Darkness

Misery loves company

Time ceased to exist. He didn't know when day was, when night was. He'd started wishing for death for a time, but knew as long as Arthur was in danger and his destiny still wasn't fulfilled he'd stay alive. His hair was getting longer. It brushed his ears now, though he knew it was probably starting to curl. His face was itching as the hair came in there as well. He'd made a point to keep his face clean and was annoyed that he wasn't able to do that now. Merlin had started to dream of his lover. He had every intention of it just being fun, but he was really enjoying their stolen moments. He wasn't sure if it was love, but he knew the thought of the other man struck his heart with such strong ache he thought he would pass out from it. The dreams stirred other parts of him as well. He found he'd woken several times with a moan of his lover's name on his tongue, only to remember he wasn't alone. She never said anything. Merlin hadn't said anything since his outburst that first day. After time, they had gravitated towards each other. They sat side by side, arms touching, unwilling to admit they needed the contact, but also unwilling to move away. Morgana had clasped their hands together. And she would squeeze every now and then as if reassuring herself that she weren't alone.

Merlin.

Morgana.

I'm sorry that you found someone to love only to be thrust into the dark with your enemy.

It's my own fault. I didn't tell him what I planned, nor Arthur. No one, actually. So I've condemned myself, really.

Still. I've not had any steady affections, passing or otherwise. I had a few kitchen girls at one point, Helios wanted me as did Agravaine, but they were of no interest to me. There was only ever one man that had any affection from me. And he betrayed me long ago. Merlin squeezed her hand at this. They had had many glances, a few stolen kisses, back before he'd poisoned her.

I don't think I was ever worthy of your affections.

There is the fact that Uther would have killed you if he ever found out. Or banished you.

True.

Do you know how long we've been in here?

Judging from my hair growth, I'd say at least six months. Maybe longer.

Wonderful.

Yeah.

They spoke only through their minds, not willing to break the silence of the dark with their voices. They weren't friends, but they could be friendly. As long as they didn't talk about the past too much. They fell asleep leaning together, hands clasped as if they were holding on to a life line. Merlin dreamed of his lover again. He dreamt of strong calloused hands tracing their way over his body, pulling in his hair. When he opened his eyes, trying to push the dream away, knowing it had roused a part he was trying very hard to ignore. He felt hair in his face and gasped as the feelings only intensified. Morgana was in his lap, head nestled in the crook of his neck. She was running her fingers through his unusually long locks. He knew the position she was in that she had to know what his body was doing.

Morgana..

Shh. Don't think. Just...just hold me. If you need to think of him, think of him.

We shouldn't...but his body was betraying him with overwhelming want and desire. He needed the release.

It doesn't change anything. It won't mean anything. I need this just as you do. She had pulled herself flush against his chest. She was breathing heavily. She leaned her head down and bit on his shoulder causing him to moan in response. His hands pressed firmly on her back as she shifted her hips. They didn't kiss. Their lips never even came near the others face knowing that would make it too intimate. Their bodies were one thing, but their lips would only provoke affection. It wasn't long before Merlin's clothes were off (as much as they could be given the chains on his wrists), and Morgana had shifted her dress around enough that their chests spread warmth through them and their legs entwined. They didn't know how long they spent touching and being touched. It seemed they both craved it and needed it. Morgana had always made it seem as though she didn't care for any kind of touch, let alone one as tender as that of a lover. Time passed a little easier after that first time. The first embrace had been rough and fast and full of need from both of them. They still didn't talk.

Do you think they are looking for you? Morgana had asked when they lay on the floor, legs still tangled, chains cold against their chests.

I can only hope. I told Arthur not to have a funeral for me. I'd like to make it out to find out if he listened or not.

I doubt he's given up. Arthur always has you in his heart. Let alone his head. You are the only one I've ever seen get through to him. I was half expecting he'd try to marry you.

Mm. I've always found him attractive, if I'm being honest. But I could never let him know me fully.

So does your lover know of your magic then?

He does. He's kept my secret for me. I left a letter for Arthur before I left telling him as well. I couldn't bring myself to say it out loud to him. The thought of his....disappointment I guess, was too much.

We need a plan to escape. We can't stay here forever. I imagine we're only alive still because of our magic. They haven't given us food or water or anything. I don't even know how much time has passed. Can you see anything yet?

Some. More varying shades of gray. We need to find a weakness. There has to be something.

After that they spent most of their waking moments exploring their prison trying to find a weakness. They found a small chink near the top of the strange cell. Each day they worked at it either by chipping at it with their manacles, or the little bit of magic they could reach. Without warning, Morgana had chipped enough and a small shaft of silvery moonlight penetrated the darkness. They both had to cover their eyes at the brightness. Having been surrounded by darkness for so long, the small amount of moonlight was blindingly bright. At the same time the moonlight pierced the darkness, a rush of energy reached them. Magic was back at their fingertips. Their manacles melted away as their eyes burned brightly. As the magic rushed back through their veins, the room began to tremble. Neither Merlin nor Morgana knew who's magic was causing it, just that they were finally able to escape. The wall where the moonlight came in crumbled to a heap and the pair walked out of their prison. Not sure how it happened, there was a whirl of wind, and they were suddenly standing in a forest, not in a citadel. Their magic had transported them far from their prison. They stood together, breathing deeply the fresh forest air. Morgana turned from Merlin and began walking away.

Wait! Where will you go?

There was something I was searching for before I was captured. I intend to finish searching for it. Morgana's posture was stiff, and her back stayed toward Merlin.

Do you intend to come after Camelot? Or Arthur? Merlin knew the answer, though he hoped she would reconsider.

Camelot will fall, Merlin. I will make sure of it.

I will not let it.

Then I will see you in battle. Do not seek me out again. And she was gone in a whirl of wind and darkness. And Merlin was alone. He had an idea where he was, but reached out with his magic to find out for sure. He was close to Camelot. A few hours away. He hoped his legs were strong enough to get him there. To get him home.