Right this is hideously late and for that I apologise but I'm in the middle of the exam season and I'm moving house simultaneously so sorry I've been a little busy! Thank you for reading as always and continue reviewing, following and favouriting (which I'm also very grateful for!). So yeah... please enjoy!
Elaine's POV
Iseldir summoned me to his tent about ten minutes ago but Galahad was proving hard to control this evening so I left him in Morgause's care. She is rapidly improving if still slightly shaken. She is beginning to open up to me now and I feel as if I can be a friend to her but she's especially good with Galahad. I don't know if it's to prepare for having her own child or of she's just naturally gifted with children. After her brother's visit she'd been much shaken but when she'd seen Galahad's cut cheek she'd been furious and had nearly gone after that monster of a brother of hers.
I pull open Iseldir's tent to find him and all of the clan's elders inside discussing something seriously. "Oh I'm sorry."
"No." Iseldir says calmly making me stop from turning away. "Elaine is the patient ready to travel?"
"Morgause? I would say so although I'm no healer."
"Good prepare to leave by nightfall. We can use the cover of darkness to mask our presence." He nods approvingly but his words just make me puzzled.
"Where are we going?" At some of the elder's frowns I hastily add. "If it's ok for you to tell me."
"To Camelot." Iseldir says clearly so there can be no mistake in his words and I almost faint at them. "It is time we helped our High Priestesses and I sense that our destinies lie in Camelot."
I nod and accept his words knowing that Iseldir would never suggest such a dangerous course of action unless he was one hundred percent sure that it was the best way. "I shall rouse the camp and tell them to pack up. Shall I tell them where we are going?"
"No." Iseldir tells me softly. "It is best not to worry them. I shall tell them so that any who do not wish to go on such a dangerous journey can leave. Are you willing to come Elaine?"
I take a moment to think about Galahad and how much safer he'd be if I left with him and didn't go to Camelot. But then the thought of Galahad makes me think of his father and his persistent belief that you should always do what is right and show courage. Seeing those deep brown eyes in my mind as clearly as if it were yesterday I last saw them I find my strength building and my heart pounds painfully in my chest as I reply. "I shall do what is right Iseldir and going to protect the innocents in Camelot is right. I have gifts in herb lore, I can wield a sword well (as well as a bow and arrow) and can help any healers. I shall not run from danger when I can help. You should know me better than that Iseldir."
He nods sadly but I see a soft smile form on his lips. "I know but you still have the choice." Against my will I see the flames that consumed my village and the choice I had then. Tears fill my eyes as I leave the tent and I tell myself that I won't be a coward again and leave those I love to burn.
His name echoes through my head and I take off into the woods to allow my tears to escape before returning to camp. Now is not the time for past memories to take over- now is a time of action. The tears are all spent by the time I return to camp and I take my sword from under my bed and strap it to my waist before going to wake the rest of camp.
I'm not weak. But that doesn't stop the pain of those loved and lost coming back to haunt me.
Catriona's POV
The smoke rises high above the towers of Camelot in a high plume as I say a final goodbye to my husband. The heat of the flames and the flying embers do not worry me as I stand next to the burning body of Uthur Pendragon.
No one stands close to me. The widow queen. I know that Gaius stands a little way away from me but in this moment I am all alone. The crown on my head suddenly feels like the sky itself crashing down on my shoulders as I realise that I'm all alone. Uthur is dead.
Love shouldn't be such a burden but as the black cloud rises into the golden light of sunset my heart cracks worse than it did twenty years ago. Tears are ripped from my body before I can stop them and the sobs quickly follow.
Somehow I'm on my knees before the fire with ash covering my fine gown but I cannot bring myself to care about the silk or the cost. That I should be so cursed as to lose my brother and his family as well as my love only to find them two decades later to result in betrayal and death. Mordred was right I am a slave but never of Uthur and Camelot but of fate. And her cruel manipulative hand.
The hot wet tears burn on my cheeks from the red hot heat of the blaze that now surrounds my husband's body. My proximity doesn't scare me. Fate has governed my life since I took my first few breathes and if she wishes for me to die now I have to qualms with her decision. I feel as if my cursed existence is over already.
I feel a firm hand on my shoulder and I know its Gaius, my eternal comforter, who helped me through the most difficult time of my life. The first time I had to say goodbye to Uthur Pendragon and a vain hope inside of me thinks he can do it again but then a soft whisper in the back of my head say: This pain you feel right now. It's never going away…
Gaius' POV
I sit in my chambers with dry cheeks but a heavy heart as I think about Catriona. She's practically as dead as Uthur now with the light that used to be so abundant in her eyes having completely gone out. She stood before the funeral crowd today and spoke of her husband like a true queen- tall and proud. But the pyre itself proved too much for her and I had to watch as the beautiful queen fell to pieces as she watched her husband's body burn.
Two friend's lost in one day and no way of getting either of them back. I wonder if Ygraine's visit was just more torture form the Triple Goddess to give me hope in the future only to tear it to pieces with Uthur's death. The familiar question of 'does she even care?' echoes through my head. Faces pass through my mind in such a flurry that I can't grasp onto them quick enough.
There's a sudden soft knock on the door that disturbs my morbid thoughts and with a sigh I go to the door and yank it open preparing to tell whoever it is that I'm about to go to bed.
What I find stops me. At the door stand: Balinor, Ambrosia, Merlin, Arthur, Morgana, Leon, Lancelot, Percival (looking exactly as he did twenty years ago) and another I don't know. Balinor grins at me, as if we were children again despite the fact he's supposed to be dead, and throws his arms around me in a long forgotten bear hug embrace. "Hello big brother." Those three whispered words break me and I cry silently into my brother's shoulder.
Kilgharrah's POV
I sensed his presence the moment he entered the city's walls and I felt hope that I had not felt in so long fill my heart. My last brother- my last kin- is here and soon I shall be free! The anger I felt at him is long gone as I think of the treachery he felt at the hands of Uthur Pendragon. Naivety is obviously a trait he has shared with his daughter. The young witch is far too trusting for her own good but kind hearted. Only Merlin could have gone to Nimueh and got her to give her own life in Arthur's stead, even if she didn't intend to Merlin has this uncanny ability to bring the good out in people.
Near midnight I hear footsteps and I know it's my brother clinging onto a sword. "Hello Kilgharrah. It's been many years."
I smile toothily at him remembering times of comradery between us as he would fly me in the skies and force me to do tricks and flips even if I said he'd fall off. "You've been away. Now you have a daughter- a Le Fay no less and Emrys! She is a good girl but shows far too much of your reckless nature."
Balinor smiles back looking slightly cowed by my comment and more like the young man that I last saw. "Yes well no doubt she gets it from both sides." He turns serious and holds up his sword which I sense is of the Old Religion. "King Uthur is dead. I have come to free you but you must not attack Camelot."
"If Uthur is dead I have no one to take revenge upon. I shall not attack the citadel or any of its lands. All I want now old friend is to be free."
Balinor smiles again and there's relief in every muscle of his body. "I hoped that but I had to make sure." He looks at me warmly as a brother. "You will stay and defend Camelot in oncoming war, won't you?"
It's not an order but a request and this is why Balinor was always one of my favourite Dragonlords- his respect. "If that is what you wish, Balinor, I will fight for Albion and her King."
There's another warm smile and then he disappears beneath me to cut the despicable chain that holds me here. A loud shout and flash of light is the only warning I have before I feel the bond break and finally, finally, I'm free.
Merlin's POV
I sit by the dying fire again with Arthur's head in my lap absently stroking the soft blonde hair with my hands. Everyone else is asleep in the growing darkness Ambrosia and Balinor are curled up in my old room whilst Morgana and Gwaine have somehow managed to end up in each other's arms as they slept. Percival is asleep against the wall in a seated position that cannot be comfortable and Lancelot is lying on the floor with a few blankets thrown over him. Leon is arranged similarly opposite me and Arthur. It's just the pair of us sitting before the fire watching the flames sadly. It should be awkward in this position but it feels perfectly natural and when he's grieving his father I can't bring myself to tell him to move. I want to be here for him. "I know he wasn't a good man, Merlin, I know it but he was still my father."
"I know and you don't have to explain that to me. He was the man who raised you and made you who you are. If you didn't miss him I'd be scared." I whisper back to him not looking into his blue eyes because I don't know how to deal with his pain as it is. I can't look to see those pure azure eyes full of grief.
"I'm not him." His voice is so quiet I almost don't catch it.
"I know. Your father would never consort with my family and he would never even he searched for a life time find the goodness that you have." I love you, my heart whispers.
"I don't deserve you Merlin." I'm about to protest when he silences me but continuing. "You always make me feel better whenever I'm down and you always give me hope when I show doubt. You've always been loyal to me and I don't think I've ever told you how much I care that you do."
"I stay because I want to Arthur. I may have a destiny but in the end you're the one who keeps me by your side not the dragon." You made me fall for you prat! Damn my whispering heart!
His hand softly caresses my leg almost absently and I feel my heart jump to my throat as he absently trace patterns on my trousers that send heated vibrations through to my skin. "Thank you, Merlin."
We stay there for a few minutes and when I look down to him I see his handsome tear stained face finally relaxed in sleep. I still don't move him because I relish the contact between the pair of us like a thirsty man savours water. His even breathing calms me and his warm body keeps me warm by the dying fire.
"Merlin?" Gaius' voice shocks me as I thought him to be asleep with the others. His only comment on my position with Arthur is a raised eyebrow.
"Yes Gaius?"
"I have a gift for you." He holds out a vial of crystal clean water that radiates magic. "It was given to me by an old friend to give to you. I think it will help you in the fight to come."
Gingerly I take the delicate glass vial and smile gratefully at my old mentor and uncle. "Thank you uncle."
He looks shocked by my addressing him so but nods all the same and smiles warmly before going back to his bed. I examine the bottle carefully but see nothing so resolve to talk to Morgana about it in the morning. I set it down away from reach so nobody knocks it over during the night. Then I place my head against the wall mirroring Percival and close my eyes and try to get some sleep before the coming days. I hear one last whisper from my heart before I lull into sleep: Tell him! Before it's too late? What the hell are you waiting for?
Elaine's POV
"We're going to Camelot?" Morgause asks incredulously and I can't blame her.
"Yes. We are going to the aid of the High Priestesses Ambrosia and Morgana." I don't know if I should add Emrys because I don't think she knows and that really is a family thing to share.
"My mother and half-sister. You go despite the danger and risk to Galahad?" She not accusing me merely curious and confused.
"I can't bear to think I'm not doing anything whilst innocents die." I look at her willing her to understand. "You do not have to come if you do not wish to. You are strong enough now to survive on your own and you have strong magic." I turn to leave but she calls me back.
"Elaine!" She looks conflicted but then stands off the bed resolutely and squares her shoulders. "I want to see my mother again if only to explain. And if Ambrosia is there Leon maybe and he deserves to know about his own child. Plus I'm very good with a sword and I am fairly strong magically so I can help." She falters and for a moment looks unsure before continuing. "I want to help. I almost helped Mordred attack Camelot and I need to help them."
I smile warmly at my new friend whose eyes have suddenly lit with a determination I've only seen glimmers of. "I was hoping you'd come along Morgause." I stretch my arm out and she grasps it firmly and nods. "If I don't survive I want you to care for Galahad." I see the shock that my trust in her has given in her eyes as they widen before she nods and I release her from my grip. "We had better get packed we leave in under an hour."
Morgana's POV
I feel warm in a way I've never felt before. It's odd but not unpleasant so I am content to just lie here a little longer enjoying it. It is focused in odd places all over my body: my back, a couple of spots on my legs and on my waist. Concentrating I can feel that there's a heavy weight on my waist and behind me the heat seems to come from sort of wall. Curious now I open my eyes and the first thing I see is an arm thrown around my waist.
My sleep filled brain doesn't process this for a minute until suddenly it hits me that that arm is a male arm. I twist my body to look at the face of the man owning it and I almost faint when I see the sleeping face of Gwaine!
Gingerly I extract one of my arms from his strong grip and poke him hard on the ribs to rouse him before anyone sees us like this. "Ow!" He blinks his eyes rapidly and in a second seems to take in and catch up with the whole bizarre situation. "Hello High Priestess."
"Gwaine." I say as quietly as I can trying to stay calm at the infuriating man. "Can you let me go please?"
"Why would I do that?" I gape at him as he smirks which annoyingly looks very good on his face so it makes me flush. "I rather like holding a beautiful woman in my arms."
"Yes." I hiss but still kind of flattered by his offhand compliment. "But I'm not one of your buxom tavern wenches!"
"No you're far prettier than them and definitely less agreeable." He is still smirking and it angers me so much that I use his weakened grip on me flip him over onto his back with me pinning him down under me.
Gwaine yelped in surprise but I just kept him there and leant down and whispered dangerously. "Yes I highly doubt that your average tavern wench has been trained since birth to kill using a sword and also happens to be a High Priestess of the Old Religion-"
I'm about to continue when Ambrosia comes crashing into the room. "What's going on I heard a cry?" At her panicked shout the others in the room woke abruptly and looked around their eyes immediately milking up the sight of me straddling Gwaine. I blush furiously as do Percival, Lancelot and Balinor who came in with his mate. Ambrosia just sighs and waves her hand at me and says. "False alarm then. Morgana I advise you to get a private room for your activities although you're not the only ones." She looks at Merlin and for the first time I see that Arthur's head is in Merlin's lap in a not to innocent place either. Both Merlin and Arthur flush bright red along with me but Gwaine is just chuckling beneath me.
"NOTHING HAPPENED!" Merlin and I shout at the same time causing Gwaine to laugh even harder. Everyone else looks disbelieving and Arthur just looks faintly disgusted at me and my 'night time activities'.
I scramble off Gwaine and just looks at me dead serious that for a moment I almost think he's going to say something sincere. "She's right honey next time we should find somewhere more private so as not to disturb anyone." I flush darker and I want to punch him. Hard.
"Morgana!" Merlin carefully slides Arthur's head from her lap and grabs a nearby vial. "I need your help examining this."
"Ok." I say trying to get off the topic of mine and Gwaine's apparent sex life. Yes that's right: me and Gwaine!
"Do you want my scrying basin for whatever it is?" Ambrosia asks calmly.
"Yes that would be great." Merlin smiles at her mother eagerly fiddling with the glass bottle nervously. Whatever this is it's important.
Thoughts very much appreciated so feel free to tell me what you think!