The aftermath. BAMF Mordred of a different kind. Arthur learns the consequences of his actions are far more devastating than he knew.

Just want to say again, I love Mordred!

Love how her call for him was heard. How it implied they also share a special bond.

This is the beginning of a new conflict. Merlynn vs. Emrys/Magic.


"What's wrong with him?" Cerdan, Mordred's adopted father, is balanced on the edge of his son's bed, clasping his hand in both of his own. Before he had contacted the elder, he went to check on the warlock after he had been complaining of nausea and gone to bed early. The man wanted to verify if he should notify a healer. What he found was his boy, recently converted man, in a shimmering golden glow, unable to wake.

"He appears in a magical stasis."

"I understand that, but why?"

"I'm not sure, but if he isn't awake by tomorrow, we'll call a healer."

"Okay. Do you have any idea what caused this?"

"Let's just speak to a healer before we start speculating." Whatever it is, isn't good.

--

"What? Who destroyed you, Merlynn?" Elena has a good idea, but shit, she hopes she's wrong.

In utter stillness, incessant droplets streak Merlynn's face. It's disturbing to see. Open sobs or bawling would be easier for the women to console, but this dazed, expressionless image is even more worrying.

"Merlynn, honey? Can you hear us?"

"Arthur. He... he was so strong. And the magic... it wouldn't work."

Gwen notices the bruises on the raven's wrists and gasps, but stifles the sound with her palm while sorrow forms in her eyes.

Elena follows the brunette's line of sight and also sees the blue and purple blemishes. Her eyes narrow at the damning evidence of her friend's assault. Judging by her behavior it wouldn't be unreasonable to deduce the prince was successful in claiming their witch. "Merlynn?"

"I thought it was another rescue mission, but... there was nothing there... just him... It hurt. I didn't... I didn't know."

"Oh Merlynn." Her innocent roommate... Such a violent, awful first time. Gwen can only hold her tighter.

"My King... the man I live and breathe for... savior of my people... the other half of my soul... raped me."

Elena has her own rolling tears, but her sadness pales to her anger. "That fucking bastard!"

"How could...? I don't understand. I was always told he was the most admirable of men. Historically he's matchless in honor and excellence. It has to be me. It's the only thing that makes sense."

"No Merlynn! No! Don't think that. This is all on him. You did nothing wrong. You didn't ask for this. You've been very clear where you stood. He's an arsehole! I don't care who he was in the past. Every life is different. You didn't fail him, Merlynn. He failed you." Gwen nods in agreement with the blonde.

"I've lost everything."

"No, Merlynn. No. Don't say that. We're here for you. We will be there for you no matter what. You don't have to worry about that."

"I can't marry Mordred. I can never go home. I won't ever see my friends again."

"What are you talking about, Merlynn? No one is going to reject you. Your family and friends... your fiance. No, they wouldn't leave you for something that wasn't your choice." Right? Gwen doesn't know their culture, but certainly not, right?

"I'm not pure. I can't go home. And he... he did the forever unity ritual." That's when Merlynn begins to convulse and gag.

Elena quickly scrambles to the loo to fetch a bin. She's back in seconds. "Here you go, love." The blonde holds her hair while the raven loses the evening's fruit. Elena observes Gwen cradling Merlynn, and it registers what she just said. "No. No, you maybe can't live there, but you can visit, can't you, like we did?"

Merlynn wags her head. "I'm Emrys and the magic heart. My power flows to all things magical. I don't have to be near them to infect them. Ambrosia's borders are spelled, so when the magic passes through it's cleansed. But if the impure heart of magic enters I will expose them. I can never go home."

The girls are at a loss for words. Arthur stole so much more than Merlynn's virtue. Arthur's possessive jealousy has shattered her life.

Elena recalls something that maybe didn't occur to her distraught roommate. "Wait a minute. If you're handfasted, then aren't you married? That would make you still pure."

"Handfasting isn't the same as the ritual. Remember Mordred and I weren't going to do the ritual, because I'm... immortal. Goddess, I'm tied to him for eternity!" The realization finally fractures Merlynn's deadpan guise and a flood of frenzied sobs has her quaking in vicious waves.

"Merlynn!"

Both women cloak their friend in as much support and solace as they can give.

"Shh... shh... We're here. Elena and I are here for you."

"Always, Merlynn."

Elena rubs her back while Gwen rocks her. Eventually their ministrations soothe the raven's rushing stream into a soft whimper.

"Merlynn, doesn't the ritual require consent?" Surely magic wouldn't be so cruel, right?

"Normally, yes."

The girls see Merlynn's demeanor immediately morph from devastation to utter fury. She isn't outraged. She's murderous. Their sweet, gentle roommate's morphed into a mad Goddess.

"The 'forever unity' only takes effect if the magic reads righteous love for each other on the couples' hearts. That's how it works for everyone, except me, apparently. No, Merlynn doesn't get a choice... You know I learned a valuable lesson through this experience." Quiet drops of dejection fall anew. "Merlynn is nothing. Emrys is all that matters. My magic... well, what I thought was my magic... it stopped me from defending myself. It restrained me and protected him, soundproofing the room, locked off my escape, blocked any rescue. I... I always... I always thought of it as my... my friend, my own protector. It never failed to save me. It was always there. But it wasn't really protecting me, was it? No, it was saving the bodyguard, the shield and weapon for the savior. My magic was never mine... It was his. It IS his"

The girls are speechless. What do you say to that? Her own magic assisted Arthur in assaulting her. They can't imagine how that feels. No one could. No one else has ever existed in the same position as Merlynn, and no one ever will. There's no support group or therapist or self-help book that can even touch on her circumstance. No one to be that beacon of hope that things will get better. Well, they maybe can't comfort her how she needs, but Gwen and Elena are damn sure gonna try!

"Merlynn, you aren't nothing. You, not Emrys, YOU are what matters to us, Gwen and I. We couldn't care less if you were powerless. We know the others would feel the same. In fact... would you let us talk to the others? I just want you to know you have all of our support."

"I don't care... I don't care about anything. My feelings are irrelevant. Magic is going to spread far and wide that it tied me to its King once and for all eternity. It will probably go in magic history books, passed down from generation to generation. Might as well tell my friends first." A thought occurs to her. "I need to tell Mordred and my parents. I rather they hear it from me."

They've never seen their roommate so... empty... vacant... numb. Arthur didn't just rob her of her virtue, fiance, and home. He robbed Merlynn of... well... Merlynn.

Moments pass of nothing until Merlynn hoists herself off the floor. "I want a shower." She scans the devastation and her eyes glow, gesturing to all the destruction. Soon all three women stand in a fully restored room. Mindlessly Merlynn retrieves some new knickers and night clothes, then pauses in the doorway to face her friends. "You know what the worst part is?" They shake their heads. "I can't even kill myself." She swipes the newly fallen sadness before she makes her exit.

Both women stare at each other tongue-tied.

"I was afraid something like this would happen."

"I know. I just... I can't believe... I've known Arthur almost forever. Whenever he heard about this type of thing, he was always disgusted. Why would...? How could...?"

Elena is crying now. "She lost Mordred and Ambrosia, Gwen. Fuck, her own magic betrayed her! We have to be there for her. We have to."

Gwen grabs the blonde's hand and squeezes. "We will be. I'll tell you one thing. He isn't coming to my wedding, that's for sure."

"No way." Elena can barely believe this is happening. She hasn't known Arthur as long as some of the others, but a couple of years. This is... it's just... what the hell?! How could he do this?! She needs... "I'm calling Gwaine." The blonde abruptly leaves to find her phone.

"I'm right behind you. I'm asking Lance over."

"Me too. Well, Gwaine. Ugh, you know what I mean. "

When they both pass by Merlynn's loo they stop short. Violent sobbing. The sheer despair they hear induces their own weeping.

Ring... ring...

"Hello, my cookie pie. Where do you want...?

"Quiet Gwaine. This isn't a booty call."

The rogue immediately notices his girlfriend's been crying. "Elena, what's wrong?"

"Please come over... now."

"I'm on my way."

Meanwhile...

"Lance?"

"Gwen, love, what's wrong? You never call this late. Are you okay?"

"Yes, I'm okay... I mean... I'm not okay. That's obvious... but not hurt or anything. Well, I am..."

"Gwen?!"

"Sorry. Please come over, Lance. Please."

"I'm already out the door."

Merlynn steps out of the loo wearing something very un-Merlynn-like. She clearly magicked her clothes bigger and looser. Her glassy eyes and blotchy cheeks are also strong indicators of her emotional state.

Merlynn needs to let it go. It's almost liberating to discover she's nothing. She can just shut off and not hurt anymore. Let Emrys reign and Merlynn die. "I'm going to bed. I'll see you tomorrow." She doesn't give her roommates a second glance. The indifference has to be universal. The only way to detach herself from this, is to detach herself from all.

"Did you see her? She didn't even look at us."

"I know."

"We're losing her, Gwen."

"Well then it's our job to bring her back."

--

Lance spots Gwaine parking his Aston Martin as he arrives on foot from his own campus flat. He trots to his friend, not really surprised to see him there. "So you were called, too, huh?"

"Yeah. Was yours crying?"

He nods. "I can't remember the last time I've heard Gwen so upset."

"Me either. Elena doesn't cry lightly. She's more of an anger type person and skips the grief phase all together."

"What do you think it can be?"

"I don't know. I haven't heard of anyone dying, have you?"

Lance shakes his head. "When I thought it was just Gwen I assumed it was wedding related. But seeing you... I don't have a clue."

"Whatever it is, it's connected to both of them."

"Well, I guess we're about to find out."

They both knock. As soon as the door opens they each have their arms full of a blonde or brunette.

"Hey, hey, hey. What's going on, love? Let's get inside here." Gwaine pushes his girlfriend past the threshold into the girls' living room, Lance and Gwen right behind them.

Gwen immediately drapes herself over her fiance as soon as he's entrenched himself into a corner of the couch. Gwaine and Elena squeeze into a chair and a half with the blonde partly curled in her boyfriend's lap. It doesn't escape the men's notice how clingy their girls are being. That, along with the crying, has them quite unsettled.

"Will someone please tell us what's going on? You have Gwaine and I seriously concerned."

"Yeah. Who died?"

Both women eye each other, not sure where to begin. Gwen needs to calm herself and motions to Elena to speak first, who nods in understanding.

"No one died... well, maybe in a way they did... just... Gwaine...fuck! He did it! We were right! Right about everything! Mithian, Percy, Elyan! We should have protected her! We failed her! And that... that motherfucker did it!"

"Woah! Slow down. Who did what? Right about what? Failed who?" asks Gwaine.

Elena is now struggling and Gwen has composed herself. Both men's focus is on her now. She can do this. Gwen takes a deep breath... "Arthur raped Merlynn."

"What?" Lance has to have misheard.

Gwaine regards his girlfriend, who still can't speak. She only can nod in confirmation.

"What the fuck! That son of a bitch!"

Gwaine is livid as Elena foresaw. He's instantly to his feet pacing.

"That fucking prick! What gives him...?! That entitled royal...!"

Gwen can't take anymore. "It's our fault. We did this. We failed her."

Elena nods. "We knew. We should have done something or got help."

That drew Lance's attention. "What do you mean you knew?"

Gwen shamefully responds. "There were signs." Elena gestures for her to continue. "Their date... he pinned her to the couch and molested her."

"Their date? Shit, that must have been when they 'decided to pick things up later'. Fuck, we told him we were proud of him! 'Struggling with the lack of physical intimacy', he said. Yeah, I'd say he was struggling. Arsehole!"

"Hold on. There's more. That was only the beginning." God, why didn't they do something? Especially after the second time. "Then he waited up for her after her date with Mordred. You know, the night we did wedding prep. He threatened her that night. Then there was the bridal salon. The rest of us never saw him. He must have snuck in when we were all in the back. Anyway, he found Merlynn's dressing room and kicked the attendant out. She was only half dressed and has no idea how long he'd been there before she finally noticed him. He threatened her there too. The last before... this, was Scarefest. He kissed her, unwanted obviously."

"That's why you both stayed close to her."

"That's why I wanted to go with them to Whispering Souls. I knew he had been wanting to get her alone, but when she didn't seem afraid and encouraged me to go... I thought it was a liberation thing that she wanted to do on her own."

"Oh, love. I'm sorry. I didn't know. I would have done Whispering Souls."

"I know babe. I don't blame you. I blame myself."

"So you see. We knew and we did nothing. She didn't want us to tell anyone, but maybe we shouldn't have listened."

"It gets worse. Fuck, so much worse." Elena's elbows are on her knees as she leans over the edge of the chair, head hung low. "He forced the ritual on her." She can't look anyone in the eye.

"Ritual?" Gwaine doesn't recall anything about a ritual.

"You remember the one they did at the handfasting and Mordred explained it at the table. The one he specifically said they would not be doing because Merlynn's immortal."

Lance's eyes widen in realization. "Oh no."

"What? What am I missing?"

"The ritual binds the couple together for a lifetime." Lance explains. "Arthur will die and be released, but Merlynn's immortal. She never again can be with anyone but Arthur. She's intimately bound to Arthur for eternity."

"Bloody hell. That means she lost Mordred."

The girls nod in unison.

"She lost more than that," says Elena.

"What? What else? What possibly else could he have done to that innocent woman?!"

Gwen takes over. "She's had sex before marriage. It doesn't matter it was without consent. She's still considered impure. She can never go back to Ambrosia. And before you ask, no she can't visit like us. Apparently, since she's Emrys, the heart of magic, her impurity will flow to the creatures. As long as she stays out of Ambrosia they'll be fine. The borders can purify it before it reaches them. So yes, she can never return to Ambrosia."

"Oh my god." Lance is dumbstruck.

"We were right or Mithian was right about the magic too. It won't hurt him. Merlynn didn't know, though. She found out through this nightmare when she tried to defend herself. It not only didn't save her, it helped him do it," Elena adds.

Gwaine doesn't even know what to say. Arthur didn't just break Merlynn, he obliterated her. His own eyes are glassy now.

"Oh god, Lance. She... she... said. God it was so heartbreaking. She said that she now knows 'Merlynn' is nothing and Emrys is everything. Her magic has never been hers, but Arthur's. Then she... then..."

Gwen can't finish the last so Elena finishes knowing exactly what her friend can't say. "She said the worst part is that she can't kill herself."

The girls are crying once again while their boyfriends hold them. The men are stunned. Merlynn lost her home and fiance, and she is bound to her rapist for eternity. She also was virtually betrayed by herself, her own magic.

"I'm assuming since you told us she doesn't mind people knowing." Lance has a theory.

"She said word is going to spread through all the magicals that she and Arthur are together, so the group might as well find out. I think she's contacting Mordred and her parents tomorrow,.. to hear it from her first."

"Okay, then we need to contact the group. If she's meeting with her family tomorrow, we'll schedule it for the next day. We can get together at Percy and mine's. He hasn't moved in with Elyan yet, so I'll have to talk to him, but I won't tell him anything. I think the rest of us should find out together."

"What are you thinking?" Gwen is curious about her fiancé's behavior. His reaction is peculiar. Not angry, not sad, only anxious and squirrelly.

"I have to check into something, but I'll talk to everyone at the meeting. You girls just take care of Merlynn. Support her, particularly if she is meeting with her family tomorrow."

"Of course we will." Elena also is baffled by the man's actions.

"Okay. I have to go and get started. Bye love." Lance kisses his fiance goodnight, then is gone.

"That was weird." Gwaine is still staring at the closed door.

"Very." Gwen is irritated with her fiance. It seemed insensitive, caring less about Merlynn and more about whatever idea he's concocting.

Elena has other things on her mind, one being how grateful she is for her own boyfriend. "Can you spend the night, Gwaine?" She needs to love on him and let him love on her.

"Of course, love." He figured his girl would want him to stay. It's like she's trying to take some of Merlynn's pain,. He needs to be there for his girlfriend and ensure she feels loved, knows she's always safe with him.

The couple head off to bed hand in hand.

Gwen still sits silently pondering her fiance's odd behavior.

"What are you up to, Lance?"

--

"Queen Elena?"

She's a little thrown by the title, but quickly recovers. "Uh, yeah. Um, I... I was contacting you on behalf of Merlynn."

"Merlynn? Why? Why isn't Merlynn contacting us?" Hunith is trying not to panic, but probably failing.

"She's uh... she's uh... somewhat indisposed at the moment. Look, can you all come here? Like today? And bring Mordred?"

Merlynn's parents are alarmed. What is so urgent? And why is her roommate being so evasive. "Why? What's wrong?" It doesn't make any sense for Hunith to worry. That's what she's telling herself, anyway. Their daughter is immortal and can't be hurt. What is even possible to have happened?

"Just... come... please."

"We're on our way. Can you text me your address?" Balinor, although concerned, can still function, unlike his wife who seems lost currently.

"Already sending."

"Thank you."

"No problem."

After they both click off Balinor and Hunith practically sprint to Cerdan's to pick up Mordred. But their future son-in-law is definitely not in a state for travel.

"What do you mean magic stasis?"

"Cerdan contacted me last night. He found Mordred like this after he had been complaining he wasn't feeling well."

"Well, can you wake him? One of Merlynn's roommates rang and told us to come right away. She said to bring Mordred. It's urgent." Merlynn's mother is frantic.

"Curious." The elder is pondering.

"What? You think whatever is happening with Mordred is related Merlynn?" Cerdan infers.

"The timing is quite coincidental. I think maybe we should wake our warlock up. Send for the healers."

--

"You want what now?"

"A hair. Of Merlynn's."

"Lance, what in the world are you doing that you need one of Merlynn's hairs?"

"Please, love. Just trust me. I'll explain at the meeting tomorrow. I don't know anything yet. I first need to verify something first. Are Mordred and Merlynn's parents coming?"

"Yes, they'll be here as soon as they can."

"How's Merlynn?"

"She hasn't come out of her room. Elena was the one that called Hunith and Balinor."

"God."

"I know. I will get you the hair. Are you coming to pick it up?"

"Yes, I'll be there in twenty."

"Okay."

--

"I can wake him, but I can tell you that magic did this."

"Of course magic did it. My son is glowing!"

"No. I'm saying this is the work of the Triple Goddess. She had a reason for putting Mordred under." The healer formulates a plan to do as they ask but also takes into account the Goddess' intention. "This is what I'll do. I'm going to give him a sedative before I wake him. That way he'll still be subdued but cognizant."

The healer whispers words over the warlock as a tranquilizer, then rouses him with a different chant.

Mordred's eyes flutter open, then widen in realization. He shoots up from his cot then promptly falls, lightheaded from the spell. "What's wrong with me? I have to get to Merlynn!"

"Why? What happened, Mordred? What's wrong with my baby?"

The warlock is trying to recall the previous evening, but his thoughts are hazy. "I don't know. All I know is it's bad. I swear she somehow called to me, but I don't know why. I think it has something to do with Arthur."

"Arthur?" Mordred nods. Balinor can't think of anything that could involve both the King and his daughter and be bad enough that Merlynn couldn't contact them herself. "Can you teleport all of us to Merlynn, Mordred? You were right. Something is wrong. We got a call from Elena this morning. She said all of us need to come as soon as possible."

"No. I could to the airport. I know the route. But I'm weak right now, and I don't think I could light a candle if I tried."

"Mordred, why would the Triple Goddess put you in stasis?" Iseldir needs to determine any possible motives that would cause the deity to take such drastic measures.

"I don't know. I don't remember. All I remember is Merlynn's call and thinking the name, Arthur."

"Who cares? We need to go. Merlynn needs us. Remove the sedative." Balinor is angry with the delay.

"I don't think I should. The Goddess paralyzed him for a reason."

"I don't give a damn! Merlynn needs us, all of us, and we are going. You either remove the sedative, or I'll bring Berta in. You know she doesn't really like people too much, but she loves my daughter."

Realizing the dragonlord doesn't give empty threats, the healer does as asked.

"I can only take you one at a time. Only Merlynn can do multiples. I'll be exhausted, but hopefully rest on the plane will help. Let's go."

--

"Merlynn, honey? Can I come in?"

"Fine."

When Gwen gently swings the door open, what she sees is heart-rending. Not even her entrance draws Merlynn's attention as she focuses on nothing, rolling the now broken, black sapphire jewelry in her hand. "Oh Merlynn. Can I get you something to eat or drink?" No response. "Your parents and Mordred are coming. Elena contacted them this morning. They should be here within the hour. They flew out pretty quick." Gwen observes as her friend's eyes fill with tears, pure anguish suppressing any potential volume. She embeds herself into the soft cushions at the headboard next to her broken friend, swaddling her in her arms. Gwen doesn't know how long they lie reposed on Merlynn's bed before Elena peeks her head inside.

"Uh, Merlynn sweetie. Your parents and Mordred have arrived. They are sitting in the living room."

Merlynn rises and nods while wiping the tears away. To keep their friend from collapse under the gravity of it all, the two brace her on both sides. As soon as she trudges into the living room all three Ambrosians ascend to their feet.

The beautiful, vivacious Goddess of power has vanished and a depressed, wrecked woman stands before them. Merlynn's clothes have obviously been magically adjusted to be longer and baggier. She's plainly been doing a fair amount of crying and she's hugging herself so tightly, it's a wonder she's not cutting off Magic's circulation. At first sight of her family and fiance, her eyes fill once again.

Mordred sees his love but barely recognizes her. "Merlynn." He goes to envelop her in his arms, but the witch signals him to stop.

"There's no easy way to say this." Merlynn continues to roll the broken pieces in her hand, a metaphor of her broken heart. "Please sit down." They all slowly lower themselves to the sofa.

"Merlynn, do you want us here or give you some privacy?" Elena doesn't want to intrude.

"Please stay." Both roommates nod. Merlynn returns her gaze to her parents and Mordred. "Here." She tosses the two ring pieces on the table.

Mordred and Hunith each grab half. No... that can't... no. They know what a black ring means, but she wouldn't. All three Ambrosians look at Merlynn presenting her ring finger, showing it's bare. Hunith gasps.

"No! You wouldn't! I know you wouldn't!"

Merlynn sadly smiles to her beloved and shakes her head. He has such faith in her. "No, you're right, my love. I wouldn't... willingly."

"What are you talking about? You're Emrys, for goddess sakes! Who could have gotten through the spell?!"

"Yeah well, it turns out there is someone Emrys is vulnerable to, one person to whom the spell is impervious," Merlynn growls bitterly.

"Arthur." The warlock goes stock still.

Still not clear as to what her daughter is talking about, Hunith needs clarification. "What happened cariad? What do you mean?"

"He uh... he... Arthur..."

"What she's trying to say, Hunith, is that the Once and Future King, our savior, and the supposed greatest king, raped your daughter and my betrothed."

"What?!" Balinor turns to his daughter who is now shuffling her feet staring at the floor. "Is that true, Merlynn?" She can't speak, only gives a tight nod

Balinor is thunderous, but it's obvious he's not the one people should be worried about. Mordred's eyes are luminous but not the brilliant gold of magic. No, his orbs flame fire as red as the gates of hell.

Hunith notices and fearfully encircles him in her arms. "Calm down, son, calm down." Now they understand why magic put him in stasis.

"I'm sorry! I'm so, so sorry! I tried to fight him, but my magic... it wouldn't help me! It helped him!"

Mordred is springing to his feet. "I'll kill him!"

"No! No, you can't! You'll lose all your magic!"

"I don't care about that, Merlynn! He hurt you! I guess I'll be Arthur's bane in this life too!" Mordred's readying to leave but is thrown back into the couch. He looks up and Merlynn's hand is raised, eyes fading back to blue.

Merlynn is staring at her hand mouth agape in shock. She didn't do that. That wasn't her. Goddess, she really is nothing, just a puppet, a vessel to store Magic. "I'm sorry, my love. I'm so sorry." She collapses to the floor sobbing violently and her roommates join her at her side. Her mother is also coming to hold her daughter. "He ruined me, mummy!" Merlynn is practically crawling into her mother's lap, who lets her gladly. Then her father comes and scoops her into his arms.

"Oh my little bird." Balinor rocks her while Hunith rubs her back.

"Merlynn?"

She looks at her beloved.

"I don't blame you at all. Not for him and not for what just happened. I know it wasn't you. I still love you."

"And I you. But there's something else." Goddess how can she say this? "He... he bound us. The aefre annes. He did it. We can never be together."

"He did what?!" Now Hunith is enraged. Not only did he violate her daughter, but he tied her to him for eternity! How cruel can he be?!

Mordred's eyes widen in comprehension. But then he recovers. "I don't care. I'll go on suppresants. Our relationship doesn't have to have sex. I don't need it, Merlynn. I just want you."

Merlynn smiles at her warlock. This incredible, handsome, wonderful man that still wants her. That wants her to want him. Always, Mordred, always. She can't get to her feet fast enough before she's in front of him. He matches her until they are almost toe-to-toe, vision locked on each other's eyes.

Gwen and Elena who've been weeping throughout the whole confession and display now cry happy tears for their friend. How romantic that her fiance is willing to sacrifice sex for life to be with her. What commitment and devotion. Maybe things will work out after all. All four of the other occupants in the room smile joyfully at the besotted couple.

"You really would do that? For me?"

"I would do anything for you."

"Oh Mordred." She's now crying again but tears of joy.

"If you'll have me."

"Yes, Mordred! Yes!" She moves to embrace him, but as soon as they touch Mordred is shocked. Merlynn looks at her hands in horror. "No. No, he didnt! No, he couldn't!"

Mordred goes to her again but is immediately shocked back.

"No! That's my magic! I created it! How can he...? How did...?" Merlynn is filled with a fiery fury once again and they all watch as she forms a bubble of magic around herself. Then she screams. Even through the shield the flat shakes. When she's finished and the shield is gone, Merlynn slumps to the floor, bawling. "He took everything... ev...ery...thing from me." The witch feels as if she's choking on her anger and despair. She has to strain for her next breath.

The raven's roommates cloak her in all the love they can give. They can't imagine not being able to touch Gwaine or Lance ever again. God, they want to kill Arthur! Friendship be damned!

Everyone is crying at the ruined Goddess.

"Fuck it." Mordred wrenches his witch off the floor and passionately kisses her. His agony with being electrocuted doesn't compare with the doting adoration he has for his beloved. He would do anything for her. The warlock doesn't care if lightning sets him on fire. She is in so much pain, and she needs this. Unfortunately, Mordred is mortal, and the human body can only take so much. He kisses her until finally his anatomy succumbs to the electric onslaught. Balinor catches him before he falls.

An all consuming display of perfect love. They watched as Mordred quivered and flinched in pain, virtually torturing himself to express his steadfast faithfulness and affection to his Goddess. It was beautiful and inspiring and... tragic.

"Just go, please. Please just go," Merlynn mutters between sobs. She can't look at her... ex anymore. To not be able to touch him... it would have killed her if she could die.

"We're going, cariad. You can call me or da anytime." Hunith envelops her daughter and pours endless love.

Balinor right behind her. "Oh my little bird. We will always be here for you. We may live in Ambrosia, but we will visit as often as you need us." He kisses his precious girl on top her head, then collects Mordred, throwing him over his shoulder.

Merlynn has to turn away, recognizing the position from when Arthur flung her onto his mattress.

"Goodbye, my love," Merlynn murmurs under her breath at the closed door. The closed door on so much. "For a moment I thought I still had something, but no, he took it all. He took my whole world."

--

The group is shocked.

"She can really never go home?" asks Mithian. Gwen just shakes her head. "And she lost Mordred?" Elena nods.

"That fucking prick!" Sefa is on her feet. She doesn't remember the last time she felt so outraged.

Percy has tears rolling down his cheeks. Leon can't believe what has happened to his sister. Elyan doesn't even know what to think of his long time friend.

"It was awful. She destroyed her room. No, she didn't destroy it. She vaporized it. Everything like fucking disintegrated."

"Where is she now?" Leon's voice is scratchy, so irate at the man he considers a brother.

"Ever since her family left she's been in a sort of magic meditation. She was beyond devastated when she couldn't touch Mordred anymore. Arthur somehow turned her own magic against her. You should have seen it. Sparks were flying all over the place. I thought I was going to need the fire extinguisher, but he just kept on kissing her despite being electrocuted. You know he had to be in agony... but he wouldn't let her go, not for anything. He finally passed out, either in pain or his body gave out. I wouldn't be surprised if he's covered in burns. We don't know. It was the most loving yet heartbreaking things I've ever seen." Gwen cups her mouth recalling the scene.

"Yeah, she exploded. Like literally. She put a shield around herself and... boom. Shit, it shook the whole flat."

"Arthur really did it. He actually raped her." Elyan verbalizes to virtually no one and everyone.

"You heard. He's been harassing her for a long time. Starting the night of wedding prep." Percy grits his teeth and clenches his fists.

"Well the arsehole belongs in jail!" Sefa wants the bastard to pay.

"He can't. Arthur has diplomatic immunity." Leon never thought his friend would have to use it, though.

"So he just gets away with it? All because he's the fucking prince?!"

"Lance, I want to know what you've been doing and why you've been acting so strangely. Why'd you need one of Merlynn's hairs?"

Mithian now looks between the engaged couple. "What? What's this now?"

"After you both talked to Gwaine and I, or I should say while you were talking I started to think, and well... I'll explain what I've been doing, but I need everyone to hear me out, and don't talk until I'm finished."

"Sounds ominous."

"Gwaine, will you hear me out, please?" He dubiously nods. "Okay, I had a roommate in college. He was a sorcerer, and he told me about his grandfather who has an unusual power. He's a seer, but instead of the future, he sees the past. Well yesterday I contacted my old roommate, and he took me to see his grandfather. All I needed was a hair of Arthur's and Merlynn's. Since they are reincarnations, their past was extensive. Anyway, it confirmed my theory. Arthur was right. For fifteen hundred years, every lifetime, even when Merlynn was in male form they were together. They are romantic soulmates."

"Where are you going with this? What does it have to do with what is happening now?" asks Elena.

"Don't you see? It's like an enchantment. Arthur is enchanted by the magic of a soulmate."

"I don't believe you! Magic made him do it. That's what you're saying?!"

"Elena, think about it. Don't think for one second I'm condoning what Arthur did, but really think about it. We've all known him for a long time. Does this sound like him to you? Seriously? Let go of your anger for a moment, and ask yourself rationally is this Arthur?"

"Elena, he's got a point. Arthur's been losing it from the moment he saw her."

"I don't care, Elyan! He was wrong! So wrong and he destroyed her! He..." Elena is crying now at how badly her lovable roommate is hurting.

Gwaine takes his girlfriend into his arms and cuddles her. "No one is saying Arthur was right, love, no one."

"I've known Arthur my whole life. He has always thought men violating women was one of the most repulsive things someone can do. I have to admit I don't think this is Arthur."

"They are fifteen hundred year soulmates. None of us can even fathom that. You said yourself, magic helped him. The magic wanted them both together and united. Who's to say magic hasn't been pushing Arthur?"

"That's true. It made sure no one could hear her or rescue her. She couldn't even defend herself." Gwen thinks out loud. Her poor, precious flatmate.

"But why did the Triple Goddess age Mordred? We all thought that meant magic wanted them together."

"I believe she did, but in the arrangement they had talked about, Arthur and Mordred sharing Merlynn."

"Merlynn said Arthur kept saying her virtue was his. He couldn't stand Mordred having it, and he couldn't wait two years. That sounds like Arthur to me."

"Elena, Arthur has been jealous and possessive, but with the magic it's like that but multiplied. I'm not saying magic made him rape her. I'm saying magic intensified his feelings a hundred fold."

They all think about Lance's words and it does make sense. The Arthur they know would never do something like this, not in his right mind.

"Okay. Say what all you're saying is true. What now? Where do we go from here?" Mithian, always practical.

"Well, I thought about that too. I think when we all get our memories back everything will kind of reset itself."

"What do you mean?" Elyan asks.

"Arthur and Merlynn have century upon century of relationship, of being in love they are going to remember. That is a lot of history."

"You think that is going to override... this?" Percival asks.

"I think it's got a good shot. I think past Arthur is going to be appalled at his current behavior. And I think Merlynn will realize something is seriously wrong with this Arthur."

"So what do we do?"

"Well, Leon, I think if we can keep them separated until they get their memories back, that would be the best way to help both of them."

"I don't want him at our wedding. I understand what you're saying and maybe it isn't his fault, but I have to side with Merlynn. She is suffering so much. I won't have her face him."

"Agreed. He shouldn't go. Our Arthur is still in there. I think we can convince him to give her space."

"Arthur has a conference he canceled to go to your wedding. Maybe he can attend that. It's traveling, and he'll be gone a couple weeks. I can set up the detail. He has to leave next Thursday, so he definitely won't be there for the wedding. Merlynn is supposed to work the opera event a few days earlier, but I can post her so she watches from the sidelines, and Arthur will never see her."

"That sounds good," Percy says.

"Can't she get out of the job? Isn't it kind of heartless to expect her to guard her own rapist?"

"I would let her out of it, Elena, but I'm assuming she doesn't want the rest of the Guard or king to know. If that's the case we have to maintain the norm. Don't worry. I will make it so the two never cross paths. At the opera, that's fairly easy. She can guard him, and he never see her."

"Okay then. I think the five of us knights need to take Arthur out and have a talk with him. Why don't you ladies go and check on our resident witch."

"And what are you going to say to him?"

"Well, my crumpet, I'm going to try not to kill him."

"I need to hear what he has to say. Not like it will make me think better of him or anything. Just... I need to know, you know?"

"I'm with Elyan. I don't think I could say anything until I hear from everyone, including him."

"Leon, what about you?" Mithian asks.

"I think... I'll ask him what he was thinking. Try to make him realize what he's done. If he hears it out of his own mouth maybe it will mean more."

Everyone nods or agrees in one way or another.

"And Lance?"

"I'm going to make sure he doesn't feel attacked, but heard. I know that's not popular to give him any leniency, but we have to remember the goal is to convince him to stay away from her of his own volition. Don't forget this is Arthur. If we go in there guns blazing and threatening him, that challenge will be exactly what drives him to her, if only to give all of us the two fingered salute."

Again, mutual agreement throughout.

"All right, we are trusting you men to give him what for and still accomplish our goal."

"We will, Mith. We promise. I'll make sure of it."

"That's our Leon. Always the first knight," Elyan says as he pats him on the back.

"Shut up, Elyan." The fun loving knight grins in response.

Meanwhile Lance has been texting Arthur to meet them at the pub. Only a moment passes before it buzzes in his hand. After reading the text, he lifts his eyes to the men. "He's coming."

--

Mordred was tearing through the clan's library of spell books.

"What are you expecting to find?"

"I don't know, Will, but I have to help her. She was so broken. I've never seen her like that."

"Fuck, I wish I could kill him! Our bloody fucking savior. I was thinking about going to see her. What do you think?"

"I think that would be nice. You're her best friend. You can at least touch her and give her a hug." Mordred is thumbing through every grimoir he can find, anything related or even a possibility of relation. It's clear everywhere Magic wants baby Magic with the savior. "Aargh, there's got to be something I can do!"

"Mordred, you'll find it. I know you, mate. You won't stop until you find what you need. I'm gonna go talk to Frey, maybe book a flight. You think you can take me to the airport later?"

"Sure. Just tell me when," Mordred says while still scanning a text.

"Thanks mate." Will pats the warlock's shoulderin encouragement before he walks out the door.

"I will find something, my love. I won't stop until I do."

--

Arthur doesn't know why the guys want to meet, but Lance's text was kind of adamant. Apparently Leon called ahead and arranged for the back room of the Rising Sun. So not only were they insistent he come, they ensured privacy. With Leon there he doesn't need that much security, which means the six of them are secluded. The whole scene is suspicious, especially when he strolls in with all the men already situated around a table, staring at... him.

"All right, I'm here. What's this about?" The mood is grim, and his friends are eyeing each other as if deciding who should speak. He slides into a seat they saved for him on the end.

"Arthur, uh... we uh... we know."

"You know. What is it that you know, Lance?"

"We know what you did to Merlynn, princess." Gwaine glares.

Arthur grabs the pint in the center of the table and takes a sip. How should he play this? Should he lie? Should he play it off like he has no idea what people are talking about? He decides to feel everything out more. "And uh... what would that be?" He nervously sips again.

"You raped her, Arthur." Percival can't believe he just said those words.

Arthur doesn't know what to say. He can't deny it. They probably know everything. His father always told him if you own your mistakes they aren't mistakes anymore. So he does. "I don't regret it."

"You son of a bitch!" Leon and Elyan have to restrain Gwaine. Arthur pulls further away from the irate knight. Good idea.

"How can you say that, Arthur? I've known you your whole life and you've never approved of this kind of thing."

"I still don't, Leon. I shouldn't say I don't regret it. I regret causing her pain. I regret that she's suffering. If you think I enjoyed her screaming and fighting me, no. I did not. In fact, I silenced her so I wouldn't hear it. I never wanted to hurt her, but she kept rejecting me. I fought it, I swear I did... and I lost." He grins fondly recalling his time with his Goddess. "But I can't regret it, because I loved it. I loved the sight of her... the taste of her... the feel of her, and I definitely don't regret the results. She is mine now. All mine. How it was meant to be." He says it impassively, like a task that had to be done.

"I can't believe you just said that. Do you have any idea what you did to her, Arthur?"

"Yes, Elyan. I'm well aware. I was there." Arthur can't help but smile... his night with his Goddess. And the magic... fuck the magic was incredible.

"I don't believe you, you bastard! You're actually smiling!" Gwaine can't sit there and watch the prince's smug face.

"Look, yes, I'm smiling. I'm sorry but the night was incredible. The magic was amazing and the most extraordinary thing I ever felt. I wish I didn't enjoy it so much. I'm well aware I sound like a grade A douche right now. But I'd be lying if I said any differently."

"Arthur, she can never go home. You took her purity. She can never return to Ambrosia."

"What?" That... Arthur didn't know.

"Yeah, arsehole. Didn't think of that, did you? You didn't just rape her, princess. You destroyed her. She lost her fiance and her home. She wishes she could kill herself, you prick! And her magic helped you do it. She believes she's nothing, Arthur! She thinks she is worthless. That all she is, is some kind of fucking magic storage unit. All packed and ready for you to use."

Arthur doesn't want his soulmate to feel like that, but Mordred had to go. He didn't know she would lose Ambrosia, though.

"Arthur, Merlynn found out that her magic cares more for you than her. Can you imagine how that feels? Something that's a part of her chose you instead. She feels the only one that has value is Emrys, Arthur. And Merlynn might as well be dead. That's what your incredible night was for her." Percival needs the prince to understand the repercussions of his actions.

Arthur had no idea. He wasn't thinking. The only thing he wanted was Mordred gone and her virtue as his. And he got it... but he took so much more. "I uh... I didn't know about Ambrosia. I knew the magic was devastating, but I didn't think it was that bad."

"How would you feel, Arthur? If a part of yourself actually helped someone hurt you? In a way she was gang raped. You and something she trusted equal to her next breath."

Arthur can see Leon's point. That would be bad. No shit, Sherlock.

Lance believes Arthur's ready to listen now. "Arthur, we think you should stay away from Merlynn for a while."

"Yes. You need to go to that conference next week. I can set up your detail. It will be good for you to get away."

"Next week...? I'll miss the wedding."

"Arthur, Gwen doesn't want you there. We understand Merlynn is your soulmate, but you devastated her. The least you can do is give her some space and time."

"Yeah, you got what you wanted. She's yours now." Elyan is trying to not be disgusted, but he's struggling.

"Yeah, for eternity," Percy mumbles.

"What? What is that?"

"Holy fuck, you don't know, do you?"

"Don't know what? What are you talking about?"

"Shit, you didn't even bother... you don't even know. That little ritual you did. Did you know Mordred and Merlynn weren't going to use it? For a good reason dipshit. It would be too cruel on her. That 'forever unity' thing is for life. Well, how long is Merlynn's life, princess?"

Arthur's eyes widen in realization. Oh god.

"Yeah. There you go. So congratulations. Your fucking green eyed monster ruined her for all men or women from now until the end of time. She/he is truly yours. Aren't you proud of yourself?"

"I had no idea." He really didn't. Morgana said forever, but he didn't think she meant forever, forever. Fuck, she did tell him. He remembers now. It just didn't compute at the time.

"So, you see Arthur, just stay away from her. Give her time to wrap her mind around this. Don't go to our wedding. We'll miss you, but Gwen doesn't want you there. In fact, I highly suggest you stay away from all the girls right now."

"Especially Elena." Gwaine doesn't know what his girlfriend will do if she were to see him.

"Go to the conference, Arthur. I'll arrange it. Merlynn has to be there on duty for the Opera. Leave her alone. I'll keep her out of sight, but she'll do her job. Hell, even if she didn't want to, her magic would."

"It's the least you can do, mate. It's not like you have to worry about her straying. She literally can't."

"We think when both of you get your memories back, it will fix things. Not that we agree with what you did, but fifteen hundred years of relationship is going to be stiff competition against... this. She almost committed genocide to get to you. So, I think when she remembers she might forgive you. But you have to leave her alone, now. Just don't do anymore."

"What are you talking about?"

"Oh, you weren't there for that story, mate. Just one more thing we found out at the reception." Elyan realizes Arthur really missed a lot.

Percival explains. "Arthur, apparently the Sidhe or fairies... they are the ones that watch over you every time you go to Avalon. Well, a lifetime in Merlynn's past she argued with them or something happened where they were refusing to release you for reincarnation. So she threatened them. If they didn't release you, she was going to wipe out their entire species."

Arthur can't speak. His Goddess would move heaven or hell for him. He should have waited for her memories to return. Fuck, what did he do?! "I will stay away. You want me to leave her alone until our birthday?"

"We think that would be best. At that point, we think she'll come to you. She just needs to remember your history. We also think it will override any suppresants."

"All right, I will." Arthur rises to leave, and looks at all his friends. "I know you all are mad at me. I'm grateful that you aren't completely exiling me from the group. I screwed up, badly. I didn't realize how bad. All I was thinking was how badly I needed my soulmate. I did try to fight it. Please know that. I just couldn't anymore. I failed. Anyway, I'm sorry. You all, the girls... Merlynn can contact me when she's ready. I won't go to the wedding, Lance. Congratulations to you and Gwen. I hope you have an amazing day. I love you all." Then the Future King is gone.

"I think Lance was right," Elyan states.

"I agree. That was a man with real remorse," Percival says.

"Now, that the bastard knows we aren't kicking him out, I think our focus needs to be on helping Merlynn."

"Definitely, I think we should follow the girls' guidance, though. Women all react to this differently. We need to take our cues from them. I'm surprised she even okayed us all knowing. She let the girls tell Gwaine and I the same night."

"I assume that's because the magic community is going to know. Word is going to spread quickly that the savior and Magic are together. I'm sure she thought we all might as well know first," Leon infers.

"Fuck, she's lost everything!"

"Not us, mate."

"No. Not us."

--

Tap, tap, tap.

"Yes?"

"Merlynn, someone's here to see you."

"I don't really want to see anyone, thank you."

"Not even me, Emrys?"

"Will?" Merlynn speeds to her door and flings it open. "Will!" She practically barrels him over, and bursts into tears.

He holds her so tight, like the brother he's always been. "Hey, I'm here. I'm here."

"Goddess Will, you came! You really came!"

"Of course I did. Fuck the power, Merls. Its you that I love, that we love."

Merlynn has the first genuine smile in days. "Thank you."

"Always."


12. This hit on another one of my required elements. Romance. Normally I am Merthur all the way (keep in mind I still needed a dark Arthur), and I will get there, but this whole Merdred relationship is awesome! I wanted something ultra epic romantic, and when he tortured himself just to kiss her, so she wouldn't feel alone. Aaah. Perfect.

Fun fact: Mordred was not a requirement. I just needed a fiance that was canon, wasn't the knights, and played a bigger part in canon than just a one episode cameo. I didn't choose Mordred based on that criteria, however. In fact I specifically didn't want Mordred because no matter how hard I tried I couldn't picture Alexander Vlahos with my girl. I happened to run across an adult photo of Asa and that was it. She immediately popped into my head next to him like they were meant to be. It was fate. Sigh.