Thank you for reading. hope you like it.
The celebration went on into the wee hours of the morning. Till the sun began to rise casting a warm orange glow over the city. Arthur had been one of the last to leave and retire to his bed. He was also one of the first to wake again and begin his day as the sun rose fully into the sky. After all it was the beginning of a new age for Camelot. As king he couldn't very well sleep through the crucial first steps. He expected that Morgana would be just as anxious as he was to start things on the right foot. She had been waiting, working for this day for a long time after all. He dressed quickly, expecting Morgana soon, but it was Gwen that knocked lightly on the door. Then didn't wait for him to answer before she pushed the door open with her elbow. Her hands full with a tray laid with the king's breakfast. In what could be a trickly action that she had perfected over the years. Moving to help her by taking the tray, she deftly slipped aside and carried on placing the tray on the table. Arthur closed the door behind her.
"You shouldn't have done that." He said to her back.
"I know." Gwen replied as she turned to face him. "I wanted to."
Closing the distance between them He lightly placed his hands on her waist, pulling her gently closer. Placing her hands on his arms, Gwen slipped them upwards as the gap between them closed. Meer inches apart, they were quickly pulled apart as a loud knock on the door interrupted them.
Morgana like Gwen did not wait for any reply before she entered the room. Mordred fallowed her, clearly trying not to show any sign of his nervousness. The way his eyes rapidly darted around the room gave him away though. Morgana by contrast seemed relaxed. The most relaxed and most like the person that Gwen and Arthur remembered growing up with, then she had in a long time. Seeing Gwen, a bright smile spread across her face which Gwen returned, showing only a tiny hint of irritation at the interruption.
"If you're worried, I will change my mind-" Arthur began but Morgana cut him off.
"No, but there is something that you need to know." He tried to hide it, but fear crossed the king's face. "Nothing bad, just something you both should know." She carried on looking to Gwen. "You both have met Mordred before a few days ago."
Arthur's eyes widened as he looked at the young man. Studying his face as he searched for where he had met him before. Arthur took a step closer, but he didn't recognize him. Mordred shied away from the eyes studying him. Suddenly it hit him. Where they had met before. While Mordred kept his head down, he could see the same fear in the young man's eyes as he had seen in the boys all those years ago.
"You were the druid boy."
Morgana nodded as she confirmed what he already now knew to be the truth. "I told him not to say anything." Arthur now looked to her. A look of hurt on his face. Glancing at Gwen she couldn't read the emotion on her face. Confusion, surprise and a hint of hurt. Morgana tried to tell her silently that she was not going to reveal that she had known who the boy was. She hoped she understood. "I couldn't risk it-"
"Did you think I would have him killed. After he saved my life and Gwen's-"
"I couldn't risk it." Morgana affirmed more strongly.
"You think that little of me."
"It wasn't about you. It's about him." She looked to Mordred and placed a hand on his shoulder. "It's always a risk."
"I've changed the law. He would not have been punished or hurt."
"That is as it should be. Rights not privileges."
At first Gwen had felt betrayed when Morgana reveled who Mordred was. After she had asked her not to say anything. She now told him herself. She had made her keep something from Arthur that he should have been told. If he found out she had kept it from him too, it would damage his trust in her. Taking a step forward Gwen placed a hand on Arthur's shoulder. Subtly both women, like Mothers guiding their children they created some distance between the two men.
"She asked me not to say anything." Arthur spun his head to look at Gwen. "You remember how much she caried for the boy, she was worried. You can't blame her for that-"
"No, but you can for my asking you to keep something from Arthur." Gwen tried to brush of the sort of apology. "Something I then told him myself. I did try and speak to you this Morning, but you weren't in your chambers." She further explained.
"All of this is irrelevant." Arthur cut in. "Unless he wishes to stay in Camelot." Gwen's hand slid down his arm till she took his hand. "Become a knight."
Mordred equally hated and was embarrassed about being talked about like he wasn't there. Like a child, he was an adult. He could speak for himself. He had never been intimidated by Arthur. King or not. Now though he had refrained from talking. Morgana knew Arthur better. She knew what to say. Now though the attention was all directed back at him. He was asked a question that he had to answer.
"Yes. Your highness I would like that very much." Bowing as he spoke.
"There is no need for all that." Arthur said. Letting go of Gwen's hand he walked over to the window behind his desk. He untied the rope that held the curtain back. "Leon told me about the trust me knot." He held out the piece of rope towards Morgana. Lifting her eyes from the rope to Arthur, she gave him an angry look of hurt. "I am king. I can't risk the kingdom. I just need to ask."
She understood, of course she did. He couldn't blindly trust anyone. Not when a whole kingdom depended on the choices he made. It hurt her more than she expected that she had played such a large role in Arthur's new cautiousness. Without saying anything the witch took the rope, tied it into a knot and spoke the words under her breath. Once the spell was done Arthur stepped forward and took one end of it. Mordred didn't hesitate to take the other end.
"Ask him a simple question." Morgana said to Mordred. "Try and lie." She said to Arthur.
"What color are your curtains." Mordred asked. His attention stuck in that direction.
They were a deep burnt red. The king, who had looked that those curtains nearly every day since he was in his teens. He tried to say that they were blue. The word stuck in his throat. Like dry bread eaten without water. The harder he tried to say it the harder it became. It quickly became hard to take in a full breath as he focused on saying the word. Distress becoming clear on his face, Gwen placed a hand on Arthur's back. After longer than was necessary Arthur finally gave in and asked a question himself.
"Do you mean harm to Camelot."
Mordred didn't struggle to answer. "No. I don't wish to harm Camelot."
For a second silence fell over the room. A broad grin spread across Arthur's face as he affectionately slapped Mordred's arm and dropped the rope in his other hand.
"Then that is all we have to talk about."
Mordred now smiled back to the king. "Thank you sire." He bowed despite what Arthur had said before.
Morgana to her surprise smiled too, though not as widely or brightly. She knew he would not appreciate it, but she couldn't help placing a hand on Mordred's back in congratulations. He turned to face her and smiled proudly. Glad to feel that he had her acceptance. He would have made the same choice regardless of what Morgana said or advised him to do, but he was glad that he had her support. Their paths, priorities had differed over the years, but he had always felt safe around her. Knew what she would look out for him, protect him. He respected Morgana. She had always stayed true to her own principles. He had wanted to do the same. That was what he was doing now. Staying true to himself and what he wanted. He hoped that even though she didn't agree with him fully, Morgana would be proud of him. It seemed that she was. Which made him smile brighter. Not caring that the king and future queen were watching he quickly hugged Morgana and quietly thanked her. She said she had done nothing and that she was proud of him. He had known it before, but to hear it out loud left no room for doubt.
Arthur cleared his throat. "I've given the knights the morning off. It seemed wise after last night."
Mordred pulled away from Morgana and turned to face Arthur again, a light blush crossing his face. The young man had made the most of the celebration the night before. Some parts towards the end of the night he could not remember with great clarity.
"You can join us for training tomorrow." Mordred nodded gladly at Arthur. "Rest today. Get familiar with the city."
He was about to ask about the young lady that had been travelling with him when Arthur met him for the second time, but something stopped him. He got a feeling that it was not a topic that he should bring up. The young man didn't wait to be told anything further and left to join his new friend and settle more into his new home. It was also clear to him that there was much that Morgana and the rulers of the kingdom had to discuss. So, he left them to it and went to start the new chapter of his life.
The three left moved to stand around the table as they talked over the change in the law. There was little that they had to work out right then and there. The real work would come when magic began to be used out in the open. Morgana felt that it would take quite a while before people would feel comfortable using magic or turning to magic for aid. Arthur was a little more optimistic surprisingly but had to agree with her. It would take time, but that meant as Gwen pointed out, that a secure footing could be achieved that would offer more reassurance to everyone. A solid foundation to build on. She didn't add that would be necessary when the inevitable happened. When magic was used to harm someone, and Arthur would have to deal with the delict matter. Having built up the citizens understanding, and acceptance of magic would help avoid a return to the fear and hate. It would never fully go; hate had a way of leaving a deep mark. That never really leaves, not fully.
While Arthur guided most of the discussion, it was Gwen and Morgana that did most of the actual discussing. There were a few moments when he would figurately took a step back and watched the women talking back and forth. Greatly impressed by them. He had always known very well how stubborn and forthright Morgana could be. He had been on the opposing side often enough when they were younger to not want to do so again. That was still there, especially when it came to a matter so important to her, but she was more amenable and realistic than he expected. While losing none of her passion. Gwen, he had also learned had a strong moral center that she would not be made to compromise on. It was one of the things he relied on her most for. Her social standing in the past had made it almost impossible for her to freely speak her mind. Now that that was no longer an issue Arthur found that she was more than willing to tell him exactly what she thought on almost any topic. That she was an intelligent person was never in doubt, but just how insightful and observant she was on a wide range of subjects was a very pleasant surprise. If gave the king a warm feeling of pride in his heart to listen to the back and forth of two of the most stubborn and intelligent people, he knew.
The trio came to the conclusion that any act of magic that caused harm to another would be treated as any other act with a psychical weapon would be. If used in self-defense, then it was acceptable. Morgana and Mordred would also reach out to the druids that they could. Telling them of the change in the law. They would also inquire if there was anyone that wished to settle in the city were a role for them that allowed them to use their skills would be found. In the rebuilding of the castle, adding Giaus tending to the sick and injured or like Mordred in the protecting the security of the kingdom. Morgana cautioned that she did not foresee many accepting the offer at first. It would take time for people that had been forced to hide a part of themselves to survive to feel comfortable opening up and expressing it freely.
Once all the most pressing issues had been discussed and a plan for moving forward was worked out Arthur finally had to bring up the topic that they all knew had to be delt with but wished to ignore for as long as possible.
"My father will have to be told."
The women on either side of him remained silent but nodded.
"He should also be told of the wedding." He saw Gwen flinch a little. "I know, but he is my father."
"I understand." Gwen agreed as she took his hand in hers. Keeping her head down so he didn't see the displeasure on her face. He didn't need to see it; he could hear it in her voice.
"I doubt he will want to come." Morgana tried to comfort the bride to be. Arthur squeezed her hand. Lifting her head Gwen gave a strained smile.
It was now Morgana's turn to bring up a subject that she had become less eager to as the conversation went on. She still wanted to travel to Avalon, but it had become harder for her to think about leaving. Leaving her family. So much had happened since she left the city with Merlin's help only a few years ago. She felt like a different person. So did Arthur and Gwen. More accurately they had become more of who they always were. With Mordred here now to, for the first time in years she felt that she could maybe stay here. She had to see what was out there calling to her first.
"I had a dream." They tried to hide it, but she saw them both flinch slightly. Her dreams never seemed to foretell anything positive. "It was more a voice, than a dream."
"A voice." Arthur questioned worry creeping into his voice slightly.
"A voice." Morgana repeated firmly. "Saying that I should go to Avalon."
"Avalon." Gwen now questioned. "Is it even real."
Morgana let out a small laugh. "I honestly don't know for sure. I think so, I have to see."
"And you're leaving now-"
Morgana cut Arthur off. "I know."
"With everything-"
"I know." She cut in again. "I understand. But I have to find out."
They understood of course they did. That didn't mean they liked it. "What about the wedding." Arthur finally asked after a pause.
"I'll be there of course I will. I promise."
Gwen seemed to accept the situation first. "I hope you find what you're looking for."
It seemed to hit Morgana then that she was not looking for anything really anymore. It would not be easy or like it had been, but she did have a place here in Camelot if she chose to have one. She didn't need anything form Avalon, not really. That didn't stop her from waiting to find out what was out there.
"I want, need to see. But I want to be here" She reached out and took her brother's hand. "I want to be a part of what you're building because I believe in it. Also, I'm so happy for you both. You have had to wait so long; I want to be there when you finally make it official."
"And you will, we can-"
Morgana knew what Arthur was going to say and didn't want to hear it. "You are not putting your life, happiness on hold any longer." As she spoke, she picked up the trust me knot that lay forgotten on the table and held it out to Arthur. He was reluctant to take it, but she forced it forward again. He finally took it. "I promise no matter what I find or don't I will be there for your wedding. I wouldn't miss it for the world."
When she finished talking, he tugged sharply on the rope, pulling it from Morgana's unsuspecting hand. Then threw it to the ground. Regretting that he had brought it up in the first place. That he had felt that he had needed it to be sure he was being told the truth. They understood why he needed the confirmation, Morgana and Mordred. Didn't blame him. That in a way made it worse.
"Lancelot is travelling to Nemeth tomorrow to accompany king Rodor and princess Mithian to the wedding. You Should leave with him he can accompany you some of the way." Gwen suggested. More for her own benefit than Morgana's. She knew that she was more than capable of taking care of herself.
"Funny, Merlin is leaving tomorrow to see his mother." Arthur said earning a surprised look from Gwen. "He heard that the sarrum's men may have passed that way and he's worried for his mother. He can travel with you more of the way."
There was a strange tone to Arthur's voice that Morgana couldn't quite place. She didn't like it. He was making it easier for her, so she didn't question it, just went along with it. Then left to pack for the next day.
Now alone Gwen moved to stand right next to Arthur, wrapping her arms around his waist.
"Did I make the right choice about Mordred." Arthur asked, avoiding looking at Gwen.
Who pulled back in surprise. "Of course, you did, why do you regret it."
"No." He quickly answered. "I just hadn't asked you before. I wanted to hear your opinion."
Gwen smiled warmly as she pulled him closer into a kiss. Then rested her forehead against his.
Morgana opened the door to her room and almost jumped as she entered.
"How long have you been waiting here." She questioned as she closed the door behind her.
Merlin stood up from the chair he sat in by the window. "Not long."
"What are you doing here."
"Arthur gave me the day off, I wanted to see how the discussions went." He said sounding a little more sheepishly now.
Morgana scoffed. "I suppose we are past the curtsey of not entering each other's room without permission." He was about to apologize but she brushed it off. "Mordred is staying, he starts training with the knights tomorrow." Pride clear in her voice.
"I'm happy for him." Morgana almost believed him. "I am. I never had anything against him or you."
"I know." She said flippantly. Hoping he would drop it. "I hear you are visiting your mother."
"I had to say something and it's not a lie." She looked confused. "That's my one condition for coming with you."
"If you wish to negotiate then its best to do so before you agree."
Merlin rolled his eyes as he leaned back against the table behind him. His arms crossed. "Will you come."
"Of course. You Mother is a lovely woman." Merlin nodded in agreement. "It's such a shame about her son. Entering young ladies' chambers without permission. What would she say." She tried to sound stern and scandalized but couldn't help the laughter that slipped in.
Merlin's mouth opened a clever retort on the tip of his tongue, about her not being a lady, but he held it back. He didn't think Morgana would appreciate it. It would be crossing a line. Though he had begun to worry that that line was beginning to blur. Instead, he asked more about what else had been discussed. Morgana filled him in. He was able to keep any emotion form showing. It couldn't be easy for him. Knowing that the thing that he had worked for was happening and he was locked out of the conversation couldn't be easy. The more she told him the more she was sure it would hurt so she gave him the key points. Without a saying much else Merlin left, not wanting to risk being caught in Morgana's chambers. He didn't want to have to try and explain himself.
The corridors were, to his relief relatively quiet. Just as he turned into the last staircase that led to his room, he almost crashed into someone making their way up the stairs at a fast pace. He apologized before the person looked up at him and he learned who it was.
Mordred looked up at Merlin. Not knowing if he should turn back or pass him without a word. Something kept him standing where he was, Merlin as well. They both knew that Mordred was not going anywhere. He was going to make a life for himself here and that meant that he had to be around Merlin. It was therefor in both of their interests to make peace and call a truce of sorts.
"Congratulations." Mordred said first. "You've done a lot to make this day happen. You should be proud."
Merlin appreciated that. "Congratulations to you too. You'll be a fine knight."
Mordred didn't show it, but he was touched by the older man's approval. He had always been a little intimidated by Merlin. From the first time he met him he had felt the raw power, energy redating off of him. He couldn't understand how no one else seemed to notice, feel it too. Not Morgana, whose magic he also noticed form their first meeting too. He had grown up around magic, so he was more aware of magic than people who lived their whole life in the city. But he still found it hard to understand. This was part of why he had been intimidated by Merlin, Mordred now understood. That he could have that much power and go unnoticed by so many for who he truly was. Now that he knew Merlin better, he wasn't intimidated by him anymore. He would still not pick a fight with him, that was just common sense. He was not going to let him stand in the way of his new life. With a nod Mordred moved to pass Merlin and carry on up the stairs.
When Mordred was a few steps above Merlin, the older warlock called his name. "I am sorry for...You were a child, and I shouldn't have. You didn't reserve that."
"Thank you, Merlin." Mordred said, feeling truly touched.
He moved to leave again, but Merlin spoke again. "Camelot is lucky to have you as a knight."
Quickly Merlin began to continue down the staircase. Glad that they had happened to cross each other's path and clear the air. It gave him greater hope for the future.
Hope you liked it.
As always, I would love to hear from you. Any ideas for the story. Elements that you would like to see or characters you would like to see more of. All feedback is welcome too. I love to hear from you all.