eachdraidh | oo1 ★ video ★ seelie + unseelie

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oo1 ★ video ★ seelie + unseelie

( Through the locket Merlin looks a little ... well, weary, if we're honest. It's not necessarily the same weariness of a young man who's been put through his paces physically (even though the recent rescue mission took it out of him), rather the slightly greying skin tone that indicates late nights, hard floors, and an over-active imagination. The only problem is that this time it's not his imagination that's to blame: it's everything else - it's this reality - that has him unable to stay still. Call it an over-abundance of nervous energy ...

That's actually only got worse since finding Arthur and Lancelot. Merlin's not exactly unused to having strangeness heaped on him but he's still uncertain about the whole thing: Lancelot died the last time he saw him, for starters, and yet here he is with no memory of it. It doesn't add up, and a simple "well, it's magic" isn't good enough for him. Merlin needs answers. He also needs to find out if only the three of them crossed over to the new realm, but asking the network seems too dangerous. Drawing attention to Guinevere, for example, if Morgana is lurking in a new and improved forest hovel, is exactly the opposite of what he wishes to do. Better handle this one with a bit more subtlety.

Still. His niggling doubts haven't kept him indoors on such a pleasant day - not least because outside he feels a little less like he's under scrutiny from every angle. It was the same in Camelot, he realises, if not for slightly different reasons, although he supposes the punishment for discovery may very well end up the same. He hopes not to find out. From his surroundings it should be clear that Merlin's ventured into a patch of thin woodland, and right now he's knelt over a frothy-flowered cluster that looks a lot like a yarrow plant.

He peers into the locket for a moment (as though uncertain it's actually working). )

... Hello?

( He frowns, then taps it a couple of times, before deciding that he may as well continue. He angles it so that the "yarrow" is in view. )

Does anyone know what this is? I'm looking for yarrow, but I'm - um. Not really familiar with what's poisonous and what's not, here.

( The physician's bag he's wearing over his shoulder slips forwards into view - Gaius' bag, for the Camelot bunch, who should be able to recognise it immediately. He'd been out collecting dock leaves when he'd been whisked away to the Drabwurld, and as Arthur had put it, he may as well go on and make himself useful. The locket moves over it slowly, getting a few different angles, before turning back to Merlin's face, where a self-deprecating smile has replaced the sceptical expression of moments ago. )

It doesn't look poisonous, but ...

( Hey, he doesn't look like an immortal warlock. )

Always better to be safe than sorry? And I don't want to end up giving someone a rash.

( But his smile grows broad at the thought of Arthur rubbing an itchy rash into God knows where. Come on, that's funny! )

... Accidentally. Anyway, let me know if you have any ideas; I'm all ears.

( He really does set himself up for the teasing, doesn't he. Merlin offers a little nod before the locket cuts off - and if he didn't give his name? Well. He's beginning to think that, at least with this crowd, a little namelessness might save him a lot of trouble. )

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Does it smell like yarrow?

Sort of?

( There's that frown again - but it's not at Harry, it's at the plant. And also partially at himself for not paying closer attention to Gaius' lessons. )

I'm just not convinced everything's the same here as it would be at home, is all.

Fair enough. I can see that you've got Hermione coming to help and she'll get it in hand far better than I can.

Oh - you're a friend of Hermione's?

( Merlin perks up a little at that - since they met he's decided that Hermione is a good enough egg to be trusted. Not with the extent of his secret, mind you, but enough that he doesn't suspect her motives when she offers to lend a hand.

... Well. Not further than getting to know him better, since she seems to have some idea of who he is and what he's capable of. )

So she's really as knowledgeable as she seems?

Even more so. If she says she knows something, she probably knows whatever it is and more besides.

[ Harry chuckles and rubs a hand against the back of his neck. ]

She's a brilliant witch.

I can believe it.

( Have a broad smile. A brilliant witch - Merlin reckons it'll take him a long, long time to get used to people talking so openly about such things, but it lightens his heart to see these young people being so accepting of it. )

So if she's a witch, and you're her friend, are you ... ?

( He trails off an raises his eyebrows meaningfully. )

Do you have magic as well?

( Hey, it can't hurt to ask, and Merlin's curiosity always did have a way of getting the better of him. )

[ Harry returns the smile and nods. ]

Yes, I'm a wizard. Not quite as studious about it as Hermione, but I try not to embarrass her.

Oh, I'm sure you knowledge of poisons will help you here, Merlin.

[ so how nice has your day been? pretty good? well, not anymore. ]

( Well, yes, this is probably his worst case scenario. Merlin would recognise that stony tone anywhere: he swallows once, willing himself to keep his own voice in check, even if the memory of the fomorroh is still fresh in his mild. There are many things he'll never forgive her for, but using him as a pawn to try to kill Arthur ...

He exhales slowly. )

... Morgana.

( But he's a little strained nonetheless, because he knew from the moment he did it that he'd never forget the look on her face when she realised. When she knew he'd poisoned her. )

Don't make this any harder for yourself than it already is.

( Being here, he means. Provoking Merlin, provoking Arthur and Lancelot ... Gods, this is a right royal mess already. )

[ once morgana's laugh was light and sweet, a sound that was not harsh on the ears. once it was full of joy and teasing. the sound that leaves her now is none of those things, it is harsh and bitter and full of mocking. the product of his decision, of hid betrayal. ]

Harder for me? How could you possibly make it any harder for me? You are nothing, a stupid servant of little worth.

( It's a laugh like broken glass, to be sure, and Merlin flinches away from it in the knowledge that he might have been able to prevent its breakage. )

I know. But the more effort you put into your hate ...

( Does she even know Arthur's here? Best not to say anything, just in case. He swallows once and his jaw sets. )

I am not afraid of you. You should know that.

[ not yet, but it is only a matter of time before she discovers them. before all of her attention, her fury and hate, is directed towards them. as much as he may want to, merlin cannot hide them forever. ]

It must be easy to be brave when you are leagues away. [ there had been fear in his eyes as her magic choked the life from him. only a few moments more and the light would have faded completely. ] But I have no intention of scaring you, Merlin.

[This guy never took botany, and never gave a rip about plants. There's too many people here that he files into the same type of weird as the place they're in. They fit the bill, they could make it work here. This guy, he thinks might be one of them.

Sam was the genius with the encyclopedia of weird floating around in his grapefruit. That was something, at least, but he was starting to think Lucrezia was right. He wouldn't get anywhere around here if he didn't start being on good terms with at least a few of the people running around the place.]

You're asking the wrong guy. Uh, Not that I know what yarrow is either. You might wanna make sure you're equipped to handle a fight if you go out alone though, pal. Not everyone here's friendly.

Don't worry, I didn't go too far.

( But it's nice that this chap thought to remind him, because he's certainly not wrong. )

... And I'm a fast runner.

( He adds it with a cheery, lop-sided grin, clearly poking fun at himself. He's not just skin and bone, but there's a distinct lack of muscle on his person, after all. )

I don't suppose you know anyone familiar with this sort of thing?

I know a guy, but he didn't make the trip.

[If the look on his face is anything to go off of you can be damn sure that they were close. Tackling this alone wasn't what he wanted to do, but he knew that Sam was probably better off at home.]

Let's hope turning tail'll get you out of a bad situation instead of in too deep.

Edited 2014-06-07 15:04 (UTC)

( Merlin offers a sympathetic smile. )

Maybe it's better that way? After all, I'd rather my friends were at home than caught up in the middle of this war too.

( True-but-not-true. He'd much rather have them where he can keep an eye on them. )

I can look after myself. Arthur would tell you I'm useless, but ... ( He grins, clearly about to tell some kind of joke. ) Between you and me? I've saved his life more times than you can imagine.

( laughtrack.avi )

Easy for you to say. Sounds like your home life's in a lot better shape than mine.

[If the feds weren't on their tail then they were dealing with the Yellow Eyed Demon's kids and everything else that went with it. Dean's not so sure that Sam could make it on his own without him around.]

Look pal, I don't even know who Arthur is. All I'm saying is that you should be careful when it comes to the wildlife around here, and that includes plants.

If it has a strong, sweet smell then it's yarrow. If you found it near water I'd be a little more worried because it might be hemlock, which is poisonous.

[ She pauses, then, looking pensive for a moment. ]

If it's even the kind of flora that we're used to. It might be something entirely different.

( Strong and sweet, right, that's what Gaius told him. We'll make a physician of him yet! Merlin leans back down towards the plant and eyes it a little closer, sniffing experimentally.

And then he sneezes. )

No, I don't think it's hemlock - the leaves don't look right for that. And I'm not near water.

( He sits back on his ankles and rubs at the back of his neck. It's the latter part of Hermione's comment that's concerning him: what if it looks like yarrow, smells like yarrow, but isn't yarrow at all? )

That's what I'm worried about. I mean, who's to say that just because it looks like yarrow that it ... well. Is.

[ She watches him, almost a little too amused - really, she shouldn't find this so completely precious but... It's Merlin, this great, historical figure, smelling a plant to work out if it's poisonous or not. It would be comical if it wasn't so sweet. ]

Then it's probably closer to yarrow. I could come and take a look, if you wanted?

[ She hesitates; she isn't entirely sure how comfortable with her Merlin is, all things considered... But she might as well offer. What could go wrong with a simple offer? ]

I could cast a few charms to see if they're poisonous, at least.

( Merlin perks up considerably at the idea of a second opinion. Hermione seems knowledgeable - incredibly so - and she has magic to boot, and it gives him hope to see a sorceress aligned to the Seelie Court.

Well. Providing she's not pulling the wool over everyone's eyes, like him. Still, he's interested to see how her type of magic works, and providing he doesn't use any of his own? He doesn't see why it should be a problem. This isn't Camelot, after all, and magic is practised freely here. )

Only if it wouldn't be too much trouble. I'm ...

( He looks around for a few moments, orientating himself. )

If you head south-east out of the keep I shouldn't be too difficult to find. ( Have a grin. ) Arthur would probably tell you I'm too lazy to wander too far.

It's no trouble at all. I've been meaning to research a little on the ingredients and flora here anyway, just to see if I could improvise some potions. Give me a few minutes?

[ It's not entirely about wanting to spend time with someone as utterly fascinating and miraculous as Merlin, the Legend; Hermione wants to get to know Merlin the Man, the person, this shy young man she's met that refuses to accept how incredible he becomes. She's fine with that - they may still be different people, after all. It's just a matter of shoving away those thoughts and focusing on the person she's actually meeting.

She grabs her Beaded Bag, books now stored under her bed to stop the clunking noise, before she heads out of the castle. Just as promised, Merlin isn't particularly difficult to find - a little brown and blue speck against the greens and yellows - and she smiles as she drops her bag at her side, moving to kneel at his side without scaring the life out of him. ]

Arthur can just mind his own business, then, can't he?

( But she startles him anyway - Merlin's just one of those jumpy types - but when he looks up to see Hermione a broad smile lights up his face. He'd been hunched so far over the little knot of plants that he hadn't even seen her approach, which for anyone without magic as powerful as his would probably merit some kind of warning. Thankfully, he has it covered. )

Oh - !

( He sits back on his heels and pushes his own bag to the side. )

I'm glad you found me, I was worried I'd given horrible directions. Navigating is more Arthur's ... ( He makes a vague gesture with one hand. ) ... area.

( Sitting back on his heels, Merlin pushes his own bag to the side before opening it to double-check the contents. )

And try not to say that to his face.

( The minding his own business, he means, yet his smile is that of a co-conspirator all the same. )

I don't think he'd know what to do with himself.

Edited 2014-06-07 07:01 (UTC)

[ Hermione instantly lifts her hand in a sign of friendliness, smiling as Merlin greets her with something a little less suspicious this time around -- thank goodness she'd learned to quell her enthusiasm for him and his history. It's just nice to be around him, in the company of someone friendly and as magically inclined as herself. ]

It's not that hard to spot you, Merlin. You haven't wandered that far.

[ Hermione glances into his bag before she lifts her own beaded bag off her shoulder and opens it. When she reaches inside, her arm goes down as far as her shoulder before she pulls out a small case - she enlarges it, skimming over the few potions supplies left inside. ]

I'm sure he'd think of something to say in return. But, well --

[ she glances over, grinning, a little mischievous. ]

- I am a lady. I don't know if he'd really berate me.

( He watches curiously when Hermione enlarges the case and goes through her supplies, clearly eager to find out what she uses the ingredients for. Merlin's mixed his fair share of potions in his time (even if he's never really viewed it as 'mixing potions', more just doing what needed to be done) but he's always had to be clandestine about it. Hermione, on the other hand, seems about as comfortable with her magic as she might a chat about the weather. )

... No, but he'd definitely complain about it to me later on. Have you ever heard a king whinge? It's worse than normal whinging, I swear it.

( He's grinning though, clearly just teasing Arthur the fun of it, although his king can certainly be quite the gossip when he wants to be. Not when he has real feelings about a person, of course, but if someone rubs him up the wrong way then goodness knows does Merlin hear about it.

... His attention turns to the case again. )

What's that for?

[ She shifts, making it a little easier for Merlin to see what she's doing, the ingredients she already has and the flowers she's keen to look over. She turns a few bottles absently, just so she can see the labels with more ease, before she finally turns her head back to her new friend and gives him a bright, blistering smile. ]

No, I haven't - but I've heard boys whinge. I'm sure they're on the same level, trust me. It's almost ridiculous.

[ She's only met Arthur the once so she can't really say she knows too much about him now, but she's getting a good impression of him from what Merlin's been telling her. She's sure he's not all that bad, though, seeing as he seems rather polite and sweet in his own way.

Eyes jerking back down to her things she brightens, lifting some Boomslang Skin from a small side pocket. ]

This? It's an ingredient for Potions, usually Polyjuice, mainly.

You're not out there alone, are you?

[ C'mon Merlin you struck Hook as brighter than that. ]

( What is it with these rugged handsome types and making sure he's safe? Honestly. )

I'm stronger than I look?

( He grins, not least because it's true, but he's not sure Killian will ever finds that out first-hand. His magic is strictly under wraps, as it's always been. )

Anyway, you don't need to worry: I didn't get very far and I think Hermione's coming to help me in a little while.

( And he'd never encourage anyone to join him in anything he thought would be dangerous - regardless of gender or magical ability. He's a bit of a lone wolf when it comes to fighting nasties. So much so that he even gets annoyed when Arthur goes off to fight them instead of him, and he's the finest Knight in all of Camelot. )

Better?

Edited 2014-06-06 04:36 (UTC)

All strength and no wits, then?

[ He says this with a grin, though Merlin's words do little to reassure him. Merlin's struck him as the impulsive type-- he reminds him of a young Baelfire, actually. ]

Hermione. A friend of yours?

Actually, Arthur would tell you I'm lacking in both.

( He chuckles under his breath and scratches the back of his neck for a moment. )

I think so? We only met recently, but - she's been a great help since I arrived here.

( Merlin can't really afford himself the luxury of friends, but he's happy to entertain the possibility for the sake of keeping up appearances. Besides, it's good to pretend. Sometimes his destiny leaves him feeling horribly alone. )

And she doesn't think I'm witless.

( Yeah Hook, yeah, see some people are nice to strangers. Baw he's only teasing though, and he laughs lightly. )

... I hope.

You know mate, I'm really not getting a good impression of this Arthur fellow.

[ Every bad thing Merlin says about him sounds affectionate, and while he's mostly joking, he at least sounds like an interesting guy.

He laughs. ]

Of course she doesn't. You may as well be two peas in a pod if she's going to meet you there alone.

[ But he's learned not to underestimate women. Oh, he's learned that lesson real good. So the important question is-- ]

Can she fight?

Are we sure the plant life we know in our worlds and here are the same?

That's - it's really why I'm asking.

( Have an uncertain chuckle as he eyes the plant again. )

It could be something else entirely, maybe even dangerous. I wouldn't want that.

Then it's completely possible none of us that were brought here know what it is, right?

If that's the case someone'd have to test it, but that's not a great idea.

Very possible, actually, I suppose just hoped that wouldn't be the case.

( Have a sheepish chuckle of agreement. Maybe Merlin's just a bit more of an optimist than this fellow.

... But then something occurs to him and he straightens a little. )

Isn't there a library somewhere in the castle?

It might not be, but I wouldn't want to use something that could get someone hurt.

[ Ao has a firm belief in people, certainly, but sometimes even falters. More so, when it comes to unpredictable situations where others could hurt. It might help that plants he knows can be fatally dangerous very often.

Unfortunately, he has to give a little shrug at Merlin's question. ]

I'd thin so. I haven't really gone and looked around all that much yet. In a castle this big, though, they'd be pretty silly not to have one.

( He nods his agreement - after all, he's right, what decent castle wouldn't have a library? - and his expression turns contemplative for a moment. )

Then I think it's about time I found it. Perhaps there'll be a book that can tell me what's safe and what's not safe for medicines.

( Then he smiles warmly, because this boy seems to be really quite sensitive to others while wanting to help. To Merlin that's one of the best qualities to have. )

Getting someone hurt is the opposite of what I'm hoping to do, I promise you that.

Edited 2014-06-09 01:57 (UTC)

Even if there's not, I'm sure the castles have a doctor somewhere. If they're really in a war they'd need one.

[ It's true. Ao has a habit of running into traffic any time someone might be in danger, but he's on his best behavior right now. Still, Merlin saying that makes him look rather sheepish as he glances away. ]

I wasn't trying to imply you were... Only that it was a good idea to try and avoid it for now.

Has anything else eaten it?

Not ... that I can see ...

( He bends over the plant again to take a closer look. )

But even in Camelot, I don't think many animals would choose it for a snack.

( Pity he didn't pay more attention to Gaius when he had the chance. )

[There was a distinct pause on his end.]

Mmm. Are there any insects frequenting it?

( For a moment Merlin wonders if he's somehow said something wrong already; difficult to tell, really, when the visor is down. )

Just a moment.

( He leans out of view. )

... I can see a couple of flies? And - I think that's a ladybird!

( When he turns the locket back on himself he looks distinctly pleased with himself. )

D'you think that means they're safe?

You'll have to separate the parts of it to make certain. Check to see if the flies left any larvae inside of it.

[A few insects were fine, but an overabundance would mean that it was rotten and no good to eat even if it were poisonous.]

I will.

( He pauses for a moment. )

If you don't mind my asking, how is it you know these things about plants?

( That smile of his turns a little sheepish. )

It's just - you look more like a knight than a botanist.

[There was just a little bit of a chuckle on his part.]

Many knights are born in lofty places and never have to learn such things.

When one starts with nothing, learning how to survive on only the forest around you is... helpful.

[ Merlin has been gone just slightly longer than he should have been.

Lancelot has been able to feel Merlin's discomfort of late. He cannot blame him; this place discomforts him as well. As much as he may have managed to make a few friends he trusts Lancelot dislikes the place. He cannot find it in himself to be at peace with somewhere that draws him in without his permission to fight another's war.

Lance is approaching the gate when he spots Merlin on his way back. His stumbling walk and ears are distinctive even if the bag and clothing were not already. He relaxes perceptibly, exhaling relief and waiting as Merlin heads his way.]

Thank goodness, I was starting to worry. The woods are not safe here. Did you find what you sought?

( Merlin's making his way back from his little excursion with several bunches of freshly-picked herbs. Hermione has been a fantastic help but he's still not one-hundred percent sure of the Drabwurld's flora, so he's resolved to take a trip to the library (as soon as he can) to read up on the sprigs that he's picked. That's what's playing on his mind as he hurries back to Caer Glaem: if he dumps his things quickly and asks the right people he's sure he could make it there and back before dinner.

He's so wrapped up in his thoughts that he manages not to notice Lancelot at first - not until he's a couple of yards away and frowning at Merlin with that motherly expression. He perks up immediately, his face breaking into a broad smile. )

Oh - Lancelot!

( He skitters to a halt. )

Sorry, I was miles away. ( He indicates the bag over his shoulder. ) I think so. I'm hoping to find a book that might help me with the plants.

( His smile turns private - just for the two of them. Being able to trust Lancelot again is good - he hadn't enjoyed that sick feeling at the welcome feast one bit. )

And you know I can take care of myself. How's Arthur?

Edited 2014-06-09 02:02 (UTC)

How do you think?

[ He's Arthur Pendragon, in a place against his will run by magical fairies. Honestly, how do you think? Lancelot jerks an eyebrow and lets his lips twitch into an amused smile, shrugs mildly. ]

You are heading to the library, then?

[ Lancelot is curious about the library itself. After all, it might tell them something useful about those who they have been drawn in to fight for. Assuming they are allowed free access to all of the library's contents, of course. ]

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oo1 ★ video ★ seelie + unseelie

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