Chapter 10
Aithusa still had an ecstatic dragon grin on her face. "Fyrdracafaestnian. It was my special assignment from the Goddess, necessary to break the dark curse. My dragon power, your magic, Morgana's magic had to be bound together to defeat the dark blood magic. It was the only way. You are now bound to each other in a ceremony reserved only for Dragonlords and their brides. Fyrdracafaestnian is called Dragon fasting in your language and is only valid in the pure of heart who truly love each other. Since Morgana is free of the curse, Her heart and soul have been cleansed and your union is completely valid. You will now be able to complete your destiny."
"Special assignment from the Goddess? Dragon fasting?" Morgana's eyes were wide as saucers, yet she wasn't raging. She actually had a small smile on her face because she loved Merlin and was pleased but a little afraid to show her emotions. She was reviewing the past year and the wonderful times she had spent with Merlin. The joke she and Merlin shared since their journey began that it was more fun to do things together rather than do anything with Arthur or Morgause. For that matter, they would rather do things with each other than anyone else. It was an absolute truth that made her heart swell with joy.
Merlin had not been under the curse or the love spell and had treated her with more respect and kindness than she had received from any man. He had initiated many of their hugs and kisses, but she had initiated more. She knew there was a passionate connection between them that both had been denying and trying to keep under control. But the turquoise sparks and the glow that traveled through them when they did magic or touched told another story. Her magic wanted to be with Merlin and his magic. He was the only one who made her feel that way. Viviana and Aithusa may have given both of them a push, but if nothing had existed between them before now, things would not have progressed as they had.
Now that the curse was gone, feelings of love and respect for Merlin that had been locked in her mind came to the forefront. Merlin was a better man in every way than any noble she had ever met. He was not afraid of her magic. He was powerful and Morgana found it quite intoxicating. When he had cleansed her of the curse, it had initially been painful. But what she was feeling now with the curse gone was overwhelming in its scope and intensity. She was now seeing Merlin in a bright true light. He was courageous, kind, patient, intelligent, and loyal. He had offered to avenge her and Aithusa for the time they had spent in the Sarum's pit. No person, other than her parents, had ever offered more loyalty and love.
Morgana knew how much Aithusa loved her. Their bond was unique and so precious to Morgana. Aithusa had sacrificed her own well-being to bring her to Merlin. Aithusa was their unofficial cupid as well as their unofficial daughter. They were already family. Merlin was a gift to her from Aithusa, her mother, the Goddess and her creator. It was a gift she wanted to accept. All of them fulfilled an assignment from the Gods.
As Merlin searched his feelings, he was equally surprised, but not surprised. Things had changed between Morgana and himself in the last year. They had worked together, learned together, laughed uproariously together, shared victories as they achieved mastery of their magic, and Morgana's seer powers, shared kisses and hugs. All of it lit up his days and nights and made waking up an adventure, something he looked forward to everyday.
His visit with the Goddess had changed him and he felt intense agape, philia, pragma and Eros, for Morgana. Even though the love spell was broken, he remembered what Viviana had said about the love spell; that the feelings he had for Morgana before the love spell would be magnified on more than one level. He had known for some time he loved Morgana enough to marry her. He was sure it was another step in progress to the great love prophesied that he and Morgana were to share.
He had hesitated before because of Morgana's past and horrible deeds. But that barrier had been broken down over the last year as Morgana had mastered her Seer powers and emotions and worked hard to make restitution for past wrongs.
Any other reservations were blasted into oblivion when the Goddess had embraced him in the dream and when he had completely broken the curse. He completely understood that Morgana had not been in control of her own mind or actions when those horrible things had been done. As these pieces came together, he knew complete forgiveness toward Morgana was possible not only because the curse was broken. He realized he had forgiven her long ago. He was so proud of Morgana for everything she strove to accomplish. It had been his great privilege to help her this last year and he was so proud she had tried to make things right once Ysira had taught her to identify the snake as the curse in her mind and subdue it. A beautiful smile spread over his face. His magic wanted to be with Morgana's magic. That aside, he wanted to be with Morgana, it had been his dream and his fantasy since he had first laid eyes on her in Camelot. It was a wave that swept him off his feet and into the clouds. It was a wave he wanted to ride forever.
Morgana saw the beautiful smile on Merlin's face directed at her and ran into his arms and kissed him soundly.
Merlin returned her passion with his own unleashed desire.
He was sure part of her current positive reaction resulted from the fact the dragon fasting was a special assignment given by the Goddess. But as they kissed, he knew it was true feeling of philia, agape, Eros and all the other aspects of love they shared for each other. The turquoise sparks now much brighter and clearer than they had ever been confirmed this for both of them.
"Morgana pulled away, her smile brilliant. "We did it Merlin! We have broken the curse together, thanks to Viviana, Aithusa and the Gods... and mostly you."
"Yes we did! Merlin's smile was brilliant as he passionately kissed Morgana.
He pulled away reluctantly as there was more to share. He decided to focus on the gifts to Morgana from the Goddess and their destiny to hopefully, further soften the surprise to both of them and put the focus where they currently needed it.
Merlin turned to Morgana. "When I was speaking with the Goddess, she gave me many gifts that I am to share with you."
Merlin looked around and finally saw the staff the Goddess had made for Morgana. He grasped the powerful object carefully and held it out to Morgana. "The Goddess made this for you."
"Yes! It is beautiful!" Morgana gasped as her eyes turned shiny with tears and she reverently touched the carved flowers, leaves, runes and jewels.
"So you know it is a staff made specially for you to magnify your magical power. It will respond only to you and your magic. If it is lost or broken, all you have to do is think and it will come to you."
"The Goddess made a staff for me." Morgana whispered in awe and wonderment, "like yours." she looked at Merlin with shining eyes.
"Yes." Merlin said reverently. "The Goddess loves you and so do I."
Morgana was overcome with gratitude. Love magnified in her heart. She kissed Merlin thoroughly before pulling back to admire and study the beautiful staff. "I am honored."
Merlin put his hands over Morgana's that were now resting on the hand grip of the staff. "There is more." He picked up the cup of life that had appeared at his side and held it out for Morgana.
"The cup of life!" Morgana whispered in shock. "The Goddess gave you this to give to me?" Morgana's face was turning white and her voice started to quaver with fear as she fought to control it and her breathing. "Morgause used this on her army before they attacked Camelot to make them immortal. They exploded when you spilled the blood in the cup." Morgana's anxiety increased and her chest started heaving in fear.
Merlin put the cup down and grasped Morgana's arms, rubbing them lightly. The turquoise glow, now growing even brighter and warmer than ever before, started and spread. Merlin cupped Morgana's chin coaxing her to look at him. He gazed into her eyes with all the love and strength he had felt from the Goddess, letting that love flow from himself to her. "Morgana, you won't be putting your blood in the cup. You will be drinking the water of life from its contents. The Goddess said our immortality would be required to fulfill her wishes."
Morgana just stared at Merlin for a moment as she struggled to wrap her mind around Merlin's words and the change she saw in him. He was glowing with what she suddenly knew was a perfect love and a physical perfection. She felt so much better now the curse was gone, but when she looked down at her self, she didn't see the same glow Merlin had, and she wanted it. That desire spurred her next words remembering her dream but wanting Merlin to confirm it. "What are her wishes?" Morgana asked with some trepidation.
"When I talked with the Goddess she showed me an evil presence, a darkness that is on the Isle of the Blessed. That evil has corrupted magic and the Goddess' priestesses. She showed me how Morgause was corrupted by that evil and put the curse on you."
Morgana's eyes filled with tears, "All that time Morgause thought she was in control of her destiny and thought destroying Camelot the best and only solution was her idea..." Morgana trailed off with a look of horror on her face. "She wasn't controlling anything." Morgana's face started to darken in anger. "Morgause was a puppet as well?"
Merlin nodded with a sad look on his face. "The Goddess wants us to destroy the evil on the Isle of the Blessed. That is the reason she gave us all these gifts; the staves, the power, the immortality. She says we will need them to cleanse the Isle of that evil presence, bring peace and the Golden Age of Albion. Whether we are injured or dead, we will come back and never age. We won't be exploding. Not even Excalibur will be able to end our lives."
As Merlin talked, he continued to hold her arms. Morgana's breathing slowed as they started breathing together as they had when practicing other magics since their journey started "Oh!" Morgana bit her lip calming considerably. That does put things in a better light." Her mind raced in several directions with several questions before she settled on one. "But I will live while others around me die. I will be alone."
"No." Merlin shook his head putting the cup down. "You said I looked different."
Morgana scrunched her brow at him.
Merlin continued. "I have drunk half of the cup's contents already. The Goddess said the other half is for you."
Morgana's eyes widened as she realized the meaning of his words. "You are immortal...There is no scar on your chest. And you look..." she paused gasping in amazement, "Perfect!" She said almost in shock, with awe in her voice.
Merlin nodded.
Morgana bit her lip scrunching her eyebrows in thought. "So if I drink this, I will be with you, immortal …and perfect too." Morgana whispered.
"Yes." Merlin nodded. "We will both be immortal. He looked deeply into her eyes with some trepidation and hope adding softly, "Together."
"We're married." Morgana whispered looking back at Merlin, "by the Goddess' assignment and blessing, Aithusa's dragon fasting, Mother's intervention."
In that moment, tears gathered as she realized the gifts of care and love around her that had brought her to this point. Morgana felt her heart swell with love for the Goddess, for her mother, and love for Merlin, greater than the love spell, combined with the released respect and love for Merlin previously blocked by the curse. Her feelings expanded into her magic. Morgana sensed the Goddess smiling in affirmation. All of that swirled and mixed with her own real love for Merlin that had been growing over the last years. That affirmation turned into surety that what had happened was right and wonderful. They were supposed to be joined forever
Merlin picked up the cup and handed it to her./s
Morgana's eyes were wide and shining with shock and tears. She didn't go into denial as she had done before. It was as if the Goddess was speaking through Merlin directly to her. She knew without a doubt that what Merlin said was true, even though it broke her heart that her sister's fate had been directed by something so horrible. Morgause had thought she had been in total control, when all that time, even Morgause had been under a horrible curse as bad as the one Merlin had just destroyed.
In spite of the shock and sorrow, Morgana had clarity of mind. Love and concern filled her. It was her very own connection to Merlin, the Goddess and her Creator. It was light, beauty, understanding, stability and security. It was something she had never experienced to this point in her life. It was wonderful, refreshing, rejuvenating. She looked Merlin in the eye and said, "The Goddess and our Creator have given us so much. Of course I will help fulfill their wishes."
Morgana drank what was left in the cup in a few swallows and could feel the change immediately. What pain and discomfort was left from the scars on her back from the torture and the sword wounds she had received in battle and throughout her life, disappeared.
Morgana smiled and looked at Merlin. "Ask me."
Morgana touched Merlin's hand. The turquoise glow of their combined magic spread to his whole body as he felt the expanded love from Morgana and the Goddess' smile of affirmation. Merlin too felt surety. What the Gods blessed, was right and wonderful. There was a bond between them that had not existed before they had begun their quest. He understood Morgana's words.
Merlin went to his knee and looked up at her with those beautiful blue eyes that shone with his love for her and took her hand, " I know we have been enemies. But these past years, we have become something so much better. Something I have wanted since the first time I saw you in Camelot. I want you for an ally. I want you for a friend, I want you for more. Will you be my wife, my ally, my love, my life, my partner forever?"
"The Caileach said you were my destiny and you were my doom. Until today, I was focusing on the doom because of the curse and it's poison that held my mind and heart. It frightened me. Now I understand you were the doom to the evil inside me. You, the Goddess, and Aithusa, destroyed the dark curse that controlled me. You freed me. I realize now that you are my destiny as the Caileach said." Morgana's smile was brilliant as she answered, "I no longer fear her words that I understand them. With all my heart and soul, everything that I am...my answer is... yes!...Yes Merlin I will marry you!
"They moved together in the most passionate kiss they had yet shared. It quickly turned to more. Turquoise sparks flew around them lighting up the grove they occupied with the magic of their passion. It was a complete physical, emotional, intellectual, magical, and spiritual bonding.
They enjoyed each other many times that night and enjoyed a bath together in a hot springs in the grove the next morning.
Something even more amazing had happened. Sometime during their first night joined in marriage, a channel of communication had opened up between them that was as fulfilling as all the physical things they had done. They could share magical power, communicate without words, and feel each others emotions. The intermingling of their magic during their days of riding horses, or learning at the Druid camp could not compare to what they experienced now without the curse. They had discussed the Goddess' wishes, washed and packed more quickly than they ever had, all without arguing, because their ability to communicate through this new channel. It was so marvelous and complete. Misunderstanding was a thing of the past and Morgana's magic, now joined to Merlin's magic, had unlimited reserves.
They had on their new cloaks. Their new clothes had beautiful lines and had the added benefit of changing color. Merlin's shirt was still white silk with magical runes embroidered in silver, gold, blue, turquoise, green and purple thread around the neck and cuffs. His leather pants had turned black with runes embroidered down the outsides of his legs and around his waist. His jacket was more in the cut of Arthur long brown coat but was a royal blue with gold and silver runes embroidered around the collar and lapels. A beautiful scarf of blue, tied comfortably like an ascot around his neck, tucked into a brown vest with threads the same color as his shirt.
Morgana's dress had turned into a purple velvet with similar runes to Merlin's but with a floral scroll, embroidered in purple, turquoise, green, blue, gold and silver at the neck, cuffs and skirt adding a feminine touch. Under all of that were fine hose with similar runes woven into them. The clothing energized and protected them. Both wore fine black leather boots, tooled with runes of magic. The clothing had protective magic woven into it similar to the properties of the capes Viviana had made for them. They had found another set of clothes in their packs that morning that were styled more plainly than the clothes they now wore. The quality, fit, workmanship and comfort of all the clothes the Goddess provided were unlike anything they had worn before.
The Goddess gave them knowledge how to shrink the staves while they were traveling so they could be strapped to their backs in harnesses the Goddess provided for each of them. The harnesses were made of leather and velvet, embroidered with the same threads, colors, and designs of their clothing and completed their ensemble and were hardly noticeable as they were so comfortable.
The Goddess had explained that the harnesses would protect them. The clothes were gifts from the Goddess and made the newly married, magical couple look every inch, emissaries and champions for good and for magic. They changed into the plainer set of clothes for their journey with Viviana's capes completing their ensemble and still looked royal.
As they left the grove to head for Caledonia, they experienced a strange sensation in their hands. They looked down to see matching silver and gold bands on their left ring fingers. These bands were carved with two dragons facing each other, their mouths were open holding a diamond between them. The eye of one dragon was blue sapphire and the eye of the other dragon was emerald. The dragon bodies and wings were accurately detailed. Their tails entwined to complete the ring. Morgana's was more feminine and ornate in design with gold flowers, vines, and leaves. The overall craftsmanship and materials were incredibly fine and pure in quality. The rings fit perfectly and did not seem heavy. In fact, they seemed to make their hands stronger and their blood flow better which is unusual for any ring.
The voice of the Goddess came to them saying. "These rings are symbolic of your love and commitment. They will shield you from harm. No one will be able to remove them from your person. Only you will be able to do that. If you become separated, these rings will help you find each other no matter how far apart you are. I love you my children. I will be watching over and protecting you."/s
Merlin and Morgana were overwhelmed with the gifts they received. The love they felt from the Goddess, for the Goddess and from each other strengthened and empowered them
They stopped their horses and held hands staring into each other's shining eyes. The communication was quick, silent and immediate before the nodded to each other. "We thank you for these wonderful gifts and renew our promise. We will do everything in our power to fulfill the mission you have given us."
They felt the Goddess smile. They shared a sweet and passionate kiss before turning their horses and commencing the next phase of their journey.
Merlin and Morgana traveled much the same as they had initially. Their daytime and night time activities around the fire were always magic but had changed some as now they were married and connected in every way. They experimented with the wards which always concealed them, their smell, and their sound. The wards made it possible for them to watch the woodland animals in their family group interactions and natural habitat. They were able to watch different animal families. They were amazed to discover, that animals only attacked when threat emerged to themselves or cubs. They were able to watch a mother bear feed, play with, teach, and protect her cubs. It increased their appreciation for all God's creations.
They had experimented with the transportation spell and increased the distance they could go. They would have transported to Caledonia, but had never been there before. That was one of the requirements for the transportation spell to work. Wherever you went, you had to know the place first. Catastrophe was the result if you didn't. They found a way to do the transportation spell with less noise and disruption to the world around them like Viviana had done. In fact, they became so proficient when they transported, no wind, or surrounding objects or debris moved.
Morgana didn't get tired performing magic like she had when teaching Merlin the transportation spell, because Merlin's magic flowed to her and through her all the time without interruption. So her magic was immediately replenished regardless of what they were doing.
They experimented getting their staves in and out of their harnesses quickly and to full size. The staves were amazing and worked much like the Sidhe staff Merlin had. The difference was the increased responsiveness to their whims and desires. The staves did have the power to kill. So they were very cautious. They experimented using less and more power. They wanted to avoid violence of any kind and so any time they did come in contact with violence, they were more likely to freeze their opponents like Merlin had initially frozen or stopped Morgana's magic or Kilgharah's fire. The key was to focus on the end result. They could use their staves as a light, a knowledge source, a weapon of defense, a shield to protect, or even a tool to assemble and build shelter. As a result, they never slept on the ground again as they were able to make a comfortable, luxurious, bed for them both to share.
One night Merlin had tried to surprise Morgana and used his staff to drag Morgana closer to him. She reacted instinctively and defensively using her staff to suspend Merlin in the air upside down. The sight was so comical, they had both laughed uproariously.
Morgana had eventually released him. Merlin righted himself, then turned Morgana upside down suspending her in air while he was on the ground.
They could suspend Aithusa upside down if they worked together
Aithusa didn't like it much.
So, Merlin and Morgana started experimenting with inanimate objects. They would have competitions to see who could suspend the most objects at one time. They got so they could suspend large rocks, the weight of 50 humans, at one time without the help of Aithusa, or Viviana. They kept practicing and would suspend each other and themselves in the air and experiment with raising and lowering each other. It was so wonderful to be elevated to be able to see over the trees.
They used their channel to project what they saw into each other's mind. This was helpful in reconnoitering the road ahead for danger, water, food sources, villages, short cuts, natural hot springs and places to camp, It was useful in determining who needed help, or criminals they needed to deal apprehend.
They experimented with giving each other some freedom of movement while being suspended in the air. They found, they could run through the air, swim, through the air, do back, front and side flips in the air. It was amazingly wonderful. They experimented with levitating each other at the same time. At first, this was very difficult. As they practiced. They could levitate each other restricting or facilitating movement. They discussed how this particular trick would be so useful in restraining enemies without hurting them so they could talk and negotiate, while their enemies were restrained.
Their staves could start a fire and put it out. It could heal the scratches they sometimes got traveling. Their immortality did take care of that for them.
They shared concern that people might try to take their staves away if they were seen because of the precious jewels, metals and fine craftsmanship. To them the staves were more valuable for the many benefits they offered.
The staves were a conduit of knowledge and useful in the diagnosis of sickness. They had run into a group of people who had different ailments. They didn't have to take the staves from their backs to have them work. They just had to see the injury or ailment to know what to do about the problem. As long as the staff was touching them anywhere, it would work.
They had experimented on the plant life, with their staves. They tried burning and destroying a bush to ashes, then restoring it to greater health and beauty with the aid of their staves. They tried the same thing with larger trees with great success and later, with sections of fields and forests. Practical application happened when they had come across some poor farmers who had a poor harvest. The farmers had given them a meal, sung songs, told stories, shared many jokes, and a room for the night.
In return, Merlin and Morgana had focused their staves on the poor farmers' fields and improved their harvest so the farmers had more than enough to get them through the winter, sell the excess for supplies and other things they needed and even wanted. They always felt the love of the Goddess and their Creator expand when they did things for others. It was always satisfying and fulfilling.
The staves could store their excess magical energy. When they needed more power, they had it. Neither Merlin or Morgana ever found themselves getting tired anymore.
Aithusa would fly overhead during the day scouting for trouble, food, or anything else they needed. Merlin and Aithusa had such a connection, Aithusa could project what she saw and heard into Merlin's mind. She was talking quite well. She had the little girl voice that enchanted both Merlin and Morgana. She wasn't quite big enough to carry them both. But they all knew it would not be long until she was able, as she was growing so quickly.
Morgana loved Aithusa and had been jealous of the connection Merlin had with the young dragon. However, now that Morgana and Merlin were married, her bond with Merlin as a Dragonlord's wife, enabled her to communicate with Aithusa over longer distances almost as easily as Merlin could.
Morgana found she had a real talent for healing and shared healing spells she knew with Merlin. Merlin would share with her what he had learned from Gaius. They would talk for hours about herb lore and what would work best for different ailments. Both of them became better at healing as a result.
They experimented with their rings. They played a version of hide and seek. One of them would hide, The other would seek. They started on short distances and increased them as the journey continued. They found the rings increased the distance they could communicate when they spoke mind to mind. It was not just a matter of being able to find each other.
They continued to practice the transportation spell, transporting their horses and Aithusa. As before, they started with short distances gradually increasing them. The horses didn't like it much. Aithusa loved it and would lend her magic increasing the distances they could cover. They found if they used their capes and staves in tandem, anyone who walked by would not see, hear or smell them, their horses, supplies or Aithusa. They could move their entire camp with a thought through their channel. This benefit could be used during the day in full light while they were moving.
They also used the capes to practice invisibility. This skill had come in handy more than once. One time, Morgana was gathering berries and was almost spotted by a bunch of bandits. Morgana had covered herself completely with her cape and transported silently back to Merlin. She and Merlin had returned to the bandits and dealt with them by suspending and restraining the brigands upside down, then transporting them back to Camelot for Arthur to exercise judgement and penalty. With their new tools, this was easier than when they had done it before.
They did spend a few days and nights with Arthur, Gwen and the knights for a feast in their honor.
The magical couple regaled everyone with tales of their adventures and things they had learned. Morgana was able to talk to Gwen about more of her plans for restitution. With these new plans, Morgana achieved a peace in her heart and mind she had never experienced before and truly felt herself to be a representative for the Goddess and her Creator.
When the celebrations were over, Merlin and Morgana were able to transport themselves to the spot they had been so their journey was not lengthened. It was a testament as to how far they had progressed since beginning their journey.
They continued learning better shielding spells. They would test them by singing at the top of their lungs. It was one of their fun activities when they would stop for the night. They would sing and dance together. Merlin would spin Morgana around and dip her over his arm and kiss her passionately. Then he would bring her up, roll her out the other side, roll her in again and kiss her again. He even was able to put her on his shoulder like a bird in flight and spin her around before flipping her to the ground. These moments were joyful fun, filled with laughter and teasing and often turned into more. Clothes would come off and they would make love, even in the middle of the afternoon.
Their abilities gave Morgana and Merlin confidence and peace of mind. Morgana could take care of herself. Merlin could take care of himself. The rings, the staves, clothes and the capes conserved their energy and made it easier and less likely anyone could see them during their private moments or when they were practicing magic. It was also less likely they could be caught or captured. However, they were wise enough to remain vigilant.
The best part of the night was cuddling and love making in the luxurious comfortable bed they would conjured. They enjoyed their baths together whenever they found a hot springs. These moments always turned passionate. They never were able to get enough of each other.
Morgana no longer succumbed to her fears, mostly because the curse was lifted and the blessing from the Goddess and Merlin filled her heart and mind. It was also because her priorities and focus had changed. She had found her true voice and true self. The restitutions she had made were almost complete and filled her and Merlin with so much joy, that they would often look for more opportunities to help others for no reason at all other than to see people happy. She no longer had any desire to become Queen of Camelot. She and Merlin were focused on learning and teaching each other magic, and discussing possibilities to complete the Goddess' mandate successfully.
The ebb and flow of the magic between them was calming and soothing. Merlin would comfort Morgana through their channel whenever a memory or a vision would disturb her. It made it possible for her to sleep when she was simply exhausted which wasn't very often.
Merlin enjoyed this time with Morgana exploring his magic to bring her more pleasure as well as himself.
They both found they were much happier together than they had ever been apart. They never ran out of things to talk about or share. Merlin treated Morgana as his equal. Morgana returned the favor. They were learning so much from each other and found they loved each other more as each day passed. It made both of them wish they had been married several years ago. There was nothing they could do about that now. So they made it a point to enjoy each day as it came.
They had the Goddess' wishes to fulfill. It made them wonder what they would find in Caledonia and curious about the people who had been preparing to help them for so long.