Wild Winter Stars (17/?)
Title: Wild Winter Stars
Fandom: Merlin
Characters: Merlin, Arthur, Gaius, Gwen, Morgana, Gwaine, Percival, Mordred, OMC
Rated: PG-13
Word Count: 1,435
Summary: “That Arthur has not always existed seems odd to me. Like the wind on the moors and the wild winter stars, surely he has always lived . . . and always will.” ― Stephen R. Lawhead, Arthur A man tortured by Morgana is left outside Camelot to taunt Arthur. Merlin, Gwaine and Percival along with the recovered man go to spy on Morgana.
Author's Note: This is a sequel to A Word for Forgotten Songs. The original character is from one of my series and I kinda place him in lots of fandoms. His original series starts here. The story is set in series 5, somewhat early on. It's unbeta'd so all mistakes are my own.
One Two Three Four Five Six Seven Eight Nine Ten Eleven Twelve Thirteen Fourteen Fifteen Sixteen
Merlin was riding double with Percival on a farm horse. Gwaine and Alan were on the other. Plodding along gave the knights time to question Alan. They ranged from what could he do, when did he find out, how did he keep it secret to why did he come back knowing what could happen. Alan answered graciously, almost as if he were used to handling such rapid questions.
“Have you contacted Gaius?” Merlin asked. “They need to know about Morgana.”
“No, not yet.” Alan wrapped his arms around Gwaine. “I’m not getting fresh, I just don’t want to fall.”
“At the pace we’re going, I don’t think you can.”
“You can talk to Gaius?” questioned Elyan. “How can you do that?”
When Alan didn’t answer, Merlin did for him. “He can talk with his mind. It was very strange the first time it happened. I’m used to it now.”
“To do it over such a distance, does it take much power?” Leon wanted to know.
“I do not know of any Druid who can do it,” answered Mordred. “I don’t if Morgana even can.”
Merlin saw Alan “return”. “Well?”
“I told Gaius what happened and to watch out for Morgana. He passed the word to Arthur who was with him. Arthur said he would secure every entry point. Gaius will check his supplies to be on the safe side.”
“I hope he realizes that she knows every entrance he does - maybe a few more.” Merlin was concerned that he wasn’t there to get Arthur to act rationally when it came to his sister.
“He has Gaius and Gwen to tell him,” said Elyan. “Aside from Arthur, they know her best.”
Merlin would give the edge to Gaius because of the whole magic thing. “You’re right.”
The trip went quicker after they stopped to get two more horses so no one had to share.
When they arrived at Camelot, they were immediately rushed to an audience with Arthur. Gwen and Gaius were already there.
“Before we start,” said Alan, “I think I should mention that everyone here knows that I can use magic.”
“Merlin!”
Why was Arthur so ready to blame him? Okay, yeah, he had a history of letting things slip but this was very important to him. Alan was helping Arthur come to terms with magic and write the laws, There was no way he would jeopardize that.
“It wasn’t Merlin,” Alan confessed. “I did magic in front of the others to get to Morgana.”
“And where were you during the fighting?” Arthur questioned.
“On the roof of the cottage where we were hiding.”
Arthur scoffed. “At least you weren’t underfoot.”
Merlin opened his mouth to argue but Alan caught his eye. [Let him think you were hiding. You can’t let him ask too many questions.]
Merlin nodded. It still hurt to keep his secret, especially with how Arthur was treating Alan.
Arthur raised an eyebrow at Merlin, surprised not to hear an argument.
“The villagers hid and we took up position in an outlying building to limit the damage,” Percival clarified.
“There wasn’t much to use aside from our own swords until Merlin found a bow a quiver of arrows,” Gwaine continued. “Alan went on the roof and shot at anyone who came too close.”
“Master with a sword and a fine shot with a bow?” Arthur looked at Alan with something akin to admiration. “What other weapons do you wield?”
“I’ll know when I try them.”
Merlin had a feeling that was close to the truth. Alan could probably pick up any weapon and soon learn how to master it.
“After you contacted me about Morgana, we began checking all possible entrances that she would know,” Gaius stated. “We need to shore up weak spots in the walls and stock supplies should there be a siege.”
“Gaius, double-check with Geoffrey for any older points of entry we don’t know about.”
“Very good, sire.” Gaius left, giving Merlin a communicating look as he did so.
“Gwaine, Leon and Percival, help those in the lower town. Elyan, check with the kitchens and Mordred, you can check the armory.”
“What about me and Merlin?” asked Alan.
“You look dead on your feet,” Gwaine told him.
“Thank you, Gwaine, for your kind words,” Alan responded with exaggerated sweetness.
“You two can…go help Gaius prepare any medicines he might need.”
Merlin knew it was simply a task to keep him out of the way and for Alan to rest. He also knew it would give them a chance to plan their own defenses.
* * * *
Alan trudged up the stairs behind Merlin. He was a bit surprised that the boy didn’t fight with Arthur. It was obviously a ploy to get them out of the way. He was glad because Gwaine had been right: he was dead on his feet. Something cold to drink, hot to eat and a place to put his feet up would be perfect. Perhaps he and Merlin could work on their own plans for defending against Morgana. Maybe they could include Mordred. Whatever changed the Druid’s allegiance, it hadn’t happened yet and they could use his experience.
Merlin opened the door to the room. “I can’t believe I missed this place.”
“It’s home now. You’ve created your own memories.” Alan followed him inside. “Of course, you missed it.” He sat in the closest chair.
Merlin sat at the table and put his feet up on the third chair. “If Arthur wants us out of the way, we can take some time for ourselves.”
“Until Gaius comes back and tells is we’re being lazy.”
“There is that.” Merlin sighed. “We could talk about things and still relax.”
“You make a good point.” Alan reclined. “How do we support Arthur and the knights? There are only three of us who can use magic.”
“But Morgana doesn’t know about merlin and we have to keep it that way.” Gaius raised an eyebrow in Merlin’s direction as he shut the door. The young warlock removed his feet and Gaius sat. “You have the ability to travel with a thought?”
Alan nodded.
“Perhaps you should remain on the battlements where you can see any trouble before it goes too far.”
“It would also keep you out of Morgana’s reach,” Merlin added. “You’ve made her Top Five Most Hated.”
“Elite company. If you or Mordred see something you can’t manage - or the need for another sword - you let me know.”
“You trust him?”
“I know the stories and some aspects are different but they all seem to agree that Mordred kills Arthur. My theory? Whatever causes him to change sides hasn’t happened yet. Right now, he’s your friend and will fight alongside you.”
“That’s good to know.”
A rumble echoed through the room.
“Merlin,” Gaius admonished.
“What? I’m hungry. You have to be too.”
“I know I am. I can almost smell food.” Alan closed his eyes and savored the aroma. His stomach growled and he grinned.
There was a knock at the door.
“Come in!”
The door opened and Mordred entered followed by three servants bearing trays of food. “Arthur thought you might be too busy preparing medicines to remember to eat,” the young knight said with a smile.
“We were just thinking of dinner and you appeared,” Merlin remarked, eyes on the food.
“Like magic,” Gaius agreed.
Alan helped clear the table for the servants to set down their burden. “This looks marvelous. Thank you.”
The two women smiled as they each dropped a curtsy. The man bowed his head before ushering the others out the door.
Alan looked up to see the others failing to hide smiles. “What?”
Merlin and Gaius became very interested in their stew and Mordred seemed to have found something on the ceiling that needed his attention.
“I guess it’s time to fill Mordred in on the plan.”
Eighteen
Fandom: Merlin
Characters: Merlin, Arthur, Gaius, Gwen, Morgana, Gwaine, Percival, Mordred, OMC
Rated: PG-13
Word Count: 1,435
Summary: “That Arthur has not always existed seems odd to me. Like the wind on the moors and the wild winter stars, surely he has always lived . . . and always will.” ― Stephen R. Lawhead, Arthur A man tortured by Morgana is left outside Camelot to taunt Arthur. Merlin, Gwaine and Percival along with the recovered man go to spy on Morgana.
Author's Note: This is a sequel to A Word for Forgotten Songs. The original character is from one of my series and I kinda place him in lots of fandoms. His original series starts here. The story is set in series 5, somewhat early on. It's unbeta'd so all mistakes are my own.
One Two Three Four Five Six Seven Eight Nine Ten Eleven Twelve Thirteen Fourteen Fifteen Sixteen
Merlin was riding double with Percival on a farm horse. Gwaine and Alan were on the other. Plodding along gave the knights time to question Alan. They ranged from what could he do, when did he find out, how did he keep it secret to why did he come back knowing what could happen. Alan answered graciously, almost as if he were used to handling such rapid questions.
“Have you contacted Gaius?” Merlin asked. “They need to know about Morgana.”
“No, not yet.” Alan wrapped his arms around Gwaine. “I’m not getting fresh, I just don’t want to fall.”
“At the pace we’re going, I don’t think you can.”
“You can talk to Gaius?” questioned Elyan. “How can you do that?”
When Alan didn’t answer, Merlin did for him. “He can talk with his mind. It was very strange the first time it happened. I’m used to it now.”
“To do it over such a distance, does it take much power?” Leon wanted to know.
“I do not know of any Druid who can do it,” answered Mordred. “I don’t if Morgana even can.”
Merlin saw Alan “return”. “Well?”
“I told Gaius what happened and to watch out for Morgana. He passed the word to Arthur who was with him. Arthur said he would secure every entry point. Gaius will check his supplies to be on the safe side.”
“I hope he realizes that she knows every entrance he does - maybe a few more.” Merlin was concerned that he wasn’t there to get Arthur to act rationally when it came to his sister.
“He has Gaius and Gwen to tell him,” said Elyan. “Aside from Arthur, they know her best.”
Merlin would give the edge to Gaius because of the whole magic thing. “You’re right.”
The trip went quicker after they stopped to get two more horses so no one had to share.
When they arrived at Camelot, they were immediately rushed to an audience with Arthur. Gwen and Gaius were already there.
“Before we start,” said Alan, “I think I should mention that everyone here knows that I can use magic.”
“Merlin!”
Why was Arthur so ready to blame him? Okay, yeah, he had a history of letting things slip but this was very important to him. Alan was helping Arthur come to terms with magic and write the laws, There was no way he would jeopardize that.
“It wasn’t Merlin,” Alan confessed. “I did magic in front of the others to get to Morgana.”
“And where were you during the fighting?” Arthur questioned.
“On the roof of the cottage where we were hiding.”
Arthur scoffed. “At least you weren’t underfoot.”
Merlin opened his mouth to argue but Alan caught his eye. [Let him think you were hiding. You can’t let him ask too many questions.]
Merlin nodded. It still hurt to keep his secret, especially with how Arthur was treating Alan.
Arthur raised an eyebrow at Merlin, surprised not to hear an argument.
“The villagers hid and we took up position in an outlying building to limit the damage,” Percival clarified.
“There wasn’t much to use aside from our own swords until Merlin found a bow a quiver of arrows,” Gwaine continued. “Alan went on the roof and shot at anyone who came too close.”
“Master with a sword and a fine shot with a bow?” Arthur looked at Alan with something akin to admiration. “What other weapons do you wield?”
“I’ll know when I try them.”
Merlin had a feeling that was close to the truth. Alan could probably pick up any weapon and soon learn how to master it.
“After you contacted me about Morgana, we began checking all possible entrances that she would know,” Gaius stated. “We need to shore up weak spots in the walls and stock supplies should there be a siege.”
“Gaius, double-check with Geoffrey for any older points of entry we don’t know about.”
“Very good, sire.” Gaius left, giving Merlin a communicating look as he did so.
“Gwaine, Leon and Percival, help those in the lower town. Elyan, check with the kitchens and Mordred, you can check the armory.”
“What about me and Merlin?” asked Alan.
“You look dead on your feet,” Gwaine told him.
“Thank you, Gwaine, for your kind words,” Alan responded with exaggerated sweetness.
“You two can…go help Gaius prepare any medicines he might need.”
Merlin knew it was simply a task to keep him out of the way and for Alan to rest. He also knew it would give them a chance to plan their own defenses.
* * * *
Alan trudged up the stairs behind Merlin. He was a bit surprised that the boy didn’t fight with Arthur. It was obviously a ploy to get them out of the way. He was glad because Gwaine had been right: he was dead on his feet. Something cold to drink, hot to eat and a place to put his feet up would be perfect. Perhaps he and Merlin could work on their own plans for defending against Morgana. Maybe they could include Mordred. Whatever changed the Druid’s allegiance, it hadn’t happened yet and they could use his experience.
Merlin opened the door to the room. “I can’t believe I missed this place.”
“It’s home now. You’ve created your own memories.” Alan followed him inside. “Of course, you missed it.” He sat in the closest chair.
Merlin sat at the table and put his feet up on the third chair. “If Arthur wants us out of the way, we can take some time for ourselves.”
“Until Gaius comes back and tells is we’re being lazy.”
“There is that.” Merlin sighed. “We could talk about things and still relax.”
“You make a good point.” Alan reclined. “How do we support Arthur and the knights? There are only three of us who can use magic.”
“But Morgana doesn’t know about merlin and we have to keep it that way.” Gaius raised an eyebrow in Merlin’s direction as he shut the door. The young warlock removed his feet and Gaius sat. “You have the ability to travel with a thought?”
Alan nodded.
“Perhaps you should remain on the battlements where you can see any trouble before it goes too far.”
“It would also keep you out of Morgana’s reach,” Merlin added. “You’ve made her Top Five Most Hated.”
“Elite company. If you or Mordred see something you can’t manage - or the need for another sword - you let me know.”
“You trust him?”
“I know the stories and some aspects are different but they all seem to agree that Mordred kills Arthur. My theory? Whatever causes him to change sides hasn’t happened yet. Right now, he’s your friend and will fight alongside you.”
“That’s good to know.”
A rumble echoed through the room.
“Merlin,” Gaius admonished.
“What? I’m hungry. You have to be too.”
“I know I am. I can almost smell food.” Alan closed his eyes and savored the aroma. His stomach growled and he grinned.
There was a knock at the door.
“Come in!”
The door opened and Mordred entered followed by three servants bearing trays of food. “Arthur thought you might be too busy preparing medicines to remember to eat,” the young knight said with a smile.
“We were just thinking of dinner and you appeared,” Merlin remarked, eyes on the food.
“Like magic,” Gaius agreed.
Alan helped clear the table for the servants to set down their burden. “This looks marvelous. Thank you.”
The two women smiled as they each dropped a curtsy. The man bowed his head before ushering the others out the door.
Alan looked up to see the others failing to hide smiles. “What?”
Merlin and Gaius became very interested in their stew and Mordred seemed to have found something on the ceiling that needed his attention.
“I guess it’s time to fill Mordred in on the plan.”
Eighteen