Disclaimer: I do not own BBC Merlin
Beta-ed by Paralelsky… who has recently published a Hobbit fic. So if you liked the Hobbit movie and/or book and know what happens at the end, my friend here has written a lovely AU ending. I highly recommend it!
A/N- AHHHHH I'm over the moon that you guys like this! You guys rule :D Thank you so much for all the reviews! And without further ado, please enjoy the chapter!
o}O{o
Three months had passed since the day he had met Merlin. The crickets and frogs sung their songs in the night and the two boys were safely encamped in their tent. The druids had found their way to Mercia and there they discovered a secluded part of the forest that was perfect for them. Merlin had been introduced to everyone but was still painfully shy around all but Mordred. He was still silent as well, Mordred thought sadly.
He had asked Selwyn about it after days of working up his courage and the long haired man told him it could be the very next day or years from now when Merlin decided to talk. He told Mordred to be patient and Mordred was exactly that.
He sat awake in the darkness while Merlin slept fitfully beside him. The poor boy had nightmares every night and Mordred would always ward off sleep so he could wake Merlin from them, and he was usually alright after that. This was one of those nights where he wasn't though, and Mordred maintained his watch. He sighed and tugged down a cloak that was floating above his head.
The first time it had happened, Mordred had gotten the scare of his life- he was falling asleep one night when all their blankets started to soar around their tent. The commotion woke up Merlin and as soon as he opened his eyes a hint of gold that could still be seen in them started to fade. Then the blankets fell back down. Merlin remained unaware that he was doing it and Mordred didn't enlighten him. He kept it solely to himself that Merlin did magic in his sleep- he didn't like the way the druids were so interested in the child.
Of course he was intrigued as well; it was hard not to be when Merlin did amazing feats of magic completely by accident. He set fire to things when he yawned sometimes or caused gales of wind to fly through the area when he sneezed, or he broke things by blinking.
Mordred was completely in awe.
When they were alone he would show Merlin the few things he could do; the boy's favourite was when Mordred made a small flame appear in his hand. Merlin would then make a few his own, and have them float around them. Merlin didn't use incantations like Mordred had to. He did accidental magic once when he first came to the druids- in a burst of anger he had set Isaac's cloak on fire. The man had told him later that though they were both warlocks, Merlin's magic was even more a part of him than Mordred's was.
Mordred still had trouble getting his head around the fact that Merlin's magic was so instinctual to him. A part of him, just as much as his blood was or his skin and hair. Selwyn had told him something that he didn't think of before.
Merlin was magic. Merlin couldn't live without it, for magic was his very life.
He hadn't understood Selwyn until about a week ago; when they were gathering wood with him, Rolf, Ben, and Ormod, and Rolf thought it was a good idea to climb a tree. He and Merlin had heard a crack and a loud thump and ran to investigate. Rolf had broken his arm rather badly and was trying to put on a brave face. That alone told Mordred he must have been in a lot of pain because Rolf was a great complainer about trivial things, but shut up tighter than a clam when things got tough. They had huddled around him and just before Selwyn could try and heal it, Mordred felt a tingling sensation come from beside him and he looked to Merlin just as the boy's eyes had flashed a bright gold. With an audible snap the bone had healed and Mordred was just able to catch Merlin before he crumpled to the floor. Selwyn was right in front of them and without missing a beat he pretended as if he were the one to heal Rolf and Merlin fainted due to the noise. The others had eaten up Selwyn's words and he took Merlin from Mordred and rushed back to camp.
Delma, their best healer had said that he was exhausted and scolded Mordred for not telling them. With a glance from Selwyn, he had played along and said he thought he could deal with Merlin not sleeping well. With another scolding the old woman had departed and left the three alone. Mordred remembered the conversation as if he had heard it minutes ago:
"You see, Mordred, he cannot take using so much magic. That spell was too much for him."
"Why did he do it then?"
"I do not think he intended to."
"So if he uses too much magic..."
"I told you his magic is like blood. If he loses too much, he will die."
"Would that happen to me?"
"I wouldn't advise for you to try. But Merlin is different from you, Mordred."
"How can he just heal someone by accident though?"
"It seems to be reflex to him. Unnerving isn't it? But he is Emrys, only he can have this kind of power."
"What do you mean?"
"He will only grow in strength. He is merely three years old, yet he does things that sorcerers take years to study. He is meant to be the most powerful sorcerer to ever walk the world, boy. Do you know how much power that is? Imagine someone else with his power, Tynan or Ethel perhaps- they would use it for ill."
"But we are a peaceful people."
"Revenge is a powerful motive, Mordred, you know that."
"...are you saying that they would seek to-"
"I am not saying anything yet. For now continue as you are doing. They may underestimate you but I know that you are clever. Maintain your guard."
He was beginning to think that Selwyn was leading him to something. He kept on saying little things that sounded like warnings to Mordred. His eyes tracked a blanket flitter across the space and he decided that Selwyn was right. And he seemed to have their best interests in mind- Mordred didn't even notice when Merlin's interests became his own.
The various articles of fabric visibly calmed down as Merlin let out a small sigh. Mordred looked to see a small, pale orb of light rise above their heads and linger below the tent ceiling. The shadows lightened and the familiar glow shone down on them. Mordred pulled the covers higher over Merlin when the light made the pale scar on the child's throat stand out against his skin. It had not taken Mordred long to recognize the white line on Merln's throat for what it was. Merlin always made sure it was covered and Mordred could not blame him in the slightest. The older boy shuddered upon thinking what had caused the scar and how extremely lucky Merlin was to be alive.
Once all the blankets were settled on the ground, Mordred let his eyes fall closed. He was planning what to do the next day, maybe go play in the woods away from the other druids. More often now he found himself avoiding the others. He may have been young but he wasn't stupid-he recognized that the druids had an avid interest in Merlin and he didn't like it. Tynan had been sending Araleigh and Evelyn after him to see whether Merlin would be interested in learning spells. He knew Selwyn and Isaac told him that Merlin would not be ready for a long time but he and Ethel were adamant. But he would have to deal with them in the morning, after getting some sleep.
He woke to small hands tapping him on the shoulder. He got up sleepily and stretched like a cat, rubbing his eye tiredly.
"Good morning, Merlin," he yawned. Merlin gave a big yawn as well and then handed Mordred his cloak.
"You seem to be well this morning," Mordred smiled. Merlin shrugged and wobbled to his feet to wait by the entrance. "How about we go play in the woods?" He asked and fixed the boy's cloak. Merlin nodded quickly in response.
The child made sure the collar was covering the thin scar on his throat like he always did before leading the way out of the tent. Mordred flashed him a quick smile pleased with his happy mood this morning- now, more often than not Merlin would be less somber than he usually was.
Mordred looked up surprised at the light grey sky. "It isn't raining, Merlin," he pointed out needlessly. For the past three months the mornings had greeted them with light rain. "Now we don't have to worry about getting wet." he said happily. This was going to be a good day.
Merlin gave his hand a squeeze and Mordred set off to tell Isaac where they were going. Multicoloured tents were strewn about their camp, wound around trees and lines of laundry were hung here and there. Everyone was outside enjoying the rare rainless morning. They called out greetings to them and Mordred nodded in return. A tall figure came striding into view and the boys came to a halt. "Good morning, Selwyn," Mordred greeted.
"It is, isn't it. How did you boys sleep?" Selwyn asked.
"Quite good, thank you," Mordred said and Merlin nodded beside him.
Selwyn turned his bright eyes on Merlin, "You seem well this morning, Merlin," he said and he glanced at the sky before looking back at the boy again with a glimmer in his eyes. "I have some news for you boys."
"Are we moving again?"
"No. If you would wait for what I have to say, Mordred, you would not need to ask pointless questions." Mordred contained a pout for Selwyn's words lacked their usual bite. "It has been decided that both of you will receive lessons from myself and Tynan. You will be learning spells, Mordred, and we will be teaching you how to control your magic, Merlin. Understood?"
"Really? You will be teaching me spells?"
"Yes, so you do not have to beg Rolf for frivolous tricks."
"I do not beg," Mordred defended.
"We shall start after you two eat your morning meal." Selwyn said and started to walk towards Isaac but was halted by Mordred's quiet groan. "Is there a problem? You should be grateful."
"I am, truly. It's just that we were planning to play in the woods this morning." Selwyn stroked his goatee and eyed the two of them. Merlin started biting his fingernails before Mordred curbed it.
"Go ahead then. Enjoy the sun, but make sure to get some food before you go. I expect you back at midmorning." Mordred smiled at the back of Selwyn's dark green cloak and started toward Wynnfrith who was handing out breakfast for today which was a hunk of cheese and an apple each. Mordred grabbed them both since Merlin could not seem to hold anything for long without dropping it. He thanked the black haired woman who was smiling kindly at them and hurried as quickly as he dared toward the forest since Merlin could not go too fast on his three year old legs- he was remarkably uncoordinated.
They picked their way not too far from the others but through a winding path of trees, roots, and leaves. Purple flowers Mordred did not know the name of littered the floor and he spotted a patch of grass next to a poplar tree. Once they were sitting, Mordred placed the apples in his lap and gave Merlin's cheese to him. Mordred gave a small snicker at the speed the boy ate it and downed his own just as fast. He then fished his knife out of his cloak but faltered at seeing the bruised apples; he didn't notice that before.
"Did you want to eat this, Merlin?" he asked dubiously, he knew what the answer would be even before the boy shook his head- it was always a fight to get him to eat anything that had even a speck of a flaw. Not even Tynan could get the boy to eat if he didn't want to. Mordred had been astounded when Merlin had first refused something- his silence had been remarkably clear. At least he knew that Merlin's stature was not due to lack of trying.
Mordred studied the apples for a few seconds before he smiled at Merlin, "I know. I am going to teach you how to catch. Stay here." He left an apple beside Merlin and walked just a few feet away. He turned back to the boy to find a baffled expression on his face which made Mordred smile.
"Come on, stand up," he gestured. Merlin got to his feet and grabbed the apple copying Mordred. "Alright, toss it up just like this," he threw it about a foot in the air and let it drop back into his hand. "And catch it. You try."
Merlin tossed the apple but too high in his eagerness, it fell past his outstretched hands and he pouted. Mordred bit his tongue to keep from laughing. "Throw it lower next time. And straighter," he instructed. After a few more failed attempts Merlin threw the apple down angrily and Mordred could not contain his laugh. Merlin crossed his arms at pouted at him which did the opposite of his threatening intention.
"I'm sorry, Merlin. Come on, just one more try. Slowly." Merlin gave a little sigh and threw the apple up. Mordred shivered as the leaves swaying in the breeze slowed dramatically and the apple descending to an eagerly waiting Merlin was falling at a snail's pace.
"You can't use magic to catch it," Mordred warned and startled the boy into letting time free. Mordred still was not used to the fact that Merlin could affect time- but it was one of the things that was like breathing to the boy. Merlin's pout deepened and he bent to grab the fallen apple. But he then tossed it up lightly and it landed in his hands. Merlin dropped it in surprise but Mordred shouted in triumph and threw his own apple high in the air.
"You did it!" he laughed and hurried towards Merlin. The boy looked up from the apple with a miniscule smile on his face which stopped Mordred in his tracks. He gasped, "You're smiling."
Merlin's smile deepened with Mordred's own and the older boy grabbed Merlin in a tight hug and spun him around. He didn't think he would ever see the boy smile. Merlin gave him another shy smile and Mordred ruffled his hair, "That's great, Merlin. Did you want to try it some more?" Merlin nodded and they spent the rest of their time tossing their apples up and down and near the end Merlin made them bounce in the air.
When the sun was sparkling above them, Mordred practically skipped them back to the camp. He kept on telling Merlin how great it would be to learn new spells and his excitement must have been infectious because Merlin didn't stop smiling. However, when they got back to camp, his lips turned into a neutral line and he allowed Mordred to lead him to the tents. But first he veered to Archibald and allowed Merlin to feed him the bruised apples. They turned around to Isaac's disproving gaze and they both adopted chastised expressions.
"I believe you are aware Archie has his own food, Mordred," Isaac couldn't contain a little smirk.
"He refused to eat it," Mordred shrugged and looked to Merlin who just stared up at him.
"Then make sure you eat all of your lunch then," Isaac sighed, "Come on, you don't want to keep Tynan and Selwyn waiting." He turned and his light cloak swished behind him as he led the way to the tents.
Merlin seized Mordred's hand and the older boy gave a reassuring squeeze before they followed Isaac into the large beige tent. Isaac smiled at them before wandering off- they both stared after him before Mordred led them into the tent. Tynan was sitting on a pelt and motioned for the boys to sit before him. Mordred hesitated and at the same time Selwyn swept into the tent. He looked to the boys and nodded for them to sit down. The complied instantly which caused an angry shadow to pass over Tynan's face.
"Alright, Mordred, you will study spells with Tynan and I will teach Merlin to control his gifts," Selwyn said causing Merlin relax his hold on Mordred's hand in relief. "We will work for an hour today and see where that leaves us."
Merlin looked to him and Mordred nodded, "It's alright, Merlin." Merlin tried not to use magic around the druids anymore, he must have sensed Mordred's discomfort when he did. It was hard for him though.
Tynan reached for an old book beside him and turned toward Mordred, "Let us begin."
o}O{o
Mordred's piercing blue eyes glowed in the night as he glared at Tynan. The old man was whispering with his friend Nyan. Merlin had fallen asleep in his lap and was snoring softly; the fire was casting shadows across his young face.
"You may want to make yourself less obvious, Mordred," Selywn's whisper came from behind him. The eleven year old didn't acknowledge him and continued to stare.
"You should put him to bed, we are starting to pack tomorrow and he will need to help as well." Mordred could not fault the logic of the man's words and got up, cradling his arms like a seat for the younger boy. Merlin's head rested on his shoulder and he didn't even stir as Mordred carried him effortlessly away from the fire. He walked a little ways to their tent and ducked inside, carefully laying Merlin on the pelts. His pale hand tugged the blanket over the boy and smoothed his hair out of his face. It flowed in messy waves down his neck and Mordred thought not for the last time that he should cut it, but could never bring himself to finish the train of thought.
He sighed as he studied Merlin's small form. In two years the boy hadn't grown much; he was small for a three year old two years ago and as a five year old he could be mistaken for a toddler still. His short and skinny stature was the main reason but his large blue eyes and ready smile definitely did not help matters. Well ready smile for Mordred-Merlin was still very reserved around the rest of the druids and avoided them whenever possible.
Mordred himself had grown tall for his eleven years and the top of Merlin's head only reached his ribs. He felt the corner of his lips that had been frowning all evening lift into a smile. When Merlin had first come to them he had never thought that the little boy would smile again. But after only three months Mordred had gotten him to smile and he had kept it up in the weeks after.
He ran a hand through Merlin's locks again- he still wasn't talking after two years and the only sound Mordred ever heard from him was when he screamed or cried in his nightmares. Thankfully he did not have nightmares everyday anymore but it was often enough for Mordred to detest them. He planted a soft kiss on Merlin's forehead and left the warmth of the tent; he drew his hood up and walked silently toward Selwyn, Tynan, Isaac, and Nyan. He rounded the pine tree and faced the group, the elderly men's backs were to him and Isaac's profile faced him. Selwyn noticed him but turned his gaze toward his brother, drawing his attention, "Isaac, you know what I say is true. It is too early for Merlin!" he hissed.
Mordred's eyes narrowed and he stilled. Selwyn wanted him to hear this.
"We can bring peace sooner!" Nyan snapped, "He is young yet, we can teach him the right way!"
"And what way is that? Reven-"
"Mordred!" Isaac started, "you gave me a fright standing there." The man placed a hand over his heart.
Mordred stepped closer to them; the fire glowed eerily on his pale skin and reflected in his frosty blue eyes. "Teach him what?"
"Just how to control his magic, boy, not that it is any of your business," Tynan said.
He was going to give a retort but a minute shake of the head from Selwyn stopped him. "I was actually wondering about that," he improvised, "Merlin still can't control himself no matter how many exercises we do." He wandered to Selwyn and sat himself beside him. Mordred had warmed up to the druid, whom he did not get along with at first. But Selwyn was the only one of the druids to respect him and count him as an equal. The man had always made it clear that Merlin was under Mordred's care and never tried to usurp his position.
Well Merlin liked Selwyn too, but the man always kept everyone but Isaac at arm's length.
"Yes, I think it might be because of his size. He has too much magic to be contained." Selwyn mused.
"Which is likely why he is so clumsy as well," Isaac said. They sat in awkward silence for a while before Isaac turned to the youngest druid. "Mordred, you should go to sleep now." He nodded and Mordred reluctantly obeyed- Isaac was the leader after all. With a nod to Selwyn and Isaac he got up and headed toward his tent, blatantly ignoring the two elder men. Selwyn would probably lecture him about it in the morning.
His ice blue eyes narrowed and his fists tightened upon thinking of the elder brothers' words. Selwyn and his conversation from two years ago flitted through his mind; he now understood what the man was saying. Ever since he and Merlin started to receive lessons, the whole camp had been interested in Merlin's progress - and far less interested with his own formidable skill. Admittedly, Merlin learned at a frighteningly quicker pace but they had no right to try and influence him to their side. Because that was what it was, the camp was split between Mordred, Merlin, Rolf, and Selwyn against the rest of them with Isaac wavering in the middle.
The old folk mostly were interested in teaching him offensive spells- trivial in their current use but meant for a stronger purpose. They would go behind his back but they had always underestimated Mordred due to his age. And Tynan thought he had the right to tell him it wasn't his business.
It was his business, he was Merlin's guardian. It was his job to protect him and more than that family looked out for each other. As far as Mordred was concerned, he and Merlin were brothers regardless of the blood they did not share. He would not let them use Merlin, he had to get him away.
Run away.
There were no bells that greeted his momentous decision, only silence. He was so lost in his thoughts that he didn't notice he was in the tent until Merlin turned toward him for warmth. Mordred wrapped an arm around him and closed his eyes while settling under the covers. He would wake early tomorrow and pack a change of clothes for them and sneak some food from the storage. Then he would take Merlin into the forest and run. Mordred did not know where they would go, but he had to get Merlin away from here before the others used him for their own ends. And no matter what Selwyn said, he could not fault them for wanting revenge. After all, he too hated King Uther- if it were not for him, thousands of their kind would not have been killed. His parents would still be alive.
But he would not condone them using Merlin, the thought made his blood boil. Even though Merlin had seen evil in his short life, the boy still possessed innocence. Mordred would not let them use him as a weapon, not on his life. He forced himself to calm down and seek sleep; it would be a long day tomorrow and he would need his strength. The thought of leaving was not terribly distressing to Mordred, but then he thought of Selwyn and he felt a sinking feeling. Selwyn he would miss, but he hoped the man would understand.
Mordred could not afford to think of Selwyn though because Merlin was his priority. Eventually Mordred fell into a fitful sleep.
o}O{o
A bit of a filler, but necessary. Hopefully two time skips weren't too fast. Thank you for reading :) And stay tuned for the next chapter!
Also, I might not be able to reply to reviews for every chapter, but I'll try:
Lily123236219- Yaaaayyyyyyy! You're my first reviewer for this story! I'm so happy that you like it and thanks very much for your review :D
Assassin of Oblivion- Awesome! And I'll definitely try :) Thank you for reviewing!
Taliesin R- No worries :) Thanks for reviewing and I'm so psyched that you liked it. Thanks so much!
epsilon Scorpii- Heh, ok longish story. Well when I first started I was publishing the King's Legacy and I didn't want to have two stories going at the same time. Plus I knew that this was going to be gigantic and I was writing it pretty slowly. Then I started Fear of the Dark and this one was placed on the back burner again. So when FotD was done I tried to focus on this but hit a writer's block… I had a lot of chapters but at the rate I was writing I didn't want to publish and have to update really slowly. But then I got back into the groove, likely due to Alexander Vlahos, and I wanted to publish but still had reservations about keeping up with chapters. Also I'd kept this so long to myself that it was pretty daunting letting it out there, but after debating with myself I eventually posted. So voila! Thanks for reviewing, and I hope you continue to enjoy :)
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I hope everyone liked it, and please don't forget to review!