Chapter 2

I sadly do not own Merlin

Merlin tried to pull Lancelot, Gaius, and his mum aside to talk about the situation but they were already caught up talking. Arthur was asking Gaius questions and Lancelot was surrounded by the knights who were regaling them with stories of when he was away. He felt a twinge but gave a soft smile. He loved seeing them all happy together, but sometimes he wished he could feel that way too.

He'd been feeling this more and more as time went on. He could feel the distance grow between him and the knights, him and Arthur, him and everyone really. Of course, he had people who understand what he was going through, he knew Gaius and his mum were proud of him, and he was able to talk to them about most things going on in his life. But he could never be truly carefree. Even here the knights were able to be themselves and relax. He never could. He always had to be on edge and think of where the next attack could be coming from, even if it was from the knights or even Arthur himself. No one could really understand how much constant worry he had. How much he took upon himself and how much time and energy it took. He could never truly be a part of things due to this constant state of worry. Now that Lancelot was somehow back it would be easier. Yet even then, how Lancelot was able to be brought back did nothing to ease his worry. That was powerful magic, though it seemed to be on the good side.

He sighed and decided to test the food before anyone tried to eat it, just in case. It was little things like this he would never and could never ease up on. He realized he hadn't checked his magic since they got here and hurriedly checked inside himself just to make sure he could still use it in this strange place. Luckily, he found it was working perfectly. He flexed his magic over the food and searched for any possible tampering, magical or otherwise. He was glad everyone was distracted because it could take a few minutes at times. And Arthur always complained that he was late, Merlin scoffed.

"I guess we are doing this then," said Lancelot sliding up to Merlin. He had finally disentangled himself from the knights. "How are you feeling about this Merlin?"

Merlin smiled at Lancelot. "Okay I guess," said Merlin. "I have a bad feeling though that we might not be leaving this place with my secret intact."

"Would that be such a bad thing?" asked Lancelot quietly. He always tried to understand Merlin as best he could but it was times like this that he found it nearly impossible. Lancelot had faith in Arthur and he couldn't understand Merlin's reluctance to tell him the truth.

Merlin frowned. "Not exactly, but I just don't know if he's ready." Merlin looked over at Arthur. He was silently studying Pahoren while talking with Gaius about their situation.

"He's not ready or you're not?" asked Lancelot.

Merlin's frown deepened, "I don't know. Both of us, I guess. It's just been such a long time and I still haven't told him. I'm not sure how he'd react."

"Well have faith, he cares about you too much to do anything rash," said Lancelot giving Merlin a pat on the back before walking away. Merlin was grateful he had Lancelot back. He always knew when something was bothering Merlin and was there for him to talk to. All things considered, if his secret is revealed, he knew Lancelot would be on his side.

"Well, I'm not sure how long we've been here but I'm starving," said Gwaine. He started walking towards the food before being stopped by Leon.

"We can't just eat this food, we don't know what it could do or if it's been tampered with somehow," said Leon with a frown.

"He's right," said Arthur coming up to them as well. "We need to know more about the situation before we can eat." Arthur's stomach growled on cue. Merlin frowned.

Merlin finished his magical check and was sure the food was fine. He had an idea.

Pahoren moved out of the way and sat down on one of the empty chairs. Pahoren said, "I promise you all it's not poisoned or tampered with in any way. It's just food."

"Only one way to find out," Merlin said before grabbing an apple sitting at the table. He quickly took a bite and smiled at the group. It was delicious.

"Merlin!" said Arthur angrily.

"What? I'm hungry. Come on give it a few minutes and then we can be sure. I don't think someone who was able to get us here unconscious would let us wake up safe and sound to then poison us, it wouldn't make sense. I mean, Pahoren here didn't even chain us up or anything," Merlin explained.

"Fine," Arthur said shortly shaking his head. He wasn't happy that Merlin took it upon himself to try the food, but he couldn't deny the logic. He always appreciated Merlin's insights and attention to detail even if he didn't say it. But sometimes he got the eerie feeling Merlin saw a lot more than even Arthur thought he did. This was one of those times.

They waited a few minutes and Merlin was of course fine.

Hunith looked wide-eyed at all the food. Their village had been going through a rough time lately and besides that, she had never seen this much food all at once in her life.

She, along with Gaius and Lancelot, started piling plates with food right after Merlin. The rest followed slowly, unable to deny Merlin's logic.

Once everyone had retrieved food, they moved to settle themselves on the various benches and chairs. They all were facing the center and the big Canvas. Arthur and Gwen sat next to each other on a bench that had been moved to the center. Elyan decided to sit next to Gwen on the same bench. Merlin, Hunith, Gaius, and Lancelot sat together on one of the other benches to the left. Gwaine, Percival, and Leon moved to sit on the last bench in the room to the right of Gwen, Arthur, and Elyan. There were a few empty chairs still scattered about the room.

Pahoren stood from where he had been sitting, in one of the free chairs, and moved to stand in front of the canvas material again. He looked at all of them and coughed almost uncomfortably.

"So now that you all have food and are settled I will answer some questions. However I would like to get started so I will be brief in my explanations otherwise, we could be here forever and never get to the reason I brought you here. Questions?"

"I've got a few," Arthur stated dryly, "Why did you bring us here? I know you said that you wanted us to get to know each other better but how do you plan to do that? And why do you say we don't know each other as well as we think?"

"Fair questions," Pahoren answered. "I take it you all noticed this thing behind me?" He pointed at the canvas. They all nodded. "Well, basically I am going to show you some memories of the things that have happened in Camelot from various perspectives. I hope that by watching you learn some things. Some of you were not present for the early events in Camelot and it's important that you understand why things are the way they are. Others know of the events but are missing many key details, it is also important that you understand what actually occurred. I will be naming groups of memories that go together after the events that take place to make it easier to reference them. For example, the first set of memories that we will be watching is named The Dragon's Call. As for why I say that you don't know each other as well as you think, well it will be very apparent shortly when you watch the memories of the various adventures and events that occurred in Camelot."

Merlin had the impression Pahoren wanted everyone to get to know each other better for a good reason. That didn't mean Merlin had to like it. He'd been hoping this involved seeing silly little adventures, like maybe when him and Arthur rescued Gwen with Lancelot. Now he had a bad feeling this was going to show much more than he thought. He hoped his magic wouldn't be revealed, especially not at first. However, unless he was misreading the obvious clues, Pahoren was going to show Arthur everything that occurred in Camelot. Both good and bad. Starting with Merlin's very first few days in Camelot, according to the title. Merlin would never forget those sounds that lead him to the deep caverns and his introduction to the Dragon Kilgarrah.

Merlin shared nervous glances with Hunith, Gaius, and Lancelot. They had been a little quicker to understand the implications of what Pahoren was saying. Hunith was just hoping that everything would work out and that Merlin would be accepted.

Gaius was hoping that Arthur wouldn't act rashly when he found out, as he has been known to do occasionally. Gaius knew that Arthur would eventually make the right decision; he was just worried about what could happen in the heat of the moment.

Lancelot was sure things would be okay. He was hoping that with everything coming to light Merlin would no longer have such a heavy burden to carry alone. He would protect him if things went south of course, but he had faith in Arthur and the other knights to see the truth in Merlin.

All of them knew how hard it had been for Merlin to keep his secret from his best friends who were practically family to him.

Merlin, on the other hand, was starting to freak out. All the questions he had been wondering suddenly came to the forefront of his mind. Would they accept him? Would they forgive him for the lies? Then there were some things Merlin had done that he wasn't proud of. What would everyone think of him after seeing some of his sins?

He had to ask this guy what he was thinking, but without everyone wondering why he would be worried about what this guy had to show.

"Are you sure this is the best idea?" Merlin blurted, so much for giving this question some thought. He cursed himself. Everyone would surely be curious about why he would ask such a question.

True to Merlin's thoughts everyone was staring at him curiously, except of course Hunith, Gaius, Lancelot, and Pahoren. Everyone else was wondering, in their own way, why Merlin of all people would be asking if it was a good idea to get to know each other better. Well, they would all find out soon they reasoned.

Pahoren stared at Merlin seriously. He then articulated carefully, full of hidden meaning, "Yes I am sure. I know it might be difficult for some of you, but this is necessary."

He looked away and changed his tone to address the group.

"Now the reason behind this is because events have taken place that drastically changed the future. You see the future was supposed to be bright and full of wealth and prosperity for all the kingdoms but things have gone wrong. The future that once looked bright is dark and dreary. We are here to put everything back on track and to see if it could continue the way it was supposed to."

Arthur made a motion to speak and Pahoren cut him off, "Yes I know that Camelot is one of the most prosperous kingdoms currently. However, the rest of the kingdoms are not as well off and there remains quite a sizeable amount of the population who don't feel safe and another smaller portion that finds it difficult to get the most basic necessities."

"You're talking about the magical population, aren't you? As in sorcerer's and druid's and the like?" asked Percival seriously. Everyone looked surprised that he asked this question as he doesn't speak up much. He looked around at their surprise and said a bit evasively that "I have traveled a lot and they are the only people who I have seen that really fit the description."

"Yes," Pahoren said, cutting off Arthur again in answering Percival's question, "I am talking about the magical population. Their persecution must come to an end for the future to be put back on track."

Merlin was confused. He thought that things had been going okay for now. Although after the Disir incident, where he told Arthur that there can be no place for magic in Camelot, he had begun to doubt that magic would ever truly be free. He was glad that Arthur had made peace with the druids and at the time it had felt like a step in the right direction but he had begun to feel that it was as good as it was going to get. But then he just figured that he would wait it out and try to make things better at a later point.

Now this Pahoren was saying that things have gone way off track? What specifically about Arthur's destiny was off track? Was he talking about what Arthur decided with the Disir?

Or was it about the vision that was shown to him and Kilgarrah's warnings that Mordred was destined to kill Arthur? Was Pahoren saying he could stop it? Should Merlin have been doing more this whole time? He wasn't able to do much regarding Arthur's relationship with Mordred considering the Disir incident had backfired so badly. His own relationship with Mordred was confusing. He could feel that Mordred wanted his trust and wanted to help. He also knew that Mordred was hurt by things in the past and wanted an explanation, one Merlin couldn't give him.

And what did he mean to see if it could continue? Arthur's destiny was to unite the kingdoms under Albion in a golden age where magic was free. Why wouldn't it continue? Did this mean that Merlin was right, that Arthur was too stuck in his father's beliefs to go any farther? Did Pahoren really think showing them memories would change his mind?

Arthur made to speak and Merlin came to attention.

"How is what you are showing us going to do that?" asked Arthur "I know the druids are good people but other than them I have only known one magical person who wasn't a druid who has been good, and I firmly believe that was because he stopped using his powers. Only the druids seem to be able to use magic and use it for good purposes. And I don't see how we can help the druids any more than I already have in any case. I made peace with them and they are allowed in Camelot. I can't change the people's perceptions overnight; it will take time for them to really accept the druid people." Arthur also knew of one druid who was now one of his closest knights though he wondered if anyone knew of his druid status besides him. He figured Merlin probably knew but didn't want to mention it just in case. If he mentioned it, he would be admitting it out loud and he wasn't sure he was ready for that yet.

Merlin was surprised at Arthur's speech and wondered who Arthur was talking about. He suddenly realized that it was Gaius. When Aredian had come to Camelot at Uther's request Arthur had learned about Gaius's past before the purge and subsequently made the assumption that since Gaius had stopped practicing magic that it was what kept him good. Merlin felt his stomach drop. Was this what Arthur thought of magic? That if you weren't a druid and had magic you would inevitably go bad? Would Arthur think he would turn evil eventually?

Pahoren unknowingly echoed his thoughts.

"Is that what you think of magic Arthur? Do you really believe that the druids are the only people who use their magic for good? I can understand why you feel that way considering some of the things that have happened to you and how they were explained to you but if the druids are good and use their magic consistently, what would be keeping them from the same fate you seem to believe awaits other magic users? From what I understand you believe that using magic makes a person turn evil because of the nature of magic. But if the druids use their magic and don't turn evil, how can you still believe that? You are still blind by your father's views and I confess myself disappointed in you."

"Are you a druid?" Leon asked quickly before Arthur could say something in response. He believed druids were peaceful too, even more so after they saved his life. He had recognized the swirls and other markings on the robes too and wanted confirmation. He also didn't want to hear Arthur's response to that speech, it wouldn't be nice. Arthur often needed time to think before he spoke, especially when his father was mentioned.

Pahoren seemed to think about how to answer when he said, "You could say that. I take part in the practices of the druids."

Merlin noted briefly, his mind still focusing on what the outcomes of this could be, that Pahoren said druids like he wasn't one of them. He also noted that Pahoren seemed as vague as Kilgharrah.

Arthur, who had thought about what Pahoren had said, finally took his eyes off the floor where they had been resting and looked at Pahoren and responded.

"My father believed that every magic user, whether they were using their magic for good or evil at the time, would eventually become corrupt because of the power it gave them. Because they could do things others cannot, he believed that inevitably they would see themselves superior and use it for their own gain. I know he was frantic in searching for them, I nearly lost Guinevere because of one of his crazed searches, but it was usually because someone had actually used magic to cause harm. My whole life I have seen no concrete evidence negating his beliefs, besides the druids, so I believed that they alone were above the corruption that occurs in others who had magic. Anyone I knew that actively used magic, that wasn't a druid, used if for their own gain or for destruction. If you can show me evidence to the contrary I will be open to it."

For the first time, Pahoren actually smiled. "This is the great Arthur Pendragon that I have seen glimpses of. Maybe there is a chance that things will change. I truly hope that you are what you were destined to be."

Merlin also felt comforted by Arthur's words. He had always been too nervous to discuss magic around Arthur, especially after the Disir. Before the Disir, he'd been worried about his secret too much to encourage Arthur in the right direction.

"What do you mean by that?" Arthur asked confused.

"You will find out in time," stated Pahoren evasively.

"I thought you were supposed to answer questions not create more." Gwaine quipped.

In an effort to change the subject Elyan asked, "Where are our swords and other weapons? I didn't see any in the bags and I don't see our swords anywhere in the room."

"I have them," Pahoren answered simply.

Even though Merlin was deep in thought he registered what Pahoren had said and picked on the increased tension in the room.

With everything going on nobody else had noticed that they were all unarmed except Merlin who had his magic. He felt around for his magic again just to feel more secure and felt a little bad that he couldn't just tell everyone they would be fine.

Pahoren motioned to speak again but got cut off.

"You took my sword? You say you know us so well you should know I don't take well to being stolen from. How can I trust anything you say when you take our means of defense?" Arthur asked cautiously. He knew most druids were peaceful yet he felt uneasy without his sword. What purpose would taking them serve? Pahoren said they were here to learn about each other yet taking their weapons was a bit suspicious and didn't seem to be relevant to that goal.

The almost calm atmosphere from a few moments ago was suddenly gone. All the knights were standing and tensed, and Merlin readied himself to use his magic if necessary. Though honestly, Merlin believed that the knights would be more likely to start this fight than Pahoren.

"Relax," Pahoren said putting his hands up in an attempt at a calming gesture, "Your weapons will be given back to you shortly. I took them from you upon your arrival here because I didn't want any of you attacking me before I had the chance to explain why I brought you here. I didn't want any rash action taken where I might have to defend myself injuring you In the process, therefore, I took all of your weapons. As long as all of you promise me no harm, I will make all of them reappear shortly. We need to watch the first of many memories before I can return them."

"And why is that?" Leon asked.

"We don't want anyone acting rashly. I promise they will all be returned after the first memory," said Pahoren.

And with that statement, Merlin knew exactly what was about to happen. This was at least the best scenario as Arthur didn't even have his weapon to hurt him. He was trying to think positively.

"Where exactly are we?" Merlin asked. It was something he had been wondering about for a while. They had been transported somewhere that seemed to be completely magical in nature. He could feel the magic swirling around the room though it felt different from the magic he was able to use. All in all, this place was odd. The only place that had ever felt like this was the crystal cave, which Merlin now avoided at all costs.

"We are located near the Lake of Avalon. In short, this place is another dimension outside of the world that you know. I recreated a location I thought would bring comfort to you all. I tried to leave everything that you typically are used to using here. However, you may see things you are not used to. For example, the bathroom, or chamber pot I believe you call it, and bath are behind that door over there," he said pointing to another door in the room that had gone unnoticed until now.

Gaius, who had been quietly taking in all the information, asked a question that everyone had been silently pondering.

"How do you know us so well? Where did you get the information on us all? You seemed to know exactly what we needed in our packs and what we are accustomed to. I daresay you didn't get all this information from any of us." Gaius had found letters from Alice that he kept and some of his physician's supplies.

Pahoren said seemingly bracing himself "I learned all the information on you the same way you will learn the information. It is my job to monitor," he gave a slight pause; "certain things, and I learned a great deal. I believe that due to certain events in the future that it is time you learned it all because if you do not then the future looks uncertain."

"You mean you've been spying on us? That's not creepy at all," piped in Gwaine.

"It was part of my job and necessary for me to watch your adventures so that I would be able to fix things if I could. Now unless there are any more questions we need to get started on the memories," Pahoren said in an obvious attempt to change the topic.

"I have one. Are there other people here in this place? And will any more be coming here to see the memories?" asked Hunith. She was wondering who else could potentially learn her son's secret.

"There are many people in this place however you all will likely not be seeing most of them, at least not yet. And we may have some people coming to see the memories later but that depends on the person and their present situation," Pahoren replied.

'Wow,' Merlin thought, 'this guy could almost beat Kilgharrah in a battle of who could be the most vague.' He was trying to read in between the lines and wondered who on earth could possibly be joining them later.

"How long do you intend for us to be here?" asked Gwaine. "You said later and I'm guessing you don't mean today, also our packs are full of everything we will need for a while except food which you so generously provided," explained Gwaine, who didn't like the idea of being stuck here for the unforeseeable future.

"However long it takes to go through these memories and reach a decision on what to do after all that you will see. I have no definitive timeframe to give you. It could take a week or longer it just depends on how this goes," said Pahoren.

"What about Camelot? What is going to happen to it while we are here? We can't leave the people without their leaders." queried Gwen.

"Since this place is outside of time, they won't be without leaders during your absence, there is no need to worry," Pahoren replied after some thought.

"Now are there any more questions?" asked Pahoren.

There was only silence. Everyone was ready.

"Alright then, let's start then on the first set of memories. You may remember it's called The Dragon's Call."

Here we go, Merlin thought taking a deep breath, everyone was going to find out his biggest secret in a moment. For better or worse, they would learn everything.

Hi everyone! I hope you enjoyed! Please let me know what you think! Thank you all for reading!