Chapter 11
Following the stream turned out to be the right thing to do. After two days , they came upon what could only be the encampment of the Atzinganoi. Situated at the base of a waterfall, the camp was in truth, larger than Ealdor where Merlin spent his youth. There were colorful tents and wagons as far as they could see, each bursting with men, women, and children, more colorfully dressed than any they had ever seen. Even from the outskirts of the camp, they could smell food cooking and hear music and singing.
The pure joy in the song was a stark contrast to the fear and sadness they still sometimes felt over past wrongs and mistakes. Sure they had spent a year with the Druids, learned so much more about Morgana's nightmares and visions. But these visions had taken so much peace and confidence from both of them when concerning their futures their mastery of the dreams and visions was not complete by any means. .
For a moment, Merlin and Morgana were still, letting the sound of it wash over them, breaking against them like waves on the shore. There was power and healing in the song like a balm against a burn. Both Merlin and Morgana could feel their fear and terror recede a small bit. They were grateful for the reprieve.
They still had a mission to complete and were reminded of Viviana's warning that these people had powerful magic. Cautiously approaching, they dismounted and led their horses up to the bronze skinned men clearly guarding the camp. With hands held up to indicate they had no weapons, Merlin called out to the men, "We bear you no ill will. We are in search of the Atzinganoi. Have we found them?"
The two burly men merely looked at each other and grunted, their large mustaches bouncing with the movement. One man lifted a hand heavy with golden rings and gestured to a young boy standing to the side.
The boy ran out and took the reins of Merlin and Morgana's horses. Smiling at Merlin and Morgana with a grin big enough to show off a few missing teeth, he turned and whispered into the horses' ears. The beasts snorted once and nuzzled the young boy, following him like obedient dogs as the boy led them away.
Merlin and Morgana turned to protest, but stopped before uttering a word when the two guards approached them and bowed. Puzzled, Merlin again started to speak but was interrupted by the larger man.
"Emrys, and Lady Morgana Le Fay Emrys, we have long been waiting for this day. Please join us. This is cause for celebration!"
Flabbergasted Merlin and Morgana mutely followed the two men.
They had called Merlin "Emrys", the name the Druids used to refer to him; and added "Le Fay" for Morgana. With a flash of understanding, Merlin nearly hit himself for not thinking of sooner. These people were magic users like himself and Morgana, and were led by a seer. Of course their coming wasn't a surprise.! This also explained why they hadn't come across any patrols or guards before they reached camp. They were expected and not considered a threat. Following the two men into the encampment, Merlin couldn't stop a small smile from playing at his lips. Things were looking up!
Morgana's title of Le Fay was more of a mystery. In Camelot she had worn her title of Lady proudly. She had not been called a lady in ages. But she had never been referred to as Le Fay.
Merlin glanced over at her to see a smile pasted on her face that reminded him of his first years in Camelot when she was listening to something she didn't like, wasn't sure of, or that didn't make sense.
Morgana's head was reeling. It made her think she should have come to the Atzinganoi earlier. Her mind swirled with questions as to why they would refer to her as Le Fay.
"Ah here are our guests! Please come forward!" The command came from a tall thin woman with a purple dress wrapped around her bronze body like a second skin and riotous black curls reaching to her waist. "Come! Come! You have an audience with Vadoma herself. We must get you ready."
"We thank you, but we don't want to intrude on your hospitality in such a way." Merlin responded kindly and somewhat confused.
"O Emrys," the woman replied regretfully pronouncing the name with a slight R, "I would like for it to be that simple, but before anyone sees Vadoma, they must be purified. It is our way. One cannot be in Vadoma's presence when they are so full of chaos. It is distressing for her."
Merlin looked at Morgana who was dumbfounded at the woman's insight and perception. Where they so obvious? They ducked their heads in embarrassment. Morgana just shrugged her shoulders. Both of them felt exposed, but being curious as to where this would take them, they held hands in solidarity, nodding to the woman to lead them. They would do what was needed in order to meet with the seer. Neither of them wanted to insult these people.
The woman led the dark haired pair to a large green tent with silver flags arrayed around it. Pulling aside the entrance curtain, she motioned for Merlin and Morgana to enter.
Ducking their heads, they walked into the surprisingly large room.
Arrayed around the perimeter of the room, they saw tables that were covered in small metallic boxes. There was nothing else in the room save a large rug on the ground with a silver cushion upon it. Sitting on the cushion was a large black crystal.
They could feel the power of the crystal from where they stood. This was incredibly powerful magic.
The woman entered behind Merlin and Morgana, closing the curtain behind her. Gesturing to the cushion, she said, "Emrys, please be seated and look into the crystal of purification."
Uncomfortable. very uncomfortable indeed, but loathe to insult the woman, Merlin turned to Morgana and found her jaw set in determined curious concentration as the woman in purple led her to sit on the edge of the rug until it would be her turn.
After she was seated, Morgana smiled at Merlin, their minds brushing against each other in the equivalent of a kiss and words of "I love you. It will be okay".
Despite his initial hesitancy in opening his heart, Morgana's smile was warm and assuring. He nodded to her then hesitantly complied. He could defend himself if necessary, as could Morgana, he reminded himself. Besides he couldn't sense any malice in the woman or in the crystal. Power in both, but nothing ominous or dangerous. Instead, the power he sensed in both was calm and peaceful.
"Now Emrys, Morgana, we will begin the purification. Please do not move until I tell you that we have completed the ceremony."
Merlin got comfortable and took the crystal into his hands. holding it up to see into its inky depths. He felt sunlight on his face briefly and could hear that another person had come into the tent.
The woman was whispering some instructions to the newcomer. Then the music began to play, a harp of some kind, slow thoughtful music It was beautiful, yet gave Merlin a sense of foreboding.
For Morgana, the music was soothing and she closed her eyes as if carried away on peaceful clouds.
"Each person's purification is different, so unfortunately, I cannot tell you exactly what to expect, Emrys. But be at ease. You are completely safe in this place. Just look into the crystal with your mind's eye. The visions will come to you as they are meant."
Somewhat comforted by the woman's soothing words, Merlin sat still and simply listened to the music for a time. He could hear the woman moving to a table and some rustling. Within minutes he could smell something. It was lilac clean and heavenly. It reminded him of the first time Viviana had appeared in Gaius' chambers. That moment had been an eye opening experience. It revealed how discouraged and complacent he had become. He had accepted he would always be a servant; never "The Great Emrys" helping Arthur build Albion.
This despair had snowballed since he had poisoned Morgana. He now realized poisoning Morgana was a large reason why part of his heart and a huge part of his hope in the future had died. Sure he had defended Arthur, kept him safe and supported him emotionally. But Viviana was right. Before her visit, Merlin had been no closer to creating Albion than when Uther was alive. In fact, until today, Merlin had been lying about his magic and concealing it from the world to avoid death or banishment. Merlin's fear, once valid, was now exposed as an excuse, a form of giving up on his destiny. The thought whipped at his already battered heart and mind.
Things had changed so much. Viviana had revealed his identity and his magic. Arthur had not threatened to kill or banish him and was accepting him and his magic,... at least on the surface.
Merlin knew Arthur had hidden his inner turmoil just below the surface and hoped it would not reverse the actions of that day. He was glad Viviana had suggested Gaius train Arthur about magic so he could start to understand.
This thought did more than anything to make the previous discouragement and hopelessness recede. Arthur was finally going to become the true friend and king Merlin had always claimed him to be. Arthur had been convinced by a divine being and caring mother, armed with the truth, to finally support Merlin in a chance to change his trajectory from destruction, to Albion. The Golden Age and peace were just around the corner. All because of a loving mother's intervention.
Gratitude for Viviana swelled and grew in his heart as he reviewed her aid and concern. It reminded him of his own mother. He was humbled that the Gods saw fit to intervene at Viviana's request in his behalf. He also felt some trepidation and hoped he could live up to the expectations. Sure he learned a lot with Morgana during their year with the Druids. His magic had increased. He had freed Morgana of the dark curse and the love spell. He and Morgana had captured many bandits and turned them to Arthur for Justice. But he still felt like he didn't know enough, couldn't do enough when it came to the overwhelming darkness the Goddess had commissioned them to fight and overcome. The Goddess had said the darkness wanted him and Morgana and frankly that thought was frightening. Still the Goddess had given himself and Morgana so many tools and he had seen his father and Morgan's father in vision. committing themselves to help fight this battle and it gave him much comfort. Merlin found himself smiling a bit more as resolve rose through his body. Emrys was a name with which he had never been comfortable. HE still didn't fully understand the full meaning of the name or the power that went with it. But he could feel the strength and wisdom of his father Balinor and Gorlois and how they were working with Vivian to help him and he felt comfort that they had promised to help him.
The woman moved again and he heard rustling as another scent filled the air. What was it... it was leather? But not just leather, there was something else. Somehow it also smelled of steel polish. A vision flared to life in the crystal.
Merlin was sitting in the armory polishing Arthur's armor. His friends, the Elite Knights of the Round Table were with him. With no servants of their own, they would often time their own preparations and gear maintenance with his so that they could spend time together. At these times, he could almost imagine he was one of them and the armor he was cleaning was his own. The knights never treated him as a servant when Arthur wasn't around. They would share stories, tell jokes, and tease one another with ease and friendship, including Merlin in their circle. Those were Merlin's favorite times with the Knights. His brothers in all but name. He hoped they were taking good care of Arthur and Guinevere.
Merlin didn't know how long it would be till he would sit with them in the evenings, cleaning armor and bonding. cook a meal for them while out in the woods, and have them lick their plates clean while teasingly complaining that it was unfit to feed even pigs. get into another fight in a tavern with Gwaine. Odd that he should miss that. But, thinking of the brave Knights he knew that they were capable and dedicated They loved Arthur and Camelot as much as he did.
Bemused and a little sad, Merlin found the scent fading and with it the vision.
The woman moved again and he heard more rustling. Soon another scent filled the air. This one smelled of lavender. Lavender just like Gwen had taken to putting in the castle hallways and chambers over the last three years since she had been crowned queen. She always made certain to have some put in not just the chambers he shared with Gaius, but in his tiny bedroom chamber. Gwen was always thinking of others. She was so very good.
A vision appeared in the crystal of the first day they had met. He had been in the stocks and she had walked up to him; no censure, no laughter at the gangly youth with the big ears being pelted with rotten vegetables. Instead, she had looked past that and, amazingly, befriended when he was a total nobody, without a friend in the whole kingdom.
When Merlin had looked into her beautiful brown eyes, he knew right then that he had found a real friend, Guinevere, Gwen. She was like a sister to him and he loved her deeply. More visions flashed through the crystal, Gwen's bravery, her loyalty the love she demonstrated in hundreds of small ways. If Arthur was the heart of Camelot, Queen Guinevere was its soul. Arthur would need that kindness and gentleness in the years to come. Merlin was so grateful they had found one another. Both deserved nothing but bliss He missed Gwen's friendship so very much. Tears were starting to well up in his eyes.
The woman moved again. Merlin knew this meant another vision would soon come. What would it be? Shaking slightly, he tensed in anticipation. The rich soothing scent of pine trees swept over him, and with it, visions of the most personal and private moments he and Arthur had shared sitting around a campfire, sharing their thoughts and feelings, comforting each other over their losses.
At the castle, there was always a clear definition between master and servant. But when they were on the road, the lines blurred and they were simply two men, friends, brothers. Beyond the teasing, the torment, the jokes, there was a deep strong bond between the two men, one that they rarely acknowledged, but both cherished.
The vision focused. He and Arthur were riding through the woods. Arthur often stopped in the forests and inhaled this same scent deeply. Smiling he would turn to Merlin and say, "Ah do you smell that, Merlin? That is the scent of everlasting life. These trees live through the seasons without loosing their needles or that wonderful scent. They remind us that even the longest and coldest winters do not completely own this land. That's what I love about them. They shake their fist at the snows and scream their rebellion into the winter winds." He always followed that up with a stern look at Merlin. "And if you ever tell anyone I feel that way, "I'll have you in the stocks for the rest of your life!"
Merlin had known for some time that he didn't stay at Arthur's side out of duty to their shared destiny alone. Their bond was deeper than that and now that Arthur knew Merlin had magic, their bond had changed. Merlin still wasn't sure how Arthur really felt despite Gaius' letters about the magic lessons attended by Arthur, Guinevere and the knights. There was a part of him that wished for the old days. But then again, a larger part of him was relishing in his new adventures. He looked forward to the time when he would see them again and any changes the magic lessons had wrought.
He now looked at the future with more hope than before Viviana had entered the picture and changed his life so drastically. While he missed Arthur, he found his current life that focused on Morgana, her dreams, visions and magic filled his heart in amazing and wonderful ways.
The woman rustled and another scent floated through the air. This one smelled of roses. Roses like the perfume Morgana favored from when he had first met her. Back then he often thought she was like a rose herself. Sweet and soft, and so achingly beautiful it seemed impossible.
Like the rose, Morgana had wickedly sharp thorns. Those thorns had cut him deeply before he had broken the curse. Since their time with the Druids she had changed so much. She no longer did anything that would hurt another and had righted so many wrongs. He was very proud of her and loved her more everyday. The only thing that still gave him pause were her visions. There was so much uncertainty about exactly how they could prevail against such a dark pervading evil.
But here surrounded by that elegant and sensual scent, he realized that he was far from indifferent to Morgana. The crystal showed him an onslaught of visions from the early days with Morgana, Beautiful graceful, happy,
Huge wracking sobs tore at his chest for all the hurt and loss that he had caused. It was kind of like watching the visions Viviana had shown them when she first appeared. Then like now, his guilt welled up
Morgana! he had nearly forgotten the real Morgana before Uther's hatred of magic had driven her away from Camelot. Before Morgause had poisoned her mind. His Morgana! Her fierce protectiveness. Her easy smile, her flashing green eyes. Her effortless wit. She had often run Arthur in circles using only words. Merlin and she had been well matched in that.
Regret ate at him now as it had when Viviana had shed light on what Morgana had been dealing with for so long. He mourned the years they had lost. He had many regrets, none so big a regret as the one that had given him nightmares for years. HE knew that was coming before the vision appeared. He still wasn't ready for the pain and hurt he felt , reliving that terrible moment. Morgana scared and unsure, confessing her premonitions to Merlin. The one person she had trusted with the knowledge. He had validated her suspicions in her own magic , but denied her the shared secret of his own. The vision replayed over and over, drilling deeper into his heart, breaking it again and again.
What if he had just told her his secret when she was learning about her own magic? What would have changed? He had tried to change fate itself to keep her safe and it had been for naught. There were few things in his life he truly regretted. But he would never forgive himself for turning away from Morgana when she needed him most. He knew that he was in large part responsible for what happened to her, what she had become.
For long moments, he could barely breathe, the grief tearing through his body. He wanted to throw the crystal down, run away, yell at the woman in purple, get on with it! Don't let this linger! Even Morgause's curse that had changed Morgana so drastically and his feelings still somewhat reserve, took a back seat to his own responsibility. This was the most painful truth.
Then he thought of more recent developments because of Morgana's love potion, Viviana's intervention, and revelations that fateful day in Camelot. The changes since then had been magnificent and he found his breathing coming easier as he realized the progress, he and Morgana had made in so many areas. There was still some instability because of the terror caused by Morgana's dreams but there was another scent of anticipation that Vadoma would be of great help. In that moment, Merlin was able to let go of the pain of the past to a greater degree than he ever had before.
Taking deep breaths, Merlin tried to get a whiff of whatever was coming next. Finally he caught a faint hint of rosemary.
Immediately he felt calmer, Rosemary would always remind him of Gaius. The physician dried huge bunches of herbs in the chambers they shared. This vision was infinitely kinder. In the evenings after Merlin finished his work for Arthur, Gaius would teach him about being a physician. HE had been studying under Gaius for so long that Merlin was really quite skilled. Gaius would complain about his old bones and tell Merlin that any day now, he was going to retire and Merlin would have to take over as a court physician. Merlin had always laughed at that. He couldn't imagine Arthur giving up his manservant and promoting him to court physician. It was impossible. Afterwards they would share a meal and tell each other the events of the day.
Gaius, more than a mentor, more than a father figure, Gaius was a great friend and a great teacher. If it hadn't been for his wise council over the years, Merlin would likely not be alive right now. Thinking about the physician calmed him, somewhat. He had zero regrets about saving Gaius. Regardless the fallout of Viviana's revelations, nothing was worth the loss of so bright a light as that great man. Camelot needed Gaius. For that matter, Merlin thought, Camelot needed him. Merlin! He renewed his vow to find a way to continue his mission. He loved Morgana with all his heart and he would do anything to protect her and help her as he knew she would do the same for him. Nothing could drive them apart. He would make sure of that. He would be what she needed, improve his knowledge about magic, fulfill this mission to protect king and kingdom even across the distances. The tears were beginning to subside. He had a mission, a purpose. And he would meet this as all challenges. Head on.
The woman moved again, new smoke filled the air and Merlin breathed in its fragrance. Wild flowers. Visions of his childhood appeared in the crystal. A very young Merlin gathering bouquets of wildflowers for his Mother. Running into their small home and proudly showing her what he'd brought for her. She had always praised him and gave him a hug. Seeing her in vision, the fear in her eyes that she had hidden from her son, he knew she worried about him. He had been born with his magic and had been using it since before he could talk. It was who he was at the deepest level. But Hunith knew that normal children couldn't coax wildflowers from snowy fields for their mothers. But she never chastised him. Instead, she had been so gracious, so loving, encouraging secrecy, but never stifling his desire to learn more about his powers. He missed her. It had been nearly two years since she had come to Camelot to visit him. She couldn't really visit him this past year because of his new quest to learn magic, to help Morgana. His quest had brought him more joy than he had ever known in this life. Still, he wondered what Hunith was doing right now.
The vision faded and Merlin came back to himself. His entire body ached. He hurt like those first days when Arthur had insisted that he learn to use a sword. He became aware that the music had stopped at some point. Gentle hands touched his face, brushing the hair from his forehead., wiping the remaining tears from his eyes.
Well done Emrys. Well done. We are done and you have completed the entire cleansing. So many who seek Vadoma cannot do this, yet you have. Arise Emrys. You are cleansed.
Morgana awoke at that moment looking as if she had a full night's sleep.
Pura directed Merlin to sit on the edge of the carpet.
She was assuring both of them things would be all right, then directed Morgana to place her hands on the black stone. Morgana turned to look at Merlin who gave her a reassuring smile.
Morgana smiled back and took some deep breaths turning all her attention to the crystal as Pura reminded her the visions would come as she focused.
Merlin soon understood why Morgana looked so rested as the music started again, lulling him to a deep pleasant sleep.
Morgana heard the woman move and heard rustling There was a rustling and movement again and the scent changed to lilacs and all manner of flowers. Morgana saw her mother as a young woman a daughter of the fairy people. She was Viviana Le Fey. That was where the name Le Fey came from. They Fey were magical and powerful. She saw her magical and powerful mother fall in love with Gorlois She had used her magic and seer powers to help Uther gain the throne. She saw her mother's loneliness when Gorlois was gone to war and she saw Viviana's loneliness and vulnerability being exploited by Uther's blatant use of magic.
She wept for Gorlois and her mother in their weakness. But she saw their unconditional love for her once she was born. She saw herself as a baby looking up into Viviana's beautiful face and playing with her long black hair as Viviana sang to her.
After Uther lost Ygraine, she saw Viviana put to death for her seer powers and to hide Uther's indiscretion. Morgana wept and cried harder for the years she had missed with her mother.
There was rustling and the scent changed to bayberry and steel. She was in her father's lap and he was reading her a story. The scene changed and he was letting her ride on his back as if she were a knight on a mighty steed.
When she had balked against learning to sew and other female arts, her father had taught her the sword and how to fight and called her his brave knight. "I will always defend you and our home daddy," she had said.
There were other nights before and after that, terrifying dreams that her father would die. She had told her father and he had assured her that he would come back to her. He would not die. That was to be the last night she would see him. How she Missed Gorlois.
That is why when her visions started and she saw Gorlois' death", she blamed herself that he had died at all.
But then she saw Gorlois standing with her mother before her, hand in hand, telling her they loved her and believed in her. She had the powerful magic and seer ability to help bring about Albion and they would be with her to help her achieve this goal and so much more because they loved her.
There was rustling and the smell changed and Morgana watched her arrival at Camelot and how she had cried for weeks how she hated it there and wanted to go home.
The scent changed and Morgana saw Arthur bringing her a doll and some cake telling her she was to pretty to cry and he would be her friend.
There was always some competition between Arthur and Morgana. Morgana was the better student and delighted in tying Arthur in knots with her wit and her words. She had fought him with her fists and with her sword and made him cry. After that Arthur distanced himself from her. She vowed she would be a better friend than she had been.
The scent changed to lavender, and soap. It was reminiscent of the lavender Gwen had put in all the rooms in the castle including hers. Arthur had noticed her loneliness and was responsible for getting Gwen as her maid knowing Morgana needed a female friend. Gwen had been her confident, her loyal servant. Her hair dresser her maid that kept her room so neat and defended her actions when she stood against Uther and his injustice. Gwen was her shopping buddy but more the friend she bought things for and defended when Gwen's father was imprisoned.
When Morgana's dreams and visions made her scream at night, Gwen had comforted her and kept her confidence. Gwen had practiced sword play with her, helped her study the law to fight Uther's injustices. Gwen let her sleep late and brought her flowers to cheer her when she had especially horrific dreams. Gwen was the best friend anyone could ask for and Morgana missed the nights they had spent laughing and sharing stories.
Morgana wept bitterly for this loss and regretted all the horrible things she had since done to Gwen.
Morgana rejoiced that she and Gwen had sort of healed this rift when Gwen and Arthur had agreed to help Morgana make restitution to those she had hurt. It renewed Morgana's commitment to be a better and truer friend to Gwen and always protect her.
The scent changed and Morgana saw Uther demanding she put down the sword and be a lady, given her a lady's responsibility. This had filled Morgana with a sort of pride until she noticed Uther's prejudice against magic. She had studied the laws and found them reprehensible regarding magic and unbearable when Uther made her watch the executions.
She had not asked why Uther hated magic She had thought she had known everything about his reasons every time he held court, every time he sentenced someone to death. She had made it a point to study the laws because she knew Uther would not accept her emotional opinions. But even in challenging him, she had never gotten anywhere with Uther.
But she now saw in her vision how Uther's prejudice came from extreme guilt and grief over Ygraine's death, sorrow which he hid behind anger. She could not totally justify his actions even knowing that, but it did open her eyes to more empathy. Even though it was small.
The scent changed Morgana saw Morgause as a young girl at the Isle of the blessed screaming as the woman who had cared for her were mown down with sword and other weapons of war.
Morgana wept for her loss. She saw Morgause turn bitter and saw the darkness use her bitterness and turn it to hatred and revenge. She saw Morgause dressed and fighting as a powerful knight, giving her the bracelet to help her get some sleep.
Morgana had previously desired to be like Morgause in everyway, a powerful, independent intelligent magical woman and a high priestess. But now Morgana saw the darkness for what it was, how it had twisted Morgause and used her power and ambition to destroy instead of heal. She saw the darkness deceive and tempt the blonde woman with power. It made Morgana weep that such a beautiful light had been turned to darkness and she wept at the loss of her sister. What she wouldn't give to save her.
The vision changed to the scent of pine and the woods after rain. It was Merlin's scent. She saw Merlin as a young baby doing magic from birth, She saw his mother's fear and her insistence that he hide his magic as the purge was in full force and if anyone found out he would be killed. She saw Hunith hide Merlin in a barrel when Uther's soldiers came to town. She saw Merlin promise his mother to hide his magic no matter what.
She saw Merlin on his first day in Camelot watching a man be executed for magic. He had looked up at her. His beautiful blue eyes connecting with hers for just a moment as they shared their mutual shock and horror from that great distance.
She watched Gaius tell Merlin not to use his magic to keep it a secret no matter what. She saw Merlin tell Gaius he knew she had magic, she saw Merlin's desire to help her even back then and her love for him increased.
She saw Merlin stand up to the dragon telling the great beast he would defend Morgana because she had a good heart and her love for him increased. They had hidden the Druid boy together, defended Merlin's village together. He was her dear friend.
Merlin had never told Arthur about his magic and she understood why Merlin had not told her about his magic. It hurt but she understood. Both of she and Arthur were too close to Uther. He was a servant not a noble. How blind they had all been.
Merlin had apologized to her several times over the past years for poisoning her and she knew now he had been acting out of desperation. She had put him in that spot so many times and she now regretted it. She had many nights dreamed of her many deceptions and wept over them and asked Merlin's forgiveness. She knew he did.
There was movement and the scent changed. It was of smoke fires and the woods and water falls. The Druids had saved her from the curse almost as much as Merlin had. They had taught her the difference between the evil that had taken her mind and heart before the love spell. They had taught her ways to control it. They had loved her through her self doubt and supported her in making things right. They had taught her what good magic was and ways to use it and she was forever grateful.
That Uther was her father still made her sick and she doubted herself because of it. She was afraid she would turn into him. How in her quest for power with Morgause she had been no better. She could blame it on the curse, but the curse had only blown her own hurts and desires out of proportion. Tears of remorse fell down her cheeks and she sobbed. But she was so glad Viviana had interceded with the gods in her behalf. Viviana had been the catalyst behind her change. Viviana had brought Merlin into her life. Because of Viviana and Merlin. She was free of the curse. Her tears were a jumble of joy and sorrow and she felt sore as Merlin had felt sore.
She felt someone wipe away her tears and say, "Well done Morgana. You are cleansed."
Merlin woke and felt he had a full night of sleep under his belt. He noticed Morgana in the same state he had been and ran to her side. Morgana had wept into his shoulder saying, "I am sorry Merlin. I am sorry."
because of their connection since they had been married. He immediately knew what she was talking about. They had both done things they were not proud of and now it was time to put it all behind them and find out the solutions together.
Morgana sighed and Merlin wiped her tears. They held hands and turned to face whatever lay ahead of them together.
They were led to a room where they were treated to a bath in a rather large tub equipped with all sorts of towels and fragrances. Morgana found her favorite, Lilac and rose with a hint of citrus and cinnamon. Merlin found some bayberry.
After they had received a massage and put on fresh clothes. They were taken to Vadoma.
Vadoma seemed to be no older than Merlin and Morgana. Her skin was smooth and her hair was lustrous. Her body was lithe and supple. The only thing that gave away her age was her eyes. Vadoma exuded a maturity, wisdom and love that told them she had seen much pain, suffering and sorrow had also seen and experienced much joy. Her smile warmed their hearts and they were immediately drawn to her because they knew without asking that she had seen the Goddess, shared their immortality, and was a kindred spirit without knowing the particulars.
She embraced them both and welcomed them. That night after they had visited, she brought them out to a starlit sky and invited all to celebrate the time of Emrys and Le Fey.
In the days following, she taught them to communicate with others through crystals and through dreams, to scry, using water, crystals, or fire, to direct their visions to the past, present, or future, to distinguish between an alternate timeline and their current one.
This was another game changer. Because of Vadoma's instruction, Morgana was now able to control and direct and understand her dreams and visions, and so much more. It was a joyous month they spent with this colorful tribe, learning their history and soaking up the abundance of magic and joy that permeated every aspect of the camp.
Back in Camelot, Gwen, Arthur and the knights had learned new things everyday about magic while Merlin and Morgana were gone. Gaius had told them about how magical people could contact others in their dreams, so when Merlin and Morgana contacted them in their dreams, they were not overly alarmed. The next morning after such dreams, Gwen and Arthur were sharing with each other what they had learned from the magical couple, happy to know the travelers were safe. They were thrilled to learn the curse, and the love spell had been broken and the magical couple were on their way to Caledonia to find Merlin's family.
Arthur was happy for Merlin. The man who had been fatherless and deserved this kind of happiness. Merlin's father was not coming back from the dead. However, the prospect of finding family was fabulous for Merlin.
Arthur was somewhat jealous as both his parents and much of his extended family were now deceased.
Gwen in a similar situation, had spent a majority of the following nights comforting her husband and king. Arthur clung to Gwen and vice versa. She was his heart and stability, as he was hers.
Still Arthur could not complain. He had the knights who were like his brothers. And there was good news. Gwen was pregnant and would be giving birth sometime around the new year. Arthur was over the moon that he and Gwen would finally have an heir.
Of course the knights were thrilled for Arthur and Gwen and were fighting over who would be best/favorite uncle or Godfather.
When the knights first found out Merlin had contacted both Gwen and Arthur, they immediately and incessantly harangued Arthur to have Merlin contact them in their dreams.
Gaius felt like he was suddenly tending a bunch of boys instead of knights with their constant bickering over the royal heir and who would hear from Merlin next.
Gwaine was the first to hear from Merlin.
Within the week after Gwaine had heard from Merlin, all the knights who had been studying with Arthur, Gwen and Gaius, had heard from Merlin.
Gwen was pleased the curse over Morgana had been broken and spent quite a bit of time listening to Morgana's apologies for her wrongs to Arthur and his queen during their dream conversations. Gwen was quick to assure Morgana that she was forgiven, especially since Morgana had not been in control of her actions while under Morgause's curse.
The subject of the orphans had come up in one of their communications. Morgana was happy to hear Arthur and Gwen had found a home for the orphans and insisted Gwen anonymously send monetary support from Morgana's Cornwall estate earnings to the orphans and the family supporting them. She also asked Gwen to please make sure the orphans were learning to read, write, and learn a trade of some sort. She told Gwen, when they finished the Goddess' mandate, she and Merlin would take over these matters.
Morgana also asked Gwen to look into the people who had been injured or killed when she had been queen and ordered the guards to shoot arrows into the crowd. Morgana felt horrible over what she had done now that her conscience was released from the curse, even though she had not been in control. She was anxious to provide restitution for these victims as well.
Each time Morgana had a dream conversation with Gwen and heard the progress she was making in these matters of restitution, Morgana's heart would become lighter and her nightmares became fewer as she directed Gwen in using her personal finances to provide aid to the victims of her crimes. It was a relief. Still Morgana was saddened that she could not totally replace the lives that had been lost. She vowed to herself that on returning to Camelot, she would personally visit each of the victims and help anyway she could.
When Arthur heard from Gwen about Morgana's efforts to provide restitution to her victims, he was happy to be regaining his lost sister. He set about helping Gwen in these projects. And even though Gwen had promised to keep the restitution anonymous, Arthur had not, and was quick to tell the victims who their benefactress was.
Of course the people of Camelot were shocked and amazed that the once "wicked witch" had been under a curse that had taken her free will. They were thrilled that the same witch had been freed of the evil influence and was making amends. The people loved Arthur, Gwen and Merlin, and that love was spreading to Morgana who was redeeming herself through her generous restitution and sincere repentance.
Morgana had eventually told Gwen she and Merlin were married by Dragonfasting and the Goddess' power.
Gwen was of course thrilled and immediately started planning a huge celebration and official ceremony when they returned to Camelot.
Morgana had told Gwen to not get too far advanced in her planning as they still had the Goddess' mandate to fulfil and they did not know how long that would take.
When Gwen found out how Merlin and Morgana could transport themselves and their animals, she insisted they set a goal to come home as soon as possible.
While Arthur was thrilled Merlin and Morgana had successfully broken the curse and was glad to have been instrumental in this dragonfasting by letting Merlin go find Morgana and become Emrys, he was a bit unsettled knowing how Morgana could be a bit of a shrew.
That bit of stress disappeared during a dream conversation with Merlin. In that time, he was shown how happy Merlin was, evident by the smile, confidence and relaxed air he had never seen on his manservant in Camelot. It was another step in Arthur's restitution for his father's and his own wrongs in destroying Merlin's life, and all Merlin had done for him in the past. What made Arthur most happy was that he still had his best friend.
Arthur remembered the prophecy that Merlin and Morgana were to share a great love and basically be the "King and Queen of Magic".He insisted like Gwen that they have an official wedding ceremony where they, the knights, their living parents and friends could attend.
Merlin was thrilled that Arthur was accepting him and supporting him in being Emrys and was still his friend. Merlin had learned so much and gained so much on this journey with Morgana. Merlin had his Creator, the Goddess, Viviana, Iselder, Ysira, Vadoma, Gwen, Arthur, the knights and Gaius to thank for a level of happiness he had never known before and each day only got better. They had all helped him and Morgana fulfill the prophecy of a great love which grew everyday. Morgana was the love of his life, his soul mate and his equal in every way. Morgana was becoming less anxious and terrified of the dreams of her past as she continued to provide restitution and gain control of her powers. Each day she was happier than she had ever been, all because Viviana had intervened and Merlin had taken the chance to save her from the darkness.
Merlin was the recipient of Morgana's devotion, loyalty and fierce love for freeing her from the curse. Merlin was the love of Morgana's life and she made it a point to make sure he knew with every fiber of his being that she loved him completely, unconditionally, and without reservation and she would never give him a cause to worry about her commitment of fidelity. She would protect his heart.
Merlin of course returned her love, loyalty, fidelity and devotion with as much intensity and without reservation. He was so proud of the woman Morgana was and everything she was doing to right the wrongs of her past.
Merlin had been concerned for Gaius as he was getting up in years and really needed help. So during one of his dream conversations with Arthur, Merlin suggested that Arthur find Alice and told him how Gaius and Alice had been so tragically separated at the beginning of the purge and what a gifted healer Alice was.
Arthur had asked Gaius about it the next day.
Gaius confirmed everything Merlin had told Arthur.
Arthur had told Gwen, who had made inquiries.
It was less than a month later that Alice joined Gaius in Camelot and was helping with his medical practice. Everyone was glad Alice was there.
Merlin had suggested to Arthur that he contact Gilly to help Gaius as well. Merlin had to explain that Gilly had fought in the tournament years ago and almost beat Uther with magic.
Arthur was reluctant until he heard that Gilly had left the tournament on good terms with Merlin, his integrity intact. Arthur had pointed out that it would be easier for Merlin to contact Gilly through his dreams and tell him to come to Camelot. Arthur promised he would welcome Gilly with open arms and set him up with Gaius.
Gilly had joined them shortly after that.
Gwen was thrilled when Merlin and Morgana and the bandits showed up at their door. She and Arthur put the bandits in the dungeon and made a feast and a wedding ceremony for Merlin and Morgana even Hunith could attend. Merlin had transported home to get his mother and Viviana had supplied the wedding clothes and helped with other arrangements. It was a beautiful wedding with much singing, dancing and story telling. Everyone was sad when Merlin and Morgana left to finish the assignment for the Goddess.