Chapter 6

Morgana still heavily under the love spell looked adoringly at Merlin and kissed him.

Merlin was not fully awake and responded kissing her back before realizing what was going on and pulling away a bit nervously worried how his body was responding. He did his best to smile at her. "We should get some breakfast." Merlin said, feeling the need to curtail the physicality, (Eros) between them. He wanted to focus on building the (philia) friendship between them as well as the good things about her, as Iselder had suggested. It was important to him and ultimately, Morgana.

Morgana smiled. "Want to come outside and look with me? See what we can find?"/

Merlin smiled and followed her outside.

As luck would have it, they found some berries and quails eggs. Merlin washed and set the berries in a bowl while Morgana scrambled the eggs adding some wild onions, mushrooms, chives, basil, and parsley that grew outside her hovel.

Merlin set the table as the smells mixed and floated about the room. Morgana dished the food into two wooden bowls. She wasn't just incredibly beautiful, she was also very capable and Merlin found his defenses lowering.

Morgana motioned for him to join her at the table.

They started to eat. Merlin thanked Morgana for the meal. The eggs were tasty and the berries were wonderfully fresh and ripe. Merlin found himself savoring everything.

Morgana watched him with a small smile on her face. She was much calmer this morning. Her mother's love, hugs and the truth she had revealed, were pushing against Morgause's dark curse, and the love spell was going strong. "So you like my food."

"Morgana I can honestly say those are the best eggs I have tasted. The berries are delicious."

"Glad you like it."

"Merlin smiled back at her.

They finished eating. Merlin helped Morgana wash the dishes and clean up the hovel a bit. When they were finished, Merlin suggested they get started on their quest to find the Goddess.

Morgana whistled out the window.

Moments later, a well groomed, healthy looking white horse came galloping through the trees.

Merlin saddled his own horse and made sure it was fed thinking Morgana couldn't be all bad if her horse responded to her so well. Helping her find things for breakfast had been pleasant and enjoyable. something real friends would do.

They both had a quick wash at the basin in Morgana's hut.

Morgana packed a few things in a nap snack which she strapped to her horse.

Merlin asked Morgana which way she thought they should go. Morgana closed her eyes and lifted her head to smell the wind and listen with her magic. Merlin did the same.

Morgana opened her eyes. "We should go northeast."

Merlin nodded to her in agreement, " Northeast it is." He helped Morgana onto her horse. He mounted his own horse and they were on their way.

The sun was bright and hot that day. But the shade from the trees of the forest and a gentle breeze tempered that.

They followed a stream and stopped a few times to let the horses rest, eat and drink something.

Both of them had some dried meat in their packs. Morgana had some dried fruit and shared it with Merlin as he didn't have any.

That night, they stopped to set up a small fire. Merlin caught and skinned a rabbit with his magic and started cooking it.

Morgana found some edible roots and herbs to make it taste better.

While it was cooking Morgana asked. "Do you want to learn that transportation spell?"

Merlin's face split into his megawatt grin. "Absolutely!"

Morgana found herself getting lost in Merlin's smile and mirroring it. It was so infectious. The love spell was becoming stronger.

Merlin could feel the pull toward Morgana. He knew it was residuals of the love spell but started to suspect it was his own buried feelings from long ago. He decided to wait and see what Morgana would do

Morgana reluctantly pulled away shaking her head and lowering her eyes as she pulled a slip of paper from her cloak pocket. "I wrote the transportation spell down here." she said handing him the paper.

It was getting too dark to see, so Merlin produced a light globe similar to the one he had sent with Arthur so long ago to guide him out of the cave of Baylor when looking for the mortaeus flower. "Bedyrne us! Asterye us, panonweard." Merlin read.

Morgana was not answering, instead, starring at Merlin's light globe in fascination and envy. "You are going to have to teach me the spell for the light globe."

Merlin smiled broadly, "I consider that a good trade for teaching me this transportation spell."

They were staring at each other again. Morgana wanted so badly to kiss the man. Merlin too was getting lost in the beauty before him that was Morgana.

Morgana reluctantly pulled her attention back to the paper in her hand. "There are two forms for the spell. You only read one of them. See here." Morgana pointed.

"Oh...", Merlin, who was a bit befuddled, finally looked down at the paper, Bedyrne me! Asterye me! panonweard."

"Use the one you just read if you are transporting only yourself. You use the other if you are transporting more people and yourself. I didn't do either of them till I had mastered many other things as it takes so much more power and concentration. It is also tiring. Most magic users don't have enough power to move themselves, much less two or more people. It shouldn't be a problem for you." Morgana said remembering Merlin's ability and power to restrain her and her magic last night.

Merlin's smile reached his eyes looking at Morgana in gratitude.

Morgana found herself getting lost in the blue depths that were Merlin's eyes. His smile affected her in ways she didn't fully understand. It had to be more than the love spell. She barely held herself back. She was going to teach Merlin the transportation spell. She lowered her head, doing her best to focus. "All you have to do to make this work is to focus on the words and then visualize somewhere you have been before.

When Morgause was teaching me. She would tell me to focus on a spot across the room and imagine myself there. It was critical to imagine every part of myself there; my hair, my eyes, nose mouth, ears, head, neck, shoulders, body, arms hands, fingers, legs, feet, toes, all the clothes I was wearing, the shoes I was wearing. Morgause warned me if I didn't include everything, not all of my parts or clothes would arrive. If they did, they might be in the wrong order or missing.

Merlin chuckled at the imagery and Morgana laughed with him momentarily before stopping, feeling somewhat offended. "Here I am trying to teach you something, and you are laughing at me...Seriously Merlin, you have to focus." Morgana huffed."

Merlin coughed and apologized, "Sorry, I just had a visual of you mixed up and couldn't help it."

Morgana looked at Merlin whose eyes were twinkling in merriment barely suppressing his humor and suddenly saw the same visual.

They both crumpled in laughter and it was a while before they calmed down.

When they finally gathered themselves, Merlin said, "Okay, What's next? I know you weren't finished."

Morgana was still smiling widely when she started to explain. "The next part is probably the most important. I had to feel my magic and connect it to the words. Pronunciation is vital as well."

Merlin listened in fascination and awe. "Show me."

Morgana closed her eyes, gathered her power, said the words and disappeared in a whirlwind of leaves and dust, only to appear on the other side of the fire, standing by a tree and only had to momentarily adjust as the transportation spell left her somewhat disoriented. She was unstable enough that Merlin ran to her grasping her arms to help her stabilize,

"Are you okay?" he was staring in awe at her that she had succeeded even if it had been difficult for her. It spoke volumes for her courage and determination.

"I am fine Merlin it is the nature of the spell to make the caster and anyone traveling with them a bit nauseous.

Merlin's own insecurity surfaced. "Maybe you should do it with me. I am worried I might end up in the middle of a tree. In fact, Gaius once said he wouldn't teach me this spell. First, as you said it takes a lot of power. I don't think he had the power for it. Second he was afraid something would go wrong and I would end up seriously injured because I did something wrong.

"I can understand your worry. Morgause did it with me several times before I went solo. We need to rehearse the words." Morgana said and had Merlin repeat after her till she was satisfied every word of the spell was perfect with the proper inflections.

"So let's decide on a spot." Morgana said.

Merlin looked around. "How about if we go to the other side of the fire. It seems there is room for two. "

"Sounds good." Morgana said. "You need to imagine what side of me you will be on. Other wise we could be mixed up together." They looked at each other getting the same visual and crumpled again into fits of laughter.

"It was quite a bit later when they calmed down enough to actually try the spell. They both had to take several breaths. However, when they looked at each other again, the visual and the laughter over took them and they were rolling on the ground holding their sides and wiping the tears from their eyes.

They struggled to their feet only for the same thing to happen again.

Morgana finally put her hand on Merlin's shoulder, wiping her eyes. "We have to be focused." she gasped trying unsuccessfully to calm her breathing.

They both tried to be serious and suppress the giggles, sputtering in their attempts, again finding themselves rolling on the ground laughing hysterically

Morgana was still laughing when she crawled to Merlin and took his hands. "This is hopeless." She swiped at the tears of laughter, still smiling, and trying not to laugh.

"Yes it is hopeless." Merlin said, swiping at the tears of laughter rolling down his face.

They both sighed and flopped onto the ground looking up at the stars. They were exhausted. Their chests were still heaving from all the laughter. And they were still holding their sides. They were next to each other not touching. The stars were magical and helped them calm their breathing as they gazed up at the beauty of the million stars over their heads.

Morgana turned her head toward Merlin. "You ready to try again?"

Merlin nodded, finally calm.

Morgana stood up facing Merlin and motioned for him to do the same.

Merlin scrambled to his feet.

"I find breathing helps." Morgana motioned for Merlin to mirror her breathing. Morgana took his hand and placed it on her shoulder. "Close your eyes, keep breathing and just feel.

Merlin closed his eyes focusing on the sound of her breathing.

"Continue breathing and connect with your magic." Morgana instructed softly.

"Open your eyes look at me and yourself and where we are going." Merlin looked carefully at himself and then Morgana. He found himself admiring her form more than he should at that moment. He knew if he didn't control it, something like the laughter, only much more physical would occur. He didn't know if he was totally ready for that next step as it frightened him. He used the fear to focus.

They did this for a while until Morgana asked. "Have you got a good picture?"

Merlin nodded.

Morgana put both her arms around Merlin and motioned for him to do the same. "We have to be touching when we transport together. It's a bit of a wild ride so the more contact we have, the more likely we are to transport safely."

"I know you really just want an excuse to hold me tight," Merlin teased.

"You found me out," Morgana teased back...but we still need to be touching...get going on the spell Warlock."

Merlin nodded and complied pulling Morgana as close as he could.

"Breathe, connect with your magic" Morgana instructed.

"Merlin noticed a glow starting between them that was warm and beautiful with a blue green tint. "Look," he said to Morgana who had noticed with wide eyes. "What is happening?"/

Morgana gasped at the sensation struggling with her focus. "I don't know. This is different than anything I have felt before. When I did this with Morgause there was no glow."

Merlin, somewhat fearful, dropped his arms. When he did the glow stopped. "Was their a color between you and Morgause?"

Morgana shook her head and thought for a moment. "It was more a surge of power we both felt that surrounded us as we transported. But, it was dark and cold. It wasn't warm. It wasn't turquoise."

"Maybe it was that black curse we saw in the vision Viviana revealed last night that produced the dark cold feeling." Merlin said.

Morgana nodded her head, frowning, before shaking off the negative that was threatening. "You are probably right. Let's do this once. We can talk about it more later."

They held onto each other, closed their eyes, and focused. The turquoise glow started again as they were saying the words.

The next thing they knew, they were standing on the other side of the fire. They laughed in joy at their success and embraced. Merlin picked Morgana up and swung her around, both laughing in delight and relief like children with a new toy. "We did it!"

They performed the same spell a few more times landing further and further away. The success of their efforts was exhilarating and intoxicating and each time they were successful Merlin would pick up Morgana and swing her around. The last few times they exchanged a quick peck on the cheek which produced a few small turquoise sparks, a pleasant electrical shock, which made them stop and just look at each other.

"Did you feel that?" Merlin asked, curiosity written all over his face.

Morgana nodded. "I don't understand. Nothing like this has happened before."

"Are you okay?" Merlin asked in concern, "You aren't hurt anywhere are you?"

Morgana shook her head. "No, I am fine...You?"

"I'm fine." Merlin said.

"Maybe we should stop for the night." Morgana said.

Just then Viviana appeared. Her smile was bright loving and inviting and Morgana flew into her arms. "Mother what are you doing here?" Morgana asked smiling and backing up enough to hold her hands and look into her eyes.

"Well, I saw that you two were learning something in which I happen to be expert."

"Really?" Merlin asked. " DO you know how to do the transportation spell without getting dizzy or disoriented?"

Viviana smiled, "Indeed I do."

"Can you teach us?" Merlin asked excitedly.

"That is why I am here." Vivian said patting Merlin's cheek. "You just need some different words; exeo abeo vertigo acropho peregrinate. She grabbed their hands and demonstrated.

Neither Merlin nor Morgana felt sick when they landed.

"Thank you Mother. That works much better."

"Yes, thank you," Merlin said. "How far can we go with that spell?"

Viviana smiled. "My dear boy, that is an open ended question with your power. You and Morgana's combined power could take you hundreds of miles at a time."

"Will you help us till we master it?" Merlin asked./

"Of course my dear boy." Viviana smiled at him. "Why don't you and Morgana try it now, just a short distance."

Merlin and Morgana joined hands and the turquoise glow again started. Merlin pulled his hand away and Morgana frowned. "Mother, why when we touch is there a glow between us?"

Viviana smiled. "It is yours and Merlin's magic combining. Your magics want to be together even though you may be unsure to a point."

"Oh," Merlin and Morgana said, afraid to ask more questions along that line.

"But why is it turquoise," Merlin asked.

"Magical beings such as yourselves emit a color when you perform magic. Merlin your light is blue and Morgana, your light is green, so when they combine, it makes that beautiful turquoise color."

"But it shocked us," Merlin said worriedly.

"Did it hurt either of you?" Viviana asked.

"Well...no," Merlin flustered.

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Morgana smiled, "It was actually quite warm and wonderful to feel Merlin's magic and mine," she turned to Merlin, "even if the connection was brief."

"You have nothing to worry about my dears, Your magic will never harm you or each other as it is a vital part of you both. You were meant to be together and your magic knows this. It seems it is helping you come together." Viviana smiled. "I love you both and will be watching over you." Viviana faded from sight.

Morgana smiled at Merlin. "Do you want to try the transportation spell that Mother gave us again?"

Merlin smiled back. "I would like that very much."

They held hands. The glow started again and they transported a little further. They were overjoyed they had been successful and Merlin picked up Morgana swinging her around as they laughed and rejoiced at their success.

The did the transportation spell a few more times going a little further each time, laughing rejoicing like children with a new toy.

On the last two transports, during the victory swings with the warmth of their magic connecting, they kissed lightly then again. They air changed between them as they parted and then kissed again, the kiss turned serious. The turquoise sparks were increasing. It was partly the love spell. But they both knew things were changing. They did have real feelings for each other, though neither of them admitted anything.

They pulled away, self-conscious, and transported back to their fire, which was almost out.

Merlin's cheeks were flushed from the effort. He was only slightly winded and mostly dry. However, when he looked over at Morgana, he became concerned as he noticed that even though her face was flushed with happiness at their mutual achievement, she was exhausted and sweaty from the effort.

Merlin threw another log on the fire and gently guided Morgana to sit down with her back to the flame to dry out.

Morgana gasped as she plopped down, "That was so different than my attempts with Morgause. It was cold, dark, ugly and not near so much fun."

"And we made a turquoise light." Merlin added grinning stupidly. "I am glad Viviana explained that our magics have color." Merlin made the blue light shimmer above his hand.

"I do like the color green." Morgana said, yawning as the fire warmed her and dried her clothes. She leaned her head against Merlin's shoulder. Her eyes started to flutter as she struggled to stay awake.

Merlin put his arm around her and drew her closer to share body heat. Morgana just smiled as Merlin made shapes in the fire that were so calming to Morgana. "Morgause did teach me something about the aura people put out." It seems to reflect a person's personality and magic, even their mood. She said it was important that I know so I could detect people with magic. Makes me wonder why we never detected your magic."

Merlin shrugged, "Mystery for another time." Merlin said sensing her fatigue. He got a blanket for her and pulled her closer to share body heat before making more shapes.

"It wasn't long before Morgana was completely dry and warm. Her breathing had evened out and her eyes were closed.

Merlin smiled. He lightened her with his magic and carried her to her bed roll making sure she was well tucked in before settling in his own bedroll to sleep. It had been a good day.

That night Morgana had the most horrible dream of her life. It was so dark, fire and smoke everywhere. SO many dead. She was so cold. Morgause was smirking as she walked towards her, "Well done sister. You are queen and have destroyed our enemies. We have revenge for all the pain Uther has wreaked on magic. Magic will reign as it should. No one can stop us now."

"But this isn't what I wanted," Morgana screamed over and over again. "No! No! No! this isn't what I wanted!"

"In the back ground, a dark presence smiled maliciously, "Well done Morgause, we have her."