Prologue
Viviana had seen the buried feelings of Morgana, her lonely, tortured daughter. These feelings were wrapped in a dark corner of Morgana's mind, suppressed by an evil curse. She had been watching her daughter's descent into darkness and knew she had to do something. She could do something.
The lonely young man, driven by duty and destiny could help, because he too had buried feelings.
Viviana wept in sorrow for their blindness. They could not see that if their feelings were exposed, both of them would be able to achieve what they could not do alone. They could have peace and love and success. The darkness would not win.
She was watching Morgana peruse a book of magic and whisper to herself,
"That is it!" Vivian snapped her fingers, "A love potion will do it. A love potion will be a great catalyst to break through the dark curse, and stop the destructive forces of hate and anger. Love was the answer. It would be the little push, along with divine intervention, to crack open the dark curse in Morgana's mind.!"
Vivian whispered this suggestion to her daughter, Morgana, and the green eyed woman flipped the book to a page with a simple yet powerful love potion.
Viviana had gone to her Creator with her ideas,
The Gods looked at the woman and mother before them. It had not been the first time she had petitioned them.
The Gods rarely interfered in the affairs of men. Free agency was too important.
However, these were the pleadings of a tender parent concerned for the welfare of her child. They listened to her plan and smiled in approval.
"You have our blessing Viviana. Go with our power and protection. Make the world a better place."
Viviana smiled and bowed to her maker. "Thank you My Lords."
She quickly prepared and left to start her task.
Authors note: Here is where you should read the story, "Oops," by Ambernot if you haven't already. If you don't want to, I will recap.
Morgana made a love potion for Merlin so she could control and use him to help take over Camelot. Merlin had immediately responded to the spell and as a result, Merlin and Morgana have been spending a great amount of time together over the last few weeks. In that time frame Morgana has learned that Merlin has magic, possessed the power of a Dragonlord. and is called Emrys by the Druids. Unknown to both of them, Morgana is also under the love spell. As a result, she has not gone ballistic, out of control with anger on finding out Merlin's many secrets. She has yet to meet the dragons in person and find out Merlin's relationship to them.
Gaius found out Merlin was under Morgana's spell, and he immediately set about making an antidote. He has enlisted the help of Arthur and the knights to keep Merlin busy, or drugged, so he cannot and will not try to see Morgana.
Merlin recovers just before Morgana comes to visit as she has been doing for the last several weeks. This story picks up just after Merlin is freed of the love spell and she leaves.
Chapter 1
Merlin 's body was still tingling and he was very much dazed after Morgana had left his room. He had melted under her attentions.
Being caught up in the moment, he had participated whole heartedly, kissed her back, and enjoyed holding her and could remember everything that transpired between himself and Morgana. Even though he was free of the love spell, his feelings for Morgana were not diminished.
If anything, his feelings were amplified by Morgana's attentions and attitude changes which were feeding the flames of his affection.
This euphoria of emotion was dampened by the almost surety that Morgana was under some kind of love spell because of the glassy, love-struck gaze she had pinned him with during her visit. His suspicion led to another train of thought that Morgana would not knowingly cast a love spell on herself because she liked to be in control. A love spell would greatly diminish her control. With this in mind, he was fairly certain someone else was behind this phenomenon of a love struck Morgana.
For so long, Merlin was unsure Morgana could really care for him because of their class difference and the horrible betrayals that had occurred between them. This is why, long ago, out of self- preservation, he had buried his feelings for Morgana deep and locked them away in a corner of his heart, sure nothing could ever happen between them.
Now, the world was flipped on its ear because during the last few weeks of sharing magic and ideas, hugs and kisses; feelings he thought were gone were now blazing to the forefront. Morgana seemed to be totally invested in, besotted with, and determined to be with Merlin.
Morgana was listening to him without loosing her temper. She was seemingly considering Merlin more important than her bid for power. For example, when Merlin defended Arthur to Morgana as "the Once and Future King", she had not lost control of her temper and had responded with "that may be a good idea."
In addition, Morgana had accepted him as Emrys, and a Dragonlord. In fact, Morgana had glossed over everything negative Merlin said to focus on the very real assessment that his magical and Dragonlord power could be used to her advantage.
And it wasn't just this change in attitude that was warming his heart and giving him hope. There was also the added bonus that they were together now. He had genuinely enjoyed every second of comradery and affection he had experienced with the High Priestess over the last weeks and was missing her warmth and attention now that she was not with him. Call him a traitor of the deepest degree, he still wanted to help Morgana, spend time with her, and make her happy, because, he now clearly realized that he had always loved Morgana from the first time he had seen her during Thomas Collin's execution his first day in Camelot.
Being with Freya had never been this intense. Merlin was feeling things he thought he would never have the opportunity to feel. He realized at that moment, his body and heart wanted a relationship and marriage with Morgana, and the possibility made Merlin's head spin with so many different emotions; guilt, remorse, giddiness and hope.
The comradery and the change in attitude begged Merlin's consideration that Morgana and her destiny were open to change. Maybe even Mordred's destiny could be changed so the three of them could work together to create Albion and save Arthur's life?
It made him wish he had helped Morgana sooner. He wished he had told her about his magic sooner. So much pain and death could have been prevented.
How could he tell Gaius, Arthur, or the knights how he felt. He didn't fully understand why his feelings were so amplified.
Doubts and horrifying possibilities sprouted as he ruminated on Morgana's willingness to kill any who got in her way. Merlin's stomach started to churn as he remembered how recently, Morgana had tested out the love spell on a guard of Camelot. That guard had killed his own wife at Morgana's request. The guard's two children had been left orphans.
Before that, Morgana had kidnapped Gwen, taken her to the dark tower, and brainwashed her using the Tiene Diaga. That did not include the damage she had caused in her multiple efforts to kill Uther and Arthur. More recently, Morgana had asked Merlin to spy and help her start a war.
Of course all this positive was muddied and complicated and practically null; now that his conscience was freed of the love spell, it flared back to life and was working overtime, casting Morgana's past actions into lucid clarity, exposing them for the dark, destructive, violence that they were.
He definitely didn't want to start a war. In addition to that, he knew no one approved of any relationship between himself and Morgana. As long as she wanted to take over Camelot, he had to acknowledge she was a threat and Camelot's number one enemy...or maybe now she wasn't.
Merlin was appalled he had become attached to someone so callous. Loyalty to Arthur, Gaius' warnings, and the dragon's dark and violent predictions added to his unease.
Merlin sighed in frustration and pinched his nose with his thumb and forefinger to ward off the headache these thoughts brought him. The sweetness of the last few weeks was becoming more muddied every second that passed. His rose colored glasses were foggy and dirtied.
It was at this point Gaius walked up the stairs to Merlin's room. He had called the man three times with no response. Gaius was not really worried. He knew that Merlin had a tendency to stay up late practicing magic to save Camelot. Hopefully that was the problem. Worse case scenario, he would pour some water on Merlin to wake him. Gaius walked into the room to see Merlin already awake, his eyes wide open, just laying on the bed, in this stunned and confused state.
"What did you do now?" Gaius asked.
Still dazed, Merlin didn't immediately respond causing Gaius to worry.
"Merlin! What is the matter?" Gaius looked concerned.
Merlin finally, slowly, turned to look at Gaius and said, "We have a problem."
Gaius crossed his arms and raised the eyebrow of doom at Merlin who was trying to look as innocent as possible.
Merlin didn't really want to go into detail and was thankful the door to Gaius' chamber door suddenly slammed open.
"Merlin!" Arthur yelled.
Groaning and complaining under his breath at the prospect of having to deal with a volatile Arthur, Merlin swung his legs over the side of his bed.
"Where have you been? Arthur shouted.
Before Merlin could say anything, the room suddenly glowed.
In the middle of that glow was a beautiful dark haired woman with a brilliant visage of light that came from within her. It wasn't Morgana. But she looked strikingly similar, except her eyes were a deep blue. Her whole countenance held grace, warmth, maturity, wisdom, and a calming motherly presence, infectious to everyone except Gaius who gasped. "Viviana!"
"You know this woman?" Arthur asked.
Gaius was stunned and for several moments didn't move. But he finally blinked and gathered himself and answered, "Yes! it is Morgana's mother but it could not be possible!" Gaius continued to stare before he whispered. "You died over twenty years ago."
"I did pass to the next realm." Viviana stated calmly as her gaze encompassed the three men.
Arthur had known Gorlois as Morgana's father, but had never met Viviana in person, so he was very curious.
Merlin had never seen her, but the resemblance to Morgana was uncanny. Both were achingly beautiful.
"Gaius is right, I am Viviana Le Fey, wife of Gorlois Le Fey, mother of Morgana Pendragon." Viviana smiled enigmatically, "I have been sent by the Gods to help you fulfill a truer prophecy than you have yet received.
All three men dropped their jaws in surprise and they sat down hard, shocked into silence, their attention riveted.
Seeing the men anxiously waiting her pronouncement, Viviana spoke with grace and assurance. "The true prophecy states; Emrys, the most powerful warlock to walk the face of the earth, and the last High Priestess will work together to protect and guide the Once and Future King and Queen who will unite the Five Kingdoms, bring peace, and the Golden Age where magic will be free.
Still stunned, the three men gaped like fishes in a net gasping for air. That this woman was stating so frankly and clearly what they had been striving for with the twist of getting help from their number one enemy, Morgana, left them totally astonished, curious, and worried, especially in the case of Merlin and Gaius. The common factor was they all wanted to bring a golden age. As one, they all nodded to Viviana to continue.
"Arthur, you are the once and future king of prophecy." Viviana said looking pointedly at Arthur, waiting for her words to penetrate.
Arthur just looked at her in surprise before gathering himself and narrowing his gaze at her, "If I am this, "Once and Future King, who is this Emrys?"/
"Merlin, your manservant, is the Emrys of prophecy. He was born with magic and is the most powerful warlock to walk the earth. He is also a Dragonlord."
Gaius closed his eyes praying Arthur would be calm and not overreact. He greatly feared for his ward's safety and glared at Vivian for exposing Merlin.
Merlin was praying for a similar miracle along with being bamboozled, confused, joyous, and frightened. He was confused as to why the dragon had withheld this "true" prophecy. He wanted to jump for joy that Viviana had educated Arthur of his magic, and simultaneously he wanted to jump under the table for fear of what Arthur would do to him now that he knew. He watched closely as Arthur wrinkled his brow in confusion and denial as he started to protest.
"But that is impossible! My father said Emrys was a fairy tale. People choose magic and it corrupts them." Arthur sputtered.
Viviana quieted him with a look. "Merlin did not choose his powers." she said. "He was born with them and has been using his powers for good. He has been using his powers to help you."
"Why?... How?" Arthur whispered as he stared at Merlin in shock.
"Merlin is magic incarnate, so he is an anomaly in the world. His power is unmatched. It has been prophesied for ages that Emrys, the greatest warlock to ever walk the face of the earth will be the guide and protection to the once and future king." Viviana said. "He has not been able to properly help you become, "the Once and Future King," because you have not known or understood who he is. He cannot be the Emrys of prophecy unless he is accepted by you and allowed time to do some necessary things.
Finally realizing there were bigger issues than his question, Arthur concluded he needed more information and asked, "What are these necessary things?"
Viviana smiled as he was finally asking questions instead of objecting. "He needs to create allies."
Allies?" Arthur asked.
"The most important one is your sister Morgana." Viviana said.
Merlin was sure Arthur would pop a blood vessel as his face was turning redder by the second and his fists were clenching and unclenching in an effort to control his boiling emotions about to explode any minute. "But she is our greatest enemy." Arthur objected.
"She is the last High Priestess. She has magical power second only to Emrys and in the past, her gift as seer has warned Merlin and Gaius of events that could have taken your life. Her magic and abilities are critical to your success." Viviana said.
Arthur just gaped, hardly breathing, reeling at all the new information.
Merlin, who had been watching with careful concern, stood stock still not really sure what to do.
Viviana smiled at Merlin before addressing Arthur. "Young King, you have a great friend and trusted ally in your manservant."
Her words stirred Arthur to protest, "He is only a servant." not this Emrys..."
Viviana and Gaius glared at him and Merlin looked like he had been whipped and broken and was ready to cry. The tension in the room was great.
Arthur took several deep breaths in an effort to gather himself, finally marshaled his emotions and said "Alright, I acknowledge Merlin is...my friend, he has risked his life for me several times. That makes him a true ally,... I suppose..."
Merlin and Gaius relaxed a little.
Viviana smiled at Arthur's admission.
She waited another few moments before she continued, "There is something I must show you so you can understand." Viviana raised her hands and focused her power to show the circumstances of Arthur's and Morgana's births. Both resulted from Uther demanding magic be used; first, to ensure he had an heir in Arthur. Second, Uther used magic to disguise himself as Gorlois to seduce Viviana. This liaison produced Morgana. Uther had hidden behind his pride and blamed magic for Ygraine's death. He had Viviana executed shortly after Morgana was born to hide his adulterous acts from Gorlois.
Arthur was shaking his head in disgust, disbelief, shock, embarrassment and horror as Uther's pride, grief, and callousness were exposed as the true beginning of the purge. Good opinion of his father continued to deteriorate as the three men were shown thousands of innocent men, women, and children hung, beheaded, or burned for simply associating with magic, having magic, using magic, regardless of their intentions. He saw Balinor and other men hunted like animals, even after trying to help Uther because their Dragonlord abilities were too closely related to magic.
As the truth continued to be revealed, Arthur's emotions turned to fiery anger toward Uther for his blindness in blaming magic for everything, and his treachery in betraying his friends. It spoke of progress and maturity that Arthur continued to listen at all, even if anger and embarrassment were roiling within him.
Arthur's father had basically destroyed Merlin's life. Yet Merlin had stuck by him. Arthur was wondering why he was the recipient of Merlin's efforts until he was shown Merlin's first visit with the dragon and their destinies had been revealed to unite Albion, bring peace, and restore magic.
Arthur couldn't help but feel guilty and sick for his own blind obedience in destroying Druid camps just because his father had commanded it. He began to see just how much like Uther he would have become if not for the efforts of Morgana, Gwen and Merlin.
"Morgana stood up to Uther's injustices. She challenged Arthur to think critically and move to positive action.
Gwen's gentleness and kindness had stabilized him. She was his heart.
Merlin's unwavering service, devotion, and outspokenness had become Arthur's conscience in Morgana's absence.
Gaius and Geoffrey had also made a contribution as well in freeing those they could, teaching and training Arthur in so many things.
Arthur was further chagrined viewing the memory where he had told Merlin no man was worth his tears, and to "buck up" after Balinor had been killed.
Arthur saw Merlin inherit Balinor's powers and send the dragon away. Arthur had not killed the dragon. That was Merlin's feat of heroism and compassion.
As Arthur viewed the many instances of Merlin's heroic deeds; his skill, courage and sacrifice in saving Uther, himself, and Camelot using magic, all the times Merlin had saved his life without taking credit or desiring praise, he finally understood why Merlin hid his magic from him. He finally understood what Merlin had done was for him and Camelot. Arthur wanted to cry but kept watching as the horror continued for all the men.
They were shown Morgana's seer and magic powers emerge, and with it fear, because Uther had taught her and Arthur from a young age that magic was a choice people made. Uther taught his children and his people that those who choose magic, become selfish, evil, corrupt, manipulators bent on destroying the kingdom.
So of course, Morgana was isolated. She couldn't tell Arthur of her magic because he was bound to inform Uther of everything, regardless of the outcome, as he was Uther's heir. She had not shared her problem with Gwen for fear of implicating her friend whose father had already been falsely accused and murdered by Uther's command. Gaius and Merlin had succumbed to the dragon's manipulations and their fear of Uther to hide the truth from Morgana by potion and half truths. Their lack of honesty and action left Morgana bereft from any solution in Camelot.
Merlin and Gaius hung their heads in shame at this revelation. Sure, Merlin had sent her to the Druids, but, he had not shared his magic, his time, or focus with her. He had been too caught up in his destiny with Arthur.
Arthur hung his head in shame for taking so much of Merlin's time from Morgana.
Fear ruled all the other citizen's of Camelot. Morgana had no where to turn. Morgana had been afraid. She had not wanted her magic for all of these reasons. When people are in a place of fear, they never make good decisions.
In her desperation, Viviana's daughter turned to Morgause, only to be manipulated by twisted solutions to her visions, magical gifts, and family connection. The projection showed Morgause casting a dark curse over Morgana to control her mind. It was all so incredibly tragic as Viviana showed the results of their current path. Merlin was shown to kill Morgana. Arthur was killed by Mordred. Gwen was murdered. No Golden Age happened.
All three men had tears of sorrow and regret in their eyes, threatening to spill as truth unfolded.
"There is hope." Viviana said, looking on the men with compassion. She projected another reality where Arthur and Gwen were alive and ruling Albion successfully. Emrys and Le Fey were happily married, working together, using their knowledge, skills, and magic to protect, guide and teach. The Golden Age spread to the five kingdoms and beyond. There was peace, justice and prosperity. Children played, worked, and learned happily at their feet. Their subjects were happy, served each other, and treated each other fairly, justly and with respect. Everyone thrived. It was a Utopia.
This all played quickly and left Arthur, Merlin and Gaius turning to the beautiful woman in expectation. They wanted the second reality. They wanted peace. They wanted a golden age.
Viviana said. "There are conditions for this second reality to work. Arthur Pendragon." Her gaze was piercing as she evaluated the young king, preparing her next volley of information like a catapult.
Arthur withered and hung his head under her intense gaze.
"You need to support Merlin as "Emrys" as much as he supports you as the "Once and Future King".
Arthur had not said much, still in shock at the title Viviana had given him as, "the Once and Future King" along with all the other, very disturbing information.
Merlin was cringing in fear that Arthur would kill or banish him. After all, Viviana had exposed his magic and Dragonlord abilities and blasted Arthur's mistakes and characteristics just by showing the truth with her projections.
Hunith, Gaius, the dragon, the execution of Thomas Collins he had seen his first day in Camelot, and so many other events before and after that, were the voices that had driven home the need to conceal this magical part of himself to preserve his life. Merlin was holding his breath, hoping.
Arthur's brow furrowed. Simultaneously, he wanted to hit something, and cringe in the corner in shame. Instead, he took a deep cleansing breath, steeling himself to review what he had learned from Viviana about his father, his birth, Merlin's sacrifices, and Morgana's magic. It all made his head and heart hurt.
While Arthur was embarrassed that he had been given credit for Merlin's heroic deeds, he was actually overwhelmed and appreciated Merlin's loyalty. He didn't think he would have stuck around for the abuse Merlin had endured at his hand. He was also cowed by Viviana's power. While she had offered to help him, he knew and felt she could destroy him. That alone had stopped him from attacking. Her power was so pervasive.
"My father would be turning over in his grave. But after what I have learned today, that doesn't bother me much." Arthur was humbled. "Who am I to fight against the Gods, especially when they are trying to help me?" In addition to that," Arthur could feel Viviana's love and concern which calmed him greatly. " I will be happy to support Merlin as "Emrys".. and as a Dragonlord. Just tell me how."
Merlin could have hugged Arthur,and Gaius was visibly relieved. Arthur was showing real maturity.
Viviana continued, "Morgana is necessary and important to Merlin and important to your success, young king." Viviana said. "I do not want to see my daughter destroy herself through the hate Morgause has forced on her. Merlin needs time to free Morgana from the dark curse. Her magic, seer powers, intelligence and love make her indispensable as a great ally."
While Merlin was relieved that Arthur had seemed to so easily accept his magic so he would no longer have to hide it, Merlin blew out his cheeks in frustration and surprise with this current revelation that Morgana was necessary to his success. Sure he enjoyed Morgana but to actually change her mind and heart without the love potion in force was asking something he had been told was impossible. He was far from being the "Emrys" of prophecy, and Morgana was currently a problem he wasn't sure he could handle. The weight of the responsibility pushed down on his mind threatening to crush him. Merlin sat down involuntarily, putting his head in his hands, wanting to cry. His shoulders slumped and he rubbed his eyes with the heels of his hands.
Viviana saw Merlin's discouragement and lack of confidence and sought to build him up with her next words. "Emrys, the Gods gave you magic because of your great capacity to love and because of your courageous heart. You are an old soul. You have done some good things. But you have not always gotten the best advice." Viviana's gaze pierced the old man. "No offense intended towards you Gaius."
"None taken." Gaius said. He realized that even though he had experience, that experience had not always served him, Arthur, or Merlin when it came to helping or including Morgana in the future success of Camelot.
Merlin had not always gotten the best advice and looked up with a sort of relief on his face, almost nodding his head in agreement until he noticed how Gaius seemed to age ten years at the blatant truth. Both Kilgharah and Gaius had warned him away from Morgana and told him not to help her.
Viviana continued with brutal honesty focusing her comments on Merlin., "The secretiveness you have espoused at Gaius' and the dragon's request has not solved anything. In fact it has promoted distrust and violence. That is one major reason you are currently no closer to achieving your destiny than when Uther was alive. It is a hard lesson to learn." Viviana said as she looked at the men who were mostly hanging their heads in shame.
Viviana put her hand on Merlin's shoulder. "Take heart Merlin. There is something I must tell you."
Merlin looked at her with a question in his eyes./
""I know you have feelings for Morgana and she has feelings for you."/
Merlin's jaw dropped open in surprise at this stunning revelation, "But she hates me, doesn't she? She is under a love spell,...right?"
Viviana held up a hand and gave him a look to wait while she explained.
"That is why I gave Morgana the idea to mix the love potion for you. I changed the instructions in her book because the blood magic Morgause used is so powerful. The love spell was the only way to start the process to break it."
Viviana continued. "Merlin, your power and love will be required to completely free Morgana of the curse. Love is the strongest magic there is. This is why I gave her the idea for the love potion and then altered it. The love potion has amplified the feelings Morgana has always held for you. Even after the spell is lifted, feelings of love and loyalty will remain because they already existed."
"Already existed?...Morgana has real feelings for me?" Merlin asked in surprise.
Viviana sent him an affirmative nod. "The magic you share has been a connecting thread." Viviana looked him in the eye.
Merlin knew she spoke the truth and he could not deny the truth that rang throughout his body.
"I know you have always felt it. More importantly, your kindness, thoughtfulness, bravery, and heroism garnered Morgana's respect for you as a man. It has been locked away by Morgause's curse. To defeat it, you must understand it."
Now that Merlin understood his feelings were a residual effect of the love spell and his own true feelings about Morgana , he was relieved to get validation that Morgana truly reciprocated his feelings. It was comforting and encouraging. Merlin felt hope and warmth spread through his body. He was bolstered by Viviana's words of confidence in his abilities. He quickly gathered himself. "Explain Morgause's curse.""
Viviana recapped and added to what she had projected earlier. "The curse uses blood magic, Morgana's and Morgause's blood in particular. The curse was tied into Morgana's negative experiences and feelings and has magnified even small things that were initially of no significance. Morgana's blood, her magic, and negative feelings have fueled the spell making it self-renewing and stronger. That is why it is still in force even though Morgause is dead."
"What must I do?" Merlin asked.
"First you must go to the Druids, They will be able to help you. Then you must go to Morgana. Her magic and yours combined will be required to fulfill your mission. You will need to learn to rely on each other. Only then can you go to the Atzinganoi. "They have powerful magic and are ruled by Vadoma a great seer. She and her people will be able to help you in ways no one else can. Most importantly, you must go to seek out the Goddess.
You will not need to, nor should you lift the love spell until you have met with the Goddess. The love spell will not take away Morgana's free will, it will just help dampen the affects of Morgause's curse. Use the effects of the love spell to communicate positively with Morgana until you reach the Goddess."
Merlin blushed thinking of what that might entail.
Gaius chuckled nervously and quietly. He understood the power of the love spell in a greater degree than Merlin or Arthur. It was one of the least invasive as it only magnified what the person already felt for another.
Arthur was amused and started laughing. He always enjoyed Merlin's embarrassment. It helped him forget his own pressures. But he quit laughing when Viviana turned her piecing gaze on the chuckling man.
"Arthur, I suggest you work with Gaius to create peace with Mercia. I also suggest you arrange time every day to learn about and understand magic from Gaius until Merlin returns. It would be wise for you to involve your Queen, and your knights in the process. I will be working in the background."
Arthur started to protest. "What do you mean? "Working in the back ground? Does that mean you will be controlling people with magic?"
"No, Arthur." Viviana said as if correcting an errant child. "Just disseminating and enabling truth."
Arthur's face turned red in embarrassment. "So you are saying we have all been living under false pretenses?"
"Concerning the purge on magic? yes." Viviana almost smiled. "It is important that you calm yourself so you can think clearly and not lash out irrationally at Merlin or anyone else."
Arthur turned even more red, embarrassed at her assessment.
Merlin and Gaius struggled to hold in their laughter at Viviana's bluntness. She was saying things they wished they had said so many times. Arthur was hot headed, jumped to conclusions, and abused Merlin physically or verbally too often.
Viviana smiled at Arthur in a way that showed him she was not trying to belittle him before she continued in an imperious tone of grace and authority that quieted Arthur's outburst. "Everything I will do will be to stop bad rumors, encourage peace, and secure Camelot for you."
Arthur knew she was unveiling truth he needed to hear and he was able to smile back at her in gratitude.
Viviana then directed her words and attention to Merlin. "The Goddess will give you the tools to free Morgana from the love spell and lift Morgause's curse. You will also want to take Aithusa with you."
Merlin blinked looking at Viviana with a confused expression on his face. "Why Aithusa?"
Viviana smiled as she faded from the room. "All will be revealed in time. I will be watching over all of you."
Arthur, unsettled by all the revelations, looked around a bit nervously. "Is she gone?"
"Yes." Merlin said getting nervous. Thus his next words, "However, she did say she will be watching all of us."
"Arthur rubbed a hand through his hair in frustrated embarrassment, then sighed. "Don't worry Merlin. I will take her advice to not hurt you. I wouldn't want to anger the Heavenly beings she is serving."
Merlin let out a sigh of relief. "So, does that mean you are going to give me a day off? You aren't going to kill or banish me?"
As always, Merlin's words riled Arthur.
Arthur deliberately stepped towards the man he realized he barely knew with an unreadable expression,
Merlin was wishing he had said nothing and stepped back.
Arthur was enjoying Merlin's fear a little too much before he decided to give Merlin a break. "Go! Be Emrys! Find Morgana!" He brought a finger up to Merlin's nose in an almost threatening manner. "When you come back, we will have a more thorough discussion and you will answer all my questions."
"Yes Sire." Merlin grinned as he got his ruck sack, threw in some food, supplies and a change of clothes. He then walked quickly to the stables to saddle his horse.