Chapter 24: Something Magic About You

A Week Later

Morgana's recovery was fairly rapid from that point onwards, although getting her fully well was going to be a difficult balancing act. She should not cast spells in her current, delicate state but often became confused, and Merlin constantly worried that she'd forget that instruction.

Luckily, his initial adjustments had pretty much banished her disorientation and, at first, she was far too tired to even contemplate magic anyway. Merlin spent as much time as he could with her in those first few days, to keep an eye on her and her Gauntlet just in case she relapsed, as well as trying to catch her up with everything that had happened whilst she'd been ill.

Although there wasn't much to tell, he said. He and Mordred had simply travelled to Eden - a large country house in rural Wales - where he'd helped to settle and train the boy whilst trying to work out how he was going to try rescue her.

"I never did get to see it," she complained, sleepily.

"You will," he replied. "Soon, I promise, but right now I think we should try to get to sleep."

And she certainly wasn't going to complain about spending each night with Merlin, even if he did stubbornly refuse to get undressed. Of course, she soon realised that that was mostly because he didn't entirely trust himself to behave and she knew she wasn't much help, often deliberately snuggling closer to him whilst he was asleep or moving in for a kiss the moment he woke.

"Morgana…" he gasped. "We can't. This room isn't secure and… anyway, I'm not sure you're quite yourself yet."

"Spoilsport."

It reminded her of their early days, when her newly released magic kept tempting her to misbehave and Merlin kept worrying about being them found out. And although it was true that she would no longer be in serious trouble if she did lose control of her magic, she was no more keen than Merlin to have Gaius or Arthur come bursting in to see what the problem was and catch them in the act.

"Why don't you use it as a lesson and practice for me?" she suggested one morning. "Can't we use the en suite to help?"

"I've put a few modest blocks in here and in there," Merlin admitted. "But neither room is especially suitable for a number of reasons." He sighed. "But lessons? I suppose. We really do need to find some way of solving this. Being with you now is even harder than it was before."

She smiled at his admission. "But we solved it at Edwin's didn't we? We learnt how to make love with minimal shields?"

"The farmhouse was better shielded than this and you were in full health." He sighed again. "Let's start off small, just as we did before." And he moved forward to kiss her. It was very chaste and gentle at first but slowly built until both started to feel the familiar pressure on their Gauntlets.

Morgana was wearing her newest one on her right wrist again now - the one Edwin had given her - and, after the kiss had ended, she and Merlin went into the little bathroom and ran their wrists under the taps, draining the excess magic before kissing again. It helped that she wasn't getting quite as wound up as she had before and was still sleeping rather more than usual anyway. It many ways it was worse for Merlin who was in good heath, but at least he had enough experience and control to deal with his own tension whilst she was asleep.

Of course, as each day passed, Morgana began to feel more like herself and their mornings became more and more passionate, both of them pushing their magic control to the limit as they tried to balance her recovery with their own sexual desires. Finally she could put up with it no longer, walking out of the en-suite completely naked on evening, and dragging Merlin back into the shower with her.

"I'm still not sure you're ready," Merlin gasped, desperately trying to undress before his clothes got soaking wet. "If you over-exert yourself when you're still recovering you might relapse."

"Then teach me," she ordered. "You've enough power and control for both of us, but I am not waiting a moment longer to have my wicked way with you."

~o~0~o~

It had taken longer than Merlin had hoped for Morgana to feel strong enough, physically and mentally, to make the trip into Camelot and she still hadn't felt that happy about the visit – still experiencing nightmares about the last time she'd been there. However, as soon as she saw Edwin she began to relax, remembering the happy times she'd spent at his farmhouse – both real and imagined.

"Morgana. How are you?" the sorcerer asked.

She smiled. "Much better now. There was a time when I thought I'd be trapped in that darkness forever."

"The purple setting is cruel and unnecessary," Edwin said with a scowl. "I have already suggested a couple of alternatives for the most dangerous of criminals as I don't believe even they deserve such a punishment, never mind someone like you."

"Will they listen?" she asked.

"I think they'll have to," Merlin replied. "Banning Purple is the main reason that Eden and others have agreed to work with this coalition at all."

"Yes, if the government insists on keeping this setting, they'll be shooting themselves in the foot," Edwin agreed. "There are those at Eden who are wary enough, even of this deal."

"Well, I'd be happy enough to be a spokesperson for you when I'm fully recovered," Morgana said. "Seeing I have a very personal perspective on that setting."

"That would be a great help," Edwin said. "Most of the others who've been put on Purple have not recovered enough to be of much use."

The casual reply shocked her and she turned wide-eyed to Merlin who nodded sadly. "I was petrified when I heard what the Knights had done to you, Gana. I played it down a bit whilst you were recovering but, for a while there, I thought history was going to repeat itself and..." Tears shone in his eyes but he wiped them quickly away. "Anyway, Gaius said he'd give you a tour of the place."

She raised an eyebrow. "Ah, I have been here before, you know?"

"Not since we've made all the changes," Gaius replied with a smile.

"Oh? What changes?"

"We still have visitors, of course," Gaius said. "Only this time, that really is what they are. There were plenty of unused rooms in here before but now they are being converted into waiting rooms and teaching rooms so that those who don't want to wear blocking Gauntlets can be trained to use their magic instead."

"Do you mean to say that some want to be blocked?"

"Many do, yes," Merlin replied. "If you remember I was saying much the same thing to you and Mordred before. Not only do they help prevent random, unwanted bursts of magic, especially in teenagers, but many people are still wary of the skill and will need some time to adjust to the idea."

"But surely, if you explain to them the benefits of having their magic freed? Let them know how easily they can be trained?" she pushed.

Merlin shook his head. "We're not going to force people to remove their Gauntlets, Gana, otherwise we'd be no better than the previous administration. We want to give everyone a choice. A real choice. Our job now is to explain all the facts to each person and let them decide for themselves. Once they have reached a decision, we'll work out a plan and then recall them after a certain period to check how things are going and to allow them to change their mind, if they wish."

"I suppose." She frowned. "It just seems a bit odd to me, that's all."

"You're not the only one to think that," Edwin mumbled.

She turned to Merlin who simply shrugged, signalling her to leave the laboratory with Gaius.

The pair then left the younger men to their work and started the short tour. After seeing some of the new rooms and talking to a couple of visitors, she returned with him to the lab where she found out a little more about the plans for the new Gauntlet system and watched and assisted with some of their work.

Merlin then suggested the two of them went out to lunch and Gaius told Merlin he could have the afternoon off to ensure Morgana hadn't been tired out too much.

It felt like a real treat to be outside and away from her father's house, and especially nice to eat out now her appetite was almost back to normal. All the same, she was pleased enough to leave the restaurant at the end of the meal, as she was starting to find the noise a little overwhelming.

"I'm tired and probably should rest," she told Merlin as she left. "But somehow I just don't feel like going back right now."

"Nothing easier," he replied with a broad grin. "Why not come back to mine?"

"Oh..." She had to admit she'd almost forgotten about their old places – their old lives. "What about my flat…?"

"You could go back there, I suppose," he began. "Although I've moved back into my place since I returned and have everything set up as before so that'll probably be easier."

"You mean you have all the full blocks set up in the bedroom and bathroom?" she asked with a smirk.

He smiled too. "Just as before."

"Well that solves everything then," she said, moving her hand into his. "No need to squash up in that tiny shower or be cautious around those weak shields."

"That's true," Merlin agreed before suddenly smirking. "But, of course, you're probably far too tired."

"I am tired," she agreed. "But I assure you that some of our old water games will guarantee me a good sleep." It was her time to smirk. "If you think you can handle it."

~o~0~o~

It was good to be back at Merlin's house and Morgana quickly made herself at home, declaring that she was quite well enough recovered to leave her father's place and move in with Merlin permanently.

Her boyfriend gave absolutely no objection. In fact, the small smile she noticed before he turned around, made her suspect that this had been his plan all along.

The following day Morgana retuned to the big house only to pack her bags before quickly leaving without even visiting Uther.

Her father's health was not good. He had shown some signs of mental instability before all of this, Gaius said, although his symptoms had been mild enough to go unnoticed by most. Unfortunately, Morgana's disappearance and the revelation about her magic had been one step too far for him, although Morgana didn't feel any guilt as Gwen had feared when she finally told her. She was not going to apologise for who she was or whom she loved, and the various encounters father and daughter had had during and after her own illness had definitely not helped their relationship to improve.

To be honest, it was the main reason she wanted to leave.

The other reason was Merlin. She wanted to be with him now, and not just because he was the best person to help her recover, but because she was in love with him. She still didn't know what she was going to do with that knowledge or how that might effect her own feelings - considering the strange domestic dreams she'd experienced whilst wearing the Purple Gauntlet - but, for now, she was simply happy to be in his company.

~o~0~o~

So, Morgana quickly fell into a new, pleasant routine; waking up in Merlin's arms and sharing a passionate morning shower with him before they both left for Camelot. Her boyfriend was now in great demand, Arthur wanting him back as his PA whilst Gaius needed his assistance in the Lab whilst Edwin regularly travelling between Eden and Parliament to help with the new Gauntlet plans.

Morgana slowly started to return to her old job, although she was part-time at first, in order to gain her energy levels back. Gwen returned as her PA too and it was almost like old times, except that she was now very much happier than she had been before her magic was released.

The four friends would often go out for lunch or dinner together and, it was during one of these meals that Arthur and Gwen announced their engagement.

"Not that we're going public with the news quite yet," Arthur said.

"Oh, why not?" Morgana asked.

He shrugged. "Dad. I'm not sure he'd approve."

"You're not sure?" she countered. "Don't tell me he doesn't even know you two have been dating?"

Her brother winced. "It ah, never really came up before his illness and since then… well… I didn't really want to make things any more difficult for him."

She raised an eyebrow. "For him or for you?"

"It's fine, Morgana," Gwen said. "Arthur and I have talked about it and I think it's best… for now. We know how we feel and we know what we want. There's no rush."

She shrugged. "I suppose not."

"And you're looking a lot better, Morgana," her brother said.

She smiled. "Yes, just about back to normal, I think."

"Ah, but what is normal for you?" he teased. Morgana stuck her tongue out at him and the other two laughed.

~o~0~o~

"Here you go," Merlin said, handing her a small box the following day.

"What's this?" Morgana asked

"You did say you wanted your brooch back."

"Oh, it's Aithusa!" she said with a grin, opening it to find the little dragon pin inside, along with a small, velvet bag. She threw her arms around Merlin and kissed him on the cheek. "I missed her."

He laughed. "I can't believe what your subconscious managed to conjure up. Using the brooch to adjust your Gauntlet and somehow giving it its own personality. Not only that but, during the night we were camping, you managed to have a true vision about your future delusion."

She laughed. "Snakes and Dragons!"

"Although I did manage to get through to you a few times even when you were at your worse," Merlin continued, thoughtfully.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, it shouldn't have been possible, of course, but with us both being Silver and me stronger than most..."

"What are you saying, Merlin?"

"That I tried to talk to you telepathically a few times and suggested you attempted to lower the setting yourself."

She gaped at him. "You mean you were the dragon? You're Aithusa?"

"Well, I'm not sure about that. I think it was more a matter of your mind trying to create some logic out of the chaos. And your imagination in that case probably saved your life."

"It did?"

He nodded. "Anyway, don't forget the other piece of jewellery you wanted back."

She looked at him with a frown, not remembering.

"Gwen said you made more of a fuss about that false wedding ring than you did about Aithusa."

She felt her cheeks warm. "Ah, it made me feel closer to you, somehow. As you said, my odd dreams and visions were the only thing that kept me grounded."

He smiled and handed her the pouch and Morgana tipped it up so the ring could fall onto her palm.

She frowned. "This isn't the same ring."

"I know. That one really was very cheap."

And it wasn't a simple gold band either. It had a stone on it. A very sparkly stone. Morgana's jaw dropped and she stared at Merlin.

He grinned. "Do I need to go back down on one knee, or did the last time count?"

"W-what?"

"When I was adjusting your Gauntlet."

"I… I'm…."

"Speechless? That's most unlike you."

She glared at him. "Do you really want to start teasing me now?"

"Perhaps not, but then the making up with you is always such fun."

"Merlin!"

"Sorry..." He went down on one knee and became suddenly more serious. "Morgana. Will you marry me?"

She had no idea why she was so surprised. Hadn't she been dreaming, daydreaming and imagining this situation for ages?

"Yes, Merlin. Of course I will."

He looked up at her through long eyelashes, his expression suddenly shy. "Really?"

She shook her head. "A minute ago you didn't seem so unsure."

"Yeah, sorry just…" His smile reverted to something altogether more wicked. "Are you still cross with me? Did you want me to do that making up now?"

~o~0~o~

Epilogue

So apparently it hadn't been a delusion but a true vision. Because here she was in a little cottage in the grounds of the grand Country House which was home for Eden and its supporters in Wales. Here she was sitting on a comfy sofa with Mordred on one side and Merlin on the other, his hand resting gently on her swollen stomach.

The baby kicked and her husband's eyes widened, looking at her in wonder.

"He's strong."

"She," Morgana corrected.

He looked at her closely. "You seem very sure about that."

She shrugged. "Apparently, my visions are never wrong."

"I'd much rather have a brother," Mordred commented, his eyes still on the screen.

Merlin grinned. "I think it's a bit too late to swap it now."

Morgana laughed. "Shouldn't you be getting ready to go over to Eden House, Mordred?"

The boy looked at the clock. "I suppose. Are you sure I can't stay here and meet your friends?"

Morgana and Merlin exchanged a look. "Another time, perhaps. Surely you'd much rather go to Kara's birthday party? I hear there'll be lots of tasty food and fun DVDs to watch."

"And a sleepover," Merlin added. "That'll be exciting, won't it?"

The boy nodded then, suddenly more animated. "Fina makes amazing cakes."

"She does indeed. Off you go then, you don't want everyone else to eat them." The boy scurried out of the room.

"When are Arthur and Gwen arriving?" Morgana asked.

Merlin looked at his watch. "They're due in the next half hour. Do you need to lie down before then?"

"I'll be fine." She gave him a hard stare.

"What?"

"I was just wondering how long to you intend to keep Mordred and Arthur apart?"

He gave her a sheepish grin. "Indefinitely?"

She shook her head, fondly. "There's got to be an easier way."

"Perhaps, but I've no idea what."

"Well it certainly will be nice to see the two of them again."

"I'm surprised they were able to get away, to be honest."

"Yes," she agreed. "The Coalition has certainly been keeping all of you very busy."

"It's been worth it though."

She raised an eyebrow. "Some here in Eden would disagree."

He pulled a face. "They'll come around."

"Are you sure?"

He gave her a searching look. "What? Have you had a vision about it?"

"No, it's just..." She shook her head. "You're right, of course. This is the very best compromise to keep everyone happy."

"I'm right?"

She grinned and thumped him on the arm. "Very occasionally."

~o~o~o~

The doorbell rang and Merlin grinned and jumped up like a small child at Christmas.

"They're here, they're here!"

He ran out into the hallway and Morgana followed at a rather more sedate pace, arriving to find Arthur and Gwen walking in through the door with huge smiles on their faces. She walked over to embrace them.

"You are both looking so well," Gwen declared.

"Says you," Merlin retorted.

"You really have made excellent time," Morgana declared.

"It was easier to find than I thought," Arthur replied. "How are you?"

"I'm fine." She smiled. "Although this little one is full of beans already. Goodness knows what she'll be like when she's born."

"Oh, you had that test, did you?" Gwen asked. "You were told it was a girl?"

Morgana exchanged a look at Merlin and smirked. "Something like that. Anyway, we're very rude to keep you standing in here in the corridor, please come in and make yourself at home."

"And a beautiful home it is too," Arthur declared.

"I really do love it here," Morgana said.

Gwen smiled. "I'm just glad we were able to make the time to visit."

"Who would have believed it." Arthur joked. "Me... here in the heart of the evil sorcerers' territory."

"Hey!" Morgana complained as Gwen hit her husband on the arm for his cheek.

"So yes, welcome to this evil den," Merlin joked with a broad smile. "Welcome to Eden."

~o~0~o~

The End

~o~0~o~

Babe, there's something tragic about you
Something so magic about you
Don't you agree?
Babe, there's something lonesome about you
Something so wholesome about you
Get closer to me

No tired sigh, no rolling eyes, no irony
No "who cares", no vacant stare, no time for me

Honey you're familiar
Like my mirror years ago
Idealism sits in prison
Chivalry fell on his sword

Innocence died screaming
Honey, ask me, I should know
I slithered here from Eden
Just to sit outside your door

Babe, there's something wretched about this
Something so precious about this
Oh, where to begin

Babe, there's something broken about this
But I might be open about this
Oh, what a sin

To the strand, a picnic planned for you and me
A rope in hand for your other man
To hang from a tree

Honey you're familiar
Like my mirror years ago
Idealism sits in prison
Chivalry fell on his sword

Innocence died screaming
Honey, ask me, I should know
I slithered here from Eden
Just to hide outside your door

Honey you're familiar
Like my mirror years ago
Idealism sits in prison
Chivalry fell on his sword

Innocence died screaming
Honey, ask me, I should know
I slithered here from Eden
Just to hide outside your door

'From Eden' by Hozier

~o~0~o~

A/N: Hmm, typically a few ideas for a sequel started to form as I wrote the last few chapters. Nothing concrete yet but, who knows? ;)

Thank you for all your lovely reviews and words of encouragement.