Long Story Short

by LittlePrairieFlower97

Notes:

Please be kind. This is my first time writing anything and posting it.

Chapter 1: A Bit of Birthday Magic

Chapter 1: A Bit of Birthday Magic

 

My name is Iris Viluf, the daughter of Emrys and The Once and Future King. This is my story. I was created with magic, and born the day my father died in my dad’s arms. I have magic just like my father, Merlin. Only, I am far more powerful than he is. Tantrums from me cause earthquakes of the highest magnitude. Anyways, enough about me. Let’s get into this.

 

“DAD!!!!” Iris shouted through the house

“Yes?” Says Merlin.

“It’s time for dinner,” Iris says with a sigh. 

 

They are in the kitchen, at a small round table that Merlin says reminds him of Arthur. The song Bigger Than The Whole Sky by Taylor Swift plays in the background. Their house is small. It reminds Iris of a cottage in the forest. Cute and tiny but oh so cozy. They do live in the forest actually. They live on the shore of the lake where her dad sent her father away after he died. Her dad is awaiting his return. 

 

After dinner, as they clear away the dishes, Iris turns to her dad and says, “How are you doing with tomorrow being what it is?”

 

Merlin turns to her and says, “I know your birthday is tomorrow and I know what tomorrow is. I also know that I am not okay. It’s been 1563 years since your father died. He is…was my soulmate. My other half. I miss him more than life.”

 

As Merlin talked, his eyes flickered between gold and blue, as his magic got away from him. This, in turn, caused Iris’s magic to go haywire. She is an empath. Her emotions are very in tune with her dad’s. Her magic began to do strange things as she sank slowly into despair.

 

Iris looked at her dad with panic in her eyes, as her magic swirled around them.

 

“DAD!!! I’M SCARED!!! I CANNOT CONTROL IT!!! HELP ME!!!”

“Iris, honey. It’s okay. Feel it. Let your emotions out and then breathe.”

 

Iris takes a deep breath and her magic dies down. She looks around and with a blink, everything rights themselves. The dishes unbreak and stack themselves back in the cupboards. The cutlery goes back into the drawers. The chairs stand back up. All is right once again.

 

“I’m going to bed now. Goodnight Dad.”

“Goodnight sweetheart. I will see you in the morning.”

 

Iris goes down the hall to her room and gets ready for bed. She lays there staring at the ceiling, wishing that she could save her father from dying.

 

…

Iris wakes up feeling very uncomfortable. She looks around and finds herself in the woods with her dad sleeping soundly next to her. Iris hears a noise and shakes her dad awake. 

 

“Dad, what was that noise and how on earth did we end up in the woods by the lake? Where is our house?”

 

Merlin looks around and the color drains from his face as he says, “Iris, be quiet. That noise is bandits.”

 

Iris looks at her dad just as some bandits come barrelling out of the trees. Shocked, Iris’s eyes flash gold and all of the bandits get thrown at trees, their necks snapping instantly.

 

“What the hell was that?”

“Iris, those were bandits and you just killed them. Also, I believe you may have sent us back in time. To what point, I have no idea. But we need to be extremely careful and hide our magic. We may very well die for it. We need to get to Camelot.”

 

Iris looks at her dad confused before asking, “Camelot? You mean, we can see Pa??”

 

Merlin looks at his daughter with fond remembrance in his eyes and says, “Yes, my love. We can see Pa. But he won’t know who you are unless we tell him. He never was great with learning how things are but he will get there eventually.”

 

Iris nods slowly before saying, “Okay. Let’s go find Pa.”

 

They get up, pack their things and set off for Camelot. It’s about a day’s ride but they don’t have horses. Luck finds them though as a few familiar faces come barrelling through the trees.

 

Leon, Gwaine, Percival, Lancelot and Elyan come crashing through the trees as they send up a chorus of, “Merlin!”

 

“Who is the lovely lady?” Gwaine asks with a wink. 

 

Iris looks at Merlin and he nods before she says, “I am Iris Viluf.” “My daughter,” Merlin finishes.

 

It dawns on Lancelot before anyone else, as he says, “Oh…Merlin…? You aren’t from this time are you…?”

 

“No we are not. We need to see Arthur. It’s been 1563 years since I last laid eyes on my soulmate. Iris never got to meet her father. She was born the day he died in my arms.”

 

At this, all the knights just gaped at him and Iris. Merlin continues before questions are asked.

 

“Gwen carried Iris for me and Arthur. I created Iris using magic. I pulled pieces of Arthur and myself into her. It is why her magic is so strong. Gwen went into labor just before Arthur died. After he died in my arms and I sent him away on a boat, I raced back to Camelot. I was just in time to see my daughter born.”

 

Leon and the rest of the Knights just looked at the two of them with sadness in their eyes before wrapping them up in a hug.

 

“Come on. Let’s get you back to Arthur. Iris you can ride with Gwaine, and Merlin, Lancelot.”

 

They set off immediately. They ride in silence for quite a long time until Iris’s face starts draining of color. Gwaine notices that she is shaking slightly and looks to Merlin with panic evident in his eyes.

 

“Merls, what is happening with Iris?”

 

Merlin looks at his daughter and demands that they stop riding. “Iris, my love. What’s wrong?”

 

“I have no idea,” she whimpers before blacking out in Gwaine’s arms.

 

Gwaine gently lifts Iris and lays her on Lancelot’s cloak. She slowly comes to and looks at her dad.

 

“I think I know what happened. All that magic I used last night finally caught up with me.”

 

Merlin nods before wrapping her in a hug. He looks at Leon and the knight nods before saying, “Alright. Let’s head out.” At this point, they only have a few hours left of riding.

…

A few hours later, they enter the courtyard. Arthur is nowhere to be found. They are greeted by King Uther and Queen Ygraine. They tell them where Arthur is.

 

They enter the castle and go straight to the throne room. The door creaks open slowly and Merlin notices a mop of familiar blonde hair as Arthur slowly turns around.

 

Chapter 2: The Moment of Truth

Chapter 2: The Moment of Truth

Arthur slowly turns around at the sound of the doors creaking open. He looks at his manservant and notices what looks like relief and a small hint of fear in the man’s eyes. Then he notices the woman with Merlin and a twinge of something floods his heart. He looks at Merlin and asks, “Who is she and where did she come from?”

Merlin looks at Arthur, while barely holding back tears, and says, “We should go somewhere more private and talk through things. There is a lot you need to know.”

Meanwhile, Iris just stands there, silently crying as her heart leaps for joy as she finally lays eyes on her Pa.

Arthur signals the guards and they head out of the throne room and through the castle to his chambers. Lancelot and Gwaine following along.

They reach Arthur’s chambers and go inside. Merlin eyes Arthur warily before Arthur says, “Alright. Talk.”

“Before I get too far into this, please do not hate me.”
“I could never hate you Merlin. In fact, I love you and I’m beginning to fear that you don’t love me.”
“Oh Arthur, I do love you. More than you could ever know. Now, I must begin with…”
“Wait,” says Iris. “Are we just going to rip the bandaid off and hope for the best?”
“Yes, my love. We are,” Merlin answers. Arthur just stands there wide-eyed and feeling his heart drop.
“So Arthur,” Merlin continues. “This beautiful brown haired, blue eyed girl is our daughter. She is 1563 years old as of last night. We were sent here after things went a bit haywire…”

Arthur stands there, dumbfounded, as he tries to process what Merlin just said. He blinks a few times before saying, “Haywire? What could possibly have gone haywire for you to travel through time?”

At this both Merlin and Iris flinch before Iris says, “My magic went a bit haywire because I was feeling overwhelmed with emotions. I am an empath as well as a sorcerer.”

“A bit? I think things went more than ‘a bit’ haywire. I mean, you got sent backwards through time.”

Arthur looks at Merlin and says, “Do you also have magic?” Merlin gives an almost imperceptible nod. Before anyone can react, Arthur flings himself at Merlin and kisses him. Merlin melts into the kiss as the room falls away and they are the only two people there. Iris clears her throat and they break apart.

“Uh this is great and all, but can we get back to the matter at hand please?”

Arthur and Merlin step back from each but remain grasping each other’s hand. Lancelot and Gwaine pass money back and forth with huge grins on their faces.

“Really? You guys seriously made a bet?” Arthur says exasperated.
“Uh yes we did,” Gwaine says confidently.

Iris rolls her eyes at the men and looks at her dad. “Now what?” She asks. Before anyone else can say anything, Arthur pipes up and asks, “What had to happen for me to end up dying in your arms?”

Merlin gulps and nervously exclaims, “Heh…uh…yeah so I totally listened to a bloody dragon talk way too much about destiny. Like an idiot and you ended up dead…as did Morgana…who is also your sister…”

“Morgana is my sister??? Does she know?”

“No she does not know yet,” Iris answers.

They stare at each other for a moment before Iris starts crying. Her breath hitches and she starts sobbing. A wind comes out of nowhere and, without thinking, Arthur scrambles to her side and wraps her in a hug and whispers, “I’m right here my darling, sweet girl…shhh…” Iris calms down instantly. They sink to the floor as she melts into her Pa’s embrace and lets it warm her. She calms down pretty quickly. It was quiet for a moment save the sounds of rain pattering quietly on the windows.

Arthur looks at Merlin, who nods, before turning to Iris and asking, “Honey, what happened?”

“I was just overwhelmed. I have never seen you before and my entire life was just running through my head and I was just imagining what it would have been like if you had actually been there for everything…”

Arthur pauses for a moment before saying, “Well, I’m here now and I am not going anywhere.” He hugs her again and then stands up, helping her to her feet. He looks at Merlin and says, “I’ll have a guest room made up for her but you are staying with me.”

With that, they all head down to the great hall for dinner.

…

 

The great hall of Camelot was filled with laughter and chatter as Arthur sat at the head of the table, with his mother and father, while Morgana occupied her usual place. Iris and Merlin sat to either side of Arthur. The atmosphere was jovial, and everyone seemed to be in high spirits.

As the meal progressed, the topic of conversation turned to magic. Merlin, who often engaged in discussions with the knights about the mystical arts, explained the intricacies of controlling magical powers while the knights eagerly listened.

Morgana, however, grew increasingly restless as the discussion went on. Strange incidents had been occurring around her recently, and she couldn't shake the feeling that her own magic was responsible.

Unbeknownst to Morgana, Iris was seated across the table from her, her wide eyes fixated on the flickering candles illuminating the hall. As the discussion about magic continued, Iris couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement and anxiety coursing through her veins.

Unintentionally, her magical energy began to seep out, causing the candles nearest to her to dance and flicker.

Morgana, who was already on edge, noticed the sudden movement of the candles and felt a shiver run down her spine. Her heart raced, and she clenched her fists, convinced that she was the cause of the disturbance. She tried to calm herself, reminding herself that she had been practicing restraint and control over her powers.

But just as Morgana's nerves reached their peak, a gust of wind swept through the hall, extinguishing several candles in its wake. A small decorative trinket on Morgana's side of the table fell off and shattered on the ground, leaving her wide-eyed and breathless. It seemed as though the strange occurrences were centered around her, confirming her fears.

As the commotion settled, Merlin cast a discerning gaze across the hall. He had witnessed the events unfold and noticed Morgana's distress. Concerned, he approached her and said, “These incidents all seem like nothing more but a convergence of circumstances, a mere coincidence.”

“I am still uncertain, I believe that this strange phenomenon was my doing,” Morgana says with a small yet comforting smile on her face. She nods gratefully for his reassurance. Coming to terms with the situation, she realized that she had let her fear cloud her judgment and perspective. Perhaps her recent experiences were not entirely a result of her own magic.

Meanwhile, Iris, observing the exchange from a distance, felt a mix of guilt and relief. She knew that her powers were still unpredictable, and she made an internal vow to learn control over them. Seeing Morgana's distress and confusion only heightened her determination. She knew she had to take responsibility for her own magic and its consequences.

…

Once dinner was over, Iris all but ran to Morgana’s chambers. She had to explain that it was not her fault. Upon reaching Morgana’s chambers, she knocked and then waited. Gwen opened the door and let her inside. She looked around and saw Morgana huddled on her bed and wrapped in a shawl.

“Morgana, I wanted to explain what happened at dinner…”
“No, you don’t have to. I already know. It was my fault.”
“No. It wasn’t you. It was me. I have a lot of trouble controlling my magic because of how powerful I truly am. Especially when my emotions are involved. I can be…uh…unpredictable…”
“Oh…that was you…?”

Morgana is immensely relieved by that. She wraps Iris in a hug and says, “We have Merlin to help us learn control and we can do it together.”

“Together,” Iris agrees.

Chapter 3: A Royal Mess

Chapter 3: A Royal Mess

The day started off as any normal day… or so Iris thought. First, Grandma and Grandpa found out about my magic. Then, Grandpa and Aunt Morgana started scheming about ways to get my dads together, and now I am currently in a cell…

 

…

 

Within the hallowed halls of the library, Merlin patiently guides Iris through the delicate process of casting a complex spell. The incantation hangs heavy in the air, woven with the anticipation of newfound magic. Iris, however, struggles with the intricate gestures and the precise enunciation required. Frustration gnaws at her, causing her powers to sway uneasily, like a tempest brewing beneath her skin.

As the moments stretch on, Iris's patience wanes, and her emotions become entangled with her burgeoning magic. With a frustrated cry, she lets loose a shockwave of uncontrolled energy.

“AAHHHHHHH!!!”

The ground starts shaking, books fly off shelves, quills roll across the floor, and the air crackles with raw power. Chaos threatens to consume the library.

In a flash of insight and quick thinking, Merlin unleashes a counter spell, a binding enchantment that roots every object in the room to the spot. Tables, chairs, and even the fluttering pages of books freeze in midair, held by invisible forces. The spell's purpose was twofold, to protect those present from harm and to shield the library's treasures from the chaos.

Just as the last tremors of magic subsided, King Uther and Queen Ygraine entered the library, searching for their trusted adviser, Geoffrey. Startled by the frozen tableau before them, they exchange bewildered glances. Iris stands at the center, her eyes wide with both astonishment and embarrassment and some slight panic.

Uther, known for his strict adherence to laws concerning magic, as her father described, felt a mix of surprise and curiosity. His voice held a stern edge as he addressed Iris, “What is the meaning of this?”

Iris, trembling with both fear and honesty, stammered out an explanation. “I have magic. Powerful magic, I struggle with control, and this was just an accidental outburst of my power.” Her words hung in the air, the library filled with a tense silence.

To Uther and Ygraine's surprise, anger did not flare within Uther. Instead, understanding softened his features, his eyes reflecting compassion. They had witnessed firsthand the unintended consequences of Iris's magic, and it stirred something within him, a recognition of the complexities of sorcery.

Ygraine stepped forward, her voice gentle yet resolute.
“I assure you, young one, we will try our best to support you in times like this.” With that she offered a helping and guiding hand for her in the future.

Iris's eyes widened, her heart soaring with a mixture of relief and gratitude. She had feared the consequences of revealing her magic to the king and queen, yet their unexpected acceptance and understanding gave her newfound hope.

“Thank you so much My Lady,” Iris stammers out, still bewildered at the change of heart on Uther’s part. She turns to her dad after the King and Queen leave the library. “What the hell was that?”
“I have no idea honey.”

In the aftermath of the incident, whispers of Iris's magic begin to circulate through the castle. While some expressed concern, others recognized the potential she held, much like Morgana's own untamed powers.

…

 

Morgana, aware of the intrigue surrounding Iris, saw an opportunity that could alter the course of destiny. With a glint of mischief in her eyes, Morgana sought out Uther in secret.

“Uther, we need to have a chat about Arthur and Merlin.”
“What about them?”
“We need to get those two lovesick idiots together. Not just together though. We need to get them to a point where they fully realize how much the other means to the other. We need to get Arthur to propose.”
“Propose??? Arthur? Marry a servant???”
“Yes, now pay attention. They need to be married. It would settle the unrest and unease felt in the entire magical community. Emrys and The Once and Future King are destined for great things. They will unite the lands of Albion under a banner of peace. Side by side. They must do it together. They will ensure harmony and prosperity for all of Albion.”
“Hmmm, I’m intrigued. How would we do it?”
“It will take a lot of planning.”

Together, they planned a series of events, subtle yet purposeful, to nudge Arthur and Merlin towards the precipice of understanding their true feelings.

Due to their irrational choosing of a place for the conversation, Iris caught a glimpse of some of the preparations and ideas that filled the room.

As the chapters of fate turned, the whispers of magic and the carefully orchestrated events set the stage for a transformative union. Morgana and Uther, working in the shadows, observed with a mix of anticipation and trepidation. They knew that the bond between Arthur and Merlin was more profound than friendship, and their hearts yearned for that love to blossom into something greater.

Morgana, driven by her own desires and the belief in the power of destiny, sought to ensure that Arthur and Merlin's path aligned with the grand tapestry of Camelot's fate. Together, she and Uther devised a plan to create opportunities for the two men to express their true feelings.

In the weeks that followed, subtle gestures and orchestrated encounters brought Arthur and Merlin closer together. Morgana, with her astute perception, positioned herself as a confidante to both, subtly nudging them towards vulnerable conversations and shared moments.

Under the guise of castle affairs and royal gatherings, Morgana arranged social events that allowed Arthur and Merlin to spend more time together. They found themselves engaged in heartfelt conversations, where walls crumbled, and the depths of their emotions were laid bare. Each encounter forged a stronger connection, building upon the foundation of trust they had established over the years.

Meanwhile, Uther discreetly provided opportunities for Arthur to glimpse the extent of Merlin's loyalty and unwavering dedication. From strategic missions to personal sacrifices, Uther orchestrated scenarios that showcased the depth of Merlin's love for Arthur and his unwavering commitment to protecting the kingdom.

As days turned into nights and the intricacies of Morgana and Uther's plan unfolded, an undeniable tension began to brew between Arthur and Merlin. Longing gazes and subtle touches spoke volumes, yet the weight of their respective roles and societal expectations held them back.

Unbeknownst to Morgana and Uther, the power of their efforts rippled through the kingdom. Rumors spread, whispers of an impending proposal between the prince and his loyal servant. The people of Camelot, ever hopeful romantics, reveled in the possibility of witnessing a union that would solidify the bond between their beloved leader and the enigmatic sorcerer.

Yet, amidst the intricately woven threads of destiny and manipulation, Arthur and Merlin remained oblivious to Morgana and Uther's secret machinations. Their hearts, burdened by duty and the complexities of their feelings, remained locked away, neither daring to risk the vulnerability required to confess their love.

Little did they know, their clandestine plotting would not be the catalyst for Arthur and Merlin’s union. Fate, with it’s whimsical sense of timing, had a different plan in store, one that would force Arthur and Merlin to confront their emotions head-on, in order to save their daughter.
As the days grew shorter and the final strokes of Morgana and Uther’s secret plan fell into place, destiny prepared to unveil it’s own designs. The stage was set for a revelation that would alter the course where love, loyalty and magic would converge in a climax that would reverberate throughout the ages.

 

…

 

The knights, Merlin, Arthur and Iris were riding through the woods enjoying a hunt (well not Merlin) when Iris heard a noise.

“What was that?” She asked her Pa. Arthur signaled for everyone to stop talking. “That, my love, was bandits. Hide!”

They all dismounted as twelve bandits came out of the trees. Arthur and the knights started fighting, while Iris and Merlin took off through the trees. Merlin had to keep his daughter safe.

They almost got away when they both got knocked unconscious. They didn’t realize that they had been surrounded.

Iris and Merlin got separated at some point. Merlin was taken and Iris was left in the woods with nothing familiar around her. She feels something cold burning her wrists and looks down.

“Oh fuck,” she says. Then she blacks out as she feels her magic being cut off. Only it’s not being cut off, it is being drained.

Arthur and the knights wake up to find a note stuck to a tree with a dagger. The note reads:
Prince Arthur,
If you wish to see either of the sorcerers again, you will come unarmed, with Sir Gwaine, to my palace
~~~~

“Arthur, it’s the seal of King Odin,” Sir Leon calls out.
“We have to rescue them, Leon,” Arthur says with panic lacing his voice.
“I know, Arthur, but we need a plan. Let’s go back to the Citadel and talk things out.”

Arthur nods and they all head back to the Citadel as fast as their horses can carry them.

Chapter 4: Rescues and Confessions

Notes:

It’s vague but there is a mature scene

Chapter 4: Rescues and Confessions

Arthur and the Knights make it back to the Citadel and head straight for the council chambers. Uther and Ygraine are waiting inside with Gaius.

“Where’s Iris and Merlin?” Uther asks.

“They were taken…by King Odin,” Arthur says, panicking slightly and out of breath.

“Arthur, honey, breathe,” Ygraine tells her son.

“Mother, it is so hard to do that and for reasons you do not yet know.”

“Well, then I think it is time for the truth.”

“I believe you are right. Let’s go somewhere more private.”

With that, they head off for Arthur’s chambers. Once they arrive, he leaves Sir Leon and Sir Lancelot to guard the door. He follows Uther, Ygraine and Gaius into his Chambers. He takes a deep breath and turns to them.

“Before I begin, what I am about to tell you, changes everything you thought you knew.”

“Okay son, just tell us,” Uther demands, exasperated.

“Iris is my daughter. She is also Merlin’s daughter. They are from the future. Iris had a magical meltdown and lost control and accidentally sent them here. Until the day she arrived, she had never met me. She and her dad had been waiting for me for over 1500 years. She was born the day I died in Merlin’s arms. They got sent back here to change things so that they might be able to save me. Only so that Iris could have both of her parents.”

Uther's eyes widened in disbelief as Arthur dropped the bombshell news. The revelation that Merlin and Iris were from the future and the sentence about Iris being born of magic struck him like a thunderbolt, shattering the illusion of his understanding of the world. Anger flared within Uther, a flash of indignation at the audacity of time itself.

But as the initial shock subsided, a sense of elation replaced the anger. Uther's mind raced with the possibilities that this revelation brought. It explained the enigmatic nature of Merlin's powers and Iris's uncanny understanding of the world. It was as if a jigsaw puzzle had finally found its missing piece.

Yet, as Uther caught a glimpse of Arthur's panic stricken face, a wave of grief washed over him. He understood the weight that Arthur now carried, the burden of the future, the knowledge of destiny's tapestry being woven in intricate and unpredictable ways. The magnitude of the responsibility that had been thrust upon his son was immeasurable.

In that moment, Uther's heart ached for Arthur. The grief that etched itself into his features mirrored the anguish he felt within. It was a bittersweet realization that the truth they sought had come at such a cost, a cost of innocence, of the blissful ignorance that once enveloped their lives.

As Uther reached out, a mixture of compassion and understanding infused his touch. Not many words were needed as he conveyed his support to his son, promising to stand by him through the tumultuous journey that lay ahead. The emotions that played across Uther's face mirrored the complex array of feelings swirling within him but ultimately, a profound grief for the weight Arthur now bore upon his shoulders. The weight of knowing that his daughter is out there somewhere in danger.

“We need to rescue them both. Let me see the note,” Uther says to Arthur.

Arthur hands it over and says, “I’m supposed to go unarmed with Sir Gwaine, but I don’t think we should go by ourselves.”

“You shouldn’t. It could be a trap, but why Sir Gwaine?”

“I have no idea,” Arthur says. He opens the door and flags down a servant. “Find Sir Gwaine and tell him to come to my chambers. It is of the utmost urgency.” The servant nodded and took off down the corridor.

A few minutes later Sir Gwaine comes to the door and enters without knocking. Arthur looks up at the commotion with longing in his heart and upon realizing who it is, immediately straightens up.

“Gwaine, thank you for coming. Do you have any idea why Odin named you in this ransom note?”

“That would most likely be your daughter’s doing.” His eyes widen as he realizes what he just said.

“It’s alright Gwaine. I told them who she is.”

“Oh thank goodness. I thought I just spilled secrets,” he says, relief flooding through him.

“What do you mean by it would most likely be my daughter’s doing?”

“What I mean, is that we have a connection of sorts…not sure what it is exactly…”

“A connection? Well, I hope you treat her right. Now we need a plan to rescue them. Any ideas, anyone?”

In the wake of Merlin and Iris's kidnapping, Uther, Arthur, and the knights of Camelot forged a plan to rescue them from the clutches of the powerful king. The details of their plan were shrouded in secrecy, discussed only in hushed tones within the walls of the war room.

Understanding the gravity of the situation, Uther took on a strategic role, mapping out the potential locations and pathways that Odin might have taken. His knowledge of the kingdom and his experience as a warrior proved invaluable in formulating a rescue strategy.

Meanwhile, Arthur, fueled by his deep bond with Merlin and his growing affection for Iris, stepped into the role of a determined leader. He coordinated with the knights, assigning specific tasks to each based on their unique skills and strengths. Together, they formed an unwavering force, ready to face any challenge that lay ahead.

As the knights prepared for the mission, Gwaine's connection to Iris surfaced like a hidden thread waiting to be unraveled. The details of their interaction remained mysterious to others, buried beneath layers of memories between them only, yet to be unveiled.

United and driven by an unyielding determination, the rescuers set out on their mission. Their path was fraught with peril, as they navigated treacherous terrains and encountered formidable adversaries. Each step closer to rescuing their beloved sorcerers from the clutches of the enemy. The quest unfolded like a labyrinth, each step forward met with unexpected twists and turns.

As they pressed forward, each member of the group, with their unique skills and unwavering courage, played a crucial role in overcoming the trials that awaited them. Through cunning strategies and acts of valor, they outmaneuvered Odin's minions, skillfully navigating through the webs of deception and illusion he had woven. Their determination pushed them forward, even when hope seemed elusive.

The final confrontation with Odin loomed ahead, an epic battle between the forces of darkness and the unwavering light of Camelot. Uther, Arthur, and the knights fought valiantly, their swords clashing against Odin's power, their resolve unyielding.

In the midst of chaos, a moment of clarity emerged. Uther devised a diversion that allowed Arthur and his select group of knights to slip past Odin's defenses and reach the inner sanctum where Merlin and Iris were held captive.

Through a labyrinth of winding passages and guarded chambers, Arthur and his loyal companions pressed on, driven by the hope of reuniting with their beloved friends. Each step was laced with tension and anticipation, the air thick with the weight of their mission.
Finally, after overcoming countless obstacles, they stood before the chamber where Merlin and Iris were imprisoned. The door creaked open, revealing a scene of both relief and heartache. The journey had taken its toll on Merlin, his spirit battered but unbroken.

…

 

Arthur reaches Merlin’s cell and grips the bars, “Merlin! I’m here.”

“Arthur! You came for me…?”

“You know that I’ll go to hell and back for you. Merls, I will always come for you because I love you.”

“Oh Arthur, I love you too but you need to get me out of here. Then we need to get Iris out of her cell and get home.”

“Right. Can you use magic to get out of here?”

Merlin looks at him with an incredulous look on his face. “Seriously? You don’t think I’ve tried?” He holds up his hands and his sleeves fall back to expose the cuffs on his wrists and the thin burn marks under them.

Arthur's eyes widen in alarm. “What are those?”

Merlin shrugs nonchalantly and says, “Cold iron cuffs. They put some on Iris too but I’m worried about her because she doesn’t know how to protect her lifeforce from the cuffs yet.”

Arthur feels the panic rising inside him. He raises his sword and strikes the lock, freeing Merlin. Merlin exits the cell and mutters under his breath, feeling his magic stirring within him. The cuffs glow softly before, with a final surge of power, they break in half and fall off.

Arthur stares at him in disbelief. “Why didn’t you do that before?”

Merlin looks up at him and gestures to the cell. “The whole thing is cold iron. I couldn't do magic.”

“Oh but then how did you break the cuffs?”

“I’m Emrys. The most powerful sorcerer to ever walk the Earth. Well…at least I was…that is, until Iris. She is far more powerful than I am.”

“How powerful are you really?”

“Very powerful. I’ll show you sometime but now we must get Iris and get out of here.”

The two of them start running to the other end of the dungeon, straight to where Iris is being held. They reach her cell and what they see shatters their hearts completely. Iris, shivering on the floor, pale and unconscious. Merlin doesn’t hesitate. He rips the cell door off and breaks her cuffs with one flick of his wrist and a flash of gold. Arthur scoops her up and they take off running.

They are stopped just outside of the palace by King Odin and his knights.

“Stop Arthur. Don’t you want to know why I took them?”

“Why Odin? Why did you take them from me? Is this about your son?”

“YES!!! You killed my son! You need to pay!”

“But why them?”

“I took her because she is your child. I took him because he is very clearly your lover. If the rumors are true that is.”

“How the hell did you find out about her?”

“Oh, so you don’t deny it. The rumors are true then,” Odin says thoughtfully.

Shit Arthur thinks.

Shit is right Merlin replies.

How are we talking right now?

Mindlink. I have no idea how we are actually doing this right now though. Only people with powerful magic can talk without speaking. Maybe because you were born of magic?

Maybe. What do we do now?

Make peace with him.

Arthur gives an almost imperceptible nod of his head then says, “Odin, we need to put the past behind us. Please, for both our sanities and for Iris’s sake. I had no quarrel with your son. He challenged me to the death. I tried to get him to back out but he wouldn’t listen to me. I never wanted him dead.”

“What are you saying? You want peace? Well I don’t. I want revenge!”

“Merlin. Do something please.”

Merlin nods and raises a hand. He mutters a spell and freezes Odin just as he swung his sword at Arthur. Merlin walks up to him and places two fingers from each hand on his temples. He mutters another spell and Odin’s eyes glaze over for a moment. Merlin releases him and says, “King Odin, you will go back inside and drop your revenge fantasies. You will be a good king to your people. Fair, just, kind.” Odin nods and walks back inside.

“Uh Merlin, what did you do to him?” Arthur asks as Iris starts stirring.

“Oh that? I just took his free will away,” Merlins says nonchalantly.

“YOU WHAT???” Arthur bellows.

At this moment, Gwaine comes out of the trees.

“So are we heading home now?”

“Yes we are. Merlin, please get the horses.”

“Yes sire,” Merlin rolls his eyes at Arthur.

Arthur gently places Iris in Gwaine’s arms then mounts his horse. Gwaine lifts her up to Arthur once he is situated in his saddle. They head off towards Camelot.

 

…

 

Once home, they head straight to Iris’s chambers. Arthur places her on the bed gently. Gaius walks in and gives her a potion and puts a salve on her wrists. Then he turns to Arthur and Merlin.

“She needs to rest.”

With that they all leave. Arthur and Merlin head to Arthur’s chambers. Merlin closes the door and locks it behind him. As the dust of their journey settled, and the weight of their triumph began to ease, a serene calm descended upon Camelot. In the aftermath of their daring rescue, Merlin and Arthur found solace in the quiet moments that followed, seeking refuge in each other's presence.

In the gentle embrace of a moonlit room, bathed in ethereal radiance, both guys stood side by side. Their eyes met, wordlessly conveying the depths of their shared experiences and the unspoken emotions that had swelled within them.

Merlin's gaze, once filled with a spark of waywardness and determination, softened as he looked upon Arthur. His eyes held a tenderness that had been veiled for far too long, a vulnerability laid bare in the wake of their recent trials.

Arthur, no longer burdened by the weight of the crown, allowed himself to truly see the other person in the moonlight. In that moment, his heart swelled with a newfound understanding, as if the pieces of a puzzle had finally fallen into place.

Their silence spoke volumes, weaving a tapestry of unspoken words and hidden desires. In the hushed tranquility of the royal chambers, time seemed to stand still, as if the world had conspired to grant them this moment of respite from their duties and obligations.
Slowly, hesitantly, their hands reached out, fingers intertwining in a delicate dance of longing and affection.

The touch ignited a spark that reverberated through their souls, kindling a fire that had smoldered beneath the surface for far too long.

In that fragile, intimate space, where vulnerability and strength coexisted, Merlin and Arthur leaned closer, their lips tentatively meeting in a tender kiss. The world around them faded into insignificance as they surrendered to the sweetness of the moment, savoring the taste of a love that had weathered storms and emerged stronger.

As the feeling of each other's lips slowly disappeared, their hearts entwined, they stepped into the realm of the unknown, guided by the unshakeable bond that had withstood the tests of time and adversity.

Arthur's movements were followed by Merlin's like a shadow, each move lead them closer to the desire they felt deep inside. Sitting down on the bed, the prince pointed towards his love, standing before him, initiating a closer stance.

The intensity of their gaze spoke of an insatiable hunger, a yearning that transcended the physical, reaching into the very core of their being. Merlin moved closer, pushing the other male into a lying position while slowly ending on top like a tiger eyeing it's prey.

With every touch they gravitated toward each other, drawn like celestial bodies locked in an eternal orbit. Each caress carried the weight of a thousand whispered confessions, that finally arised deep from their hearts.

Clothes disappearing from their bodies, and appearing all over the room like a magic trick no one saw, not one of them could get enough of the other. Fingertips brushed against soft skin, tracing delicate paths of exploration, leaving trails of shivers in their wake.

Arthur turned their bodies around, as the lead was taken from Merlin, who's at first surprised reaction softened and accepted the flow. Love radiated from their gazes, enveloping them in a warmth that transcended mere physical touch until slowly with their bodies connecting, they finally became one.

Their kisses tasted like forbidden fruit, an intoxicating blend of sweetness and urgency that left them yearning for more. While their bodies moved in sync, a graceful dance of intertwined destinies, their rhythms not missing a beat.

Soft sighs escaped their lips, mingling in the air like a melody of passion and vulnerability. Every glance held a promise, a silent vow of devotion, as their eyes spoke the language of their hearts each moment they met.

As the stars continued to linger in the middle of the night, the guys found a sanctuary where love blossomed, a garden of whispered promises and shared dreams in each other's arms.

The flow of the situation became slower, as both Arthur and Merlin's stares met in the darkness, the traces of love lighting them up. The unspoken dialogue in their eyes held the power to convey more than any words ever could, bridging the gap between their souls with an unbreakable bond.

…

Arthur and Merlin are in bed looking at each other and talking quietly when Arthur looks up and says, “Merlin, tell me how you are feeling about this…about us…about me…”

Merlin grabs Arthur’s chin gently and turns his head so he can look him in the eyes. “I’m caught up in you. When you’re close I feel like coming undone. But you’re untouchable as the prince. You burn brighter than the sun. But when I dream, I see you and me together. Married, with our daughter close by. At home, cozy by the fire. Please say that we will be together…”

Arthur grabs Merlin’s hand and looks him in the eye, “We will be one day.”

“I died inside every single day, for over a thousand years, waiting for you. I don’t want to wait any longer.”

There goes my heart racing, my hands are shaking, my mind is also racing, Arthur thinks. “I’d climb every mountain, face any enemy, just to be with you. If that means making a stand against all the kingdoms, then so be it.”

“You would do that for me?”

“Of course I would, you idiot. I love you.”

“I love you too Arthur. Will you let me follow you wherever you go?”

“Uh yes. Of course.”

Arthur gets up from the bed and walks over to his wardrobe. He pulls out his mother’s sigil and walks back to the bed. He kneels down in front of Merlin, who bolts upright, and says, “Merlin, you are my reason for breathing, my reason for existing, I love you Merlin. Will you accept this sigil and marry me?”

Merlin blinks a couple times as he processes what was just said, before launching himself at Arthur. With tears streaming down his face, he nods and stammers out, “YES! Of course I will!”

Arthur scoops him up off the bed and they kiss, sealing their fates.

Notes:

Chapter 5 is still a work in progess

Chapter 5: Long Live

Chapter 5: Long Live

A few weeks later, Arthur and Merlin are in the throne room with Uther, discussing policies when Merlin pokes Arthur.

You should ask about Morgana being your half-sister.
Why now?
Because we need to tell her but we can’t without Uther’s confirmation. She won’t believe just me. She needs your word that your father said it himself.
Okay Merlin, let’s do this.

Arthur turns to his father and says, point blank, “Morgana is my sister.” Uther looks concerned for a moment before he sets his face straight and says in a slightly angry voice, “Where did you hear that?”

“That doesn’t matter. Do you deny it?”
“No, I do not deny it. I had an affair with her mother, Lady Vivienne. About a year before you were born.”
“You did what?” Arthur says, as a switch flipped in his brain and anger took hold.

Arthur and Uther argue back and forth about whether or not they should tell Morgana. The latter saying no while the former says yes. Little do they know, Ygraine had walked in and heard the whole thing.

…

With her heart broken, Ygraine writes a letter to her brother, Agravaine. Telling him of the information that she learned. She tells him how she still wants to stay here because it happened in the past and she is Queen.

With the letter written, she sets off to make a plan. She needs Uther off the throne and her son in his rightful place.

 

…

 

Arthur finds his mother in the secret garden that she loves. The entrance to the garden is a door behind some bushes near the eastern gate.

 

“Arthur, how wonderful to see you. I actually wanted to speak with you about something.”
“What about Mother?”
“I want your father off the throne and you on it.”
“Why Mother?”
“He was unfaithful to me and had another child. I’m simply worried for the kingdom. If he could do that to me, imagine what he could do to our people.”
“You’re right. What do you think he is capable of?”
“I believe that he could try to eradicate magic.”
“Is that you or Merlin talking, Mother?”
“A bit of both. Merlin and I had a discussion on what he survived through in the other time. He made me promise not to tell you though. He said that he would tell you when the time is right.”
“Okay. I need to find him.”

…

Arthur leaves his mother sitting under a tree in the secret garden and goes to find Merlin. He finally finds him in the Lower Town after searching the entire castle.

Merlin watches Arthur walk up to him as Arthur says, “We need to have a conversation about the past and present.” Merlin shrugs and says, “Yes we do.”

Arthur and Merlin head back through the Lower Town and up to the castle. They go to their chambers and Merlin locks the door and spells the door to block out sound.

“My mother wants my father off the throne and for me to take his place.”
“Oh. How do you feel about that?”
“I’m not sure how to feel or how to go about getting him off the throne.”
“You are fated to be the greatest king Camelot has ever known. Maybe this is how your reign was supposed to start.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“There are things Iris and I have not yet told you. Things about my past that simply aren’t going to happen here because your mother is still alive here.”
“Tell me please. All of it.”
“Okay. Here we go,” Merlin reluctantly agrees.
"So, Morgana turned against the throne. She tried to take control, but she failed. Mordred came back, you knighted him but somehow forgot he was a druid. I may have been very VERY suspicious of him because the big bloody lizard said he'd kill you so I may have contributed to his turn. Then he stabs you, then I admit my magic. I try to get you to the lake so you can get healed but you don't make it and you die in my arms. All peachy, right?"
Arthur just stares at him for a few moments before Merlin adds, “Oh and all of this started because your dad was the reason your mother died.”
“Wait…what?? My dad…what…the…fuck…? Merlin. What? Merlin that was a lot of information to process and you somehow managed to remain sassy through it all.”
“Just part of my charm,” Merlin says with a sheepish smile.
“We need my father off the throne.”
“No shit Sherlock,” Merlin’s eyes widen when he realizes what he just said. Fully knowing that Arthur would not understand it one bit. “Uh, Sherlock is a detective from the future.”

Arthur and Merlin leave their chambers in search of Uther Pendragon. They come across a servant who tells them that dinner is being served in the banquet hall. They take off running.

Uther Pendragon sat upon his majestic throne, around him, the closest members of the court gathered for their last meal of the day. As Uther addressed the gathered with tales of his reign, Iris couldn't help but feel the weight of his stubbornness. She knew that Camelot needed a new path, a fresh perspective, and her father was the one to lead the way.

Summoning her own strength, Iris stood up from her chair, her eyes locked with Uther's. "May I?" she began with unwavering resolve before she got the nod in return, "I had a lot to think about, your reign has been great, but the time has come for you to consider the future of Camelot."

"Arthur is ready, and the people are ready for his leadership." Uther regarded Iris with a mix of surprise and skepticism. "My dear, I have ruled this kingdom with strength and wisdom. Who is to say Arthur is ready to take the throne?"

Iris took a deep breath, her voice firm yet gentle. "Arthur has grown into a leader whom the people trust and respect. My father always told me about the times before we got here and I trust that it is time to pass the torch."

The court watched with bated breath as Iris and Uther engaged in an unspoken battle of wills. The air was tense with the weight of generations passing down the crown.

Finally, after a moment of contemplation, Uther's gaze softened when travelling to his son and back. "You believe in him, don't you?" he questioned, his voice tinged with vulnerability.

"I believe in the future of Camelot," Iris replied, her voice tinged with emotion. With Iris's words echoing in his mind, Uther's stoic facade began to waver. He realized that the strength of the kingdom was not solely defined by his rule, but by the ability of its leaders to embrace change and renewal.

As the court watched, Iris took Uther's hand in hers, a gesture that spoke of unity and understanding. "Trust in Arthur, as we all do," she implored, her eyes conveying the depth of her belief in the future he dads could create together.

With a nod of acceptance, Uther stepped away from the throne, leaving it unoccupied for the first time in many years. He turned to Arthur, a mix of pride and nostalgia evident in his gaze. "It is time, my son," he said, his voice tinged with a father's fondness, "to take your place as the next ruler."

…

 

As days went by the big day finally arrived, people from all over the kingdom came to the castle to witness the rise of their new king.

Merlin and Arthur are in their chambers getting ready for the big day. Merlin kisses Arthur sweetly in encouragement.

“You got this honey. I love you Arthur.”
“I love you too Merlin.”

They hold each other in an embrace before they head down to the throne room, pride beaming on Merlin’s face.

…

 

Geoffrey of Monmouth stands before Arthur as he kneels on the dais.

“Will you solemnly promise and swear to govern the Peoples of Camelot according to their respective laws and customs?”

“I solemnly swear so to do.”

“Will you to your power cause Law and Justice, in Mercy, to be executed in all your judgments?”

“I will.”

“Then by the sacred laws vested in me, I crown you Arthur, King of Camelot!”

As Arthur ascends the throne, the court erupts in applause, acknowledging the passing of the crown from father to son. Iris and Merlin stand by Arthur's side, their hearts full of hope for the future that lay ahead.

In that moment, Camelot witnessed not just a change of power, but a testament to the strength of love, wisdom, and unity that would define the legacy of their great kingdom. In the hands of The Once and Future King, the kingdom stepped into the new era of better times.

Notes:

This chapter took me forever and it was hard to write. I’m not sure I really like it.

Chapter 6: My Big, Fancy Camelot Wedding

Notes:

Enjoy this chapter. It is my favorite after chapter 4

Chapter 6: My Big, Fancy Camelot Wedding

 

Arthur and Merlin have hardly seen each other for a day and a half. They had been running all over the castle preparing for their big day. For Merlin, he’s getting a crown and two titles. King’s Consort and Court Sorcerer. For Arthur, he’s getting the love of his life. For both, they are getting a family.

The throne room is being set up for the wedding. Huge bouquets of wildflowers and lilies are being placed behind the dais where Arthur and Merlin are to be wed. Long pieces of golden fabric are twisted and hung from the chandelier and then are connected to the corners of the room.

Merlin walks in and sees Iris. He walks up and says, “Are you excited for tomorrow?” She nods excitedly, “Oh Pa, I’m so excited for you and Dad!” Little orange butterflies begin popping up as Iris loses control for a moment.

“You know, I make little blue butterflies appear when I get really happy.”
“Is that why there were butterflies flying around for two whole days after Dad proposed?”
“Yes, my love. That is why,” Merlin says, blushing.

With that Merlin walks away to go eat dinner.

 

…

 

The next day, the castle is alive with light and wonder, as the wedding between Merlin and Arthur draws closer. Druid clans have arrived. Hunith and Balinor have arrived.

Merlin is in his chambers getting ready for the big day. He wears a dark blue tunic with tiny red and gold dragons embroidered on the bottom edges. The embellishments are gold. Golden belt, golden trim.

Arthur is in his chambers. He is getting ready but he is also pacing. He is excited and also slightly worried. He is hoping that everything goes to plan. He wears a deep red undershirt, his chainmail with a golden belt and his red cape with the Pendragon crest. He also wears his crown.

 

…

 

Arthur walks down the aisle to the dais and then turns around and waits for Merlin to make his entrance.

The music starts playing and Arthur looks up. What he sees takes his breath away. Merlin looks glorious. The dark blue of his tunic makes his eyes pop wonderfully. The little dragons are an adorable touch. Merlin makes his way down the aisle and stands next to Arthur.

“Let’s begin,” Uther said. “Kneel,” he commands Arthur and Merlin, who both gracefully take a knee on the top step of the dais and join hands, their fingers intertwining in an unbreakable bond. Uther wraps a golden ribbon adorned with tiny blue butterflies around their joined hands.

“Arthur Pendragon, King of Camelot, do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband? Do you vow to protect, guide and care for him in all matters, physical and emotional?”

Arthur looked at his father, his mother, at the crowd, at Iris. All eyes were on him, expectant. He looked at Merlin, who wore a lovesick expression. He thought back to Morgana’s words, Destiny brought you back together for a reason. “I do,” he promised.

“Very well,” Uther said. “Merlin Wyllt, do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband? Do you vow to protect, guide and care for him in all matters, physical and emotional?”

Arthur held his breath as he waited for the other man’s response. “I do.”

“Your vows please.” Uther says.

Merlin begins, “Arthur, I promise to love you every day, the good days and the bad. To support you in everything. To have fun with you on every adventure we encounter. To grow with you. To honor and respect you. To show gratitude for the way you care for me. To always hold your hand. When the day shall come that we do part, if my last words are not ‘I love you’ you’ll know it was because I didn’t have time. With this ring, I promise to love and cherish you until the end of time. For you are my one true love.”

“Arthur, your turn,” Uther says.

In the hushed presence of their loved ones, Arthur stands before Merlin, his voice filled with undeniable love and conviction. He looks into Merlin's eyes, his voice steady yet laced with emotion as he begins to speak his vows. "Merlin, my heart has always known you as my destiny, even before my mind understood it and today I stand here before this crowd, promising to love and cherish you with every breath I take till my last one." His voice quivers with passion as he continues, "I vow to protect you, to be your courage in times of darkness, and to celebrate your victories as my own. Together, we shall weather life's storms, supporting and lifting each other until the end of our days. With this ring, I seal my love and commitment to you, Merlin, my one true love and destiny."

Both Merlin and Arthur have tears of joy rolling down their cheeks.

“Then I pronounce you husbands.” Uther motions for Arthur to rise. “Arise, King Arthur Pendragon of Camelot,” he says and then turns to Merlin. “And arise, King’s Consort, Merlin Pendragon of Camelot.”

Once they are both standing, Uther announces that Arthur may ‘kiss his husband.’ Arthur takes Merlin’s face in his hands and pressed a short, passionate kiss on his lips.

 

“One more thing,” Arthur turns to Merlin. “Kneel.” Merlin kneels and Arthur continues. “Merlin, do you promise to uphold the laws of Camelot, against friend or foe?”

“Yes Sire, I do,” Merlins says.

“Do you pledge yourself in service to Camelot and her people?”

“Yes Sire, I do.”

“Very well.”

With that Arthur places a golden coronet on Merlin’s head and then says, “Arise, Merlin Pendragon, King’s Consort and Court Sorcerer.”

Merlin turns and addresses the crowd, “ I have, in sincerity, pledged myself to your service, as so many of you are pledged to mine. Throughout all my life and with all my heart I shall strive to be worthy of your trust. In this resolve I have my husband to support me. He shares all my ideals and all my affection for you.”

Everyone claps. Gwaine and Lancelot cheer loudly from the back of the throne room. Merlin turns to Arthur and cups his cheeks as he kisses Arthur. The kiss is short but passionate and Merlin is so happy that tiny blue butterflies just start appearing out of thin air.

 

…

 

The reception in the banquet hall is a grand affair. Everyone is drinking ale and mulled wine. Roasted pigs and chickens are served with cooked veggies. Green beans and carrots. Iris made a delicious dessert that she remembered from the future. Strawberry fluffies. They are fluffy and melt-in-your-mouth tasty.

The knights are rambunctious. Merlin and Arthur finish eating dinner and the knights ask them to dance.

“Uh, I am not a dancer.”
“Don’t worry, Merlin. I will lead. I will always lead.”

They dance their way through one song and then another. Merlin leans in and whispers in Arthur’s ear, “A single thread of gold ties me to you. I want to make that permanent. More than a marriage. I want to bind our souls together.”

“Can you do that?”
“It is so simple.”
“Okay. Tonight. Once everyone has gone to bed.”
“Okay. I will. I love you Arthur.”
“I love you too Merlin.”

 

…

 

After the reception and feast were done, they went off to their chambers. Merlin closes and locks the door behind him. Just as Arthur rushes in for a bruising kiss.

They break apart before sharing a warm smile full of love and determination.

“Are you ready for this?” Arthur nods and Merlin’s eyes flash bright gold when he starts speaking. As always, when Merlin speaks words in the ancient language, they seem completely foreign and yet strangely familiar to Arthur’s ears. He looks straight at Merlin, while all at once an invisible gust of wind blows through the room, causing the fire next to them to flare up. The air begins crackling around them and small sparks of golden light dance in the air, tingling when they touch Arthur’s skin.

A moment later, Arthur feels some kind of warmth rising within him, spreading throughout his body. Then, all of a sudden he feels something flare up at the edge of his consciousness, filling a place within him that has been empty thus far. Only now that this place is filled does Arthur become aware of the incredible emptiness that had been inside him before, and he grasps for this new presence so as not to lose it again.

When Merlin has spoken the last words of the spell, the sparks of golden light in the air disappear again, but the feeling of being complete for the first time in his life remains. Arthur leans in for another kiss.

The moment their lips meet, the fire in the fireplace flickers higher and a warm, tingling sensation spreads through Arthur’s body. He has never felt anything like it before, and the urge to get even closer to Merlin is overriding everything else. With a strangled sound in the back of his throat, Arthur surges forward, tangling his hands in Merlin’s hair to pull him even closer. Merlin seems to feel the same way, because he clings to Arthur with just as much desperation, and he follows immediately, when Arthur sinks backward onto the bed, pulling Merlin on top of him.

Before long, Merlin’s magic escapes him in a golden sheen as he reaches his climax. It spreads over everything. Everywhere it touches, wildflowers bloom and blue butterflies flutter around.

The day had been a wondrously good day, ending on an even better note. Arthur and Merlin sealed their destinies and souls until the end of time.

Chapter 7: Winter in July

Notes:

Please leave comments. I want to know how I’m doing

Chapter 7: Winter in July

AN: The following chapter might be triggering for some readers. Lots of hard emotions dealing with grief and worthlessness. Please be nice when giving feedback on this chapter. It was extremely hard to write as I used my own thoughts and feelings to fuel this. Arthur, in this chapter, is the person I wish I had when I was struggling. I just wanted to give the characters emotions more value.
TW: mentions of suicidal thoughts

…

Merlin is in his chambers. Arthur has gone down to train with the knights. Merlin has been having a rough go of it lately. Feeling lost and worthless. He still feels the loss of Arthur even though he knows he is okay. He is lost in thought and spiraling quickly.

Why? Why me? I don't understand. Why did you have to leave me? When will you come back? Let me join you. Please. I cannot do life with you Arthur. I need you. Please come back to me. WHY WON'T ANYONE ANSWER ME???

I can hear you, you know? Merlin? MERLIN!

Shit. You weren't supposed to hear that

Five minutes later Arthur comes crashing through the door and scoops his husband up in a bone crushing hug. He kisses him sweetly and together they sink to the floor wrapped in each other’s embrace. Merlin has tears glistening on his cheeks.

“ I am here now. We are married, finally. I don’t plan on ever letting you go. Nor do I plan on ever going anywhere. I love you, Merlin. Just trust that. Believe that. I know it may be hard for you sometimes. Especially after spending over a thousand years waiting for me and then suddenly being sent back here. But this, us, is real. I am real.”

Merlin melts into Arthur’s embrace. Arthur gently kisses his forehead.

…

A few days later Arthur is on the training field with knights. Dark gray clouds roll in and before they can process that, it starts snowing. Not just a flurry but a full on blizzard. Arthur realizes that something must be wrong with either Merlin or Iris.

He takes off towards the castle. He finds Iris reading in a quiet corner, perfectly happy.

“Iris, honey? Do you know where your dad is?”
“I thought he was with Morgana teaching her some spells and things. Why?”
“Because it is snowing in the middle of summer.”
“Oh. You should probably go find him.”

At that Arthur takes off running. He races through the throne room, banquet hall and the entrance hall. No sign of Merlin. He heads off to try the library.

…

 

Merlin is in one of the towers, pacing and panicking. All of the trauma he has lived through thus far, is eating away at his mind. The overwhelming guilt from wanting to die and from trying to kill himself is currently plaguing his mind.

The other thing he is having a hard time processing is the soul shattering grief he still feels from losing Arthur.

He feels his heart begin to beat rapidly, as an overwhelming sense of dread fills his mind. As the dread rises, his breathing begins to falter. He notices that his mouth feels dry. His chest starts hurting as the tears start flowing. He overheats and gets lightheaded as one thought floods his mind.

He’s gone. He’s gone. He’s gone.

Merlin cannot breathe at this point. His vision starts to go in and out. Then he’s falling but he never hits the ground. Arthur has caught him mid-faint.

When Merlin comes to, he sees Arthur’s face. Concern, love and just a little panic are written all over his face. With their souls bound together, Merlin can feel the lingering desperation in Arthur’s soul.

“My love, what’s wrong?”
“I was having flashbacks of all the trauma I lived through. Losing you, the four times I tried to join you, the assaults, all of it. I feel worthless and undeserving of the love you give me.”
“Merlin. You are worth it. You are deserving of all the love I have to offer. I am not going anywhere. I am here and I am alive.”
“I can see you are alive and here but I lived 1563 years without you by my side. I’m having a hard time believing this is real. I’m terrified that I will wake up one day and this was all just a dream. Please don’t leave me.”
“My love, I will never leave you. Ever. I can’t leave you now. You bound our souls together. I cannot die now. You and your magic will keep me safe.”
“My magic has always kept you safe. Here, watch this,” Merlin says.

His eyes flash gold and a thin glittery golden sheen covers Arthur. Merlin focuses and the golden sheen moves to cover Arthur’s heart, in glittering tendrils. Arthur watches in awestruck wonder.

“You’ve done this before haven’t you? It feels familiar.”
“I’ve done it many times. Before every battle, when you were sleeping. I was scared I would lose you. Then one day, I did lose you. I vowed that if we were ever reunited, I would do everything in my power to protect you and keep you safe. That is part of why I bound our souls together.”
“What’s the other part?” Arthur asks, curiosity eating away at him.
“The other part is because I love you and I can’t bear to be parted from you. I love you Arthur.”
“I love you, Merlin. Now, can you make it stop snowing?”
“Snowing? What do you mean snowing?”
“You made it snow.”
“Oh.”
“Merlin, what does it feel like to have magic?”
“Let me show you.”

Merlin puts his hands on Arthur’s cheeks and mumbles some words in the language of the Old Religion. Arthur can feel Merlin’s magic coursing through him. Then suddenly, he can feel the entire world. The powerful pull of the waves in the oceans, the breeze through the treetops, the clouds in the sky, the sunlight on blooming flowers. He can feel Merlin, buzzing slightly. He can feel him change the course of the weather to make the snow go away. He feels the sun warm the grounds of the castle as the snow melts away. He is in complete awe of his husband.

Merlin stops the mumbling and then the faint golden glow slowly recedes and Arthur can fully see his husband again. He feels slightly drunk. He grabs Merlin by the face and pulls him in for a bruising kiss. The overwhelming feeling of wanting to be as close as possible to the other man overtakes Arthur’s senses. They kiss and kiss and then clothes are discarded around the room. Merlin reaches out with his magic and locks the door. They are both entranced by the other’s electric touch.

…

A few days later Merlin is in the library with Iris when Ygraine comes in with Arthur.

“Hello Merlin, Iris. We need to talk with you both.”
“Arthur, what is going on?”
“Well Merlin, we are going to help my mother with her revenge on my father.”
“Oooh revenge is my strong suit,” Iris replies excitedly. “What exactly are you thinking?”
“I just want to humiliate him in some way,” Ygraine says.
“I have the perfect idea.”

In the quiet and hallowed halls of the library, Iris lays out her plan. The plan centers around Uther’s infidelity.

…

A few hours later, Merlin is pacing in his chambers. Going through everything that happened that day. He is exhausted and strung out and is in serious need of a day off. Feeling overwhelmed and flustered, he stalks out of his room and practically runs to the gardens. There, he sinks to his knees and lets out a frustrated and anguished cry that can be heard all the way to the Lower Town. His magic gets away from him when he lets out his cry and it starts raining. He just sits there in the pouring rain and cries.

Arthur, having heard Merlin’s cry of anguish, rushes out to find him. He runs outside into the pouring rain and when he sees Merlin, he sinks to the ground next to him and just holds him. He whispers into his hair, “It’s okay my love. I’ve got you. Just let it out.”

The King and his sorcerer just sit there, like that, in the rain until darkness falls.

Chapter 8: The Root of All Evil

Notes:

I apologize for how long it is taking to upload new chapters

Chapter 8: The Root of All Evil

 

One sunny day in August, Morgana, Iris and Merlin are in Merlin’s workroom. “Dad’s Lair” as Iris calls it, is the top floor of East Tower. Merlin likes his “lair” here because it has the best views of the sunrise. 

 

Iris and Morgana are working on controlling their magic. Merlin has them working on lighting a single candle in the middle of  a sea of fifteen other candles.

 

“Iris, give it a try,” Merlin tells his daughter.

“Okay. Forbearnan.”

 

All sixteen candles light instantly. Their flames jumping higher than Iris’s head. Iris giggles and says, “Oops.”

 

“Morgana, your turn,” Merlin says after he puts the flames out.

“Forbearnan,” Morgana says. Nothing happens.

 

She tries again and lights the rug they are sitting on on fire. Morgana squeals and scrambles backwards as all the candles light at once. The flames roar higher the more she freaks out. Merlin puts the flames out as quickly as they had appeared. He repairs the rug and the floor where the flames had damaged them.

 

Iris blinks a few times, eyes wide, before asking, “Should I try again?”

 

Merlin merely shakes his head, “No. you girls are free to go.”

 

Both of them scramble to their feet before running out the door. Morgana turns to Iris and asks, “Want to have lunch together?”

 

Iris, excitedly, responds, “Yes. I would love to.”

…

Later on, both girls are eating lunch in Iris’s chambers. The girls are laughing and carefree until Iris suddenly freezes. Her eyes blank but glowing golden. Morgana, frightened, runs to the door and shouts for a servant.

 

“You must find the King and Merlin. Tell them that it is important, and to come here immediately.”

“Yes My Lady.”

 

The servant runs off down the corridor. Meanwhile, Iris is slowly losing control of her magic. There is a wind that blows everything around. Little orange butterflies and roses start appearing everywhere. Then suddenly the wind stops and everything that was moving, freezes.

 

“What the hell just happened?” Iris exclaims.

“You lost control for a moment,” Morgana explains.

“What? I was just talking to the Lady in White.”

“What Lady in White?”

“The Goddess. She called me daughter.”

“Is she your mother?” Morgana hesitantly asks.

“No. I don’t have a mother. I have two dads. Arthur and Merlin. Pa is Arthur and Dad is Merlin.”

“Well that explains why you are so powerful,” Morgana says with a huff. “It also explains why you are so clumsy.”

 

Iris pales for a moment as she realizes what she just said. She collects herself and says, “You cannot tell a soul who I really am or who my parents are.”

 

“I won’t. I’m just trying to wrap my brain around the fact that I have a full grown niece I never knew about.”

“That might take a mo-

“IRIS!!!” Arthur interrupts by barging in through the door.

“Swee- uh how are you?”

“It’s okay Pa. Morgana knows. I told her.”

“Okay…wait…WHAT??? YOU TOLD HER?”

“It just kind of came out.”

“Iris, you cannot go around telling people this until the council knows everything.” Arthur runs a hand through his hair and looks up as Merlin walks through the door. 

 

Merlin walks up to his daughter and looks her in the eye just as she collapses. Merlin grabbed and managed to yank Iris around and partly down onto her side before the rigidity set in. There was a moment of struggle when Iris seemed to think that she was being attacked, and then she let out a harsh, strangled grunt as her head arched back to thump against her father’s chest. Her fingernails dug into his forearm, thankfully cushioned by the surcoat that he was still wearing. “You’re alright – I’ve got you.” Merlin fought a moment to keep her in place without hurting her. More for himself than Iris, who likely wouldn’t recall this, he repeated, “It’s alright,” and loosened his arms only enough that he wouldn’t hinder the convulsions any more than necessary.

 

When Iris came to, she looked like a shell of herself and panicked slightly when she didn’t recognize her dad. Merlin rubbed soothing circles on her back until she settled into his side. 

 

Finally, Iris regained full consciousness. She looked at her dad and started crying. Merlin hugged her and gave Arthur a pointed look. After a moment, Arthur got down on his knees and hugged them both.

 

“Merlin, what happened? What was that?”

“Arthur, my love, Iris has a condition. She was diagnosed back in our normal time. It’s called epilepsy.”

“Epilepsy?”

“Yes. She doesn’t have her meds here because they haven’t been invented yet. So this will happen more often. You will need to know what to do when they happen.”

“What exactly happens?”

“Well, they are called seizures. A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled burst of electrical activity in the brain. It can cause changes in behavior, movements, feelings and levels of consciousness. When this happens, you need to make sure that she is on her side and her head is cushioned and that any tight clothing is loosened. You do not want to hinder the convulsions. That could harm her.”

“Okay. Merlin, you are definitely a physician. I can tell by the way you talk about this. Did you continue your studies after I died in the other time?”

“Yes, I did. I have what is called a doctorate degree in medicine.”

“I have no idea what that is but great job.”

“Thank you. It is essentially a piece of paper that grants me access to the innermost workings of a human body.”

Arthur just stares at him incredulously then he shakes his head and says, “Okay.”

 

The conversation dwindles off and Merlin carries Iris to her chambers.

…

As the aftermath, in the days that followed, Merlin's attention was mostly focused only on Iris and teaching her to keep in control of her magic even when having an attack. His worry was that if she gets another attack while no one is around, her magic could start wildly destroying her surroundings.

 

As the sorcerer taught his daughter the new methods, Morgana stood in the shadows, her gaze fixed on Iris. Bitterness coiled within her heart, a venomous envy that had festered for far too long. While Merlin's magic and knowledge had been passed down to Iris, Morgana's own powers remained wild and uncontrollable. The sight of Iris, becoming better at effortlessly harnessing the magic that eluded her, ignited a flame of jealousy that consumed her thoughts.

 

As the days passed, Morgana's obsession with Iris's powers intensified. Each display of Iris's abilities became a twisted reminder of her own inadequacy. She watched as Iris conjured spells with grace and precision, her magic dancing at her command. It was a stark contrast to Morgana's own struggle to tame the untamed forces within her.

 

One fateful night, driven to the brink of madness by her jealousy, Morgana concocted a sinister plan. With a vial of poison in her hand that she secretly purchased, she ventured into Iris's chamber, her footsteps silent as shadows embraced her every move. The vial held a liquid that promised to snuff out the light of Iris's magic forever, a malevolent solution to her own pain.

 

Carefully, Morgana approached Iris's bedside, her heart pounding with a mixture of fear and anticipation. But as she uncorked the vial and tipped it over, a realization struck like a bolt of lightning. The vial was empty. Panic seized her, the taste of failure bitter on her tongue. How had her well devised plan gone awry?

 

A cold sweat drenched Morgana's brow as she retreated from Iris's chamber, her mind spinning with a whirlwind of emotions. Tears welled in Morgana's eyes as she retreated from the room, the weight of her actions and the revelation of her own shortcomings heavy upon her soul. In that moment, she recognized that her rivalry with Iris was not born of magic alone, it was a reflection of her own insecurities, of a heart in turmoil.

 

Days turned into nights, and the winds of change swept through Camelot. As Iris continued to practice, Morgana's jealousy slowly turned into admiration. She slowly got in terms with herself that her magic is going to take longer to master but in the end it's going to be worth it. 

 

Through time the more she practiced the more she realized the secret of the missing poison on that dark night was actually her own magic accidentally being activated out of her anger, making the liquid disappear into the unknown. The more Morgana thought of it, the happier she got. It was her magic that undoubtedly helped Iris and showed its true power in its own way. 

For that Morgana could only be thankful for the power she possesses and by standing next to the younger sorceress, both of them can learn to be the greatest versions of themselves.

…

Iris and Morgana are walking through the garden, arm-in-arm, a few days later. Morgana has come clean about her jealousy of Iris and Iris, being the ever friendly and forgiving type, forgives her.

 

“I don’t deserve your forgiveness because what I did was abhorrent and unforgivable.”

“I forgave you because you were a big enough person to admit you were wrong. That takes guts and I’m proud of you for that.”

“Okay. Now, who is this ‘Lady in White’?”

“Oh she is just someone who I see sometimes. No one else can see her though. Well, at least I don’t think anyone else can see her. Dad took me to a doctor about it because he was worried. Doc said it is called schizophrenia. She talks to me and tells me things that are going to happen before they happen.”

“Does this happen often?”

“It usually only happens hours before I have a seizure. Which happened frequently before I was put on meds. I don’t have those meds here, so it will probably happen quite a bit.”

“The Lady in White. Tell me more about her.”

“She wears a long, white, flowy dress with auburn hair and skin white as snow. Her eyes are a piercing icy blue. She told me you would try to poison me but that you would fail.”

“How could she possibly know that? I wonder who she really is…?”

“I have no idea. She only told me her name was Aurelia. I wonder if she has anything to do with how powerful I am…we should go find my Pa and my dad.”

 

The girls take off running towards the castle on a mission to find Merlin. Some very helpful knights and servants point them in the right direction and soon they find themselves in Merlin’s lair.

 

Arthur and Merlin are bent over Merlin's workbench, arguing in hushed tones. They look up when the girls suddenly barge through the door.

 

“Iris? What’s wrong?” Merlin and Arthur say at the same time.

“Dad, Pa. We need to talk to you about something very important,” Iris replies, slightly out of breath. “The Lady in White,” Morgana says, also out of breath.

“The one you see sometimes?”

“She sees what? Or rather who?” Arthur exclaims.

“The Lady in White. Dad, I feel like you know exactly who she is. So tell me. Please. I need to know if she has something to do with my powers or not.” She looks at him with a determined look on her face and her hands on her hips. 

“Iris, honey, this is something bigger than you’ll ever be able to comprehend. She is the entire reason for your existence. I made a deal with her. A deal that changed everything. In order for you to be created, someone had to die.” Merlin turns to Arthur, “Arthur, Love, you were not supposed to die. Uther died for Iris. At the time, in that other time, Uther was a tyrant. Iris and I both would have burned at the stake if he had found out about us. I had to make the best choice for us, Arthur.” At this, Arthur finally looks up at Merlin.

“You saved our daughter. She is all that matters.”

“Okay so who is she?” Morgana interrupts.

“She is The Triple Goddess, Aurelia,” Merlin replies.

“So you mean to tell me that I’ve been talking to a freaking goddess this entire time? And you never bothered to tell me? Until now???” Iris is almost shouting at this point. 

 

There is a sudden gust of wind and all the windows shatter as Iris loses her control for just a moment. A few moments later the windows are intact again after Morgana instinctively reacts to the breaking glass. Her own powers, more controlled.

 

Merlin looks at Morgana with a grateful and proud smile on his face. He rounds his workbench and wraps her and Iris in a hug. He whispers in Iris’s ear, “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner, my love.”

 

Iris, Merlin and Morgana stay there for a moment before Arthur joins them. The four of them stay like that, in a warm embrace, until the fire dwindles down low. Each of them with feelings in their hearts, too big to understand.

Chapter 9: Dance of Shadows

Notes:

I apologize for the long wait. I had knee surgery and a lot of things going on in my personal life

Chapter 9: The Dance of Shadows

 

Iris and Merlin are walking through the gardens when Iris asks her dad if there are any quests that she could go on.

 

Merlin immediately says, “No. Well, you need to talk to your Pa first.”

 

“Okay Dad. I can do that.”

 

They continue walking until they come upon the door to the Secret Garden. Iris enters and sits under the large tree. Merlin continues on to the castle to find Arthur. On the way he runs into Gwaine. 

 

“Gwaine!” He shouts from across the courtyard. “Can you do me a favor?”

“Yes of course Your Royal Highness. What can I do for you?”

“First off, don’t call me that. Please. Secondly, can you keep an eye on Iris? She’s planning something and I just want her safe. Especially since she doesn’t have any meds.”

“What’s she planning?”

“She wants to go on a quest.”

“Oh. Yeah I can keep an eye on her. Where is she?”

“She’s in the Secret Garden.”

“Okay.”

“Thank you so very much Gwaine.”

 

Merlin continues on. He finds Arthur in the throne room, talking with Gaius. He walks up and grabs Arthur’s hand.

 

“Hello my darling,” Arthur says.

“Hello. Arthur dear, do you have a moment? I need you to come with me to the Secret Garden. Iris needs to talk to us about something.”

“Yes of course sweetheart. Gaius, please find out what you can about this crystal and get back to me. Now, if you’ll excuse us.”

 

Gaius gives a small bow and walks out of the room. Before he leaves, he gives Merlin a look that asks questions Merlin can’t answer. 

 

“Any idea what she wants?”

“She wants to go on a quest.”

“Oh. She can’t. She’s not ready yet.”

“I agree.”

 

Merlin and Arthur enter the Secret Garden. They see Gwaine kneeling on the ground with an unconscious Iris in his arms, convulsing. 

 

“Gwaine, what happened?” They both yell as they start running towards their daughter.

“She was talking one minute and then the next moment she just collapsed and this started.”

“Get her on her left side and hold her head,” Merlin tells him. 

 

Gwaine shifts and with Merlin’s help, they get her on her side. Her convulsions slow and then finally stop after another minute. Iris remains unconscious.

 

When she finally wakes, she looks up and her dads and Gwaine kneeling around her. 

 

“Dad, Pa, Gwaine…uhh what happened?”

“Iris, you collapsed,” Gwaine says. 

“You had another seizure honey,” Merlin says to his daughter. 

“Dad, they are happening more frequently. What should I do?”

“I have no answers honey.”

“What about a quest? Can I go on one? Aurelia wants me to find some crystal.”

“What crystal?” Merlin asks.

“She called it The Injured Crystal.”

“Let me do some research on it.”

“She said we will need it for what is coming.”

“What’s coming?” Arthur asks.

“She wouldn’t tell me. She just said I will need the crystal in order to save my dad. She did not say which one of you.”

“You can’t go. What if you have another seizure?”

“I’ll be careful and I’ll take Gwaine.”

“You need more than Gwaine.”

“No I don’t.”

“You’re not going.”

 

Iris huffs in response and storms away with the air crackling around her. Gwaine goes to follow but is stopped by Merlin.

 

“Watch her please. She is headstrong and stubborn like her father. She will probably still try to go on this quest.”

“You have my word. I will watch out for her. What about if she does try to go?”

“Then follow her and take Lancelot with you.”

“I understand. I’ll go find Lancelot and fill him in.”

 

With that Gwaine walks away and Arthur and Merlin are left alone. They walk up to each other and hug, Merlin rests his head on Arthur’s chest. “What are we going to do with her? She is so headstrong like you. I can guarantee that she will still go wherever that crystal is.”

 

Arthur rests his chin on top of Merlin’s head. “I have no idea honey. What I do know is that Gwaine and Lancelot will watch over her.” Arthur tilts Merlin’s head up so they are a breath away from each other and gives him a featherlight kiss that is full of reassurance. 

…

Iris is in her chambers gathering clothes, maps and books. She hears a knock at the door and she answers it to find Gwaine and Lancelot standing there in their leather armor. “What do you guys want?” She asks in a clipped tone.

 

“Your dads told us to go with you because they know you won’t take no as an answer.”

“Oh. Well then make yourselves useful and grab a bag. We are leaving now.”

 

The knights each grab a bag and follow Iris down to the stables. Iris wears brown riding pants and boots with a white shirt and a brown vest. She also wears a sword belt. The horses are already ready for them when they arrive. They mount their horses and take off into the fading daylight.

 

As night falls, Iris becomes restless. Gwaine notices and decides to say something. “Iris, are you alright? You seem anxious.”

 

“I’m just feeling uneasy right now. Where we are headed, Bodrunara or The Living Plane, it’s designed to reflect the darkest parts of you. I guess I’m just feeling nervous about how it will work on me.”

…

Back at the citadel, Merlin and Arthur are talking quietly at dinner when someone knocks on their door. Merlin opens the door with a flash of gold. Gaius walks in with a small stack of books and a pile of scrolls. He looks at them with an unreadable expression on his face. “Do you have any idea where she is actually going?” He asks them scrutinizingly. 

 

“No. Should we be worried?” Arthur asks Gaius. He just looks at him for a moment before turning to Merlin. “Merlin, my boy. What do you know of Bodrunara?”

 

Merlin gapes at him for a moment before quickly composing himself. He shakes his head slightly as if to dispel the dark thoughts beginning to swirl around in his head. “Bodrunara or The Living Plane is a place of perpetual twilight. It is designed to bring out the darkest parts of a person. It is why only the Pure of Heart ever venture inside. The creatures that live there, The Timeless Wraiths, reflect what is in a person’s soul and they can make you act on your darkest impulses. They are dangerous creatures but they can also be helpful.”

 

Arthur looks at Merlin with wide eyes and says, “Will she be okay? Should we follow her?” Merlin simply shakes his head, “No. This is her quest. She must do it on her own. Besides, she has Gwaine and Lancelot with her.” 

 

Arthur and Merlin look at each other, knowing that they must trust and have faith in their daughter. Merlin gets up from his chair and walks around the table to Arthur. Arthur rises from his seat and pulls Merlin in for a hug. “She’s got this. She can do it.”

 

Moments later, Morgana strides in, “What can I do to help?”

 

“You can help us find the crystal’s exact location.” Morgana nods and gets to work.

 

A few hours later, Morgana looks up suddenly and exclaims, “I think I found it. Look here.” She points to a passage on a map in the language of the Old Religion. 

 

“It basically says that the crystal is on some isle in Bodrunara,” Morgana translates. “I translated it as best I could with what little knowledge I have of that language.”

 

Merlin and Arthur exchange a look before Merlin says, “We must get this information to Iris. Morgana, can you get to her?” 

 

Morgana thinks for a moment, “I think I can but I’ll need your help to do so.”

 

“How can I help?” Merlin asks her. He’s got an inquisitive look on his face.

 

“We need to teleport me to her. She has on a bracelet that I gave her before your wedding. We can link to that since we don’t actually know where she is.”

 

“Okay. Let’s do this.” Merlin and Morgana begin chanting in the language of the Old Religion and their eyes glow golden. A sweeping gust of wind blows around them and then Morgana vanishes in a flash of light.

…

In the light of day, Iris, Gwaine and Lancelot continue on their journey when they hear a sound.

 

“What was that?” Iris asks Gwaine as he and Lance draw their swords. They look around and upon seeing nothing they assume it was just a rabbit. Iris can’t help but feel slightly unsettled. 

 

“Iris, are you there?” A voice comes from the trees. Iris looks at Gwaine before saying, “Who’s asking?”

 

“It’s me, Morgana. I’ve come to help you,” she says as she emerges from the brush. “I have notes and books from your dad and Gaius.”

 

“Do they know you are here?” Iris asks her. Morgana nods her head before continuing. “They wanted me to catch up with you to tell you that they found the crystal’s location. It’s on The Eternal Isle in the middle of Bodrunara.”

 

“How did you find us?” Iris asks with an inquisitive look on her face. Morgana swallows nervously before straightening up and saying, “Merlin and I used an old spell from the Old Religion to essentially teleport me to you using the bracelet you wear as a target.”

 

After the encounter Morgana was determined to join the group so as not to be worried for their safety later. After a bit of thinking Iris signed and welcomed her to become a part of the journey to Bodrunara. The landscape became increasingly foreboding, shrouded in mist that seemed to whisper secrets of the past the closer they got.

 

Upon their arrival at Bodrunara, the land seemed to conspire against them. Dark and twisted trees loomed overhead, their gnarled branches casting eerie shadows. The very earth beneath their feet felt malevolent, as if it sought to draw out the darkest parts of their souls.

In this unsettling place, Timeless wraiths emerged from the shadows. The wraiths seemed intent on leading them astray, stirring the seeds of doubt and fear. The first encounter with them was unsettling. Shadows flickered at the corners of their vision and whispers filled the air.

 

Gwaine was the first to face his wraith. It mirrored his own inner doubts and fears, taunting him with the ghosts of his past actions and regrets. Sweat beaded on his brow as he fought the urge to give in to the wraith's malevolent suggestions, his fingers tightly gripping the hilt of his sword.

 

Lancelot confronted his wraith next, a dark reflection of his sense of duty. It questioned his loyalty and purpose for joining the knights, attempting to shake his resolve. But Lancelot's unwavering dedication to his friends and his noble ideals gave him the strength to resist.

Morgana's wraith bore the weight of her past transgressions, whispering of her descent into darkness. Her hands trembled as she struggled with her own demons, but her desire for redemption and helping Iris through the journey burned brighter.

 

Iris faced her wraith last, a sinister mirror of her self doubt and fears of inadequacy. It questioned her worthiness to lead and wield the crystal's power but her determination and the unwavering support of her companions bolstered her spirit.

 

As they ventured deeper into the heart of Bodrunara, the tension reached its peak. The wraiths' actions became increasingly hostile, testing the group's resolve. The group had to rely on their unwavering trust in one another to resist the wraiths' sinister influence.

 

The very shadows seemed to writhe with malevolence, and a palpable sense of dread hung heavy in the air. They knew they were drawing closer to the crystal's resting place, but with every step, the wraiths grew bolder and more menacing.

 

Finally, in a climactic showdown they reached a desolate clearing shrouded in a violet haze, it happened. The most formidable Timeless wraith materialized before them. It was a grotesque reflection of their deepest fears and darkest doubts, a grotesque amalgamation of twisted features that mocked their very existence.

 

The wraith's voice echoed like thunder as it taunted them, invoking their fears and insecurities. Gwaine, in particular, felt the weight of the wraith's words as it painted a vivid picture of his past mistakes and regrets. His resolve wavered, and he stepped forward to confront the wraith.

 

Gwaine's heart clenched as he saw the wraith's malevolent grin, and his gaze locked onto Iris. The wraith, sensing his affection for her, twisted into a horrifying vision. It mimicked Iris's death, her lifeless form crumpled at Gwaine's feet. His eyes filled with anguish, and he was ready to charge at the monstrous apparition to protect her, even if it meant sacrificing himself.

The wraith, mirroring Gwaine's actions, engaged him in a deadly dance of clashing blades and swirling shadows. 

 

Upon seeing the situation Lancelot and Morgana acted swiftly. Lancelot engaged the wraith in combat, his sword clashing with the creature's shadowy appendages. Morgana, her magic surging with newfound purpose, unleashed a torrent of energy to disrupt the wraith's dark illusions.

 

"Iris, go!" Gwaine shouted, determination etched on his face. The crystal's energy pulsed brightly, resonating with Iris's own strength. Gathering her resolve, Iris focused on the crystal's power, summoning a brilliant radiance that cut through the wraith's malevolence. A light engulfed the wraith, which recoiled, its menacing form howling in agony as the light consumed it.

 

In the blinding radiance, Gwaine managed to break free, his sword striking a decisive blow against the wraith. With a last blood curdling scream, the wraith dissipated into a cloud of shadow, vanquished by the combined strength of their unity.

 

As the light faded, Gwaine stumbled back, panting heavily but alive. He cast a tired smile at Iris, his heart filled with admiration for her bravery. Lancelot and Morgana rushed to his side, relieved and grateful that their friend had not been lost to the darkness.

 

As the shadows disappeared, the crystal was within their grasp. It pulsed with an otherworldly energy, radiating both beauty and danger. With trembling hands, Iris reached out and claimed the crystal, its power coursing through her veins.

 

The clearing was once again bathed in an eerie silence, the violet haze slowly lifting. Gwaine's heart pounding with a mixture of relief and lingering fear. He stood up and walked to Iris's side, his hand reaching out to touch her shoulder, as if to reassure himself that she was still there.

 

The group celebrated their victory while returning back to Camelot. As they pressed forward, Gwaine cast a lingering glance at Iris. A silent promise was made in his eyes that no matter what the future brings, he would do anything to prevent the vision he saw from happening, as long as he is alive.

…

Back at the citadel, Merlin and Arthur are sound asleep in their chambers when Leon suddenly pounds on the door.

 

Arthur wakes up first and says, “Come in Leon.” Leon walks through the door, out of breath like he just ran all the way there in full armor. “Sire, your daughter has returned. Her small group is in the throne room.”

 

At this, Merlin bolts out of bed and goes straight for his clothes. He dresses quickly and then bolts out the door. Arthur stares after him dumbfounded. Arthur shakes his head, as if to clear his thoughts, and then also dresses and heads to the throne room.

 

Once there, Arthur and Merlin race for Iris and engulf her in a hug. “How are you? What happened? We were so worried about you.”

 

“I’m fine. I promise. So much happened, but first, can we get some food? We haven’t eaten anything in over a day,” Iris says to her dads.

 

Arthur flags down a servant and requests food be brought to the throne room immediately. Once the food arrives Iris, Gwaine, Morgana and Lancelot immediately start eating. While they eat, they tell Arthur and Merlin what happened on the quest. Once they are done, Iris pulls the crystal out of her bag and sets it on the table.

 

“Here is the Injured Crystal dad. As you know now, it took us a lot to get it. You should put this somewhere safe.” Iris looks at her Pa and Arthur responds with, “We will put it in the vaults. We should all go to bed now.”

 

“Goodnight everyone,” Morgana says and as she heads out of the throne room, a chorus of goodnight follows her.

 

Iris, Gwaine, Lancelot, Arthur and Merlin all leave the throne room and head upstairs to bed. “She did it, love,” Merlin says to Arthur as they climb the stairs. “Yes she did.”

 

Chapter 10: Karma is a Relaxing Thought

Chapter 10: Karma is a Relaxing Thought

Ygraine and Agravaine continued sending letters to each other for weeks, planning revenge against Uther. They finally settled on what they wanted to do. They planned this for weeks. Before they can do anything, they need Arthur’s blessing. Ygraine searches the castle top to bottom looking for him when she stumbles upon Iris and Gwaine arguing about some secret.

 

“We cannot tell anyone yet. I don’t even know if it’s true,” Iris whisper yells at Gwaine. He just stares for a second before retorting, “We should at least talk to your dad.” Iris huffs and finally agrees. Ygraine decides that is the perfect moment to make her presence known. “Iris, sweetie. Do you know where your father is?”

 

“Depends which one you’re looking for.” She responds after straightening up quickly, like she is hiding something. “I’m looking for Arthur.” Gwaine perks up when he hears that. “Have you looked on the training grounds yet? He said he was going to be training with Merlin this morning.” Ygraine nods and says, “I’ve looked everywhere. I can’t find him or Merlin. Anywhere.”

 

“So what you’re saying is, we have two missing monarchs,” Gwaine says. He sounds almost excited at the prospect. “That is exactly what I am saying.” 

 

“Okay we need to find Leon. Maybe he has an idea where they could have run off to,” Iris interjects. They each pick a direction and start looking for Leon.

…

“Honey, what are we doing? You know everyone will be searching for us,” Merlin complains. “Love, we’re just going for a ride through the fields. I have a surprise for you. I told Leon that we’d be back before dinner.”  Arthur and Merlin mount their horses and leave the citadel. 

 

They ride for half a day before coming to a cute little grotto.They wandered into a beautiful part of the forest, the trees high enough that they seemed to act like a shield from anything outside of the little bubble they'd stumbled upon. There were nooks that they could easily slip into if they wanted to explore and a slowly bubbling river flowing through the middle. Moss hangs from the branches of the trees giving everything a bit of a fairytale glow. There is a little creek with a tiny waterfall and a small open area filled with wildflowers in every color. Nestled in the back of the grotto is a cozy little cottage.

Merlin notices that there are dozens of fireflies flittering around the area. It's the most beautiful sight he's ever seen, other than Arthur obviously. The cottage itself glows an amazing golden color, almost fairytale like.

 

Arthur leads Merlin into the cottage where there is a picnic basket waiting for them. Arthur grabs it and leads Merlin back outside. When they reach the field with the wildflowers, Arthur pulls Merlin for a bruising kiss.  The kiss turns hot and steamy after a few moments before Merlin pulls away and says, “Food. Love. Food.”

 

Arthur, rather reluctantly, agrees. They sit down in the bed of wildflowers. They eat their food in silence for a bit before Merlin breaks it with, “So why did you choose here, of all places, for my surprise?”

 

Arthur, with a loving look on his face, replies, “Because here, I can see you. I can see the glow in your eyes as you feel connected to the earth here. It is the most magical non magical place I could think of to bring you. Merlin, darling, this place reflects your soul. I see you in everything here. From the wildflowers to the fireflies. From the butterflies to the moss. I see you and I wanted you to know that.”

 

“Oh Arthur. That is so sweet. I love you so much. You truly see me?” Merlin asks. “Of course I do. You’re my husband and the love of my life. Our souls are literally bonded together. I feel everything you feel. I feel whole and I never thought I would. Then I met you, and it was like my life slid into focus. I didn’t know how to act around you so I would beat on you and poke fun. I would try touching you as often as I could because the sparks were electrifying. They lit me up inside and made me feel things I never wanted to let go of. I see you for who you are now and not who I want you to be. You are the bravest man I have ever met. The most caring soul ever. The most fearless person. You are also the most affectionate person ever. I know you have fears because I feel how afraid you are every time I leave the castle. You love me unconditionally and that is the most rare and beautiful thing ever.”

 

Merlin is sobbing at this point as he realizes how deeply Arthur truly loves him. He leans into Arthur’s side and gives him a hug. Arthur tilts Merlin’s face toward his and they kiss. A gentle caress of lips. Arthur guides Merlin down so he is laying on his back. They continue kissing until Merlin hiccups and their clothes disappear. 

 

“Uh love. What just happened?” Arthur asks him. “My magic got away from me…” Merlin replies coyly. Arthur and Merlin lay there for a few minutes before continuing with what they were doing.

 

A few hours later, Merlin looks up at Arthur from where he lays on a bed of flowers. “Darling, we should probably head home soon if we are to make it home by dinner.”

 

“Oh my love, when I said we’d be home before dinner, I meant before dinner tomorrow,” Arthur responds. “Oh that changes things. We should at least send a raven to Iris to tell her we are okay,” Merlin says.

 

“Leon should have told her by now. Unless something happened and he is incapacitated.” 

…

Iris and Ygraine finally find Leon. They rush up to him and say, “We locked down the castle because we are missing our monarchs.” 

 

“You did what now because who is missing?” Leon asks, confused. “We put the castle in lockdown. Arthur and Merlin are missing,” Ygraine says.

 

“They are not missing. I know exactly where they are.” Leon says. “Well then, where are they?” Iris exclaims.

 

“They went on a picnic into Arthur’s favorite place. They will be back before dinner tomorrow.”

 

“But we need them now. Grandma needs Pa to ask permission for something and I need my Dad for a magic question.” 

 

“Well, you guys will have to wait.”

 

Iris lets out a flustered huff and says, “Fine, I will send a raven then.” She storms off into the castle and up to her chambers. She scribbles out a note that reads:

 

Dad,

 I need you to help with a problem. I keep seeing flashes of you dying and I need your help with discerning whether they are real or not.

Love, Iris

 

She summons a raven and sends it off into the night. Then she goes and finds Ygraine. Once she finds her, they talk about Ygraine’s plans for Uther. 

…

Back in the woods, Arthur and Merlin are talking about the past, Merlin’s past to be specific, when a raven interrupts them. Merlin opens the letter and reads it. His face turns ashen when he reads what Iris has said.

 

“Honey what’s wrong?” Arthur asks, slightly alarmed by the look on his husband’s face. There is a new kind of panic in Merlin’s voice as he tells Arthur about Iris’s letter.

 

“We have to go back honey. We have to. I need to know more about these visions she is having.”

 

“It will still be a problem tomorrow. Now come back to bed, Love.” Merlin reluctantly agrees and climbs back into bed with Arthur.

…

Arthur and Merlin wake up the next morning and pack up their stuff so they can head back home. 

 

The two rode side by side bantering back and forth for a while. At least until Merlin suddenly grew quiet and tense "Merlin?" Arthur asks curiously as he wasn't sure what was happening "shh!" Merlin whispers, listening carefully to something as they continue to make their way home. 

 

There was a split second where absolutely everything grew deadly silent, clueing Arthur into realizing that something definitely wasn't right, before a group of bandits rushed towards them. 

 

Arthur doesn't get a chance to react, before Merlin's eyes glow bright gold and his hand rises into the air, turning into a fist and twisting, causing every single bandit to fall to the floor. Once all the bandits were dealt with, they raced for home.

 

They arrive in the throne room to a flurry of papers and books as Iris rushes for her dads. She throws her arms around Merlin’s neck and pulls him into a hug. She looks up at Merlin and says, “We need to talk as soon as possible.” Merlin agrees and they gather books and papers in their arms and head upstairs to Merlin’s Lair. 

 

They reach his lair and Iris starts crying before she drops what she’s carrying and launches herself into Merlin’s arms. “Oh Dad, I keep seeing you die. There’s this magical creature that I’ve never seen before that attacks Camelot. It’s large and has a snake head.”

 

“A snake head? That sounds like the Questing Beast. What else happens?” Merlin asks.

 

“Pa almost gets bitten but you shove him out of the way before it happens and then you get bitten instead. You last for about five days before succumbing to your injury.”

 

“Oh. My. Goddess. Anything else I should know?” Merlin asks her. “No. Unless you count the magical favor grandma asked me for.”

 

“What’s that?” Merlin asks curiously. “She wants me to create a pig costume for grandpa.”

 

“Do I even want to know what she has planned?”

 

“Probably not.”

 

“You’re going to tell me anyway, aren’t you?”

 

“Oh yes. She is planning revenge for his cheating ways. She wants to make him look like the pig he is. She even got Agravaine involved.”

 

“This is surely going to make for an eventful night. Let’s go find your Pa.”

…

Arthur and Ygraine are in the council chambers when Merlin and Iris walk in. The former is laughing while the latter has tears in her eyes. They are talking about the pink thing Iris has in her arms. Come to find out, it is a pig costume. For Uther. The costume is a pale pink with matching ears and what looks like a snout on a string.

 

“When is this plan of yours taking place?” Arthur asks his mother.

 

“Oh it is already in motion. My brother should be bringing Uther here now.” As she speaks the doors open and in walk Agravaine and Uther. They take in the sight before them before Ygraine says, “Honey. Please put this on. If you don’t, Iris or Merlin will make you with their magic.”

 

“I will not put that thing on.” No sooner had he said that, Iris and Merlin raised their right hands, with palms facing out, in unison and their eyes glowed golden. Uther was immediately frozen where he stood as servants appeared out of nowhere to dress their former king. The servants had him stripped and redressed so fast. Before long, Uther stood there in a pig costume. Iris and Merlin still had control over him like puppet masters.

 

“Alright, where do you want him to go?” Merlin asks.

 

“I want him to go walk through the Lower Town. But he needs to do it on his own. So help him get there and then let him loose.” Iris and Merlin nod their agreement and send Uther off on his way. 

 

They follow him down to the Lower Town and release him. Chaos ensues as the former king starts freaking out and runs around like a chicken with its head cut off.

 

They follow him around until he finally has enough and begs to be taken back to the castle. They let him out of the Lower Town to head back to the castle.

 

“What was that? Why did you have me do that?” Uther bellows once they are back inside.

 

“That was because you cheated on me. I know all about Morgana and how she is your daughter.” Ygraine says icily.

 

“How did you find out? You were never supposed to find out.” Uther says.

 

“I was there when Arthur found out. I was hidden but I was there. I heard everything. What do you mean I was never supposed to find out?”

 

“You weren’t supposed to know because I knew how it would upset you. But you know now. Is this why you’ve been more distant lately?”

 

“Of course it is why. I don’t know how to be around you anymore. I am angry and confused and I just don’t know what to do with you. So I got revenge. It feels pretty good by the way.”

 

“Well maybe you should figure out how to be around me because you cannot leave me.”

 

“Watch me.” With that Ygraine stalks off to her chambers and locks the door.

 

The doors slam behind her as Uther asks no one in particular, “I’ve royally fucked up, haven’t I?” A chorus of “yes” goes up around him as everyone around him just stands there in awe of their former queen.

…

Arthur and Merlin head upstairs after everything and collapse on their bed. “Well that was something.” Merlin says. “Who knew my mother could do that? I never realized she had it in her.”

 

Merlin looks at Arthur and gets up, dragging Arthur up with him. “We should change into sleep clothes now.”

 

“You’re right my love.” With that Merlin starts taking off Arthur’s crown, cloak and chainmail. “My love, that isn’t your job anymore.” Arthur says.

 

“I know but I like doing it. It helps me feel close to you when my world feels like it’s falling apart.”

 

“What do you mean? Is something wrong?” Arthur asks, concern lacing his voice.

 

“It’s just, I’ve got a lot on my mind. Memories of Iris when she was first born, back when I had just lost you. The utter grief of losing you. I would never wish that pain on my worst enemy. It was so hard watching her grow up without you.”

 

“Do you want to tell me about it? What it was like watching her grow up?”

 

“I would love to,” Merlin says as they climb back into bed.

Notes:

Next chapter might take a while for me to write

Chapter 11: A Whiplash From the Past

Chapter 11: A Whiplash From the Past

 

Arthur and Merlin are laying on their bed talking about Merlin’s life with Iris. Merlin tells him everything.

 

“It was so hard at first because I didn’t have you with me. It got easier though because I had her. In the beginning, I had Gwen, Leon, Deva and Gaius to help me with Iris. Gwen helped the most. The utter grief of losing you was so hard to navigate at first. It felt like I lost my other half. I didn’t know how to cope.”

 

“I’m so sorry I wasn’t there for you. Tell me a story of her early days in this world.” Arthur all but begs.

 

“Okay.” With that Merlin launches into story mode.

…

It was early morning and the crying had begun. Merlin stirs in his sleep when he hears Iris’s cries. He groans slightly before getting out of bed to pick her up. She is only about 4 months old now. She can almost hold her head up on her own. She sneezes and wildflowers grow on the walls.

 

“Oh, Iris love.” Merlin coos at his baby girl before making the flowers disappear. “What are we going to do today? Shall we go see Grandpa and Auntie Gwen?”

 

Merlin walks with Iris in his arms down the street of the Lower Town to the blacksmith shop where Gwen is currently at. She likes to come down here every once in a while. It reminds her of her brother. Even though she is queen, she still finds time for these early morning visits.

 

“Good morning Gwen.”

 

“Good morning Merlin and good morning sweet girl.” She coos at Iris, who blinks up at her.

 

“How are you faring this morning?”

 

“Honestly, not great. I do not understand how he kept up with all the meetings he had to be a part of. Everyone wants something but no one wants to compromise.”

 

“He had me to keep him in line. That’s how he did it. But seriously Gwen, how are you?”

 

“I can’t go into his chambers. I can’t bear to speak his name. I keep hoping that he’ll walk through the doors one day to tell me whatever trouble you two had gotten yourselves into. But he doesn’t and he won’t and I just can’t deal with this heartache.”

 

“I know exactly how you feel Gwen. I get it. I am absolutely gutted whenever he crosses my mind. It hurts. So much. But I have our daughter. I see him in her eyes and that makes it slightly easier.”

 

“I still can’t believe he is gone. I know you said that he will rise again but I don’t want to hope too much. I need a change of subject. Where are you guys off to?”

 

“Off to help Gaius today. What about you?”

 

“Lots of council meetings and other running-a-nation type things. Have a good time with Gaius. Want to walk back to the castle together?”

 

“Sure. Want to hold Iris?” Merlin asks.

 

“Yes of course I do.” Gwen replies as Merlin hands Iris off. They walk off to the castle to find Gaius and to go about their days.

…

Arthur sits very still as Merlin speaks. He doesn’t know how to respond to what he was just told. So instead he waits. Once Merlin is finished, Arthur asks, “How bad was it really for you once I had died?”

 

“It was torture Arthur. Complete torture. The hope I carried weighed me down as each day passed and you didn’t come back. I eventually gave up hoping for your return. It was around the time Iris was four years old when I actually started giving up hope.”

 

“How was she at four years old?”

 

“She was brilliant and smart and oh so cute. With her brown hair and blue eyes. Let me tell you a story about when she got in some deep trouble.”

…

Merlin and Gaius are in Gaius’s chambers making tinctures and poultices. Iris is running around chasing a blue butterfly. She looks up at her dad and says, “Daddy, can I make a butterfly?”

 

“No Iris. Not yet. You’re too little for that yet.” Merlin says with a stern lilt to his voice.

 

Iris runs off whining and complaining and saying, “But I want to. I want to. Please daddy please?”

 

“Iris, I said No.” Merlin’s voice is slightly more stern this time. 

 

Iris full on screams at this point. As she screams, butterflies, flowers and bugs start popping up out of nowhere. The windows shatter and someone outside the door screams. Merlin, with a flash of gold, stops everything in their tracks before making them disappear. He opens the door to find Deva standing there with tiny cuts all over her arms and face. “What happened? All the windows in the castle just broke.”

 

“Iris had a meltdown,” Merlin says. Deva looks unimpressed and slightly annoyed but it passes quickly as she lays eyes on the little girl crying in the corner. “I was coming over to see if you wanted me to take Iris to the stables or something for awhile while you work. I’m guessing that it is going to be a yes.”

 

“Yes please. Gaius and I have a lot to do. A lot to clean up now too. Do you want me to clean up your cuts first?”

 

“Please. They sting. Actually, can you just make them disappear altogether?”

 

“Yes of course.” With a flash of gold, the cuts and blood disappear.

 

“Thank you Merlin. Iris, sweetie, do you want to go see the horses?”

 

“Horses? Horses!! Can I go see horses?”

 

“Alright. Just make sure you guys are back in time for dinner with Auntie Gwen. We don’t want to keep the Queen waiting.” Merlin says.

 

Deva takes Iris by the hand and leads her out the door to the stables. They walk hand in hand until they reach the last stall in the stables. This is where Iris’s horse lives. Her horse, Lilith, is only a foal. 

 

“Do you want to pet your horse?” Deva asks.

 

“Yes. I want to pet my horse!!” Iris yells. Her yelling spooks the horse. Which in turn spooks the rest of the horses. Chaos ensues as the horses break free from their stalls. Iris is screaming and her magic gets away from her. The wind has picked up and hay is flying all around. Butterflies and flowers appear out of nowhere. The wind is really strong now as, one by one, the stall doors are ripped off. The horses have fled the stables at this point and are nowhere to be seen.

 

Deva grabs Iris and tries to soothe her. Nothing works. Iris is scared out of her mind. After what feels like hours, Merlin arrives at the stables. “What is happening?” He practically shouts as he freezes everything.

 

“Iris accidentally spooked the horses which in turn spooked her. I’ve been trying to get her to calm down but nothing is working,” Deva tells Merlin. 

 

“Okay. I need to go gather the horses now.” Merlin whistles quietly as his eyes glow golden. The horses start trotting back into the stables. “Now that they are all back, we need to get moving and get ready for dinner with the Queen.”

…

“How was the dinner? Any more meltdowns?” Arthur asks Merlin.

 

“No more meltdowns that day. Thankfully. Can you keep doing that? It feels good.” Merlin has his head on Arthur’s stomach and Arthur is slowly stroking his hair.

 

“Of course my love. Anything for you.” Arthur continues playing with Merlin’s hair. He is completely captivated by Merlin in this moment. Arthur suddenly bolts upright as something hits him. “Whatever happened with Gwaine? You’ve never told me.”

 

“Gwaine died, or at least I thought he did. Turns out he just passed out cold after being tortured by Morgana. The druids found him and nursed him back to health. He did not return to Camelot for almost five years. Iris was about to turn five when he finally showed up.”

 

“Tell me that story please.” Arthur settles back against the pillows and before Merlin can reply, he pulls him into a searing kiss. After they break apart, Merlin launches into the story.

…

It was a rainy day in Camelot, four days before Iris’s fifth birthday. Merlin and Iris are walking through the Lower Town doing rounds for Gaius, when Gwen’s handmaiden shows up. “Merlin, The Queen needs you in the throne room immediately,” Kali says.

 

Merlin scoops Iris up and settles her on his hip before saying, “Lead the way.”

 

Kali leads Merlin to Gwen. “Merlin, thank the Goddess you’re here.”

 

“What’s going on? Who do I need to take care of?”

 

“There is someone here who needs to see you.”

 

“Alright, who is it?” Merlin asks as the doors open and shut behind him.

 

“Me, Merls. It’s me.” Gwaine says from behind Merlin. Merlin slowly turns around, hope fluttering in his chest. He wants this to be real. He needs this to be real.

 

“G-Gwaine? Is that really you?” Merlin says with an excited lilt to his voice. He is almost crying at this point. Gwaine takes a step closer to Merlin before faltering when he sees Iris in Merlin’s arms. 

 

“Yes, it's me. Who is this sweet little lady?” Gwaine asks.

 

“This is my daughter, Iris. She is also Arthur’s daughter.” Merlin has tears running down his cheeks now. Gwen walks up to Merlin and takes Iris from him. Gwaine takes the chance to wrap Merlin up in a bear hug. They are both crying now.

 

“What happened to you? I thought you had died. Percival said you were tortured and that you had died.”

 

“I was tortured but I didn’t die. I only passed out. The Druids found me when I was on death’s door and took me back to their camp and nursed me back to health. Then once I was recovered, they told me of Arthur’s death and all I wanted was to come back and be here for you but I just couldn’t bring myself to face you. I was the reason why Morgana found you. I’m the reason you didn’t make it to the lake on time. I couldn’t face you or myself so I stayed away until I could get my shame and guilt under control. I learned a lot about myself from wandering with the Druids. I learned how to be comfortable in my own skin while being sober. I have been sober for four years now.”

 

“Gwaine, that is amazing. I’ve missed you so much. You have missed so much. Like the birth of my daughter.”

 

“Speaking of that,” Gwaine interrupts, “How does that work? You and Arthur have a child but you’re both male.”

 

“We approached Gwen at one point and asked if she would be willing to carry our child. When she said yes, I performed a ritual from the Old Religion and used pieces of my soul and Arthur’s soul to create her. Gwen carried her for us as a surrogate. She was amazing back then and is still amazing now. It is because of Gwen’s ‘yes’ that Iris is alive.”

 

“You used magic to create her? Who died for that to happen? Magic needs a balance. To give life, means you must take life. Magic always comes at a price. So tell me Merls, who died?”

 

“An old man from the Lower Town, who was already dying, died for her. I came into my power during the ritual. My eyes were opened to how powerful I truly am. Gwaine. I can control the weather, the sun, the moon, the water, the wind, the earth, everything. But I don’t. I choose to use it to help people and keep people safe.”

 

“I always knew you were special Merls. There was no way someone as clumsy as you never got killed by accident. It makes sense that you have magic. Also, all those random branches that appeared out of nowhere. That was you, wasn’t it?”

 

“Yes, the branches were me. I’m not surprised you figured out my secret. I wasn’t exactly discreet about it.”

 

“No you weren’t. Did he ever figure it out?”

 

“No. I had to tell him. He didn’t take it well at first and then something changed. He asked me to just hold him at the end. He also said Thank You. I never thought I’d hear him say it sincerely like that.”

 

Merlin and Gwaine hug each other one more time before Gwen comes back in with Leon. “Gwaine, are you staying?” Leon asks him.

 

“Yes, I am staying.” He responds.

…

“That is how that went. It was great to have him back.” Merlin tells Arthur. They are still laying in the same position. Merlin looks up at Arthur and with his hand, guides Arthur’s face toward his. Their lips meet in a gentle caress that quickly turns searingly hot. Merlin feels the butterflies rising in his stomach. That deep burn in his chest as the kiss deepens. It spreads like a wildfire through his bones and muscles all the way to his toes. He deepens the kiss even more until they have to pull apart for air. They are both panting at this point when Arthur asks, “When did she stop aging?”

 

“She stopped aging when she turned twenty-six years old.” Merlin replies.

 

“What was the world like before you guys got sucked through time?”

 

“The world was chaotic. We lived through a lot of different things. We are both fluent in every language there is to know. The people in other places ranged from super nice to downright rude.”

 

“So you guys traveled away from Camelot?”

 

“Yes we did. My favorite place we went to was Italy.”

 

“What was Italy like?”

 

“Italy was beautiful. Gorgeous buildings, beautiful rolling green hills, blue skies for days. The food was phenomenal too. My favorite place in Italy was this little island called Capri.”

 

“Will you take me there one day?” Arthur asks.

 

“Of course Love.” Merlin looks up at Arthur and then notices that there is light coming in from outside. “Darling, we were up all night. Look.”

 

“I can see that. Should we even bother trying to sleep?”

 

“We should but it won’t last very long.” 

 

Merlin was right on that. No sooner did they shut their eyes, did someone knock on the door. “So much for sleeping,” Arthur grumbles. “Come in.”

 

Iris walks in followed closely by Gwaine. “Uh Dad, Pa…something happened and I need you to come to my chambers.”

Notes:

I have been on a writing roll recently. I am currently working on the next chapter

Chapter 12: The Partner in Crime

Chapter 12: The Partner in Crime

Iris and Gwaine are running through the halls. Dawn has just broken but Iris is frantic. Something happened and she needs her dads. Gwaine, realizing that something was up, followed Iris to her dads’ chambers.

“Iris, wait.” He calls after her.

“What Gwaine? I need to get to my dads. Something happened when I was with Morgana and I think I may have altered time by accident.”

“Oh.” They reach the door and Gwaine knocks three times. From within, they hear a grumbled, “Come in.”

Iris barges through the door followed closely by Gwaine. “Uh Dad, Pa…something happened and I need you to come to my chambers.”

“Iris, what happened?” Merlin says, as he notices just how freaked out Iris truly is.

“Bucky is here Dad. He is here.” Iris says. “Morgana and I were practicing simple spells last night when I had a seizure and my magic got away from me.”

“Okay. Start at the beginning. Tell me everything.” Merlin says. Arthur and Gwaine just look utterly confused and totally lost. Arthur interrupts, “who the hell is Bucky?” Iris just nods and begins.

 

…

 

Morgana and Iris are in Iris’s chambers practicing simple spells to help control their magic. It is going well…or as well as it can go with two sorcerers who can barely control their magic.

“Okay Morgana, try making a butterfly,” Iris says. Morgana whispers into her hands and a purple butterfly appears. It flutters around and then disappears.

“Great job Gana!” Iris exclaims. She walks over to Morgana and wraps an arm around her. When they pull away from each, Iris heads back to where she had been sitting. She makes it halfway before she suddenly stops. “Gana, something’s wrong.” She then collapses and starts convulsing. Morgana races to her and gets her on her left side. She is freaking out internally and struggling to hold control over her magic.

Once the convulsions stop, Iris just lays there unable to move or speak. “Do I need to go get your dad? What can I do?” Morgana asks. She gets no response. After a while, Iris comes to. “G-Gana?”

“Yes. I’m here. What do you need?” Morgana says frantically.

“I don’t need anything right this moment but what happened?”

“You had another seizure Iris. Are you feeling okay?”

“I feel okay, just disoriented. Also, my magic is about to explode out of me.” No sooner did she finish saying that, did her magic explode. With a huge gust of wind and some blinding light, her magic explodes out of her with a mighty force. In the fray, comes the figure of a man.

“What the fuck? Where am I?” Says the mystery man.

Morgana and Iris scream at the same time before Iris registers what the man said. She realizes who it is and says, “Bucky? Bucky, is that you?”

“Iris? Oh my gods above. It is you!” Bucky and Iris run for each other. Bucky scoops her up in his arms and spins her around. When he sets her back down, he kisses her on the cheek and asks, “Where have you been? I’ve been so worried. You haven’t answered any of my calls or texts in about seven months.”

“I’ve been here, in my Pa’s time. I accidentally sent myself and Dad back in time to before Pa died, on my birthday. Of all days to have a magical meltdown, it had to be on my birthday.” Iris rolls her eyes.

“It happened on your birthday? Is that why I never got a thank you from you?”

“Yes, that is why. So I am going to say it now. Thank you for the birthday wishes, Bucky.”

“You’re welcome.”

“Hold on a minute. How the hell is he here right now?” Morgana interrupts.

“Uhh I have no idea.” Iris says. “Let me go get my dad. Bucky, stay here with Gana” Iris takes off running. She runs into Gwaine on her way.

“Where are you off to in such a hurry?” He asks her. Iris ignores him and keeps running. He realizes something is up and follows her.

 

…

 

“Now here we are.” Iris says. Merlin looks thoughtful for a moment before saying, “It sounds like you had another magical meltdown that altered time. Were you thinking about Bucky when it happened?”

“I was thinking about how much I missed him.”

“That would be why he appeared so suddenly.” Merlin says. Arthur chooses this moment to interrupt. “Again, I ask, who the hell is Bucky?”

“I would like to know too.” Gwaine says.

“Bucky is my best friend. He’s always been there for me. He is my ride or die.”

“Okay. Can we go meet him now?” Arthur asks.

“Yes. He is in my chambers with Morgana.” Iris says. Arthur, Merlin, Gwaine and Iris leave the room and head to Iris’s chambers.

When they get there, Iris opens the door and enters. She leaves her dads and Gwaine in the corridor.

“Bucky, my dads and Gwaine are here to meet you. Are you ready for this?”

“Iris, I already know one of your dads. I’ll be fine.” Bucky says.

“Only if you’re sure.” Iris says. He nods and she opens the door. Arthur walks in first followed closely by Merlin. Gwaine saunters in right after them.

“Pa, Bucky. Bucky, Pa.” They shake hands.

“Bucky, Gwaine. Gwaine, Bucky.” They size each other up and then shake hands. Iris watches them in amusement.

“Bucky, Gwaine is my ‘it’s complicated’ relationship.” Iris says. Bucky looks thoughtful for a moment before replying, “it’s complicated, is a very broad phrase. What exactly makes it complicated?”

“You’re looking at the complications.” Iris says as she gestures toward her dads.

“Ah. That makes sense.” Bucky says. Arthur chooses this moment to be the king that he is. “We need to get him a room. Any ideas on how he will get back to his own time?”

“I have no ideas.” Merlin says. “We have no idea how long you will be staying here. So get comfortable.” He says to Bucky.

“Okay.” Bucky says. Arthur goes to the door and flags down a servant. “Deva, can you go get a room ready please? We have a guest who will be staying with us for the foreseeable future.”

“Yes sire.” Deva says as she curtsies before racing off down the corridor.

Everyone else stands there for a moment looking rather lost before Iris says, “Everyone out except for Gana and Bucky.”

Merlin, Arthur and Gwaine leave and head down to the banquet hall where breakfast is being served. Merlin and Arthur go to their seats and servants appear out of nowhere with food. Arthur and Merlin start eating before Merlin starts clawing at his throat.

“Merlin! My love. What is wrong?” Arthur exclaims.

“P-p-poison…” Merlin stammers out before collapsing to the floor.

“GUARDS!!!” Arthur screams out. The guards come running in, Gwaine in the lead.

“King Arthur, what’s the matter?” Gwaine asks.

“Merlin has been poisoned. We must get him to Gaius. NOW!”

“Right away, sire.” Gwaine and three other guards pick Merlin up and carry him to Gaius’s chambers.

They burst through the door and Gaius says, “What’s wrong with him?”

“He’s been poisoned.” Gwaine says.

“Poisoned?!? Lay him here.” Gaius gestures to the patient bed in the corner. Gaius gets to work right away but nothing works. Merlin lays there sweating, shivering and unconscious.

“I have no idea what kind of poison he was poisoned with so I have no idea how to help him.”

Meanwhile, Arthur is just reaching Iris’s door. He pounds on the door and Bucky answers. “What is it?” Bucky asks him.

“Where’s Iris? I need her now.” Arthur says frantically. Iris comes to the door upon hearing her father’s voice. “Pa? What’s the matter?” Arthur just stands there fretting.

Iris looks at him weirdly for a minute before asking, “Are you okay? Are you feeling sick? Did someone die? Are you dying? Am I dying and no one’s told me?” Iris is panicking now.

“No, I'm not okay. I don’t feel sick. No one has died…yet…I’m not dying but your dad is. He’s been poisoned and Gaius needs your help.” Arthur says frantically.

“Okay let’s go.” Iris says as she blows past Bucky and her Pa. “Pa! What are you waiting for? Let’s move it.” Arthur shakes his head, as if to clear his thoughts, before running after Iris.

They make it to Gaius quickly and Iris rushes to Merlin’s side. “What can I do?”

“Use your magic and do a scan of his systems.”

“Okay. I can try.” Iris raises both hands and starts chanting in the language of the Old Religion. As she speaks, golden lines appear over Merlin in various shapes and sizes until they form a sphere around him. “This poison has no known antidote and his systems are failing. We need something to heal him.”

“What about that crystal you went on a quest for? Would that work?” Arthur asks.

“That might work.” Iris says thoughtfully. Arthur goes to the door and flags Gwaine down. “Yes sire?”

“Come with me. We are going to the vaults.” Arthur and Gwaine take off for the vaults. They retrieve the crystal and race back to Gaius.

“We got it!” Arthur exclaims as they burst through the door. “Give it here please.” Iris says. Arthur hands it over and Iris starts chanting again. As she chants, it begins to glow. It glows brighter and brighter until Merlin is fully engulfed in the light.

Arthur, Gwaine and Gaius hold their breath as the light dims. Once the light is fully out do they notice Merlin stirring. He opens his eyes and looks around, disoriented.

“What the fuck happened? And why do I feel like I drank an entire tavern?”

“Dad!” Iris throws her arms around Merlin’s neck as he sits up. “You were poisoned. We almost lost you.” Arthur walks over to Merlin’s bedside and kisses the top of his head. “My love. You’re okay now.” Tears start forming in his eyes and he finds it hard to keep the tears in so he lets them fall. It’s the first time he has let his emotions take full control since their wedding.

“We should let him get some rest now.” Gaius says. Iris kisses her dad’s cheek and says goodbye before following Gwaine and her Pa out the door.

“We need to figure out who poisoned him and how they got this poison into Camelot.” Iris says.

“You’re right. Where should we start?” Arthur asks.

“There is no one here better suited to helping us solve this, then Bucky. As a former assassin, he will have the knowledge we need to solve this.”

“Okay. To Bucky then.”

 

…

 

They enter Iris’s chambers to find Bucky talking with Morgana. Bucky looks up when they walk in. “How’s your dad?”

“Much better. He is resting now. Bucky we need your help.”

“We need to figure out who this assassin is and how they got the poison in Camelot.” Arthur explains.

“Okay. What can I do?” Bucky asks.

“You can help us out by telling us how you would have done it if you had been the assassin.” Iris says.

“Okay. First of all, whoever poisoned Merlin would have had to know which plate was his and it would have had to have happened after the servants tested the food. Otherwise, you’d have a dead servant and a perfectly fine Merlin.”

“So that means, whoever had his plate last would have had to have been the one who poisoned him.” Iris says thoughtfully.

 

…

 

The corridors of Camelot filled themselves with an air of tension as Arthur, Iris and Gwaine followed Bucky to unveil the servant responsible for Merlin's poisoning. Bucky, with his eyes sharp as a hawk's, guided the group through the labyrinthine castle, following the subtlest of clues.

They began in the lower quarters, where the labyrinth of servant passages wound like a secret network beneath the grandeur of the castle. Bucky, having navigated these shadows in his previous life as an assassin, moved with a quiet confidence, his instincts leading the way.
The group discreetly questioned kitchen staff, maids, and stable hands, seeking any odd behavior or suspicious connections. As they delved deeper into the intricate web of castle life, they caught whispers of hushed conversations and exchanged glances that spoke volumes.

One name surfaced repeatedly in their discreet inquiries, Ealdred, a seemingly inconspicuous servant known for his reliability with tasks around the castle. Yet, Bucky's trained eye caught a fleeting glimpse of nervousness in Ealdred's eyes as their questions drew near.
Choosing a moment when the corridors were deserted, Bucky confronted Ealdred. His voice, a low and measured cadence, cut through the silence, demanding the truth. Ealdred, initially defensive, crumbled under the weight of their collective scrutiny.

As Bucky pressed, the servant's façade began to shatter, revealing a web of deceit and desperation. Without realizing it, Ealdred confessed to being coerced into poisoning Merlin. The revelation sent shockwaves through the group, and the urgency of their mission heightened.

With the servant's confession, they summoned the guards to apprehend him. The once seemingly ordinary servant now stood as a symbol of a looming threat to the kingdom.

In the dimly lit dungeon where Ealdred was held captive, Bucky continued to employ his interrogative skills. Through a careful dance of questions and calculated pressure achieved by torture, Ealdred began to unravel the threads of a disgraced noble seeking to settle a score's plan. Revealing that he was merely a pawn in Cenred's dangerous game of revenge against Camelot.
The servant was very hesitant to confess about the perfect plan for Camelot's doom, but with Bucky's method by forcing him to sit in a chair with restraints that's spikes were strategically placed. The servant had no other choice but to continue talking as to not give Bucky a reason to heat it up any further, causing severe pain.

Ealdred spoke of secret meetings, coded messages, and alliances with dark forces that hinted at a perilous future for Camelot. As the details unfolded, Arthur and Iris who stood by the cell grappled with the realization that the attempt on Merlin's life was not an isolated incident but a precursor to a more sinister plot that threatened to engulf Camelot in a wave of chaos.

The discovery of Ealdred's involvement not only unraveled the mystery of Merlin's poisoning but also laid bare the imminent danger that awaited them. The group, now armed with the knowledge of Cenred's malevolent intentions, steeled themselves for the challenges that lay ahead, knowing that the siege on Camelot was just the beginning of a much larger and more dangerous game.

Notes:

Chapter 13 is coming. I’m sorry it’s taking me so long to write this

Chapter 13: Jealousy is Confused

Chapter 13: Jealousy is Confused

Bucky is confused. He is in a new time and doesn’t know anything. The language is weird to his ears even with Iris performing some magic to help him understand. He is sitting in the chair in his room when Iris comes barging in.

“BUCKY!!” Iris yells as soon as barges through the door. Bucky looks up from the book he was reading. “Yes Flower?”

“I need to know something. What do you think of Gwaine?” She asks innocently.

“What do I think of the guy you are totally crushing on? Well, let me see. He looks like a supermodel. But he seems nice enough. I haven’t really talked to him so I can’t really say much. Once I get to know him more, I’ll give you a better answer.”

“Bucky. I am not crushing on him.” Iris says as she violently blushes a deep red.

“Oh you totally are. I can see it all over your face.” A smile tugs at his lips as he holds back a laugh.

“Bucky. Stop it.” Iris laughs as he pokes her in the side.

“Oh you love me.” Bucky says, an amused smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

“Stop poking me.” Iris says between laughs. She didn’t really mean it though. Secretly, she was really glad Bucky was here.

“Okay fine. I’ll stop.” Bucky laughs. “Iris, are you okay?” Iris’s eyes have glazed over and she looks like she’s about to faint. Bucky, realizing something is wrong, lowers her to the floor. Then he runs to the door and flags down a servant.

“Hey, go find Gwaine or Merlin or someone. Please. Just find someone. Tell them it is an emergency.” The servant takes off running. Bucky goes back to Iris where she is now unconscious. He sits next to her and tries to wake her up to no avail.

Suddenly the door bursts open and Gwaine comes flying into the room followed closely by the servant. “Where is she?” Gwaine says frantically.

“She’s here Gwaine.” Bucky says from his spot on the floor.

“We need to get her to Merlin.” Gwaine says as he scoops her up in his arms.

Together they race off to find Merlin.

 

…

 

Merlin and Arthur are in the throne room enjoying a moment of alone time. “Finally, we are alone.” Arthur complains.

“Yes we are,” Merlin says, as he walks up to Arthur and snakes his arms around his waist. He leans up and closes the distance between them. Their lips meeting in a chaste kiss. “I’m gl-“ the door bursts open and Gwaine comes in carrying Iris. Bucky following close behind.

“Well, there goes our alone time,” Arthur mumbles in Merlin’s ear.

“Something is wrong. She won’t wake up.” Bucky says.

“What happened?” Merlin asks.

“We were talking and laughing and teasing each other one moment and the next, her eyes glazed over and she went stiff as a board. I lowered her to the ground so she wouldn’t fall and then tried to wake her but she won’t open her eyes. She keeps mumbling something about a ‘questing beast’.”

“The questing beast is a magical creature whose bite can kill you. If she’s mumbling about it, it can only mean one thing. She’s had another vision.” Merlin says, as he caresses his daughter’s cheek.

“So she’s had visions like this before?” Bucky asks. “Ones that leave her like this?”

“She hasn’t had one leave her unconscious yet. They usually come before she has a seizure.”

“Her seizures are back?” Bucky inquires.

“They never went away. They were just held back with meds. Since we don’t have those meds here in this time, the seizures have come back full throttle.”

“Would it help if I said I have 6 bottles of her meds?”

“How on earth do you have that many bottles of her meds? Of course it would help.”

“I went to the pharmacy once a month to pick them up while you guys have been gone. I carried them with me everywhere just in case you guys came back. They are in my room.”

“Go get them please.” Merlin exclaims. Bucky takes off with Gwaine on his heels.

 

…

 

Bucky and Gwaine race through the halls to Bucky’s chambers. Once they get there, they fling things around trying to find the tiny bottles of pills. They finally find them and race back to the throne room.

“We got them!!” Bucky and Gwaine yell when they burst through the doors.

“Bring them here.” Merlin says. Iris has woken up somewhat at this point. Merlin opens a bottle and takes out a pill. He hands it to Iris as Arthur finds a goblet for water. Iris takes her meds before questioning where they came from. After she gets her bearings, she asks, “Where did these come from?”

Bucky looks at her and says, “I’ve been going to the pharmacy for you for the last 6 months and picking up your meds.” Iris looks at him for a moment before saying, “Thank you Bucky. What made you decide to pick them up?”

Bucky thinks for a minute before responding, “I just thought, well, I was hoping you’d come back from wherever you were and I just thought that you’d probably need them.”

“Okay. Thank you again.” Iris gets up and hugs Bucky.

Merlin and Arthur watch their daughter with concern covering their faces. Bucky and Gwaine are also watching Iris. They share a look that shows their concern. “We should get some food in you Iris.” Bucky says after a moment. Iris agrees and all of them walk down through the door and down the corridor to the banquet hall where lunch is being served. They eat and go about their day.

 

…

 

Bucky, Gwaine and Iris finish eating and head outside to the gardens. Iris looks at Bucky and says, “Let’s cause some mischief.”

“Like what?” Bucky asks. Gwaine looks ready for anything.

“I have no idea. Change the color of all the flags? Release the chickens?”

“Let’s do it.” Bucky and Gwaine agree. “I wonder how long it will take for people to notice the flags.”

“I’m hoping that it will take a week before anyone notices.” Iris says.

“I hope so too.” Bucky and Gwaine agree.

“What else can we do?” Iris muses.

“We can go to the tavern…?” Gwaine suggests. “Iris, I challenge you to a drinking contest. You too Bucky.”

“Oh you are so on. Bucky we can beat him right?”

“Oh yes we can.” Bucky says. With that they head to the tavern. Iris prefers them all a drink and they all chug it as fast as they can. There’s laughter all around as Iris magically fills their cups again and again and again. Once they each finish their seventh drink, they start stumbling back to the castle. They are loud and obnoxious but they don’t think they are being that loud.

“Come on, we need to be quiet sneaking back in, guys.” Iris practically yells through fits of giggles. Bucky and Gwaine have an arm around each other trying to support each other as they stumble along. Iris is walking freely just with a lot of falling over. Iris’s magic is starting to get away from her. Alcohol does that to her, which is why she hardly drinks. Little orange butterflies and white roses start appearing everywhere.

Arthur and Merlin are standing at the top of the stairs at the entrance to the castle waiting for Iris when a butterfly flutters around their heads and whacks Merlin in the face. “What was that for?” Merlin mumbles, agitated.

“I didn’t mean to Dad. My magic is kind of escaping me right now.” Iris says, very clearly drunk. Arthur gives her a pointed look as if to say that he is displeased with how drunk she is. Iris, ever the sass, retorts, “I’m over 1500 years old Pa. I am old enough to drink if I want to.” She turns bright red after realizing what she said. “Uh…not trying to be disrespectful Pa.”

“It’s alright. You are clearly very drunk right now. Why are you so drunk?” Arthur asks. Merlin is trying and failing to stifle his laughter.

“Oh. Yeah. Uh…Gwaine challenged Bucky and I to a drinking contest. Like an idiot I agreed.”

“Did you learn your lesson at least?” Merlin asks, amusement casting shadows on his face.

“I think I need a few more mistakes before I learn my lesson.” Iris says with sarcasm lacing her voice. Merlin just shakes his head in amusement. They all head inside after that.

 

…

 

Five days go by before Arthur comes barging into Iris’s chambers to find her reading by the fire. “Iris what did you do?”

“You’ll have to clarify what you’re talking about Pa. I’ve done many things. So please clarify.” Iris says without looking up.

“The flags. When did they all change color? They are a different shade of red than they should be.”

“Oh I did that like five days ago. I was wondering how long it would take for anyone to notice.” Iris gets up at this point and sets her book down. She walks to the door and flags down a servant. “Hi Deva. Can you go find Bucky please and tell him to come here?”

Deva nods and runs off. Iris goes and sits back down by the fire. A few minutes go by before Bucky comes to the door. Arthur lets him in. “You called for me?” Bucky says.

“Yes. Pa finally realized that the flags were changed. Five days after I changed them. So none of us won that bet.”

“Okay. So who gets the money then?” Bucky inquires. Iris thinks for a moment before looking at her Pa.

“Pa, can you make sure the magic users in the Lower Town get the money from our bet?”

“Yes of course my dear.” Arthur responds. Iris nods thoughtfully. “Thank you Pa.”

 

…

 

Merlin is wandering the halls when he hears a shout from the kitchens. “What’s happening?” He asks.

Audrey, the cook, is flinging around a wooden spoon trying to chase out the chickens that have infiltrated her kitchen. Merlin, trying not laugh, asks, “What the bloody hell happened in here?”

“Someone released the chickens.” Audrey says. “I can guess who it is but I don’t think you’ll like what I have to say, Your Highness.”

“Who do you think it was?” Merlin asks, curious. “Also, Merlin is fine. You don’t have to call me Your Highness. Please.”

“Iris and that friend of hers, Bucky. I have a feeling they did this.”

“I will go find them and see if they know what happened here.” Merlin says a quick spell and all the chickens vanish and reappear back in their pen. Merlin leaves and heads outside. He finds Gwaine outside. “Do you have any idea where iris and Bucky are?”

“No I don’t. I can help you find them though.” Gwaine says.

“Okay. Thank you. You wouldn’t happen to know anything about the chickens would you?” Merlin asks.

“Oh…uh…maybe…” Gwaine says. “It was Iris’s idea. Not mine. Why?”

“Oh I’m just trying to figure out who did it so I can thank them for rifling Audrey up a little. She’s so serious all the time. She needed it.”

Gwaine looks shocked for a minute before composing himself. “Well, in that case. It was Iris’s idea and Bucky and I let them out.”

Merlin raises an eyebrow and smirks for a second. “Well, thank you.”

“Do we still need to find Bucky and Iris?”

“Yes I suppose we should. If only to thank them for the laughter.” Merlin and Gwaine enter the Secret Garden to find Bucky and Iris sitting under the large tree, reading. Iris is curled up against Bucky’s side, half-awake.

“Iris. What on earth were you thinking when you came up with the idea to release the chickens?” Merlin asks his daughter.

“I was thinking that Audrey needed to loosen up a little.” Iris mumbles.

“Well, it worked. Sort of. She’s kind of angry though. You should apologize to her for making her life a mess for a moment. But first, thank you for the laughter.”

“You’re welcome. Okay I guess I can go apologize to her.” Iris stands up. “You coming, Bucky? You too, Gwaine.”

Bucky gets up off the ground and then he, Iris and Gwaine head back to the kitchens to apologize. Merlin stays in the garden for a while, thinking about things. He heads inside to find Arthur. Something is troubling Merlin and he needs to talk to his husband about it.

 

…

 

Merlin finds Arthur in the council chambers, having just gotten out of a meeting. He walks up to him and snakes an arm around his waist before leaning in and giving him a featherlight kiss. “Hey honey. Something is bothering me and I feel like we should talk about it.”

“What’s on your mind?” Arthur asks. He looks curious.

“Just that we should probably tell the council who Iris really is before someone else finds out and blabs about it.”

“Who found out?” Concern etched on Arthur’s face.

“No one found out but I think Audrey suspects.” Merlin says.

“Okay. So how do we tell the council? That is a rather large bit of information and I doubt they will take it very well.”

“We need to call a special meeting and have Iris there. Then we can both tell parts of the story. Oh and make sure that Uther and Ygraine are there too. Actually, anyone who knows already should be there.” Merlin says after a moment of thoughtful thinking.

“Okay. I can call a meeting for tomorrow morning.” Arthur says. “I’ll have Leon find the knights who know and get a message to my mother and Morgana.”

With that they walk out of the council chambers, hand in hand and head off toward their destiny. Whether it is good or bad, only time will tell.

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 1 of Long Story Short Universe