Hello my dear readers,
Merry Christmas (or whatever thing you are celebrating)!
I wish you all all the best and love and everything you wish for!
I'll be brief and thank you all for reading and supporting me. And I will also give a special super huge thank you to my dear, fantastic Beta who's doing a formidable work at correcting my non native English (and following better than myself my plot haha!).
That's it then, leave a little word to tell me how you liked this chapter if you wish!
Enjoy!
Chapter 22:
Alice woke up far later than usual that morning. It wouldn't have bothered her except that she had planned to go to the market and buy supplies from one of the druid tribes coming from the south. She knew their products were very popular so she would have to rush through her morning routine if she wanted any hope to still find what she needed.
That probably was the reason she almost collided with Merlin. It looked like he had been about to knock at her door.
"Oh Merlin!" She exclaimed, putting a hand on her heart. "I wasn't expecting you here!"
The young man blinked, obviously a bit shocked at her sudden appearance.
"It's okay. You look in a hurry. Are you going somewhere?"
"Yes, at the market place actually. Do you need something?"
Merlin looked hesitant and Alice was reminded of what she had learned a few hours ago.
"It can wait." The sorcerer answered.
"You know what, you should come with me." She proposed. "I'm sure I will certainly find some use for a younger pair of arms."
Merlin nodded and gestured at her to lead the way before falling into step beside her.
While they walked through the corridors and streets, she couldn't help but observe him in a new light. She knew that, in truth, nothing had changed in him but it felt as if she was suddenly expecting magic to burst from him. Of course, she knew that wouldn't happen but it made her wonder. How much power did he really have?
If what Gwaine said was true, probably a lot and if so, how had he been able to keep it a secret for so long? It must have been hard for him. She knew only too well what not using magic could do to any magic user. And it became worse the more power you bore.
Curiosity made her want to ask him so many questions. It was, however, obviously not something they should discuss in public so she knew she had to wait. And she also wanted him to talk to her about it of his free will and not force him if he didn't want to share.
During her musings, they had arrived at the market place. It was alive with people dressed in colorful dresses. Some were selling trinkets, various cloth or food and, in one corner, an old woman was sitting in front of a table were small wooden animals were walking, obviously magically animated.
Alice caught Merlin's happy grin and glinting eyes as he turned towards the spectacle. She was about to comment on it when a young girl ran towards them and almost slammed into her companion who kneeled down at her level.
"Hey Lysa!" He greeted, hugging her.
"Hello Merlin! Did you see what this lady is doing! She's making a farm with wooden animals! She said we can buy them afterwards!" The six year old was clearly very excited as she tugged at the man's sleeve, trying to get him closer.
Merlin laughed whole heartedly, showing Alice a side of him she had only glimpsed at.
"This is amazing, isn't it? Will you ask your father to buy you one? It is nearly your birthday isn't it?" He asked kindly.
"Oh... No... We won't have the money. But it's okay! It's still great to watch!"
A man approached the pair.
"Lysa! There you are! Are you bothering Merlin again?"
"No." She answering, shaking her head with a flurry of hair.
"Don't worry, it's fine." Merlin reassured with another dazzling smile. "I'm happy to know she likes the druids."
"That she is. Well, we'll be on our way then, hey Lysa? I'm sure Merlin has much to do."
The girl looked sad but nodded.
"Okay. Bye Merlin."
"Bye Lysa, I'll see you soon."
Daughter and father left with a small wave.
"You're great with children." Alice commented, amused at seeing the man blush a deep red.
"As I said, I'm just happy to see druids being integrated into people's lives. And Lysa's birth was the first one I assisted Gaius with. She's a sweet girl and I just kept in touch with her and her family." He shrugged as if it was nothing important. "If you'll excuse me, I just have a little something to do and then I'll be all yours for carrying supplies."
Alice nodded and watched as he went to buy one of the toys. Obviously, this little girl would get her dream present. Smiling, the court physician turned her back and began her own shopping. One thing was true, Merlin was certainly selfless.
It was almost two hours later that Alice and Merlin returned to the castle, arms laden with herbs and supplies. They deposited their purchases on the main table to be put away later and Alice went to revive the fire to prepare tea.
"So." She said as she put out cups and tea herbs. "You said you wanted to talk to me about something Merlin."
"Ah, yes." The young man answered and sat himself down at his usual place at the table. "Well... I just wanted to make sure there were no hard feelings between us because I didn't tell you of my magic. In all honesty, I would have told you one day or another. It is just not something I am used to discussing or sharing with people. In fact, I don't think I ever willingly told someone..."
"Don't worry. I can understand why you didn't tell me. We're not exactly close friends either. But rest assured that I won't divulge your secret."
"I don't doubt it."
"One question thought. You're a Royal Advisor now. On Magical Affairs. So why isn't your magic public? From what I've seen, I'm sure many people would support you. Even with that."
Alice poured the warm water as Merlin smiled.
"Maybe." He answered softly. "But I also made many enemies along the way and with Arthur, we decided that it would be a better advantage to keep it secret so me or my family and friends won't be targeted."
"I understand. It must not be easy."
The secret sorcerer shrugged.
"I'm used to it. And it's already a relief to have my friends know."
They fell into a companionable silence as they slowly sipped their warm tea. Alice was still wondering if she would dare to ask him the questions that burn her lips.
"I'm sure you have questions."
The physician felt herself blush slightly at the younger man's perspicacity.
"You don't owe me any answers."
"I know. But I'm still willing to answer some."
Alice hesitated.
"Sir Gwaine told me you turned a dragon human."
She presumed it was best to begin with their most recent history.
"Ah... Yes... I did... Don't ask me how thought because I have no idea honestly. Gwaine got me drunk one night and we woke up to Kilgharrah being there, annoyed at us." Merlin laughed softly. "I think I read this incantation in a book, I didn't even notice I had it memorized before then."
"It's old magic." Alice commented. "I only heard talks about such things when I was younger."
"Really?"
"Yes. There always were stories about dragons being made humans by their dragonlords to protect them or to show them what life as a human being is like. It's ancient magic. It takes very powerful magic. I honestly always thought it was just a legend." She answered and saw Merlin blush once more before he took a sip of tea.
Silence fell for a little time.
"Where did you learn magic though?" Alice finally asked.
Merlin shrugged before answering with a wistful smile.
"Nowhere. I've had magic since I was a child. I came here to learn to control it with Gaius. And instead found out its purpose."
"And what is it?"
"To protect Arthur. To make a good man out of the prat prince I met." He answered with a smile.
"I think you've made a good work of it." She commented.
"Yeah. I think so too. He didn't always make it easy though."
Alice laughed well heartedly.
"I can imagine."
That's it, Merry Christmas again!
And if you are following the What Could Have Been collection, you may want to watch your mailbox tomorrow because my little finger tells me that Santa may have something for you ;).