"I am pleased to see you all again." Catherine said with a huge smile upon her wrinkled features. Her voice echoed across the walls of the large hall. Merlin forced himself to give her a smile that he knew was not genuine. Merlin noted that this was the same hall they had all been in when the trial was going on.
The room itself was surprisingly elaborate. A high ceiling held ornately decorated candelabras that easily lit up the entire room. The light bounced to the walls where flowering vines stretched upwards even in the without the crucial need of sunlight. The floor was a smoothed stone that shone as though it had just recently been polished. Elaborate carvings were etched into the walls where there were no plants. Looking closer, Merlin realized they were runes and other words of the old religion.
Merlin was almost sure magic had played a part in almost every aspect of the room. He wasn't able to notice the details when he was first here, but now he felt the immense magical presence that rolled off the walls. The air was electric with the buzz of magic. He couldn't suppress the grin that made its way to his face.
"Likewise," Merlin said.
Arthur noticed that Merlin seemed very distracted by something in the room. The walk down here he had been somber and reclusive, but now he was grinning wildly. Arthur couldn't understand his drastic mood change. Suddenly, Merlin began walking around the room and examining the walls specifically.
Arthur rolled his eyes and turned to Catherine to speak. Before he could say anything, Catherine began.
"I called you all down here so that I could give you a proper tour of the complex. We want you to know what we can offer you if you ever need it in Camelot, King Arthur."
Arthur felt taken aback, which seemed to be commonplace when dealing with Catherine.
Arthur forced a false smile to reach his lips. "I appreciate your eagerness to help, but we must return to Camelot."
A brief look of disappointment flitted across her features, but she nodded. "It is not my place to question my king. I hope that you all will return when the situation is more convenient for you. I will have provisions for your journey collected." Catherine said with a warm and honest smile.
He was about to respond when he became distracted by Merlin. Merlin had stopped and was now staring intently at a small crystal that was upon a pedestal. He seemed to be resisting the urge to touch it. Catherine noticed Arthur's distraction and turned to see Merlin.
Upon seeing his reaction to it, Catherine said, "It truly is a remarkable item isn't it?"
"What is it?" Merlin asked not taking his eyes away from it.
"We needed a way to keep the enchantments that hold the entire complex together continuously funded by our magical energy. It is an instrument that anchors our magic to the complex. Everyone is required to partake in giving up a small portion of their power. We each contribute to its power once every month as it can be a tiring process and draining on one's magic, but it is necessary in order to keep our home strong."
"That's brilliant. May I assume that the enchantments were cast through the runes?" Merlin ask.
Catherine nodded, her eyes shone passionately. "A few of our members took it upon themselves to extensively study runes. It was a monumental task, but I and many others were able to learn so much from it."
"You were among those who helped?"
Catherine nodded and Merlin was incredibly impressed. To study a section of magic so extensively and then work to implement is in a way as Catherine had was monumental and spoke of the loyalty she had to her people here. His mind quickly wandered back to the strangely enticing crystal.
"Would you mind if I tried?"
Catherine smiled and directed her hand towards the crystal. "It would be an honor. Just breath in slowly and direct your power into it. Be warned that you may feel a bit faint afterwards."
Merlin put a single hand on the crystal and took a deep breath. Merlin's eyes then closed. Catherine watched intently as did the rest of the Knights. Arthur stood by confused as to what was happening, but also (he would never admit it out loud) slightly intrigued. The way Catherine had talked about the complex being held together by magic was amazing. Arthur had never before thought of the practical uses that magic could have. He was always taught about magic from the viewpoint of his father, and that was anything but positive.
Merlin's eyes opened with a brilliant golden light. Instead of simply flashing gold momentarily, his eyes continued to stay gold much to the surprise of Arthur and the rest of the Knights. The crystal also began to glow dimly at first until it grew to a blinding light that lit up the entire room. All in the room averted their eyes as it soon became to bright to look at.
It was not at all how one who loathed magic would expect to feel. Arthur felt a comforting warmth that seemed to seep into his very being. The feeling could only be likened to a loving hug from Gwen. The warmth settled in his chest and felt so very right which deeply troubled Arthur. How could anything so pure be considered evil. As fast as the light had grown, it diminished leaving the room bathed once again in its original light. The only noise in the room was Merlin's loud breathing like he had just got done running. His eyes continued to glow for a moment until they faded and returned to their original blue. Everyone gaped at Merlin as he stood there as though unaware of what he had just done.
Catherine took hold of Merlin's arm. He felt her gentle and warm grasp steady him. It was then that he realized he had been swaying at all.
"Would you like a chair, my lord?"
Merlin opened his mouth to answer, but stopped suddenly. Merlin shook his head. He didn't want anything. Sharing his magic had been exhilarating. He had felt the magic of countless others that had done this before him. It was a rush. He enjoyed the feeling of his magic pulsing inside his chest. He had never known that allowing his magic out in such a fashion could affect him like this.
This is what it felt like to be free.
"Alright," Catherine conceded eyeing him up as though she expected him to tip over at any second. "You seemed to exert quite a bit of power. If you feel at all faint, let me know."
"I will." Merlin grinned widely. He felt a swell of his magic rush to his fingertips as he glanced to the crystal again. He longed to release it again. To let it be free, without the reserve he once had for fear of being discovered. Arthur now knew of his magic. What reason did he have now for holding anything back?
Fear
Fear held him back from letting go. He didn't know what extent his magic could go. Frankly, he didn't want to know. The fear of his magic being discovered was drowned whenever he thought of the unknown extent of his power. It was a terrifying conflicting idea to be afraid of what one's own self could do, but he lived with it day in and day out.
Mary burst into the room suddenly. Her excited eyes met Catherine's.
"The river is flowing again. Everyone who saw is sharing the news."
Catherine looked shocked and turned to Merlin who looked at the floor bashfully. Arthur was astonished at how humble Merlin stayed after the feat he just accomplished.
"Inform them that it was the work of Emrys. He continues to help us even when it is not his initial intention."
Mary nodded in understanding and quickly left the room, but not without smiling at Merlin.
"Shall we go and see the newly reestablished river before you set off for Camelot?"
Merlin smiled like he wanted to, but he knew that it wasn't his decision to make. Arthur wanted to leave and Merlin had to follow that decision.
"Only if my king wishes to go." Merlin replied. Arthur barely registered that he had been referred to. He was still relishing in the warmth and comfort that accompanied Merlin's magic.
"I don't see any harm in seeing the river." Arthur said much to the confusion of his Knights. Arthur locked eyes with Merlin's wide eyes. He wasn't doing this for Merlin. Arthur didn't even have to tell himself that. He barely knew why he chose to go. A seemingly subconscious desire to see this river almost screamed that he knew he would be disappointed if he didn't see this.
Perhaps this was the seductive nature of magic his father had always warned him about.
"Excellent," Catherine said with a smile. "We will be heading to the main common area. It is where the river runs past and is home to our craftsman or other specialized workers." She began walking through the doors and down a large hallway. "We have tried to make our complex as much like a city as possible. We didn't want our people to suffer in a dark cave, so extensive magical enchantments have been used to shape and sustain the complex." They reached a set of stone stairs and began walking down them.
As Catherine continued to speak about the complex, Merlin felt more and more confused as to why Arthur agreed to this. He was seeing a river entirely formed of magic, the thing he despised most. Why would he be interested when he had so obviously spoken out against using magic in any situation. Even now as he was walking at the back of the group Merlin could see Arthur and the interest he showed towards Catherine's information he was giving him.
Merlin's stomach suddenly dropped. What if Arthur's motives for learning more about this complex was to undermine all they had built, ridding the world of another group of Druids? He could find them all now. What if there Merlin felt sick as they continued their walk to the river. He wanted more than anything for Arthur to see magic for what it is truly meant to be used for.
"Here we are." Catherine said as they reached a large door. Her announcement brought Merlin from his own thoughts to focus on the present. He looked at the door and saw bright light that was reminiscent of sunshine spilling brightly through the cracks and from the bottom. Bright, happy chatter could be heard on the other side. Catherine opened the large door and each and every one of them were stopped in their tracks. The room was anything from what they had expected. There were ceilings higher than any of them had ever seen, going up in long ling converging on a point. At the center of the ceiling was a large light as bright as the sun. The rays emanating from it bounced off each wall and easily lit up the entire room. The ceiling also had beautiful runes carved intricately with delicate details. The detail and beauty throughout the structure was even more impressive than that of Camelot. Along the walls of the room there were balconies coming from more hallways and various rooms. Lined on the floor of the massive room were rows of vendors and other craftsmen. The entirety of the room mirrored many of the aspects of Camelot's marketplace. People were bustling about, trading and enjoying each other's company.
Gwaine let out a low whistle and Percival barked out a short laugh like he couldn't believe what he was seeing. Even Arthur seemed to be at a loss for words as he looked everywhere as though trying to take in every detail he could.
Merlin was amazed at how much the Druids had used magic to improve their lives. Whenever he thought he had seen it all, his attention was drawn to another detail. The entire room was made with incredibly difficult magic that seemed to thrum off the walls. He walked forward past Catherine and the group, bathing himself in the rawness of the room's magic.
It was exhilarating being surrounded by so much good magic when the majority of what he came in contact with in Camelot was some of the darkest and ugliest magic ever created. Closing his eyes he allowed the pleasant feeling to wash over him. He soon became distracted and realized that there was something missing, sound. The room had gone from a bustling and noisy marketplace to silent whispers zipping among the people.
Ignoring the stares and whispers, Merlin turned back to Catherine and said ecstatically, "I've never felt anything more right in my entire life."
Catherine, who seemed at a loss for words, simply smiled and watched as Emrys continued walking through the people. She had felt the way he was feeling several times after she had been away on long trips to extend welcoming hands to other Druid camps. She had also seen those that joined the complex react similarly to this, but Emrys had reacted to it in the best way she had witnessed yet. It was a place where magic could be used to its fullest potential.
Seeing Merlin's odd reaction, Arthur realized that this was the second time something like this had happened in just that day. Yes, the complex was an amazingly structured place beyond anything they could even hope to achieve in Camelot, but his response to what was just an underground cave was confusing to Arthur. He watched as Merlin continued forward looking at everything. Arthur followed as Catherine began walking again to keep up with Merlin. Arthur noticed that where the people were open and receptive to Merlin they shied away from him. He glanced over at a young child and watched as his mother pulled him protectively closer to him. Arthur quickly realized that this mother feared for the life of her child.
Arthur himself would have never executed a child for magic, but his father would have. Uther had always tried to rule fairly and justly. When it came to magic the only decision his father made was the method of execution, but was it really such a condemnable crime? Everything Arthur was taught would tell him that these people were evil. It was an entirely different experience being with them. Arthur's sword suddenly felt heavy at his side and a quick glance confirmed that he and every one of the Knights except Gwaine had brought it out of their fear.
Arthur's thoughts were distracted when he heard the sound of rushing water. Merlin was already at the flowing river and looking at it. A large group of people had edged their way near Merlin. They seemed to be hesitant in starting any conversation with him. As Arthur made his way to the river he noticed some small branches and debris had been flowing along.
Catherine noticed what Arthur saw and said, "The river flows from a lake so we often see sticks make their way down here. Many of the children love the branches from the water because they have never seen an actually tree before."
"They've never left the complex?" Arthur asked incredulously.
Catherine gave a small pained smile. It held the pain of the tradeoff she had made, freedom to use magic in exchange for self imprisonment. "Many of us have been in the complex for years without going to the surface. It's been several months since I myself have left."
Arthur stared in disbelief. He knew that the Druids had been in hiding from Camelot's forces, but he had driven many of them to live underground. He was shocked that some of these children had never felt the warm touch of the sun upon their skin or the rough layered bark of a tree.
"I truly am sorry that I have pushed you all to this point." Arthur said. The words left his mouth before he could bury them. A wave of moral conflict fought inside of him. He glanced around nonchalantly to ensure now one other than Catherine had been around to hear.
"Thank you King Arthur. I can assure you that no one else heard your sentiment."
Arthur stared at her in shock. He knew she was a smart woman, but he had no idea that she was that understanding when it came to Arthur's feelings.
"I know what you are feeling right now is shock and betrayal by Merlin. You need to know that he didn't choose magic. He was chosen for it. He was to be your guide and make sure you become the leader that Albion needs. I trust that you will go above our expectations, but you will need Merlin to help. Do not completely shut him out."
"Merlin made it seem to all of you that I was alright with his magic to protect me?" Arthur asked to which Catherine nodded her confirmation. "How did you know it wasn't the truth?" Arthur asked still amazed at the intellect of the woman standing in front of him.
"It was your eyes, King Arthur. Your eyes held a bitter anger. Eyes can betray your deepest emotions."
"What did Merlin's eyes portray?"
"Desperation," she responded easily. "It is why I sent the messenger boy about dinner last night even when Merlin wanted to be left alone. Neither of you were in the position last night to discuss anything concerning his magic. You had been overcome by anger and hatred that had been instilled in you since the day of your birth. That hatred had been reaffirmed with every betrayal you experienced."
Arthur stood silently and stared at the river. Catherine placed a hand on his shoulder. "I do not blame you for believing that Merlin had betrayed you. I have heard stories of the lady Morgana and how her betrayal affected all of Camelot. You believed that the same thing had happened to Merlin as well, that he had been corrupted by magic. Merlin on the other hand had been terrified of you discovering his magic. He is foretold to be the most powerful of us all and yet he would readily die if you ordered his execution."
"I was not far from it." Arthur admitted ashamedly. "It was only Gwaine that kept me from furthering punishment."
They stood in silence for several moments and watched the river flow and the children running about the water's edge until Catherine broke the amiable silence.
"This is no threat to you King Arthur, but I want you to know there are some here that would do anything to discredit you as the once and future king. I will keep you safe from them to the best of my ability, but make sure that while you remain in the complex they do not discover your true feelings towards magic."
"Why are you keeping me safe then?" Arthur asked in a hushed tone. He had thought that all people with magic would want to end him. They certainly had good reasoning. "You could easily let them know and be rid of me."
"Because I trust Merlin's judgement." She replied confidently. "He trusts you. I will not let anything happen to you or your knights while you are here because of that trust."
Deep shame burned in his stomach. Merlin still trusted him through all that he had put him through? Arthur was about to question her further when an excited shout rang out among the children next to the river. A few small pieces of driftwood had flowed down the river and been caught along the edges of the water. Arthur watched as the children's eyes turned gold and the piece of wood lifted and then settled itself at the feet of the children. Arguing could be heard from the children and they each seemed to want to keep the pieces. Merlin also took notice of the children and walked up to them. As soon as he came up behind them they were silenced and bashfully took interest in their shoes.
"Well what do we have here?" Merlin said with a smile that was quintessential Merlin. "This is quite a find isn't it?"
Several of the children nodded bashfully. One young girl of maybe seven courageously looked up and tugged on Merlin's borrowed shirt to get his attention. Merlin took notice and got down on one knee. The girl was still much shorter than Merlin, but she looked bravely at him and asked, "Do you have any sticks at you home?"
Merlin suppressed a grin and shook his head.
"That's too bad. I have a whole pile of them at home. I want to make my own tree with them one day." She confidently put her hands on her hips. "My parents said that it's too hard to grow trees here, so I am going to build my own."
She grinned up at him and Merlin smiled back but it was forced. A weight settled in his chest at the realization of the hardships these children had to grow up in. They had spent their entire lives underground. Much of the world was still a mystery to them. He suddenly felt the drive to give these children a piece of his world.
"What is your name?"
"Samantha." She replied finally getting coy.
"It's very nice to meet you, Samantha." He held out his hand for her to shake. Her small hand was able to grab three of his fingers as they shook. "My name is Merlin. Can I ask you for something?"
She nodded vigorously and he continued.
"Could I have a stick please? Just a very tiny one?"
Samantha nodded once again and gave him a stick that was about a foot long and smoothed over from its length of time being in the water. Merlin took it and thanked Samantha. He then motioned for her to follow him which she did immediately. At this point all those in the market place were watching their interaction. Arthur continued to stand by Catherine and his Knights as he watched Merlin take the stick and plunge it into the ground so it was standing straight up and down.
"There you go Samantha, I made you a tree." Merlin said playfully.
She giggled and said, "That's not a tree. You just put the stick in the ground."
"Ohhh," Merlin said. "I guess I forgot to do this."
Merlin's extended his hand over the stick and his eyes began to glow. Merlin spoke no words of magic. He channeled all his magic into the dead branch. He continued to expend his power until he heard gasps from the people around him. He felt the ground change as the dead branch came to life and swiftly began to take root deep into the ground. Merlin pushed one final burst of magic into the tree and stumbled back, grabbing Samantha's hand to pull her away as the tree thickened and grew branches that expanded upwards and sideways.
Arthur was awestruck at the display of Merlin's power. He glanced to Merlin and saw the tell tale sign of magic in his continuously glowing eyes. The tree continued to enlarge, stretching its limbs towards the high ceiling. Leaves sprouted from the branching limbs. To Arthur, it looked like the trees in Camelot that had been there from the time before even Gaius had been alive. Its tall branches stretched upward and expanded in a lush canopy of bright green leaves. Its sides were covered in a thick and hearty bark as though it had survived even the toughest winters.
Merlin walked up to it and grabbed a red apple that was hanging just low enough for him to reach it. He then got down on one knee and presented the apple to Samantha.
"Here you go, my lady."
Samantha took the fruit in her tiny hands and stared at it in awe. Before Merlin knew what was happening she had flung her tiny arms around his neck in a hug. Merlin's face contained a huge smile that continued as Samantha let go and went to join her friends in exploring the tree. Merlin stood grinning and watching as the children joyfully shouted and ran up to the tree, tentatively touching it.
Arthur watched as some of the adults walked up to Merlin. One of them said, "That was a lovely gesture, but we have never been able to keep a tree alive for more than a few months."
"I tied this tree to the magic in the earth using my own magic as a permanent anchor." Merlin's voice held quiet confidence. "It should replenish itself using that as its energy source."
They all beamed at him and bowed their heads slightly. Merlin seemed to get very uncomfortable at that. He dismissed himself from them and turned around and began walking towards Catherine. He watched as the children climbed up on the low hanging limbs while their parents stood by smiling and scolding every once in a while if one of them got too high. Merlin smiled as he thought of the many childhood afternoons he spent with Will playing in the woods surrounding Ealdor. His reverie was ended abruptly as he slammed into another person, nearly knocking them over in the process. Merlin quickly reached for their arm to keep them upright and felt his stomach drop when he realized who it was.
Arthur
The king quickly regained his footing, using his grip on Merlin to balance himself before taking a step away from the warlock.
"My apologies, sire." Merlin quickly bowed while trying not to draw too much attention. "I wasn't watching where I was going."
"So you are clumsy. You weren't lying about that too." Arthur said reverting back to the way he and Merlin would send playful jabs at one another. He set his jaw shut. Arthur had not meant for that comment to slip out. Merlin, not sensing their usually banter, quickly bowed his head again.
"I really am sorry about that. I will try to be more careful." He turned away to quickly remove himself from the situation. He took two steps before Arthur gathered the will to stop him.
"Merlin," Arthur began to which Merlin's entire frame tensed. He slowly turned around and kept his eyes turned downward. Merlin had always looked him in the eyes when speaking to Arthur before this. He had never been one to act like a proper servant until now. Arthur felt a stab of loss for how things were before they came here. The lives both he and Merlin had before this were now forever altered. Arthur longed to have some sense of normalcy back between them, but was reminded yet again by the lies and secrets Merlin had woven. Looking again at the man in front of him, Arthur knew deep down that no matter how much it had hurt him to discover Merlin's magic, he had reacted wrongly.
"Will you look at me when I am talking to you?"
Merlin's eyes quickly snapped up and met his. Arthur was suddenly filled with remorse for his actions towards Merlin. He had been admiring the tree Merlin had created when he had nearly ran him over. The tree had a peaceful aura about it that drew Arthur to it. It was created purely by magic, yet Arthur felt no ill feeling towards it.
As Arthur looked into Merlin's eyes, he knew that it was and had always been the Merlin he had known staring back. Merlin oftentimes too loyal for his own good and Arthur had been too blinded by his hatred of magic to see that clearly. He suddenly felt prompted to walk forward toward Merlin, but he frowned as he noticed the slight step Merlin took away from him. Arthur stopped and sighed. Swallowing his pride he began.
"Merlin, I— I need to apolo-"
Suddenly the entire room except the Knights and Arthur went completely silent. Arthur looked around as some of the kids covered their ears and looked frightened. They ran to their parents who held looks of panic upon each of their faces. Arthur turned back to Merlin who's face was set in a frown. Merlin spun on his heel towards Catherine, who had begun walking towards him as well. Arthur became deeply confused and concerned for what had caused this reaction throughout the room.
What Arthur didn't know was that the room was full of silent talking among the minds of the people. There had been piercing screaming that had echoed through their minds.
"Does that happen often here?" Merlin asked trying to make light of the situation but failing as a serious tone cut into his voice.
"Not typically." Catherine answered in a short manner. A man suddenly came running up to Catherine. He was short of breath and panting heavily. Arthur watched as Catherine's eyes widened in concern, before she carefully concealed her worry. Catherine then turned to Merlin who nodded and they took off at a fast walk. All the people parted as they went past them.
Arthur stared at the Knights in shock. They too seemed to be utterly lost. Arthur looked around at the people in the marketplace. They were now whispering, each with a heavy look of concern on their faces. Parents who's children were present tried to stem the tears spilling from their child's eyes.
"What the hell just happened?"