Someone Like You - Merthur Story

Part title

The sun was setting over Camelot, casting a warm orange glow over the bustling streets. King Arthur, weary from a long day of council meetings and training with his knights, sought out the one person he knew could offer him solace and guidance: Merlin.

He found the young warlock in the castle gardens, sitting beneath the sprawling branches of an ancient oak tree. Merlin's eyes were closed, and his hands were pressed against the trunk, as if communing with the tree itself.

"Merlin?" Arthur called out softly, not wanting to startle him.

Merlin's eyes snapped open, and he smiled as he saw Arthur approaching. "Sire," he said, scrambling to his feet.

Arthur waved a hand, gesturing for Merlin to sit back down. "No formalities, Merlin. I need your counsel."

Merlin's eyes sparkled with curiosity as Arthur sat beside him. "What troubles you, Arthur?"

"It's the recent attacks on our borders," Arthur said, his brow furrowed. "I've increased the patrols, but I fear there's more to it than just bandits. I sense a darker force at play."

Merlin's expression turned thoughtful. "I've been sensing it too, Arthur. A presence lurking just beyond the edge of our lands. I've been trying to pinpoint its source, but it's elusive."

Arthur's eyes narrowed. "You think it's magic?"

Merlin nodded. "I'm certain of it. But I need your help to uncover the truth."

Together, they sat in silence, watching as the stars began to twinkle in the night sky. Suddenly, Merlin's eyes flashed with inspiration.

"The ancient oak," he whispered, his gaze locked on the tree above them. "It's been here for centuries, witnessing the rise and fall of civilizations. I think it might hold the key to unlocking the secrets of this dark force."

Arthur's eyes widened as Merlin placed his hands on the trunk once more. The air around them seemed to shimmer, and the tree's branches creaked softly.

"Listen," Merlin whispered, his eyes closed in concentration.

As they sat there, the ancient oak began to whisper its secrets to Merlin, its ancient magic stirring in response to the warlock's touch. Arthur watched, awestruck, as the truth began to unravel before them.

The darkness, it seemed, was not just a simple evil – but a symptom of a far greater imbalance in the natural world. A powerful sorcerer, hidden in the shadows, was manipulating the forces of nature to spread chaos and destruction.

With the ancient oak's guidance, Merlin and Arthur forged a plan to confront the sorcerer and restore balance to the land. As they stood up, ready to face the challenge ahead, Arthur turned to Merlin with a grateful smile.

"Thank you, Merlin. You are, as always, my guiding star in the darkness."

Merlin smiled back, his eyes shining with warmth. "You're not alone, Arthur. Together, we'll face whatever darkness comes our way."

And with that, the king and his warlock set off into the night, ready to defend Camelot and restore the light of justice to their realm.