Sorry I haven't posted in a little while. I've actually had this ready for over a week but I haven't even had the time to post it.
Yesterday we had industry night at my school and I had to stand around for 7 in front of my art boards and give out business cards. Before that I had a lot of printing to do for the boards. My legs feel like they are going to fall off from all the walking to pick it up, only to get home and find out some were printed the wrong size so I had to walk back and Staples isn't that close to my house. Also had to get 2 "32 x40" all the way down town from my house. I was exhausted.
Today is finally graduation day so it is a huge sigh of relief to finally be leaving my college. I'll miss my class mates but I won't miss the stress it caused me. My school is the reason there is hug gaps in my posting of fan fiction.
Deviner Captive
Champion
...
The sun rose and most of the druid camp was already up.
When Arthur woke up because light was shinning in his eyes, he discovered that his blanket had been hijacked by his manservant. You could just see his raven hair sticking out of the top. It was cold and drafty so he tried to pulled the cover back out to him.
Merlin grumbled and his eyes opened. His eyes burned when the light hit them. "The suns up." He shot up in surprise. Throwing off the blanket he stood up and started to throw on the rest of his clothing.
"Yes" Arthur grumbled back confused as he rapped the blanket back around himself. "So?"
"That means it's morning." Merlin practically trampled Gwaine in his excitement to get out of the tent. The knight just grumbled and rolled over and tried to fall back asleep. He was snoring again in seconds.
"What's so great about mornings?" Arthur asked himself as he burrowed into the blanket to try and fall back asleep. Mornings were evil in his opinion. He sighed thinking 'Why couldn't Merlin be that punctual when he was working for him.'
He had just settled down when Arthur realized he had to pee now. Growling as he threw back the covers since he wouldn't be able to sleep until he took care of it.
Arthur left the tent and overheard a random druid say "Emrys is going to perform magic." A memory came back to him of the Elder saying that Merlin could perform magic in the morning. Now he realized why his manservant was so excited. Arthur followed the crowed to where the druids were gathering around something.
Arthur stood and saw Merlin preparing himself for something by the cold fire pit. Technically he'd only ever seen him perform magic that one time in the great hall. Though he was sure that Merlin had performed magic hundreds of time around him without him noticing. He was kind of excited to see it performed in this unassuming environment with no danger.
Merlin shook out his hands to prepare to perform magic. It had been a long time since he'd had full control of his powers. Performing magic against his will was as bad as not performing magic at all. He missed being able to perform magic as easy as it was to breath. The warlock decided to start with the simplest spell. The first spell he'd ever learned. Sticking out his hand "Faerbyrne." Merlin felt the heat gather behind his eyes and then it fizzled out. "Come on!" he yelled in frustration.
He felt someone grab his shoulder. "I told you it would take a while." The Elder reminded him. This reaction was normal after having his magic suppressed for so long. It needed to recover.
"It's taking too long." Merlin complained. "Is there anything I can do to make it come back faster."
"It's the same as when you are sick. Lots of rest and fluids." The Elder recommended.
"Then I'm going back to bed." Merlin turned on his heel and headed back to the tent the druids had assigned them. He disappeared inside and the next second pushed Gwaine out. Arthur could hear the Knight complain and Merlin respond that he didn't want to listen to his snoring.
When Arthur entered the tent he saw that Merlin had wrapped himself back up in their bed roll. "Don't get discouraged. Your magic will come back." When his manservant turned over he realized that he was pouting.
"It doesn't feel that way." Merlin continued to lay on the ground and hug the pillow t his chest for comfort.
Merlin was till pouting and it was driving Arthur crazy. "Get some rest while you can. We have a long road ahead of us. We'll need you to be in the best of shape." He left before he did something.
...
Once the warlock had stopped moping they spent the rest of the day interacting with the druids.
It was a very eye opening experience for the prince. His father had taught him from birth that anyone who processed magic was evil. The druids less than other magical groups but they were still grouped into ones that had to be executed for Camelot's safety.
After interacting with them for only one day who came to the conclusion these people weren't evil at all. If he thought anything they were better people than the average Camelot citizen. The majority of the druids used their magic for healing. They wouldn't even consider injuring any animal for their own sustenance even and only ate vegetables. Which is something he couldn't even fathom doing.
He could tell Merlin was enjoying himself. He seemed like he belonged among these magical people just as much as he did back in Camelot. Fast making friends. He was hanging around the children and had managed to perform some small magic tricks to entertain them. Being able to perform any magic was also making him happy.
Gwaine had managed to join some of the elders who were smoking pipes. He was recalling them with his stories of adventures and the old man returned with stories of their own youth.
The jolly atmosphere was disturbed when a rider suddenly arrived at the camp in a rush and jumped off his horse. He ran towards the elder and skidded to a stop. "Uther's army has been spotted nearby. What should we do?" The young druid asked in a panic.
"Do you think he discovered where the camp is?" A women asked from the surrounding gathering of people. They had to move camp many times before when a patrol had gotten too close. It was one their worst fears that one day they would be found.
Arthur pushed to the front of the crowd. "My father's been spotted?" He thought it would take him at least another day or two to be get this far. Uther must have had the army prepared to leave. 'Merlin wasn't ready yet' he thought with worry. He thought they'd have at least two more days for him to recover.
The man's eyes widened at the sight of him.
"We've got to stop him before he reaches the Dyfred army." Merlin exclaimed as he tried to mentally call for the dragon to return.
"You need more time to recover." Arthur argued. The warlock hadn't managed to perform anything but magic he could do as a small child. So far incantations had been a complete failure. There was no way he would be any use in battle.
"There's no time. We have to leave now." Merlin replied adamantly. Hopefully Kilgharrah hadn't wondered of off too far. It would only be a couple hours until Camelot's army made it to Magonsaete. They didn't have time to waste.
Suddenly the wind picked up, clothes and hair were flapping in the wind. The druids pointed at the dragon with wonder and curiosity. A dragon was considered a symbol of infinite knowledge and great intelligence. Kilgharrah landed with a thump. "You called, little warlock."
"Yes. We need to head back towards Magonsaete. Uther is already on his way there." Merlin explained as he rushed towards dragon and climbed up on to his back.
"Get off that dragon now." Stomping over Arthur yelled. "You don't even have control of your magic yet" he said to try and get it through his manservant's head.
"If we wait too long unnecessary lives may be lost." Merlin argued back. "It will take a while to get there any ways." The prince grumbled but climbed up on to the dragon anyways.
"Wait for me." Gwaine ran so he didn't by accidentally get left behind. He scrambled up behind the other two.
"Thanks so much for your help." Merlin thanked the druids from the back of the dragon. The whole camp had gathered to say good bye.
"It was a pleasure helping you Emrys." The Elder bowed at the neck to show his respect.
"I'll come back and visit if I survive this whole thing." Merlin called back as the dragon took to the air.
"You will!" A small druid boy waved and yelled after the retreating figures. They could just hear his voice over the wind.
"He sounds a lot more confident than I feel." Gwaine said with confusion.
Merlin smiled. "He's a seer, so it gives me great hope." The knights shuffled uncomfortably at hearing that.
...
They flew through the clouds. From the sky they could see an army of blue marching towards an army of red. Faces were indistinguishable from this height but Arthur could still tell which one was his father.
Kilgharrah swooped down with a roar. Landing in the middle of the two armies. The soldiers and knights brandished their weapons in fear at the sight of the beast. Only noticing once the figures started to climb off that there was actually people riding the dragon.
Uther knew that the boy was the last dragon lord so he wasn't surprised to see the magical creature here. Squinting at the three figures he was surprised to recognized the other two just as well. "Arthur!" The king yelled at the sight of his son. Stomping over to confront him.
"My Lord." Arthur nodded nervously at his fast approaching father. He'd completely disobeyed him by leaving to find Merlin. He approached him nervously.
Merlin turned his attention from observing the Camelot soldiers to the Dyfred side. He knew that Arthur had Uther under control.
Gwrthfyr frowned at the sight of his sorcerer. He had been livid when he'd been informed of the boy's escape. 'How could the soldiers have let the prince of Camelot sneak in and steel his prize possession' he thought. In a fit of rage he'd destroyed the blue tent. "Don't look so smug. You aren't free of me yet."Gwrthfyr commanded the boy to perform a spell and nothing happened. Looking down at his chest in confusion making sure he was wearing the key.
Merlin smirked, he pulled the collar and threw it at the kings feet. When Gwrthfyr saw the broken collar he snarled. "You bastard."
"You have no control over me anymore." Merlin said with confidence. "Give it up and go home. Turn back."
"Never. We can take Camelot's army with or without you." Gwrthfyr said with furry. "My sorcerers will over power you."
"Magic users!" Merlin address the small unit. "You've given your loyalty to the wrong side. Leave and I will forget your betrayal of the ways of the old religion. If you don't, you will face my wrath." Merlin said leaking his dragon lord power into his voice.
Camelot gawked as all the sorcerers started to leave. They disappeared back into the woods one by one.
"Get back here!" Gwrthfyr yelled at the retreating figures. He knew they'd only joined him because of the boy but he had hoped they would stick to the contract they'd signed. He should've had the boy put a curse on it while he had the chance.
"I don't want to hurt anyone. Your people have done nothing wrong." Merlin announced more towards the army than the king. It wasn't the citizens fault that their ruler was selfish.
Gwrthfyr army stood no chance against the boy without the sorcerers backup. He had to think of an idea and quick. "Single Combat!"
Merlin's eyes widened, he hadn't expected the king to ask for that. There was an honor code in battle that if someone called for single combat to end a battle before it starts, you had to concede. "You know I can beat any sorcerer you can come up with?" He stated as a fact.
"No magic, just sword and strength." Gwrthfyr knew it was the only way they had a chance.
Merlin frowned. "You're only doing this so that you can get me out of the way!"
The prince put a hand on his shoulder to get him to calm down. He had overheard the conversation the former captor and captive were having. "State your terms." Arthur commanded with his leader voice.
"You can still name the boy your champion but no magic may be used." Gwrthfyr smirked at seeing his sorcerers furry.
"If we win, you have to leave and never attack Camelot or its allies again." Arthur commanded.
"If I win, I get the boy back." Gwrthfyr said with glee.
Merlin felt the prince's hand clutch at his shoulder like he was afraid he was going to be snatched away. He thought for a second before saying "Deal."
Arthur was just about to state that Merlin wasn't something to be traded; he wasn't a thing or a piece of land. Swinging his man servant around to face him. "No Merlin. We aren't bargaining your freedom. He has to ask for something else."
"It's the only way he'll fully agree. You know that if you disagree with his terms he gets to ask for two things. This way hundreds don't have to die. If I do this no one gets hurt." Merlin argued back.
Arthur glared at him for his stubbornness. Snapping his head towards the Dyfred king. "I accept the duty of being Camelot's champion."
"Agreed. Tonight at sundown we fight." Gwrthfyr smiled as he signaled for his army to retreat. "You can keep the collar. You'll be wearing it again soon enough." Gwrthfyr smirked as he threw the metal choker back at the sorcerer before he turned to leave.
That turned out better than he could have ever expected considering the circumstance. If his champion won not only would he get his sorcerer back but the prince would be dead and Camelot's future would be doomed.
.
Merlin smacked himself in the face. "Arthur no! Why'd you do that?" He clutched at the princes arm.
"Like I'm going to trust your freedom to anyone else." Arthur looked at him heatedly. Merlin knew there was no arguing with his master at this moment.
"Arthur!" Uther yelled as he stomped over with his hands in fists. "You aren't doing this. I won't risk the future of Camelot on a whim." His son was a great fighter but he was also half the size of the Dyfred champion.
"Yeah, just let Percival do it, he can take him." Gwaine suggested. He found it weird to be agreeing with the king for once.
"Listen to the halfwit." Uther snapped at his son. "Let your knight take your place in the fight."
"No, the most I'll do is name him as my second." Arthur denied his father. "I can do this."
...
They were led to a tent to prepare for the fight. The prince was provided with some armor since he'd left his back in the forest. Merlin grumbled to himself as he helped Arthur get into the armor. "You shouldn't be doing this."
"It has to be me ." Arthur argued back as he looked straight ahead.
"Why? Give me one good reason it has to be you?" Merlin asked in frustration as he poked him in the chest. Since he was already wearing his breast plate the prince didn't feel it.
Arthur wasn't sure how to put his feelings into words. Grabbing Merlin by his neckerchief he pulled him forward till their noses were touching.
"Wha..?" Merlin started saying in confusion.
"Shut up." Arthur said before pulling him into a heated kiss. Merlin was stiff at first so the prince just held his lips to the other boys until he relaxed. He let go of the fabric and ran his hand through his dark locks. Running his tongue over Merlin's closed lips, he asked for permission to enter. He sighed in delight when the boy opened his mouth under his.
Merlin was shocked to have the prince pounce on him like this. He had feelings for Arthur for a long time now. He just never expected them to be returned because of Gwen. He'd accepted they would only have friendship between them.
Eventually they had to part because they ran out f breath. Standing with their foreheads touching catching their breath.
"Your mine." Arthur panted.
"What?" Merlin asked confused. Not enough oxygen had returned to his brain to fully compute what the blonde had said.
"That's why it has be me doing this. Your mine, I won't let anyone else have you. You and all your powers." Arthur spoke very possessive words. The warlock tensed up, Arthur berated himself for his poor wording. It made it sound like he only wanted Merlin for his powers. He reminded himself about how he was thinking earlier Merlin wasn't an object to be traded or possessed. "What I meant is, I can't live without you, so if I have to, I won't." He looked deep into the blue eyes.
Merlin gawked at the princes words. "That's suicidal." He couldn't believe that he meant that much to the prince. His master who always called him useless and incompetent. "You can't risk your life for my freedom."
"You're worth it." Arthur stroked his cheek. He couldn't help but lean in and steel a kiss from those surprised lips. He could die within the next hour and he was going to make the most of it. Merlin melted beneath him. The kiss grew more heated and he clutched the slender boy to his chest.
"Ow." Merlin said as he ripped his lips from the prince's and pushed him away. "You're still wearing your armor." He rubbed his shoulder in pain. "I think I got stabbed by your shoulder guard."
Arthur sighed at the fact Merlin had completely ruined the mood. He wouldn't be his manservant if he didn't though. He never wanted Merlin to change. He loved him quirks and all but he wasn't ready to say that yet. Taking off his gloves he cupped Merlin's cheeks in both his hands "I'll be more careful this time."
Merlin sighed as he looked into the princes heated eyes. He leaned in and closed the gap between them being careful to keep his body away from the sharp edges of the armor. Arthur slowed the kiss to a less frenzied pace and kissed him sweetly. Note to self, armor was not something nice to make out in.
They flew apart when the tent door was opened. Arthur was worried it would be his father but when he looked up he was met with Gwaine's wide eyes. He wasn't sure if this was good or bad until the knight smirked. Definitely worse than his father.
Gwaine gawked at the sight of them. There could be no mistaking what he just saw the two of them doing. Arthur's lips were pink and swollen, Merlin's hair was a mess and he was as red as a tomato in his embarrassment. "What were you two doing in here? Hmmm" He asked with his hands on his hips.
"Nothing." Merlin immediately said.
"That was not nothing. Gwaine looked at the prince with an impressed expression. "I can't believe you finally had the nerve to do it."
"Why'd you come in here in the first place?" Arthur asked annoyed at the interruption.
"I came to tell you the fight starts in ten minutes. I was getting antsy because you haven't showed up yet and was wondering what was taking you so long." Gwaine replied. "I can see why you were distracted now," He smirked at Merlin who looked like he wanted the ground to open up and swallow him whole.
"Crap." Arthur grabbed his sword and was just about to dash out when he turned back to Merlin. "Gwaine do you think you could leave?"
"Not a chance." Gwaine knew what was coming.
Arthur sighed at the predictable response. "Turn around then."
"Arthur, please..." Merlin started one last ditch effort to get him to step down and let someone else fight.
"Shush." Arthur pulled Merlin into one last deep kiss before he had to leave. He wasn't sure if he'd ever get to do this again. Pulling away he looked into the boys deep worried blue eyes.
"You have two minutes." Gwaine reminded them.
Merlin grabbed his hands and tugged his gloves back on. "Good luck. You better not die on me. I've put too much work into keeping you alive for this to end."
"Dying would be an in convenience for me too." Arthur leaned in and pecked Merlin on the lips right in front of the knight, pulling back he marched out of the tent.
Merlin blinked in surprise at the farewell. He wasn't used to all this kissing yet between them yet. What was he to Arthur now?
He flushed when Gwaine giving him a thumbs up.
... TBC