We All Make Our Mistakes (merthur)

Part 5

In a dark room deep within the catacombs of Camelot, a figure stood among the tombs of nobles and previous kings who had died. The figure whispered words in a foreign tongue, their eyes glowing bright green and the goblet in their hand bubbled and hissed, an eerie mist flowing over the brim.

"It is time, my children," the figure-Lady Eris-announced in a chorus of voices. "Feast on the souls of these humans. Create chaos."

5 lights flew from the goblet and escaped to the world above before it exploded, causing Eris to screech and curse in fury. The silver band on her arm glowed and she glared at it.

"You will pay... Merlin," she growled and lightning struck the palace.

~It was late in the evening and Merlin was helping Arthur into his bedclothes when they heard a terrified shriek. The two looked at each other before running to the source, the prince grabbing his sword on their way out. They ran to the courtyard to find large ethereal lights taunting the people below and smashing into the castle. People screamed and ran about in a panic, grabbing their children and rushing past the gates.

"Stay back," Arthur warned, pulling out his sword and preparing to attack.

Merlin frowned. "I'm staying right here," he argued, readying himself to use his magic.

The prince sighed. "Fine, just try not to get yourself noticed by anyone else," he advised, slashing at a light that swooped down to them.

His manservant's eyes glowed gold as he helped deflect the blow. And in the midst of the chaos was Lady Eris. She laughed manically as she chanted a spell, looking directly at Merlin. Arthur soon realized what was happening and moved to intercept the spell, but he was too late. A bright ray of light hit Merlin square in the chest.

"No!' the prince yelled, rushing to him to catch the manservant as he fell. "Merlin-"

The young warlock gasped in pain, unconsciousness taking over his body. Arthur cradled his face with his shaking hands, not noticing how time seemed to slow around them. The prince whispered his manservant's name again, worry and grief evident in his voice. Arthur pressed a kiss to Merlin's temple and suddenly, there was a glow of light before them. He looked up quickly, looking at its brilliance when a woman emerged from it.

She was beautiful. She had long blonde hair and gentle brown eyes. Her skin was fairer than a soft sheet of snow and her dress was just as radiant as the sun.

"Arthur Pendragon," her harmonious voice sang. "I apologize deeply for my sister's unforgivable behaviour."

The prince squinted, confused. "Who are you?" he inquired curiously.

"I am the goddess Concordia. My sister, Eris or Discordia, has caused you great trouble. I've cast her and her children into Tartarus where they cannot disturb anyone for a long time," she assured. "But is there anything that I can do for you to earn your forgiveness?"

Arthur was about to tell her that there was nothing to forgive when he felt Merlin stir in his arms, he looked down at the warlock and bit his lip. "Actually..."

~Merlin groggily opened his eyes to find that it was morning. The sunlight shone through the window and illuminated his surroundings. The young warlock noticed that he was laying in his own bed back in Gaius's tower. He squinted, confused. But when realization hit him. he leapt out of the bed and down the stairs.

"Gaius!" he exclaimed. "Gaius!"

The old physician was setting down their breakfast and he sent Merlin a disapproving look. "There's no need to shout, my boy," he said gently.

"What happened? Where's lady Eris? No-where's Arthur?" he asked hurriedly.

Gaius gave him an odd look. "I'm afraid that I don't know of a Lady Eris. But Arthur is most likely waiting for you in his chambers, as he always is," he replied.

What? thought Merlin. Had that all been a dream, then?

In a frenzy, he fled from the tower and to his prince, bursting through the doors. "What's going on-?"

Arthur, who had been patiently sitting at his table, held up a hand to interrupt him. "I'm glad that you're feeling better now, Merlin. I was afraid that I had lost you to that nasty blow to the chest."

The manservant blinked. So... everything hadn't been a dream? Then why...

"Why doesn't anyone remember what happened?"

Arthur pursed his lips before sighing. "Why don't you have a seat first?" he gestured to the chair before him and continued. "After you had been knocked out, Eris-or Discordia's-counterpart stopped her terror and granted me a wish to earn my forgiveness."

Merlin blinked. "So you wished for everyone to-"

"-forget what happened, yes," the prince finished.

"But you still know?" About my magic and everything?"

"You have magic?" Arthur gasped, eyes widening.

Merlin froze for a moment before glaring at the prince who began to laugh. "I see that you're still a prat."

"You love me anyway," Arthur teased before pausing.

Merlin's eyes widened and he blushed bright red, the prince soon following suit. "Er... I mean," he stammered, but stopped when his manservant pressed a shy kiss to his cheek.

"I think we should come upon an agreement of no more secrets," Merlin suggested, then adding: "sire" to the end of his statement.

Arthur coughed awkwardly to hide his embarrassment before nodding. "Yes, that sounds most appropriate," he complied.

The two looked at one another before bursting into a fit of laughter. Once they calmed down, Arthur held his manservant close to him and sighed heavily.

"I'm glad you're back, Merlin," he whispered affectionately, nuzzling the other's hair.

The young warlock was taken aback by the gesture, but soon returned it wish a smile. "As am I."

fin.