Hello Dears!
This chapter has really taken me longer than I ever planned, but just like I always say, I end up updating! This chapter is also quite long, mostly because it contains Merlin and Arthur discussing of the truth of Merlin's magic! I did not conver every adventures, that would be too long and impossible in a single chapter. If you ever wonder how it would go though, you can read my story Our Past! It's part of the series Destiny Tales; and is a Watch The Show kind of fanfic. Unlike most though, while I do watch each episode to write a chapter, it is written as Merlin telling Arthur the truth behind their adventures. As such, he mostly talks about the magic behind, and if somehting happened when both were present, they barely mention it (and if they were not present, they don't mention it at all). It also contains a lot of my headcanons about the show and Magic and such, so really-
If you can spare time and you are interested enough, read it :) It's still in progress, too. Back on The Divine Battle! Good warning: Merlin and Arthur are officially a couple in this chapter!
Warnings: None for this chapter! It mentions past adventures, but nothing too descriptive~
The Divine Battle
Chapter 8: Long awaited talk.
As the turrets of Camelot erupted into view, Gaia slowed down. Merlin and Arthur mirrored her, and soon the knights exchanged glances with curiosity. The Goddess drifted her gaze toward the King, smiling faintly. "Do you wish for me to stay outside of town?"
Arthur stopped walking, puzzled. "What-why?"
Gaia appeared genuinely surprised, with a hint of contentment. "You have accepted me walking with you so far, but I stay a being of magic. You have much to discuss with Merlin, and my presence might not be welcomed in the heart of your kingdom."
Merlin shifted a bit, feeling the gazes of the knights and of his King. Yes, he wanted this moment of speaking the truth to Arthur, but he feared it just as much. Now that the time had come, and not quite like he wanted to, so many worries passed his mind.
Unknown to him, while Arthur stayed silent in surprise as Gaia's consideration, his gaze went to Merlin. He couldn't miss how the raven haired looked positively anxious. The want to reach out gripped him strongly, but first he wanted to take care of a few things.
His blue eyes returned on the Goddess, his frame straightening in his kingly way. "There's no need." He ignored the second apparition of the pleased surprise, and pretended not to notice the proud smile of Merlin or his knights. "Just… Stay mostly hidden. Maybe-staying with Gaius tonight would be fine..?"
And the blond actually winced, his confidence having decreased as he spoke. He really meant the fact he had no wish to force the Goddess out. But he knew having a being like her being seen could be bad. However, while some parts of his mind rebelled at the verity of the fact, Gaia was a Goddess.
How did one treat a Goddess?
A small laughter left Gaia's lips. She muffled it quickly with one hand, eyes apologetic. "Staying with Gaius sounds fine to me." The fact neither Merlin nor Gaia spoke of telling Gaius the truth confirmed a suspicion of Arthur-that the old man had known. "I am sure Merlin's guardian will love to meet me; and Merlin will be with you tonight."
Both Arthur and Merlin flushed, aware that the strange wording of the last few words were fully intentional of her part. Neither knowing yet that the other felt the same, they pretended not to notice.
The knights were not fooled however, and amazingly enough, they exchanged smirks with the Goddess herself.
"Well-this is settled." Arthur looked back at the knights, a glare passing for a second before he addressed them. "Men, if your amusement is finished, return to your quarters tonight." His expression softened. "I will discuss myself with Merlin tonight, and I'll keep you informed tomorrow."
None of his knights protested, of course. Lancelot did throw a guilty look, but he noticed the reassuring smile of Merlin. The knight eased a bit, yet deep down he swore he would find something to do for Merlin. Because he knew already what Merlin would do. His friend would protect Lancelot, make sure he did not receive Arthur's anger tomorrow.
Of course, if Arthur chose not to condemn Lancelot, it would also mean he accepted Merlin. But Lancelot did not like that he would leave Merlin alone.
Except, one look at Merlin, and he realized the Warlock really wanted to be alone with Arthur. And, well, he had someone else to talk to tonight.
"Should I inform Gwen?" Lancelot voiced his latest thought.
Arthur exchanged a look with Merlin; and the Warlock felt warm at knowing Arthur actually checked with him. That he took the time to make sure it was Merlin who decided what to do about his own secret.
"I'll do it myself." Merlin softly assured.
"You can talk to her privately before tomorrow's meeting." Arthur added. At Merlin's startled look, he quickly added. "Round Table meeting. We'll discuss what you are going to tell me."
Merlin tensed a bit, the worry of all he had to say heavy. But it had been the moment he had been waiting for. "Alright." He glanced at everyone else, Gaia's soft smile easing his nerves. He opened his mouth to talk, but in the end, the knights refused the guilt they saw.
"Go on. We can wait tomorrow. We know you're Merlin, that you have magic, and that all is fine." Gwaine cut. The word magic made the others jump, as if they had unconsciously occulted what exactly Merlin needed to speak of, but none had the heart to argue against Gwaine's words.
If anything, it reminded them that they should not fear.
With this, the group finished the trail to Camelot.
Silence reigned once more as Arthur and Merlin walked side by side. God stayed silent too, after he had offered small words of comfort. And the Warlock felt grateful, as it was as if his divine friend let Arthur and he have privacy.
Once Arthur's chambers came into view, Merlin felt the anxiousness grow again. It was night, and gratefully it meant they had not met much of anyone. Arthur had let Leon make a small report-as well as use the excuse of needing sleep-to have peace; and the few night patrols they crossed path with simply greeted them. Arthur had send someone for diner, though.
The click of the door opening startled Merlin. He met Arthur's expectant gaze, and realized with a jolt that Arthur was waiting for him to enter first. He would have let a side of him think Arthur didn't want him in his back, but something in the King's gaze…
Merlin refused to let himself hope while he blushed slightly and entered.
The raven haired stopped at the table, standing awkwardly without knowing what to do. A gentle hand rested on his shoulder, and he startled, looking to the side at Arthur.
"At this rate, you'll faint before food is here."
And Merlin finally relaxed. "Prat."
"Idiot."
They looked into each other's eyes, until both jumped as a knock came. "Diner, Your Majesty."
They both made a step, then stopped and let out a short laugh.
"I'm your servant. What would they think if you took the diner?"
Arthur showed a smile, but let Merlin go. By the time the younger of the two returned, he made a choked laugh as he noticed his King battling to remove his armor alone.
"Let me, before you trap yourself." Merlin teased gently, putting the plate-for two-down and going to Arthur's side.
The blond blushed, but removed his hands to let Merlin's expert ones get rid of his armor. Meanwhile, he gazed at Merlin, noticing that the much known task got him in an automatic state. Such an everyday task, when the situation had shifted. The bitten lips every so often warned him that the anxiousness was still there for Merlin, and he finally snapped out of his trance.
Talk first, admire later.
Arthur let his manservant finish then once his armor rested on the ground and the two stood awkwardly facing each other, he once more rested his hands on Merlin's shoulders and guided him to the table. He chose to let Merlin sit beside him, while he sat at the head of the table. Perfect to see each other without being separated by the table.
Merlin tapped his foot repeatedly, biting his lips and not yet reaching for food. A plate was put in front of him, and he glanced at Arthur. His King was smiling faintly, one of his rare look of genuine and unhidden care on his face. Merlin smiled back, and both started eating a bit.
"So…" Merlin started, fidgeting once and sending a brief glance to his King. "Where should I start..?"
Arthur drank a bit, frowning as he mulled over the question. Gaia? Magic? A sigh passed his lips. No, there was one thing he needed to know. "Was it… my fault?"
Merlin looked startled. "What-" He narrowed his eyes. "Do you mean..?"
"Yes. Did you learn magic because of something I did?"
"No!" Merlin exclaimed. He breathed out next at Arthur's jump and confused look. "Don't believe for one second it is because you did anything wrong. If anything, my magic is here to protect you."
"What..?"
Merlin put down his food, licking his lips. "I'm born with magic, Arthur. And it is to protect you."
Arthur put down his food too, eyes wide. "To... Is it possible?"
Gratefully, Merlin understood what Arthur meant. "As far as I know, I'm the only one who was really born with magic. I've been able to move object with my mind before I could. Or since my first breath, if you ask mom. Others... at best, they are born with a potential, and it manifest one day; but generally the youngest are children. Not babies or toddlers."
"So... You never had a choice? People don't always choose to learn?"
Merlin sadly nodded, seeing already the pain forming in Arthur's eyes. The pain of knowing innocents had been killed, much more than Arthur ever guessed. "Being born with magic is less common than learning it, but considering learning magic takes years..."
Arthur paled. "Any children with magic were born with it. And probably a lot of teens."
Merlin stayed silent, knowing his King didn't need affirmation. It had been a statement, after all. When Arthur rested his face into his hands, elbows on the table, it was his turn to place a gentle hand on his shoulder.
He waited for sky blue eyes to meet his ocean ones before saying, "The past is the past. You could not control what happened, nor could you know. It's the future that matters now."
Arthur huffed out a laugh, straightening again. « I understand better now, your bouts of wisdom. » Then he frowned. "Wait-You also said you were born with magic to protect me?"
Merlin blushed slightly. "There's a prophecy, you see. Druids especially know it; and... dragons."
Arthur stiffened, both curious and confused. He chose to stay silent, letting Merlin tell what he needed to.
"It is the… Great Dragon that first told me. The druids only confirmed it the few times I met them, with how they acted."
Arthur closed his eyes briefly. "You have talked with the Dragon?" He snapped his eyes open. "Did you free it?"
"I-Yes-I…" Merlin looked down.
Arthur breathed to calm himself. "Tell me the prophecy, and then explain why you freed him." He sighed, deflating. "I won't believe you meant what happened, especially not before you explain."
The utter gratefulness and relief made Arthur blush and cough.
"The prophecy says The Once and Future King will rise and unite Albion, but that he faces many threats. Emrys would be born to protect him."
Arthur's face almost produced a laugh out of Merlin. "I'm-"
"Yes. You are this King; and I'm Emrys."
Arthur drowned the rest of his glass. "… How powerful are you? To have such a mission…" He saw Merlin fidget and narrowed his eyes. "Merlin?"
"… They say I'm the most powerful warlock that has and will ever walk the earth."
Arthur choked a bit. "And you…" Many emotions passed, but awe came back often. "You stayed…"
Merlin smiled faintly. "I didn't believe it, at first-considering how we met. But soon I saw what was inside you, and you grew on me. I had to learn to control my magic, though."
"Why do I feel you have stories on this particular subject?" Arthur smirked at Merlin's blush. Then he turned serious again. "You had help." An hesitant nod. "Gaius? … The Dragon?"
Merlin breathed out, steeling himself. "Mostly Gaius. Mom send me so he could help me. I met the Dragon then, who told"
"Told?" A glare from ocean eyes and Arthur fell silent again.
"-who told me about the prophecy. Since then, he's helped me a lot."
"He has?" Merlin blanched. "You mean, I never dealt this fatal blow?"
"L-Let me explain-!"
Silence fell for a second, then Arthur deflated. "I feel like I should listen for now."
"S-Sorry." Arthur gestured for Merlin to continue. "So he's helped me. One day though… Let's say we had an argument, and I told him I didn't need him anymore. But I ended up needing his help. He made me promise to free him."
"You had no choice, then?"
"Yes and no. I'm not sure if there was a magical binding that would endanger mom if I didn't uphold my promise. But I promised, and well…"
Arthur nodded. "I understand. I did the same with Morgause. But-why your mother?"
"Oh. I promised on her life, he wouldn't have believed me otherwise."
Arthur winced. "I can see why you didn't take the risk of breaking your promise."
"I didn't know he would act like he did. He was vengeful back then, and I feared what he would do, but…"
"You hoped against it."
Merlin nodded. He glanced down at his plate, obviously thinking of something. Arthur touched his arm with his hand, calling his name in question.
"Since we're here… Balinor was my father. Gaius told me before we went to look for him."
Arthur closed his eyes. "That explains a lot. Your reaction, why the Dragon left. I'm sorry Merlin, I truly am."
"I know. Thank you." Merlin looked considering. "The Dragon… His name is Kilgharrah."
Arthur nodded at the information, musing how much… human it made the Dra-Kilgharrah. Not a beast, but as being as sentient as him.
"So, since then you protected me? Even against Morgana? Was she… Did she learn, or..?"
Merlin shook his head. "She's a Seer, able to see the future in her dreams. It includes magical powers, but her Seer abilities appeared first."
Comprehension dawned on Arthur. "Her nightmares." A nod. "She… She had them for as long as I can recall…"
Merlin let sadness show. "She's a powerful Seer. She never knew what her dreams really were for a long time, though. Her magic only manifested later; the candle accident."
"Do you know… why she changed?"
Merlin looked away, pained. "Yes. I… I'm partly to blame."
"Why..?"
"Morgause convinced her to be the source of the spell that put us to sleep. To break the spell, there was only one solution…"
Arthur could guess very well. It had been something his father knew and taught him. "Destroy the source. But she lived…"
"I… used poison. She realized, and by the time she was unconscious, Morgause arrived. I told her to stop the spell if she wanted me to show the poison used so she could cure Morgana. She cared enough to take the deal, but she took Morgana with her. Morgana never forgave me."
And he never forgave himself. He didn't say it aloud, but somehow Merlin knew Arthur would realize. Now that the barrier of his secrets had fallen, Merlin didn't feel like he could hide much from his King.
Arthur had picked up eating again, a frown on his face. Merlin mimicked him, waiting for Arthur's judgment.
"You had to face hard choices, hadn't you?" Arthur finally murmured, tone soft.
"I only ever did what I believed right."
The blond nodded in approval of the belief. "Doesn't make it easy." He glanced up, smiling with a hint of sadness. "I'm not sure what I would have done if I had been in your place. If it had to choose between the life of a single person against the whole kingdom. But I know choosing the kingdom is right. There's people…" And there his gaze seemed to smother Merlin. "I'm not sure I would manage to sacrifice some people. I would always prefer to sacrifice myself." He raised a hand to silence the start of Merlin's protest. "You would do the same."
Merlin could not argue.
"So I understand the choice. I can see you didn't take it easily, but you did what you had to do. And bear in mind, maybe it would have been different if Morgana didn't stay with Morgause."
Merlin let out a sigh. "I know you're right… I just wished I had done different. Maybe if I told her about my magic…"
Arthur turned pensive. "Why didn't you? You told Gaius and Lancelot, right? So Morgana was different, but how?"
Merlin felt grateful Arthur seemed to believe a reason had to be there. "Kilgharrah warned me before of Morgana's being a danger. I didn't want to believe him for a good while, but even Gaius would warn me against telling about my magic. And in truth… I never really told anyone."
At Arthur's surprised look, he explained. "The day I arrived, Gaius fell and I instinctively slowed time and put a bed under him with magic. As for Lancelot, he heard me when I enchanted his spear."
Arthur made an "Oh." Then, surprisingly, he laughed. "A lot of things were actually you, am I right?"
Merlin chuckled. "Yeah. It would take time to explain it all, though."
"It's a good thing we got time. Explain the important elements tonight, and we'll… catch up later." Arthur amused himself of his choice of words.
"So… Is-Are you alright with-?"
Arthur's eyes seemed to burn through Merlin's whole frame. The blond was also considering something; which revealed itself to be the King wrapping his hand around Merlin's one.
"It's been a shock. But I'm grateful for your honesty, and I have no wish to lose you. There's a lot to take in, but I know you, I've seen the truth in your eyes when you speak. I know it's fine because it has always been. I just didn't know how much until today."
With a lot of shame, Merlin felt himself cry. Arthur seemed startled, and automatically, he reached out with his free hand to wipe away some tears, while Merlin relaxed into the touch as if he had longed for it. Both froze at the tender gestures. They eyes locked, seeking for an emotion to explain each other.
"Arthur… If you want to know important things… I-I've fallen in love with you over the years." His speech started going faster. "I don't-I value our friendship though so if you don't-"
Well. Arthur knew how to reply explicitly, Merlin mused as he kept his eyes wide open. The press of chaste lips registered, too.
"I value our friendship too, actually. It is good that we also agree on falling in love, however."
"Oh." And because he realized he could, Merlin kissed softly Arthur in the same manner.
Both exchanged a smile next, looking at each other before finishing eating.
"So… How long have you known Gaia?"
"Not so long, actually. It started three nights ago. She and another God contacted me."
"There's a second one?"
"Yes. They could only speak in my mind for a short while, and explained I needed to go to Lake Avalon to create a permanent link so we could speak. They told me of Morgana's plan, too."
Arthur paled. "Is it linked to the bandits?" A pause. "You didn't discover them from insomnia, did you?"
The King showed exasperated amusement though, and Merlin showed sheepishness.
"No. The night Gwen knew Lancelot came with me, we went to the Lake. We knew she might start sending bandits, but we learned about them for sure at the same time as you."
Arthur sighed, drinking a bit to let the tiredness he felt pass. Would Morgana always try to overthrow him? "What is she planning, then?"
"Have you heard of the Triple Goddess?"
"They are said to be the Goddess of the Old Religion. It is believed that they govern magic, but Gaia proved they don't-and that they aren't the only Goddess."
Merlin nodded, then sighed. "Morgana summoned them."
"What?!"
"I know. For what I know from Gaia and the second God, the Triple Goddess one day started thinking they had a right over magic. Then, that they should govern mortals through Morgana. They contacted her to give the needed spell. I was contacted by Gaia and the second God then, because they were furious. They believe in us, and also in the freedom of magic."
Arthur digested all this, equal part furious and awed. "We literally are going into a battle of Gods, aren't we?" He half joked. "Wait. If they have been summoned already…"
Merlin saw how Arthur paled fast, and quickly reassured him-well as much as he could. "The spell made their physical form come, but their power need to charge. That's why Morgana started with bandits. The Triple Goddess can't use their magic yet." Merlin showed a smile bordering on victorious. "And Gaia and I won our bet. My own way of summoning her and the second God was to create a bond, and when I reach the conditions needed, I can summon one. With their powers."
Arthur couldn't help a grin. "That's what happened back in the forest?"
"Yes. I believe the conditions are about being bonded, my magic truly able to connect with them. I just know their name then. I can only summon one a time though, and Gaia connected first. I think I'll have to wait a bit before I can summon God." Arthur gave a small eyebrow raise. "Nickname." Then Merlin sobered. "Sadly, they both warned me that by the time I could summon one, the Triple Goddess will have recovered a part of their magic. We can expect other attacks, and they might get magical."
Arthur sighed. "At least, we have two big magical advantages." He let out a laugh at seeing Merlin confused. "Come on, Merlin. Gaia and you."
The warlock blushed. "Oh." He smiled. "Four, if we think like this. You forgot the dragons."
"Ah, true-wait. Plural? There's another dragon?"
The blush came back. "… You recall the egg?"
"Yes." A pause. "Ah. Not destroyed?"
"Hatched, something only a Dragonlord can do. Aithusa is still small, but he does have magic already."
A look of contemplation passed on the King's face. "A baby dragon... Small?"
Merlin used a hand to show the height. Arthur bit his lips. Merlin slowly let out a smirk.
"Definitely showing you Aithusa, I guess."
"… It might be a good idea to show those two allies to the Round Table."
Merlin laughed, then appeared nervous. "You think… It'll be fine?"
"I believe so. You've seen that they didn't react badly before, and I'm sure Guinevere won't either." Arthur took Merlin's hand again. "And I can vouch for you. As soon as they'll know I am fine with all this, you'll see."
Merlin smiled softly. "Thank you." He hesitated next. "I… I should go sleep now."
Arthur tilted his head slightly, considering. "I-I'd love if you stayed." He blushed at Merlin's wide eyes. "I mean-! I just want… to sleep with my arms around you."
Why did it feel so embarrassing to admit this? But the blush and smile he got was worth it.
"I'd love that too. I should-"He closed his mouth. "Oh. Gaia told Gaius. We can just go to sleep."
Arthur made a choked noise. "You mean-So when you bond-"
"Uh-Yeah. I think they don't really look at me all the time, but our minds are linked. Well, Gaia can't see anymore what I do, but God…" He raised his eyes for a second, half glaring. "He says he's got decency to let us have privacy. You should have heard his offended tone."
Merlin's lips twitched. Arthur got the message and felt amused even if he didn't hear.
"Well-let's go to bed, shall we?"
And Merlin could not refuse. The prospect of rest, and of finally knowing how it felt to be held close by Arthur, appealed him. A lot.
Arthur waited for the both of them to have stood up before he suddenly wrapped one arm around Merlin's waist to bring him against his chest. He delighted in the yelp and the flush of pale skin; and realized he would soon get addicted to produce these kinds of reactions. Oh well. He couldn't see any bad side to this.
He planted a kiss on Merlin's lips, who pressed back with a sigh of happiness. Never felt ready yet for more, but simply being close felt like bliss. The day had been full of emotions, but both felt ready to sleep it off.
They were together in this, united after the truth had been laid out between them. Tomorrow would bring explanations with their friends and planning against Morgana, but right now…
Right now, the newly formed couple wished only to sleep with the joy of knowing the one they had come to cherish rested beside them.
To be continued…
