Lost in Albion 3 (Merlin) - Completed

Chapter 34: Dirty Men

Chapter 34

Elena knew straight away; as soon as she sees his face clearly. There is no mistaking it. Merlin, in his old form, was the one that stood in her room all those years ago (or years in the future) and cast a spell to bring her to Camelot.

Obviously, Merlin doesn't know that it was him yet, especially since this was his first time using an aging spell, and he is nowhere near greying if it is not an aging potion.

"Are you certain it was him?" Gaius questions after Elena finally explains everything to him. Elena nods, pacing through her room, wearing tread marks into the stone.

"Down to the robe, Gaius," she says. "I have never forgotten him. Why would he do this Gaius? Why would he take me from my life and drag me here?"

"I don't think any of us have the answer to that I'm afraid. Not even Merlin himself," Gaius says slowly. He is just as confused as the girl. Elena is angry. Pissed. She doesn't want to direct it at Merlin, but he is the only thing she can point her anger at. She is just glad he isn't here. She has trusted her life with him, yet he is the whole reason her life is constantly under threat in the first place.

But her mind starts the turn cogs as she thinks over it. Her finger points out in front of her to an invisible spot of interest. "What if the reason I'm here hasn't yet come to pass?" she explores. "I'm a Vessel, meaning I can help him with his magic. That we already knew, but what if somehow, he knows he needs me for something. Future him brings me back because he wants to change something. Actually, I don't think that's how time travel works. I would have been here in the past in his future for me to come back." She groans, rubbing her temples. "I don't understand it."

Gaius doesn't understand any of her self-conversation, so he does what he knows best. "You need some sleep. I'll bring up one of Morgana's old potions."

Elena opens her mouth to argue but she sighs, nodding her head in the end. "Thank you."

Her anger at Merlin slowly dies as Gaius leaves to retrieve a potion. How could she hate the boy that has helped her since the beginning? Merlin...he wouldn't do something unless he knows he has no other choice. He did not leave Morgana to die, he helped Mordred escape. He wants nothing for peace for Camelot.

She then recalls the small man guarding the bridge. Arthur was courage, Merlin was magic, Gwaine was strength, and she 'The Hand.' Figuratively or literally? Well, she supposes it must mean figuratively.

She holds her hands out in front of her. Their titles are plain, yet her's is so ambiguous. And what about Castor? Had Merlin brought him back as well?

Gaius returns and Elena welcomes the sleeping draught, lying on her bed and waiting for the effects to pull her into a dreamless sleep.

Xx

The next morning, she can't help but stare at Merlin. Those puppy dog eyes. Elena cannot believe it has taken her so long to place them, but she gives herself a small defence that it was the middle of the night when she saw him in her room.

But this draws onto other questions? Should she tell him, or would that do more harm than good? Though she will have to tell him at one point or another or he may not realise that it is his doing, therefore ruining the future.

Merlin notices her eyes on him throughout the day but keeps his mouth shut, sensing that the Seamstress has something on her mind. She will tell him when she is ready.

When Merlin is out being a servant to the Prince, Elena spews out all of her concerns and questions to the poor court physician who like the girl, has no answers and only some questions of his own. And it is not a situation they could exactly find the answer to in a book and neither of them wants to ask Merlin, fearing that he already has enough on his shoulders as it is.