Hello my dear readers!
Did I just abandon you again? I am really very sorry. Honestly, I need someone to nag me if I don't post every two weeks ! Time just constantly runs away from me without me even noticing!
As ever I thank my Beta for her super awesome work! And of course you all readers to still be on this boat with me! And for my reviewers, I couldn't thank you enough! You're the ones making sure I carry on! And if I didn't answer to you, it might be because of some website bug!
Do not hesitate to message me ;)
Read on :D !
Chapter 35:
Merlin had to admit that it felt strange to be back on the Isle of the Blessed, especially given the circumstances.
He was excited at the prospect of finding new dragons but even that didn't quite stop the onslaught of painful memories from trying to steal his attention.
He could remember the last times he had been there in painful clarity. Lancelot turning towards him with a smile as he entered the torn Veil, sacrificing his life to allow Merlin to continue his destiny. Gaius slumped against a stone altar, Nimueh having just taken his life to save Arthur. He repressed a shudder as the old pain flared in his chest.
He saw Gwaine look back at him from where he sat in the front of the small boat and forced the memories back to where they belong. He didn't have the luxury of distraction.
They arrived on the Isle soon enough and the warlock felt the magic imbued in the land rush through him, making him shiver.
It felt as if there was more air here, as if the colours were brighter and the sun hotter. He repressed the need to use his magic right that second and instead began leading Gwaine through the castle ground.
"Won't they be a problem?" His friend asked a moment later, causing Merlin to turn towards him.
The warlock was confused until he heard a distinct screech.
"The wyverns?" He answered. "No, don't worry about them. They are close cousins to the dragons so my Dragonlord powers work on them. I forbade them from attacking us last time we were here."
"Oh. Nice." Merlin almost thought that he should feel offended at Gwaine's surprised tone.
"Come, I'm sure we can find a habitable room to establish camp somewhere."
And with that they spent the next hour exploring the castle.
Merlin was amazed at how big and relatively well conserved it was. It was easy to imagine how majestic it must have looked given the remnants of decoration they came across.
He wished he could have seen it then, experienced what it was like to be in such a magical place with others like him, where mutual understanding and a will to learn bonded them.
A quiet sigh escaped him. There was no need to dwell on a past that couldn't happen again, he needed to focus on a future he could make happen.
Finally, after an hour, both men found a room suitable to sleep in. With a small burst of power, Merlin cleaned it of its layer of dust and set up their bedroll before lighting a fire.
He smiled as Gwaine settled down with a small groan, congratulating him on the setting.
They ate a light dinner before settling to sleep.
Despite a growing nervousness for things to come, Merlin found himself quickly falling asleep, lulled by the feeling of magic all around him.
The next morning, Merlin woke up as the sun was just rising above the horizon. He felt itchy, impatient to begin his work.
Glancing at Gwaine, he saw he knight still asleep and decided not to wake him up. After all, he could do nothing but help prepare the necessary materials.
Nodding to himself, he pushed himself up, stretched and reached for the bag full of supplies at his feet. Silently, he made his way to the door head outside to the central courtyard.
The central courtyard. Where he had battled, and killed, Nimueh. Where he had first felt the rush of power bigger than himself. Where he had truly understood that his magic could be used for both good and evil.
Even now he still didn't know if what he had done had been good or evil. Because yes, he had saved Gaius, and Arthur, and his mother, but he had killed another human being, even if she had been misguided.
Gingerly, he entered the stone circle and approached the stone altar there. He let his bag fall gently to the ground and put his hands on the cold stone. He closed his eyes, letting the power around him fill his senses, basking in the tingling warmth, welcoming it.
Once he was comfortable he reopened his eyes and noticed that the sky was significantly brighter than he remembered. He took a deep breath and it felt like he could smell hundreds of different odours. He felt connected to the Island like never before.
He smiled softly before kneeling down and beginning to set out what he needed.
He first placed his magic book on the left of the altar, making sure it was out of the way and casting a quick charm to protect it against water and fire, just in case his natural clumsiness got in the way. Then, he carefully placed the various leaves and powders on the right side of the altar in the order he would need them.
That left him with a large space in the middle.
Reaching once more in his bag, he retrieved a brush and white paint and began copying the runes of his book, arranging them in a circle. Taking a step back, he made sure each design looked exactly like it did in the book.
Satisfied with his work, he replaced the book in its place, spread both palms above the circle and closed his eyes. Concentrating once more on his magic, he let it rise in him before speaking the incantation he had learnt. It would help channel the magic of the place into the potion and keep it there.
The first step of the ritual successfully concluded, Merlin placed the small cauldron he had bought in the middle of the circle on a stand that would allow a fire to be lit underneath.
After a final check that everything was at its right place, he decided it was time for some breakfast. A few whispered words ensured that nothing would be blown away as he took his now empty bag and left the stone circle, feeling only a slight shift in the atmosphere as he did.
On a hunch and following his newfound connection with the island, he crossed the open space to find a door in the outer wall. It took a few tugs and a little bit of magic before it opened to reveal a garden.
Obviously, it was wild and unkempt but the warlock could see various fruits and vegetables that had kept thriving despite the lack of care.
He even spotted an apple tree.
Merlin hummed softly as he began collecting enough food for a nice breakfast broth, not forgetting a handful of apples for his friend.
Bag heavy, he made his way back towards the inside of the castle, easily finding the route to their camp.
He entered the room and was almost blinded by the glare of the now well risen sun.
The warlock was astonished to find his friend still asleep despite the clarity of room.
"Wake up sleepyhead, I've got breakfast!" He announced loudly, making Gwaine visibly jump.
The knight scrambled up while reaching for his sword. His hair was spiked all around his face and Merlin couldn't stop himself from bursting out laughing.
Gwaine glared at him and tossed him his balled cover. Merlin easily ducked and retaliated by tossing the knight an apple.
"Come on, brush that hair of yours back into submission while I make breakfast."
So, how did you like the chapter?