Drabble - Screw destiny

[archaeologist-d.livejournal.com]

Author: archaeologist_d
Title: Screw destiny
Rating: R
Pairings: none
Characters: Merlin, Arthur, Uther
Summary: Destiny can go screw itself
Warnings: intense description of burning
Word count:245
Prompt: burn
Author's Notes: I'd have done one more but I ran out of time.

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The hand holding him back was steel, unbreakable, determined. In his ear, Arthur's voice was a sharp hiss, warnings of silence and acceptance - Uther was watching them both - or it would be Merlin on the pyre.

He wanted to vomit. In the courtyard, the wood burned hot; the girl screamed as the fire took her, hair torching bright, skin blistering, melting, a sweet voice broken in sobs and agony, her cries rising, rising and then unbelievably, there was silence. As he watched, what was left of her collapsed into bright flames and ash.

He'd been told that Albion would rise like a phoenix from the ashes of Uther's reign, that it would be a golden age when Arthur became king. That it was destiny.

But all Merlin could see were the eyes of a young girl, terrified and his future king, his friend, he who talked of honour and protecting his people, standing by and doing nothing.

Apparently, to a Pendragon, sorcerers weren't people at all, only scum to be stamped out, to be burned alive. And when it was done, the king would order dancing and a feast and ignored the family weeping in the dark for their lost child.

Merlin would never accept this, couldn't celebrate this, not matter what destiny demanded.

When night came and the castle hushed into sleep, he'd leave it all behind, Arthur, Albion, destiny.

And for the first time since coming to Camelot, Merlin would feel clean again.

Comments

[neyah444.livejournal.com]

Oh poor Merlin! I can feel his disappointment in Arthur and his destiny. Helping a Pendragon can make a sorcerer feel dirty.

[archaeologist-d.livejournal.com]

I bet in the dark of night, Merlin does feel it once in a while. Thanks!

[bunnysworld.livejournal.com]

Whoa, intense. Poor Merlin. *hugs*

[archaeologist-d.livejournal.com]

Poor Merlin indeed. Thanks!

[hogwartsvixxxen.livejournal.com]

Very powerful. Poor Merlin. You have to continue this. Did Merlin leave Camelot, Arthur, and his destiny?

[archaeologist-d.livejournal.com]

In this universe, yes, he left and then there never was an Albion. Thanks. :D

[hogwartsvixxxen.livejournal.com]

♥ *hugs* :)

[jelazakazone.livejournal.com]

Ooooh. Yeah. But I'd like to see Merlin stand up to Arthur before he leaves.

[archaeologist-d.livejournal.com]

He probably would although I'd doubt he'd tell Arthur about his magic. It would be too dangerous. Thanks. :D

[alba17.livejournal.com]

I've often thought of Merlin watching others burn like this. It's interesting to explore his feelings of ambivalence. Great job!

[archaeologist-d.livejournal.com]

I've also thought about Merlin watching the executions and what must be going on with him. Thanks!

[fuckyeah.livejournal.com]

Wow, as dark as the idea is, I really love how you transcribed Merlin's thoughts here. Because you really have to think how hard it is for him to see everyone with magic be persecuted like that.

[archaeologist-d.livejournal.com]

It must have been awful for him to watch. Thanks so much!