Chapter 8
Despite the screaming nightmares, Merlin and Morgana had really enjoyed their days of travel. When they were in open areas, they would strengthen their horse with their magic as they had done on the second day of their journey. It was always exhilarating to move with such speed and freedom.
Viviana would sometimes visit them after they had set up camp and show them new magic. One of the things she shared with them was how she been protecting them on this journey using a protective spell.
Morgana shared how she and Morgause had set up protective wards to hide their presence.
Viviana, Morgana and Merlin spent quite a bit of time discussing the difference between Morgause's method and Viviana's method. They tried both methods and discovered they were both effective in different ways. Viviana taught Merlin and Morgana her version. The young witch and warlock later walked around the perimeter of the camp setting up the protective wards as they went.
Viviana had left before they did this and Morgana commented on how much better, and more fun, she had doing Viviana's version of the protective spell with Merlin, in contrast to Morgause who was always so dark, serious and focused on manipulating or taking power. These moments became precious to Morgana and she found herself cherishing them and lookng forward to the times Vviana would visit to teach them more magic. They spent quite a bit of time working on healing, protective and defensive spells. They continued to practice the transportation spell and were able to travel further every time they tried it.
Merlin had to agree it was more fun than being with Arthur. They laughed over their inside joke. It was something that came up daily, even hourly how much they enjoyed doing things with each other rather than anyone else. They always laughed and were enjoying the friendship, the philia, that was blossoming between them
Knowing Aithusa needed to be involved as soon as possible due to Iselder's and Viviana's urging, Merlin finally dug up the courage to introduce Morgana to his Dragons. Viviana had just left them with a pointed look to Merlin that the broaching of this subject was long past due, but that everything would be fine. Merlin had taken courage and held out his hand for Morgana to take."Come with me." Merlin said. "There is something I must show you.
Smiling at his invitation, Morgana took his hand. They walked to a large field, set up some more protective barriers that would block anyone or anything from seeing or hearing them before they settled themselves comfortably on some logs.
Merlin saw Morgana relax and knew it was Viviana wrapping her love and comfort around Morgana's mind and heart like a warm blanket that pushed against the dark curse, soothing and increasing the love spell that enabled her to listen.
Viviana, disappeared as Merlin began his tale.
Merlin told Morgana how Kilgarah had attacked Camelot and how he and Arthur had gone to find the last Dragonlord to stop the beast despite Uther's objections.
Morgana was swept into the telling and listened raptly as Merlin shared how his father, Balinor, had met his mother, and they had fallen in love, But then, Uther's blind hatred of all things magic had continued to pursue Balinor because of his Dragonlord abilities. Balinor had been forced to leave behind the woman he loved to escape Uther's purge. Balinor had never known he had a son.
Morgana was simultaneoulsy angered and saddened to the point of tears, that once again, Uther's prejudice and hatred for magic had destroyed a family.
Merlin shared how he and Arthur had gone to find Balinor after Kilgarah attacked Camelot.
Balinor was initially against helping the duo because of Uther's betrayal.
Morgana could hardly blame him. She was shocked Balinor had changed his mind, and eventually sacrificed himself, taking the sword intended for Merlin, passing his Dragonlord powers to Merlin when he died.
Morgana listened carefully and was weeping by the time Merlin got to that part.
Merlin himself was finding it hard to control his emotions as he told the story. The tears and sorrow and love? he saw in Morgana's own eyes opened the floodgate to the sorrow he had held in check for years and for the first time since Balinor had died, Merlin allowed himself to cry as Morgana held his head on her shoulder while he wept.
Morgana shared her memories of her father as Merlin carefully listened and returned the favor, holding Morgana while she soaked his shirt with her tears. Here was one more thing they shared that strengthened their friendship. Both of them had lost their fathers in violent and tragic ways. It was cathartic for both of them to share the good memories of their fathers and finally, completely mourn their loss and release pent up sorrow.
It was much later when Merlin turned to Morgana and said, "There is more I need to show you." He stood up pulling Morgana with him.
Merlin threw back his head and roared in a language she had never heard before.
"What did you do? She asked.
I just called my dragon."
"You mentioned this before, but, really, you actually have a dragon?"
Merlin nodded.
"You truly are a Dragonlord," Morgana said in shock, awe, and amazement at the powerful magic she still felt rolling off of Merlin, surrounding and penetrating her body and the entire clearing. It was so overwhelming, she passed out, but Merlin caught her before she hit the ground pulling her onto his lap as he sat on the logs.
He was patting her cheeks and rubbing her back trying to revive her when Aithusa arrived.
Aithusa smiled in her dragon way, glad to see the two people she loved most in the world, together.
While Morgana was passed out, Merlin studied Aithusa's deformed body and was appalled. Unlike their short meeting at Ismere, he now had time to really investigate what had caused Aithusa' injuries, stunted her development and twisted her limbs.
Merlin was supposed to have protected her, raised her and made sure her needs and wants were met. Instead, he had neglected the small dragon. Aithusa still could only moan and squawk in reply, unable to speak. It was a good thing Merlin and the small white dragon could commuincate telepathically, even though it was only with colors, or feelings and pictures.
It was to this Morgana awoke. Not wanting to interrupt, she listened to Merlin's ever more concerned, almost frantic inquiries. She could not stop the tears and sobs that escaped her as she watched her beloved Aithusa in so much pain.
Merlin turned when he heard her sob and saw her tears wondering why in the world she was so upset. "What is wrong Morgana?"
"It is my fault she is this way Merlin." Morgana sniffled.
Merlin put his arms around her as she cried into his shirt. "How could this possibly be your fault?" He asked.
She raised her head from Merlin's shoulder and shared how Aithusa had healed her from certain death after her last takeover in Camelot and protected her in captivity with the Sarrum.
Morgana could have gotten away. However, the Sarrum had captured her dragon and threatened to hurt Aithusa if Morgana did not comply.
Aithusa sat by watching Morgana as the most horrible experience of their lives was unfolded to Merlin. Aithusa let out small sounds while Morgana was talking and Merlin saw the small dragon affirming Morgana's story by nodding her head, showing agreement and sympathy and pain at everything Morgana said.
Merlin felt tears prickle his eyes and fall as the story unfolded. He also felt surprised to see the love in Aithusa's eyes for Morgana and how the white dragon cuddled closer as the story progressed, trying to give the dark, tortured, troubled woman some comfort.
Morgana had done the best she could to ease Aithusa's growing pains while in the oubliette, using magic to treat the twisting deformities caused during their imprisonment. She and Aithusa had shared the scraps of food that so infrequently came to them. Magic had sustained both of them. Normal people or animals would have died.
It was apparent Aithusa was not afraid and cared deeply for the dark woman who was Morgana. Or was Morgana so dark since she had sacrificed her own safety and tried to help relieve Aithusa's suffering. It was apparent the love between the woman and dragon was real. Morgana endured whippings and other abuses from the Sarrum and his men during numerous torture sessions to protect Aithusa.
Merlin's blood was boiling in anger. How dare the Sarrum hurt his dragon and his future wife.
After hearing the story, Merlin gathered Morgana into his arms as she wept against his shirt and told her they would deal with the Sarrum as soon as possible because he now understood why there was such a bond between Morgana and Aithusa. Aithusa had been a protector and guardian of Morgana's sanity and the trapped feelings held by the curse while in the pit.
Learning of this captivity lowered Merlin's defenses towards Morgana more than anything. This captivity seemed to be karma, punishment for many of the horrible things Morgana had done. More importantly, if his dragon liked Morgana and saw good in her, Morgana was worth saving. Merlin found himself liking Morgana more everyday. This was philia and real love because they were trusting and sharing their deepest secrets and sorrows.
The captivity also made Merlin angry. How dare the Sarrum hurt his kin? He again told Morgana they would deal with the Sarrum as soon as possible.
It warmed Morgana's heart. While she knew Merlin was no longer under her spell, she was happy to be the recipient of his concern, care and kindness. It made her feelings grow more positive towards Merlin and helped drive back the darkness.
Merlin apologized "All this time, I judged incorrectly. I did not know about your imprisonment and torture.
He was shaking his head and frowning in disbelief and guilt. "What has happened to you both is horrible. I am so sorry. Aithusa is my responsibility. I left her in Kilgarah's care and this happened." Compounded guilt and anger, like he had never experienced before, rose in his heart and propelled him to stand and call to Kilgarah. Merlin felt an irrrepressable need to confront the great dragon on his lapse of care, Aithusa's condition and horrendous experience.
Morgana was again overwhelmed by the power rolling off of Merlin when he called the great dragon. Instead of passing out. She held onto Merlin for dear life praying her trembling body would not be noticed.
Merlin wrapped his arms around her and kissed her chastely. Merlin was holding her close and stroking her hair which did much to assuage her shock and weakness, even though kissing Merlin weakened her in a whole other way. He weakened the darkness in her, and made her toes curl. She pressed herself closer craving his strength, warmth and love as she clung to him.
Aithusa smiled at their budding love. This was the reason she had healed Morgana in the first place. This was the reason she had suffered in the pit. Aithusa knew then, like she knew now, that Merlin and Morgana were a perfect match for each other and were destined to be together.
Their moment was interrupted by a trill of warning from Aithusa just before Kilgarah arrived.
When Merlin questioned the great dragon about Aithusa, Kilgarah justified himself saying Aithusa had gone off to hunt. Kilgarah had thought nothing of it as dragons live long and are not easily hurt.
Morgana was livid at Killgarah's nonchalance and harangued the great dragon for neglecting her precious Aithusa.
When Kilgarah started to turn on Morgana and call her a witch, Merlin commanded Killgarah to stop and blasted the great dragon across the field for manipulating him to exact revenge and not telling him of the prophecy where he and Morgana could be happy together.
Kilgarah, was shocked, dumbfounded, stunned, amazed, more than ruffled at the power Merlin had displayed in throwing him across the field, landing on his back. but he was still angry that Merlin was with the witch, hardly repentant for his lack of care, and attempted to vindicate himself that he had only done what he thought best.
Merlin snarled at that concession and used his Dragonlord powers to command Kilgarah;
First- Never refer to Morgana as a witch, but to call her by her name or refer to her as a high priestess.
Kilgarah reluctantly agreed as he could not refuse Merlin's Dragonlord power.
Second- Heal Aithusa's deformities.
Kilgarah had honored that request immediately, breathing a golden pink sparkly flame on Aithusa. Everywhere the flame touched Aithusa, transformation was phenomenal and instantaneous. The white dragon's twisted tail, head, neck, body, wings and haunches became straight, perfect, beautiful, stronger, larger and longer. Her dull white patchy scales filled in completely with a hard shiny opalescent glow.
When Morgana saw the change, she ran to Aithusa, overwhelmed with happy tears streaming down her face. She hugged Aithusa tightly as her dragon crooned into her neck surprising Morgana when she said in a little girl's voice, also a result of Kilgarah's healing mist, that none of this was Morgana's fault, and she would do it again, as she considered Morgana her mother and kin.
"You called me mother." Morgana's eyes prickled with tears at the new title bestowed by her beloved Aithusa
"You love me, take care of me." Aithusa said. "That is what mother's do. I love you mother."
Morgana was so happy her white dragon no longer suffered, she looked to the great grimacing Dragon and hugged his snout in gratitude, smiling past the negativity of the scaly beast,"Thank you Kilgarah," she said, "for healing my Aithusa."
Third-Merlin had finally commanded Kilgarah to never lie to him again and to leave unless he was called.
Kilgarah had nodded and bowed to Merlin before stirring the air with great beatings of his wings as he rose into the sky and flew away.
It was only after Kilgarah's form had disappeared into a small speck that Merlin was able to calm himself enough to join Aithusa and Morgana in what could almost be called a family hug.
Merlin felt this might go really well as Morgana was in such a happy mood from seeing her beloved dragon-daughter cured, whole and pain free. He sighed, his stomach grumbling.
Morgana laughed as hers grumbled too. "There is soup back at camp." Morgana said.
"That would be good. I am starving." Merlin said. and suggested they head back to camp
Aithusa was walking behind them, then running, finally taking off into the night sky, trying out her new wings. It was a beautiful sight to watch as Aithusa soared above the trees in her joy and happiness. Merlin and Morgana watched her with the pride and joy of new parents.
They headed back in silence watching Aithusa and smiling largely at her antics. Aithusa had told them she would be hunting and wheeled away into the sky.
After more days of travel, Morgana seemed so much happier as Atihusa was well and with them. But it was a double edged sword as Morgana's conscience was starting to work again due to being around Merlin and Aithusa. As a result her visions and nightmares of things she had done in the past would wake Merlin and Aithusa to Morgana screaming, crying and shaking as the horror of her past actions and the dream of the previous nights unfolded.
Merlin would always wake and immediately go to her side, holding her in his arms trying to comfort her, able in a large degree to calm Morgana but he knew they both needed help but was reluctant to stray from their goal of finding the Goddess as the curse was also a horrible issue.
After a week of this, Viviana appeared and hugged Morgana sending waves of comfort through her as she had done before.
Morgana was finally able to calm down and the three of them had a serious discussion that lasted the rest of the night.
Merlin was anxious to help and told Morgana he had visited with the Druids about this issue and Iselder had encouraged him to be part of her training.
Morgana was reluctant saying, "But we need to find the Goddess."
Viviana told them Morgana's visions nightmares were more important at this time, enough that they needed to halt their search for the Goddess, find the Druids, and take advantage of the profferred instruction as soon as possible, for as long as necessary.
Viviana's assurance gave a measure of peace to Merlin and Morgana so they could set aside their guilt to focus on something equally important.
Morgana allowed herself to feel thrilled to learn. She could finally get help with the visions and dreams that had plagued her whole life.
Merlin was happy to be part of the solution.
All three of them decided to start the journey immediately as the sun had risen.
They quickly ate some rations and packed up their belongings.
Viviana suggested using the transportation spell as it would save time and would be good practice.
Merlin and Morgana were more than amenable to this as the distance was further, and the cargo greater than anything they had yet tried. Aithusa had joined in the planning and effort and was going to lend her magical power as well. They were excited and carefully listened as Vivana instructed them in how to help her transport themselves, Aithusa, their horses and all their equipment to the Druid camp.
Merlin and Morgana had Aithusa between them, closing the circle touching their horses loaded with their equipment and holding onto Viviana. The words Vivian used were different and the ride was much calmer to the Druid camp than their previous efforts at transportation.
Iselder was waiting for them when they arrived and led them to a stream and pond close to the camp where they could set up camp.
Since they knew they would be there for a while, Viviana conjured what looked like a small tent from the outside. However, when they entered, they were thrilled to discover the inside was much larger, containing two beds, a small fire pit, a table and two chairs, that could be used for eating or study, and a back room where Aithusa could sleep and or they could practice their magic without disturbing the rest of the camp.
Merlin and Morgana thanked Viviana for their new accommodations. They had tried the beds and found them very comfortable and wanted to learn how to do this. Viviana did show them how to do silencing, locking and size manipulation spells as those skills would be necessary during their stay. However, she also reminded them they needed to focus their energy on helping Morgana at this time.
The two were disappointed, but consoled when Viviana told them she would teach them more on this subject at a later date.
After Viviana left, the magical pair were introduced to Ysira who immediately began their training and education in the subject of Seer.
Both Merlin and Morgana were thankful when Ysira was able to explain the seer ability was a gift of warning. She explained the fear Morgana had about her magic in Camelot interfered with her being able to fully delve into the visions and pointed out her previous visions were of possible futures. Their futures were malleable. The out comes Morgana saw were malleable.
Ysira taught Morgana a spell so she could share her visions and dreams with Merlin. Doing this was a game changer for everyone and created the necessity for complete trust and communication and as they experienced the terror and fear together, Merlin was glad Iselder had suggested he join with Morgana in her training as it would enable him to better understand and help her. The other bonus was that, their joint instruction strengthened Merlin and Morgana's bond of friendship and love as they helped each other through these periods of trauma to solutions.
Ysira fascilitated these explorations, discoveries and solutions. In doing so, she became another mother to Merlin and Morgana. She was so proud of their achievements yet she never babied them or made decisions for them. Each day when she took them through their meditations together, Ysira first had them explore their magic, and ask them questions; what made them feel good, what made them feel bad, what made them worry and what made them feel peace, what made them happy and what made them sad, what was important and what was not.
Ysira was able to help Morgana identify the dark whisperings of the curse and how much that had affected her actions. It took many months, but she learned to separate and identify the seductive violence promoted by the curse Morgause had laid upon her.
Ysira was always questioning them. Merlin and Morgana's answers changed over time as they learned more, but Ysira would never tell them they were wrong as this was a subject where the answers were largely in them. She was there to help them unfold and reveal what worked best for them and would continue to question them till they could answer her with surety.
While Morgana was not able to access her initial feelings of respect and caring towards Merlin, each day she spent with him, she was gaining new experiences and memories of and with him that made her so happy and activated her conscience. This would have been much more difficult if she had not had Ysira there to help her identify her real voice and desires that had been buried by the curse.
The day she discovered that she hadn't wanted the throne of Camelot till Morgause had put that idea in her head, was one of mixed emotions. She was happy for the truth, but was devastated at her newfound perspective shed light on the depths and extremities Morgause had used Morgana for her own agenda.
It was during this time, she realized how much those manipulations had isolated her from her family and friends, how much she missed her brother Arthur, and her maidservant Gwen. As she remembered those good times, she started to desire more of them as they contrasted extremely to the violence and disregard Morgause had justified and pushed to gain power. It was a reawakening of Morgana's conscience. and it showed up in her dreams at night as her past actions were exposed to a new light.
This was another game changer for Morgana because with awareness, came the desire to snuff the voice of the curse that had plagued her since her sister had put it upon her. Both she and Merlin came to appreciate and value Ysira for her knowledge, capability, kindness and wisdomin helping Morgana achieve this goal.
At night the couple looked forward to the times they sat around the Druid campfire and listened to their stories, sang with them and danced with them, learned their legends and prophecies. It was during this time, Morgana learned the prophecy, of the Once and Future King and Emrys and the Golden Age they would create in more detail. She also learned her part in greater detail. They treasured the wisdom of these older people and the rest of the camp who had become family.
When they had time during the day, Merlin and Morgana would help with meal preparation and other tasks to pay for the many kindnesses they received from these peaceful people. Other times they would walk around just talking and rehashing what they had learned to review, clarify and apply where necessary. There was little spare time but Iselder had suggested the set aside a time several times a week to practice magic and share magical knowledge. Viviana sometimes came to help them.
Now when Morgana had horrible nightmares, she did not always wake screaming or crying or shaking or all three as the horror of her past actions unfolded and her conscience started to work. when Morgana had really bad dreams Merlin would wake up and comfort her before going back to sleep. It was a sign that the trust and friendship between them was deepening and getting stronger. They had decided to bring these dreams (nightmares) to Ysira
As the weeks and months passed and Morgana's conscience came back. They would talk about ways Morgana could make things right with the people she had hurt or killed. As she gained control to push the curse aside, she discovered true remorse as she remembered the children she had caused to be orphaned. She and Merlin talked of taking them in, or at the very least providing for their care and helping them get and maintain some kind of livelihood. These solutions gave her some peace of mind. But there was so much that needed to be resolved They found they would rather be with each other than anyone else Over the weeks and months that followed, their friendship and love was deepening to an even greater level out of necessity but also out of desire. There were no secrets between them.
Sometimes they would just have fun with some of the children, young people, or adults, swimming in the lake by the their tent, or have competitions to see who could levitate the most rocks or create the most beautiful things, like flowers, butterflies, or flame animals.
Aithusa was welcomed and became an instant hit with the Druid children. The young dragon often gave the children rides or hunted food for the entire camp.
The Druids were thankful for the help and used everything from the catches Aithusa brought, making clothing,blankets and tools. They were eating better than ever.
It was several months after Merlin had left, Gaius, Arthur, Gwen, and some of the knights, including Mordred were sitting at the table in Gaius' quarters. It was lunch time. This had become their special magic education classroom chat time everyday since Merlin had left to find Morgana and the Goddess.
Arthur and Gwen had learned about the different kinds of magic. They had discovered there was a use for most of it depending on the situation. They had learned that Morgana and Merlin had not learned magic. They had been born with it. Magic was a part of them like their heart or their brain. Try to take it from them, and they would die.
That made Merlin a warlock, more powerful than hedge witches or sorcerers.
They learned that Morgana was a seer as well as a witch, denoting she also was born with her powers
Gaius filled in the blanks of some of the times Merlin had saved Arthur's life and Morgana's dreams had warned them of danger before it came.
There was some talk about the purge and the events that led to it. Arthur always became uncomfortable, very sad, and somewhat defensive during this topic, wanting to head back to the forest to beat up the tree and scream as he had the day Merlin left. He was uncomfortable because what he was learning flew in the face of everything Uther had ever taught him on the subject his whole life. He still struggled with his old ideas according to his father's teachings, that magic was evil. But he was learning everyday to be more objective and deal with the facts.
He was learning so many ways magic was not evil. People who used magic determined whether it was good or bad depending on the use of it. Arthur would turn defensive because the man he had looked up to was so flawed and ruthless in his thinking. He didn't want to disrespect the man who raised him, but the facts made that impossible. He was still angry that his father had been so unrepentant, proud, accusatory and generally out of control in his purge. Most of the executions had been unnecessary. Gaius expressed deep regret for not saving more innocent people.
Gaius had brought up the scrolls and books Camelot still had on the prophecies of Emrys and the Once and Future King. The more he learned, the more Arthur felt the weight of destiny on his shoulders. Merlin was so unassuming. Arthur wondered if Merlin felt the wieght of being Emrys since he was basically King of the Druids.
Merlin was a King. A king had washed Arthur's dirty socks, mucked his stables, and served cheerfully. Arthur was chagrined and even more embarrassed when he thought of how poorly he had treated Merlin. Uther would have put anyone else in the stocks had they treated him so badly or filched on their promises. Uther would probably have executed anyone for the disrespect Arthur had piled on Merlin.
Arthur had promised the Druid boy's spirit that possessed Elyan years ago, he would protect the Druids and give them the respect they deserved. He had yet to honor that promise and hung his head in shame. Morgana's words were ringing through his head. Do the right thing, dam the consequences. Even Morgana in all her evil had been fighting for justice in her own way.
But then he thought on Uther who had said to put the kingdom first. While Uther had, in his own way, put the kingdom first, it was a tiny straw of pride and self worth Arthur could grasp to do as much. The Druids who lived in his kingdom were his people, and therefore, fell under his protection. He could make a change. Only those people who hurt others, or damaged property, would be punished. The punishment would be fair and just and fit the crime. He made a pledge to himself that no one would ever again be killed and/or hunted for who they were. It was the right thing to do and he would be taking another step towards his title to be "The Once and Future King".
Arthur brought Geoffrey into their conversations on the Druids. He charged Geoffrey with writing a proclamation that would start the ball rolling. Merlin and Viviana had laid the groundwork by showing Arthur magic could be used for good such as healing, defense, making jobs easier, or impossible jobs possible.
Arthur was particularly interested in the truth spells. His mind had caught on to the idea that it could be useful as he listened to complaints during court days or council days. With a truth spell, he would be able to tell when someone lied or falsely accused a neighbor for their own gain.
It helped him realize how important, valuable and critical Morgana 's seer powers could be if used to discover truth or to warn. He also saw how reduced their chances of succeeding in building Albion were without her and the gifts she possessed.
It made him frustrated he had not known all these things before when Morgana's magic had first surfaced. Hind sight was twenty/ twenty. In many ways, he was not surprised Morgana had acted as she had.
It was true not all of Morgana's actions were altruistic and would have to be dealt with before Arthur could really allow her completely into Camelot society. So much depended on Merlin's quest to break the dark blood magic Morgause had used on Morgana. Breaking that spell would make it easier to pardon Morgana as it would prove she had not been in control of her mind or her actions. Even then, some restitution would have to be made.
Arthur had been sending money to the orphans Morgana had created when she tested her love spell on one of his guards. If Morgana was truly repentant, she would not mind paying for the children's living, education, and setting them up in a livelihood that would keep them happy. Their parents were irreplaceable. Arthur missed his mother everyday of his life. Every time he had seen Merlin with his mother he had felt a twinge of jealousy that his own mother was no longer around.
Cornelius Sigan's relationship with Bruta was studied. Arthur and Gwen learned Sigan had actually built Camelot in a day using his magic. He had turned day to night and controlled the tides. This had benefited Camelot in trade, negotiations and war.
When Arthur found out that Merlin had defeated Sigan, he became curious as to what else Merlin was capable of doing. Each revelation of Merlin's power used to save Arthur and Camelot made Arthur appreciate all the sacrifices Merlin had made for him.
Bruta had not killed Sigan as some of the history books had said. Sigan had been deceived. The Dochraid had actually twisted the truth, deceived, and finally killed Sigan to tempt Bruta into a magical war.
Bruta had discovered her deception and banned her but it was already too late. Sigan was dead at the hand of the Dochraid with no resolution to the lies she had told him and had left the world in bitterness. Again, Morgana's seer abilities would be so useful in such cases.
Arthur just hoped history did not repeat itself between Merlin, Morgana and himself because the truth had been concealed and lies had been allowed to flourish. Everything he was learning was breaking down the wall of lies Uther had told him. He knew falsehoods could pop up and he was determined to find a way past them, through them, or around them. Honesty would be key.
Merlin had not been honest with Arthur about his magic because his life would have been forfeit. Arthur was humiliated for every negative thing he had ever said about magic. those negatives had not encouraged Merlin to trust him with his largest secret. The more Arthur learned, the more he was ashamed. His shame deepened as he reflected on incidents where he had put Merlin down and not given him a reason to trust. Had he been in Merlin's shoes, Arthur knew he would not have stuck with the job for so long nor been so loyal.
Gwen pointed out that Arthur should treat all his subjects with respect reminding him this conversation had occurred many years ago when Gwen had hidden him in her home so he could compete anonymously. Before Arthur met Gwen, he had thought he could abuse and bully people because he was the prince, because he thought that was what people expected. He could charm her with his looks and a few insincere words and that would be considered a great kindness. It was an attitude of entitlement that shamed him.
Gwen had been the one to smash that misconception to smitherines. Merlin and Morgana had smashed that vase of disrespect, exposing it for the ugliness it espoused. Morgana had stood up to injustice and misunderstanding. Merlin had gone into battle with him repeatedlly and risked his life and shown him what a true friend was. It was a valueable lesson he had learned and Arthur was going to make sure it was not wasted. Arthur vowed he was going to promote Merlin and honor him in some way when he returned. A feast would be a small beginning.
"If the prophecy came true that Merlin and Morgana would share a great love and be great allies, Arthur knew he would have to promote Merlin to a Lord, or Court Warlock so Merlin and Morgana could marry and Morgana would not have to marry below her station.
But then again, that notion was hypocritical in the more glaring light of magical knowledge, Arthur came to realize that Merlin was magical royalty. Hypocitical because Arthur had married Gwen, a commoner, and knighted commoners who were some of his best knights. Merlin deserved so much more consideration as he had done more than any other knight in saving and preserving king and Camelot. Merlin deserved to be awarded a royal position solely on merit, not just because of his magical ability.
The legalization of magic would be something he could do for his friend and his sister and he laid awake nights thinking of a way he could do thisand talking to Gwen about possible solution. It was a clear and starry night when they finally came up with a plan and enacted it, first; surreptitiously, Gwen and Arthur broached magical subject matter with his court and council. He had to know his actions would not cause civil unrest.
Gwen and Gaius were glad to help with this project as was Mordred.
Their efforts uncovered attitudes. Those who had served with Uther balked against any changes. while knights that knew Merlin and were in on the magic classes, were all for the changes. Arthur was pleasantly surprised to discover some of the older council members, who had been around to see the benefit of magic before the purge, where actually more open to changes regarding magic.
Arthur charged Gaius and Gwen with gathering information on the matter to see where the citizenry stood on magic. That information could determine where he needed to start. He was relieved and surprised to find help from Viviana who introduced him to Iselder. He found these two a bottomless resource of magical information and Druid tradition. The more he interacted with them, the more he came to respect them not just for their intelligence, but for their integrity, character and knowledge on running a kingdom. Gaius and Gwen were also helpful and indispensable.
Arthur did not want war. He wanted to live up to the prophecy to the be the greatest king to usher in the Golden Age. He considered it another way to pay Merlin back for his sacrifices.
There would have to be new treaties signed with other kingdoms who had followed Uther's policies on magic. There was much to do. Arthur's goal was to make Albion safe for Merlin and Morgana. To do so was a small part of the debt Arthur owed both of them.