Choices Chapter 4

Choices   Chapter 4

The council meeting was wrapping up, finally. The horde was currently encamped outside Pentos, and had been for several weeks, preparing for the trip across the Narrow Sea. This meeting like many before it was about where to make landfall in Westeros, and which noble families, if any, would be receptive to Daenerys. They were dismissed, everyone made their way towards the exit.

"Jorah, can you stay behind for a moment' asked Daenerys. They waited patiently for the others to depart.

"Jorah, what are you thinking?"

'I actually think Tyrion's idea has merit. Landing near Storm's End makes the most sense given the amount of people we need to transport. Plus, without Stannis or Renly the Stormlands are week and leaderless."

"Thank you for the advice on strategy, but that is not what I meant. You seem distracted lately. Is there something disturbing you? A problem I need to be aware of?" He was about to tell her no, when she asked "Is it Karcia?" He was surprised. He had never told Daenerys about his relationship with Karcia. The shock must have shown on his face, because she smiled at him.

"Come now Jorah,you of all people should know it is almost impossible to to keep such a secret in the Khalasar. She sleeps in your tent every night. It seems some of the men have taken to calling her 'Jorah's Khaleesi'."

"I'll see that it is stopped."

"Why? She may not be the Khaleesi, but she earned her title as much as I did. So, is she the problem?"

"She's not a problem Khaleesi, but there is a decision I have been wrestling with."

"If you share it with me perhaps I can help you with it." It felt strange discussing Karcia with Daenerys. It was like Karcia had been his special secret, but he guessed she had never been a secret at all.

"Karcia is pregnant with my child."

"Congratulations." He let himself smile.

"I had all but given up on having a child of my own. Imagine a son to carry on the Mormont name."

"Or a daughter, another she-bear of the the north."

Or beautiful like her mother." he said, more to himself than Daenerys, but she heard him none the less.

"So, I assume this decision concerns the child."

"Yes. I am thinking of leaving Karcia here, in Pentos. The child and her will be safer here, and when the war is won I'll send for her" Daenerys furrowed her brow "You disagree?"

"It is not my place, but there are a few things to consider, she will not receive a such a warm welcome here, and may in fact be resented. I am not blind to fact that my giant Khalasar, as it has traveled across Essos, scoured the land, and the dragons hunt far and wide. Many will be glad to see the back of us. If Karcia stays behind she may bear the brunt of that anger. Secondly, we don't know how long this war will last, it could be years. Are you willing to wait three, four, even five years to see your child for the first time? Jorah, I intend to win this war, but there is a possibility that I won't, so we should all grab what little happiness we can, while we can." She had given him a lot to think about.

"What does Karcia think about this?"

"I haven't discussed it with her yet."

"Well, that should probably be your first course of action." He nodded his head in agreement. As he turned to leave.

"Jorah" she called softly. He turned "Do you love her?"

"I don't know."

"Why don't you know?"

"I think you know why" he said, staring at her intently.

"Jorah, you're my dear friend, and consider you almost like my family. That is a kind of love, but not the love you need." He could see she was sad that she couldn't be what he needed. It was in that moment that the scales fell from his eyes, and the image of his silver queen faded. In her place was Dany, his friend, and a girl he once loved.

"I think she loves you."

"How do you know?"

"Because, she looks at you like you are her sun and stars." This brought a smile to his face.

"Thank you, Daenerys" he said as he exited the tent.

(chapter 1) (chapter 2) (chapter 3)

The loneliest people are the kindest, the saddest people smile the brightest, the most damaged people are the wisest, all because they do not wish to see anyone else suffer the way they do.

(insp)

Change   Chapter 2

The next morning Merlin lay abed, his thoughts racing. Maybe Gaius was right, he should do nothing and trust Gwen, but his first instinct was to protect Arthur and his interests. In the past few years that had meant protecting Gwen, but was she now going against what Arthur would want? He grabbed at his hair in frustration, this was all so confusing. He sat up in hopes of clearing his head. He came to the decision that all he would do for now was observe Gwen and Sir Leon, perhaps his assumptions were wrong.

A few days later Merlin passed Leon in the courtyard. Leon carried his arms loosely by his sides, but in one hand he grasped a small bouquet of flowers. Merlin decided to follow him. Leon entered through a gate into the small walled garden. Merlin stayed at the gateway, partially hidden behind a wall.

Merlin could see Gwen inside the garden, and Leon was heading straight towards her. Merlin made a fist with his hand, and his eyes flashed. The flower stems bent and the flowers withered.

"For you." Leon said to Gwen, presenting the flowers with a flourish, having no idea of their changed condition. Merlin tried not to laugh. Gwen took the blooms hesitantly.

"Thank you, but I have no idea what this means." It was then that Leon realized the state of the flowers.

"I am so sorry" he said, clearly embarrassed "they were fine when I picked them earlier."

"Never mind, it is the thought that counts" she said. giving Leon a smile. They than began to converse in hushed tones. Merlin was trying to decide if he should retreat, when he saw Leon reach towards Gwen, he either meant to touch her shoulders or hug her. Without thinking Merlin gently waved his hand, his eyes flashing again. Sir Leon stumbled backwards, catching himself before he could fall.

"Leon" called Gwen, sounding worried "are you alright?" Grabbing his arm to steady him.

"Yes. I lost my balance for a moment. It felt almost like I had been pushed."

"Really? That is most strange" Gwen replied as she looked around the garden. Merlin ducked behind the wall.

"Come" he heard her say "let us get you inside." Their footsteps faded away as they made their way towards the castle door that opened into the garden.

(chapter 1)

Change   Chapter 1

Note:  I am saving this here because of issues at AO3

The council meeting was over, and he was one of the final few to exit the room. At the last moment he had a thought, and turned. He saw Sir Leon with his hand upon Gwen's shoulder, and she had placed her hand over his. It was a small gesture, but a telling one. He left, his thought unexpressed.

He made his way to Gaius' quarters. He still lived, part of the time, with Gaius. Gaius was getting older, and often needed his assistance. The remainder of his time was spent in the abandoned crofter's cottage, he had made over into his own home. He often retreated there when he wished to experiment with magic, or needed solitude. He was no longer a longer a servant, although he did still serve the Queen. She had made him a member of her council. Some still looked down upon him or feared his skill with magic, but Gwen appreciated his abilities.

"Merlin" called Gaius, as he entered the room " I hadn't expected you back so early." Gaius was bent over a book, instructing young David. David was a lad from the lower town Gaius had taken on as apprentice, to teach him the way of the healing arts. When Merlin didn't return Gaius' greeting he must have seen something on Merlin's face. He turned to dismiss David.

"I think that is enough studying for today, why don't you head on home." David gathered his things, wished them a good evening and left. After the door closed shut, Merlin began to pace.

"Is something wrong, Merlin?"

"No, yes, maybe?" Gaius gave him a exasperated look.

"Have you noticed something different about Gwen and Sir Leon lately?"

"In what way?"

"A couple of weeks ago I thought I saw them holding hands, but I was a distance away, and I thought I was imagining it. However, today after the council meeting I clearly saw Sir Leon touch her shoulder, and Gwen touched his hand."

"So, what of it? Gwen and Leon have been friends for years. They were friends before she married Arthur." Merlin sat down across from Gaius.

"But, what if they are more than friends? what if they have feelings for each other, romantic feelings?" he emphasized.

"Well, I'm not convinced, but I could hardly blame them if they did. Gwen has been ruling on her own for quite some time, it must get very lonely."

"She is Arthur's wife."

"She was Arthur's wife. I know part of him still lives on the island of Avalon, but in this world he is gone."

"I don't like this. This can't be the way things are supposed to be." He said, as he got up and headed towards his room.

"Merlin" Gaius called "I would stay out of this. You are hardly an expert on matters of the heart. You must trust Gwen's judgment, and know she wouldn't make a rash decision." Merlin turned and entered his room.

She needed a hero, so that’s what she became.

Choices   Chapter 5

When he returned to their tent Karcia was waiting for him.

"How was the council meeting?" she asked, as she flitted about the tent.

"Long, but informative."

"Did you get anything to eat?"

'I'm not hungry. Karcia there is something I wish to discuss with you." She came and sat across from him.

"Karcia, how would you like to stay here in Pentos?"

"Are you staying in Pentos?"

"No. I would continue to travel with the Khalasar."

"Then no, I shall not stay here" she said as she got up and paced.

"It would be safer for you and the baby."

"No, Jorah the Andal."

"But why not consider it?"

'No, we belong with you" she insisted. She seemed quite upset at the thought of them being separated, perhaps Daenerys was right.

"Do you love me, Karscia?" She didn't answer him and wouldn't looks at him. He went up behind her putting his arms around her, to still her restless pacing, and prevent her from leaving, she always ran when she was agitated.

"Do you love me, Karcia?" he asked again.

"Yes" she said so quietly that he barely heard her. Then she began to cry, great heaving sobs that shook her whole body. He turned her in his arms and cradled her against his chest. He did anything he could to comfort her. He rubbed her back, he made sweet promises in her ear. Her crying hurt him, almost like a physical pain. When she was spent he picked her up and carried her to their bed, where he held her once more.

"Why were you crying, dearest?"

"Because I'm not supposed to love you. I knew from the beginning that you were in love with someone else. Now that you know, you will run from me."

"I'm not going anywhere. I'm staying right here. We have a war to fight, a child to raise, and because I love you, too." She looked at him unbelievably. He decided the best way to convince her was to show her. So, he kissed her, like he had never kissed her before, with his whole heart.

The end

(chapter 1) (chapter 2) (chapter 3) (chapter 4)