Chapter 8

Despite the screaming nightmares, Merlin and Morgana had really enjoyed their days of travel. When they were in open areas, they would strengthen their horse with their magic as they had done on the second day of their journey. It was always exhilarating to move with such speed and freedom.

Viviana would sometimes visit them after they had set up camp and show them new magic. One of the things she shared with them was how she been using a protective spell.

Morgana shared how she and Morgause had set up protective wards to hide their presence.

Viviana, Morgana and Merlin spent quite a bit of time discussing the difference between Morgause's method and Viviana's method. They tried both methods and discovered they were both effective in different ways. Viviana taught Merlin and Morgana her version. The young witch and warlock later walked around the perimeter of the camp setting up the protective wards as they went.

Viviana had left before they did this and Morgana commented on how much better, and more fun, she had doing Viviana's version of the protective spell with Merlin, in contrast to Morgause who was always so dark, serious and focused on manipulating or taking power. These moments became precious to Morgana and she found herself cherishing them and looking forward to the times Viviana would visit to teach them more magic. They spent quite a bit of time working on healing, protective and defensive spells. They continued to practice the transportation spell and were able to travel further every time they tried it.

Merlin had to agree it was more fun than being with Arthur. They laughed over their inside joke. It was something that came up daily, even hourly how much they enjoyed doing things with each other rather than anyone else. They always laughed and were enjoying the friendship, the philia, that was blossoming between them.

Knowing Aithusa needed to be involved as soon as possible due to Iselder's and Viviana's urging, Merlin finally dug up the courage to introduce Morgana to his Dragons. Viviana had just left them with a pointed look to Merlin that the broaching of this subject was long past due, but that everything would be fine. Merlin had taken courage and held out his hand for Morgana to take. "Come with me." Merlin said. "There is something I must show you.

Smiling at his invitation, Morgana took his hand. They walked to a large field, set up some more protective barriers that would block anyone or anything from seeing or hearing them before they settled themselves comfortably on some logs.

Merlin saw Morgana relax and knew it was Viviana wrapping her love and comfort around Morgana's mind and heart like a warm blanket that pushed against the dark curse, soothing and increasing the love spell that enabled her to listen. Viviana, disappeared as Merlin began his tale.

Morgana was swept into the telling and listened raptly as Merlin shared how his father, Balinor, had met his mother, and they had fallen in love, But then, Uther's blind hatred of all things magic had continued to pursue Balinor because of his Dragonlord abilities. Balinor had been forced to leave behind the woman he loved to escape Uther's purge. Balinor had never known he had a son.

Morgana was simultaneously angered and saddened to the point of tears, that once again, Uther's prejudice and hatred for magic had destroyed a family.

Merlin shared how he and Arthur had gone to find Balinor after Kilgharah attacked Camelot and how Balinor was initially against helping the duo because of Uther's betrayal.

Morgana could hardly blame Balinor. She was shocked the Dragonlord had changed his mind, and eventually sacrificed himself, taking the sword intended for Merlin, passing his Dragonlord powers to Merlin when he died.

Morgana listened carefully and was weeping by the time Merlin got to that part.

Merlin himself was finding it hard to control his emotions as he told the story. The tears and sorrow and love? he saw in Morgana's own eyes opened the floodgate to the sorrow he had held in check for years and for the first time since Balinor had died, Merlin allowed himself to cry as Morgana held his head on her shoulder while he wept.

Morgana shared her memories of her father as Merlin carefully listened and returned the favor, holding Morgana while she soaked his shirt with her tears. Here was one more thing they shared that strengthened their friendship. Both of them had lost their fathers in violent and tragic ways. It was cathartic for both of them to share the good memories of their fathers and finally, completely mourn their loss and release pent up sorrow.

It was much later when Merlin turned to Morgana and said, "There is more I need to show you." He stood up pulling Morgana with him.

Merlin threw back his head and roared in a language she had never heard before that sent shock waves through her body.

"What did you do? She asked, trembling at the magical currents of power surrounding her and coursing through her frame causing her legs to tremble till she thought she would not be able to stand.

"I just called my dragon." Merlin said noticing her trembling, he put an arm around her to keep her from falling.

Morgana took several deep breaths, fighting to control her weakness. "You mentioned this before, but, really, you actually have a dragon?"

Merlin nodded.

"You truly are a Dragonlord," Morgana said in shock, awe, and amazement at the powerful magic she still felt rolling off of Merlin, surrounding and penetrating her body and the entire clearing. It was so overwhelming, she passed out, but Merlin caught her before she hit the ground pulling her onto his lap as he sat on the logs.

He was patting her cheeks and rubbing her back trying to revive her when Aithusa arrived.

Aithusa smiled in her dragon way, glad to see the two people she loved most in the world together.

While Morgana was passed out, Merlin studied Aithusa's deformed body and was appalled. Unlike their short meeting at Ismere, he now had time to really investigate what had caused Aithusa' injuries, stunted her development and twisted her limbs.

Merlin had left her with Kilgharah thinking she would be protected, her needs and wants met. Instead, he had found her with Morgana, only able to moan and squawk in reply, unable to speak. It was a struggle for Merlin to communicate with the small white dragon with only colors, feelings, or pictures.

It was to this Morgana awoke. Not wanting to interrupt, she listened to Merlin's ever more concerned, almost frantic inquiries. She could not stop the tears and sobs that escaped her as she watched her beloved Aithusa in so much pain.

Merlin turned when he heard her sob and saw her tears wondering why in the world she was so upset. "What is wrong Morgana?"

"It is my fault she is this way Merlin." Morgana sniffled.

Merlin put his arms around her as she cried into his shirt. "How could this possibly be your fault?"

She raised her head from Merlin's shoulder and shared how Aithusa had healed her from certain death after her last takeover in Camelot and protected her in captivity with the Sarum.

Morgana could have gotten away. However, the Sarum had captured her dragon and threatened to hurt Aithusa if Morgana did not comply.

Aithusa sat by watching Morgana as the most horrible experiences of their lives were unfolded to Merlin. Aithusa let out small sounds while Morgana was talking and Merlin saw the small dragon affirming Morgana's story by nodding her head, showing agreement and sympathy and pain at everything Morgana said.

Merlin felt tears prickle his eyes and fall as the story unfolded. He also felt surprised to see the love in Aithusa's eyes for Morgana and how the white dragon cuddled closer as the story progressed, trying to give the dark, tortured, troubled woman some comfort.

Morgana had done the best she could to ease Aithusa's growing pains while in the oubliette, using magic to soothe the agony caused by her twisting deformities during their imprisonment. Morgana and Aithusa had shared the scraps of food that so infrequently came to them. Magic had sustained both of them. Normal people or animals would have died.

It was apparent Aithusa was not afraid and cared deeply for the dark woman who was Morgana. Or was Morgana so dark since she had sacrificed her own safety and tried to help relieve Aithusa's suffering. It was apparent the love between the woman and dragon was real. Morgana endured whippings and other abuses from the Sarum and his men during numerous torture sessions to protect Aithusa.

Merlin's blood was boiling in anger. How dare the Sarum hurt his dragon and his future wife.

After hearing the story, Merlin gathered Morgana into his arms as she wept against his shirt and told her they would deal with the Sarum as soon as possible because he now understood why there was such a bond between Morgana and Aithusa. Aithusa had been a protector and guardian of Morgana's sanity and the trapped feelings held by the curse while in the pit.

Learning of this captivity lowered Merlin's defenses towards Morgana more than anything. This captivity seemed to be karma, punishment for many of the horrible things Morgana had done. More importantly, if his dragon liked Morgana and saw good in her, Morgana was worth saving. Merlin found himself liking Morgana more everyday. This was (philia) and real love because they were trusting and sharing their deepest secrets and sorrows.

The captivity also made Merlin angry. How dare the Sarum hurt his kin? He again told Morgana they would deal with the Sarum as soon as possible.

It warmed Morgana's heart. While she knew Merlin was no longer under her spell, she was happy to be the recipient of his concern, care and kindness. It made her feelings grow more positive towards Merlin and helped drive back the darkness.

Merlin apologized "All this time, I judged incorrectly. I did not know about your imprisonment and torture. He was shaking his head and frowning in disbelief and guilt. "What has happened to you both is horrible. I am so sorry. Aithusa is my responsibility. I left her in Kilgharah's care and this happened." Compounded guilt and anger, like he had never experienced before, rose in his heart and propelled him to stand and call to Kilgharah. Merlin felt an irrepressible need to confront the great dragon on his lapse of care, Aithusa's condition and horrendous experience.

Morgana was again overwhelmed by the power rolling off of Merlin when he called the great dragon. Instead of passing out. She held onto Merlin for dear life praying her trembling body would not be noticed.

But Merlin did notice and wrapped his arms around her and kissed her chastely. Merlin was holding her close and stroking her hair which did much to assuage her shock and weakness, even though kissing Merlin weakened her in a whole other way. He weakened the darkness in her, and made her toes curl. She pressed herself closer craving his strength, warmth and love as she clung to him.

Aithusa smiled at their budding love. This was the reason she had healed Morgana in the first place. This was the reason she had suffered in the pit. Aithusa knew then, like she knew now, that Merlin and Morgana were a perfect match for each other and were destined to be together.

Their moment was interrupted by a trill of warning from Aithusa just before Kilgharah arrived.

Kilgharah had roared in anger when he first saw the witch and sent a flame from his mighty jaws to roast her.

But Merlin's anger boiling hot had subdued the flames and the great dragon throwing the beast across the field to land on his back commanding the great dragon to never attack Morgana or himself again.

The dragon was shocked and amazed at Merlin's power and suitably subdued, and answered the young Dragonlord as he questioned the great beast about Aithusa.

Kilgharah justified himself saying Aithusa had gone off to hunt. Kilgharah thought nothing of it as dragons live long and are not easily hurt.

"So you never heard Aithusa's cries, because you were so wrapped up in your bitterness." Morgana was livid at Kilgharah's nonchalance and harangued the great dragon. "You claim you cared for her when you neglected my precious Aithusa."

When Kilgharah started to turn on Morgana and call her a witch, Merlin commanded Kilgharah to stop and again blasted the great dragon across the field for manipulating him to exact revenge and not telling him of the prophecy where he and Morgana could be happy together.

Kilgharah, was shocked, dumbfounded, stunned, amazed, and more than ruffled at the power Merlin had displayed in throwing him across the field, landing on his back. but he was still angry that Merlin was with the witch, hardly repentant for his lack of care, and attempted to vindicate himself saying that he had only done what he thought best

Merlin snarled at that concession and used his Dragonlord powers to command Kilgharah;

First- Never refer to Morgana as a witch, but to call her by her name or refer to her as a high priestess.

Kilgharah reluctantly agreed as he could not refuse Merlin's Dragonlord power.

Second- Heal Aithusa's deformities.

Kilgharah had honored that request immediately, breathing a golden sparkly flame on Aithusa. Everywhere the flame touched Aithusa, transformation was phenomenal and instantaneous. The white dragon's twisted body and wings became straight, perfect, beautiful, stronger, larger and longer. Her dull white patchy scales filled in completely with a hard shiny opalescent glow.

When Morgana saw the change, she ran to Aithusa, overwhelmed with happy tears streaming down her face. She hugged Aithusa tightly as her dragon crooned into her neck surprising Morgana when she said in a little girl's voice, also a result of Kilgharah's healing mist, that none of this was Morgana's fault, and she would do it again, as she considered Morgana her mother kin.

"You called me mother." Morgana's eyes prickled with tears at the new title bestowed by her beloved Aithusa.

You love me, take care of me." Aithusa said. "That is what mother's do. I love you mother."

Morgana was so happy her precious white dragon no longer suffered, she looked to the great grimacing Dragon and hugged his snout in gratitude, smiling past the negativity of the whole situation and the scaly beast, "Thank you Kilgharah," she said, "for healing my Aithusa."

Third-Merlin had finally commanded Kilgharah to never lie to him again and to leave unless he was called.

Kilgharah had nodded and bowed to Merlin before stirring the air with great beatings of his wings as he rose into the sky and flew away.

It was only after Kilgharah's form had disappeared into a small speck that Merlin was able to calm himself enough to join Aithusa and Morgana in what could almost be called a family hug.

Merlin felt this might go really well as Morgana was in such a happy mood from seeing her beloved dragon-daughter cured, whole and pain free. He sighed, his stomach grumbling.

Morgana laughed as hers grumbled too. "There is soup back at camp we can warm."

"That would be good. I am starving." Merlin said. and suggested they head back to camp.

Aithusa was walking behind them, then running between them. Then in front of them. She finally was taking off into the night sky, trying out her new wings. It was a beautiful sight to watch as Aithusa soared above the trees in her joy and happiness. Merlin and Morgana watched her with the pride and joy of new parents.

They walked in silence watching Aithusa and smiling largely at her antics. Aithusa had told them she would be hunting and wheeled away into the sky.

After more days of travel, Morgana seemed so much happier as Aithusa was well and with them. But it was a double edged sword as Morgana's conscience was starting to work again due to being around Merlin and Aithusa. She would wake screaming and crying as her visions and nightmares of things she had done in the past battered her conscious and sanity. Her screams would wake Merlin and Aithusa as the horror of her past actions and the dream of the previous nights unfolded.

Merlin would always wake and immediately go to her side, holding her in his arms trying to comfort her, able in a large degree to calm Morgana and knew they both needed help but was reluctant to stray from their goal of finding the Goddess as the curse was also a horrible issue.

After a week of this, Viviana appeared and hugged Morgana sending waves of comfort through her as she had done before.

Morgana was finally able to calm down and the three of them had a serious discussion that lasted the rest of the night.

Merlin was anxious to help and told Morgana he had visited with the Druids about this issue and Iselder had encouraged him to be part of her training.

Morgana was reluctant saying, "But we need to find the Goddess. I need to be free of this curse."

Viviana told them Morgana's visions/nightmares took priority at this time, enough that they needed to halt their search for the Goddess, find the Druids, and take advantage of the proffered instruction as soon as possible, for as long as necessary.

Viviana's assurance gave a measure of peace to Merlin and Morgana so they could set aside their guilt to focus on something equally important.

Morgana allowed herself to feel thrilled to learn. She could finally get help with the visions and dreams that had plagued her whole life.

Merlin was happy to be part of the solution.

All three of them decided to start the journey immediately as the sun had risen.

They quickly ate some rations and packed up their belongings.

Viviana suggested using the transportation spell as it would save time and would be good practice.

Merlin and Morgana were more than amenable to this as the distance was further, and the cargo greater than anything they had yet tried. Aithusa had joined in the planning and effort and was going to lend her magical power as well. They were excited and carefully listened as Viviana instructed them in how to help her transport themselves, Aithusa, their horses and all their equipment to the Druid camp.

Merlin and Morgana had Aithusa between them, closing the circle touching their horses loaded with their equipment and holding onto Viviana. The words Vivian used were different and the ride was much calmer to the Druid camp than their previous efforts at transportation.