Merlin Short Stories

Secret Talent

Merlin has a secret that he doesnt want anyone to know. He loves to sing. It helps calm his slight ptsd from when he used to be abused. (Just a short sweet one requested by AntisocialGay also for those wondering, the song he sings is: Long Time Traveler by The Wailin Jennys)

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  When Merlin was young, he was kidnapped and taken away from his home. For a few months he didn't know whether he was going to live or die. So to keep it at bay, he started singing. It helped keep him calm whenever he thought about it or soemthing came up. When he escaped, he turned to singing to keep his ptsd from being kidnapped at bay.

  His Mother knew about it, since he told her what it meant to him, but when he became manservant to Arthur, he didnt want anyone to know, afraid that Arthur was going to make fun of him. Whenever he was left alone though, he would sing softly to himself.

  One day they were on a hunt, Arthur and the Knights seemed to be as annoying as ever, but for some reason Merlin remained quiet. Something that never happens. Gwaine kept eyeing Merlin, noticing he was flinching anytime noises would be heard. That made him curious.

  "We should stop. It's getting late." Leon finally says.

  Arthur nods. "You have the same thoughts as me." Arthur turns to Merlin, noticing he was looking at Arthur. "Merlin can you go get the camp ready. We will go collect firewood." He explained.

  Merlin nodded. He quietly made it to a nice clearing before jumping down off his horse, immediately putting bed rolls down and creating a place for the fire to go. As he was digging the small hole, he looked around, making sure he was alone before he started to sing softly.

  "These fleeting charms of earth

Farewell, your springs of joy are dry

My soul now seeks another home

A brighter world on high."

  He seemed to smile, finally feeling the relief it brought him. He relaxed slightly, continuing on, not realizing the Knights were on their way back.

  "I'm a long time travelling here below

I'm a long time travelling away from home

I'm a long time travelling here below

To lay this body down."

  As Merlin sang that last line, the knights stopped, looking surprised. Merlin hummed a melody as he moved his head, fixing the fireplace.  The Knights held the firewood in their hand, about to say something when Merlins beautiful voice starts to sing again.

  "Farewell kind friends whose tender care

Has long engaged my love

Your fond embrace I now exchange

For better friends above."

   The Knights were stunned, as watched Merlin shiver. He slowly stood up and turned, to see the Knights standing there stunned. The reaction they didnt expect to receive was one of pure horror. Merlin paled.

  "How long have you all been standing there?" Merlin asks.

  Gwaine smiled. "You sing beautifully Merls. Why did you never tell us?" Gwaine asked. Clearly not reading the mood.

  Merlin slowly backed away, his face looked almost scared. Arthur, being a friend, smiled. "Merlin you dont have to worry. We wont make fun of you. Your singing was good." He explained, walking over to drop the firewood off.

  Merlin seemed to relax but he still seemed tense. "How come you never told anyone?" Elyan asked.

  Merlin sighed, bringing his arms up as if they would block any harmful words his way. "Its.... a long story." He says in a whisper.

  Gwaine stepped forward and placed a hand on Merlins shoulder smiling. "We are here for you, Merlin."

  Merlin nods. They slowly start taking seats around the campfire, Arthur starting it. Once it was lit and everyone was settled Merlin decided to speak.

  "I guess... I will start at the beginning." Merlin couldnt seem to face him, his eyes landing on the fire in front of him. "When I was younger, I was in the forest, looking for some herbs for my mother. Because I was alone, I was the perfect target to slave traders. They caught me and..." merlin paused almost in shock he nearly spilled that they put a magic restraint collar on him. Gulping at his almost mistake, he continued. "Took me to an auction. I was sold the same day I was captured." Merlin explained.

  The Knights were in shock. Merlin never really talked about his past so hearing this made them realize why.

  "When I was sold, the person I was sold to... didnt want me just for chores or whatever people buy slaves for. He wanted me to be his daily release. He would... punch me, burn me... kick me, whip me almost anything you could think of." Merlin slowly rolled up his sleeves showing some scars from burns. Making the Knights sick. "I have scars of all the things he did to me. It went on for nearly... a year I believe and when I found the opportunity to escape, I did." He rolled his sleeve back down, hugging himself. "To keep myself calm in that place, I started to sing when I knew that man wasnt around. It seemed to calm me down. When I escaped it calms my nerves from that time. I never told you guys because I thought you would see it as weakness or make fun of me for it." Merlin explained.

  The Knights were shocked, especially Arthur who knew him the longest and had no clue he was suffering from things that happened in his past. He stepped forward and engulfed Merlin in a hug, shocking Merlin.

  "We would never make fun of you for soemthing this serious. If you ever need to sing, we wouldnt mind, Merlin." Arthur says.

  "You are a part of us, Merlin. Your past is your past and if singing helps you move forward , we would be delighted to hear it." Gwaine walked up and joined the hug. Soon all of them did and Merlin felt overwhelmed with happiness he started to cry.

  For the first time he didnt feel embarrassed. He felt like he could tell them everything as time passes. Knowing his past was out there, he felt like he didnt have to hide who he really was. Enjoying this moment, he smiled, looking around at them to see the support he had. He stepped back and started to hum a melody, before singing.

  The Knights sitting back and enjoying the soothing voice of their best friend.

  Finally he started singing without feeling embarrassed. It was the most relieved hes ever felt and he could tell the Knights saw it in him as well.