A New Chance

The sun was still high up in the sky, as Sefa waited around for Merlin to join her. They had been seeing each other for three months now, and time had flown by, she felt as if she'd known him a life time already.

She loved the long summer days; it seemed as if the days went on forever. She found a boulder to sit down on, and relaxed fully as the sun shone on her happy face. As she waited, she reflected on just how her life had changed for the better. Of course losing her father still hurt, that pain would never leave her. But getting a second chance at Camelot, still seemed like a dream.

Much had changed of course, now magic was allowed again, Merlin was the Court Magician, her Merlin and as she thought that, how she glowed inside. She remembered bumping into him as she was passing through the lower town, on her way to one of the outlet villages, with a plan to start a new life away from Camelot. She remembered how delighted he was to see her again, they had gone for a walk, and talked about both of their adventures. Both where at low ebb, Merlin still coming to terms with Arthur's death and Sefa, with her life still upside down.

She remembered how afraid she had been, when Merlin suggested her coming back to Camelot. But bit by bit, he convinced her to give it a chance, he was sure that Guinevere would give Sefa another chance. She'd be so afraid when she met the Queen again. Especially as she knew about the King dying, what on earth would her reaction be she wondered? In truth she had prepared herself for rejection, been ready in her head, to have to move on again. To her amazement though Guinevere, had agreed to give her a new chance. "A new start for a new world." The Queen had termed it, and so Sefa was accepted back into the Palace, much to her delight.

Behind her, she suddenly became aware of a rabbit hopping around in the undergrowth, she laughed and as she turned around, Merlin's lopsided grin met hers.

"I wondered what you where doing." He said, picnic basket in hand.

"Just making the most of the day." She smiled back, taking hold of his hand as they walked off into the woods. They laughed and chatted as they walked to their favourite spot, a clearing near a stream. Merlin laid out the mat and took out the food laying it around. They sat down together, Sefa leaning against Merlin, as they ate, presently Sefa turned to Merlin saying.

"It's amazing when I think to where I was a year back. No hope, no idea where I was going to. Then I come across you again, and suddenly I have all of this." She said smiling at him, her hand stroking his arm.

"It's amazing for me too, I was no better, a mess after Arthur, and never for one moment did I think I'd have the life, I have now." He smiled, "Life is full of surprises, so my mother use to always tell me." He laughed.

"I would love to meet your mother." Sefa said, "Maybe one day."

"I would like you to meet her too." Merlin said, "I'm sure I can get a day off or two." He smiled, "of course you will have to pass her scrutiny test."

"Her what?" Sefa laughed, feeling like it sounded like too much hard work.

"All mothers are like that," Merlin said, "Especially about their sons. In fact I was thinking maybe we should put a bit of work in." he grinned.

"Oh I agree." Sefa laughed, and they kissed, only stopping when a sudden burst of wind blew away the picnic basket. As Merlin ran and rescued it, Sefa laughed at the sight.

"You call yourself a great warlock, and yet you can't control the wind yet." She said.

Merlin sat down next to her, his blue eyes suddenly locking into hers, "Give me time," Merlin grinned, "and there will be nothing I cannot give you."

As he pulled her into his arms, Sefa let a tear of happiness run down her cheek. Life is indeed full of surprises she thought happily.