Sorry this wasn't up yesterday. Just I have had exams all this week and yesterday was just a bit hectic to try and upload and revise.

But that is it until May so everything should be fine.

I have realised that I really need to get on with some writing so as I have a month off of Uni, I am going to try and write as much as I possibly can. I will definitely try and finish this story in particular.

I hope you enjoy :)

The Cave of Crystals

"I think this trip is in vain."

"Why?"

"Well I know something you could get her."

"Oh yeah, and what would that be?"

Arthur shook his head at his cousin. "Maybe you could ask for her hand in marriage. You have been courting for at least a year."

"Or two." Merlin sighed. "I will, don't you worry. I know that she has already planned out most of it. But I don't want to do it just yet. I want to make sure that I can rule Camelot like I want to before I do."

"Two years! When did you start courting?"

"You know when Morgana was 'kidnapped' by the druids." He waited for Arthur to nod. "Then."

"So what are you planning on getting her?"

"Why do you think we are on this trip? I don't think I can ask her what she wants. She believes that I got her something ages ago."

"What made her think that?"

"About a month ago, she mentioned that her birthday was coming up and I wasn't really paying attention because I was reading and she said something about me remembering and I hummed to agree and then from then she has believed that I have got her something. I have no idea what to get her."

Arthur laughed. "I am sure we will find something."

They have no idea how it happened or why it always happens to them but they found themselves running from bandits. Arthur was in front, being slightly faster anyway and knowing his way around the lands. Merlin breathed out a sigh of relief as an arrow shot pass his head and landed in the tree. What was it with people and arrows?

"Split!" Arthur shouted.

"What?"

"You carry on ahead and got through the valley of the fallen kings. They won't follow you. I will head right soon. We can meet at the edge of the darkling woods."

"Are you sure that is a good idea?"

He heard Arthur laugh. "They cannot follow both of us. They will have to choose who has more worth."

And as he said, Arthur turned to his right.

"Darkling woods?" Merlin asked.

"Darkling woods." Arthur confirmed.

Merlin carried on at the pace he was at. He could hear the bandits behind him, their feet hitting the floor hard than his. The leaves crunched underneath his feet and he swerved a few time to move out the way of trees and branches that littered the path. He had no idea what or where the valley of the fallen kings was but he knew he could trust Arthur when he said it was straight ahead.

He really wished that he hadn't spoken to Arthur. He was struggling to get his breath back in time with his steps and it was making him feel light headed. The terrain changed and Merlin found himself battling with rocks as well as trees.

He knew he was at the entrance of the valley. It took his breath away. The two statues that stood there were magnificent. Merlin tried to think about the time that it must have taken for them to be made. They must have been carved where they stood now. It was amazing at way the elements hadn't cause much damage to them. The only addition had been ivy.

Merlin took a look behind him. He had to see how many were still following. The group had definitely been spilt by them and it looked as though the majority had followed Arthur. Maybe they hadn't heard the news and thought that Arthur was still the heir to the throne.

He carried on but he knew that he was slowing down quickly. He had to find somewhere to hide.

At that thought he saw a cave and quickly ran into it, pressing himself up against the rocks that held it up. He held his breath and heard them run past him.

Merlin let go of his breath and spent a few moments to return it to its resting rate. His throat was dry and his legs started to shake due to exhaustion.

Emrys. The cave whispered.

He looked down, trying to see where the voice had come from.

Emrys, Emrys. It continued.

Merlin pushed himself off the wall and started to make his way through the cave. The further he went, the lighter the cave got until he reached the main body of the cave. It was filled with crystals.

This must have been where the crystal of Neahtid came from. He thought.

"You would be correct in thinking that Emrys."

Merlin turned to see a man standing there.

"I will cause you no harm Emrys. The cave has shown itself to you for a reason. Don't fear the crystals. They are just like you, made of magic."

"I didn't like what I saw last time."

"What makes you think this time will be the same?"

Merlin thought of his question as he stepped forward. If it had shown itself for a reason, was it because he had to stop something?

He looked into the crystal and allowed the images to come to him. He watched as Morgause and Morgana spoke. Morgause's pleas for her to join them, for her to see that he was weak and that magic would never really rule as it should do. He watched as Uther walked up behind her as they spoke and placed a rag against Morgana's nose. He watched her try and struggle out of Uther's grip for him just to follow Morgause while carrying Morgana.

The image changed to one of Morgana and Morgause standing on the balcony his father was killed on. Morgana dropping her arm and the screams of the people as they are brutally murdered. Her speech about magic being on top and everyone who doesn't possess the gift should serve those with, that those without were inferior and didn't deserve to live, that they should feel some part of what they have felt.

Merlin tore his gaze away and placed his head in his hands.

"She has two paths. She has two people to choose between. Love or Family."

The young king looked up at the old man. "Love or Family?"

"Everything will be made clear but remember what you have seen. Help her choose the right path Emrys. She is not just important for your destiny, but for your well being as well."

Merlin couldn't shake the images as he walked to the darkling woods. He would be lying if he said that it hadn't shaken him. Morgause was going to make a return and it seemed like Uther was on her side, which to Merlin made no sense at all. Why would Uther be on her side when she wants magic to be returned?

He thought went back to what Mordred had said to him when they last saw each other.

We want them to understand what it feels like to hate yourself for years, to have to hide who you are. He heard in Mordred's voice.

"Merlin, thank goddess. I feared the worse." Arthur said, pulling Merlin into a hug.

Merlin patted Arthur's back. "No still here. Two arms, two legs, ten fingers, ten toes and my head. Most of them followed you, didn't they?"

"I believe so." He said, letting go. "They couldn't keep up with me and I managed to lose them. Back home."

Merlin nodded. "I think that will be best."