Disclaimer: Can you believe I still don't own Merlin? :P
A.N. Hello magical readers! I hope you are enjoying the story so far! I did change the rating to Teen for now because the Mature parts wont be for awhile so I will change back when I post them. Thank you for everyone who has reviewed but again as always I ask please Review! :) I hope you all enjoy Nimueh's mark Episode 3 of Merlin!
I just got finished buying several apples from Cindy, as I started to walk to Gwen's house. We planned on spending some quality girl time before she had to report to my sister Morgana this morning. As I slipped into the trails of Camelot smiling politely at everyone I began to wonder what it would be like to be a commoner. Sometimes I craved the independence of working for yourself and not to be choked to death by society's rules and regulations. I was proud of whom I was the youngest daughter, Duke and Duchess of Cornwall but I knew it would be easier on me to be simply a maid or even a blacksmiths daughter. Being the ward of King Uther was difficult at times, it did have some perks but there was always the constant stare and whisper about you. I was constantly judged by the King and other nobles for being friends with 'servants' or for running around with the orphanage children. Just last night King Uther did his monthly lecture on the matter of separating yourself from the lower class and not let them see as a friend, needless to say we have the same argument all the time but Uther ends up huffing and puffing himself out of the room leaving me to do what I want till the next month of course. It upset me greatly when I know for a fact my sister is great friends with Gwen but Uther says nothing of this. He blankly favors her to everyone's knowledge; I don't get angry at Morgana because I know she doesn't ask for any of it. The only good thing that was brought from King Uther favoring my sister was that he left me alone most of time caring little of what I did and who I did it with as long as I was safe. But as soon as I reached "womanhood" the king was correcting everything I said and did, it was a surprise when Morgana told me why he was going to these lengths to teach me how to be a Lady of Camelot.
"Well, little Lyanna, you're a woman now and Uther sees potential for future alliances with other lands" Morgana explained gently "You are asset of Camelot and you will strength the bonds with foreign territory by marriage if possible."
I was furious! No way will I be shipped off to some man I don't know like I was cattle. I yelled about how fair it was
"Wait a minute; you are bloody older than me by four years! He should be looking for you! I pointed out although the thought of us being torn apart sadden me deeply.
"Perhaps he has, but it has been right under you nose all along" she replied by tweaking my nose. Then I realized what she meant and I looked at her with wide eyes. She thought Uther wanted her to marry Arthur, she would be his Queen! I had no doubt in my mind that Morgana would make an excellent queen and would be able to handle Arthur's ever-changing moods, but that info did not help the knot in my stomach. I quickly changed the subject and we never talked about it again.
I made my way to Gwen little home just in time to see Tom leave to go to work. I saw them say a few words to each other with smiles on there face and hugged good bye. A pang hit me realizing I would never have that. My father would never be able to make me smile or laugh. Realizing how depressed I sounded I tried to cheer myself up by skipping towards Gwen and giving her a hug. We planned to spend the day picking flowers again and have a small breakfast picnic. Gwen truly was gem, she was sweet and deserved all the happiness in the world, and just being around her was refreshing. When we talked there was no status between us (granted it took Gwen awhile to lighten up and she still did the loyal maid routine whenever there was company with us). Giggling and laughing like a bunch of little girls as we ate delicious apples and made flower bracelets and necklaces together. I also made myself a violets and wild red rose's crown, Gwen laughed as I placed it on my head saying I looked like some type of 'Fairy Queen'. I kept the crown on as we made our way to the castle on our way though we saw Merlin and Gaius.
Gwen and I went over to say hello, they seemed to be standing near some type of covered up items in a wheelbarrow. "What are you doing?" Gwen inquired.
"Err...just moving something." Replied Merlin with a small smile.
"Ohhh looks heavy, can we help?" I asked
"Oh no! No! I got it, didn't I tell you, Gwen; I am stronger than I look. Um it's nothing really. Err...soo has somebody getting you two flowers? He continued to ramble on.
"Oh! No!" Gwen giggled touching her daisy necklace "Me and the lady Lyanna picked them today, would you like one? Hmm A purple one. Purple suits you. Not that I'm saying red doesn't suit you. Or blue...you look very nice in blue... and red!"
"Thanks. Well, I'd love one..." Merlin said while sticking a violet in his red scarf.
"Awww!" me and Gwen gushed at the same time. Gwen realizing how late it was excused herself with a blush to Merlin and I. Merlin was staring at me rather oddly as if his mind was having a tug a war fight.
"May I tell you something, Lady Lyanna?" Merlin asked
"Anything Merlin my friend but you don't have to say lady when no one is around" I answered back
"You are not like any other noble woman I know, you seem to look past status's and wealth. You befriended me in a heartbeat and I just wanted to say thank you, you are breath of fresh air to talk to after hours of being with Prince 'I am a Prat' Arthur." He said rather quickly. I was about to thank Merlin for his kind and certainly out of the blue words till I heard a voice sneak up from behind us.
"Merlin where have you been? You were supposed to polish my armor hours ago! Of all the stupid idiots I had to get to be my servant –" began no other than prince Arthur "Lyanna, what are you doing here?"
"Just passing though Arthur don't get your breeches in a twist" I replied
"My breeches aren-WAIT has someone been giving you flowers? He asked with a tight voice staring at my crown.
"No, not unless you count Gwen. Well I am late, boys it been a pleasure as always "I smiled at both men. Walking towards the Morgana's chambers to see how my older sister was doing. I could make out Arthur's barking all the way down the hall. Poor Merlin my mind thought having to deal with Arthur all the time. I made my way to Morgana chambers with ease. Gwen seemed busy at work stripping Morgana's bed of her sheets as talked animatedly about meeting Merlin today. Morgana smiled at my presence and gestured to the seat in front of her, I slinked my way in. After Gwen finished her mini speech of Merlin, Morgana began telling us what was moving on the rumor mill apparently some type of sickness was spreading through Camelot, killing anyone who comes in contact with it. I bite my lip looking worriedly out the window, if this rumor was true Camelot was in trouble.
In no time at all it seemed as if the rumor Morgana told us was completely true and the horrible thing is Uther thought magic was the villain. I came across Arthur and a few knights patrolling/searching everywhere several times as I tried to go through my normal day to day activities. I made no attempt to talk to Arthur for anyone who was miles away could tell he was in his warrior mode. No doubt I thought that the king told his son that he must find out what is making the people of Camelot ill and vanquish it immediately. As the day dragged on it so did the number of people infected with this mysterious deadly disease. It was no secret that people were dying left and right and Gaius had no cure for the disease. King Uther proclaimed a strict curfew for Camelot's subjects, No one was allowed onto the streets after the great bell. Also Uther was blocking off the lower level of the city. The lower level is what worried me the most; the orphanage was located there and by isolating it they would not be able to get the supplies. Without supplies how are the children and the people for that matter able to fight off this horrible illness? I pleaded for him to wait a day before he officially isolated them in order for them to receive the king's donations and have market, but all the king did was look at me with sad expression and told me he could not afford losing any men. I was about to argue with him but knew it was pointless, so instead I made a plan.
The rest of the day I spent gathering and storing all the supplies and non-perishable food I could get my hands on. I piled them all in the corner of my closet and waited for nightfall to do my daring delivery. I snuck in Gaius quarters to get some plants and herbs that are well known for their healing attributes. My plan was to wait until the moon was high and bright and makes my way down to the blocked off part of the city and deliver the good to Cindy who would evenly distribute the goods to the children. Plus I had to make sure to avoid all guards because if I got caught I would receive more than just a lecture from the king. I dressed in a black tunic and pants I had buried in my closet and tied my hair in a knot on my neck. I packed all the goods I was able to gather in a big brown sack I swung over my shoulder. Before I silently slipped out of my window I put on an oversized black cloak with the hood up. I quickly ran down the streets of Camelot trying to avoid the knights and guards that seemed to only multiply as I got closer to my destination. I honestly felt like some kind of thief running from the law the way I kept to shadows and hid my figure.
After what felt like walking a whole another kingdom away I made it to the orphanage and knocked on the door quickly. Cindy stuck her head out the door and ushered me inside with a small smile.
"Child, I do not know if you are a fool or too good hearted" she spoke with gleeful voice. We quickly went to the table in the corner to sort all the supplies.
"I tried to grab as much I can but with no knowledge of this sickness I had to try get a little of everything I can find" I explained while getting everything out. I asked if any of the kids were infected but by the blessed gods they all seemed healthy. I sliped out of the orphanage not too long after that stating that I didn't want to risk staying around to close. The way back to my chambers seemed a lot worse than getting out. I made my way all the way to my chambers until I saw my greatest dilemma. There were men blocking around my door making sure not only I go out but no one can come in. I bit my lip looking at the tree I used to get out of my chambers, knowing that it was the only way I lifted my body on a branch and started to climb little by little making my way up to my window. 'Thank goodness I wearing pants' I thought. I was about half way up the grand willow tree when I heard a snap and quickly went to grab the branch up above me. The branch I was on broke on half, note to self I said in my mind "exercise more often". I gulped when I heard guards shouting about obviously hearing the noise. I tried to lift myself on the branch I was holding but almost slipped the first time. I quickly went again and got myself fully on the steady branch. I quickly maneuvered through the branches till I was eye view on my open window. I leapt a bit to my window crawling in taking a small tumble as I hit the floor. I was safe, the children were supplied for some time I felt a bit satisfaction come across me. I drifted to sleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.
The next day I went through the courtyard making my way to the Camelot's library, I was not even half way there till I saw a distressed Gwen running and crying her way to the physician's quarters. Instinctively I ran after her ignoring everyone even Merlin who was trying to greet both of us. Gwen busted in Gaius chambers yelling for him "Gaius! Gaius! Please help me"
"Gwen do you have the sickness?" Gaius came out asking. Taking in her haggard appearance.
"Gwen, tell me you are not sick please!" I pleaded as Gwen began crying.
"No! It is my father, Lyanna! Please, Gaius, he's all I have. Save him!" she begged desperately. I gasped, strong ol' Tom was ill.
"Gwen, I have no cure." replied Gaius giving her sympathetic eyes. Merlin walked in the room looking nervously at Gwen and me.
"Gaius, maybe you can visit him see if there is anything we could do?' I tried asking the old physician hoping he would be able to scrounge up some type of elixir.
"I am begging you!" Gwen tried once more grabbing onto Gaius's robes.
"I wish there was something, anything, but so far the remedy is beyond what I can achieve." Gaius sadly explained while shaking his head "I'm sorry, Gwen."
Gwen rushed off the room with me tailing after her. I desperately called out for her to halt and when she finally did I embraced her telling her everything was going to work itself out and to take the day off.
"Right now the most important thing for you to do is to get some rest and calm yourself down!" I told her gripping her shoulders so she would face me "I will explain everything to Morgana, go Gwen, don't make me command you!"
Gwen hugged me one last time and left my sight. I quickly made my way to Morgana's chambers knowing she would be expecting Gwen. As soon as I saw Gana I rushed to her to hug her tightly telling her everything. Morgana said she felt upset for Gwen and that I did the right thing letting her have today off. She would not be in the right frame of mind.
"I was actually going to ask you something before you told me this sad news" she began "Did you hear that the orphanage received a lot of food items and herbs mysterious last night?"
I blinked twice and claimed I had no idea what she was talking about. She went on telling me how no one knows who or even what it was and how it is some great mystery. I pretended that all she was telling me was brand new news for me while Morgana just smiled knowingly and told me she didn't think I would know anything about that curious delivery. We spent the rest of the day cooped up in her chambers reading poetry and fables like we did when we were children. I left right before the sun went down to make a quick visit to the kitchens. Most of the older servants were not surprised to see me as they freely gave friendly smiles and bows, the more new ones were a bit startled too scared to even make eye contact. I looked around to see who was the main cook and asked them for a bowl of broth with meat and vegetables. They quickly scrounged up everything I was requesting even adding some slices up bread with butter. I thanked them over and over while getting a towel to but over the tray, I cautiously made my way down the familiar path to Gwen's house. I was hoping to see Gwen in better spirits but as soon as she opened her door with bloodshot eyes and frizzled hair I knew I had no luck. I quickly embraced her and inquired on Tom.
"He has gotten worse Lyanna! I know it…I can't lose him! He is all I have!" she desperately pleaded
I made her sit down and eat in front of me, not trusting that she would do so herself. I loathed the feeling of helplessness I had when looking at Gwen there was nothing I can do to help. I asked if Gaius had any news and all she did is shake her head nibbling on some bread. After I saw that half the soup was gone I bided her goodnight and reminded her that I stop by in the morning. The sleep I received was not the most enjoyable it was no nightmares this time but it seemed as if I could not get comfortable. I woke up with little sleep early when the sky still had traces of pink and orange in it making my way towards Morgana chambers wondering if she would like to go visit Gwen with me. When I opened the door I was greeted by a huge hug, looking at the person before I responded I saw that it was Gwen! Gwen started telling me the story of how her father was as good as new even better if it was possible. "Maybe" I thought out loud "the disease is not fatal!" Gwen replied she was just happy her father was healthy and safe. The whole day she walked with skip in her step and a hum if her voice, she was on top of the world, it only got better when Merlin checked up on her.
"How's your father? Is he feeling better?" asked anxiously Merlin.
"Yes! It's incredible. It's a miracle! Beamed Gwen
"His skin's clear now, back to normal?" inquired Merlin strangely as Gwen began to nod enthuasticley. Merlin saw me at the window and gave me a small bow before he turned to make his leave of us
"You don't seem surprised Merlin" I couldn't help but ask him since he seemed to be acting rather odd. Merlin insured me he was and that it was like Gwen said a true miracle.
"But how did you know he was well?" I integrated further
"Err...because Gwen is smiling. She is practically beaming at me." Merlin answered rather quickly.
"You know that's really weird now that you mention it Lyanna because I haven't told anyone, but Merlin how did you know? Gwen asked half teasing half serious
"Yeah. Alright. You finally found out, I'll tell you two " began Merlin nervously making me and Gwen step closer to him" I'm psychic"
"No you're not." Both I and Gwen exclaimed. Merlin just kept on insisting he was some great psychic. I rolled my eyes as Gwen pesisted him some more
"Alright, what am I thinking? "
"That I'm not psychic." Merlin replied with confidence making me and Gwen laugh.
"You're strange. I, I don't mean that in a nasty way. You're just funny. I like that." Gwen nervously babbled
"Um, err, I 'm pleased for you, Gwen I did not like seeing you so upset" confided Merlin. Gwen started to blush at his kinds words. I was pleased to see my oldest friend having a possible romantic link.
"Thank you." Blurted Gwen with no trace of a smile.
"What for?" asked Merlin
"Don't know, just for asking." Gwen replied. Merlin again wished us goodbye and left. Turning around to wave at us unfortunately he wasn't paying attention to his surrounding and bumped into a servant, who did not look to happy. I too decided to back to the royal library to drop off the books I borrowed yesterday and hopefully get some more. The library was a lovely place I could escape to when I wanted to be alone with myself and my thoughts. Plus I could easily escape into a different world by reading a book. I found myself a spot in the corner with pile of books looking to get comfortable knowing I might be here for a few hours.
Guinevere was still walking on air when it was past noon, taking the flowers that her and Lyanna picked out a few days ago to the window to throw out since they already began to die. Gwen almost dropped the vase on the floor when Morgana's chambers swung open revealing a stern looking Prince Arthur with four guards. He looked at her for not even a second when he ordered "Seize her!"
Gwen protested as the guards grabbed her roughly. She stared at the Prince with wild eyes as he kept on speaking.
"Guinevere, I'm arresting you for crimes and contraventions of the laws of Camelot, that you did practice enchantments."
Right as Arthur finished his sentence, the Lady Morgana entered her rooms with a look of confusion on her face. She called Gwen's name cautiously, but all she heard was her cries of innocence and disbelief.
"But what have I done? I haven't done anything! Help me, please!"
Morgana stormed up to Arthur and asked him what was he doing in her chambers with her handmaiden.
"I found a magic poultice in her house." Arthur explained knowing that it would be pointless though trying to show Morgana reason. He just prayed he wouldn't run into Lyanna while escorting Gwen to his father, knowing she would cause a scene worse than her older sister.
"Oh, that's ridiculous!" Morgana scoffed at him
"Then how else do you explain her father's recovery?" Arthur pointed out bluntly. Morgana knew she had no answered other than it was a miracle which she doubt Arthur or his father would believe. Morgana still professed her servant/friend innocence until Arthur left her in her chambers alone. Arthur walked out of Morgana's chambers straight towards the throne room with four guards dragging the crying girl. As he turned a corner he saw the one woman he was hoping to avoid in this fiasco. At the same time as Arthur; Gwen saw Lyanna and started to reach out to her calling out for her
"Lyanna please, you've got to listen to me! Please, I haven't done anything wrong! You have to listen to me, please! I am innocent, I swear! Let me go! I swear to you! Lyanna!"
I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw my friend weeping something about her being innocent as four Camelot guards dragged down the hall. It was none other than Arthur leading the group keeping his eyes away from me as I ran up to them.
"I demand to know what is going on!" I yelled at the prince. Arthur halted slowly and proceeded to tell me about how he found some poultice bag when he searched their home. I continued to yell at him about how it meant nothing and to release her but he just stepped to my side and continued on his path. Gwen was still moaning and shedding out protests of her innocence. I started to chase them down all the way to throne room where it looked like the king was waiting for her. The king congratulated Arthur in his find of evil magic as Gwen franticly shouted "Why will no one believe me? He got better, he just recovered. I didn't do anything!"
Just as I was about to open my mouth, my sister entered the room staring at Uther as she spoke "I believe you. Perhaps this is a disease that is not always fatal. Have you thought of that? Perhaps he recovered naturally"
"I too believe Gwen; she has always been a great and loyal asset to Camelot and not too mention, my friend for years." I added. King Uther looked at me with annoyed face.
"And what of this poultice that was found? "He started at both of us and let his eyes linger at me as he continued, "Lyanna no witch is an asset to Camelot and for your sake I hope no friend of yours either! You should hold your tongue to, girl! You may be my ward but that doesn't give you special treatment to ignore the rules of Camelot I enforce…like curfews!" I just continue to stare the King in the eye until Gwen started again on how she was innocent and begged for everyone to believe her. Her cries only made Uther see more red.
"I will show you no mercy! If you will not undo your sorcery, you force my hand and I must find you guilty ..." he stated harshly barely stopping to hear Gwen's protests "It is therefore my duty to pronounce judgment. And under the circumstance I have no choice but to sentence you to death."
"No!" Morgana, Gwen and me cried out.
I can only hope that when you die, this evil plague dies with you. Take her away!" Ordered the king
Both me and my sister shared a glance as Gwen was taken to her cell, we both turned around and double teamed on the King stating how Gwen was no enchantress and how she is the sweetest girl alive.
"I've seen the way the girl works. Her fingers are worn, her nails are broken. If she was a sorceress, why would she do this? Why would she kneel on a cold stone floor morning after morning when she could make these things happen with a snap of her fingers?" Morgana told the king passionately "Like an idle king!"
"You have no right!" the king began until I cuted him off.
"We have every right when your judgment is clouded with rage. You are accusing the wrong person and are so blinded by your hatred that you would behead an innocent woman. How do I have no right to protect my friend against the wrongful sentence you are passing to her?
"She's right, Father. You hear the word magic, you no longer listen." Arthur stated after I was done. I stared at him as he moved in the middle of me and Gana.
"You saw it for yourself. She used enchantments." Uther argued back.
"Yes, maybe. But to save her dying father, that doesn't make her guilty of creating a plague. One's the act of, of kindness, of love, the other of evil. I don't believe evil's in this girl's heart." Continued Arthur truthfully.
"I have witnessed what witchcraft can do. I have suffered at its hand. I cannot take that chance. If there is the slightest doubt about this girl, she must die or the whole kingdom may perish. One day you may become King. Then you will understand. Such decisions must be made. There are dark forces that threaten this kingdom." Uther stated looking almost betrayed by his own son for not being blind for once.
"I know. Witchcraft is an evil, father. So is injustice. Yes, I am yet to be King, and I don't know what kind of king I will be, but I do have a sense of the kind of Camelot I would wish to live in. It would be where the punishment fits the crime" Arthur finished making me proud to call him my prince.
"I fear you're right. She's played with fire, and sadly she must die by fire." King Uther ended, changing Gwen's death sentence to be burned on a stake.
It wasn't long before me and Morgana made our way to Gwen cell. Tears were in my eyes as I saw my friend chained to a wall crying. Morgana quickly ran back up the stair; not being able to handle her friend/handmaiden this way. Gwen saw me and tried to run to the bars but wasn't able. She started crying harder as she promised me she was innocent I tried to comfort her the best I can; telling her I knew she wasn't evil and we will try to get her out. In no time we both were crying until Merlin walked in, Gwen looked shocked to see him. All three of us stood there trying to find words of comfort but there was none to be said, Gwen looked hesitant for a bit but asked us if there was something we can promise to do for her, we both automatically said yes.
"Promise this..Remember me" she said simply making tears run down my face as I ran up the stairs not being able to look at my friend in such horrible circumstances any longer. I ran all the way to my chambers and dived into my bed to cry into my pillow. Somehow I must have fallen asleep because the next thing I knew Morgana was shaking my awake saying that would burn tomorrow morning if we did nothing about it. She filled me into some things I missed when I was sleeping such as Merlin trying to take the blame for everything and Arthur saving his skin. We busted into Merlin quarters knowing that he might be able to help us save Gwen if he risked his life for her.
"Please, just tell us what we can do to help" Morgana pleaded looking at Merlin. Merlin started to tell us about his theory of what was the real reason behind all the illness. Merlin believed it was some type of monster called an Afanc's (who according to Gaius was a creature forged by magic) in the water supply. He believed if we destroyed it then the plague would stop and Uther would see it wasn't Gwen. But in order to kill the monster we needed—
"Arthur?" I questioned Merlin who seemed to nod saying one of us needed to convince him to help us. Morgana was about to open her mouth but I jumped in and told the two to "leave that to me!"
I made my way into the prince's chambers crinkling my nose at all the trash in it.
"You alright Lyanna? Sorry about all this" Arthur pointed at the table "Merlin's not been in today."
"Poor Merlin!" I began "offering to give up his life to save Gwen's. I certainly can't imagine any man loving me so much."
Arthur looked at me strangely and smirked 'No, I certainly can't imagine that either"
I rolled at my eyes and stated that he was not like Merlin.
"You mean that I am actually good looking?" Arthur teased while I scoffed at him "no, Merlin is a lover!"
"Yeah, well maybe that's because I haven't found the right person to love." Arthur responded immediately.
"Sadly the age of gallantry seems to be dead. You look around and all you see are small worthless men, not big enough to fill their armor. Perhaps I should wear the armor and men start wearing the fancy gowns It seems to me that there is no one brave enough to stand up for what is right "
Arthur smirked at me while he bowed "What do you want me to do, milady?"
Walking to where I and Merlin planned to meet up I explained everything to Arthur as best as I could. He seemed to get the gist of it as we found Merlin. I asked on Morgana, seeing that she was not with Merlin; he explained how she went to be with Gwen so she wasn't alone. We made our way towards the tunnels where the water supply was located. As we went further in the tunnels Arthur started to glance back at me often.
'Lyanna, you should stay here!" He finally stated. Over my dead body I thought.
"Not likely Arthur but if you like I'll promise not to show you up" I retorted back with a smirk bringing out the dagger I kept in my cloak.
"Father will slam us both in chains if he knew I'd endangered you. I'm telling you to turn back. You could get hurt." Arthur went on.
"You could you too...if you don't get out of my way." I replied sharply walking in front of the two men while I sent a wink to Merlin who broke into a small grin. We started getting further searching for any sightings of the Afanc. There was a shout of surprise behind me from Arthur. I turned and ran into his direction with Merlin behind, but saw no monster when we arrived. Arthur explained it was just a shadow so we all went deeper in the tunnels out of no where The Afanc appeared through the deep hall and roared. I couldn't help but let out a scream when I saw how hideous the monster was but then it just disappeared.
"It went this way!" Merlin exclaimed and headed down the next section of the cave.
It creped around the corner, growling as it did so, and charged at all three of us. Arthur sliced the air in an attempt to decapitate it but the Afanc knocked his weapon away. It raised its large paw at me I tried not to scream this time and held tighter the dagger away from by body. Arthur circled the monster with the torch that seemed to frighten the beast.
"Arthur, use the torch!" Yelled Merlin, Arthur took a few steps in front of me pointing the torch at the monsters face. The monster swung his claw again at both me and Arthur this time I couldn't keep the scream rising in throat as an imagine of the fire on the torch growing stronger and larger in my head became a reality. The monster let out a terrible cry as it died in front of us. I was panting on a wall feeling incredibly drained for some reason.
As Arthur went to go inform his father everything that happened; me and Merlin made our way to Gwen's home to tell her father she was going to be free soon. All the way there Merlin was starting at me again but like he was in shock for some reason. The closer we got to Gwen's cell with Tom the happier I felt, when we arrived we saw that both Morgana and Gwen were hugging outside the horrible place. We all backed off for the father daughter reunion where afterwards Gwen went to hug all of us thanking us over and over.
"Don't thank me. It was more Merlin. He is the real hero here." I stated honestly.
"No" muttered Merlin "I didn't do anything it was all you-um err I mean it was Arthur who did the killing"
We all smiled at Merlin, stating he was just modest. Gwen and Tom left together to get some well deserved sleep. Just as I was about to get out jail Morgana voice stopped me
"Merlin. I wanted you to know, your secret's safe with me and Ana for that matter."
Merlin looked even more confused when Morgana pressing on. Knowing my sister she wouldn't stop till she get a confession of love from him "Merlin, don't pretend. I know what you did for Gwen's father."
"You do?" he asked worriedly "
"I saw it with my own eyes."
"You did? How you were not even there!" he explained
"I understand why you don't anyone to know. But I won't tell anyone. You don't mind me talking to you about it?" she started on excitedly smiling at him with all her teeth.
"Err...no. I- I, it's, err...you have no idea how hard it is to keep this hidden." He breathed out and started to blush.
"Well, you can continue to deny it, but I think Gwen's a very lucky woman." I said feeling like I wanted to put my opinion
"Gwen?" Merlin acted all confused, it was adorable to seem him be all shy about liking Gwen. If only I could find myself someone to care about.
"It's our secret." My sister and I told him as I put my finger to my lips leaving Merlin more confused than ever. Merlin just scratched his head thinking back to when Arthur's torch merely tripled in flames without him finishing his incantations and wondering if it was just a trick of the flames that Lyanna's eyes flashed gold as she screamed.
