sidhe_faerieTitle: The Thin Veil (Part 1)
Rating: PG
Pairing/s: Arthur/Gwen, Merlin/Morgana
Character/s:
Summary: Merlin feels the change in the air as Samhain approaches.
Warnings: none
Word Count: 807
Prompt:232 Suspense Month/Calm Before The Storm
Author's Notes: Victorian Era AU
*Magic, Destiny and Doom will continue to post on AO3 but for now I get to do a spooky fic.
The Thin Veil (Part 1)
Merlin stood looking out the window at the gray and rainy day. The weather was changing and he knew that meant Samhain was only days away.
Samhain was the time when the veil to the underworld was the thinnest. Spirits can be called to commune with the living or haunt their enemies.
Merlyn wasn’t worried about his enemies but he was still worried. Merlin was worried for those of the house of pendragon, one of the oldest families in all of wales. The house of pendragon had many enemies. Morgana, Merlin’s wife was part of that family. He dreaded the night that was coming only because it would give her distress.
“Merlin! Are you listening to me?” Arthur called out impatiently from his desk in the library.
“I was just thinking.” Merlin turned from the window. “What did you say?”
“I need you to go to London and take these documents to the solicitor.” Arthur scowled. “What has you in such a state? Did Morgana make you sleep on the floor or something?”
“No.” Merlin laughed and walked over to the hearth. “Has Gwen made you sleep in the barn recently?”
“That was once and I apologized.” Arthur frowned and leaned back. “I still don’t know what I apologized for but she accepted it.” Arthur shook his head. “What is distressing you so?”
“I don’t know. I think I’m just feeling down because of the rain. It must be the season.” Merlin rubbed his hands together at the fire.
“Christmas is just around the corner. You should be happy or is it your lack of gift ideas for your new bride.” Arthur chuckled. “You better come up with something good or you’ll be spending a lot of nights on the floor.”
Merlin just nodded and looked back at the window. He would let Arthur think whatever he likes but Merlin could feel something coming. As much as he wished he could shake the feeling, he just couldn’t.
Gwen and Morgana walked into the room. The hems of their dresses were wet from the rain. Merlin moved aside to let them warm themselves at the fire.
Arthur stood up and went over to Gwen. He put his arms around her and kissed her on the cheek. “How was the luncheon?”
Gwen gave him a glare. “Ask Morgana.”
Morgana smiled. “I just asked Lady Welsh when she was due. How was I supposed to know she wasn’t with child?”
“Sir Leon would have told Arthur.” Gwen glared at her sister in law. “You know how they love to brag about that kind of thing. She was just wearing a dress in the current fashion.”
“I think I’ll skip that particular fashion. It will make me look like I’m with child.” Morgana looked at Merlin. “Sweetheart, are you feeling well?”
“Don’t mind him. He has the blues because of the rain.” Arthur grinned at Merlin.
Morgana reached up and stroked Merlin’s cheek. “You just need a cup of tea and your feet up for a few minutes. Come up to our rooms and I will have tea sent up.”
“I think I will.” Merlin kissed her palm. “Arthur, I will leave for London in the morning.”
“London?” Morgana asked.
“He won’t be gone long, Morgana. Just a day.” Arthur told his sister. “He is taking papers to the solicitor. Go get some rest, Merlin. You can take the early train in the morning.”
“Thank you Arthur.” Merlin put his arm around Morgana and walked her out of the room. As they started up the stairs to their room, Merlin stopped to face her. “There’s something off in the air. Do you feel it too?”
“Yes, you know I do but there is nothing we can do but wait for Samhain night. That’s when we will find out what it is and not a second before.” Morgana took his hand and lead him up the stairs. “I think I will go to London with you tomorrow.”
“I like that idea.” Merlin gave her hand a squeeze as they walked to their rooms.
“Arthur, you know how sensitive Merlin is. You shouldn’t tease him so much.” Gwen patted Arthur on the chest.
“I can’t help myself.” Arthur admitted.
“I will see you at supper I need to change out of these wet things and get warm.” Gwen pulled away. “Go back to work.”
Arthur nodded. “See you in a bit.” Arthur gave her a quick peck on the cheek before she left him alone in the library.
Arthur looked up at the painting of Uther above the mantle. “You were wrong, you know. She has made me very happy. I guess you weren’t always right, were you Father?”
A chill breeze swept through the room and some of the candles went out.
Arthur shivered and stoked the fire. “Damn drafty old house.”