We're approaching the end of the mini arc with their little vacay
After their night of bliss…and waking up to the feeling of ants crawling up and around their skin…they were up and back on the path of life.
Merlin was insistent that he knows the perfect place for them to venture next, Morgana really hopes she doesn't regret trusting him with what he considers 'fun'.
Sometimes she wonders if mortals really notice two mages flying on a shiny white dragon on their satellites…?
Eh even if they did, they wouldn't trust their eyes and just dismiss it as nonsense.
And if they didn't?
Well…she would usually say it'd be a cake walk but given what she knows about the advancements of mortal technology, she'd be a fool to think that the mortals wouldn't go down without a fight.
A fight with thermonuclear weapons no doubt. Humans always feared that which they could not control, and no one controls her!
Aithusa however she has noticed hasn't been saying much during their trips. Morgana offered to transform her into a husky or cat to travel alongside them but Aithusa declined.
It seems to have started after whatever talk happened between her and Merlin. She just hopes that they can move beyond that and not let a simple disagreement get in the way of things.
Their beloved daughter yes, but children get very presumptuous whether their young or old. Apply that to a dragon Aithusa's age and you have a major headache at all times.
At least she did get news on Aithusa's firstborn son, Cynfab.
When Merlin first told her about the new dragons he hatched during the Black Death she was astonished. Of course, it happened about a century or so after he had already done it. But when she first laid eyes on the eldest Cynfab - it was incredible.
The first crossbreed dragon between west and east. He had a serpentine body like your typical Asian dragon, blue and silver scales and stag-like horns. But with wings and hind legs similar to Aithusa along with her eyes.
But what really captivated her and especially Merlin when he first saw it in action…Cynfab wasn't your typical fire breathing dragon.
He could breathe blue flames.
To think the first of a new breed and already living up to its potential. Truly he's also uniquely the only one of his many siblings to have traits from both of his lineage. Everyone else either has primarily western or eastern traits.
Firstborn indeed…
Still Aithusa did her best with what little knowledge of the east she had to raise her hatchlings, given that her mate - Da-Fu - the eldest and most powerful of the old generation of eastern dragons…died due to advanced age to offer his own expertise.
Cynfab hasn't really been around his family too much, preferring to remain in his domain near any volcano as the warmth of the magma beneath offered him comfort akin to a father's love. Last she checked he was still in Vesuvius. She always felt bad that he and his siblings never got to experience life with their father. While the rest of them were content with either their mother's presence, or keeping to themselves, poor Cynfab always felt like something was missing. But they'll always have Aithusa, Merlin and herself no matter what.
So to hear that Cynfab's slumber is starting to end for whatever reason was interesting news, he hasn't really done much since the Industrial age began in the UK. Still a relatively young dragon compared to his mother, equivalent to a mere teenager. Perhaps he might decide to finally come around and say hi?
At least she knows Merlin had gone to see him from time to time. According to him he doesn't disturb Cynfab's rest but he knows that Cynfab can sense him nearby subconsciously. The two shared a precious bond akin to herself and Aithusa. Merlin himself knew what life devoid of a father felt like and resolved to never have Cynfab feel like he's missing out on paternal love and affection. Whereas for Merlin personally, Cynfab was the first dragon he hatched since Aithusa herself…so Cynfab was very special to him. And he resolved not to repeat the same mistake he made with his mother, which brought her to Sarrum's wretched hands.
They finally landed in the desert near what looks to be a ravine.
"Thank you Aithusa, are you sure you'd rather not join us?" She really would love to have her come along, if only so that whatever awkwardness had appeared can disappear between her and Merlin.
Aithusa didn't really know what she should say.
"We would both love it for you to come along my dear."
Aithusa and Morgana looked at Merlin once the words left his mouth, the latter pleasantly surprised to see Merlin throwing an olive branch while the former was touched.
Aithusa thought about it but remained solemn "I appreciate the sentiment, however there are matters of great importance to which I must attend on my own elsewhere."
"Oh Aithusa please don't get caught up in whatever drivel Destiny has in store…" Morgana supposed that dragons would always see things differently than they would.
It was a wonder, since if her powers of sight were still in use she'd be fighting even harder to keep the fates at arm's length.
"Take care my precious." Merlin nodded to his first ever hatchling.
Aithusa bowed her head, feeling her father and mother's arms rub her snout and then she took off.
While she could understand they're urge to defy destiny, Aithusa felt it in her bones that something terrible was going to unfold. And she must do what she can to stop it.
She knows where she has to go…
Back with Merlin and Morgana they waited until Aithusa disappeared beyond horizon in the very dry desert sky. Fortunately, they were both properly dressed, with Morgana she wore a white shawl and scarf to cover her head and mouth from any sand blowing in the breeze along with light blue shirt and denim jean shorts. Whereas Merlin simply wore a headscarf with a white long shirt that's sleeves were rolled up followed by cargo pants. They both decided hiking boots were the best to go with here.
"Over there, there's a pathway I know of that goes down to the bottom of the canyon. Come on." Merlin than went off and Morgana followed closely. If she couldn't sense his aura, it would be very easy to be lost here since to scry would require water and she'd be a fool to waste any precious drink out here.
While she could simply magic more it'd be wise to keep her reserves on hand, just in case she needs to keep warm during the night…apparently deserts could be as cold as the arctic when the sun sets.
"So why are we here?"
Merlin snorted "Didn't you say you'd rather be surprised?"
"I did…but if you felt like telling me anyway…?"
"Nah"
"Ass"
"I'm crying"
"Give me a minute and I'll make you cry alright…"
"If only you could make me scream your name while you're at it."
Morgana rolled her eyes at the annoying innuendo but took the bait anyway "Careful what you wish for dear, who knows what tonight can bring?"
"When there's a will there's a way my very strong headed wife."
Morgana snorted, and finally they've reached the bottom.
"Up ahead should be our destination."
"Great can you finally tell me where it is we're going?"
"Alexander's tomb of course."
Morgana halted wide eyed.
"Huh?!"
Merlin kept walking and waved her to keep moving, when she finally caught up he continued.
"I thought you didn't want to tell me? I figured that if you were going to tell me about Alexander's location, we'd go to you know…Alexandria?"
"Let's be honest Morgana, you wouldn't have been able to find him."
Morgana grew a bit irritated at the slight, did he forget who she was? Of course she would have solved this mystery!
"Nothing to do with your skills of course, if I never got here first you undoubtedly would have found his remains."
Morgana quirked a brow "What do you mean? What did you do?"
Merlin looked up at the sky, from down there it was hard to tell the exact position of the sun but he guessed it was around the late afternoon?
"Back in those days I was still ignorant to the world's history, sure I've had about a century or so after Camelot but it's not like I had much incentive to learn about the past. And when all I had left was time, I decided to see what became of the fabled general that conquered the known world even ancient to us. That even Hannibal, Caesar…and Uther himself yearned to emulate and surpass."
Morgana's ears were practically glued to the sound of his voice, while they mostly knew almost everything about each other from the formation of England onward, they were still in the dark for most of each other's past once Camelot was destroyed by the Saxons.
What a new spin on 'Dark' Ages…
"Alexander was simply the first, I knew that if I wanted to truly understand the ways of the world, I needed to know it in its entirety including what came before. So once I ventured to the last known location of Alexander's tomb in Alexandria I knew exactly what happened and where to go."
"But how did you find out? It's not like anyone documented anything and word of mouth was very slow in the old days."
"I'm able to see the history of anything I touch so long as I will it."
Morgana was a bit shocked, though she supposes if Merlin can control time, seeing history by using the timespan of the object or person in question would be simple enough.
"Of course back than I was but a novice at the art, so I took with me a shard from the crystal cave to harness my powers into it for the spell to work properly. Once I grew accustomed to it, it was no longer necessary. It led me to this location we're about to enter."
"Hmm, did you know why exactly his remains were brought here of all places?"
"It appeared as though the remaining followers of Alexander's cult wanted to protect him from the Christians during a time when the Roman Empire was banning all pagan religions from its domain. The cultists made a lie about Alexander actually being one of the Christian saints, and in the guise of transferring it to Rome they instead brought it here to forever ensure no one would be able to find it." Merlin could feel that they were nearly there.
"Hmm still wasn't Alexander worshipped as a god? Wouldn't they take him to the Valley of the Kings?" Morgana wasn't really all that well versed in Egyptian history, never really saw the need beyond the basics. Pharaoh's, pyramids, sand…lots and lots of sand.
"Heh, typically one would think that I suppose. Alexander was no Pharaoh but he was a King that the Ptolemaic Dynasty deified as a god. But that would have been too obvious, so the followers needed someplace more discreet, and thus they constructed a tomb that lies here in a ravine that is well guarded by both stone and the sands above. It's the last place any would think to look for him. I also helped by adding runes several meters away from the top of the ravine in order to discourage scavengers from lurking about here to gra-"
Merlin stopped and looked shocked at the sight before him, Morgana stopping when she caught up to him looking confused.
Well...there was the tomb, constructed inside a cave that was barely the same even 3 centuries ago compared to 13, what with much of the sandstorms over the years practically burying it along with crumbled rocks from the canyons blocking the entrances…which Merlin may have had a hand in helping to create.
So imagine his shock when he see's that's practically turned into an excavation site with an entire team of Archaeologists and machinery.
Merlin looked up toward the top of the canyon as he saw more vehicles and people with stations set up…how the hell did he miss this from atop Aithusa?!
"Impossible…how did these mortals manage to break my rune enchantments?" Merlin couldn't believe it despite seeing the evidence with his own eyes…did his spell wear off? Nonsense it barely cost him anything!
These mortals found another pathway to the tomb?! He could have sworn there were no others!
Morgana looked around, too curious how Merlin's powers seemed to have been ignored in the faces of these mortals...one of whom was now looking at them in shock and confusion.
"Who are you two? I don't remember seeing you with the crew." The archaeologist asked, tilting his hat upward to get a better view of them.
Merlin's mood was rather tense and he'd rather make this guy moo like a cow before answering him.
Morgana to the rescue for the pitiful mortals…again.
She should really get paid for this.
"We're two reporters who may have hitched a ride along with you, we're so sorry but we just had to come see the famous tomb of Alexander with our own eyes! And honestly you guys are incredible to have made the discovery of a lifetime!" For once she's glad she isn't streaming, not because there's no service out here anyway…regardless there's no way she would ever gush like this to something so clearly beneath her and not die of embarrassment.
Merlin followed her lead and put on his sunglasses while conjuring journalist badges and a video camera in his and Morgana's backpacks.
"Surely, you're in favor of getting good coverage? Fame, fortune. glory and all that stuff?" Merlin dryly asked as he showed the man their badges.
"I mean sure that's all well and good, but it's more good that you're here. Everyone deserves to know that more of our history has been answered." The man gave them a kind smile, huh perhaps Merlin misjudged him?
"Isaac Cabrera, leading archaeologist." Isaac offered his hand to the duo whom both shook it formally.
"I'm Lena Appleby and this is my husband, Billy." Morgana gave nod in Merlin's direction.
"Nice to meet you, I must admire your own dedication to getting this news out there even in this environment."
"Oh it's nothing but since you're receptive what do you say we turn on the cameras and ask you some questions about your discovery?" Morgana hoped the man would say yes, sure it sucked that now they had company but hey she was here…she still wanted to see the damn sarcophagus.
"Well, I suppose now is as good a time as any. We're pretty much done with the excavations and getting ready for the government to decide what to do with it. Sure, we can have a quick interview."
"Sweet! Billy roll the camera."
Merlin starred at her flatly and quirked a brow, as if to say "Wanna repeat that?"
"Ugh fine technophobe I'll roll it you ask the questions."
Perfect for her anyway…this interview will go straight to her Instagram Live the second they got off this dry wasteland…
Merlin decided this worked out after all…he wants to know how exactly this Isaac managed to get through his runes.
"So Isaac, how did you come about what no other person in human history managed to find?"
Isaac thought about his response and came up with "Well I don't want to sound superstitious but it was as if I were being led here by a higher power. I don't know how but my team was actually supposed to be going deeper into the Desert to reach the Western Sahara and meet up with the rest of our personnel. Then we had to stop because of a sandstorm that suddenly appeared."
Merlin and Morgana frowned; wouldn't they have known about a sandstorm beforehand?
"I don't know how this slipped everyone's radar but the turn of events forced us quickly to find shelter and fortunately we weren't far from this ravine. However, as we tried to find a way down there were some strange symbols that seemed like worthy discoveries in their own right."
Merlin's eyes widened before he quickly got them under control…how did this mortal see his runes? He doesn't sense any magic in him, there's no way he could have seen past the illusionary barrier he placed!
"Unfortunately the sand was getting worse, the wind so intense that it actually blew one of our tractors so hard it bounced off the carvings and straight down the ravine. The explosion however did shine a bright enough light that we saw a pathway leading us safely to the bottom to shield us from the desert's fury."
Merlin's mouth grew tight…so coincidentally a sandstorm caused his runes to be destroyed? Enabling these people to be at the place he would eventually go to?
"Those wretched crones are really asking for it now...!"
Morgana narrowed her eyes, surely this was no coincidence. The story was so outlandish that it had to have been Destiny intervening…but why? Why does it care if the tomb is discovered?
Unless…the tomb was never the reason…just the catalyst.
Morgana became more alert, as she starred straight at this 'Isaac Cabrera'…
Why would Destiny help him?
"That's rather fascinating, do you think you can show us the tomb?" She asked with a forced politeness.
Isaac blinked "I don't see the harm, but please try to keep close. There are still some traps we haven't fully disabled yet."
Morgana nodded as she and Merlin began to follow Isaac into the tomb.
She glanced at her husband and noticed the cold look in his eye. Clearly, he arrived to the same conclusion as she.
Who was this man really?
As they finally reached the golden sarcophagus…Morgana remembered the camera was still rolling, so she made sure to catch every glimpse of this room.
"Marvelous no? To know what the people who placed him here must have been thinking to make such a perilous journey. I'm grateful to have contributed something to the world knowing that a long asked question is finally answered."
Merlin glanced at Isaac and his look relaxed slightly, whoever he was…he felt warm.
"One question answered usually creates more questions." Merlin told the man.
"To a point perhaps, I mean in just a few months we have the Conjunction. I can't wait to experience something that happens only once in a thousand years." Isaac looked pretty giddy at the prospect.
By this point Morgana turned off the camera, crossing her arms after placing it back into her bag.
"Hmm is it really that curious an event?"
"Usually, especially now. No one knows what could be the explanation for why it's barely lasting longer than a day when it should be weeks until at least a few of them are no longer be in alignment with the rest."
"Magic of course, the will of the Goddess no doubt…" Morgana knew that had to be it, only the divine had that kind of power over the cosmos.
"What will be fascinating to see is what affect it will have over the superstitious elements of our planet?"
Both mages looked at Isaac with alarm and curiosity…does he know magic exists?
"What do you mean by that?" She asked.
"Don't tell my fellow colleagues but I'm fully convinced it was divine intervention that led me to this discovery, and with all the myths and folklore of the Conjunction of Worlds I must wonder if we're about to experience something grand when it arrives." Isaac smiled at the thought of finally being proven that his years of faith were not just a waste of time but perhaps he isn't going crazy after all.
Merlin took a moment to hone his senses…this man didn't have magic…but his soul was very connected with the world around him.
Out of most of the humans he's encountered, this man seemed to truly appreciate life if he's one with his spirit.
It feels like...
"Your secret is safe with us Isaac, I assure you." Merlin promised, shocking Morgana…what's going through his mind right now?
Isaac smiled in gratitude, though once he removed his hat to wipe off some sweat it all became clear.
Isaac Cabrera was Lancelot.
Morgana stifled a gasp, looking at Merlin.
What actually made her gasp was his reaction.
He was smiling…and shedding a tear?
Isaac was confused, was there something in Billy's eye? "Are you alright Billy?"
Merlin nodded, wiping his face with a melancholy smile. "You just reminded me of someone is all."
"Oh well, someone good I hope hehe?" Isaac replied, scratching the back of his neck.
"The best, he was a true friend."
"What's he like? What's his name?"
"He was kind, selfless, courageous, loyal. His name was Lancelot." Merlin looked 'Isaac' in the eye, wondering if anything would jog in his memory.
It didn't.
Isaac looks a bit curious at the odd name, wasn't that the British guy from mythology? "I noticed you said was, are you no longer friends?"
Merlin can't deny that he felt a bit sad, but… "He died, he died as a hero." At least to Merlin he did. To everyone else...?
"My condolences than, I know it's painful losing those you care for." Isaac placed a hand on Merlin's shoulder.
Merlin tried to contain his emotions…his mannerism all made sense, they continue to mimic Lancelot's down to the simple gesture of comforting him when he needed it.
"Merlin."
Morgana looked shocked; did he just reveal his true name?!
Isaac looked confused but Merlin interrupted before he could ask "My name is Merlin, I'm sorry for deceiving you like this."
Isaac looked at him closely, than averting his gaze to Morgana who was looking at him with an unknown expression.
Not even Morgana knows how to feel. She had nothing personal against Lancelot. She just remembered he fancied Gwen, and then became a knight after she left Camelot. But apparently, he and Merlin were good friends, he actually knew Merlin was a warlock.
And still remained his friend?
Out of all the reincarnations they stumbled across, she perhaps feels the most conflicted about this one. She isn't sorry about Gwaine and Elyan…but she may feel something of the sort for Lancelot?
If only because he may have actually been a friend of her own in another life, had she and Merlin defied Destiny a lot sooner.
Isaac than smiled "I knew you two weren't real reporters, but it's like I said this knowledge should be shared with by all…so as long as the video is published publicly without charge than I guess I can turn my cheek." Same coy tone that the old Lance had, Merlin felt.
Morgana snorted "I was gonna post it to my Instagram anyway."
"Than there we have it. What reporters? I didn't see anyone."
All three of them had to have a laugh at that.
It was odd, feeling at ease around someone from their past. Yet with Lancelot it seemed safe.
"We wish you well in your future Isaac, and know that what you seek may not be beyond possibility."
Isaac looked at Merlin wondering what he could mean but before he could ask Merlin once more interrupted. "You will never have to look over your shoulder, go with the blessing of Emrys and simply live as you always have." Merlin's eyes flashed gold which shocked Isaac to his core but than felt a strange semblance of peace enter his soul.
Was that…surely not…?
Merlin than began to leave the cave with Morgana taking a moment to gather her thoughts to what just happened before following her other half.
Right before she left the chamber however, she turned back toward Isaac who still looked befuddled yet in harmony.
"Morgana."
Isaac blinked out of his thoughts as he starred at her eyes.
"Merlin and Morgana? You had a friend named Lancelot. Your parents must have really loved Arthurian legends huh?"
"That's one way of phrasing it. I hope we can trust you to keep this between ourselves?"
Isaac gave her a serious look and a solemn nod. "You never have to worry, please tell Merlin I'm grateful to him. Hell if you guys ever want to see the tomb again, I'm sure it'll be in a museum somewhere…I'd give you guys my contact information but something tells me you won't need it if you want to find me…"
Morgana smirked, refraining from answering before finally leaving to join Merlin.
The sky was dusk as Merlin stopped time to keep the other mortals from spotting them, just until they made their way back toward the top of the ravine from where they came down from.
Morgana grabbed his hand, as Merlin just starred at the setting sun and the stars about to shine the sky.
"I don't know why I did it, I just…"
"He was your friend."
"..."
"Can't say I wasn't surprised; I was flabbergasted actually but I can see why…"
"For a moment there I was hoping he would remember me."
Morgana looked at Merlin's eyes…was this it? Did Destiny finally beat her? Beaten Merlin back into submission? She dreaded his answer…
"But honestly I'm glad he doesn't."
Ok now she's confused.
"Lancelot got the short end of the stick in Camelot. He deserves to live his life now without the dangerous interference that would be caused by my presence around him." Merlin explained with a melancholic voice.
Morgana bit her lip…she felt like she had to at least say something.
"Listen about that time…the veil? The shade? If I could do things over…I wouldn't have exactly done it the way I did. I wouldn't have opened the veil at all."
"Morgana, I forgave you for everything long ago. It's my fault anyway for being so easily swayed by the minds of weak men."
Morgana snapped her gaze at Merlin "No stop, not everything I did was because of you, stop taking the blame for all I did. I'm a big girl Merlin I can admit when I did something wrong. I really wish I didn't end up causing Lancelot's death. It's because we're at this point in our lives now that I can see looking back, without Lancelot there it truly condemned you to be Destiny's slave. Isolating you until you focused on just Arthur 24/7, if you blame yourself for the damage done to us than you have to blame me too."
Merlin looked at her with a stubborn tenseness in his gaze, before loosening with a soft tenderness. Caressing both of her cheeks, he leaned their foreheads together "Let's agree that neither of us are saints, and that if we had the ability to start everything over again we'd have far better lives."
Morgana smiled "I can drink to that."
"Well I guess that means I'm driving…"
She slapped his arm, rolling her eyes.
Looks like even with this, Destiny still hasn't sunk its teeth into Merlin.
Which means it'll be getting desperate…
"Speaking of driving, since Aithusa is as busy as she says…how are we getting out of here? Shall we call upon any of the others?"
"Nah let the kids be on their own, besides it's been sometime since we've been on a true open road trip. Time to make this a true holiday." Merlin's eyes flashed gold as he 'procured' a couple of camels that were sheltered with the archaeologists who were no doubt panicking as two camels from their guides had suddenly stormed off.
"Oh you're a bad boy aren't you?" Morgana teased.
"Tell me this doesn't make you feel fifteen centuries younger?"
"Hmph, race you to the nearest hub of civilization?"
"As soon as we count to three sure you're on."
As they both got on their respective camels, Merlin took one last look toward the direction of the tomb…of Lancelot.
Morgana waited, knowing Merlin was willing himself to say goodbye to a good friend even if said friend didn't realize it.
"You know there's one thing I will always one hundred percent agree with Kilgharrah on…"
Morgana was curious, she never liked hearing about the old lizard but for Merlin to bring it up when they weren't going back and forth on him…well she was curious.
"What is it?"
Merlin smiled as he turned towards the horizon, willing his charm to keep his reincarnated friend safe from any harm.
"Lancelot truly is the noblest of them all."
Morgana could agree with that she supposed, given what she has learned of Lancelot. Ugh fine she'll give the lizard that one.
"Great now…THREE!" Merlin took off which a speed enhancing spell on his camel.
Morgana took a moment to process… "WHAT?! YOU NO GOOD CHEAT! JUST WAIT UNTIL I CATCH UP YOU SCOUNDREL! UGH! YOU HAD BETTER WATCH YOUR NECK MERLIN!" Enhancing a speed spell of her own she took off after her irritating husband, clearly he's forgotten how creative she can be with her punishments…than again he'd probably be into that.
Ugh…!
I can't really see Merlin feeling any resentment towards Lancelot. He was the only Knight that for sure had Merlin's back, really knew him and accepted him despite working in a Kingdom that demonizes those like him.
While not directly responsible for his death, it does seem likely in this scenario that seeing Lancelot again brings Morgana feeling hollow. Knowing that her opening the veil led to Merlin losing practically his only ally that never really encouraged him to lie or maintain his secret, just to do the right thing.
Of course the shade thing? Eh he was already dead it was fair game haha.
Next chapter is maybe the last of their little break and we're back full steam ahead to the main plot
Honestly no clue how many chapters this story will ultimately have. I seem to keep getting new ideas that either outright replace or improve upon the old ones on a daily basis haha!
