章節 2: Chapter 1
Harrenhal – 281 AC
Merlin Ambrosius POV
When Merlin opened his eyes his memory was all fuzy and messy, with no idea of what happened.
His first vision is of a woman, so pretty her smile makes the rainiest of days look the brightest, she had silver hair and purple eyes, her high cheekbones screamed royalty, and her skin was so clean and smooth she might be an angel in disguise.
"How are you feeling?". The woman asks, her sweet voice massaging the ears of the recently awakened man.
"Confused.". He tells her.
The only thing Merlin remembers before falling unconscious was the holy grail, he wished for all the wars and tragedies he witnessed to be erased and give this land and world a new chance so life could flourish once more with life and peace, instead of war and blood.
Merlin manages to sit, massaging his temples trying to make sense of things, the woman sits beside him and puts her hands on his shoulder.
"Where am I?". Merlin asks with a polite tone. "Who are you?".
"I am Rhaella Targaryen, queen of Westeros, and you are in Harrenhal.". Rhaella says, looking at Merlin with a fondness for some reason.
"I see.". Merlin says, not having the slightest idea what that was supposed to mean except that Rhaella was royalty. "Would you know how did I find myself here?".
Rhaella signs and grabs Merlin's hand with her own. "My son, Rhaegar found you unconscious while riding and brought you here.".
Merlin nods at Rhaella and looks at the hand she is holding, she notices and immediately lets him go.
"I'm sorry.". Rhaella says, depressed for some reason. "It's just that… I look at you and can't stop wondering if my Jaehaerys would look the same had he lived long enough.".
Merlin tilts his head to the side, wondering how his appearance reminds Rhaella of her deceased son, he finds a mirror and once he looks at himself in it he understands why.
(insert image of Merlin from fate here)
The mage was still confused because of the Holy Grail. He could feel the magic and all the knowledge he has inside of him flowing through his body, yet his appearance feels different, he remembers himself with short black hair and blue eyes isntead of a long white with eyes carrying the same amethyst color of Rhaella's for some reason.
"Who are you, really?". Rhaella asks making Merlin breaks out of his stupor.
"Merlin… Merlin Ambrosius.". Merlin says.
"I never heard of House Ambrosius before. Are you Valyrian?". Rhaella says.
Merlin looks at the queen for a moment, he could still see the longing in her eyes, wanting to touch the person who resembles her Jaehaerys so much. Merlin sighs and approaches the queen, he nods to her and lets her touch his face, caressing his cheek and letting a warm smile show on her lips.
"I'm afraid not. Is there a reason you think I am one of these… Valyrians?". Merlin asks, looking at the floor to hide the blush caused by Rhaella's gentleness.
"Your hair, your eyes, your cheekbones, every part of you that I look at screams the blood of the old freehold.". Rhaella says. "Even the name Ambrosius sounds Valyrian, despite never hearing the word before.".
Before Merlin could respond, the door of the room they were in opened by a young man, he looks pretty handsome and was sporting the same eyes and hair color as Rhaella. Merlin supposed this man was the Rhaegar he heard from Rhaella.
"It appears our guest is awakened.". Rhaegar says with a smile. "Although I wonder why my mother is so close to him.".
Blushing from ear-to-ear Merlin takes a step back from Rhaella. The queen on the other hand just looked like someone took something from her and grabs the edges of her dress, her knuckles becoming white with the force she is using and her nails almost tearing off the red and black silk.
"Does your father request my presence, my son?". Rhaella asks with an edge in her voice.
"I'm afraid so mother, he also asks for our guest to accompany you.". Rhaegar says, looking at Merlin and probably seeing the same thing his mother did, Jaehaerys.
"My name is Merlin.". Merlin says, hoping his name would make both of them realize soon enough he isn't Jaehaerys.
The three leave the room and Merlin follows Rhaegar who has Rhaella walking by his side while walking Merlin takes a look at his surroundings, Harrenhal was odd in some way, the place feel like it has a never-ending sad climate, and had it not been day Merlin could swear miasma would cover the place, last but not least there was the shape of the walls, they felt molted, like a thousand tears were dropped making him almost wonder if the walls were raised over the living.
They are approached by a man wearing golden armor, he was carrying a staff Merlin recognizes all too well, luckily before he could speak Rhaegar smiles at the armored man and grabs the staff from his hand, immediately giving it to Merlin.
"I believe this belongs to you.". Rhaegar says, handing the staff. "I must say, it has a rather unique appearance.".
"I guess I like exotic things.". Merlin says, holding his staff with a firm grip.
"Looking at your robes, I'm inclined to believe.". Rhaella says, smiling once again.
Merlin nods and they all start walking again, this time accompanied by the knight, like Rhaegar and his mother he also has silver hair and purple eyes, but their shades were lighter, and his facial features were rougher while Rhaegar's were smoother. He was carrying a longsword, and whenever he walks Merlin could see a small part of the blade coming out of its sheath, showing a milk-white metal, making the mage wonder what material this sword came from.
"It's called Dawn.". The armored man says, grinning at Merlin. "Sorry, it's not for sale.".
"I am not a swordsman, and I am more interested in the knowledge about the sword than the sword itself.". Merlin says.
"I can do that.". The man says, giving his hand for merlin to shake. "Arthur Dayne.".
"Merlin Ambrosius.". Merlin says, shaking Arthur's hand. "What can you tell me about this sword?".
"I see you're not from Westeros.". Arthur says. "If you believe in old stories, according to my family Dawn was forged from a star that once fall into Westeros, and not only the sword but the entire castle of Starfall, my family's foundation, was built around it.".
"I see.". Merlin says, grabbing his chin and wondering if all stars were made from the same metal Dawn is, or if the sword is one of a kind as any other that would be made from any falling star. "How did your family manage to reshape the metal?".
"I'm not able to tell you that, only the leader of House Dayne possesses that knowledge.". Arthur says with a sympathetic expression.
Their talk ended once they reached what Merlin assumed to be the main hall, sitting on a big chair at the top of the high steps of the hall was a man who looked sick and malnourished, his hair was silver like Rhaegar's but crispy and messy, his nails were long and brown almost putrid, and once he sees Merlin and the others he smiles wickedly showing yellow teeth almost making Merlin wanting to throw up.
Once they reach the center of the hall Rhaegar stands in front of the steps while Rhaella sits in the chair that was placed right beside the man. Merlin watches as Arthur kneels before the man, Merlin was tempted to just observes but with his body still getting used to the magic and knowledge he now possesses he didn't want more attention so he just puts his hand on his chest and makes a reverence to the man who he obviously assumes is the king do to the crown in his head.
"So… you are the man who thinks himself a dragon.". The king says, his voice sounding like chains being dragged over a stone floor. "Who are you? A pretender to the Iron Throne? Maybe a Blackfyre who survived.".
Merlin didn't like the man already, and by the look on everyone's face neither this the rest. The mage didn't care about the throne, why it was called Iron Throne when it was just a big wooden chair, he also had no idea, and from the looks of it, these Blackfyres were enemies.
"My name is Merlin Ambrosius, your majesty.". Merlin says bowing once again.
"Your majesty?! HA I LIKE IT. You recognize me as the dragon.". The king says.
Merlin's eyes narrow at the king's words and he soon realizes what he meant once he sees all the banners around the hall, they all had the same red three-headed dragon over a black background, making the mage assumes the king believes himself to be said dragon.
"Raise your head and let me take a look at you.". The king says and Merlin obeys. "Hum… your hair looks the same, same as your eyes, how did your family escape the doom of Valyria?".
There was that word again, from what Merlin could gather his physical traits were the norm in this land called Valyria, and it appears the place was completely destroyed with the king's family being probably the only ones to escape.
"My family is not from Valyria, your majesty, we are from a land called England.". Merlin says, afraid of England not existing or the king not believing him even if it does.
"Never heard of it.". The king says, for once, sounding like royalty. "You are in Westeros now, seven kingdoms united under one banner almost three hundred years ago by my ancestor Aegon the Conqueror and his sister-wives Visenya and Rhaenys.".
Merlin cringes at that, incest and polygamy weren't well looked back in England, his eyes looked around and see a bit of shock in the people's eyes as if the king's words were not what they expected.
'I wonder why.'. Merlin says inside his head.
"My son Rhaegar told me he found you unconscious inside Harenhal lands, why?". The king asks.
"I don't know, your majesty, the last thing I remember was going to sleep.". Merlin says and notices the king's behavior changed.
"Don't know, aye, I see, you won't tell me, maybe I should burn you to make you speak.". The king says, his voice once again sounding like chains being dragged.
"Aerys/Father!". Rhaella and Rhaegar say in unison.
"Silence. This pretender comes to my kingdom and lies to my face, I won't have it.". Aerys says, getting up and pointing his long nails at Merlin. "Guards seize him, I want him to burn.".
Merlin sees the reluctance of the guards, he wants to shout and be angry at them, but he can see in their eyes that it's either him or them so he can't blame their actions, although they should probably do something against their king if this is something normal.
"I'm sorry Merlin. I truly am.". Arthur whispers in Merlin's ears before seizing by the arm with another guard wearing an exact copy of the knight's armor seizing him by the other arm.
Merlin was still too confused to use his magic, otherwise he could take all of them, as things stand, he can only do one spell and fortunately for him, he knows the perfect one to cast if Aerys' words had any value.
"Aerys, please, don't do this.". Rhaella begs, grabbing Aerys by the sleeve, teras almost falling. "He is just a boy, a child, don't kill him.".
"SILENCE.". Aerys yells and slaps his wife. "This liar spells untruth towards the ruler of this land, and for that, he will burn.".
"Father, please.". Rhaegar is the one to beg now. "He is just confused.".
"MY DECISION IS MADE.". Aerys stomps the floor, silencing the room.
Merlin offers no resistance, mostly because he will get out of this alive, although he might not be so lucky if the king decides to use a blade once his fire fails.
Not too long and Merlin finds himself chained in the hall, his staff in Rhaegar's hand, Merlin asked him to hold it because he didn't want it to get damaged by the fire. The wizard and the court watch as Aerys has strange men in dark cloaks shower Merlin with a strange green liquid, the smell was bearable, but the cold, not so much.
Looking around the mage sees everyone offering him prayers, Merlin only chuckles at that, if they really care, maybe they should do something about Aerys, from the look in their eyes, Merlin wasn't the first, and would not be the last so he knew Aerys reign wouldn't last long if the king didn't learn to solve things another way than whatever he is going to do with this liquid.
'This isn't alcohol, I wonder how it burns.'
"Any last words liar?". Aerys asks, showing a tooth smile on his face and holding a torch in his hand.
"If I survive, will I be forgiven?". Merlin asks while preparing the spell inside his head.
"Sure.". Aerys' smiles just turn more wicked. "But only a dragon cannot be burned.".
Aerys drops the torch to the ground, over the green liquid just as Merlin finished the spell. The flames engulf the mage but he doesn't feel the heat, his robes stay perfectly clean and untouched by the fire's embrace and the smell despite not being the best has a strange aroma over it. Merlin not once breaks eye contact with Aerys despite wanting to watch the reaction of the others, awe, and shock he expects, and once the flames finally vanish he is proven right and a loud gasp is heard over the entire hall. Merlin wants to speak, but unfortunately, his tired mind and the use of a spell such as the one he used while his body wasn't fully recovered yet takes its toll, and when the wizard opens his mouth to speak, he just falls unconscious in the floor, barely hearing the screams of Rhaella for his name while his vision turns completely dark.
Rhaella Targaryen POV
The hall is silent, after witnessing the boy who could not be more than six and ten being devoured by wildfire and coming out of it without burning the sound of everyone's mouth died, everyone except the queen, Rhaella once she saw Merlin come out of the flames unburned had only one thing in mind, take care of the boy as if he was her own.
"Merlin, Merlin, are you okay?". The queen asks loudly, making everyone break from their mesmerizing. "MAESTER. MAESTER. CALL THE MAESTER, GUARDS, TAKE MERLIN BACK TO HIS ROOM!".
Starks, Baratheon, Arryn, all they and the other houses could do was watch as Merlin was being carried away by the kingsguard with the help of Rhaegar, followed right behind by queen Rhaella and the Maester. Only two people had faces that didn't show shock, Aerys and his master of whispers, Varys, the first had something in his eyes at the sight of Merlin being unburned, and the second had a slight frown that could only be noticed if you pay attention.
"What that hell do you think was that, Ned?". Robert Baratheon asks, making his best fried Eddard Stark turn his attention to him.
"I have no idea, Robert.". Ned responds and looks at his foster father Jon Arryn. "What do you think Jon?".
"I'm of the same mind as you Ned.". Jon says, scratching his chin.
Close to the three, the other Starks comments on it as well, they were Brandon, the oldest, Lyanna, the only daughter, and Benjen, the youngest. Their father Rickard Stark didn't stay to listen to his children, having gone after Jon Arryn and Hoster Tully immediately after what he saw.
"Do you think he is a mage?". Lyanna asks, the air almost engulfing her lungs. "Do you think we could learn it?".
"No, and No.". Brandon says, his arms cross imagining why that boy survived the wildfire.
"Of course, he is a mage.". Benjen says, looking at the scorched floor. "How would he survive it otherwise?".
Some people start to whisper about what they saw, Aerys was already gone from the room so no one was afraid as they were with him on it, everyone present had heard rumors about Aerys' madness increasing by the day, the most known being how he burned down a boy from the smallfolk because he stole bread, and after seeing what he tried to do with Merlin everyone know all the rumors they heard had merit.
Meanwhile, in the room Merlin was staying in when he first arrived, Rhaella watches as the boy Merlin is put back on the back.
"Does he have anything maester?". Rhaella asks ad the maester starts to examine the boy.
"Nothing out of the ordinary your grace, although maybe I should…". The maester says before getting interrupted by the queen.
"Leave, all of you.". Rhaella says, the kingsguard obeys immediately but the maester is reluctant in leaving yet.
"Your grace, maybe I should stay…".
"Leave, now.". Rhaella says, her tone letting no room for discussion.
With only Rhaella and Rhaegar in the room, the prince watches as his mother starts caressing Merlin's hair like she used to do all those years ago when he was still a child, it was obvious she was infatuated with Merlin, refusing to see his as nothing more than her Jaehaerys come again.
Rhaegar just sighs and leaves the room but lefts the staff behind, after crossing the door Rhaegar frowns seeing the maester still in front of the door.
"My mother told you to leave Pycelle.". Rhaegar says, crossing his arms, he never liked the old man.
"Your grace, I must implore you to let me examine the boy, he might need my care.". Pycelle says, his voice hoarse for old age, or he wants people to believe that.
"You saw he carries no wounds, he is just probably exhausted, my father didn't let him rest properly as he asked for his presence the moment he awakens.". Rhaegar says without saying that Pycelle is dismissed.
As the old maester is making his way both are approached by one of the kingsguard Barristan Selmy, from the looks of it he came by quick steps given his sweaty forehead.
"Your Grace, Grandmaester. The king is holding an emergency meeting of the small council and wants you both present.
Third Person POV
Small council
Due to the need for a meeting and being miles away from the Red Keep the small council reunited on the armory of Harrenhal, it was big enough to hold a meeting and easy to protect from an attack, although none of them were expecting one.
"Father, did you call for me?". Rhaegar says with Pycelle right behind him.
"Sit.". Aerys says.
Once all members are sit the meeting officially starts.
"What are your thoughts on the boy?". Aerys asks, looking at each member in the eyes and seeing if they flinch, believing they might betray him from the boy.
"Your grace.". Lucerys Velaryon, the master of ships says, after clearing his throat. "The boy was covered in wildfire and survived, there has to be an explanation.".
"Magic?". Rhaegar says with a glint in his eyes.
"Magic died with the least dragon… I'm afraid.". Pycelle says, sounding tired and weak.
"Yet we saw a boy being devoured by flames and not burned by the same.". Symond Staunton, the master of laws says.
"He is a dragon.". Aerys says, fire in his eyes and not the good type. "Only a dragon cannot be burned by fire.".
"Father.". Rhaegar says softly. "It is said that wildfire can burn even a dragon, I don't believe it, but if it is the truth then he can't be a dragon.".
The air in the room felt shallow, tension was rising for they knew it wasn't a good thing to deny Aerys when he was like this, all of them share eye looks as if wanting a cue to what they should say next.
"I want to know everything about him.". Aerys says leaving no room for discussions.
"Father, should we wait until he fully recovers.". Rhaegar says, ignoring his father's wish. "Otherwise, he will just fall unconscious again.".
"Very well.". Aerys relents, reluctant.
Merlin awakens and just like the first time he sees Rhaella's face, although there was a slight difference from the first time, he looks to his left and sees the pillow he is resting his head against, except the shape is strange as if appears to have a slit in the middle, and soon the mage realizes this is not a pillow.
'THIGHS?'. He screams inside his mind.
With fears crawling over his spine Merlin turn his face around and meets a pair of amethysts eyes and a sweet smile.
"Slept well?". Rhaella asks the way a mother asks her child.
"No.". Merlin says with a weak voice.
Not wanting to abuse Rhaellas kindness Merlin tries to get up but his body was too tired to move and he ends up falling back into his bed.
"Maybe you should eat and go back to sleep.". Rhaella says, getting Merlin off her legs and standing up at his side.
"Food would be nice.". Merlin says, looking at Rhaella who smiles for agreeing with her.
"I'll go fetch the servants, stay here.". Rhaella says with a small chuckle.
"Not funny.". Merlin pouts after becoming part of Rhaella's joke because of his incapacity to move.
"Aye, it is.". Rhaella says, giggling while taking a bowl of soup from the table in the room.
Holding the bowl and spoon Rhaella sits next to Merlin who blushes at the humiliation of being fed like this.
"Say 'aaah'.". Rhaella says, enjoying this too much in Merlin's opinion.
"Do you have to do this? I can…". Merlin says before getting interrupted by the spoon shoved in his mouth.
"Good boys don't complain.". Rhaella says, filling the spoon with soup once more.
"I'm sixteen.". Merlin says making Rhaella chuckles hard.
"You are old enough to be my son, do you really think people will believe your age is six tens?". Rhaella says while feeding Merlin another spoon.
"No, not six tens.". Merlin says before taking another bite. "Sixteen, the number one first and the number six in second.".
"You mean six-and-ten.". Rhaella says.
"*sigh* This is not going well.". Merlin says before taking another spoon of soup.
After finishing his soup Merlin eats other foods, rice, pork, and lemon cake as dessert, all feed to him by Rhaella, still acting like a mother, Merlin appreciates it but he knows the only reason she is doing it is because of her deceased son, he doubts she would go to the same length had Merlin's appearance been more like that boy with dark brown hair and grey eyes he saw in the hall talking to the big boy with black hair and blue eyes.
When the meal was over Rhaella covers Merlin with a blanket and starts singing a lullaby, the mage couldn't deny, her voice was beautiful, the music and the caressing she was giving his hair is enough to make him feel warm and his eyes heavy, soon enough Merlin completely falls asleep.
Rhaella doesn't stop singing and caressing Merlin's hair, looking at the boy with care and loves in her eyes.
'The gods may have taken my Jaehaerys, but I know they gave it back as you.' She tells herself.
Rhaella is interrupted by the door's sound, she frowns and looks at the person who dared to enter but relaxes once she sees is none other than her son Rhaegar.
"I haven't heard that song in a long time.". Rhaegar says as he closes the door. "I'm feeling envious mother.".
"Oh, hush Rhaegar, Merlin is sleeping.". Rhaella says, her hand not leaving Merlin's hair. "What did your father say?".
"*sigh* He thinks Merlin is a dragon, he will want to know everything about him once he is awakened.". Rhaegar says, looking at the boy sleeping right beside him. "Do you think he is Valyrian?".
"No, yet somehow I really see a dragon when I look at him.". Rhaella says as she imagines Merlin riding a dragon like the Targaryens of old.
"You are not leaving this room any time soon, are you mother?". Rhaegar smiles at the question he already knows the answer to. "Good night.".
The prince leaves the two alone and Rhaella turns her eyes back at the sleeping boy, she approaches her lips and kisses Merlin on his forehead, a tear runs over her cheek as he wishes she could have moments like this with Viserys, but unfortunately, Aerys has barred her from him with lies and excuses of how he is making sure he will be a true dragon, but Rhaella knew better, her brother was making Viserys becoming like him and the worst part is that something inside of her was telling the queen that Aerys didn't need to work too hard to make it happen.
Rhaella would not let Aerys take Merlin as well, she gets off her chair and goes to the door of the room, opening it without ceremony, and sees the guard assigned to her and Merlin, the gods might be smiling at her since they are exactly whom she wanted to talk, Oswell Whent and Gerold Hightower.
"Good.". Rhaella says, her voice being that of a true and mighty queen. "I have orders for the both of you.".
"We live to serve your grace.". Gerold and Oswell say at the same time.
"You will guard Merlin with your lives, if anyone dares to touch him you will cut the finger that made contact. If anyone belittles him you will cut the tongue, and if anyone hurts him, you will cut the head. Do I make my wishes clear?". Rhaella says with a tone that carries more weight than Aerys could ever do.
"Yes, your grace.". Both men say, bowing to their queen.
She closes her door and sits back, Rhaella starts signing a new lullaby, one that she composed to Viserys when he was born but was never able to sing to him since Aerys took him from her after he was delivered to this world.
Fly little dragon for the skies belongs to you.
The rain may be cold.
The clouds may be dark.
But there is a fire in your heart that will tear it all apart.
The land is below.
And bellow it belongs.
For the king of the skies sits above, there is his throne.
Fear will never fest, nor wounds or even the pest.
For he is a dragon and he is above the rest.
When you descend from the skies all will bow to you.
For you are a dragon and they know it is the cold hard truth.
The next day
Merlin awakes, and he finally feels better, as if nothing but an army could stop him, he looks around his room and sees Rhaella, sleeping on a chair. The mage can stop himself and smiles, despite all that happened the queen was still there, a part of him felt happy, maybe he was starting to like the queen.
Out of his bed, Merlin grabs his staff and points it at Rhaella, sleeping in a chair is not the smartest thing to do and once she awakens her muscles will be sorrowful, he casts a spell over her that would make sure the queen would feel invigorated just like is once she wakes up.
Opening the door Merlin sees two guards wearing a set identical to Arthur's, he looks at them and despite the focus on their eyes, he could see the tiredness in them.
"I think it is time for you to sleep and let another person take your posts.". Merlin comments with a smile.
"We have our orders.". The guard that looks like a bull says.
"And now you will give them to your replacements.". Merlin says, poking the guard just enough to make him force himself to not lose balance. "Go. You can't help you queen if you fall asleep out of nowhere.".
"*Sigh* He is right Gerold.". The other guard says. "Let's call Barristan, he is the one more used to not sleeping, not us.".
The one named Gerold hesitates but consents and they both part away. Merlin just observes them go and starts walking in the opposite direction, he has no plan to leave Harrenhal but if he was going to stay, better familiarize himself with the place.
It doesn't take too long for Merlin bumps into someone as he was turning a corner, that someone being none other than Rhaegar Targaryen with Arthur Dayne wight beside him.
"Well, what do we have here? Trying to escape boy?". Arthur says with a smile.
'Apparently, people forget I was almost burned alive, either they don't care or they are so used to it that seeing people on fire is normal around here.'. Merlin frows and both men notice.
"Sorry for my father, he hasn't been the same since the Defiance of Duskendale.". Rhaegar says, showing regret in his eyes. "What he did there is no forgiveness.".
"I understand.". Merlin does understand their reason, however, he was still a victim of arson. "However, the fact that if it wasn't me, it would've been someone else shows that maybe Aerys' place is not sitting on a throne with a crown over his head, trust me, I see what happens next.". Merlin remembers what happened between Arthur and Mordred, and how his king died in his arms, although his memory is shady right now as Arthur appeared as a woman for some reason.
"You might not want to say that out loud.". Arthur says, looking around to make sure no one is listening. "There are ears everywhere.".
Merlin raises an eyebrow at them, the mage gives a cocky smile and hit the floor with his staff, the action creates a baby blue bubble that surrounds the three and turns itself invisible after a few seconds.
"There, now no one can hear us.". Merlin tells the men who couldn't do anything but stare in shock.
"How did you…".
"Magic.". Merlin says, interrupting Rhaegar. "It can do wonders.".
Rhaegar and Arthur look at each other and then back at Merlin, they could deny the boy's posture was that of a sage and his robes make him not only stand out but also give the feeling that he is wise beyond his years.
"Are you really a mage?". Rhaegar asks.
"Mage, wizard, sorcerer, warlock.". Merlin says, lifting a finger at each word. "All valid names, just don't call me magician, those people are nothing but tricksters doing what they do best parlor illusions that they dare to call magic.".
"Why the staff? Compensating for something?". Arthur jokes making Merlin raises an eyebrow.
"It's a catalyst, I don't actually need it, but it's easier to cast my spells when I have it.". Merlin says.
"Better safe your words for now, my father will ask you a lot of questions, better not have to repeat yourself.". Rhaegar says much to Merlin's annoyance, it was clear he didn't want to stay less than five thousand miles from Aerys.
"Do I have to?". Merlin asks, not smiling anymore.
"Unfortunately, you have. King's orders.". Arthur says.
"You need a new and better king. *sigh* Very well, be warned do, there are spells that can kill a man only by looking him in the eyes… I hope the king knows it.". Merlin says with a smirk making Arthur and Rhaegar gulp loud at the implications of his words.
No other words are spoken as they start to walk, Merlin hits the floor with his staff once again and makes Rhaegar and Arthur do a quick and almost unnoticeable jump, the mage clearly scared them and chuckles once he notices they noticed he noticed it and explains that all he did was lift the spell he did a few minutes ago.
Rhaegar Targaryen POV
The prince and the knight didn't have any proof to Merlin's words about killing only with a stare, sure he could create a magic bubble that stops anyone from hearing, but killing only by staring, sounded too advanced for a boy who couldn't be older than six-and-ten years old. As they start walking again Rhaegar can't stop from brooding, this tourney they were having was his chance to reunite the lords and dethrone his father once and for all, but instead, he finds his father here, almost killing a boy he saved after founding him unconscious near the castle by trying to burn him, and now he might try to do something even more drastic given the nature of Merlin's magic.
Rhaegar also starts to think about Merlin's magic, he wonders if it could help him fulfill the prophecy of the 'Prince that was promised'. Now that he had his Rhaenys, Rhaegar only needed his Aegon and Visenya, the three heads of the dragon, but without the dragons, he gives Merlin a quick look and wonders if he could hatch the dragons left in Dragonstone with his magic, dragons were creatures of magic and it appears Merlin has a lot to spare. Rhaegar decides to ask him later, the last thing he needed was his father possessing the knowledge of hatching dragons if Merlin has it, and unleashing them on Westeros.
'Burn! Burn them all! Burn it all, he'll probably say.'. Rhaegar says in his head.
They soon arrive back at the main hall, Rhaegar is glad that his mother was still sleeping as she would probably throw a fuss had she been present, he no doubts is sure that Rhaella would finally kill Aerys if he dared to try a stunt like the one in the day before this one.
Rhaegar decides to sit beside his father and looks around, like the day before all guests were present, probably wondering what will happen with Merlin. Rhaegar, unlike his father, knew all the stares of hate Aerys was receiving, it was just like Merlin said, Aerys' reign won't last long if things don't chafe.
"Your majesty.". Merlin says before bowing to Aerys, clearly acting as if nothing happened.
"The crown has questions for you, wizard.". Aerys says, scratching his ear, clearly hearing the 'voices' again. "Yes, yes, first who are you?".
"I am Merlin Ambrosius, a wandering mage from England, member of the court of Camelot, counselor and advisor to Arthur Pendragon, King of England and the Bretons, Slayer of the Saxons, and my greatest friend.". Merlin says with strength and willpower that rival those of a true dragon in his eyes.
All people in the hall except Rhaegar and Aerys gasp at what Merlin said, if his words are true, then not only did Aerys commit a slight against another kingdom but also declared war for attempting to murder someone whose position was probably equal to the hand of the king.
"And where is this kingdom you spoke of?". Aerys says, laughing with a tone of mockery all over it. "I don't recall ever hearing of this place.".
"Far away, all there is now is ruins… and dead bodies.". Merlin says, eye contact never breaking making Rhaegar fear crawl all over because of what the mage said before. "We were betrayed by those we used to trust, a war broke over, my king died in my arms, and I leave for there was nothing left for me anymore.".
A heavy silence falls before the room, Rhaegar believes every single word Merlin spoke, and he feels like all others also do, and can't stop themselves from feeling sorry for the boy, losing everyone and everything at such a young age can leave scars that might never heal.
"So… you are a mage. Can you hatch dragons.". Aerys says, there was a thirst in his voice and longing in his words, Rhaegar feels the tension in the room rise with the silence and the cold pairing the air somehow makes everyone present want to sweat, all except Merlin who just smiles t the question as if Aerys just asked for candy.
"Well, 'aye' I can.". Merlin says as if his words meant nothing. "But the dragon had to choose you, not the other way around, so I can't hatch any egg unless it has chosen me.".
A loud sigh of relief is made by all present and only heard by Rhaegar, Aerys thankfully had ignored them, too much angered by the fact that he was denied, Rhaegar wants to ponder over Merlin's words, if they are true then it means he would be able to hatch dragons if he found the right egg.
"How do I hatch it, how do I know it chooses me, tell me, tell me.". Aerys says, sounding like a mad dog wanting to be thrown a bone.
"I'm afraid it isn't that simple, your majesty, I know nothing about the type of dragons you want to hatch.". Merlin says, much to the relief of everyone present once again. "Unless you give me an Egg or books that could tell me about such dragons, I'm afraid my magic is useless.".
The third time is the charm, Merlin's words meant wonders to all present for basically saying that the Targaryens won't have a dragon flying the skies anytime soon.
"Rhaegar.". Aerys roars. "You will help him. You will do everything he says so I can hatch our dragons.".
"It will be done, father.". Rhaegar says, holding a sigh he can't let out for too long.
"This session is over.". Aerys says making all leave the room with haste.
Once the king is gone Rhaegar finally lets out the sigh he was holding he looks at Merlin who is smiling at him, before the prince could ask the mage hits the floor with his staff gently and a feather and a piece of parchment appear out of thin air and once again the prince can't stop himself from looking surprise, the fact that both objects are floating in the air and the feather is writing in the paper by itself doesn't help Rhaegar one bit.
"I think he is having fun at your cost.". Arthur comments at Rhaegar's side, not hiding how much he wants to laugh at him.
Arthur is proven right as the feather Merlin created disappears and the parchment floats in front of Rhaegars face showing a purposely bad drawing of him carrying Merlin on a wagon as if he was a cargo and Rhaegar the mule, Arthur looking at the drawing can't hold his laughter any longer and let it out and Rhaegar just follows his example for he knows Merlin is right from a certain point of view.
Lyanna Stark POV
Magic was real, and Lyanna could stop herself from fawning all over the idea of being a magician herself, undecided about what to do if she ever had that magic Merlin had, probably transform Robert Baratheon into the donkey she knows he is, she was still hating the fact to being forced into marriage with such a drunk whoremonger who has already fathered a bastard.
When Lyanna first saw Merlin, she wondered what he had done to catch the attention of the king, and then when the flames were lit and the boy devoured by them she wanted to scream but lost her voice. After it was over she almost teared up thinking she would see nothing but ashes, and when she saw Merlin unburned she was mute, like her brothers and everybody else in that hall.
Lyanna's first instinct was to follow Merlin's 'entourage' as they carried him away, despite Brandon's warnings and Benjen's whiny. Of course, she ignored them both and followed them, once they arrived at the room Lyanna just sat in a corridor in the corner, wanting until everyone leaves to sleep wasn't the best of her ideas but she waited, just waiting for a chance to be together and alone with Merlin so she could know everything about him.
Unfortunately for the she-wolf the only one she didn't see letting Merlin's room was queen Rhaella and unlike the king, she did scare Lyanna. The rose of Winterfell didn't know which time it was when Brandon and her father Rickard arrived, both with frowns on their brows, annoyed by her actions, but she knew it was late and her plan to get inside Merlin's room to talk to him was a bust, but it didn't diminish her spirits.
The next day, Lyanna awoke first than everybody and break her fast alone, barely dressed when she started sprinting towards Merlin's room and biting her lips seeing the guards were still there, but Lyanna was nothing but insistent and waited once more. Much to the she-wolf's relief Merlin left the room and dismissed the two guards, she leaned against the wall and the guards didn't notice, ending up passing by her and letting her free to follow the mage.
Lyanna's plan once again was interrupted, this time by the bard prince and his knight friend as they both stopped Merlin they talk for a moment but then Merlin hit his cane on the floor and a magic bubble appeared, making Lyanna's eyes shine with how beautiful it looked like, but then once she stops hearing she frowns exactly how Brandon and her father did for she no longer could hear them, making her believe that whatever that bubble was Merlin created so no one could hear them.
Now Lyanna was outside the door of the main hall after listening to Aerys and Merlin talk, watching and listening through a gap as Merlin does his magic once more by making a feather and a piece of parchment appear out of thin air after hitting the floor with his cane once again, she gasps at the vision in front of her but covers her mouth so no one can hear. Another gasp is let out when he sees the feather writing on the parchment by itself and she decides to leave before she gets caught by the kingsguard or worse, her brothers.
Back with her family Lyanna watches her father and her brothers sitting at the table and eating, everyone notices the late arrival but she ignores the stare and sits beside Benjen.
"Where were you?". Benjen asks making all eyes turn back at her.
"Taking a stroll.". Lyana says waving her hand in dismissal.
"You've gone to see that wizard again, didn't you?". Brandon says with a groan fit for someone who is called the wild wolf.
"What if I had?". Lyanna groans showing Brandon isn't the only wolf with sharp fangs.
"Stay away from him Lyanna.". Rickard says. "The last thing House Stark needs is Aerys seeing ghosts over our heads.".
"Please, am I the only one interested in how he entered a pyre of wildfire and lived.". Lyanna says looking for support from Benjen.
"He didn't enter a pyre. That mad… matter was very different from the way you are putting it. And you already how he did it, he is a mage he probably used magic to do it". Brandon says.
"Maybe you should spend time with Robert, Lyanna.". Ned says. "He wanted to talk to you the day before but we couldn't find you.".
"Well, I didn't want to talk to him.". Lyanna says, taking a savage bite from her meat. "I'm more interested in Merlin, and how his magic works.".
"You should give him a chance.". Ned says, she always hated how her brother believed that Robert could do no wrong.
"Maybe I should give him a chance.". Lyanna says with a sweet smile that makes Ned smiles in response. "A chance to fuck off.".
"LYANNA.". Rickon screams. "Robert your husband-to-be, you will not say such words again.".
"Fine, then I'll talk about me then. When I'm thrown out like some common whore whom you plan to sell me to?". Lyanna says, not minding her words, she wasn't called a she-wolf for nothing.".
Before Rickard Stark could say anything, Ned talks first in defense of his best friend and his sister from their father's rage like she knew he would do.
"Robert could be good for you, the wine, the whores, all of it will stop if you give him a chance and love him back.". Ned pleads to his sister with his words and his eyes.
"Love is sweet, dearest Ned, but it cannot change a man's nature.". Lyanna says.
Lyanna was the last to arrive and the first to leave, before her father and brothers could protest that she didn't touch her food they all look at her plate and saw it was already empty, Benjen stares at it open-mouthed and looks under the table to see if she had thrown the food away, she knew he always does that whenever she ate too fast.
Not wanting her family's company Lyanna decides to do what she told her family and goes for a stroll, she takes a look at the sky and notices how long her conversation with her family really took despite feeling like mere minutes.
Before she could think any further Lyanna is interrupted by the sound of laughs at looks at the source, what she sees makes her wolf-blood boils. Three men, squires from the way they are dressed, are picking up over a man smaller than them and beating him with wooden swords, she knows the man getting bullied is a crannogmen for he met one of them in a feast in Winterfell in the past.
She approaches them intending to break this abuse, but before she can speak a new voice is heard.
"Three against one, *tsk* *tsk*.". The voice says, Lyanna looks at the speaker and sees that is none other than Merlin.
At first, Lyanna thought it was Rhaegar because of the hair, but once she notices the white and extravagant robe he is wearing and the long hair that almost reaches his heels she realizes it couldn't be the bard prince.
Lyanna breaks from her trance and approaches the three bullies just like Merlin.
"Yeah, leave him alone.". Lyanna says, and the men just start to laugh.
"Get out of here before we decide to do the same to you two.". One of the bullies said, by the sigil, he was a Frey.
Lyanna thought these men were either dumb or unaware, for they didn't appear intimidated by being approached by Merlin, speaking of which, she looks at the mage and the only action he takes is to tilt his head to the side and give a small smile at them, Lyanna thought he would just stay still and watch as the three bully the poor crannogman, but then she watches as Merlin points his cane at the three and somehow all their pants fall from their waists.
"My, my, you shouldn't walk in public with your pants down.". Merlin says before closing his eyes and putting his hand in front of his mouth while he gives a cute chuckle that reminded Lyanna of her brother Benjen.
The three don't understand what Merlin says at first, but once they look at their pants on the ground they all notice what he meant, they weren't the smartest people since they threaten Merlin before putting their pants back which results in all three of them falling in the ground. Lyanna saw that Merlin was not finished for he once again points his cane towards them, more specifically where their faces would fall and a huge pile of horse shit appears making all of them get their faces covered in it.
"AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.". Lyanna laughs for she couldn't hold it any longer, first, their pants fall, then they fall, then they hit shit.
"YOU'LL PAY FOR THIS.". One of the trio screams now that they were all on their feet, and with their pants tied back at their waists.
'Do these imbeciles really don't get it?'. Lyanna asks themselves before running at them when she notices they running at Merlin.
She catches one of the wooden swords they had dropped and hits the squire closest to Merlin on the hand with it. Lyanna watches as the three squires look daggers at her and smiles in response, inviting them to try their luck.
She sees the crannogman and Merlin watching how things are developing but doesn't complain about them not helping her, she actually likes the lack of help, damsel in distress was a role she knew would never fit with her.
The first squire tries to punch Lyanna but she just dodges by lowering her legs and hits him in the butt with the wooden sword making him let out a yelp. The second one tried to attack her with a kick believing Lyanna to be distracted by simply stepping aside and hitting him in the balls with a kick making him fall to the ground. The third one was trembling, probably afraid of the humiliation of being beaten by a girl, or because he is a Frey, Lyanna bet it was because of the second. Since he didn't attack Lyanna just do a lazy throw with the wooden sword and somehow, she still manages to hit the Frey in the face.
Beaten and humiliated enough for a day, the three squires run away. Lyanna smiles, proud of her victory, she heard claps and when she turns around, she sees it is Merlin doing it, but what catches her attention is how he is clapping with both hands while his cane was just there standing as if it was a normal person.
Before Lyanna could say anything the crannogman they help approaches them.
"Thank you, thank you so much.". He says, his eyes almost dropping tears, Lyanna knows he is truly grateful for them. "I am Howland Reed, pleased to meet you Lady Lyanna, and you too Lord Merlin.".
"Not a lord actually, but it was nothing.". Merlin says.
"Yeah, what he said.". Lyanna says.
The rose of Winterfell then has a great idea and set her plan in motion.
"Please, why don't you two come with me, my family would like to meet you.". Lyanna says, trying to hold her giggles from finally having the chance to talk with the mage that's been in everyone's mouth since he came out of a pyre of wildfire without a burn.
"Are you sure?". Howland asks, probably too shy and afraid of angering her father.
"Of course, you're from House Reed, aren't you?". Lyanna asks and Howland nods in response. "That means you are one of my father's bannerman, he will want to know about what happened here.".
"What about me?". Merlin says. "What reason would you like for me to go with you?".
Lyanna watches the mage and notices the easy-going smile on his face, she knows he was daring her to come up with an excuse, and not only that, he wants her to use the best excuse she can imagine, the truth or any less than THE perfect excuse will make him reject her invitation, she knows that's what he wants from her because she did the same thing in the past, and Brandon as well.
"House Stark is the oldest house in Westeros, being present in its history for over eight thousand years.". Lyanna says. She saw how Merlin was seeing through her bullshit but was intrigued to see what she would come up with and continued. "I'm of the blood of Brandon the Builder, who build a magic wall entirely made of ice and stopped the dead from ever entering Westeros, the blood of Warg King, greatest of skinchangers in history also runs in my veins after house stark killed him, his sons, his beats and took their daughters as their prizes. The magic in my blood is as strong as the magic in the blood of the Targaryens, and as a mage yourself to deny the knowledge of this magic is to deny yourself, that is why you will go with me, even if you don't want to.".
"hehe… HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA OH I'M OUT OF AIR.". Merlin says, laughing like the mad king while holding his staff with one hand so he doesn't fall on the ground and grabbing his head with the other. "Very well, Lyanna of House Stark I'll come with you, just let me warn my nannies, so they know where to find me.".
"Be quick.". Lyanna says with a blush over her entire face, never expecting Merlin to actually buy what she was selling, despite being all true.
"No need they are already here.". Merlin says, pointing his staff toward the opposite direction Lyanna and Howland are facing.
They both turn around, Lyanna could see the smirk on Merlin's lips before doing so and sees Rhaegar Targaryen and Arthur Dayne, also smirking, right in front of her and her blush increases even more.
"Did… did you hear anything I said?". Lyanna asks not hiding her blush nor how desperate she is by how quickly she said those words.
"No.". Rhaegar lies but Lyanna is grateful nonetheless.
"Good, otherwise I would have to kill you.". Lyanna says much to the amusement of the three white-haired men. She knows she stands no chance against the sword of the morning and the magic Merlin possesses, but her pride as a Stark couldn't allow her to back off now.
"No doubts.". Arthur jokes before getting hit by Rhaegar's elbow in the stomach.
"We understand lady Lyanna.". Rhaeger tells her before looking at Merlin. "Please come back the moment the sun is set Merlin, my father wants you to dine with my family.".
"Of course, your grace.". Merlin nods at Rhaegar and Lyanna wonders if it's because he is a member of a king's court that he doesn't need to bow, prostrate himself or do any other form of reverence.
"Lady Lyanna. Lord Reed.". Rhaegar nods before leaving the three with Arthur right behind him.
"Let's go.". Lyanna says, grabbing Merlin and Howland by the arm and dragging them out of this place where she blushes more in an hour than she does in a month.
After a small walk, Lyanna finds her father and her brothers, her father was watching her brothers spar with each other and Robert with Jon Arryn sitting at his side, Ned sparring with Benjen, and Brandon sparring with Robert. As they approach the group she notices the frown on her father's face, joining him were Brandon and Robert but Lyanna couldn't care less for the latter, she sees Howland trying to lower his face and not stand out while Merlin just gives a sweet smile at what is happening, apparently this is too much fun for him.
"Lyanna, where were you?". Her father asks.
"Taking a stroll.". Lyanna says, her voice immediately dismissing him. "Father, this is Howland Reed, he was getting beaten by some squires, but Merlin and I drove them off.".
"Hi.". Howland says with a shy tone and waves weakly at the Starks and Jon Arryn.
"And this is Merlin Ambrosius.". Lyanna says with admiration, real admiration. "He helped me against the bullies.".
"A pleasure.". Merlin says, bowing to her father and making the she-wolf wonders why he didn't act like that with Rhaegar.
"The pleasure is mine.". Rickard says.
"Lyanna.". Brandon says, with Ned, Robert, and Benjen right behind. "What is the meaning of this?".
"Easy brother, can't you see we have company?". Lyanna says with a mocking grin that she knows it got onto Brandon's nerves, she can see the large vein pooping on his forehead.
"Did you invite them to dine with us?". Ned asks, Lyanna saw the quick look he gave Merlin and wished she could say yes to Ned.
"Only Howland will. Merlin will dine with the royal family.". Lyanna says, biting the insides of her cheeks once she sees the barely disguised relief in her brother's eyes.
"Robert will also dine with us, I invited him so you could know each other better.". Ned says, making Lyanna muster all the strength she could to not jump over her brother and strangle the life out of him.
"Do I smell love in the air hehe-ouch.". Merlin says before getting stopped from laughing by an elbow hit on the ribs, courtesy of the rose of Winterfell.
"I'm her betrothed.". Robert says, leaving no room for discussion.
Lyanna watches as Merlin seizes Robert from head to toe, afraid of what the mage is going to say, she barely knows him but learned enough to know he has a sharp tongue if he wants to have one, and is not afraid to use it.
"You can do better hehe-ouch.". Merlin jokes before getting hit on the ribs once again by the she-wold. "What did I do?".
Before Lyanna can say anything, she hears the laugh from everyone and opens her mouth in bewilderment, Merlin had barely met them and was already able to get a laugh out of everyone, she knows it was magic, but not the magic type, and already wants to learn everything from the mage who just looks at her and gives another one of those warm smiles she saw before.
'This is gonna be so good.'. She tells herself.
Third Person POV
Merlin was sitting along Lyanna, Howland, and Lord Stark as they watched the spar between the three Stark boys and the Baratheon heir, Jon Arrys left not soon after Merlin arrived, saying he was going to talk with someone named Hoster Tully about Brandon Stark's marriage. Merlin was taking notes inside his head to study the Starks and Baratheon's history, he felt magic inside of them, ancient magic, and after what Lyanna told him, his thirst for the knowledge behind that magic clawed its way into the mage's mind, he knew Lyanna was telling the truth, Merlin just didn't expect her desire to talk to him to be so great that she would spell all that information out of a whim. He believes it because no one cares about magic anymore, or that they are unaware of the magic inside them, after Aerys' little stunt, he is inclined to believe is the second option.
"So. Merlin.". Rickard says. "What are your plans for the future since you told us that your kingdom is no more.".
Merlin raised an eyebrow at Rickard's words, he wonders what the lord of Winterfell will do with the information but relents.
"Find a place to settle in, built my castle, and study the secrets of magic like I used to do in Camelot.". Merlin says, shrugging his shoulders without a care in the world.
"Build a castle? where?". Lyanna asks.
"Didn't think of a place yet, but I'm thinking of building it in that isle in the middle of the lake close to Harrenhal, I feel magic flooding the air from there.". Merlin says, his face forward but his eyes on Lord Stark to see how he'll react.
"That's not a good idea.". Howland says, so fast Merlin and the others barely understood his words. "The… the isle of Faces is the name of that island. It is a sacred island and one of the few locations in the south that has weirwood trees. If you build a castle there you will have to cut what little of them is left.".
Merlin looks at Lyanna and Rickard and sees that they agree with Howland and makes a note about these weirwood trees, for all he knows these trees may be the source of the magic on that island. Merlin just chuckles, getting frowns from the Northmen and the Northwoman.
"Who said that I need to cut the trees to build a castle there.". Merlin says. "Magic can do many wonders my friends, one of them is building a castle without destroying nature. Besides even if I need to tear down the forest I can just plant more after I'm finished.".
"You can't.". Lyanna says with a serious expression. "The weirwood trees were planted by the children of the forest, the faces they had were carved into them with their magic and no one knows how to plant them except the children.".
"*Tsk* *Tsk*". Merlin waves his fingers at Lyanna and shakes his head in denial. "Dear Lyanna, I'm a mage, or did you forget? I'll study these trees and learn how to make more of them, and these children of the forest you spoke of, whatever magic they possess I will learn as well.".
Rickard raises his eyebrows at Merlin's statement. After the south started burning the weirwood trees by the commands of those damn Andals and their faith of the seven when they conquered the south, the North had to fight tooth and nail against them and won, stopping them from destroying the few trees left in Westeros, most of them in the North. Rickard smiles once he remembers the man who saved their land and the memories of the old gods was a Stark, Theon the hungry wolf and king of the north.
"Do you truly believe you can learn their magic and replicate their feats?". Rickard asks, for the first time, showing interest in Merlin, not awareness.
"Oh, I know I can.". Merlin says and gives the warden of the North a cocky grin. "Would you like to see some proof?".
It was a challenge, Lyanna and Howland realize seconds after Rickard. Merlin was enjoying this because there is nothing for him to lose. If Rickard rejects Merlin's proposal it shows that he is afraid of being proven wrong, if Rickard accepts, he knows Merlin will prove him wrong. The Lord of Winterfell lived long enough to know when a man can prove his value.
"*Sigh* Very well.". Rickard says, he knows he lost this fight so he isn't ashamed of sounding defeated. "Show us.".
"Gladly.". Merlin says, joyful as he gets up and leans his free hand toward Rickard. "Please give me your sword.".
"What?". The three say in unison, so loud that Brandon, Ned, Robert, and Benjen stop their spar and look in their direction.
"Your sword.". Merlin says pointing at the big sword sheathed on Rickard's back. "This sword is special, there is magic in it, I can feel it pulsating just looking at it.".
"This sword is Valyrian Steel. A rare metal that weights almost nothing and never loses its sharpness". Rickard says, serious and determined. "It's a rare metal whose arts of creation was lost with the doom of Valyria. This sword has been House Stark's heirloom for over four hundred years.".
"That's perfect!" Merlin says with such enthusiasm he looks like a child of five, barely containing himself from jumping and giggling. "If you let me examine this sword, I'll learn everything about it, how it was forged, who wielded it, and maybe even the name of those who perished by its edge.".
That silences them, the ability to forge Valyrian Steel has been lost for centuries, and now, Merlin is claiming that not only he is able to re-learn, but also recreate it just by holding this sword?! It was ridiculous, they tell themselves, but they saw his magic in action, the temptation was too great, the image of having an entire army with a valyrian steel sword in their hands too much of an opportunity to pass up.
"Father, come on, give him the sword, hurry hurry.". Lyanna says, shaking her father's arms by the sleeve of his shirt and making him come out of his thoughts.
Rickard concedes, too shocked to say anything or do anything except look at Merlin and take the sword off his back, but he does so slowly, it was still too much information for him to absorb. The spar that was happening a few feet away completely stops as the fighter watches lord Stark delivering the valyrian steel sword to Merlin, also shocked and wondering what Merlin said that made Lord Stark agree into giving him the sword.
"Wonderful sword.". Merlin says, looking at the blade that now rests in his hand. "Does it have a name?".
"Ice.". Rickard says, able to speak again. "Careful, it is House Stark's pride and most precious heirloom after Winterfell.".
"Worry not Lord Stark.". Merlin nods at the lord of Winterfell to calm his fears. "Now, let's see your secrets and your history marvelous blade. Cyþan.".
Merlin's eyes and Ice shine, a white aura evolves the sword and light starts coming out of Merlin's eyes. The mage sees everything the sword has witnessed, the forging, its wielders, and, as Merlin guessed, all of the people who have fallen to the blade might. After a few seconds that felt like hours, Merlin's eyes return to normal and the aura enveloping the sword disappears. The mage grabs his staff firmly to not lose his balance and holds Ice tight to not let it fall into the mud on the ground.
After a few seconds of catching his breath, Merlin returns the sword to the owner and smiles, such an experience was amazing, he saw Valyria in its entire beauty and glory, the dragons, the buildings, it almost brought a tear to his eyes knowing that it was all destroyed. Then, Merlin saw all the Starks that once wielded Ice, all of them fought with fierce and determination fit for kings, and with them, all the victims of the blade, he only laments not gaining the knowledge the wielders possessed as well, but that didn't let him down, it only showed that maybe there was a way, he only needed to find it, or create it, in case there was none.
"I thank you, Lord Stark.". Merlin says, bowing to the lord of Winterfell with the utmost and sincere respect he could muster. "What I've learned from this sword has no price, and I'll forever be in your debt for allowing me to grasp its entirety. For today, and forever I, Merlin Ambrosius will be in your favor. Please accept it, but never ask me to do something that you would never do or that I would forever regret.".
Merlin's oath to Rickard Stark could've been considered an oath of servitude for life IF he had sworn it to House Stark, but since it was sworn to Rickard it will only last until the lord of Winterfell dies. It was a dirty trick in the eyes of many, but Merlin knows that making an oath to a person is different from making an oath to a cause, a person might change from time to time, but a cause is always changing, if Merlin swore an oath to House Stark and a future Head of the house was a vile and cruel man he might've been asked to do things he would never do if he wasn't under oath.
'It's not much, but I hope it is enough'. Merlin tells himself.
"Rise, Merlin the mage.". Rickard Stark says s he gently takes his House sword back from Merlin. "I, Rickard of House Stark accept your oath.".
"So, did you learn how to make Valyrian Steel?". Lyanna asks, almost out of breath.".
Merlin smiles at her and nods, barely seeing Lyanna jumps at him and gives him a hug so strong Merlin was the one that is almost out of breath.
Valyrian Steel was actually very easy to make, unfortunately, it was impossible to do it nowadays, and the Stark household would soon know why.
"Horseshit.". Robert says making all eyes turn at him.
Merlin sees the three Stark brothers shared the Baratheon's opinion, not that Merlin cared, but Robert's red face was too funny to not mess with so Merlin decides to have some fun at Robert's cost, and maybe the Stark brothers too.
"Don't you know it's impolite to spy on others.". Merlin says, back at his cocky grin. "How long have you been there?".
"Since my father gave you Ice, mage.". Brandon says, spitting on the ground after saying the word; mage, making Merlin only raises his left eyebrow in amusement. "We asked why he did it and then my sister told us that you could learn how to forge Valyrian Steel by doing it. Horseshit if you ask me.".
While Lyanna frowns at Brandon's words and Howland only cowers, Merlin finds it amusing, he looks at Robert, Ned, and Benjen and they all appeared to agree with Brandon, although the mage believes Benjen is only doing it because Brandon is his brother, Rickard, on the other hand, is remaining neutral, Merlin can see that the warden of the north believes in him but don't want to go against his son in this.
"I assure you, Lord Brandon, I've learned the arts of forging Valyrian Steel. I was just about to share them with your Lord father, your sister, and your father's bannerman.". Merlin says, waving his hands at the people mentioned. "But seeing you disrespecting me, your father, who allowed me to gather this knowledge, and yourself for this poor attempt of intimidation, maybe I should just keep it to myself.".
Brandon saw only red, Merlin knew it because Morgan Le Fay had the same eyes whenever Merlin winds against her, no matter if it was a victory in a simple game of chess or a battle to the death which Merlin always won. Brandon tries to punch Merlin, but the wizard just steps aside and easily evades Brandon's attack and points his staff at him, making a big bucket made of wood and filled with cold-ice water appear over the Stark heir's head and drop the content on him.
"Calm now?". Merlin asks, barely containing his giggles unlike Lyanna, Howland, Benjen, and even Rickard, the man didn't like seeing his oldest getting water drop over him but he can't do anything, Brandon started, and now he had to finish.
"All right, let's stop here.". Rickard says as Brandon was probably preparing to attack Merlin again, and something told the warden that the next bucket would be filled with horseshit given what his daughter and Howland Reed told him. "If you want to fight, do it on a spar. What do you say?".
"Aye.". Brandon says without hesitating.
"What about you Merlin?". Rickard asks the mage.
"Fine by me.". Merlin says, serious before the smile returns to his lips. "What do I gain if I win?".
"My forgiveness.". Brandon says, making Merlin almost laugh his ass off for Brandon actually believing his forgiveness was worth so much.
"Tempting, but no.". Merlin says. "How about this, if you win, I'll tell you about the secrets of forging Valyrian Steel, you know?! The thing I was gonna do before getting rudely interrupted. But If I win, you will fight in the melee of the tournament in the name of House Ambrosius. Do you accept?".
"Deal.". Brandon says once again without hesitations, Merlin believes this will one day gets him killed but doesn't say anything.
"Is there even a house Ambrosius?". Lyanna whispers to her father and Howland who shrugged in response.
"What about you?". Merlin asks, pointing his staff at Robert, and Ned, Benjen squeals and ran to hide behind his father's legs. "Would you want to spar with me as well?".
"Aye.". Ned and Robert say at the same time, making the wizard wonder whom was Ned's real brother.
"Very well, what do you want from me if you win?". Merlin asks the duo.
"You will let me cut your hair with my own sword.". Ned says dead serious, making Merlin wince and unconsciously grab his hair, Ned only smiles when he sees it.
'Another one falls for my trap.'. Merlin says and chuckles inside his head. "Very well, but if you lose you will have to dance at the tourney's ball with whomever I chose for you.".
Ned's face turns pale at the challenge and Lyanna only laughs, her father and Benjen soon join her, even Robert fails to hold himself together and lets a small chuckle escape his mouth.
"What about you Baratheon heir.". Merlin says, pointing the staff at Robert, and making a small light shine on its tip. "What do you want if you win.".
"You will be my cupbearer for the whole tourney and will do so wearing the colors of House Baratheon.". Robert says, looking daggers at the shiny light in the staff.
'It's so easy to make them lose their composure it gets boring.'. Merlin then smiles and has an idea, not an excellent one, just an idea. "Very well, but if you lose, you will have to participate in the jousts, might be unfair given your size and how it affects the horse, but that is what I want you to do.".
"It is settled them.". Rickard Stark says. "Merlin will spar against Brandon, Robert, and Ned. Brandon you will go first. Ned gives Merlin your sword.".
"Actually, lord Stark, I have one last request.". Merlin says, the glint in his eyes telling Lyanna exactly what he is planning.
"What is it?".
"I want to fight Brandon with him wielding Ice.". Merlin says as if his wish was nothing out of the ordinary.
"What?". Some of them scream.
"Are you planning on using your magic, mage?". Brandon 'asks' Merlin, but the mage knows it's more of an accusation.
"Not it all, it's just that it will be fairer if you are wielding a Valyrian steel sword.". Merlin says, he might be sounding too casual, but back on Camelot he used to spar with Arthur and all the other knights of the round table, he doubts these three were on par with them from what he observed.
Remembering Arthur makes Merlin have a small migraine and massage his temples, for some reason the image of a blonde lady in a blue armored dress appeared on his head instead of Arthur in his gold and blue armor.
"How it will be fairer?". Ned asks, probably offended that Merlin doesn't want to use his sword.
"You will see.". Merlin says looking at Ned and then Rickard. "What do you say?".
Rickard just gives up trying to understand Merlin and relents, he gives Ice to Brandon and asks his son to make him proud, and to respect the sword and his opponent if he is defeated. Brandon nods and smiles by seeing the sword in his hands, he knew Ice would be his one day, but never expected to use it in battle so soon, he can stop himself from feeling great and believes that victory is already in his grasp, the others don't blame him, they all would feel the same if there were going to battle with a valyrian steel sword in their hands.
Once the mesmerizing over the sword is finished, Brandon goes to the training ground and sees Merlin already there but with no sword, the heir of House stark can't stop from frowning.
"Didn't you tell us that you wouldn't use your magic?". Brandon groans. "Was it a lie.".
"No, it wasn't.". Merlin says, for the first time seriously since Brandon met him.
Merlin extends the hand holding his staff forward and lets it drop. Before the staff reaches the ground it disappears in thin air, everyone except Lyanna gawks at it, she isn't much surprised for he saw it after the audience with Aerys was over.
Merlin then opens the palm of the hand that was holding his staff and a shiny light with the shape of a sword appears. When it is over a sword is seen in Merlin's hand, it was the most beautiful sword they ever saw.
(insert image of Excalibur from Fate here)
While everyone looks at the sword another flash of the girl from before hits Merlin then it changes to a boy wearing a similar outfit, but it wasn't painful this time.
"Brandon of House Stark, this is Excalibur.". Merlin says, now holding the sword with both hands. "This sword was forged by the planet as the crystallization of the wishes of mankind stored and tempered within the planet. Are you worthy of facing such an opponent?".
For the first time, Lyanna saw Merlin serious, with no cocky smile or attitude, no wandering eyes and lack of focus, but total attention on his opponent, Brandon, Ned, and Robert would lose, she knew it, Merlin wasn't just entertaining them for a spar, he wanted to see they given their all despite knowing they would lose, wanted to see they tried to achieve victory no matter how impossible, and all she can do is smile for presenting such conviction from the mage. Lyanna doesn't know what Merlin wanted to accomplish or why he was doing it considering the jokes he made before, but she no longer cares, this was gonna be what would probably be the greatest fight she ever saw, and she won't trade this for anything in the world.
"AYE.". Brandon shouts. The desire to win burned inside his body.
"Begin.". Rickards announces.
Brandon roars while Merlin silently charges towards his opponent, Brandon tries a cut from above and Merlin a cut from below and both swords clash making a loud clank sound resonated that attracts the attention of all the other's guests that came from the tourney. Lyanna doesn't date to take her aways away from the clash of swords but inside her field of vision she could see prince Rhaegar and Arthur, Barristan Selmy, and Jaime Lannister, why he was with them she didn't care.
Clash after clash more people approach the training ground, Merlin notices the three bullies from earlier and can't stop himself from winking at them which makes the three men cringe while the mage focuses back on the fight.
Brandon was in a stalemate, with every attack he tries Merlin deflects, divert, or paired, but the heir of House Star believes he has one advantage over the mage, his strength. If he forces Merlin to a force contest when their swords collide, Brandon could use his size to his advantage. With his mind set on the plan Brandon goes for a vertical cut that Merlin pairs much to Brandon's pleasure, with sword against sword, Brandon tries to pressure Merlin to step back, the Mages takes notice of what the Stark is planning and goes with it, Brandon noticing Merlin was retreating forces him more, a mistake, Merlin pushes Brandon's sword with Excalibur and immediately side-step making Brandon fall in the ground and pointing his sword at the back of his neck.
"Yield?". Merlin asks the obvious.
"I yield.". Brandon says, getting off the ground and cleaning himself up, not angry anymore, instead, he was proud for having such a fight against a powerful warrior like Merlin, but he had to ask. "I thought you are a mage. How are you this good with a sword?".
"Believe me, I'm the worst swordsman of Camelot.". Merlin says with a smile and Brandon burst out laughing, not wanting to face the best warrior they had.
Both shake their hands and bow in respect, applause is heard and they look around, only now realizing how big of a crowd they created. Merlin only recognizes the three bullies, Rhaegar, and Arthur. Brandon recognizes Hoster Tully, with Jon Arryn at his side, House Mormont, Dustin, and all the other houses from the North.
As Ned marches to the training field, he is stopped mid-way by Brandon who puts a hand on his shoulder and gives Ice to his brother.
"Good Luck brother.". Brandon says, Ned nods in response.
Now it was Merlin against Ned Stark, from the spar Merlin could see that Ned's fighting style was widely different from Brandon, resorting to agility and counter-attack instead of strength and aggressivity.
"Begin.". Rickard Starks says.
Ned is the first to attack, a vertical cut from above that Merlin avoids by stepping to the side, Ned then tries to attack him with a horizontal cut, but the mage steps back and out of the sword's reach. Merlin tries the same attack Ned uses but the quiet wolf paired it, and counters with a quick slash that Merlin avoids by lowering his body. Merlin then thrust his sword, Ned hits Excalibur's edge with Ice's trying to make Merlin drops it but the mage spins, making the quiet wolf have to step back to avoid getting a scar in his chest like Lord Tully's ward had when he fought Brandon.
Ned stops Merlin's spin by making Ice clashes with Excalibur, but unlike Brandon, he doesn't force his whole body over the mage, only his arms while his feet are well locked in the ground. Taking notice of Ned's footing, Merlin tries to step over his adversary's feet making Ned commit the mistake of looking at his own feet to avoid getting stomped instead of Merlin's eyes who were locked on Ned's face the whole time, because of his mistake once his eyes are back at Merlin's the mage disarms him with a quick slash at Ice's rain guard making the sword fall on the ground.
"Yield?". Merlin asks, raising an eyebrow.
"Aye.". Ned nods and smiles, that was the best fight he ever had, then he remembers the deal with Merlin and chuckles, this time feeling sorrow for himself for making that stupid bet.
Once more applauses flood the air, Ned notices princess Elia and prince Obery Martell, the latter looking at Merlin in a strange way Ned couldn't understand what it means, he also notices House Manderly and House Hornwood, both houses from the north. Merlin doesn't take notice of anyone except one man, dressed all in black with a twisted shoulder, the mage finds him curious but stops looking once his final opponent arrives at the training ground after Ned lefts, this time not giving his sword to the next opponent, reasonable since Robert wasn't a Stark.
"I'll admit lad. You fight well with a sword, against another sword.". Robert says, thirsting for this battle more than Eddard and Brandon combined. "Now let's see how you fare against an opponent who carries a Warhammer.".
"Just don't break a nail, or hit one.". Merlin smiles and Robert chuckles, the mage is happy the man could appreciate a joke every now and then.
Robert's desire to win was bigger than it has ever been, Richard Lonmouth a countryman from the Stormlands was watching this fight, and along with him were Eon Hunter and Yohn 'Bronze' Royce two men Robert carries immense respect for, and want them to see him succeed.
"Begin.". Richard Stark announces the final spar.
"AAAAAH". Robert roars and charges at Merlin.
The mage just watches as Robert lifts his Warhammer and brings it down with all his might, Merlin was impressed by such a feat, although he hopes the Baratheon heir remembers this is a spark and didn't intend to kill the mage with that attack, but given how slow it was and how easy Merlin evades it was safe to assume Robert did it to show his mighty to the mage.
Robert's next attack was a horizontal swing of his Warhammer that Merlin evades by lowering himself and bending his knees, unlike Brandon, the mage couldn't pair any of Robert's swings, his strength was too much for the mage to counter without using spells, and he couldn't cheat, it would be a disrespect to Robert, his last opponents, himself, the art of fighting and all the people who came to watch them.
"STAY STILL". Roberts roars again, louder so Merlin could hear him over the screams the people around were giving.
Robert tries a quick vertical swing, and Merlin once more evades, his strategy is evading Robert's attacks until he tires, any wrong step, and the Baratheon heir would win with just a single swing of his Warhammer. To avoid Robert discovering his strategy Merlin tries a thrust with Excalibur, Robert avoids the attack using the Warhammer hilt and tries to make Merlin lose his balance by pushing Excalibur with his weapon.
The sudden force applied by Robert makes Merlin's step wince, Robert notices and grins.
"GOT YOU NOW.". Robert groans as he swings his hammer once again.
Robert's mistake was to think Merlin's wrong step would be enough to assure his victory over the mage, but Merlin recovers his step and avoids Robert's attack by taking a small jump backward. Before Robert could lift his Warhammer, Merlin swings Excalibur, hitting the Baratheon heir on one of his fingers, letting a small cut on it, Merlin tries another cut when he swings Excalibur once more but Robert let go of the hammer before the hit lands and immediately grabs it again once the sword passes him.
Face to face once more Merlin observes Robert winces from the pain, the cut made by the mage was superficial, but enough to get in Robert's way and make him more prone to mistakes.
The Baratheon tries to attack once more, another swing by the vertical, but Merlin notices the grip Robert has over the hammer was as tight as before because of the cut he made. Stepping back to avoid the hammer Merlin slashes at the hilt when Robert tries to lift it again, due to the weaker grip Merlin manages to make Robert let go of the hammer with his strike and then points Excalibur at his throat.
"Yield?". Merlin asks.
Robert wants to groan and scream, but recognizes the defeat and accepts it. "Aye, I yield.".
The screams were the loudest, everybody was clapping and yelling and with reason, these were the best fights they have seen in years. Merlin had pushed Brandon, Eddard, and Robert to their limit, each style no matter how different the mage managed to read and planned ahead, and all of them in the end was defeated by this stranger whom just yesterday was a lost nobody no one knew of. Now Merlin not only is known as a mage but a great warrior that people will speak of for years to come too.
Robert leaves Merlin to return to Ned's side and many approach the mage, trying to get something anything out of them. Merlin knew this might happen but don't regret fighting against those three. The mage makes the sword disappear in thin air the same way he made it appear and makes his staff comes back to his hand, to the shock of everyone for seeing such a display of magic once more.
After listening to lots of comments, Merlin decides to interrupt, otherwise, he would spend the whole month talking to these people.
"Please, everyone, I thank you for your words, but the tourney hasn't started yet, there will be a lot of time to talk.". Merlin says, raising his hands in an attempt to calm down the people. "If you wish to speak with me alone, go to my room, I'll speak with each one, or each group alone.".
Everyone is in agreement and starts to leave, the only ones that stayed behind were Rhaegar Targaryen, Arthur Dayne, Barristan Selmy, and a blonde youngster probably close to Merlin's age.
"Nice fight.". The blonde says, giving his hand for Merlin to shake. "Jaime Lannister.".
"Merlin Ambrosius.". Merlin shakes Jaime's hands.
"Jaime is the newest member of the kingsguard, your grace king Aerys will announce him tomorrow before the tourney starts.". Barristan says, putting his hand over Jamie's shoulder in an attempt to show support to the young Lannister.
"With the way he fought, maybe he should take my place.". Jamie jokes pointing at Melin but looking at the prince and kingsguard before his green eyes turn back to Merlin. "What sword was that.".
"Excalibur.". Merlin says with a warm smile that turns into a small frown. "It belonged to my king before he…".
The mage doesn't need to say it for them to understand what he meant. A last clap is heard and all faces turn to Rhaegar, trying to bring the animosity back, after those fights and all the yells and applauses a gloomy atmosphere would only destroy the rest of their day.
"Well. Timer for dinner.". Rhaegar says.
"Already?". Merlin takes a look at the Starks and watches as they are preparing to dine as well, the mage couldn't believe how much time has already passed, but the sun doesn't lie and he sees the celestial body almost disappear from the sky.
"You have spent more time out here than you imagine.". Arthur says. "Don't worry, as you've said, the tourney is just started.".
"Now follow your grace. I'm sure you will love the food that was prepared for the royal family.". Barristan says.
Taking a last look at the Starks Merlin quickly looks at his 'entourage', raising a finger to catch their attention as if his robes, hair, and staff weren't enough.
"Just a minute. There's still something for me to do.". Merlin says and leaves before any of them could say anything.
The Starks watch as Merlin approaches them, the mage raises an eyebrow at Robert and Howland Reed, wondering if they already told their families they would dine with the Starks.
"Hey there.". Merlin says, clearing his throat before proceeding. "I would like to thank you all for your company, and the hits.". Merlin winks at Lyanna and steps back to avoid a third strike in his ribs, making all of them laugh. "I hope we get to talk again soon.".
"Not so fast.". Lyanna says, getting off her chair and walking towards Merlin until they are face to face. "You still haven't told me how to make Valyrian Steel.".
"If I remember correctly, your brother failed to defeat me.". Merlin's cocky smile once again attacks. "Fine, I'll tell you.".
Lyanna sits back on her chair and all of them look anxious at Merlin, the mage only sighs, it was time for the disappointment, and he couldn't blame them, he felt the same after he learned what was needed.
"Dragon fire, ice from an ice dragon.". Merlin says not smiling anymore. "That's how you create Valyrian Steel.".
They all looked surprised at first until they realize what Merlin says really means, dragons of both types are extinct, so it was impossible to gather what is necessary to create the steel, Merlin was planning to bring dragons back with his magic, and with Aerys help due to his desperate attempt to bring them back it was possible to bring a fire dragon back to the world, but an ice dragon, not so much.
"How?". Ned asks, not being the quiet wolf so much, Merlin smiles for being Ned the one who asks. "How dragon fire and ice from an ice dragon creates Valyrian Steel.".
"It is quite simple.". Merlin says, sounding like the sage he always is whenever magic is involved and he is satisfying one's curiosity. "Valyrian Steel is basically normal steel, but it must be forged on dragon fire, then, once it is finished you must freeze it in ice made by an Ice Dragon instead of just water, once the hot metal is not cool down it is ready to be used.".
It was so simple that they wonder how come no one didn't find out about it sooner, Merlin sees the question hanging over their faces and wanted to say it was because they didn't have any Ice Dragons lurking around to test it, but refrains himself to do it. They all thank Merlin for sharing this knowledge with them and the mage bows in respect, preparing to leave but not before hearing a last complaint from Robert Baratheon.
"Seven Hells. The wine is over.". Robert complains once he notices his flask of wine is empty.
Merlin just smiles at points his staff at the water jar on the Stark table and soon enough water becomes wine. With their leave, Merlin leaves the family so they can dinner in peace.
"THIS IS THE GREATEST WINE I EVER DRUNK.". Robert yells making Merlin's smile increase.
Rhaegar, Arthur, Barristan, and Jaime were waiting and they all smile when Merlin is once again in front of them.
"Shall we go?". The mage asks and they all walk away, back to the castle of Harrenhal.
"Do you plan on participating in the tourney?". Jaime asks Merlin.
"Maybe, do you?". Merlin looks at the Lannister, trying to read him over the little time they will spend together
"Only the melee. King Aerys wants me to bring the queen back to the capital.". Jaime says looking Merlin in the eyes so the mage completely understands what he is trying to say. "From there we will go to Dragonstone, where it is sad to have hundreds, maybe thousands of dragon eggs in hiding.".
"That is…". Merlin pauses, dragon chooses the person, and despite how impossible it sounds, Aerys hatching a thousand dragons doesn't sound good to the mage. "Honestly, I don't know what that is.".
"I sense dark times ahead.". Rhaegar says. "Maybe it would be better to think about the good things in the present instead of the bad things of the future.".
All of them nod in agreement with Rhaegar, Merlin thinks about it for a moment and the worry leaves his face, and his casual smile returns once more.
"Maybe I will participate.". Merlin says making all of them look at him.
"Melee our jousts.". Barristan asks, almost afraid of fighting the mage after the fight he witnessed earlier.
"Neither. It's been a long time since I practiced my archery.".
With those words all the eyes had once more that look of anxiety Merlin never gets tired of, these men saw his magic, his prowess with a sword, and soon, they would watch his prowess with a bow. All they can do is wonder; how long until they saw Merlin's prowess on a horse after he wins the archer competition?
Author's note: Jesus, this is the longest chapter I ever wrote. Thank you for reading, it took me the whole day to write it, but you all make it all worthy, I don't know if all chapters will be as long as this one, but if they are, don't expect any updates too soon.
Please, be honest with me, what are your thoughts on that lullaby? it goes without saying that I don't know how to write songs like I write stories, but I want your honest thoughts on it.
Thanks again for reading, please leave a review, feedback is always helpful and appreciated. (please be polite if you didn't like it.).
Leave a vote as well, it helps a lot.
English is not my first language.
EDIT: I'm changing the plot a bit, instead of being someone reicarnated/transmigrated as Merlin, it will be the real Merlin, the main reason is because there is basically no need to be a transmigrated since all his memoryes were erased and I'm basically making him act like the Merlin from fate.
One more thing, despite Fate being the main inspiration for Merlin, I also based him from the TV Show and the Arthurian Legends
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