Merlin: Albion's Greatest Time of Need

Chapter 4 | Merlin | The girl in the forest

Merlin stared on at this trembling girl, tears rolling down her cheeks, and pulling at her hair. Obviously frightened beyond belief and in a state of shock. He can't believe how such a small young girl could cause so much damage, as it's clear that she doesn't hold any malice. The fact that she could hold any intentions of causing harm to others doesn't seem plausible. However, while looking down staring at her, a very familiar feeling arose.

Morgana.

She looks as scared as Morgana did back then. It evoked an uneasy and pitiful feeling from Merlin, how he regretted what had happened with Morgana. The only difference between the two was the raw power this young girl possessed, it was almost overwhelming. But this time, this time, he had a chance to help. This time he is determined to help this young girl no matter what may get in the way. He won't let another person become overwhelmed by the power they possess and turn down the wrong path.

As Merlin took one small short step forward the girl's head shot up, staring directly into his eyes she started screaming, "I DON'T WANT TO HURT YOU!"

Merlin was taken aback, she was very much self-aware of the destruction she was causing. Even though she had no control in this situation, she took accountability nonetheless. She shouldn't put so much responsibility on herself.

Abruptly, her eyes started to flicker, rapidly switching between a deep emerald green and bright gold. Without a second to spare Merlin was sent flying backwards, stumbling as he went. The girl's eyes widened, terrified at what just happened, scared that he was so close and could get hurt, and as she came to this realisation her tears grew. She buried her head into her knees, ashamed and worried. Merlin couldn't believe his eyes. He was so stunned at her reaction to simply pushing him back, she looked so hurt which made him feel hurt.

Merlin briefly whispered under his breath as he stepped forwards towards her again, his eyes turning gold as he did. And once again a strong gust of wind came from the girl's direction, but instead of pushing Merlin back, this time he managed to keep pushing on forward towards her. After a couple of minutes of the two in a perpetual standoff in regards to the distance between them, the wind calmed and Merlin managed to get close enough to touch her. He crouched down, placing his hands on her shoulders. She shivered, but once she calmed down he placed one hand on hers and the other on the side of her cheek as she brought her head up to meet his eyes. As they locked eyes, Merlin gently smiled and said, "Everything will be ok."

She gave a deep sigh, her frame going from stiff to loosely relaxed. Her tears started to dry and the rustling leaves and trees began to settle. Silence filled the woods apart from the sound of the two. Merlin placed his forehead against hers, stroking her hair and holding her close. He started to chant and whisper comforting words. Within no time the girl had drifted off to sleep in Merlin's arms, finally peaceful, for now.