Fanfiction || To Rescue a Fair Maiden || Morgana/Morgause || Part Seven
Title: To Rescue a Fair Maiden
Author: Sapphire Smoke cuzimastripper
Beta(s): BellaRei713
Fandom: Merlin
Rating: NC-17 for future chapters
Words: 54,526
Pairing: Morgana/Morgause
Summary: AU // As Morgana’s sixteenth birthday rapidly approaches, Morgause travels to Camelot with the hope she’ll be able to rescue her sister from King Uther before the binding spell on her powers breaks and Morgana finds herself alone in a place where having magick condemns her to death.
A/N: For NaNoWriMo 2012
Previous Parts: PART ONE | PART TWO | PART THREE | PART FOUR | PART FIVE | PART SIX
CHAPTER XIII
A Safe Haven
Pain was radiating down Morgause’s left arm, making the task of holding tight to the reins a fairly difficult one. She wished they had a moment to rest so she could heal herself, but they both knew they didn’t have time. Arthur and his men weren’t far behind them and if they had any hope of getting out of this unscathed, they had to keep moving. Still, Morgause didn’t know how much longer she could do this.
She was breathing heavily as she tried to endure the pain, but even so Morgause could tell the horse was slowing because she couldn’t keep a handle on it. If they wished to move forward, they would have to switch positions. “Morgana,” she called back to her, voice hoarse from all the screaming she had done whilst in Camelot, “I need you to take the reins. My arm…”
Morgause brought the horse to a stop, looking behind her. Her sister looked positively scarred from the ordeal they had been through, that they were still going through, and Morgause wished she didn’t have to ask this of her. It was clear Morgana was having a difficult time handling this emotionally. “But I…” Morgana started, looking behind them momentarily to make sure Arthur wasn’t coming up from behind them. “I don’t… I don’t know where we’re going…” Her voice was so small, so scared. It broke Morgause’s heart that she did not have time to comfort her now.
“The Druid’s camp,” Morgause told her, knowing that would be the safest place for them; the Druids had ways of concealing themselves to those who did not have magick. “Just keep riding west. I’ll direct you.”
Morgana hesitated and Morgause cupped her cheek, trying to offer her a sense of comfort, no matter how small the gesture. “Morgana, please,” she whispered, a pleading gaze in her eyes. “I cannot ride like this any longer. They’ll catch up to us if you don’t. I want to keep you safe and to do that we have to keep moving.”
Morgana still looked frightened, but Morgause knew that was to be expected. Regardless, her sister finally nodded. Morgause gave her a soft smile before leaning in, kissing her gently on the lips with gratitude. “Thank you.”
Morgana dismounted the horse to allow Morgause the room to move backwards before she resituated herself in front of her. Morgause put her good arm around her, holding her tight. She pointed towards the direction of the camp as she told her, “That way. Hurry, even stopping for a moment has cost us precious time.”
Morgana did not hesitate this time and they rode through the forest, nothing but the soft light of the moon illuminating their path to safety. The last time Morgause navigated this route she had been on foot and it had taken days. Though the time shortened considerably with the help of their steed, the knowledge that the knights of Camelot were not far behind them made the journey feel just as long.
When they reached the camp the sun was beginning to rise in the east, bathing the sky in brilliant orange and yellow hues. Both women were exhausted and the pain in Morgause’s arm was getting progressively worse, but she forced herself to stay aware just for a little bit longer.
The Druids gathered in front of them, curious about who had entered their camp. Morgause saw their leader, Aglain, weave his way through the crowd to greet them. When his eyes landed on Morgause, he smiled in recognition. “Morgause,” he said, voice warm with kindness. “I had not expected you back so soon. You and your friend are most welcome.”
“Thank you, Aglain,” Morgause replied graciously. He was one of the most kindhearted men she had ever had the pleasure of meeting and she was glad to see him again. “But we must speak before you offer us welcome; I’m afraid we bring a heavy burden with us and I do not wish to leave you unprepared.”
Aglain looked concerned, but answered, “Of course. Come, we’ll speak in my tent.”
Morgana dismounted the steed before extending her hand to help Morgause. Her eyes flickered to her wound on her arm, worry shining behind her emerald eyes at the amount of blood that covered her skin. Morgause did not wish her to be concerned over such a trivial matter, not when they had larger problems at hand, but she knew better than to try to downplay it; if the positions were reversed, she would feel the same way.
They followed Aglain back through the crowd of Druids and entered his tent. “Sit,” he offered. “You’ve had a long journey and your wound needs attending to.” Morgause started to protest, as she could heal herself once she had a proper night’s rest, but Aglain would hear nothing of it. “I insist.”
Morgause smiled softly at his kindness and nodded her head, relenting to his care. She sat with Morgana to her right as Aglain gathered up his healing herbs. She wasn’t overly fond of being taken care of, especially when she had the means to take care of herself, but Morgause knew the longer she let it stay this way, the worse it would get. Sealing a wound was one thing, but an infection in the blood took a lot longer to heal. Morgause would have to rest for days and they did not have that kind of time; they had to keep moving.
While Aglain prepared the ingredients he needed, Morgause allowed herself a moment to take in her surroundings. Almost immediately her gaze landed on a large gold chalice in the far right corner of the tent, half buried under a pile of cloth and wool. Morgause furrowed her eyebrows; the possession seemed so very out of place in the Druid camp. They were simple people, living off the land; owning something of so much value seemed strange to Morgause, as they had always come off as rather self-sufficient. More than that though, she couldn’t shake the nagging feeling in the back of her mind that she recognized the chalice. But before Morgause could dwell on it, Aglain crossed the room to tend to her wounds.
The Druid knelt down beside her and began to wipe the blood from her arm with a wet cloth. Morgause winced at the pain and bit down on the inside of her cheek so she did not cry out. She was unsure of how deep the gouge went and she hoped the sword didn’t knick her bone, as that could cause complications during the healing process. And the last thing Morgause needed right now were any more problems.
“The Knights of Camelot are looking for us,” Morgause told Aglain, needing him to be completely aware of the situation. “I have the King’s Ward; they will not take our departure lightly. I expect that Uther will have them continue to hunt us until all leads have been exhausted. I need you to understand that sheltering us could prove to be very dangerous, should you allow it.”
Aglain glanced between the two women, though his gaze lingered longer on Morgana. “If you kidnapped her, I will not condone it.” Morgause wouldn’t expect otherwise, but thankfully that was not the case.
“I came willingly,” Morgana assured him, running her hands nervously over the creases in her cloak. “Camelot is no longer safe for me and I…” But she couldn’t finish her sentence. She choked up with emotion and Morgause placed a comforting hand on her thigh, trying to show her that it would be alright. It must be so overwhelming for her, to have everything she had ever known change in an instant. It seemed that it was finally hitting Morgana that there truly was no going back now; she made her decision and despite it being more difficult than anything she had ever had to bear, she would have to live with it.
“You have magick?” Aglain questioned. Morgana nodded silently as she clasped Morgause’s hand, holding on to the only thing she had left in this moment.
“Her powers were bound,” Morgause explained, as Aglain was no doubt wondering why she hadn’t been discovered sooner. “They only emerged a few days ago. You know how dangerous magick can be when it’s untrained, Aglain; I could not leave her alone. Not there; that city is a death sentence on our kind.”
Aglain looked understanding and nodded before reaching for a bowl containing a thick brown paste. After muttering a few words of healing, he began to cover Morgause’s wound with the bowl’s contents. “I would never expect you to,” he told her. “And I am glad you brought her here. No one of magickal blood should be subjected to the wrath of Uther Pendragon, just for being born different than he. Of course we will offer you shelter; you may stay as long as you wish.”
Morgana smiled with gratitude, relieved that Aglain was open to helping them. Honestly, she was unsure of what they would do if he turned them away. “You have our thanks. We will not forget your kindness.”
Aglain met Morgause’s smile with a small one of his own. “Do not worry about being found here,” he told her. “Unless Uther has knighted someone of magickal blood into his ranks, our camp will not be discovered.” Morgause knew the likelihood of that was slim to none, so it definitely made the Druid camp one of the safest places to be at the moment. “I will set you up with some accommodations as soon as possible. You both must be exhausted; you need rest.”
Morgause nodded in agreement. Her whole body was beginning to feel the weight of her weary limbs now that the adrenaline her body allotted her during their escape was wearing off. A quick glance in Morgana’s direction showed Morgause that she was feeling the same way. Perhaps they would both feel better after they have had a proper night’s rest.
It was not long until the two sisters were brought to another tent. This one was much smaller, only allowing room for sleeping accommodations, but it was more than enough. The ground was covered in an array of furs, allowing them more comfort than the grass alone would have provided. After all that they had gone through, it was a blessing that did not go unacknowledged. Morgause allowed Morgana to settle in first before doing so herself, wanting her sister to find the comfort that she needed in this place.
Whatever Aglain had put on Morgause’s wound was helping immensely; she could no longer feel any pain and it allowed the haze from her mind to lift. She was still tired, but she didn’t feel like she was about to fall over anymore. After they had both gotten themselves into some clean clothes, Morgause laid down on her back and stretched out, trying to loosen her tight muscles. She had expected Morgana to lie next to her, so she was surprised when the Ward situated herself in the corner with her knees pulled up to her chest. She wouldn’t look at Morgause.
The blonde sat up, concern crossing her features as she looked at her sister. “Morgana?” she questioned gently. “Come lie down; you need to rest.” She received no response and she furrowed her brow. “Morgana…?”
“We just left her.”
Morgana’s voice was a broken whisper, her distress clearly written across her face. Morgause’s heart clenched in her chest; she hated that they had to leave Gwen behind too, but they didn’t have a choice. “We had to,” she whispered, guilt tinting each of her words. “I’m sorry…”
“Sorry doesn’t make it better!” Morgana snapped, turning to look at her so fast that her dark curls tumbled around her face, outlining the self-hatred in her expression. “We could have done something and we didn’t! She could be hanged for treason come tomorrow morning and it’ll be our fault!”
“They wouldn’t-”
“You don’t know that!”
That was true. Morgause didn’t know that, but she had to believe that Uther wouldn’t do such a thing. From a tactical standpoint, it would be foolish. Gwen meant a lot to Morgana and she was also Morgause’s friend; if he kept her alive, they would surely come back for her. “Morgana, I promise you that we’ll rescue her as soon as we’re able. But you know as well as I that if we tried to do it then that all three of us would have been killed; leaving her there was the only option we had at the time.”
Morgana’s face reflected that she knew that, but that it didn’t make anything any better. “I never wanted to trade my life for hers,” she said quietly, sounding on the verge of tears. “If she is to be hanged for helping us, I wish to be hanged alongside her. It isn’t right that she should have to pay for our treason.”
“She won’t. Uther would be foolish to do such a thing; he knows how important Gwen is to you. He knows we’ll come back for her,” Morgause tried to assure her, though she knew she couldn’t promise such a thing. At least, not yet. Morgause suddenly had an idea and she looked at Morgana, a thought brewing in the back of her mind. “Or perhaps…” But she paused mid-sentence, trying to figure out if it was a wise idea. It got Morgana’s attention though.
“Perhaps what?”
Morgause chewed on the inside of her cheek for a moment before answering. “I could send word to the King,” she started, trying to formulate a plan. “Act as though I am holding you against your will and tell him that if he kills Gwen then your life will be forfeit.”
Morgana looked hopeful for a moment, but it quickly left her as she shook her head. “Arthur knows I came of my own free will; he will surely tell Uther that.”
That was true. Morgause deflated for a moment as she realized her idea wasn’t plausible. She took a moment’s pause, trying to think of another solution. After a few minutes she suggested, “Or you could write to him.”
“And say what?”
Morgause was still mulling this over, but replied, “That you will come back, should he see to it that Gwen is not harmed.” Morgana looked shocked by her suggestion.
“You want me to return?”
“No,” Morgause assured her. That was the last thing she wanted. “But if it guarantees Gwen’s safety, I think it might be best to say that you will. Just tell him that you’re sorry it had to come to this, but you don’t condone his laws against sorcery and that you did not want to see your friend die just for being born differently. Tell him that you thought his ruling was unjust, as I had not done Camelot any grievance; that you didn’t wish to live in a place that could condemn innocent people to death just because they have magick.”
Morgana shook her head again, not believing that Morgause’s plan would work. “But he’ll know I have magick too; I demonstrated that when we escaped and the knights will surely tell him. The last thing he’ll want is sentiments from a sorceress.”
“The only person that was close enough to see that you were the one to cast any spell is now dead,” Morgause told her, speaking of the guard that had wounded her. “Anyone else could easily believe that I had done the rest. Besides, does he not look at you like his own daughter? Uther was the one who raised you; I believe he would want you back above anything else. And even if he doesn’t, even if he is cruel to his very core, he would want a reason to lure you there to be able to hang you for treason. Either way, it would keep Gwen safe until we could get to her.”
Morgana paused, mulling that over for a moment. “Do you truly believe that will work?” she finally asked, realizing that it might very well be the only way to guarantee her friend’s safety. Morgana had hope in her eyes and Morgause prayed that would not be taken from her, for without hope, the fear of what could happen to Gwen would slowly begin to consume her sister’s sanity.
“We need to try,” Morgause answered, knowing that much was true. They had to do something. Gwen was their friend and Morgana was right, it wasn’t fair that she may have to pay the ultimate price for their actions.
Morgana nodded, agreeing that they had to try. Morgause watched her sister look down at her hands and begin to pick at her nails, still looking worried despite having possibly found a solution. Morgause couldn’t blame her, she too was scared for Gwen’s fate, but she had to believe that Uther would not harm her.
“And you promise,” Morgana began, her voice small and vulnerable, “that we will go back for her?”
Morgause placed her hand under her sister’s chin, gently lifting it so that she would be able to look her in the eyes and see the truth behind her gaze. “I promise,” she told her, her voice strong and sure. Morgause was certain she had never meant anything more than the words that now fell from her lips. “Even if it means war, we will rescue her from that place. I swear on my life.”
[x]
The first thing Morgana did when she awoke was write her letter to Uther. She did not want to waste any time, as he may have already sentenced Gwen to die come morning. Morgana tried not to think of that though; she had finally gotten her hand to stop shaking and she didn’t want to make an error and have to start all over again. The sooner she could get the letter sent out, the better she would feel.
“How will we know if he agrees to my proposal?” Morgana asked as she paused during her composition. She wondered how the King would send word back to them without knowing where they are.
Morgause looked up from changing the bandage on her wound. The Druid’s magick seemed to have tended to most of it overnight, but it was wise that she kept it covered until it was completely healed. At the rate it was going though, Morgause would be able to take the bandage off by nightfall.
It fascinated Morgana; to see how powerful magick truly was, to see the good that it could do. Uther used to speak of it like it corrupted people and made them do truly terrible things, but he couldn’t be more wrong. Yes, there were people out there who would use their magick to hurt others, but there were horrible people of all kinds, not just sorcerers. Any power in the wrong hands would cause devastation, but there were some who wielded their magick in a good and honorable way. It was unfair that many had to pay the price for the destruction of few.
“We can’t, not now,” Morgause told her regrettably. “Though I can enchant a raven to send the message directly to him, I do not know how to conceal its return to us. He could have his knights follow it back. Once we get to the Isle, I’ll have one of the elders enchant another raven so that it will be able to come back to us undetected.”
Horror masked over Morgana’s features, believing Morgause was suggesting that they hold off before sending it. “You wish for me to wait that long? Gwen could be dead by then!”
“No, no,” Morgause quickly assured her, not meaning that in the slightest. “Tell him you’ll send word once you reach your destination, so that the raven will know where to go back to. I’m sure he’ll try to follow it regardless of his answer, but he won’t be able to then. We need to be safe about this, do you understand?”
Morgana nodded, knowing they couldn’t risk Uther finding out where they were. She was just glad that she wouldn’t have to hold off on sending the letter though; it really could mean whether Gwen lived to see tomorrow’s sunset or not. She turned back to her parchment, finishing up her composition. She prayed Uther would see reason, but with how Morgause presented it, Morgana knew it would be hard for him not to. Whether he wished that Morgana would come back to him or wished her dead, the best way to go about either of those things would be to keep Gwen alive.
When she finished her letter, she quickly handed it over to Morgause. “Come,” the blonde beckoned her, leading her out of the tent. Morgana followed her, knowing that she needed to see with her own eyes that it was sent off.
Morgause called forth a raven and Morgana watched it landed on her forearm; it fascinated her that she could summon an untamed bird. Regardless of magick or not, it was impressive. Morgause lightly placed her hand on the bird’s back before commanding, “Libera eam ad regem.” Her eyes flashed gold momentarily and the bird flew from her arm before swooping down, grasping the letter from her hand with its talons. It took off towards Camelot and Morgana watched it go until it was no longer in sight.
Morgana wished she could hear word sooner, as it would make her feel much better should she know Gwen would be safe, but she knew she didn’t have a choice in the matter. For now, she would just have to try to focus on getting to where they needed to go; the sooner they got there, the sooner she would be able to know for sure what Gwen’s fate was. She turned towards Morgause, but it seemed the sorceress knew what she was going to ask before she even opened her mouth.
“Soon,” she promised. “We’ll head out soon. After we wash up and fill our stomachs, we’ll be on our way.”
Morgana smiled, glad that Morgause knew how important it was that she find out as soon as possible. She took her hand in hers, firmly pressing their palms together. Whether it was their magick or something more, the feeling radiated through her. They were deeply connected to one another and Morgana found that although she had only known her for a short time, she trusted her completely. The feeling was scary, yet deeply comforting. It was a contradiction that only someone of such importance could instill in her.
“Thank you,” she said softly. “For everything.”
For without Morgause, Morgana’s life would have turned out very differently. And even though this way wasn’t perfect, she knew it was the best case scenario and she was thankful beyond words for it, for the opportunity to live, to love, and to survive.
She just needed to make sure that Gwen would be able to do the same.
CHAPTER XIV
A Close Call
“Heading out already?”
Morgana turned from preparing their steed for the long journey ahead of them to face Aglain. Morgause had gone to fill up their water pouches at the river and without her Morgana felt a little out of place in the Druid camp. Perhaps it was because she didn’t yet feel like a sorceress, despite her ability to wield magick. With all the changes she had gone through over the last few days, she felt more like a lost girl than anything else in that moment. She hoped it didn’t show on her face.
“Yes,” Morgana answered. “We have a long way to go and I believe it best that we get there quickly. We thank you though, for your hospitality. You have been most kind.”
Aglain nodded in acknowledgement, but still took a few steps towards her. “Camelot’s knights will still be looking for you,” he said, heeding a warning. “You will not be safe out there. Perhaps it is better if you stayed a few more days; allow the knights to move past this area.”
Morgana understood what he was saying, but it didn’t make a difference. She had to see to it that Gwen was safe and she couldn’t do that here. “I appreciate your warning, but there are important matters we need to see to once we reach our destination and the sooner we get there, the better.”
“I understand,” he replied, not wanting to push the matter. Morgause and she had made their decision and it was theirs to make, whether it be a foolish one or not. “But please, let me offer you a token of protection before you go, you will be much safer that way. It would not rest well on my conscious to let you leave my camp unprotected from the dangers you may face.”
Morgana smiled at his gesture. “That is incredibly kind of you. Thank you, Aglain.” If she were to be honest, Morgana was quite uncertain that they would be safe out there as well, but she didn’t wish to doddle any longer than they had to, for Gwen’s sake. If Aglain could offer them something to keep them safer, she was very grateful for it; it would definitely allow her to sleep better at night.
Aglain pulled a small pouch from the inner pocket of his cloak and opened it up. Inside were perfectly rounded rocks, a symbol intricately carved atop each one. He handed Morgana two of them. “Keep these on you at all times,” he instructed. “They will cause you to be unseen by anyone without a magickal eye; it is what we bury in the earth around the outskirts of our camp.”
Morgana ran her thumb over the carving, a small smile forming on her face before she looked up at Aglain. “Thank you,” she replied, her heart swelling with warmth at the kind gesture. This was an amazing gift and Morgana wished she could give something in return other than her gratitude. She packed very little to travel however and had nothing of value other than her dresses, which were made of the finest silk.
Morgana turned to one of her packs, beginning to dig out one of her gowns with the hope that maybe Aglain could trade it for something of better worth to him, but he stopped her. “I do not need anything in return,” he told her, placing his hand gently on her pack. “Just be sure to keep yourselves safe along your journey.”
Morgana nodded, her grateful smile saying more than her words could express. She couldn’t understand how Uther was so afraid of these people; they were kinder than most anyone who lived inside Camelot’s walls. Aglain bowed his head slightly to her as a goodbye and Morgana returned it in kind before watching him walk away. She looked down at the stones in her hand, turning them over in her palm. It fascinated her, for something so small to hold so much power.
When Morgause returned from fetching water, her eyes landed on what Morgana was holding. “What are those?” she asked. Morgana was momentarily surprised that she didn’t know, but then realized that their magick must be different than a Druid’s.
“A gift,” Morgana answered, holding one out for Morgause to take, “from Aglain. He says they will protect us from being seen by anyone with non-magickal blood.” She watched Morgause smile as she inspected the stone. She too understood the magnitude of the gift he bestowed on them.
“Just as the camp is,” she noted. Morgana nodded as she watched Morgause slip it into the small pouch that hung from her trousers. “That was very kind of him.”
“I tried to give him something in return, but he would not accept it,” Morgana told her, needing her to know that she tried to do the polite thing and return the gesture. She did not want Morgause believing that she thought herself entitled, regardless of her upbringing.
“Druids are humble people; they live off the land and have no need for the finer things in life,” Morgause replied with a knowing smile, having guessed Morgana tried to give him something of great worth. But the gift Aglain gave them held unmatched value and Morgana thought that even one of her dresses wouldn’t be enough. Instead it seemed to be too much.
“I still felt as though I had to try.”
Morgause smiled understandingly. “I know,” she said, slipping her hand over Morgana’s and holding it tightly. “It is because you have a kind heart.” Morgana felt herself color with a slight blush and she looked down at their linked hands, wondering how she lived so long without the warmth that Morgause brought to her life. It completely consumed her and made her feel rather wonderful.
However, it seemed the happiness that Morgause bestowed upon her suddenly began to make Morgana feel terribly guilty. How could she dare smile when her best friend was most likely locked deep within Camelot’s dungeons? It made her feel like a rather awful human being and so she stepped back, quickly untangling her hand from Morgause’s. She shifted her eyes downcast as she told her, “We should probably get going.” Morgana didn’t have to look up to know that her behavior took Morgause aback; it was clear in her voice.
“Okay…” she responded, sounding perplexed and a little hurt by the sudden distance between them. She did not speak on it, however. Instead Morgause took a few steps backwards, clearing her throat lightly. “Yes, you’re right; we should go. We don’t have long until it gets dark and we’ll need to find a decent place to make camp.”
Morgana knew she wasn’t being fair to Morgause, but she didn’t wish to speak about her feelings just then. She was emotionally and mentally exhausted from all that they had been through over the last couple days and Morgana felt that she needed time to process things before she allowed herself to move forward. It wasn’t ideal, but Morgana was sure it would save her sanity.
Once the sun started to set, they began looking for a place to settle for the night. After awhile Morgause pointed out a small clearing a little ways off of the road to Mercia. Morgana hoped it was far enough off, as they didn’t just have to be on the lookout for the knights of Camelot, but bandits and scoundrels as well. But Morgause assured her that with the protection that Aglain gave them, the chances they would be found would be slim to none. It made Morgana feel more at ease and she began to unroll their bedding whilst Morgause took a walk, making sure they really were alone in the area.
Once she returned, Morgana looked up at her from her place on the ground. “Shouldn’t we build a fire?” she asked. The wind held a bitter chill that night, a sign that autumn was just on the horizon, and Morgana found herself shivering as soon as the sun went down. She wrapped her cloak tighter around her form as she furrowed her brow in question.
“That would draw attention,” Morgause answered regrettably. “Though the stones may protect us from being seen, I do not know if they will do the same for the things around us. I don’t think it would be wise to risk it.”
Morgana nodded, understanding. It was still quite the disappointment though; she was beginning to get very chilly. Morgause noticed this and sat beside her, placing a tentative hand on her knee. She seemed unsure about how close she should get though, after Morgana had made a point to emotionally distance herself from her. “If it doesn’t bother you, we could keep warm by using each other’s body heat,” she lightly suggested, although looked as though she wasn’t sure if she should even ask.
It made Morgana feel terrible, to cause Morgause to question the way that she felt. That didn’t change, but it was just terribly overwhelming right then. Still, Morgana knew it would do no good to continue to push her away; she just wished she didn’t feel so terribly guilty about being happy when she was with her.
“Of course it wouldn’t bother me,” Morgana replied softly. She never wanted Morgause to believe that her touch would be anything but comforting to her. So when Morgause drew her into her arms, Morgana nuzzled her face into her neck and closed her eyes. She wished that the world around them would just disappear, that all of the bad things didn’t happen, that Gwen was with them, and that they were all happy and safe. It tore her apart that it wasn’t her reality, but Morgana had to have hope that one day it would be.
Morgause gently stroked her hair as she held her close. After placing a small kiss atop her head she asked, “I know this is probably a foolish question to ask, given all that has happened, but is everything alright?”
Morgana exhaled a long breath. She should have expected that Morgause would ask, but this wasn’t something she wished to discuss right then. “I don’t want to talk about it,” she whispered, hoping Morgause would just drop it. She did.
“Alright.”
Morgause didn’t say another word about it after that and Morgana was thankful. While there was so much she wished to say, she didn’t know how to begin. Perhaps once they got to the Isle and Morgana knew what her friend’s fate was to be, she’d be able to enjoy being with Morgause. But until then, she believed it better to punish herself.
Morgana felt as though she deserved it, after all.
[x]
It saddened Morgause’s heart, to see how upset Morgana was. She wished more than anything that there had been a way to save Gwen, and part of her feared her sister blamed her for her friend’s fate. She supposed it would only be fair though, since she blamed herself. Logically, she knew they had to leave her behind, but emotionally it tore her to shreds inside. She knew what it was like to be on the receiving end of Uther Pendragon’s wrath and she didn’t wish that on anyone, let alone a friend.
Whilst she hoped that what had happened wouldn’t change anything between herself and Morgana, Morgause knew that it would be only fair if it did. She wasn’t surprised by the distance her sister had put between them, but she would be lying if Morgause said it didn’t hurt. Perhaps things would be better between them once they heard word of Gwen, but only time would tell.
They fell asleep rather quickly, being lulled into unconsciousness by the sounds of nature and the feeling of warmth in each other’s arms. It was short lasting, however.
Morgause was awoken by the sounds of voices and she sat up straight, causing Morgana, who was sleeping on her chest, to be rudely awakened by her sudden movement. She began to sleepily protest but Morgause quickly clapped a hand over her mouth, muffling her words. Just because they couldn’t be seen, didn’t mean they wouldn’t be heard.
Once Morgana had fully awakened and became aware of the situation she too sat up, eyes widening as she realized what it was that had startled Morgause. She clung to her, squeezing Morgause’s arm so tightly that it was sure to leave a mark. The voices were growing louder as the intruders approached and Morgause quickly gathered up their things. Perhaps if they were touching them, they wouldn’t be seen by whoever was coming nearer. Morgause wished she had asked Aglain how the stones worked before they left, but there was no time to sit there and mull over a guess; they had to act, fast.
Morgana quickly realized what Morgause was doing and tried to help. Just in time too, for as Morgana made a point to place her hand on their steed in hopes to shield it from view, shadows were seen in the distance. There was no mistaking who they were now, as one voice was very recognizable.
“Keep moving,” Arthur told his knights, his voice cutting through the darkness and making Morgause’s heart pound in her chest. “Mercia is not far, I’m sure they took shelter there.”
“Arthur, we’ve been traveling all day; we need to rest.”
The voice was familiar to Morgause, but it took a moment to place it. Suddenly she remembered Uther’s throne room and the boy; Arthur’s manservant, Merlin. Morgana was breathing rather heavily next to her, beginning to panic, and Morgause placed her hand back over her mouth to try to stifle the sounds. “Shh,” she hushed in her ear, her voice barely above a whisper. “They won’t be able to see us, just keep still.”
Morgana nodded, but it didn’t seem like her words had comforted her any. She was still tense, her eyes wide and fearful. Morgause wished she could do more to calm her, but as Camelot’s knights came into view, she knew there was nothing she could do but keep still herself and hope for the best.
“We’ll rest once they’re found,” Arthur told his manservant, a warning in his tone; he did not want to be questioned on the matter. The knights did look rather exhausted behind him, but none of them spoke up to agree with Merlin; what their prince wanted, they would give him.
“But-” Merlin’s words were quickly cut off though as they stuck in his throat. He stopped dead in his tracks, staring at the clearing they resided in. Morgause began to grow fearful that the stones were not working, but Arthur and the rest of the knights didn’t even spare them a glance. They kept moving onwards, not noticing anything out of the ordinary. Merlin looked at Arthur, then looked back at Morgana and Morgause, his expression one of utter perplexion and shock.
Realization dawned on Morgause and her eyes widened. The boy had magick. She would have never imagined that a sorcerer would willingly become the manservant of a Pendragon, yet it was clearer than day that one had. Fear began to rise up in Morgause as she realized he may, for some twisted reason, also be loyal to Arthur. If that was the case, all hope would be lost.
Arthur stopped for a moment, realizing his manservant was no longer following him. Once his eyes landed on the boy he asked, “Merlin, what the hell are you staring at?” His stance was impatient and he was quickly growing annoyed that the boy had caused them to stop.
Merlin opened his mouth to speak, but before he did Morgause used telepathy to speak to him. “Please,” she pleaded silently. “I only did this to save Morgana; the King would kill her if he knew she had magick. You know how he treats our kind. I know you owe us no favors, but if you say anything it will cost us our lives.”
Merlin looked momentarily startled that he was hearing Morgause’s voice in his head. It made Morgause wonder if he had ever lived amongst his kind, or if he thought himself rather alone in the world. That must be a painful way to live, and that was why Morgause came for Morgana; she never wished her to feel that way. She hoped the boy would understand.
“Merlin!”
Merlin quickly looked to Arthur, who had his hands on his hips and looked as though he were ready to explode at the inconvenience the boy was bringing him. Merlin paused for a long time, looking torn on what to do, before he looked back towards the two women. Morgause held her breath as she awaited his response to Arthur.
“Nothing,” he said finally, though it still seemed he was having a hard time trying to morally justify lying to his master. He turned to Arthur as he explained, “I guess I’m just tired.”
Arthur looked exasperated. “We’ll rest once we reach Mercia, but the longer you doddle over there looking like an idiot, the longer it’ll take us to reach the city. So are you done, or do you want to stare at the trees some more?”
Merlin didn’t look too pleased about how Arthur spoke to him, but responded, “I’m done.”
As the boy began to walk away, Morgause telepathically said, “Thank you.” She was grateful for Merlin’s silence, more than he would probably ever realize. He just saved their lives. Though perhaps with the way Arthur treated him, it shouldn’t have been much of a surprise. Still, he could have had more loyalty to his city than his own kind - considering it seemed he had never been amongst them - and for that Morgause couldn’t be more thankful that he chose to let them live.
Merlin glanced back at them as Arthur and his knights began to trek onwards. “Don’t make me regret it,” he told her seriously. It was obvious the decision was hard for him and Morgause nodded, understanding how it would make him feel should his silence cause him suffering in the end.
Once the knights were out of sight, both women stayed completely still for a long time. Neither of them wished to move or speak until they were sure Arthur and his men were out of earshot. After a moment, Morgause released the breath she had been holding and Morgana took that as a sign to speak, although she still kept her voice just above a whisper. She was frantic.
“He saw us! Merlin, he stared right at us!”
“I know,” Morgause told her, rubbing her hand along her back in an attempt to ease her panic. “It seems Arthur’s manservant isn’t as useless as he believes him to be. We’re lucky, that he chose not to say anything. We owe him a debt.”
Morgana still couldn’t seem to wrap her head around that though and asked, “But how did he see us? I thought no one but those with magickal blood-!” But she stopped herself mid-sentence, seeing Morgause’s eyebrows rise as she waited for Morgana to draw the obvious conclusion. Her mouth dropped opened after a moment. “No,” she exclaimed, unable to believe it. “Merlin has magick? Merlin? Why on earth is he serving Arthur then; what gain could there be in that for him?”
“I don’t know,” Morgause answered, wondering that herself. “But I’m sure if he didn’t wish to be, he could get out of it rather easily. Perhaps he thinks it’s safer, keeping his enemies closer. There is a decent strategy in that theory, after all.”
Morgana didn’t respond. She chewed on the inside of her cheek, still looking rather worried as she stared out at the direction Arthur had gone. Morgause wrapped her in her arms, holding her close. She hoped the gesture would comfort her. “They’re gone; we’re safe now,” Morgause hushed, her tone soothing. She rubbed Morgana’s arms as she placed a kiss upon her temple. “You need to get to some sleep. Try to relax.”
But Morgana couldn’t relax. She shifted in Morgause’s arms, shaking her head. “No,” she said. “I just… I don’t feel safe here anymore. If Merlin changes his mind, he could lead Arthur back to us. We need to go somewhere else, please.”
It was the middle of the night and Morgause didn’t know how wise that was, but she didn’t want Morgana to be frightened so she nodded. “Alright, let’s gather our things then.” Morgana looked grateful that she understood and quickly began to place items back into their saddlebags. Morgause bit her bottom lip in concern as she watched her sister for a moment.
Arthur had come much too close to them for comfort, which caused Morgause to fear that Morgana might never feel safe enough on this journey. They had believed the stones to be a rather foolproof plan, but it seemed that they were the fools to believe such a thing. They still had quite a long way to go, and unless Morgause found another way to make her sister feel safe, she worried Morgana would lose sleep over it.
That would weaken her powers, and whilst on the run from the Knights of Camelot, that was really the last thing that they needed.
TBC…