Chapter 7
Authors note: In Chapter six, when she was having the vision. She described a symbol. When I wrote it I didn't really know how to describe it but I did the best I could. I meant to describe the outline of gears in a clock. If that makes sense at all. :)
(SPOILERS season 3 and 4, I guess)
Oh also I forgot to mention where this story is set. Well its not really in a particular season. So far... Lancelot is dead, but Uther is still king, Arthur is prince, Morgana is evil, Gwen knows about evil morgana, Merlin is a Dragon Lord and the Dragon is free. Yeah its all jumbled up. Sorry lol
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Previously:
"I had another vision." I wiped the tears from my eyes. "What's happening to me, Merlin?"
"I don't know." Merlin was just as dumbstruck as I was. Why was I getting these visions? And what did they mean?
It was already pretty late. Merlin took her back to Gauis to make sure she was alright. By then it was dark. She sat there as Gauis looked her over. "Everything seems alright with me." Said Gauis.
"Like I said, I'm fine. Goodness, you're such a worry-wart." I tried reassuring Merlin that I was fine the whole way back but he didn't listen
"Here, at least have some water." Gauis offered me a goblet. I drank it, hoping that would make him stop worrying.
"Gauis have you found anything about the pendant?" Merlin asked him.
"I'm afraid not yet. I've looked in all the books I could think of. I haven't the slightest idea where else to look."
"Have you checked the books in the restricted section?"
"No I haven't, it's restricted." Gauis was thinking about something then they exchanged a look. Something that was unsaid, passed between them.
"I'll be right back." Merlin smiled at Gauis. He shook his head as Merlin ran out.
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He was back in ten minutes with a stack of books. I guessed they were from the restricted section. I just knew he used magic to get them. I wish I could have seen him use it. 'I should tell him I know about his magic, then he won't have to hide it from me. I know I should tell him I just didn't know how.' I thought to myself
"It's late. I think we should all get some rest. You, Merlin, especially need it. You don't want to sleep in like everyday for the last four months, now do you?" Gauis gave him an accusing look. "Why don't you get the cot? Angela, you will sleep in Merlin's bed."
"Oh, I don't want to cause any trouble. I'd hate for you to sleep on the floor, Merlin." Sleeping on a hard wooden floor would be so uncomfortable.
"It's not trouble at all." Gauis said.
"I used to sleep on the ground every night when I lived with my mother." replied Merlin.
"If you're sure." I hated causing trouble for other people. It made me uncomfortable. Gauis looked at me. I knew there would be no more discussion about it. I smiled at him and walked into upstairs. I went in the room and shut the door. I saw a woman's night gown laying on the bed and a blue dress. It must be for tomorrow. How thoughtful. I changed into the night gown and got into bed. It was actually nice for a medieval bed. I thought it would be made of straw.
I looked out the window. The sky was covered with hundreds of stars. It was times like this I wished I had my camera.
"Goodnight, Angela." I heard Merlin call out. "Goodnight Merlin." I smiled to myself.
I fell asleep about ten minutes later. I didn't dream my usual visions though. It was different this time.
I dreamt I was a traveler. Traveling around the world only it didn't feel like earth. I saw a face-less person from the 21st century. He was business dressed with a suit, tie and rectangle glasses. I saw so many places, they began to twist and swirl. Turning into a vortex. I was falling through space. The dream changed. I was in a dark room that seemed to never end. I saw lots of large bushes and plants inside the room. I saw another face-less person holding a gun. Someone screamed and I heard a gunshot. I was looking through a someone else' eyes. A girl. As she looked down I could see a large pool of blood spilling out of her chest. Blood... So much blood.. blue light...I was lost in a sea of red and blue. Another scream "NOOO!"
I shot up from the bed and gasped as if coming up from under water, clawing at my chest. No gunshot wound. No blood. 'It was just a dream.' My watch was glowing vibrantly. I breathed slowly trying to calm my racing heart. After a couple deeps breaths I was finally able to get my heart rate down and my necklace to stop glowing.
My thoughts went to Merlin. His magic was troubling me. Not his magic itself but the fact that I knew. I tried going back to sleep but I just couldn't.
I walked slowly downstairs, trying not to wake Merlin or Gauis. I looked through the shelves seeing if I could find some water or maybe a book to read. I heard someone cough from behind me. It was Gauis.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to wake you. I... couldn't sleep."
Gauis stood up from his bed and walked over to the table. "Come, sit down. I'll get you some water." I sat down. He brought me a golden cup as he sat across the table from me.
"Now what is troubling you?"
I stared at my cup as I talked. "It's several things. My dreams and visions are one thing. But the main thing that's been on my mind is...well if you knew someone had a very big secret and you knew what that secret was, would you tell them you knew?" I looked at Gauis for answers.
"I'm afraid I can not answer that. It's up to whether you think its best to tell Merlin or not."
"What? How did you...How did you know?" How did he know I knew about
"I am an old man. I know many things." He grinned at me.
"I know he has a lot of things to worry about. A lot of responsibilities. A destiny. I don't want to cause him further trouble."
"Merlin's destiny was chosen for him. He has carried the burden of his magic his whole life with no one to share it. That is what you are referring too isn't it?" How was he so smart?
"Yes... I want to tell him but I feel like I should let him decide if he wants me to know."
"The thing about destiny is you always have to think about what is best for your destiny and not what is best for you." Gauis replied. I understood what he meant. I looked at Merlin asleep across the room, completely oblivious of his audience.
"Can you tell me about it? His destiny, the legend?" I asked him.
"Hmm...where should I start? Well... All sorcerers, ever recorded or known, have always 'learned' magic. It was never theirs. They had to find it within themselves and learn how to use it. But Merlin never learned any of it. He was born with it. It came natural to him, as natural as breathing to you or I. It is apart of him. Merlin 'is' magic. There's a legend of a man who is destined to become the most powerful warlock that ever lived and The last Dragonlord. He is destined to protect Prince Arthur until the day he becomes Camelots greatest king. Only then, will Albion rise and magic will once again return to Camelot. But there are others who do not wish this to happen. Merlin has faced many enemies and will face many more. Our very own King Uther believes that magic is evil and that it corrupts the soul but this is not true. Magic is neither good nor bad, it is a tool. Merlin's heart is pure. He isn't capable of evil. He risks his life everyday for a king and kingdom that would kill him if they knew the truth."
"But if he has to hide his magic, he can never receive any credit for anything he does?" I said.
"That is part of the burden he carries." Gauis seemed sad about it. I wished I could do something to help Merlin.
"It must be so hard for him." I said as I looked at his sleeping body. "Yes, It is sometimes. But his spirit is strong. I know he can do anything he puts his heart to." replied Gauis. I yawned. It must be pretty late. Gauis stood up. "You should get some rest." He walked over to a shelf and picked up a small clear vile with purple liquid in it. "This will help you sleep." He handed it to me and I took it.
"Gauis...I wanted to say.. I appreciate what you've done for me. You've been so kind. Taking in a complete stranger. Giving me food, clothes and a place to stay. And for helping me with this necklace...Thank you."
"You are very welcome, my dear. Now get off to bed and get some rest." He smiled at me as I headed back to my bed. I opened the small bottle and drank the whole thing in two gulps. Right as I laid my head down on the pillow, I was asleep. Although I was in a deeper sleep than before, it did not stop my dreams from returning.
A gun went off. There was blood again... My body started to burn. I looked at my hands but they weren't mine and they were glowing. I was surrounded by that shimmery light. I heard buzzing noises. My dream changed. I saw faces. A man standing next to an older Merlin. He had blonde hair and blue eyes. He wore a crown and was wearing royal clothes. Images of my pocket watch and that strange symbol of circles flashed in my mind. I heard voices, whispers calling to me. "Angela, Angela."
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It was morning. There was a bowl of water, a cloth and a mirror waiting for me when I woke up. 'Gosh, I wish I had a tooth brush.'
I slipped on the dress Gauis laid out for me the other day. It was beautiful. A turquoise dress with white lace along the neckline, pulled tight around my waist to accent my hourglass figure. It had white string crisscrossed down the middle. The material split open at the waist and down to the ground to reveal a white flowery pattern underneath the blue cotton. It was the perfect color for me. It brought out my blue eyes and seemed to deepen my red hair. I had naturally curly hair and I loved it.
I came downstairs, unsure what to do today. Gauis was making a plate for me but Merlin was gone. Gauis saw me looking around and said, "I'm afraid you've missed him, my dear. He has gone to attend to his duties as Prince Arthur's manservant." Oh yeah, thats right. He was his servant. I still wanted to meet Prince Arthur. I didn't even know what he looked like.
"Is there anything I can do for you today, Gauis?" I asked
"Actually there is. I'm am going to be studying more books to see if I can find anything about your necklace today but I was wondering if you could do me a small favor. I am not as young as I used to be and I usually send Merlin out on errands for me. But since he is not here, would you be so kind as to pick up some herbs for me? I can show you what to look for and where to find it."
He gave me a list of things he needed and money to buy the items in the market. I had never heard of anything on the list.
I went out and headed downtown to get the items requested. It wasn't difficult at all. The shop keeper knew exactly what I needed. He saw me admiring some perfume and gave me a small sample. I thanked him and left.
It was still early, maybe I could pick some flowers before I return. I had to walk back through the castle for the fields and forests were on the other side of the city. I had learned my way around pretty quickly. I started thinking about frolicking through unknown forests. I picked up my pace as I began to get excited. I turned a corner and bumped into someone. My basket and items fell everywhere. "Oh I am so sorry. I wasn't paying attention to where I was going."
"Its alright. Here let me help you." I looked at the face of a woman. She had light brown skin with dark hair. We both picked up the various things off the ground. "I'm Guinevere. But you can call me Gwen."
Holy... Guinevere? As in Queen Guinevere? This day was getting better and better. "Angela. Its nice to meet you, Lady Guinevere." I replied. Queen Guinevere. 'Haha'
"Oh no. Im not Noble. I'm just a servant girl to the lady Morgana." She said. She had this inner beauty glow in her face.
"Really?" I said with disbelief. So she started out as just a commoner. Wow. This is so different than the legends and stories. I was going to say more only another woman walked up. She had pale skin and black smooth hair. She was quite pretty but something about her sent a shiver down my spine.
"Gwen, there you are I've been looking for you. Oh who is this?" She said.
"This is Angela. Angela I'd like you to meet the Lady Morgana." Gwen with a smile that didn't quite reach her face. "Well it's nice to meet you, but im afraid we must be off." Morgana made a small smile. It felt wrong.
"Goodbye, Hope to see you again." Gwen said. They walked away.
Morgana...That name sounded really familiar.
I went out the gates that led to the forest and the meadows. If I remembered correctly, the training grounds were nearby also. It was such a glorious day. The sun was shining bright, fluffy white clouds drifting in the sky and the birds chirping. I walked through the forest. I couldn't believe it when I saw it but I found a bush with mint leaves on them. Perfect! This is almost as good, if not better, then having spearmint gum. I plucked a couple and chewed them till my breathing chilled my throat. I picked some more. I would definitely need this later on. I continued to walk.
I was at the top of a small hill. All around me was green grass and purple and yellow flowers. I had a vision of a nun running through the fields singing. (Sound of Music reference.)
My imagination was just too much for me to deny. I set down my basket and frolicked down the hill. I started to sing, "The hills are alive, with the sound of music." I ran and leaped and sang my heart out. "My heart wants to beat like the wings of the birds that rise from the lake to the trees"I started to spin with my arms out. I looked up to the sky and fell backwards on the field of flowers. I was lost in my own world.
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Merlin...
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Merlin had to leave early or Arthur would put him in the stocks again for being late. He wished he could've waited to say hello to Angela before he left. Arthur had training planned today. Most of the time, Merlin just got his armor on, sharpened his sword or he just ended up sitting and watching. His thoughts kept drifting back to her. He couldn't stop thinking about her.
"Merlin, are you listening to a word i'm saying?" He heard Arthur say.
"Hmm? ..What?" Merlin tried to care about what Arthur had to say.
"Would you stop day-dreaming and get me some water already!" Arthur said frustrated.
"You don't have to yell." Merlin walked over to the barrel of water, placed the large mug under it and turned the little lever on... He remembered her eyes the first he saw them. They were crystal blue. He'd never seen such blue iris' before. He could drown in those eyes.
"Merlin!" Arthur shouted.
Merlin jumped at the sound of his name. He realized he was staring into space again. The mug was over flowing and water was everywhere. 'Man, this was bad.' He thought. He couldn't even focus on anything.
Merlin brought the cup over to Arthur and handed to him. "What is wrong with you? You've been spacing out all day. What is troubling you?" asked Arthur.
"Nothing is troubling me." He tried to sound nonchalant.
"Well, you're obviously thinking about something. Now tell me what it is before I beat it out of you." Arthur threatened.
"Well... it's...it's...a girl." Merlin said hesitantly but regretted it the moment he said it.
"Whats this? Merlin daydreaming? about a girl?" Arthur teased.
"Did I just here Merlin and girl in the same sentence?" Gwaine added to the teasing.
"This girl, she doesn't happen to have red hair?" Percival joined in the conversation.
"Or blue eyes?" Arthur asked.
"Maybe..." Merlin defended.
"You 'like' her, don't you?" Gwaine was smiling wildly.
"Aw, Merlin's in love." Arthur said grinning a teasing smile.
"No I'm not in love! Would you shut up? Cabbage heads the lot of you are!" He said defensively.
"He's defensive now." Percival bantered
Gwaine looked at Percival. "Definitely love." They all started laughing.
Merlin thought about her one more time. Arthur slapped his hand on Merlin's shoulder. "Why don't we do a bit of sparring? Maybe that'll clear your head?" Arthur suggested. He'd give any excuse to beat Merlin. Merlin picked up a shield like Arthur ordered and stood there while he hit and he smashed. Arthur took a step back. He did this when he wanted to hit hard. Something blue caught the corner of Merlin's eye. He looked to see what it was.
Time slowed down. He saw her. Angela running through a meadow. The sun rays seemed to catch her shining red hair as it flew behind her. He got lost as he watched her spin and leap like a free bird soaring through the sky.
*WACK! Something hit his shield and hit hard. The shield impacted with his head. He fell to the ground, his head pounding and vision was a little blurred.
"Is it clearer now?" Arthur stood over him with a mocking smile. Merlin looked up at him and just groaned. He closed his hoping the teasing would stop. Arthur helped Merlin to his feet. He tried to hand him his sword. "Sharpen this for me, will you?"
Merlin wasn't paying attention to him anymore. He was staring at her. "Merlin? Are you listening to me?"
"Yeah, yeah...polish it later." He said spacing out.
Merlin couldn't help but watch her as she let herself go. Like she was free. It was so mesmerizing. He blinked back into reality when Arthur started snapping in his face.
"Armor polishing. Got it." Merlin tried to take off Arthur's armor but he hit his hand away. "Get off!" Frustrated, Arthur said.
"Why don't you take the rest of the day off. I can't deal with you like this."
"Really?" said Merlin. Was Arthur really giving him the day off?
"Yes, really. Now get out of my sight before I change my mind."
"Thanks Arthur." Merlin took off running.
"Don't come back until you clear your head, you hear?" Arthur called to him.
Gwaine stood next to Arthur and said with a tease, "Maybe it's just my memory but when was the last time you gave Merlin a day off?"
"I don't know, when was the last time Merlin ever liked someone?" Arthur said with a more serious tone.
He did have a point.
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Angela...
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I got up from the grass. I picked a wild daisy and slipped in my hair. I climbed to the top of the hill, looked out into the fields and closed my eyes. I hummed quietly.
"What are you doing?" Merlin asked from behind me. It didn't startle me. I knew he was there, I could, in a way, sense him.
"I'm taking it in. You can't truly appreciate something until its gone. Can't you feel it? The magic. I can hear robins singing songs, I can smell the flowers blooming. If you really look hard, you can find the beauty in anything. Nature is so.. extraordinary." I opened my eyes to see him standing next to me.
He smiled at me and took my hand. "I want to show you something."
We ran down the hill and through the forest. I laughed when we jumped over logs and almost slipping several times. He was running too fast. "Come on!" He hurried me along laughing. When the forest cleared, it revealed a large shining lake. Behind it, enormous mountains. It looked like a fairytale.
I gasped at the booming elegance of it all. "It's beautiful." I almost had tears come to my eyes.
"It's called the Lake of Avalon." Merlin said admiringly.
"The name suits it." I replied.
I just stood there for a moment and then had the sudden urge to disturb the stillness of the crystal waters. I skipped down to the shore.
"What are you doing?" Merlin was amused.
I started to un-tie my dress, I was wearing a white undergarment beneath. "What does it look like i'm doing? I'm going swimming!" I answered laughing
I jumped in and waded to deeper water. "Well are you just going to stand there? Come on the water's great." I called.
I saw him smile and walk down to the shore. He only took of his shirt and jogged in after me. I was in deep enough water to swim in. I began to float on my back and swim slowly. Cold water splashed my face. I jolted forward as it scared me I looked around but Merlin wasn't there. All of the sudden something grabbed my leg and I was pulled under water. I saw him smiling widely at me under the surface. I smiled back. We both went up for air. Once he did, I splashed him.
He splashed back. We were both laughing hysterically.
"I'll get you under if its the last thing I do!"
I said in mock threat as I jumped on his back to try and force him under water, but he grabbed my waist and started tickling me to death. I laughed uncontrollably and fell off. "I surrender, I surrender!" Putting my hands up to push him away. He was standing right in front of me, my hands still resting on him. He broke the silence. "You smell wonderful." He joked nervously.
"Thank you." It was barely a whisper.
We looked into each others eyes. Butterflies were sent through my stomach like a tidal wave. My hormones were running wild. He was so handsome. His straight cheekbone and jawline. His smooth soft hair. His eyes. I could stare at them forever.
As I gazed at him, his face just inches from mine, he leaned in just a little closer...
Cliff hanger! xD How did you like this chapter? PLEASE REVIEW PEOPLE! Was is funny? Was it sappy? Please let me know your thoughts for this chapter. IT WOULD BE MUCH APPRECIATED!