Hello dears!
Things are really kind of starting now~~ Hope you will enjoy~~
Pairing: Merlin/Arthur. Background Lancelot/Gwen. Brief mention of past Arthur/Gwen and Merlin/Freya.
The Divine Battle
Chapter two: Merlin's day.
Gaius stared at Merlin, wondering. It had been surprising enough to see him awake even before the physician called him for breakfast; now he didn't know how to interpret his ward looking lost in thoughts. His face changed between worry, anger and amazement as he played around with his breakfast. Merlin stopped turning his spoon, fixing the porridge with frowning eyes yet a beaming smile.
"Alright, Merlin. What happened?" Gaius eventually asked.
Merlin startled, porridge flying from his spoon toward Gaius. The warlock blushed and apologized quietly. Gaius raised an eyebrow as he cleaned his face.
"… What do you know of the Triple Goddesses and other Gods, Gaius?"
Gaius' eyebrow shot up. "It is said that the Triple Goddesses are the Goddesses of The Old Religion. As for other gods…" Gaius frowned. "I never heard about them clearly, but many texts hinted at even higher forces than them. Why do you ask?"
"I… Two Gods talked to me some minutes earlier. Warn me against Morgana and the Triple Goddesses getting allied."
Gaius almost choked on his spit. "What?"
"I know. It was… surprising. But I know deep down they are telling the truth. My magic… I never felt that before; but my magic seemed at ease with them. It didn't warn me, didn't surge to protect me. Like it knew I was safe with them." Merlin beamed. "It felt so good to be in their presence…"
Gaius blinked. He could see the happiness on Merlin's face; and he felt a bit jealous to not know the feeling. However, he mainly felt awed and proud for Merlin. "Could you be more detailed about Morgana?" He had to ask, worried.
"They told me she called the Triple Goddesses into the mortal world; and the Goddesses don't believe in Emrys and The Once and Future King. They want to put Morgana on the throne and use her to rule their magical kingdom. The two Gods told me they watched over the worlds until now, but they can't stand by and do nothing. They told me to go to Avalon tonight, and there they will create a link with me." Merlin shrugged. "I don't know more."
"They didn't give you their name?"
"No. All I can tell was that one was male and the other female."
Silence fell between them. Then, Gaius chuckled. "You will never cease to amaze me. Gods?"
Merlin grinned. "I amaze myself."
Merlin felt glad he didn't need to rush to Arthur's chamber. He had to admit, it felt good to wake up early and not be late. He balanced the tray with Arthur's breakfast with one hand and opened the door. He walked quietly inside, using his magic to close the door without sound.
Stepping inside the room, Merlin couldn't help his eyes from trailing to his sleeping king. His gaze softened at the relaxed look on the blond's face. With everything Arthur went through, Merlin was glad he could sleep peacefully.
Merlin felt warmth traveling up his neck and face; and he quickly looked down to the tray as he put it on the table quietly. He willed his flush to leave, stubbornly not looking at Arthur. The day he had realized he loved Arthur had been… revealing. He knew he had loved Freya dearly, he still wondered what would have happened if she had lived. But as she told him, it hadn't been the case; and all she wanted for him was happiness. Freya had been the one to question him about whom he loved. To make him think and realize the answer.
Of course, Merlin was unsure about Arthur. The king had finally let go of Gwen's memory; it had hurt at first but now Merlin knew Arthur wasn't sad anymore. He felt genuinely happy for Gwen and Lancelot; and their marriage had been a festivity. Though, since then Arthur had shown no interest into anyone. Only Merlin was privy to his more vulnerable states; but Merlin didn't know if it hid anything more than Arthur seeing Merlin as his best friend. And to be honest, Merlin would always be Arthur's friend first. The warlock had always put Arthur first; and he would continue.
Arthur shifted in his sleep, startling Merlin out of his thoughts. The raven-haired came closer, a small smirk forming.
"Rise and shine!" Merlin yelled, amused as Arthur startled awake and groaned.
"Go away, Merlin." And he turned, putting his head under his pillow.
"None of that, Sire."
Merlin grabbed the cover and tugged. Arthur grumbled and tried to keep it on him, but he failed. He raised his pillow and glared at Merlin as the young man went to the window and opened the curtains. Arthur mumbled something-suspiciously like 'Idiot'-and put the pillow back on his face.
"Up you go, Arthur! You should be happy; I am on time for once!"
This did make Arthur removed the pillow. He looked at Merlin, surprised-and half asleep. Merlin had to bit his lips to stop the fond and amused laugh from escaping his throat.
"What happened? You fell off your bed?" Arthur croaked.
Merlin thought back on his conversation with the two Gods. "Kind of."
Arthur frowned. He felt his mind waking up at the sight of Merlin alternating between a dark look and a smile. "Is something wrong?" He almost cursed at the blatant worry, but he blamed it on being still a bit asleep.
Even though he knew he could show his emotions around Merlin.
Merlin blinked back into focus. He gave Arthur a reassuring smile, shaking his head. "No, everything is fine."
Arthur narrowed his eyes. He didn't believe Merlin; and his gut clenched. Was Merlin in trouble? Since Gwen had broken their relationship, Arthur had found himself turning completely to Merlin. Gwen and his knights still were his friends; but Merlin was his best friend. A nagging feeling often wrapped his heart, but he generally didn't dwell on it. All he knew was that Merlin was his dearest person, and he didn't like the idea of his manservant in any danger.
Merlin caught his look, and allowed a more genuine smile. "Really, it's alright. Trust me."
Arthur sighed. How could he not let the matter go when Merlin asked him to trust him?
Instead, Arthur finally got up. He went straight to his table, sitting. And as usual, he gestured for Merlin to sit in front of him. It had become their habit; and Arthur had to admit he like sharing most of his meals with Merlin. The raven-haired felt the same.
Merlin grinned and quickly joined his king. This was one of his favorite moments of the day. Lunch and dinner were too, when the King ate here and shared his meal with Merlin. Merlin did eat too with Gaius, though not as much. Merlin suspected sometimes it was a scheme from Gaius and Arthur to make Merlin eat.
However, Merlin did not really mind; and so he ate, the thought of tonight on his mind.
The rest of the day passed too slowly for Merlin. He felt on edge, and everyone noticed. During the Knights' training, the warlock had to will himself to calm down as the Knights of the Round Table kept throwing looks. Arthur, since this morning, had not kept his gaze away from Merlin long. Gwaine and Lancelot had noticed this fast enough, and soon Leon, Elyan and Percival did too. Merlin had to plaster a smile on his face to try and reassure them.
Not that it worked. Merlin had to find a way to wrestle himself away to avoid the charging Knights with questioning eyes.
Of course, it meant Gwen learned from Lancelot that Merlin seemed thoughtful. A charming smile had helped him escape, but the worried look he glimpsed told him he was worrying everyone even more.
However, Merlin could not do more. He was anxious. To know that Morgana and the Triple Goddesses might attack anytime… Though, something told him that Camelot was safe for now.
Eventually, evening came. The diner with Arthur was a bit strained. The King obviously knew Merlin was up to something; and he didn't like not knowing. Merlin felt bad for worrying Arthur so much, but it was necessary. Arthur stopped giving him frowning looks when Merlin smiled at him shyly. The king did not want Merlin to feel uncomfortable; and so he would not press the matter anymore.
After the diner, Gaius could only hug Merlin and make him promise to stay safe. "You know me, Gaius."
"I do, my boy. That's what worries me."
Merlin chuckled and tightened his hug before letting go. "I shall be back before dawn." He promised.
"See that you do. Arthur and the Knights will hound you if you aren't here." Gaius teased-though both knew it might happen.
Merlin nodded, adjusted a traveling back and left. He went to the stables; avoiding anyone he heard patrolling or taking a late evening stroll.
However, he froze when he found Lancelot with two horses.
"You didn't think I would let you go off alone?" The Knight frowned. "Merlin, how many times do I have to tell you this? You are not alone. I am here to help you."
Merlin glanced down, sheepish. "Sorry. It's just…"
Lancelot sighed. "I know. You are used to defending the kingdom alone." He gave Merlin a teasing look. "That has to change, and it starts with me." He nudged his head toward one horse. "Come on, up you go. And you better tell me everything while we go wherever you need to go."
Merlin chuckled as he stepped toward his horse. "Alright, Alright. Just don't fall off your horse when I do!"
To be continued…
