The Wizard and His Apprentice

“Did you see this, wizard?” Nimue asks. Her voice is the wind, whistling through the breaks in the twisted tree roots.

He remembers how first saw her, her hair falling in tangled midnight waterfalls, her eyes oceans of endless blue. A nobody from nowhere, coming to him on bended knee.

He remembers her laughter, her song, her magic – for they were all one and the same, all beautiful, all her. All his secrets he taught her, unravelling the Mysteries like string, pulling them apart and letting her see the truth of things.

“Did I see this?”

Merlin laughs. The tree presses in on all sides, cutting into his skin. He will not escape.

“From the first moment I saw you,” he said.

“Then why? Why did you let it end here?”

His voice is worn, cracked, and all too mortal.

“Because, you foolish girl, I loved you.”

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Word Count: 147

This is for Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers. Thanks to Priceless Joy for running the challenge and Fandango for providing the prompt photo!