Disclaimer: I do not own 'Merlin'. I only own OC characters!
Rating: T for language & fight scenes.
A/N- Please note - You will still be able to follow this story without knowing the TV episodes :)
A/N- Thank you SO much TheWickedHeart, White Alchemist Taya & maisy4merlinfor your reviews! I really appreciate them and love to read them! Thank you also to all of those who have added this story to their alerts or added it as a favourite!
A/N- This may be my last chapter before Christmas (Christmas, yay!), but I promise to prepare some chapters for the New Year! ^.^
Thank you to my fantastic beta GemStoneLovely :)
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Chapter 14: Kidnap
Camelot, Date Unknown – I think, around January time?
Though, to be honest I'm really not sure what the date is. I arrived in Camelot on the 30thJuly – well it was that date back in my time - and it has been several months since I have been here. I think I may have skipped forward in time – well in the past… that doesn't make much sense does it? What I mean is, when I came to Camelot, I don't believe that it was July here. I remember that Samhain was the 'ye olde' version of Halloween, traditionally October 31st – but I had only been in Camelot 5 weeks by that time, meaning it should have been September. So I can only fathom that I skipped forward a month, for some reason. Not that I'll probably ever know what that reason is – I'm still not 100% sure I know why I'm here. I mean, I'm meant to save Arthur right? Well I haven't had much opportunity to do that yet – great help I've been.
Aria sighed and nibbled on the tip of her quill. She was definitely getting the hang of writing with it, her journal entries now reflected her normal writing, in contrast to the chicken scrawl she had managed in earlier entries. She dipped the nib of the quill in ink and continued writing.
Anyway, Arthur's birthday was a month after that, so that must have been end of November. Huh, I just realised that I know when THE King Arthur's birthday is and I was even there! Though as I wrote in you before, it did not end well… When I think about it, it's quite mad that I've been here to witness all of this. What historians see as fictional, I realise was actually factual. I wonder why the legends of Merlin are so different from one another and why they document Merlin as a mad man. At least, I remember reading somewhere that Merlin was a 'man of the woods' and crazy with a long beard. Well, my Merlin is definitely not old! Is he crazy though… maybe his attempts to hide his magic could come across as pretty crazy?! Though maybe they are documenting him as Dragoon? He really does personify a crazy old man when he's like that!
Wait, I digress, where was I… right – Arthur's birthday was the end of November, and it was about 2 weeks later (ish) when we found Aithusa. I can't believe I saw the birth of a dragon, it still astounds me that I'm witnessing all of this sometimes! We've had Aithusa for around one month – I find it hard to keep track of time and days here, but I've made my own calendar which I've hung up next to my bed at Gwen's. So, by my reckoning that makes it around January, meaning I'm 24 and half years old now. And damn, I missed Christmas!
Speaking of Christmas and calendars, I made Merlin a calendar as a Christmas present. They don't really celebrate Christmas here, but they are always having feasts for one reason or another so it doesn't really matter. I told Merlin about Christmas and how we celebrate it in the future – he found it all very interesting. He wasn't sure why he needed a calendar though, his exact words were, "so this documents how many days I work for Arthur? But I work most days…" He cut off there, I think he could tell I wasn't best pleased. I had really thought about his present too! I don't know if they have calendars here – I'm guessing not - but by giving him one, I thought he could keep track of birthdays, celebrations etc. and also if any 'event's' concerning Morgana. I thought it would be useful as he is kinda forgetful… he did come back and apologise later and said he hadn't really thought about it and a calendar would be great. I felt kind of bad if I'm honest. Maybe I'm just being hormonal and homesick? Trying to bring something 'modern day' to Camelot without catastrophically changing the future…it's so hard…
So, I've been here nearly 6 months! That's incredible. I wonder how everyone at home is doing… I think about them a lot – my family, my friends… I wonder if they know what happened to me... Do they think I died? I really miss them. I'll be 25 soon (that's a quarter of a century!), come May 1st, and it will be the first birthday I celebrate without my family and Ellie and Maria.
On another note, I'm still no closer to Merlin. I know now that he has loved before – he admitted that much at Arthur's birthday feast – well, they call it 'anniversary' feast here, but it's the same thing. I know, I've told you that before so I won't harp on it again – but I really want to know who he loved/ still loves! I tried to get it out of Gaius, but he just said that Merlin hasn't ever loved another as far as he knows… but he might be saying that to be kind to me. After all, he knows how I feel about Merlin…
It's been a month since we rescued Aithusa already! I don't really know what to do – how do I tell him that I care for him? Is that too outward for a lady in this time? Argh, I still don't know how things work and that would be so embarrassing, I couldn't deal with the rejection…
Aria looked up to see Gaius enter through the heavy wooden door, basket in hand.
Until next time journal!
She closed and locked her journal, noticing a red haze cover it, indicating that Merlin's magic had worked – no one other than her would be able to open the book, her secrets were safe.
"Aria, you're here early. Couldn't you sleep?"
Aria smiled sheepishly, "Something like that." She waved her journal, "Needed to get some thoughts down."
Gaius nodded and lifted up his hand to show a basket full of herbs and vegetables, "I struggled to sleep also. I decided to get up early and gather our ingredients for the day."
"Ah, I wondered where you were. Merlin wasn't here either – did he go with you?"
"He isn't here? I didn't hear him come in last night, but then, I am a rather heavy sleeper." Gaius walked over to Merlin's room and opened the door. "Hm. His bed is made - it doesn't look like he has slept in it at all."
Aria felt a strange stabbing sensation in her chest, "Oh, really? Maybe he just made the bed again?"
Holding up a book he had pulled from Merlin's room, Gaius frowned, "I laid this on his bed yesterday evening. It was still in the same place that I left it."
"Oh…" Aria petered off.
Was Merlin with someone? The woman he loves, perhaps? Calm down Aria, you're being ridiculous. He was probably doing something for Arthur…
Aria's chest felt like it was being constricted, so she took a couple of deep breaths.
Gaius's eyebrow raised slightly, noticing that Aria had turned a mild puce colour, "Are you feeling well, Aria?"
"A-ah, yes. Yes, thank you Gaius. Sorry – I was just thinking about something…"
"Don't worry. Merlin has often vanished overnight before, he'll be alright."
A weird feeling passed over Aria, like a sense of nervous unhappiness.
I know Gaius is only trying to help, but that's made me feel even worse! So Merlin has been gone overnight more than once? Maybe it really is another woman… That would explain why we've been getting nowhere over the last six months.
Aria sighed and looked down at her hands. Her stomach was doing belly flops.
Gaius probably thinks I'm worried about Merlin - and I guess I am, in a way. Well, it's none of my business who Merlin sees all night long, I should learn to mind my own business. Now I feel all jumpy and my heart is beating wildly. This is ridiculous! It's not as if I even know where he's been! It could be perfectly innocent… but of course, it's none of my business anyway…
Aria sighed, her heart dropping. Nope, I can't help it. This will play on my mind, I just know it.
BANG!
Merlin flung himself through the door looking positively dishevelled and half dressed. His jacket was slung over his shoulder, his shirt was half undone - showing the top half of his chest - and one of his shoes was pulled up over his trousers, whilst the other was hidden underneath.
Aria's mouth dropped open, "Merlin?!"
Merlin froze, looking like a deer caught in the headlights, "Aria?!"
Gaius looked between the two, his eyes finally resting on Merlin. He shook his head at him in disappointment.
"You've been out all night Merlin. Aria and I were worried about where you had gotten to."
The emphasis on 'all night' and 'Aria' obviously struck a chord with Merlin as he stuttered, "W-wait, it's not what you might think." He looked at Aria and started waving his arms wildly.
"And what do I think, Merlin?" Aria huffed, glaring at him, but she continued before he could answer, "It's none of my business what you get up to, or where you stay in the evenings. Now please, keep quiet, I'm trying to work."
She turned around and started sorting out some bottles on the table next to her, tears threatening to fall. She swallowed slowly and willed them away.
I can't believe him. It's none of my business… none of my business… none of my business… don't be so hot-headed Aria.
"Aria - please. It's not what you think, honestly-"
"Merlin, maybe you should leave it for now." Gaius rested a hand on the young man's shoulder and gave him a knowing look.
"But it's not-"
"Excuse me, may I come in?"
Aria automatically turned at the sound of a new voice. At seeing who it was, she tried really hard not to glare at the newcomer. This is not my day, I should have stayed in bed.
"Good morning Lord Agravaine. How may we assist you?"
"Good morning Gaius. Sorry, have I interrupted something?" He looked between the dishevelled Merlin, a disappointed Gaius and the evidently unamused Aria and sent a questioning look at them all.
"No, it's fine sire. Please, come in." Gaius let his hand drop from Merlin's shoulder and signalled for Agravaine to enter.
"Thank you." Agravaine entered and smiled, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "I was wondering if you had any more sleeping potion?"
"Oh?" Gaius asked.
"Yes. I've… well, I've been having trouble sleeping. You know, after all the tragedy that has happened over the last few weeks – it's been rather… trying."
Aria stifled a snort. Like he cares. He probably helped plan Uther's demise.
Gaius nodded, "Of course. Wait one moment."
Gaius walked over to his cabinet. "This is strange."
"What is it Gaius?" Aria and Merlin asked at the same time. Aria sent Merlin a glare.
"I was sure there were a few more bottles of sleeping potion in here yesterday… I must have been mistaken…" He turned towards Agravaine, "Sorry sire, we do not have any left."
"Hmm. Would I be able to get some brewed for this evening, perhaps? I'm sorry, it's impertinent of me to assume you can do this, it's just that I've had such terrible nightmares, I'm not sure I could last another night with them."
Aria resisted the urge to roll her eyes.
"Of course. However, I do not have the ingredients for the potion right now. As I thought we had some potion left, I did not think to gather those ingredients this morning when I went out."
"That is a predicament." Agravaine's face screwed up in deep thought.
Aria sighed. I know where this is going. Perhaps some fresh air would help me anyway.
"I can gather the ingredients for you." Aria said in a monotone voice.
"But Aria-" Gaius began.
"You will?" Agravaine interrupted. "Thank you so much dear girl. I am very grateful for your help. Would you allow me to accompany you? A young woman such as yourself shouldn't wander too far from the castle alone."
Aria couldn't put her finger on it, but it almost sounded like a threat or a warning.
"No, it's alright sire, I shall go alone."
"Aria, I'll come with you." Merlin spoke up for the first time since Agravaine had entered.
"No." Aria responded, a bit too forcefully. "I'll be fine on my own."
"I think Lord Agravaine is right Aria, you would be better with me-"
"I said no Merlin. I have gone on my own plenty of times before, it's not far from the castle. I'll be fine." She gave a small curtsey "I'll get the ingredients for you now."
With a wave of her hand, she grabbed a nearby wicker basket and headed for the door. "I'll be back later Gaius."
"Excellent, thank you Aria." Agravaine smiled at her, leaving Aria with a cold, creepy feeling.
"But-" Merlin tried to talk again, but Aria had already left. He went to follow her but Gaius laid a hand on his shoulder to stop him.
"It's best you leave her for now, Merlin."
Merlin's shoulders sagged in defeat.
Agravaine looked amused. "Well, I best let you get on. Please bring the potion to me before this evening Gaius. Thank you." With that, he twirled around and left, leaving Merlin and Gaius alone.
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Merlin slumped down on the stool next to Gaius.
I don't believe it. Of all the times to get caught like that. What must she think of me?
Gaius turned towards him, "I think you know what I am going to ask you, Merlin."
Groaning, Merlin replied, "I know. It's really not what you think."
Raising an eyebrow at him, signalling him to continue, Merlin sighed, "Arthur was acting completely normal – well, normal for him anyway – until we walked past Uther's old chambers. It was like he completely deflated and then he changed... I've not seen him like that before, not even when Morgana was missing." Merlin met Gaius's eyes, "He stormed into his chambers and, starting with the table and chairs, began smashing everything."
"Smashing everything?" Gaius responded in a surprised voice.
Merlin nodded, "Yes. He flipped the table, smashed the vase on his bedside table and then proceeded to knock that over as well. It was terrible Gaius. He completely lost it."
Gaius sat down next to Merlin, "Did this last all evening?"
"Yes, most of it. I didn't know what to do, I've never seen him like that before."
"What happened after that?"
"I told him he needed some fresh air. I didn't want to stop his rampage, I think he's kept it pent up for so long, he needed to let it out. He's only human after all."
"Indeed." Gaius looked thoughtful. "How does that explain your disarray this morning?"
"We went to the stables to get the horses and rode out to the forest. We spent most of the night sitting in silence and looking up at the stars. I think he wanted quiet company without being surrounded by the memories of his father's murder."
"I see."
"After a while, I felt my eyes closing and I must have fallen asleep. When I awoke, Arthur had gone, but he'd left me a note."
Merlin dug around in his trouser pocket and produced the small, curled up paper, handing it to Gaius, who coughed slightly before reading the note aloud.
"Merlin, when you wake up come back to the castle and start your chores. I tried waking you but your head must be filled with concrete as you didn't move. Your King." Gaius smirked slightly as he read.
Merlin chuckled, "I don't think he tried to wake me at all."
"Probably not." Gaius agreed.
"I came here straight away once I'd woken up. But, after sleeping in a forest…"
"You would look quite dishevelled."
Merlin sighed, "Exactly." He rubbed the back of his head with his hand.
"I see how the misunderstanding grew from there."
"Yes – I hope Aria doesn't think badly of me."
"I'm sure she doesn't Merlin."
Merlin cocked his eyebrow. "Gaius, I saw how she looked at me. You can't tell me you didn't see it."
Gaius sighed, "Perhaps…"
"No perhaps about it Gaius, Aria definitely thinks the worst of me." Merlin's shoulders sagged and he put his head in his hands.
"I think it best you give her some time to calm down and then tell her what you told me."
"I shouldn't go to her now?"
"No. Leave her for a while."
"Alright. Though I don't want her to think badly of me because…" Merlin paused, grateful his face was mostly covered by his arms as he could feel his cheeks heating up.
"You care for her."
"Mmm…"
"Merlin, you can be truthful with me."
Should I tell Gaius how I feel about Aria? It would be the first time I've actually said it aloud to somebody.
"I-I… Yes. I do care for her. A lot. I can't explain why, but ever since I first met her, I felt a connection with her – something I've never felt with anyone else. Like-"
"Destiny."
Merlin looked at Gaius and nodded, "Exactly. Though it's more than that – what I feel for her has grown immensely over these last few months. At first I tried to forget, because she was from another time and I didn't think we could be together. But since Kilgharrah has explained that the future is already set by what Aria has done in the past, I know that it is entirely possible I could love her. And maybe… maybe she could love me too."
Merlin sighed and put his head in his hands again, "Though I don't think she feels the same way."
"What makes you think that?"
"I stupidly mentioned at Arthur's anniversary feast about love and how it feels to be in love. She told me she had never felt love before and couldn't associate with it."
Gaius looked surprised, "Aria said that? Are you quite sure?"
"Yes." Merlin groaned and leant back on his stool, resting his elbows on the table behind him, "I told her that I had felt what being in love was like and she responded with saying she hadn't felt it before."
Gaius gave a little chuckle.
Merlin frowned at him, "What's so funny?"
"Merlin, you are a fool sometimes."
"What?!"
"You told Aria that you had been in love and could still be in love, but you didn't tell her it was her that you were talking about."
"But surely it was obvious? Who else would I be talking about?"
Gaius raised his eyebrow, "How would Aria know it was about her? She probably thought you were talking about someone else and thinks you love another. And after seeing your condition this morning, probably jumped to conclusions a lot quicker because of it."
Realisation dawned on Merlin's face. He can't mean…
"As such," Gaius continued, "Aria probably thinks you are in love with another woman and indeed spent last night with her."
Merlin turned pale.
"B-but I don't love another, Gaius. I'm in love with Aria."
Merlin felt a strange tingle in his stomach. That's the first time I've said that aloud, it feels nice.
Gaius smiled kindly, "Oh Merlin, you must tell her how you feel."
"What if she rejects me?"
"I think even a blind person could see that the two of you care for one another."
"Don't say I'm like that clotpole." Merlin muttered under his breath.
"Pardon?"
"Oh, nothing… just Arthur and Gwen." Merlin waved his hand in the air, "Do you really think I have a chance, Gaius?"
"I think you won't know until you try." Gaius replied sagely.
Merlin nodded slowly, "Maybe I'll tell her today. At the very least, I'll clear up the confusion about last night."
"I think that would be wise." Gaius nodded and patted Merlin on the shoulder. "Now, if you have some spare time, my leech tank needs cleaning."
"You're joking. You're joking right, Gaius?"
Gaius got up and walked away, "The cleaning rags are over there!" He replied whilst pointing over his shoulder towards the window behind him.
"Gaius!" Merlin whined. "Actually now that I think about it, Arthur wanted me to-"
"I don't doubt that some honest hard work cleaning the leech tank will help you formulate your thoughts." Gaius butted in, completely ignoring Merlin.
"I hate leeches." Merlin grumbled and edged towards the door.
"Actually…" Merlin repeated, louder this time, "Arthur definitely needed me to do something for him. Thanks Gaius – good luck with the leeches!"
By the time Gaius looked up, Merlin had already left.
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Picking up a nearby rag, Merlin sighed. I left Gaius's so I didn't have to clean the leech tank, but I ended up polishing Arthur's armour instead. Not much of a difference really. Best get this over with quickly, then I can go and get some fresh air.
Suddenly, Merlin felt a pang in his chest. That's odd.
Rubbing his chest lightly, he walked over to the bucket in the corner and poured a small cup of water for himself.
There it is again.
Merlin quickly drank the water and rubbed his chest again. The pain however, didn't subside.
It's getting worse. Something doesn't feel right. It's not a physical pain as such, more of a… wait.
Merlin checked to make sure he was alone and held out his hand, "Tre bærn suñ." A rose started to form on his hand, but his magic felt erratic. What's going on?
Vanishing the rose at the sound of someone entering behind him, Merlin looked up to see Arthur walking over to him, "Stop procrastinating Merlin. I want my armour cleaned today."
"Arthur, I'm not… something is wrong with me."
"Well I know that Merlin, it's called being an idiot." Not hearing a retort, Arthur sighed at his manservant, who looked like he was going to fall over any moment, "What's wrong with you now Merlin?"
"I don't know… I don't feel… right." Merlin looked thoughtful for a moment. He paused, trying to work out what he was feeling.
What does this mean? What is my magic trying to tell me?
An image of Aria flashed through his mind. Aria? What?
Merlin's brows creased together as more images of Aria flashed through his mind. Something's wrong.
"Well I know you're not right in the head. But I can't believe you're only working this out now."
Merlin ignored him. "I-I think it's Aria." Panic spread through him as his magic jumped inside of him when he said her name aloud. He looked up at Arthur, "Something's wrong. Something's very wrong."
"Aria?"
Merlin nodded, his face getting paler and paler. "I'm sorry, I have to go." He turned and ran from the room.
"Wait! Merlin!" Arthur groaned and ran after his manservant.
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Merlin hurtled down the street, dodging people, horses and any other obstacle that got in his way.
Aria, please be alright. The pain in my chest is bad, I've not felt this before. Not when you got lost, not even when we were being chased by the dorocha… What's going on?
Arthur meanwhile, was charging after Merlin and had tried to no avail to get him to stop. The citizens of Camelot looked confused as to why their King was running down the street, quickly curtseying and bowing to show respect as he ran past. If Arthur and Merlin hadn't been so focused on running, they would have found it comical.
"Merlin! Merlin, wait! Where are you going?" Arthur had finally managed to catch up to Merlin.
Merlin glanced sideways, "I think Aria's in trouble. She'll be past the gates getting ingredients."
Arthur looked shocked, "And how do you know she is in trouble?"
"I-" Merlin paused wondering how he could explain. "I don't know, I just had a… feeling."
"You and your feelings." Arthur muttered, but continued to follow Merlin as he headed towards the towering gates in the distance.
Both men ran through the gates and headed left.
To pick herbs and other ingredients Aria heads to the grassy area over here.
"Where would she be, Merlin?"
"Um... I think over there, by those trees." Merlin gasped, tired from sprinting.
As they ran past the small copse of trees, Merlin froze, causing Arthur to nearly run in the back of him. In front of him was Aria.
No.
"Those bas-" Arthur began, but Merlin didn't hear him. He could feel his magic reverberating around him, causing his eardrums to vibrate. He didn't care that Arthur was right beside him.
Aria had evidently been hit in the face, as blood was pouring out of a gash in her temple and her lip looked swollen and bruised. Her wrists and ankles had been tied together with ropes and she had been thrown over the saddle of a horse, unconscious. Three large men were laughing and preparing to jump on their horses, when they saw Arthur running towards them with his sword unsheathed. One of the men – a fair haired man with a crescent moon scar down his right cheek - jumped on the horse Aria was on and began riding away.
Merlin couldn't contain it any longer. His magic exploded from him, firing out from him in the direction of the scarred man. It looked like red lightning and moved so fast, Merlin knew his target would be hit. His magic collided with a small copse of trees ahead, causing a huge crack to resound in the air. A huge tree split in half, becoming uprooted from the soil and landed in front of the scarred man's horse. The horse reared up on its hind legs, nearly causing the man and Aria to fall off.
Arthur had already taken one of the men down and was currently fighting the other. He was seemingly unaware of the magic that had just radiated from Merlin, and instead, was focusing on disarming the man he was fighting.
Merlin ran forward and, using his magic, untied the ropes binding Aria and lifted her off the horse. The scarred man jumped off his horse and turned towards him.
"You have ma-"
He had no time to finish his sentence. Merlin muttered another spell under his breath, causing the man's shirt to tighten. The man gave a garbled choke and fell to the floor. Without hesitation, Merlin ran towards Aria and leant down beside her.
"Aria." Merlin stroked her cheek gently, causing her to rouse slightly.
"Merlin!" Arthur ran up behind him. "We have to get her back to Camelot. Now."
"Yes." Merlin grabbed the horse he had nearly crushed with the tree and jumped into the saddle. "Lift her up to me."
Arthur nodded and carefully lifted Aria up. Together, the managed to get her lying in front of Merlin, with her arms around either side of the horse's neck. Arthur grabbed the other two horses, jumped on one and led the other besides him.
"Let's head back as quickly as we can. We don't want to make her injuries worse so we can't go too fast on our horses." Arthur spoke as calmly as he could. He could see Aria had been injured quite badly and knew how Merlin must be feeling. Looking at the third man lying on the ground, Arthur asked, "How did you stop the other man, Merlin?"
"He got hit by a branch from that falling tree. I was lucky."
"Luck seems to follow you around."
"I'm not so sure about that." Merlin replied, gently stroking Aria's hair.
They carried on in silence.
How long is this going to take? Surely we can't be this far away from the castle?
Slyly, Merlin laid a hand on Aria's back and muttered a quick healing spell. That should help relieve some of the pain, though I can't do much more without Arthur noticing.
"A man should never hit a woman." Arthur trotted to catch up to Merlin and looked down at Aria.
"I don't know why they would be after her. What could she have done to them?" Were they really after me? No, how could anyone know about me?
"Maybe someone from her past sent them to find her?"
"I don't think so…" Arthur doesn't know of course, but that's impossible. Aria is from the future and those men were definitely from this time.
Arthur looked ahead, "There are the castle gates. I will signal the knights to get Gaius and some medicine."
"Thank you." Merlin nodded and watched Arthur canter off. "Aria, please be alright. Why would anyone do this to you?"
The only reply he got was a quiet whisper from Aria, "Emrys."
Merlin's blood ran cold.
A/N – Let me know what you think of this chapter! Why was Aria attacked? What did you think of Merlin's confession? Let me know what you think in a review- thank you! ^.^
Hope you all have a Merry Christmas! :)