Scion of Lost Magic (Merlin x Reader)

Home Is Where The Heart Is.

The next morning I was the first to wake up. I stretched my limbs and pushed the blanket off of me.  I was so exhausted I must have just fallen asleep suddenly.  The past two days felt like a distant dream. The rest of the party was asleep.  My feet quietly tread to my horse. I grabbed the flask of water from its attached place to my saddle. The top screwed off. I gave it a shake hearing no liquid inside.  My throat and mouth were dry.  Quietly, I followed the sound of the nearby brook.  Hard to believe how peaceful it was out here.  When I arrived at the brook my flask dipped into the water.  After it filled I took a long sip.  The cool liquid soothed the dryness at the back of my throat.  I filled the flask to the brim before heading to the camp.  Merlin was standing up, staring in the direction I was walking from.  He must have been using his scrying ability to find me.

"Morning, Merlin," I gave a wave of my hand.  He blinked his eyes before they fell on my figure.  "Nice morning, huh?"

"Please stop wandering off like that."

"Please stop worrying about me like that. I was only gone a few minutes."

"Can't be too careful with how much trouble you get into."

"You won't be able to watch me all the time."

"If you two lovebirds are done, we're going to be heading out." Arthur interrupted our innocent conversation without a care.

"That was no innocent insinuation," Merlin hissed. He turned his back to me and started in the same direction I was heading. "I'm not going to hear the end of it."

"Maybe they'll think more of you for it."

"I'm going to be mocked."

"Want me to tell them they misunderstood?  That we were actually talking about-"

"Stop wasting time you two. Let's go."

"He's impatient, huh?" I groaned watching the knights pack the last of their things before mounting their horses.

"One of his better qualities."

We packed up the few items we had.  There was no trace of our camp as we headed back toward Camelot.  It was a quiet ride. Merlin and I received glances from the others.  But it didn't bother me nearly as much as Merlin.  It was late into the afternoon when we arrived back at the gates of Camelot.  For the night I was to stay with Merlin and Gaius.  Arthur said he'd try to work some sort of housing out for me.  He thought improper to stay with Merlin, and Gaius, for too long.  I helped Merlin put the horses away.  The knights told me I didn't have to.  I explained that it was just how things were in my village. With a quizzical look they just nodded and walked off.  We walked toward the castle.  Gaius seemed glad to see us upon our return.

"Everyone is okay?" Gaius asked.

"Yeah," Merlin responded, "it's been a rough-"

I sat down at the table.  Gaius shared a glance with Merlin.  He plated some food.   He placed in front of me and told me to eat.

"I have magic," I said quietly, "I didn't know.  I lost everything and I'm scared to be in this city now."

Gaius plated food for himself and Merlin.  He sat down across from me. "Your secret is safe here. And it always will be."

"I froze Merlin in place by accident.  I lied and said we had spent the night together, because that was easier." I looked at a flushed Merlin.  "I can't keep this secret."

"It's easier than you think," Merlin answered.

"Maybe you're right, but-"

"Merlin can teach you a thing or two.  You just need to try not to use magic inside these walls." Gaius stated, but "Why don't we forget about that for now. Let's just enjoy this meal for now?"

Merlin told Gaius he was surprised by the power my magic had. I shifted my eyes away from the both of them.  Although I wanted to stay solemn about this situation, I couldn't.  Maybe those dreams I used to have were a premonition of what my destiny would be.  I smiled at the very thought.  Even though I never knew about my magic, I admired the life my father had.  He fought for what he believed in. So much that he turned his back on his birth place to protect his family.  After dinner Merlin went out to get some water.  I excused myself to my room.  My hands ran over the amulet my mom left me.  How could so much power have been held in this tiny thing?   And why wouldn't my powers surface sooner. I could have saved so many others in that bandit caravan.  Now I had to focus on my future.  I'd have to work to contain, and control, my magic within these walls.  I pushed open the window and looked over the city.   Night had fallen.  The sky now speckled with shimmering stars.  I recognized constellations my father taught me to find my way home.  That place was never going to be my home again.  It wasn't much of a village now.  A knock at the door brought me away from the view.  I opened the door, Merlin was there holding some sort of dessert.

"I thought you might like this. Best in Camelot," he beamed.

"I'm not really one for sweets."

"Merlin bought that especially for you dear," Gaius said trying to nonchalantly pass by the door.

"Gaius," Merlin hissed with a sudden hue dancing across his cheeks.

"Alright.  I'll split it if you want."

"If you don't want it I'll have it."

"Gaius!  I didn't get it for you."

I took the plate from Merlin.  I settled it on the ledge at the window.  It was amazing how calm this bustling city could be at night.   Merlin settled at the window next to me.   I picked off a piece of the dessert.  It wasn't too sweet.

"This isn't half bad," I said.

"I thought you'd like it.  Somehow it fits your personality."

"How so?"

"Not very sweet," he smirked.

"That is a bad joke, Merlin."

He nudged my shoulder with his own.  I smiled staring out at the city.   Maybe I could have a life here, with this dollophead, and my magic.

"You're smiling. Either you really like the dessert, or you like spending time with me."

"The knights know just how much time I like to spend with you."

"That is an unfortunate joke I will be stuck with."

"Is it so bad?  I mean, I know I'm not prim and proper but I'm not half bad. I'm sure many guys in my village would have wanted to court me."

"It's not that. I just meant-"

"It's fine. My mom always said I was like her third son."

"You aren't hearing me out.  You're different. You care about all sorts of people.  I just wish you wouldn't be so reckless.  You're not with bandits.  And you're not alone anymore.  You can rely on us for help."

"Except with magic."

"That's why I'm here."  He looked proud, almost excited that he had someone to share this secret with. "And I'll be here whenever you need me.  Unless Arthur drags me off on some crazy adventure."

"Maybe I'll come along for an adventure sometime.  That sounds like a fun time."

"You don't know how crazy they can get. You know I've had to save him a few times with my magic."

"Pffft.  I could see that."

"It's nice being able to say these things."

"It's nice spending time with normal people again.  Bandits and prisoners are not the best company.  I owe you a lot, Merlin."

"You don't owe me anything. What kind of human would I be if I left you in the woods to die?  That's just not who I am."

"I know.  I'm lucky to have met you, Merlin."