The Witch's Quickening
In a land of Myth and a time of magic,
The destiny of a great kingdom rests on the shoulders of two young people,
Their names,
Merlin and Mira-Liana
It'd been a few months since Amora and Merrick's birth and things had been peaceful in Camelot for quite some time. The Royal Family simply adored Amora and Merrick and spend a great deal of time with them. But that peace they'd been enjoying was about to change.
A trade convoy was heading to Camelot and was quickly attacked and wiped out by bandits lead by a dangerous druid by the name of Alvarr. He had plans for Camelot and he intended to see that they succeeded.
XXX
It was dark and pouring rain in Camelot as Alvarr snuck into Camelot. He slipped past the guards easily and then found his way into the castle. Having once met Mordred and being told of the little druid boy's first trip to Camelot, he easily found his way around the castle.
Alvarr's presence did not go unnoticed. Mordred, Merlin and Mira-Liana sensed his telepathic contact with his men and the three of them set out to investigate. They all met each other in the hall.
"What're you two doing up?" asked Merlin.
"I sensed something," said Mira-Liana. "Did you sense it too?"
"If you mean someone talking through their mind, then yes," said Merlin. "But I don't know who."
Alvarr, said Mordred. I'd know that voice anywhere.
"Who's Alvarr?" asked Merlin.
He's a druid like me, but he is not to be meddled with.
"We'd better hurry then," said Mira-Liana. "Let's find Arthur."
The three of them continued running, following the sound of the voices. They froze when they heard the words, Lady Morgana's chambers are next.
"Morgana," Mordred whispered.
"Hush, Mordred," said Mira-Liana. "Nothing will happen to her."
Mordred nodded. Pray that you are right, Emrysa.
XXX
Alvarr made his way into Morgana's chambers, where she lay asleep. Frik had left on a journey to see some friends who required his assistance, so she was alone. He gently shook Morgana awake.
When Morgana saw him, she was frightened. "Who are you?" she demanded. "What're you doing here?"
"I am Alvarr, my lady," he said. "A humble druid. I've come to ask for your help."
"My help? With what? Can't you just do it yourself? You're magic, like me and Mordred, aren't you?"
"Yes. So were my parents and their parents before them. They were fortunate enough to live in a time of peace before your king declared war on sorcery."
Morgana just nodded. "I too, have known Uther's cruelty."
"Then you know magic is not a crime, it is a gift."
"It doesn't matter what magic is. The time for magic to be reborn is not now. Someday it will be, though. I've seen it."
"Then will you help me?"
"Depends," she replied. "What is it you want?"
Alvarr told her and she shook her head.
"No, I won't do it." she said. "Alvarr, you must leave immediately."
"How disappointing," he said. "I had expected so much more from you, my lady." Alvarr said. "But I'm not leaving until I've gotten what I came for." His eyes glowed gold as he murmured, "Keiv leio ashuna."
And then Morgana was under his control and she could not break his enchantment.
XXX
Meanwhile, Arthur was roaming the halls with his men. He was furious about the recent news and the alarm bell was going off. When he heard someone coming down the corner, he held up his blade, prepared to strike, but he lowered his weapon when he saw who it was.
"For heaven's sake, don't scare me like that," he said. "What're you three doing up?"
"Nice to see you too, love. We thought we heard something," said Mira-Liana.
"What did you hear?" asked Arthur.
"Mordred thinks he heard the intruders going to Morgana's chambers," said Merlin.
"Did you, Mordred?" asked Arthur.
Mordred nodded.
"Alright then, let's go."
They went down to Morgana's chambers and knocked on the door.
"Morgana?" said Arthur.
The door opened to reveal a very annoyed looking Morgana. "What on earth do you think you're doing?" she demanded.
"We had reason to believe someone was here," said Arthur.
"Right now, the only 'someone' is you!" she snapped.
"There's been an intruder, didn't you hear the alarm bell go off?" asked Merlin.
"Of course I did! Does that mean I won't be safe in my chambers?"
"Well, if you'll just permit me to search your room, we'll be off," said Arthur.
"You'll do no such thing!" she said, sharply. "Do you really think if there was someone in my room, that I wouldn't know about it?"
Mira-Liana frowned. "Morgana, are you alright? You're not acting like yourself."
"I'm quite fine, Mira," said Morgana. "What made you think someone was here in the first place?"
"I heard someone," said Mordred.
"Well, you were wrong. Now, if you don't mind, I'd like to get back to sleep," said Morgana.
Merlin and Mira-Liana exchanged looks. Something wasn't right.
"Well, please accept my humblest apologies," said Arthur. "I'll see you in the morning. Good-night, Morgana."
"Good-night," said Morgana, briskly as she slammed the door shut.
XXX
Arthur was greatly annoyed.
"Are you three quite sure you heard someone?" he demanded.
"Yes, we're sure," said Mira-Liana.
"Well, then something's not right. Morgana's never that cranky."
"I don't like this," Mordred whispered. "What's wrong with Morgana?"
"We'll find out soon enough, Mordred. We promise," said Merlin. "In the meantime, you go get some rest. Everything will be fine."
Mordred nodded and then went back to his chambers to sleep.
XXX
The next morning, Merlin, Mira-Liana and Mordred went to see Gaius.
"Rough night?" he asked.
"You could say that," said Mira-Liana.
"I heard there was a disturbance," said Gaius.
"Yeah, we heard talking in our heads," said Merlin.
"They had magic?"
"Yes," said Mordred. "I recognized the voice. It was a druid by the name of Alvarr."
"A druid? Well, what's he doing here?" asked Gaius.
"We don't know," said Mira-Liana. "But it can't be good. And there's something else. We heard him go to Morgana's chambers, but when we got there, we didn't see anyone but her and she was different."
"Different, how?" asked Gaius.
"She was angrier, crankier. She barely acknowledged Mordred," said Merlin. "Whatever Alvarr's doing, it sounds like he's prepared to die for it."
Gaius looked troubled.
XXX
Meanwhile, still under Alvarr's enchantment, Morgana snuck into Mira-Liana and Arthur's chambers. She rummaged through a drawer until she found the key she was looking for. She turned around and was about to leave when she bumped into Mordred.
"Oh, hello, Mordred," said Morgana. "Shouldn't you be studying with Gaius, right now?"
"I'm done working for now," said Mordred, as he studied her face. "What're you doing in here?"
"I was looking for Mira-Liana and Arthur," she lied.
"Emrysa's with Amora and Merrick and Arthur's training his men, just like they always do at this time of day," said Mordred.
"Of course, how silly of me," said Morgana. "I just wanted to apologize for last night. But, another time perhaps. Well, I'd best be off."
She walked off and out of the room, but Mordred never took his eyes off her.
What's wrong with you? What has Alvarr done? Mordred wondered.
XXX
That night, with Arthur's key, Morgana snuck down to the treasury and stole the Crystal of Neahtid, one of Uther's spoils of war from his fight against magic.
The theft did not go unnoticed. Moments later, the warning bell went off and Arthur investigated along with Merlin and Mira-Liana. There was no sign of forced entry, which did nothing to sooth their already frazzled nerves and it told them that somebody stole Arthur's keys or worse yet, used magic.
Mordred, already having a suspicion that Morgana was behind the theft of the Crystal, remained quiet, not wishing to incriminate her.
When Uther learnt of the theft, he was less than pleased.
"You're sorry?" he repeated, when Arthur told him of what had happened. "That's not good enough. Did they force their way in?"
"No, Uther," said Mira-Liana.
"Then how did they gain access to the vaults?" asked Uther.
"They stole the keys," said Arthur.
"How is that possible?" Uther demanded.
"Someone broke into our chambers," said Mira-Liana.
"This is a grievous loss," said Uther. "The Crystal of Neahtid was locked away for good reason."
"If I may ask, why was it so important, Sire?" asked Merlin.
"It is an instrument of magic," said Uther. "In the days of the Purge, a great many sorcerers died trying to protect it. Whatever it was, it was important to them."
"I'll search the town and find what I can," said Arthur.
"Good. But be warned, this Crystal cannot fall into the wrong hands," said Uther. "The consequences would be terrible. Do you understand?"
"Of course, Uther," said Mira-Liana.
XXX
Arthur, Merlin, Mira-Liana and Mordred all went to Gaius's chambers to talk to the elderly physician. Mordred decided to come through with his suspicions, but did so with great reluctance. Gaius was most surprised at Mordred's information.
"Morgana stole the Crystal?" said Gaius.
"I believe so," said Mordred. "I caught her in Arthur's chambers. She must have taken the keys. But she wasn't acting like herself."
"Can you prove any of this?" asked Gaius.
"No," said Mira-Liana. "And even if we could, we can't tell Uther. You saw how he reacted the last time he knew a druid was in the city. If he founds out about Alvarr, there's no telling what he'll do."
"Morgana wasn't acting like herself," said Mordred. "I think Alvarr did something to her."
"You mean, he enchanted her?" said Arthur.
"Exactly," said Mordred. "When I was with the druids, I never fully trusted him. I only told him about my first adventure here because he was insistent."
"If Alvarr's enchanted Morgana, it would certainly explain her behavior," said Merlin. "But why would he want Morgana to steal the Crystal? Why couldn't he just get it himself with magic?"
"Maybe he wanted someone close to my father to steal it without arousing too much suspicion," said Arthur. "I mean, the idea of someone in the Royal Family stealing an item from the treasury seems quite ridiculous in general, don't you think?"
"True enough," said Mira-Liana. "Uther did say the Crystal was an instrument of magic. It must have some power Alvarr wants."
"Well, there're many legends about the Crystal," said Gaius.
"Is it some sort of weapon?" asked Mira-Liana.
"That, I don't know," said Gaius.
"You've heard of it?" said Arthur.
"Indeed," said Gaius. "The sorcerers of the past believed it held the secrets of time itself."
"What did they mean by that?" asked Mordred.
"I'm not sure," said Gaius. "The Crystal's an artifact of the Old Religion. There's only one who could tell you more."
"The Great Dragon, you mean?" said Mira-Liana.
Gaius nodded.
Merlin sighed. "Fine, we'll go see him. Mordred, stay here with Arthur and Gaius. We'll be back in a moment."
XXX
Merlin and Mira-Liana went down to the Dragon's cave where the winged beast was just waking up from a nap. He shook himself and stretched when they arrived.
"We need your help," said Mira-Liana.
"I'm sure you do, young witch and warlock," said the Dragon. "But remember, soon you must honor your promise."
"When it's time, we shall honor our promise, not before," said Merlin. "Now, please help us."
The Dragon sighed. "Very well. What is it that you wish to know?"
"What is the Crystal of Neahtid?" asked Mira-Liana.
"For those who know how to use it, the Crystal holds great knowledge," said the Dragon.
"What kind of knowledge?" asked Merlin.
"Knowledge of what is, what has been, and what is yet to come," replied the Dragon.
"So, it shows everything about time—the past, the present and the future," said Mira-Liana.
"Yes, indeed," said the Dragon.
"The Crystal's been stolen," said Merlin.
"By whom?" the Dragon asked.
"The Lady Morgana," said Mira-Liana.
The Dragon laughed. "That witch does not have the power to wield the Crystal."
"What about the druid, Alvarr?" asked Merlin.
"Alvarr? It is possible," said the Dragon. "Why do you ask? What has he to do with this?"
"He's been detected in the city. The druid boy, Mordred, thinks he's enchanted Morgana. She's not acting like herself," said Mira-Liana.
"Humph. Once before I warned you of the druid boy. It is his destiny to bring about Arthur's doom!" said the Dragon. "Perhaps through his foolishness talk with his people, he has brought that time upon you now."
"What do you mean?" Merlin demanded.
"The Ancient Prophecies speak of many things in the druid boy's future, but they also speak of an alliance between Morgana and Mordred, united in evil," said the Dragon. "But this union must be stopped, whatever the cost."
"Then that is one future that will not come to pass," said Mira-Liana. "Mordred is the sweetest little boy we've ever known. He has no desire to bring about Arthur's downfall. He wants to be a healer, nothing more. You don't know him."
"Then I suggest you take great care in making sure Mordred does not fulfill his destiny as Arthur's doom," said the Dragon. "For if Arthur falls, so do we all."
"One more thing," said Merlin. "How do we break Alvarr's enchantment on Morgana?"
"Only someone very close to her can break this spell. Mordred will know what to do when the time comes," said the Dragon.
"Thank you," said Mira-Liana.
These words worried Merlin and Mira-Liana as they hurried back up the stairs to talk to Gaius, Arthur and Mordred. They silently hoped they'd break the enchantment on Morgana and soon.
XXX
That night, after sending Gwen away for the night, Morgana pulled the Crystal from her drawers and snuck out of Camelot with it. She got onto her horse and rode off into the woods, unaware that Merlin, Mira-Liana and Mordred were right behind her.
They followed her to a camp where she met with Alvarr and gave him the Crystal. Carefully, they hid themselves and listened to Alvarr and Morgana's conversation.
"It is my hope that by this time, I will able to master the Crystal. When I do, we will able to strike Uther down," said Alvarr.
"We?" said Morgana.
"Me and my people. I had once thought that Mordred would be an ally against Uther, but he is a traitor to us. He has allied himself with the enemy and cannot be trusted. But that matters little. Soon, Uther and all who serve him will be destroyed."
"All who serve Uther?" said Morgana.
"If we are to win this war, there can be no divided loyalties."
Morgana looked away. Under an enchantment or no, her heart still ached at the thought of anyone being harmed before her vision of a Golden Age came to pass.
"This troubles you, Morgana?" asked Alvarr.
"Yes, it does," she said, unable to lie.
"My lady, we fight for our very survival," said Alvarr. "And I suspect that so do you."
"You know nothing of that," said Morgana.
"I know enough," said Alvarr. "Why are you so afraid?"
"I'm not. I'm just so used to concealing the truth from people like Uther, it's easy to forget that I have others to talk to."
"Believe me; I understand how that feels like."
"How can you? Everyday I must look Uther in the eye knowing that if he were to discover who I really am and who my family is, he'd have us all killed," said Morgana.
"I might understand more than you know," said Alvarr. "You have been very brave."
"I don't want to be brave. I just want to be myself. I don't want to hide anymore."
"You are not alone and you needn't hide yourself here. You're here with us." He leaned forward as if to kiss her, but Morgana pulled back.
"I cannot kiss anyone but my Frik. He is the only one I'll ever love. My heart is his and his heart is mine," said Morgana. "Please, I must be heading back before I'm missed."
"Of course," said Alvarr. "Farewell then, my Lady Morgana. When the time is right, my hold on you shall be broken."
Morgana rose and then left the camp.
XXX
Merlin, Mira-Liana and Mordred went back to Camelot. They ran back to Gaius's chambers and informed him and Arthur of what they'd seen. Both Arthur and Gaius were troubled by this.
"Alvarr has a fearsome reputation," said Gaius.
"You know of him?" said Merlin.
"I know he's a sorcerer. Ever since he left the druids, he and his band of renegades have threatened to overthrow the King," said Gaius.
"He sounded pretty determined," said Mira-Liana.
"He's a fanatic," said Mordred. "He tried to get me and Frik to join with him, but we refused."
"And I'm glad you did," said Arthur.
"It's more than that. His supporters follow him unthinkingly," said Gaius. "They're blinded by his charisma."
"And now he's used his magic on Morgana," said Merlin.
"So it would seem," said Gaius.
"It gets worse. Alvarr thinks he can harness the power of the Crystal," said Mira-Liana.
"We can't let this happen," said Arthur. "Since we can't go to my father, what can we do?"
"We can bend the truth a little," said Gaius.
XXX
Gaius went before Uther to tell him of what he knew without revealing everything.
"You know the whereabouts of the Crystal?" said Uther.
"I believe so, Sire," said Gaius.
"I see. How did you come by this information?" asked Uther.
"In my work of physician, I have dealings with many people. They hear things and they see things. Last night I was confronted by one such man who told me that the Crystal had been stolen by a band of renegades led by a former druid and powerful sorcerer by the name of Alvarr," said Gaius.
"Who exactly was this informant?" asked Uther.
"I think it would be only fair to protect their identity, Sire," said Gaius. "If the news of the betrayal was to reach the renegades, it could indeed endanger their life."
"Very well," said Uther. "Where is this Alvarr hiding?"
"He was last seen in the Valley of Chimery, Sire," said Gaius.
"Arthur, summon the guards. I want this matter dealt with immediately," said Uther.
"Yes, Father," said Arthur. "Merlin, Ana, Mordred, come with me. I'll need your help."
"Of course, Arthur," said Mira-Liana.
Uther smiled a little and nodded at Gaius. "Once again, I'm in your debt, Gaius."
Gaius just bowed and said nothing.
XXX
After Gwen assured Mira-Liana and Arthur she'd watch over their baby twins, the four of them set out with many of Arthur's men behind them. Morgana, still under Alvarr's power, set out to warn Alvarr of what was going to happen.
Morgana soon found herself surrounded by Alvarr and his men, who dropped their blades when they saw that it was her.
"Morgana?" said Alvarr.
"Alvarr," said Morgana.
"What brings you here?" asked Alvarr.
"I came to warn you. Arthur's been sent to capture the Crystal," said Morgana. "The Knights of Camelot are almost upon us."
"How has this happened?"
"I don't know. I only know that we've been betrayed," said Morgana.
"How much time do we have?"
"An hour, maybe two. I cannot be sure."
"We must be prepared for them."
"What can I do to help?" asked Morgana.
"You can flee while you still have the chance," said Alvarr. "Morgana, I'm grateful for all that you've done, but a battlefield is not the place for the likes of you. Now, go. Go!"
XXX
Arthur and the others continued on their journey until they came to a fork in the road.
"Now which way do we go?" asked Arthur.
Merlin, Mira-Liana and Mordred were silent, listening to the sounds of other minds. When they opened their eyes, they knew which way.
"This way," said Merlin, pointing down to the right.
They followed Merlin's directions and snuck through the forest until they came to Alvarr's camp which seemed deserted at first.
Then, without a warning, they were ambushed by Alvarr and his men. Everyone fought for their lives with whatever they had on them—swords or crossbows. Merlin, Mira-Liana and Mordred used magic whenever they could and ended up defeating several of the renegades.
Arthur and his men began to win the battle as several of the other renegades fled after seeing several of their own defeated.
Then there was a flash of green velvet and the trio knew that Morgana was still there. They ran after her. Merlin used a spell to trip her and then he grabbed her arms and held them behind her back.
"Let me go!" said Morgana, as she squirmed.
"Morgana, this is for your own good!" said Mira-Liana. "Mordred, do it!"
Mordred held Morgana's face in his hands and then his eyes flashed gold. Morgana then ceased squirming as Merlin released her. She looked at her surroundings in shock.
"What…? What's going on? Why am I here?" she asked. "Mordred, for heaven's, what're you doing out here without your cloak? You must be freezing." She took off her own cloak and wrapped around Mordred's tiny body.
Morgana, you're back! said Mordred, happily, as he hugged her. I was beginning to fear the worst.
Morgana returned the hug and stroked his hair, but then looked worried. "What's happened?"
"You've been under an enchantment and used by a sorcerer named Alvarr," said Mira-Liana.
"We'll explain later," said Merlin when Morgana opened her mouth to speak. "Right now, you need to get out of here. There's a horse back there waiting for you. Go, now!"
Morgana looked fearful, but didn't argue. She just nodded and fled from the forest, not looking back.
Alvarr was then surrounded by Arthur and his men and found himself with Arthur's blade at his throat.
"Give me the Crystal," Arthur ordered.
"What use is it to you?" Alvarr hissed.
Arthur looked annoyed and had his men search Alvarr's clothes until the Crystal was found.
"You're a fool, Arthur Pendragon!" said Alvarr. "How many lives have been lost this day and for what? You cannot wield the Crystal. You do not have the power! None of you do!"
"Gag him and bound him!" Mira-Liana ordered, as Alvarr was taken away by the Knights.
"As you command, Your Majesty," said the Knights.
XXX
That night, Mordred had tended to all the wounded men with the medical supplies he'd brought with him. His healing skills were quite impressive and he was told this by several of the Knights. He would make a great physician someday.
As it was late in the day and would not reach Camelot before dark, Arthur and the others camped there. Arthur prepared for bed, as did Mordred, but Merlin and Mira-Liana were far from tired. Arthur noticed.
"Are you two quite alright?" he asked. "You're very quiet."
"We're fine," said Merlin. "We're just a little shaken and we've got a lot on our minds."
"It's only natural," said Arthur, sympathetically. "No matter how many battles you face, it never feels quite right. It'll pass in a few days. In the meantime, we should be grateful we survived and that Morgana's free of Alvarr's power. And the both of you should get some sleep."
"Later," said Mira-Liana. "We'll take the first watch."
"Are you sure?" he asked. "Do you want me to stay up with you? It's no trouble at all if you need me to."
"No, we'll be fine," said Merlin. "Mir and I have had restless nights before. If we need to, we'll use a spell to make us sleep."
"We'll be fine, Arthur, really," said Mira-Liana. "Go to sleep."
Arthur looked reluctant, but nodded. After a short while, he fell asleep.
Merlin and Mira-Liana sat together in silence for a while. The Crystal was still in the drawstring bag Morgana had placed it in, but something about it bothered them. It seemed to be whispering to them.
When they could resist its call no more, they pulled it out of the bag and held it in their hands and what they saw terrified them.
A powerful dragon, similar yet different to the Great Dragon was terrorizing Camelot. The city burned and people screamed for their lives. Merlin and Mira-Liana fought against the beast, but to no avail. There was fire and pain and then great grief.
Horrified, the two of them dropped the Crystal and placed it back in its bag. They were both breathing hard and quite shaken from what they saw. Neither of them said a word, but they held each other close, trying to comfort one another. Eventually, they fell into a fitful sleep.
XXX
When they returned to Camelot, Alvarr was put on trial for his actions. Morgana, who would've ordinarily showed some sympathy or pity to those with magic under trial, held none for Alvarr as he'd used her for his own gains. Nor did anyone else of magic sympathize or wish to help Alvarr for his actions. He had endangered them all and for that, he had to pay.
"So you admit to stealing the Crystal of Neahtid?" said Uther.
"I do," said Alvarr.
"And you admit to plotting against your King?"
"I do."
"And you acted alone? You were not aided or abetted by any citizen of Camelot?"
"I acted alone."
"Then I find you guilty of treason," said Uther. "You are an enemy of Camelot, Alvarr. You are sentenced to death."
"Then I die with honor," said Alvarr. "Being an enemy of Camelot is no crime."
"Take him away," said Uther.
"Uther, you are the criminal," said Alvarr, as he was taken back to his cell.
Alvarr was far from finished with his work. That night, he escaped from his cell using magic. But did no more harm against the Royal Family. Uther was furious and vowed that one day, Alvarr would be punished severely for his crimes. Everyone else was just glad he was gone and hoped that he would not return to cause them more grief than he already had.
XXX
Frik returned a few days later. He found Morgana in their chambers, sitting on her bed.
"Frik, love, you've returned," said Morgana, as she kissed him him. "How was your journey?"
"Quite alright, but I am glad to be home again," said Frik, smiling. Then he looked serious. "Mordred has told me about Alvarr."
Morgana's eyes fell to her hands. "Then you know of what he did to Camelot and to me." She sighed. "I can't believe I was so foolish not to scream for help when I saw him. He enchanted me because I was so naïve and foolish."
"Hush. It's quite alright, my love," said Frik. "You are not the first Alvarr had used for his own needs and you shall not be the last. It's over now. You needn't worry any longer."
"But I must," said Morgana, softly. "Frik, I fear that something terrible is going to happen. I can feel it."
Frik looked troubled, but he just took Morgana into his arms and held her.
XXX
Merlin and Mira-Liana were worried too. What they had seen, the horrible future bothered them greatly. The future wasn't set in stone, but if this one came to pass, it would only mean trouble.
Mira-Liana kept holding and rocking her babies, who didn't know that anything was wrong, but kept smiling and cooing. Mira-Liana smiled a little at her children, but her smile didn't quite reach her eyes. She was not worried for herself, but for her family. If anything happened to her precious children she'd never forgive herself.
"Ana?" said Arthur, when he came in. "Are you alright?"
"No," she confessed.
Arthur sat beside her and rubbed her shoulder. "What's wrong? Tell me."
She sighed. "The Crystal. It has terrible powers, Arthur."
"It's locked away. It can do no harm." He looked at her. "Unless the damage has already been done."
"Merlin and I held it," she confessed.
"You did what? Why?"
"We knew we shouldn't have. We knew no good would come of it. We didn't want to hold it, but it just compelled us to look. We couldn't resist it."
"And what did you see?" asked Arthur, gently.
"We saw terrible things. Things that will haunt us for years."
"You don't know that. You've already paid the price for your mistake. It's over."
"No, it's not. What we saw has not yet come to pass!" said Mira-Liana. "And Merlin and I are scared, Arthur. We're really scared of what the future may hold."
"Shh, shh, shh," said Arthur, as he held her and she cried into his shoulder. "Listen to me. There is nothing on this earth that can see all possible futures, even the Crystal."
"But what we saw was so real!"
"Of course it was, but that was only one future. The future isn't set in stone, it remains unshaped. It is we that shape it—the decisions we make and the actions we take. The future can be changed. What you saw is only a possibility," said Arthur. "But I do know this: whatever happens, I will always be here for you, for our entire family and for our children, I promise. I love you so much."
"I love you too," said Mira-Liana, as she kissed him. She remained in Arthur's arms for a little while longer, praying that the future she and Merlin had seen in the Crystal would not come to pass.