Disclaimer: I do not own Merlin or any of its characters. I only own the ones that I've made up myself.
Bless everyone who takes the time to read this story! I love all of you with my entire heart and I wish that I could hug you all for it!
EmilyGrace31: Of course Lyanna is going to be very suspicious now! I'm super glad that you love Myanna so much, and no I couldn't tell ;-) Thank you so much for all those kind words and reviewing again! I do hope this chapter pleased you and made you just as excited haha :D
Guest: Your reviews surely made me happy and I'm glad that you're liking this story! I do hope that you liked this series finale as well ;-) There are many more things to come.
KatieWatsonHolmes: I honestly believe that she is. Oh wow you live in London? I might move to London too next year for my studies! But what a wonderful way to meet someone haha. And yes big brothers are the nicest. I was also super close with my brother before he passed away a few years ago, but I still miss him every day. It warms my heart to see that you liked that chapter as well :D There is going to me a lot more Merlin and Lyanna from now on and they'll discover their true feelings in time. But bless you for saying those sweet things. Thank you *another big hug for you*
A/N- Series 1 finale! Woohoo
Please enjoy this new chapter!
- x Milou Lilly
Chapter 14: Le Morte d'Arthur
It was a chill morning when Lyanna stepped outside of the castle completely dressed in some comfortable travel gear which existed of a grey tunic with long sleeves, and black breeches and brown boots. An hour ago Arthur had shown up in her chambers and had asked her to go on a hunting trip with him and a few knights and she couldn't decline the offer. A good hunting trip was exactly what she needed.
Lyanna walked down the front steps and onto the courtyard where Merlin stood with some of the weaponry, who she greeted with a warm smile. "Merlin, stop slumping. I know you don't like hunting trips but it will be over before you know it," she tried to reassure him. "If that doesn't cheer you, remember that I'm there with you."
At that his face lightened up. "That sure helps a bit," he replied dryly. Lyanna chuckled and ruffled through Merlin's raven hair.
Arthur walked onto the courtyard. "Lyanna, I'm glad that you're here," he stated satisfied, a smug grin on his lips as he placed his hand on her shoulder. "From everyone out there you're by far the one with the most experience. What makes you so good?"
"I think it's for the best if I keep that for myself, brother dear. Let's keep it a mystery." She smiled teasingly and winked at him before she picked up a crossbow.
Her brother gave the sign for them to leave. All the knights picked up a weapon before they walked through the town gate and into the forest. As they marched as quietly as they possibly could Lyanna walked alongside Merlin, noticing the hint of displeasure in his eyes. He didn't even try to hide how much he disapproved of being here.
After a while of walking the fog grew thicker in the forest, making it more difficult for them to see something, but that didn't ruin their spirits. They sneaked quietly, trying to make as little sound as they could make. Lyanna was concentrated on her surroundings as she walked with them.
They sneaked through bushes, almost crawling as they went. They heard the sound of an animal growling nearby and Arthur knelt down on the ground. "Merlin, spear," he ordered, his voice nothing more than a faint whisper, not wanting to scare the boar away. Unfortunately Merlin's clumsiness caused him to drop the spear onto the ground, making a little noise. The Prince picked it up in annoyance. "Do you have any natural gifts, Merlin?" he asked.
Merlin paused to think about that. "No. Well, let me think. I'm not naturally rude or insensitive," he replied. At that Lyanna snickered softly, exchanging a brief look with Merlin.
"Just naturally irritating," Arthur muttered as he stood up and continued to walk.
Lyanna shook her head in the hope to let Merlin know that wasn't true, and he smiled faintly at her, as a sign of gratitude. The animal growled again and this time Merlin's face was filled with fear. Sadly enough Arthur caught Merlin's expression.
"It's probably more scared of you than you are of it," the prince told his servant. It almost sounded reassuring.
Arthur signaled his knights where to go. Before they were able to split up a large beast jumped in front of them. It had the head of a snake, and the body of a large cat. A cold feeling shot through Lyanna's body as she looked at the creature. She recognized it from one of Gaius books but couldn't remember which one it was.
The beast growled once more. Because Lyanna's body had frozen on the spot, Arthur pulled her along with him by her wrist as they all ran away. The beast followed them with great haste and somehow Merlin managed to fall down. None of the knights had seen it and Lyanna abruptly stopped running. "Merlin!" she shouted desperately.
Arthur spun around and hurried down towards his servant together with Sir Bedivere, and they helped him back onto his feet before they continue to run again. For several minutes they ran until the beast was nowhere to be seen.
"Have we lost it?" Merlin asked, catching his breath.
"We're missing Sir Bedivere," Lyanna cleared up as she looked around. As she said that they were able to hear the knight scream in pure pain, which made Lyanna nauseous. She felt somewhat guilty for not being able to save Sir Bedivere from that dreadful fate. He had always been a honorable knight. "We should head back to warn the others."
No one argued with that. The walk back to Camelot went mostly in silent as they all thought about what had happened. Once they had returned to Camelot, Arthur immediately went into the council chamber to discuss this matter with the King. Arthur told them what had happened and Lyanna described the beast that they had encountered that had taken Sir Bedivere's life.
"The creature you describe has all the characteristics of the Questing Beast," Gaius cleared up for that. Lyanna felt her entire body tense as the physician mentioned the name of that creature. She remembered reading about that beast, but not what it could do.
"Surely that's a myth," Arthur responded not convinced.
"According to the old books, the appearance of the Questing Beast is supposed to foreshadow a time of great upheaval."
"Gaius, it's an old wives tale," Uther retorted. Lyanna exhaled deeply, trying to remain calm. She couldn't believe that they were being too foolish by not believing this.
She wished that her father could put his stubbornness aside for once because people's life could be at risk here.
"Look, whatever it is, it's spreading panic. The people fear it will enter the city," Arthur informed them.
Uther turned his head. "Then we must kill it. Arthur, gather the guard together. You ride at dawn."
Arthur exchanged a brief look with Merlin before he turned around and headed towards the door, followed suit by his servant. "Father, if you'll excuse me. I wish be to be a part of this guard as well. I want to help out," Lyanna pleaded, fidgeting with her fingers.
The King scoffed. "I think not. It's far too dangerous for you. I don't want to see any harm come to you. You stay here."
Lyanna growled softly and stormed out of the council chambers. By now she was well aware that it was foolish to ask things like this from her father because he was too stubborn to be argued with. In his eyes she still was a young child because he refused to believe that she had actually grown up. He actually believed that she was vulnerable and needed protection and didn't realize that she could easily fight without assistance.
She waited in the corridors until Gaius left the council chambers as well and she followed the court physician. "Gaius, I'm sorry that my father is such a foolish man when it comes to matters like this," she stated sadly. "Can I read in some of your books to find more information about this beast?"
"Sure, that's not a problem, my dear," he assured her friendly.
Together they walked through the corridors until they reached the physician chambers. While Lyanna began to put some books on the table Gaius made the two of them some tea.
As Lyanna waited for the physician to join her she sat down at the table, and looked at the flame of a candle that was dancing in front of her eyes. Ever since she had stared into the eyes of that beast she hasn't been able to shake that off cold. "Are you well?" Gaius asked concerned, noticing her struggling.
She nodded a few times. "I'm okay," she replied, quite breathless.
"You don't look too well," the physician retorted hesitant as he placed the damping mug of tea on the table. "Do you mind if I take a look?" Lyanna nodded again while Gaius took her body temperature. "You're freezing! What happened?"
"I don't know," Lyanna replied confused, her eyes filled with doubt. "I just remember feeling rather cold after looking the Questing Beast in the eyes. Maybe we're exaggerating. It's probably nothing serious."
Gaius raised one of his eyebrows. "I'm not so sure. It's not very common for someone's temperature to lower like that. It's not good for the organs. I'll have to keep an eye on you to make sure it's indeed nothing serious."
"Thank you, Gaius." She smiled sadly. "Can you not tell anyone about this? I don't want them to worry."
"Sure, but only if you'll sit next to the fireplace, dear," he insisted kindly.
Lyanna chuckled quietly and sat down next to the small fireplace. "Forbearnan," she chanted. Her eyes flashed gold and the wood in the fireplace caught fire. Gaius walked towards her and wrapped a blanket around her shoulders and handed her the damping mug before he sat down beside her, looking through his book.
"Here," Gaius said after a moment of silence. "I found it." Lyanna turned her head and looked at the page he was pointing at and read what was written.
"So if this beast bites you there is no cure?" she asked skeptically. Gaius nodded. Fear immediately washed through her as she thought about Arthur and Merlin having to face the Questing Beast tomorrow morning.
"Don't worry too much, dear." Gaius placed his hand on her shoulder for a moment and she felt a bit better because of that. This was one of these moments when Lyanna realized that she was closer to the physician than she would ever be with her own father. Maybe it was because they were as different as night and day. Surely she didn't approve of everything that Uther had done, but she didn't hate him. No, he was her father and she did care about him dearly. She never felt the closure with Uther that she did feel with Gaius. "This beast is an omen. I've seen it come before, the night before your mother passed away."
Lyanna looked confused at that. "But what may have caused the beast to appear like that? Do you think that someone is controlling this beast?"
"I'm not sure. But it could be someone who controls the Old Religion and knows how to control it," the physician responded vaguely. "Like I said, don't worry too much. Focus on your tea and regaining your strength."
She brought the mug to her lips and took a big sip from the tea. Normally she would feel the heat spread through her whenever she drank tea, but this time she didn't. All she felt was cold, and she had to do her absolute best not to shiver too much so that Gaius would get too concerned about her and might lock her up somewhere.
After an hour Merlin arrived in the physician chambers to eat some dinner. Once he caught sight of Lyanna sitting next to the fire and underneath a blanket he got worried. "Is everything alright?" he immediately asked, eyeing Lyanna.
"She's just a bit cold," Gaius answered for her. Lyanna was glad that the physician had understood her and was keeping his mouth shut about this to others. "You're staying here for dinner, young lady." At that the end of Lyanna's lips curled up into a small smile, but Gaius saw it. She didn't want to argue with him and he knew it. While Merlin was busy cleaning his sword Gaius walked towards him with the book. "This is no ordinary beast, Merlin," he warned his ward.
"Don't worry," Merlin shrugged it off, balancing the sword in his hands. Lyanna watched them both curiously and pressed her lips together.
"No, listen to me, you don't understand," he pleaded. "Uther may not respect the Old Religion, but it is very real. To face a beast such as this, you must understand where it came from."
"What do you mean?"
"At the heart of the Old Religion lies the magic of life and death itself. The Questing Beast carried that power. One bite, you die, there is no cure." The words of the physician weighed heavily in the air. Shortly after that he handed her a bowl of soup which she ate in silence, not wanting to draw any attention to herself.
By the time she was finished the Lyanna stood up from her chair. "I should leave," she announced, already feeling like a burden to the two of them. She folded the blanket before putting it on the table and heading to the door.
"Do you want me to check in on you later?" Gaius asked.
She turned her head to face them. "No, thank you. I'll come back in the morning. Good night." Lyanna hastily left the physician chambers and made her way through the palace corridors. When she was close to her own chamber she saw Gwen departing that of Morgana, looking a bit flushed. "Is something wrong?"
Gwen nodded. "Morgana had a bad dream that's all. Where did you come from?"
"I was with Gaius," she declared. "Just trying to find some more information about this beast. What did Morgana dream about?"
"She didn't say."
"Anyway I'm heading to bed. Goodnight, Gwen." She gave her servant a warm smile before she entered her own chamber and closed the door behind her. Quickly she changed into a nightgown before she slipped underneath the covers, wrapping herself tightly to try to keep warm. It took her a while until she felt comfortable and wasn't thinking about the cold anymore. She drifted into a dreamless sleep.
It was late the following morning when Lyanna was awoken by someone shaking her shoulders. She opened her hazel eyes and adjusted to the bright light in her chambers until she noticed that Gaius was standing next to her bed. As she tried to sit up straight she realized she felt worse than she had the previous night. More strength had faded out of her body and she couldn't stop shivering.
"The color in your face is also disappearing," Gaius stated grimly, sitting down on the edge of her bed. He placed his hand against her forehead. "Your skin is much colder than yesterday. How are you feeling?"
"Like ice," Lyanna replied with a hoarse voice. "Is there any cure to stop this Gaius?"
There was doubt in the eyes of the physician. "I cannot say, because I don't know what caused this. You should stay here in bed and keep warm, my dear. I'll look into it. Also in case you're wondering your brother hasn't returned yet." Gaius gave her a warm smile and walked out of the room.
Lyanna let out a sigh. This wasn't the moment to get sick. Especially not when her brother and Merlin were hunting for the Questing Beast. There were more important things to worry about then her silly cold. She wrapped herself tighter underneath the cover while Gwen and Morgana entered her chambers. "Gaius told me us weren't feeling well. Is there anything I can do to help?" the servant asked generous.
"Some tea would be lovely and I could also use the company."
Gwen nodded and left again while Morgana sat down next to her in her bed and wrapped her arms around the princess. Ever since the incident a couple of weeks ago Lyanna didn't fully trust the King's ward anymore. She did her absolute best to hide it, because a part of her wanted to believe that she was the same old Morgana again. Still that doubt remained on the back of her mind.
"I'm sorry," Morgana apologized, and she sounded humble. "I wish I could do anything to stop this."
Lyanna faintly smiled. "Don't worry. I'm sure Gaius will find a cure. I'll be fine soon," she assured her, which seemed to work a bit. "Please tell me a nice story to keep me entertained." Morgana did as she asked. After several minutes Gwen returned with a platter of tea cups, and sat down on the foot of the bed, participating in the conversation. Lyanna felt slightly better because of that because her mind was too occupied to worry.
They sat there for what felt like hours and Lyanna was now pacing through the chamber to stretch her legs with a blanket around her shoulders. Once she caught sight of her father walking through the square with Arthur in his arms she felt her heart sink. Especially when Merlin and Gaius were right behind him. Uther collapsed in grief, but four knights came to bear Arthur inside as the King wept on his knees.
"Oh no," Lyanna gasped in utter shock. Her biggest fear had just come true and she didn't know what she could do. She wanted to storm into her brother's chambers but she was convinced that no one would let her in. Especially not when she was feeling like this. Both Gwen and Morgana left her alone to see what was going on, while Lyanna sat back on the edge of her bed. Tears were roaming freely down her cheek.
She didn't know how long she sat there but eventually she heard someone enter her chamber, but she didn't feel like turning her head. Someone sat down beside her and she felt two familiar arms pulling her into a tight embrace. She buried her head into his chest as she took in his scent and let his nice body temperature warm her up a little. "I was too late," Merlin sobbed, his hands running through her hair.
"It's not your fault, Merlin," she reassured him, her voice still hoarse.
He gently took her hands in his hands so that she was looking directly into his eyes. "Can you please tell me what's wrong with you," he insisted. "And I want the truth this time."
Lyanna knew she couldn't deny him anything. "Gaius doesn't know what's wrong with me. I feel like I'm swimming in a lake of ice water and I cannot warm up. But it's probably nothing severe. Maybe you can talk to Kilgharrah about Arthur. He might have an answer for you," she suggested, drawing the attention away from her. The last thing that she wanted was that he would be worrying about her.
Merlin rubbed the tears from her cheeks. "I'll be back," he told her and stormed out of her chamber, leaving Lyanna alone with her thoughts. She wrapped the blanket even tighter around her, immediately missing his warm body temperature. After a while she grew tired of being alone and went to her brother's chamber where she found her father sitting next to the bed. She hugged him in the hope to comfort him a little in these difficult times until Gaius entered the chamber to check up on Arthur. When he noticed no changes and left again, Lyanna followed him silently.
Gaius asked her no questions but simply wrapped his arm around her shoulder, understanding her struggling. He thought it was better anyway if he could keep a close eye on her and look after her himself. He handed her a cup of tea while she sat down next to the fireplace again. Eventually Lyanna fell asleep and Gaius tugged her underneath a blanket on the cot where she slept for a while. She woke up again in the middle of the night and slowly sat up straight. Next to the fireplace sat Merlin, probably lost in his own thoughts. Quietly she stood up and walked over to him and fiddled with her fingers as she sat down beside him.
"Please talk to me," she insisted, immediately feeling warmer again.
"Kilgharrah told me to go to the Isle of the Blessed, where the power of the ancients can still be felt. There I will discover Arthur's salvation," Merlin answered with a soft voice.
Her body felt even colder because of that. She knew enough about the Isle of the Blessed to get concerned. "You know there will be a price to be paid. The High Priests will demand a life in return. Merlin, please. I beg you to stay here."
"I can't," he replied. His voice was nothing but a whisper, but it put the chill into Lyanna's already cold skin. "I will gladly pay the price, whatever it is."
His answer caused Lyanna to softly break out into sobs as she threw her arms around him and cried into his chest. She had never been one for crying, but for some reason she dared to open herself up whenever she was around him. Her tears probably stained his red tunic, but he didn't seem to mind. Instead of pushing her away, he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her even closer to him. His head was resting on hers, and he softly whispered reassuring words in her ear, which tickled a little.
"I know that you want to do whatever you can to save Arthur, but don't you dare to bargain your own life for this. I'm going to hunt you in the afterworld if you do," she insured him. Merlin chuckled slightly, which made her feel a bit better. His trusted scent calmed Lyanna down who was able to ignore the cold and just focused on him. It didn't take long until Lyanna fell asleep again.
As she woke up around dawn the following morning she noticed she wasn't in her own chamber, and had once again ended up in Merlin's bed. Apparently he had carried her to bed again last night. Merlin was still fast asleep in the chair on the other side of the room and quietly smacked his lips. Lyanna wished that she could always see him this peaceful and smiled happily at the thought. She gently leaped onto her feet and stroked his face which caused him to stir a little.
"Wake up, sunshine," Lyanna said cheerfully. His eyes shot open and he took in his surroundings. Once he saw her his cheeks flushed red. "Since I won't be there to see you leave later I'm going to say my goodbye now. Whatever happens there on the Isle of the Blessed, I want you to come back to me." If she weren't feeling so weak she would've joined him on this trip and Merlin was aware of that.
"I will come back," Merlin promised her. At that a bright smile appeared on her face. She rose from the bed and left his chamber so that he could get dressed and prepare for his upcoming trip to the Isle of the Blessed. Lyanna returned to her own chamber and changed into a different dress so that no one would notice her absence. The cold had only gotten worse, but she doing her absolute best to hide it for others.
She entered her brother's chambers and sat down next to the bed and grabbed his hand. His condition has only gotten worse since yesterday and it was only a matter of time before the bite of the Questing Beast would kill him. "I know you always complain about that horrible manservant of yours, but Merlin is going to do everything in his power to save you, Arthur," she told him, smiling proudly. "You can't leave me, Arthur. You just can't. You're destined to become the greatest King Camelot has ever known." If there was something which was Lyanna's biggest fear it was losing people she had come to care about. Just like she had lost Marie. She didn't want to go through that again.
Lyanna spent most of her day at Arthur's side, watching for changes but nothing happened. After dinner with Morgana and her father she went to the physician chambers to keep Gaius company. "You look even worse than yesterday," Gaius observed as he handed her a cup with tea.
"That's because I feel worse," she replied grimly. "I fear it's something serious, Gaius. And I don't know what to do about it."
He looked into her eyes. "We'll figure something out, my dear," he assured her. "Just do whatever you can to keep warm."
That night she slept like a little child and didn't wake up once. It was around dawn when she was already dressed and staring out of the window and felt her heart warm up when she saw Merlin riding onto the courtyard. Immediately she hurried out of her chamber and though the palace corridors until she found him bellow the main stairway.
"You came back to me," she exclaimed cheerfully, pulling Merlin into a tight embrace. She didn't care that some of the guards and servants saw them, because she was immensely grateful that he had returned to her. Merlin eagerly returned the embrace, loving the feeling of having Lyanna in his arms.
"I promised you that I would," he helped her remember. She carefully pulled back and their gazes locked.
"What happened?" Lyanna asked, lowering her voice in case someone overheard them since they weren't exactly alone.
He handed her the decorative canteen. "We need to give this to Arthur. It's water drawn from the Cup of Life. If Arthur drinks from it, he will recover."
There wasn't any time to ask him how he had obtained this because the two of them were already running through the corridors of the palace until they reached Arthur's chambers. While Merlin held Arthur's head still Lyanna brought the canteen to his lips and let the liquid slide into his throat.
Then the door went open and a confused King entered. "What are you doing, Lyanna? What are you giving him?"
Lyanna spun around. "It's a… It's a tincture made from the lobelia plant, and ancient remedy for poisonous bites, Father," she lied in the best way that she could. It was for the best that he didn't know what it was. Because her father had no knowledge about healing or herbs she knew that he wouldn't doubt her answer.
"A cure?"
"We hope."
Uther walked over to the bed. "Do you really think it will have some effect, my dear?"
"It's our last resort, Father." Lyanna gave the rest of the water to Arthur to make sure that he had drunk everything. She then turned to her father. "It might take some time to work. Perhaps you should allow Arthur to rest."
"I will not leave him," Uther responded headstrong. The King sat down next to the bed while Lyanna and Merlin quietly left the room. They went to the physician chambers where they informed Gaius about what had happened. When they were finished Gaius left them to check up on Arthur.
Lyanna was once again seated next to the fireplace. Merlin wrapped a blanket around her shoulders. "You're condition has only gotten worse, am I right?" he asked, sounding rather upset. He sat down next to her so that he could look at her. "I know you don't want to admit that something is wrong with you because you don't want people to worry about you, or because of what's going on with your brother. You can be honest with me, Lyanna."
"Unfortunately, yes," she muttered in return. Her lips had colored blue and it cost her a lot of effort not to start shivering thanks to the cold inside her body. "We still don't know what it is. But I hope Gaius can help me find a cure. You shouldn't worry about me." She didn't want to tell him that she was scared. If he knew about that he would certainly be worried and would risk his own life to protect her. That was not what she wanted. They sat there together for a while until Merlin grew restless and he began to pace through the chambers. Eventually Gaius entered the room and both of them looked at him, hoping that their treatment had worked.
"The prince lives," Gaius announced.
The emotions of the past days were working overtime in both of them, and they couldn't help but cry at that good news. Arthur would live.
That evening Lyanna entered her brother's chambers and found him sitting up right in his bed. Lyanna was immensely overwhelmed with emotions to see Arthur alive and she pulled him into a tight embrace and tried not to crush him. "I thought I had lost you there for a moment," she admitted truthfully.
"You wouldn't get rid of me that easily," he replied and slowly let go off her. "But what on earth is the matter with you? You feel like ice!"
Lyanna cursed inwardly and sat down next to the bed. "Nothing to concern you, Arthur. I'm just feeling a bit cold," she replied, covering the truth. "How are you feeling?"
"Much better now actually. Did you know that Gwen was here when I was unconscious and that she spoke to me? She talked to me about the man I am inside and that she had never lost faith in me. Can you believe that?" He was kind of grinning as he told her about it.
"I can believe it. Even though it may not look like it, Gwen has indeed always believed you will make a great King one day. As for the record I do as well. Your time among men wasn't over yet, Arthur. You've got a long road to travel." As she talked Lyanna covered her mouth a little behind her hand, but because it was rather dark in the room Arthur didn't notice that her lips had changed color.
He smiled at her. "You surely are filled with wisdom, my dear sister." She couldn't help but address him a warm smile in return for that. "Did I miss anything while I was unconscious?"
She shook her head. "Nothing special happened. I just spent some time with Gaius looking for a cure. It wasn't easy to find it. The bite of the Questing Beast is a lethal one. You were lucky to be able to live and tell the tale, Arthur."
The two siblings continued to talk for a while until it was getting late. Lyanna returned to her own chambers where she tried to get some sleep, but it wouldn't come to her. She kept worrying about the death that needed to be repaid for saving Arthur's life. It was still early when she entered the physician chambers. Gaius was snoring loudly from the cot he was lying on as Lyanna quietly walked past him and into Merlin's chambers. She had to make sure he was alright.
Merlin was lying in his bed with a small piece of parchment in his hand. It didn't take long until Lyanna had figured out the pieces. But when she looked at him she couldn't be angry. Instead she felt much better when she noticed how peaceful he looked, and smiled faintly at the warlock. She sat down on the edge of his bed. "Merlin, you've got to wake up," she quietly said. He heard her voice and slowly opened his eyes. When he saw her sitting there a smile appeared on his lips and he tried to sit up right. "You bargained your own life to save Arthur's, did you not?"
He nodded after a moment. "It was the only thing that you could do to save him. I was expecting to die this night to pay the price," Merlin clarified.
Her eyebrows knitted together. "So in fact you completely ignored what I asked from you." She really couldn't get mad. If she had been in his shoes she would've done the exact same thing to save her brother because she knew that was more important than her own life. Still the thought of losing Merlin was a scary one and she hoped to never experience that.
"It wasn't my intention, Lyanna. I wanted to come back to you more than anything, but I had to save Arthur's life. He's life is worth more than mine will ever be. I wouldn't be missed when I'm gone."
"I would miss you," Lyanna choked out. Her hazel eyes met his sky blue ones. "Doesn't that matter to you?"
"Of course it does," he admitted truthfully. Merlin resisted the urge to pull her into an embrace again. He had to remember that she was a princess and he was just a simple commoner. "I'm sorry if I've hurt you with my choice."
She paused until a faint smile touched her blue lips. Lyanna stood up and headed towards the door. "I'm just glad you're still alive." She opened the door and walked out of his chamber and was shocked when she saw Gaius crouching over a collapsed figure. Lyanna quickly hurried over to them and found out that it was Hunith and that she was covered in sores. Whatever had happened to this woman she gravely ill.
At that moment Merlin rushed out of his room. "Gaius! I'm alive!" he exclaimed ecstatically. Lyanna felt colder than before, not knowing what to say to him. "What is it? What's happened?"
"Merlin, stay there," Gaius ordered.
Merlin ignored him and walked over to them to see what was going on. "What's wrong?"
"No, don't," Lyanna interfered, trying to control her hoarse voice. But once again he ignored them and saw his mother lying on the floor, struggling to breathe.
"Mother," he cried out, with agony in his voice. Hunith called out the name of her son, sounding relieved to see him. Merlin sat down beside them. "What's happened to her?"
"She's gravely ill," Lyanna informed him.
"Do something," Merlin said, sounding completely desperate. He couldn't lose his mother like that.
"If we could. This is no ordinary illness," Gaius responded. His voice was surprisingly calm, even though Hunith was basically like a sister to him. It couldn't have been easy to see her lying there on the floor, fighting for her her life. He looked at Merlin. "Who did you meet on the Isle of the Blessed?"
"Nimueh," Merlin responded.
"Nimueh?" Lyanna repeated. She knew well enough that this had been the High Priestess that had been responsible for the disease that spread through the water supply of Camelot months ago, which had caused the deaths of many innocent people. Including that of Marie.
"It was as you said. She demanded a price, but I bargained my life, not my mothers," Merlin clarified. Lyanna was stunned. If he had indeed bargained his own life, then why was Hunith the victim? It didn't make sense to her.
Lyanna sighed. "I'm sorry, Merlin. I wish that there was something that we could do. For now we can only put her in a bed and make it as comfortable for her as we can."
"I will make you better. I will," Merlin promised his mother. He stormed out of the room after that. Gaius and Lyanna gently carried Hunith to Merlin's bed in the other room. Lyanna tended the women's sores by placing some special ointment on it to stop the pain from getting worse.
Lyanna stayed at Hunith's side for a while, talking to the woman in a reassuring way. "I've always thought that we would meet again under better circumstances," Hunith said with a faint voice.
Lyanna looked at her, surprised that she was even talking at all. "I had hoped the same thing," she replied, a small sigh rolling over her lips. "I wish I could help you."
"You shouldn't feel guilty. You're doing whatever you can," Hunith responded, her voice nothing but a whisper. "I'm just glad to see that you're on Merlin's side. He's indeed rather fond of you."
She still remembered the conversation she had with Merlin's mother when they were in Ealdor to stop Kanen and his men. Hunith had noticed that the two of them cared a great deal about each other and had even given her some advice. This woman had been nothing but kind to her. "We're still good friends," she replied, smiling. "And that's what we will be."
Hunith surprised her by slowly grabbing her hand and gently squeezed it. "You shouldn't beat yourself up about it, my dear. But if you truly care for him you shouldn't ignore your feelings. That won't ever do you any good. In fact I wish something would happen between the two of you. I've already accepted you as my family." She could see Hunith smiling. "You're good for my son. He's happy when he's with you."
Lyanna returned the squeeze, startled by this answer. She couldn't believe that Hunith truly saw her in such a manner. "I see you as family as well," Lyanna admitted honestly. "But I believe we've spoken enough for now. You should get some rest."
She put her head back into the pillow and closed her eyes. It didn't take long until Hunith's irregular breathing filled the room. Lyanna picked up a blanket from the bed and wrapped it around her shoulders, growing tired of the constant cold. She couldn't hold in the shivering anymore. Her lips clattered quietly as she grabbed a candle and lit it by using her magic, and held it close to her. She didn't want to sit next to the fireplace now, not when Hunith was lying here.
For an unknown while Lyanna continued to sit there, watching over Hunith from the corner of the room. She didn't notice any visible changes, only that her breathing was growing louder, just like her own was doing. When she heard Merlin and Gaius bantering in the other room.
"You are young. Your gifts, your destiny are far too precious to sacrifice," Gaius said.
"My destiny? This is my mother. My powers mean nothing if I cannot save her. You have taught me and Lyanna so much. Taught us who were are. Taught us the purpose of our skills. Taught us that magic should only be used for great deeds. But most of all, you have always taught us to do what is right." There fell a silence in the other room. "I need to say goodbye to Arthur." The door slam shut again, the sign that Merlin had left.
Lyanna felt tears burning in her eyes. This couldn't be happening. Merlin would once again bargain his own life to save that of someone else, but this time he wouldn't return. She would never see his smile again, or hear his laughter. He wasn't even gone yet and she already felt the pain inside her chest swelling. She completely understood the reason he had for doing this. If she had been in his position she would've done the same. But that didn't make it easier. She couldn't let him throw his own life away. There had to be a way around.
Time flew by while Lyanna thought of a way to stop all this, while she listened to Hunith's breathing. After a while the door of the room slowly opened and Merlin entered the room. "Gaius has gone out to get some supplies. I'm keeping an eye on her until you got back," Lyanna announced.
"Thank you."
"I'm really sorry, Merlin. I've tried to make her comfortable. We even talked for a bit," Lyanna replied, wrapping the blanket tighter around herself.
Merlin didn't say anything, but sat down next to his bed. "I'm going to make you well again. I promise. You'll see," he promised. The pain in his voice was hearable, making it difficult for Lyanna to hold in her tears. She didn't want to interfere with their conversation, so she slowly rose from her chair, trying to make as little sound as she could and walked out of the room without getting noticed. Then it hit her. There was only one thing that she could do that would save both Hunith and Merlin. She had to bargain her own life in the order to save theirs. She walked over to the table and grabbed a pierce of parchment and wrote a letter to Merlin.
Dear Merlin,
Please make sure that you are sitting down before you read this letter. I want you to stay calm and try and understand my actions.
When you are reading this I'll be on my way to the Isle of the Blessed to meet Nimueh. My ilness is only getting worse and I know that my time on this earth is running short. That is why I thought it would be better to bargain my own life so that I can save you. My life is one that had little purpose to it, so I doubt that I will be remembered for anything important.
You are destined for amazing things, Merlin. You will have Gaius who will be there to guide you every step of the way and who will teach you the tenets of life. If you do, I honestly believe that you will become the greatest warlock to have ever walked this earth. I know with my whole heart that you will succeed in that and I am immensely proud of you.
These last months that I've gotten to know has been an enormous privlege. Sacrificing myself for you and Hunith is nothing but an honor and I will gladly do it. I want you to know that that you are the only person who has ever accepted me for who I truly am and for that I am only grateful. You've surely brightened up my life since you've stepped into it.
Please, do not mourn me. I want you to remember all the mememories that we've made together and that you find strenght in that. Also make sure that Arthur keeps both of his feet on the ground and that he'll become a wonderful King one day because I cant. He will listen to you because he values your friendship, even though he might never admit it.
II am convinced that will meet again in another world, Merlin. A world were we'll be accepted for who we are and nothing can come between us. My heart belongs to you, Merlin. I shall count the days until we see each other again. Just remember that I will always believe in you. Please look after Gaius and Gwen for me.
Yours truly, Lyanna.
She folded the letter and wrote his name on the front before putting the letter on the table, certain that Merlin would find it in the morning. All the feelings that she had she had tried to put into this letter, making sure that he knew how important he was to her.. She still had mixed feelings, but she knew that she cared more about him than anyone and that was enough for her. Once she was done she left the physician chambers and returned to her own chambers where she started to change into some travel gear and began to gather her supplies.
When she had everything Lyanna sneaked past the guards and left the castle behind. She had to make sure she had a head start in case Merlin would find the letter sooner that she had anticipated and would decide to come after her. She galloped through the forest on Lumiere's back and they rushed between the trees. Even now she still shivered because of the cold she felt, but chose to ignore it by going faster. Once she had bargained her own life she could rest. Forever.
For hours she rode and rode, not resting one moment. Luckily enough she knew the way because she had been there before with a patrol, but that had been quite some years ago. That wasn't to confront a High Priestess.
She went further to the South-West, near the Great Seas of Meredhor until she found the Isle of the Blessed. She stood still before a large lake. The sun was rising and a fog was covering her sight. A small boat was tied to a dock. From the tales Lyanna was well aware what she needed to do.
Lyanna dismounted Lumiere and tied her horse to a nearby tree and immediately felt the cold wash through her body before she climbed into the small boat. "Astyre," she said. The boat began to move and she sat down in it. As she sailed closer across the water she felt more scared about what she was going to face there. She swallowed her fear as her teeth softly clattered together. Her illness was only growing worse and Lyanna was well aware that she wouldn't have long before she wasn't able to breathe anymore. It was for the best that she would bargain her own life while it was still worth something.
The bell on the front of the bed clanged because of the strong wind, driving Lyanna insane. She quickly burned the bell by using magic so that she could only hear the sound of the wind. As Lyanna looked at the Isle of the Blessed she noticed what a grave look it had. There was no sign of any living animal. No wonder no one liked to come here. She felt more depressed by simply looking at it.
The boat brought her closer to the island and stopped at a small dock. The princess jumped out of the boat and climbed up the stairs in the tower. The stairs leaded her to the center of the island. Here she found the ruins of the castle that once stood here, which had probably got destroyed in the Great Purge. In the middle were a couple of rune stones that surrounded a stone table.
"I was already wondering when you would finally show your face here, Lady Lyanna," a female voice said. Lyanna turned her head and saw a beautiful woman with dark hair standing in front of her. She was wearing a damaged pink dress, and her hair was rather tangled. But Lyanna feared her because she knew who she was.
"You're Nimueh," Lyanna stated, trying to let no emotions be hearable in her voice.
The High Priestess grinned sheepishly. "How clever you are. I didn't expect that a daughter of Uther Pendragon would be so bright."
She clenched her fists. Obviously this woman had a difficult history with her father. "What happened between you and my father that made you hate him?"
Nimueh began to pace. "Many years ago I was a court sorcerer in Camelot. For years your parents have tried to get children, but they discovered that Ygraine was unable to bare children. Your father came to me and I used magic to allow Ygraine to conceive a child. But the Queen died in childbirth when the conceived twins. Your father was outraged and blamed me for it. He didn't know that by using magic to create a life, another life had to take its place. I hadn't foreseen that Ygraine's life would be the price. But Uther didn't listen to me. The grief-stricken Uther turned against me, accusing me of treason and banished me from Camelot. He then began the Great Purge, ordering the execution of hundreds of sorcerers, both good and evil," the witch explained. Lyanna could only watch her with widened eyes. This surely was a tale she hadn't heard before. "If I had foreseen her death, and the terrible retribution he would seek, I would've never granted his wish."
Lyanna swallowed loudly. "So that's why you seek revenge?"
"Your father began this war when he threw me from court and slaughtered all of my kind. He's different than us, Lyanna. He will never understand. Uther deserves to die for what he has done," Nimueh told her, nearly fuming from anger.
"But why did you use the Questing Beast to kill Arthur? It doesn't make any sense."
"Because there is nothing in this world Uther cares more about than his children. I can hurt him by hurting them." Nimeuh laughed devilishly at that. "I've hurt you as well."
Lyanna clenched her fists. "You mean to say that you've hurt me as well in order to hurt my father? How is that possible? What did you do?" Lyanna fell onto her knees, feeling her strength slipping out of her body.
"Are you feeling a bit cold?" the High Priestess asked, enjoying this conversation. Her eyes were sparkling with delight as she saw the princess knelt on the ground. She was nothing but a shade of who she once was. Defenseless. Weak. "It's one of the side effects when someone freezes your heart." Lyanna looked up at her, with lips as blue as the sea. "I've cast this curse many years ago. You would be a cold-hearted person just like your father is. Eventually you would find one person who could warm up your heart a little, but it would never be enough to break the curse. I increased the power of the curse a couple of days ago and thought it would be fun if Uther would lose both of his children at the same time. You shouldn't worry, dear princess. There is a cure for this. Only a kiss from your true love can thaw your heart and save you."
Immediately Lyanna's thought flashed to Merlin. He had told her how radically she had changed when she had met him. Apparently he wasn't her true love because they had kissed before and her heart was still frozen. That meant that there was someone else.
Nimueh grinned once more. "You had no choice when you fell in love with Emrys. It was foretold since the beginning of time that it would happen. The destiny of Emrys and Darya. No matter how hard you try, there will be no way to deny your feelings. The two of you need each other like the sun needs the moon. One cannot breathe without the other. Only a kiss from him could save you."
Lyanna needed a moment to let those words sink. If Merlin was indeed her true love he would've been able to break the curse, but he hadn't. If it was indeed love between them it wasn't real, and only a substitute of their imagination.
"You already kissed him and now you're wondering if he's really your true love," Nimueh noticed. This entire situation was surely entertaining the High Priestess. "That's because you hadn't opened up your heart at the time. You have to accept his love in order to break the curse," she clarified smugly.
Lyanna entire body felt even colder and she couldn't stop shivering. It didn't matter now anymore because her time on this earth was running out. She couldn't fight the witch. Nimueh was far too powerful and Lyanna was almost out of strength. "I didn't come here to get love advice from a High Priestess. I came here because Merlin bargained his own life a few days ago in the order to save Arthur, only you took the life of his mother. I'm willing to give my own life for hers."
Nimueh laughed amused. "How brave you are, Darya, witch of the moon. I shall do you the honor of granting you your last wish." She heard Nimueh laugh loudly. "Ic, séo héahsácerd, pe ácwile strengpe ealdan æwfæstnesse!" Dark clouds formed in the air above them and Lyanna did her absolute best to keep breathing as she watched how big rain drops fell down, and splattered on her face. Lyanna sat down against the stone table as life slowly left her body. She was succumbed by darkness as she let her head fall down on the ground. It was over.
Alas her part in this story was not over yet. Lyanna felt how someone cradled her and shook her a couple of times in the hope to wake her up. "Lyanna. Come back to me," the masculine voice begged desperately. Lyanna was convinced this voice belonged to an angel. "I cannot lose you." Whoever this angel was he was crying and angels weren't meant to cry. Lyanna stirred slightly, but felt something burning inside her chest when she felt the angel kissing her softly. She let out a cry as light appeared from her chest. All the cold inside her had faded. She felt her strength returning and looked astonished when she was able to breathe properly again. The cold had disappeared and had been replaced with a nice and comfortable warmth. The kiss had worked!
She slowly opened her eyes so that she could reassure this angel that everything was alright, when she looked into two familiar blue eyes. "Merlin," she gasped with a very faint voice. All the memories of her encounter with Nimueh came back to her mind. This wasn't heaven and she surely wasn't dead.
"When I woke up this morning and found your letter in which you wrote that you had gone to the Isle of the Blessed to give up your own lives to save that of my mother. I understood the reason that you had to make that choice, but I was devastated. I thought I had lost you and chose to come here to try and stop you. I couldn't let you do it. When I arrived here you were unconscious, and life was slowly leaving you. I fought Nimueh and defeated the witch. The balance of the world has been restored. You're safe now," Merlin nearly cried from happiness when he saw that she was alive. That explained why she hadn't died and was very much alive. "I'm going to take you home now."
She didn't argue with him and let Merlin lift her up into his arms. The entire ride back to Camelot she was seated in the front of Merlin's saddle because she was still feeling rather limp from the whole ordeal, while Merlin pulled Lumiere along with him by his reigns as he rode his own horse. When they had returned to Camelot he escorted her back to her chamber and helped her into her bed so that the princess could rest. Lyanna's gaze lingered to Merlin who was still standing in the corner of her bedroom. A tension was growing between them which needed to be resolved. "You kissed me," she stated simply, breaking the silence.
Merlin's sky blue eyes widened. "I—I uhm –" he stammered nervously.
"The reason that I had been feeling so cold lately was because Nimueh had cursed me years ago. She had made it stronger a couple of days ago because she enjoyed hurting Uther's children. Anyway she said that only a true love's kiss would be able to heal me. I was already close to dying so I quickly bargained my own life to save that of your mother. I slipped into darkness but then someone kissed me. The cold faded from my body and I felt my strength returning. When I opened my eyes I saw you. You were the one that kissed me."
Her information sure was a lot to take in for Merlin who needed a moment. "Are you saying that a true love's kiss cured you?" he asked unsure, fidgeting with his fingers.
Lyanna shrugged with her shoulders. "I'm not sure. We kissed before and if it really was true love than the curse should've been broken back then, but it didn't. Nimueh knew that and said that was because I hadn't opened up my heart at the time. I had to accept your love in order to break the curse."
Their gazes remained intensely locked while Merlin walked over to the bed and sat down on the edge. "So that means you've opened your heart now?" he wondered.
She smiled faintly. "I believe so. Merlin, you know that I care greatly about you. Perhaps as more than friends, but I'm not sure. My feelings are still a blur. Even if I did like you in such a manner it could never happen. I am to wed a nobleman one day and you will find someone special one day who will gladly become your wife." For a moment she felt kind of hurt by what she said, but she waved it away with another smile. "I can only give you friendship."
"I know and I wouldn't wish for anything else," he responded and flashed her his trademark smile, but she noticed the hurt in his eyes. He was trying to act brave and she pretended to believe him.
"Anyway thank you for everything that you've done for me back at the Isle of the Blessed. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you. I owe you a great debt, Merlin," she replied gratefully.
"I just couldn't bear the thought of losing you," he admitted, sounding sincere.
Lyanna licked her lips. "You won't, Merlin. Thank you for everything." Merlin smiled at her. "If you don't mind I should get some rest, I'm still feeling tired from being cursed."
"Sure. Sleep well, Lady Lyanna," he said in his sing-song voice. He addressed her another warm smile before he walked out of the door to do some chores. As soon as Lyanna placed her head on the pillow she was succumbed by darkness and let sleep overwhelm her.
Alas, that is the ending of series 1! I cannot believe that we've finished that so fast. I wanted to do something different for the ending so that is why I decided to let Nimueh curse Lyanna so that Merlin could be the hero. We shall go onwards with series 2 which will include a lot more Myanna and the relationship between them will surely develop properly ;) Right now only Merlin is convinced of his feelings for Lyanna and it's scaring him. But these two stubborn heads will figure it out soon ;-)