(no subject)
Title: Restraint
Author: mabonwitch
Rating: PG
Words: 430
Summary: Merlin remembers exactly why keeping the strength of his magic under wraps is important.
Notes: Second story in the "In a Time of Magic" series. Magical-ism. (Shush, I'm making it a word.)
"Merlin! Concentrate."
Merlin bowed his head and looked up through his lashes at Gaius. The older man softened, his scowl morphing into a sigh.
"Merlin, I know you want to do more advanced work. But for that to be possible, you must master the Incarcerate Incantations first." He slanted an eyebrow at Merlin. "You know why it's important."
Merlin winced. He was, of course, getting taught magic in with all his other classes at Eton, but Gaius was his private tutor and had known him a long time. He was an old family friend. As such, he knew all about Merlin's early problems.
Merlin was powerful. So powerful that, at the age of eight, he'd thrown a neighborhood boy who was threatening him into a wall. He hadn't exactly meant to, and he certainly hadn't known a spell to. The boy's parents had called the police, and a stern-faced social worker had been assigned.
He could still remember the metallic sheen as the social worker pulled out the restraint. Now young man, you'll have to wear this until you prove you can be trusted. Merlin had sensed his mother stiffen behind him and had responded, all big eyes, What if I don't wear it? He could tell she didn't like that, and he would learn that she didn't like questions at all. Then the police will arrest you. Merlin's mother had gasped. Merlin, scared, had held out his hand.
When the restraint had snapped into place, the world had gone dim. It had been like all the colors faded away. Merlin remembered how frightened he'd been and how his mother had comforted him. The social worker hadn't understood, a fact he was grateful for now. Only a trusted few knew the extent of his power: how magic was breath and life for him. He absently caressed his wrist, where the restraint that cut him off had lain for three awful months.
I know this isn't fair, Merlin, his mother had said, but you must keep it on for now. There are strong people, people who hate magic, who would hurt us if they could. We must be careful. But Merlin, your magic is a good thing, a great thing, and I wouldn't change one single part of you for the world. I love you, my boy. Be patient. It will all be worth it.
And in the morning, Gaius had arrived. Merlin shuddered at the memory.
"I know." He straightened and looked his mentor in the eye. "I know, Gaius. I'll do it." He took a deep breath. "All right. The Incarcerate Incantations. From the beginning?"
Gaius smiled approvingly. Merlin began.
Author: mabonwitch
Rating: PG
Words: 430
Summary: Merlin remembers exactly why keeping the strength of his magic under wraps is important.
Notes: Second story in the "In a Time of Magic" series. Magical-ism. (Shush, I'm making it a word.)
"Merlin! Concentrate."
Merlin bowed his head and looked up through his lashes at Gaius. The older man softened, his scowl morphing into a sigh.
"Merlin, I know you want to do more advanced work. But for that to be possible, you must master the Incarcerate Incantations first." He slanted an eyebrow at Merlin. "You know why it's important."
Merlin winced. He was, of course, getting taught magic in with all his other classes at Eton, but Gaius was his private tutor and had known him a long time. He was an old family friend. As such, he knew all about Merlin's early problems.
Merlin was powerful. So powerful that, at the age of eight, he'd thrown a neighborhood boy who was threatening him into a wall. He hadn't exactly meant to, and he certainly hadn't known a spell to. The boy's parents had called the police, and a stern-faced social worker had been assigned.
He could still remember the metallic sheen as the social worker pulled out the restraint. Now young man, you'll have to wear this until you prove you can be trusted. Merlin had sensed his mother stiffen behind him and had responded, all big eyes, What if I don't wear it? He could tell she didn't like that, and he would learn that she didn't like questions at all. Then the police will arrest you. Merlin's mother had gasped. Merlin, scared, had held out his hand.
When the restraint had snapped into place, the world had gone dim. It had been like all the colors faded away. Merlin remembered how frightened he'd been and how his mother had comforted him. The social worker hadn't understood, a fact he was grateful for now. Only a trusted few knew the extent of his power: how magic was breath and life for him. He absently caressed his wrist, where the restraint that cut him off had lain for three awful months.
I know this isn't fair, Merlin, his mother had said, but you must keep it on for now. There are strong people, people who hate magic, who would hurt us if they could. We must be careful. But Merlin, your magic is a good thing, a great thing, and I wouldn't change one single part of you for the world. I love you, my boy. Be patient. It will all be worth it.
And in the morning, Gaius had arrived. Merlin shuddered at the memory.
"I know." He straightened and looked his mentor in the eye. "I know, Gaius. I'll do it." He took a deep breath. "All right. The Incarcerate Incantations. From the beginning?"
Gaius smiled approvingly. Merlin began.