Chapter 7
Merlin laughed for the first time in so long that it felt like all the laughs he could have had in all that time were coming out in bursts of joy, in that moment he understood why it was mentioned in so many books that a laugh is the best medicine for the soul, it truly felt invigorating. Of course to anyone who didn't know the reason, his outburst looked... less than polite.
- How DARE you laugh at me?! Do you even know who is standing before you?! I am Morgana Pendragon! One of the last True Seers and apprentice to the most powerful warlock of this era, Albion's Left Hand!- the laugh must have sounded worse than Merlin thought for her to react like this.
As Merlin regained his composure her looks caught his eyes one more time. He didn't know much about this world but had seen some of the people in the streets and their clothes looked fairly normal, mostly like the ones in the other world, except for the occasional moving words or images in the cloth, but he had seen the ones at the opening ceremony (which must have been over by now if Morgana was here) and if these were anything to go by, Morgana must be someone important in this society. Her long, flowing black dress must surely be made of silk or something just as expensive, a cheap replica could not possibly have such luster or that liquid reaction to the wind. Also, something told Merlin that the few, stylish ornaments on the dress were genuine gems. And yet, she was able to look so natural in such a dress even when angry. Merlin couldn't help but admire how over all, it was Morgana that made the dress shine rather than the other way around, a dress which was surely desired by any girl with even the slightest sense of fashion.
- I'm sorry, really, I wasn't laughing at you, it's just that the idea is funny to me. We are only good friends. - After all, to Merlin, Aithusa was practically something like a daughter or little sister, family. And a dragon, no matter how she looked what Merlin sensed in her was definitely the spirit of a dragon. - And anyways, a True Seer? Albion's left hand? Are those supposed to mean something important?-
Merlin saw as Morgana's anger was replaced by shock and she turned to Aithusa, who had been watching the whole thing play out.
- He doesn't even know that?!-
- You have to understand, Merlin is new to Albion, new to most magic, he's been here for less than a day, he doesn't know most of the basic knowledge that everyone here does, and even his control of magic is barely at the level needed to enter the first level of learning at Albion.- Morgana furrowed her brow at this.
- That's... Bizarre. I could have sworn I felt powerful magic from him right before he turned around. Though it sounds crazy, his magic felt somehow like my Godfather's, and we both know that no one's magic is like his. - Morgana was looking a Merlin suspiciously again, but her eyes were drawn to the mischievous smile that appeared on Aithusa.
- Morgana, his whole name is Merlin Dracoville. - Her smile widened as Morgana's eyes grew to inhuman, and yet still graceful, proportions.
- ... But then...! Is he...?!-
-Yes, Morgana. He is.-
Merlin found himself in Morgana's arms before he could react and was frozen to the spot for the short duration of the hug.
-Why didn't you say so before? Any family of Marcus' is a friend of ours!- It was as if everything that had made Merlin suspicious in Morgana's eyes before was suddenly gone.
-Why the sudden change of hearts?-
-You are my godfather's long lost cousin, he is one of the most important men in my life and you are his only living relative, he sometimes talks about you, though, strangely enough, never by name, and how he so wanted to find you. How can I possibly stay mad at you? And I do have to admit I was the first to be rude in this conversation.-
-He's your godfather?-
-Yes, long story, but enough about me, tell me, how did he find you? Where are you from? Are you joining the academy? I must know everything!-
- Morgana, you are overwhelming poor Merlin. There will be time to talk later but now I have to take him back to Marcus- to Merlin it was obvious that Aithusa was trying to make a swift scape before the questions got too deep and he was unable to answer.
Morgana looked like she wanted to argue but ended up accepting, with a few conditions.
-Fine, but make sure Marcus knows he should be expecting me very soon. I want to be officially introduced to his mystery cousin- she winked at Merlin- and I want the whole story this time.- Aithusa rolled her eyes but then gave her a hug and a kiss on the cheek, Merlin got a warm hug which he was able to return this time, after a few surprised seconds, then they were on their way to the red door.
This time around the impossibilities and performances of the kingdom were lost on him as he was dragged through streets and crowds. Merlin had always given himself great credit for being a quick thinker but the past couple of hours was proving him wrong, then again he hadn't had anything but repetitive quilt to think about in a long time. Even with all the questions swirling around in his head, it was Aithusa who broke the silence.
- She took a liking to you pretty fast, there are very few other people besides me who she shows the kind of affection she did to you.-
- We always had the potential to be great friends, I guess we also have it this time around.- she just smiled and kept on walking, but the silence had been broken and Merlin had too many questions to let it settle again.
- Why did she say that Marcus talks about me? Just how long has he been searching?-
- He has been searching for some time now, but has been talking about you even longer. He has always been very proud of all you accomplished, and though he can't really say who you are or what you've done, he always makes it clear to whoever will listen that he's very proud of his cousin, you'll also have to forgive his need to call you his cousin in front of other people but it was the first thing that came to his mind when someone asked him who the gifted boy he talked about so much was, after that it just stuck.- that was, if anything, a little weird. Grateful was something merlin could have come to terms with, even if he could still not wrap his head around the fact that this city was in many ways his life's work, but proud was something you felt for someone close to you, someone who you had expectations from, and merlin had barely met the man. As was becoming common, more questions sprang into Merlin's ever inquisitive mind.
Merlin didn't get a chance to ask anything because without warning they went through Kilgharrah's door and in a few steps found themselves in Marcus's office.
Inside Marcus was sitting on a chair and going over some books which he put aside once they entered, he signaled for them to sit and asked them how the trip had gone.
- It was incredible, the place is so lively and there is so much magic all around! And the statues... It's nice to know that what Arthur and I did bore such things, it makes everything better.-
- I'm glad you liked it, this place might become your home if you decide to stay.-
- I'd like that, it's been ages since I had a real home.- the pun was a little weak considering how true it was but Marcus cracked a smile nonetheless.
- We did come come across some... Unexpected company.- Aithusa was looking shifty eyed and Merlin remembered she had been told to keep him away from anyone he should not encounter too soon. - Morgana was looking for me after the ceremony and she found us in front of the entrance.-
- What?! Aithusa I told you to be careful! What... What happened? - His eyes were somewhat guarded as he looked at Merlin.
- Nothing happened. I introduced my self and before she could ask for any details Aithusa dragged me in a hasty retreat. I know she's not the same Morgana I once knew, though for a moment I almost confused her with the other one and was ready to attack. -
- Well, I'm glad you didn't. You are right, she is not the same person you once knew, and we will make sure she never becomes that person. - The intensity in Marcus' and Aithusa's eyes left no question as to wether they would do all in their power or not, but merlin still had his doubts.
- But she could, I saw her go down the path of destruction once. I can't... I can't watch it happen again.- Merlin's emotions were clear in his voice and the others could tell how personal this was for him.
- You won't have to, we won't let it. This time things are different, you are wiser and stronger but it's not just you that has changed. This time around Uther is not full of hate, he's still the king but even if he is still a little hard headed this time he is part of magic himself and mostly a good king. Morgana's mother and stepfather didn't die because of Uther but by an accident. She also has Ygraine who raised her since she was a child and loves her as much as her own son Arthur. Then there is Aithusa and me, we are both strong influences in her life and always keep there is no need to worry about her morals, we've all made sure she knows she's loved and wanted right were she is.-
- That does make me feel better but I'll make sure to be there for her this time. So Ygraine is alive in this time?-
- Barely, they made the same mistake when Uther realized that they couldn't bear child by most conventional means or even using most harmless fertility spells. Luckily I found out before she gave birth and was able to compensate for Arthur's life with a lot of powerful magic and many irreplaceable magic artifacts, I couldn't move for months after that. It was well worth it but be sure that on that day the king and queen received a lecture like never before even as I was paralyzed from the neck down, and I am proud to say that they were blushing with embarrassment and fear of what would have happened when I was done with them.- There was a hard glint to Marcus' eyes but Merlin understood perfectly, a hate filled Uther with magic at his disposal made him have goose bumps from the horror of the possibilities, last time he had blamed magic, this time god knows what or who he would have blamed but Merlin had no doubts that it would have been another blood bath.
- I still have so many questions, so many worries. But I don't think I can take any more for today, every answer just gives me more questions. I think I need a little while to process all of this.-
- I understand, but there is one more thing we have to do before I let you go.-
- What is it?-
- You have to get enrolled into Albion Academy.-
- I have to be a student?-
- Of course, right now your knowledge is at the level of a child. How else are you going to learn magic and about our society? Let us go meet the head of the Academy so he can get your papers in order.- The smile on Marcus' face made Merlin very curious.
- Who is it?-
- He is the most trusted advisor to the king, director of every research related to health improvement, and the best physician in all of Albion!-
- No...!- Merlin was once again struck speechless and Marcus happily declared.
- Yes! Let's go pay Headmaster Gaius a visit!-