Hello my dears. I would like to thank Adele Chase, reptoholic, Guest, NCVII, Gingeraffealene, Holmes (Guest), Merille Marc (Guest), Guardian of the Inheritance, OechsnerC and Emrysmorgan for the lovely reviews. I would also like to thank those of you who have favoured and followed since my last update.
So here is the next chapter, there are not many more to go now, probably only another two. I would like to say that this is not how I had planned this story to go at all. that the resolution I have here is so very different to the one I originally had in mind, but then this story has constantly surprised me as I wrote it, so why would this chapter be any different?
Anyway I hope you like it.
Disclaimer: I do not own Merlin.
Merlin and Arthur returned to where Morgause was kneeling, Lancelot automatically stepping backwards to allow them the room to stand in front of her together.
"Well, what is my fate to be, my king?" She asked as she stared up at the two of them, waiting for them to share what they had agreed between them.
"I think I'll let my first advisor Lord Emrys tell you. It was his idea after all." Arthur replied with a smirk as he looked at Merlin who rolled his eyes in response.
"Thanks." He said before turning back to the sorceress kneeling before him. "We am going to give you the same choice that you gave Uther. I have an idea, that if it works will appease all, but if you do not wish to accept it, your other choice is death. Do you understand?" Merlin asked wanting to make it clear to Morgause that this was it. It was what he was going to say now, or nothing. There would be no third option.
"I do." Morgause replied sitting up straighter at his words. Something about the way he said them, about the undertone in his voice, told him that her goddess wanted her to listen. A feeling inside her told her that this was it. That this would be a turning point, not just in her own life, but that of many others. That her decision now, could change the future for more than she could possibly understand. This was about more than just her.
"I propose that you be imprisoned on the Isle of the Blessed. You will be striped of your title of High Priestess in the eyes of Camelot, and your magic will be bound to mine. You will never be able to leave the Isle, nor will you be able to harm another soul." Merlin said, stating only the bare bones of the punishment. There were things that those here did not need to know. Things that he knew by looking in her eyes Morgause understood, that those with magic would see with the words he had spoken, but things that Camelot did not need to understand. not yet, at any rate.
Morgause for her part stared up at Merlin when he spoke. She would be imprisoned on the Isle that had been her home. The Isle that was the source of the triple goddesses' power. It would be the perfect place for her to repent her sins. She could help those that came to her asking for it, as while her magic would be bound to Merlin's, she would still be able to use it. As long as she only used it for magic of the light. She knew of Emrys' power, and knew that he would be able to restrict her use of dark magic, but she could accept that. Could accept that the she would not be able to perform the rituals of the high priestess which needed those parts of who she was. This was to be a punishment after all.
Looking up at Merlin she knew he was giving her a chance to redeem herself in not only the eyes of the triple goddess, but the magical community as well. She could help teach them to not live in fear. Help teach them to live in harmony with those who do not understand their power. He was giving her a chance she had never thought would be hers, to live to see a Camelot where all were free.
"I accept your terms, Lord Emrys. And I will work the rest of my life to promote peace, between all our peoples." Morgause answered, bowing her head as she did so, showing him her promise and respect. He had found a way to bring peace to her people without any more death and destruction, and she would never turn away from that.
"Excellent. When can we do this?" Arthur asked gleefully. The knowledge that Morgause had agreed to what Merlin suggested was fantastic in his mind, now all they needed to do was perform the bonding spell, whatever that would entail, and then get her out of here before someone tried to kill her. Easy, right?
"You need to give her a trial, Arthur. Camelot needs to see her punished, and needs to understand the reasoning behind the decision to let her live." Merlin replied turning back towards his friend. Because as much as he wanted to bound Morgause's magic here and now, he knew he couldn't. They needed to do this properly, so that the people would accept magic when the time came for the ban to be lifted.
"You're right." Arthur agreed, though he sighed at the thought at trying to protect Morgause while he organised her trial.
"I will stand guard over her, while you organise what is needed." Lancelot offered from his position behind the two men. He knew they would both be needed in making the arrangements, not to mention all the other things they would need to do to see the kingdom restored.
"Very well. Take her to one of the guest quarters." Arthur agreed. He did not want her in the dungeons, they were too easy to break into and out of for his liking. At least if she was in a guest room they could keep a better eye on her.
"I'll go with you." Merlin offered. He still needed to talk to the woman in front of him, and it would be best to do so in a place where no one would overhear.
"Very well. I will convince the council to allow the trial and you can join me when you are done." Arthur agreed. And as he did so he realised it would give him the perfect time to tell them about Merlin's new status. And if he could also weave a story of how instrumental Merlin was in the taking of Camelot while he wasn't there to dispute him, well that was even better in Arthurs mind.
With that agreed Morgause rose from her knees and held her hands out in front of her, as if she expected them to cuff them. Of course at her action everyone looked at each other before realising they didn't have any restraints to put on her. It was Merlin who had the quick thinking to grab his neckerchief, pulling it off so he could use it to secure their prisoner. Oh he knew it wouldn't hold her, but hey, at least it would look to anyone they passed as if she was contained.
Once her wrists were tied Morgause gave Arthur a regal nod, before being escorted away by Merlin and Lancelot.
It took them some time to gain the room Merlin had in mind, mainly because he took the most roundabout route to get there, wanting to avoid being seen by as many people as possible. But finally they made it to the room, and leaving Lancelot outside he and Morgause made their way inside.
"Why did you save me, Emrys?" Morgause asked once the door was closed and her wristed released from the fabric restraint. It was a question she had pondered at the time, and now they were alone she felt the need to ask it. After all they had spent the best part of the year trying to kill each other. So what had changed?
"Morgana asked me to. She told me that our people would not rest if Arthur's reign started with your death." Merlin replied honestly. There was no need to lie, not to Morgause. He still wasn't sure about her. Wasn't sure if he was doing the right thing letting her survive. Wasn't sure that Albion wouldn't crumble at his feet for doing so, but he had to trust Morgana knew more than he did. Had to trust his heart that this was the right thing to do. Had to trust that in going against his own ingrained fear of allowing Morgause to live, would be enough to change the lady he loved destiny. Hoped it would be enough to convince her to help build Albion, rather than trying to tear it down.
"Ah, you love her, do you not?" Morgause asked, though she had no doubt of the answer. Only love for her sister would cause Merlin to stand in-between his king and his deserved vengeance. It seemed when she had decided to create the love spell over this boy she had set more into motion that she would ever understand, but she knew it was all good things. That this was the right way, a way she had not believed possible, but know knew was.
"I do." Merlin agreed. He was not going to deny his feelings. He was risking everything for them after all.
"Treat her well, Merlin. For no matter what may bind me, if you hurt her I will do everything I can to destroy you." Morgause responded, her tone perfectly even as if she was discussing the weather, and it was all the more chilling for it. Because he knew she meant every word. If he ever hurt Morgana Morgause would stop at nothing to get her revenge, not even the knowledge of her own death would prevent her from coming for him. It made him gulp just thinking about it, but he refused to allow her to see his alarm at her words. Therefore he spoke in a light tone of his own.
"I think Arthur would get there before you."
"But I am so much more vindictive than he." Morgause replied with a smirk he knew so well. It was just like the one Morgana used. It was the first time he had truly seen the similarity between the sisters. But then this was the first time he had ever truly had a conversation with Morgause where they weren't trying to kill each other, so there was that.
"True." He responded with a small smile of his own before he turned his mind to the things he had wanted to talk to her about. The things he needed to say. Therefore taking a deep breath he stood up tall and when he spoke his voice deepened into the tone Arthur associated with Emrys rather than Merlin. "The old region needs to change. The Isle of the Blessed needs to become a symbol of peace and posterity, not of darkness and cruelty."
"The gods require their worship." Morgause replied her eyes narrowing at the idea that they give up the worship of those that give them their powers. That would never happen. If they turned away from the gods, the world would burn. They could not do that. She would not let this man lead her people down that path of death and destruction, no matter what.
"I do not deny the gods such. But it is people who decide the form of that worship. There must be a way to satisfy them, and still main peace among their worshipers and others." Merlin responded without hesitation. He knew the gods needed worship, but he just didn't think they needed it to be so bloodthirsty, nor did it need to be at the detriment to the others they share the earth with. Surely there was a way to accommodate all the gods and their peoples without bloodshed. After all they all shared the same earth, why could they not do it peacefully?
"I will need to meditate upon this, consult the triple goddess." Morgause responded, not agreeing, but also not disagreeing. She knew he was trying to create a new world, a brighter world for all, and she would help him, as much as she could. But she would not turn away from the triple goddess to do so, and she knew all her people would feel the same.
"I understand, but surely as her high priestess you have a reasonability to your people, as well as the goddess." Merlin replied not budging from his believe that there was a better way, for them all. And if he could get her on his side, well it would go much better if the high priestess was with him rather than against, that was for sure.
Morgause stared at him at his words. Tilting her head to the side as if the angle would give her a different perspective of the man in front of her. He was so much more than she had ever thought he would be. But then he was Emrys, and while she had not paid much attention to the druid's talk of him, she knew enough, for now. Though the first thing she planned to do when she got to her imprisonment was to find a way to learn more of the destiny of Emrys. Learn more of the prophecies that surrounded the man.
"I am being to understand what it is my sister loves about you, Merlin Emrys. I believe our people will do well, being guided by your hand." She finally said, with a nod to herself as she did so. He was special in ways she did not know or understand, but she knew that much.
"Not mine alone, Morgana will be at my side." Merlin replied with conviction. Because there was no way he would give up on her now. He had done this for her, for the world she had seen, and he wanted her at his side while they built it, together. He loved her, and he was not going to give that up for anything. He would make her his, if it was the last thing he did.
"She will. I look forward to the future you will create, together." Morgause responded with a smile at the determination she could see in his eyes. She knew of the fight they had had, but she also knew her sister loved this man as much as he loved her. And she was sure that together they would do great things. And they were together now, they would always be. She knew that deep inside her. This was the being of something special, and she couldn't wait to see what it became.
Morgana rode into Camelot surrounded by the knights that had helped Arthur take back his kingdom. Well almost all of them anyway. Lancelot had not been present when they arrived to return the ladies to the kingdom. Though when Gwen had questioned his absence, both she and Morgana had been relieved to hear he was with Merlin and Arthur still. Gwen because Lancelot was a friend who had risked much for her in the past, whereas Morganas reason was more selfish. She was glad he was unhurt, because she knew if he had not been Merlin would not be happy. Nor would he be likely to help her make sure Morgause was safe.
Oh she knew her sister was not dead, but that did not mean that she would not end up that way later. Therefore she had already started to plan how she could rescue her from the dungeons. And she knew to be successful she would need Merlin's help. But surely he didn't want Morgause to die any more than she did. So he would help her, right?
She was pulled from her musings to find they were entering the courtyard, and for the first time their escorts relaxed the tight formation they had had around the two women who meant so much to the kingdom that was to come. Morgana looked up at the opening in front of her and found herself watching as Merlin and Arthur walked down the steps together. But it was not the same as it used to be. Before Merlin would always be a step behind his master hunched into himself trying to make himself seem less, whereas now he was standing tall as he walked at Arthur's side. This was Lord Emrys and the King approaching them in a way they had never been before. This was them as close to equals as they could be. This was the true men that they hid under their masks and performances.
Not to mention Merlin's normal clothes had gone. He was no longer wearing the threadbare red shirt, badly fitting brown jacket, and scruffy trousers. No instead he was wearing a crisp white shirt which even from this distance Morgana could tell was of high quality, over dark trousers that while loose, seemed to fit well enough. And as for the his jacket, it was now a stiff deep green material, that while not as fancy as Arthurs red one, was obviously one worn by a member of the court. It seemed his new status as first advisor was not just known, but accepted, or at least by the servants. As she could not think of anyone else who would have managed to find clothes that almost fitted him of the quality that was now his due in the short time they had had.
She was glad to see the change. Glad to see the signs of the different kingdom her brother was going to rule over already showing to paper over the cracks of what had been in Uther's reign. Of course she had more than that reason to be glad to see the acceptance of Merlin's new status. Because she knew that with it came the power she would need him to weld, to save her sister and through her their peoples future.
Merlin had spent the time between them capturing Morgause and the arrival of Morgana and Gwen either scowling at Arthur as he pulled him out of the shadows, making him play the part of first advisor, and being surprised by the number of people who accepted him in his new role. He had assumed the council and court would fight it, but not one of them even grumbled. Of course that might have been because Arthur had made him sound like some kind of hero. Had made it seem as if he had single-handedly saved Camelot and Arthur had just been along for the ride. Even when Merlin had tried to protest, Arthur refused to listen, and didn't allow his council to either.
Of course when George arrived in Arthurs chambers the moment they had left the council with new clothes he had tried to decline, but again he was overridden. Though this time it wasn't by his friend and king, but the stubborn man servant who seemed to have taken it upon himself to make sure the new first advisor was properly dressed for the role. Merlin tried everything, but it seemed nothing he said would change George's mind, and as such he found himself in the new clothes. He had never worn anything that felt so rich. Oh of course the shirt and trousers were too big for him, he wasn't sure where George had gotten them from but whoever there intended owner was, was bigger than Merlin. But they was passible with a belt, a close enough fit that no one would question it in the current state of Camelot. The jacket on the other hand fitted well, and he really rather liked the colour.
It was as George was fusing around checking the jacket length on his arms and body that Merlin caught sight of the gleam in Arthur's eye. Oh he knew what that meant, and there was no way he was having George as his servant. No, in Merlin's mind he would make a much better servant to the king. This thought made him smirk back at Arthur, as he knew if the servant had the choice, he would always choose Arthur. The silent battle of wills between the two men on who would have the joys of being served by George was only broken when a guard informing them that lady Guinevere and lady Morgana had returned. At those word both men moved quickly out of the room, wanting to see the one they loved and make sure they were truly okay. Make sure everything was as it should be.
Morgana watched as the two men approached, watched as they split without a word with Arthur going to Gwen and Merlin to her. It was as if they had planned it between them, as a way to show Camelot what the future would look like with them at the helm, but she knew they had not. No they were just going to the one they cared for most, wanting to be with the one they loved.
And there it was again, the thought that Merlin loved her. She couldn't stop herself staring down into his brilliant blue eyes when he was at her side. Couldn't help but see the hesitation in them as if he wondered if she wanted him there. But in truth he was the only one she wanted to see right then. The only one she wanted to be with. Therefore she did not take her eyes from his as she moved to rest her hands on his shoulders, saying without a word that she was okay with him helping her down. Nor she did not take them of his when his hands settled around her waist and he effortlessly lifted her from her seat. In fact she was still staring at him when her feet were once more firmly on the ground, her hands still resting upon his shoulders, the feel the thick yet soft material underneath them.
"Are you okay?" Merlin asked cautiously seemingly breaking Morgana out of whatever spell his eyes had put her under.
"I am sure I should be asking that of you, Merlin." Morgana replied, before taking a breath and speaking once more. "What of my sister?" She knew she shouldn't be asking that there, standing in the courtyard. But she needed to know. Needed to make sure she was as safe as she could be imprisoned in the walls of the kingdom she had tried to take over.
"Let me escort you to your room, no doubt you are tired." Merlin responded, not answering her question, but one look in his eyes told her that he would do so as soon as they were somewhere that he could.
"Thank you, my lord. That would be most welcome." Morgana replied, regally, moving so she could rest her hand on his arm so he could guide her through the castle, even if she knew the way perfectly well.
"Anything for you, my lady." Merlin responded, with a slight bow. His words meant more to her than the empty gesture that everyone else who heard them thought they were. Because to her they meant Merlin was for once putting her first. Was for once putting their people before their king. It was like music to her ears, and it was something she had been so afraid she would never hear. She had never been gladder to be proved wrong.
They moved through the castle without saying a word. There was no need to exchange small talk or pleasantries, Morgana was caught in too much tension to do so. She needed to know Morgause was safe. Needed to know that her people's future was a bright one. Needed to know Merlin had finally seen the bigger picture.
They finally arrived at her rooms, and nodding to the guard she swept inside, bringing Merlin with her before closing the door behind them. "Where is she?" She asked as soon as they were inside, turning to stare at the man with her.
"Currently, in one of the guest quarters under guard. I'll take you too her once we have talked." Merlin replied gesturing towards the chairs around Morganas fire that was already burning to take off the early evening chill that the room held.
"Then talk." Morgana responded impatiently even as she moved to sit.
"We've found a way to keep Morgause alive, that we believe everyone will be, if not happy with, at least content." Merlin started to say, before proceeding to inform Morgana of the deal he had made with both the king and the high priestess.
It was a long a convoluted tale, and one that if it had not been Merlin telling her, Morgana wasn't sure she would believe. But she knew he spoke the truth, and not just that, she knew he and Arthur would convince the council that this was the only solution to stop any more bloodshed between their peoples. It was ingenious, and so much more than Morgana had believed was possible. But she should have known better, should have known that when Merlin choose he would do so completely. Should have known that when he had decided to put her first, he would go above and beyond her wildest dreams. Because that was who he was.
Sitting there listening to his words as he told her of Morgause's future imprisonment, listening to him explaining how he planned to bind her magic, but only to the extent she could not harm anyone else, and how he had tasked her with creating a better way for their worship, she suddenly remembered the words that had been haunting her before all this had happened. The words she had heard whispered in her mind, and seen written in a book. Emrys. He is your destiny and your doom. Remembering them she finally understood what they meant.
They weren't about her per se, they were about her role as high priestess. He was the destiny of the last high priestess, for she loved him. Knowing what he had done for her, for their people, it had made those feeling settle inside her. Made her realise that she could put the past behind them. Because the feelings between them weren't about what they had done, but what they could do, together. Yes she loved Merlin, and she accepted he loved her in return. So yes, he was most definitely her density.
And as for her doom, it was not hers alone that those words spoke of, no he was the doom of the high priestesses, the doom of the old religion's current practises. He was the doom to the dark magic her sister had taught her, and she would be the last high priestess instructed in such things. But that was not necessarily a bad thing, because with their end, other practises would rise. Better ones that would allow all to worship any god they choose. The magic of the light would take over from the darkness that had shrouded the old religion for so long. It would change it, dooming the old and welcoming the new to bring it into the modern era.
Emrys. He is your destiny and your doom. Oh yes, she finally understood the true meaning of those words.
When Merlin finished speaking it was to find Morgana staring at him, in a way he had never seen her do before. He wasn't sure what it meant, but her eyes were soft. It was almost as if she was Morgana he had known before they became enemies, but it was also more than that. It was as if the two sides of her had finally come together to form a complete whole. As if the wonderful, caring, amazing woman he had once known, had fused with the one who accepted her magic. This was the true Morgana, he knew it deep inside himself where his magic lay. And just as he knew that, he knew this was the woman he loved with all his heart.
"I love you, Merlin Emrys." Morgana said softly into the silence that had surrounded them. And for the first time she knew she meant the words completely. This was not the boy who she had first cared for, not the man who had poisoned her. No, this was her Merlin, the man who had her heart. This was Merlin Emrys.
"And I love you, Morgana Pendragon." Merlin replied a gentle smile spreading across his lips as he did so. He had waited for so long, had placed so much on her speaking those words to him, and yet when she did so he did not think of how he was changing her destiny. Didn't think about how he was helping keep Arthur safe. Didn't think of the Albion he would create with her at his side. No he only thought about the woman in front of him and the joy he felt at knowing the love he had for her was returned completely.
With their declarations said they both moved as one, standing and meeting in the area between their chairs. One of Merlin's hands pushed into Morgana's hair pulling it from the simple knot it had been in so that he could feel it flowing through his fingers once more, while the other wrapped around her waist, pulling her body tight against his own whilst Morgana's arms wrapped around him, clinging to his shoulders as if he was the only thing keeping her standing.
And then their lips met. The kiss was fuelled by the passion they both shared. Fuelled by the loved they had just declared, and the complete understanding they now had of the other. Because now there were no more secrets separating them. No more lies or hidden agendas. No it was just the two of them coming together in their love. Just the two of them and their feelings for each other, nothing more.
Their magic rose up inside them both at their joining and swirled around them. It caused the wind to howl in a vortex around them, whipping all the curtains into a frenzy as the fire flared up in the grate as their magic was released from its shackles and joined together. It celebrated and it moaned, sang with joy and tears, for contained all that was good and bad within them both. But most of all, their magic worshiped the others, feeding off the power they each held, combining together in a way that none would ever be able to separate. Because this what their magic wanted, what it needed, and finally its human vessels had figured it out. Had finally figured out, that together they were far stronger than the equal of the two parts. Together they could do anything, and their magic couldn't wait to see where these two would lead.
And while they kissed, shared their love for each other destiny smiled down on the two it had chosen, so very glad they had chosen this path, rather than the multitude of others. For this was the one it had hoped to come to pass. The one of peace, for all.