[Miscellaneous X Reader] Short Stories & Imagines

Revelations [Merlin x Reader]

The dragons fire raged across Camelot, people fleeing to the safety of the citadel while the brave knights fought to protect the kingdom. I rushed around the castle, assisting Gaius as he helped those who were hurt. While I was nothing more than a servant for him, I did have some base knowledge in herbology that helped out from time to time. The real reason I serve Gaius is to thank him for helping me when I first came to Camelot, however it does come with the perk of seeing Merlin everyday. When I first arrived I didn't want to believe that I could fall for him but as time passed it became harder to resist him, what with his adorable smile and kind heart. And because of these feelings I was finding it hard to focus on my work; Merlin had gone with Arthur out to defend Camelot and I could not help but worry that he might get hurt or worse. Eventually the fighting ceases and the great dragon retreats, giving time for the knights of Camelot to regroup.
Since the great dragon began attacking I have been staying with Gaius on a spare bed, which was usually used for his patients, instead of in the lower town with my sister and our family. Merlin came in late and Gaius made sure he was not injured. I had laid down at Gaius' suggestion but could not sleep, too worried about all that has been happening. When he finally entered the physicians chambers alongside Gaius I felt relief and was able to nod off.
Daylight was safe from the dragon as he seemed to only attack at nightfall, I was asked to go retrieve some herbs that might be needed for the injured. When I was on my way back to Gaius' chambers I heard muffled yelling between Gaius and Merlin, leaving me to feel worried.
"I had the right to know!" I heard Merlin shout as I reached to push open the door. When I entered Merlin was heading to his room. I did not bother to ask what was happening, I set down my basket of herbs and informed Gaius of what I could and could not find. After a long silence Gaius spoke to me.
"Merlin and Arthur are going to be leaving on a quest to find a dragon lord. I would like you to pack up some emergency supplies for them" he instructed.
"A dragon lord?" I questioned. The term sounded familiar but I still didn't know what it was.
"Yes, the dragon lord will be able to help rid Camelot of the great dragon"
"Oh." I said solemnly. I didn't approve of hurting animals, even creatures of magic, but I understood why it had to be done. "What is a dragon lord Gaius?" I asked after a brief silence.
"Simply put dragon lords are those who can speak to and control dragons. Uther had most of them rounded up and killed long ago, but there was one that survived" he explained.
Merlin opened his chamber doors and hastily exited, heading towards Arthur's chambers to prepare for their quest. I looked at Gaius questioningly, but decided it was for the best not to ask and instead began to prepare the supplies for the journey.
When Arthur and Merlin were about to depart I watched from the steps of the palace as Gaius spoke with merlin. I couldn't keep myself from saying anything to Merlin, I couldn't bear the thought of never seeing him again should his journey go wrong or something happen to me here. I ran to his side, causing him to be caught off guard.
"Oh Y/N! I'm sorry you had to hear Gaius and I fighting earlier"
"It's alright Merlin. I came to wish you luck on your quest" I said, toying with the amulet that hung around my neck. It gave off a faint glow as I held it in my hands.
"Well thank you Y/N" He said before mounting his horse.
I felt a bit weak and Gaius moved to help keep me standing. He then leaned up to Merlin and whispered to him, though I could not hear what he said. Finally it was time for the two to ride off on their journey, and Gaius helped me inside.
"You should not have used the amulet for something like this. You know Merlin can handle himself." The physician scolded as we entered his chambers.
"I know... but I was just so worried about him, and everything that's been going on." I said as I sat down at the table. Using my amulet always took a bit out of me. Gaius had once explained that when I use it to bring good luck it takes some of my magic and leaves me weak, but a short rest would surely fix that problem.
The old man put a hand on my shoulder in comfort, "I know my dear. I'm just being hard on you because you know the penalty for using magic in Camelot."
"I understand Gaius."
He patted my back reassuringly "Why don't you get some rest."
I nodded and tried to stand, Gaius helped me catch my balance and to my confusion led me towards Merlin's chambers. "You should sleep in a real bed, not my extra cot. And after all, Merlin isn't here to use it anyway" he joked and I laid down. Deep down the physician knew how I felt about his apprentice, and though his excuses were valid, he really knew that it would be of comfort to you to be in Merlins room.
I drifted off to sleep quite easily, the worrying thoughts that plagued my mind no longer there. When I awoke it was close to nightfall and I greeted Gaius as he was preparing dinner.
"You look much better now that you've rested" he commented
"I feel a lot better." I said taking a seat at the table. The leaving an awkward silence before I finally spoke up.
"What were you and Merlin arguing about earlier?" I quickly said.
Gaius stopped and looked at me. "I should say that it isn't much your business, however you should probably know. You remember our conversation about dragon lords earlier?" he said, taking a seat across from me.
"Yes."
"We were speaking of the last dragon lord. His name is Balinor, and there are certain things about him that were kept secret from Merlin, things that Merlin felt he had the right to know about." I gave a very puzzled look. Gaius was being very cryptic about the topic, and his answer only left me with more questions. "I'm afraid I can't tell you more than that. If Merlin felt wronged by not knowing than he would rightfully be angry with me for telling you." Gaius pushed back from the table and went back to cooking. While I felt a bit sad to not know, I did understand why he was keeping the secret from me. I'm sure that in time I will find out anyway.
That night the great dragon came again and more of Camelot was left in ruin. We did the best we could to help those in need but everyone was beginning to lose hope of any salvation, the only thing to cling to was the idea that Arthur may come back with a dragon lord to help.
Before long a knight signaled the return of the prince. I waited outside of the physicans chambers for Merlin, but they both sped past towards the council room. I immediately noticed Merlin's look, he looked broken, like his entire world had fallen apart. I knew that this was more than just returning without the dragon lord to help. Waiting inside Gaius' chambers, I impatiently tapped my fingers on the table. The anxiety was killing me. Finally they returned to the physicians quarters and my heart began to race.
Merlin's eyes were puffy and red, like he'd been crying for the entire trip back to Camelot. Gaius came in slowly behind him, looking as though he was mourning an old friend.
I pushed up from the table, the room was a deafening silence.
Merlin turned away from me so I couldn't see his face. I tried to work up the courage  to comfort him, but it felt so hard to find the words to say.
"Merlin... I-is everything ok?" I managed to ask.
"Im fine" he said blandly, attempting to hide his feelings.
I moved closer to him and hesitantly laid a hand on his shoulder. He turned his head back towards me and I could now see that he was on the verge of tears. "Everything's not ok, is it?" I asked again.
He couldn't manage to speak, the tears welled up in his eyes and began to pour out. Merlin pulled away from me and hurried to his room. I looked towards Gaius for answers but he only looked towards the bedroom door before solemnly walking away.
I stood in place wondering what I should do. I wanted to comfort Merlin, but I didn't want to push him to tell me what was wrong. Finally I made a decision. I went up to his door and knocked. I didn't hear any answer but spoke anyway. "Merlin, I know something is wrong... and you don't have to tell me what it is, but if you need to talk I am here." I wait a moment before turning to walk away.
"He was my father." Merlin murmured to himself, hardly audible through the door.
Taking his response as an invitation to enter, I opened the door and slipped inside of his room. "I'm sorry. I couldn't hear you."
Merlin lifted his head and looked at me.
"He was my father, I just found him and now he's gone."
My eyes widen in shock. I walked towards Merlin and took a seat beside him on the bed. "I'm so sorry. I can't image what your going through"
"You don't have to. Its enough to have someone to talk to." he mutters back. I could think of nothing more to say that would help, instead I wrapped my arms around the warlock in a comforting hug. His body stiffened for a moment before relaxing.
Gaius entered Merlin's chambers, and upon seeing the scene in front of him, cleared his throat. I let go to Merlin immediately, my face instantly heated up. "May I speak with Merlin?" the physician asked
I quickly nodded and stood up, leaving the room. I knew it was rude to eavesdrop, but this time I wanted to know what was going on. the two men spoke once more of dragon lords. Apparently Merlin now had the same powers that his father possessed. Merlin's magic was no secret to me, but I had decided to keep my knowledge of it a secret. I wanted Merlin to trust me enough to tell me about it himself, of course I could say the same about my own magical abilities.
When I heard footsteps towards the door I ran as fast as I could and sat at the table. I did my best to pretend that I was waiting there all along. Gaius came towards me and spoke softly so Merlin wouldn't hear from his room. "You can't fool me Y/N, I know you were listening." I opened my mouth to retaliate but Gaius put his hand up to shush me. "I also know that you are aware of Merlin's magical abilities. I think it's time that you tell him you know, don't you?" He promptly walked out of his chambers to prepare for any injuries that might occur when the knights face the great dragon.
I must have paced Gaius' chambers a thousand times trying to work up the courage to face Merlin again. However, there was something inside of me that just wouldn't let me tell him. When all hope seemed lost I left to help with the preparations for the battle ahead, just before Merlin went to prepare alongside Arthur.
As Gaius and I watched the knights ride out for battle I reached for my amulet, my heart thumping so loudly in my chest that I was sure everyone could hear it. The physician took my hand and looked at me. "There's no need to use that, I'm sure they will be triumphant."
I nodded and Gaius released his grip. When the knights disappeared from view we retreated back to the castle to wait. The night was long and it felt like the knights would never return. Not knowing whether their return would be in triumph or defeat was the hardest part.
Finally first sights of the parties return led everyone to rejoice. Gwen ran to embrace Arthur as Gaius and I made our way to Merlin. Without thinking I instinctively hugged the young warlock.
"I'm so glad your safe." I cried. I then realized how long I'd been holding on to Merlin and released him, my face completely red. He was fairly red himself, not knowing how to react.
"I-um-" I nervously ran my fingers through my hair, "I- I knew you could do it, Merlin"
"Well-I...Wait... What do you mean I could do it?" What started out as being embarrassed turned to a questioning look from Merlin.
I stood silent and wide-eyed for a few minutes, not sure how to answer without telling Merlin that I know his secret. There was nothing else I could do though. "I mean... a dragon is no match for a dragon lord." I looked away and twirled my hair around my finger nervously.
When Merlin was silent for awhile I looked back at him. His face was in shock of what I had said. He leaned closer to me, "How did you know about that?"
"I...heard you and Gaius earlier. But I've known about your magic for awhile now" I couldn't look Merlin in the eyes, afraid of what he might say.
"You didn't tell anyone?" He said sternly.
"I would never!" When I whipped my head back towards him our eyes met. "I also have magic" I whispered. I could see Merlins eyes grow wide with surprise, but also joy from knowing that there was someone to share his secret with. He looked as if he was about to starting talking a mile a minute but stopped when he realized we were in quite a public area. He looked at Gaius and together we all went back to the physicians chambers.The old man patted Merlin on the back

———————————————————————
[A/N]
So I actually wrote this like 3 or 4 years ago and never actually posted it. It's been sitting in my notes forever, and since I am now rewatching Merlin (for like the 5th or 6th time) I figured I'd read over it and make some minor edits so that I could post it. Not my best work but it is something I guess...
Oh and for those who are a bit confused as to what the readers amulet it, it is a magical fire opal amulet that brings good luck. Using its power drains the user of energy whether or not they actually have magic. The reader does happen to also be a witch so she has magic. I borrowed this concept from my own Merlin OC and decided to use it here.