Chapter 24

Merlin

Currently all members of the Round Table were here, being summoned by Lancelot instead of Arthur. He was pacing in front of all of us, seemingly trying to find the words to explain the urgent situation. Arthur was watching him with a bewildered look and most of the knights looked like they might laugh.

'Lancelot? Would you like to say something?' I poked gently at the issue.

'Right!' He said, snapping to attention and causing chuckles. He glared at them but continued.

'You all have had suspicions that I've been seeing a woman. Her name is Safira and she has a kind of…' Lancelot left on, gesturing hopelessly. 'Let's call it a gift. Of knowing things without ever hearing, witnessing, reading or any form of contact with the object. Whether physical or mental.'

'You've lost me.' Arthur said truthfully and even Aria looked a tad confused.

'Just say she could be going on her daily life when suddenly she knows that you're planning a visit to her home or that a little girl in the square has been hurt. She just knows out of the blue.' Lancelot said uncomfortably.

'Are you trying to tell us she knows something of us?' I asked, feeling a bit more wary.

'Yes! She knows that both you and Aria have magic!' Lancelot exploded.

He seemed so unguarded but still holding back. Like this wasn't the most important thing. Arthur started to swear under his breath. I knew Safira a bit better. She was unique in a way. She had an interesting way of seeing the world but never before has she expressed hate or dislike towards magic.

'She's alright with all of it! She refuses to send anyone to the chopping block!' Lancelot further exploded.

I was beginning to think he had caught some of my verbal diarrhea. He did spend an awful lot of time with me. So I knew that wasn't it. Arthur was disbelieving and I suspect, slightly concerned with this behavior. Even Gwaine and Percival gave me a questionable look. I shrugged my shoulders, Lancelot would probably explode again anyway.

'Something else, Lancelot?' Arthur drawled.

'Yes! I love her!' This, of course, resulted in stunned silence which then changed into laughs and cheering. I beamed at him. Gwen was grinning too. And Arthur… he looked almost wild with laughter. Then something else happened.

'I want to ask her to marry me!' Lancelot exclaimed, causing another bout of silence. This time with gaping mouths. He turned and implored me. 'Merlin, help!'

In complete spastic movement, I jumped up and hugged him tight. I swear the grin plastered to my face would never come off. Lancelot, one of my closest friends, the first to accept me for who I am, was going to pop the question. That broke the silence, everyone jumped up to clap him on the back, give encouragement, congratulate and to make plans for the impending proposal. I knew already Safira wouldn't say no to him.

Aria

That night I awoke with a start. I climbed out of bed and took up a defensive position. Think Aria, think. What was that? Could someone be here? I thought for a moment I'd sensed a magical presence. It woke me with its unfamiliarity, even though it didn't seem like the invasive kind. I was about to relax my stance when a voice spoke.

'Hello. Who could you be?'

'Who's there? Where are you?' I hissed in alarm, cursing my bestial instincts.

'I am a druid chieftain and I am speaking into your mind. Do not fear me. I was looking for Emrys.' He explained softly. Realization dawned on me.

'Yes I know him. As for me, well, I am a creature of magic much like he is.'

'I need to speak with him immediately. It is a very urgent matter.' The voice said.

'And when do you intend on speaking with him?' I asked tightly. He seemed to be speaking the truth but I did not want Merlin walking into a trap.

'As soon as possible. I will be waiting in the woods outside of Camelot for the time being.' His voice was gentle but there was something in it. Fear, perhaps?

'Very well.' I consented. I'd have to tell Merlin about this in the morning. Hopefully I can get some sleep tonight before having to deal with that.

'You're joking.' Merlin said, eyes trying to stay shut when I marched into his room first thing in the morning and woke him up with the news of the druid chieftain.

'No I'm most definitely not!' I protested. 'Come on Merlin, get up.'

He grunted something about mornings and shifted but did not wake. A light dawned on me. A way to wake him. But did I dare try it? Our relationship was awkward even between us. But I had a good excuse. He refused to get up! And didn't he tell me he loved me almost every night?

'Merlin.' I whispered in his ear. He stirred but made no sound. 'If you don't wake, I can get you in a lot of trouble.' I warned. Still no movement. He gave me no choice.

I did feel oddly gleeful of this though. I climbed up on his bed and leaned over him, one hand on his chest and the other bracing his arm. He twitched but refused to awaken. So I sighed, lowered myself and pressed my lips to his. His eyes flew open then shut slowly as he responded with more enthusiasm than I would've expected from a person who just woke up. It was like a fire had ignited within my chest. I pulled back and drew a shaky breath, my lips, already missing the contact.

But he moaned and pulled me back down to him, our lips meeting again. He felt so smooth and strong and firm. I was slowly melting into his arms, losing my resolve. I could hardly keep coherent thought! The last one was, 'at least he's awake.' Then I succumbed to the tingling in my lips and the smooth movements of his mouth against mine. God, he was good.

Luckily or sadly, Gaius chose to burst in through the door then. We broke away with a gasp but I remained leaning over Merlin. I wasn't sure exactly what was going on or why Gaius would be there. My brain was still trying to reassemble itself. I had the urge to laugh at Gaius shocked look but somehow knew that would be a bad idea.

'Merlin!' Gaius finally said, shocked out of his mind.

'Yes?' Merlin managed, looking like he was struggling for more words.

'What did you think you were doing? You can't go around stealing women's innocence first thing in the morning! Didn't your mother teach you how to treat women with respect?' Gaius scolded, looking between me and Merlin.

'Me? But I… she was!' Merlin stuttered, half way to protesting fully. Time to play my part.

'It's alright, Merlin. I understand. You were probably dreaming. Please don't be too harsh on him, Gaius.' I said to the two men as I tore myself from Merlin disappointment residing in me. I left Merlin's room grinning though, leaving one man annoyed and another thankful.