Morgana struggles with the future of their plan. Arthur struggles with a future without Merlynn. And Merlynn earns some overdue respect from an unlikely source.
Notes: I am in no way knowledgeable of plane mechanics. I did do a little bit of research, so it at least sounds plausible.
She's posed next to the stone with her tray of colored vials. She made the decision yesterday to start increasing the potency. Things have become dire ever since Liberty started being administered. They lose more and more everyday. Thank the Goddess it was only that first day that had such an influx of takers. What bothers her most are the children, the children who are being vilified and convinced their gift is some sort of disease, in which they need liberation. Yes, she doesn't have a choice. They cannot chance failure. Once Emrys is gone she can address the 'freedom' drug.
"What are you doing?"
"I'm mixing more. You said she can't tell if it's working, and we can't chance it."
"No, she said that it was difficult to tell, because even without our intervention, his own heart is tearing him apart. She saved his life again this week and apparently quite dramatically. Caught a plane from the sky or something. So we not only have attraction on our side, but hero worship. He really is in love with her."
"Love isn't enough. We need obsession. And hero worship is not a good thing. Heroes are revered and respected, and slightly feared. We need her dominated and overpowered. We need her afraid. If he feels incapable of getting what he wants, everything we've done won't be against her; he'll turn it on himself. I know I don't want a suicidal prince."
"No, of course not. But that's what I'm telling you. It is an obsession. She's never seen him like this, and it's happening without influence."
"You said that part of his infatuation, though, is admiration and awe. That's the opposite of what we want. Rape is not overzealous love and attraction. It's about control and power. That's sexual assault one-o-one. If he doesn't think, doesn't know, he can overwhelm her, then he won't try. Especially Arthur Pendragon. He's not stupid. He won't fight unless he knows he can win, not of this nature anyway. Defeat would be too humiliating, and his ego couldn't take it. No, we still can't risk it, Morgause. Magic can't risk it. We have to up the anti, more so if we are now dealing with apotheosis. She's already a Goddess. He needs to know this is one deity he can subjugate."
She doesn't want to admit it, but Nimueh's right. The stakes are too high.
"Now, that's Arthur. What about Morgana? Do you think she's buckling?"
"I don't know. I'm seeing her today. I'll try to get a read on her."
"Well, you get a read, and if necessary give her this." She holds up one of the newly mixed vials.
"What's a matter with what I've been giving her?"
"Nothing. But if we want her to increase it with him, to cause him more torment, then we may have to strengthen her resolve as well. This one is Arthur's." The retired chemist reveals another tube. "It has the added bit of jealousy and anger. Actually..." Nimueh plucks another vial from the tray and opens Arthur's amalgamation. She removes the dropper from the ampule and drips in a single bead of its contents. She does the same with another synthetic from the tray. "There. Now that mix is a thing of beauty," she says with delight at her ingenuity.
"What did you do?"
"I added pride and masculinity. It will help against the veneration, particularly to a woman. It's not a lot. I honestly am not sure if it will even have any effect. The whole process is a balancing act. Have to move quick enough to meet our deadline, but not too quick to raise suspicion." She slides the small glass receptacles to their assigned slots and returns the case to her laboratory refrigerator. "It's up to you, Morgause. When you talk to her you'll have to decide if they both need a boost or not." The blonde looks anxious, like she's wavering. This whole thing will fall apart if her fellow priestesses can't keep it together. She pours the blend she brewed earlier into a demitasse and retrieves her own mug of decaf from the counter. Nimueh saunters over to her blonde conspirator and sets the beverage in front of her. "Look, have some tea before you go. It always relaxes you. You need to be thinking straight to decide properly. Don't have your mind clouded with nerves."
It's not the first time Morgause has had second thoughts. Hurting two people she loves even if it is for the greater good, is not to be taken lightly. She does need to relax. If Morgana notices her sister's anxiety, then her own confidence in the plan will falter. The infusion's pleasant aroma is already calming her and giving her the fortitude to proceed. She feels the smooth elixir coat her throat and soothe her worries and her conviction. "Thank you."
"No problem."
--
Morgana spots her sister in that same corner table they normally occupy. She sets her coffe down with the cup they swiped a while back, so they didn't have to order in person. Then the ebony haired witch slings a chair around, flops down, straddling the seat, and drapes herself over the back. Portraying the perfectly imperfect, uncouth layman, and not the dignified, poised princess she is.
"Welcome. Tell me, Morgie. Should I dye my hair pink? Maybe get a nose ring, wear a dog collar to enforce your alter ego?" she asks in an American accent.
"Might be a good idea. We get caught, we're screwed," the princess responds with the same intonation.
"I was kidding, but if you think it's necessary. I've seen enough movies to pull it off, I think. How'm doin'?"
"I think you should tone it down. The British can have a fascination with American accents, and we don't want to draw attention. Less drawl should do it."
"Okey dokey." They both giggle at refined Morgause's attempt at country bumpkin. Then the blonde switches gears and gets serious. "How's Arthur?"
Morgana sobers immediately. "Not good. Along with the attempt on his life, he was hit with another bomb I didn't tell you about." Her sister's ears peak. "He found out that Merlynn does have feelings for him, but she's keeping Mordred. She wants them both."
"I never would have expected Emrys to be so selfish."
"That's the thing; she's not. Mordred's okay with it. Shit, not only okay with it, but approves and encourages it."
Morgause considers the implications of this new development. "That's not good, Morgana. What if they start an intimate relationship willingly? That defeats the whole plan."
The princess was already wagging her head. "No, it won't happen. She's on suppresants. She physically cannot have sexual attraction or arousal." Her sister is clearly bemused. "Look, have you ever heard of asexuality?"
"I've heard the word, but haven't bothered to search out the meaning."
"Apparently, it is possible to be in love with someone you are not sexually attracted too. It does kind of make sense. Think of old married couples. Most of them don't have sex, yet they absolutely love each other."
"So, I'm guessing Arthur is against the whole plan of sharing."
"Do you know Arthur? He would fight to the death for his pen. You think he'd share his queen?"
"Well, this actually works better. She has feelings for him, has no desire for sex, and is in love with another man. It's a tease. She's dangling a carrot in front of him, just out of reach. Something's gotta give. Yes, it almost feels like she's doing this for us. Any man would be struggling."
"I know. He's already suffering, and I've given him only one dose. He's begun dreaming about her, and that is for the second dose, isn't it? He can't dream about her more. He can't think about her more than he is thus far, and when he's not thinking about her, he's thinking about stopping Liberty. Do we really want him to give up on that?"
"This, what we are doing, will put an end to Liberty. We will be doing his job for him. That's how we have to think of it. He wants this. Even more than he wants her. He said so himself. We are helping him. All he will remember is he helped save magic. We just have to get through a difficult time, and then the world will be a better place for the magical and laymen. And Merlynn... yes, she is going to go through something traumatizing, but she's not going to remember it. She's not even going to lose this time period. She'll go through it again, and things will be different. You know what I thought of the other day?"
Morgana shakes her head. Everything her sister says does make sense.
"The fact that it's bothering us so much that we're causing suffering, especially Emrys and Arthur. We have come so far, Morgana. If it were fifteen hundred years ago, we'd be celebrating their suffering and not wiping their memories. I don't know. Just a thought I had."
"No. You're right. I love my brother, very much. And I haven't even known Merlynn for long, but I love her too. Honestly, the only one who is going to suffer is me. I will have my memories, and I am truly going to miss her. Really, the only reason I think I can do this is because I know I'll see her again..." Morgana has a horrifying thought. "Actually... will I see her again?! If we transport her to another time, then the next lifetime she won't even exist! Are we completely erasing her for us?!" No way in hell she is doing that! They'd also never receive their memories! She feels a warm hand cover hers, placating her meltdown.
"No Morgana, you are forgetting something. Merlynn is half of Arthur's soul. His next reincarnation will have to have a Merlynn. The way Nimueh explained it is half of Arthur's soul is Merlynn, so when he dies the magic of Avalon will be forced to restore both. That's how Avalon works for the reincarnated. It restores their souls. It can't only restore half souls, so it will have to restore each of them."
"Doesn't that mean if Merlynn leaves half of his soul will be going with her? And wouldn't that give a surplus of souls in the other timeline?"
"No, because the spell is for a soul meld. In other words, the soul that travels will mesh with the soul that it is already present. This timeline requires two souls as well, or I guess you can say one, since Emrys and the Once and Future King share one. Avalon's magic ensures that continues. If Merlynn is no longer present on Earth, then Avalon will create the balance once Arthur is entrusted to its care again."
"And how do we know this?"
"The information was within the Crystal's window seen next to the spell. That Emrys knew to guarantee soul equilibrium."
"So that's why Avalon will replace Merlynn? To stabilize the soul population and restore Arthur?"
"Exactly."
Morgana sighs, relieved. "Thank goddess I will see her again. I was worried for a moment."
"Yes, this is only this lifetime."
Another question strikes her. "So, our magic will automatically start flowing through the earth once it stops through Emrys? How does that work?"
"Once our magic is no longer flowing from the heart we will return to drawing it from nature. See magic doesn't flow with nature; it just is. We have to manually extract it for our usage. There will be slight delays at first but with enough operation it will become second nature and we'll all be just as fast as we always were."
"If we all simply draw it from nature then why are there different power levels? Why couldn't a copper gauntlet draw equal to a silver?"
Morgause visualizes an illustration. "Imagine our connection with the earth as pipes. The powerful have a wider cylinder and can withdraw magic in excess with a stronger force and at a faster rate. Conversely the weaker mages have a narrower diameter allowing less flow at a lower pressure and slower rate. Make sense?"
"I think so. And as soon as Emrys is born again our magic will reconnect to them?"
"The same as how it was when they were first created. I'm powerful, so when he was born I didn't really feel any different. I was so in tune with nature I never had any delays or struggle. It always felt like magic was right at my fingertips. But for the weaker levels I remember they said suddenly they felt its movement and it was more easily accessible and flowed more efficiently.
"When you become queen we will have to make an announcement or broadcast explaining to magic users how the new system works. No one will remember Merlynn's existence, so there will be some confusion that will need elucidation as to the anomaly of what's occurred with everyone's magic. It will be a bit of a learning curve, but only temporary before everyone's functioning as well as they always were."
As well as they always were without Merlynn. Her melancholy quickly returns and Morgause notices.
"What is it, sister?"
Morgana recalls her first life's friendship with the warlock and now her new relationship with the witch. She loves them, outside of her siblings, more than anyone, even Gwen. She's just shares something special with Emrys, always has, and it's more than just magic. They're kindred spirits in a way. What did they say all those years ago... 'hatred to their love' 'darkness to their light'. At first it sounds like their enemies. After all, one is antecedent to the other. But Morgana doesn't see it that way anymore. It's more like her darkness keeps them in the light and their light keeps her from the darkness. In that first life Merlin had so many chances to kill her, but he didn't until there wasn't another choice. She gave him something to win. His greatness and love grew in direct converse to her revenge and bitterness. Mother's right. The world needs balance. Good can't be good without bad. In a way they are each other's anchors to keep them where they are supposed to be. She's just glad others are the villains now. Love beats hatred, hands down. "I just didn't realize I was going to miss her so much." Morgause's expression is sympathetic. "I'll be right back. I need to use the loo."
While her sister is away, the blonde decides whether she is going to drug the princess. The words Morgause said herself were pros to the plan she'd never thought of before. This really is the right path to take, and her sister is hurting. She needs the boost to lessen her pain. That settles it. She finds Morgana's vial in her purse and quickly releases her modified dose into the java. By the time her sister returns, the tube is safely tucked back away in her bag. A separate one, however, is now securely curled into her hand. "This is Arthur's new slightly altered dose."
"Altered? Why has it been altered?" She wasn't sure she wanted to give him the second dose, let alone one that's been replaced.
"Don't worry. It's just a little tweaking. Since you said he was already dreaming about her, we moved the dose composition up a week, so this has a little anger and jealousy in it."
"If you wanted me to move it up a week I already have the third week vial. I could simply just skip over the second week's. Why this?" she asks suspiciously while gesturing to the vessel her sister clutches in her fist.
Morgause sighs. "Because, Nimueh had a good point. You and I thought it was good that he was so awestruck with her when she saved him this past week, that it just fueled his love for her more." The princess nods. "That's true, but we don't want love, and we definitely don't want reverence. We need obsession. We need lust. We need jealousy and anger. The reverence includes some fear. If he doesn't think he can overpower her, he won't try. Nimueh actually said, because of his helplessness and turbulent emotions, he would turn on himself. We need him to feel capable enough to override any apprehension. Like Nimueh said, assault isn't from crazed love and attraction. It's from a need to control, dominate. In Arthur's case, own. So, if he thinks she's the one with all the power then... well... he's lost before he's played the game, hasn't he? Or should I say magic's lost?" Morgause pauses to give Morgana a minute to compute what she's saying... Minute's over. "So, to help him feel stronger and more capable, she gave him some pride and masculinity."
"That makes sense. I thought you were going to make him feral or something."
"Oh no. This is a delicate process. Whatever happens will be gradual. The decision is yours, Morgana. This whole plan hinges on your choice. You still have all the vials. You could choose to use the same one as planned; you could skip a week; you could use the new one; you can scrap the whole thing, and we'll try to defeat Liberty Arthur's way. Whatever decision you make, you will always have me. I know a long time ago you either did things my way, or I abandoned you. That is not the case here. Just know that." She gives her a warm smile.
Morgana returns it and squeezes her sister's hand. "I will take the vial. I'm still unsure if I'll use it, but I'll keep it on hand." Morgause carefully passes her the fragile glass tube.
"Thank you, Morgana."
The princess nods while wondering what she'll decide, hopefully the right choice.
--
Knock. Knock. Knock.
Arthur was just about there, the land of dreamless slumber, and of course he'd be yanked from the darkness. Who could that be, anyway? He wasn't expecting company. Oh no. God, only one person shows up unannounced. He trudgess to the door, exhausted. Sure enough...
"Arthur." She strolls right past him with barely a glance except she does a double take. "Damn, what the hell happened to you? You look like death warmed over."
"Just tired. What are you doing here, Morgana?" He returns to rooting himself in the couch, stretching across the cushions.
"I'm here to spend time with my brother! Are you sick?!" she asks from the kitchen while retrieving what she needs from the cupboard.
"No, just couldn't sleep!"
She saunters into the living room clasping two wine glasses and a bottle of merlot. "Why couldn't you sleep?"
He shrugs. "I don't know. Thinking too much I guess."
"Thinking about what? Or should I say whom?" she asks while passing him a glass of red, which he accepts unconsciously.
"No one. Just thinking. Can't I just be thinking? Not everything revolves around Merlynn."
"I never said Merlynn."
The prince swallows at being called out. "Yeah, well you implied it."
"I did not. People normally think about things or people. I asked you which. The assumption about Merlynn was your own."
"Hmph. Whatever. She is not the be all, end all."
"I never said she was."
"I have a life you know. I'm a prince, and I have things, lots of things to do. I don't have time to think about her!"
"Says the unshaved man, laying on the couch in his dressing gown, at half one in the afternoon." She thinks she's close, but just a little more.
"I can have a break every once in a while. You can't expect me to work twenty-four seven!"
"You know I would believe you, I would, except for that stubble. That's at least five days. Wasn't that Wednesday? The last time you saw Merlynn?" Ah... that did it.
He snaps up and swivels to glare at his sister. She really wants to go there?! "Fine! What do you want to hear, Morgana?! What do you want to hear?! That I can't get her out of my mind?! That it's driving me crazy?! That I can't sleep, can't think a thought without that woman in it?! Well fine then! Check, check, and check! Happy?!" He slams is glass down, springs to his feet, and starts pacing while wringing his hands. "I don't know what to do, all right?! God, you should have seen what she did with that plane. It was insane, yet extraordinary and surreal and... god, she's unbelievable." He slumps back into the settee. "Truly. I have the most incredible woman as a soulmate and she wants me, she does, but she wants a husband on the side, too. What do I do with that?"
"Well, you agree to either an open relationship or let her go. I know you love her, and she has Mordred. Maybe the problem is you would only have her, and she would have both you and a husband. Maybe you should have someone else too. I know you feel like that's cheating, but it really isn't if the woman knows about it and approves."
"What woman in her right mind would agree to that?"
"An average guy, not many, but you are a prince. I think in your case it's more what woman wouldn't."
"Merlynn is in love with Mordred, though. I can't be in love with two women. I just can't. I'm not built that way."
Morgana considers this. "Okay, but you never know if you don't try... You're right, though. I can't see you with two women."
"Thank you."
"But that only leaves the other option. You have to let her go."
Arthur keels over in rejection. "I don't know if I can."
The princess sets her glass down and turns all her attention on her brother. "Do you remember that day at registration what you said to me when we left?"
"Refresh my memory."
"You said you would do anything to save magic. That if you had to, you'd give up Merlynn. Do you remember that?" He nods. "Do you still believe that? Would you sacrifice Merlynn for yourself to save magic and save your people? Would you really?"
Arthur listens to her words and dissects them and the depth of what they mean. There's only one answer that's true. "Without question."
Morgana's leaping for joy on the inside, but she can't show it. "That's what you have to draw from, Arthur. That steadfast drive to protect your people at all cost. If you have to, think about it like that. Tell yourself that you're doing this for your people. In a way you are. You're no good to us if you can't stop obsessing over Merlynn."
Think about it, Arthur. What have you been doing? Have you done anything the past several days to stop Liberty? Have you talked to anyone or checked on people's progress? No, you've done nothing! Nothing but sit around and mope about your unrequited love. She's right! He's forgotten that. Forgotten that his country is counting on him. Magic is counting on him. He's forgotten his own convictions. He will always put his people first. He would sacrifice the throne. He would sacrifice himself! So if he can do that, he can certainly sacrifice Merlynn too. He would do anything to save his people. Anything.
She can see the light returning to his eyes. The determination, the hell or high water attitude. This is her brother. This is Arthur fucking Pendragon! "You can do this, Arthur. I know you can."
He pops upright facing his sister. "I can do this. I need to stop feeling sorry for myself. There's more important things happening right now that definitely don't include my love life. My people need me. My father is gone off the bend, and I'm the only one who can stop him."
No you're not, Arthur. She can, and you will be her right hand man. "And I have the perfect training for you to test out this new drive and build some will power muscle." Need maximum jealousy and anger and she knows exactly where to get it. "The Ambrosian wedding."
Arthur's stomach drops. The wedding. The wedding Merlynn herself warned him he shouldn't attend; Merlynn, who has already voiced she will be dressed inappropriately; Merlynn, who's going with Mordred; who will be dancing with Mordred; who will be focused on Mordred. "Well, I'll give you that. It will take a lot of will power muscle."
"And we'll be there. It won't just be Merlynn and Mordred. All your friends, your family, we'll be there to hold you up and encourage you. Plus, it would mean a lot to these people. You're literally their savior, Arthur. And this isn't just the superficial prince fans either. This is something real, something meaningful. You aren't going to get a bunch of girls throwing their underwear at you. You aren't some pop star idol, Arthur. You aren't even a prince. You are their King."
He is their King. Merlynn says that all the time, and his people want to see him. They have that right. "Okay Morgana, I'll go. But I will need support."
"You'll have it, Arthur. We'd never abandon you."
He warmly smiles to her across the living room. "I know you wouldn't."
"Hey, I've got an idea. Why don't you go take a shower, get cleaned up, but put on some comfortable clothes. We'll have a lazy day. We can watch movies. I brought your favorite wine. What'd you say?"
That does sound nice. Veg out, do nothing, maybe pull out some Marvel. "Okay, I'll go now, and you can pick the first movie, but I'm warning you. I want me some superheroes at some point." He lazily rises to his feet.
"That's fine. I wouldn't mind seeing the man of steel."
Arthur gasps. "Sacrilege! Morgana, I thought you knew. This is Stan Lee's home away from home. I would never disrespect him so!" he says dramatically.
"Oh forgive me! I had no idea. Okay, DC boycot."
"Thank you." He starts to amble back to his room.
"Arthur?" She needs to hear it again.
He turns with the call of his name. "Hmm?"
"What's your resolve again?" Needs absolute assurance.
"I would do anything for my people."
"Including?" More specific. She needs the words.
His gaze drops to the floor. He swallows, then takes a deep breath and lifts his eyes to hers. "Sacrifice Merlynn."
Bingo. She nods, and he turns to finish his trek to his room. Morgana waits until she hears the shower running before she fetches her handbag. All three tubes are each carefully shrouded in silk to prevent breakage. She wanted to bring them all so she would still have time to decide. The princess selects the third and snatches Arthur's wine from the table.
The stem of Arthur's glass is pinched between her fingers while in the other hand she holds the dropper in her grasp. "This is for you, Arthur."
Drip
--
Bzzz
"Yes?" He hits send on the email and directs his attention to his receptionist on speaker.
"Mr. Knight, Detective Chief Inspector, Liam Harrison is here to see you. Would you like me to send him back?"
Okaaay? That's odd. "Thank you, Beverly. No, I'll come to you."
"Yes sir."
Click.
DCI? Why would the police be here? Leon soon is approaching the lobby entrance. He spots two gentleman standing side-by-side. They are both fairly tall, one taller than him. The older one, mid fifty's probably, fit for a man his age. The other man is thinner, mid thirty's. It's doubtful he works out, and likely has a desk job or something just as non-physical. He addresses the older man first. "Hello. Leon Knight. I lead the Royal Guard," he says while reaching to shake the man's hand, who has a firm grip, and the knight would be willing to bet is the copper.
"DCI Liam Harrison."
He thought so.
"Do you have a place where we can speak in private?"
All business. Good. "Certainly. Follow me." Leon leads the visitors to the conference room. "Would you like any tea? Coffee?"
"No thank you." All three situate themselves around the table. "Mr. Knight, this is Tom Merlock." He gestures to the younger man. "I brought him in here today to speak with you."
Leon reaches to greet the other man as well. "What can I help you with?"
"It's not I who need help."
The head of the Guard immediately notices an air of arrogance which always seems associated with experts.
"Let me explain. As DCI Harrison said I am Tom Merlock. I work for the Air Accidents Investigation Branch, AAIB."
Can he read people or what. "Oh, okay. So, this is about the prince's plane?"
"Yes, yes it is. Basically, the engine failure was caused by contaminated fuel. Water to be specific. There was enough water in the line that when the plane hit cruising altitudes, where the temperature can reach as low as negative fifty-four degrees Celsius, it froze, clogging the line. Without the fuel, the engine stopped."
"Okaay? Forgive me, I'm not knowledgeable of the ins and outs of plane functionality. I understand what happened, but why does this involve the Royal Guard?"
"I'll get there, but you'll need background information to understand."
That's fine. Leon can be patient. He motions for the expert to continue.
"Water contamination is a dangerous yet common problem. This is why there are all kinds of checks and testing at every step of the process. It's tested at the refineries, airport fuel farms, which is where they store the fuel, the fuel truck, and/or fuel hydrant, whichever is used to fuel the aircraft. Now, you can never purify fuel completely water free. It's not possible. That's why there is a permissible amount of no more than thirty ppm or parts per million. Now, as I explained previously, the engine was stalled due to a clogged fuel line. It was caused by the excessive water freezing. Besides the significant amount of testing that is completed to confirm non-contamination, the aircrafts themselves have measures they take to ensure no freezing can happen within the lines. They use heated fuel filters, fuel heaters, and/or icing fuel inhibitor additives. Now for His Highness' plane we tested everything again. All the steps tested under thirty ppm. Except for the aircraft itself. It was far above the legal limit. The heated fuel filter and fuel heater were disengaged. We then tested the fuel itself, and there weren't any icing inhibitors used. There was absolutely no preventative measures taken for a very common problem, that, like I said, is watched closely and checked religiously."
Leon has an idea where this is going but needs confirmation. "What are you trying to tell me?"
The detective pipes in at this junction in the conversation. "What he is saying Mr. Knight, is the aircraft malfunction inspection has now turned into an attempted murder investigation."
Thought so. "Someone tried to murder the prince?"
"Someone tried to murder the prince."
Well, fuck. "Are there any suspects?"
"There was no evidence of tampering at any stage. It had to be done after everything was already cleared. Unfortunately, recordings of the area revealed nothing as well, until we had digital forensics review them. They had been set to loop. There are virtually several hours unaccounted for."
Any danger associated with Arthur has only one recourse. "Please, let me pause you here before we proceed any further. I would like to contact Arthur's personal bodyguard. See if she can offer any insight." The detective nods, giving permission for the witch's involvement. "Uh... neither of you have a problem with magic, do you?" The DCI seems unconcerned, but the AAIB representative is obviously uncomfortable.
"I have no problem with it." Leon and the detective look to the third gentleman.
"Is it really necessary?"
The first knight shrugs. "You never know."
Harrison eyed the rep. "If she can tell us anything, then we need to accept her help. Mr. Knight, I'm lead of this investigation, and I would appreciate any assistance."
"All right, I'll call her." Leon draws his cell from his pocket and selects the Guard in question.
Ring... ring... ring...
"Leon?"
"Merlynn, hi." She's always ready for a call from him. "I was wondering if you could come in." He hates to bother her on her day off, but he's sure she would be more upset if he didn't contact her. "Do you think that would be possible?"
"Sure. What's this about?"
"We'll explain when you get here. How soon could you come?"
"Leon, I teleport. I can be there in about five seconds."
"Oh, right. Well, if you don't mind..."
"You want me to skip class today?"
"It's regarding Arthur and the plane malfunction." He knows that would be all she needed to hear.
"Say no more. Give me ten. I have to change first."
He knew it. "Thank you. Oh Merlynn. We are in the conference room but better to come through the lobby, okay?" There's a lull for a moment on the other end.
"Ah, I see."
He knew she would. She's used to this bullshit after all.
"No, that's fine. Certainly. I'll be there soon."
"Thanks." He directs his attention back to the other gentlemen. "She'll be here. Now, what I hear is that you basically have nothing."
"We have some assumptions we can make, but that's it."
"To put surveillance on loop and contaminate the fuel line takes tech and knowledge of jet mechanics. They also would have to understand security and specifically security of that lot. There's a lot of risk, so whoever did this has to be well trained, which means money."
Tap, tap, tap.
Damn, she's fast. Well, of course, Leon. What do you expect from a Goddess? "Ah, Merlynn. Come on in." The raven enters and notices their guests. "This is DCI Liam Harrison and AAIB representative, Tom Merlock."
"How do you do?" She reaches to shake both men's hands, but the AAIB man eyes her suspiciously.
Tap, tap, tap.
Leon glances up and sees Bohrs on the other side of the glass. He might be helpful actually. Maybe he could contribute something since he was there. He crooks his finger, indicating for the other Guard to enter and stands to welcome him to the meeting.
"Sir? I'm sorry to interrupt, but there's some complications we're having with the next detail."
"We'll work that out later. You may be able to help with what we're dealing with here." Leon puts a hand on the newest arrival's shoulder. "This is Bohrs. He was one of the assigned Guards that day. Bohrs, this is Detective Harrison from Camelot police and Tom Merlock from the AAIB."
"I'm sorry, but is it really necessary that she be here? Can't we just talk with this, Bohrs?" The expert practically glowers at Merlynn in disgust.
"If this is regarding the prince then there is no better Guard regarding his safety."
Both Leon and Merlynn's mouths gape in shock at the senior teammate.
"I'm sure that's not true. You look more than capable to protect His Highness."
Bohrs is clearly irritated with the brush off of his comrade and turns towards the representative. "Excuse me. Merlock was it?" The younger visitor nods. "Yes, well, I don't know if you are aware, but Merlynn here saved us all that day. We were maybe a minute from hitting the pavement at terminal velocity when she appears out of nowhere and takes us all to safety. Then she catches the plane itself and brings it in so it doesn't plummet to the ground. So, in all due respect, shut the fuck up."
Leon snorts, proud of his Guard. Merlynn is glowing at the apparent new found respect she's earned from the originally hostile colleague, and Merlock is flustered with the offensive treatment. Good.
"Look, this is getting us no where. Merlock, he's right. Your bigotry and prejudice have no place in my investigation. If she can help, I want it. And Mr. Bohrs, if you can help, I'd welcome that too."
The two newcomers join the others around the table.
"Now, here's the situation..." The detective informs the arrivals of what the AAIB determined and the police's findings so far.
Leon can tell Merlynn is all focus on her charge, and no distraction would survive attempts at interference. When she's like this she's definitely a force to be reckoned with.
"Where is the plane now?"
"At our branch for inspection."
"Do you have a picture of the facility where the jet is? Maybe the hangar itself?"
"Uh, yes. Why?"
"Can I see it, please?"
The representative glances at the detective who is eyeing him clearly annoyed.
"For fuck's sake, show her the damn picture!"
Merlynn soon has a mobile shoved in her face with a photo of a building and Arthur's plane resting inside. "Is there anyone there right now?"
"Yes, there is. Some of my team are there searching the plane for any evidence."
"And there are people who are continuing with the inspection to see if they discover anything new."
"Call them." Merlynn rises from her seat preparing to leave.
"Why?" Merlock asks while Detective Harrison already has his phone out.
"Tell them I'm coming."
The detective is presently on the phone speaking with his people.
"What? When?"
Merlynn glances to the older man who gives her a tight nod. She returns it in understanding. She turns to face the bigoted man from the AAIB. "Now." And she disappears.
"What?! How?!" He quickly is retrieving his own phone to call his colleagues.
"Do you know what she's doing?"
"No, but I can guarantee you there is no one that cares about the prince's welfare more than her, not even his father."
"She seems quite the indomitable woman."
"You have no idea." Leon chuckles in fondness.
The other man hangs up. "Your Royal Guard scared my people!"
The first knight shrugs. "I assure you she didn't mean to, and she did warn you to call them."
Merlock looks to his partner for backing. He doesn't get it. "She did."
"Hmph." The petulant man crosses his arms pouting.
They continue to discuss the situation when Merlynn rematerializes, and the AAIB representative startles. She pays no attention.
"All right, I scanned both the interior and exterior of the plane. There is no magical residue anywhere. You are looking for a layman. My guess is someone anti-magic."
"Why would you say that?"
"The job could have been very easily accomplished with magic, but it wasn't. If you had access to a magical that could do the same thing but cheaper, faster, and no evidence you would use it. The only reason why you wouldn't is you were against it. It wouldn't have taken much. I'd say even a studied copper gauntlet could have pulled it off. But there was absolutely no magical interference at any stage of the process."
"How do you know they didn't just wipe away any magical evidence?"
"Nothing could be scrubbed enough to escape me." She says it so factually, no arrogance, just truth.
"Uh, Merlynn here has another name or title she goes by you might have heard of." If they have they'll understand. "She's the Emrys." The detective's eyes widen in realization. That's one.
"Why? What's that supposed to mean?" Merlock doesn't understand.
Bohrs clarifies. "Mate, you really have been living under a rock. Emrys is magic incarnate. If she says there was no magic involved, there was no magic involved."
The man is speechless. He evidently didn't know there was such a thing. Well, he does now. The knight and senior guard snicker at the so called expert's reaction. Leon can tell the detective is trying to hold back his own chortles.
"Ahem... well, I appreciate all of your help and will keep you informed of how the investigation is going." The detective shakes everyone's hands priming to leave. When he reaches Merlynn it's a two handed shake. "It's an honor. Really. You've been very helpful."
"No problem, detective. His highness is my business. It's what I do."
"Let's go, Merlock." He demands of the rude AAIB representative. Almost out the door, Harrison stops and pivots back to the raven. "He's the Once and Future King, isn't he?"
She smiles proudly. "That he is."
The detective nods and walks away grinning knowingly. The younger man trailing behind him.
Leon looks to his Guard. "So, what are we going to do about this?"
"Honestly?"
Both leader and senior officer glance at the witch.
"Nothing."
This surprises them she would treat this so flippantly.
"There is no magical involvement, therefore, I wouldn't be of any use in the investigation. I'm not a detective. I'm a guardian. I'm the preventative measure which I have already done. I can't possibly protect him anymore than I already am. If you're expecting me to keep a closer eye on him, that's not possible. I was born to protect my King. I always operate under the assumption his life is in danger. This situation is not shocking or anything new to me. How'd you think I showed up that day? He literally has access to me twenty-four seven. He can contact me, and it would take five seconds for me to arrive. I know immediately if there's anything happening in his bedroom or car through my wards. He is protected from any known poisons, and unless it is directly on his person he cannot be stabbed, shot, or burned. You saw that at the banquet."
It takes them a moment to ascertain the whole of what she's saying. "Wait. Are you telling us you didn't shield him at the benefit?"
"Not for those attacks, no. Those shields were already in place from when we met here the first time. That's what you saw me doing, Leon."
He recalls the golden glow around the prince. Ahh. Makes sense.
"Those strikes wouldn't have worked even if I wasn't there. I really can't think of any possible way to watch him more than I do. Like I said, even with me being part-time I can still be there in seconds. And he has a way to contact me on his person at all times that no potential assassin can remove."
Leon watches Bohrs. With a power the senior Guard has never seen before, beyond the benefit and the attempted plane crash, Merlynn says in all seriousness,
"And rest assured, no one could stop me from protecting my King."
The air and walls seem to vibrate with power. The knight can visibly observe the moment Bohrs really does recognize the Goddess that she is. Before then, she was just a powerful magic user to him. But now he understands, this... this, is divine deity. Then suddenly the atmosphere returns to normal.
"I've informed the investigator what I could. It's logical it would be an anti-magic. Arthur's trying to save it, and he has the best chance at doing so. I could easily see that someone opposed would try to stop him. So you see, there's nothing else I can do, and I'm not all that worried about it. In fact..." She glances at the time. "...if I have your permission, I'd like to head out and catch my professor before he leaves."
Leon has to recover from his own awe and reverie. The woman's sheer power still swallows his words. "Uh... sure. Yeah, thanks for coming in."
"No problem. You can call me anytime. Especially when it's regarding my King. And Bohrs?" He looks at her in acknowledgement. "Thank you." He nods. She gives an appreciative grin and is gone.
Bohrs stands there stunned. Leon stands there proud.
"Would I be remiss in saying that I'm not worried either?"
"No, I don't think you are. It's like you said... when it comes to protecting our prince, there is no one better."
Merlynn's new friendly nods. "That is the truth."
--
Merlynn hasn't seen the prince all week. Probably necessary as they needed a respite from each other, not solely for him, either. She does have feelings for him, and if he doesn't wish to pursue romance with her... well, he's not the only one that has to let things go. Just because Merlynn has Mordred doesn't mean he's some kind of spare. Not having a relationship with Arthur now is just as painful even if the witch didn't have her betrothed. The plane incident was awkward for sure. It reminded her of the night she met him at Avalon, so cold, and borderline lifeless. Which is ironic if you think about it, considering she was there to save his life. But it is what it is. Even if they were friends again, the raven wouldn't have had time for him this week anyway.
She's had a lot of studying and homework to do for university classes, for one. Merlynn may be magic, but those professors learned how to stick it to her just as much as any other student. Even though it caused some issues later, she will always be grateful for the prince teaching her how to draft a proper paper. Ever since, she hasn't done too bad if she does say so herself. One might even call her a good student.
Then the Goddess helped with the protest down at registration, which actually made her hopeful again. She was able to stop several magic users from accepting the drug. Apparently faith in her and Arthur has been growing. That warms her heart, because she had, up to that point, thought it had been fading. But this old girl apparently still has some fight in her and influence. It really encouraged her. She informed Gwen and Elena, who spread the good news around the group, lifting their spirits for their own assignments. She also heard that magic users, who've already received Liberty, found out the effects were permanent after six months, so consequently, they said they weren't going to accept anymore dosages. Evidently when they realized that Registration was hiding some pretty vital information, that must mean the whole project was corrupt and underhanded. Some, though, said then the prince better have a solution by the six month mark. Well you can't win everyone, and you can't negate the significant strides they've made.
In addition to school and the Liberty protest, Merlynn also had the whole plane murder investigation. The situation honestly doesn't concern her at all. I mean, come on, they tried to crash his jet, and she saved him and the plane, then went back to class. They're going to have to strive a lot harder to get through her, and truthfully, the witch isn't sure it can be done. They could do it directly to his person, but he's always surrounded by Guard. The assailant would have to be willing to sacrifice themself. There is no way they'd make it out alive, and even if they did there is no where on Earth they could hide from her. What kind of fool would challenge an actual immortal Goddess? She's not being prideful. That's a fact. No, the only ones that would try would be people that thought they could get away with it, which means not a direct hit, and those Merlynn's already taken care of. Honestly, Arthur Pendragon is the safest person on the planet.
Finally, she's been exceedingly occupied with Mordred, perfecting their present for Will and Freya. They're both excited about the surprise they have planned, and are eager to show their best friends, along with the whole clan. The Goddess and warlock know everyone is going to love it. She really misses her friends and Ambrosian family, and she hopes they'll actually consider it a gift for everyone.
So, for all of those reasons time with his highness was just not feasible. Though, if she remembers right, she does have a couple events scheduled for next week. Oh well. She can't avoid him forever. Or is he the one avoiding her?
Doesn't matter. She has more important things to think about besides her King's aloofness. Like her love, Mordred... goddess Mordred... who the raven's fervently been aching to see since she left for Camelot to begin with. She knows she could teleport, but they decided before she left, they would only use Skype, at least for a while. She needed a clean break to focus on her new society and friends. She'd also have a hard time focusing if Mordred were there. She'd want to be with him all the time. No, this separation has been good for their relationship. There is something to be said for 'absence makes the heart grow fonder'. At any rate, she'll see him soon. She's so grateful her King decided not to attend the handfasting. She knows the clan will be disappointed, but it will be too painful for him, and she can't be concerned about his emotional state. There's only a single person she wants to think about this weekend. Arthur's going to have to take a back seat, because Merlynn will only have eyes for one in Ambrosia... her beloved... Mordred.
--
The week has been rough. He's been trying to maintain his resolve, but it has undeniably been a struggle. He attempted to fulfill some princely obligations with mild success. But his heart wasn't in it. Apparently he needed a more substantial accomplishment to even have a chance to reach him.
Arthur was hopeful when his spirits lifted some when he heard the positive headway they'd made with their efforts against Liberty. Apparently Merlynn did well at a protest, and the others reached the heart of some magicals and convinced them not to receive anymore doses. But even with successful updates in their battle to save magic, he can barely celebrate.
Why? Because he can't think of it long enough to enjoy it. No, his mind is overcrowded with another subject. It's not school either. He can scarcely concentrate on his classes, and his homework is suffering. He may have to take a temporary leave of absence. For how long? Fuck if he knows. He doesn't seem to know anything. No, he knows something. In fact, it seems to be all he knows. Merlynn.
The whole phrase 'out of sight, out of mind'... bullshit. He hasn't seen her for a week and a half, ever since the plane. The plane that she lassoed like a bloody cowgirl, then shrunk the fucking thing for Barbie and Friends.
What the hell's happened to him? He's supposed to be sacrificing himself for his people. He knows what... Merlynn. And he's supposed to go to this handfasting tomorrow? Seriously? A ceremony expressing love and devotion, two people literally tying themselves together for life? And that's not the worst. No, the worst... the icing on this whole fucking cake... Mordred. Mordred, a kid that has the love of his life and is ten years Arthur's junior. Fuck!
But he has to deal, right? Get over it? Let it go? That's the plan, isn't it? His sister said that the Old Religion believes in him and the problem is he doesn't believe in myself. Okay, believe in himself; himself who magic is counting on; himself who was chosen by the Triple Goddess; himself who is apparently the greatest King in history. That's what he needs. His mantra has been all about Merlynn. He needs another one to go with it, one about Arthur. I AM THE GREATEST KING, CHOSEN ONE, AND SAVIOR. Then Arthur, everytime you think of Merlynn, make a conscious effort to remember who you are and your people. If you can think of them half as much as you think of her, maybe you can remember who you are again. Yes, that is a solid plan. That is what he'll do tomorrow. When he sees her, he'll immediately turn his focus to his people and remember who the hell he is.
MERLYNN IS MY BODYGUARD AND PLATONIC FRIEND. I AM THE GREATEST KING, CHOSEN ONE, AND SAVIOR. His people. MERLYNN IS MY BODYGUARD AND PLATONIC FRIEND. I AM THE GREATEST KING, CHOSEN ONE, AND SAVIOR. His people. MERLYNN IS MY BODYGUARD AND PLATONIC FRIEND. I AM THE GREATEST KING, CHOSEN ONE, AND SAVIOR. His people.
His people. His people. His people!
--
It's finally Saturday, the day they all go to Ambrosia. Merlynn had a good workout and shower, and she's ready. Ready to join her friends and go home. Home... Mordred. She hasn't seen him in a month... well, in person anyway. It feels like it's been forever that she's been waiting, but not anymore. With a deep breath she smiles to herself. It's time.
The witch strides into the living room wearing an open back mini dress that resembles more of a large loose jumper than a dress, with matching thigh-high socks. She scans the room and sees everyone has arrived, but her gaze is drawn to the surprising presence of her King. What is he doing here? She meanders through all her friends to prop herself against the counter side-by-side to the prince. "Your Highness?"
God, she's here, gorgeous, and of course dressed to make his mouth water. He swallows and turns to get himself under control. How Morgana thinks he can make this trip and still function, he has no idea. "Merlynn."
"Are you planning on going with us?"
"I thought I might." Because he's barmy and a glutton for punishment.
"I'm not sure that's a good idea, sire. Mordred is going to be there, and I don't think you'll be comfortable with... things."
She's got that right. "Well, Morgana says I have to learn to manage, and it's selfish to stay away when everyone wants to meet me."
"People would understand. It's not exactly unfathomable that you wouldn't be accepting of the suggested arrangement. Most wouldn't. Our whole situation is... unconventional." She moves in front of him to speak face to face. "What I'm trying to say is neither Mordred or I wish to cause you any pain, and I'm afraid if you came it would be inevitable. Mordred was raised with understanding this could be the circumstances of our relationship. And I do have feelings for you, so I am willing as well. But neither of those things are true for you. It's not strange you'd be uncomfortable with it." She peers at him with soft eyes, trying to be sensitive to his feelings.
Arthur has to stay strong. Maybe this whole experience will be shocking enough to desensitize him of Merlynn. Hopefully she'll stop affecting him so much. Hopefully. "I'll be fine."
Okay then. She nods in defeat and traipses off to join the rest of her friends. She knows what her and her beloved have planned, and she does not think her King will handle it well. Not at all.
"What in the world did you do to this flat?! It's like we're in Knightsbridge!" Morgana needs to hire their decorator.
Elena has a wide toothy grin. "Merlynn. Isn't it pretty!? We feel like movie stars."
"I can't really take the credit. This was all Magic. I didn't design anything."
"You talk like you're two different people. Aren't YOU Magic?" Curious Elyan never fails.
"I am, but I'm also human. I can choose to do things the human way as Merlynn or the magic way as Emrys. With the flat, I just gave Emrys free reign. That was what Elena and Gwen asked for."
The two roommates' eyes connect, both thinking the same thing. It sounds like they used Merlynn for her power. Gwen can't let that go. "Merlynn, you know we like you for you and not Emrys, right?"
"Oh, I didn't mean it like that. I love letting my magic help others, making the world beautiful and easier. I only explained it that way for understanding purposes. Make sense?" she says with a smile, assuring no offense. Merlynn's friends are relieved. They want her to know their friendship is genuine and not taking advantage of the Goddess inside. She appreciates it, even though she already knew, but it is nice to have it reiterated. "All right, since everyone is here we should probably get going."
"Sweetheart, are we flying or driving? I thought princess' plane is out of commission."
"Yes, his jet is definitely grounded at this time. So, to save time and money I was kind of hoping we would teleport."
"Seriously? How many trips are you going to make? Won't you be too exhausted for the handfasting?" Unbeknownst to everyone, Morgana is already an experienced high priestess. Teleportation is only possible for platinum and is always exhausting. She remembers her being the master and Merlin barely able to teleport just himself. She knows the witch's magic has fifteen hundred years on her but even so...
"Uh." Merlynn scratches the back of her head, shy of once again sharing the magnitude of her power. "I don't get exhausted. Remember I'm also a magic conduit. I'm continuously refreshed, so I never run out. It's also why I don't know my limits; I've never had any. Oh, and to answer your other question, I'd like to take you all at once." She surveys the room. Do we have everyone? And make sure you have everything you want to bring."
"Wait! Don't you have to change?" Mithian doesn't want Merlynn to be embarrassed, always putting others before herself, poor thing probably forgot to get ready. They're all dressed for a wedding, but she's dressed for the couch.
"Oh no. I'm getting ready there. My mum has my ceremonial outfit, and then I'll change for the reception."
"Huh, all right. I guess everything's okay then."
"Thank you for considering me, though. I can be absent-minded when it comes to myself." Merlynn gestures for the group to pull in closer.
Arthur's been through the whole teleportation experience before and is well aware of what she's trying to do. "Merlynn, we're all too many. Twelve of us aren't going to be able to squeeze in tight enough to reach you.
"Hmm. You're right. I guess I will have to split people up... Unless... I have an idea! Everyone make a circle." They all position themselves around. Merlynn's eyes glow and a rope of gold light emerges from her palms, rounding until it eventually floats in front of each of her friends. "Grab on!" The group eyes each other apprehensively. "I promise it doesn't hurt."
Once everybody has a firm grip, Emrys' orbs burn brighter, and in the blink of an eye her friends are staggering in the grass of her Ambrosian yard.
Possessive jealousy are the words I consistently use to describe Arthur's flaws. I tried switching it up with alternative adjectives, and it felt wrong. I realize that is a major overuse of words, so if that's a criticism trust me, I am well aware. For whatever reason I just couldn't change it. It was like they were part of his name and to use anything else meant he was someone else. I don't know. It was odd.