(no subject)
Title : Untitled yet
Author : dark_kana
Fandom : Merlin
Character / Pairing : Merlin, Arthur, Gaius, Uther, Leon, Knights / ArthurMerlin
Warnings : Yaoi, Angst, Magic discovery
Rating : R?
Author’s Note : Written for inkweaver/lullabylily at fic_promptly. Her prompt was : “Merlin is being accused of the worst crime of all: that of being a warlock”
"
You know what this means. Your punishment will be executed tomorrow at noon."
Defeated Merlin closes his eyes. There is no way he can persuade the King. Even if he would be innocent, the man just wouldn't listen.
He doesn't react when the guards take a hold of his arms and lead him out, towards the dungeons. Vaguely he can hear Arthur call out his name, questioningly, the Crown Prince having only just arrived at the main hall. Vaguely he can feel the worried gaze of Gaius rest on his back. But it suddenly doesn't matter anymore. Nothing truly matters anymore. He feels tired. Tired and alone and ... He just wants it all to stop.
He still flinches though, when he hears the door fall in its lock. It kind of does symbolize the end.
Far away he can hear Arthur shouting. He doesn't understand the words, but he can more or less guess what is being said.
A sigh escapes him when he hears Uther's voice. Loud through the silent castle. Of course, the moment Magic is mentioned, everybody keeps silent.
"I'm sorry Arthur."
His voice a mere whisper. He's sure not even the guard outside has heard it.
Completely worn out he sets himself on the cold floor. His back resting against the wall. His eyes closed. To the people who know him well, it seems as if he has lost all will to fight.
* * *
"Merlin."
Stubbornly the man refuses to open his eyes. Even though he knows he will see no one in his cell if he does.
"Merlin!"
Tired he shakes his head.
"Just leave me alone."
He knows his voice sounds defeated. He knows the Dragon has noticed it even before he spoke.
"MERLIN!"
An angry growl escapes him. Hands balled to fists, nails digging in his flesh. Before he opens his eyes. They flash golden for a second. But only for a second. Before the young warlock controls himself again. It would do him no good if anyone would actually see he's got magic.
He sighs softly. Not that it would matter anymore. Everybody seems to think he's guilty anyway.
"It's all your fault."
There comes no answer. No sarcastic response. Nothing. Just silence. And he is eternally grateful for it.
* * *
He doesn't know how long he has slipped back into unconsciousness. But when he wakes up again the sun is nearly rising.
"So this is it."
For a moment he closes his eyes again. Wondering how it all happened. Wondering what had gone wrong. Wondering how destiny could have been so wrong...
"Arthur..."
The whisper comes without a warning. It surprises even himself. Quickly he buries his face in his hands, hiding. Though he doesn't know what or who for.
For a long while he keeps on staring in front of him. Staring yet not seeing a single thing.
"Merlin."
The gentle voice that always manages to reassure him, suddenly sounds broken and tired and ... scared.
"Gaius... You shouldn't be here."
Impatient the old man shakes his head. Not wanting to hear another word.
"Just listen. Just hear me out. Arthur has managed to delay your execution. Don't make any noise. Don't do anything foolish. Just ... Accept what is going to happen."
And before Merlin can protest, the old man turns around and walks away. Shoulders slumped, but still surprisingly fast for his age.
* * *
He ponders over Gaius' words. And though he is not completely able to grasp the hidden meanings of the physician, there is an ice cold fire that slowly starts to spread through his belly. As if he knows, instinctively, that, whatever the words mean, it holds danger.
"Oh god Arthur, I'm sorry."
There are tears threatening to spill. And he doesn't fully understand why the words leave his lips, but it feels right to whisper them.
* * *
Wow... Wait? Too long...? o_O;
Well, part 2 will follow in a second. :p