Playing with Pawns

[mordred]

Timescale: During Season 5; a few weeks after Mordred's becoming a Knight of Camelot.

Location, time of day and weather: The Throne Room, around 7pm. It is dark outside, and raining heavily.

Between: Merlin and Mordred


~.~

He had heard people speak of destiny, of fate and of things that were written to happen... but up until this moment, Mordred of the druids has never truly believed it. For here he stood, in the same place that had haunted his conscious for so long. The teenager held no sword, for none was needed. Finally, finally he could be himself - he could prove himself to one who most likely thought he had been tamed. It saddened Mordred, and yet... at the same time...

Mordred stood behind the chair of the man who had saved him what seemed like decades ago, his hands caressing the material of it, a brief memory flashing in his mind's eye, of when he'd been created a Knight. A proud moment for Mordred... but now it was time for such emotional connections to cease. Once, a very long time ago, a clan of druids has been careful to warn him of the dangers of such connection. It seemed they were, as always, rather correct.

The druid was no fool. he'd known that Merlin had wanted him dead; right from the offset of them seeing him with Morgana. Not that he could blame the warlock; the Priestess Morgana had hardly given anyone who allied with her a reason to be trusted by others. But still, it hurt. Especially knowing Merlin's... secret. They were not so different, as he had once said to Merlin, and he had tried to prove it. But now, he was tired of trying, and tired of praying to the Gods that Merlin wouldn't betray him. It was time to stop praying, and start acting.

Outside, the rain tumbled down in torrents, the water meeting with the ground and lashing upon the castle's walls and windows, causing a heavy pitter-patter against the castle windows, echoing in the Great Hall. Mordred had long ago cast the cape given to him by Arthur in recognition of him becoming a Knight aside, and was now dressed very simply in a black, longsleeved v-necked cotton top, and black trousers, with leather boots coating his feet. He wore no sword, no weaponry of any kind, for it seemed only correct, only natural, to at least show some sort of... respect... towards their natures. Hearing the heavy mahogany doors scrape a little against the floor, Mordred's head lifted, and he managed a slight, secretive, half smirk, half smile.

The druid's eyes changed colour for a split second, and in that same instant, a single candle in the nearby window caught alight, allowing a small glow of warnth to spread about the Hall. "Hello, friend." he spoke, lifting his head to meet the eyes of the man who entered...

[youngwarlock]

The young Warlock's mind was ticking.
It had been ticking since the moment he'd first realised that the young man standing before himself and the King of Camelot during their capture while on a daring quest, was infact the druid boy he'd met all those years ago. Mordred.

Mordred was dangerous. He was a threat to the life of Arthur Pendragon, the very person whom Merlin was destined to protect. But now, Arthur looked up to Mordred so much that he had even gone as far as to Knight the druid boy. Only a day beforehand, the boy had tried to capture them both and Merlin had been angry with the King for not taking Mordred's life when he'd had the chance. Now, Mordred was a Knight of Camelot. He had entered the 'circle' and everyone in the kingdom respected him.

There was nothing Merlin could do, except go along with it and keep a close eye on the druid. Each day he grew more wary than the last, his mind in turmoil, wondering when that fateful moment would arise, when Mordred decided to make his move on the King. Merlin had seen it happen already. He had even spoken with the Diamir who had confirmed that Arthur was bringing this dangerous fate upon himself.

Merlin stared darkly at the large heavy doors upon finding himself outside of the throne room. He was searching for the druid boy, and he knew that this was where he would be... This was where he wanted to be.

The Warlock pressed his palm against the heavy wood, his skin damp and his clothing still wet. He'd been caught in the heavy rain before entering the palace, yet he did not shiver. He was warm, fuelled by adrenaline and extreme determination. He listened as the rain hammered against the windows, droplets still trailing down his face from his soaked hair. He was ready for this moment. More ready than he'd ever been. It was his duty to protect Arthur and nothing was going to stand in his way. He had to put an end to this, once and for all.

The door began to open as Merlin pushed forward, his intense gaze met instantly by the form of the young druid, standing behind the throne, exactly where Merlin had predicted he would be.

The Warlock's gaze darkened further, never leaving Mordred, not even for a second as he stepped into the large room, noting the coldness as the air rushed around him, clinging to his damp skin. He paused in the centre of the room, his hardened stare somewhat intimidating and his voice firm as he finally spoke. "What are you doing here?"

[mordred]

Merlin had never liked him. Not even when Mordred had tried his best to make Merlin feel happier about his presence in Camelot. He had even gone so far as to not use his magic completely -- something he had had to learn how to do after learning what a magic-fearing world would do with someone who possessed such a gift. It almost saddened the boy that it had to come to this; but destinies could not be thwarted, and at least if Merlin had to die, then Mordred could make sure it was a fast, honerable death. A swift death.

As he stared at the warlock, Mordred allowed himself to wonder, ever so briefly, what their lives would have been like if they had been switched. But no... he would never wish his destiny on anyone, not even Merlin. "I knew you would come here," he responded, in regards to Merlin's question about him being here. "And I felt it prudent that you and I... settle matters between ourselves. There is no need for anyone to get involved, Merlin." Mordred stepped forward a little, his hands by his side, in a gesture of friendship. One possible escape, that was all he would allow the warlock. One escape, and then fate would take its course.

"You and I could have been such friends, Merlin. We are so much more alike than you realise. And yet you chose to hate me, and to condemn me. Many years ago, you would have happily had me die, wouldnt' you? And now, Merlin? What fate woudl you carve for me now?" He was twisting words and actions, but part of Mordred truly wanted to know. He wanted to understand Merlin's motives, his thoughts and his feelings. He wanted to know why a magic user would turn his back on his own, especially when he had seen how Merlin's honourabilty had changed the King so. Those two, they were like a sword and shield; Merlin the shield, and Arthur the sword, always ready to fight with and for each other.

It was a destiny Mordred envied.

[youngwarlock]

Merlin listened quietly, his darkened gaze intensely fixed on the druid boy, and his head tilting ever so slightly in surprise at the realisation that Mordred also wished to settle matters between them. Indeed there was certainly no need to involve anyone else and Merlin had never hinted otherwise, but the druid's words had made him wonder briefly wether this was a bad idea. If any harm came to Mordred he imagined the entire Kingdom would make every effort to get involved. Merlin shrugged the thought away. It didn't matter. Protecting Arthur's destiny was more important and if the worst happened, Merlin would simply disappear. But he would not let the King die at the hands of this druid boy.

"I will NOT let you harm the KING." Came his sudden angered response. One that he hoped was simple enough to allow Mordred to piece together all the reasons for Merlin's actions in the past. The Warlock would never wish such a terrible fate upon anyone without good reason. At that moment Merlin even began to wonder wether Mordred himself knew of his own destiny yet, such was the druid boy's curiosity about him.

"What fate would you expect me to carve for you when you're so intent on putting everyone in danger..." he continued before the boy could speak, his tone still firm but much more quiet than it had been mere moments ago.

[mordred]

Mordred's anger rippled through him like a tidal wave, and his hands shook at his side. So... this was the reason Merlin hated him so? What proof did he have that Mordred held anything but respect for Arthur? There was none! There was no need for him to wish Arthur's death - at his hands or any others! "It was not the KingI wished harm to!" The druid's words left his mouth as he suddenly exploded, his words bouncing off the walls of the Hall, before he could stop them, but there was no remorse in them being spoken. Mordred quickly lowered his voice, his gaze meeting Merlin's unwaveringly "It has never been Arthur."

Mordred's eyes narrowed, and he glared at the warlock hotly. "You are a fine one to talk of death, Merlin. Do you remember, some years back, what you did? Do you remember how you nearly let those... guards murder me?!" His words came out in a vicious hiss, but he didn't care. "I came to Camelot with nothing but good intentions upon you and Arthur - I was even willing to forgive you your past doings; after all, everyone makes mistakes. I assured you that I would protect your secret, Merlin! If I wanted Arthur at my feet, we both know I could have done so long ago." He was ranting, but he no longer cared. Taking a deep breath, the druid boy visably composed himself, raising his head a little.

"So, what would you have of me, Merlin? Do you wish for my death now? For I will not give it to you so easily."

[youngwarlock]

Merlin drew back a little at Mordred's words, though still standing his ground, his expression one of fury and confusion all rolled into one. It shouldn't have come as a surprise, Merlin had long known that the druid boy would never forgive his past actions, but it was the revelation that he had no intention of harming the King that intrigued the warlock. Not only had Merlin seen the vision of this prophecy himself, but the Great Dragon Killgharrah had also warned him of Mordred's destiny. He tensed then, as the druid mentioned protecting his secret. And protect it he had, so far. But oh what a powerful weapon it was to wield. One word from Mordred and the young warlock could easily face execution. Merlin's secret was in the worst hands and it only angered him further that Mordred had that kind of hold over him. The sooner the druid boy was gone, the better.

"I don't believe you..." Merlin replied curtly as the boy finished speaking, quick to assume that he was lying about everything. It was probably his plan to get rid of Merlin so that he could then get to Arthur.

"I do not wish death upon anyone..." he began, calmly. "But you.......You ARE going to bring death upon the King, I've seen it.... And by doing so you're going to destroy the land he is destined to build... A land that will bring peace and magic into every Kingdom..."

The warlock remained calm as he stood his ground, both hands by his sides, his eyes still fixated on those belonging to the druid. He could feel the rage burning inside him, and in that moment he decided to let the boy know it by expressing it in a way which hadn't been shared between them in many years...

"I won't allow you to destroy everything!!!!!!!!" his mind screamed the words with a deafening rage as he linked telepathically with the druid boy.

[mordred]

The fury and anger on Merlin's face was like no other that Mordred had ever seen, and it shook him. "What has happened to make you so full of hatred for your own kind?" he demanded suddenly. "Why do you condemn me when you so eagerly would help others?" he listened as Merlin spoke of not wishing death on anyone but him, and shook his head. "Do you not think that I too wish for peace and magic in this kingdom? To be allowed freely to be who I am without prejudice or remorse, to not have to hide!" Mordred's voice had risen slightly, but he forced it back down to normal level, trying to keep a calm mind around Merlin.

The telepathic scream inside his mind caused Mordred 's head to snap back slightly, and for a moment he went deathly pale, as he fought to keep control and block it out. The hatred beneath those words, the utter certainty, was undeniable. Merlin truly believed, for whatever reason, that Mordred wished the death of Arthur.

He swallowed, and moved over to the window, still keeping a close eye on Merlin should the boy try anything when he wasn't looking, and passed a hand over his face, showing his wariness. "I do not mean your King harm, Emrys." Whispered the druid. "If I had, then I would have allowed Morgana to take his life when we were in that forsaken place and he was at her mercy." The brunette looked up, his eyes meeting Merlin's. "Can we not yet be friends, Merlin? Together, you and I could convince Arthur that magic can be used for good rather than ill. Together, we could bring about what it is you so believe he is destined to do."

[/color]

[youngwarlock]

Merlin prepared himself, unsure what to expect. He didn't need a reaction to know that Mordred had heard him. He could feel it. In any other cicrumstance, such a natural ability would be a wonderful gift to share with someone else who had magic. Knowing this, pained Merlin somewhat, causing a sudden sickening ache in his gut as he wrestled hard with his emotions.

Remember what his intentions are....

The warlock's hardened gaze followed the druid's every move, watching as the boy made his way over to a window, taking in every word he uttered.

Merlin grew confused. First Mordred had spoken of unforgiveness with what seemed like intention to harm the warlock, and now he was suggesting friendship. It was trickery! All of it! It had to be! Indeed it were true that the boy could have allowed the witch, Morgana, to take Arthur's life, but then that would have taken away the satisfaction of Mordred killing Arthur himself. Yes, that was it. The druid boy was gaining the King's trust so that when he finally decided to take action, he could make it look like an accident!

The entire room suddenly felt as though it were growing darker, the walls seemingly overshadowed by a dense black shroud, despite the warm glow emanating from one of the candles. Perhaps Merlin's mind was playing tricks on him, or perhaps he was just so focused on Mordred that everything around him had become almost imperceptible. Whatever the reason, it only further fuelled the tension building up within him.

"Arthur must not know of our magic! His destiny is one that he must fulfill himself!" he exclaimed, sounding completely appalled by Mordred's suggestion. If only life could be that simple! Merlin became more convinced now, that Mordred's ideas were merely attempts at trapping him so that one way or another he could cause Camelot's downfall.

[mordred]

"You say that, but how can he fufill something by himself when you are always at his side?!" The Druid pointed out, shaking his head. "You must make up your mind, Merlin! But think - think upon how we could change things for the better if we both were reveal ourselves to Arthur! He would see magic for what it truly is - not a source of evil, but a source that can be used for good! You need no longer be the idiot manservant he sees you as!!"

The druid sighed, shaking his head a little as he turned to Merlin. Are you so afraid of your own power, Emrys? he asked, telepathically. Out loud, he said "Merlin... you and I, together, could do great things. We could help your King become what you wish so hard for. We could be by his side, respected for who we truly are, not having to hide or pretend. No masks. No illusions, only truth. Do you not want that?" He was appealing now to the lonliness he knew the warlock must feel, having felt it himself for so many years now. And for Meriln, it almost had to be worse. Working as a manservant under the son of a man who had seen thousands of magic folk murdered for the simple crime of nature that was their power... yes, he could understand why Merlin was terrified. But that did not mean that Merlin was right.

Mordred sighed, stepping forward, until he was a few feet away from Merlin. "I pity you, Merlin."

[youngwarlock]

"I'm always by his side to protect him from people like you!" Merlin retorted almost as quickly as the question had been asked. This discussion of sorts had entered dangerous territory now. Mordred was clearly more than a threat to Merlin's secret. The druid could expose him anytime he wanted, and to top it off he would no doubt choose to make the warlock look the part of the evil sorcerer. Another plan to get rid of him, leaving Arthur exposed to more threats.

Merlin listened as the boy continued, feeling another burst of mixed emotions as the druid's voice echoed into his mind. He blinked away the tears threatening to emerge at the corners of his eyes and reminded himself that the boy's words were untrue, for the druid was almost succeeding in tugging at his heartstrings. He was more than aware that Mordred had some idea of his loneliness, but Merlin had been playing his part for too long now. It was his destiny, for the good of all, and he'd grown accustomed to it. Infact he was almost comfortable with it.

"One day, when the time is right, Arthur will know of my magic and he will look upon it without fear..."

Mordred was moving closer to him but the warlock did not flinch. The druid stood before him, dangerous and unpredictable.

"I pity you, Merlin."

"No..." said the young warlock, as calm as could be.
Time seemed to come to a standstill in the brief moment that he paused, before continuing...

"You envy me."

[mordred]

"I have done nothing wrong!" Exploded the druid, with a frown. "I have kept your secret and I watch out for the King also; I saved his life when I could have allowed him to die! I have no reason to harm him, nor would I ever." He shook his head, taking a slow breath, hands trembling a ltitle with the passion of his own words. There was a part of him that whispered dangerously in the back of his mind, but Mordred tried to ignore it, knowing that nothing good could come of those thoughts. He took a slow breath, trying to decide how to handle this so that Merlin might see that he was honestly genuine.

It must be so hard, having to hide yourself from the man you profess to follow, the man who thinks you are his friend. Mordred said, telepathically, his words low with sympathy. Such a burden. I too know of such lonliness, Merlin. You and I could be friends. Will you not allow me a second chance?

At the warlock's arrogance, the druid's eyes narrowed a little. "Envy? What is there to envy? You are a coward in hero's clothing! You claim to stand for the freedom of magic but you wrap yourself in layers so that the King does not know who you are, so that you might slither through his court! You go so far as to deem me evil and claim I will do harm to Arthur, yet what harm will you bring to him when he finds out the truth about you, Merlin? I will never tell Arthur, but when eventually you do, what do you think his true reaction will be when he finds his best friend; his brother of heart, his trusted manservant, has LIED to him?" Behind him, one of the curtain drapes rustled a little, despite the lack of breeze, as Mordred fought the power that had begun to rise within him...

[youngwarlock]

The druid boy's telepathic words echoed in his mind long after they had stopped, continuing their attempt at reaching into that part of Merlin that desperately yearned for someone who truly understood what it was like to be alone whilst holding onto such power and having to hide it. But Mordred was so different from him in so many ways, and Merlin was the last of his kind. Being a Dragonlord on top of everything else was a constant reminder that a part of him would always be truly alone, no matter what.

Mordred's voice interrupted the warlock's thoughts, bringing with it a sense of impending danger. The boy was angered, yet he still continued his attempts to reach out to the loneliness within Merlin, and Merlin's barriers were slowly beginning to crumble...

"NO!" he cried, raising a hand to his head as though visibly battling with his emotions. Indeed what would Arthur do to him when he found out? His eyes fell away from the druid in that brief moment, noticing the sheer force of Mordred's anger as the drapes rustled behind him, stirring in the darkness. Arthur would not know until the time was right, the warlock reminded himself before continuing his thoughts out loud.

"When the time is right, the King will understand."

Trusting his instinct, Merlin lifted his fiery gaze to the druid once more. He could feel the build up of power rising not only in himself, but in Mordred too. The warlock's mind was racing and his emotions in turmoil. Would this boy attempt to kill him now after trying to befriend him? Would he really kill Arthur? Both Kilgharrah and the vision in the cave had confirmed it would happen.

Without thinking any further and feeling threatened all of a sudden, Merlin thrust his open hand into the empty space between himself and the druid boy, his eyes flashing gold as he instinctively threw Mordred several feet back onto the stony floor. It hadn't been enough to harm the boy, but Merlin couldn't help regretting his actions the moment he'd done it, despite the possibility of being in mortal danger.

[mordred]

Merlin was so, so close to letting him in. In the way he held himself, everything about Merlin suggested as much to the druid. He knew that Merlin was not a cold-hearted person. If he could reach deep enough, and grab hold of the warlock's humanity... just perhaps, the tide might turn. Mordred stepped forward a little, his eyes wide, showing childhood honesty as he met the gaze of the warlock, even as Merlin spoke, speaking of Arthur understanding. "And until that time, what of you, Merlin? Will you stay in the darkness, forever alone? Will you allow yourself to be dismissed and rejected by the very people that you call friends? You and I, Merlin, we coudl help each other. I know how it feels to be alone yet in a room filled wth people. I know how it feels to have to hide what you are, for fear of it being exploited or worse. I alone know how you feel, Merlin." He kept his voice soft, despite the power that was building within him, uncontrollably.

"All I wish for is a chance at normality, Emrys. A chance to be acknowledged but not to be feared. A chance for a friend who understands me. I know you could be that person, if you allowed yourself. If you let go of the stigma you seem to hold against my kind." Mordred took another step forward. "Merlin... Emrys.... please"

Before he could say another word, however, Mordred was blasted back by a force much greater than he had ever anticipated the young warlock capable of producing. As he flew back, eventually landing on the floor a few feet away, the brunette took a moment to catch his breath and collect his thoughts. He would have thrown the prophecies to the wind; he would have happily become the warlock's confident... but Merlin had set the tide, chosen the turn of the wheel against them, and clearly wished for nothing more than Mordred's dimense. Picking himself up off the floor, Mordred took a breath to calm himself, ignoring the power crackling beneath his fingers, as he turned, and looked at Merlin, tears appearing at the corners of his eyes. "I see you will never forgive me for my heratige. Very well then." Closing his mind off completely, the druid sighed softly. "I will be gone from Camelot by morning."

Keeping his head high and proud, Mordred, destined assasin of the King of Camelot, began to walk, the sound of his steps thudding dully in the hall, despite the slight way the nearby curtain still flickered; now a little more pronounced than before. Mordred came to Merlin's side, and raised a hand to the warlock's shoulder. "I wish with all my heart that you could have seen me for who I am, Merlin." The hand slipped from the warlock, and Mordred began to walk toward the large mahogany door.

[youngwarlock]

The warlock's heart seemed to sink deep into the pit of his stomach, wrenching his gut tightly until he felt sickened by fear and remorse as the realisation began to set in. What had he done?!

He should have known better. Past experience had shown him that by trying to prevent the future he would only be the cause of it. He watched bleary eyed as the druid found his feet again, reacting with nothing but unexpected words. Had the boy sincerely been genuine the whole time? Had the Dragon lied to Merlin? Or had Kilgharrah's words simply been a rumour based on the very same prophecy that the warlock himself had just created?! The very thought of it made him despise himself and his magic all the more. He felt as though he were living some kind of nightmare as he stood hopelessly, completely torn apart by his actions.

The curtain in the room seemed to billow in the darkness as the boy moved towards him, eventually pausing by his side. Merlin's eyes fell to the hand resting upon his shoulder, and stayed there, even after the druid moved away from him. Mordred had seemed such a threat mere moments ago. How could the warlock have been so wrong? His eyes welled up with tears as he slowly turned towards the boy, watching him walk away. He couldn't let him leave, not after this. Believing that he had just been the cause of Mordred's destiny only made him more determined to stop it.

"WAIT..." he called out, sounding deeply remorseful. His mouth was suddenly dry and he felt as though he couldn't speak as he tried to get the words out. Instead he simply thought them, knowing the druid would hear.

'You don't have to leave.'

[mordred]

At last. Mordred's smile concealed itself as finally, some cracks appeared in the armour around Merlin's heart. With a calm expression, he turned back to the warlock, noting the tears that seemed to shimmer in Merlin's eyes, one eyebrow raised a little. "What more would you wish of me, Merlin?" he asked, pausing at the voice inside his head. Why should I stay? What possible reason could you want me here for? He asked in return, his eyes meeting Merlin's.

"You do not want me here." He spoke clearly, a fact rather than a question, his voice flat and unemotional. "You will never accept me." The druid took a step towards Merlin, feeling power crackle deep within himself, glancing over to see the curtains in the hall as they began to move with a sudden viciousness. "Perhaps, Merlin, after all... perhaps the propecies are correct."

I once warned you that I would never forgive you. That I would never forget. I too know of the propecies concerning us, Emrys. I was willing to forsake them, turn fate into fortune for us. Together, we could have helped Albion come about... but you choose to do so alone. Perhaps that is why you fear me. Perhaps you fear that the King is more likely to accept a Knight to be magical rather than a mere manservant like yourself. Mordred's head lifted, and he stared right at Merlin, giving a slow, small smirk. "You were wrong to judge me, Merlin." With that, Mordred closed his eyes, concentrating on the power; natural as blood itself; swept through him, gathering it and suddenly pushing it toward Merlin in a forcefield. You could have changed our destinies, Merlin. This is YOUR doing. he accused, telepathically, as he sent another tidelwave of power at Merlin.

[ooc: Merlin, it is up to you what Mordred's magic does to Merlin ]

[youngwarlock]

"Why should I stay? What possible reason could you want me here for?"

Merlin, in a state of sorrow and utter confusion, did not know how to answer that. But the druid continued before he had the chance to try.

The warlock listened in silence, at a complete loss for words as Mordred's kindness faded away to reveal his true intentions. Merlin no longer knew wether his actions had caused this, or wether the druid had been decieving him the entire time. He had after all, just admitted to knowing about their destinies all along. Had Merlin really allowed himself to become so consumed and taken in by Mordred's mind games?!

Merlin could suddenly sense that same build up of power that he'd felt moments ago, only this time it was stronger, and it soon began to emerge before his eyes as the druid created a vast forcefield of power between them both.

Merlin. This is YOUR doing.

"Why do you wish to harm the King when it is My doing and it is ME you can never forgive?!!!!!" he demanded out loud.

The warlock held up his hand to shield himself from the forcefield, unsure of how Mordred would react this time amidst his confusion, but nothing could have prepared him for the tidalwave of sheer force that unexpectedly knocked him off his feet and sent him flying backwards across the room.

Trying to slow himself down before his back collided with the opposite wall had been difficult to achieve. How had the druid boy obtained such power?! The warlock collapsed to the floor within seconds, a pained expression on his features. Quick to defend himself from more of the same treatment, he glared directly at Mordred and bellowed the magical words...

"ál trendel!!!"

Within an instant a burst of flames had risen from the stony floor, forming a perfect circle around the druid boy, though Merlin feared it would not hold him back for long.

[mordred]

"I have never wished to harm the King!!! I never WILL!!!" Mordred both shouted outloud and telepathically. "I woudl have even forgiven you, Merlin, for what you did to me!! But your stigma against me causes you to be blind, and through that blindness, you have severed any link that you and I could have with each other!" The druid shook his head, his eys full of regret and sadness even as the power crackled in his hands. "I so wished for us to be friends," he said in a low voice, watching as Merlin was thrown back, a little startled at the extent of his own power, regretting what he had done almost instantly but at at the same time grateful that Merlin would finally see what he, Mordred, was capable of.

As Merlin's words caused a burst of flames to circle around him, the druid's eyes widened briefly in panic, and for a moment his heart seemed to beat so fast he thought he would throw up. Forcing himself to calm down, the druid looked over at Merlin's form through the flames. "You would allow one of your own to die this way, Merlin? Have you no sense of honour?" He shouted over the flames. "I could help you achieve what you wish! I could help you protect Arthur! You need not be alone, Merlin! I need not be alone." He met Merlin's eyes, his own suddenly vunerable "Trust me. Help me."

[youngwarlock]

Merlin clambered to his feet, catching his breath and wincing at the soreness throbbing in his back as he stared at the druid boy within the circle of flames. Slowly he began walking towards Mordred, noticing how closed in the flames appeared to be. This caused a look of concern to appear on the young warlock's features, for it was not what he had intended. Everything felt so surreal. After everything the two had just said and done, the warlock had now unintentionally made it look like he was going to kill the boy!

How could you be so stupid! He could hear Gaius' words echoing in his mind as he inwardly cursed himself.

Pausing several feet away, he quickly reached out a hand, using his magic to inwardly grasp every flame and move them all into a larger circle. "æthrínan." he murmured, his eyes emanating a golden glow as the fire swept outwards across the ground, giving the druid boy more space.

"I do not wish for you to die." he said solemnly, looking the druid straight in the eye with as much compassion as he could muster, though he barely needed to try. It flowed through him as freely as his magic, the instant he'd seen Mordred's fear and vulnerability. He was certain now that he would never be forgiven for his actions.

"If I help you..." he began telepathically, his hand still raised, ready to diminish the flames. The words he'd projected had been more of a question, for he no longer knew what to say. He simply stood staring at the boy with a pained expression, desperately wishing he could call Killgharrah for help as he awaited an answer.

Merlin no longer knew what he should believe. The only thing he was certain of, was that he had most surely set the wheels in motion for Mordred's destiny...and Arthur's fate.

[mordred]

Mordred no longer knew what game Merlin was playing, as he watched warily as the flames seemed to spread a little further out. For a moment, he had been truly terrified that the warlock was going to sentence him to death by fire. All the good--givings he had had toward Merlin (and not that there had been many - had been ready to fly from his heart, ashe contemplated death. And now...? Now Merlin seemed to be swaying in his decision. As he heard Merlin's words in his head, the druid swallowed, realising what this meant.

What would you ask of me? He asked softly, telepathically. If you wish for my death, then at least make it quick. Afford me the kindness denied to my kind by Uther and his in the past. To compare Merlin to the late King was perhaps a mark too far, but Mordred had nothing to lose anymore. He swallowed his pride, and let his left knee fall to the ground as he moved into a kneel; somewhere between a prayer and submittance, the flames causing his head to pound

Do what you will to me, Emrys.

[/color]

[youngwarlock]

Merlin could not believe the druid had pushed him this far. He was tired and sore, his whole body felt weighed down by the burdens he had just unleashed upon himself and Albion. For so long he had been watching Mordred warily, knowing what was destined to be, and now, upon finally conftronting the boy, it had come to this. Deceit and tricks of the mind. He knew that if he set the druid free now, he would be facing more of the same games. It would mean more waiting, and watching Mordred's every move whenever he was around Arthur. But if that was what had to be done to protect the King, the warlock would gladly do it without question.

Letting his shoulders slump wearily, Merlin lowered his gaze to the flames, casting an enchantment to extinguish them.

"ácwencan, æledfýr!"

He watched with a hardened gaze as the flames sank into the ground, disappearing without a trace and instantly bringing cool air back into the room. Merlin did not know what to expect as he lifted his gaze to the young druid, wondering if the boy would now try to kill him.

"I told you... I do not wish for you to die." the warlock said, sincerely. He could feel tears pricking the corners of his eyes and he quickly blinked them away, swallowing back the lump in his throat, his expression remaining stern.

"There were many times I could have allowed others to take your life, knowing what you were destined to become. But I didn't... I let you go free."