Author's note : Hello, everyone. Thanks to everyone who reviewed, favourited and followed my story. This story now have 80+ favourites, 150+ reviews and 21k+ views. You people are really great. But I have some bad news. This story is going on a hiatus for a month. I am sorry. But the pressure of study is increasing. If I continue writing ignoring my studies, the quality of the chapters will fall. Surely, you won't want that. But the good news is I have planned out the entire story. It will have at least sixty chapters. And I am assuming that it will be more than 200k words long. Also a good news for Arthur fans, he will pop up in chapter 18 and Morgana isn't far behind.
Alright. Enough with my ranting. Enjoy this chapter and please leave a review. They always make me feel good.
Chapter 16
Tell me your sins
Merlin at first refused to become the master of destruction school and Arch-Mage. He admitted that he was good in battle magic but he had never taught anyone magic. So, he was nervous that he would do a bad job in teaching.
But Iseldir was firm in his decision. He wouldn't hear any of Merlin's excuses.
" Didn't you defeat High Priestess Nimueh ? " Iseldir asked.
" Yes, I did. But it was rather- " Iseldir didn't let Merlin to finish his words.
" And weren't you the secret protector of Camelot who has defeated many magical beasts and sorcerers ? "
" Yes, I have. " Merlin said feeling that he was losing this arguement.
" We've heard that you've vanquished a Sidhe elder , killed a questing beast and defeated Cornelius Sigan himself, are those rumours true ? " Vendrick asked.
Now Merlin was feeling embarassed.
" Yes. Yes. "
" And don't don't forget that he has defeated The Triple Goddess. " Daegal said.
" Not The Goddess, actually. It was The Cursed One. " Merlin corrected.
" Yes, Uriel told us about that. But that's not the point. " Alator said with impatience growing in his voice.
" Then what is ? " Merlin countered with equal annoyance.
" That you are very good in battle magic and you are the most- no, the only one eligible for the post. And you are Emrys for The One's sake ! You are the greatest warlock to ever live. There is no one more fit for the post of Arch-Mage than you.
Please, Merlin just agree with us. It will be good for the academy and for the people of Elmet. Please. " Iseldir pleaded.
" But I never taught anyone before. It will be a disaster. " Merlin made a last attempt to refuse the proposal.
This time Freya spoke up.
" There's first time for everything, Merlin. I was nervous too on my first day as a teacher. But the masters helped me. And now I am doing quite a decent work. Don't worry about teaching. We all will help you, won't we ? " Freya looked at her fellow masters.
The other five masters nodded.
" See ? You are not alone in this. We are all with you. So, please agree Merlin. The children need a teacher on offensive magic. And you can do the job. So, Please. Pretty please with a cherry on top. " Freya pleaded.
" Agree with her, Merlin. It's not polite to dismiss your entire council's request especially when the request is made for the good of this kingdom. " Hunith urged Merlin and the young warlock understood that now he had no choice but to agree. He knew that they would not stop until he agreed with them.
' And it's not a bad job. It will give me chance to learn more about magic. Maybe I should agree. After all, being an Arch-Mage can't be as hard as being Arthur's servant. ' Merlin mused.
He took a deep breath and said , " Alright. I agree. "
" Hip Hip Hurray ! " Daegal cheered.
" Thank you, Merlin. Now the academy can finally begin to teach offensive magic to the disciples. " Alator said in gratitude.
" And that's essential because soon we will be needing a military, what do you say Merlin ? " Gilli asked.
" Oh yeah. I competely forgot about that. We will obviously be needing an army to defend this land from other kingdoms' warmongering kings. We will start building it after our rescue mission. We will leave for Amata at dawn tomorrow. And we will rescue our kins from the persecution of Amata " Merlin said with conviction.
" So says the king, " Iseldir said loudly.
" Is there anything else important that we have to discuss ? " Merlin asked.
All of the councilors nooded in negative.
" Then this council is adjourned. " Merlin said and the blue light glowing at the center of the stone table vanished.
OOOOOOOOOOOOO
Iseldir brought Merlin and Hunith to their new residence, 'The Commander's Quarters ' . It was not nearly as large and lavish as the royal chambers of Camelot but it was a moderatively nice chamber. It had three rooms. Two master bedrooms and one small antechamber. There was also a bath chamber and a kitchen.
Merlin liked the chambers. He was delighted to see the kitchen. Iseldir told him that during war time, the royals of Elmet cooked themselves. That's why there was a kitchen in that chamber.
Merlin always loved his mother's cooking and he was so excited to think that from now on, he would get more chance to eat his mother's heavenly cooking. Speaking of his mother, he remembered that he needed to have a hard talk with his mother.
Sure, he had agreed with her in the council chamber about taking her with him but there's no way in hell he would place his mother in harm's way deliberately. And besides, someone needed to be regent here in capital while he was in Amata.
So, when Iseldir bade goodbye and left him and his mother alone, Merlin closed the door and confronted his mother.
" What were you thinking ? "
Hunith was taken aback by her son's sudden question. So, all Merlin got from her mother was a questioning frown.
" Why did you want to join us ? "
" We've been through this matter, Merlin. Must we do this again ? " Hunith asked .
" Yes, I don't want you to go. " Merlin said firmly.
" But you agreed at the council. What changed your mind ? " Hunith asked again.
" I didn't want to create a scene there. " Merlin said calmly.
The he spoke again. " C'mon, mother. You yourself said that you are nearing your fifty and This mission is going to be risky one. "
" Are you saying that I am old ? " Hunith asked threateningly.
Merlin gulped down and said, " Yes. "
" Hmph. I can beat you in a sword fight, Merlin. Maybe even Morgana. You haven't seen me in action. " Hunith was becoming increasingly annoyed at his son's protective behaviour.
" Hey! I have improved these past years. " Merlin protested.
" Look, mother. It's not the point. I am going to Amata and someone needs to stay here to look after the kingdom. Even Iseldir and Alator is going. I need you to be here as regent. "
Merlin was becoming desperate. He was making all these excuses for keeping his mother safe. Sure, his mother could wield a sword but they were going againsr Amatans.
Merlin had seen them in Camelot. They were mean, cruel and strong fighters. Sarrum might be dead but his impressive army was still intact. Only magic could stand a chance against them. And Merlin would die before he put his mother in danger.
But his mother was proven as stubborn as himself and he was having a hard time persuading her. As proof Hunith refused again. " Anyone from the council can be chosen as regent. Finna could do a fine job. "
This time Merlin finally lost it. " Damn it, mother. Why do you have to be so stubborn ? " He screamed in exasperation.
" I don't want you to go because... " Merlin stopped talking and went on his knees.
" I don't want to lose you. I am finally free, mother. And I want to enjoy my freedom with you. The Amatans are powerful. I don't want you to get hurt. I've already lost father. I don't want to lose you too. Please , mother. I beg of you. " Merlin began to cry.
Seeing her son crying broke Hunith's heart. She kneeled before her son and raised his chin with her hand. Tears were runnnig down Merlin's face. When they locked eyes, Merlin engulfed her in a tight embrace and began to cry on her shoulder.
" I can't lose you, mother. For the first time in many years, I am happy. I don't want this happiness snatched away from me. Please mother, just don't go. " Merlin said while sniffling.
Hunith stroke her hand through Merlin's black hair and kiseed his crown of the head.
" Shhhh. My boy, don't cry. You're a king now. Kings don't cry. What would others think if they find you like this ? Stop acting like a boy and be a man. You're 25 for Goodness' sake. " Hunith said soothingly and tried to look at Merlin but his son was still holding her tightly.
" Merlin ? "
" Promise me that you will stay here otherwise, I won't release you. " Merlin said stubbornly.
Hunith remained silent for a few seconds but in the end, she yielded to her son's demand finding no other way.
" Very well. I promise that I will be regent here. Happy now ? "
Merlin released his mother and stood up. " Thank you, mother. " He said in a low tone.
Hunith wiped away Merlin's tears and said smilingly.
" Naughty boy. "
Merlin smiled hearing his mother's words. He was relieved that his mother would stay here. He felt quite proud. Persuasing his mother had always been a hard job.
" Just promise me one thing. " Hunith said and this Merlin sensed worry in his mother's voice.
" Anything, mother. "
" Please come back safely, okay? Don't take any unecessary risks. I can't lose you too. You are too precious to me. " This time tear was threatening to fall from Hunith's eyes.
Merlin took his mother's hand in his and said softly, " I promise, mother. I promise. "
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
A few hours later
It turned out that the dragon's clearing was not inside the city. It was at the outer city near the learning ground.
After the council and the confrontation with his mother, Merlin took an hour long rest, then he went out in order to check out how Aithusa was faring. So, he went to Iseldir's house and asked Iseldir to take him to the dragon's clearing.
They went out of the inner city and after a long walk, they reached the dragon's clearing. In fact, it was a large meadow. Very large. Boulders were scattered throughout the field here and there. And the white dragon, Aithusa was perched on top of one of the boulders. She was yawning. Merlin deduced that she had just awoken from her sleep.
Seeing Merlin, Aithusa chirped happily and flew towards him. She landed before Merlin and began to coo. Merlin sat beside her. He began to pat the dragon gently on the head and she snuggled closer to Merlin.
" Um. Merlin, I should go. I have a history lesson to give to some of the children in a few moments. " Iseldir said.
" Alright, Iseldir. But thanks for your help. "
Iseldir nodded and left the clearing. After the Druid chieftain left, Merlin looked at Aithusa.
' Hello, Aithusa. Did you have a nice sleep? ' Merlin asked telepathetically.
' Yes, father. This place is amazing. It is the best place I've ever been. ' Aithusa answered happily in Merlin's mind.
Merlin smiled hearing Aithusa's reply. He was taken aback when the dragon first called him father last night near Ealdor. But now, his heart became filled with joy and affection for the dragon. It reminded him of the moments when Aren called him ' Uncle Merl ' .
' It's good to see you happy here. It's the least I can do for you. I am so sorry that I wasn't there for you when you needed me. ' Merlin said sadly while scratching Aithusa's chin.
' Don't be sorry, father. You're here now and that's what really matters. Just don't leave me again, okay ? ' Aithusa's eyes were pleading.
' No. No. I promise. I promise I won't leave you again. ' Merlin answered and Aithusa again began to chirp happily.
They sat in the meadow for a long time without saying a word. They didn't need to say anything. They were kins. Aithusa's strong magical aura soothed the young warlock's mind and Merlin could tell that Aithusa was enjoying his company too.
Then something came into Merlin's mind.
' Aithusa, can I ask you something ? '
' Anything, father. '
' Who injured you ? '
Aithusa's form stiffened at the question. She looked at her lord and for the first time during his time with Aithusa, Merlin saw fear in her eyes.
' I don't want to tell. ' Aithusa answered.
' Why ? ' Merlin asked. He really wanted to know. He wanted to exact revenge on the ones who had hurt his dragon.
' It's too painful. Maybe one day I will tell you. But not today. '
Merlin affirmatively nodded at Aithusa and the dragon relaxed again.
After a while, she spoke up again.
' Father ? '
' Hmmm. ' Merlin responded.
' Can I see your magic ? '
' What ? '
' Your magic. I want you to do magic. '
Merlin stared at Aithusa. He was a little surprised hearing Aithusa's request. Well, why shouldn't he be ? Nobody has asked him to do magic in many years. In his childhood, Merlin performed magic on request of Will. His best friend had always been fascinated by his magic.
Those were the happiest times in his life. Those were the times before Arthur, times before destiny and times before all those stupid prophecies. Yes, he used magicin Camelot. But that was only to survive or to protect someone.
He didn't use magic to have fun or to feel happy. He used his gift solely for the protection of Arthur, for destiny and for Albion.
Alas! Those were just lies. Arthur was never meant to bring back magic. His life's work was nothing but meaningless.
But it seemed fate was not too cruel on him. He had got another chance. Here in Elmet, he had finally become free. Free from fear, free from persecution, free from Arthur and free from destiny.
So, why not use some magic for fun ? Merlin thought.
He grinned at Aithusa. " Let the fun begin, shall we ? "
Aithusa nodded happily and released a small blast of flame.
Merlin's eyes glowed gold and the flame stopped in midair. Then it began to grow larger. Soon, it turned into a giant fireball. Then the young warlock waved his hand and the fireball turned into a giant flying spectral dragon.
Aithusa's eyes widened seeing this. She had seen Morgan doing magic. But her father's magic was entirely different. It was elemental and beautiful. She had never seen something like this.
The spectral dragon continued flying throughout the meadow. Merlin waved his hand again and then it turned into a phoenix, the fire bird of the legend. To say the bird was beautiful, was an understatement. It looked fierce and beautiful at the same time. As if it was presenting Merlin's own magic itself. Aithusa began to run after the phoenix and then began to fly with it.
She roared in delight. Merlin was surprised. That was the first time, he heard Aithusa roaring.
' My little daughter is growing up, ' Merlin thought affectionately.
After a long time of flying with the phoenix, Aithusa landed near Merlin again and snuggled up to him. Merlin patted on Aithusa's head gently with his left hand and waved at the phoenix with his right. The phoenix disintegrated into minuscule shards of fire spark and began to fall from the sky like rain.
' That was awesome, father. I had never seen anything like that before. ' Aithusa said in delight inside Merlin's head.
' Had fun ? ' Merlin asked.
Aithusa nodded happily. She seemed too happy and Merlin's heart leapt with joy . At last, he was doing his duty as a dragonlord. He was protecting his kin and trying to give the love she needed desperately.
' Father, I hope you will be proud of me. ' Merlin thought.
His thought was disrupted by a sudden sound of clapping.
He looked at the direction of the noise and saw Daegal, Gilli and Freya was standing at the border of the meadow. Alll three of them were clapping.
Merlin smiled at them. They came closer to him.
" Wow. That's some magic trick ! " Daegal said loudly. He was bursting with excitement.
Merlin beconed them to sit down. All three of them sat next to him. " So, you liked it ? " Merlin asked.
" Liked it ? That was the most amazing thing I have ever seen. And I have been seeing many amazing things since my staying with the Catha. " Gilli said hardly able to conceal the wonderment in his voice.
" It reminded me of that night. " Freya almost whispered.
Merlin looked at her. She was smiling softly. He understood which night she was mentioning. It was that night when he showed her his magic and felt a connection with her for the first time.
Freya was wearing a sleeved and hooded blue robe over a long red gown and a small white tree was embroidered at the left side of the robe just above her heart. The dress made her look like a scholar and Merlin thought it suited her. But he was curious about the peculiar dress she was wearing.
" What are you wearing, Freya ? " Merlin asked.
" Oh, this ? This is the official robe for the master of alteration. You'll get one too. The tailors are already working on it. Your robe is going to be gold one with a symbol of a dragon embroidered here. " Freya poked at the place where his heart was.
Merlin smiled nervously. He was still thinking that making him a master would end up in a disaster. So, to overcome his nervousness, he wanted to change the subject.
" So, how did you find me here ? " Daegal gave the answer.
" Oh. That was not too hard. I was just taking a walk around the academy as I don't have any class to take this afternoon. Then Freya joined me after giving lesson to some of the Cathas. We went to the training ground and found Gilli duelling with a priest. "
Gilli cut in. " After the duel which I won descisively- " Merlin grinned hearing Gilli's boastimg.
" I joined both of the great masters. " Freya shoved Gilli playfully.
" Get to the point now. " Merlin said impatiently although a small smile was still plastered on his face.
" Oh! Yes. We thought that we should find our esteemed king as we have a lot to catch up to. So, we went to your chambers and found your mother. She told us that you went to the dragon's clearing. And thus we found you here playing with your baby dragon. " Daegal finished with a chuckle.
Aithusa huffed hearing Daegal's words and a small wisp of smoke escaped her mouth.
" Careful there, Daegal. Aithusa doesn't like being called baby. She is almostt four years old now. " Merlin said with a hint of amusement in his voice.
Daegal gave Aithusa an apologestic look and said, " Sorry about that. I was just joking. It won't happen again. "
Aithusa nodded her head moodily and everyone of them chuckled lightly.
Suddenly Gilli clapped his hand and said, " Alright, then. Let's get on with it. " Both Freya and Daegal nodded.
" Get on with what ? " Merlin asked confusingly.
" We came here to know what happened with you in Camelot. " Daegal said calmly.
" But you already know what happened. Didn't Uriel tell you ? " Merlin asked hesitantly. He was not in the mood to recall all those painful recent memories.
" Only bits and pieces. We want to know what really happened. We want to hear it from you. You always spoke so highly of Arthur. Why would he turn on you just because you had magic ? " Freya asked.
" That's the thing, Freya . Magic. That's the only problem with Arthur. That was also Uther's problem. He found out about my magic and threw away our eight year long friendship. Although I am already begining to suspect if he ever considered me as his friend. " Merlin said sadly.
Freya gently put her hand on Merlin's shoulder. She didn't say anything. But there was no need. Freya's small gesture of affection made Merlin feel a lot better.
All on a sudden , Aithusa began to fidget nervously.
' What is it, Aithusa ? ' Merlin asked telepathetically.
' The great dragon approaches. ' Aithusa said fearfully.
' Kilgharrah ? Where ? ' Merlin asked again.
Aithusa raised her head towards the sky. The others did the same and saw it. A small black shape becoming bigger and bigger with each passing seconds. And soon , they all saw him clearly. The great dragon, Kilgharrah was coming straight towards them.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
" I am sorry, Young Warlock. " That was the first thing Kilgharrah said after landing before Merlin and his friends.
Merlin was shocked. He never expected the dragon to apologise. He didn't even apologise after attacking Camelot so, Merlin was really surprised. He looked at his friends and saw that they were surprised too and all of them stood still.
But dragons didn't apologise let alone Kilgharrah even if he was a manipulative bastard. So, Merlin looked the dragon in the eye and asked with fake incredulity, " Excuse me ? I must have misheard. I thought you said ' I am sorry '. "
" No, young warlock. You have heard right. I am truly sorry for what Arthur has done to you. My judgement on him was wrong. And it seems that all prophecies are not set in stone. "
Kilgharrah's voice seemed filled with genuine sorrow. But Merlin was not going to but any of that. What he did to him was horrible. He forced him to abandon Morgana and provoked him to kill Mordred. Merlin knew that he was a coward and sinner. But Kilgharrah was not innocent either. He spouted riddles and prophecies all these eight years.
He told him to believe in Arthur. That he would return magic in Albion. That their destiny was set in stone. And now that Arthur had shown his true colour, the dragon had come here asking for his forgiveness saying that all prophecies were not absolute ?
Merlin ws seething in anger. He began to breath heavily. It took all his willpower to stop him from attacking the dragon. Suddenly, something popped inside his mind.
' Hang on. How did he know about Arthur's deeds ? I didn't tell him anything. ' Merlin mused.
" How do you know about Arthur Pendragon's doings ? I didn't tell you anything. So, who did ? " The last sentence almost came out as a growl from Merlin's mouth. But he didn't care.
" Aithusa. " Kilgharrah gave the short answer.
Merlin certainly didn't expect that answer. He was going to ask Aithusa. But the young dragon spoke first.
' During our trip on the lake, you were saying everything that happened in Camelot to Lady Hunith. I thought Kilgharrah should hear it too. So, I contacted him and relayed everything that I heard. Please don't be mad at me, father. ' Aithusa said desperately in Merlin's mind.
Merlin's face softened hearing Aithusa calling him father.
' No, Aithusa. I am not angry with you. You did what you thought best. My only quarrel is with Kilgharrah. ' Merlin softly said in Aithusa's mind.
Merlin returned his attention towards the Great Dragon.
He took a deep breath to calm the raging anger inside his mind. But it helped little.
Oh well. He was going to give Kilgharrah a piece of his mind anyway. After today, the dragon would think twice before messing with his mind. Merlin thought silently.
He started speaking calmly. " What should I say, Kilgharrah ? Your words first gave my magic a reason. But in time, you began to manipulate me. You began to control me implicitly.
You forced me to abandon Morgana, instigated me to kill Mordred. You told me that he would kill Arthur and be an ally of Morgana. Well, where is he now? He's dead. You made me to watch countless innocents die. All in the names of a damn prophecy. And now, you tell me all prophecies are not absolute after ruining Morgana, Mordred and my life. You think a sorry will suffice ? " He began to yell at the end.
Kilgharrah wanted to say something but Merlin didn't give him the chance.
" For eight years, I have sacrificed my life and limb for Arthur so that he may one day free magic. Imagine my surprise when I hear that it was not Arthur but me who was meant to free magic. Do you know how it feels ? To know that all your life's works were for nothing ? Well, do you ? " Merlin was completely losing himself in blind rage.
" You dragons are too damn proud. Always so sure of yourself and all those cursed prophecies. If you had heeded Torygg's warning, Mordred would have been alive and Morgana would have still remained that innocent, happy girl. And I wouldn't have to go through all these pains. "
Kilgharrah's head shot up hearing Torygg's name.
" Where did you hear Torygg's name ? " The dragon asked with a serious tone in his voice.
" Uriel told me everything. He told me about his warning. Torygg warned you all dragons that the visions of crystal were not always meant to happen in the future. He warned you that Morgana and Mordred's dark future were not irreversible. Did he not ? " Merlin asked firmly.
Kilgharrah just nodded.
" Then how could you advice me to push Morgana and Mordred away ? They needed me and I abandoned them selfishly. You turned me into a monster, you manipulative bastard. "
The Great Dragon's patience finally ran out. He roared in anger.
" How dare you use such words while talking to me. You may be a dragonlord. But you can't treat me like this. I am your kin. "
But Merlin didn't even flinch. He lost control over him. He began to shake in anger. He called upon the ancient magic of earth. His eyes began to glow pure molten gold. Winds began to blow and soon it turned into a mild storm.
Daegal almost panicked. Gilli held him firmly.
" Don't worry. Merlin won't harm us. Trust me. " The Catha priest said calmly. Daegal's panic lessened hearing Gilli's words.
Freya was still standing beside Merlin. Worry began to creep on her face. But Merlin didn't notice any of this. His only attention was on Kilgharrah. He began to speak in the same unearthly voice he had spoken with Mordred a day ago.
" How dare you call me kin ? You destroyed my life, manipulated me all these years. Destroyed my friend's life. I left my love because of your damn prophecy. You have no right to call me your kin. "
Merlin raised his hand and clenched his fist as if he was trying to crush someone's windpipe. Then Kilgharrah fell flat on the ground. The meadow shook and the dragon began to writhe as if he was in pure agony.
Merlin felt an odd pleasure like something he had never felt before. He felt so powerful. He wanted to suffocate the dragon. And the ancient religion was obeying his will. He felt invincible, indestructible. But at the some time, he felt that he had become something which he had feared his entire life.
He felt that he had become a monster.
" Merlin, please don't. I beg you. "
Kilgharrah was roaring in agony but Merlin didn't mind. He would kill him for all the lies he had spouted. And if that made him a monster, then so be it. He prepared himself for the ending blow. But suddenly, someone grabbed his shoulder and began to shake him vigorously.
" Merlin, stop. This isn't who you are. Please stop. You are better than this. Don't do it. Spare him, Merlin. Please. "
He heard someone was pleading him. That voice. He heard it somewhere. It was so beautiful, soothing. Who was it ? Merlin tried to remember. And then it hit him.
It was Freya's voice. Merlin realized what he was doing. He gasped in horror and took control of his magic. A shuddering breath escaped his lips and he fell to the ground. His golden eyes were returned to normal blue and he began to see everything around him more clearly.
Freya was crouched before him and was looking at him worriedly. He looked past her and saw the dragon lying on the ground still gasping for air. A few moments later, the huge dragon got up and began to stare at the warlock fearfully.
Merlin roared again.
" Get out of my sight. Get out. Get out. Get out. I don't want to see you anymore. "
Kilgharrah nooded and took off without saying anything. And soon the great dragon was out of the king of Elmet's line of sight.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Merlin remained crouched even after the departure of Kilgharrah. Freya put a hand on his shoulder.
" Merlin, are you alright ? "
Merlin didn't look up.
" I am a monster. " He almost whispered.
Freya tightened her grip on his shoulder.
" Merlin. Merlin ! Look at me. Now ! " Freya said firmly.
Merlin looked up. His eyes were glassy and bloodshot.
" Listen, Merlin. You are the best man I have ever known. You might have done wrongs in the past. But you can't change it. You have to look forward towards future. Otherwise, you won't be able to redeem yourself. " Freya said calmly.
Gilli and Daegal nodded in agreement.
" But you don't know what I have done. I have done many horrible things in the past. Things that I am not proud of. Things that I was too ashamed to share with you. You don't know my sins, Freya. I am a lost sinner. " Silent tears began to fall from Merlin's eyes.
" Then tell me. "
" Wh-aat ? " Merlin asked with a sniffle.
" Tell me of your sins. Tell us. " Freya said.
Gilli and Daegal sat beside Merlin. Aithusa snuggled near her dragonlord.
They all looked at him expectantly. Merlin took a deep breath and started.
He told them everything. Everything that he held back from Freya during their mirror conversation. He told them about how he poisoned Morgana and pushed her away when he needed help. About how he tried his utmost to kill Mordred and ruin him. About how he killed Nimueh, Agravaine, hundreds of Southorons and countless others in cold blood. All in the name of a so called destiny and some rubbish prophecies.
When Merlin finished his story, he looked at his friends with a guilty impression on his face.
" This is who I have become. A blood thirsty monster. I might have killed Kilgharrah too if you hadn't stopped me. I am a terrible man. A terrible and vicious person. And I wish I could've changed all those deeds. " Merlin said sadly.
Gilli couldn't take it anymore. So, he spoke up.
" Enough, Merlin. You are saying that you have done horrible things. But at the same time, you are forgetting all the good things you have done. You have inspired me to become a better man. You have given Daegal a new life. You have cured Freya's curse and given her something that she craved for. " Gilli gave Freya a pointed look and Freya smiled shyly.
" Gilli is right, Merlin. No man is flawless. We all make mistakes. Even the best of us. You are no different. " Daegal tried to cheer Merlin up.
But Merlin didn't say anything. He wore the same sad look on his face.
Freya heaved a sigh and asked Gilli and Daegal.
" Can you guys give us a minute alone, please ? "
They nodded and went to the other side of the meadow.
" You too, Aithusa, please. "
But Aithusa didn't move. She remained near Merlin. So, Freya didn't try anymore.
She looked at Merlin who kept his head lowered in defeat. She raised his chin with her hand and locked eyes with him. Brown eyes piercing blues.
" Merlin, do you regret them ? Your past deeds ? " Freya asked softly.
" More than anything. " Merlin said in his broken voice.
" It's true that you have done many good deeds. But what you did to Morgana and Mordred was truly horrible. And your good deeds won't erase them.
Mordred is dead. So, you can't right that mistake. But Morgana is alive. You can right that. You can redeem yourself. "
" How? " Merlin asked frantically.
" By apologising to her. " Freya said as a matter of factly.
Merlin frowned. " That's impossible. I don't even know where she is. And she won't even talk to me without trying to kill me first. "
" Oh, don't worry. I can arrange a peaceful talk with Morgana if you want. You just have to be a little patient. " Freya said giving a mysterious smile.
" Of course, I want to talk to her. But how will you manage to do that ? I don't understand. " Merlin's frown deepened.
Freya gave another mysterious grin. " I said patience, Merlin. You'll just have to wait a couple of few months. "
" C'mon. Being mysterious doesn't really suit you. Just say it. " Merlin pouted.
" Awww. Where's the fun in ruining the surprise? " Freya said playfully.
Merlin sighed in exasperation.
Freya's demeanour became serious. " Just trust me, Merlin. And you'll get your chance. You trust me, don't you ? "
" More than anyone. " Merlin answered.
Freya gave a wide smile hearing the answer.
" And Merlin ? "
" Yes ? "
Freya gave a pointed look towards Aithusa. Merlin got the hint. He looked at Aithusa and said telepathetically.
' Aithusa, dear. Can you give us a minute alone, please ? '
' You're sure you'll be okay, father ? ' Aithusa asked worriedly.
Merlin felt so happy sensing his dragon's concern for him. Kilgharrah never treated him like this. He gave Aithusa an assuring smile.
' Yeah, I'll be alright. Don't worry. '
' Then have fun. ' Aithusa said cheerily in his head and flew away joining Gilli and Daegal on the other side of the field.
Merlin turned his attention towards Freya.
" So, what did you want to tell me ? "
Freya took a deep breath and began, " Even though you have made many mistakes in the past, to me, you're still the greatest man on this earth. You have given me hope when I had none. You loved me when I needed it most. When everyone turned me away, you took me in. "
Merlin blushed hearing Freya's praise. Yes, he did all of that. But he did those because he loved Freya. He felt a connection with her. Inside her, he found his true self. His thoughts were suddenly disrupted when Freya took his hand in hers and said,
" Merlin Ignotus Ambrosius, I am in love with you. I want to be with you for the rest of my life. "
Merlin's jaw opened. What was he hearing ? He never expected Freya to say something like that. Was she proposing to him? His mother , Gilli and Daegal were going tease him mercilessly when they would hear it.
He touched Freya's cheek gently. " Freya Linorien, are you proposing to me ? " Merlin asked.
" Yes. Yes, I am. Will you marry me ? " Freya asked. Her brow was sweating in excitement.
Merlin slowly came closer to Freya, crossed his hands around her neck and gave a short kiss. It was soft but it was everything that Freya needed to know.
" Is that a yes, Merlin ? " Freya asked hesitantly.
" Yes. I want to be with you. With all my heart, Freya. With all my heart. "
They didn't talk anymore. They didn't need to. For their love for each other answered all the questions and they lost themselves among each other.
OOOOOOOOOOOOO
Well, that was unexpected. I was plannig that Merlin would propose Freya. But some how, it came out. The scene was influenced by a scene from Testament of Youth ( 2014 ) where Vera Brittain ( Alice Vikandar ) proposes to Victor Richardson ( Colin Morgan ) . Anyway, do you guys want to see Merlin and Freya's wedding ? I can skip it if you want. But I warn you, the wedding won't be in traditional westarn christian style rather it will be in Subcontinental style ( A fusion of Hindu and Muslim style ). And I will also improvise in some places, of course. Also do you guys know about Colin Morgan's upcoming BBC show, The living and the dead? I have read the synopsis and I really think it's going to be a great show. Maybe even greater than Humans. Last question : Do you know when Bethesda will release The Elder Scrolls 6 ? There's so many rumours and I can't bear to hear them anymore.
See you guys in one month. Happy reading.
- Assassin of Syria.