Meeting Merlin

It is a beautiful moment. The sun peeks through the trees and birds chirp happily. Merlin rides atop of his black horse, a Destrier named Bane. Beside them runs his dog, Brutus. The animals are tired, but keep good spirits as they sense the hopefulness of their master. Merlin prays that it wouldn't be much longer until they could fill their bellies and get sleep. Suddenly, the trees of the forest recede from the twisting dirt pathway and not far off in the distance he can see Camelot standing proud and majestic as though god himself set it there. Merlin pats Bane's neck.

"Just a little farther, buddy."

The young man smiles as the horse swishes his tail in response and starts quickening his steps. Not long after, the young warlock arrives at the lower town. He finds a slightly run down stable with clean stalls. Merlin throws his legs over his horse and jumps down to dismount, throwing a gold coin at the stable boy.

"My boy, take care of my horse and there will be another one for you when I return."

The boy, thin and dirty with messy hair, looks at the coin with big eyes. He remembers himself and starts to gather food and water for the large animal.

"Yes, sir. He'll be treated like royalty. Thank you."

Merlin chuckles as he lifts the saddlebags and throws them over his shoulder. He hides his dagger in his clothing and takes his two swords hanging from the horse's back. He pets the large beast once more and walks away with Brutus close behind. The town is bustling with activity with every type of town's person there. The maidens here are quite charming, so he winks and smirks his way through the few who are brave enough to meet a stranger's eyes. He continues walking toward his destination but is distracted by loud drum beats and follows it to a large crowd forming in the castle's main courtyard. Two guards half carry a man in chains to a wooden stage in the middle of the growing crowd. He hears the deep booming voice of nobility and cajoles his way deeper into the crowd. The man speaking is obviously the King, Uther Pendragon. The man is serious, passionate, strong, and formidable.

"Let this serve as a lesson to all. This man, Thomas James Collins, is adjudged guilty of conspiring to use enchantments and magic. And, pursuant to the laws of Camelot, I, Uther Pendragon, have decreed that such practices are banned on penalty of death. I pride myself as a fair and just king, but for the crime of sorcery, there is but one sentence I can pass."

Merlin is so shocked that he cannot move. It happens so fast. The King makes a motion with his arm and the executioner's blade separates Thomas' head from his shoulders. The people in the audience gasp. Merlin whispers to himself.

"Poor, Thomas."

Merlin stares at the body as the bloody king continues.

"When I came to this land, this kingdom was mired in chaos, but with the people's help magic was driven from the realm. So I declare a festival to celebrate twenty years since the Great Dragon was captured and Camelot freed from the evil of sorcery. Let the celebrations begin."

The King rushes back inside after Thomas's mother threatened his son and escaped and while the town's people talk. Maybe this isn't the best place for Merlin. What was his mother thinking? With a heavy heart, the young man enters the castle inquiries from a guard where to find Gaius' quarters. The man tells him and then narrows his eyes at Brutus.

"That mutt cannot go inside."

It would do no good to argue with the man, so Merlin ties the dog to a gate and ruffles his fur.

"Brutus, stay here. I'll get you soon."

The dog barks once and sits down on his hunches. Merlin arrives at the physician's door. He knocks and hardly pauses, just walks on in. He sets his stuff down on a table and looks around. The room is full of bubbling liquids of all colours, bitter and sweet smells, and strange looking ingredients. He calls out Giaus' name several times, but there is no answer. Finally, he finds the man on the balcony sorting through a cupboard. He obviously hasn't heard his name being called, so Merlin raises his voice.

"Gaius!"

Merlin calls out the name again a little louder but still no response. The young man tries again to get the other man's attention and clears his throat. The sound startles the Oldman and he stumbles back, breaking the railing and starts to fall to the ground. Instinctively, Merlin sends a nearby bed to cushion the man's fall. The man blinks up at Merlin with disbelief.

"What did you just do?"

Merlin tries to stall but Gaius won't have it.

"Tell me!"

"Saved your life."

Gaius worries out loud.

"If anyone had seen that…"

Merlin holds his hands up.

"It's fine. No one saw it."

Insulted, Gaius insists.

"Where did you learn how to do it!"

"Nowhere."

"So how is it you know magic?"

The young man tries to deny it.

"I don't."

"Where did you study?... Answer me!"

Frustrated, Merlin tries the truth.

"Mostly, with the Druids and after that all over the world. Basically."

"Are you lying to me, boy?"

The young man sighs. "What do you want me to say?"

The answer to that question is shouted back at Merlin.

"The truth!"

"I was born like this!"

Gaius scoffs.

"That's impossible! Who are you?"

"I'm Merlin. We've been communicating for a year."

"Huniths son?"

"Yes!" Merlin is relieved. Finally some progress.

"But you're not meant to be here till Wednesday!"

"It is Wednesday."

The man seems surprised but recovers quickly.

"Oh, yes. I see. Well, come and I'll show you to your room. You can put your things in there."

Merlin picks up his possessions and heads to the back room, when he feels a hand on his shoulder and he stops.

"Merlin, I should say thank you."

Finally Merlin relaxes and gives his new mentor a smile. Gaius is right. His quarters are sparse but clean. Merlin isn't a snob, but he does like nice things. He closes the door and recites "Déan mo sheomra níos fearr." His eyes grow golden and a bright light begins to glow from under the door and then disappears. Merlin opens it again to reveal a beautifully furnished room much larger than could actually fit filled with a soft four poster bed with a canopy, silk sheets, and soft feather pillows. A large table in front of two large stained glass windows. And in front of a cosy fire is Brutus laying on a white fur rug eating from a bowl of meat. He slaps his tail on the ground rapidly to show his pleasure.

"I'm sorry that I had to leave you outside earlier."

The dog licks his hand in understanding. Merlin slips off his gambeson and coat, leaving him in his white cotton shirt and trousers. He swings the glass windows open and looks over Camelot as the sun sinks down, throwing the kingdom in purples and reds. Brutus yawns drowsy from his full stomach. Merlin conjures up a bath in the corner of the room and disrobes. He slips in the warm water and sighs. It feels good to finally wash off the dirt from traveling. He closes his eyes for a moment taking time to enjoy his soak. He stays in the water until it cools and then dries himself off. With a smooth motion of his hands, the bath water disappears. He dresses in a braise and slips between the sheets of his bed. He pretends that he doesn't feel the bed sink a bit as Brutus jumps onto the bed to lay at his master's feet ready to protect.

A strange voice calls his name, Merlin stirs restlessly and then wakes up. Still a bit groggy, he figures it to be just a dream and stretches before starting his morning meditation. He dresses in a white linen shirt, black suede trousers, a pair of black leather boots, and a mid thigh length brown jacket with a belt. He leaves his room in search of food. Gaius is still asleep and there was no food to be found. Not bothered by the situation, Merlin magics ham, tomatoes, bread, butter, boiled eggs and fruit. Brutus wines until the Merlin has pity and throws him some meat. Gaius is awakened by the delicious smell of food. He blinks in surprise at the banquet before him knowing that his wages would not allow such extravagance. Being both a man of magic and science, he has to test the young man. He pushes over a bucket of water and watches as it freezes in mid-air. Merlin looks sheepish.

"How are you doing that? Is it a spell? An incantation?"

"No. It's not like that. It's instinctual."

"But how is that?"

"I really did tell you the truth before. I am Emry's King of the Druids. I'm here because my destiny is here in Camelot."

The two of them grow silent and eat their breakfast. Gaius looks partially unconvinced. He hears the conviction in Merlin's words, but this is magic much more powerful than he's ever seen before.

"Gaius, let me earn my keep. What can I do for you?"

Gaius sends him to deliver some concoctions to Lady Percival and Sir Erwin. He tries to warn Sir Erwin not to drink it all in one go, but the old man pops the cork and guzzles it down before Merlin can even speak the words. On the way back, The sorcerer sees some knights tormenting a servant. The poor boy shivers in fear as he holds a target while the bullies throw knives at it. Merlin walks up to the frightened youth and takes the target off of him. The knights are in shock, murmuring to themselves about the audacity of Merlin and his actions. Merlin brushes dirt off the servant's clothes.

"There, that's enough."

One of the knights is blonde, strong, and stupid. Merlin picks him out as the leader and addresses him.

"All right my friend. You've had your phone. It's time to leave him be."

The knight looks Merlin over with disdain.

"Do I know you?"

"I don't believe so."

"Yet, you call me friend."

"That was a mistake."

"Yes, it was."

"I know because I wouldn't have a friend that was such a cunt."

The young knight's face grows red.

"Do you know who you just insulted?"

Merlin replies sarcastically.

"The King?"

"No, his son, Arthur."

The noble man's fist moves slow enough that it's easy for Merlin to avoid it. His own fist moves faster and lands hard, a hook to the Prince's ribs which knocks the wind out of him. The second hit is also a hook but this time to the side of the face and it knocks him down to the ground. The three friends rush at Merlin. A front kick drops one of them to the ground immediately. Merlin's motion flows into round housing the second knight. The guy falls limply to the ground. The third guy throws a punch which Merlin catches and traps his arm. An uppercut and jumping knee kick combo has him on the ground with a bleeding nose.

The Princes' buddy that was first to meet the ground is recovered enough that he is mad and wants another shot at Merlin. He charges throwing a left handed punch but Merlin catches it with his left hand, pulls it down and gives him a straight punch to the face. The man stumbles before meeting his other friends on the ground. Merlin turns to see Arthur standing a bit unsteady on his feet and wipes a bit of blood from his mouth. He looks furious and he staggers toward the only other man left standing. He swings at Merlin without any real skill and his fists are easy to dodge. The young wizard grows tired of this and puts Arthur out of his misery with a judo shoulder throw to the ground. He kneels down by the crumpled man.

"I could have killed you so many times back there and your title wouldn't have done shit for you. My advice is to be nicer, okay?"

Merlin pats him on the head and walks away to explore the town before returning to Gaius' quarters for dinner and bed. The next morning, Merlin and Gaius eat breakfast together before Merlin goes into town to visit his horse and give the stable boy another coin. When he arrives there, the boy isn't there but a beautiful dark woman is petting Bane.

"Good morning. I was looking for the stable boy. Have you seen him?"

"He had to go home to help his mother. She's still recovering from giving birth."

"So, you help him by working here."

"Sometimes. I like the calmness of the animals. This one yours?"

"He's name is Bane."

"He's gorgeous."

"Thank you. My name is Merlin."

"I'm Gwenivere. Most everyone calls me Gwen...You know, I saw you yesterday."

"Yesterday?"

"I saw what you did to Arthur and his goons. It was nice to see him knocked down a few pegs."

"Then, I am glad to be of service."

Gwen takes a bucket of oats and gives it to Bane.

"So, Gwen. What do you like to do for fun? When you're not taking care of horses, I mean."

"Oh, I don't know. I guess you'll just have to find out."

"I think I can do that. Are you free tomorrow night?"

"Yes, I do believe that I am."

Merlin approaches her and gives her a coin. She looks confused.

"Give that to the stable boy when you next see him." Merlin pets Bane and then leaves smiling to himself.

During lunch, Gaius and Merlin finally have a real talk. The older man starts gently.

"Your mother asked me to look after you. What did your mother say to you about your gifts?

"That I was special."

"You are special. The likes of which I have never seen before."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, magic requires incantations, spells. It takes years to study. What I saw you do was... elemental, instinctive."

"What's the point if it can't be used?"

"That I do not know. You are a question that has never been posed before, Merlin."

"Did you ever study magic?"

"Uther banned all such work twenty years ago."

"Why?"

"People used magic for the wrong end at that time. It threw the natural order into chaos. Uther made it his mission to destroy everything from back then, even the dragons."

"What? All of them?

"There was one dragon he chose not to kill, kept it as an example. It's name is Kilgarah. He imprisoned it in a cave deep beneath the castle where no one can free it."

For the first time since he arrived, Merlin realizes that the voice he hears at night is more than just a dream. After lunch, Gaius sent Merlin to deliver a concoction to Lady Helen, the famous singer here for the kingdom's celebration. He knocks, but there is no answer, so he steps inside. He sets the vile down on a table and notices something out of the corner of his eye. In the corner of the room is an idol and a book of magic spells. It is obvious to him that she is using magic. This does not alarm him, he's a Warlock after all. Merlin slips out of the room before anyone knows he's been there. The market is full of beautiful flowers and Sarah, a pretty girl with sandy hair who works there blushes easily under Merlin's attention.

"I'll take some purple freesia and those white roses over there."

"A fine choice, sir. They are very pretty."

"Not as pretty as you."

Sarah smiles shyly under the attention and her cheeks are a bright pink. Merlin puts the money in her hand and gives her a wink. She cannot speak, so she just bows looking down to avoid his eyes. He walks off, but turns in time to see sweet Sarah looking after him with longing. He would normally be tempted to woo her, but he has his sights on someone else. It's just a few minutes later when Merlin hears a familiar voice.

"Look at who we have here."

Merlin continues to walk ignoring the Prince which infuriates the other man.

"Oh, don't run away?"

This gets Merlin to stop.

"From you?"

"Thank God. I thought you were deaf as well as dumb."

"Look, I've told you you're an ass. I just didn't realise you were a royal one. Oh, what are you going to do? Get your daddy's men to protect you?"

Arthur's nose flares.

"I could take you apart with one blow."

"I could take you apart with less than that."

"Are you sure?"

One of Arthur's knights twists his face and encourages a fight with, "Come on, then." The other knight yells, "Fight!' Merlin takes off his jacket and Arthur laughs.

"I'll tell you what. If you win, I'll kiss your boots."

A mace is thrown toward Merlin who ignores it and instead picks up reed stick that lays nearby. Arthur laughs at the man who he thinks is a fool in need of a lesson.

'I warn you, I've been trained to kill since birth.

Merlin responds quickly.

"Wow, and how long have you been training to be a prat?"

Arthur snorts angrily.

"You can't address me like that."

Merlin fakes a look of contrition.

"I'm sorry. How long have you been training to be a prat, My Lord?"

The dark haired man bows to the blonde Prince. Arthur laughs without humour and lunges at the other man. But Merlin is able to side step him easily and hit him in the back with the stick making him drop his weapon. Picking it up again Arthur tires again and again to land a hit, but Merlin is too quick. Arthur lifts his arms to give an over the head strike, but Merlin smacks him hard in the armpit. Author is so angry at being bested by a peasant that he risks one last attempt to hit Merlin. He moves toward his enemy but it is a blur. He finds himself on the ground looking up at Merlin with the reed at this throat. The knights make a move toward Merlin, but Arthur stops them with a simple hand motion. He watches as Merlin turns and walks away noticing that the flowers in his other hand are undisturbed.

"Sir?"

His men seem confused.

"Leave him be. There's something about that man."

Gaius is furious when the gossip reaches him.

"You never cease to amaze me! The one thing that someone like you should do is keep your head down, and what do you do? You behave like an idiot."

"I will not apologize for my actions. That man is a bully and I will never bow down to him or any other man like him whether he is a beggar or nobility."

"That is a noble thought but one that will do you no good. You will put yourself in danger if you keep this up."

Not wanting to fight, he retreats to his room to bathe and dress for his night with Gwen. Her home is small but clearly there was love there. Gwen's father, Tom opens the door and grabs Merlin in a hug which is a pleasant surprise to the younger man.

"Come on in, Mr. Merlin. Gwenavier has been primping for several hours to impress you so you must be something."

"Dad!"

Gwen reprimands her father from the other room. The old man yells back. "I'm sorry dear!" Not looking one bit sorry with a big smile cracking wide across his face. Merlin cannot help but smile back. Gwen finally makes her appearance and Merlin is taken aback again by her beauty. Tom hugs his daughter and shakes her date's hand before wishing them a fun evening. They stroll slowly through the market and a green bracelet catches Gwen's eye though she tries to hide it. But Merlin notices it and buys it for her. At first she gasps at it, never having the money herself to have such a luxury. She seems about to refuse it, but sees the hopefulness in Merlin's eyes and gives her thanks. they keep sneaking looks at each other as they continue to walk. They find themselves back at Bane's stall where they pet the horse. Merlin sees a cup far away on the other side of the street.

"Do you see that cup over there?"

Gwen hums.

"I can throw this coin in it from here."

"That's impossible."

"I can do it. But, I will need a reward."

"A reward?"

"Yes. How about a kiss?"

"If you make it in that cup, I will give you the best kiss you've had in your life."

Merlin grins and almost effortlessly tosses it as he stares into Gwen's eyes. She feels trapped by his gaze and cannot move. They don't speak for a moment and then there is a soft clink.t he man moves closer to her.

"Now, my prize."

He touches her face with his fingers, strokes her cheek and then lifts her chin up. Her lips are warm and inviting and she doesn't shy away, in fact she pushes for more. They pull away and their lips are swollen. Merlin is a little dazed but Gwen looks around then pulls him into another empty stall. She stops when they are covered by shadow and kisses him again. This time her hands get involved. She grabs his clothed cock and he jumps in surprise. But he quickly reciprocates by untying her bodice enough to let her breasts free. He latches his lips to a nipple and Gwen moans. The sound makes Merlin even harder. He can feel her small hands fumble around his waist pulling at strings. Finally he feels cold air on his cock as his pants fall down to the ground and she gives a grunt. He lets her tit slip from his lips and begins to pull up fabric until he finds her legs and brushes her wet lips.

she is shivering from excitement and he lifts her up. Her smooth legs wrap around him as he slides her down on his shaft. They both pause a moment from the onslaught of feelings. Merlin recovers and lifts her up until he is almost out and then pulls her down slowly until he's as deep as he can go. He does this again and again each time speeding up. Gwen is a mess, she can't even say any other word than calling his name. She starts tightening hard around his cock and her moans growing louder. Suddenly, she seizes up from her orgasm. Merlin groans as her muscles try to milk him, but he holds on. When she smiles happily at him, he begins again. Merlin gives her two more mind melting orgasm's before he finally spills inside her. They lean against each other exhausted, happy, and smiling.

"That was amazing."

Merlin pushes her hair behind her ear.

"You were amazing."

He kisses her and she pulls back and tries to stifle a yawn.

"You're tired. It looks like I wore you out."

She slaps his chest playfully.

"Shut up. Take me home. I want to get cleaned up. I feel sticky."

Merlin laughs out loud and grabs her hand to kiss it.

"As you wish, m'lady."

They walk together laughing hand in hand back to her home trying to avoid anyone seeing their dishevelled appearance. Merlin sleeps well that night, but the voice wakes him up again. This time he decides to investigate. He follows the voice moving through the castles and down stairs protected by two guards. He whispers. "Codladh." The two guards slump over asleep on the stairs. Merlin lights a torch and continues down the stairs which leads to an open cavern. He pears in the dark.

"Hello? Kilgarah? Are you there?"

Merlin finds himself in a large cavern. At first he sees nothing. Sounds of rattling chains and loud whooshing grew closer until Merlin could see the dragon. He was bigger than Merlin had expected and leans forward in awe of the creature. The grand beast lands on a large rock.

"I'm here! How small you are for such a great destiny."

"What do you mean?"

"Merlin, your gift was given to you for a reason. I know who you are, Dragonlord. And I know your father, Balinor the great warlock and Dragonlord who was thought to be the last of his kind."

"What reason?"

"Arthur is the Once and Future King who will unite the Land of Albion. He faces many threats from friend and foe alike."

"I don't see what that has to do with me."

"It has everything to do with you. Without you, Arthur will never succeed. Without you, there will be no Albion."

"No. You are wrong."

"There is no right or wrong, only what is and what isn't."

"But seriously, if anyone wants to go and kill him, they can go ahead. In fact, I'll give them a hand."

The dragon laughs.

"None of us can choose our destiny, Merlin, and none of us can escape it."

"No. there must be another Arthur because this one's an idiot."

The massive wings begin to move.

"Perhaps it's your destiny to change that."

And then the dragon flies off leaving a thoughtful Merlin. A few hours later, the sunlight pours through the open window waking a groggy Merlin. He dresses and eats breakfast with Gaius and Brutus. He's unusually quiet which causes Gaius to look at him strangely, but he says nothing. It's time for Merlin's deliveries and Gaius hands him a poultice for Lady Morgana. When he arrives the door is opened and he is mesmerized by seeing the most beautiful woman he had ever seen walking behind a changing screen.

"I have been thinking about Arthur. I wouldn't touch him with a lance pole. Pass me that dress, will you, Gwen?"

"I am sorry, m'lady. I am not who you think I am."

Morgana steps out from behind the screen still holding the strings of her gown.

"Who are you? What are you doing here?"

Merlin bows.

"I am Guias' assistant, Merlin. He asked me to bring you medication for your nightmares. But I can help you with the dress if you wish." Morgana looks shocked and is about to say something but Gwen walks. The maid and good friend to the noble lady, looks from Morgana to Merlin. He moves quickly and kisses her on the lips and grabs her ass. He turns back to Morgana who now is blushing. He he places her poultice on the vanity and takes his leave. After a moment of silence, he hears the two women giggle as he walks away. That evening, Merlin attends the feast dressed in a white shirt, black trousers, and a very nice red jacket. Everyone is excited to hear the performance of Lady Helen, but The spotlight is taken away momentarily when Morgan enters wearing a stunning dress. Merlin finds it hard to speak for a moment. Gwen sneaks up beside him.

"So you like the dress?"

"Yes, she looks very beautiful."

"Some people are just born to be queen. I just rather that it did not mean she would have to marry Arthur. I pity any woman who would do that."

"And what do you think about marriage?"

"I'm not the type. Not right now. I'd rather just have fun."

"Have fun?"

"Yeah."

"Would you be interested in having a bit of fun with me from time to time? As friends and all."

"I think that I would like that. Perhaps we could be especially friendly later tonight?"

Merlin kisses her hand.

"That could definitely be arranged. Excuse me, Gauis is motioning me to come over."

He bows to her before heading over to his mentor. The King arrives and everyone quiets as he introduces the special guest, Lady Helen. Her voice is soft and charming. Merlin looks over at the King and sees his eyes dropping as he tries to stay awake. Merlin laughs and then suddenly realizes that everyone is yawning and falling asleep. He covers his ears and becomes more alarmed as he sees cobwebs starting to form on the enchanted sleepers. The singer takes out a dagger from her sleeve and heads toward Arthur. Merlin searches frantically for something and sees the candelabra high above Lady Helen. He uses his magic and it falls, knocking her down. Her glamour fades and there is an old woman, the mother of Thomas who vowed revenge. The cobwebs fall off and everyone awakens. The King and Arthur stand up to view the body, but she is not dead. She musters her last bit of strength and throws the dagger. Merlin dives and pushes the prince out of the way. The knife finds its spot in Arthur's chair. The King looks at the knife and then his son who is still alive. Uther turns to Merlin.

"You've saved my boy's life. A debt must be repaid.

Merlin hums.

"Don't be so modest. You shall be rewarded. A position in the royal household, I think. Yes, you shall be Prince Arthurs's manservant."

Everyone claps and Merlin can see Gwen laughing. He would have to get her for that later tonight. That night, Merlin sits in his shirt and trousers looking out the window deep in thought. There's a knock on the door.

"Come in, Gaius."

The man enters and looks around the extravagant room in shock for a moment and then chuckles to himself.

"It seems that you are a hero, my boy. I knew it from the moment when I first met you and you saved me."

"But that was magic."

"And now you found a use for it. I saw you save Arthur's life. Perhaps that's the reason that you've been given your gift."

"My destiny…"

"Well, yes I guess so."

There is a knock and a Guard's voice booms loudly.

"Merlin, your Prince calls for you."

Merlin stands and puts his jacket on. Gauis smiles up at him.

"Your Destiny's calling. You'd better find out what he wants."

Merlin scoffs and heads out the door hoping that Arthur won't be too much of a prick. And then perks up when he realises that he might be able to slip away to see Gwen for some fun.