Chapter Text
“Nonsense, you’ll need a position and it’s one you’d be good at.” Morgana shifted as she heard a knock on the door. “Enter.”
Merlin ducked in quickly, all fumbling with awkward limbs. “You asked for me?”
“Finally, I meant to ask you this weeks ago but things have been…” Morgana swallowed the guilt of having been so caught up in helping Arthur prepare for the transition to a new king that she’d forgotten something so important. “I need you to look into helping Kara find a window to her home.”
He blinked. “That’s powerful magic. I don’t have the training to do such a thing, even if I did the dangers of opening holes between worlds...”
“She doesn’t even know where her world is.” She felt the tightness of her chest at the thought of losing everyone she loved twice over. “Even if you could find a simple way to locate her world, it would mean everything to her.”
Merlin nodded his face thoughtful. “I’ll look into it, though it may take time.”
“That’s all I ask. If you need my magic to aid you, you know to ask.” She said, softening as she let herself hope for an answer for her knight.
“Of course.” He straightened and stepped back to the door. “I’d best go make sure Arthur hasn’t gone and scuffed his boots or something.” Grinning mischievously he gave a look at Gwen. “You know he’s just the sort of prat to do it on purpose.”
Morgana smiled genuinely at that, it was true, it was exactly the sort of thing Arthur would do. “I’m afraid it’s too late for that now, it’s time for the ceremony.”
////
Arthur stood before the doors into the throne room and felt fear. Real, mind numbing fear. The type of fear he hadn’t felt since he was a boy facing his first real battle. Turning his head, he caught Morgana’s equally wide eyes. She was pale, and looked like she was about to shrink away. “I’m glad you’re here with me.”
She gave him an unimpressed look, though she seemed to become more present, her posture straightening. “Only for you and Camelot Arthur.”
“Do you think we’ll succeed?” He couldn’t help it as he asked. It was confusing but he needed...something before he entered the room and let the crown be placed on his head.
Morgana let out a breath that seemed to shudder through her body before leaving a more poised woman behind. “Succeed or fail we do it together.”
“Together.” He held out his hand.
She accepted his hand as he stepped forward to push the doors open. Just as they began to creak open she squeezed his hand tightly. “Till the end.”
////
Merlin felt a great, overwhelming well of wonder and pride. It felt as if he’d burst from the sheer joy of it all! He lent his voice to the uproar. “LONG LIVE THE KING! LONG LIVE THE QUEEN! LONG LIVE THE KING! LONG LIVE THE QUEEN!”
////
Morgana cocked an eyebrow as she reached out. Oh so gently she ran her fingers along the high collar of Kara’s shirt. “This is beautiful.” Flicking her eyes up at her, she smiled. “This is why you were so dedicated to learning to embroider?”
Ducking her head, Kara blushed. “I just...pants are practical and in my world women wore them as often as men. But here only men wear them and I’m just...tired of it? So I thought I could at least make my shirts pretty. I never really cared that much but then...I started to care and...you like it?”
“It’s beautiful.” Morgana let her hand rest on her knight’s shoulder. “What’s the name of the flower you’ve embroidered along your collar?”
“Plumerias. They remind me of my mother.” She tilted her head to the side with that gentle smile, the one that captured Morgana’s attention every time she saw it. “If I’m to stay here and well, I realized I needed to care.”
Morgana blinked, feeling the sudden weight she hadn’t realized she’d carried leaving. Her knight wasn’t going to leave her. “You’re staying.”
Kara bowed her head just the slightest bit, as deeply as the space between them allowed. “I’m not leaving your side your majesty.”
“Because I’m queen?” Morgana smirked slightly, her tone teasing. The weight of the crown that still rested on her head a reminder of what had happened only an hour earlier.
Looking back up Kara’s face was surprisingly serious. “I would still stay if you were nothing. You’ve given me a home. I...I miss my world. But I’d forgotten to live.”
Morgana ran her thumb along the beautifully embroidered collar one last time before shifting her hand up so that she was cupping her knight’s face. “You will always have a place with me.” Leaning in she gently pressed her mouth to her knight’s. It was gentle and soft, familiar. It was everything she needed in that moment, and everything she could give.
Smiling, Kara pulled back and offered her arm. “Shall we?”
“Yes we shall.” Morgana slipped her arm through Kara’s as they began to walk towards Arthur’s quarters. She could feel the strength in the arm hers was threaded through. “I never thought I’d be queen like this.” She mused softly as they walked along the hallway.
Kara made a curious sound. “How did you think you might be queen then?”
“Married to Arthur.” She let out a snort. “We’d have killed each other, but he was the best match I could have hoped for. I knew him, knew that he wouldn’t be cruel, that even if we argued and fought he would be my friend. I’m grateful now all things considered, I never truly fancied him. It would have been...awkward.”
“Maybe some part of you knew he was your brother?” Kara suggested with a slight shrug. “Maybe you two just wouldn’t have worked romantically.”
Morgana gave Kara’s arm a gentle pull. “Things are better like this. Though I will be getting my revenge on Gwen. She does seem suited for diplomacy don’t you think?”
“You’re cruel.” Kara joked as they turned around a bend. “But she’ll be an amazing diplomat.”
She hummed as they reached Arthur’s door. “I’m sure Arthur will be eager to move her into such an appointment.”
As the door opened, Morgana saw Arthur sitting at the head of his small table, his crown resting on the table before him. “Oh good you’re here. Thought you got lost on the way.”
Merlin was sitting in the chair to Arthur’s left and was practically glowing. “Since we can have our meetings here now, there’s enough chairs! I mean do you know uncomfortable it was to sit on your chest of dresses, Morgana?”
“Shut up Merlin.” Arthur said while punching him in the shoulder. “Don’t be such a girl.”
Gwen who was seated to Arthur’s right shifted. Morgana couldn’t see it as Kara led them to the small table, but from Arthur’s faltering expression it wasn’t a pleased one.
He half stuttered as he backtracked. “Not that there’s anything wrong with being a girl.”
“Hmm, I’d stop now if I were you Arthur.” Morgana said while sitting. She gave Kara a smile as she took the seat beside her. “Now I believe we’re ready to begin.”
Arthur leaned back in his seat falling slightly more serious. “I’ve asked Gaius to this meeting. I know that he cannot be told everything, but he has served the realm for longer than any of us have been alive.” He tilted his head looking at Kara for a moment. “I think?”
Kara’s brow crinkled. “Uh...depends if you count time I spent frozen...I think? Time is just hard to keep track of. I’m not actually sure how old I am.”
Reaching out Morgana rested her hand on Kara’s knee. “What matters is that you’re with us.” Turning back to Arthur she spoke with a frown. “Is it truly wise to consult him? He has shown a propensity to do as he sees fit, even if it means undermining his king.”
“Gaius is a good man.” Merlin spoke up. “I know he’s not perfect, and he made some bad choices.” Looking down at his lap he cleared his throat. “I’ve made some bad choices. But he cares as much for Camelot as any of us here.” He looked around challengingly. “And are we truly going to distrust him for going behind Uther’s back?”
“Fair point.” Arthur said. “We know where his loyalty lies and it is with Camelot’s people. So long as we rule for their good he can be trusted.”
Morgana’s eyes narrowed slightly. “I want to know if he knew about Morgause before we trust him.” She still felt conflicted after seeing the woman’s name form out of blood and ink under her mother’s name. “Till he arrives there is another matter that needs to be settled.”
“What?” Arthur looked up at her. “We’ve already discussed the changes we mean to make and agreed upon our approach. What is left?”
“What to do about Gwen and Merlin of course.” Morgana couldn’t help the pleased expression on her face as she saw Arthur look at Gwen quickly. “I know how attached you are to Merlin polishing your boots, but if he’s going to continue to be an unofficial advisor it seems rather silly to waste his time with it.”
Arthur looked actually put out. “You have a point.”
“Oh don’t look so glum, I’m sure George will make an excellent manservant.” She pushed, that servant and his jokes about brass was the single most boring human being she’d ever met. Arthur wouldn’t last a week without Merlin by his side.
Gwen spoke up, pulling Arthur out of his pouting. “Perhaps if he were to be Gaius’s apprentice full time. It would give him time to continue his training in magic.”
Arthur nodded. “That is an excellent idea Gwen.” He turned to grin at Merlin. “Afterall I can’t have just any sorcerer as my court sorcerer can I? Just think of the humiliation if you couldn’t do a spell.”
“Court sorcerer?” Merlin asked faintly. “Really?”
“Obviously.” Morgana rolled her eyes. “You’re supposedly the most powerful sorcerer in the world, what better position is there for you? And we’ll need one once magic is back.”
He spluttered. “I mean, of course, but who’d keep the prat safe when he goes hunting? Or on a quest? Or anything else that’s a stupid terrible idea?”
“I’m the king! Show some respect.” Arthur grumbled.
“The royal prat then. But still,” Merlin waved his hands anxiously. “Do you know how often I have to save him?”
“I’m not that bad!” Arthur protested.
Turning so he was staring at his friend straight in the eye Merlin continued. “Do you think random branches and roots just trip all of the bandits in the world? Or convenient rock slides? Loose belts letting their pants fall down? Magic shields activating in plain view?”
Arthur gaped at his manservant while Morgana snickered. Regaining her self control, she cleared her throat. “We can just send you out along with him as a physician in training. Arthur and I do rule Camelot now, if we decide Arthur needs a physician to travel with him than that’s what will happen. Royals are supposed to be odd you know.”
“True.” Merlin accepted, easily relaxing back into his seat.
Morgana flicked her eyes to Gwen. “For Gwen I was thinking a title of nobility, perhaps Jonkheer? While it is not a title we have used in Camelot, on the mainland it is used, particularly to the north. Then give her a position as a junior diplomat.”
“Under Lord Candor?” Arthur asked curiously. “That could work.”
“I do not need a title or rank.” Gwen spoke up from her seat. “I am content as I am.”
Morgana had to resist rolling her eyes yet again; what was with their servants being humble past the point of reason? “You broke an enchantment on Arthur with true love's kiss. Half the beauty of my being queen is that he can marry who he wishes. Unless either of you do not wish to marry each other?”
Both Arthur and Gwen both blushed looking anywhere but at each other.
“Exactly.” Morgana caught Arthur’s eye. “And I know you’d do something stupid like just announce you’d chosen her as your wife. That would make you several enemies among our own nobility as well as abroad. First we make Gwen a noble, give her a role with the court. In a year or two you may formally court her and marry. The nobles and foreign royals will still grumble but they will accept it without much protest.” She turned to Gwen. “And if I am to be queen you can deal with holding a role in the court as well.”
Kara cleared her throat. “It’s true. My aunt was never allowed a child because of her match to a man that was not from a noble house. There are consequences to changing the order of things. And we’re kinda trying to do a lot of changes already.”
“It doesn’t make the way things are now right.” Arthur grumbled. “My marriage should be a private matter of my heart.”
“But it’s not.” Morgana replied. “Your marriage is a matter for this whole country. That’s what it means to rule. So suck it up and accept you need to hold yourself back for a year before you may court your true love.”
Gwen reached out, touching Arthur’s hand, seemingly sapping his frustration out of him. “She’s right Arthur. And it’s fair.”
“Good, we can draw up the writ of nobility later than.” Morgana reached up lifting her crown from her head and setting it down on the table, it really was incredibly heavy. Though a crown should be heavy, the throne should be heavy, as it was duty in physical form.
Arthur spoke up his voice serious. “There’s a tradition of the ancient kings of Camelot I would like to bring back. Just between us to start, but it can grow as time passes. The use of a round table.”
“I’ve heard of that. But those are just stories?” Morgana said softly. “Could it even work?”
He looked around the square table the five of them were sat at. “I would not be king without every one of you. You are my friends.” Arthur looked to Morgana. “My sister. We do this together.”
“El Mayarah.” Kara said slowly, her lips pulled into a smile. “Stronger Together, my house’s words.”
Morgana looked to Kara, then to Gwen, to Merlin and finally back to Arthur. “A table where all are equal. I like the sound of that.”
////
Gaius wasn’t sure what to expect when he received word that he’d been summoned by Arthur, but it certainly wasn’t the group he found sitting at Arthur’s small council table in his chambers. He bowed as the guard at the door shut it behind him. “Your Majesties.”
“Come, join us.” Arthur waved to the open chair between Kara and Merlin. “We would like your advice.”
He looked to Merlin as he walked to the open chair and took a seat. “How may I be of service?”
Morgana made a soft sound pointedly bringing the attention to her. “Before we begin I need to know if you knew that Morgause was my half sister?”
“No.” Gaius shook his head slowly, feeling his age once more. The lady Morgana was like a physical reminder of the mistakes he’d made, or perhaps the ones he still had to make. “I suspected however.”
“Why was I never aware I had an older sister?” Her voice had an undertone of pain, but remained steady all the same.
Gaius sighed and looked to Morgana for a long moment. “Your mother, the Lady Vivian, was very beautiful when she was young, as you are now. She loved fully and trusted more than she should have. When she was first introduced to the court, before she was arranged to marry Goloris she was courted by Tristan de Bois.”
“My uncle?” Arthur asked in surprise.
“Exactly so my lord.” He clasped his hands in his lap. “She was young and...foolish. They were passionately in love and did not think of the consequences of their actions. Tristan’s father, your grandfather,” Gaius looked to Arthur, “Found out about their relationship. He had his sights set far higher than a simple noble for his children. Already he had seen to it that your mother was betrothed to Uther. He ordered Tristan to cease the relationship or be cast out of the family.”
“So he left.” Morgana said tightly.
Gaius remembered those times when everything had first started to fall apart. “You have to understand family was everything to Tristan. So yes he left, asked for a quest and left Camelot for a year before returning. The lady Vivian was pregnant. It was covered up and when the child was born I smuggled the girl to the Isle of the Blessed and priestesses of the old religion. With Vivian holding magic I knew it was likely the girl had inherited her mother’s gift. Not long after the child was born Vivian was engaged to Goloris. After that as you know, Uther and the lady Vivian had you.”
“I see.” Morgana looked to the lady knight sitting besides her. Taking a shuddering breath she turned back to Gaius. “Thank you for telling me this.”
Merlin shifted so he was facing Gaius. “I should be the one to explain.” He waited till he got a nod from Arthur. “I told Arthur, everything.”
“Merlin!” Gaius looked around panicked.
“Peace.” Arthur straightened, his eyes boring into him. “I wish to bring magic back to Camelot. I have no desire to kill my friend nor my sister for something they were born with. Or my sister’s knight for what she is.”
Gaius turned quickly to the woman sitting beside him. She raised her hand and waved with an awkward smile. “Hi, I’m kinda not human?”
“But..” He turned to Merlin. “You said the potion proved she was human.”
Merlin looked uncomfortable as he shifted. “Well, see she kinda almost burned Arthur in half and I had to use magic to save him and well….everyone found out about everyone’s secrets.”
He blinked, that...could have been worse. “Nobody other than you five were involved?”
“No. We were in my chambers.” Morgana said calmly. She even sounded a touch amused.
Gaius looked around the table before looking back to Arthur. “You mean it? You wish to bring magic back?” He’d known Arthur was the Once and Future King that prophecy foretold but to see it happening was…
“Yes.” Arthur set his hand on the table. “However Morgana’s visions show a great war. We must not lose our allies or alienate the nobles as we do this. Which means Morgana and I cannot simply change the law. What would you recommend?”
“The Druids would be the best place to start I believe. They are known as a peaceful and kind people. Order the druids in your kingdom to be left alone. Few nobles or foreign kings would care much about such a change.”
Gwen spoke from across from him. “Perhaps for those who use magic as children, for healing and such, a simple stint in the stocks instead of death or banishment?”
“That would make things difficult.” Gaius said slowly. He wished for magic to be legal once more, but they were right, it had to be done with care. “Privately moving them out of the dungeons and some place safe till the people have adjusted to the druids again would be best.”
Kara nodded. “They could go to Themyscira. All are welcome there. Honestly the population is mainly women, aliens, and magic users at this point.” She bit her lip. “A lot of former slaves too.”
Gaius had never heard the term alien, he caught Merlin mouthing ‘Fae’ at him before he could ask. Nodding in understanding he spoke thoughtfully. “If you can get them there it would be safer for them. The hate of magic may have been strongest here, but Camelot is not the only place where such a hate lives.” Gaius said, feeling hope. They could save them. It would no longer be him and Merlin trying to save as many lives as they could. Forced to watch those they could not save die.
Merlin made a small sound. “Um...it’s not exactly on topic but it’s something we need to do something about. What do we do about the dragon in the dungeon?”
Kara let out a sound of surprise. “You have a Tripedle Curosiananiam?!”
“A..what?” Merlin looked at her.
The knight was grinning brightly. “They’re from my home! We used to keep them as companions. They left Krypton when the seas began to boil, the air was too hot on their wings. But they came here?!”
“Wait...you’re people kept dragons, as pets?” Merlin asked slowly.
“Of course.” She nodded. “They are highly intelligent, some even can foresee future events, fate that sort of thing. That’s rare though. Often they were left to teach or watch over children. It was considered a blessing to have one choose to become a companion to your house.”
Arthur cut in. “I’m sorry, we have a what below the castle?”
////
Gwen found that watching the dragon, apparently it’s name was Kilgharrah, and Kara meet each other was one of the most surreal experiences of her short life. The knight had practically been vibrating the entire way down to the dungeon. The moment she’d spotted the dragon she’d literally jumped at it and was currently hugging it while talking a mile a minute in a language Gwen had never heard before.
Meanwhile the dragon had made a surprised sound and seemed to be trying to escape the hug like a cat suddenly grabbed by a child. Gwen covered her mouth to prevent her laughter from escaping.
“Merlin!” The dragon’s deep voice boomed around them. “What have you done?”
Ignoring the panic, Kara laughed while leaping back, and then just floating in front of the dragon...Gwen tried not to think about it and instead concentrate on the woman’s words. “I did not not know there were any of your kind left. I am so honored to meet you great one.”
Killgharrah’s scaled face tightened. “What is a child of Rao doing on this land?”
“I fell through worlds.” Kara laughed and reached out touching the dragon as if reassuring herself that this was real. “I thought I was alone on this world. But you’re here.”
“You should not be here.” The dragon moved away from her. “You are an aberration, you do not belong.”
Gwen narrowed her eyes, before snapping her neck round to see a truly furious looking Morgana. Cautiously she took a step away from her friend. In fact, Merlin and Arthur were doing the same thing while staring at Morgana wide eyed. Oh, yes Morgana’s eyes were practically burning they were so gold, and where was that breeze coming from? Gwen took another step back.
Morgana took a step forward. “She’s exactly where she belongs you overgrown lizard.”
“The witch.” Kilgharrah turned his head to Morgana. “So full of hate, so bitter. Truly Uther’s child.”
There was a whoosh and Kara was between the dragon and Morgana. The kindness and joy in her voice was completely gone, disturbingly though the smile was still stretched across her face. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Throwing it’s head back the creature began to laugh. “I see, you have challenged fate. Fate won’t be denied.”
“What do you mean dragon?” Arthur asked after throwing a nervous look at Morgana.
“Just that.” Kilgharrah said. “You’ve all changed your course, but fate does not like to be challenged. The means and manner of your fates may have changed, but the end is the same.” His rasping laugh echoed around them. “Child of Rao, you cannot fight against fate even if you do not belong here. Your fate is now twinned with this worlds. You should not have come here. Greatness, death, pain, betrayal, it all lies before your feet. Now release me little warlock as you promised. You may not listen, but it would still be wisest to kill the witch.”
Merlin glanced around at the others clearly uninclined to release the dragon. Kara however spoke. “Release him Merlin.” Her tone was cold. “Kilgharrah, you know what I am capable of, you know my power. Morgana and Arthur are under my protection. If you attempt to kill them I will stop you, and you won’t like the result.”
“You would stand against you own kind then?” The dragon bared it’s teeth. “Fine, have this cursed land and time. When it all turns to ash I will watch you curse your fate.”
“Release him.” Kara said firmly, her eyes not straying from the dragon’s.
Gwen pushed at Merlin’s shoulders, she understood enough of what was happening to know that he should do as instructed. “Go, do it.”
Merlin threw her a look before grabbing Morgana’s hand, his eyes lighting up gold. Gwen watched as Morgana seemed to catch on quickly, magic visibly pooling round them before with a great whine of metal the collar attached to the dragon snapped apart. They all stepped back quickly as the dragon shook itself. Well, except for Kara, but she wasn’t human so Gwen didn’t bother worrying about her.
“I will give you some last words of advice young Warlock. Fate will give others the roles needed if they are not fulfilled by those intended for them. Stand strong, and face what comes, you alone have the power to do so.” Kilgharrah turned his attention back to Kara. “And you child of Rao, your path is fraught with pain. Better you had died with your world.” With that he beat his wings down before lifting off and flying up through the crags of the cave and out of sight.
The wind blew through her hair as Gwen looked at the others. Merlin was pale and sick looking with worry, Morgana standing beside the knight looking as if she did not know what to do. Gwen stepped to Arthur. “You help Merlin, I’ve got Kara.”
He gave her a grateful smile before stepping to Merlin’s side. Gwen meanwhile approached the two woman standing there. “He was wrong.”
“No, he was right. Pain follows me.” Kara said bitterly.
“He wasn’t.” Gwen stepped into Kara’s space and forced her to look back at her. “You belong with us, here in Camelot. It doesn’t matter what fate or some dragon says. I may not know you well yet but I trust you and I know you belong right where you are.”
////
Morgana stood in her room watching as Kara paced back and forth, back and forth, her fingers twitching. She wasn’t a fool, she knew this wasn’t simple anger or sorrow or any other emotion alone. “Kara.” Stepping forward she put herself in Kara’s path forcing her knight to hold still. “Stop!”
“Morgana.” Kara blinked as if she’d forgotten she was there. “You...I’m sorry I…”
She reached up catching Kara’s face between her hands. “You are staying by my side.” carefully she brought her head closer leaning their foreheads together. Morgana closed her eyes feeling Kara’s breath skittering across her face. “Your place is by my side, always. I don’t care what some lizard, who thinks there is nothing for hate in my heart, or that I’m going to murder my brother says. He’s wrong, we’ll prove he’s wrong. El Mayarah right? You, me, Gwen, Arthur, even Merlin. The five of us. Together we can do anything. You’ve brought nothing but kindness and hope to this castle. I won’t let you believe you’ve harmed us.”
“But what if he’s right?” Kara asked in a small voice.
Morgana shifted giving Kara a quick kiss. “He’s not right. If you weren’t here what do you think we’d be like? I would be alone and afraid, and that’s if I hadn’t had my magic found out. Uther would still be king, spreading his cruelty further. Arthur and Gwen would be pining over each other without hope of ever being together. And as much as it pains me to say it, Merlin would still be trying to save this entire nation by himself. So no, you’ve done nothing but bring light where there was so little.”
There was the sound of a sniffle from Kara. Morgana dropped one of her hands down so that she could press it against the chest of her knight. “Do you feel this? This is the greatest heart I’ve ever known. You’ve brought nothing but hope to us. Darkness, hate? You’ve brought love.”
Kara let out a choked sob. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“You never have to find out. We’ll find magic, or some other way. What is fate in the face of us united?” Morgana chuckled, feeling that her eyes were wet with tears she didn’t remember shedding. “You are my knight, mine. And I’m your queen and I command you to stay.”
“Alright.” Kara nodded against her. “Always, love you.” And then Kara’s mouth was against hers desperately, hot and wet and oh.
Morgana gasped into the kiss as they stumbled backwards to her bed. She wasn’t a fool, she knew where this was going, but she didn’t care. After everything, the fear, the terror, the relief, the pain, being crowned queen; through all of it Kara had stood by, held her as she weathered storm after storm. Gripping tightly to her shoulders she pulled Kara down to the bed with her. “You better not stop.” She panted.
“Are you sure?” Kara pulled back, her eyes dilated, only the rim of them still that beautiful blue.
Running a hand along the side of Kara’s face Morgana stared at her. She felt her heart flip over in her chest as Kara turned, kissing the palm of her hand. “I’m sure. You’re mine, as I am yours.”
////
Gwen stood staring at Lord Candor as he read the royal appointment. He looked up at her. “Can you even read girl?”
“I can read in the common tongue as well as in latin. I can also count and am aware of the rulers, nobles and the alliances between them and Camelot, M’lord.” She didn’t lower her chin as she watched him take her in.
He stood, towering over her by a little over a head. “Your handwriting?”
“Passable, I’ve assisted the Queen with her minor letters for some years now.” She replied easily.
He rubbed at his chin thoughtfully. “What did you do for the Queen to attain this promotion?”
“I have served loyally for years.” Gwen said. She knew better than to say anything close to the whole story.
Lord Candor tapped his foot. “Very well, I know you’re lying to me, we’ll have to work on that. For now sit and write the noble bloodlines and alliances out as far as you know them. We’ll begin in the morning.”
////
Arthur woke to the curtains to his room being flung open and Merlin greeting him with his usual cheerful greeting. He let out a groan. “Why are you here? Shouldn’t you be hunched over a cauldron?”
“Oh, don’t look so glum, it’s your last day of getting this waking.” Merlin sounded far too chipper. “I’ve even polished your crown.”
Squeezing his eyes shut he wondered if he could imagine Merlin away. It didn’t seem to work, the man had started whistling. Sitting up, he chucked his pillow at Merlin’s head. “Shut up would you.”
Ducking, Merlin grinned at him. “Nope, you’ve got a busy day ahead of you. After all, you’re king now.”
////
Morgana ran her fingers along the petals of the roses in the garden. She’d escaped the council chambers for now. They would be reconvening in an hour, and then open court for supplications to the throne. It was exhausting and invigorating all at the same time. A smile pulled her lips as she plucked a rose from it’s bush. Memories of the night before in the forefront of her mind. Hearing the sound of leaves rustling she turned, expecting to see the bright smile of her knight.
“Hello your majesty.” Morgause gave a short, if slightly playful bow. “It’s been too long.”
“Morgause.” It took a moment for her to recover from her surprise, but she felt glad to see the woman she knew to be her sister. “I assume you know that we are sisters?”
“You know?” The woman spoke in some surprise, though she smiled approaching further. “I did not dare to hope you would know of our relation.”
Morgana gave a nod. “Yes, I was given an enchanted parchment used to trace lineages. It made the...pull I felt around you make sense.” She tilted her head slightly. “Also, why you were willing to give up your mother’s bracelet.”
“How could I not? It is as much yours as it is mine.” Morgause reached out touching her shoulder gently. “I am glad you know, sister.”
Looking to ensure the rose arbor hid them both, Morgana gestured Morgause to step further out of sight. “Why have you come? You’re a known sorceress, it’s not safe for you to be seen walking about.”
“Because of Arthur?” Morgause’s face closed off. “Yes, exactly made in his father’s image.”
Morgana took a half step back from her sister. “He’s arrogant and a complete prat, but a good man. He’s nothing like Uther.”
Morgause scoffed. “Which is why magic is still banned.”
“It’ll take time to change things. Hundreds if not thousands would die if we return magic the second day we’re on the throne.” Morgana protested, she was annoyed Morgause would judge them so quickly.
“After the genocide our people, magical people, have gone through? You support Arthur and believe he will do anything different than his father?” Her lips curled back.
Morgana took a full step back her face hardening. “Revenge would destroy Camelot. And Uther was my father as well as Arthur's, his blood runs in my veins.” She felt her hands clenching in fists. “Things can’t just be better instantly. Trust me, we’re going to change things.”
“Using the same knights who have hunted and killed innocent magic users, beside the prince who led those forces. This whole country is rotten.” Her sister glared, her eyes bright with fanaticism. “The infection must be cut out before it can be healthy again.”
“Can you hear yourself? Innocent people would die. Those knights, Arthur, they were following orders. You cannot condemn them for being loyal. Especially when a magic user or beast was attacking Camelot every other week. Of course they believed it was all evil. We have to show them that they were wrong, healing takes time.”
“So you would choose Uther’s son of your own people.” Morgause stepped back, looking at her in disgust. “I expected better of my sister.”
Morgana felt her eyes narrow. “I stand with my people, my friends, my brother, I will not throw all of that away for pointless revenge. Uther is dead, we can begin again.”
“And yet you would leave your people afraid.”
“I’d leave them to learn that they are safe while my other people learn that magic is not evil.” Morgana felt her eyes glow with magic. “You won’t hurt them.”
“I see how it is.” Morgause pulled herself up. “You’re no sister of mine. You truly are your father’s daughter.”
Morgana felt her magic swirling inside of her before throwing her arms out at Morgause. She wouldn’t let her hurt Camelot. Morgause vanished in a swirl of smoke. Gritting her teeth, Morgana lowered her arms as her magic uselessly stirred the bushes.
“Morgana?” Kara came skidding into the rose arbor with her. “Are you alright? I was with the knights, I came as quickly as I could.”
She stepped into Kara closing her eyes at the feel of Kara’s arms wrapping around her. “Did you hear all that?”
“I did.” The knight’s arms tightened around her.
Morgana curled her arms around Kara’s waist under the cape hanging over the woman’s shoulders. She turned her head into Kara’s neck breathing the comforting scent. “She’ll be back. She’ll attempt to destroy everything.”
Kara held her, her arms warm. “She might come around. It’s new, once she sees what you and Arthur are going to do. Give her time.”
“You didn’t see her face Kara.” She was so tired of something always going wrong.
“Well, then perhaps you’ll succeed where I failed with my aunt.” Kara rubbed comforting circles on her back. “You’ll have us with you no matter what.”
Morgana felt her sorrow melting away. “El Mayarah.”
“And hey, my sister hated me for months after we met. There’s still hope.” Kara nudged the side of her head with her nose.
Pulling back Morgana couldn’t stop her smile. “You’re right, there’s hope.” She straightened Kara’s cape as she let her emotions settle. “Come on, Merlin and I did something for you. I’m not sure when he had time, but he sent a note to me that it was done during the meeting.”
////
Merlin looked up at a nervous looking Arthur shutting the door behind him. He cocked his head. “What are you doing here?”
“I’m the king, I can go wherever I want to.” Arthur said giving a quick look over his shoulder before breathing a sigh of relief.
Looking around Gaius’s rooms Merlin frowned. “Yeah, but why do you look like you’ve got a troll chasing you?”
Arthur held up his finger at him and glared. “It’s…” He closed his eyes. “Fine it’s George, my new manservant. You don’t understand, he’s too efficient. He’s too respectful and it’s creepy, honestly. All he talks about is how to polish this, how to scrub that, brush that down. It’s so boring Merlin! You were a terrible servant, absolutely dreadful, incompetent, but you weren’t...him.”
“You’re hiding from your servant?” Merlin felt a snicker building in his throat. “Oh save yourself from the jokes about brass.”
Arthur looked at him blankly. “He made crown jokes Merlin.”
He couldn’t help it, laughter bubbled up. He barely dodged the bowl that was suddenly flying at his head. “Oy! Watch it Turnip Head.”
“Merln. Shut. Up.” Arthur glared. It was remarkably ineffective.
There was a pointed cough from the door. Merlin and Arthur looked over only to freeze at the sight of Gwen and Morgana staring at them from the doorway, Kara just behind Morgana’s shoulder.
Merlin plastered a smile. “What are you all doing here?”
“You said it was ready.” Morgana arched a brow as she stepped further into the room with the others before the door was shut once more.
“Oh!” Merlin reached over to the scrying bowl he’d been working on enchanting. “I think I can see into your world with this.” He looked over to Kara. “Not totally positive, I haven’t done much with scrying. But if we can figure out where you’re world is we’ve got a chance and finding a way to make a doorway between worlds.”
Kara was by his side faster than he could see. “Can you really?”
“Yeah.” He could see the naked emotion in her face and felt guilty it had taken Morgana asking it to think of doing it. Looking over at the queen, he beckoned. “You’re naturally attuned to seeing through time. It should make seeing into worlds...easier. Then I’ll need you to think of a specific memory from your world.”
Gwen pulled Arthur towards the door and dropped the wooden bar, locking it. “We’ll stay out of your way.”
“Thanks.” Merlin grinned at Gwen before sitting down at the table. He gestured for Morgana to sit across from him on the opposite bench. “Now Kara, I need you put a hand on each of our shoulders. Then just think of a memory, something...something you can remember clearly.”
He waited till she’d silently done as she’d been told before breathing out murmuring the enchantment under his breath. He felt Morgana’s magic easily mixing with his. Then he felt a hook in his navel. His eyes flew open as he stared at the bowl. The water shimmered before showing a version of Kara that was...different. What on earth was that outfit? He recognized her crest on it. She was eating some sort of food next to a pretty brunette woman. There wasn’t any sound but he could feel the love between the two of them. Ah, the sister probably. He felt it shimmering and forced more magic into it. Gosh, Kara seemed so much younger, freer in the scene. Immersing himself into the magic he tried to feel where this was.
With a gasp he and Morgana released the magic panting as they watched the water steam up from the bowl that was now boiling. He caught Morgana’s eye and knew she’d realized as well. He looked up at Kara a bit nervously. Merlin bit his lip. “Um...you’re in the right world.”
Kara’s brow crinkled. “No I’m not.”
“Wrong time.” He winced slightly as he saw understanding crossing her face. “You’re in the past.”
“Kara?” Morgana stood reaching out and gripping the arm of the knight.
She just stood there for a long moment before laughing and crying at the same time. “Thank Rao, I thought...oh Rao I thought.” Kara gave a great heaving gasp before letting herself be pulled into Morgana’s arms where she promptly fell to pieces.
Merlin stared wide eyed in horror as he jumped off his bench and backed up. He didn’t know how to handle this. Was there a way to handle sobbing women who could break you in half? Either way he was more than willing to leave it to Morgana. He realized Kara was gasping out words as she sobbed, her fingers gripping the sleeves of Morgana’s dress tightly.
Amongst the noise he realized the gist of it. She’d feared they weren’t looking for her. She’d been afraid she’d been abandoned. But they hadn’t, they just didn’t know she was gone. Afterall they weren’t alive yet to know. The time during which they could miss her hadn’t happened yet. He felt his heart clench in sympathy. Somehow he could tell that this...this was a good thing. She was being given back something, if he was to try and put it into words he’d say it was her faith that her love was truly returned by her family and friends.
He didn’t resist when Gwen pulled him and Arthur out of the room, Kara deserved privacy for this. Merlin looked at the solemn Arthur and accepted what was going to be asked of him.
“Can you get her home?” Arthur asked lowly.
Merlin thought about magic, what he could do, what he couldn’t do, the limits he didn’t even know yet. “I don’t know. But I can try.”
“That’s all we can ask.” Gwen squeezed his shoulder while lacing her fingers together with Arthur’s. “She has a home with us till then.”
He nodded in understanding. “Come on, we’ve got to return his royal Prat-ness to his servant.”
////
Kara sat on the top of the tallest tower of Camelot and stared at the stars across the sky. It was beautiful, the cold didn’t bother her, even with the breeze. Under her hands she felt solid rough stone. She could breathe. Closing her eyes she listened to Morgana’s heartbeat. She was with Gwen, talking about court dresses. Stretching her senses she took in more. Arthur was trying to teach Cavall to sit. Merlin was getting lectured by Gaius. This...this was a good place. Letting her senses come back to her current moment, her own presence felt whole.
When was the last time she’d felt whole? Not since she’d first started to realize she wasn’t getting home from this place. It always been silly, but as the years had marched on the tiny voice in her head telling her that nobody would care if she disappeared had gotten louder. But it had been wrong. Alex didn’t know she was gone because Alex hadn’t been born yet. Tilting her head back, she turned her face to the sky.
Opening her eyes she found Mars. “You would make this your home wouldn’t you J’onn?” She stared in awe at the beauty of the sky filled with thousands of stars, no light pollution save for torches to take away from the glory of it all. Her ears picked up the sound of Morgana laughing. Kara felt a soft smile pull at her lips. “But then, this is already my home.”