[Paperlegends 2013] A Siren's Song
Fandom: Merlin (BBC)
Pairing: Merlin / Arthur
Summary: Canon AU
Captured at the lake of Avalon months ago and sold to the circus Merlin had been travelling throughout Albion until that day. When they enter the great hall of Camelot to entertain the prince on his 21st brithday he can sense something unexplainably familiar. Something reminding him of home. But it's not until he steps forward and lays eyes upon Arthur Pendragon that Merlin understands. He knows he has to escape, has to lure the prince to follow him. In order to return home forever he has to kill one last time. He's a siren after all.
Warnings: violence, non-con, major-character death, near major-character death
Rated:NC-17
written for the Merlin Big Bang Challenge on Paperlegends
Special Thanks to the_muppet for managing this all so wonderfully, to wassereis for her great art to go with the fic and to snickersnack for being my loyal beta!
-------------------------------------------------------------
Unfortunatly the story's still not finished, 3 part-time jobs and uni keep me busy but I will make it, promise. Hopefully until next week.
I hope you enjoy it!
-------------------------------------------------------------
A Siren's Song
Cheerful screams arose when the circus arrived in the city. Already well known in other parts of Albion, its popularity - based on its newest attraction - had spread to the kingdom. Jugglers, performers, fools, gleemen, musicians and dancers were pouring in through the castle gates with oxcarts and song. However what they would present to the audience had been done by many before them. No, what they had promised to present before royality would be entirely diffrent. Never seen by any human being before. Or at least it shouldn't be if they wanted to keep their heads.
All this and more had reached prince Arthur's ear until the morning of his 21st birthday. He'd never fancied the ridiculous show the circus folk usually put on. Not since he'd been a boy. Their stupid dancing, horrible songs and unamusing jokes didn't appeal to him anymore, all of it just annoyed him year after year. He wondered why his father still tolerared them in the castle.
This was probably because Uther himself was always having the time of his life, getting drunk while having peasants perform for him. But why did it have to be Arthur who ended up suffering for it?
With a heavy sigh he watched circus folk enter the citadel wearing their colourful gowns and waving at the crowd. Some of them were playing flutes or lutes, others tried to impress with jumps and backflips. Nothing of this rampage caught the prince's eye.
Until then something did.
A small wagon was driven into the courtyard, its load looking like a square box hidden under thick fabric. Silk-like, it reflected the sun in a shimmering manner drawing every man's, woman's and child's attention. Arthur raised one eyebrow, observing the scene with more interest now, when two men - broad shoulders, huge arms, and legs like treetrunks - approached it as it came to halt. One of them grabbed the cover to yankit the fabric sideways, revealing that the box was actually a cage. Unfortunatly, despite having a straight line of view from his window, Arthur couldn't make out what it contained. Right at the second when the before mentioned Oga - the term seemed accurate for their appearence - shoved a stick between the bars his manservant called on him.
"It is time to dress for the feast, my lord", said a shy voice behind him, making Arthur whip around in shock almost hitting the smaller man.
"Damn it! How many times, George!"
"How many times what? If I'm allowed to ask, your highness?" George asked.
The prince shoved his hands to his skull almost pulling his hair out, frustrated.
"Never mind. Just...just go and put something of my finer wardrobe together."
George straightened up as he was let off easily, a smile on his face while slipping back to his element. "Everything is already prepared, my lord. I hope the outfit I have chosen for you will be to your liking."
Arthur rolled his eyes.
---
The sun was already setting when the royal congratulations and honorific speeches drew to a close. Arthur found the most exhausting part of the feast was enduring all the false words and fake smiles. Especially not letting his father or anybody else notice what tiresome as well as exceptionally boring things celebrations were for him.
Morgana, of course, knew. Since childhood she had always been able to see right through him as well as playing her own role perfectly. Arthur unceasingly admired her for it, considering how many times he had stolen away to hide in a corner whereas his perfect, adopted sister was entertaining the guests until each of them forgot about him. Unfortunately as he got older this had become increasingly impossible at his own birthday celebrations with increasing age.
"My son!"
Uther´s hand felt heavy on his shoulder as he was guiding him down into the chair next to him. Arthur managed a small smile. His father was in a well meaning-mood.
"Do you take delight in the festivities?"
"Of course, father. I´m enjoying myself." A loud wine filled laugh escaped from the king's throat.
"That´s the spirit. Sometimes a man needs to let go!" Uther said
"You´re right father." Said Arthur, taking a sip from his goblet and trying to hide his face.
"Of course I am.“ Replied Uther. “And since I know how much you´ve been waiting for it, should I let the entertainment begin now?"
Though whining inwardly the prince nodded.
A boyish spark reached his father´s eyes upon the approvement. With a grin making him appear a lot younger he slammed his palm down on the table.
All the conversations in the room became hushed, and faces turned to look at Camelot´s ruler.
"Let me thank you all for joining us for the celebration of the prince´s birthday. Your presents gifts were all well received as were your good wishes. But now the formal part must come to an end. Please eat and drink your fill in honour of Prince Arthur and enjoy the entertainment that will be brought to us by the most famous circus in Albion, or so I´ve heard."
Under the more or less forced chuckles and laughs of the guests, guards opened the doors. Escorted by annoyingly cheerful music a ball of artists poured in, turning into a bright shouting mass. The dancers, jugglers and acrobats made their way to the center of the hall, dancing, juggling and...acrobating. As soon as one of the gleemen, the leader, stepped before the king and prince to start with the introduction speech Arthur stopped listening.
Over the years he had achieved the ability to drop his attention completely but maintaining the impression that he was still keeping track of what was going on around him. Thus all the colourful rucus blurred into an undefinable mass, leaving the prince to his own thoughts. Only a change in Uther´s voice pulled him out of it. Instead of amused comments, it developed a demanding tone. Arthur shook his head to get out of his haze.
"Fool, it´s quite an excellent performance you have presented. Your folks´ abilities are as exquisite as any other circus´ we´ve had in these halls."
The leading fool, who was named Dormian, gave a low bow, smiling.
"Thank you, your majesty.“ He said. “Only the best for the royal court, of course."
Uther nodded but his smile faded.
"Still, I´ve seen it all before. And I have been told your circus is famous for the most spectacular show of all Albion."
"Yeah, your highness, it is."
"Then I´m wondering what it is that makes it spectacular. Until now you´ve just shown me what I´ve already seen many times. In the case you haven´t brought every single attraction of yours in front of me I´m willing to give you another chance. Otherwise I will be most disappointed."
Arthur´s eyes switched to Dormian. At first he expected to see desperation or fear creep into the man´s features. Nobody wanted to disappoint the king. Still nothing of the sort was showing. Instead Dormian´s lips curled upwards. A knowing smirk. Obviously it had all been just pretend. Foreplay to introduce the great act properly. But what might it be the fool was so sure about? Even the prince could feel a tingle of anticipation in his gut.
"Of course, my lord!" shouted Dormian after regaining the composture he never really lost.
"It is not my wish to leave you unhappy. Despite holding out so long on purpose I am begging your forgiveness. Please believe me, it´s all just for your safety and well-being."
Curious chatter arose in the audience and even Uther appeared to be impressed enough to let it slide.
When Dormian realized that nobody was going to interrupt him he flung his hand in the air in an inviting manner. The rest of the circus people took this as their signal to open the entrance doors once again.
"My lords, my ladies! For this joyful occasion let me present to you one of the rarest creatures the land has ever witnessed."
The fool began roaming around while taking each of the guests in with his slightly mad gaze. Dramatic gestures accompanied the speech, his voice deep and mysterious. Behind Dormian something was brought in. Rolling on the small wagon from before, the cage came into Arthur's view.
Still covered with the thick cloth it was impossible to even guess what could be inside. Arthur felt a sudden tug in his chest. His hand grabbed the tunic, tangling his fingers in to the material. Dormian's voice rose again.
"It was not easy to find. On my travels I'd often heard of this beautiful and deadly phenomenon that takes place at the legendary Lake of Avalon. We all know stories about it. Gate to the other world, the immortal realm. Hatchery of all things strange, abnormal and magical. It's only natural that I wanted to have a look." Lowering the volume Dormian kept on talking, circling the cage once.
.The tale was clearly false, nothing but a fantastic lie to make things more interesting.
"So I travelled there to wait at the shore. When nothing happened I thought, maybe the inhabitants of Avalon are too afraid to reveal themselves. Wouldn't dare to come close though they're often described as mischievous and dangerous. Yet, maybe they were frightened by my powerful appearance-"
"Or maybe they just thought you're ugly!", commented one of the jugglers.
The audience burst into laughter along with the other artists. Dormian went with it bellowing like a dog. It didn't reach his eyes.
"Yeah, could be. BUT! In the exact moment when the moon appeared in the night sky, fog started to creep over the waters towards the shore. Each and every sound around me disappeared completely and then...then I could hear it. Their songs." The fool's voice had dissipated into a whisper. "Each different from the other but together, they're unique. Unearthly music from spheres no mortal had ever set foot in. One of them tried to lure me to the dark deeps to rip my soul from my body!"
His hand grabbed his patched tunic and jerked on it, making his face into a grimace of pain. Some people in the room gasped in excitement. "But I was clever. With my ears sealed by wax and all my manly steadfastness I resisted their dark magic and even managed to catch one of them."
A hush fell over the room as Dormian walked towards the cage, finally ready to uncover its secret. He grabbed the fabric, tugging it down. "Your highness, my prince, lords and ladies, I'm proud to present to you the rarest of all mystical creatures: A Siren of Avalon!"
With a loud flap the fabric fell to the ground, letting the inside of the wooden prison be observed from all directions. No one dared to speak while all eyes were set on the figure crouching behind the bars. But it was not only the absence of annoying chatter which caused the pressing silence in Arthur's ears. It felt like something had sucked the air right out of him as well as from around him leaving the prince in an empty space where nothing could reach him. He couldn't hear the clatter of the door as the siren was led out of its cage or the gasp of surprise from each table.
His whole view narrowed on it, turning him breathless and confused.
What stood in front of him didn't look like the descriptions or pictures Arthur had glimpsed in books as a child. It didn't have the lower body of a bird, feet replaced by claws or arms of feathery wings. Neither could he make out a fishtail instead of legs. The so called mystical being resembled nothing more than a boy.
A sixteen, maybe seventeen year old chap made of gangly limbs attached to a lean long body. Skin paler than a fullmoon night, delicate and soft looking. And lush lips, full red, slightly parted. Lips so seducing and kissable letting each and every maiden drown in jealousy. Yet rather than anything, Arthur's view was drawn to its eyes. As their eyes locked, the ability to break contact had been taken from the prince. Huge sapphire blue pools shimmered unsearchable under eyelashes as black as the slightly curly hair covering the creature's head. They seemed to speak to Arthur, enchanting him in a way he couldn't name. A whisper touched his ears. Words dripping in, too quiet to understand.
Then, suddenly, the feeling was gone. Cleared away by his father's hand on his lower arm, shaking him lightly.
"Arthur, is everything alright?"
The prince blinked a few times, noticing a dryness in his mouth. His jaw must have dropped without his notice.
"What? Y-yes...I'm alright, I think."
"Then how about you sit down again?", suggested Uther, a quite confused look in his eyes.
His words made it dawn on Arthur that he'd gotten up against his conscious will. Everybody in the room was gazing curiously in his direction. He couldn't understand them. Didn't they see what was obvious to him? Weren't they aware of what was in front of them?
While he sat back down a ramble started between the guests. Behind raised hands he could hear suppressed laughter and even see bemused impressions. The king didn't act any different.
"Are you serious, fool? This boy, a siren?" He said, doubtfully waving a hand at the figure.
Now that the spell had been seemingly lifted off him the prince took a second turn at observing the so-called siren. His father was right. Though his features were alluring, nothing special or wondrous could be seen in them. Just a young boy wrapped in expensive white silk, which covered his legs and lower body as parts of his small chest. A light blue scarf hugged his thin shoulders while a golden collar was fastened around the long neck decorated by aesthetic ornaments.
The expression on his face was closed, his eyes now cast to the ground. In a must-have-been-my-imagination gesture Arthur shook his blond head.
"I admit he looks endearing." Uther continued gaining a few nods from the guests. "But do you really think I will fall for your charade just because you put him in silk and gold? You should´ve at least tried to glue some feathers on his arms."
Amused chuckles echoed through the hall making the siren´s eyes shoot Uther a sharp look. Arthur wasn´t sure but it seemed offended.
"Your majesty, I know what it must look like to you. I had been quite surprised myself when I caught it. They have the same appearance as us, but when you hear them sing you´ll be convinced what they are."
"Then what are you waiting for? Make it sing!" Impatiently wiggling his hands the king dismissed any more excuses and cheap talk hurrying the presentation forward.
Dormian bowed submissively with a stern expression on his face. Since his most famous attraction didn´t get the reaction he had hoped for uncertainty had come to his mind. He turned around grabbing a key from his chest putting it in the creature´s collar.
"My lords and ladies, before I can let you hear the siren´s song just a little warning: It´s voice is made to lure and attract. It´s spell can only be resisted for a brief amount of time. For your safety the presentation has to be short. My folks and I will seal our ears with wax to keep our heads clear."
With these words he let go off the key, gesturing to his ears. On his command the whole of the circus artists pressed seemingly prepared pieces of wax into their ear, Dormian being the last one to finish the task.
Getting hold of the collar again he turned the key in a final dramatic move.
"Please enjoy the Siren´s Song."
The collar was removed leaving a few red marks on white skin. The boy closed his eyelids and swallowed, obviously nervous. Several gasps could be heard as the audience held their breath viewing his lips part.
Slowly. Distractingly. Eyes glued to the ceiling the first note dropped and drained all warmth and colour from the room, pouring into its center. Into his body. Arthur started to shiver, noticing how his surroundings went strangely cold, grey and... dead. The only living thing left was the siren itself. Singing its distant song. A tune which stopped time. Foreign and bizarre the notes floated through the air, unseizable like whispers from the far sky. It made Arthur´s skin prickle and emptied out his chest of every emotion. But as the music dragged on - could one really call it music? - the word much to profound for what they were experiencing - an unexplainable glow appeared around the creature.
Warming as the sun it filled the emptiness. Comforting every ache, kissing each and every part of him until nothing was left but this one growing sensation. To be loved. The prince was overwhelmed, taken by utter surprise. He turned to his father touching, Uther´s arm. He wanted to ask him if he felt the same. Despite his tries the king didn´t react. He was completely out of it, eyes fixed on the siren, a peaceful smile plastered on his lips. Just as everyone else. There was a light in their eyes inheriting the colour of molten gold. And as Arthur´s gaze snapped back to the creature he witnessed the same phenomenon.
Rather horrified he snatched a silver goblet from the table to check himself. Relieved Arthur discovered nothing else but his bewildered blue eyes. Nothing unusual. But then why?
All of a sudden the voice was interrupted. Ending in a strangled sound. Colour and light flowed back into the room plastering an exhausted expression on the creature´s face.
Dormian had his rough hands on it snapping the collar back in place. Without granting the guests a last glance the siren was pushed back into its cage and the heavy fabric tugged back over it.
Arthur made effort to protest but since everyone else was only beginning to shake out of their daze and come to their senses he kept his mouth shut. Several minutes passed while the circus started to clear out taking every of their possessions with them.
The only one left was Dormian, waiting, eyes on the stonefloor. Of course his submissive behaviour couldn´t fool Arthur. The fool got what he wanted. Certainly it had been a successful day for him.
When his father finally regained his ability to speak he just said "I´m pleased", dismissing Dormian who left the room bowing lowly to hide his self-satisfied smile.
-----
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A Siren's Song on ff.net
When it's completet it will be uploaded in AO3!
Pairing: Merlin / Arthur
Summary: Canon AU
Captured at the lake of Avalon months ago and sold to the circus Merlin had been travelling throughout Albion until that day. When they enter the great hall of Camelot to entertain the prince on his 21st brithday he can sense something unexplainably familiar. Something reminding him of home. But it's not until he steps forward and lays eyes upon Arthur Pendragon that Merlin understands. He knows he has to escape, has to lure the prince to follow him. In order to return home forever he has to kill one last time. He's a siren after all.
Warnings: violence, non-con, major-character death, near major-character death
Rated:NC-17
written for the Merlin Big Bang Challenge on Paperlegends
Special Thanks to the_muppet for managing this all so wonderfully, to wassereis for her great art to go with the fic and to snickersnack for being my loyal beta!
-------------------------------------------------------------
Unfortunatly the story's still not finished, 3 part-time jobs and uni keep me busy but I will make it, promise. Hopefully until next week.
I hope you enjoy it!
-------------------------------------------------------------
A Siren's Song
Cheerful screams arose when the circus arrived in the city. Already well known in other parts of Albion, its popularity - based on its newest attraction - had spread to the kingdom. Jugglers, performers, fools, gleemen, musicians and dancers were pouring in through the castle gates with oxcarts and song. However what they would present to the audience had been done by many before them. No, what they had promised to present before royality would be entirely diffrent. Never seen by any human being before. Or at least it shouldn't be if they wanted to keep their heads.
All this and more had reached prince Arthur's ear until the morning of his 21st birthday. He'd never fancied the ridiculous show the circus folk usually put on. Not since he'd been a boy. Their stupid dancing, horrible songs and unamusing jokes didn't appeal to him anymore, all of it just annoyed him year after year. He wondered why his father still tolerared them in the castle.
This was probably because Uther himself was always having the time of his life, getting drunk while having peasants perform for him. But why did it have to be Arthur who ended up suffering for it?
With a heavy sigh he watched circus folk enter the citadel wearing their colourful gowns and waving at the crowd. Some of them were playing flutes or lutes, others tried to impress with jumps and backflips. Nothing of this rampage caught the prince's eye.
Until then something did.
A small wagon was driven into the courtyard, its load looking like a square box hidden under thick fabric. Silk-like, it reflected the sun in a shimmering manner drawing every man's, woman's and child's attention. Arthur raised one eyebrow, observing the scene with more interest now, when two men - broad shoulders, huge arms, and legs like treetrunks - approached it as it came to halt. One of them grabbed the cover to yankit the fabric sideways, revealing that the box was actually a cage. Unfortunatly, despite having a straight line of view from his window, Arthur couldn't make out what it contained. Right at the second when the before mentioned Oga - the term seemed accurate for their appearence - shoved a stick between the bars his manservant called on him.
"It is time to dress for the feast, my lord", said a shy voice behind him, making Arthur whip around in shock almost hitting the smaller man.
"Damn it! How many times, George!"
"How many times what? If I'm allowed to ask, your highness?" George asked.
The prince shoved his hands to his skull almost pulling his hair out, frustrated.
"Never mind. Just...just go and put something of my finer wardrobe together."
George straightened up as he was let off easily, a smile on his face while slipping back to his element. "Everything is already prepared, my lord. I hope the outfit I have chosen for you will be to your liking."
Arthur rolled his eyes.
---
The sun was already setting when the royal congratulations and honorific speeches drew to a close. Arthur found the most exhausting part of the feast was enduring all the false words and fake smiles. Especially not letting his father or anybody else notice what tiresome as well as exceptionally boring things celebrations were for him.
Morgana, of course, knew. Since childhood she had always been able to see right through him as well as playing her own role perfectly. Arthur unceasingly admired her for it, considering how many times he had stolen away to hide in a corner whereas his perfect, adopted sister was entertaining the guests until each of them forgot about him. Unfortunately as he got older this had become increasingly impossible at his own birthday celebrations with increasing age.
"My son!"
Uther´s hand felt heavy on his shoulder as he was guiding him down into the chair next to him. Arthur managed a small smile. His father was in a well meaning-mood.
"Do you take delight in the festivities?"
"Of course, father. I´m enjoying myself." A loud wine filled laugh escaped from the king's throat.
"That´s the spirit. Sometimes a man needs to let go!" Uther said
"You´re right father." Said Arthur, taking a sip from his goblet and trying to hide his face.
"Of course I am.“ Replied Uther. “And since I know how much you´ve been waiting for it, should I let the entertainment begin now?"
Though whining inwardly the prince nodded.
A boyish spark reached his father´s eyes upon the approvement. With a grin making him appear a lot younger he slammed his palm down on the table.
All the conversations in the room became hushed, and faces turned to look at Camelot´s ruler.
"Let me thank you all for joining us for the celebration of the prince´s birthday. Your presents gifts were all well received as were your good wishes. But now the formal part must come to an end. Please eat and drink your fill in honour of Prince Arthur and enjoy the entertainment that will be brought to us by the most famous circus in Albion, or so I´ve heard."
Under the more or less forced chuckles and laughs of the guests, guards opened the doors. Escorted by annoyingly cheerful music a ball of artists poured in, turning into a bright shouting mass. The dancers, jugglers and acrobats made their way to the center of the hall, dancing, juggling and...acrobating. As soon as one of the gleemen, the leader, stepped before the king and prince to start with the introduction speech Arthur stopped listening.
Over the years he had achieved the ability to drop his attention completely but maintaining the impression that he was still keeping track of what was going on around him. Thus all the colourful rucus blurred into an undefinable mass, leaving the prince to his own thoughts. Only a change in Uther´s voice pulled him out of it. Instead of amused comments, it developed a demanding tone. Arthur shook his head to get out of his haze.
"Fool, it´s quite an excellent performance you have presented. Your folks´ abilities are as exquisite as any other circus´ we´ve had in these halls."
The leading fool, who was named Dormian, gave a low bow, smiling.
"Thank you, your majesty.“ He said. “Only the best for the royal court, of course."
Uther nodded but his smile faded.
"Still, I´ve seen it all before. And I have been told your circus is famous for the most spectacular show of all Albion."
"Yeah, your highness, it is."
"Then I´m wondering what it is that makes it spectacular. Until now you´ve just shown me what I´ve already seen many times. In the case you haven´t brought every single attraction of yours in front of me I´m willing to give you another chance. Otherwise I will be most disappointed."
Arthur´s eyes switched to Dormian. At first he expected to see desperation or fear creep into the man´s features. Nobody wanted to disappoint the king. Still nothing of the sort was showing. Instead Dormian´s lips curled upwards. A knowing smirk. Obviously it had all been just pretend. Foreplay to introduce the great act properly. But what might it be the fool was so sure about? Even the prince could feel a tingle of anticipation in his gut.
"Of course, my lord!" shouted Dormian after regaining the composture he never really lost.
"It is not my wish to leave you unhappy. Despite holding out so long on purpose I am begging your forgiveness. Please believe me, it´s all just for your safety and well-being."
Curious chatter arose in the audience and even Uther appeared to be impressed enough to let it slide.
When Dormian realized that nobody was going to interrupt him he flung his hand in the air in an inviting manner. The rest of the circus people took this as their signal to open the entrance doors once again.
"My lords, my ladies! For this joyful occasion let me present to you one of the rarest creatures the land has ever witnessed."
The fool began roaming around while taking each of the guests in with his slightly mad gaze. Dramatic gestures accompanied the speech, his voice deep and mysterious. Behind Dormian something was brought in. Rolling on the small wagon from before, the cage came into Arthur's view.
Still covered with the thick cloth it was impossible to even guess what could be inside. Arthur felt a sudden tug in his chest. His hand grabbed the tunic, tangling his fingers in to the material. Dormian's voice rose again.
"It was not easy to find. On my travels I'd often heard of this beautiful and deadly phenomenon that takes place at the legendary Lake of Avalon. We all know stories about it. Gate to the other world, the immortal realm. Hatchery of all things strange, abnormal and magical. It's only natural that I wanted to have a look." Lowering the volume Dormian kept on talking, circling the cage once.
.The tale was clearly false, nothing but a fantastic lie to make things more interesting.
"So I travelled there to wait at the shore. When nothing happened I thought, maybe the inhabitants of Avalon are too afraid to reveal themselves. Wouldn't dare to come close though they're often described as mischievous and dangerous. Yet, maybe they were frightened by my powerful appearance-"
"Or maybe they just thought you're ugly!", commented one of the jugglers.
The audience burst into laughter along with the other artists. Dormian went with it bellowing like a dog. It didn't reach his eyes.
"Yeah, could be. BUT! In the exact moment when the moon appeared in the night sky, fog started to creep over the waters towards the shore. Each and every sound around me disappeared completely and then...then I could hear it. Their songs." The fool's voice had dissipated into a whisper. "Each different from the other but together, they're unique. Unearthly music from spheres no mortal had ever set foot in. One of them tried to lure me to the dark deeps to rip my soul from my body!"
His hand grabbed his patched tunic and jerked on it, making his face into a grimace of pain. Some people in the room gasped in excitement. "But I was clever. With my ears sealed by wax and all my manly steadfastness I resisted their dark magic and even managed to catch one of them."
A hush fell over the room as Dormian walked towards the cage, finally ready to uncover its secret. He grabbed the fabric, tugging it down. "Your highness, my prince, lords and ladies, I'm proud to present to you the rarest of all mystical creatures: A Siren of Avalon!"
With a loud flap the fabric fell to the ground, letting the inside of the wooden prison be observed from all directions. No one dared to speak while all eyes were set on the figure crouching behind the bars. But it was not only the absence of annoying chatter which caused the pressing silence in Arthur's ears. It felt like something had sucked the air right out of him as well as from around him leaving the prince in an empty space where nothing could reach him. He couldn't hear the clatter of the door as the siren was led out of its cage or the gasp of surprise from each table.
His whole view narrowed on it, turning him breathless and confused.
What stood in front of him didn't look like the descriptions or pictures Arthur had glimpsed in books as a child. It didn't have the lower body of a bird, feet replaced by claws or arms of feathery wings. Neither could he make out a fishtail instead of legs. The so called mystical being resembled nothing more than a boy.
A sixteen, maybe seventeen year old chap made of gangly limbs attached to a lean long body. Skin paler than a fullmoon night, delicate and soft looking. And lush lips, full red, slightly parted. Lips so seducing and kissable letting each and every maiden drown in jealousy. Yet rather than anything, Arthur's view was drawn to its eyes. As their eyes locked, the ability to break contact had been taken from the prince. Huge sapphire blue pools shimmered unsearchable under eyelashes as black as the slightly curly hair covering the creature's head. They seemed to speak to Arthur, enchanting him in a way he couldn't name. A whisper touched his ears. Words dripping in, too quiet to understand.
Then, suddenly, the feeling was gone. Cleared away by his father's hand on his lower arm, shaking him lightly.
"Arthur, is everything alright?"
The prince blinked a few times, noticing a dryness in his mouth. His jaw must have dropped without his notice.
"What? Y-yes...I'm alright, I think."
"Then how about you sit down again?", suggested Uther, a quite confused look in his eyes.
His words made it dawn on Arthur that he'd gotten up against his conscious will. Everybody in the room was gazing curiously in his direction. He couldn't understand them. Didn't they see what was obvious to him? Weren't they aware of what was in front of them?
While he sat back down a ramble started between the guests. Behind raised hands he could hear suppressed laughter and even see bemused impressions. The king didn't act any different.
"Are you serious, fool? This boy, a siren?" He said, doubtfully waving a hand at the figure.
Now that the spell had been seemingly lifted off him the prince took a second turn at observing the so-called siren. His father was right. Though his features were alluring, nothing special or wondrous could be seen in them. Just a young boy wrapped in expensive white silk, which covered his legs and lower body as parts of his small chest. A light blue scarf hugged his thin shoulders while a golden collar was fastened around the long neck decorated by aesthetic ornaments.
The expression on his face was closed, his eyes now cast to the ground. In a must-have-been-my-imagination gesture Arthur shook his blond head.
"I admit he looks endearing." Uther continued gaining a few nods from the guests. "But do you really think I will fall for your charade just because you put him in silk and gold? You should´ve at least tried to glue some feathers on his arms."
Amused chuckles echoed through the hall making the siren´s eyes shoot Uther a sharp look. Arthur wasn´t sure but it seemed offended.
"Your majesty, I know what it must look like to you. I had been quite surprised myself when I caught it. They have the same appearance as us, but when you hear them sing you´ll be convinced what they are."
"Then what are you waiting for? Make it sing!" Impatiently wiggling his hands the king dismissed any more excuses and cheap talk hurrying the presentation forward.
Dormian bowed submissively with a stern expression on his face. Since his most famous attraction didn´t get the reaction he had hoped for uncertainty had come to his mind. He turned around grabbing a key from his chest putting it in the creature´s collar.
"My lords and ladies, before I can let you hear the siren´s song just a little warning: It´s voice is made to lure and attract. It´s spell can only be resisted for a brief amount of time. For your safety the presentation has to be short. My folks and I will seal our ears with wax to keep our heads clear."
With these words he let go off the key, gesturing to his ears. On his command the whole of the circus artists pressed seemingly prepared pieces of wax into their ear, Dormian being the last one to finish the task.
Getting hold of the collar again he turned the key in a final dramatic move.
"Please enjoy the Siren´s Song."
The collar was removed leaving a few red marks on white skin. The boy closed his eyelids and swallowed, obviously nervous. Several gasps could be heard as the audience held their breath viewing his lips part.
Slowly. Distractingly. Eyes glued to the ceiling the first note dropped and drained all warmth and colour from the room, pouring into its center. Into his body. Arthur started to shiver, noticing how his surroundings went strangely cold, grey and... dead. The only living thing left was the siren itself. Singing its distant song. A tune which stopped time. Foreign and bizarre the notes floated through the air, unseizable like whispers from the far sky. It made Arthur´s skin prickle and emptied out his chest of every emotion. But as the music dragged on - could one really call it music? - the word much to profound for what they were experiencing - an unexplainable glow appeared around the creature.
Warming as the sun it filled the emptiness. Comforting every ache, kissing each and every part of him until nothing was left but this one growing sensation. To be loved. The prince was overwhelmed, taken by utter surprise. He turned to his father touching, Uther´s arm. He wanted to ask him if he felt the same. Despite his tries the king didn´t react. He was completely out of it, eyes fixed on the siren, a peaceful smile plastered on his lips. Just as everyone else. There was a light in their eyes inheriting the colour of molten gold. And as Arthur´s gaze snapped back to the creature he witnessed the same phenomenon.
Rather horrified he snatched a silver goblet from the table to check himself. Relieved Arthur discovered nothing else but his bewildered blue eyes. Nothing unusual. But then why?
All of a sudden the voice was interrupted. Ending in a strangled sound. Colour and light flowed back into the room plastering an exhausted expression on the creature´s face.
Dormian had his rough hands on it snapping the collar back in place. Without granting the guests a last glance the siren was pushed back into its cage and the heavy fabric tugged back over it.
Arthur made effort to protest but since everyone else was only beginning to shake out of their daze and come to their senses he kept his mouth shut. Several minutes passed while the circus started to clear out taking every of their possessions with them.
The only one left was Dormian, waiting, eyes on the stonefloor. Of course his submissive behaviour couldn´t fool Arthur. The fool got what he wanted. Certainly it had been a successful day for him.
When his father finally regained his ability to speak he just said "I´m pleased", dismissing Dormian who left the room bowing lowly to hide his self-satisfied smile.
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A Siren's Song on ff.net
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