Chapter 12: Stories and Conversations
Warm, damp bodies collided on one another. Under the candlelight, ivory skin was illuminated and dark, blue preying eyes fell upon it, marvelling its beauty. The vampire couldn't just lie down and watch as his warlock loved him from the top, his thin legs straddling him. He moved up and grabbed the dark haired man, taking the situation in charge, granting him a wild, needy kiss.
They fell sideways on the bed feeling exhilarated, after it all ended. They disentangled their limbs. Their eyes were closed as they both drank in the beautiful sensation. Merlin panted wildly as if he had no breath left in his lungs. When he opened his eyes he saw Arthur's staring back at him, a hand reaching up to stroke his hair away from his forehead.
"All this centuries and we haven't met once before." Arthur remarked feeling sad for the lost time.
"Actually..." Merlin said in a very low voice. "I've been having a dream lately. It was when Morgana was still human, a child and we lived with our mother. Our village was attacked by werewolves. There was fire and screaming everywhere and then our mother died. We escaped from the battle. I took my sister and we run. But just before we left I saw a group of warriors. At that time I called them warriors with tiger fangs, I never knew vampires existed then." He huffed a laugh and then looked straight into Arthur's eyes. "You were there."
Arthur frowned. "When was that?"
"End of the seventh century. A village in Wessex."
"It was when we first discovered werewolves. My father was... concerned, that they would turn against us eventually, being supernatural creatures as well. It was a claim of power he said. I just followed his orders because I had been doing that for a long time, before I decided to make my own way. I'm sorry you were caught in a fight you had no part in."
Merlin shook his head. "Don't think about it. I've seen so many wars in my life that none of it matters now." Arthur knew what he meant very well.
"Where did you go? What did you do?" He wanted to know.
"We've been around the world. We never parted with my sister at least not for very long and not too far away. We went to Rome when it still was a great empire and Europe. Then South to Egypt." Merlin stopped and smiled at the memory.
Arthur went curious. "What?"
"Nothing, I just feel old sometimes."
Arthur smiled and scooped him in his arms, gluing Merlin's face against his chest. "We are old, you idiot! We are ancient! And it's your fault for not meeting me earlier!"
"How is it my fault?" He mumbled in his chest, barely making clear of what he just said. "Where have you been?" he asked accusingly.
"At first I stayed here because my father ordered me to. We had a great quarrel of sorts because he held me here with his power as my maker." Arthur stopped visioning the old memory in his head.
Merlin lifted his head to look at his face. "What happened then?"
"He agreed in the end, with the condition to take Leon with me. Leon is his fourth protégée, so he would send him letters every week telling him of our adventures. We travelled around Europe mostly. That's where we found Gwen."
"Where did you find Percival?" Merlin asked curiously.
"When we came back here, his maker Agravaine wanted me to take him with us to the East. So it was basically just us four our whole life."
"I've never been to the East. How is it?" He asked like a child that wanted to know everything.
"Strange, very different than here but beautiful." He looked in his blue eyes. "I'll take you when the witch-hunts are over. It will be your millennia gift." They smiled. "Which reminds me..." he said while standing up, "...you need to get me a present." He said with a serious face.
"I am your present, you are lucky to have me." He teased and that earned him a glare. "It was just a joke!" Merlin said defensively while standing up himself to find some clothes. His own clothes now, after how Arthur expressed his annoyance of him stealing his clothes.
"The whole thing is just a joke!"
"As if you don't like it! People's attention will be on you and you just love that! Are humans allowed to the celebrations?" he asked.
"It's my millennia so I get to invite whomever I want and everyone in this Castle is invited!" he said almost shouting and Merlin knew at that moment that Uther's opinion was opposing his.
"Who's coming then? With your father I mean..."
"His closest people. His wife, Catrina. His hoard of protégées that I mostly loathe. Gaius his closest friend..." Arthur could go on and on but Merlin stopped him.
"Wait!" Arthur heard the sudden word and turned around to where Merlin was now fully dressed. "Gaius? Who is he exactly?"
"I told you, the oldest friend of my father. Why? Do you know him?"
"Well, I did know a man named Gaius. He was a physician and he umm, helped me with my magic. He gave me my first book of magic."
"He sounds identical to the Gaius I know, could be him." He shrugged.
"But he was human the last time I saw him. I assumed he'd be dead by now." It would be as if the dead rode from the graves, if that were the case.
"My father managed to persuade him to be a vampire."
Merlin didn't say much for the rest of the night. They both resorted to their work. Arthur to his papers and Merlin in his books making notes. All the while thinking about the next day and what would come out of it. He felt a bit guilty not looking for Gaius sooner before their ways parted. He was- is the only father-like figure he ever got to live with.
...
Arthur reached to Merlin's collar to straighten it. The warlock smiled feeling like a child who was getting his clothes straightened up for him.
"You are nervous!" He stated.
"I'm not." Arthur said straight away with that serious tone in his voice.
"Why are you so nervous?" He asked him, totally ignoring him.
"I am not nervous!" he almost shouted.
"What's the worst that can happen?" he asked seriously.
Arthur sighed. "I just want him to accept you and treat you well, that is all."
"Don't worry, everything will be fine." He straightened up, chest up. "How do I look?" He said all cheery showing his new clothes off.
Arthur smiled. "Lovely."
Arthur instructed Merlin to stay out of sight and not attract any attention on him. He wanted to break the news to his father first, before they meet. Merlin agreed seeing how important it was to him. He also wanted this to work.
The vampires arrived as soon as night fell and everyone gathered in the common room to welcome them. Arthur sat on his usual place, the big sofa in the middle of the room, Leon to his right and Gwen and Morgana on his left, as in order of years. They were seemingly discussing serious matters by the looks of Arthur's face. Morgana seemed to be treated as a princess lately which of course Merlin didn't mind. Morgana wasn't complaining either as she looked made for it. He did get some recognition though, with him being old enough to be an elder. People would look at him and give him sideway glances, some were of awe some of fear, even respect. The humans showed to respect him more as well. They even bowed to him to Merlin's dislike.
He made himself one with the wall leaning against it as he looked around the room. Tonight at the welcome party only vampires were allowed with some exceptions of course.
"Trying to turn invisible?" He heard a voice next to him.
Merlin turned around to see him next to him, leaning on the wall, arms crossed and looking around like him. "Lancelot!" he said with a smile. "You are back!"
"I never left Merlin." he said casually. He looked different but he was still the same Lancelot. He was a bit paler and his posture was different. Nevertheless, he was handsome as always.
"You look nice. How is it being a vampire?"
"Well, at first I thought it was the worst thing ever all I could think about was blood..." he started, "...and sex. Then once everything got, uh, settled I realized I changed. My eyesight changed, my hearing, my whole senses in fact."
"Sounds... magical..." He said and Lancelot laughed at his smart comment. "So why are you here and not there?" He gestured at Gwen.
"Same reason as you. Uther doesn't like me. He thinks I'm not worthy of Gwen." Lancelot explained
"But you are a vampire now."
"Merlin... Being a vampire is not important to Uther. What is important to him is status and years here mean status. Now, Gwen told me that you are as old as Arthur, if I were you I would use that advantage to get the better side of Uther."
"Arthur told me he would handle this, I'll let him do that."
"I'm just pointing out an advantage. If things get too difficult you might want to play smart."
Their conversation was cut off abruptly when a young vampire came in and whispered something in Arthur's ear. He stood up and everyone else followed his action. The doors opened and a large party entered the Castle. In the front, Uther lead them closely followed by Katrina and Gaius. He walked steadily towards Arthur who stood waiting.
"Arthur!" he said shaking his hand patting his shoulder with the other. "My son!"
"Father." Arthur acknowledged. "I trust you had a peaceful journey."
"Incidents never stop to occur during such longs journeys. It was as pleasant as it could get." He informed.
"Gwenevere! Your beauty hasn't changed a bit!" He turned to her and kissed her hand.
"Welcome home my Lord." She said with a smile.
"Leon!" He acknowledged.
"My Lord." He bowed his head.
"I will have servants to escort you to your rooms. You must be tired." Arthur suggested.
"I am eager to be informed with the latest news of our Covens here but I'm sure Katrina and the others would need the rest." He gestured behind him.
"Arthur." Katrina acknowledged and offered her hand to him. Arthur took it and slightly kissed it. "It is very nice to meet you finally. Uther talks so much about you."
Normally, he would have said, All good I hope, but he knew the answer to that so he just smiled in return. "It is a pleasure, indeed, my Lady." He looked behind her to see an old friend. "Gaius! How have you been?"
"Germany is fascinating but I am so glad we have the chance to visit our home!" he said delighted.
"Enough welcoming." Uther said as if displeased. "I'm sure everyone wants to get settled, so I think we should go to your rooms Arthur and discuss some matters."
Arthur didn't like the sound of that. "Of course!" He said looking content and everyone went their way.
The servants helped with the belongings and led everyone to their chamber. Some vampires stayed behind to greet old acquaintances. Gaius as well who seemed to greet Gwen, Leon and Percival. He was quite shocked when he saw Morgana. He hugged her in a fatherly embrace.
"I never expected you would become a vampire. This is truly amazing." He took a better look at her and smiled. "I don't suppose Merlin is here as well?"
"Why wouldn't I be?" Merlin was heard behind him. "I can't just leave my sister by herself."
"Merlin my boy!" He said cheerful embracing him as well. When he let him go his face went all serious. "You are still human?" he asked surprised.
Merlin shrugged.
"I shouldn't be surprised." He said. "What are you doing here? How did you get here?"
Merlin hesitated before telling him. "I'm kind of... Arthur's Half..."
"Oh dear... Why are you always in trouble?"
"It's not my fault!" he said in defence. "This one isn't!" He specified.
"I hope for your sake and Arthur's, Uther sees it that way."
...
Arthur wasn't nervous, not really. Concerned would be more appropriate to use or tensed. This was his Coven, his castle and he knew that eventually Uther would want to take some things at hand. He didn't mind it as long as his father's actions don't have any conflict to his own rules. Unlike Uther, the human that were allowed to stay here were to be treated with respect. Uther saw humans as lowly existences that had little time to achieve anything worthy in life.
So here they sat in Arthur's room, Arthur's territory discussing matters. Uther wanted to have a look at the files on all the reports that included numbers of vampires and humans. Some had too many vampires some had too many humans to his dislike, which of course he expressed. Then he looked at the packs that were under the Contract. He told him of his recent ally King Gwaine of the werewolves.
Before Gwaine left he and Arthur came to an agreement. Merlin was quite surprised by how both of them swallowed their pride and shook their hands like fellow comrades. The agreement promised a great alliance with the werewolves. Gwaine even invited them to his coronation which Arthur gladly accepted.
Of course Arthur wouldn't tell his father all that. Uther was satisfied that his son had come to such a strategic agreement but being on a friendly basis with them wouldn't be wise.
They were other matters that arose meanwhile.
"Are there new additions to our castle?"
"Yes, we've had about ten new."
"Any special additions?" That meant any worth knowing vampires.
"Well, Morgana is a rare vampire, nine hundred and thirty years." He went straight to the point.
"Fascinating! How is it we didn't know about her?" he asked curious by her case.
"Her maker is Morgause, I think she wouldn't want us to know that she was creating her own vampires being at such an early stage herself."
"I would like to meet her."
"Of course." This was a good sign. If he were to like Morgana surely he wouldn't think too bad of Merlin. "We have had some loses, however."
"Yes, I've been informed of a recent battle."
"Yes, a small group of werewolves not many casualties."
"There have been loses, nevertheless. How did you let this happen?" It was frustrating how the question indicated it was Arthur's fault.
"The pack was not following the Contract. There was a man who lead them, threatened them. He was seeking revenge for crimes we have not committed."
"A man? A human?" Uther asked in wonder.
Arthur's face was serious and stern. "A sorcerer."
Uther's dismay could obviously be seen. "Is he dead?"
"Yes." Arthur replied.
"Good, then we have nothing to worry about." This was not a good sign, if Uther still hated magic this much he would never accept Merlin. "Who was it that showed such bravery against the sorcerer? They must be rewarded."
Arthur knew this were to come eventually. "It was my Half."
Uther's head shot up, in happiness someone would say but Uther Pendragon was never happy. "Yes, I was expecting we would come to this matter. I believe the First Connection was made and there is nothing to be done."
"Yes, it is done."
"This is truly sad, your existence is in danger. Tell me about her."
Arthur was in a tight position now, if this weren't his father he would have bursted in anger by now "I beg to differ that my existence isn't in danger, my Lord." He said almost through his teeth.
"How is it not? If you aren't bound to someone who has more power than you then that means your Half is not as capable as you to protect her own self and I can tell you that I haven't turned anyone before you. Now, tell me again, how is it not a problem?" To the ears of a strange man his words would be considered cruel, stern and unkind to his son but anyone who lived long enough to know Uther would know that this was his way of caring for his son's life.
Arthur looked away trying to contain his anger.
"It seems to me that you are avoiding talking about this matter. Why? Who is she?"
Arthur took a deep breath before he looked straight into his father's eyes. "Merlin is a man. He is human and he is also a powerful warlock."
Uther stood up in his anger. He paced around the room for a moment, angry lines forming on his forehead. "This couldn't be any worse." He murmured. "How many people know about him?"
"The whole castle has seen his display of magic when he killed the man in battle only my trusted know that he is my Half though."
"Good, that is good." His tone indicated a small hint of panic.
Arthur frowned. "What are you on about?"
"You must end this dishonour on behalf of our name. I am right to believe that people have seen you with him but this can be rectified. You will hide him, keep him here of course and keep him a secret from the rest of the world. In the end the people will forget him."
Arthur had enough. "You expect me to keep him in a dungeon like an animal."
"Arthur you are being unreasonable. Not only is he a man and a human but he is a sorcerer. You know how many countless times I told you that magic brings only evil. In the end, he will enchant you and trick you into giving him this Castle!"
"Who is being unreasonable!?" Arthur yelled. "I know Merlin and I have seen his magic he is not capable of any evil."
"Are you a fool!? Have you any idea what magic did to your mother!?"
Arthur was taken aback. He spoke steady and true in a very calm tone when he said. "No, I do not." He replied to him. "Because you never told me."
That was enough to shut up Uther.
"These are my last words. Merlin is not leaving my side, he will not be locked in a dungeon and as sure as hell isn't going to be treated with any less respect than I deserve."
Uther stood for a moment looking at his son in shock and fury. He rushed out of the room closing the door with a thud behind him.
...
Merlin tip toed back to the room as soon as the sun started shining. He made sure no one was there and judging by the silence Arthur must have been already asleep. He walked into the bedroom where he was proved right. Arthur was sleeping on his side his chest bare, wearing only trousers.
Merlin tried to make as little noise as he could undressing quickly and staying only in his underclothes. He quietly slid under the covers and closed his eyes to sleep.
"You have been wandering around again." Arthur's sleepy voice said.
Merlin opened his eyes to see Arthur's staring right back at him.
"I didn't want to disturb an important conversation." He said quietly. He rolled on his side to take a better look of Arthur. "I would ask how it went, if I didn't think the answer would be "bad" or "couldn't be any worse"."
Arthur wanted to smile at his usual funny comment. Instead, he took him in a close and tight embrace and buried a hand in his thick black hair. His lips were touching his eyebrow. Merlin leaned into the embrace, closing his eyes.
"No one is taking you from me. I won't let anyone take you."
A/N- I initially wanted this to be the last chapter, which would be followed by an epilogue but seeing how big this chapter has gotten there will be one more.