Chapter 9
It was almost a year later that Merlin and Morgana left the Druid camp much more knowledgeable and capable when it came to their own magic, Morgana's seer powers, her ability to recognize and repress the curse, and magical control. Their relationship had grown and blossomed to encompass more aspects of love especially the philia aspect of love between them.
In their efforts to protect the Druids they stayed with, they had stopped attacks using their magic and word had spread that the great Emrys and LeFay were a force to be reckoned with.
Being as the Druid camp was not far from Arthur; Viviana, Aithusa, and other Druids had often helped Merlin and Morgana transport ciminals to Arthur for his justice. Attacks on the Druid camps and throughout the kingdom decreased as a result.
It was due to these successes and several long discussions with Viviana, Iselder and Ysira, that Merlin and Morgana had finally re-established their quest to find the Goddess and free Morgana from the curse. They had been told to search the forest of Arden.
Gaius had told Merlin stories about his youth when they had entered this magical forest looking for the Goddess and her sacred tree. The challenge was to find and obtain a magical acorn from that sacred tree. Gaius had said no one had ever found it as it was magically concealed and would only be revealed if the Goddess wished it. Merlin had shared these sories with Morgana and the Druids who had added their own experiences and information on the subject.
So when Merlin and Morgana arrived at the magical forest of Arden and noticed a glimmer that shifted as if revealing some disguise to what was actually there, the magical couple moved closer together as Morgana latched onto Merlin's bicep with her hand walking at his side.
As they moved closer, a tunnel appeared. It had been hidden from their view, but was now fully revealed. "This must be the place Gaius told me about." Merlin whispered to Morgana as they walked through the tunnel and continued to a grove that opened up to the sky. The trees were all perfectly symmetrical. Their leaves were transparent and reflective like bright emeralds that glimmered in the sunlight. In the middle of all the trees was a mighty oak so tall they could not see the top of it.
Merlin put his hand on the trunk leaning his ear close to listen. "He turned to Morgana with a gigantic smile. This is the tree they could never find."
Morgana leaned in close to listen. She heard nothing She knew it was the dark curse that was blocking her and her eyes shown with disappointed tears she fought to control. She pulled out the water skin she had attached to her belt and took a long drink. She would not cry. She would sit and wait. She was the Last High Priestess of the Triple Goddess.
Merlin sat down beside Morgana, "Can you hear it?"
Morgana shook her head in the negative her eyes shiny with un-shed tears.
Merlin smiled, grabbed her hand connecting their magic to create their turquoise glow. "The forest is singing. It is a call to wait and listen."
"Morgana closed her eyes in concentration as her magic joined with Merlin's through their hands and she was finally able to hear the song. It soothed her and made her smile. She looked at Merlin, eyes shining with happy tears. "I hear it. The Goddess comes soon." She leaned her head on Merlin's shoulder closing her eyes, soaking up the waves of peace washing over her.
Merlin smiled closing his eyes and doing the same. Both fell asleep
...
Merlin dreamed. Before him was a beautiful woman dressed in a shimmery blue fabric that picked up all the colors of the rainbow as she moved.
He saw her hand open to reveal a seed. She planted that seed and it grew into a mighty tree. It was the tree they had just found. He saw the land was beautiful and flourished for several eons of time. It made his heart happy.
But then, he saw a darkness cover the land and weaken the Goddess, ageing and bending her body. He hair became less lustrous and her eyes clouded over. He saw how the followers of the Goddess were also affected by the evil. Morgause had been one of them so affected. Merlin knew he was watching the history of the Goddess and his heart wept.
The Goddess returned to her original beautiful form She beckoned to him. "Merlin my precious child. I know why you have come. You have been successful in loosening the dark curse but you need more as Morgana is still trapped."
"The Goddess raised her hand up into the tree.
It was as if the tree smiled before giving her one of its branches.
In the Goddess' hands, the branch turned into a staff as tall as Merlin with the image of Aithusa and her white opalescent scales carved into its surface. Blue sapphire gems were the eyes and the mouth was open holding a large blue sapphire. The dragon,wings pressed close to the dragon body and tail, wrapped around the staff creating a hand grip. The continuing spiral of the staff showed runes carved in gold and silver, encrusted with blue, red, purple, green, white and yellow gems.
The Goddess stretched the staff towards Merlin. "Take it. This staff was made specifically for you. It will focus and increase your power. It is enchanted to only respond to you. If you ever lose or break it, all you have to do is think and it will come to wherever you are without blemish. It can never be taken from you or used by anyone without your permission."
Merlin turned wide, shining, grateful eyes to the Goddess and took the staff in hand admiring and studying its beauty and craftsmanship. "This gift is great... " Merlin said reverently. "I am unworthy."
The Goddess' eyes softened, as she opened her arms for Merlin to step into her motherly embrace which he returned. "You are wise Emrys to realize that even though you have learned much these last six months, There will always be more to know and master. Time and study will help you. The staff is a conduit for knowledge and will answer any question you ask it."
The Goddess kissed his forehead. Merlin felt warmth, light, peace, clarity, confidence and love open and fill his mind and body. It was a moment that changed him in so many ways. He knew the Goddess had bestowed a great gift upon him to counteract his weakness and insecurities. He felt his love for everyone, especially Morgana swell in his chest. "Thank you!" Merlin said, knowing his words didn't even began to convey the gratitude he felt.
The Goddess smiled at him knowing his thoughts.
She was silent for a moment before continuing. "You have many trials ahead of you Merlin. You must be strong. The waters of life from this cup will be necessary for your success. After you drink from it, no matter how badly injured you are, you will recover. Even death will not take you. Any time you need my help, just call and I will aid you any way I can. Your life will be long and glorious."
Merlin recognized the cup of life and shrank from it. "I have heard that Emrys means immortal. I never wanted to be immortal. It seems so horrible to live when all around me will age and die leaving me alone. Immortality seems more of a curse than a gift."
The Goddess chuckled. "Ah, but Emrys, my chosen one, my child, my champion of magic, you shall not walk alone. Your love for your fellowman is strong and your heart is true. You do not seek power or wealth. You seek the happiness and well-being of your fellow men above your own. You will make many treasured friends along your way. That is why the Gods have gifted you with such powerful magic. They know you will use it wisely to make the world a better place for all you will meet."
"All this power and magic will not keep me company when my friends and family die. I do not want to be alone." Merlin almost cried.
"Worry not my son! Your mate is with you. I see into your heart and know these last months have uncovered the love you have for each other. That love will continue to grow and bless both of you. She will be given immortality as well after you lift the curse from her mind. You must fill her with your magic, light and love. Have her look into the blue crystal on your staff. She must not be forced or coerced. She must look of her own free will. With help from your dragon, you will lift the curse. I have instructed Aithusa in what must be done."
The Goddess put her hand up into the branches of the tree as if asking permission.
The tree seemed to smile again giving her another of its branches.
The Goddess held the branch in her hands and it became a white staff as tall as Morgana with a hand grip. Carved leaves and flowers twined beautifully around the staff from tip to base. Runes etched in gold and silver displayed between the vines. The flowers were white. The flower centers were inlaid with precious stones of green, purple, blue, turquoise, yellow and scarlet. On the top of the staff was a large green crystal. The same size as the blue stone on top of Merlin's staff.
"This staff is to be given to Morgana after you break the curse. Like yours, it will respond only to her and will magnify her power. If she loses or breaks it, all she has to do is think and it will return to her unblemished. Like yours, it cannot be taken from her or used by anyone else without her permission."
Merlin took both staves in hand with awe in his eyes at the beauty and workmanship. "Thank you Merlin bowed to the Goddess." I will treasure these wonderful gifts.
The Goddess held out the cup of life. "Drink half. The other half is for your mate who has been at your side worrying and waiting for you to wake."
"Merlin took the cup and drank half of its contents. He felt the waters pulsing through him healing every scar and hurt, both physical and emotional. Merlin was overwhelmed with the gifts of the Goddess and the love he felt pouring from her in waves along with the power she exuded. He fell to his knees as tears came to his eyes. "Thank you for these gifts. I feel to ask if there is anything I can do for you."
The Goddess smiled. "Dear Merlin, my champion of magic, my chosen one, you are indeed great, Your unselfish, courageous, nature is why you have been gifted with such power. "On the Isle of the Blessed, there is an evil force that has darkened the magic of this land. It has corrupted my priestesses and is the reason Morgana is under the black curse."
"The evil lies at the base of the rowan tree on the isle and has corrupted the tree and so much more. You will need to travel to the land of your father's house in Caledonia. They are familiar with the Druid way and the dragon way. The Druids and your father's people will help you, Morgana, and The Once and Future King."
With each new piece of information imparted about his famly, Merlin's face opened in surprise, happiness and excitement that he would soon meet his father's family that had till now been unknown and absent from his life.
"There is also a magical group of people you must seek. One of my chosen ones is their leader. Their leader is a seer and has the gifts of magic and immortality. She has waited and prepared her people many years in anticipation of your arrival. They are necessary to your success and will help you as needed."
Merlin's smile grew with this information. He could feel the strength of the Goddess filling him with a humble confidence that all would be well.
The Goddess opened her hand to reveal a large acorn seed. "After you have defeated the evil on the Isle of the Blessed, plant this seed at its center. You will know the right time and place."
Merlin bowed his head as unshed tears of gratitude shown in his eyes. He felt the strength of the Goddess and the staff in his hand amplifying his power and every fiber of his being. He looked up. His gaze was strong with conviction as he said, "I will do everything in my power to do as you ask."
"Remember I will be with you, protecting you." The Goddess embraced Merlin and kissed his forehead.
Morgana had woken to find Merlin still asleep or so she thought. She had squeezed his hand but got no response. She shook him, and still he did not move. Morgana tried to revive him; rubbing his hands, and calling to him over and over again. She turned him on his side to clear his airways in case he had choked on something. She checked him for any other injuries and found nothing.
Morgana kissed him hoping to restore his breath like in the fairytales. It didn't work.
She kissed his eyes, nose and cheeks with no results. Her tears started to fall as she picked up his hands and kissed them. She pulled his head in to her lap, rocking him in her arms, begging him to wake, to not leave her alone. Things were not suposed to end this way. Merlin was supposed to free her of the curse. They were suppposed to share a great love, bring peace and Albion. They couldn't do that if he was dead."I love you Merlin!" Please don't leave me!" was the mantra that fell from her lips.
Aithusa had come at Morgana's request and curled herself around her parents. There was nothing she could do but offer Morgana comfort. Neither she nor Morgana had ever felt so despondant. Neither wanted to leave Merlin alone. She and Aithusa wept together hopeless and helpless.
It was hours later Merlin finally awoke and looked around. He could not see the cup of life or the staves the Goddess had given him. "Was I dreaming?"
On hearing his words, Morgana pulled his lips to hers and kissed him deeply, so relieved he was still alive.
Merlin returned her kiss with fervor.
They finally broke apart and Morgana said "Your breathing stopped. I tried to rouse you, but you didn't respond. I thought you were dead."
Merlin put his arms around Morgana rubbing her back in comfort. He kissed her forehead. "I am fine."
"You were dead! You 're not dead now." She looked him over for wounds or bruises and again and saw nothing. She almost wanted to slap him, but remembered her promise and used the controls she had learned from Ysira to muffle the curse. It was easier to do these days. She was so glad and relieved Merlin was alive, there was no way she could ever be angry at him again. But she was still puzzled. "How can you stop breathing for hours and still be alive?"
Merlin sat up and thought for a moment. "My spirit must have left my body to talk to the Goddess."
Morgana pulled back in amazement at his words, trying hard to get herself under control and her head around what he had just said. "You talked to the Goddess?"
"Yes! I have seen the Goddess." He looked around again and finally saw the dragon staff the Goddess had given him. "She gave me this." Merlin pointed to the staff and took it in his hand. "This is the tool I need to free you of the curse."
"Morgana's mouth dropped into an "Oh" as she looked at the carving of Aithusa, in opalescent white, the jewels, the silver and gold runes. "It is beautiful."
Merlin nodded, "The Goddess says it will focus and magnify my power." No one but me can use it. It can never be broken or lost. I just have to call it."
"That is amazing Merlin. You talked to the Goddess. She gave you this beautiful gift. And I was here to see you come back." Morgana looked him over carefully. "There is something else different about you." She pulled his head forward to see if the fomorrah scar was on his neck. "It is gone." Morgana gasped. She pulled his shirt aside where she had healed the wound on his shoulder when she had him tied up in her hovel. That scar too was gone as well. "You are...different."
"Merlin what happened to you?"
Merlin wanted to share the news about her staff and the cup. However, it was more important to free her of the curse as soon as possible. "You have to look into the big blue crystal on my staff of your own free will and choice to release your mind from the curse. After that is done, I have more to share with you."
Merlin searched her eyes, holding his breath, waiting for her response.
Morgana was under the love spell, but it did not take away her free will. He waited anxiously.
Morgana smiled. "As the Last High Priestess of the Triple Goddess, of course I will do as you ask."
Merlin smiled, hugged her and gave her a passionate kiss before standing with the staff in hand, pulling Morgana with him. The Goddess said I must look into your mind, kill the snake that is guarding your good thoughts and fill you with my magic."
Morgana looked at Merlin steadily with hope and excitement as this had been the goal ever since she and Merlin had started their qwest. Morgause's voice was starting to scream in the background. But Morgana raised her chin. It was times like this her Pendragon pride, strength and courage were useful as it helped hide her fear and trepidation and push at the curse. "I'm ready" She said grasping onto his shoulders.
The minute Morgana touched Merlin's shoulder, Aithusa stood behind Morgana. "The Goddess sent me." Aithusa spoke in a musical girl's voice.
Merlin's smile was gigantic. "Then we are ready."
Merlin took one of Morgana's hands and placed it on his staff where the grip was. He covered her hand with his own putting his other hand on her shoulder so they were both touching each other and the staff.
Merlin gathered his magic and signaled for Morgana to do the same.
As they started breathing together and gazing into each other's eyes, The staff took on the turquoise glow of their combined magic. The glow from the staff surrounded them and Aithusa.
Merlin and Morgana kept their eyes on each other as Merlin delved into Morgana's mind.
The curse was dark, slimy and foreboding. He had always wanted to retreat this past year whenever he had encountered it in their sessions with Ysira.
He wanted to back out but was able to gather enough courage to press forward, hoping.
The dark snake in Morgana's mind tried to tighten its hold, sending unimaginable pain through her body with an evil smoke and more black tendrils that thickened around her good thoughts. Morgana bit her lip and held tighter to Merlin trying to stifle the scream that was building in her body as the pain increased. She fell to her knees and Merlin with her as he too was feeling some of her pain.
The Goddess's presence could be felt and Merlin knew it was time to fill Morgana with his light and the light of the Goddess.
Merlin gripped his staff. He let his power fuse with the power of the staff and felt the power of the Goddess flow through him. He pushed all of that into Morgana's mind and body, searching out the blackness and the pain that was hurting her.
He destroyed the darkness in her body on contact.
Morgana had stopped screaming but her eyes had rolled to the back of her head and she started to collapse.
Merlin pulled her towards him and caught her in his arms before she hit the ground He held her closer and more tightly so he could continue.
Merlin found the snake. He focused his magic through the crystal and destroyed it as well. His breathing was heavy as he finished that part of cleansing Morgana of the curse.
His next focus went to the goo covering the good memories. The goo tried to tighten and wrap more black smoke and goo, spreading its darkness around the good memories.
Merlin zapped them with his power, pulling and twisting the other strands till he almost had them loosened only for them to tighten. He tried again and again He was getting tired and frustrated. He grasped both Morgana's hands with the staff between them and drew on Morgana's power. His hair stood on end. Morgana's hair stood on end. They were both glowing a brilliant turquoise that got brighter and whiter as Merlin untangled the curse destroying more of the goo. He thought he was going to pass out with the effort when suddenly, Aithusa breathed a golden flame on him. Light shot out from both Merlin and Morgana evaporating the remaining goo into thin air and breaking the love spell.
A wisp of blue fluttered from the explosion and wrapped itself around Merlin's right wrist and Morgana's left wrist joining them together.
The light dissipated. Merlin and Morgana swayed together briefly before their eyes rolled to the backs of their head and they fell to the ground unconscious.
Viviana appeared and used her magic to move Merlin and Morgana into a more comfortable position side by side on their bedrolls. She changed every bit of clothing on their bodies white, beautiful and clean. Morgana's dress was no longer black. It was a delicate chiffon,lace and velvet cut in a princess style with form fitting bodice, sleeves and a flared skirt. Her once ratty hair turned lustrous, surrounding her face and flowing to her waist in glorious perfect curls.
Merlin's brown, red and blue clothes turned into a white silk shirt, white leather pants and a white, full length, tailored jacket. His hair was combed into perfect waves. He looked like a prince out of a fairy tale.
Viviana took their capes and boots in hand changing and enchanting them with her magic.
Then she settled herself to keep watch and prepare food and medicine for when they awoke.
The Goddess smiled. "Well done Viviana and Aithusa!"
Aithusa laid beside the couple and spread her wing protectively over the pair as they slept.
It was a whole day later when they finally stirred.
Merlin turned his head to look at Morgana feeling too weak to move a great deal. "Are you okay? How do you feel?" Merlin asked, looking concerned as his eyes traveled over Morgana's face, arms, and body looking for any damage. He saw none and was surprised at her change in clothing and appearance.
Morgana's eyes fluttered open as she turned her head towards Merlin, her eyes widening at his appearance. She was so surprised she didn't answer.
"Are you okay?" Merlin asked again grasping Morgana's hand that was next to him and stroking the back of it with his thumb.
Morgana blinked several times trying to get her bearings as Viviana helped her to sit. Morgana smiled at her gratefully. "Thank you mother."
"Your are welcome my dear. How do you feel?" Vivana asked
"Weak... but better." Morgana sighed.
The spell Merlin used took alot of your power, so I am not surprised."
Viviana turned to help Merlin sit "That was was an extraordinary piece of magic young man. That turquoise light you two created when the spell was broken was felt for miles I am sure."
"What about the curse?" Merlin said addressing Morgana. "Do you still feel the darkness?"
"I feel better than I have in a long time." Morgana closed her eyes focusing inward. The voices, the snake, the hate, Morgause's voice is gone."
Viviana smiled and hugged her magical children in a motherly hug. "I am thrilled you accomplished this."
Morgana and Merlin had big smiles as well and returned her hug. "
"Thank you for helping us mother." Morgana said.
Merlin kissed Viviana's cheek. "Yes Mother, Thank you for helping us.
"You are welcome." Vivana said with shining eyes. How do you feel young warlock?" Viviana asked.
Merlin rubbed his neck and eyes then smiled, "Weak, like Morgana but better."
Here," she said offering them both a bowl of soup and the medicine she had prepared while they were sleeping. Both of you should eat before we do any more talking."
Both Merlin and Morgana noticed eating was a bit difficult as they were attached by a blue ribbon. They were going to ask but the look they got from Viviana said she was not going to address that issue at this time. So they adjusted themselves, ate their soup and made the best of it.
As soon as she was finished eating, Morgana asked, "So these clothes...where did they come from."
"O that is a wedding gift from me." Viviana said. "I enchanted your clothes, along with these." She handed them their capes and boots that looked vastly different and much more beautiful. Merlin's cape was a dark brown. Morgana's was soft creamy white The boots matched and were lined with fur. All the items were embroidered with gold and silver thread. "I gave the capes and boots a magical protection to make them water proof, dirt proof, and provide the proper warmth and comfort regardless the weather outside, or any other threat you may encounter. At your command, these capes can make you invisible if you so wish. They are indestructible and cannot be taken from you. It is my wedding gift to you."
"Wedding gift?" Morgana said puzzled. "Thank you mother. They are beautiful." Morgana said fingering the soft deer hide, lengthened so it covered her to her ankles. It was lined with soft merino wool making it reversible, An attached hood, trimmed with fur finished it. Morgana stroked it with a look of awe and curiosity on her face. " How can they be a wedding gift?"
"Merlin's cape also covered him to his toes and had an attached hood with merino wool lining and fur trim. "Thank you Viviana. How can this be a wedding gift?
"Viviana hugged and kissed both Merlin and Morgana in a motherly fashion. "What I came to accomplish is almost complete.
Morgana's face registered surprise and some shock as she hugged her mother tightly. She remembered their journey to this place and Merlin practically dying on her and her own wish for him to come back to her because she loved him and never wanted him to leave her. She knew they were supposed to share a great love. However, Merlin had not yet officially proposed. She had not said yes. She was sure she would have remembered her wedding. If there was a wedding. "Thank you mother, for all your help." She pulled back. "But what do you mean?
Viviana smiled as she disappeared from sight. "I will let your dragon explain. Remember I will be watching over and helping you."
"Fyrdracafaestnian, I now pronounce you Dragon Lord Emrys and High Priestess Morgana, husband and wife." Aithusa said with what could only be described as a dragon smile on her face.
"What?" The dark haired pair asked.
"Merlin turned to Aithusa with an eyebrow raised in a very Gaius like manner. "Well?"