More Than Words

Thistles and roses

It wasn't too difficult getting to the castle; it was the largest structure around, so finding it certainly wasn't an issue. Getting inside, however... that was a different story.

"But I need to see Merlin!" you pleaded with the guard, desperation evident in your voice. The guard sighed, looking away to compose himself.

"Look, kid, we can't just let anyone in, so unless you have a real reason to enter the castle, then I suggest you leave."

"But-"

"(Y/n)?"

Both of you turned just in time to see your father walking towards you, a surprised smile on his face. 

"Dad!" you cheered, running up to him excitedly as a wave of relief washed over you. He laughed in joy as he picked you up and spun you around in a hug, your giggles filling the courtyard. 

"(Y/n), what are you doing here?" he asked once he set you down and stepped back, studying your face with slight concern. Your smile fell and you looked down, your father's concerned frown deepening. "What's going on here, (y/n)?" he asked again, this time more seriously. You sighed, knowing you couldn't keep this from you father. It would hurt him, but you knew better then anyone it would hurt more that he found out later she had suffered without him knowing. 

"It's... it's mom. She's sick with something, and we haven't been able to find a cure, so I came here to have Merlin teach me so I can figure out how to help mom," you explained softly, your eyes not leaving the ground. There was silence for a moment, before you heard your father sigh, his arms wrapping around you again.

"How long has she been sick?" he asked, matching your soft tone as he gently stroked your hair comfortingly. 

"A few months now," you answered back, your shoulders sagging. He nodded, taking a deep breath in, straightening himself and looking over at the guard you'd been arguing with. 

"Let her in. She must see Merlin. I fear that it was always her destiny to end up training with him anyway," your father ordered. The guard nodded, stepping aside to let you in, but you weren't quite done with your father yet.

"What do you mean, 'it was always gonna be my destiny to end up training with Merlin'?" you asked, stepping out of your dad's arms, giving him a pointed look. He shook his head, putting an arm around your shoulders.

"I'm not the right person to explain it to you, (y/n). All I can say is that you're more powerful than you think you are. Merlin will show you the way." He pressed a kiss onto the crown of your head. "I love you, (y/n). Now go. Your mother is counting on you." You huffed in annoyance, about to protest, but the look in your father's eyes stopped you. The way his grip tightened around you before letting go, like he needed to make sure you were there; he was afraid. You sighed, giving in. He was right. Your mom needed you.

"I love you too, Dad. I'll figure this out, I promise." As you walked away, you could feel your father watching you; what you didn't see was the proud smile he had while he watched you, or the way his composure was falling apart as he watched his little girl face almost impossible odds. When had you grown into this young woman carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders?

Inside, you were lead to Merlin's study by another guard, one who introduced himself as Cameron, a friend of your father's. As the two of you walked, you swapped stories about your father and laughed together, your footsteps falling in sync as you went. It was a nice distraction from the nearly overbearing weight of the task at hand. 

"-and then when the horse finally stopped bucking, it took off like a shot! I've never seen someone turn pale from fear so fast," Cameron exclaimed, laughing along with you.