I do not own Merlin.
This story is set post reveal. Well, to be exact it is set about a year after the happenings in 'Night of Destiny' (5.05) This is not a direct sequel, so you can read it separately without any problems.
Well , we are heading for the end. Quite a few things sorted and revealed in this one. Hope you enjoy!
Ariana just stared at Bronach trying to comprehend what he had said.
Merlin was dead. He had died for her. Not because of Morgana, or Edgar. He had valued her life above his own. She sank back into her pillow in shock, her mind numb and frozen at the incomprehensible revelation.
'No. He can't be gone.' She stuttered, unwilling to believe anything she had heard. 'I am not worth his life.' The heart he had assumingly saved was thumping like a drum at the thought of it. Had she just returned to life to find that any hopes she might have had for a future with Merlin were dashed by his unselfishness?
Bronach hugged her gently as tears broke loose and quiet sobs shook her fragile frame.
At that moment the door of the chambers crashed open with a loud thud and they both looked up taken aback. Then shock and recognition took a hold of them.
'Merlin!?' Bronach shouted the name, totally staggered and Ariana stared at him in utter confusion, unsure whether she could trust her eyes. Just a second ago she had tried to grasp that he was dead and now he stood there in the door, his black hair as unruly as ever and a look on his eyes that cut right through her heart.
Merlin had run all the way from the council chambers and his heart was beating so fast in hope and anticipation that he was not sure how it actually stayed inside his ribcage. When he opened the door he just stopped short for a second to take in the scene before him.
It is true! His heart took another leap. The spell had indeed done its duty. He saw her eyes boring into his making sure it was really him and not just a pigment of her distraught mind. He saw tears rolling down her cheeks and that propelled him into action. He rushed forward and as Bronach made room at Ariana's side he took her into his arms and squeezed her to his chest. With his hand on her back and his lips on her cheek he hugged her as if his life depended on it. 'Ariana….' He muttered hoarsely, overwhelmed by euphoria.
Ariana lifted her hand and ran it through his wild locks, stunned and overjoyed at the same time. It did not matter in this instant how and why and when. All these questions would be answered later. But in that moment of time the most important thing was that they were both there and alive and that they had defied Morgana's evil intent.
'Merlin, I cannot breathe.' Ariana laughed at him, crying from happiness at the same time. He had squeezed her so tight she could barely move. Merlin's face widened into a broad, happy smile and as he loosened the hold on her slightly to kiss the tears off her cheeks, his gratitude at her revival turned into jubilation.
Then they just sat there and held each other in complete contentment. Nothing needed said. They were perfectly happy just to be and to revel in the warmth of each other's touch. That was all that counted and mattered to them at this moment. And they did not stir until King Eowyn joined them to celebrate the second birth of his daughter.
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'Merlin, would you stop doing this?' Arthur feigned desperation as he watched Merlin fold three of his tunics to tuck them into the saddle bag. 'I am quite capable of doing this myself.' He added stubbornly and slightly embarrassed. Merlin just grinned at his friend and continued packing two pairs of breeches and a belt.
'And I do believe you cannot.' He answered cheekily, his grin widening as he busied himself organising Arthur's belongings and completely ignoring the other man's scolding. 'I have had years of practice in this, whereas you have been waited on hand and foot since you were a child and …..have no clue.'
Arthur smiled inwardly at his friend's insolence. It was a gift that they were here, having this light hearted conversation. It was a gift by the very person who was just putting another two tunics into the neatest of piles. Without Merlin he would have died and it was thanks to him that he was standing in this room getting ready to depart for Camelot. Of course Bronach had played a vital part as well, but in the end it was Merlin's magic that had made the difference.
The king watched his friend as he went about his business and it was strange to see him doing chores that used to be his responsibility when he had been his manservant. That seemed a very long time ago now.
Merlin had insisted on it and eventually Arthur had given in. But still, he did not feel comfortable about it. It was odd to see the man who had defeated a high priestess of the Old Religion, who commanded dragons with his voice, who could conjure thunder and lightning with the mere wave of his hand and who was so powerful that the earth itself responded to his call, folding his clothes and arranging his belongings.
He really is an amazing man. Arthur thought, looking at Merlin secretly. So powerful, yet so kind. So fierce, yet so vulnerable. Arthur suddenly choked on the intense emotion that had risen in his chest. He felt honoured to call himself his friend. No. He corrected himself. I feel humbled that he has chosen to spend his life at my side.
It was ten days after the fight and Arthur was fully recovered. Bronach had seen to that and Merlin had added the odd bit of his magic to make sure that his backbone healed smoothly and quickly.
Bronach had insisted that Arthur did not leave his bed for a whole week to give the healing of his spine enough time to settle. The king had hated lying in his bed. He despised being condemned to do nothing, but that had not been the main problem. Spending so much time on the sick bed gave him too much time to think. About Guinevere. He was desperate to get back home, but the worry of what he would find there was slowly turning into intense anxiety. There had been no more messengers and for all he knew she had not improved.
Arthur sighed. The sooner we get home, the better.
He was startled out of his thoughts by another sigh – this time coming from Merlin's mouth. Arthur looked up at his friend in surprise. Merlin had been beaming with happiness the last few days. Ariana had improved swiftly after life had been returned to her courtesy of Edgar and she had gathered more and more strength by the day. For the first time Merlin and Ariana had been able to show their affections for each other openly and they had relished in it. So why would Merlin look as miserable as he did at this moment?
He had stopped packing and stared at the saddle bag completely unaware of what he was doing and his teeth were digging into his lips. Arthur recognized the look – he always did this when he was upset by something.
'What is wrong, Merlin?' Arthur enquired, deliberately keeping his voice light.
Merlin looked up realizing that he had been watched and blushed violently. He then averted his eyes and mumbled something under his breath.
'Merlin!' Arthur used his more authoritarian voice this time and was rewarded by his friend turning round to face him again. Another sigh followed.
'I have to speak to King Eowyn.' Merlin finally admitted what was bothering him. Arthur looked at him questioningly.
'Ariana….We …. ' Merlin stuttered. 'She wants to come to Camelot with us.'
Arthur was not exactly astonished by this revelation as he had expected nothing else. 'Yes?' He encouraged Merlin further.
'I mean…' Merlin clearly had trouble putting into words what was burdening his mind. 'She is a princess.' He took a deep breath. 'I know her father needs her to marry a prince to help the kingdom.' He hesitated. 'I am nothing but a peasant. A simple man from Ealdor.' Merlin's eyes were downcast as he played through the scenario in his mind for the hundredth time.
'Even if the king permitted her to come….he would never allow us to marry. He would never grant it.' Merlin looked so miserable and lost, and yet, Arthur had to laugh. 'You really are incredible.' His friend glanced at him, confusion written all over his face.
'Here you are. The most powerful warlock this world will ever know. You have just saved a kingdom from an evil witch and rescued a king from a power hungry prince, not to forget that you brought his daughter back from the dead.' Arthur had to take a breath after rumbling off the list. 'And you think King Eowyn would refuse you?'
Merlin shuffled his feet uneasily. Of course this was true, but that did not make him a prince. And he could certainly not offer a kingdom.
'And ….you never mentioned that you were planning to get married.' Arthur added mischievously, a teasing grin on his lips. Merlin's face changed to an even deeper shade of crimson now and he deliberately avoided Arthur's eyes. 'I was not planning anything.' He mumbled quite defiantly, sounding as embarrassed as he felt. 'It is not as if I had mentioned it to her or anything ….' Arthur laughed out loud this time and clapped Merlin's shoulder.
'I have a proposition to make.' He said and then deliberated on his idea as his friend's eyes widened in hope.
oooooooooo
King Eowyn had expected Merlin asking to see him at one point, but he was surprised that he came in tow with the king of Camelot.
'Merlin.' He smiled at the young man. 'How can I help you?'
The question alone seemed to cause a reaction in the warlock. Merlin took an audible breath and then started.
'Ariana,…Princess Ariana. Well, it is not exactly a secret that ….we have feelings for each other.' The king smiled again and nodded in acknowledgement.
'We are leaving for Camelot soon and ….' Merlin explained, not quite sure how to put this to make it sound better.
'I assume Ariana wants to come with you.' The king was kind enough to help Merlin along. Merlin gazed straight into his eyes now and then decided to put it simply.
'I do not want to be without her, Sire. And she feels the same about me.'
The king nodded again and walked up to the window.
'Love.' He mumbled, lost in thought. 'It is a commendable notion, young warlock, but I am sure you realize that the world is ruled by reason, not by love. Ariana's hand in marriage was always one of the best political strategies this kingdom had to offer.' And then he added. 'It will be difficult for us to go without it.'
Merlin's heart sank. This is exactly what I expected. She is too important for him to let her go.
'Yes, and this is why I would like to make you an offer.' Arthur intercepted.
King Eowyn turned his head wondering what Arthur had to do with all this.
'I am willing to offer you an alliance with Camelot. We would be happy to welcome you not only as a partner in trade, but also in war should the need arise. I would be happy to support you with a garrison of men to strengthen your defences and to hold your own against any feuding neighbouring kingdoms.' It was clear Arthur was referring to Thanet with the last remark. 'More exact details would be decided amongst our councillors in a range of treaties.'
Arthur paused. 'Sire, you do not need to answer straight away, if you want to discuss this in the council first.'
King Eowyn was stunned. An alliance with Camelot was far more than he could have ever hoped for. His association with Arthur would deter any warlord who might have had an eye on his lands. And of course he knew that it would make his daughter happy if he agreed. She had been glowing with contentment the last few days and he had long acknowledged that her feelings for Merlin were sincere.
A big smile lit his face up. 'There is nothing to think about.' He said and stretched out his hand to shake Arthur's to seal the deal.
'I am pleased to count you as one of the kingdoms who stand united with Camelot in peace and in war and look forward to a union that is beneficial for all of us.' Arthur finished and King Eowyn bowed at the courteous words. Then he turned to Merlin again.
'However, I will attach one condition on letting her go.' Merlin turned pale wondering what he might ask of him. The king continued. 'I would like Bronach to join you on your journey, that is, if he is willing. I want him to act as Ariana's chaperone until you honour your relationship in matrimony.'
Merlin's face split into a huge smile, awash with relief at the easy task, and his eyes sparkled in excitement. 'Of course, Sire. I will go and ask him straight away.'
oooooooooo
Bronach had been delighted. In fact he had wondered about asking to come along to Camelot before it was suggested. He had heard a lot of commendable stories about Gaius and was sure that some time spent with the old physician would be extremely fruitful. But it was not only that.
He also wanted to keep an eye on Ariana. She had recovered extremely quickly, but he was keen to watch over her for a little while longer. And if this seemed too feeble an excuse he would admit that he loved his niece as much as he had loved his sister. Ariana was so much like her and nothing would make him happier than to accompany her.
However, if he was honest with himself, what drew him to Camelot most of all was Merlin. He had never met a man of such power and integrity. He felt honoured to stand side by side with Emrys, the warlock the legends spoke of. He felt intrigued by the thought of helping the man who would play an essential role in the creation of Albion. He wanted to be there with him, offer his support in whatever the warlock might endeavour and learn with and from him. It was a prospect that excited him and he was looking forward to it.
oooooooooo
Gwen had been strong enough to take a short ride in the forests south of the castle. Sir Leon and Elyan had accompanied her, worried she might overstretch herself and cause a relapse. The knights realized that she was heading in the direction where she expected Arthur to return from.
It had been three weeks and although Gaius had sent a second messenger they had not heard any news of Arthur and Merlin. It unsettled her, but deep down she was sure that Arthur was alright, even if she was anxious about the length of time he had been away now. I would know if something has happened to him. She tried to reassure herself again and again.
Gaius had explained everything to her and she had been amazed to find out that she might owe her life to Morgana's death. It was hard to believe and she could not wait to hear more about it when Arthur returned. Surely he would be home soon! He would be worried about her, unless the messenger had met him. But it was possible he had not. The paths to Camarthen were not well trodden and there had been reports about bandits troubling the area.
oooooooooo
Ariana had settled next to the fire to get warm. It had been a cool day considering it was the height of summer. She shivered and rubbed her hands as much as it was possible to get the circulation going. The scars were still very prominent and the skin felt very tight when she was trying to do things. This was what bothered her more than the loss of beauty. There were many little things she was not able to do anymore because her fingers were not nimble enough. She consciously looked at her hands. They would always remind her of that time of despair. Merlin was always so sensitive and kind about it, but he could not take away the sorrow she felt each time looking at them.
'Are you alright?' Hunith had appeared next to her and put her arm round her noticing how cold and sorrowful the young woman looked.
Ariana smiled at Merlin's mother. They had become very close since they had left Camarthen. The time they had spent together looking after Merlin had forged a bond between them that had grown stronger in the last few days. They had had plenty of opportunity to get to know each other better. Hunith had been very kind to her and Ariana had been delighted at her company. She had lost her own mother when she had been very young and it had been a lovely experience sharing her thoughts and worries with an older woman who could counsel her.
'My hands.' She said quietly. 'There are so useless now.' She accepted her fate, but she could not help feeling sad about it.
Hunith gave her an understanding hug. 'It is bound to get better in time.' She tried to comfort Ariana who nodded knowing that there was really nothing else to be said. They were both watching as Merlin walked across the camp at Arthur's side. They were involved in a vivid discussion and both laughed whole heartedly at something just then.
'The king and the warlock. Just as it is written in the legends.' Ariana spoke deep in thought. 'It is strange to see the prophecies I read about as a child unfold before my very eyes.' A smile appeared on her lips when Arthur put his arm round Merlin's shoulder and the two men shared an empathetic glance. 'I have never seen a bond between two men as strong as theirs.'
'They are like two sides of the same coin.' Hunith smiled at the phrase she had used the first time she had seen the two of them together. 'They always have been and I am sure they always will be.'
Ariana's brows had furrowed a little in worry. This touched upon something she had been thinking about since she left her home. 'How will I fit into his life at Camelot?' She wondered. Merlin's position at Arthur's side was responsible and powerful. No doubt he would be kept busy by many of the chores that were part of his position. She loved Merlin with all her heart, but the prospect of a completely new life at Camelot suddenly scared her.
Hunith gave her a warm smile and another hug. 'He truly loves you, Ariana. You will make his life at Camelot complete. And I am sure there will be new challenges waiting for you there, too.' And at that she kissed Ariana's cheek and left her to look after the food that was cooking on one of the fires.
Ariana looked around at everyone busying themselves with getting ready for the night rest. Bronach was putting his bedroll out near the fire and Cynric and Balin were looking after the horses. They had volunteered to escort her again and she was glad to see them here in much more fortunate circumstances than last time. It was only a few weeks ago, but it seemed a lifetime away that she had travelled exactly the same way burdened with Morgana's malicious plan.
They would arrive at Camelot the next day and although she wanted nothing more than share a future with Merlin she had to admit that she was very nervous about her arrival at the citadel. What if Gwen had died? It would be her fault, even if it had been Morgana's plan, and, if Gwen was alive, would she be able to forgive her for what she had done? How would the people of Camelot view her, knowing she had endangered the life of their queen?
Ariana looked at Merlin and sensed his excitement of getting home soon. However, as for her, she was very unsure of what to expect the next day.
As we are heading for the finale and the epilogue, I would love to know what you think!
Comments and reviews are greatly appreciated!