Chapter 36 (Part 2): Echoes of truth.

"I remember the day you arrived at my chambers with that druid boy, Mordred," Morgana began softly, a fond smile gracing her lips as she recalled the shared memories with Merlin.

She was still seated in the same armchair in the living room, waiting for Merlin, who had gone to the kitchen to prepare her a sleeping potion and some herbal tea. He soon returned, gently carrying both items in his hands.

"How could I forget?" Merlin replied with a chuckle as he handed her the potion and tea before sitting on the armchair opposite hers. "And how could I forget everything we had to do to save him... It was simply incredible."

"I remember it mainly because that was when I thought I caught a glimpse of your true self."

"My true self?"

"Yes. Although, to be fair, I had already begun to see it earlier. There aren't many who would openly admit to being a sorcerer to save a dear friend," Morgana said with a laugh, though there was a trace of pain as she remembered how much Gwen had suffered. "Or who would willingly drink poison, or face a Witch Hunter to protect... others."

Merlin looked at her, somewhat perplexed, as though unsure of how to respond, his gaze urging her to continue.

"But what I mean in this case is your true self in relation to… magic… to the mysterious," Morgana continued cautiously, carefully choosing her words. "It's true that I had already seen glimpses of it when you returned with Arthur after he was with that Sophia. We both know she wasn't what she seemed and was far more dangerous than she appeared. But seeing how you cared for that druid boy, risking your life for him… that's when I started to see it—a part of your true self."

"I wasn't the only one that day, Milady," Merlin replied, his face showing genuine appreciation. "You also showed clearly how you regarded those with magic, and I have to admit, it surprised me."

"For better or worse?"

"For the better, of course. As I said, few see the strange—magic, in this case—the way you did. I was simply amazed to see it in someone so close to the king."

"In that case, the feeling was mutual," Morgana said, a warm smile of affection spreading across her face as she looked at her friend. She was beginning to see more clearly the parts of him she had long suspected were hidden.

"That was especially evident when you came to my chambers to help me with my magic, suggesting I visit the druids," Morgana continued after a brief moment of comfortable silence. She sipped the tea, savoring its warmth as it traveled through her body, melting the cold that had settled within her.

"I must admit I acted a bit rashly…" Merlin murmured, almost as though speaking to himself.

"Do you regret it?" Morgana asked, alarmed.

"No, no, not the act of helping you," Merlin quickly clarified. "I mean the way I did it. Many druids lost their lives that day because of me… I should have found another way to help you."

Morgana gave him a sympathetic look, conveying that she understood his remorse.

"But you did help me, Merlin," she said gently. "And your intention speaks volumes about who you are, regardless of the consequences. You didn't just give me access to people like me, who taught me about magic and its meaning. You also gave me someone who truly seemed to understand and accept me for who I was."

"Do you know, Merlin?" Morgana continued after a moment of silence, during which they exchanged glances. "Few have shown that kind of understanding—none, actually—toward me, especially regarding my nature. Only you."

Merlin seemed on the verge of saying something, but Morgana interrupted him with a gesture, signaling she wasn't finished.

"That night, after you helped me escape the attack on the druids, you came to my chambers. Do you remember? Until then, I had always believed, influenced by Uther and his reign, that magic corrupted and turned you into some kind of monster. But when I realized I had magic myself, using it unintentionally, I was terrified… not just of being discovered by Uther but also of what it said about my nature—my true self.

"I feared I was a monster, unable to control my powers, capable of harming others against my will. Because while I had begun to question Uther's belief that magic made a person inherently evil, seeing it in myself was entirely different.

"But that night," Morgana continued, "thanks to your help and the druids', I realized magic could be used for good, and I accepted myself for who I was. More importantly, I realized you, Merlin, didn't fear me for what I was. You accepted me, even when I felt like a monster. And that was what helped me accept myself.

"Because of you, Merlin, I knew I wasn't entirely alone. Despite everything that happened because of me, you told me—genuinely—that you were glad I was back. I'll never forget that."

Morgana fell silent for a moment, uneasy yet relieved to have opened up in a way she never had before. She couldn't quite explain why, but she felt that Merlin was someone she could trust. And for that, she didn't regret revealing some of her deepest thoughts.

She looked at Merlin, and in that moment, as she gazed into the depths of his eyes, she saw something she had noticed in him many times before: genuine understanding. For a fleeting second, she thought she saw something more—a golden glow shimmering in his eyes, like sunlight reflecting on a tranquil sea. Surely, that must mean something…

Still waiting for his response, Morgana decided to continue, emboldened by the rare sense of freedom to express herself.

"From that moment, you swore to me that you wouldn't tell anyone, that you would keep my secret—even though helping someone like me could have cost you your life. And you kept your word. Even though you weren't always physically there for me, I felt safer knowing that someone understood who I truly was and accepted me. I could see it in your gaze, in the times you visited me in my chambers."

She noticed a flicker of pain and regret cross Merlin's face. Not knowing what it meant, she chose not to dwell on it.

"That sense of protection you gave me became very real when the Witch Hunter came. You don't know how afraid I was then, Merlin… He knew who I was. I could feel it in his piercing gaze. And when he accused you first and then Gaius, I was convinced it was because of their association with me. I couldn't forgive myself for putting you both in danger.

"I felt powerless, knowing that after Gaius' execution, mine would surely follow. But in the midst of my despair and fear, you emerged, cutting through the fog of panic that engulfed me. You stood up to the men I feared most, outsmarting them and escaping unscathed. Not only that, but you saved your friends once again.

"In that moment, I saw it in your eyes, Merlin: a look that told me nothing bad would ever happen to me as long as you were there. And for the first time, I truly believed it. Against impossible odds, you succeeded. And in doing so, I saw the true hero you are."

Looking into his eyes, Morgana knew that the moment she had been imagining for so long had arrived—the moment she thought would never come. She would finally express the emotions she had kept locked away, feelings she wasn't entirely sure of but knew to be pure. And that was all that mattered.

"And there's more, Merlin. It was in that moment I didn't just grow to admire you more deeply or see another part of your true self. I discovered something within me—something that scared me at first, but that I think has always been there since I first began to see your essence.

"It's something I've feared, but I feel I have to tell you…"

"Morgana, I…" Merlin started, but she interrupted him, her voice trembling with the weight of her emotions.

"Please, Merlin. Let me say this," she insisted, her emotions swirling uncontrollably, threatening to spill over.

She couldn't bear the storm any longer. Overwhelmed, Morgana abruptly stood, turning away as tears began to fill her eyes. She moved toward the door, desperate to escape before the chaos inside her consumed her entirely.

But Merlin was faster. Before she could grasp the door handle, he gently but firmly took her hand.

"Morgana, please. Listen to me," Merlin said softly.

Morgana turned her face slightly toward him, her tear-filled eyes making it difficult to see what lay ahead.

"I… I feel the same way," Merlin began, his voice wavering with emotion, his own tears beginning to surface. "But…"

"But…?" Morgana asked, her voice barely a whisper, terrified of what he might say next.

Something in Merlin's expression shifted. He seemed to resolve whatever doubts lingered within him. He looked at her with a warm, tender smile, lifting his free hand to gently cradle her cheek. His touch was soft and comforting, and Morgana felt a spark of something deeper, more undeniable than ever before.

"I can only say this, Morgana…" Merlin whispered, his voice full of emotion as he leaned closer. "I love you."

The cold night air seemed to hold its breath, as though the very moon and stars were witnesses to this moment. And to Merlin, there was only one name for the moon that night: Morgana.

Before she could fully process what was happening, Morgana felt the warmth of his lips on hers—a kiss as tender as a butterfly landing on a spring flower. In that moment, it felt as though spring had awakened within her, melting the frost of a long winter.

Without thinking, Morgana returned the kiss, wrapping her arms around Merlin, holding him close as if to never let go. His embrace felt as though it was meant for her alone, a perfect fit, a union long overdue.

She couldn't predict what the night would bring, but as she felt the warm trace of her own tear and the salty taste of one she was certain was Merlin's, she knew one thing: they were finally free. Free from the solitary prisons they had inhabited, free to be together.

It felt as though this moment had been written in the annals of history—a bond that time itself could not break. The legendary union of Merlin 'Myrddin' Emrys and Morgana le Fay. Though neither of them yet understood the world they were destined to create together.

I hope you liked it and see you next time! :)

LegolasHV