A/N: This is a continuation of my one-shot Lament. darkgemwildcat asked if I would turn it into a full story, which I happily agreed to. I've always wanted to do a Merlin/Morgana fic...particularly with an evil Morgana. ;)
Reviews are much appreciated!
Disclaimer: I do not own Merlin. Go figure.
Merlin and Arthur were at the head of yet another search party, the knights following them. A farmer from a nearby village had come across a looted campsite in the woods, and had alerted the King. Uther was beside himself with grief at the loss of his ward- his actions may have come across as cruel, but he truly loved Morgana as his daughter.
When the abandoned campsite came into view, Arthur instructed everyone to dismount and be on guard. It was quite evident that the now desolate campsite had been attacked- tents were trampled and torn, there were scorch marks on the ground, and there were splatters of blood here and there.
"Well, whoever was here is now gone," Arthur noted after finding no inhabitants, not even a dead body. "They must have fled before they were attacked."
Merlin, standing beside Arthur, suddenly stiffened. He had seen a shadow move from behind a tree. "Arthur-"
A sudden snap of a twig caught everyone's attention. The knights turned around, swords unsheathed as Arthur shouted, "Show yourself!"
A figure slowly moved from out of the shadows. When she was in full view, Arthur almost dropped his sword. "Morgana?"
She looked at him, and her green eyes were haunted. Her hair was disheveled, and she was trembling. "Ar- Arthur?"
Arthur quickly sheathed his sword and ran over to her. "Thank god we've found you." In a very un-Arthur gesture, he pulled her into a hug. "I thought you were dead."
Morgana returned the hug, tears falling down her cheeks. "I missed you so much."
Merlin, as well as the knights, were completely gob-smacked. Had they really just found the Lady Morgana? Alive? An unease began to build in Merlin. He had longed for the day that she would return to Camelot, but now that they had found her, would she be forgiving towards him? Did she remember that he had poisoned her? Did she even know?
"Let's get you home," Arthur said, and Morgana smiled and nodded.
Merlin, naturally being the only servant with them, offered up his horse for Morgana to ride. She smiled gratefully at him, and in a low voice, so that she might not be overheard, said, "It's good to see you, Merlin."
"It's good to see you, too, my lady." He gave her one of his signature goofy smiles.
"Come along, Merlin, we must tell everyone of the good news."
Merlin frowned at Arthur. He always hated it when he was berated in front of everyone. He walked alongside Arthur's horse as they headed back to Camelot, and upon their arrival, the joyous shouts of the guards could be heard.
"Tell the king!"
"Alert His Majesty that Lady Morgana has returned!"
"She's safe!"
When the party stopped in the courtyard, Uther was already there, Gaius at his side. Morgana quickly dismounted and ran over to him, much like a young child would to a parent.
Uther took her in his arms. "Thank god you're safe."
"It's so good to be home," she told him.
Uther took a step back, carefully scrutinizing her to make sure she was unharmed. "Every day of your absence has been a torment for me. I was so worried."
"Well, your torment is at an end. As is mine," Morgana replied with a soft smile.
When Uther had started ordering his men to alert the kitchens that a feast must be held, Morgana chose this moment to escape to her room, a wicked smile playing at her lips.
Oh, yes, Uther Pendragon. Your torment is at an end. For now.
A/N: I'm afraid this won't be updated on a regular basis, what with school back in session. But your reviews encourage me to write more! So please review! :)