Hello lovelies! How are you all faring with the Merlin news (hugs) it'll be ok!
Here's the other chapter, been posting one every week as promised, so hopefully you remember the last chapter (though last Wednesday seems ages ago).
LOT'S OF CANON STUFF HERE! I hope you like and notice it, I...whatever, you'll be reading this in a couple seconds anyways :P
Song: Hardest of Hearts by Florence+ the Machine (hardcore Mergana song my friends, it's brilliant)
I hope you like it!
While Merlin would have been happy to sit and watch the woman in his dreams all day, his attention was taken by the activity below. Uther Pendragon dismounted, and King Leodogrance walked towards him. The two shook hands.
"It's been too long," Uther told the copper-skinned King, and the other monarch dipped his head in agreement.
"Welcome to Glendale."
After a few softly spoken words that Merlin couldn't catch, the warlock watched as Arthur Pendragon dismounted and was introduced to Gwen. She looked beautiful, dressed in a stunning gown of lavender purple silk, hair braided in a hairdo that must have taken hours. Curtsying like a true lady, Merlin stifled a giggle as Arthur kissed her gloved hand—he could only imagine what Gwen would say to him when they were alone.
Shewas introduced next, the woman that had both graced and haunted his mind, and Merlin found himself captivated by how graceful she was, so fluid in her motions, a small smile that made you try to guess what she was thinking on her full lips. He, along with the other members of the court, moved to the side to allow the delegation into the citadel, and just as she passed him, the warlock felt himself inexplicably drawn to her. As if she felt the same, the ward caught his eye just as she walked by, and Merlin couldn't look away as he was captured by her beautiful jade eyes, lined by midnight black kohl. But the moment was over as soon as it started, and she entered the castle and was out of his sight.
The warlock shook his head and followed Gaius back to their chambers, still in a drunken stupor of shock and amazement—a stupor that his guardian noticed.
"What's wrong, Merlin? You look like you've seen a ghost," the physician asked after he closed the door.
"She's the girl—lady from my dreams."
"Who?"
"The Lady Morgana."
Gaius looked at him, eyes wide. "Impossible."
"I know, but it's her. The eyes, the lips, she's even wearing the same gown she wore in my nightmares."
"But how?"
"I don't know, Gaius. I just don't know. What do I do?"
"Nothing, you hear? Let things take their course, alright? You must promise me you won't get involved."
"Trust me, getting involved with the ward of a man who'd like to see my head on a platter—not on my list of priorities."
"Good. Now go wash up, we'll have to go to the feast in two hours, and the King wants everyone looking their best."
"Alright."
"Off you go."
Merlin jumped up to his room, closing the door behind him. He sat down slowly on the bed, burying his face in his hands, fingers on his temple, trying to remove the image of a certain green-clad lady with crimson lips from his mind.
Gaius called for him in an hour, and Merlin quickly washed his face and went down to meet him. The warlock was dressed in a red shirt—a little finer than his every day one, and baggy brown pants coupled with the only pair of boots he owned. Around his neck he wrapped a soft blue scarf Gwen had given him, but denied the cloak Gaius had suggested he wear. The two left the room, running into other members of the court as they made their way to the feast. Leading him to a seat at a table right of that of the royalty, Gaius sat down and watched the warlock do the same. Across from them would sit members of Camelot's court, next to them members of their own, and knights would be dispersed randomly with their ladies. At the high table were set six chairs, the Kings seated in the middle, their children in the two chairs at their right, and the Lady Morgana and Edwin at their left.
Merlin looked around in wonder, all the preparation they had done paid off. The hall was shining from marble floor to wooden ceiling, garlands and flowers decorating every open space. Already servants lined the sides, hands filled with jugs and plates of goodies to offer those seated. But Merlin didn't have long to admire the room for long, because next to him plopped Gwaine, and the chestnut-haired knight had a wide smile on his face.
"Oh no," Merlin moaned theatrically. "I have to live with Gwaine's incessant chatter for the rest of the evening?"
"I'm hurt, Merlin," the knight laughed. "At least we don't have to sit next to royalty. I'm betting that Gwen will try to run to us after five minutes."
"Three," the warlock amended with a smile. "Arthur will compliment her on how she looks…"
"…Then tell her what an honor it is to be here…"
"…Boast about his many talents as a warrior…"
"…Attempt to flirt with her and miserably fail…"
"…Then the two will sit in an awkward silence for the rest of the evening," Merlin said with a laugh, finishing them off.
"See? Now you can't think I'm that bad of a person to sit next to."
The warlock was quiet for a moment, contemplating, before he turned to Gwaine. "No, you're still pretty bad."
"I know."
The two laughed again and Gwaine began to ask him for the umpteenth time to tell him about his adventure to the dragon, and Merlin recounted it again, Gwaine interrupting every so often to curse or say what he would have done in his position. By now the hall was almost full, every seat taken, and the sounds of trumpets interrupted them and they looked up, rising to bow to the two kings who entered the room. Both wore their largest crowns, their finest robes. Behind them, Arthur escorted Gwenivere—the Prince in his scarlet cloak and chainmail, Gwen in a beautiful navy gown.
But even though Gwen was lovely, many eyes turned to the woman behind her.
"God have mercy," Gwaine muttered by his side.
The Lady Morgana wore a long crimson gown, simple, with only a sheer layer on top to give it design. However, the dress hugged her curves and glided on her as she walked. Her hair was done up in a simple bun, black strands perfectly framing her face, and the hairdo only allowed for more eyes on her bare shoulders. Skin the color of ivory. At the edge of her eye, the lady had put a small gemstone—a style that Gwen and Merlin had always agreed looked terrible-but on the Lady it looked sinful. With her blood-red lips, jade eyes, and pale skin, she didn't need a fancy dress to show off her beauty. She was stunning, and Merlin couldn't take his eyes off her.
But as soon as she took her seat, King Leodogrance called their attention, and all eyes turned reluctantly from the lovely visions seated at the high table to the King.
"For years we have been at odds, and there are enough wars in our past to prove it. But tonight, we welcome our honored guests from Camelot with open arms, because with them comes hope for a peace between our two nations which has been absent for far too long. In honor of their arrival, Glendale will be hosting three days of celebration. Tonight we are here for a feast, to greet and welcome each other like brethren, and to let the politicians have their small talk." A small titter of laughter rose from the audience and the King waited for it to die down before he continued. "But tomorrow, we give our warriors a chance to enjoy themselves. In the morning we will leave for a hunt, and afterwards our knights will be given the chance to test their skills against each other in a small tournament. On the final day, we will be hosting a masquerade ball, open to all." Talking filled the hall, and people turned to each other in excitement at the idea. "I will not keep you from the feast much longer, I'm sure our guests are hungry after many days of travel. Enjoy."
The hall was abuzz with talk as servants entered the room-carrying in their arms grand plates filled with the best food Glendale's many chefs had to offer. Gwaine poked him roughly in the arm, and Merlin turned to him in annoyance.
"Ouch, that hurt."
"Sorry, I forgot you were a twig. Care for some chicken?"
"Don't mind if I do." The warlock soon filled his plate and, with his friend, began to eat.
"So, will you be competing in the tournament tomorrow? You'd kill those ruby-wearing knights," Gwaine asked, mouth full of steak.
"No, the court decided it'd be best if we magic wielders didn't participate. That way we can stay on Uther's good side."
"That's a shame." The knight patted Merlin on the shoulder—the warlock nearly fell out of his chair. "I always look forward to watching you compete."
"Yeah, well, I'm thinking I'll stay under the radar while they're here."
"Will you at least come to the hunt?"
"You know I don't like hunting, Gwaine."
"But why not?"
"Well, what kind of a sport is it when one side has hounds, horses, and spears and the other nothing?"
"My kind of sport." The two laughed, and Merlin turned to the high table, instinctively looking for Gwen. As though she felt the same, the Princess met his gaze and mouthed, "help me." Merlin laughed and looked at her companion. The "once and future king" was looking sullenly at his plate, looking up every so often as though he was about to say something, but then stopping and remaining silent.
What an idiot. What the hell was destiny thinking, trying to hook me up with that guy?
Merlin looked down the table. Both Kings were in a heated discussion, and the Lady Morgana was listening intently to something Edwin was saying. The warlock smiled. Edwin was always good at putting people at ease, and Merlin could tell that the Lady Morgana was enjoying her time by the small smile on her face. Reluctantly, the young man turned his attention from her back to Gwaine, and the two spoke uninterrupted the rest of the evening, Merlin not looking back at the high table again.
When they were finally dismissed, Merlin excused himself from Gaius's company and made his way to a balcony on the eastern wing. Making sure no one was watching, he eased himself over the railing and dropped down on the terrace below. There he pulled off his scarf and lay on the edge, looking out at the city. After about half an hour, Gwen opened the door and sat next to him, wrapped up tightly in her night gown.
"So, how was it?" she asked.
"I think everyone but you and Arthur had fun." The warlock smiled at her. "What did he do to get so badly on your nerves?"
"I don't know. He's just Arthur. He's arrogant, annoying, self-conceited—"
"-You can already name so many attributes about the man. Wow, Gwen, I'm impressed. You barely spoke two words with him to know so much."
The Princess rolled her eyes. "He's just so proper, it's like spending the evening talking to Martin."
"Perhaps he's just trying to make a good impression?"
"Yeah. I don't know, he's one of those rough, tough, save the world kind of guys. I prefer much more ordinary men like you." Merlin raised his eyebrow. "No, I don't mean you, but I mean, I like ordinary men LIKE you…"
"Oh, trust me, I'm not ordinary."
"Really? Because you really don't look like one of those guys..."
Merlin looked around before leaning in closer to her. "I'm in disguise."
The Princess laughed. "You're strange—but a good kind of strange."
"What's gotten into you, Gwen? You seem a bit flustered," The warlock cocked his head inquisitively, studying her face with those piercing blue eyes. She blushed in response, and Merlin's eyes widened. "No…Could you…I can't believe it…"
"What?!" She said in surprise.
"You like him!" Merlin accused.
"Do not."
"Do too."
"Do not."
"Do too."
"Oh, stop it, Merlin, you're acting like a five year old. Whatever gave you the idea that I might like that…that…prat?!"
"Hey, that's my word!"
"Merlin!"
"Well, you don't like him, and everyone knows opposites attract. Ever since you've met him you've been acting all shy and flustered, not at all like the Gwen I know, and you blush when I ask you about it! When should I be expecting wedding invitations?"
"Merlin!"
"What, Princess Pendragon?"
"Get out."
The warlock smiled at her cheekily, and dodged when she tried to hit him. Inclining his head towards her, he kissed her forehead.
"Good night, lovebird."
"I don't like him-"
But before she could finish, he was gone, pulling himself off the balcony and out of sight. Left alone, the Princess smiled, rolling her eyes. There was once a time she had a crush on Merlin, and she still kind of did. What girl couldn't fall for that smile? However, when he was gone on his trip, and she left alone, Gwen realized she loved him far too much to think about him in that way. She realized that, though one chooses who to love, one cannot help who they're friends with, and, we choose who we love, but we can't help who we're friends with, and Merlin was the greatest friend she had, and would ever have. Happy with her private revelation, she walked inside, shutting the doors tightly behind her, collapsed in bed, and fell fast asleep.
Merlin spent the next morning practicing spells, waiting for the tournament to begin mid afternoon. Gwaine had bullied him into coming to watch. He was practicing a shield spell when Gaius called to him down below.
"I'm leaving for a second. Watch the King's tonics for me while I'm gone."
"Where are you going?"
"I need to give this sleeping draft to the Lady Morgana. The poor thing has been known to have nightmares."
"Is it the same one I take?"
"Yes…"
The warlock got to his feet, walking down the stairs and towards the old physician. "Then let me take it to her. I can tell her the side effects and yada yada."
"Are you sure you want to speak with her?"
"Chances are she won't even be there, and I'll just give it to her maid. But if she is…I don't know, meeting her might get her out of my head."
Gaius looked at him for a moment before handing him a small vial. "Alright."
"Oh, and Gaius? I won't be back till evening—Gwaine has asked that I watch the tournament."
"No competing."
"I know. See you."
Walking out the door, Merlin quickly made his way to the guest chambers. When he reached the Lady's rooms, he found the door open. He knocked softly before walking in, running into her the moment he entered.
Her back was turned, and she was talking to someone, presumably her maid. She walked behind her screen and began to undress—Merlin too shocked to say anything.
"Sefa, will you hand me that dress?"
The warlock coughed, coming back to his senses and realizing that the beautiful girl thought that he was her maid. "I'm sorry, my lady, I don't know where your maid is. I was sent here by the court physician."
"Oh, how embarrassing, I'm so sorry. Do you mind handing me the dress on the table? I'll be with you in a moment."
Merlin picked up the dress, made of navy blue silk, and turned away as he handed it to her over the screen. He could hear her pulling on the garment, and blushed even though he couldn't see her.
"I'm sorry, do you mind doing the back of the dress for me?" she asked suddenly.
"O-of course, my lady," Merlin blustered.
He walked hesitantly towards the screen, and saw her standing there, back to him. Her dress was open, and beneath it the sheer white of her shift—so sheer that he could see the outline of her spine. A shudder ran through him and he began to tie the laces on the back of the gown. Reaching the middle, he pulled on one and she winced.
"Sorry, sorry. Rough hands."
"It's alright. Thank you."
Merlin finished and she turned to him, and he was dumbstruck by her beauty. Her hair lay in waves down her shoulders, and she wore little makeup, somehow that making her even more appealing. But it was not only her beauty that drew him towards her; something inside of him stirred in her presence, and he felt his magic rise to the surface. It took what little of his concentration that she hadn't already captivated to keep it at bay.
"Umm…ehm…well, Gaius—our court physician-told me to give you this umm…for your nightmares." Merlin handed her the bottle, red creeping up his neck.
But she didn't comment on his awkwardness, only smiled. "Thank you."
"Oh, and my lady?"
"Yes?"
"You should take a spoonful of the tonic every night before you go to bed, no sooner, because it makes you drowsy. And in the morning when you wake up, you may feel a bit dizzy—it's pretty strong."
She cocked her head at him, studying him with her beautiful eyes. "You know a lot about this potion."
"I should, I take it."
"Really?" The Lady's eyes widened before looking around, taking a step closer to him. "And does it work…do your nightmares go away?"
"No. But it dulls them and makes them less real," the warlock replied softly. Nodding her head, Morgana pulled a hair behind her ear.
"Thank you."
"My pleasure, my lady. If the tonic doesn't work, just come to the physician's quarters and we can see if something else can help." He turned, almost walking out the door before he heard her speak again.
"I didn't catch your name."
"Merlin, my lady."
"Thank you, Merlin."
He nodded and smiled at her, walking out quietly, ignorant of that fact that she watched the door long after his departure. When he turned the corner and was out of sight, he leaned against the wall and took a deep breath. Running his hand through his hair, he tried to cool down, aware of how hot he felt.
Back in the room, Morgana sat down on the bed, looking at the tonic in her hands.
"My lady, you're dressed," Sefa commented as the maid walked through the door, fresh sheets in her arms.
"Yes."
"What's that in your hands?"
"A tonic sent by the court physician. You wouldn't happen to know anyone by the name of Merlin, would you?"
"Not that I remember, my lady. Why?"
"Because I just met him, and I can't shake the feeling that I've met him somewhere before."
"Where, my lady? He's from Glendale."
"I don't know. I just know that I've seen him somewhere before, that I've met him. Seeing his face…it's like seeing a long forgotten dream. Like a memory from a past life."
"I'm sure you'll find out soon enough, my lady. Do you wish me to do your hair so you can go see the tournament?"
"You go, Sefa. I'm tired and would prefer to sit here."
"Of course, my lady, get some rest." The maid curtsied and walked out of the room, leaving Morgana alone with her thoughts.
Merlin, meanwhile, made his way down to the tournament field, his mind still on the Lady. The knights were preparing themselves when he reached the field, taking a seat in the stands. He smiled at Gwaine when he saw him and then settled down, the sound of steel breaking on steel clearing his thoughts. However, the outcome was not the one he had desired because it was Prince Arthur who won the title. He beat Gwaine in the semi finals, and went on to fight and defeat Percival in the finale. The audience cheered, and Merlin made his way out of the stands before everyone left, walking towards the training fields where he knew he could find Gwaine. He wanted to both mock and comfort him for his loss.
But before he could see his friend, he ran into a group of Camelot's knights—at their head Prince Arthur, using a servant for target practice. The poor boy was holding up a wooden shield, and was moving back and forth, the Prince throwing well-aimed daggers towards the target.
"Well, run!" Merlin overheard Arthur say. "We want a moving target."
The Prince then threw a knife so hard that the servant fell to his knees, the shield rolling away and towards the warlock. Before the poor boy could pick it up, Merlin put his boot on its worn surface, looking up at the Prince.
"I think you've had your fun, my friend."
Arthur's eyebrows rose incredulously. "Excuse me? Do I know you? Because you just called me friend." He walked menacingly towards the smaller man, but Merlin stood his ground.
"I'm sorry, that was my mistake. I could never have a friend who could be such an ass."
The onlookers laughed, and the Prince did too, however his was one of shock. "And who are you?"
"Merlin."
"Tell me, Merlin, do you know how to walk on your knees?"
"No."
"Would you like me to teach you how?"
"I wouldn't."
"Why not?"
"Because you don't know what I could do to you."
"I could rip you apart with one blow."
"I could do so in even less," Merlin replied, receiving a short bark of laughter from the Prince.
"You do know I've been trained to kill since birth," Arthur said jauntily, pulling a sword from the ground and swinging it in his hand.
"Wow. And how long have you been training to be a prat?"
"You can't address me like that."
"Oh, I'm sorry. How long have you been training to be a prat…" Merlin bowed mockingly,"… my lord?"
Arthur Pendragon laughed, but then swung the sword at the thin black-haired man. Merlin avoided it, side stepping easily.
"Pick up a sword," Arthur growled, all frivolity gone.
"If you say so," Merlin's eyes glowed gold and suddenly a sword was pulled from the sheathe of one of the on looking knights—a crowd had gathered by now. The warlock tested it, running it's blade down Arthur's, the Prince too shocked to parry. Merlin smiled and widened his eyes, the sword pulling itself back to face the Prince, the sorcerer's hands still limp at his sides.
Arthur looked at him, studying the young man for a second before lunging. Merlin easily parried, his eyes burning a permanent gold as he dueled the Prince. The Pendragon spun around and swung his sword, Merlin's quick reflexes the only thing that kept his ear from being chopped off. But ducking to the side made the warlock lose his footing, and he rolled quickly to the side to avoid the Prince's stabbing blade. Merlin jumped up and held up his hand, the blade sent flying, and Arthur only barely blocked it. The sword flew back to Merlin's hands and the two circled each other calmly, Arthur's face one of rage and confusion, Merlin's of intense concentration. It was the warlock that made the next move -another sword flew to his other hand, then he let them go and watched them float in the air for a moment before sending them towards the Prince. Ducking low, Arthur fought the invisible opponents, but he tripped over a rock as he backed up. Merlin walked forwards, the twin swords floating right above the Prince of Camelot.
Taking a look at the fallen man, Merlin called his swords back to his hands, giving Arthur the chance to get to his feet. The onlookers cheered, but the two barely noticed. Arthur looked at the warlock for a second, attempting to find a chink in the man's magical armor. He faked left, and Merlin's swords moved to parry, only to leave the warlock's right side undefended. Arthur's sword cut him, and the warlock reacted instinctively—his pain sending the Prince flying back several feet to crash on the grass. Arthur gasped for air, seeing stars, and Merlin walked over to him, pointing the tip of his sword at the Prince's throat, a hand clutching the bleeding wound on his side.
"We're not in Camelot, and here in Glendale, we don't support the bullying of servants. You'd do well to remember that—my lord," He then buried the swords in the ground, offering his hand to the fallen Prince. But Arthur didn't take it, instead getting up on his own and glaring at the warlock before picking up his own blade and walking away. Merlin only shrugged, returning the other sword to its proper owner and turning away, aware of the wide eyed stares he was leaving behind.
Suddenly, he felt a hand clap on his shoulder, and he turned to see Gwaine walking beside him, a large smile on the knight's face.
"That was bloody brilliant. Pure genius. Utter magnificence."
"Ooo, big words there, Gwaine."
Ignoring him, the knight continued. "You just showed up, and humiliated, Arthur Pendragon. We should go to the tavern and celebrate."
"I didn't want to, but he was being a bully. Gaius is going to kill me," the warlock moaned. "So much for lying low."
"He deserved it!"
"Yes, he's a prat."
"Then you have nothing to be worried about."
"Yeah, except for the fact that I just made an enemy of the Prince of Camelot."
"Well, he wanted you dead even before this happened, so it's not like you made things any worse."
"Such words of comfort, Gwaine, I feel a lot better now."
"Always here for you, mate."
YAY! Finally got Gwaine established in the story-he's my favorite knight and I adore his friendship with Merlin.
Please, please, please tell me if I wrote the characters correctly- Morgana, Arthur, and Gwaine. I want this to be believable, which is why I did add Canon moments. A little bit of Mergana this chapter, the two finally are introduced. The amount of text the couple will have grows with every chapter, so I hope you are looking forward to that.
As for Merlin being cancelled...well, I'm not going to lie and say I'm not heartbroken. I swear, for the last couple days I've been a sorry wreck-tearing up at everything and downright sobbing while scrolling down my dash on tumblr. Because it's been a rough week, I'm thinking of posting another chapter this weekend (it's one of my favorites because it's a masquerade and it gave me a chance to mess around with some imagery). Ultimately, it's up to you.
Do you want another chapter this weekend, or would that be too much of the story over the span of a couple days? I could always just post it next Wednesday like normal ( and if there is any confusion I would post a chapter, say, on Friday, and then another on Wednesday).
WHAT SAY YOU!?
Oh, and thanks for all the reviews and the follows! GAHHH this last chapter got the most reviews and I'm hoping that continues? It's really lovely to hear from you, even if you're only writing one word!
SO YES! TELL IF YOU WANT ANOTHER CHAPTER OR A SHOULDER TO CRY ON AND I WILL REPLY TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY!
-ladywarlock