#cyrmer

“Yeah, it’s the one over there.”

“What a shame, it had such a strategic spot. So close to the center.”

Two ladies were gossiping about a shop that closed recently near the city center, exactly where the road branches directly to the palace. Indeed it is a very good spot, why was is closed?

Something loud caught Merlin’s attention

A bunch of men, to be exact. Shouting and insulting each other. Merlin was going to slip away and let the guards take care of the situation when they heard one of the men crying “you let my daughter go right now and no one gets hurt.” Merlin hung around to hear more. A well-put man was barely holding back, his men were beside him awaiting orders.

“You mean my wife? Heh, forget about it!” a gruff, large man mocked the first. He also had his men who stood by. The two parties couldn’t be any more distinctly different.

The one Merlin assumed is the father of the daughter grabbed the other man by the collar. “Do you want to die, you punk?”

The other man’s ugly grin has only gotten uglier when he realized he struck a nerve. “surely not by you, crippled old junk.”

Merlin noticed that one of the father’s legs were replaced by a wooden prosthetic, which was a little shorter than it should’ve been, making him limp.

Fortunately, the guards showed up and broke the fight and sent everyone with a warning. Merlin slipped into the shadows and decided to put on a disguise.

Inspired by the beautiful bread lady, Merlin changed their hair color into reddish brown, held up in a neat bun, combined with a simple dress any commoner woman would wear. (Note: Merlin shapeshifts into a woman).

Merlin follows the trail of the gruff man and his hooligans, and finds them heading into a cave. Before they could shape-shift into a hamster or a wolf to sneak in unnoticed, they were hit by a blunt object to the back of the head and lost consciousness.

…

Merlin woke up to the loud ugly sound of scums cheering and blurting what sounded like nonsense. Glasses were clanked and cheap beer splattered everywhere. The scent of the place wasn’t any less putrid, it burnt the inside of Merlin’s nose.

Merlin looked around while the men were busy and realized they were tied with rope and were laying on the ground behind cell bars. Now, something told Merlin that the “door” of this cell was “unlocked” but they weren’t sure. It’s perhaps the fact that the “keys” were still hanging from the keyhole of their cell. Or perhaps it was the fact that Merlin had changed into a hamster and slipped through the bars already.

As they made their way to the exit, something caught their eyes. A young woman, also behind bars. She looked ill and barely hanging on to life. Did these monsters even bother feeding her? Her cheeks were sunk in!

Merlin made a bee-line to the cell and climbed onto the woman’s shoulder. “Squeak squeak.”

The mage tried to gain her attention by calling out to her, touching her face, even gently nibbling on her cheek. Finally, the girl looked up to the hamster Merlin.

The woman barely could keep her eyes open. “W-what..?” she breathed weakly.

Merlin jumped off her shoulder and disappeared for a moment before returning with the keys, barely able to drag them behind his tiny body. He stood by the door to the girl’s cell, waiting.

Now if only those men could juuuuust…

With a snap of fingers, the men were put to sleep in their seats.

Finally, Some peace.

Merlin quickly changed back into his previous disguise and hastily unlocked the cell and picked the other woman up in their arms. She was so light it made Merlin’s blood boil. It didn’t take a genius to guess that this woman was that man’s daughter. After all, she did resemble him which strengthened Merlin’s theory further.

Merlin teleported to a close point near the busy street, hidden enough to not draw attention. They let the woman rest under a tree before they slipped off somewhere where they could brew some healing potions. They remember passing by a remedies shop, perhaps if they persuade the shopkeeper he’ll let them use their brewing set. After a few minutes, Merlin scored the brewing set.

Bingo. Merlin wasted no time manually mixing some common healing ingredients, careful not to use magic too much while in disguise. They created simple potions even a commoner child have heard of before. Sneakingly sprinkling some magic here and there when no one was looking. Once the potions were done, they thanked the shopkeeper and trotted back to the sickly woman. Sure enough, she was still under the tree where Merlin left her.

Merlin: “Here, drink this”

Merlin assisted the girl and sure enough she drank the potion without hesitation. Merlin secretly placed a healing spell on her to boost the potion’s effect. All this effort just to not out their disguise as a random commoner woman. The sickly woman’s condition stabilized and she fell asleep from exhaustion. Merlin considered camping for the night where they sat under the tree, but a warm, clean motel bed sounded really nice right now.

Unfortunately, every. Single. Motel. Was packed. After all, they were in season. People pulsed into the capital from everywhere to attend the festivities. Merlin was due to meet the Royal Court later, but until that date, they wanted to snoop around and help some locals. Such as this woman- hamster in their pocket.

Merlin, defeated: “It can’t be helped.”

If their disguise was to remain intact, they had to act it. Just then, Merlin remembered that abandoned shop. They sneaked behind the shop and, when no one was looking, Merlin pushed his little hamster friend through a hole in the wall to the inside of the shop before turning into a hamster themselves and following suit. Inside, the place was… not so bad, no signs of rats or any other rodents- except the two of them, of course. It just needed a little dusting. Merlin waited until most of the commotions outside died down before casting a cleaning spell. “Much better.”

It wasn’t the most comfortable place, but it was a roof over their head, nonetheless. Merlin conjured some sheets and pillows for the two of them to sleep on after turning both of them back into humans. In the morning, the sickly woman showed signs of improvement. Merlin left her a note explaining what had happened before sneaking outside as a hamster again. Such a useful spell!

Picking a location with no onlookers, Merlin turned back into their commoner woman disguise and left the shadows of their hideout to start piecing together the information they collected so far.

Clearly this woman is that man’s daughter from before. But how do I even find him now?

Merlin recollected the man’s attire. He wore a distinct emblem with a rose at the center and wing of some bird stretched behind it. It was very unique and hard to miss once you noticed it. Taking a stroll through the busy streets, Merlin couldn’t help but feel eyes on them as they searched the place for anything resembling that emblem design. Nevertheless, Merlin ignored the feeling. If anyone wanted something from them they should show face right now, otherwise Merlin had more pressing issues to attend to.

One thing led to another, one conversation here, some eavesdropping there, and surely enough, Merlin had made it to the address of that man: the Ashkov family residence. Merlin retreated to the abandoned shop where they took the girl out and reunited her with her family.

Her father was so happy his daughter was unharmed; he decided to reward Merlin with something worth their heroic action: the old abandoned shop near the palace entrance! Yay… As they asked for more details, Merlin found themselves making up a new fake name that can be written on the shop’s paperwork. Eventually, they told Ashton they prefer if it was written under someone else’s name. Someone in the family.

Ashton: “Anyone?”

Merlin nodded. This way, when Merlin decides to move on, they can always give it back to their owner. Not that Merlin was planning to do much with it anyway.

Ashton: “Okay then, let’s celebrate! My daughter is back and those hooligans are no longer a threat!”

The courtyard erupted in cheer and the residents all broke into celebration. They didn’t even let Merlin leave until they’ve had enough with them.

Ashton: “That shop belonged to ol’ Larry who passed away a few months ago. We’re all preoccupied with out individual businesses; we never even considered reopening that shop. Now it’s all yours! So, pray tell, dear heroine, what would you like to sell there? Name the goods and we will deliver! For free! Consider it a family discount for the first batch of goods.”

Merlin knew refusing won’t make any difference, so they said the first thing that came to mind: “Flowers.”

Ashton: “Eh?”

Merlin: “There are no flower shops nearby and I noticed many couples walk around empty handed! The city center has an overlook of the royal lake which is quite romantic, especially at night. I do believe a flower shop will attract many lovers and the like!”

Ashton laughed in delight: “Oh dear, you’ve got a mind of a merchant!”

The following day, the shop was cleaned and given a fresh layer of paint. Ready to be decked with all kinds of romantic flower species that will surely help increase the capital population by… somewhat. Now, a cutesy, turquoise shop with a deep blue sign and writing in white stood out in the city center near the palace entrance.

Soon, the flowers came and the paint colors made the red and pink ones stand out which helped attract romance seekers almost immediately. Merlin still had a few days before they needed to meet with the royal family, this shop will help pass time.

Merlin even thought of a new fake identity to go with his disguise while they stayed at at the Ashton’s residence. Amelia Ashkov. Surely good ol’ Ashton won’t mind. Not that Merlin was going to stay in this disguise for long, anyway. Plus, it made sense, considering the shop was still Ashkov property.

It was rather fun, Merlin was lost in the shop activities; they didn’t notice a familiar figure approaching the stall from the direction of the palace.

“A new shop, eh?” A deep, familiar voice made the hairs on Merlin’s body stand.

They composed themselves and turned to see the chief court mage smirking as they studied the shop’s content with curious eyes.

What does HE want from here? Someone like you probably doesn’t even know how to spell the word “romance!”

Despite what they thought, ‘Amelia’ gave the mage a courteous smile and bowed in greeting, welcoming him to her humble shop.

Cyran: “Humble? This is quite a well-made attraction for customers. The paint is fresh but obviously of high quality. And I do see a few rare flowers here and there that will definitely attract some mages for potion making. If anything, I should congratulate you for the opening of a rather smart business.”

Cyran gave a small bow which Merlin wanted to roll their eyes at so badly at.

Merlin: “I understand Mr chief mage wants some of our rare items?” The mage tried so hard not to sound sarcastic. And it worked.

Cyran: “No, I was rather interested in a certain beautiful flower which caught my attention.” Cyran smiled and Merlin almost believed it was genuine.

Merlin: “Which one is it?”

Cyran looked a little stunned, but Merlin hadn’t noticed. He quickly composed himself and cleared his throat. “Ms Amelia, right? Such a beautiful name. Befitting a flower shop keeper.”

Now Merlin was truly confused. What do you WANT?

Is he telling riddles? This is NOT how normal people speak! Does he want… camellia flowers, perhaps? That’s the closest to my name, right?

Merlin smiled knowingly and nodded, “right. Gotcha.”

Cyran smiled in relief, unaware that his intentions were still unregistered to the woman standing before him. “That’s lovely. So, how about meeting at the royal lake side?”

For delivery? Of course someone as pretentious as you would make me work extra.

Merlin: “Of course, chief court mage Cyran.” Merlin bowed again, hating every second of their interaction with this man.

Cyran nodded and then left the scene as quickly as he appeared. Only then did it hit Merlin.

Did he... realize who I am? Is that it?

Merlin spent the rest of the shift thinking about their interaction with Cyran. Could it be a trap? You can’t be too careful with this man.

But curiosity did eat at them, what did he actually want? To expose me again? But I already came out as Merlin; that’d be redundant and boring.

Finally, it was time for closing. ‘Amelia’ picked a few flowers and put them in a nice bouquet. She was unsure how to go. Eventually, she decided that black wrapping and a simple golden ribbon would do. If Cyran hates it, then he should start learning how to not speak in tongues!

Turning the shop sign over to ‘closed,’ Amelia trotted to the delivery location and waited. Soon enough, she felt a magical portal open and the chief court mage stepped out of it. The gate was golden and made with pure magic, unlike the dark magic she used to see Cyran use. What a show off.

Cyran: “Oh, you made it.” Cyran bowed courteously. “And you brought… flowers, too? That’s too kind.” He looked confused.

Am I crazy? Didn’t he ask for them? Did I misunderstand?

Amelia: “Mr chief mage-”

Cyran: “Cyran is enough. Call me that.”

Merlin tried so hard not to make a face. “Right, Mr Cyran, you showed some interest in my shop’s flowers, so I thought I’d give you some.”

Cyran’s face became serious as he studied Amelia and her bouquet thoroughly. Which made the latter nervous.

Amelia: “I-I’m sorry if I made some mistake. Please don’t take it to heart. I-” Amelia tried to save the situation when she felt cols hands cup hers and take the bouquet from her.

Cyran: “Now, I won’t let you waste such beautiful bouquet. Honestly, you are one step ahead of me. It almost reminds me of someone I know.”

Amelia was confused, her heart rate spiked at that last comment. Here we go…

She braced for combat any second, but combat never came.

Cyran: “No need to be so nervous.” Cyran snapped his fingers and his outfit changed into a less flashy version of his usual attire. No jewellery on his chest or fingers, either. A humble, rare sight.

Cyran: “Today, I’m just Cyran, here in your company.” Cyran took Amelia’s hand and kissed it gently.

What… is happening???

Cyran invited Amelia to walk arm-in-arm as he summoned another portal which they walked through together, reluctantly on Merlin’s part. They had no idea what was happening or what was going to happen anymore. Cyran’s intentions seem so… mixed. Merlin was unsure if he wanted to hurt them or… walk them under the moonlight?

As they walked through the portal, Merlin was in an unfamiliar location. The capital was in the horizon, glowing a warm orange from a distance. If I were to be attacked here… no one would hear me cry for help!

Cyran walked away a few steps and Merlin braced for impact, again. The court mage raised his hands and summoned… a music player? It started playing a classical song from a famous Savannah band.

“Will you honor me with a dance?” Cyran bowed, offering his hand to ‘Amelia.’

Amelia found herself agreeing easily, wait where did my bouquet go? Tossing it away is simply too rude!

She took his hand anyway and danced along, following his rhythm. They danced and danced for a while. Then they stopped and sat down on a mat Cyran had summoned as well. He also brought some desserts. “These are the queen’s favourites.”

Are they… poisoned? Can’t be too careful.

Amelia watched as Cyran took a bite and surely enough, he didn’t die instantly. He looked as if he hated every second of it, though. She took one herself and tasted it. Pretty sweet and creamy! What a delight!

Cyran chuckled upon seeing his date’s face finally relax into amusement. “Sweets hold a magic that always works with the ladies. Or so I heard the Prince once say.”

Amelia was in a good mood now, she giggled as she took another bite. Unaware that Cyran never finished the piece he picked initially. In fact, it was tossed somewhere in the shadows, never to be found again.

They chatted for a while. Amelia retold the same story she did to Ashton and his family and how she ended up being “adopted” by them that day. Cyran was fascinated and let her talk. She finished by mentioning how the queen had such a good taste in deserts. It didn’t escape Cyran how familiar Amelia and her demeanor and gestures and the way she talked about obnoxiously sweet things was.

“Care to have a walk? There’s a meadow with wild flowers nearby. I think you will like it there.”

Completely forgetting the assassination attempt theory they were so strongly a believer of, Merlin agreed without hesitation and took Cyran’s hands as they walked through tall grass into the meadow. They exchanged pleasant chatter as they walked closer and closer to their destination. The path was lit by the moon which cast shadow over some night creatures that lingered around, intrigued by the humans unnaturally trespassing their territories. The creatures scurried off as soon as they decided it was more trouble to even come in sight of the humans. Especially the taller one.

The two mages made their way into the meadow. Cyran was right. There were plenty of beautiful flowers; most were ‘asleep’ as buds except one species. The flowers were white and almost sparkled under the moonlight. They resembled lilies in a way. Merlin knelt before them, admiring their beauty.

Cyran: “These flowers never fail to remind me of someone I used to know.”

Merlin wondered who Cyran was talking about, but they didn’t press forward. Seeing the other not commenting, Cyran cleared his throat. “Well, today has been lovely.”

Merlin got up, “so soon?” they really wanted this whole… weird situation to end. But they’d lie if they said they weren’t a little disappointed.

Cyran: “Err, fret not. I shall walk you home. Shall we?” Cyran was flustered but regained composure rather professionally.

‘Amelia’ took Cyran’s arms, noticing he tensed a little unlike before. Was it because he didn’t offer? “Sorry.”

Cyran: “No, no. It's alright. Come.” Cyran secured Amelia’s arm in his as he walked her back to where their picnic was. “We can take a portal from here, or do it the hard way.”

Amelia: “Walk? Yes, I don’t mind.” Amelia was surprised she even said that.

Cyran: “Oh? Want to spend a little more time together?” Here comes that smirk Merlin hates. It was even harder not to roll their eyes at it.

Amelia: “I’ll be honest. I wasn’t sure what… all this was about. But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy your company today, Mr Cyran.” It wasn’t a complete lie. Somewhere along the line, Merlin did have fun.

Cyran was silent for a moment too long before he spoke again. “Are you going to attend the festival?”

Amelia: “Yes. This is why I initially came to the capital.”

Cyran: “Perhaps it’s better if you stay alert.”

Merlin’s heart sank. Was he scheming something? Of course he was!

Amelia broke their embrace and seemed quite worked up.

Cyran: “Don’t be scared. It’s just a hunch.”

Hunch my ass!

Cyran: “I just had a feeling something will happen. Thought I’d warn you.”

Merlin’s heart raced so fast they couldn’t practically hear it in their ears. “I-,”

Cyran wrapped his arms around Amelia’s small body in a tight embrace. “It’s going to be ok.”

Amelia tried to break off but Cyran retaliated by hugging her tighter and tighter, until she couldn’t breath. It’s too hot! Hot, hot, hot! I can’t.

“I won’t let anyone hurt you.”

“Because the one who should surpass you is me”

“Merlin.”

Merlin passed out.

…

The next day, Merlin woke up in a very comfy bed. Air slowly drifted through the partially open window, gently making curtains sway with every breath. The room was unrecognizable, but Merlin could tell it’s quite fancy.

“Good morning, Miss Amelia.” a maid- who Merlin didn’t even realize was in the room with them- spoke gently as she pushed a cart to the bedside. “Here’s your breakfast, as instructed by Chief Mage Cyran himself.”

“Oh, thank you.” Merlin slowly sat up, glad their disguise was still active despite how they passed out last night.

Last night!

Merlin pushed the covers aside and wanted to jump out of bed immediately but was stopped by the maid. “Please, don’t move recklessly! You’ll hurt yourself!”

“What’s with the commotion?” The door swung open and Cyran walked in.

Merlin bit their tongue to not cuss at Cyran right then and there. I’ll make you regret what you’ve done!

Maid: “Chief Mage, your guest barely woke up and she already wants to take off running.” The maid explained.

Harsh. I wasn’t going to run. I was going to demand answers!

“You may leave.” The maid wasted no time obeying the order. She gave Merlin a look as she passed by Cyran. What was that about?

Merlin: “Cyran, you..!”

The chief mage sat by Merlin, gesturing to the breakfast tray. “I think you will like it.”

Merlin: “What are you talking about? Why did you hurt me last night?”

Cyran hesitated for a fleet moment, a behavior unbecoming of the confidant court mage. “Apologies, but I’m not exactly following? You passed out all of a sudden. Your face was completely red; I thought you came down with a fever. You almost made my heart stop.”

“What?!” Merlin’s patience was running low. “Let me out of here! You clearly did something to me!” Merlin tried to get off the bed but was stopped by Cyran.

“Wait!” Cyran held onto Merlin’s shoulders desperately urging them to just listen. “If I wanted to hurt you, first of all, you wouldn’t be waking up in my private chambers.”

“Huh?” Merlin was shocked. This nice, spacious room, all his? Show off!

“You’d be waking up in a cell, or worse- not wake up at all.” Cyran reiterated. “Second, about last night. I haven’t realized I was leading you on. If anything, I should apologize for that. Whatever I had done to make you pass out, it truly wasn’t on purpose. I swear it.”

Merlin was silent. Somewhere last night, a part of them wished all of that was true genuine good time. Not a scheme by the world’s most evil man. But a part of them did believe what the evil man was saying. Shockingly.

What didn’t make sense the most was what made Merlin pass out like that. All they remembered was being too close to Cyran. He must’ve placed a curse on me!

Noticing Merlin’s expression has softened, Cyran offered them breakfast again. To his relief, Merlin accepted and started eating.

“So,” Merlin started, half chewing some omelet. “What was yesterday about? You said you were leading me on?”

“Gosh, you’re still as dense as ever.” Cyran massaged the bridge of his nose. “It was a date, dammit!” He answered reluctantly.

Merlin: “Oh… why, though?”

“Wha-?” now it was Cyran’s turn to get flustered. “For what reason do people go on dates? And court each other? Merlin, you can’t be serious! You used to write love letters all the time back in our school days! I still don’t know who these were for, but I remembered even I were impressed by your writing!”

Merlin stared at Cyran in disbelief. “I’m the dense one, now? And those letters were for you! I gave them all to you for a reason!”

Cyran: “N-not to proofread them?” Cyran’s gast was flabbered.

Merlin: “Cyran, I gave up when I saw you were uninterested and rejected my every attempt! Remember that one chemistry class?”

Cyran: “It’s you who kept rejecting me!”

The two started arguing loudly; a knock was heard at the door. “Um, Chief Mage Cyran? Is everything all right?”

Cyran cleared his throat, “yes yes, William. It’s all right.” he stressed the last part, glaring at Merlin who didn’t hesitate to glare back.

Cyran: “Finish your breakfast. I’m going to be outside.”

Merlin: “Outside where?”

Cyran: “Somewhere! I’ll be out somewhere, Merlin!” Cyran walked off. “There’s something for you over there, by the way!” Cyran pointed towards a dresser.

Merlin: “The hell is wrong with you?” Cyran shut the door behind him, practically in Merlin’s face even though they were still sat at the bedside. From where they sat, they couldn’t see how red Cyran’s face was.

So what now? Do I just teleport and leave? He said this was his private chamber… Am I inside the palace? I’m not supposed to be here until tomorrow. Better keep my disguise on, then. Amelia Ashkov, nice to meet you again.

Merlin finished their breakfast and tweaked their disguise a little. They kept thinking back about their argument with Cyran. They were both into each other this whole time. But would it have worked out if they realized sooner? Would being in a relationship with Merlin stop Cyran from falling into the abyss?

Merlin reminisced what could’ve been young romance between the two of them as they checked the dresser Cyran pointed at before he left. Inside, they found a fancy dress. Merlin decided to ignore how creepy it was that it fit them perfectly. The neckline was… teetering between being accepted socially and being completely scandalous! The back wasn’t too open, giving Merlin some feeling for modesty.

Not that Merlin would care. They practically wear whatever and show as much skin as they wish for. But the fact that this- clearly tailored dress- was made this way. It wasn’t even in line with the current fashion trends of Savannah’s noble ladies! Cyran you perv!

Aside from that, the dress was pretty and very expensive-looking. It must’ve cost a fortune to tailor it. Not that it’d impact Cyran’s pockets. It probably never even left a dent on them. Checking themselves in the mirror one last time. ‘Amelia’ now looked more like a noble lady than a commoner woman. A very wealthy one at that, too.

Amelia heard whispers as she walked outside Cyran’s “bedroom,” essentially.

Maid 1: “That’s her, the one Chief Cyran fancies!”

Maid 2: “No way, she’s pretty.”

Maid 1: “I heard he finally took that dress he requested to be tailored a while ago from the storage.”

Maid 2: “What? Wasn’t that for his fiancee?”

Maid 1: “No, silly. Chief Cyran never had a fiancee! I don’t know the details but either it didn’t work out or he never got a chance to give it to the woman he desired.”

Maid 2: “Oh, the doomed romance of it all! I’m so into this! I hope we get updates soon.”

Maid 1: “Shh, lower your voice! She’ll hear us!”

The two gossiping maids scurry off away from Amelia. Shame, I wanted to hear more. Doomed romance, huh. Maybe they’re right. Me and Cyran can never be together. Not after all he had done…

Feeling a knot in her chest, Amelia sets out to find Cyran with a renewed intention. This won’t work, Cyran.

After asking around a bit, Amelia walked out a back door into a small court garden where Cyran was standing staring into nothing. Deep in thought, he didn’t hear Amelia call out to him until she was practically by his side.

Amelia: “Cyran, Listen I-”

Cyran: “May I start, Merlin?”

Ugh, fine. Merlin gestured to him to go, reluctantly.

Cyran: “I haven’t stopped thinking about our date last night. I found it quite enjoyable. I hope you feel the same.”

There was something… off about the way Cyran was speaking today. Merlin almost swore he sounded sincere. Honest, even. Maybe he truly was. Merlin remembered their conversation earlier- not that it was easy to forget.

Seeing Merlin deep in thought, Cyran spoke again. “Of course, this is a huge development. That, I understand. I do not expect you to answer right now.”

He sounds… defeated?

Merlin finally spoke: “Stop putting words in my mouth and let me speak my mind for once.” Merlin blurted out, they weren’t aggressive about it, just matter-of-fact. They continued before Cyran could say anything- or escape the situation entirely.

Merlin: “Last night was enjoyable, yes. I did have fun. Thank you for that. Despite me not realizing it was a date until much later. What matters now is the future.” Merlin paused, hesitating what to say. “Our lives have… diverged a lot since the Lyceum days.”

Cyran: “Indeed. They did.” Cyran watched Merlin’s expression change, even the most subtle of eyebrow twitch didn’t escape him. Cyran watched them like a hawk stalking its prey. He gestured at the to keep talking, encouraging them to let it all out.

Merlin: “I… don’t… ugh.” Merlin struggled to find the right words. Can people break up even if they were never truly together? “I don’t think we can be together. Not anymore, at least.” They blurted the words out before they could escape them.

Cyran: “Why, I figured as much.” Cyran smiled. “But that doesn’t mean we can’t be together for today, at the very least.”

Merlin: “Cyran, were you even listening.”

Cyran: “I was, yes. In fact I don’t see how our different lives can be an obstacle to a relationship.”

Merlin: “A situationship, maybe.”

Cyran: “No. A real relationship. Marriage and all.”

Merlin: “What? Are you aware you’re a member of the Syndicate? And I’m practically their- your number one enemy?”

Cyran: “Enemy is such a harsh word. I don’t share that sentiment at all. Rivals is a more fitting term.”

Cyran: “And even if we were enemies, they say to keep your enemy closer than your friends, no?”

keep your friends close but your enemies closer… who the hell said that again?

Cyran: “So, I’ll just say it. Will you, great Magister Merlin, go out with me? With Marriage in mind?”

Merlin: “I’ll need some time to think.”

Cyran: “Of course. I shall await your answer. Until then, would you care to stay with me for the day?”

Merlin: “Ok, fine.”

Cyran: “You don’t have to meet the royal family until tomorrow, right?”

Merlin: “You really do know everything. Don’t you?”

Cyran took Merlin’s hand and led them to a tree hidden in the back. It had a swing big enough to fit both of them comfortably.

Cyran: “This is princess Peggy’s favorite.”

Merlin nodded, sitting on one side and leaving some space next to them for Cyran to sit.

Sitting next to the court mage like this, the size difference was evident. Whether it’s because of Cyran’s build or the way his robes are designed, the court mage seemed to tower over Merlin, hiding them almost completely behind his sleeve.

The court mage held both sides of the swing and started to sway it gently. Merlin kept holding the nearest rope to them, unsure where to put his other hand. They felt unbalanced so they placed their hand between them and Cyran. Somewhere along the line, that same hand was on the court mage’s thigh. Merlin even clenched the fabric at one point, still feeling like they could fall off the swing any moment.

Cyran: “Relax. I’m barely moving it.” Cyran said in a sultry voice. It’d have sent shivers down Merlin’s spine if it wasn’t for their earlier revelation.

Merlin: “So, what now?”

Cyran hummed, studying the other mage’s frame. The dress they wore had a square neckline at the front and back with short buffed sleeves. It was made in different shades of green, purple, and red. It reeked of status and wealth. Two things the Merlin he knew hated to display. Merlin the Great was ever so known as a humble hermit. With unkempt hair, simple robes, and even ragged shoes, sometimes. Even the Lyceum’s uniform looked fancy compared to their normal attire.

Cyran: “Someone like you should charge to even be looked at.”

Merlin: “Well, pay up, then.”

Cyran was caught off guard, he laughed in amusement. “Name your price.”

Merlin faked being in deep thoughts. “Hmm, oh I know! A whole tray’s worth of the queen’s favorite desert! Like the one from last night.”

Cyran raised his eyebrows, “you’re joking?” But he was amused nonetheless. “Fine. I shall make you an order. A whole tray- no. A whole cart’s worth of the queen’s favorite desert coming right up.” From behind Merlin’s back.

Merlin: “Ok, ok. Jokes aside. What now, for real?”

Cyran: “Right now? I still haven’t had enough of you.” Cyran cupped Merlin’s side and started feeling it up and down, caressing the fabric of the dress gently. The motion made Merlin ticklish; they squirmed in place and almost lost balance. Cyran moved to catch Merlin by the shoulder, pressing them to his chest. “Careful.”

Merlin, still dazed: “It’s not even that high! I won’t fall.” Not hearing an answer, Merlin looked up to meet Cyran’s gaze. And what a dark, mysterious gaze it was. Merlin might be dense, might not be the best at communication when it came to this very man embracing them. But even someone like Merlin knew what that look meant.

Even though Merlin felt trapped; they didn’t want to break free, either. Closing their eyes, they inched closer, meeting Cyran in the middle. Their lips finally met in a chaste, gentle kiss. But even this kiss told Merlin all they needed to know. Cyran desired them and so did they. Merlin decided against thinking about it and let things progress naturally.

The kiss deepened, naturally. They felt hands caressing their body, naturally. A sneaky finger slipped under their collar and tugged at it, naturally. The kiss eventually broke, naturally, so they could breath… naturally

Cyran didn’t waste time and sank his teeth at Merlin’s nape. Unnaturally.

Merlin: “H-hey, don’t leave marks! I still have a reputation to uphold!”

Cyran: “As Merlin or as Amelia?”

Merlin: “Even a commoner lady has dignity to keep!”

Cyran, chuckling: “Why, of course. And that’s why they invented makeup. Or better yet, magical makeup.”

Merlin finally got to roll their eyes freely, letting Cyran continue to gnaw at their neck.

The neck was fine. It was ok. But what wasn’t ok was the chest. Cyran started nibbling at soft flesh before he was pushed away.

Merlin: “Too far!”

Cyran: “Has it been that long since you were touched like this, Merlin?” Cyran was impatient and tried to find his way back to Merlin’s now-reddish skin.

Merlin: “Two decades too long, yes!”

Cyran was silent for what felt like an eternity.

He still held Merlin tight as he started to sway the both of them on the swing. A gesture to soothe an aching heart. Whose heart? He didn’t know for sure. But he did know that that comment stung both of them.

Twenty years is no small feast, and Merlin threw them all away so easily to save Esperia. To save the world. In twenty years, Cyran traveled far and long. Met so many people and lost many more. His character and ideals and moral all changed drastically throughout the years. Even though his sun slept in a dark place, far away from reach, he still could find his way back to them.

His way back to his sun. There, in the snowy mountains.

Merlin squirmed a little but quickly gave up, are his arms made of steel? What do they feed them in the palace??

The grass crunched behind them as a red-faced guard approached them from behind, leaving a safe distance between them. He cleared his throat to announce his presence, “Ch-chief Mage Cyran.”

Cyran replied with a forced “What?” Making sure to sound annoyed while at it.

Guard: “S-sorry to interrupt y-your… uh, the Chief Palace Guard is requesting your presence.”

Cyran: “Right now?”

Guard: “N-n-no… I- I mean yes. He is, sir!” The guard stood upright, he was very tense and flustered.

Merlin was practically fully covered by Cyran’s robes, but it took no genius to guess what was going on.

Cyran: “Well, then. Tell him I’m busy.”

Guard: “W-what? For how lo-”

Cyran: “Do you want to keep your job or not? Get out already! Or even better, convery to him my daily report: everything is fine and the very same as yesterday and the day before.”

Cyran: “Oh, and tell no one to bother me for the rest of the day.”

Guard: “M-mister Chief Co-”

Cyran didn’t wait for the guard to finish summoning a portal which engulfed him and Merlin both. The guard stood there, speechless. “What am I going to do with the dead men in the cave, now?”

Cyran and Merlin were back at his private chambers, seated at his bedside just like they were on the swing. “Now, where were we?”

Cyran wasted no time showering his lover with kisses and bites. Clothes long tossed on the ground, unaccounted for. Sheets were shuffled and bodies intertwined. Perhaps, Cyran desired oh so badly to defeat Merlin not in combat nor in magic. But rather in a more intimate, human, way.