Hello everyone! I am back, a lil' late than usual, but still I am here. I am really sorry and regretful for making you all wait, but the last week was filled with so many assignments! I didn't even know how it went like within seconds. Hopefully, not further weeks would be as hectic as this!
And as our sacred ritual suggests, I would like to thank all those who took time to read my story and drop lovely reviews! I love you guys, and you probably don't know how much all this means to me.
And yes! This chapter is actually a new one. You will definitely notice that I completely ommited the episode "Sweet Dreams", since I really didn't think it was important for the story line. If anyone is offended, I would like to apologise from the bottom of my heart. So, moving back, this chapter is a figment of my own imagination. I hope you remember Kilgharrah's warning and the chapter 'The awakening of fates'. This chapter is another lead in that way. The fates are awakened and so is enchantress.
The chapter is dedicated to Alexia so I hope you are gonna love it!
Let's move to the story ahead!!!
Alexia was really tired.
Just now they had stopped an upcoming war that would have destroyed the peace of all the five kingdoms, but still the awkwardness that had been brewed between herself and Merlin didn't leave. Sure Alexia told Merlin what was going to happen as soon as the five Kings were going to gather, that was the reason that they were able to do everything perfectly, but it still was intolerable. It has been a whole month since Freya moved to Avalon, and she was atleast pleased to say Merlin was fine now. But Alexia was not. She couldn't be fine. After all the man she loved was actually in love with someone else, even if she left his life permanently; well not permanently since he could still visit her but Alexia couldn't help but bear the pain that was stabbing her heart again and again.
Alexia sighed, this was getting her nowhere, she really had to have a good distraction, because if not, she will definitely go mad. That was the reason the lady was now moving to Arthur's chambers to ask for a leave in order to visit some friend away.
Obviously it isn't necessary for Merlin to know. But she knew she was just too scared to face him. Call her stupid, fool, coward, she could care less, but she was not going to be back with Merlin, able to talk to him with her eyes meeting straight with him.
"Alexia." The voice of Lili broke her thoughts as she looked at the kitchen girl.
"Lili!" Alexia greeted.
"How are you this fine morning?" The girl asked cheerfully as she held a tray of food, obviously for some noble she was going to serve today. Alexia couldn't help but smile at her. She was sweet, way too much sweet.
"I am feeling good, what about you?" Alexia asked.
At this Lili just sighed.
"Oh just like normal, running for the nobles and serving them!" She shrugged.
Alexia gave a sympathetic look as she scrunched her nose at that.
"Well, if not anything else, I shall leave, I had something important to discuss with Arthur." Alexia apologised.
Lili smiled at her.
"Actually not really, I was thinking if we might spend some time together, like you, Gwen and me. Um, even lady Morgana was willing to join us since Gwen asked her." Lili answered her.
Alexia bit back a sigh at that as she looked at her with sadness.
"I am very sorry Lili, but I need to visit one of my friends. She isn't well and is in dire need of assistance. So I believe we would have to postpone it for the next week.
Lili's bright smile fell, before it came again, but it was enough to stir the guilt in Alexia's stomach.
"Oh! Don't worry. I apologise for not considering you might already have had some plans." Lili apologised.
"No! Please Lili don't apologise. I am sorry I couldn't give all my friends equal time." She said, thinking about all the false stories she was brewing.
Lili gave smile before patting Alexia's hand softly, her other one still balancing the tray.
"Alexia, don't think we didn't notice that something is wrong with you. We just want you to be happy, no matter the means, we planned this little gathering together to make sure you feel fine. Now we hope you will be better after visiting your friend." Lili smiled kindly and Alexia suddenly felt her throat being constricted. She gave a nod before carefully hugging Lili, taking in mind the plate full of food.
"Thank you." She whispered before backing up. She gave a nod and sniff before turning to leave for Arthur's chambers.
Alexia knocked on the door as she heard a 'come-in', before entering. She came across a surprised Arthur and a busy Merlin, who right now was dealing with the bed sheets.
"You know how to knock?" Arthur's mocking question brought her back to the world as she looked at the smirking prince.
Rolling her eyes at his antics, she took few steps forward.
"I wanted to ask for something." She said, looking at the prince who gave her a curious look. Merlin too was now interested, but Alexia didn't look at him.
"Go on. I am listening." He prompted.
"I have to make a small journey to the nearby village, nothing long but maybe a few days. So I was thinking if you would excuse me from my duties for a few days." Merlin snapped his head up at her.
Alexia was behaving differently, but he blamed it on the information that the shidhe elders gave her. It was already a burden of destiny, and now knowing that she had unlocked something far much word than originally planned was definitely going to effect her. But something was terribly wrong now. He could feel it in the air. Something was wrong and he couldn't point it to the pin, and it was frustrating him to no end. He felt wrong since the time he let Freya go. Since he kissed her. It felt wrong. Why? He didn't know, but being with Freya clouded his mind. He couldn't believe what he was going to do, he never got attached to someone so quickly. He didn't know why, but he found Freya just like Alexia. There was something entirely similar between these two, and it was just confusing him more.
He looked back at the girl who was now playing with her fingers.
"What for?" Arthur asked, confused as he turned to his table, taking his seat and picking few papers.
"It's my friend. She isn't feeling well and wrote to me about how she wanted to meet me. It has been long since we came in contact, but she has been a great friend to me. So if it won't be an issue, I would like to spend few of my days with her, since she requires my presence much more than you do." This time, Alexia was doing everything in her power to ignore the shocked and questioning stare she was being subjected to by a certain warlock while Arthur looked up at that.
He then hummed. "I believe it's reasonable, and I really don't have any future events for next possible weeks. So maybe you can go to meet your this friend." He shrugged moving back to his papers. Alexia gave slight smile.
"Thank you sire." She said, once again surprising Arthur before she left.
Merlin was looking at the door as she left.
Arthur frowned before he stood up.
"What did you do?" He asked looking at Merlin, who looked back at him shocked.
"What did I do?" He repeated, too confused to even guess what Arthur was implying at.
Arthur nearly groaned. What in the name of seven hells did he do to get these two idiots as he servants?
"You know what Merlin? You are as dense as a wooden log." Arthur snapped before moving out, leaving a very dumbfounded Merlin behind.
Alexia was now in her room, packing her small bag. Putting the last of the clothings required, she tied the bag and was about to turn when she collided with someone, nearly falling back, but didn't as she was held by a strong hand holding her own and an arm around her waist. She opened her eyes, which were closed due to the fear of impact of the fall. Her green eyes met the blue ones, who were looking at her. For a moment Alexia felt like the time stopped. Soft winds were blowing around her as they caressed the silky raven hair of the young warlock. She felt a soft hand moving across her face, tugging her brown locks behind her ear, making her close her eyes again, but her mind played those cruel tricks again as she saw Merlin breaking down on the bank of Avalon lake, and she snapped her eyes open, straightening up and stepping back.
"Alexia." The whisper made her heart clench but she just turned to her bag.
"What are you doing?" The desperation would have been clear to anyone, but Alexia couldn't really recognise it as she was too busy rechecking everything.
"Alexia!" This time Merlin grabbed her arm, turning her towards him.
"Where are you going?" He finally snapped.
Alexia glared at him.
"I believe you were present when I asked Arthur about the leave." She answered instead. Merlin rolled his eyes.
"You and I are both aware of the truth behind that reason. Which friend of yours is living outside the Camelot?" He asked, making her jerk her head aside.
"Leave me Merlin." She said instead as she tried to free herself.
"Why are you doing this?" He asked, his voice breaking at the end as he tried to think what was wrong.
Alexia snapped her head at him.
"Because I need it Merlin. I need a break! I am tired!"
"Even I am tired! Of following this destiny, trying to serve it, but I am not running away! I am not taking a break!" Merlin retorted back.
Alexia looked at him with wide eyes.
"You don't understand Merlin. It's much more than that." She whispered, her eyes watering as she stared at those blue orbs. Merlin looked back at her.
"What is it?" He asked. "You can share with me." He said softly, his hand moving to her cheek but Alexia stepped back.
The slight movement shimmering the hurt in his eyes.
"I won't be long." She said, before moving past him, her bag on her shoulders, exiting the chambers.
Next morning, Merlin looked at the empty bed at the other corner of the room as he left the chambers to join his duties. His chest apprehended by a strange pain caused by an unknown torment inside him. But the warlock just brushed it off, not even aware of what really was going inside him, praying to the gods above that everything will go fine.
How wrong he was, when on the gates of the Camelot, a lady entered. To say the lady was beautiful, would be an understatement, for she was something no man would have ever witnessed. Her face was sharp with high cheekbones, while her lips were plum, bright red and seducing everyone whose eyes ever fell on them. A small mole was present on the left side, just above her upper lip. Her nose was long and pointy, something which could only be ever dreamed of. Her eyes were round, giving a look of pure innocence, which greatly contradicted the smirk she carried. Her skin so pale and milky, perfectly matching with her golden tresses reaching her waist. The lady could surpass any goddess if she wanted to, such was her beauty, as she moved inside the city, humming to herself.
The path she crossed, she could feel the lingering gazes of men staring at her as she just hummed to herself, smiling.
Few of the men even left their work to follow her as she moved towards the citadel.
But she didn't care, perhaps for her this was normal.
Reaching the citadel, the lady noticed how everyone's eyes stopped to look at her, their talks forgotten, their work dropped. Everything was lost just in order to catch a glimpse of her. She smiled to herself, making everyone fall for her, head on their heels, but she ignored them, her feet taking her to the castle where she was now going.
The throne room was now filled with the council members along with the king and prince.
"I am not sure you are an acquaintance." The king spoke as he looked at the lady, his eyes a bit hazy but his voice still firm.
"We are not my lord. But I believed you may be willing to help me." The lady sighed. "I am Diana Wilton. Daughter of Lord Wilton, a knight of Nemeth. As we were passing the borders of Camelot, we were attacked but I was protected by some bypassers, who then introducer themselves as one of the knights of Camelot, Sir Aaron." Diana motioned at the knight standing there.
"Lady Diana was rescued and treated by my family my Lord. I found it prudent to take her here and offered her your help." The knight explained bowing his head.
Uther nodded as he looked at the lady, who held his gaze. Suddenly, the amber eyes flashed red and the hazziness that partially clouded Uther's eyes, was now complete under her control. Uther smiled at her, his expression dizzy, before he stood up.
"It would be an honour my lady." He said before turning to the servants standing there, which were just Merlin, Gwen and two others.
"You there boy," he pointed at Merlin. "Take lady Diana to the guest chambers. And you girl, you must attend to her every need." Gwen and Merlin, bowed as their eyes widened a bit. Both Arthur and Morgana stood up to protest but stopped realising it wasn't the place to resist King's orders.
Diana turned to the two servants, smiling at them before she gave a low bow to the king and left behind them.
As soon as Merlin and Diana entered the guest rooms, she turned to look at Merlin.
"Thank you. I can't express my gratitude to your king, for providing me with such hospitality." She smiled and Merlin felt himself smiling back.
"I didn't catch your name, I apologise. Could you please repeat it." She said, with regret lacing her voice.
"Uh.. I am Merlin." The warlock introduced as he looked at her in confusion. Something was wrong, his magic could tell him; but what?
"Oh. Thank you Merlin, now I won't hold you up for much longer." She smiled as her eyes flashed red, making Merlin's glow with a same colour as he gave a small bow with a dazed smiled and left.
The lady smirked to herself as she looked around the chambers, her plans were coming together now.
Alexia sighed as she came across a druid camp. Yeah, she didn't have any friends, so this druid camp was her only option as a shelter.
She could feel it, the magic thrumming around. So powerful, so lively. She looked around, a small smile playing on her lips as she took a deep breath, closing her eyes and inhaling the calm and soothing air around her.
It was her time, her freedom. She couldn't bear to spend a single day more infront of Merlin. Not without losing herself in his brilliant blue orbs, losing herself in those memories of his wailing at the banks of Avalon, losing herself in him. She had to do this, as this was safe. She was sure that no attack was going to harm Camelot, not right now, she could definitely take a break. But after that, she had to return, return back as his friend, for she cannot abandon him. She knew she was doing wrong with Merlin, but she just couldn't bear the pain anymore.
With that in mind, she made her way forward, only to stop as she heard her name.
"Arian." The name brought back many memories but she didn't concentrate on them as she turned to look at the druid leader infront of her.
"Iseldir." Alexia nodded back, aware of the person just by his power.
The man gave a light smile.
"What can I do for you?" He asked.
"I request for shelter Iseldir." She replied.
"I am not sure the shelter you seek is the shelter you will find here Arian, but I will offer my hospitalities to you regardless."
A raw chuckle escaped her throat as she looked at the man. So he knew.
"Your kind offer is welcomed wise one." She didn't know why she called him that, but it somehow felt right.
It was now the third day since Alexia arrived in the camp and she knew she had to leave tomorrow. So that was the reason why she was enjoying to her heart's content as she saw the children performing magic so freely, without any worry.
Her eyes fell on the young Florence, the girl was so wise that Alexia couldn't help but feel like a child infront of her. She still remembered the talk she had with her yesterday. The memories flashed infront of her as her mind replayed those memories.
Alexia was sitting near the stream, a bit far from the place where the camp was situated. The scenery around here was one of the most beautiful ones. You could see the waterfall clashing with the land as it collected around in the lake a bit far away, moving from there through the stream where she was sitting. Her eyes were so lost in the beauty that she didn't even notice someone coming from behind.
"It certainly is pretty." A voice broke her thoughts as Alexia swiftly stood up, her body tense.
She relaxed as she saw the girl standing there.
"Florence." Alexia spoke, remembering her name as she was one of the few that greeted her.
"Arian." The girl greeted back, as she sat on the ground, placing her hand in the running stream, feeling the cold water against her skin.
Alexia smiled at the name before she moved to her, sitting beside her.
"You see this river Alexia, she is unstoppable, destined to meet her own end, whether it's a huge river, a lake, or even an ocean." Florence spoke up. "The water in it comes across so many things, trees, flowers, stones, land, but none of them are able to stop it because it is already fated to meet its end."
Alexia looked confused, trying to catch what she was expected to catch.
"But do you know why this water could never really stop? Why did it continue to move, and reach the place where it is now?" Florence asked looking at her.
Alexia frowned, what was she supposed to say.
"Because there is a flow. Still water can never reach its destination Arian, it's always the flow that makes water a river. It's always the flow that decides the direction where the water will move. It's always the flow that helps the water to reach it's destiny, to be a part of something so huge which it never would have thought." Florence looked at Alexia as she was deep in her thoughts. She moved her hand from the water to place them on Alexia's hands and gave them a little squeeze of reassurance.
"Emrys is the water Arian. He is destined for great things, he has to reach his destiny, the ocean, where he will stand beside the once and future king, uniting the lands if Albion. He will come across many things. Some will be like the beautiful flowers and trees, smiling at his success, while some will be the rocks and mountains, trying to stop him. But he will cross them all, moving ahead with all his might. But you know who is his flow Arian? Who gives him the power to do all this?" Florence asked looking at Alexia who, even if calm from outside, had a whole lot of tornadoes swirling around as her emotions inside her.
Alexia shook her head lightly at the question, but Florence just smiled and chuckled.
"It's you Arian! You are the one who is his flow, the one who will give him direction. Without you, Emrys is still water, water which has the capacity to extinguish the thirst of many, which has the capacity to destroy anything and everything, to reach his destiny. But it's you who will take him in the right direction. You are the flow which will take Emrys to his destiny." Florence cupped her cheeks.
"Think about it Arian. Will you let your emotions control you and leave your friend behind? Or will you be strong and take him to his destiny. I know what heartbreak can do Arian, but Emrys, before he was your love, was your best friend. Will you leave your best friend like that? Will you lose your such pure bond just like that?" Florence asked before she stood up.
"Think about it." With that, she left the lady behind, deep in her own thoughts as tears slipped her eyes unconsciously.
She sighed as she remembered it, Merlin was her best friend first, she was supposed to be there with him. And in her hurt, she just left him! This was wrong! So wrong. She couldn't help but be thankful to Florence, who helped her. A smile played upon her lips as she thought about those words, she was Merlin's flow, the one who will give him direction. The thought alone brought shivers down her spine. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her rogue thoughts, when she was jerked out of her thoughts as she felt something.
She closed her eyes, feeling a sudden surge of magic. Something was calling her, attracting her. But what was it?
She opened her eyes, looking around but frowned as she found nothing. Standing up, she followed the directions from where she could feel the surge.
She carefully, but slowly made her way towards the isolated part of the forest as she reached near the stream. A small gasp escaped her lips as her eyes fell on the creature infront of her.
There stood a unicorn, so pure, so magical. Alexia stared at him, as he stared back. This unicorn was not like any others she saw ever, not even in Ehlanes. The unicorn had a rainbow coloured horn while his body was pure white. The aura around him was so strong that Alexia could help but think he was the alpha. But staring at the unicorn stirred something in her. It was like a bond that was there between them.
She took a deep breath, as she stepped towards him, and couldn't help but beam when the unicorn did the same. As they reached nearer towards each other, the unicorn bowed and Alexia placed a hand on his nuzzle, feeling the great magic flowing in her veins.
She closed her eyes, shuddering slightly as her magic sung the name.
"Tellesa!" She called, opening her eyes, her voice echoing as she felt the happiness of the magical creature infront of her.
The unicorn snorted as he heard his name and looked up at her.
"My queen." The unicorn called back, making Alexia blush. Her eyes suddenly fell on the man that appeared out of nowhere.
"Filos." She greeted the man whom she met on her last visit to Ehlanes.
"My lady!" The man bowed his head.
"Please don't bow. And call me Alexia, or Arian if you prefer." She smiled.
The man nodded.
"I never saw him the last time I came to Ehlanes. I feel a special bond with him but I never felt it before." Alexia spoke up as she looked back at the unicorn.
"I am Tellesa, my queen. The protector and the guide of the lady of unicorns. I was actually watching your worth since the time the Alphas decided to choose you as the next lady." Tellesa replied and Alexia couldn't help but be at awe.
"And you decided that I am worthy?" She asked, still doubting that such a great magical creature will believe that.
The unicorn merely laughed.
"I believe it my lady. You are really worthy of our powers." He agreed as he looked at the girl who was now blushing brightly at the praise.
Filos chuckled at her, before he straightened.
"My lady, there are few things you need to know." He spoke up, his voice grave and Alexia couldn't help but fear the news he was about to give.
"You have changed the destinies my lady. Arthur Pendragon won't die at the hand of young Mordred, nor will the lady Morgana and Mordred join forces against the once and the future king." Alexia breathed in relief. "But my lady," The said lady stiffened at that. "you have awoken something far more dangerous than Morgana and Mordred could ever have been." He told her.
Alexia gasped at that, the shidhe elders had told the same thing to her.
"What is it?" She asked, her voice barely a whisper.
This time, Tellesa spoke up.
"The enchantress is awoken my queen, and you have to be careful. For there are fates at the play which no one could ever have imagined. We are forbidden to tell you anything except that, but we will caution you. Learn about yourself Queen Arian, for you and Emrys will face things far worse than you have ever faced." The unicorn warned before he stepped back.
He closed his eyes before he spoke up in a tongue which she wasn't familiar with, but understood perfectly.
"Es, nolādētā zobena aizsargs, izsaucu to par tā likumīgo nesēju un turētāju." The voice of Tellesa echoed in the surroundings as dark clouds formed in the sky all of a sudden.
Alexia didn't even realise as the winds picked up and the lightning decided to show its presence. Thunderstorm picked it's pace and suddenly, one of the bolt striked at the placed just between herself and Tellesa. Alexia covered her eyes with her hand in order to defend herself before she slowly looked at the sword that now appeared at the place where the lightning was struck.
"This is the sword presented to each lady or lord of unicorns when the protector accepted them as his queen or king. You, my queen, are now presented with this sword. It will now answer your summons but be careful because the sword is covered in unicorn's blood." Alexia gasped at that in horror.
"What?" She croaked out.
"The sword was created by an evil sorcerer, who created it with enchantments so powerful that it could never be destroyed. He then commited the greatest sin of slaying a unicorn and cursing this sword. As the punishment of his sins, he had to die. But his enchantment was never broken. No mere human could ever hold this sword, without getting cursed, so the lord of unicorns decided to take this sword under his wing. From that day onwards, this sword became the cursed sword and was only used by the lord or the ladies of unicorns for judgement of crimes done by evil." The unicorn told her. And Alexia nodded, understanding the power it held.
"No one can cure the wound inflicted by this sword. Not even those who are immortal. It won't kill them, but it will curse their life my queen. Beware on whom you use this sword, but you are going to need it soon." With that, both Tellesa and Filos vanished.
"You can call me whenever you want my queen, just say my name in our noble tongue." She heard Tellesa in her mind and smiled at that.
She looked at sword as determination swirled in her eyes. She will return back to Camelot today only.
Closing her eyes, she willed the sword to disappear as it vanished and was now available at her beck and call.
As Alexia stepped inside the gates of the citadel, she felt it. The foreign magic surrounding the Camelot. But she couldn't really recognise it. She looked around as she saw people normally chatting together, walking in the markets and buying things. A small smile covered her lips as she noticed the buzzing surrounding the Camelot. This was the beauty of the city. She moved towards the castle, nodding at those she recognised along with a smile as greeting.
Her steps halted as she came across Morgana, who was standing near the window in the Griffin corridors.
"Lady Morgana!" Alexia called smiling as she moved to her. Morgana looked at her and beamed as she saw who was calling her, before she rushed and embraced the girl.
"Alexia! Oh god!" She stepped back, looking at her.
"You are fine now?" She asked and chuckled as she saw her enthusiastic nod.
"I missed you." Morgana confessed, smiling brightly.
Alexia laughed lightly.
"And I you." She said as she squeezed her hands.
"You know I am not just talking about this past week but the whole month right?" Morgana asked, concerned for her best friend.
But Alexia just sighed and nodded.
"I know, I was upset. But I am perfect now, just like before." Alexia gave her one if the charming smiles assuring the lady, before she left.
"Gaius!" The girl called as she entered the physician's chambers, only to find them empty. She frowned before shrugging, he must have left for some work.
Her eyes fell on the door and the few steps which led to her chambers, well, it was their chambers. Merlin and hers. She smiled at the thought of the young warlock before she moved inside, but it was also empty. She sighed.
The prat surely would have made Merlin work overtime. She huffed at that. Placing the bag on her bed, she emptied the contents and moved to sit on her bed. What could she do?
At last, the wait was becoming irritating and Alexia couldn't just sit so she got up and left, ready to find Merlin.
She passed the corridors when she suddenly collided with someone. Stumbling a bit, she balanced herself before looking at the person who collided with her. The person was a lady, and the most beautiful one she ever saw. But there was something about her that she couldn't point out. There was something fishy about her. It was what he magic told her. But she quickly shook her head and bowed.
"I apologise my lady, I didn't see you coming." Alexia apologised, remembering her status.
She looked up to see the lady staring at her.
"It is of no concern. But who are you? I haven't seen you around." The lady spoke, her gaze never leaving her. Alexia couldn't help but think it was creepy, but answered regardless.
"I am Alexia, my lady. Maidservant of prince Arthur." Alexia introduced herself. A smile made its way on the lady's face .
"Ah. Then I won't hold you back from your duties, surely the prince will need you since his manservant is currently working for me." The lady smiled. And Alexia looked up at her. Merlin was working for her? Then maybe he would have some information on her. Alexia nodded and left.
Not before looking over her shoulder, only to find the lady still looking at her. Something was wrong. Very very wrong.
But Alexia couldn't even recognise her from her past. Who was she? She shrugged her thoughts and made her way towards the prince.
She entered the chambers before frowning. The chambers were a mess. Like they weren't even cleaned since the time she left. But why? Arthur would have definitely hired someone else to do the chores.
"But offcourse the prat would want to load me and Merlin with all the work." Alexia shook her head as she moved to take care of everything. She was now currently taking out things from under the bed when she felt a sword on her neck.
"Show yourself." The familiar voice of Arthur rang around and Alexia smiled before swiftly turning around, careful with the sword as she looked at him.
Arthur relaxed and retreated his sword.
"Alexia!"
"The one and only." She smirked. Arthur rolled his eyes as he moved back.
"So, any particular reason the chambers are a mess." She asked standing up and brushing her shirt and trousers. Suddenly Arthur carried a dreamy smile.
"Lady Diana. She requested Merlin and he is now attending her. So obviously I didn't have any servant. Most of them are busy attending her." Arthur shrugged and Alexia frowned.
"Wait what? Lady Diana? Who is she and why would she need so many servants?" Alexia asked, shocked.
Arthur sighed brightly, with a goofy grin on his face, enough to make Alexia suspicious.
"She is a lady form Nemeth. She was attacked and arrived here just few days before. You have to meet her Alexia. She is brilliant. One of the best. She is beautiful, charming, graceful, intelligent, everything a lady should be." He explained, sighing again.
Alexia was now growing worried but instead she smirked.
"Are we expecting wedding bells soon?" She asked teasingly.
Arthur laughed at that.
"No! Not at all. She is perfect, I confess, but I don't want to marry her, but as you pointed out, it won't be bad if our marriage is planned."
Surprisingly Alexia frowned. Arthur loved Gwen.
"You are surely bluffing, but, well, I shall meet this lady of yours." She said before returning to her work, but all day she couldn't help but think about this lady.
As the night arrived, she served the prince his dinner and left. Most of his chores were done and rest could be completed tomorrow. But now, she had to return back to her chambers. Merlin would be back by now and Alexia had a lot of things to talk with him. She smiled brightly as she moved back.
"Alexia!" Gaius greeted her as she entered, hugging her.
"My dear girl! I missed you." He patted her head.
Alexia smiled at him.
"I missed you too Gaius." She said as they both moved inside.
"Where is Merlin?" Alexia asked.
"Inside." Gaius told her and she rushed towards the door.
"Merlin!" She called as she looked entered inside.
Merlin was sitting near the window, her spot, as she realised. The warlock looked at her as she eyes widened.
"Alexia!" Merlin yelled in happiness as he rushed to her embracing her. Alexia too wrapped her arms firmly around him. Oh how she missed those magical hugs. She melted in his hug as she just breathed his scent. He smelled same as she snuggled more. Merlin just laughed as he felt her tightening her hold on him. Both weren't sure how long they were like this before they seperated and moved to the bed.
"I missed you."
"I am sorry!"
Both spoke at the same time. Merlin sharing his feelings and Alexia apologising.
They looked at each other before laughing.
"Really Merlin, there was something wrong and I was acting stupid, but leaving you was wrong." Alexia confessed.
Merlin sighed at that.
"Then you can promise to not leave again." He shrugged. Alexia smiled and nodded. She moved to him once again hugging him. No matter what, she cannot just not melt in his hugs and find her home there. Merlin merely chuckled and wrapped his arms around her, pressing a soft kiss on her head.
"Merlin." She whispered after sometime.
"Hm?" He asked.
"Do you know anything about lady Diana?" She asked. At that Merlin moved away from her, looking at her with his shining eyes.
"Oh yes! She is wonderful. One of the best nobles you can ever meet. She is so kind Alexia. So beautiful. You know she is one of the best nobles you could ever meet!" Merlin rambled excitedly and Alexia couldn't help but frown.
"Merlin. I think there is something wrong about her." Alexia confessed.
Merlin looked at her as if she was mad.
"You are just overthinking." He brushed her off. Alexia was now definitely confused.
"But..."
"Let's sleep Alexia. We have work to do tomorrow." He said simply, moving to his bed and lying back.
And if Alexia was doubtful, this erased all the doubts. Something was fishy with this lady Diana.
In the middle of the night, the lady Diana could be seen standing on the balcony of the topmost tower. She smirked as she saw the moon shining in the sky. Her target was back in the walls. It was time, she thought as she raised her arms towards the sky. Her eyes glowed blood red and she smirked as they returned back to their original colour. Her work was done.
The lady moved back, returning to her chambers, ready for the storm that was going to destroy her prey tomorrow, her motive was going to be complete.
Alexia woke up with a jerk, her breathing laboured as she thought about what she saw. But she couldn't remember anything except those blood-red eyes. The same eyes that had haunted her since a long time, since the unfortunate day she lost her magic for few hours. Her breathing ceased as it grew normal and Alexia looked around to find Merlin asleep. Her lips curled into a smile and a sigh escaped her as she saw him. He was peaceful and that made her happy. Shaking her head, she laid back to sleep.
Morning arrived as Alexia got ready for her day. She exited the room, entering the physician's chambers. She looked around to notice the absence of the physician.
A frown appeared on her face, neither Merlin nor Gaius were in sight, which was definitely surprising since it was always her who was first to rise in early mornings. She looked around one last time before leaving to find them.
The young witch came across many maids but it took her walk across two corridors to realize that there wasn't a single male she came across. Okay, now it was sure something was wrong.
Alexia darted forward, trying to find a single man. She entered the chambers of doom to find it empty. Next was the council chambers and the throne room. Not even a single guard or servant was present. She swiftly turned around only into bump into someone. She looked up to see Morgana standing there.
"Morgana!" Relief washed over her like a tide in the oceans as she stared at the lady.
"Alexia!" The lady gasped. "I had a dream, a vision actually." Morgana warned her. Alexia couldn't help but frown at that. But before she could ask her to elaborate, she heard a scream.
"Gwen." Both Alexia and Morgana recognized the voice.
The pair of witches rushed to the spot where they found Gwen standing near an alcove, her eyes wide and her hands on her mouth. The royal lady and the young witch, both rushed to her.
Alexia barely suppressed a gasp of her own while Morgana looked at the scene with wide eyes. There lied a man, dead, blood seeping from the wound on his stomach. But that was not the most disgusting part, it was actually the state he was in. The right side of his face was burned, while his left eye was still open, staring wide. Alexia, even if empty stomach, felt her guts scrunching her. She took a deep breath, her magic reacting violently with the presence of something around the man and Alexia realized it was dark magic.
"This is darkest of magic. Someone has undoubtedly infiltrated the castle. Men's disappearance is the part of this attack." Alexia tried to connect the dots.
"But why just men?" Lili's question made everyone aware of her presence.
"I don't know." Alexia confessed. "But if the city is seriously under attack, then I want you and Gwen to go and collect all the females. Gwen, take them to the armoury, pick up sword for your protection. I am counting on you to take up the leadership, beware everyone to be prepared and if you find any man, come to me as soon as possible."
Gwen looked at her, doubt plastering her serene features.
Alexia sighed. "I believe in you Gwen, you can do it." She cheered as the girl nodded.
"What are you gonna do?" Lili asked.
"I and Morgana are going to find men, or at least the source of this problem." Alexia gave a determined look.
Alexia and Morgana could be now seen moving through the griffin corridors.
"What do you think is going on?" Morgana asked with a sigh.
"Probably another attack on Camelot." Alexia grunted back. This was definitely getting out of hands, when will these stupid magic users realize that this wasn't helping their cause? Alexia ran a hand through her hair as she grew frustrated. They were just about to round the corner when they had to jump back in order to avoid the sword. The prince came out from behind the walls.
"Arthur!" Both girls shouted as he swung his sword, attacking them.
"Kill Alexia." He growled, his eyes flashing red as he pushed his sword towards her, who quickly dodged it and raised her hand. With a quick flicker of gold, his sword was thrown away.
"Run!" Alexia shouted at the lady as they both ran.
"Did you just use magic in front of the prince?" Morgana asked worriedly as they ran.
"He is enchanted, he won't remember." Alexia snapped, elaborating. The seer nodded as they continued to run. Their steps came to halt as they saw Sir Leon and an another knight standing in front of them.
"Kill Alexia." They both chanted, red shining in their eyes, making Alexia groan. So each and every man was actually enchanted to kill her, but the girl couldn't help but think who would really want her to die so much.
"Change the route?" Morgana suggested and Alexia just gave a nod. The witches ran from there, shuffling through corridors and passages, as they tried to find a safe place. They had to duck many gards on their way too, just in order to be safe.
They both entered the council chambers, sighing.
"Okay, this is not getting us anywhere. We can't possibly kill them all. We can't even fight them, we have to break this enchantment." Alexia thought out aloud.
"Oh I want it more than anything." Morgana agreed as she looked at the throne to find Uther sitting there, his eyes glowing red.
"Kill Alexia."
A moan escaped Alexia's lips as she glared at him.
"NO! No killing Alexia." The witch scolded, and Morgana would have laughed if the situation was not serious. Alexia scowled at her, before they ducked the incoming king and left.
"Thankfully, it appears the enchantment has made their movements sluggish, or we would be dead by now." Morgana observed.
"Oh brilliant! At least its helping us." Alexia quipped back as they reached physician's chambers, locking it.
They turned to only find Gaius standing there, a knife in his hand. An exasperated groan escaped her lips while Morgana wanted nothing else than just slam her head in wall.
"Sorry Gaius." Alexia apologized before she raised her hand. "Beléosan gefelan." A flash of gold eyes and Gaius was now falling, thankfully, Alexia managed to slip the cot just at the right moment, stopping him from getting hurt.
"So now?" Morgana asked.
"Now we find." Alexia said, looking at the books.
In the corridors, Gwen and Lili were now exiting the kitchens, after warning everyone down.
"You looked like a queen there." Lili gushed excitedly as she looked at a blushing Gwen.
"It wasn't that good." Gwen tried.
"No really! I feel like you are born to be a queen. A leader." Lili said sincerely as they both looked at the swords in their hands. Oh how strange it felt in their hands, but they couldn't help it. Their eyes fell on the figure standing in front of them.
"Merlin!" Gwen yelled in relief. The warlock turned to look at them.
"Gwen. Lili" There was a cold edge to his voice, which both the girls ignored.
"Do you know where is Alexia?" he asked. Gwen thought for a moment. "She said she was going to search about the problem. She might be in Gaius's chambers." Gwen guessed.
Merlin nodded, a slight smirk on his face.
They reached the corridor to Gaius's chambers, but before they could enter, the two girls felt their eyes getting heavy. With a groan, both the girls fell unconscious.
Morgana heard two thuds as she looked up, Alexia was still searching and Morgana didn't think to ask her as she got up to check. As soon as she stepped out, something knocked her off her feet, as she collided with the wall at the side, losing conscious immediately.
Alexia quickly looked up to see Merlin entering, and she stood up swiftly, her eyes staring at him warily.
"Merlin?" Alexia called, trying to determine what he would do. He was moving towards her and before she knew, his eyes flashed red as he wrapped his hand around her neck, pushing her towards the wall. Alexia groaned as her back hit the hard wall, before her concern shifted to her throat.
"Merlin, please stop." Alexia grunted out, her hands trying to free out her throat of his grasp.
"Kill Alexia." He snarled and Alexia felt something paining in her chest. Not the time Alexia, he is enchanted.
Her vision was getting cloudy and she couldn't help but beg.
"Merlin please." The voice sounded so broken and familiar that the red vanished, the hold on her throat loosened lightly as a horrified look entered those blue orbs, but was quickly replaced by red again. The grasp tightened immediately and Alexia wasn't really looking forward to what was going to happen.
Closing her eyes, she allowed her magic to pool before she opened her eyes, which were now glowing molten gold.
Merlin was thrown back, leaving Alexia gasping for deep breaths. The warlock quickly stood up, his hand outstretched. "Acwelan." Alexia quickly ducked as the fireball made its way towards her. "You don't want to do it Merlin." The witch warned, but merely got another ball of fire at her, she barely made out of its way.
Merlin raised his hands as the wind picked up an Alexia nearly groaned at that. How could she forget he had elements at his command? Well so had she, but she didn't want to destroy the chambers. The wind caused many heavy tooms to fall off from the upper room and Alexia was swiftly reminded of the body lying on the cot.
"Beswápan." The shouted spell created a protective dome just in time saving the unconscious physician. Alexia now turned back to Merlin who now had thunder lightening his hands. When the hell did he learn that trick? Alexia should have cursed her fates for this but she didn't have time. With his hands raised towards her, two powerful bolts escaped his hands and Alexia swiftly summoned great wines and large dunes of sand in front of her, destroying some tables and scattering the sheets. To the hell with room.
Fortunately she was saved, unfortunately Merlin wasn't done.
With a snarl, his eyes flashed again and pure red waves of magic left his hands. Alexia had to raise a quick shield to protect herself, and Alexia realized with horror that this was the same red which haunted her sleep. The powerful being was behind all this. She couldn't help but shudder at the evilness covering the magic that was so pure.
"Merlin! Please stop this, I can't fight you." This was true both literally and morally. Merlin was Emrys and even if she was Arian, he simply surpassed her in power, and he was her friend, lover actually, she couldn't hurt him.
Soon, under constant torture for full two minutes and the shield cracked, bursting like a glass. Alexia found herself hit with the red wave of energy, which sent her crashing into the shelf, her head hit with the books and wood now falling on top of her. She groaned, wishing against fates she didn't just get a concussion. Suddenly her body lightened and she found that she was actually floating, held by Merlin's magic passing through his outstretched hand.
Merlin moved to her, a sword in his hand. "Kill Alexia." He growled and was about to do it when suddenly, something snapped in Alexia. Her eyes turned silver and Merlin hit ground, unconscious. His magic releasing her and Alexia couldn't help but pant. Oh triple goddess! She thought to herself, before she left, turning to her last resort, the Great Dragon.
"The young warlock is enchanted?" The dragon asked, his voice booming across the empty cave.
Alexia nodded at him.
"This is grave young witch. There are very few beings of magic which could enchant young warlock, for his powers exceed many. I fear that it is someone very powerful, someone who was thought to be a nightmare in earlier times. The enchantress." The dragon told her, his voice grave.
Alexia frowned at him.
"The enchantress?" She asked.
"No one knows her real name, for she can change appearances like you change your clothes young witch. She was a nightmare when she attacked last time. Destruction followed her like a shadow. It wasn't untill the previous lady of unicorns trapped her nearly three hundred years ago, that her destruction stopped." The dragon warned her.
A groan escaped her lips.
"Oh no. It means she is here for me. The current lady of unicorns."
"I fear you are correct. But you do not have power to go toe-to-toe with her. She will emerge victorious young witch. But I can help you to release her enchantments, atleast everyone won't be trying to kill you." The dragon sighed.
Alexia just nodded.
The young witch could now be seen standing at the top of the battlements. A stone in her hand. She bent down on the floor, drawing something on the ground. First came a star, pointing at the four directions. It was then crossed by another one, which pointed at six different directions. The two stars were then encirled by two circles. One which touched the ends of the bigger star, while the other even bigger than the first one. Alexia looked at the gap between few circles before she started writing in it. It were mere symbols for anyone else, but for her, they were the runes of old english.
"Endian dôð wiccung râd sê galdrigge, sierwung dôð ellencræft êðung duguð gumcynn shêrof manðwære cuman." The young witch continued to chant the words whose symbols she was drawing, making the outer circle glow. She stood up as she completed the rune, before stepping out of it. The inner circle joined the outer one in glowing before the glow passed to the six-pointed star. Finally just one star was not glowing, waiting for Alexia to give the last sacrifice.
With a deep breath, Alexia brought a dagger forward, her other hand also outstretched, before she nicked her thumb, drawing blood. The drop fell down, just on the centre of the rune before the star glowed brightly, completing every other rune. Her eyes glowed gold, before turning to silver as a small ball of light escaped her chest.
The ball hovered just above the centre of the rune, as it absorbed the red drop of blood, shining brightly. Alexia stood there, looking at it with awe as she saw the beauty of old religion.
Suddenly, red wisp surrounded the ball and could be seen all around her. Like, it was the part of the air. The pure silver ball continued to absorb the red mist, as the red started vanishing from the air.
"Alexia." A whisper was heard and Alexia felt a shiver runnin down her spine. She turned to look around, only to find lady Diana standing there, her eyes red as she looked at her.
"You.. you are the enchantress!" Alexia realised as she looked at her.
The enchantress just smirked.
"Who else? I have waited for so long just to end you. Three hundred years. For three hundred years, I was trapped, in a place I didn't even know about." Her smirk vanished, as her face twisted in a cruel form of rage. "I couldn't use my magic, i couldn't sense it. It was empty! I was empty!" The lady shouted, firing a red ball towards her which Alexia stopped with a shield. She looked over her shoulder, watching the rune. She couldn't let anything destroy this rune, or else it won't be useful.
"Beswápan!" The spell created a wall between the rune and Alexia, as she turned to look back at the enchantress. The rune was safe atleast.
"For three hundred years, I have just waited for one thing Alexia. And that is revenge. Revenge on the lady of unicorns." She snarled, firing another beam of power towards her and Alexia had to raise her own hands, a golden ray exiting her hands and colliding with the red one.
"I haven't even wronged you. I didn't do anything! Why are you so hell bent to kill me?" Alexia yelled.
"Because you are the lady of unicorns!" The enchantress snarled.
They both looked at each other, cancelling the spell. Alexia was panting hard while the enchantress stood there, unfazed.
"You can not defeat me." The enchantress looked smug at her declarations.
Alexia just glared at her.
She closed her eyes, trying to think of a way. Her brain couldn't help but think about the sword that was given to her by Tellesa and Filos.
The words of Tellesa echoed in the back of her mind. The cursed sword.
With a deep breath, Alexia spoke again, this time her voice carrying a magical thunder in it.
"Es, nolādētā zobena likumīgais nesējs, aicinu to atbildēt man ar savu klātbūtni."
As soon as the words left her mouth, the thunder took upon sky. The enchantress looked up, staring at the sky warily. She knew what it was. The famous sword, the cursed sword. She still remember the last time she tasted its magic. Even if it was dark, there was something that just defeated her. Cursed her into the trap she was trapped for three hundred years. She knew it wasn't possible to get trapped again, for the curse was always different for different people, but she wasn't going to test it.
Her eyes fell on the rune the girl had drawn. It was, as much as she loathed to admit, perfect. She could feel it in the air, her magic losing its power. Her thoughts were broken as she saw the girl infront of her, standing with the sword in her hands.
The enchantress smirked.
"You were considered worthy." The mocking tone was clear to both of them. Alexia gave a small smile.
"Yes I was." The pride evident in her voice.
"Things are going to get interesting." The enchantress smirked and before Alexia knew, a sword was forged just infront of her with swirling red magic.
The next moments passed by the clanging if swords as the two magical beings fought with each other.
At the end, Alexia was able to disarm the enchantress, thanks to Arthur's training Alexia thought, when the enchantress was on her knees looking at her.
"You truly are worthy." The enchantress spoke at last. But before Alexia could even do something, the enchantress vanished. Alexia gasped as she controlled her breathing, turning to see her shield dissolved and the ball of magic vanished. She frowned. Was it supposed to happen? But before she could give another thought, she heard a shout.
"Alexia!" The lady turned to see Merlin standing at the door to the battlements.
"Merlin!" Alexia yelled back in happiness as she ran towards him. Merlin too quickened his pace as they came across each other in the centre. Alexia jumped in his arms just as Merlin caught her, taking a step back to counter the force and stopping them from falling back.
"Oh god!" Alexia whispered as she hugged him tightly, finally relieved to have him back. Merlin just held her as he replayed the fight he had with her. He doubted anyone else who was enchanted would remember anything, but he was Emrys, his magic remembered everything and he knew how he attacked her in the fight.
"I am so sorry." His voice was hoarse, and Alexia knew he would cry of she didn't forgive him.
"Hey!" She parted and quickly cupped his cheeks. "It wasn't your fault. She was the enchantress. Her magic was very powerful. You couldn't fight it and it's okay! You were not yourself when you did that." She whispered softly, making him nod as they joined their foreheads and if she felt something wet drop on her cheeks, she didn't comment. If he wanted to cry, she will just hold him, but right now, she was relieved to have him back.
So! how was it? Please just say it way good... Just kidding, give me your honest reviews and tell how much is really fucked up.
And also, I am not sure that I pulled the fight right. Like in my mind, it was definitely brilliant, but I don't think I did that much brilliant in words.
Please forgive me for any stupidities or mistakes and do share your reviews!!
Take care everyone! Stay safe.