Notes: It's been rather a long time before I have written a Merlin story following on from my reveal successor The Years of Albion. For various reasons my writing had all but dried up. Obviously, work had become a distraction and then when the pandemic hit, I found my art taking over in place of my writing.
But a year or so later I realised I was missing certain things, one of which was writing. While in essence I had moved on from Merlin, I never lost the love entirely. Suddenly I rediscovered my urge to write about the characters once again. So, here is the result a collection of stories that fit into the Out of the Shadows/ the Years of Albion stories. I have not forgotten the many lovely people who have read those stories, so wanted to revisit and begin delving into the wonderful world of Camelot. Please enjoy, and I hope everyone is healthy and happy. The collection begins with a Merlin/Mithian short story. Thanks to Wil1969 for her lovely graphic. 😊
An Afternoon of Contemplation
A soft breeze blew across the cliff, as Merlin and Mithian sat on the edge of the grass, looking across the valley. In this moment there was a contented silence between them, as each was lost in their own thoughts.
They had been married for a year and not for the first time, Merlin reflected how their time together had already flown by so quickly. So much had happened in Camelot itself as the magic ban had been lifted; so many tasks to do, people to convince, on the journey to uniting the Kingdom.
But Merlin had realised early, even before Guinevere had suggested it, that the one thing he had to do was to make the Princess of Nemeth, his wife. He realised from their earliest days together, it was one of the smartest decisions, he had ever made. He could not imagine a life without her now.
"What are you thinking?" Mithian asked, "I hope it's about me, as you look so happy."
"Of course, it's about you. What else would I be thinking about on this lovely day?" Merlin replied.
"The meeting with the Druids, writing notes for the Magical Council, seeing an endless line of people who need your help. Running errands for Arthur, Gaius and Gwaine. I could go on…"
Merlin laughed, "Point taken, it has been rather busy. I hope you haven't felt too neglected."
She put her arms around his neck, "I wouldn't change it for the world, despite everything."
"So, you don't miss the grandeur of Nemeth's court life?"
Mithian shuddered, "I never enjoyed that, I can assure you. All those confident egotistical young men, thinking they knew what was best for me!"
Merlin laughed, "I can only imagine the carnage you left on the floor as you left them in a heap."
Mithian laughed with him. "I am so glad, that fate had a very different path for me."
"How do you think your brother will do as King?" Merlin asked, lying back.
Mithian's brother had become King of Nemeth upon the sudden death of their father, King Rodor. He had been a victim of the winter's virus. It had taken everyone by surprise, Mithian especially despite her father's good age.
"I actually think he will come into his own. I know he can seem quite forward and maybe brash!" she admitted. "My father had always said that Nael was unlike him and my mother in character. He reckoned he was a throwback, to the bolder characters of his past family! Apparently, they had quite a history and backstory."
"That sounds quite notorious, you must tell me more about that," Merlin insisted, "to prepare me for what the future could hold."
"I think any children we have will be quite different!" she laughed. "Maybe like young Mordred."
"I want to thank you once again for taking him into our home. I know it can't have been easy in the beginning."
"It was never as difficult as you feared. When you are not around Mordred thinks of himself as my protector."
"That will be Arthur, I still can't believe he insisted in Mordred learning to fight so early on in his life."
"I think it's a good idea," Mithian replied, "He has to learn to defend himself and he is starting to come out of his shell now."
"Thanks to you. You've always had a good way with people, I always found it easy to talk to you."
"Yes, it's funny how easy we found it to relate to each other, considering our very different backgrounds."
Merlin nodded, remembering once again the many talks they had shared on his road to becoming Camelot's Court Sorcerer. It had all happened before her eyes and he had often marvelled at how clever she was at guessing his different moods during their many conversations. He had always felt from the moment they met, that she understood his fears and knew how to lead him to calmer waters.
In their first year of union that feeling had only intensified, as they had gone through their various journey of loss, challenges and triumphs. Merlin knew there would be more of all of those emotions in the years ahead. But as long as he had Mithian walking by his side, he felt he could face any issue. For she was the calm to his passion, the reassurance to his doubts and together they would make their mark on the new world, of Camelot's brave future.
