I know it's been a while, however, I got distracted by the arrival of my Merlin series 5 dvds! I have been watching the Alexander Vlahos and Angel Coulby commentary a fair bit, as it is so funny! If you haven't seen it, you should!
This has 2 new characters, well, 1 new character and 1 from a previous series! It was a last minute decision, but got the end storyline planned - was planned but lost the notebook, so had to start from scratch!
Don't own Merlin!
Arthur looked at the numbers of men aligned to help Nemeth. Because of where it was, the heads of the helping Kingdoms had agreed to meet just before the woodlands before the city of Nemeth was. At their aid, Mithian and Arthur had the army of Camelot, Caerleon, Gawant and Essetir, Bayard and Odin not willing to help. Mithian had also asked that any citizen of Nemeth who had escaped to help, whether part of the army or not. Now, they were biding their time. All of groups had bundled together, with Mithian joining the Camelot group. Currently sat in a group around a camp fire were Arthur, Morgana, Merlin, Lancelot, Leon, Mithian, Elyan, Percival, Gwaine and Orgeluse. Although, Arthur was more pacing than sitting. Eventually Morgana was fed up.
"Arthur, sit down!" She hissed at him. Arthur sat on the log and instead started tapping his feet. They knew Arthur was nervous because he had left Camelot in charge of Gwen and Morgause (both of whom were six months pregnant), as well as Ygraine helping for when both of the women were tired.
"Look, Arthur, tomorrow we're starting the attack. Considering how many people there are willing to help, Nemeth will be restored and we'll be back in Camelot in two weeks." Arthur looked up at Merlin.
"That's all well; it's not that I'm worried about."
"He's worried he'll miss Gwen having the baby." Morgana said to everyone, causing Arthur to reach across and hit her arm.
"Hey!" Morgana hit him back. Everyone else in the group sighed, knowing not to let Arthur and Morgana sit next to each other on the journey back. There had already been one big argument between the two siblings, with Arthur saying Morgana should be with Ywain instead of here, when Morgana had pointed out if it was a war against sorcerers then the more people with magic on their side would help them win.
"How's Morgause?" Orgeluse asked Leon, desperate to change the subject. Leon looked up.
"She's good, although she has been quite closed off recently." Leon said this last part sadly, although it was true. Everyone had noticed that since her conversation with Uther, Morgause had been quieter than usual, and had practically avoided Arthur and Morgana, the latter not used to her sister ignoring her. Arthur had a feeling Ygraine knew the reason for Morgause's closed off behaviour, but hadn't intruded.
"Who do you think is controlling the… other people?" Elyan asked.
"Probably a powerful sorcerer, I mean, if Merlin and I can't sense their power, then…" Morgana trailed off, looking at Orgeluse for conformation. Orgeluse also had magic, although she wasn't as powerful as Merlin or Morgana.
"Well, shall we go through all the sorcerers that hold a grudge against us?" Gwaine asked smirking.
"Most of them are dead." Merlin replied solemnly. Morgana touched his arm in a comforting gesture. Orgeluse stood up and everyone looked at her.
"I'm just going to go and check something." She said looking at the camp Annis' army had made. Arthur nodded and Orgeluse headed off in that direction. Morgana glanced at Gwaine, remembering her conversation with Orgeluse from before; however, he remained where he was.
As it turned out, they didn't have to wait long for Orgeluse to return, another woman stood beside her.
"Who's your friend?" Gwaine asked, smiling. Arthur rolled his eyes, Gwaine would never change.
"This is Blanchefleur, my sister." She introduced the group to Blanchefleur, who smiled sweetly at them. Merlin took in his new cousin's appearance. She looked nothing like Orgeluse, with blue eyes and straight black hair that was pulled back off her face; also, she was a lot taller. Orgeluse left her sister with Merlin and Morgana and headed off to sit with Gwaine and Percival.
"Orgeluse tells me you have son." Blanchefleur said to them both. Morgana nodded, smiling.
"His name's Ywain, he's three months old. He's in Camelot, with his aunt's and grandparents." Morgana answered, smiling when she remembered her son.
"I never met Hunith. I left Camelot when I was four months old, I don't even remember Gaius." Morgana smiled at her sympathetically.
"You're like him." Merlin told her and Blanchefleur laughed.
"In personality perhaps, but don't ask me to heal someone, I'm useless." The three of them laughed, until Arthur commanded everyone got some sleep.
##
The next morning Merlin woke and instantly felt nervous. Today they were going to try and reclaim Nemeth. He saw Arthur was already awake and eat some blackberries.
"Ah, Merlin you're awake. Do you feel like making some food, for old time's sake?" Merlin rolled his eyes.
"Clotpole." He muttered. Unfortunately, Arthur seemed to have heard.
"What was that, Merlin?" Merlin shook his head innocently.
"Nothing. Anyway, why should I make the breakfast?"
"Because you're the best cook here. Remember when I was going to cook for Guinevere?" Merlin chuckled at the memory of Arthur staring at the raw chicken, almost hoping it would cook itself. Merlin lit the fire with his magic and got some food from the basket. He was just done with cooking it when the majority of the party woke.
"Excellent, food! We'll need a good breakfast if we're reclaiming Nemeth today!" Gwaine exclaimed happily. Arthur sighed.
"Well, Mithian and I will have to go and talk to Annis, Godwyn and Mark, we'll see you later." Arthur and Mithian stood and headed east. Merlin turned to Blanchefleur.
"Are you joining us with the fighting?"
"I'd be insulted if I was turned away." Blanchefleur replied. After a few hours, Arthur and Mithian returned and Arthur drew his sword.
"Is everyone ready?" He asked, knowing that a war against powerful sorcerers didn't sound like it would have a good outcome.
"As ready as we'll ever be." Elyan said, adjusting his chainmail. As everyone chatted amongst themselves, Arthur went to his sister and brother in law.
"Look, Mark suggested maybe you go to wherever this sorcerer is, the best chance we've got is if the leader is … well, dead."
"Should be fun." Morgana informed him, causing Arthur to study her worriedly.
"Please don't turn back into your old self, Morgana. As tempted as you might be." Morgana looked hurt.
"I'm insulted you'd think that of me now, Arthur. I feel like I've been cleansed from my old self, stupid really."
"Hmm." Arthur agreed.
##
Merlin had noticed Morgana had taken his hand as they made their way to the throne room, following the directions Mithian had given them.
"Well, here it is." Morgana said as they reached a big oak door. She knew she should remember her way, considering she had helped Odin take over Nemeth last time, however, she felt when she thought of her past, it was blank. Although Morgana hadn't told anyone about this. She and Merlin placed their hands on the door, ready to push it open, when a familiar voice sounded behind them. Arthur!
"Didn't think I'd leave you both, did you?" Arthur asked. They both smiled at him.
"Of course not." Morgana said, smiling.
"Shall we get this over with?" Merlin asked. The Pendragon siblings nodded, and they pushed the door open. Merlin froze. Of all people it could have been to take over Nemeth.
Sitting in the throne, was Nimueh.
Please Review! It's 1.20 in the morning when I'm posting this for you all - BST time, anyway!