
"And naturally irritating." Arthur said with an eye roll, standing and creeping out of the plants. She just shrugged and followed, trying not to drop the crossbow. They all stopped at the sound of an animal grunting, all on high alert. Arthur glanced back and saw her wide eyes.
"It's probably more scared of you than you are of it." He tried to ease he fears, which didn't really work. He signaled for his men to go around, but swung back in alarm as a huge, snake like animal came crashing down in front of him, growling furiously.
"I'm so more scared of it." Emerlyn muttered, eyes huge as the beast reared back on its hind legs and roared.
"Time to run." Arthur shouted, everyone quickly turning to flee, weapons either clutched tightly or dropped from clammy hands. The witch cursed her clumsy self when she tripped, landing roughly on the ground. Before the creature could strike, hands were pulling her up and helping her escape, them all running for their lives.
When they reached a clearing, they paused to catch their breath. She was surprised to see a couple knights had actually managed to keep a hold of their weapons.
"Have we lost it?" She questioned, looking around.
"Who's missing?" Was Arthur's response, only counting four knights when there should have been five. The servant looked to each knight, trying to see who wasn't there.
"Where's Sir Bedivere?" Her question was met with the sound of a man screaming in horror before all went silent.
Arthur cursed harshly, furious they'd lost a man. He trained with the knights every day; he was their leader, and he felt each of their deaths painfully. Sir Bedivere had been a good and brave man, one Arthur had been proud to have at his back.
"Sire, we must go before the beast attacks." Sir Richard spoke, eyes scanning the trees.
"Yes, you're right. Let's get back and report to the King." Arthur replied heavily, knowing there wasn't anything to be done for their fallen comrade.
Emerlyn followed quietly as they trekked through the forest, guilt heavy in her heart. She knew that Sir Bedivere died helping her escape and the witch felt awful about it. She really needed to work on her coordination before anyone else got hurt on her account.
/*/
Once more they were sent out to risk life and limb. But Emerlyn knew it was part of her duty, her destiny; so she just shrugged and went along, even though her presence really shouldn't have been allowed, what with her being female and all. They'd had so many near death experiences in the last few months that she figured this was just one more.
Testing the sword Arthur had demanded she take, she felt a little foolish as she examined the blade. She was still so awful with the weapon and she wondered why Arthur even bothered. She really needed to find something more suited to her in the future. If there was a future, that is.
"This is no ordinary beast, Emerlyn." Gaius spoke up from behind her, drawing her attention.
"Don't worry so much. I'm sure we'll be fine." The girl gave a charming smile, but the physician would not be put off.
"No, listen to me. You don't understand. Uther may not respect the Old Religion, but it is very real, as you should know. To face a beast such as this you must understand where it came from." Gaius explained, pointing to the illustration in the book he held.
"What do you mean?"
"At the very heart of the Old Religion lies the magic of life and death itself. The Questing Beast carries that power. One bite, you die, and there is no cure." The old man stressed.
"But…if it has the power of life and death, then shouldn't it be able to heal the bite as well?" Emerlyn wondered, setting the blade down to focus entirely on her guardian.
"No. The Questing Beast only takes life. You must be very careful, Emerlyn."
"You mean as much as I can be while hunting it with a bunch of, often times senseless, men? Sure, that'll be easy." She remarked sarcastically, making Gaius give her head a whack.
"I'm deadly serious, Emerlyn. One bite will kill the victim."
"I know. Sorry. I'll be careful." She promised before turning back to the sword, wanting to sharpen it. If it was her only protection than she wanted it to slice like a champ.
/*/
Morgana's terrified cries kept sounding through her head as she followed the prince as he tracked the beast. The older woman was a seer, and if she dreamt something so scary that it caused such a reaction, Emerlyn was worried for them all.
When Arthur led them to a cave, dread and fear filled the witch; it was just like a terrifying, deadly monster to dwell in such a place. Somewhere were the victims had little place to run to and hide or room to maneuver easily. It was perfect, really. For the beast, that is.
And then it was just the two of them, the knights having broken up to explore different tunnels. They should have known better, really, as everything out to kill them always seemed to find her and Arthur. They were like danger magnets or something.
"I think we found its lair." Emerlyn whispered as they tried to avoid the skeletons littered on the floor.
"Shh." Arthur hushed, hearing a noise. They spun around when a rumbling sounded, trying to spot the creature before it could attack them. Then roaring sounded from behind them and the monster loomed over them, ready to strike.
Arthur pushed Emerlyn away, wanting her as far from the animal as possible. He shouldn't' have brought her on the mission to begin with, so he wanted her to stay safe and unharmed. He swung his sword, trying to make impact with the beast's scaly skin.
The witch dashed away, needing to get to higher ground so she could kill it. She figured the spell that had enchanted the lance against the griffin would work on the Questing Beast, since they were both mystical creatures. But she just needed a clear shot, and Arthur out of hearing range, to eliminate it.
When she got a clear view, she cursed when she saw Arthur's prone body and the beast moving towards him. Thinking quickly, she shouted and waved her torch, drawing its attention. And while it turned to launch another attack, she enchanted Arthur's sword to kill it.
Thankful it hadn't trampled the prince in its dying stumbling, Emerlyn rushed back down to the floor. When she saw Arthur lying completely still, she prayed he was merely unconscious.
"It didn't bite you, did it?" She questioned the unresponsive man, shaking his shoulders. When she brought her hand away and it was painted red, the girl felt panic set in. Morgana's cried once more sounded in her ears.
"Arthur! Somebody help me!" She screamed, hoping the knights would hurry. Not wanting to waste any time, the servant shuffled behind her master and hooked her hands under his arms and began dragging.
"Somebody! The prince is injured!" She continued to shout, desperate for someone, anyone, to hear her.
By the time she made it to the mouth of the cave, where it had sectioned off into different tunnels, she was coated in sweat and gasping for air. But she had to get Arthur back to Camelot quickly, so she just pushed forward. The thundering of booted feet was like an angel's song to her ears.
"What happened?" A knight demanded, reaching down to ease the prince out of the servant's aching arms. Sir Leon helped him carry Arthur out of the cave while Sir Richard helped her.
"He was bitten, I think. We must get him to Gaius immediately." She said once she'd regained her breathe.
The knights exchanged wrorried looks before they were moving into action, trying to get Arthur back to their horses as quickly as humanly possible. The witch kept pace, too worried to allow her exhaustion to be known.
/*/
Emerlyn tried to stop the sobs that wrecked her body as she watched the king struggle to carry Arthur's limp, lifeless body. How had she let this happen? She was supposed to protect him and now he was dying.
It wasn't like all the other times when death was just a possibility. This time…there may be no saving Arthur's life. She'd failed him and her destiny. She'd allowed her fear of being discovered to allow the beast the mere moments it needed to land a deadly bite. She'd failed her Arthur.
When Uther went down to his knees, unable to continue forward, the witch bore witness to the first show of emotions she'd ever seen from the tyrannical king. It was heartbreaking to see him, even when she didn't even like him; because, it just reinforced the reality of the situation. Arthur was dying.
No! There has to be a way. There is always a way. If my magic isn't strong enough, then I'll find someone's whose is.
Emerlyn gave one last look at the scene before she made her way towards the underground cavern. Everyone was so distracted she doubted she'd be missed. She'd never needed Kilgharrah to have the answers to her questions more than at that very moment.
"I have failed Arthur, failed in my destiny." She murmured, eyes still stinging from tears as she stepped out onto the ledge. She didn't know if she'd ever get the image of the lifeless Arthur out of her head.
"And yet you would not be here if that were true." The great dragon responded.
"He was bitten by the Questing Beast. He's going to die." She spoke, her voice breaking at the end.
"Does he still breathe?"
"Only just." Her throat tightened at the admission.
"Then there is still time to heal him."
"So, there is a way? I've tried, but I cannot save him. What must I do? Or who do I have to find?" She questioned, hope filling her.
"It will not be easy, young witch."
"I will do anything, Kilgharrah. I cannot lose him." She said firmly, knowing she wouldn't survive his death.
"Anything?"
"Yes. He…I…he means a great deal to me. Please, what must I do?" She pleaded, knowing time was of the essence.
"The Questing Beast is a creature conjured by the powers of the Old Religion. You must use the same ancient magic to save him."
"But—the Old Religion died out centuries ago." She responded, confused.
"If that were true, you would not be alive today. The Old Religion is the magic of the earth itself. It is the essence which binds all things together. It will last long beyond the time of men." Kilgharrah corrected.
"But how can that help me save Arthur?"
"Because you have not ascended to your rightful place, you must find those who still serve it. Those who hold dominion over life and death."
"Wait, what do you mean I 'haven't ascended'?"
"Emerlyn, you are meant to do great things in this world. You are of the Old Religion. If you were fully trained, you could save Arthur yourself. As it is, you must find help elsewhere." The witch was filled with questions, but she didn't have the time.
"Where do I find these people?"
"Go to the place that men call the Isle of the Blessed. Where the power of the ancients can still be felt. There you will discover Arthur's salvation." The giant reptile divulged.
"Thank you." She said, grateful beyond words.
"And, Emerlyn, the young Pendragon must live, no matter what the cost." She nodded before leaving, mind racing. A warning like that could only mean one thing. A life for a life.
/*/
"Hey Gwen, could I, um…could I be alone with him for a minute?" The black haired witch asked, heart squeezing painfully at the sight of Arthur.
"Of course." Gwen responded, setting down the rag she'd been using against his sweaty brow. As she passed, the maidservant gave Emerlyn a brief hug, knowing how upset she was.
Emerlyn knew she should have sat out already for the Isle of the Blessed, but she just couldn't bear the thought of leaving without seeing him one last time. Moving quietly over to his bedside, Emerlyn sat down next to him and ran her fingers lightly over his damp face. The bandage on his left shoulder had already bled through and it strengthened her resolve to complete her quest.
"I don't know if you can hear me, Arthur, but I'm going to save you. I promise. You…there's so much more you are destined for; letting you die is simply out of the question. The world isn't ready to not have you in it.
"But, uh, to save you I have to do something you would kill me for. I have to travel to a place where the Old Religion is still practiced. I know you'd hate having magic used on you, but it's the only way to save you. The bite…only magic of the most powerful kind can cure it." Emerlyn whispered, stroking his cheek as her heart began to pound crazily.
"I'm not as stupid as people think. I know that to save a life, one must be given. I'm willing to pay that price for you, but I needed to see you before I go. I don't know how the magic will work, so it's uncertain if I'll make it back to you in time." Quickly wiping up the tear that had fallen onto his neck, the woman scrubbed at her face.
"And if I don't, I need to tell you something. I've wanted to share this with you, but I was afraid how you'd react. That…that you'd hate me. And I couldn't bear that, because of how much I…care for you." Taking a deep breath, the witch peered down at Arthur's sweaty face, trying to mesmerize it.
"I'm a witch, Arthur; I have magic. I was born with it, so it was not by choice, like it is with sorcerers. I've never done anything to hurt anyone, unless it was to protect others or myself. I know…that you probably don't believe me, but it's true.
"I would never do anything to hurt you or Camelot, Arthur. All I do, I do for you and the future you'll bring about. I hope one day you can forgive me for lying, but it was the only way to keep you protected and myself alive.
"I-I just wanted you to know before I left. I don't w-want to d-die with secrets b-between us." Emerlyn had to stop as her throat became tight and tears clouded her vision. Leaning down, she pressed a kiss to his dry lips, the tears escaping her clenched eyes to spill onto his cheeks as she pulled away.
"You'll be a great king one day. Just, please, don't let your father's hate blind you and keep you from being the king you're meant to be. I…I'll miss you." She pulled away and stood, heart breaking as she backed away from the man she'd fallen for. He would most likely not know she'd even been there, but at least she could die with no secrets.
"Just hold on a little longer, Arthur." She said firmly before turning, needing to depart quickly. Every minute wasted was a minute he slipped farther away from the land of the living.
/*/
It took her almost a day to reach the Isle of the Blessed, the lucky rabbit's foot held tightly in her hand the entire trip. Her thighs were chaffing from how hard she'd been riding and her bladder was screaming, but the witch refused to stop even for a toilet break.
When she finally reached the dock, Emerlyn almost fell to her knees in happiness. But the knowledge that just reaching the Isle was only a small part of her journey kept her somber. She quietly dismounted and unstrapped her belongings, tying her horse up to a tree in reach of some grass.
"That looks welcoming." She muttered to herself upon see the old, rickety boat waiting. Hoping it wouldn't sink, she lightly stepped into it, brow furrowing when she saw no paddles. Shrugging, she enchanted it to move and steer itself, quickly sitting down so as not to tip over.
Her first sight of the Isle was not what she'd expected. For an island that had so much mystical history, she'd thought it would be an obviously magical place; a breathtaking centre for magic.
But the isle was just a bunch of ruins up on a hill. As she drew nearer, it became clear that there used to be a city of some sort, as there were many, many decrepit buildings winding down the slope, with an equally ruined castle at the top.
The boat came to a stop at a dock that had to have been kept from rotting by magic. Still, Emerlyn moved very cautiously across the wooden planks, afraid they'd crumble beneath her at the slightest pressure. She made it to the end of the pier safely, sighing in relief when her boots hit hard land.
Uncertain of exactly where she was supposed to go, Emerlyn began making her way up through the once vibrant city, figuring she'd most likely find the person who was to help her in the castle.
Even as it crumbled, the city had very obviously once been a capital of some kind. She could tell that unlike villages and the lower town of Camelot, each building was expertly made by highly skilled craftsmen. It was really a shame that a place once so full of life was now just a decaying relic of the past.
As she made her way up, the raven haired woman began to feel a slight pulsing in the air. It was just a small thing, but it still managed to send shivers of delight down her spine. This place had surely been a magical one; so powerful that it still harbored the echoes of the old.
The pulsing led her through the citadel courtyard, through the ruined castle, until she reached another courtyard. Only this one still held the heavy presence of magic, as if it'd been used there recently.
The area had a circle of stone pillars with a large altar stone residing in the middle. Emerlyn could clearly imagine people of the Old Religion coming here to practice their craft and worship.
"Hello?" She called out, not sure where this mystery person was hiding.
"Hello, Emerlyn." Spinning around, she saw Nimueh standing by the altar, where a moment before had been empty air. Anger surged through her at the sight of the woman who'd caused nothing but trouble for Camelot and Arthur. Not to mention, she'd poisoned her!
"You?" Nimueh smirked at the girl's anger, pleased at how things were turning out in her favor.
"Do you know who I am?"
"Nimueh. You can't be who the Dragon meant."
"And why is that?" Her voice held amusement, which made Emerlyn's hackles rise.
"Uh, you tried to kill me! You tried to kill Arthur. You did kill many innocent people!" The young with retorted, arms crossing over her chest. Nimueh gave a little nod of acknowledgement to her crimes.
"Yes. But that was before I understood your importance."
"And Arthur?" The older woman gave a slight shrug, unconcerned.
"Arthur was never destined to die at my hand. And now it seems I will be his salvation." Even though she hated the knowing smirk on Nimueh's face, Emerlyn couldn't stop hope from filling her heart.
"So you know what I have come to ask?"
"Yes."
"Great! Saves me from having to explain it all, then. Will you do it?" She took a step closer to the altar, desperate for an affirmative response.
"I do not have the power to mirror life itself and yet give nothing in return." The older woman replied seriously.
"I know what price will be asked and I'm will to pay it. I willingly give my life for Arthur's."
"How brave you are, Emerlyn. If only it were that simple." She said, impressed with the girl's devotion to the prince.
"What do you mean? A lie for a life. Seems simple enough to me." Emerlyn muttered, confused. She really hated being confused; and add that with the sly look on Nimueh's face, and she was getting nervous.
"Once you enter into this bargain, it cannot be undone." Fed up with her, Emerlyn sent Nimueh a heated glare.
"I will do whatever it is I have to to save Arthur. Now either help me or be gone, I'm tired of you finding joy and amusement in Arthur's misfortune." She gritted out, surprising the sorceress.
"So cheeky." Nimueh muttered before summoning a golden chalice and presenting it to Emerlyn.
"The Cup of Life, blessed by centuries of powerful sorcery so that it contains the very secret of life itself. If Arthur drinks water from the cup, he will live." Heart pounding, the witch moved to stand in front of her, eyes glued to the magical goblet. Eyes breaking away, she finally met those of Nimueh, a little unnerved by the entire situation.
Reaching out, her fingers gingerly closed around the cup's stem, eyes never leaving the other woman's. Nimueh still had a slight curve to her lips, something Emerlyn found unsettling. And then she released the cup and made it rain, drenching them in seconds. She'd never admit it out loud, but Emerlyn was impressed with her skillful casting.
"The bargain is struck." Nimueh said, handing her the vial she'd poured the blessed water into. Emerlyn was about to turn away when a hand latched onto her wrist.
"I hope it pleases you." And there was that creepy, pleased smile again, making Emerlyn's stomach knot in anxiety.
"I'm sure it will." She said softly before leaving, wanting to return to Camelot as quickly as possible.
/*/
Emerlyn paced nervously around the chamber, waiting on any word of Arthur's condition. Gaius had returned to his bedside almost two hours ago and she was going crazy waiting. There was little doubt in her mind that Nimueh could have fooled her.
She turned at the sound of the door opening, eyes begging her guardian for positive news. Arthur just had to live. He had to.
"The prince lives." The physician said somberly. Emerlyn's face split into a blinding smile of relief, happiness overwhelming her. Arthur was going to live!
Needing to sit before her knees gave out, the raven haired beauty slowly lowered herself to a stool and peered over at her worried guardian. The joy quickly fled as she was reminded of the price of such a miracle.
"I'm sorry, Gaius. I…it had to be done, no matter the cost." She murmured, seeing the pain flash in his eyes before he moved to fiddle with some potions, needing to keep occupied.
"The truth of that will not offer peace to those left behind." Emerlyn cringed at his words, hating the pain she was putting him through. But the bargain was struck, as Nimueh had said.
"I know." The two fell into a heavy silence, neither knowing what to say to ease it. How does one lighten the atmosphere when death hovered so closely?
/*/
Arthur stared up at the ceiling, mind whirling. His father and Gwen had both gone, leaving him in peace to try and sort out his thoughts. And did they need sorting! For, not only had he remembered what Gwen had spoken while at his side, but he also recalled the words uttered by Emerlyn.
'I'm a witch, Arthur; I have magic.'
The words seemed to echo in his mind until they were all he could hear. Emerlyn, his klutzy servant, had openly admitted to having and practicing magic! It was almost more than he could bear to think about.
He was torn about what to do, what course of action he should take. On one hand, magic was outlawed and it was his duty to protect the kingdom, no matter what. But on the other hand, there was no way Emerlyn was evil. The notion was completely ridiculous!
No, the young woman had had many occasions to see Camelot's destruction, and yet, here it still stood. If Emerlyn wanted him and his father dead, he had no doubt they would be already. It was obvious that she did actually mean no harm to Camelot, as she'd claimed.
But…she had magic! He'd been taught since birth that those who practiced sorcery were evil. And even though he didn't always agree with his father's actions, the understanding had always been there. How was he supposed to reconcile the fact that his servant, his…love interest, practiced magic and he now knew about it?
One thing he did know, without a shadow of a doubt, was that he didn't want Emerlyn executed. He'd not be able to live with himself if he allowed that to happen. He'd have to keep this knowledge to himself at all costs, until Emerlyn did something that made doing so impossible. And even then, he'd still probably save her.
The more Arthur thought about her words, the more he remembered. Like the press of her lips against his or the fact that she'd said she'd give her life for his.
Fear shot through the prince, terrified his servant had actually bargained her life away for his. He hadn't seen the witch since he'd woken, which just added to his worry. Was he to just learn her secret and then lose her?
/*/
The witch returned to her home, filled with complete and utter betrayal. She'd thought Kilgharrah had been her friend, but he'd knowingly let her mother be sacrificed just so he could be free. She'd never felt such blinding anger and hurt in her entire life as she had in that moment.
"Where is she?" Emerlyn questioned as she walked into the chamber and saw Gaius sitting there.
"She's sleeping." He replied quietly, brow furrowed.
"Good." She sighed, closing the door before moving to sit next to him.
"Your silence does not indicate good news." Gaius observed, noting the slump of her shoulders and serous expression.
"I must return to the Isle of the Blessed. I have to save her."
"Emerlyn, you cannot." She met his eyes, determination shining brightly in her blue depths.
"I have to. Nimueh will have to take my life and the balance will be kept." Emerlyn muttered and began to stand, her momentum stopped by Gaius's hand on her wrist.
"You are young. Your gifts, your destiny are far too precious to sacrifice."
"My destiny? This is my mother! I cannot sit idly by while she dies because of me, Gaius! My powers mean nothing if I cannot save her." Gaius gave a sigh, knowing she would not be swayed.
"You have taught me so much, taught me who I am, taught me that magic should be used for great deeds, but most of all you have always taught me to do what is right." She said, tears filling her eyes as she looked at her guardian.
"Emerlyn." She wiped her eyes.
"I need to say goodbye to Arthur." Heart heavy, she stood and left, knowing this was really the end. Before it'd always been a maybe, but not this time. No, now she was surely going to die.
/*/
Arthur looked up as his door opened, relief overwhelming him at the sight of Emerlyn. Whatever she'd done to save him had apparently not cost what she'd believed it would, which Arthur was extremely thankful for.
Uncertain how to act around the girl he fancied now that he knew her secret, he fell back on his old habits.
"Ah. Emerlyn. Was wondering when you'd come around to do your chores." The witch's lips didn't even twitch as she closed the door, leaning heavily against it.
"How are you feeling?" She asked, taking note that the fever had broken. He seemed well enough, apart from his wounded shoulder.
"Good. I certainly don't feel like death anymore." Arthur replied, looking away from her so he didn't blurt out that he remembered her words, as she clearly thought he didn't.
"I'm pleased, as you do not make for an attractive patient." Her words held only a little of her usual humor, which worried him. Why was she still so somber?
"Yes. I owe it all to Gaius." He didn't miss the eye roll, now that he was looking for it. Just how many times had she saved his life and not taken credit for it?
"Yes, Gaius is a miracle worker." Emerlyn murmured before leaving the doors to approach the now seated prince.
"I need to speak with you."
"I thought we were speaking." Arthur replied, quirking a brow at her. The girl gave a small huff before she knelt down next to his chair, needing to be as close as possible.
"I'm being serious, Arthur. I…my mother—" She had to stop to take a calming breath, unsettled by the way he seemed to be looking through her to her very soul.
"My mother is gravely ill and I must find a way to save her. I know you don't understand, but this is something I have to do." She reached out and squeezed his knee, hoping he'd realize just how serious this was.
"What're you talking about?" The fear that had subsided from earlier came back with a vengeance, almost choking him. There was simply no way Hunith's sudden illness was a coincidence. No, she'd been sacrificed instead of Emerlyn to save his life.
"I can't explain it. I just wanted to see you before I left, in case anything was to happen." The last part came out a whisper. Arthur sat his goblet on the table before taking her hand.
"You sound like you're saying goodbye. Are you trying to leave your job?" He knew otherwise, but he needed to say something. He was rewarded with a small laugh.
"No. I'm happy to be your servant till the day I die." Gut clenching at her words, Arthur pulled on her hand until she leaned forward so he could capture her lips.
The kiss was filled with so much emotion, Emerlyn thought she'd be consumed by it. Trying to be mindful of his injured shoulder, the witch clutched onto him as stars exploded behind her closed eyelids. But no matter how much she'd love to get lost in him, her mother's life hung in the balance and she could not allow herself to be sidetracked.
Pulling away, Arthur's fingers stroked her cheek as he gazed into her eyes, seemingly to actually see her for the first time. She was absolutely breathtaking. Not only in her beauty, but also because of her willingness to sacrifice her very life for others. For him.
"You'll be a great king one day, Arthur. I have no doubt. But you must learn to listen and not rule only with your sword." She whispered, giving him a small smile as she pulled away.
"Any other pointers?" He asked, merely to fill the air, to try and keep his emotions from bursting out. He didn't want to let her leave his sight, especially when she was clearly saying goodbye.
"No. Just…don't be a prat." She replied, making him smile despite how tight his chest felt.
The couple exchanged another long look before Emerlyn left, afraid she'd dissolve into tears if she stayed a moment longer. And she was really tired of crying so much.
/*/
She rushed up to the altar courtyard, Nimueh's chanting growing louder the closer she got. When she saw Gaius slumped against the stone, Emerlyn swore her heart stopped.
"Stop!" She shouted, drawing the priestess's attention.
"Back again so soon, witch?"
"What have you done?" She demanded as she walked towards Nimueh.
"Your mother is safe. Isn't that what you wanted?" Nimueh asked as she slowly sauntered closer.
"Have you killed him?"
"It was his wish." The anger she felt at Kilgharrah seemed petty compared to the volcano that suddenly erupted inside of her.
"I bid my life for Arthur's, not my mother's, not Gaius." Emerlyn yelled.
"The Old Religion does not care who lives and who dies. Only that the balance of the world is restored." Nimueh retorted, her voice filled with power.
"It is not the Old Religion that has done this. It is you! You chose my mother to sacrifice!" She got that sly look again, sending a smirk the witch's way.
"Come now. We are too valuable to each other to be enemies."
"You mean nothing to me, Nimueh! I share nothing with you. You are twisted and bitter; you are nothing but evil." Emerlyn retorted angrily.
"With my help Arthur will become King."
"No, I will make Arthur King. But you will never see that day." She threw out a stream of fire, which was blocked, much to her annoyance.
"Your childish tricks are useless against me, Emerlyn. I am a Priestess of the Old Religion." Nimueh said and sent the fire back at her, making Emerlyn have to duck out of the way. The fireball connected with the castle wall, sending stone flying everywhere.
"You too are a creature of the Old Religion. You should join me." Emerlyn stood to glare at the woman who held another fireball in her hand.
"You think I would join forces with such as selfish cruel magic? Never."
"So be it." The flame caught Emerlyn in the chest, sending her flying back to land heavily on the ground, groaning in pain.
"Pity. Together we could have ruled the world." Emerlyn felt all her rage come crashing down on her, filling her with the strength to stand even as her chest still smoked.
This was the woman responsible for killing Gaius; for poisoning her; for releasing the plague on Camelot; for Arthur almost dying. Nimueh was the one person who deserved all her anger and Emerlyn couldn't stop the hate form consuming her.
"You should not have killed my friend." Nimueh turned at her words, surprised she'd recovered so quickly. She looked up when the skies suddenly became rolling thunder clouds, lightening streaking the sky.
As if she was an observer to the entire scene, Emerlyn watched as her hand guided the lightening down until it connected with Nimueh. The priestess shrieked as the bolds struck her before she literally exploded.
Emerlyn rushed to Gaius's side, not even bothering to stop the rain as it began to pour. She couldn't think of it, or the fact that she'd just murdered someone; all that mattered in that moment was her guardian.
"Gaius. Gaius." She said, shaking him a little. But the old man gave no movement, no sign of life, making her burst into tears as she clutched him to her in the rain. She couldn't believe he was actually gone.
"Emerlyn…Emerlyn." If her ear hadn't been so close, there was no way she would have heard him. Lifting her head, she was shocked to see his eyes fluttering.
"Gaius! Gaius, you're alive!" She exclaimed, giving the physician a tight hug in relief.
"What did you do?" His words were slurred, as if he'd had one too many ales.
"I don't know. I…Nimueh's dead." She replied, still too astonished to think clearly.
"I…the balance of the world must have been restored." She concluded after a few minutes.
"You amaze me. You have mastered the power of life and death itself. But we'll make a great witch out of you, yet." Gaius gave a small chuckle.
"So you believe in me now?" She questioned jokingly.
"Well, I would if you could stop this blasted rain." They shared a chuckle, both overcome with relief they'd both survived.
"I'll try." She replied once she stopped laughing, staring up at the dark sky. Not that she was emotionally spent, it was a little more difficult, but she eventually cleared the sky back to its former brightness.
"We should return to Camelot soon." Gaius said, although he didn't make a move to get up, still trying to regain his strength.
"Yeah. In a little while." Emerlyn said, leaning aback against the altar.
They did need to return, but not for a little while yet. She just wanted to enjoy her time with her resurrected guardian a little while longer. The real world would be calling them back quick enough already.
AN: Okay, I know it wasn't as good as some of the other chapters, but pleases review and let me know what you think anyways. Thanks!
