it's to be expected (and i know that best)
for @merlintarotfest + @merlinbingo prompt "epistolary"
G - 6348 words - hunith & gaius - major character death
***
Dear Gaius,
The day has come upon me at last, the day that brings to every mother equal parts joy and sorrow. It is time for my little bird to fly the nest.
Well, perhaps such a day does not come to every mother. When I first came to Ealdor many years ago, I imagined my life going very differently. I imagined a doting husband and a whole gaggle of little children, children who would grow up and leave my house, yes, but would settle down right around the corner, with doting husbands and wives of their own. I imagined sweet daughters-in-law, and grandchildren.
Don’t misunderstand me— I wouldn’t trade Merlin for any of that. He is the delight of my heart. But it’s now become clear what I’ve put off accepting for a while now. It is not his lot in life to stay here in the village and comfort me in my old age. He is meant for different things. Greater things, perhaps.
You have always been so good to me, Gaius, and I must ask something of you now. It is too much to ask, but I do it for Merlin’s sake, not mine, and there’s nothing I wouldn’t ask, or do, for my boy. Would you take him in? It makes my heart so uneasy to send him to Camelot, but he just doesn’t belong here in Ealdor. For all the dangers, I do think he will fare better there. And I think he will benefit from staying with you. No, I’m not just saying that to flatter you! He has no father, and you have no son. The two of you could be good for each other.
Still, I cannot make light of the risks; you know them better than I do. I’m sure you know what I mean. It’s been many years since you last saw my son, but I’ve written to you often enough about him. Please believe me when I say I have never exaggerated what I’ve told you about him. If anything, I’ve understated his unique qualities. I always wanted to believe that he was not so different from other children, that he could have the normal, simple life I tried to choose for myself. I don’t believe that anymore, and that’s why I must send him away.
Forgive me for mincing my words. If Merlin is to stay with you in Camelot, it seems the smart thing to do. I trust that you understand, and gather my meaning regardless. Would you do me a favor and destroy our prior correspondence as well? It seems best not to keep any written record of sensitive topics.
Please write back soon. I’ll have Merlin depart after Yule, if you agree.
Thank you for everything, Hunith
read more on ao3
