Chapter 4: Scratching old wounds
It was true that Merlin had secrets. That he came to the Pendragon coven for a purpose, to find something really precious to someone, someone who held something precious of Merlin's in return. And as much as he feared that person, they would not have their way. He would find the precious item of theirs, yes, but he would not be manipulated and treated lowly as he had before. The scars on his body reminded him only of their cruelty. As much as those memories hurt he would eventually have to go back.
The plan was easy in Merlin's mind, at first. He would come to the Castle (which has happened), quietly (which didn't happen), he would sneak quietly into wherever that item was (which he doesn't know where it actually is) and then he would quietly and inconspicuously sneak out again (which hasn't happened yet). It was a stupid plan, he admits. He never had a talent anyways with planning strategies and stuff. He just did things and made a plan up along the way. He was good at that, yes. That's how he always got by through this kind of situations. So he thought that if his first plan to infiltrate into a coven full of blood-lusty vampires failed, he would improvise!
But then the unexpected happened, Arthur. Who on earth would ever believe that he would meet his, apparently, "love of his life", in this situation. He looked at the naked man sleeping soundly next to him. How wonderful he looked. His blond, soft hair, his red lips still numb from the night before and those blue eyes hidden under his sleeping eyelids, apparently all for him. He told him that he was his Half and Merlin his. He believed him, he knew it were true, somehow he just knew. He still doesn't know if he loves him yet but whatever it is that he is feeling right now just keeps him wanting more of Arthur. He knew Arthur felt the same. There was this kind of unexplainable attraction when they were near.
He looked at the vampire once more and threaded his fingers in his hair before getting up to resume his search for this precious item. He took off his shirt which was covered of their cum and stunk awfully. He found a clean shirt of Arthur's and a relatively small size vest and dressed himself.
The usual silence was held through the Castle at day and Merlin found his way quietly to where he thought he would find Lancelot again. And he did but this time in a different room. Fully lighted by the sun coming in from the large windows, the great dining hall, Merlin saw the other day was apparently used by humans that "belonged" to vampires. Breakfast was served across the dining hall and some of the people exchanged comments as Merlin walked in. Lancelot was sitting at the head of the table reading a newspaper and left it aside when he saw the source of rattle.
"Ah! Merlin!" Lancelot remarked. "Please sit. Have breakfast." He gestured to the sit right next to him.
Merlin took the sit and smiled. "Surely it is a bit late for breakfast, it's almost noon."
"True but you will learn at your stay here that time is completely irrelevant to what needs to be done and you need to eat." He gestured to a servant standing at the corner and approached to serve Merlin tea and breakfast.
"Thank you." He told the man who poured tea in his cup.
"So how do you find your stay here so far? Is Arthur treating you well?"
"Y-Yes, we've come to an understanding..."
"It must be the same understanding he had with everyone around here, including me." A blonde woman commented and waved a hand at Merlin. "Vivian, former human of Arthur, currently being tossed around other vampires."
"Watch your tongue Vivian!" Lancelot barked and she lowered her head.
"My apologies Sir Lancelot I meant no disrespect. I am just informing Merlin of his future position here. After all, we all have, at some point, found ourselves in Master Pendragon's bed, haven't we Sophie?" the girls giggled.
"That's enough!" Lancelot shouted and slammed a hand on the table. "You may return to your rooms now." They stood up, their faces fuming with anger and left.
"Pay little attention to what they said. You will hear a lot of these comments around here."
"Because that would make a difference? Paying no attention to what people say makes me only oblivious."
"I'm only asking you to see Arthur for who he is. Under the strict and straight-faced leader of this coven there is more to him, there is kindness and understanding. I have experienced it firsthand. He allowed me to stay here when I had nowhere to go. He gave me a home when I had just lost one." He explained. "Besides, you are not like them, are you? You are special." His tone of voice indicating what is to be kept secret.
"I can hardly believe that's true."
"You are the first he has ever claimed, not only that but you are his Half..." he said quietly. "Those girls may giggle and laugh around all they want but the truth is that they were the ones who knocked on Arthur's door willingly to be taken. Arthur has never asked anyone to his room, except you."
"I feel honoured." He said mockingly while taking a sip from his tea.
"Give him a chance Merlin."
"I already have." He mumbled shyly.
Lancelot smiled approvingly. "Well I think it's a fine sunny day, do you know how to ride a horse Merlin?"
Lancelot and Merlin went off horse riding in the end. He showed him around the place, the forest was vast and huge. Merlin took a note in his head for anything that could help him slip out of the castle later on. Lancelot said he wanted to enjoy the sun as much as he could before turning to a vampire.
"If you like the sun so much why become a vampire?"
"I love her Merlin. Very much." He said. "Is that so hard to believe?"
"No it's not. It's just remarkable really."
...
Arthur hated reports. He absolutely loathed them. But that never changes the fact that they are important and must be thoroughly examined. Reports from the outline covens came weekly, from other cities monthly and to Arthur's delight every now and then from his father.
He started lighting the candles seeing as no one else bothered and since no one was clever enough to listen to him and stay in the goddamn room. After a few candles were lit and they were enough to light the room he sat down to read the papers on his desk. It was Arthur's lucky day. The first letter was from his father.
Arthur,
I hope that everything goes well in England and you make sure it stays that way. After all it is expected from you to take your responsibilities at hand. I will expect that the reply of this letter will include a full report on all covens that you are in charge.
To put you out of concern things are going perfectly here in Germany, as always. Everything is under my control and the people's respect here for me makes everything go smoothly. I hope you might take example of that. Respect is to be earned from those lower than you by any means. Fear not about the upcoming events of the massive witch-hunts that are organized throughout Europe, it is the British that should be more concerned about these disturbances since the English church is more serious when it comes to it.
I hope that you may reconsider the relationship you had with Guinevere once more before you finalize your decision of losing such a prospective life companion to a human. I myself have established a great understanding with Lady Katrina, High Lady of Germany and powerful ally of the Russian Covens. Please take care in choosing your companion as I will not accept a lowly human or a newborn vampire. Such a match would be below your prestigious position.
I would also like to inform you that I have repositioned my protégée Lord Agravaine from Nottingham to Stuttgart as his political skills are highly needed there for a matter of economic development. Please find a suitable person to take over what he managed to build for so long under my guidance. Maybe Lady Helen would do, assuming she is available.
If there is not an urgent matter to answer to, this will be my last letter before attending your millennia celebrations.
Sincerely,
Uther Pendragon
It was definitely sheer Uther. The whole letter reeked of authority and the perfect role model that Arthur was supposed to be a replica of. Arthur threw his head back and sighed. Now, he had to think of the appropriate letter that he wouldn't get a reply of for the next three months, hopefully but unlikely.
The knock on his door saved him from the pain of having to write that letter with Leon and Percival walking in.
"Arthur! Things are serious!"
"Please do tell me what other delightful letters and reports and news you have, to make this night even more better than it is!"
Percival eyed Leon with concern before saying. "Letter from your Father?"
"Yes."
"Maybe we should come later." Percival suggested making a move to leave. Leon stopped him immediately.
"No, this is important. It can't wait."
"What is it?" Percival handed over a lovely report, hesitantly. "This came from Lady Annis' Coven not long ago."
Arthur,
There have been reports in our nearby village from the locals that there have been "strangely big wolves" on loose attacking people. Needless to say what for the humans is an unusually, big wolf with red eyes is for us a werewolf and that is no good sign, considering that The Contract stated no killing or hunting on our regional areas.
I will look into the matter which I believe has to do with the newly camped pack but I would be most grateful if you sent me one of your trusted to give you a full detailed report in this investigation.
Respect,
Annis Carleon
"Percival, go look into it and find out anything you can. If something is to be strictly confidential you keep it for yourself. I don't want to worry anyone and start unnecessary rumours."
"Yes sire." They both bowed and went for the door.
...
Merlin found his way back to Arthur's room earlier that day... well night. Two hours since it turned into night to be precise and he really hoped he wouldn't be cross with him. Not that he had to report to Arthur. Not that he himself wanted to be there or because he wanted to see him. But because he wanted to and because he was bored. At least that's what he kept telling himself.
Just as he was about to enter, the two men he saw the other night were coming out of the room. Both gave him a wide smile.
"You must be Merlin. I'm Leon and this is Percival." They shook his hand.
"If Arthur is ever giving you too much of a hard time please let us know!" and then they both left hurriedly. Merlin stared in surprise of what just happened and then walked into the room.
"Where have you been?" Arthur demanded.
"People here are really strange! They either like me very much or hate me to death, apparently!"
"You haven't answered my question!"
"Around! I've been bored!"
"You are not allowed to leave this room without my permission!"
"I just went around for a walk."
"Without telling me!"
"Right! Then you might as well lock me up in a dungeon and take me out whenever you wish to fuck me and drain the blood out of me!"
"Locking you in a dungeon seems a really good idea right now Merlin, so do not tempt me!"
"Then go ahead I'm used to it! I'm used to being thrown into dungeons! After all, everyone I've met thinks is such good fun!" he yelled back at him. "And that will make you just like anyone else!" his one hand clutched his wrist, itchy from the painful memories of prisons, cages, caves and shackles.
"Merlin..." Arthur started to say, realising the sensitive spot he just hit.
"I thought you were different. I thought..." He looked down not finishing what he wanted to say, not asking for the help he so desperately needed. "Never mind..." he said quietly and walked to throw himself on the bed and curl like a ball. He felt the bed sink behind him after a few minutes and a hand placed gently on his side.
"I am not going to throw you in a dungeon Merlin, I didn't really mean it." he sighed. "Look I'm really trying to be considerate here but you aren't giving me anything in return. You refuse to tell me anything about yourself. I don't know you and that's making it a bit hard to trust you. Give me something, talk to me."
Merlin sat up to look at him in his eyes. "I am not here to cause any trouble that's the least I want right now, and I don't want to harm anyone. I have been hunted down like an animal my whole life, all I seek is some peace and safety. I can't tell you any more than that for now, but after some time I will. I promise." He told him truthfully. "All I know is that I've been feeling strange around you, I don't know what this is or why I feel it but I trust you." He admitted. "For some reason I trust you."
Arthur stared at him in silence, realising that Merlin had to some extend made a confession.
"Is that enough for now?" Merlin asked him, his tone calm.
"It is..." he said putting a hand around his neck "... for now." He sealed it with a quick kiss.
"Are those my clothes?"
"Sorry, mine were dirty, a servant offered to wash them and I don't have anything else." He said embarrassingly. "They are a bit big." He huffed a laugh.
"Are you saying I'm fat?"
"No, I'm saying you are thick."
"Merlin these are the muscles of a warrior!" he tried to convince him.
"No one is complaining sire!" he chuckled and smiled at him. "How old are you?"
"I'll be exactly a thousand in about three months. There's going to be a gathering, feast and all that."
Merlin nodded in acknowledgment.
"You are not surprised?"
"Should I be?"
"Most humans usually are."
"Does it turn them off knowing you are ancient and old?" he teased.
"Does it turn you off?" he asked with his lips approaching Merlin's.
"No, not really." They both smiled and stayed still for a moment.
"Let's have a bath, you stink." He stood up offering his hands to Merlin.
"I stink? I thought I smelled amazing!" he took his hand and followed him to wherever he was dragging him.
The water was warm and scented with herbal oils. The servants really knew how to do their jobs right, in this place. They sunk in letting the water wash them clean... with the help of Arthur's hands, of course. Merlin was currently sitting on Arthur's lap with two fingers sliding in and out of him preparing him open. Arthur knew he hit their right spot when Merlin broke their kiss to moan.
"Ah-Arthur! There! More!" The younger man breathed amongst other things.
"I have a suspicion Merlin, that you are not a virgin." He said matter-of-factly.
"Does it really matter now?"
"Not really, I'm fucking you either way." He lifted his bum so that he could sink down again and take him all in, Merlin's arm tight around Arthur's strong shoulders and Arthur's hands flat on Merlin's back holding him close and tracing the markings he felt. Hundreds and hundreds of scars lined in every way on his back. He ignored it for the moment concentrating on his dick engulfed in the tight warmth around it.
It was until after they got out of the bathtub that he takes a good look at the scars from behind Merlin. He traced his fingers on them again, making Merlin jump in surprise and staying completely still. Some have become white, disappearing into Merlin's skin but some weren't that old. There was still dried blood on some of them. The lines were long and vicious, indicating that they were made by flogging with a whip. His eyes trailed to his wrist where white scars where sculpted like bracelets on the beautiful white skin. Shackles. If Arthur ever met the man responsible for such cruelty he would rip his head off. He hugged Merlin into a tight embrace from behind.
"You are safe here. You are safe with me. Whoever did this to you will not dare to come near you." Merlin wished it was true, he really did.
...
As it turned out their "relationship" became more casual the next few days. Arthur showed that he really cared about Merlin, truly cared for him and all the sneers and giggling from Arthur's former relations had nothing more to say and they knew better than to flash themselves in front of Arthur. Every single person that tried in some way to get in his pants found themselves embarrassingly turned down. So they stopped trying to court Arthur. However that was not the case for Merlin.
The man has been in a rather traumatic situation with Sophia. He was walking down the hall to where humans passed their times in their common room at day. Specifically, they laid all of their last night experiences on the table, boasting how good they were treated and what a wonderful time they had getting their blood drained out. The one with the most magnificent story would get to flash their talents in front of the highest of rank vampire. It was a common yet silly and disgusting to Merlin.
"I think Sophia wins this night." Vivian said dashing a smile at her friend sitting next to him.
"But wait! I think not everyone has told us of their lustful experiences." All eyes fell on Merlin and Merlin simply looked back at them with a lowered eyebrow and a look of astonishment. They waited and waited more when Merlin wasn't anticipating.
"Nothing to share Merlin?" Sophia asked finally.
Merlin was not doing this. "Lots but certainly nothing you will ever get to hear."
"Aaaaw don't be so mean Merlin. We are simply giving you the opportunity for... more."
"And what would I be winning?"
"The opportunity for the available highest vampire in rank."
"Ah... But you see Miss Sophia. I already am in a position in which I get the highest in rank, so I don't see what that would do me any good since I don't even have to present myself in such a manner, I live in his room, I don't even have to get permission to enter." Their eyes went wide and their mouths dropped.
Merlin knew exactly how to make someone shut up, not including himself. He continued rummaging through Arthur's books and Arthur realised how happy and content he was watching him reading while he looked over his letters and reports from other covens. He kept reading the letter from his father when he finally decided to reply with a really short letter saying:
Dear Father,
I have found my Half.
Sincerely,
Your son Arthur
The letter was supposed to hit all the spots his father would hate. He did that successfully. Firstly, he showed emotion towards him and called him his Father which the man never liked because it showed weakness. Second, the letter was informal, short and not covering the points Uther needed which is unacceptable. Third, he was now in an inevitable relationship with a human. Fourth, Uther would have to either reply back or make his visit earlier than expected. It was funny how such a small letter would cause such a big tantrum for sure. He could just imagine his Father throwing stuff around his room. The thought made Arthur smile and he felt guilty for just a second.
This particular night to Arthur's disadvantage, Merlin was not into reading. He was lying on the couch looking up the ceiling, lost in his own thoughts.
"What are you reading?"
"Reports."
"From?"
"The outskirt covens and one from Percival."
"There are other covens around here?"
"Of course, smaller ones."
"Hmmm..." he thought, going into silence for a bit.
"So what are the reports saying?"
He slammed the papers to the desk. "I would have known have I been given the chance to read them."
That was the warning for Merlin to be quiet. He gave him the chance to read the rest of them falling into silence again.
"So what are they saying?" he asked eagerly like a child curious to know everything.
"What is wrong with you today?" he yelled fuming with annoyance. "Why are you talking so much?"
"I'm bored!" he complained.
"Then read something!"
"I want to get out of this room."
"Merlin I'm working."
He stood up and looked towards Arthur. "I'm going out!" he said looking for a jacket to wear.
"Out? Out where?"
"Out of the castle."
"You are not going alone. It's not safe."
"I'll ask Owain then, the other day he seemed too eager to show me around." Merlin could be wicked some times.
"When the hell did that happen?" Arthur's eyes darkened in anger.
Merlin shrugged "Just the other night when you went off to some work of yours."
"He flirted with you when he knew you are mine?"
"Well it's been a long time since anyone ever saw me with you because we lock ourselves in here and do nothing other than having sex! How are people supposed to know we are, er, together if we aren't actually seen... together." His words made no sense.
Arthur sighed in defeat. "Fine!" he threw his jacket to Merlin whose search turned unnecessary after he found the jacket flung on his head. "Riding or walking?"
Merlin smiled wide "Walking." He replied happily.
They strolled around the castle with dark and clouded eyes catching a glimpse at them. Curious glances haunted Merlin and his breath was caught in his lungs when he forgot to breath. His heart pulsed wildly in fear and he found himself clinging closer to Arthur. Merlin feared that if he wasn't drained out of his life while he stayed here, he would be slaughtered by some other human. He eased his mind when an arm was wrapped around his waist bringing him closer, as if Arthur was announcing their bond. The vampires bowed showing their respect and made way for them.
Gwen with Lancelot sat on the big couch at the centre of the main room. A hand wrapped possessively over Gwen while they had a conversation with some other people.
"Arthur!" she noticed and the people took their leave quietly leaving them alone.
"Gwen..."
She stood up walking closer to Merlin, taking a good look at him. "Merlin." her smile was warm and kind and it made him feel comfortable. "How is everything? Are you enjoying your stay here? You do know I'm second in command, if Arthur ever gives you any trouble let me know. He can be a hot-head sometimes."
"Oi!" Arthur argued.
"So what are you doing outside of the room? Finally, deciding to let Merlin out in the world again?"
"Very funny Gwen... Merlin wanted some fresh air."
"Oh! Then do not let us disturb you of your nightly walk! Take good care of him Merlin." she said patting his shoulder and heard an exasperating sigh from Arthur.
They walked around the castle grounds reaching into the thick gathering of trees. The leaves and fallen branches crackled under their feet. They walked slowly with Arthur leading him. Until the forest cleared its way and they reached a still and calm lake. The moon shone beautifully over it, they light reaching it turning into silver at the surface of it. Arthur sat on a log and Merlin mimicked him. There was an odd silence before Merlin started his questions again.
"So this place, this whole ground of Forest and the Castle is yours?"
"Yes, it was given to me by my father."
"Your father?"
"Uther Pendragon, he lives in Germany, high leader of the First Coven there."
"Wait, so he is your father by blood?"
"He is also my maker." Merlin stared at him confused. "He was turned shortly after I was born and when I became of age he turned me in turn."
"So there must be older vampires than you then, if someone turned your father first."
"We don't really know. There wasn't anyone that claimed to be older than us, my father and me that is. Some believe we, Pendragons were the beginning, how it really begun though is a mystery. There isn't any way of knowing."
Merlin nodded.
"You know, you are taking all of this quite smoothly for a human... or whatever you are."
Merlin gave him a smile and then shrugged.
"Can you do it again?"
"What?"
"When you ran into these grounds, how did you run so fast?"
"It's, uh, not running." Arthur waited for an answer pushing it out of Merlin. "It's kind of, um, transporting, but in a short distance. But I can't keep it for long, it drains my energy."
"Show me." Merlin looked away. "Please?" he asked quietly.
Merlin sighed and with a blink of his eyes and a golden flash exploding in his eyes time stopped. He stood up and walked to the other side of the log to where Arthur sat frozen and took a sit again next to him. His eyes burned gold again and time went back to normal. He cleared his eyes quickly before Arthur had a chance to see them. The vampire spun around quickly in search for Merlin.
"How did you do that?"
Merlin shrugged in respond. "One of my many talents I suppose."
...
Gwen looked outside of the window as Merlin and Arthur walked back into the castle. Not once taking her mind off Merlin's face. She has definitely seen him somewhere before she just didn't know when and where and Merlin was either lying or not remembering her face himself. She would find out eventually if she thought through enough, she would.
A kiss on her shoulder brought her back in reality. "What's on your mind?" Lancelot asked wrapping his arms around her.
"Nothing." She told him with a smile. "I'm just thinking that Arthur is acting different around him. He is changing him."
"In a good or bad way?"
"Good way. I think he is very lucky that he found him."
"Merlin is a good soul." Lancelot said in kind words.
Gwen just nodded.
"Let's go to sleep."