Who is Merlynn? They're gonna find out. Who are they? Well, they'll find that out too. And Arthur gets some exciting news.
Merlynn selects her romper for the Saturday gathering at the princess' flat. After her daily workout and shower, she was still roasting and wanted cooler attire. The knit onesie is low-cut and breathable. She can roll up the sleeves, and the shorts leave the majority of her thighs open to air. In short, it was an exceptional choice for the unusually balmy September day. She twists her hair up into a messy bun, leaving her back exposed as well. As routine for when she wears her more questionable pieces, she spells everything to stay in place. The inside swells of her bosom are visible, but the magic ensures her nipples will always stay concealed.
Her flatmates don't blink twice when she enters the kitchen to assist with packing all their dishes for Morgana's. Merlynn retrieves her Mayo Parmesan Chicken from the refrigerator covered in tinfoil. Gwen has a lid for her bakeware of seasoned roasted vegetables, but Elena is without a container for her pies, so she leaves them in the already cooled pans she baked them in, with only tinfoil for protection. None of them have breakfast, because apparently you have to always save room for the princess' get togethers. She's insulted if you don't ingest a copious amount of food.
They all slept late that morning, so it's already time to go. They take the tube and meet at the end of the route, Lancelot, who borrowed Arthur's car to pick them up. Since it is the prince's car, they don't face any issues getting past security.
Each girl carries their own dish to the door, while Lancelot totes any additional bags or purses.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
Sefa answers. "Hello ladies." She widens the door for her friends to step through. "You're one of the last to arrive, but you know how unreliable the tube is. You're lucky you got here at all."
"Well, as you can see we maaaaa...!" Elena tumbles through the doorway, falling hard and sending her pies flying. "Oh fuck!"
Gwaine hears the commotion and darts over to his clumsy girlfriend. "Oh babe, are you all right?" He crouches behind her to hoist her from under her arms.
"Don't worry, Elena. We always make extras of your dishes." Sefa consoles her in her special Sefa way.
"I know, but I made them for you." The blonde bows regretfully. "They're apple, your favorite."
The adoring man wraps his girlfriend in his arms and tips her chin with a tender smile. "You're my favorite, love."
Merlynn hears Elena's turmoil from behind Gwen, who's currently rubbing her friend's back, while Lancelot is propped against the doorframe off to the side in pity. She peeks past Gwen's shoulder and finds why her friend despairs. She knows she can help. "No worries, Elena. I've got this." Her eyes glow, and they all watch as the pie is reconstructed and returned to the pan. "Don't fret. It's basically a reversal of time. It's not like we'll be eating food off the floor."
Five people are paralyzed with the riveting display from their magical friend, who remains oblivious to their admiration. However, their pride twists to astonishment when her chosen duds finally register. They battle with gawking, but are narrowly able to regain their indifference before Merlynn notices.
With the ladies' dishes now intact, they all make their way to the kitchen.
Gwaine, the charming knight in shining armor and Elena's hero, carries her pies to avoid anymore mishaps.
Percival spots Merlynn with her dish and attempts to follow his friend's example... after he composes himself regarding her outfit, of course. "Uh... Merlynn?" Her brilliant smile lights the room. "Um... can I carry that for you?"
"Aww, that's so sweet. But it's okay, I've got it. Thank you, though."
He forces himself not to ogle as she strolls away.
Before she reaches the kitchen Merlynn sights Arthur coming down the hallway. "Arthur!" But when he glances up his eyes widen, and it's almost as if he's scanning her. Then he has a look of... fear? and retreats back to where he came from. Oh goddess, is he afraid of her now?! He seemed fine at the meeting. Maybe he was offended how she spoke to his father. Well, she's not going to let this go on, not this time. She will talk to him later and resolve whatever problem he has with her. With that thought, she straightens her back and holds her head high as she enters the kitchen.
Morgana saw the exchange, or lack there of, between Arthur and Merlynn. She needs to quash this before the day begins. She can tell he's struggling, especially with the witch's... regalia preference. But Merlynn really doesn't know any better. For her she's expressing devotion to her fiance. She finds Arthur in her bedroom, balanced on the edge of her bed, elbows on knees and head in his hands.
The shadow of his sister's silhouette creeps in to Arthur's vision, and he instantly comes to his feet. "Is she serious?! How is it she doesn't know, Morgana...?! How can she...? How can I...?" He runs his hands through his hair in frustration. When he eventually sits, his shoulders droop with defeat. "I don't know if I can do this," he mumbles. "Not just today, but ever. This woman is supposed to be by my side literally forever! How can the Goddess or old religion or whatever expect this of me?! It's not fair, Morgana. It's just not fair."
The princess lodges herself next to her brother and envelops her arms around him. "I don't know, Arthur. I don't. But if they say this is who you are, then maybe the issue is you don't believe in yourself. Maybe you're capable of more than you think. And don't be mad at Merlynn. She really doesn't know any better. Maybe after today we can get her to tone it down a little, yeah? One thing I do know is that she has no idea she's hurting you. I guarantee you that woman would give you anything. All you have to do is ask."
Arthur snaps and pulls away from his sister. "Anything except her heart, though, right?" After a moment he walks out mourning his witch.
Morgana pities her brother. He's right, this is not some crush. He is hopelessly in love. She sighs feeling powerless to help him. Love and support is her only remedy and that she will give. They all will. Explanation might relieve some of his suffering. If he's aware of the story behind Merlynn, maybe his agony will lessen. Knowledge is power, right? She rises and adjusts her crinkled clothes. "So let's get this man some answers." And she leaves to be the perfect hostess.
Leon is one of the people in the kitchen with Merlynn. He too was taken aback by his fellow comrade's garb. He's grown familiar with seeing her in her customary Guard gear. He forgot that under that was... this. But it doesn't take long for you to overlook it. She's Amy Adams with Kim Kardashian's wardrobe. The innocent girl next door demeanor supercedes your initial impression and enchants you in moments. The instant he sees her he engulfs her in a brotherly embrace. The poor thing is currently blushing madly at Mithian's usual raunchy gossip.
"I'm telling you, here I am trying to go over this guy's case, one that will determine if he goes to prison mind you, and I swear his penis is going to poke me in the eye."
Leon rescues his teammate's ears while Mithian continues with her obscene diatribe. "So Merlynn, what'd you make?" He leans over to peek at the baking dish. "It looks delicious." She grins, relieved with the more wholesome topic of conversation.
Gwen hears the knocking while nuzzled into Lancelot on the couch. "I'll get it." She smiles and pats her boyfriend's knee propelling herself off the cushion. She opens the door revealing her slightly older brother "You're late."
"Hey, you try and leave when dad starts to talking. Thank god he got that phone call, or I'd still be there. I didn't even have time to stop by the store."
Gwen winces in empathy for her brother as she lets him in and chastely kisses him on the cheek. "I feel you. Don't worry about it. There's plenty. We're all just glad you're here."
"Are you kidding?! I wouldn't miss it. Do you remember Charles? He's my caterer friend." She shakes her head. "Well, he had this event Wednesday night where apparently the whole thing was overrun by sorcerers, until some all powerful sorceress saves them all! I just know it was Merlynn! Charles said it was like the Goddess herself intervened!" The man is bouncing on his feet, rubbing his hands together like he's about to hear the juiciest gossip since the princess came out as a magic user.
"Settle down Elyan. I know your curiosity gets to you sometimes, but please, just let the day fold out as it does. I'm sure that you will hear about it, but let it come out on its own. Don't overwhelm her. She's your friend not your entertainment."
Like a scolded child, Elyan guiltily stares at the floor. "I'm sorry, sis. I didn't mean it that way."
She lays her hand across his forearm and softly smiles in understanding. "I know you didn't. I know you get over excited sometimes." Elyan blushes contrite at his sometimes juvenile interest. "Now, I need to warn you." He gives her his full attention. "Merlynn is dressed... Well, remember what I said about her culture and what women wear? Well... uh... she continued that... today. She, uh... she's..." Exasperated with her own stammering, she stomps her feet as if throwing her own temper tantrum. "Oh forget it! Just be prepared and don't let your tongue wag like it did at Avalon, okay? Picture her in something really risqué, and then when you see her... well... maybe it will seem conservative." She pats him on the arm and walks away.
How bad can it be? Surely, it's an exaggeration. Elyan decides to follow his sister's advice and picture Merlynn in the latest Kendall Jenner outfit. Okay, that should be enough, right? But then he rounds the corner to join his friends... and sees her exit the kitchen. It's not enough! It's not enough at all! What the hell?! He's pretty sure he saw something similar in his last girlfriend's lingerie drawer. He takes a moment to compose himself. He'll just keep his eyes on her face. Yes, for the rest of the day, Merlynn is the headless woman. Yes, that will work. It has to work. No tongue wagging, Elyan. Keep it together. With a semi solid plan in mind, he crosses into the living room.
Merlynn wants to sort things with Arthur before they eat. Considering her chicken is fresh from the oven, she knows that time is soon. She just needs to find him. Scanning the living room she spots Percival who smiles warmly to her. "Hi Percy. Have you seen Arthur?"
"I think I saw him head upstairs earlier." He glances to the second floor. He knows he should let this go. Even if she weren't engaged, she's the prince's girl.
"Thank you." She smiles gratefully at the gentle giant. Morgana's flat has a similar layout to theirs except on the second floor. She has three bedrooms and a sitting room, which is where she finds her King. "Arthur?"
The prince glances up and there she is, the object of his desires and affection. An affection that is not reciprocated he has to remember. MERLYNN IS MY BODYGUARD AND PLATONIC FRIEND.
"Arthur, I just wanted to say I'm sorry if what I said to your father yesterday offended you. I just..."
Is she serious?
"I can't let him use me Arthur. I'm sorry, but I'm yours, not his. And I... I'm pretty much against everything that he's about... but maybe I was too harsh or..."
Arthur rises and slides over to this gentle woman that is terrified she upset him. Her eyes fill with unshed tears, and he catches her flailing hands to settle her. "Shh, shh, shh Merlynn. Calm down. I'm not angry with you. What you said to my father yesterday was the most remarkable thing I've ever seen. It blew Wednesday out of the water." He now holds her face in his hands and swipes away a single tear. "I was so proud of you. So, so proud, Merlynn. And so very humbled that you're..." He swallows, "...humbled that you're mine."
"Really?"
She's pleading for acceptance. Acceptance from Arthur. And he can't bear for one minute her thinking she doesn't have it. Morgana's right. He can do this, because he can for Merlynn. He will for Merlynn. He is her world, and even if they may differ on their understanding of what that means, it doesn't matter. His rejection would crush her, and he never wants to be the source of her pain. "Really."
"But earlier... you left. You didn't..."
God, he hurt her again. He forgets how innocent she is. She really is clueless of how she affects him. And as the one that knows better, it is his responsibility to adjust. And he will. "No Merlynn. You misunderstood. I just... I... I remembered something... I had to do before I joined everyone. Yeah, that's all. Nothing about you."
"Oh... okay... So we're good then?"
Her eyes make him melt. He draws her close and encloses her in his arms. "We're great love." And he gives her a tender smile. This mighty, all powerful witch is fragile as glass with Arthur. He needs to remember that. "Now, if I know my sister, if we don't get down there she might literally set the curtains on fire," he jokingly knocks his royal sibling.
Merlynn snorts. "Well, I guess we better go then, shouldn't we?"
"All right everyone! Everything is ready. Let's get it on the table and eat!"
"Speaking of that harpy..." Merlynn thwacks him on the chest with an exasperated smile and walks out. MERLYNN IS MY BODYGUARD AND PLATONIC FRIEND. Yes, he can do this.
By the time they get downstairs the food has already been placed in the center of the table, the desserts kept on the peninsula along with the alcohol. Merlynn's flatmates are cognizant she is about to reveal a great deal to their circle, so they sidle up to her in support. Lancelot is of course ensconced on the other side of his girlfriend, while Gwaine has planted himself on the other side of his. Leon's perched on the end occupying all available place settings for that side. Arthur is parked opposite Lancelot, and Morgana has installed herself next to him. Percival sits to her right, followed by Mithian then Sefa. Finally Elyan completes the seating arrangement when he lodges himself across from the 'first knight.'
"All right everyone. If I were a betting woman I'd say my girl, Gwen, has something to say."
Gwen perks up at the sound of her name. "Wha...? How'd you...?"
"Please Gwen, I've known you for years. Now, tell us. You have the floor," Morgana encourages.
"Ah... well, I did have something. I just didn't want to take any attention from Merlynn. Not that I think you want all the attention!" Her eyes now focused on the raven. "No, I know you don't. You're actually very humble despite all your... ah... mighty...ness." Her face flushes with her ridiculous verbiage. "Oh hell, Lancelot and I are engaged." The announcement doesn't come with a tone of giddiness like most future brides. The kinky haired brunette is frustrated with her fumbled words that plague her once again. Fortunately, her friends care more about what she says than how she says it.
"Brilliant!"
"Congratulations!"
"So happy for you!"
Everybody is talking at once and it's difficult to discern who's saying what.
"So, what made you decide to ask the big four, mate?" Gwaine has his arms wrapped around his girlfriend. He'd never admit it, but he knows eventually he'll ask Elena. She's his perfect match.
"Well. I know we've only been together for two years but when you know, you know. She's the one. Why wait?" he says dotingly, chestnut eyes to her espresso ones.
"Yeah she is."
Lancelot hears her comment, but something tells him there's more to it than he thinks. With Merlynn that's likely true.
"So, um... Morgana, I was hoping you... you uh... wouldn't be offended if I asked Elena to be my maid of honor."
"Woah, you want me? You're not afraid I'll rip your dress or knock the cake over or something?"
"Elena if any of your... mishaps happen then they will always be memories, giving our wedding 'color'."
The blonde beams. "Hell yeah! I'll turn it into a fucking rainbow!"
Gwen shakes her head and grins at her kooky friend, but turns her eyes back on the princess. "So... you're not mad are you?"
"Of course not, darling." The bride breathes a sigh of relief. "Besides, I'm going to have a much bigger job."
Gwen peers at her curiously.
"I'm the wedding planner."
Gwen thinks about it and, yes, wedding planner is the perfect role for Morgana. That reminds her! "Oh, yeah that sounds good actually, because we... ah... we kind of are getting married in... two months?" she mumbles.
"Two months! Why so quick?" The princess is good, but she's not sure she's that good.
"Well, Lancelot's parents are going on sabbatical for a year, and we really want them there, and we don't want to wait."
Reasonable. All right, if she has to pull off a wedding in sixty days for her best friend, she will. She'll just have to call in a lot of favors. "I'll make it work."
"Am I going to be a bridesmaid? I need to be able to wear a bra or my tits flop around."
"No one cares about your tits, Mithian. I don't want to be in anything too froufrou. No bows or flowers."
"Don't worry, Sefa. I won't make you wear any bows or flowers. Merlynn? Would you want to be in my wedding?"
"Oh, uh... sure. I just, I don't know what all is involved."
"Don't worry, Merlynn. I'll be there to guide you through anything." The two witches exchange friendly smiles. "Speaking of... Gwen, we will have to talk more later." She turns her focus on her fellow witch. "Today is all about getting to know Merlynn."
"I'd like to get to know you all too."
"How about before we get started learning about Merlynn, we tell her some things about us?"
"Good idea, Mithian. Then she'll feel like our questions are friendly and not interrogation." Morgana's dying to get some answers, but they don't want Merlynn to feel overwhelmed. "We'll start with Lancelot and go around the table." She gestures for said man to begin.
"Ah, yeah, okay. Well, I'm twenty-two. I'm in my final year at CamU. And I'm studying to be a pediatrician." He gently nudges Gwen to go.
"You already know me."
"And me!"
"Then, I guess it's my turn. I'm twenty-five and I'm the... uh... Duke of Orkney." He says his title quieter. Gwaine doesn't ever speak of his nobility.
"Wow, really?" Merlynn is ignorant of anything regarding dukes. "What do they do?"
"Nothing," Arthur goads.
"Quiet, princess. Technically, they oversee a territory, but I'll admit I... delegate." Arthur snorts and Gwaine glares. Then he gestures for Leon to move on.
"Ah, well... we work together, so you already know a lot. But I guess..." The first knight is scrambling. "I'm twenty-eight! Yeah, there's something you didn't know." Merlynn gives her boss a small grin. "Your turn El." He lightly kicks the other man.
"Right. I'm also in my final year at CamU. I'm going for medical administration. And I'm twenty-one." Eyes on face, Elyan. Keep your eyes up. He nods to the redhead next to him.
"I'm an executive at Godwyn Inc. We work in real estate. I'm twenty-four." She eyes Mithian indicating it's her turn.
"Yes, I'm a solicitor. I work at Nemeth and Nemeth, named partner. And I am twenty-eight." She taps Percival on her left.
"Yeah, um I'm... uh... I'm also a student at CamU. I have two years left. For criminal justice. And I'm twenty-one."
"Criminal justice? Really? I would have thought you'd rescue kittens or something."
She's so adorable. "Uh, no. I want to protect those who can't protect themselves."
"Like kittens." Merlynn twinkles playfully. He holds his breath and returns it with a soft smile.
Arthur notices and wrestles with a surge of jealousy. He has to remember Merlynn's never flirtatious, only friendly.
"Obviously, I'm the princess."
His sister jolts him out of his thoughts.
"I'm twenty-five."
He assumes the imparting of further details is over. Apparently Morgana doesn't think so. "Ow!" She just kicked him! "Merlynn already knows me!" She probably knows him better than he knows himself. But the harpy glowers at him anyway. "Fine! Final year CamU. Double major. Politics and diplomacy. Crown Prince, twenty-four. Happy?" He glares at his sister.
"No, tell her something she doesn't know."
Arthur rolls his eyes at the pushy princess. She grins smugly. "Ah... um. Let me think..." It takes a moment, but there is something he's never told anyone. It's a pipe dream that could never happen, so what's the point? "If I wasn't the prince, I'd have stayed in the RAF, made the military a career. There." He scowls at his sister.
"I'm not surprised." Merlynn thinks that makes sense. His history is a warrior. It fits.
That strikes him. How could she have known? "Why? Why not?"
"Because you're a born battle leader. Makes sense that's your comfort zone."
She says it so casually, like it's perfectly normal for her to have such personal insight to his dreams. That is except for one. "Sounds like you know something about me that I don't."
"Maybe I do." She grins and winks at him.
His heart flutters.
Merlynn peers around at all her new friends and wonders. "How'd you all meet anyway?"
"Well... Elyan's and mine mother worked at the palace, and we got to know Morgana and Arthur."
"And I met Gwen in med school. Percival and I grew up together."
"As a Duke, I've been forced to hobnob with royalty. And Elena and I met at a club."
"Yeah, we met, and it was a coincidence that Gwen and I ended up roomies."
"I grew up with Arthur. I always watched over him, so I slid right into the role of Guard easily."
"And Leon and I used to date. We broke up, but he got me pretty ingrained into the group."
"You hold your own, Mithian. You didn't need me."
"You know it." She flirtatiously eyes the first knight.
Then Merlynn looks at the last of the group. "And you, you're Mithian's roommate." Sefa was about to reply, but Gwen chimed in.
"Actually, Sefa is connected three ways. Yes, she's Mithian's roommate, but she also works for Elena's father. And I've known her since I did a small volunteer job in oncology a couple years ago. Her father was one of the patients."
"Oh, is he okay now?"
"Dead."
"Oh goddess, I'm so sorry!" Merlynn adores her da. She can't fathom not having him.
The redhead just shrugs. "Shit happens."
Merlynn views her in sympathy.
The atmosphere has grown dark and Gwaine knows his friend undoubtedly doesn't want to discuss her father's death, so he does what he does and lightens the mood. "Okay, Merlynn. We told you some about us. Now I want to know, little birdie told me you've been going all badass this week."
"I'd say that's an understatement. Which one do you want to hear about first? When she single-handedly put the rest of the Guard and I to shame?" He winks at her, and she shrugs with a bashful grin.
"Nobody threatens my King."
"Or... when she handed Uther's arse to him on a flaming platter?"
"I want to hear about Wednesday!" Everyone stares at Elyan who now appears a little abashed. "Sorry, I just... I have a friend who works with the catering company."
"Well Merlynn, do you want to tell it?"
"No, you can."
"All right..." Leon settles in to relay the tale. "Basically these twelve magic users come in. They take all the guests and Guard, except for Merlynn, and pin them to the walls."
"Wait. Why didn't they pin Merlynn?"
"She was invisible to everyone but the Guard and Arthur and Morgana. Long story. Now don't interrupt, Elyan. Anyway... once we're all pinned they pull the royals to the center of the floor. They..." He glimpses to the prince and princess. "I'm sorry, if this is traumatic I can just tell Elyan later and anyone else who wants to know."
"I'm okay. I'm sure it was harder on Arthur, though."
"I'm surprisingly well." He's now eyes to eyes with Merlynn. "I've never felt safer, actually."
She blushes and coyly dips her head. She's pleased her King!
Leon clears his throat. Those two, honestly. "So I can go on then?" He receives nods back from the royals. "Okay, so... they pull Morgana away because she has magic, and they don't want to harm one of their own. But they want to kill Arthur as revenge against the king. Meanwhile, Merlynn is walking along the border, and I have no idea what she's doing until she stops, and we all hear her voice. She had put this shield up, which apparently blocked their magic, because we were free. But we had to fake that we were still pinned. So... where was I? Oh! Anyway we're free now, right. And we're watching these magic men threaten Arthur. They whip a knife at him and it hits, but then falls to the floor. They try to shoot him and same thing. So they throw a fireball and it never even reaches him. Consequently, in frustration they all turn their guns on him until you can't even see him through all the smoke. But then it clears. There must be a hundred floating bullets surrounding him." The entire table is captivated listening. "At this point, they think it is Morgana trying to protect Arthur. So the guy tries to slit Uther's throat, but the grip burns him. The leader's really angry at this point, and they throw Morgana and Uther back at Arthur. Then he tells all of his men to kill all of us. That's when they discover the shield. What was invisible was now like a sparkly gold transparent sheet along the whole perimeter. That's when Merlynn yells to get the guests out. While we're doing that, the leader guy orders to kill Morgana thinking she's doing all this magic. But, get this... his team tells him that there is no way any one sorcerer could do all that magic, so they assume it's a whole other group of sorcerers protecting the royal family. That's when they decide to throw everything they've got at them, and shit really hits the fan. They had wind. They had fire. Giant tree branches broke through the floor. Glass shattered. Pieces of ceiling and pillars broke off. They had electricity, and they even brought statues to life. And all of it was trying to attack Arthur, Morgana, and the king. But they were completely protected under this dome thing. And then Merlynn! Merlynn opens a fucking black hole and sucks all the stuff into it. She shielded the sorcerers first though, saving them from getting caught up in it."
"Not a black hole," Merlynn interrupts, and all eyes revert to her. "It wasn't a black hole. If it had been, I wouldn't have been able to get it back. It was more..." She thinks a moment. "...more like another dimension."
Leon's eyes widen... then resumes the story. "Okaay, another dimension. Anyway, once she closes it, she sucks all the magic from the magic men and makes this swirly ball thing above them, which has them freaking out. Then magic restraining cuffs appeared in all the Guards hands so we cuffed them. Once that's done, the swirly ball breaks and shoots the magic back in them. They are so grateful they aren't even upset they are being arrested. Then the leader screams that he wants to know what group took them down. And listen to this..." Everyone leans in on pins and needles. "On a curtain on the far wall letters start to burn into it... Emrys. This has the sorcerers like, 'wow'! The second coming of Christ! Then I kid you not... they all drop to their knees and bow, swearing fealty to Emrys and the Once and Future King. Next, I'm still not done... she shields all of us, and I guess opens the other dimension again and gets everything back and repairs it all! If you went there today, you would never know anything had ever happened. It was incredible!"
Merlynn has been peacefully enjoying her meal during the retelling of the evening's events. She keeps her eyes downcast avoiding the stunned glances. She doesn't like acknowledging her power, but she knows her friends expect full disclosure. She understands, but it still makes her uncomfortable.
Arthur can tell Merlynn wishes to avoid this topic. So he helps by diverting everyone's attention to an equally fascinating account. "As badass as all of that was, what she said to my father yesterday, to me, was even more astounding."
"Absolutely, 'bout time someone told that fool off. I've never seen him speechless before, Merlynn. Bravo!"
Now that is something Merlynn is proud of, which is evident by her smug grin. "Actually, instead of talking about it. How would you like to hear it?"
"What?! You recorded it?!" Morgana wants a copy.
"Based on the king's interview with that magazine, my clan knew that there would be a point where I would have to... enlighten him. And they all wanted to hear it. I had a feeling yesterday was that conversation, so I started recording before I entered the room."
"Hell yeah, I want to hear it!"
"Fuck, for sure!"
"Definitely!"
"I don't think I've ever wanted to hear anything more."
Merlynn's eyes glow and her phone materializes in her hand. "She centers it between them. "We should probably all take the opportunity to eat while we're listening." They seem to agree as they start to indulge in the savory spread. She cranks up the volume and presses play.
A few minutes in Morgana realizes the gang isn't grasping the full picture, and she needs to set the scene. Their imaginations will fill in any missing pieces. "Hold! Can you pause it, Merlynn?" She then addresses the rest of them. "You all have to know what's happening in concert with what's being said. The moment you just heard Merlynn set the packet on fire." The group glances at the raven, impressed with her boldness. "I know, right." She winks at her sister witch. "Another half the time she was walking around the table like she owned the place. But that was only when she wasn't getting directly in Uther's face. So that's the scene. Hopefully you can envision it in full." She nods to Merlynn to resume audio.
Throughout the recording Merlynn's friends periodically glimpse at the witch in awe and pride. The raven lambasted the old king like no one's ever dared. She took a metaphorical hammer to his ego and cultured him on his impotence concerning her.
Once Merlynn's phone screen goes black, silence pervades the room until you hear a lone chair raked across the wood. Gwaine stands before her and drops to both knees and kisses the floor. "You're my hero." And everyone breaks into boisterous laughter at the rogue's antics, then cheers the raven haired beauty's temerity against the pompous king.
"Allowing him to stay on the throne! Holy fuck! You've got some balls, girl!" Mithian crows. Merlynn looks to her peculiarly at the reference.
"Or Aredian with the dark arts. What you don't know, Merlynn, is that after you left, the prime minister told Uther she agreed with you. Ha! He didn't say a word for like two minutes until he finally dismissed us. Son of a bitch, it was perfect!"
"And it was hot." Arthur thinks he speaks low enough, but people hear it, anyway. Including Merlynn.
"Really?!"
She has a dazzling smile. Arthur can't deny his declaration. He clears his throat, but he can't formulate words. So, while blushing furiously he nods in confession. His inner turmoil doesn't even register to her.
"Thank you!"
Arthur tries not to let the bitterness rattle him. He's well aware she views it as more honor for Mordred.
"Ahem." Elyan clears his throat, grabbing everyone's attention. "I have a question." Merlynn gestures for him to continue. "Did I hear you say you're immortal?"
The witch turns scarlet. "Um... yes. Yes, you did."
Nobody knew that one.
It's the redhead that requests elaboration. "So, how old are you?"
"From infancy or birth?"
Interesting. Sefa's now intrigued and leans in. "Both."
"Um, okay. From infancy I really am only twenty. But uh... from birth I'm uh... I'm about fifteen hundred years old." She mumbles the last part . Nothing distants her outside of her power like her age.
"What?!" That's the question from so many, there's no point to break it down.
"Is that why you have the different gauntlets? It's more than you being just the Emrys, isn't it?" Morgana's been wanting more clarification on the snazzy bracelets.
"I believe so, yes. The platinum gauntlets are for high priests and priestesses."
"Wait a minute! I'm a high priestess?!"
"You didn't know?" Morgana wagged her head in disbelief. "I'm not surprised. You're very powerful, Morgana, more than you can imagine. You just need training, but you're probably equivalent to my beloved." Morgana is still staring dazed at her own gauntlets.
"But I thought you were like the high priestess of all high priestesses."
Merlynn weakly shakes her head. She knows where this is going. Her sweet, lovable kinky haired roommate wants to know and she promised total transparency.
"So, then what are you considered?"
"Um, I'm kinda... not kinda... I mean I am... but still I am human... know that... I'm human, but I'm also... sorta, a Goddess."
There's silence. "You are an actual Goddess? A real life Goddess, like the Triple Goddess, Goddess?" He has a Goddess as his bodyguard?! He shares a soul with a fucking Goddess?!
"Um, well, technically if you get down to it. She's maybe... a little bit... my mother?"
"Tell them the story Merlynn. The story should clear at least that shit up." Elena doesn't know how it never occurred to her. The history is obvious.
"Hold on. I definitely want to know this story. But I still have a question about the whole age thing. So, how are you also only twenty?" Mithian doesn't understand how she can be two ages.
"Many centuries ago I learned that it was too painful to go on alone. Every time my King died I was devastated. He's the other half of my soul. So I spelled myself. Everytime my King dies I revert back to infancy, waiting for him to be born again."
"So, wait a minute... are you saying Arthur has been reincarnated?" Leon had no idea there was so much to his colleague's story.
"Yes. You all are."
What?! They're all reincarnations?!
Percival breaks the silence. "All of us are from the past?"
"Yes. Besides Arthur, all of you men are the original Knights of the Round Table."
"Knights of the Round Table, like the actual round table, and Arthur is the actual King Arthur?"
"Yes. I told you your nickname was appropriate. You actually were the first knight, Sir Leon. And that's why I said Guinevere was your one, Lancelot. She really is."
"If this is true then, I thought Guinevere became Queen and married Arthur."
"She did. But only after you died. Everyone knew you were each other's matches, even Arthur. Don't get me wrong, they were happily married, but had you lived she would have been with you."
Lancelot and Guinevere are shocked. They aren't the only ones.
Arthur was married to Guinevere? They did date for a while, but when Lancelot came along he knew he needed to step aside. And bloody hell, he's the real King Arthur?! The supposed fabled King Arthur? The legend, King Arthur?
"Who were we? You said all the men were knights, but what were all of us girls?" Mithian has to know.
"Well, Morgana was still Arthur's sister. I actually don't know who you were. I'd have to ask my clan. I just know that if you are in this circle you are one of the reincarnations. In every life the whole group eventually gravitates to each other. Now, I don't actually know this for a fact. My clan has had it passed down for generations. I won't get my memories until I'm twenty-one and Arthur turns twenty-five. That's why we have the same birthdays. So our memories return at the same time."
"Wait a minute. Your birthday is December fifteenth, too?" Merlynn simply nods matter-of-factly.
"Hold that thought, princess. I want to know when we get our memories back."
"Since the whole prophecy is formed around Arthur and I, I believe it's when we get ours."
"So, on December fifteenth, we are all going to suddenly get fifteen hundred years worth of memories." Gwaine is dumbstruck.
"Actually, I believe only Arthur and I get all fifteen hundred years. I believe you only get the first lifetime. It is a heavy burden to carry all that time in your mind. My clan says it will be very painful for Arthur and I, and there's apparently a spell created years ago that my clan knows to help ease our pain. It's not physical. But emotional and psychological. A lot of PTSD and trauma we'll have to go through."
On his birthday he's going to get centuries worth of memories? He can't even comprehend it. And those years are all with his Merlynn? He thought he was struggling now. How is he going to be when he remembers that?! He's honestly terrified.
The silence permeating the room is deafening. After a minute or two, clanking of utensils are heard as some resume eating to finish their meal. Then it is Gwen who speaks first.
"Merlynn, maybe while everyone is finishing eating, why don't you tell the story."
The witch looks around and receives nods and gestures to proceed. "Okay. About fifteen hundred years ago there was an evil king that persecuted magic users. When I mean persecuted, it wasn't like today, being bullied. No, if you performed magic of any kind, you were burned at the stake. So because magic was suffering the Goddess decided she needed to intervene. So she assigned a savior, the son of the evil king in fact. He would free magic once again and unite the lands in peace and prosperity. But he would have many enemies, of the likes no one had ever seen before. So the Goddess took magic itself and molded and formed it into a baby, then implanted that baby into a woman. A woman the Goddess deemed worthy to raise her child. The Goddess needed thesavior and magic to have a bond like no other. They needed each other to fulfill this destiny on behalf of all magic. So, she took each of their souls and fused them together until they were one. Then she broke it in two and gave them each half. Now they are forever linked, in every lifetime finding each other once again. 'Forever together, forever entwined'. Arthur is that savior and I am Magic. I was made for him. He is my everything."
Gwen knows what everyone is thinking especially Arthur.
He knew they were bonded, but he didn't know that bond was created fifteen hundred years ago, and it literally has surpassed the test of time. How can this woman be engaged?! She is his, damn it! His! He has never felt so possessive. It's honestly a little scary, but it makes sense, doesn't it? This isn't a crush. This isn't even unrequited love. She is half of him, and he is half of her!
"Aren't you engaged?"
Thank you Mithian! Someone is finally asking the obvious!
"I am. I know most of the magical community thinks Arthur and I should be married. But the prophecy does not necessarily mean that. In fifteen hundred years I'm sure it has probably happened sometimes, but not always. You have to remember that from the very beginning the prophecy has never changed. For every lifetime that story has remained the same. For our first lifetime I was male, and Arthur was happily married to Guinevere. I have switched genders throughout the centuries, just to change things up. So, unless Arthur and I participated in a homosexual relationship, some of those times were platonic. Our first lifetime is said that we were closer than brothers. We always put each other first, though, even above any intimate partners. But still, we got our romance and carnal relations from them."
"That makes sense." Morgana pities her brother. Merlynn does have a valid point. Maybe it really doesn't mean romance. She can't picture him as a homosexual. He's always been such a ladies man.
"I have an idea. How 'bout I show you my male form? Then you can see for yourself we can still have the soul bond and be platonic."
"You can do that?" Elyan finds his voice again. He had been unusually quiet processing all that's been said. "How powerful are you?"
Merlynn looks a little embarrassed again. "Um, I have yet to find my limits. I'm not only pure magic. I'm a magic conduit like a heart. Here, I think I can show you that too." Merlynn rises to her feet and walks to stand in the middle of the room. She closes her eyes envisioning her magical form, and then her eyes glow.
Arthur's entranced as Merlynn becomes less human and more like a glistening ball of light with the silhouette of a human. That itself is breathtaking, but then you look around, and beams of light from everywhere are flowing into and out of her in various degreees of strength and power. Understandably, a pulsating connection flows between her and Morgana. But what really surprises him is the broad roaring current between her and Arthur. When she reverts back to human form, he addresses it. "Why is there so much with me? I don't have magic."
"Everyone has magic Arthur. Magic is life itself. It's just a matter of having access. You have a part of me, pure magic in you. So you have a tremendous amount of power. But to free magic and unite the lands there has to be a bond between both the mystical and the mundane. Otherwise it would be magic dominated and the world needs balance."
Makes sense.
"Now, do you all want to see my male form?"
"Ooh, ooh, me! I want to see you as a bloke!"
Merlynn smiles at the goofy blonde. Then her eyes flutter golden and she starts to spin, nimble like a figure skater on ice.
When Merlynn finally slows to a halt, a male stands before them. He's tall, slightly taller than Arthur. His skin is just as pale and hair just as dark as female Merlynn. Same full lips, same sharp cheekbones, and same bewitching eyes. Fortunately, not the same outfit. She dressed him in jeans and a t-shirt. In short, he's gorgeous! And Arthur has to turn away blushing. He's having a major gay crisis, which confirms to him what he's known all along. Merlynn is his in EVERY way. He has no doubt that in some of those lives he was gay. He was whatever Merlynn needed him to be. He knows it. Why doesn't she? That's what makes no sense.
"Hello Arthur."
God, he's looking at him and all he wants to do is grab him and snog him senseless. A man! A very sexy man with an impossible deep voice. He may have no memory of him, but he can feel it, he knows him. He clears his throat. "Hello." With a wink the warlock or... God? starts to spin again until she has returned to her form, still wearing her obscene getup. He needs her in this form. Crisis averted.
"Something I've wanted to know, Merlynn, since you first told Elena and I about your betrothal to Mordred. Why did your clan arrange such a match? You said even your clan struggles with your age difference, so why would they put you together?"
"Oh, that's easy. The prophecy between Arthur and I isn't the only one. Mordred is destined to kill Arthur. By being with me, we are thwarting that part of the prophecy."
Gwen knew it! She knew their betrothal had something to do with Arthur. She looks around at the group self-satisfied with her brilliance.
"So you are with Mordred... to save my life?"
"Absolutely. I do everything for you."
She says it like it's a given, like one he should already know.
"It's worked. My whole clan honors you, including Mordred. He actually can't wait to meet you."
"You're sure that you've stopped it?"
"I'm sure. Morgana's part of the prophecy as well."
"Wait, what? Me?"
"Yes, the prophecy states that you and Mordred are to be united in evil and be Arthur's and mine greatest enemies. And look what's happened. You're a sweetheart, and Mordred's with me. That's one prophecy effectively canceled." She smiles and speaks so casually, clueless to the tension she's created.
Good old Mithian plows right through it. "Merlynn, you're twenty and your betrothed is only fourteen. Haven't you ever had urges? Sexual urges?"
"Oh that. That was taken care of by my suppresants."
"Suppressants?" She's on suppresants. What does that mean? Arthur needs to know if that means what he thinks it does.
"Naturally. Since I was thirteen and started puberty. My betrothed was seven, so to keep me faithful, we priorly suppressed urges that would bodily ensue. They won't be removed until we're married."
"Wait a minute... are you telling me you are incapable of feeling attraction, sexual attraction?" She responds with an unconcerned nod, and Arthur feels like celebrating! Yes! That's why. That's the reason she doesn't feel it. The part that should, has been blocked! "So you are not attracted to Mordred?"
She looks at him completely aghast. "Of course not! I'm not a pedophile!"
Ha! That's it! That's why! He's not crazy! Arthur can't help but smile. He covers his mouth to hide it. He knows Morgana sees. All he needs to get his Merlynn and make her his is get her off those damn suppresants! The harpy kicks him, but he doesn't care. She could turn him black and blue, and nothing could take away the elation he feels right now.
"So you're a virgin?"
Of course she's a virgin, Mithian! His Goddess remains untouched just waiting for his hands and his hands, alone. Even if she doesn't know it yet.
"I think that's a given. I will learn everything I need to know when I'm married."
"Wah... Merls, are you saying you don't know anything about sex?" Gwaine is always about the sex.
"No. My beloved will teach me everything when we're married."
"Your beloved is fourteen. How is he supposed to teach you as a virgin?" Sefa just. doesn't. get it.
"He won't be a virgin when we're married."
"What?!" Again, a universal question.
"When Mordred turns eighteen he will leave the compound and have sex with no less than three partners. He will learn everything he needs to know, so he can teach me on our wedding night."
This does not sit well with Sefa's feminist ideals at all. "Why can't you learn yourself? Why do you need a man to teach you?" She is quite irritated. She hasn't heard of such misogynistic bullshit since the fifty's.
"I would never be unfaithful to my betrothed!" Merlynn's shocked at the thought.
"Yet, you dress like a whore, waiting for some fourteen year old to teach you what a cock is?"
"Sefa!" Elena will not let anyone speak to Merlynn that way.
"What? We're all thinking it. Why pussy foot around and just say it?"
"That's enough, Sefa!"
"Oh come on, Arthur. You know you rather be the big strong man to teach the all powerful virgin Goddess to fuck."
Merlynn doesn't know what's happening. Did she miss something? Arthur wants to teach her about sex? "Did I say something wrong?"
"No, you didn't say anything wrong. Your culture just sets women back sixty plus years."
"I really didn't mean to upset anyone." Merlynn stands to leave, but Percival stops her.
"Merlynn, you aren't upsetting us. Sefa's had a chip on her shoulder since her dad died. Nothing's wrong with your culture. It's just different." He eyes Sefa who knows she's gone too far. His glare indicates she needs to apologize, and she dips her head in acquiescence.
"I'm sorry Merlynn. Perce is right. There's nothing wrong with you. I... I'm sorry." The gentle giant squeezes her shoulder with a warm, approving smile.
"Thank you. That's the third time someone has mentioned my clothes, though. Are they offensive?"
The group eyes one another wondering how they can sensitively confront this ingenuous woman.
Mithian takes the initiative. "Merlynn, you dress this way to attract men and bring honor to your fiance, correct?" The raven nods. "Why do you try to attract men who aren't single? Aren't you concerned about jealous partners and breaking apart relationships?"
Merlynn looks appalled. "I don't want to break couples apart! That's awful!" Goddess, is that what she's doing? She just thought she was honoring her beloved. "All the women in Ambrosia dress like this, so it's never been an issue. It kind of puts us all on an even playing field."
"Merlynn, you are a beautiful woman. You don't need to expose yourself to attract people." Percival says with a kind smile.
"Remember when we went shopping for your school clothes? You can wear flattering, more conservative clothing that will still be attractive and won't offend anyone."
Merlynn ponders what they're saying. It makes sense. In this society, she does seem to be the only woman dressed so provocatively. She examines the outfits of her female counterparts. They're all stunning women and their wardrobe seems to accentuate their best features while not revealing too much. She's positive they attract plenty of admirers, while staying fairly covered. That settles it. As they say... 'when in Rome do as the Roman's do.' Merlynn stands abruptly. Her eyes flare once more and with a wave of her hand the hemline of her romper extends, her deep cut top transforms to a more conservative low cut one, still leaving the top swells of her breasts visible, but the majority concealed. She also loosens the fabric so as not to hug her curves so closely. When she's finished, she looks back at her friends. "How's this?"
Her soft spoken roommate kindly smiles.
"You look lovely, Merlynn, really."
"Yeah, and see... you're still hot," the blonde agrees.
"You're a knock-out Merls, no matter what you're wearing."
"Thanks, Gwaine." Her cheeks redden and she smiles meekly. "What about you, Arthur? What do you think?"
Fuck, she's asking him? Should he play it cool and apathetic? Should he make it a joke and blow it off. Should he fake an illness and run? In the end there's only one answer he can give. In all seriousness, he stares direct into her eyes. "You're a positive vision, Merlynn." She doesn't smile this time at the 'compliment.' She doesn't pat herself on the back for acquiring more honor for Mordred. No, by the way she's still staring into his eyes, he's certain she's starting to comprehend the gravity of what he's really saying, the depths of his true feelings. All of them seem to be picking up on the growing sexual tension.
"Um... I forgot... I uh... need to make a phone call." And his Goddess dashes from the room like her feet are on fire.
He can only watch as she flees.
4. I wanted multiple pov's. So many times I want to know what other characters are thinking about a situation, but I'm limited to maybe one or two perspectives. My story, you dive into everyone's heads. I do have to say I'm concerned it might be confusing. I hope I made it clear enough you could decipher who was who. I wrote it, so I could tell. Not sure if anyone else can though. Fingers crossed.
Why do I have Merlynn dress the way she does? It's not because sex sells. I needed her to have a vulnerability, one that would still work with her borderline invincibility. It couldn't be anything physical or mental. Otherwise it wouldn't work with the rest of the story. So I made her naive, and the provocative dressing fuels the struggles in the plot. She just doesn't know any better. Also, love my male Merlin. He just wasn't the right fit in this story, but don't worry. We will see him again. ;)
Sorry about the benefit recap. I normally don't like authors rehashing the same scenes over, because it can be boring for the reader. I couldn't resist though. ;)