« In a land of myth and a time of magic … » I would own Merlin's rights and be able to use english like my maternal language. Sadly neither of those things are true. I hope you'll enjoy though. Snapepotter.
The Coming of Arthur
« You're playing a dangerous game Merlin ».
She smiled.
« I've been playing a dangerous game since I've set foot in Camelot », Merlin replied. « Maybe it's time to change that ».
« I hope you're right », Lancelot whispered, exchanging a worried look with Gaius.
Arthur was waiting, leaning against a pillar in his chambers when she arrived.
« Well ? What did Gaius say ? Did he have any informations ? », he asked.
« He didn't know much. But he has heard of a sorceress who lives in the forest of Glaistig. He thinks she maybe would help you ».
« Will he lead me to her ? »
« No », replied Merlin shaking her head, « he has told me all that he knew. We will have to find her ourselves ».
« If you were me », Arthur asked, « and it was your father, would you use magic to save his life ? »
« If so I would do whatever it took », replied Merlin, knowing perfectly well that she was lying. She would never bargain a life again.
Arthur stayed silent during a short time, as if he was hesitant. Finally, he seemed to reach a conclusion and he said :
« Prepare the horses. Gather supplies. We'll ride at first light. »
And so they did.
They traveled for a few hours before Merlin found what she was looking for, a little abandonned hut surrounded by the woods. Quietly, they dismounted and tied the horses to a tree. Merlin, trying to disguise her edginess, pretended that she needed to pee and motioned for Arthur not to wait for her. She could see that he mistook her action for the fear of meeting a sorceress, but she didn't mind. It served her purpose. Going deeper into the woods, she waited for him to enter the shack before undressing, putting on the old dusty robes Gaius had given her and muttered the spell. Once satisfied, she joined the prince in the hut, inwardly complaining about arthritis. She found Arthur looking at a pot he'd smashed on the floorand tried not to let her amusement show when she spoke to him.
« You ! », he exclaimed when he saw her.
« How we meet again Arthur Pendragon », she said. « You have come to kill me ? » she asked, noticing the way his hand had griped his sword.
« No, that wasn't my intention » he denied.
She approached him, trying to appear threatening and her foot crushed the pottery.
« I broke a pot », he admitted.
« You always were a clumsy fool », she spat, presenting him with a broom, not quite able to stiffle a giggle.
« Excuse me », asked Arthur, shocked.
« Now, if you haven't come all this way to kill me », she said, « why have you come here ? I take it you haven't come all this way just to smash my favorite pot ! »
« If I had known who you were, I wouldn't have come at all », he replied.
« I thought that you had come to ask me to use magic to heal your father ? », she blurted out.
« How did you know ? », he asked.
« I know more than you could possibly comprehend », she retorted, her fingers pinching the bridge of her nose.
« And given your hatred for my father and everything he stands for, I was clearly wasting this journey. »
« Do not suppose that you know my mind », she chastised.
« Wait. You would help me ? »
« You are asking me to save the life of a man who would have me executed ».
« I know what I am asking of you, and that you have no reason to help me », pleaded Arthur, « but you are my father's only hope. I'll give you anything you'll ask for. Land. Gold. Name your price. »
« I do not want your gold ! », she yelled and it wasn't entirely faked. « All I have ever wanted for is for people like me to be left in peace. For those who practice magic to be accepted rather than hunted. That is all I ask. That is the price for your father's life. »
« I give you my solemn word. When I am king, things will be different. You won't have to live in fear. »
« Then », smiled Merlin while getting closer, « I will help you ».