Chapter 14 A New Quest?
It had been two month since Morgana had returned to Camelot and she had to admit that it was… comforting, in a way to be home again. She hadn't expected things to go so well but she was glad they were, she remembered later that first they that she and Merlin had returned to Camelot how they could cut the awkwardness like butter…
Two month earlier
The sun had just set and Merlin was yawning as he magically lit a number of candles in his home. Gaius had left an hour ago after they had had dinner together but Morgana still had not returned. Merlin began to worry that she had used the bag of coins he had given her to leave Camelot. As if the spirits wished to prove him wrong Morgana (disguised by the power of her bracelet) opened the door and walked in with a large pile of fancy ornate dresses following her in midair. As she shut the door and turned around she was met by an unbelieving stare coming from Merlin.
"What are you gawking at?" Morgana demanded as the dresses floated over to one of the clothes cabinets. As the dresses put themselves away Merlin shook his head in disbelief as he lit the last candle on the kitchen table with his index finger.
"It takes you 8 hours to buy dresses?" Merlin asked incredulously.
"Well I wanted to make sure that I liked them, and the tailor was so charming I couldn't help but spend the day chatting to him." Merlin gave Morgana a blank stare as he said,
"Oh I don't doubt it for a minute, and I'm guessing that there isn't any coin left?" Morgana gave Merlin a smug smile as she tossed Merlin a significantly smaller pouch of coins. As Merlin caught it Morgana removed her bracelet as she walked into the small wash room of the house, one of the dresses from the cabinet followed her in before Merlin heard the door shut.
"The tailor actually gave me a discount, said I was the sunshine to his day." Morgana bragged from the other room. Merlin opened the pouch of coins only to find 5 silver coins along with a handful of copper coins that now replaced the 30 gold coins that had been in the pouch previously.
"Discount my ass," Merlin muttered. He got up from his seat and limped over to a chest that was in what used to be the smithy part of the house. Merlin had taken it upon himself to make this his magic study months ago, dozens of magical artifacts and weapons hung from the wall along with dozens of spell books (including the ones filled with Kilgharrah's knowledge) which filled the shelves in the small room. The chest was more of a large foot locker that used to hold all of Gwen's fathers tools, Merlin now used it to store the more valuable things he owned. Opening the chest he threw the pouch into it where it landed on more pouches of coins which were filled with gold. The now blackened Crystal of Jadira was also in the chest along with talismans and jewels he had recently acquired throughout his time as Court Magician. As he shut the chest and re uttered the spell to keep those without permission out and turned to see that Morgana had emerged from out of the wash room wearing a black night dress that she had bought that day. Merlin couldn't help but stare at how it fit her body so perfectly and was grateful that Morgana didn't notice his staring.
"So where am I going to be sleeping?" Morgana asked as she moved back into the kitchen. Merlin limped back rubbing his left shoulder again as he took his seat at the table again.
"You'll sleep in my bed it's the only one in the house anyways." The statement surprised Morgana and a smirk instantly crossed her face hiding her blush.
"Don't flatter yourself Merlin, just because you bought me a few dresses doesn't mean I'm willing to share a bed with you."
"Which is why I'll be sleeping in my study," Merlin replied bluntly wiping the smirk off of Morgana's face. "The chair in there is more comfortable to me anyway."
"Oh," Morgana replied as she turned her back to Merlin and walked into his room. As soon as she slammed the door shut Merlin sighed as he rubbed his forehead with his index finger and thumb.
What have I got myself into? Merlin thought to himself. He picked himself up and limped his self-back to the study where he gently sank into the soft cushions of his easy chair. It truly was softer that his bed in his opinion and he spent most nights in it anyway. It wasn't long until Merlin managed to drift asleep; as he slept he dreamt that Arthur hadn't died and that he was still King, treating him as his servant as he always had. Merlin would have traded his chest of coins and title just to have his old friend back. Unfortunately he was awakened from a panicked shout coming from his room. He rushed into the room only to find Morgana thrashing in her sleep. She had broken out in a sweat and she was moaning about someone leaving her.
All these years and she still has nightmares, Merlin thought to himself. He looked around his room briefly before turning into the kitchen where he saw Morgana's bracelet. While it now had the added enchantment to disguise Morgana anytime she wore it; it still had the original healing properties Morgause had put on it years ago. With the bracelet in hand he walked back into the room and slipped the bracelet on Morgana's wrist. Along with her appearance changing instantly she calmed down gradually and Merlin let out a sigh in relief. Using the bed sheet he wiped the sweat from Morgana's brow before he left the room. As soon as he left Morgana awoke and looked down at her wrist and was surprised to see her bracelet on. She looked at the open door and uttered a silent thanks that only she had heard.
Present time
Merlin had been extremely civil towards Morgana, and she knew very well that he didn't have to. While he awoke every morning early to tend to his duties he would always have a small breakfast waiting for her on the table for when she awoke, and next to it was always a small pouch of silver (he had learned not to waste gold) beside it. She would normally travel around the town and speak to the other women of Camelot, sharing random gossip and what not. It had been so long since Morgana had been accepted by people willingly and not through fear or torture. And at nights Merlin would call Aithusa for Morgana to meet her in the forest, as if he knew that she wanted that. At first Morgana had deflected all of Merlin's kind acts with cold humor and sneers, but it got harder when he didn't respond to it. It was a month before Morgana started showing any signs of gratitude to Merlin. It was hard for her after all these years and it was difficult for her to simply change…
One month earlier
Merlin had awoken early as usual and was walking into the kitchen with his robes on and staff in hand. When he looked up from his exhaustion he was surprised to see two plates with two eggs on each and a bowl of fruit in the middle of the table.
"Good Morning Merlin," Morgana said warmly with a small smile. Merlin turned to see her at the small stone oven in the house with an apron on.
"Good Morning," Merlin said suspiciously as he watched Morgana take a seat at the table. After a few seconds of rushed stares between the food and Morgana Merlin finally cracked and asked the obvious question. "What's all this?" he asked gesturing to the food on the table.
"I thought I'd make us breakfast," Morgana said simply with another smile. She then pointed to the seat in front of her and silently gestured for Merlin to sit. With a suspicious smile forming at the corner of his mouth Merlin puts his staff down and joins Morgana at the table. He waits for Morgana to start eating and once she does he begins to eat the eggs on his plate. The two ate in silence for a few minutes but Merlin could tell that there was something on Morgana's mind. Finally after 20 minutes of the awkward silence Morgana finally spoke up.
"I've come to realize that I… haven't been as grateful to you as I should be."
"Don't worry about it," Merlin interrupted with a mouthful of egg. "It's no big deal."
"But it is a big deal," Morgana said stubbornly, some of her ice creeping back into her words. She took a deep breath to clear her voice before continuing. "Since you saved me from Marion, the first time, you not only saved my life once but three times, took me in, protected me and made me feel welcome. After everything I've done to you and Camelot, you've been very decent to me."
"Really Morgana it's no big deal," Merlin assured.
"Merlin shut up I'm trying to be grateful and you're making it difficult," Morgana snapped. Merlin raised his hands in apology and motioned for Morgana to continue. Taking another deep breath Morgana opened her emerald green eyes and stared at Merlin's sapphire blue eyes and said,
"What I'm trying to say is… I am very grateful for all that you've done for me and I just wanted to say… Thank You." The two stared at each other for a few seconds, finally Merlin swallowed his mouthful of egg and said,
"You're Welcome Morgana." They had both smiled to each other, truly and without any ulterior motive. It was the beginning of a healed friendship.
Present day
Since then Merlin and Morgana began spending more time together and grew closer together, almost as close as they were before Morgana was taken away by Morgause. Over time Merlin even started giving Morgana permission to use some of his books and magical tools, he had slowly turned to trust Morgana and she him in return. One morning as the two were enjoying a lunch of roasted chicken and bread a knock at the door was heard. Morgana instantly put on her bracelet as Merlin opened the door revealing a messenger from the castle.
"What is it Toby?" Merlin asked the young man.
"It's the Queen my lord she wishes to see you immediately." Merlin looked back at Morgana with a frown who responded with a furrowed brow. Merlin then turned his attention back to the boy and said,
"I'll be there immediately."
It wasn't long until Merlin and Morgana were in the Castle approaching the main hall.
"What do you think Gwen wants?" Morgana asked. Merlin merely shook his head.
"Your guess is as good as mine Jane but it must be important." She nodded as the two entered the main hall. When they entered they saw Gwen already seated on her thrown with two, very short, well bearded men standing before her. On seeing them enter Gwen smiled and greeted the two.
"Ahh Merlin, Jane I'm glad you came. I'd like to introduce you to Lord Baldrick Dundar and his son Barik, Dwarves from the northern kingdom of Hrothgar." As soon as Gwen had said the word Dwarves Merlin's eyes clouded as Kilgharrah's voice spoke to him of Dwarfs.
Dwarves are one of the oldest races to live above and under the earth. They prefer to live underground in their cavern cities, emerging only to engage in trade with 'top siders' as they'd call humans. They have a monarchy of their own and follow their own laws and rules. It is said that the only Dwarf that can be trusted is an exiled one, for he has lost the rights to be called Dwarf and is forced to live above ground and live away from his people.
As Merlin regained consciousness he saw that Baldrick had approached him and had a hand extended.
"It is a pleasure to meet you Merlin," he said in an old hearty voice. Merlin smiled as he clamped hands with the Dwarf. "The pleasure is mine," he assured the Dwarf. Baldrick chuckled as he turned his attention to Morgana.
"And who is this lovely creature," he asked looking at Morgana.
"My name is Jane my lord, a pleasure to meet you," she said holding her hand out for him. The old Dwarf grabbed Morgana's hand in his big hand and gently brought his lips to her hand.
"If only they had such beauty back in my home city, I may have never considered leaving." Morgana giggled at the compliment as Gwen recalled everyone's attention.
"Lord Dundar, please explain to us why you have come to Camelot. We have never had a Dwarf grace our halls before."
"No, and that is due to my people's stubbornness my Queen. But I find myself in a delicate situation and have come seeking aid."
"What sort of aid?" Gwen asked curiously. Baldrick reached into his sleeve and pulled out an old, crumpled rolled up piece of parchment and held it in his hands as he spoke.
"My people are facing the threat of a civil war, the Kings of our cities fight over petty grievances and century old grudges that have all but been forgotten, but the largest is of the Dwarves love for gold. The King's for whatever reason have become greedy, even by a Dwarf's standard. They threaten to attack one another in the attempt to greaten their fortunes, but they do so at the sacrifice of the lords who follow them."
"What do you mean sacrifice the lords?" Gwen asked.
"Like in your fine city each Dwarven city has nobles, 13 different noble houses in each one and each one loyal to its king. Unfortunately when the Dwarves declare war they first take the warriors and men from the Lords, along with a great deal of our riches to fund the war. Now normally we would do this without hesitation, but never against our own kind for the sake of monetary gain."
"So you wish for Camelot to send aid to help your king to fight?" Gwen asked skeptically.
"No No! Not at all, if I were to bring human fighters to fight for my king my house and family would be exiled."
"What is it you would want from us?" Gwen asked. Baldric held up the map that was in his hand and presented it to the Queen.
"Long ago the Dwarves had an army that could crush all with its might, an army of Golems to fight at our command." Merlin's concentration was broken from more knowledge from Kilgharrah.
The creation of the Golems was easily the greatest feats the Dwarfs had ever accomplished. Created from Stone, Steel, and Onyx, the hardest substance on earth (even more so than Diamond) these creatures were feared and sought after. Immune to all forms of physical damage and to most forms of magical damage, only the Dwarfs and their earth based magic were able to craft these magnificent creatures but unfortunately few know the way to create them and fewer remain around to this day.
"The King of my city, King Dworkin, does not wish to go to war for wealth. He wishes only to defend his people from the attack of the other cities. Unfortunately our city is small and has the fewest amount of Golems at our disposal and will not allow us to last long."
"Can your people not make more of these creatures?" Gwen asked.
"Yes but it would not be enough, there is only one in the city of Hrothgar who can forge a Golem and it takes months to simply start one. Fortunately a map has been passed down from my family that is supposed to lead to an abandoned city that was known for creating Golems. There we will be able to find ancient and forgotten texts on how to build the strongest of Golems, maybe even some abandoned Golems that could be used to defend our city with renewed strength."
"This all sounds good Lord Dundar but why would you need Camelot's aid? Wouldn't your own people want to help find this lost city?" Gwen asked. Baldric looked down sadly and sighed with a tone of regret.
"Unfortunately all but my family believes the city to be a myth, a legend forgotten in time. But I know that it exists, it must! So to seek aid my son and I came to the surface to ask for aid from the top sider nobles. Please Queen Pendragon you must help us!" Gwen thought it over for a few moments before looking back at Baldrick.
"I will need to discuss this with my council first Lord Dundar, I will have an answer for you by tomorrow. Do you have a copy of the map that we may observe?" Baldrick shook his head. "Merlin would you mind then?" Knowing what Gwen meant Merlin grabbed a sheet of paper from the desk to his side, he then took the map from Baldrick and made a perfect copy of it. Baldrick's eyes widened at the sight and turned his attention back to the Queen.
"Queen Pendragon this map has been the only copy for over 30 generations in my family, please promise me that regardless if you agree to help or not that you will destroy that copy." He pleaded
"You have my word Lord Dundar; I will be ready with my decision this time tomorrow. Meeting adjourned." Baldrick bowed to Gwen one last time before leaving the room with his son. As they left Merlin heard them speaking in an odd language that he could only guess as Dwarfish. Gwen immediately summoned the council who seated themselves around the table for the matter of discussion. Morgana had left due to not being a part of the council.
"His pleas seem genuine enough, but what do we know of these Golems? And do we really want the dwarves to have an army of them?" Gwen asked.
"My lady Golems are creatures made of the hardest substances on earth found only in the deep tunnels by the dwarven cities." Merlin explained.
"Are they dangerous?" Drygor asked plainly.
"I would think so, but from what I know about Dwarfs their only a danger to their enemies." Merlin said.
"And why wouldn't the Dwarves want to attack us now if they had the numbers to?" Sir Leon asked quizzically. It was Geoffrey who answered the question.
"The Dwarfs have never once attacked the surface even with their army of Golems in the past, they have always preferred living in their tunnels underground. And helping them may have them show some form of gratefulness towards us in the future. Few kingdoms can say they have the aid of a Dwarven city."
"Where does the map say the city is anyway?" Gaius asked. Drygor opened the map Merlin had made a copy of and studied it quizzically.
"Well the city is some ways underground, I can't tell where, but the entrance leading underground is somewhere on the far outskirts of Cenred's kingdom." This got murmurings from a few of the people.
"Let us not forget that we are at peace with Cenred," Gwen pointed out.
"But will he acknowledge that peace if we send our men into his kingdom?" Leon pointed out. Gwen shook her head in thought as she turned to look at Merlin.
"What is your say in this Merlin?" she asked.
"In all honesty I don't know, Baldrick seems to be a decent fellow but I know nothing of Dwarfs or their sense of honors. We should ask him what it is he'd need and how payment would be received."
"That seems a fair idea, I want to help him but not if it staggers Camelot. Very well meeting adjourned." With that the council dispatched as Merlin and Gaius left the room together talking about the possibility of the quest.
"Do you know anything about Golems?" Merlin asked.
"I'm afraid not, Dwarfs have always been a secretive race and never want to share anything with humans. For a lord to ask for help from humans is unheard of."
"Do you think it to be a trap of some kind?"
"No I don't think so," Gaius admitted. "From what I know Dwarfs never pick a fight for no reason. Only to protect their sense of honor and protect what is theirs."
"Well I suppose that we're just going to have to wait and see wont we?" Merlin said with a sly smile. Gaius returned the smile as he went into his pouch and handed Merlin a large vial.
"Your medicine for the month, I'm surprised that the Hell Hound wound is still affecting you."
"It must be the poison, Jane mustn't have gotten all of it." Merlin mused rubbing at his left shoulder.
"And the Crystal is still black?" Gaius asked. Merlin replied with a nod and said,
"It's turned into a lighter, almost gray color but I feel it's still too soon use it."
"Well at least the pain is manageable than," Gaius said optimistically. They said their good byes as they reached Gaius's chambers and Merlin deciding, since it was still early, to visit the tavern for a bit before heading home. Arthur had always complained about him being in the tavern (although he was never there when accused of it) but now that he had the choice to go freely he'd frequent the tavern at Camelot at least twice a week. As he walked into the Crouched Lion he saw it was filled as usual with regular towns people, knights and a number of sorcerers from out of town. Merlin was surprised to see Baldrick sitting at the bar with a large mug of Ale that seemed large for his small frame. Taking a seat next to him Merlin got his attention.
"Ah Merlin was it? Please join me I could use the company."
"How has your stay been Lord Dundar?" Merlin asked.
"Oh please just Baldrick, no need for titles in a pub, and it has been a decent enough stay. Your kinds have been very accommodating to me and my son."
"Is he here to?"
"Oh no he's in our room upstairs, I'm afraid he's angry with me at the moment," Baldrick admitted downing the Ale in his glass like he would a glass of water.
"Why is he mad at you?" Merlin inquired as he ordered a drink.
"He thinks I am beseeching the Dundar name by asking humans for help. He is a Dwarf set in the old ways I'm afraid. It's not anything to be ashamed of to ask for aid from others, even if most of them don't have beards." Merlin laughed at the quip as the bar maid brought two mugs of Ale out for Merlin and Baldrick. As Merlin took a swig from his mug he reached into the pocket in his jacket and handed the map copy to the Dwarf who accepted it gratefully.
"Were any other copies made?" Baldrick asked suspiciously.
"No that is the only one."
"Good," he replied. He held the copy in his hand and placed his second hand over the sheet of paper, when he removed it the paper had caught fire and was burning in the palm of his hand.
"You can do magic?" Merlin asked obviously.
"Yes, all Dwarves can use magic to an extent. We excel in anything that has to do with the Earth and natural metals, and smiths have an adept skill with fire as well. It's how we forge the body of our Golems."
"How do the Dwarfs craft Golems?" Merlin asked. Baldrick looked hesitant for a moment but shook his head and swallowed half of his ale in one go.
"I'm not sure about the inner mechanics, but the shell of a Golem, its body, is crafted using stone, steel or onyx. Onyx Golems are very hard to craft for if you make a mistake the shell is ruined. They use the fire to tempt the ores and stone and then their affinity controlling the stone to shape it how they wish. It's a very time consuming process."
"How are they brought to life?" Merlin asked. "It must be some form of magic,"
"Yes but unfortunately that is one of the most well kept secrets of the Dwarven race. Even if I did know I wouldn't be able to tell you." Baldrick explained.
"I understand," Merlin said drinking his ale. They continued speaking at the bar for a few hours speaking of random stories in their past and getting drunk enough that un humorous things were hysterical. Finally when the bartender had had enough of them Baldrick returned to his room while Merlin slumped out of the bar and back to his house. He got lost a dozen times on his way back and ended up having to give a little boy a gold coin to help him find his house. Finally he barges in the door to find a surprised looking Jane sitting at the kitchen table with a book in her hand. She was wearing one of her black night dresses and had been reading when Merlin fell through the door way.
"Merlin are you all right?" she asked with a concerned tone.
"O'course I'mmm arrright," He slurred as he picked himself up from the floor and sat at the table across from her. She sniffed the air a few times and with a furrowed face from the smell she shut her book and said,
"Merlin you're as drunk as a spoiled lord." She exclaimed.
"Iaam not!" Merlin argued as he swayed in his chair. Morgana gave him a disbelieving look as she held up two fingers.
"How many fingers am I holding up Merlin?" she asked quizzically. Merlin stared at her and the fingers for a few moments before finally muttering.
"True you ARE holding fingers up," which brought him in a fit of laughing. With a scowl Morgana shook her head and said, "Yes Merlin you are very drunk, come on let's get you to bed." Morgana then led Merlin into his room where she lied him on the bed much to his protestations.
"If ima sleep inda bed where rrr you gonna sleep?" Merlin slurred half asleep and all drunk.
"Don't you worry about me," Morgana assured as she through the covers atop of Merlin. "Just sleep this off and be ready to wake up early in the morning." Merlin grumbled like a two year old not wanting to fall asleep but as he finally started to drift off Morgana heard him mutter one last thing before nodding off.
"Don't I get a kiss good'night from the pretty lady?" Morgana felt her cheeks flush as she looked down at Merlin who was now fast asleep in his bed. Morgana couldn't believe that she had heard him say that.
He's drunk, its nothing to worry about Morgana thought to herself as she got up from sitting on the bed and walked towards the door way. She stopped before leaving the room and turned back to look at Merlin's form who was now mumbling about wanting a jigger of pickle water for his flying pony. Before Morgana left she gave a smile at Merlin's childish drunken nature as she left the room and blew out the candle in the kitchen. As she sat down in Merlin's easy chair one final thought crossed her mind.
How the hell is this chair softer than the bed?
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