Rating K+
Word Count: 250
Challenge Given: Series 3: Beyond Words: Write 100-300 words as a response to this prompt, making sure you don't go above 400 at the absolute maximum. You may use whatever genre, characters, pairings, ratings you like, but you MUST include the word below in your drabble.
Word: Ethereal
Definition: light, airy, or tenuous; heavenly or celestial. You may also use: ethereally, ethereality; etherealness
A/N: Inspired by an upcoming chapter of 'All Our Secrets' ;)
Spoiler warning: Set after 5x13
Ethereal
Merlin was missing.
Ever since his belated return from Camlann this wasn't especially unusual, but Gwen knew how easily her Court Sorcerer lost track of time nowadays and his presence was urgently required at this afternoon's vital meeting.
So, the queen of Camelot changed into her most casual clothes and set off towards the lake of Avalon, secretly happy for an excuse to visit her late husband once again.
~o~0~o~
The day was warm and the woodland alive with nature's music and art; overflowing with the fresh, bright greenery of spring. As Gwen approached the lake everything became even more vibrant; the trees seemed to whisper, the animals approached her without fear, and she was quite certain she saw small, bright movements on the edge of her vision, accompanied by tiny, high-pitched giggles.
Merlin was sitting cross-legged and naked in the centre of all this magic; his pale skin reflecting the greenery surrounding him and giving it a strange hue, whilst pollen, floating seeds and insects swirled gently around him in a lazy, golden spiral light. He'd lost weight, Gwen noted sadly, his lithe form much as it had been ten years ago, with his distinctive facial features adding to the impression that he wasn't of this world. Given what Merlin had told her recently, perhaps he wasn't.
With one last glance at the ethereal figure meditating in front of her, Gwen heaved a huge sigh and turned back towards Camelot, wondering what excuse she could give her lords this time.
~o~0~o~
27/3/13