Work Text:
They were researching the Gemvine Grapes before going to the Golden Banquet. Valen, Lorsam, Rowan, Chippy, and Hammie were all taking a break as Cassadee and Merlin poured over the former’s notes on the grapes.
“It seems almost like they contain magic and then transform it into a spell to control… something? This is where it gets confusing to me. Nothing happened to Lorsam besides his upset stomach as far as I can tell.” Cassadee says.
“Your exam was thorough. We’re just missing information. It will come to you, when we inevitably learn more. You’ve done very well.” Merlin says, staring at the graphs and notes. Cassadee beams at her. Cassadee may not know she’s talking to her idol, but Merlin supposes that she does very well with compliments and academic validation. The two continue to talk about the results as the rest of the group sit on a picnic blanket a couple meters away.
At some point during this discussion, Valen notices Mirael passing by on the trail and invites her over. Merlin stays oblivious as Rowan continues to apologize for accusing her and Chippy offers her a sandwich. Merlin only notices when Cassadee becomes distracted, looking behind Merlin’s back.
“What is it, is Valen doing something reckless again?” Merlin asks, right as she feels a tap on her shoulder. Merlin turns, and ends up face to face with Mirael. “Oh hello dear.” Merlin amends.
“Hmm… Dear, am I?” Mirael almost purrs it.
“Depends on the day.” Merlin says. Mirael fake pouts before looking at Cassadee.
“And who is this?” She asks.
“Cassadee, mage-in-training of the Lyceum Academy, working with the magister on the deception of Lord Franz.”
“We could actually use your opinion on something Mirael.” Says Merlin, with a hint of mirth in her tone. “You have worked with Merlin after all, maybe you know something more about how this ‘ward’ she placed works.” Cassadee looks at Mirael like she’s seeing stars.
“You worked with The Great Merlin?” She asks. “What was she like? How did you know her? What did you talk about? Did she teach you spells? Do you know where she is now?”
Mirael was a little bit startled by the sudden onset of questions. “I- She- Merlin was- Merlin is, I should say, the most brilliant mage I’ve ever met. She holds my heart just as I imagine she’s starting to hold yours Cassadee.” Merlin can’t help but be a little smug at that admission and Cassadee seems to realize Mirael is far closer to Merlin than she’d thought. “But she’s also one of the coldest mages I’ve ever met. Stingy with praise, secretive, she’s powerful and good, but she is cold.”
“That can’t be true!” Says Cassadee. “How can someone good and pure be cold?” Mirael looks sadly at her.
“I didn’t say she’s not worth loving, simply that sometimes she will pick the world over you, child. I think you should consider how the grapes are tied to magic and how Lord Franz will benefit from it, that will get you your answers.” Cassadee writes down her words, and Mirael turns to Merlin. “Can I speak with you for a moment, magister? I need to ask you something.”
Merlin nods, and the pair walk off, leaving Cassadee to ponder who Mirael was to Merlin, and about the strange phenomenon of the grapes.
Merlin and Mirael continue walking down the road a ways before Mirael turns to Merlin, her eyes filled with rage.
“What do you think you’re doing with Cassadee? Have you taken her on as your apprentice or have you simply gone mad?” Mirael asks.
“She’s just a schoolgirl, Mirael. Nothing is going on between us.” Merlin tilts her head at Mirael, the perfect picture of innocence. She looks slightly confused at the accusation.
“Just a schoolgirl?” Mirael asks, venom filling her tone. “ Just a schoolgirl? She looks up to you and wants to be just like you. She looks at you like you hung the moon and stars. She’d do an awful lot for you and what have you done for her? You’ve gotten her into trouble over and over again and you’ll toss her aside whenever it's convenient for you.” Mirael feels tears evaporate into smoke the moment they spill over.
“Are you quite done now?” Asks Merlin, almost without any passion at all. She hands her a handkerchief.
“No, I'm still furious at you.” Mirael says, but the words lack bite.
“Cassadee found me while trying to learn about the grapes, nothing is formalized between us in regards to an apprenticeship, nor would I plan to given my lack of memories and magical skill. Mirael, I just wanted to stop her from being killed while investigating Gemvine Grapes. But this isn’t about Cassadee, is it?” Merlin says, astute when it suits her. Mirael wipes her eyes and runs a hand over her hat to straighten it.
“It’s nothing.” She says. “I was just passing through, I should probably be on my way-” Merlin grabs her wrist.
“For what it's worth, Mirael, I don’t think I could ever forget you and all you’ve done for me these last couple of weeks.” Merlin says. “Assuming I don’t lose my memory again somehow.”
“That’s quite a qualifier isn’t it.” Mirael says. “Don’t lose it again or I’ll have to find you once more.”
Merlin smiles. “Don’t waste your life on me, Mirael. You’re incredible and I’m not myself. I’m not worth the pain I will most certainly put you through again.”
“That’s the problem. You are worth it. I’ve never once regretted this search for you and I’d do it again. Maybe not happily, but I would go to every end of the world once again.” Mirael sounds certain about this assertion and Merlin can’t help how warm it makes her feel.
“Well I can’t stop you even if I don’t know what I’ve done to deserve such loyalty.” Merlin extends her arm towards the group eating food on a picnic blanket. “If you want to come stay with us for a bit feel free, we’re all friends here.”
Lorsam looks up and Mirael just knows he heard this entire conversation. “Yeah come sit with us.” He says with a sly smile.
Mirael stays for a little while, and both her and Merlin are happy for it, though the latter would likely never admit it.