Darkness

Recovery

The Druidic magic settled over Merlin so completely, that he felt disconnected from his body once again. He could not feel or sense anything. Smell, sight, taste, hearing, feeling. Everything was muted and he was weightless in the dark. Occasionally a small golden orb would appear and he could see his husband and son as they sat with him and talked. He heard Asha murmuring to him in these moments as well. Telling him that the dark magic was nearly gone. And he should rest until it was fully out of him. Each time he floated near consciousness, with the golden orb hovering, he felt pain rip through his mind as if the darkness was trying to tear him to pieces. His body would convulse. He could feel and hear during these periods. It was like he had to convulse in order to expel the darkness. To purge it from his body.

Time meant nothing to him in this strange in-between state. He hoped he wouldn't sleep through William's life, though. That he wouldn't wake and find everyone he knew and loved, gone. Would he be able to be there for Arthur and Gwen when their child was due? Would he be able to help his friend navigate the parenting he'd adapted so easily? He needed to be there for them. For his family. He called on his magic. Called the magic of the earth and sky. Called it to him to heal him in return for his service. He knew the oaths that were required and recited them into the dark. As he did, golden light flooded him. The darkness was forced back, forced out of him. His senses rushed back to him, overwhelming and intense. He could smell the spring air coming in through the window, feel the heat in the air from the candles that were lit, taste the traces of food sitting on the table across the room, hear the silence that reigned as magic flooded the room through him. But he couldn't see yet. Aside from gold, there was no other discernible colors or shapes.

/////

"Do you feel that?" he heard his husband whisper.

"I think the whole kingdom feels that." Arthur commented quietly. "Something happened. He did something." Arthur stood next to Merlin's bed, watching as a glowing aura surrounded Merlin's still form.

"He made the vows." Eret said quietly, looking quickly to the other Druids in the room. Prepare the others. The King is risen."

"What?" Gwaine asked, confused.

"The magic, it is the magic of the world, working in tangent with his own magic. Working through him, to heal him. It would only do so if he swore his oaths. Even if it was only in his mind, he has promised himself to the role of prophecy. Destiny. He must now assume that role for all of Albion, not just Camelot." Eret answered.

"So he must leave?" Arthur asked softly.

"Yes. But he will have some time. Time to say his proper goodbyes, not that it will be permanent or long lasting." Asha came forward to reassure the King and Knight. "Before the month is out, though, he must go."

"'Rth'r." Merlin mumbled, the magic in the room dimming.

"I'm here, Merlin." Arthur answered, tapping Merlin's arm, so he knew where the King was.

"Gwaine?"

"I'm here, love." Gwaine brushed the hair from Merlin's face gently. "Are you ready to wake and join us?"

"Think so." Merlin reached up to rub his eyes. When he finally opened his eyes, he heard a few gasps. "Mm. thought that might happen." His eyes were golden now, and would remain so.

"Do you need help sitting up?" Gwaine asked. Merlin shifted and attempted to sit himself up, but Gwaine ended up shuffling him up a little and bracing him against the pillows. "How are you feeling?"

"Better. Better than I have in a while. My scars don't hurt anymore. It's strange. I forgot what it was like not to feel them constantly." Merlin answered quietly.