Greetings Readers! Here is my next update! It's actually two drabbles I wrote for a challenge on TheHeartofCamelot - the prompt was to choose a big decision that a character had made and make them take a different path.
Warning: Mood whiplash, A LOT OF IT. The first is light-hearted, the second one features Dark!Merlin, which I try to avoid if possible. LOL
Disclaimer: I do not own Merlin or any of its characters.
What Might Have Been I:
"I have other crimes I wish to confess." The old sorcerer snorted slightly in amusement.
Arthur felt the urge to simply scoff – no matter what crimes the man had committed, his fate would not change. But there was something in those somehow familiar blue eyes that made him nod instead. "Very well. Guards," he said, turning to the men, "leave us."
The guards looked wary, but a glance from the prince made them quickly leave. Arthur turned to Dragoon, who looked as surprised as they that he was getting the opportunity. "What other crimes?"
The sorcerer opened his mouth and then closed it, looking lost for words.
"There aren't any, are there?" Arthur couldn't believe he was idly conversing with a sorcerer, but the words just came out. "You didn't even commit this one – I know I wasn't enchanted." He took a step forward. "So why would you say you enchanted us?"
The old man took a deep breath. "It was the only way."
"Only way to what?"
"The only way to save Gw-the young woman." The old man replied. "She is an innocent, and I could not see her suffer."
"Why?" Arthur asked, dumbfounded. This was challenging all he knew about sorcerers.
"Because," the old man smiled, "she is your destiny, Arthur. She will help make you into the king you are destined to be." He stood up straight and looked the prince in the eyes. "Far from bringing shame here, she and you will bring a light into this kingdom the likes of which have never been seen."
"And…" Arthur's mind was reeling, "you would put your own life on the line for that."
A genuine smile crossed the man's face. "Always."
Arthur nodded numbly. And then he came to a decision.
The guards heard a loud thud and ran to find the prince on the floor and the warlock gone. They were so preoccupied they didn't notice the lack of injury on the prince.
Or the smile that was crossing his face.
~.~
What Might Have Been II:
Merlin stayed until the last of the fire hissed into steam as it hit the water of the lake, watching the embers burn into nothingness. Then he closed his eyes, waiting for the numbness of grief and acceptance to overtake him, knowing that Freya was finally at peace.
It didn't happen.
Instead, it was as though the fires burning her body now entered his very soul, searing him and enflaming his mind and magic. His fists clenched. It wasn't fair.
How much more was he supposed to sacrifice? Why couldn't he ever be happy?
He was sick of being destiny's puppet, his life being toyed with like some divine game.
He had nearly lost his mother, Gaius, his own life. He had lost his home, his best friend, his innocence. His hands had spilled blood, and he could never clean away the stain. But destiny wasn't content with that.
It had taken Freya from him.
He knew what destiny wanted: to go back to Camelot, to privately forgive Arthur, and go on being a puppet. And he might have done that once. But not any more.
Merlin refused to play servant to the one who killed his love, and help him to be the king destiny said he would be. He was leaving – and he was not leaving quietly.
The magic began to coil around him, animalistic, unbridled, terrible.
The trees ripped about in the torrent of wind and fire that thundered and circled Merlin like a deadly halo.
Merlin had never felt such anger, such power. And now, he didn't care. All that mattered was his revenge.
He turned towards Camelot, missing in his rage the desperate waves lapping onto his feet, begging him to stop.
He walked towards Camelot, his eyes blazing gold. And he never looked back.
A/N: Your head wheeling from the mood whiplash? Sorry.
Thanks for reading, and please review! They make me happy!