Hope everyone's doing okay :)
The meat and potatoes of the story will hopefully go at a reasonable pace
Not Beta'd at some point I'll be polishing all the chapters from 11 onward. Maybe around the end of the 2nd act
Shoutouts to OechsnerC godric777 TicTac34 for your kind words :)
When Morgana awoke several hours later, she didn't exactly feel better but well enough to not be completely dead on her feet. The sun appeared well into the sky so she knew that it was morning, confirmed by the clock revealing that it was a quarter past Ten. Not surprising given her long night.
What was surprising however…was her wayward husband wasn't laying beside her.
Even if he was awake, he usually waits for her to rise as well if he's the first to wake up.
"Maybe he's using the loo?"
Then she heard some noise coming from downstairs. Hmm curious, Morgana decided she wasn't going to find anything out being stuck in bed.
Tying her messy hair in a knot she made a quick pit stop in the restroom to freshen up and once she was satisfied enough she made her way to…the kitchen? Was this music…? Huh? Heaven by DJ Sammy. One of the few modern songs Merlin actually likes.
Her nose smelled something…smokey…oh no is this what she thinks it is…?
"DAMN IT! PIECE OF SHIT!"
Yep…looks like Merlin's cooking again…
Well time to check the damage…
Merlin wasn't a bad cook, if it's on some pot and campfire outside. The only thing he really knows how to do in a modern conventional kitchen is making soup. Which is why they agreed to let her do the cooking indoors…for the sake of their sanity. Of course if they were ever camping and she wanted their old traditional recipes well, Merlin's the guy for the job. And man does he make a mean beef stew.
It's all funny really, it's not like Merlin needs to eat, immortal and everything. It's a luxury, one she's jealous of. She can't age and few things can kill her, like starvation. Still when he does eat Merlin tends to mostly go towards nuts, fruit, the occasional fish and vegetables. It was only in recent times throughout their marriage that she got him to open up a bit towards other cuisine. Primarily east Asian and Italian, due to their significance in their lives.
As she stepped into the kitchen she began coughing from the burning smoke littering the air, magicking the windows open to air out the house.
She saw Merlin…attempting…to make a traditional British breakfast…
The toast and eggs looked decent enough, tomatoes were too dry, sausage was a bit too charred, bacon too greasy, the beans? Those beans were fucked…how did Merlin manage to burn beans?
"I mean…it's the thought that counts?" Morgana had to give that to him at least.
She turned off the music from the oldest radio in existence…okay well more like 12 years? She kept telling Merlin it was obsolete but nope he isn't going to toss one of the few technological marvels he took time to actually learn to use. Tck…
Merlin turned and saw his wife looking at him with a raised brow as if to ask "Need some help?"
No. He had it all planned, he'd surprise Morgana with one of her favorite meals and then go off to work out their renewal ceremony. He really didn't want to use magic for it either, it would be more meaningful if it came from his own two hands. He figured how hard could it be if he put his mind to it? It's been so long since he nearly burned down the home the first time around…105? 106 years? Surely he can do better this time…
Well it seems there are some things he's just never going to be the best at. He'll stick to wood-fires and pot ovens…
"I'm sorry, I just really wanted you to relax today. You know, after last night well…look you always cook so I wanted to return the favor."
Morgana posture relaxed, honestly he was a dear for this. Of course she had to wonder if he knew she was feeling a bit under the weather…? She really needed to get this checked out before she made it known to him, just in case it's a false alarm.
She went over and gave his lips a peck. "Oh Merlin, you already do things for me. Like well your garden. I don't know the first things about planting food and harvesting but you do and you excel at it. You really don't have to go through all this trouble just to prove something to me."
Merlin nodded, understanding that essentially what she's saying is stay out of the kitchen.
"That doesn't mean however I don't appreciate it. I love you."
Merlin looked back up at his wife, and melted at her smile before embracing her and gently kissing her. When life was like this, it made everything else seem insignificant by comparison.
When he reopened his eyes…he did see his reflection behind Morgana. Its arms crossed and held a judgmental look.
Merlin ignored it, and focused on Morgana who was suggesting that his attempt at breakfast could still be salvaged.
"I mean all things considered you made everything else…but let's redo the beans, I'll walk you through it."
Merlin chuckled, rubbing his head as he tossed them in the bin.
Finishing up a fresh batch of breakfast beans went a lot smoother with Morgana coaching him…kinda hard not to when she was a drill sergeant about it.
They decided to eat out back, among the plants of the garden and the fresh open air. Fortunately Merlin magicked them both sweaters to keep the cool air at bay. This garden really was his pride and joy. Utilizing the skills he learned throughout his early life in Ealdor as the son of a farmer, really giving his eternal life some kind of self made purpose. His connection to the earth always informed him when any crops grew poor or were about to be ready for harvest.
He still didn't really care for hunting, fishing was fine since he can always throw them back and it helped pass the time in a calm manner. Unless of course he spotted one he knew Morgana would love to ravish over a fire. He himself didn't really mind especially if he caught a fat one.
Morgana however was a Pendragon and it seems all Pendragon's love hunting. He supposes that at least she isn't stupid enough to shoot down a Unicorn…
Let's not go there…
He kept seeing Emrys staring at him with an annoyed look, shaking his head as if he's disappointed in him…maybe a bit angry.
Well he can sod off!
The last thing he and Morgana need is a repeat of last night.
Luckily for Merlin, this time Morgana was also lost in her own head.
She figures she can get someone to check on her when she gets Merlin to Dr. Crook. Hopefully it isn't what she fears, all the signs weren't really the same so maybe she's just worried over nothing…not that it would be bad per say. But she had her hopes dashed before…and it ruined her.
She then blinked when she noticed a glowing blue butterfly landing on her nose.
Merlin laughed as he leaned his face on his arm, "You're lost in thought, something on your mind?"
"Just something I need to verify first, I'll let you know as soon as I find out myself."
"Are you alright?"
"I feel fine right now, but I was thinking of getting a physician to check me out when you see Dr. Crook for your medication refill."
Merlin frowned at the reminder…yes he did say that last night didn't he. *sigh*
"Well I suppose if you're going to be doing that, I'll make myself busy today." His reflection's eyes gleaming at the suggestion, nodding in approval. As if Merlin needed his permission to do anything…
Morgana wondered what he meant before remembering his…pledge to Cathair.
Well, it's not like she wouldn't have done the same once upon a time. She can definitely get behind scaring the Sidhe back into submission anyway. Than there's Sigan to worry about also...
It really seems like they're being assaulted in so many directions at once. What with Sigan, the Sidhe, Destiny…makes it all so hard to breathe. Especially now if the physician gives her news that would only add more onto it.
"Well look, I just hope that you put the fear of the Divine into those pesky faerie's…just come back safe and sound yes?" Morgana looked deeply into Merlin's eyes as she said this.
Merlin's reflection began to glare at her head, while Merlin ignored it and nodded affirmatively to his wife. Understanding her true plea "Please don't lose control."
"I shouldn't be gone long, probably back by supper."
"If all goes well you mean."
"If the Sidhe want to try something, they'll meet the same fate as that swine Cathair…"
This was perhaps one of the few things Merlin and his reflection truly agreed on wholeheartedly. The Sidhe have gone too far aligning with Cornelius Sigan and now they pay the price…!
But he kept his composure…they'll be time to let loose later. He actually hopes the Sidhe attack him, at least then he can have an excuse for Morgana when he returns.
"Well…then those are our days, I'll call once you've left. I want to take it easy for the rest of the morning." Morgana rested her head back on the cushioned reclining chair enjoying the breeze.
"Agreed, once I'm done with this nonsense…let's get started on planning our Renewal Ceremony. I know you'll definitely want to have the reins on that one…" Merlin caught a bean in his mouth she threw before swallowing it, sticking his tongue in a mocking show of retaliation.
Morgana rolled her eyes at his antics before resting her eyes. Well she feels tired again, not a good sign.
Merlin decided now was a good time to get going, he magicked a blanket to place over Morgana before taking the dishes to their respective places on the sink.
"She seems really out of it today, least I can do is make sure everything is in order before I leave."
Once the dishes were clean and the kitchen as spotless as when he first entered it, he dressed himself in his usual attire of brown and white flannel with a blue t-shirt underneath, dark blue ripped denim jeans and brown construction boots.
"Let's make them regret crossing us Merlin."
Hearing Emrys' words, Merlin had nothing to refute his reflection. His face became an expressionless calm.
Time to face the music…
Meanwhile
Arthur and Mordred made their way to the Lake of Avalon, both knowing exactly wear to go they decided to leave bright and early.
"Hey Arthur…"
"Hmm? What is it?"
"It's just…do you think we're ready for this?" Mordred was starting to second guess their actions. His last Destiny wasn't exactly one that was…fulfilling seeing as how he died after giving Arthur a fatal wound.
Would this next one be even better?
"...I can't give you an honest answer. We simply won't know until we find out once and for all."
"But how do we know the Lady of the Lake even knows our Destiny? Wouldn't she have told you the second you returned to this world?"
"I thought so as well, but if Aithusa truly believes that this Freya is the key to solving this mystery then what choice do we have?"
Mordred bit his lip "I just worry for what we'll find."
"..." Arthur certainly wasn't excited at hearing what he had to do. He just wanted to get it over with so that he can be reunited with Gwen.
They finally entered the lakeside, up ahead into the distance was the Isle of the Blessed. Protected for all these centuries with magical runes apparently according to Aithusa. Arthur assumed either Merlin or Morgana ensured that the once haven to the Priests and Priestesses of the Old Religion would remain intact, hidden from the attention of the masses.
"So what now…?" Mordred didn't exactly see the Lady anywhere in the Lake, maybe she only comes out during a certain hour?
"Hmm…" Arthur knew that Freya dwelled in the Lake…so maybe…?
He squatted down and stared into the Lake…he just hopes this works otherwise this will be very embarrassing.
Well lucky him because after a few moments, a raven haired woman's face replaced his own reflection, causing Mordred to stumble back in surprise while Arthur smiled that his intuition was proven correct. Of course some magic guardian would feel that he was there.
As Freya emerged her upper body above the lake's surface, the rest of her body being one with the water, she cordially smiled at the Once and Future King. Giving Mordred a once over, she nodded to him as well.
"Aithusa told me to expect your arrival, I see you don't waste time your majesty."
Ok so maybe Arthur had nothing to do with her arrival…but still…!
Ah, at least someone knows how to treat a King with respect.
This woman however, she seemed…familiar, who is she?
"My Lady, please forgive me for my lack of grace. I assure you I have great respect for your position and your power." Mordred gave a deep bow…Arthur rolled his eyes at his brown nosing display.
Freya chuckled "Peace Mordred, you give me too much credit. I am merely the gatekeeper to Avalon, I can't exactly leave this place even if I wanted to take offense." Waving off the boy with a giggle she turned back to Arthur, who was trying to make sense of who he was looking at.
"Why did she seem familiar? Did I know her from the past? Arthur swore he never saw her before, but he can't shake this feeling like…like it was an important moment in their history.
Freya took pity on Arthur as she relieved him of his thoughts, "My King, your thoughts are loud. Do be careful with that when you're around those who can perceive them as well as I."
Arthur blushed while Mordred snickered, ignoring the brat he asked her "Well than? If you can read my thoughts then can you answer my question?"
Freya hummed…this wasn't really what they were supposed to be here for, but she supposed there wasn't a harm in revealing this little fact. The quicker they can move on from it the better.
"Prior to my place as the Guardian of Avalon, I was but a simple Druid girl named Freya. Cursed by a witch for the death of her son, hunted by the man Halig. I was the beast you slew many years ago. The Bastet."
Arthur's eyes widened "Halig was the hunter who was supposed to present my father a Druid girl…now I remember! SHE was the Bastet?!"
Mordred wondered what this was about, he supposed it happened before he joined the Round Table.
"So this is what you really look like…" Arthur was at a loss, when he slayed the Bastet he felt relieved. He had saved Camelot from a vicious beast…and now he wonders if perhaps that could have been avoided…?
"I don't blame you Arthur, I even told Merlin at the time that it was no one's fault for what happened. I'm glad you stopped me from hurting more people, and now I've been at peace as Lady of the Lake." Freya assured him.
Mordred wondered about her connection to Merlin now that she brought him up, he wasn't the only one…
"So Merlin really did free you, he helped you escape." Arthur figured that would be something Merlin would have done…or still do? He wishes he knew for sure.
"Indeed, though our moments together were among the best in my life. I knew that they weren't going to last, for I filled the place of another in his heart."
"Morgana…"
"You two were together?" Mordred picked up the slack Arthur was leaving since he looked like he was having an existential crisis.
Freya snorted "Gentlemen I do believe you're not here for gossip yes?"
Mordred stuttered a bit before straightening up at the reprimand, Arthur however…
"So this girl…is why Merlin seemed so down that day. I killed his friend…"
"Your majesty, as I said I hold no ill will toward you. And neither did Merlin as he himself told me with his own tongue that he forgave you for it when he saw me after that fateful encounter."
"Even if he did, how many more did I end up killing that meant something to him? How could a man remain loyal after that? I certainly wouldn't forgive anyone if Gwen were killed right in front of me…"
"Arthur…?" Mordred nudged him, bringing Arthur back to reality as he looked at Freya with a serious gaze.
"I must say to you two, that this is quite…unprecedented." Freya figures she should rip off the band aid immediately but how to even start?
"What is?" Arthur asked.
"..."
"My Lady?" Mordred wondered what could be holding her tongue.
"Well for one, you were never supposed to be brought back Mordred, at all."
Both men looked shocked, Mordred most of all. What was she saying? He was supposed to remain dead?!
"And you Arthur, your return was supposed to usher in the return of magic to the world. Where the world would once more sing your hymns and you restore peace and harmony to the land. Alongside Merlin."
This is the first Arthur's heard of this, he knew that Freya told him before that his Destiny was tied to Merlin. He never knew the specifics…
Restoring magic? Arthur? How? And more importantly…why?
"My Lady, if those were our fates then how do you explain why we're here like this? I'm clearly not dead and Merlin rejected Arthur. Hell Morgana wouldn't even let us near him when we sought them out…"
Freya looked grimly at Mordred, things were worse than she thought…this wasn't how events were supposed to unfold.
"Morgana…she's another one that was never supposed to be."
Arthur narrowed his eyes, he knew it! Morgana had to have done something!
"She was supposed to remain dead as well, her resurrection and subsequent immortality goes against all that the Fates themselves planned out."
"Enough riddles Freya! Please just tell us what you mean by all this!"
Mordred glared at Arthur for his disrespect but Freya interrupted before their bickering could begin. "The Prophecy of Emrys and the Once and Future King was very clear, you Arthur would usher in the Golden Age of Albion and restore magic to the land uniting all in peace and harmony with Emrys at your side. However if you neglected the Old Religion, than you would meet your end at Mordred's hand at Camlann."
Arthur's eyes widened, all this time he and Merlin were some grand prophetic figures? Even back when they first met? Beyond?!
"Whereas Mordred, you and Morgana were destined to be in an alliance against Arthur and Merlin. Ultimately meeting your end at Arthur's hand and Morgana at Merlin's. Neither of you were supposed to return to this world."
At this point, Mordred was trying so hard not to hyperventilate…he's never been so confused all his life. Arthur grabbed his shoulder, trying to calm the boy…it's hard. To try and separate his once protege and the dark fiend who ran him through. Same as with Morgana, his once kind and just sister to the evil witch who killed their father and tried to control their home…
"So what you're saying is our fates were altered?" Even Arthur was impressed by his measured tone, as expected from a King.
Freya nodded, "I don't know how, but the fact of the matter is that because everything is completely different…I have no way of knowing what your true purposes are now."
Arthur and Mordred slumped, so Aithusa made them go here for nothing? Ugh this is the last time Arthur puts his faith in a Dragon!
"However…"
They both turned back at the Guardian of Avalon as hope rekindled in their souls.
"The only place that can possibly give you the answers you seek lies in the birthplace of all magic…"
Arthur than saw Freya sink deeper into the lake, quickly he called out "Wait! I don't know what that is! Come back!"
It was all for naught, the Lady of the Lake has returned to her duties and the magical atmosphere around the Lake dwindled back to ordinary.
"Arthur it's alright, I know what she's talking about." Mordred assured him.
"Hmm? Well I'm all ears." Arthur leaned against a tree trying to process all that he just learned.
"She speaks of the Crystal Cave, I've been there before. Of course nowadays I'll have to try and pull a few satellite tricks to pinpoint the exact route and see how much has changed over the years but I'm sure I can find it again."
"Ah yes…your tech skills" Arthur added air quotes, causing Mordred to roll his eyes.
"Mock me all you want, but those tech skills are more useful than any sword ever could in this day and age."
"Easy for you to say, you at least had most of that knowledge before you regained your memory. I was just plucked out from what was essentially the stone age compared to now." Arthur grunted.
"Well look, you're at least talking less like you're from a Shakespearean play…so that's something?"
Clearly this era has severely limited Mordred's maturity…
"So…I guess we wait until you know where the place is?"
Mordred nodded, "I mean I don't know about you, but I don't feel like rushing head first into this, considering that…I'm not even supposed to be here…"
Arthur couldn't begin to understand that feeling, whether fate changed or not he was always supposed to be here.
"Ugh, I guess I'm still going to be at that fucking McDonald's!" How did this become Arthur's life?
"Oh Absolutely." He's gonna kill this kid…again! Arthur was fuming as he and Mordred made their way back towards civilization, now with more clarity on their paths ahead.
10 minute earlier
Merlin was basking in the presence of all the trees, plants, grass, wind…it was so peaceful out here.
Of course that would no doubt change once he got to Avalon but…no rush right?
"I can't believe all it takes for us to lose focus is for her to smile."
"I thought I made it clear to stop uttering us Emrys?!"
His reflection either didn't hear him - impossible - or just flat out ignored him - incredibly likely.
"Look, Morgana is a jewel. We know that…but we have a higher purpose than wallowing away an eternity in some vagrant farm in the middle of bloody nowhere."
"Tck, there's nothing wrong living a humble life!"
"This has nothing to do with humility and everything to do with being complicit to evil."
Merlin walked faster, wanting nothing more than to bash his head against a rock…maybe than he'll finally have silence!
"The longer we pretend that everything is just fine and dandy…the more damage the world will suffer at the hands of these ugly creatures."
"You judge the mortals too harshly…"
"We judge them fairly. Look at that mongrel Sigan…would he have even been an issue with that wretched faerie, had we simply fulfilled our duty decades ago?"
"The people should not suffer the consequences of one man…"
"We can name an entire list of examples on the sins of humanity and still not have enough paper in the world to list them all. Why deny what we both know is true?"
"Because you're ruthless..."
"It's because of her. She's someone with which we find meaning in our existence. She is the only redeeming quality these…apes have created."
"Morgana is so much more than that…I failed her…"
His reflection hugged him in a shocking expression of comfort. "We failed her, we failed the world. We turned our back on the Earth's suffering and allowed the disease to fester. Now we're approaching the point of no return, if we continue to do nothing…we may as well bury our loved ones ourselves Merlin…"
"..."
He hates to admit it…but Emrys is a lot easier to listen to when he isn't busy lecturing him…
But to do this…how could Merlin even consider it?!
Then Merlin sensed a strong aura approaching him at high speed…he grew serious.
He wasn't too far from the Lake…and he's pretty sure he never summoned her…so why is Aithusa flying towards him?
"What does she want?"
Hmm wonder what our lovely Dragon is thinking? :)
Hope you guys liked this, please leave any thoughts and suggestions you have in the comment section, love you!
