A/n: Welcome back to the story, 'A heart of gold'. I can't even imagine all the love my this story is getting. Honestly speaking, I never thought it will be so well recieved.. but I am totally delighted to see all the love this story is getting. I want to thank all those who review my story and all those who give it a try. I am truly grateful to you all... Thank you everyone, loads of love to you all.
Now let's Move to our chapter...
The nightmares begin
A storm was raging in Camelot, as the lightning thundered across the sky. Alexia shifted on her bed and her eyes fell on Merlin, who was sleeping peacefully. A serene smile formed its way on her face. She closed her eyes again only to open them at the noise of another thunder.
In Morgana's chambers, Morgana tossed and stirred in her sleep. Her eyes fluttering open and flashing gold. She tossed restlessly due to her nightmares. And suddenly the candle beside her bed lightened magically. Morgana laid still. Now content as her magic was at rest. Gwen entered the chamber with some blankets.
"I brought you some extra blankets, I thought you might be cold..." Gwen said entering the room but trailed off seeing Gwen asleep.
She silently kept the blankets aside and her eyes fell on the lightened candle. A doubt entered her eyes looking thoughtful at the candle. She moved towards the candle and blew it out.
Picking up the candle, Gwen went near window and placed the candle near the window and left.
The storm continued its rage and thunder striked again.
Alexia quickly sat on her bed. Feeling something strange.
She looked around and saw Merlin sleeping peacefully. Getting up, she moved to the window and saw the outer view of Camelot. Rain and storm was covering the moon and stars. Darkness filled the sky and only lit up when lightning striked.
In Morgana's chambers, Morgana tossed and turned in her sleep. Her eyes fluttering again, with the flashes of gold.
The candle was lightened again. Morgana woke up with a gasp. She panted as she looked tired. Her eyes fell on the candle kept near the window. As she stared at the candle, her eyes looked with its flame. Unknowingly to her, her eyes flashed gold and the flames rose, catching the curtain which was set aflame. Morgana looked afraid and her breathing became hard. While the fire rose to engulf the curtain. Morgana screamed and accidentally blasted the window with her magic.
Alexia gasped at the scream and a crash was heard at that second. She quickly turned to Merlin and shook him.
"Wake up Merlin. Merlin! Merlin!" Alexia called him waking him up. Merlin stirred and opened his eyes with a frown as he looked at the tensed face of Alexia.
"What happened?" He asked, his voice whisper.
"I don't know, we have to check. I heard a scream." Alexia explained. Merlin quickly got up and wore his jacket, the pair quickly left the chambers to enter the physician's only to find Gaius already awake.
"What happened?" Alexia asked. Gaius looked at the door in silence.
Next morning, Merlin and Alexia cleaned up the burnt fragments and glass. Uther and Arthur stood there while Gwen was explaining.
"I came back in with some extra blankets. There was a candle, but I put it out." Gwen told the king and Merlin and Alexia stood there as they ended their work.
"Are you sure?" Uther asked.
"I blew it out, I swear." Gwen swore about the truth.
"Gwen's been Morgana's servant for years. If she said she blew it out, I believe her." Arthur reassured.
"She could've been burnt alive." Uther said in a low voice moving towards the window and burnt curtain.
"Lightning struck the castle roof last night, that could've started the fire." Arthur suggested the possibility.
"Perhaps." Uther said but he was clearly not convinced.
"What other explanation is there?" Arthur asked.
"Someone started the fire deliberately." Uther said, determined.
Alexia looked at Merlin who stood there clearly surprised.
Uther and Arthur left.
"I will clean the rest." Gwen said.
Alexia and Merlin nodded and left.
Uther and Arthur walked down the corridor.
"How did they reach Morgana's chambers unchallenged?" Uther asked his son.
"I don't know. There are too many guards. It shouldn't be possible." Arthur told his father.
"And yet they managed to do so." Uther said clearly disappointed but worried too.
"I can't explain it." Arthur blurted confused.
"Well I can. They used magic. Arrest all those we have under suspicion." Uther commanded.
"That's gonna take time." Arthur said considering.
Uther looked at Arthur and moved a bit forward.
"My ward has been attacked. Time is something we do not have." He said before leaving. Arthur stood there startled and confused.
Merlin and Alexia exited the room.
"Where are we going?" Merlin asked as he saw Alexia moving towards Gaius's chambers.
"Come with me. I am sure you will find out soon." Alexia said. Merlin followed her and they reached the door when they heard few voices from inside the physician's chambers.
"What I don't understand, Morgana is how the fire started in the first place." They heard Gaius.
"It happened so quickly. It was terrifying." Morgana said, clearly afraid. Alexia motioned Merlin to move a bit forward. He complied and they peeked inside.
"It's alright. You're safe now." Gaius said and Merlin and Alexia saw him comforting Morgana by patting her back.
"You're the only person I've told about my dreams. I know I can trust you, Gaius." Morgana said.
"Yes, of course you can." Gaius assured the witch. At this Morgana looked up at him.
"It was me. I set the room alight. I started the fire." Gaius looked surprised at the confession.
"I don't understand. Did you knock a candle over?" He asked.
"No that's not what happened. I did it just by looking at it, the flames suddenly leapt higher." Morgana said reminiscing the memory of the incident.
"I could've been a gust of wind." Gaius tried.
"It wasn't. It was me. It was magic." Morgana said slowly accepting. Merlin's eyes widened in shock while Alexia looked at the scene with concentration. Already planning how to deal with the situation.
"My child..." Gaius started.
"I'm not a child!" Morgana yelled a bit loudly.
But Gaius still remained patient.
"Last night was an accident. It had nothing to do with you. How could it have? I am going to draw you up a fresh remedy that will make you feel better, I promise." Gaius said while Morgana tried to interrupt.
"No..." Morgana tried.
"You must trust me." Gaius stopped her.
Alexia took Merlin's hand and took him in an empty room.
"Morgana is correct Merlin. She has magic. It was her magic that made candle alight." Alexia told the warlock.
"Then why was Gaius denying it?" Merlin asked.
"Isn't it obvious. Morgana is Uther's dau... Ward. He won't accept magic staying so close to him. Obviously both are scared right now." Alexia said.
Merlin looked at her closely.
"So we should stop her realising her powers?" Merlin asked.
Alexia shook her head.
"We can't do that." She said.
Merlin regarded her with a confused look.
"So?" He asked tentatively.
"Give me some time. I will plan things soon." She said.
"But it's a simple matter, isn't it?" Merlin asked.
Alexia shook her head.
"No it's not. You don't know Morgana which I know. It's confusing like hell." Alexia spoke.
"But whatever happens, we don't have to listen to Kilgharrah this time." Alexia thought to herself.
"Let's get back to work. After that we have a person to confront" She said. Merlin looked at her.
She nodded at him.
After doing their jobs, Merlin and Alexia entered the chambers.
Gaius was standing there with a glass tube in his hand as he was making some potion.
Alexia looked at Merlin. She knew she had to confront Gaius, or else Morgana will be like how she knew her.
Moving forward, Alexia served herself and Merlin lunch, as he removed his jacket and sat on his seat.
Alexia moved towards him and sat beside him.
"We were helping clear up Morgana's chambers earlier." Merlin started looking at Gaius, who knowingly decided to ignore looking at him. But replied with a, "Hmm?"
"The window was blown out into the courtyard below." Alexia said with her narrowed eyes.
"Hmm." Was another reply from the physician who still decided to not look at them.
"It's odd isn't it? If lightning struck the window like Arthur said, you'd think the glass would've fallen inside of the window. It was magic. You know it was. More importantly, so does she." Merlin reasoned.
"Morgana knows nothing for certain." Gaius said turning to face the two youngsters.
"Which makes it even worse. She isn't sure what's happening to her and it's tearing her apart." Alexia said calmly as she took another bite. She was trying to remain calm. Trying to not reveal anything else, when she was wishing she could just open everything and tell them how all this affected Morgana. But she can't. Playing with time has its own rule. She can help them. Change few things, but she can't tell them everything.
"What would you have me do?" Gaius asked.
"Talk to her. Tell her she'll be ok. Tell her that her powers aren't something to be afraid of." Merlin suggested standing up and moving towards him.
"I can't." Gaius said.
"Maybe I could speak to her." Merlin thought.
"No, Merlin, you can't." Gaius said. And for some reason Alexia agreed. Merlin can't tell her about his magic. She still remembered that prophecy of Emrys being her doom. What if things didn't turn out differently? What if Morgana still turned evil. But it won't stop Alexia from trying. If Merlin can't, then she will. Definitely. Her thoughts were broken by Merlin's exasperated question.
"What not? I understand what she's going through." Merlin asked.
"You must never reveal your secret. Not to anyone." Gaius scolded him. Merlin sighed.
"If not Merlin, then someone else." Alexia suggested.
"Who? This is a kingdom where magic is outlawed, or have you forgotten that?" Gaius asked, he could seriously feel headache forming as he tried to explain things to his wards.
"I can." Alexia said.
Gaius gave her a look.
"And what makes you think that I will allow the same thing I am forbidding Merlin to do?" Gaius asked.
"That maybe I know something which you both don't? Or maybe I am from future and I know what result your this course of action will take? Choose your pick." She said. She was definitely tired of these games. She was here to change things, she will do as much good as she can.
Gaius looked at Merlin, who gave him a look which clearly said, 'now-try-oppose-us'. Gaius sighed and shook his head.
"Why are so adamant to help Morgana realise her magic?" Gaius asked.
"Because I know what fear can do to a person's heart. And right now, Morgana is afraid. Gaius trust me. I won't have suggested it if it would be dangerous." Alexia said standing up and taking his hands in hers and giving him a reassuring smile.
The only answer she received was another sigh but it was more resigned than irritated.
"I don't know how you do it, but I know you have everyone wrapped around your fingers Alexia." He said.
Alexia gave him a smile.
"I will talk to her tonight." Alexia said.
Gaius nodded and turned his attention back to the potion.
Alexia glanced at Merlin who was looking at her with fondness. She frowned a bit in confusion and raised her brows in question, while he gave an innocent shrug and shook his head slightly.
The pair entered their own chambers and lied on their beds with a heavy sigh.
"Maybe this change will bring a bright future." Alexia mumbled, causing Merlin to turn towards her.
He looked at her like he wanted to ask something but was weighing his options.
Finally he decided and turned to her.
"Alexia?" He called.
"Hmm?" She asked.
"What will happen if we both don't tell Morgana about her magic?" He asked.
He turned to look at her and was surprised to see a tired and sad look on her face.
"Does Uther got the information and...?" Merlin asked trailing off, as his heart imagined the worst.
At the grave look of her face and a light shook of her head, his confusion increased.
"Then what?" He asked
Alexia turned to look at him.
"You won't be able to handle it Merlin." She said quitely.
Merlin looked like he wanted to protest but instead he asked.
"Was it that bad?"
Alexia just nodded.
"It was worse." She murmured, shuddering thinking about the evil Morgana. When she watched all this on TV, it didn't effect her that much, but now, staying so close to them, living their every adventure and knowing Morgana for more than an year was enough to give her shudders thinking about the chances of evil Morgana.
Merlin sensed her discomfort and got up from his bed moving towards her. He placed his hand on hers and gave a reassuring smile.
"Don't worry, I don't know what would happen, but if thinking about that gives you shudders, I can imagine it will be worst. But see, we are changing events right. So you don't need to worry." He said softly and Alexia hummed in agreement.
She sat up on her bed and wrapped her arms around him.
"You don't know Merlin, but you have a super power." She whispered softly melting in his embrace.
"What kind of?" He asked, genuinely confused but at the same time curious.
"To make everyone relax around you." She whispered again drawing a soft laugh from him.
"You are truly the most amusing person I ever met." He commented.
Alexia just smiled on his shoulder.
After some time, the pair left for their work, when Merlin decided to do something for Morgana. He couldn't tell her about his magic but he could atleast comfort her.
So as he decided, he went out to get some flowers.
Merlin was passing the gryffindor corridor, as he was going to Morgana's chamber when Arthur passed infront of him. As he saw Merlin he retreated his steps and moved towards the warlock. And Merlin quickly hid the flowers behind his back before Arthur saw.
"Ah, Merlin. I need you to... What are you hiding behind your back?" He asked coming towards him.
"Nothing. See?" Merlin said innocently showing his arms freely.
Arthur narrowed his eyes and moved behind him while Merlin turned facing him and hiding his back which supported a bouquet of flowers.
"What are you up to?" Arthur asked with his narrowed eyes.
"What, nothing, honestly. Arthur, I would never lie to you. I respect you far too much for that. You wanted me to do something." Merlin said quickly changing the subject.
"My chainmail needs cleaning." Arthur said but he still looked suspicious.
"Oh, well...I'll see to it right away." Merlin assured.
Arthur nodded and was about to turn but turned back to face Merlin trying to see his back.
Finally deciding to back off, he went on his way. Merlin sighed inaudibly, finally relaxed. Arthur rounded at corner and leaned back to see Merlin taking out the flowers and continued on his way.
Arthur raised his brows at his retreating figure.
Outside Morgana's chambers, Gwen opened the door to find Merlin standing out, with flowers in his hands. Gwen smiles at him.
"How is she?" Merlin asked looking at Morgana.
"I've never seen her like this before. I'm scared to leave her on her own." Gwen replied, sharing his glance.
"Is there anything I can do to help?" Merlin asked as he saw Morgana stirring restlessly in bed.
"I'd better get back to her." Gwen said and Merlin handed her the flowers. Gwen smiled at him.
"I'll make sure she knows who they're from." Gwen said politely and shut the door.
Night arrived soon in Camelot, and Alexia was sitting in her chamber.
"Are you sure you don't want me to coms with you?" Merlin asked for 10th time.
"I am hundred percent sure." Alexia replied and rolled her eyes at the confusion of Merlin at word percent.
But then he raised his hands in surrender.
"Ok, as you wish." He said and she nodded and left.
Gwen was sitting on the edge of Morgana's bed with her.
"I can stay if that would make you feel better." Gwen offered.
"You've done so much already." Morgana replied. Her voice strained.
"I don't mind." Gwen assured.
"I'll be fine." Morgana replied trying hard to smile but definitely failing. "Really." She reassured.
Gwen gave her a tight smile and squeezed her hand before getting up to leave. Before she could leave, she heard Morgana.
"Gwen." Morgana called. "Take the candle." She said.
Gwen nodded and took the candle and left.
Morgana lied on her bed and closed her eyes but before she could sleep she heard creak of the door.
Snapping her eyes open, she sat up with a jerk. Her eyes fell on the door, only to find Alexia standing there.
"Alexia?" Morgana called, confused.
"Lady Morgana." Alexia courtisied.
"Why are you here?" She asked.
Alexia moved forward.
"Morgana, I am here as a friend." Alexia said with sympathy in her eyes.
Morgana looked at her confused.
"What do you mean?" Morgana asked and Alexia sighed.
She moved forward towards the lady and sat beside her.
Placing her hand on hers, she looked at the lady in eyes.
"I know what's happening with you Morgana. I am aware of what you are facing." Alexia said softly. Morgana's eyes widened as she looked at her in shock and hope.
"You know?" Morgana asked, her voice wavering.
Alexia looked shattered. Offcourse she turned down on dark paths. She was so scared. Scared for her life. She never saw the lady afraid like this. Even in most difficult situations.
Finally deciding that she was taking right course of action she spoke up.
"Morgana what you are facing is nothing to be afraid of. Rather it's a most valuable gift that you possess." Alexia said.
"Please don't talk in riddles now Alexia. I can't take it now. My heart is ripping itself apart, piece by piece. I have never been so afraid in my whole life. Never." Morgana pleaded. Her voice shaking due to those unshed tears and pain in her throat.
"I know Morgana. But promise me you will listen to me before jumping on any conclusions. Okay?" Alexia asked. And she knew if at that moment, even if she would have asked for her life, Morgana would have given gladly for the answer. And this promise was just a simple one.
Morgana took a deep breath controlling herself.
"I promise." She said. And at that moment Alexia knew she could tell her everything.
"Morgana what you are facing, what you are afraid of is nothing but magic." Alexia finally blurted out and she felt the sudden relief that Morgana felt.
But if she saw the look of relief coming on her face, she also the panic that appeared moments later.
"Alexia! Alexia! I have magic. I have magic. Uther... He will kill me Alexia. He will kill me. He hates magic. He will kill me Alexia." Morgana mumbled panicking. Her hands moving in frantic movement. Alexia looked at her surprised. She never imagined Morgana would react like this.
After few moments, she held her hands.
"Morgana! Calm down Morgana. Calm down." Alexia said.
"You have nothing to fear Morgana. Nothing to fear from Uther. He won't know Morgana. He never will." Alexia assured.
Morgana stopped her thrashing and looked at Alexia.
"He will never know Morgana. No one will ever tell him. He won't come for you and you won't die." Alexia said softly. Morgana finally gave up as a tear rolled her eye. She took a deep shaky breath. Like relieving herself from the burden she was carrying from a long time.
Alexia gave her a small smile and moved towards her, wrapping her arms around the lady.
"Shush! You can cry Morgana. It's okay to cry." Alexia whispered patting her back.
Morgana allowed her tears to flow freely. It felt good to cry. It was like she was removing all the pain from her body. All those fearful nights, all those pained nightmares. They were for a reason. She had a reason for her suffering. The long unanswered questions, which were eating her from inside were finally put to an end. She finally had an answer. And the feeling of relief was flooding inside her body like blood.
When the sobs deceased, Morgana parted herself from Alexia. Wiping her eyes with her hands she looked at Alexia.
"How do you know?" Morgana asked.
Alexia's eyes softened.
"Because I am blessed with the same gift."
Morgana looked at her in shock.
"Alexia..." She trialed off.
Alexia nodded.
"Yes Morgana." She said with a sweet smile.
"You want to see?" Alexia asked.
Morgana gave a hesitant but excited nod. Alexia's smile widened as she raised her hands.
Cupping her hands, Alexia brought her hands closer to her lips. Giving a soft blow of wind in her hands, she looked at Morgana, who gasped seeing the golden flash of eyes from Alexia and then looked at her hands.
Alexia opened her hands to reveal a small ball of blue light shining and floating on her hand.
Morgana looked at the light in awe. Her breathing calm.
"Wanna hold it?" Alexia asked and Morgana jerked her head at the girl sitting infront of her.
Morgana looked between the small ball of light and Alexia before giving a small nod.
Alexia smiled brightly and passed the ball to Morgana who held it on her palm with a pure look of awe and surprise.
"It's warm." She said, amused.
"Because that's what magic feels. Warm and bright and just like home." Alexia said smiling fondly.
Morgana snapped her head up at Alexia.
"Will you teach me?" Morgana asked, her voice filled with hope.
Alexia widened her eyes before giving a nod.
"Sure why not. I will be honoured." Alexia replied.
Morgana smiled brightly, her whole posture just like a child who has gotten his favourite Christmas present.
The whole atmosphere was filled with glee and happiness.
"Hold the ball with you tonight. It will help with your nightmares. And when we will train with our magic, they will turn into visions and not nightmares." Alexia said.
The look that passed Morgana's face could only be termed as happiness and relief.
"All my life, I faced my nightmares, without any information, without any knowledge. And when I got the answer, it was the only thing that Uther hated the most." Morgana said, her voice growing cold.
"Uther is disillusioned. Time will come when he will see the truth of magic. I cannot justify his actions nor do I want to. Infact I hate them with all my guts and will. But I cannot ignore the fact that those, who don't have knowledge can't be given punishment for what they never knew." Alexia said.
Morgana nodded.
"I think I should leave now." Alexia said.
Morgana nodded so she stood up.
Alexia was about to leave when she heard Morgana.
"Alexia!" Morgana called.
Alexia turned to her.
"Thank you." She said. Alexia smiled at her.
"It was my pleasure, after all I got a new friend who is similar to me." Alexia said teasing.
Morgana playfully rolled her eyes before she became serious.
"Even you suffered the nightmares right? When we went to Ealdor, and you woke up screaming." Morgana asked.
Alexia nodded.
"You know, I am here. And like you said, we are similar. So feel free to share things with me." Morgana said softly.
"Thank you Morgana. Good night." She said with a small but genuine smile and Morgana smiled back.
"Good night." She said showing her palm to her where the floating ball of blue light resided.
And with that, Alexia left the chamber.
As she entered Gaius's chambers, she found both Merlin and Gaius sitting there, waiting for her. Rolling her eyes, she moved inside and closed the door.
"Merlin, Gaius." She called. Both raised their heads and turned to her. Merlin quickly ran to her.
"Alexia how was it?" Merlin asked.
Alexia gave a huge smile.
"Everything was good Merlin. Morgana is finally relieved. And you know what? She asked me to teach her. She was terrified like hell Merlin. Finally today she relaxed. You can't imagine how happy I am." Alexia ranted happily.
Gaius and Merlin shared an amused smile seeing her happy face.
"You know what? She said that whenever I will need her, I can go to her for my nightmare problems. Not that I need it. I have you and Gaius. But still it felt so good. Her care, her feelings everything was genuine. And I am so thankful she is not afraid anymore. I can't even imagine all her tricks to kill Arthur. Oh god... Merlin finally I saved her. She won't go on dark..." Alexia stopped her excited ramble as she saw the looks on Merlin and Gaius.
She clapped her hands to her mouth. Her eyes wide in shock. What in the world she did?
"Kill... Arthur?" Merlin asked.
"Dark magic?" Gaius asked.
Alexia smacked her forehead.
"See, just forget what I said. It won't be useful. I am changing her destiny. I will make sure she won't go on wrong path. Please Gaius, Merlin, don't think any differently for her. She needs you both. Please." Alexia pleaded.
The pair just looked at her.
"No Alexia, what if she went dark path? What if she truly tried to kill Arthur? No no no..."
"Merlin stop. This was the mistake you committed. You asked her to trust you, but you didn't return her trust. I know I am playing on thin ice. But I can't give up hope. Last time your ideas failed. Let me try this time. Please. Don't think any differently for her. It will break her and take her away from us. Please." Alexia begged.
Merlin and Gaius looked at each other before nodding.
"I am sorry Alexia." Merlin apologized.
"Don't worry Merlin. I know you care for everyone." Alexia reassured.
"Now what?" Merlin asked.
"We have to save the druids. Uther still believes it was magic that attacked Morgana. We have to save them." Alexia told him and Merlin nodded.
"Don't you think it's dangerous?" Gaius asked.
"I am sure it is. But I can't let them die Gaius. I can't have so much red on my hands. Uther is ruthless. I can't even think about those children who will be murdered on his quest." Alexia said.
"So what shall we do?" Merlin asked.
"We have to vanish the list of all the suspected sorcerers from Arthur's chambers. And then I, you and Morgana will go to the druids camp to warn them." Alexia told the warlock.
"Why Morgana?" Merlin asked.
"Don't know, but I feel it's better to take her. Like it's necessary to change her destiny." Alexia said.
Merlin nodded.
Morning arrived and Merlin and Alexia left the chambers for their jobs.
"You know what we are supposed to do right?" Alexia asked.
Merlin nodded.
"Be careful Merlin. If Arthur even got a wind if this, he won't spare you." Alexia warned, her eyes conveying worry.
Merlin sighed.
"We knew it would be dangerous and we still planned it. Why? Because lives are at stake Alexia. I can't let the innocent die when I know that I can save them." Merlin said. Alexia gave him a small smile.
"You are brave Merlin. Bravest actually." Alexia said softly and Merlin flashed her a small smile. After that, both parted there ways to their respective work.
Merlin entered Arthur's chambers only to find the room empty.
"Arthur?" Merlin called.
There was no reply. Looking back at the closer door. Merlin quickly moved forward a searching for the roll of parchment as Alexia described. He searched all the places he could only to find it missing. As he was looking under the bed, the door creaked open, and Merlin jumped in shock hitting his head with the bed.
"Merlin!" Alexia gasped running to him and helping him out.
"What the hell are you doing down there?" Alexia asked as she helped Merlin sitting on the bed.
She rubbed his head where it was bumped now, while blowing softly.
Merlin stared at her intently noticing her delicate features. He would have been staring for a long time as he felt Alexia shaking him.
"Merlin! Merlin!" She called.
Merlin snapped out of his thoughts as he looked at an irritated Alexia.
"Where in the world are you lost?" Alexia asked.
Merlin ducked his head trying to hide his pink cheeks.
"Whatever it was, leave it. We have important things to deal with right now. Like how we have to clean all this mess you made. I asked you to be sneaky and subtle. But this?" She said while moving around picking things as she pointed at all the mess. ".. this looks like there was some storm in the room." Alexia said as she sorted the belongings.
Merlin stood up while rubbing his head a bit and turned to her.
"Well, I tried but I couldn't find the roll. And I was getting tensed. So..." He trailed off motioning around.
Alexia sighed.
"Let's clear all this first." Alexia said.
Merlin nodded and the pair cleaned the room as quick as they could.
Finally Alexia moved to the laundry and Merlin cleans Arthur's chain mail.
Both were thinking about a plan from this point as the earlier one clearly failed since the roll was not here.
Suddenly the door opened and Arthur and Leon entered the room, Arthur holding a roll of parchment.
"You sure this is all of them?" Arthur asked pointing at the roll.
"Names and last known dwelling places." Leon answered.
"My father suspects the fire was started by sorcery." Arthur said.
"Indeed, Sire. I've included the details of everyone we suspect of consorting with sorcerers, witches, or druids." Leon said and Merlin and Alexia looked at them.
"Gather the men. We'll arrest them immediately." Arthur told Leon, who nodded and left. Arthur turned his head to see Merlin and Alexia. His eyes fell on the chainmail that Merlin was polishing.
"I thought I told you to do that yesterday." Arthur said crossing his arms.
"I didn't have time. I was cleaning the stables." Merlin answered. Arthur nodded before turning and taking off his jacket.
"That's strange. Because a little bird told me you were somewhere else." Arthur mused. Behind his back, Alexia motioned Merlin to look at the parchment. Merlin nodded as his eyes flashed gold and the parchment opened.
"Mucking out the stables is strange and a talking bird isn't?" Merlin remembered to retort immediately. Guess it was second in nature. Alexia shook her trying to hide her smirk.
"Merlin, what've we said about you trying to be funny?" Arthur asked turning to look at him. Alexia panicked a bit but Merlin rolled the parchment back.
"I shouldn't." Merlin replied unsure. Arthur shrugged conveying his agreement. He looked at the table before turning back.
"So where are my flowers?" He asked.
"Your flowers?" Merlin asked, confused but looking at Alexia asking her what should they do. Alexia gave a nod, saying she will take care of this. She shuffled with the things and moved to the table setting it. Her eyes on the parchment as her eyes flashed gold.
"I heard Morgana got some. I assumed you'd be putting them in all the rooms. Or is she the only one to receive a token of your affections?" Arthur asked looking at him.
Alexia moved back to bed setting the mattress. Frowning as she heard the conversation. She was not sure what she was feeling about it.
"Yes. Er, No. Er...what? It's not a token of anything, affection or otherwise." Merlin stammered.
"I see. So why were you trying to hide them from me yesterday?" Arthur asked turning around. Merlin looked at Alexia in question. She gave a thumbs up saying work was done.
"I wasn't. I mean, I was. Just, erm, I didn't want you to get the wrong impression." Merlin replied.
"And what's the right impression?" Arthur asked.
"That I was trying to cheer her up after the fire."
"Pick them yourself?"
"Maybe. I was only trying to be nice." Merlin replied. Alexia looked at the floor trying to settle the pricking feeling in her chest.
"Sword." Arthur said simply. And Merlin quickly complied picking it up and handing him.
"That'll be all." Arthur said. Merlin gave a quick nod before rushing out.
Alexia was about to leave as well, but Arthur stopped him.
"Alexia." He called.
Alexia turned her head to him.
"You seem off Today." He asked.
"Umm.. nothing in general." Alexia said giving a small smile. But her heart warmed up as she realised he did care for her.
Arthur nodded.
"You can go now." He said and Alexia nodded before leaving.
As she exited, she met Merlin standing there.
"What did you do?" Merlin asked.
"Nothing much, the paper will burn in fee moments. And no one will know how it happened." Alexia answered.
Merlin stared at her wide eyed.
"Now what?" Merlin asked.
"We have successfully delayed there quest. We just have to warn all those people we read about." Alexia said.
She looked at him.
"But how?" She asked.
"We can drop off a warning?" Merlin suggested after a few moments.
Alexia brightened.
"It means we have some work to do." Alexia said taking his hand and moving forward. As they reached the corner they heard a loud yelp and an 'oh God' from Arthur's room.
Both simply smirked.
The magical pair wrote the warning about the attack of knights of Camelot, before they looked at each other.
"Writing is not recognisable now. But we can't spend so much time just to write this." Alexia said.
"I can copy this into many parchments." Merlin said. Alexia gave him a smile in return.
Merlin raised his hand and many parchments flew together, collecting themselves in a pile. His eyes flashed gold as he spoke.
"Ic us bisen hræd tán hwanon." He spoke the spell and the parchments glowed golden before they each had same wording on it.
The pair looked happy at the progress they made.
"Now we have to make this warning reach them." Merlin looked confused at this.
"But how?" He asked.
"Let's see in the magic book." Alexia suggested.
Merlin nodded. The pair took out the book and scrounged the pages to search for the right spell.
"Merlin." Alexia called looking wide-eyed at the page. Merlin looked at it, copying her reaction.
"It's perfect." Merlin said. Alexia nodded brightly.
"We need fire." Alexia noticed.
"Hmm. Let's go out." He said and stood up. They left the room and entered Gaius's chambers. Their eyes fell on the fire place.
They moved there and held each other's hands.
"Ready?" Merlin asked.
"Ready." Alexia said.
Merlin threw the parchments in the fire and chanted.
"tabhair an teachtaireacht chuig a ghlacadóir!" They chanted and the fire flared and then vanished.
Merlin and Alexia gasped not expecting this reaction before bursting into laughter. The laughter died as they heard a shout.
"Merlin! Alexia!"
The pair looked panicked before turning to see Gaius.
Both looked terrified as they knew what would happen. A huge lecture from Gaius on not being careful.
Both slumped in the chair as they heard him telling them off.
Noon arrived, and Alexia and Merlin could be seen cleaning Arthur's chambers. Suddenly the door opened and surprisingly Morgana entered through it. Her eyes wide in horror and panic as she rushed to Alexia.
"Alexia!" Morgana called. But stopped as she saw Merlin looking confused at them. Alexia caught her look before thinking something.
"He knows about my magic Morgana." Alexia told the girl telepathically making her jump in surprise.
Morgana looked at her shocked.
"It's something you learn from druids, but it's pretty easy too. So... You want to tell him about your magic?" Alexia asked again.
Morgana looked at her, doubtful. She glanced at Merlin, who was now cleaning the table, or if you see from Alexia's eyes, was acting to clean the table. Since Alexia was damn sure he could hear her. After all he was Emrys.
Alexia's eyes fell back to the lady standing infront of her.
"Morgana." Alexia called, this time words rolling from her mouth, as Morgana turned to look at her.
She sighed. Probably it was still difficult for Morgana and Merlin's relation to be formed. Damn prophecies.
After few moments, it seemed like Morgana took her decision.
"Alexia I heard the court deciding to attack the druid camps. Today morning only, some magic user burnt the list of all the supposed suspects of magic users. And the king strongly believes it's druids. And now he wants to capture them." Morgana said, her voice filled with worry.
Alexia groaned at that, while Merlin suppressed his own. He dropped the cloth he was using the clean the table before moving to Alexia placing his hand on her shoulder in a comforting manner.
"We have to do something about this." Alexia said, her surprisingly determined.
Morgana nodded.
Alexia formed a plan in her mind. Thinking about the best way she could tackle the current problem.
When Merlin's voice broke her thoughts.
"What if we go and find the druid camp and warn them? We can leave tonight." Merlin said, his eyes staring at nothing, conveying he was in deep thinking.
Alexia frowned. Wasn't this similar to last time? Instead it was Merlin that left to warn Morgana whom Uther thought was kidnapped.
Alexia thought for a moment, even if it happened earlier, this still was their best bet. They have to do this. So she nodded.
"We are going to leave tonight Merlin. We have to warn them." Alexia agreed looking towards him, dead in his eyes. Merlin gave a nod in return.
Morgana looked at the pair.
"Ok. Tell me time, I will be prepared." Morgana said before turning.
Alexia and Merlin frowned.
"Morgana..."
"Don't try Alexia. You know I won't step back. Lives are at stake and I don't think I will be able to sit back here with doing nothing. It will just make me restless." Morgana argued. Her voice leaving no room for argument. Alexia and Merlin quickly counted all the pros and cons before agreeing.
"Okay, we will come to you at the last bell of midnight." Alexia said and Morgana nodded before leaving.
Merlin and Alexia looked at each other as she left.
"Do you think it was right?" Merlin asked as she left.
"I believe it will strengthen our bond." Alexia mused.
Merlin thought about it and the agreed.
Night arrived pretty soon, and Alexia and Merlin got ready to move. Merlin was waiting for Alexia as she was changing. After few moments, the door creaked open and Alexia stepped out with a tight fitted tunic and trousers as her hair were held high in a ponytail, which Merlin assumed was with help of a ribbon. Her high brown boots made her look about two inches taller and a brown belt was tucked at her waist. Merlin stared at her surprised as he thought how the attire suited her and definitely complemented her beauty.
Merlin shook his head trying to get rid of his thoughts.
Alexia came to him and raised her hand, extending it to Merlin, stopping just infront of him.
Merlin raised a brow.
"My bag." Alexia whispered.
Merlin realised and passed her bag to her as she strapped it to her back.
The pair gave one last look at Gaius, before they left and reached Morgana's chambers.
Alexia knocked lightly and within few moments, the door opened and Morgana stepped out with a similar attire as to Alexia.
"Let's go." Morgana said and the trio nodded.
They sneaked out and passed many corridors hiding from the gaurds. The trio reached a corner as they looked at the gaurds sitting and playing.
Merlin looked at Alexia who nodded at him.
They had planned that Merlin won't use his magic infront of Morgana. Not right now.
" Forbearnan firgenholt! " Alexia chanted and the flames of the torch rise higher scaring the gaurds.
Morgana watched the magic with awe and fear in her eyes. She was blessed with same gift. Soon enough she will be able to do same things as Alexia. And this thing was giving tickles in her stomach.
Alexia nodded at both the pairs and the trio sneaked out. They reached the grate at the end of the tunnel outside the castle ramparts.
"What are we gonna do now?" Morgana asked in whispers.
"Move back." Alexia said.
Both Merlin and Morgana complied.
Raising her hand, Alexia looked at the grate.
" Tospringe! "
Her eyes flashed gold and the grate was blasted off with magic.
Morgana gasped and covered her mouth.
Alexia just gave a wink.
Merlin rolled his eyes and shook his head at her show off, before moving out, followed by the two witches.
As the three magicians reached outside the Camelot, they stopped.
"So..." Morgana started.
"What are we gonna do now?" She asked.
Alexia looked at Merlin.
"We have to reach the druids camp. Before anyone in Camelot could know. The walk will take more than few hours. Maybe till tomorrow morning or noon. So, next place, forest of Essetir." Merlin told them, as he was the one who got information on the druids camp.
Alexia nodded.
"Lead the way caption!" She said and Merlin snorted. Morgana watched in amusement.
As the morning arrived, Arthur, Uther, Gaius and the guards could be seen sitting near the tunnel grate that Alexia blew off its hinges.
"There's some confusion as to how that was broken. By the looks of these scorch marks..." Arthur trailed off.
"There is no confusion. It was magic. The same magic that was used to start the fire in Morgana's chambers. Where does the trail lead?" Uther asked standing up.
"To the forest of Essetir." Arthur replied.
"We've long suspected that the druids have hidden there." Uther said gravely.
"The trail will lead us straight to them." Arthur thought out loud.
"Take no prisoners. It's time we rid ourselves of these druids once and for all." Uther commanded and left. Arthur turned to Gaius.
"Where's Merlin and Alexia?" He asked.
"Erm... they, er, they are not well sire." Gaius lied.
"They are still upset about Morgana, aren't they?" Arthur asked.
"We all are." Gaius said.
"Tell them to stop pining, pull themselves together, and get back to work." Arthur said and left.
After sometime, Arthur and Camelot guards could be seen departing with dogs.
In the forest, Merlin, Alexia and Morgana sat around.
" Forbearnan! " Alexia spoke and fire was lit.
The three magicians sat around the fire, taking rest.
After sometime Merlin cleared his throat as he turned to Morgana.
"So... You know about Alexia's magic but you didn't inform the king?" Merlin asked, starting up a conversation. Alexia looked at the pair before turning back to playing with fire with a long stick.
Morgana stared at Merlin.
"I could say the same for you." Morgana retorted.
Merlin gave a snort.
"I knew her many secrets, there are still some which I know, and those can lead to her death. But I won't reveal them. On the other hand, you are kings ward. You were taught from your childhood that magic is to be hated." Merlin tried to make her confess.
Alexia closed her eyes at the two. Oh god! What was Merlin planning?
Morgana glared at him.
"I thought I made my views clear about magic during the time we were hiding the druid boy." Morgana said in a defensive tone.
Merlin nodded looking away.
"So you definitely don't hate magic." Merlin concluded.
Morgana looked at him with an unreadable look on her face.
She glanced at Alexia who gave a slight nod. Morgana sighed.
"You can't hate something which is a part of you." Morgana said.
And Merlin broke into a smile.
"You share her gifts, don't you?" Merlin asked, despite knowing the answers.
Morgana nodded with a glare.
Merlin's smile fell.
"Uh.. I can assure you your secret is safe with me. As is Alexia's." He assured her.
"Make sure you keep it that way." She warned.
Alexia smiled.
"Ok enough of you two. We have to search for the druids. Get up." She said. Merlin and Morgana rose from their positions.
As they move forward, Merlin and Alexia could hear few voices. Alexia's head snapped up to Merlin.
"They are near." She said telepathically.
"Yeah. I can hear them." He replied.
"I can hear them. Their voices. There." She said pointing in a direction.
And with that, the trio left.
Arthur continued to pursue the trail left be Merlin, Alexia and Morgana with dogs. They move inside the forest while Merlin, Morgana and Alexia approached the druids camp.
"Wait wait wait! We can't just enter like that!" Alexia interrupted.
"But they are in danger!" Merlin argued.
"I am well aware Merlin. But they don't know us. For them we are their enemies." Alexia reasoned and Merlin and Morgana frowned.
"Now what?" Morgana asked.
"We have to think something. And do it quick. I can sense them." Alexia said as she closed her eyes.
"Sense who?" Morgana asked with frown.
"Arthur and his knights." Alexia said, opening her eyes which were glowing bright gold.
Merlin looked at her with frown.
"We have to do this quick." Merlin said and Alexia nodded.
"We hav..." Alexia was interrupted when she heard a noise behind her. Three heads snapped towards the bushes and before they knew, the three magicians were surrounded by hundreds of druids.
"Who are you?" One of them, who was bald, asked. Alexia recognised the man as Aglain spoke up.
"We are your well wishers!" Merlin tried.
"Then you won't have brought the king's ward to us." Aglain said and others looked at them.
"I am here to help." Morgana said.
"Who? The king or us?" Aglain asked and Alexia frowned. He was not that snarky last time. Atleast not with Morgana.
But last time, he save her, maybe this time it was different.
Alexia took a deep breath.
"Aglain, I am Arian. And I want to protect you all. The knights of Camelot know where you are, and will be here sooner than you can imagine. We have to empty this place and you have to leave. It's for your people only." Alexia said.
Aglain looked at her as if considering her words before he turned to his people.
"We are going to leave this camp right now. Pack all the things which you can't afford to lose. Leave the rest. We have few minutes to leave." Aglain commanded and all the druids stepped back from Merlin and the two witches.
Alexia sighed in relief.
Morgana, Merlin and Alexia were now the only ones left that stood there.
"Quite easy wasn't it?" Merlin commented sarcastically.
"Shut up Merlin. We have to act quick. Morgana will you go and help them?" Alexia asked. Morgana nodded and left.
"Merlin something strange is happening. Something which I am not sure about. But it definitely is not good." Alexia said, looking at the dark clouds forming in the sky.
"I think you are imagining things Alexia. We will be able to save them. Everything will be fine." Merlin assured, leaving behind Morgana
After some time, Merlin, Alexia and Morgana were helping the druids to move out of the place. After walking whole noon, the druids finally reached a place where they could live peacefully.
Aglain stepped forward.
"We thank you lady Arian, Merlin and lady Morgana. You helped us. May the tripple goddess bless you all and help you succeed." Aglain said. Merlin and Morgana nodded while Alexia was deep in her thoughts.
"It's time for us to leave." Merlin said and the druids bid their farewell.
"I can't believe we did it! Oh god! We truly saved them, like every single one of them. Thank heavens!" Morgana chirped happily as they moved through the forests.
"What are we gonna tell the king? Where were you?" Merlin asked.
"Gwen will handle it. We have to reach the castle by tomorrow." Morgana told him.
"Then we can't rest tonight." Merlin said.
Morgana nodded.
Merlin's eyes fell on Alexia who was moving in front of them. But she was in her own world. Merlin frowned.
It was nearly dawn when the three magicians reached back to the castle of Camelot.
They sneaked in and went back to their rooms wishing each other good night.
"You know what Alexia? I was sure there will be something wrong when we will save druids. Like fighting Arthur and his knights, not that I want to. I want stay as far as possible from his sword. God knows I want nothing more than that. But still, we were able to do it so easily. Like no problem. We save all the sorcerers, we saved all the druids. And without any hitch, without getting caught..." Merlin rambled and Alexia looked outside the window. The night was still there, so we're stars and moon. Probably it was 3 in morning. But something was off about it. The stars, they were moving, changing fates. Alexia frowned. Something was wrong. Something was definitely wrong.
She lied on her bed, her eyes fell on Merlin who was already asleep.
Closing her eyes, Alexia felt herself falling. She wanted to wake up, but she couldn't. It was all black. She wanted to shout but nothing came out. Merlin! She wanted Merlin, but it was all black. She was falling, falling and falling. Nothing was there to stop her.
Suddenly, she sat up with a jerk, her forehead painted with sweat.
In the cave, the great dragon stood up and roared loudly. Shaking the entire castle, or that's what Alexia felt.
His voice boomed in her head.
"You save the other witch, young Arian. But what you unleashed after changing fates is much more worse."
The voice faded and for the first time since she came here, she was truly afraid.