All of Camelot was eerily quiet. The kind of quiet that was unsettling rather than peaceful. Something was wrong and Merlin wasn't the only one who could feel it.
This morning, Merlin was ordered by a very annoyed Giaus to purchase some ingredients from the markets. It wasn't really Merlin's fault, honestly, his spell was just a bit more powerful than he realised. Merlin was practising some more advanced shield spells and his shield grew too large too quickly and exploded into Gaius's jars. Giaus was, understandably, not too happy that his potion's ingredients were blasted to bits and so here Merlin was.
The markets were still bustling with people but they were less enthused than usual. They went about their day as normal, but their conversations were strained and their movements were stilted. There was a sombre air about them that made Merlin's apprehension feel justified. There was a sort of wariness to the citizens of Camelot that told him they felt the same as he did.
After gathering the ingredients needed to replace Gaius's store, Merlin made his way back up to the castle. As Merlin gracelessly weaved through the mass of people, his shoulder clashed with another's. "Watch where you're going, boy," the old man said gruffly. His face was weathered and cracked, with leathery skin and wise eyes. Merlin muttered an apology and made to move past the cranky man. "Run on home. Not that it would do much good. Nowhere is safe, really. Not from whatever's coming."
Merlin stilled. His eyes narrowed in confusion. "Excuse me?" Merlin turned to question him but the man was already gone. Merlin could see his grey hair lost in the throng of people rushing about. The warning from the gruff old man seemed incredibly ominous but entirely truthful. There was a seriousness to his words.
It was like Camelot was holding its breath…waiting for something. And suddenly Merlin was fearful. It generally took a lot for Merlin to fear something, after everything that has occurred after coming to Camelot all those years ago, there was not much too fear anymore. But Merlin was deeply unsettled and he didn't know how or why.
But Merlin could feel it in his very bones…something was coming.
Merlin hurried through the courtyard and made his way to Gaius's chamber. Merlin entered and his eyes immediately found Gaius' frail figure tending to a sick woman. Merlin wanted to tell Gaius about his encounter with that man and the strange feeling he's had all day long, but he could only do so in private. He sighed and dumped his purchases unceremoniously onto the table.
"Ah Merlin, you're back. Wonderful. I need you to deliver these tonics to Sirs Kwaif and Oron, and this one to Lady Sharma. And then, these to the King and Queen" Gaius hastily shoved five vials into his arms and gleefully nudged him back out the door.
Soon enough, three of the tonics were delivered, leaving only Arthur and Gwen's. Merlin decided to deliver their breakfast as well, and walked to the kitchens to retrieve it. Merlin awkwardly knocked on the door. It was strange. He never knocked before entering Arthur's chamber but this wasn't just Arthur's chamber anymore…it was Gwen's too.
Merlin was perhaps the most happy when Arthur married Gwen. He had even cried...though, if Arthur ever knew, he'd be put in the stocks. Arthur and Gwen's marriage ceremony was only one week ago. It was small, consisting only of personal friends, and it was beautiful. Merlin knew it was just as Gwen had always dreamed.
"You may enter" Arthur's annoyed grumble carried through the thick wooden door. Merlin chuckled slightly, Arthur had rarely left his chamber after their wedding, only when he had to to attend to his duties, which was often. And so, any interruption of their time together was most unwelcome.
Merlin pushed the door open and strided in. Greeting the King and Queen with a wide grin.
"Queen Guinevere" Merlin bowed low in Gwen's direction as she sat at the table with Arthur at her side. Arthur had several parchments, an ink pot and a quill in front of him and he seemed to be having a serious conversation with his wife before Merlin entered.
"His royal pratness" Merlin said snarkily, bowing once again. Arthur's face pinched in fond annoyance at his servant while Gwen laughed at Merlin's greeting and gave him a bright mirthful grin.
"Shut up Merlin" Arthur snapped with false anger. His hand twitched, as though he wanted to launch an object at his friend's head but could find none in sight.
Merlin placed the breakfast tray and the two tonics on the empty space on the table and stole a few grapes, popping them in his mouth as he began his chores. Arthur and Gwen chatted idly over breakfast and Merlin pondered the strange apprehension he and apparently others were feeling. What could possibly be the cause?
"Merlin, come here" Arthur's voice cut through his thoughts. "Sit down" Merlin obeyed and took the seat next to Arthur's and across from Gwen's. Merlin felt nervousness settle deep in his gut. Everytime Arthur's voice became in any way serious like it was now, his stomach would churn and his heart would drop. He would always think, does Arthur know? Did he find out somehow? And Arthur never did.
Merlin knew, he knew that he had to tell Arthur soon. It was the perfect time, Uther was gone and Arthur was King. There was no real reason for Merlin to keep hiding, besides the threat of execution or banishment. And he knew he couldn't hide forever, eventually his secret will be revealed. It should come from him, not from an outside source. And so, Merlin knew he had to tell Arthur. But he couldn't. He couldn't bear to see the look of betrayal on his friend's face.
He just couldn't. He wasn't ready. Arthur wasn't ready. Merlin could still see Arthur's distrust of magic, while he didn't loathe it as his father did, he did fear it. And fear…well, it makes people unpredictable. And his beliefs of magic had only changed a little in recent years, Arthur did not believe that every person who had magic was evil but he did believe that magic corrupted. He still believed that it was dangerous, cruel and immoral.
And could Merlin really blame him? It was instilled in him from his very first breath that magic was to be feared. And in Arthur's perspective, it was proven time and time again that his father was at least somewhat correct in his attitude toward magic.
But Merlin knew that Arthur was a kind and just man. Since becoming King, no executions have taken place and no druid raids have occurred. It made Merlin hopeful, perhaps the time of Albion is upon us. Perhaps magic will be brought back to the land.
"We have received word of a threat to Camelot. A few villagers and some druids believe that a magical creature has risen and they say that it will destroy Camelot." Arthur stated firmly. He watched Merlin's face carefully and Merlin wanted to squirm under his gaze. A magical creature that has recently risen could definitely be the explanation for the wariness that seemed to take hold of Camelot this morning.
"Now, I am unsure of the truthfulness of these warnings but we must not ignore them, especially if this many people have come forward." Arthur's words were decisive and thoughtful, but not particularly afraid. He glanced slightly at Gwen as though to reassure himself she was here.
"I agree, it is better to be cautious in these matters. Is there any information about what this creature could be?" Merlin replied, already running through a list of creatures that have not been seen in recent years. "I'm afraid not. Not many people were eager to divulge anything, considering most of our information came from druids."
"Of course they are, they don't want to be punished for saying too much" Gwen spoke. She was unsurprised at this information, so Arthur must have told her before Merlin delivered their breakfast.
"They shouldn't be, though. I have not harmed any druids since becoming king." Arthur argued, slightly offended at her words. Even if they were true.
"Yes but, after what your father has done to their kind, they are rightfully wary of anyone from Camelot. And the law has not changed, Arthur. Their existence is punishable by death here." Merlin professed in a rush of boldness that left as quickly as it came.
Merlin was usually truthful in his opinions, well…as much as he could, and it was easy to notice Merlin's lack of hatred when it came to magic users. It worried him that it might give him away, but it never did. Even if he was sometimes foolishly forward in his opinions. But if he never spoke them, then he would be failing his destiny.
Arthur was rather affronted by Merlin and Gwen's words, mostly Merlins. He knew that Merlin did not agree with all of his father's laws. But Arthur also knew that Merlin was well aware of how dangerous and evil magic was. After all, who fought alongside Arthur against magic more than Merlin did?
"Well regardless, we need to know more before we send anyone out to fight it. We don't know how dangerous this creature is yet." Merlin continued and Arthur slowly nodded in agreement. Arthur paused for a moment and then spoke confidently "Gather the knights and horses tomorrow morning, we will travel to the nearest druid camp to find some more information about this creature. And I understand they will be wary, i'll try not to make them any more so"
"Yes, sire" Merlin grinned.