Chapter Eighteen: Burn
The moon was full when he came, glowing in the moonlight.
Kilgharrah landed in the meadow, eyeing the one who waited for him with a speculative look in his eyes.
"Where is Iris?" he asked.
Merlin forced himself not to sigh, not to worry. "She's back in the castle, resting. She's still... healing."
The dragon growled softly at that, knowing very well what had happened between the sorceress and the former lord of Camelot.
"Is that why you summoned me, dragon lord?" Kilgharrah asked, seeing the worry in Merlin's expression.
"No... well, not entirely," Merlin admitted. The sorcerer met the dragon's knowing gaze. "Did you know what would happen?"
"I do not know the future, Merlin," the dragon told him. "I am not a seer. All I know are the legends."
"The legends about Arthur and the kingdom of Albion, and our role in it coming to be," Merlin insisted. "The future."
"If I knew what would transpire between Iris and Lord Agravaine, do you truly believe I would have allowed her to step into harm's way?"
"I don't know, if it's for the greater good..."
Kilgharrah reared his head back, exhaling sharply as he bared his teeth. "I do not wish such a fate for Iris, nor would I if it was you in the same situation," the dragon growled.
"Is she going to survive this?" Merlin demanded. "If she's going to be the one to protect me, to protect us all?"
"I cannot answer that," Kilgharrah said sharply.
Merlin exhaled, rubbing a hand over his face. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't take this out on you, I know that."
Kilgharrah gave Merlin an appraising look. "You are worried about her, as you should be. There is no need to apologize, dragon lord."
"Is there anything that can help her heal faster?" Merlin asked.
"Time," the dragon said. "Iris is stronger than you realize, Merlin. Her magic is equal to your own."
"But I have not discovered my potential," Merlin said, half to himself.
The dragon all but smirked. "Precisely, young warlock."
Merlin half-smiled at that. "There is something else... When Iris went to that cave, she discovered that Agravaine had stolen a Druid boy. There were books about magic and an enchanted dagger... and although Iris... she's been having these... nightmares. Visions."
Kilgharrah settled into the deep grass. "Tell me about these visions."
So Merlin described the battlefield, the way that the land had died. He told the dragon how Iris saw the Druid boy crowned in iron, with eyes that were not his own, and how he used dark magic to kill Iris.
When he was finished, Merlin looked at Kilgharrah. "Is it possible? For Agravaine's soul to occupy the Druid boy's body?"
"There are dark, terrible magicks, Merlin, that few know how to wield, and when it is, devastation follows. If this lord has gotten his hands on the tomes-,"
"Tomes?" Merlin interrupted.
"The tomes of black magic," Kilgharrah explained. "Books containing the darkest magicks. Only three are known to have been written, long ago by a wicked sorceress."
"If these tomes were to exist... and if they were kept in the heart of Camelot after Uther tried to purge the kingdom of magic..."
"Then it is possible that Agravaine possessed them, used them," the dragon finished, looking troubled. "But these spells, one to transfer a soul into a different body, would take a very strong sorcerer or sorceress..."
"Iris thought that Agravaine stole the Druid boy's magic," Merlin said.
"Is the boy... powerful?"
Merlin thought about it. "He is... I don't know. He is new to his magic."
"Meaning there's unmarked potential. We must keep an eye on him, Merlin. There are stories... stories about a Druid who threatens the creation of Albion."
"And you believe this boy is that threat?"
"Perhaps. We will not know until he is older. What I will say, Merlin, is that he must be returned to his people."
"He's in Camelot, with Arthur," Merlin said, trying not to wince. "I don't know if he will be... released."
"I see," Kilgharrah said, exhaling deeply. "Either way, he must be watched. For now, dragon lord, stay with Iris and the others."
Merlin watched as the dragon flew back to the White Mountains, his golden hide gleaming faintly. After a long while, he returned to his horse, and rode quickly back to Camelot.
Ooo0ooO
Morgana walked down the halls, making her way to Arthur and Gwen's chambers. The purple dress she wore whispered against the ground, and her hands were clenched together as she bit her bottom lip in worry.
Arthur had summoned her to discuss the Druid boy, and she feared that Arthur would sooner take up arms against the boy rather than spare him.
When she knocked, she heard Arthur call out, "Enter."
Curtsying quickly, Morgana moved to the table where Arthur and Gwen sat. "Arthur-,"
"How is Iris?" Gwen asked, before covering her mouth. "Apologies, I did not mean to speak out of turn."
Morgana glanced at Arthur, who nodded. "She's fairing better today, my lady. Same goes for Mordred."
Arthur carefully assessed her as she sat across from him. "So Mordred is his name, then?"
Morgana was careful to keep her expression neutral. "What do you plan to do with the boy?" she asked, willing strength into her voice.
"What would you have me do?" Arthur challenged. "Have him drawn and quartered?"
Gwen glanced sharply at her husband. "Arthur," she scowled. "Please."
Eyes flashing, Morgana leaned forward. "I expect you to treat him better than Uther would," she stated through gritted teeth.
"I have not made a decision-,"
Gwen cut him off. "Arthur, he's just a boy. Let him go free. That is the right thing to do."
"To go back to the Druids? I know some survived my father's reign."
"And what of it?" Morgana challenged. When she saw the look in his eyes, Morgana sighed. "Arthur, I know anything touching the subject of magic is... painful. But what happened when Uther was king was..." She looked away, searching for the words. "I know you to be a better man than he was, and same goes for being King."
"This is about Druids, not about magic," he argued.
Morgana resisted to close her eyes, to sigh with exasperation. "This is a chance to start new," she began again, in a gentler tone. "The time for fear and hatred needs to be put behind us."
When he opened his mouth to retort, Morgana lifted a hand. "I know I am not your council, nor an adviser to the court. But please, consider my words."
Standing slowly, Morgana dipped her chin in place of another curtsy. "I will go back to check on Iris and the boy."
Arthur nodded, watching her leave. When the door closed behind her, he exhaled, slumping in his seat. Looking at his wife, he allowed the mask he kept in place as he played the role of king to drop. "What would you have me do?"
Gwen smiled, touching his cheek. "I know I cannot tell you what to do," she said, her smile widening in response to his own. "But perhaps Morgana is right. The Druids are a peaceful people. Magic is... I do not believe it is an evil thing. It's just used for evil purposes by bad men."
"When did you come to an opinion about magic?" Arthur asked.
"I suppose it's no different than wielding a sword. Some knights use their sword to defend their king and kingdom, while others use it to slaughter innocents. We cannot judge the sword, but the people who wield it."
Arthur eyed her for a long moment, before reaching over and drawing her from her chair and into his lap. Resting his chin on her shoulder, he allowed himself to relax.
Ooo0ooO
Frustrated, Morgana stormed from the castle, out to the surrounding gardens.
She could sense Merlin and Iris within the castle walls, even if their thoughts were private from her own. She tilted her head, wondering if they could sense her just as easily, and how it felt like a sort of awareness- similar to knowing if someone was standing behind you.
With them was Mordred, since she knew he was resting as well, and hesitant to leave Gaius's quarters.
Sighing, Morgana stopped amidst the rose bushes. The red and white blooms were fully opened, releasing a soft, sweet scent into the air. She stroked the petals of a red rose.
Unknown to her, another was approaching the gardens, looking for a place to escape from the castle and his worries.
Rounding a corner, Gwaine paused when he saw that the garden was already occupied. He watched Morgana for a long moment, who seemed lost in thought while she examined a nearby rose.
She looks tired, he thought to himself, before he shook his head.
"Lady Morgana," he said, approaching her slowly.
Morgana turned and smiled. "Sir Gwaine. Are you here to smell the roses too?"
Gwaine smiled. "No, I just was looking for someplace quiet. But since I'm here..."
The knight moved closer to the sorceress, dipping his head to sniff at the rose she had cupped in her hand. "I never liked roses," he admitted. "Neither did my mother. They smell too sweet."
Morgana looked up at him. "Iris never talks about your mother much. I suppose I know why..."
Without realizing it, they fell into step together as they made their way through the gardens.
"I was young when I left home, but I remember she kept irises. Obviously," he said with a grin. "But she loved them, and lilies too."
"I wish I had known her," Morgana said. "To hear the stories of your childhood, and Iris's."
"Ah, for me it would have been nothing but sordid tales of a young lad who was always in trouble," he laughed. "Iris, however..." His gaze gentled. "She was so young when I left... and she had not been blessed by the dragon yet. When I remember my mother now, I can see her in Iris. Fierce, but kind."
Morgana chuckled. "I do not believe I have met anyone quite like your sister. But I am interested in those sordid tales, as you put it."
When he smiled again, Morgana noticed how his brown eyes crinkled at the edges.
Ooo0ooO
"Burn."
Mordred watched as the leaf cradled in Iris's hand sparked before catching fire, and how to slowly turned it ash without burning her hand.
They sat together in Gaius's quarters, cross-legged on the floor with a book of simple magic in between them.
The Druid boy seemed content watching her cast spells, not moving to cast any of his own. There were moments when his pale eyes unnerved Iris, but she shoved that aside, determined that her visions would not phase her.
Perhaps, if she befriended him, they would not come to pass...
"Do you want to try?" she offered, pulling a leaf from the mint plant next to her.
Mordred shook his head slowly, blinking owlishly at her.
Iris smiled, knowing how it felt to come into your power, and how frightening it might be. So when she burned another leaf, and the smell of ash and mint filled the air, she bent the ashes into amusing shapes. A rabbit, a toad, and then a dragon...
The door swung open, and Iris immediately dropped her hand, blinking so her eyes went from gold to green again.
Gwen peered in, and smiled when she saw Iris. "i hope you don't mind," she said, closing the door behind her. "I know I haven't checked on you."
Iris rose, before moving to embrace her friend. "A queen has other matters to attend her," Iris said in a teasing tone.
Gwen huffed a little, before her eyes latched onto Mordred. A kindly expression took over her features as she approached the Druid boy. "Hello. I'm Gwen."
"I'm Mordred," the boy replied, remaining at his place on the floor, tracing a fingertip through the ashes.
Iris pulled in a breath, realizing their book was exposed. "Gwen, would you like some tea?"
Gwen glanced at her, nodding. "Sure, thank you."
In the moment when Gwen looked away, glancing at the closed door to Merlin's chambers, Iris flicked her wrist at the book, sending it sliding across the floor until it was hidden underneath a cabinet.
"Is Merlin here?" Gwen asked.
"Yes," Iris said, getting the tea together. "He's resting. He was out late last night, something about going for a walk since he couldn't sleep."
Gwen frowned a little, but turned her attention back to Mordred.
Iris glanced at the door too, knowing that he was still asleep, despite it being late morning. She had busied herself earlier with the chores, and a few other servants had offered to help, which she was grateful for.
She had returned to the physician's quarters quickly, wanting to keep an eye on Mordred, who woke up shortly after.
Merlin had left late in the night, and had offered her some reassurance when she had woken up to see him leaving. When she asked if he wanted her to come, she was surprised when he insisted she stay here to rest. Even though he did not explicitly state where he was going, she had known, since his thoughts had been loud and focused on one thing- Kilgharrah.
Pouring the tea, Iris shook her head, telling herself not to worry. She knew that Merlin had his own business with the dragon, and after all, she had been very tired.
Gwen joined her at the table, glancing every now and then at Mordred.
Iris itched to ask her if Arthur had made a decision about what he wanted to do with the boy, but she refrained for Mordred's sake. Instead, she politely answered Gwen's probing questions about how she felt, and if she needed anything.
They were interrupted by Morgana, who returned to the quarters smelling of roses and sunshine. Iris welcomed the distraction, not wishing to discuss what had happened in the Valley of the Fallen Kings anymore.
Ooo0ooO
Merlin woke slowly to the sound of women laughing.
There was a tickling at the edge of his consciousness, and he knew that Iris was aware that he was awake.
If you have anymore late night rendezvous with Kilgharrah, Arthur might throw another boot at your head for missing your duties, she teased.
He would throw a boot at my head even if I was on time, he retorted, rubbing his head at the memory.
Rising, he washed his face at the basin by the window before changing. He was running a hand through his tousled hair when he stepped from his room, and paused when he found four pairs of eyes suddenly locked on him.
"Err... Hello," he said, smiling sheepishly.
Iris rolled her eyes, offering him some tea while Morgana moved to sit next to Gwen so he could be beside Iris. His ears turned pink when she kissed his cheek when he settled in next to her.
"Iris says you went for a late night walk," Gwen said, her eyes gleaming.
"Was Iris a part of this walk?" Morgana followed up, wrinkling her nose when Iris gave her a narrow-eyed look.
"No, just me," Merlin said good-naturedly. "Couldn't sleep."
Glancing over Iris's shoulder, he noticed that Mordred was watching all of them silently.
The Druid stared at him when their gazes locked. Hello, Merlin.
Struggling not to flinch, Merlin nodded. You all right?
Yes. They have been taking care of me.
Chalking "them" up to Morgana and Iris, Merlin nodded again before turning his attention back to the women.
Allowing his thoughts to wander, Merlin considered how much time had passed since Iris had first arrived to Camelot, and how much changed since then. He thought about all the things that had lead him to Camelot, and later how it all had lead him to Iris.
He watched her as she talked to her friends, and he felt himself smile. There were some dark circles under her eyes, but they were still vibrant and green, and when she saw him looking at her, they burned with love.
Ooo0ooO
Mordred watched the group interact as the morning progressed into the afternoon. He sat on the floor, tracing the triskelion symbol in the ashes that Iris had left behind again and again.
He watched the quiet looks that Iris and Merlin exchanged, how Gwen acted when she was not in her role as a queen, and how Morgana kept smiling softly at him when she looked his way.
His thoughts were pensive, which he kept quiet from those he knew could hear them if he so wished.
At some point, Gwen left, claiming she needed to see to her duties. Merlin and Iris departed as well, needing to return to their obligations around the castle.
When it was just him and Morgana, he rose from the floor to sit across from her at the table. She made him a cup of sweetened tea and asked him if he was hungry. When he nodded, she instructed him to stay here while she fetched a plate from the kitchens.
The door closed softly behind her, and he glanced over at the spell book that was hidden under the cabinet. He went to pick it up, opening it to the page Iris and him had been looking at earlier.
Glancing at the mint plant, Mordred focused his energy.
"Burn," he whispered.
Smoke curled from the plant's leaves before a small flame sparked. As the mint slowly burned away, Mordred felt himself smile.
Ooo0ooO
Author's Note: I've had a review or two plus some PMs asking if I'm going to pair Morgana with Gwaine... I'm very intrigued by that- what are your thoughts?
Please review!