Betrothed

19 years ago…..

Uther stood as the door to the throne room opened, smiling as his old friend Glorious walked in, a warm smile on his bearded face.

"Glorious, its good to see you old friend" Uther said as the two men embraced.

"And you, its been far too long since we went hunting together" he said, glancing past Uther at a small blonde haired boy, who sat with his mother, Vivienne, who's own smile mirrored Uther's. She did however look mildly uncomfortable, reaching the last term of pregnancy as she was.

"Good lord, is that Arthur?" Glorious asked, as the boy gave a hesitant wave, before striding over to him, picking him up fondly, Arthur giggling.

"I see Glorious has already made himself welcome" said another voice from the doorway. Uther turned, smiling again as Ygraine entered the room, who, like Vivienne, was also heavily pregnant. She moved up to Uther, and he kissed her cheek warmly.

"A pleasure as always" Uther said, indicating she should sit in the chair next to Vivienne. She gladly took it as glorious put down Arthur, patting his head fondly.

"Well, what do you expect? Its been nearly six months" Glorious said to her. "Come Uther, there must be some stories to tell, how have you been faring?" he asked, clapping Uther on the back. Vivienne and Ygraine looked at each other, looks of commiseration on their faces, before they both broke into laughter.

"Some things never change do they" stated Vivienne. Ygraine patted her hand and nodded.

"How much longer?" asked Ygraine looking at her.

"Gaius seems to think within the week" she stated, then smiled, taking Ygraine's hand and placing it on her stomach, Ygraine frowned, then smiled as she felt a soft kick. Arthur toddled over to them looking up. Vivienne took his hand gently and put it next to Ygraine's, Arthur's little face breaking into a smile as he too felt the small kick.

"Is it ready yet?" he asked looking up.

"Soon Arthur soon" she replied fondly.

"And for you?" she asked Ygraine.

"Three months yet for me" she replied with a smile.

"Are you hoping for a Daughter or a son?" asked Vivienne softly.

"Glorious, of course, wants a son, me, I'll be happy with a nice healthy child" she replied. "you?"

"Uther and I both believe it will be a girl, Arthur is adamant that it will be a boy" Vivienne laughed. Ygraine looked over to Arthur who was nodding at them.

"Boy" he said pointing at his mother's stomach. The two women laughing. Vivienne suddenly frowning.

"Vivienne?" asked Ygraine in concern. Vivienne smiled, and shook her head.

"It's quite jumpy today, I think the baby is eager to be free" she explained, then gasped again suddenly.

"Actually, I think it wants out now" she admitted. Ygraine took her hand and looked over to the two men.

"Uther!" she called. Uther looked over from where he was conversing with Glorious.

"I think its on its way" Vivienne explained. Uther frowned.

"What is?" he asked. Then his eyes went wide. "oh.. OH! Come we must get you to Gaius!" he said, far too loudly, rushing to her. Glorious with him, helping Vivienne to stand.

"go, I'll be up soon, I can keep Arthur company" Ygraine told them. Uther smiled his thanks, as the two men took Vivienne from the room.


Gaius, the court physician looked up as the door to the pharmacy opened, Uther and Glorious holding Vivienne between them.

"My lord?" he asked, looking at the woman, who groaned, Gaius looked at her skirt, normally so neat and tidy, it was instead wet.

"Please, put her on the pallet" he said, as he moved about the room, his wife, Alice, doing what she could to assist him. Glorious standing back, as Uther sat down beside his wife.

"here, drink this, it should help somewhat with the pain" Alice told Vivienne as she handed her a small vial.

"thank you" she breathed, drinking it and wincing. A moment later the vial slipped from her hand, crashing to the floor as a contraction took hold. Uther looked up as Glorious put a hand on his shoulder.

"I'll be in the gardens with Ygraine and Arthur" he said. Uther nodded.

"Thank you my friend" he replied. Glorious smiled at him, then squeezed Vivienne's hand. She smiled as well, the pair watching as he left the room.

"How do you feel?" asked Uther as he stroked her hair.

"I promised myself I'd never let you put me through this again" she replied, wincing. Uther chuckled at her.

"And yet" he said. She smiled back, gripping his hand tighter as another contraction came. Uther looked to the bottom of the pallet where Gaius and Alice were both kneeling, looking up every so often.

"Remember with Arthur, when you feel the urge, you must push" Gaius instructed her. Vivienne nodded.

"I remember" she said. Suddenly pushing for all she was worth.


It continued like this for several hours, far into the early hours. Uther silently praising Gaius and Alice's dedication, neither of them leaving their task. Vivienne was in a lot of pain that much Uther could tell, even through the tonics that Alice had given her to help. On the pallet Vivienne tensed again, pushing hard.

"I see the head!" Gaius exclaimed. Uther and Vivienne both smiling at the news.

"soon my love" Uther whispered to her. She nodded at him, then screamed as she pushed once more, then she felt strangely empty. Uther looked at her then at Gaius. He and Alice were both smiling, Uther waiting, then he heard a innocent plaintive cry.

"It's a boy" Gaius announced. Uther breaking into a smile, Vivienne doing the same. Alice wrapped the baby in a bundle as Gaius gently cut the umbilical cord, He nodded at Alice who handed the baby to Vivienne. Already it had a shock of raven dark hair, and its eyes, a beautiful blue, looked up at her. She cried as she hugged the baby tightly.

"He'll need a name sire" said Gaius, walking over to him.

"Merlin, he shall be called Merlin" said Vivienne. Gaius raised an eyebrow, but nodded, then turned to Alice who stepped forwards.

"I've left some more tonics for you on the table" she said.

"Thank you Alice" Vivienne replied. She bowed with a smile, then turned and followed Gaius up into the bedroom at the back of the Pharmacy. A moment later the door opened, Uther and Vivienne looking over to see Glorious and Ygraine standing there with a hesitant Arthur.

"he wanted to see how his mother was" said Glorious. "I'll give you this Uther, he has your stubbornness, absolutely refused to sleep until he had seen her" glorious explained. Uther smiled and gestured Arthur over. He toddled over and looked down at the bundle in his mothers arms.

"See, its your brother Arthur" she said.

"Told you it was a boy" Arthur said, all the adults breaking into chuckles. "What's his name?" he asked.

"Merlin" Uther replied. Arthur looked at the baby, who opened his small eyes.

"Hello Merlin" Arthur said, reaching out, Merlin's small hand wrapping around his finger. Arthur smiled and looked up at his father and mother, wide eyed.

"he likes me" he said. Uther smiled and put his hand around Arthur.

"Of course he does" he replied.


Twenty two years later….

"Back, you, get to the towers and defend them!" Arthur yelled at two of the knights. They nodded and promptly fell back to the two wooden towers that Arthur had designated.

"They're coming from the southeast and south" said Leon, running up to him. Arthur nodded.

"Splitting their forces so they can get to us from two different angles" Arthur said. Leon nodded.

"I'll say this for him, your brother can be a devious git when he wants to" Leon admitted. Arthur gave him a grin.

"Oh yes" he agreed. So far the mock battle between the brothers had been one sided, Arthur's brute force slowly prevailing over Merlin's own turtle shell defence.


The battle was being staged outside the walls of the city, but within sight so that everyone could watch. Uther and Vivienne in the royal box that had been set up. The battle wasn't so much to entertain the people, as it was to allow the two brothers to get to see the strengths and weaknesses of the other's strategies. At first it had seemed Arthur would win with no problem, but soon it became apparent that because Merlin was forcing Arthur to go to him, Arthur was relying on troops that had had to traverse the rocky ground between the two teams, whereas Merlin's team was still ready and fresh, letting the enemy exert themselves before they reached him. The ground between was littered with immobile solders, about an even number so far. The solders made immobile by the use of a magical enchant placed on their armour by the court sorcerer, Nimueh, who even now stood beside Uther and Vivienne. That was one of the rules of the contest, if you were struck down, the enchant would immobilise you. In other words, no cheating.


"We'll have to take the battle to them sooner or later" said Lancelot, Merlin's second. Merlin looked at him and nodded.

"If I know Arthur, he'll try to funnel our advance into a single frontal attack" Merlin said. Lancelot nodded in agreement.

"We can't let him do that" he said. Merlin smiled at him.

"Oh we can, and we will" he said. "we'll let the troops fight in the middle ground, you and me will go around, take them from behind" he said.

"He'll have kept some in reserve" Lancelot cautioned.

"If he has, it won't be many" Merlin countered. "We could be here all day otherwise" he added. Lancelot chuckled and nodded. Merlin nodded at him.

"Advance!" he called out to the remaining troops. They looked at him as if he was mad.

"you heard the man!" Merlin commanded. The troops did as they were told, joining the fight in the middle of the battlefield.

Arthur looked up as Leon approached him, smiling.


"We have them in a single group" he said. Arthur nodded, but was not smiling.

"That was far too easy" he said. Leon balked and looked at him.

"and Merlin?" Arthur asked. Leon shook his head. Arthur slowly smiled.

"Cleaver little sod" he muttered.

"What?" asked Leon, then fell forwards immobile as Lancelot's blade clanged off the back of his armour. Arthur spun around, dodging Lancelot's second blow, even as he clanged his own sword off Lancelot's armour. Lancelot fell next to Leon.

"Good view from here" Leon muttered.

"Not really, all I can see is your nose" Lancelot countered. Above them Arthur stepped around the two fallen men, advancing on Merlin, as he advanced on Arthur. Down to this then, The two brothers.

"Merlin" Arthur said. Merlin grinned at him.

"Arthur" he replied, readying his own sword.

"Don't think I'll go easy on you because you're my brother" Arthur said stepping forwards.

"I'd be insulted if you did" Merlin replied. Arthur nodded at him, then brought his sword down on his smaller brother. Merlin parried the blow, dancing out of the way. Whereas Arthur was more a brute force guy, Merlin was more nimble, depending on his speed over advancing attacks. The two were considered the greatest, if not best, sword fighters in the land. Both of them deadly alone, god forbid you ever took them at the same time.


In the royal box, Uther was sitting forwards, his eyes rapt on the two fighting brothers. Vivienne's as well. Around them the crowd of onlookers were silent, watching the two brothers battle.


Arthur pressed forwards, Merlin always seeming to be one step away from him.

"Come on Merlin, give it up" Arthur said. Merlin, wiggled his eyebrows at him.

"Scared I'll get you?" he taunted. Arthur frowned, then stepped back as Merlin suddenly, and without warning went on the attack. Now it was the crown prince of Camelot being driven back. He blocked and parried as he moved back, not watching where he was going, tripping over Lancelot falling hard. Merlin moved in quickly, raising his blade, brining it down to clang across Lancelot's Armour. Arthur had already rolled out of the way. Merlin turned as Arthur brought his sword around, there was a loud clang and Merlin fell back, immobilised. Arthur looked around then slowly raised his sword, the crowd cheering, Uther and Vivian applauding. Nimueh stood and held up her hands.

"Dispersus" she intoned. The enchantment lifted from them, the solders slowly began to rise. Arthur holding his hand out for Merlin, who took it gratefully. They looked at each other and smiled, then Merlin gripped Arthur's wrist, holding it up for him, while grinning, the crowd going even wilder with applause. Merlin was also, if anything, gracious when losing.

"People of Camelot!" Uther called over the noise. It died down as they looked at him.

"This year marks a beginning for us all, Arthur, as you know is now crown price of Camelot, and Merlin himself come's into the age of knighthood" he said. "to celebrate these two occasions I propose a feast in their honour! I give you my sons!" he said. The crowd broke into applause, the two princes bowing to Uther and their mother. Nodding to Nimueh, before they left the battlefield to go to their tents.


"I have to admit Merlin, you really did have me there" Arthur said as a servant boy helped him out of his armour. "what made you change your strategy?" he asked, even as Merlin was helped out of his own armour. Merlin shrugged.

"Seemed like something to keep you on your toes" he replied easily.

"But you could have beat me" Arthur said. Merlin shook his head as he removed his tunic.

"Arthur, I might have more brains than you, but I'll never be as good with a sword as you" Merlin admitted. Arthur chuckled, and turned as he grabbed his own tunic, pulling it on as Uther entered the tent. Both men turned to him and bowed.

"Father" they greeted. Uther was smiling at them.

"I must admit, I thought the battle would be over in a few moments" Uther said. "instead you've both provide a wonderful display of honour courage and cunning" he said. "I am so proud of you both" he finished.

"Thank you father" Arthur said. Uther smiled at them again, then nodding left the tent.

"Arthur" Merlin said a moment later. Arthur looked over at him.

"yes?" he asked.

"Do you honestly think I could have beaten you?" he asked. Arthur shrugged.

"Who knows?" he admitted. Merlin nodded at him. Arthur clapped him on the back.

"Come on, I'm hungry" he said. "I might be crown prince but that doesn't stop me raiding the kitchens" he added. Merlin chuckled and shook his head, following his brother as he left the tent.


The following week went past in a blur, as everyone prepared for the celebrations to be held. Dignitaries arrived from all over the five kingdoms. Brayard of Mercia, Godfry of Tamaria and his daughter. And of course:-

"Uther my friend!" said Glorious walking in. Uther smiled as his oldest friend approached.

"Welcome" said Uther with a smile. Behind Glorious, a young woman approached, bowing at Uther.

"May I present my Daughter, the lady Morgana" he said. Uther smiled warmly at her.

"Welcome to Camelot" he said to her.

"Thank you my lord" she said. Uther stepped away, and gestured to Vivienne to walk forwards.

"My lord" she said bowing to Glorious. He smiled warmly at her.

"No need to stand on ceremony" he assured her. Her smile came easier now.

"It is good to see you" she said, then looked over at Morgana. "And you my child" she said. Morgana smiled and moved forwards to embrace her. Unlike Vivienne, poor Ygraine had suffered complications during the birth of Morgana, and had, as result not survived. Glorious had of course been distraught as had the Pendragons. Uther had himself gone to Glorious when he heard the news, helping him to come to terms with her loss. Vivienne had also gone as well, and as a result, Vivienne had become like a second mother to Morgana. A fact that Glorious had been eternally grateful about. Morgana had grown to become a beautiful woman, possessing the features of her mother in abundance. Her smile the most prominent and of course, her eyes. The two men smiled, as the door's opened and Arthur and Merlin walked in, bowing towards Glorious. Glorious smiled at them, pulling both into hugs.

"Look at you both, such strapping young men now!" he boomed, looking back at Uther. "Bet the ladies can't keep their hands off either of them" he winked.

"Father" moaned Morgana, Glorious laughed, as did Uther and Vivienne.

"I see you remember my sons" Uther said.

"Of course, how could I forget them?" he chided. "Morgana come and say hello" he said. Morgana rolled her eyes and walked over to the two princes who bowed to her.

"Still a pair of prats I see" she said. The brothers laughed, then each of them entwined an arm with Morgana.

"would my lady care to go for a walk?" asked Arthur.

"Do I look like a dog?" she retorted.

"What my brother meant to say in his own strange Arthur speak is would you care to take a walk around the gardens? Its too nice a day to be inside" Merlin said. Morgana inclined her head.

"Why thank you Merlin" she replied.

"I know what I meant" Arthur protested as they walked out, all three of them laughing. The parents watching them smiling.

"Ahh, youth, I do miss it sometimes" said Glorious. "Right Uther?" he added. Uther turned to him.

"I was never young" Uther said with a smile. Glorious laughed at him.

"Actually, I do have an ulterior motive for coming here" he said. Uther raised an eyebrow.

"Our houses have been close friends for what? Thirty, Thirty five years?" he said. Uther nodded.

"Well, Morgana is coming of age now where she should wed, as is Arthur" he said. Uther knew what he was getting at.

"nothing would give me greater pleasure, however Arthur is already betrothed to Godfry's daughter" he said, then he brightened, "Of course, Merlin is under no such constraints" he added.

"And he and Morgana already get on very well" added Vivienne. Glorious nodded slowly, a smile on his face.

"true, true, its settled then?" he said. Uther looked at Vivienne and she smiled. Uther clasped his hand on Glorious shoulder.

"Agreed, the houses of Pendragon and Glorious will be bonded through marriage" he said.

"This will indeed be a wonderful celebration Uther" Glorious agreed.


Outside in the gardens, Morgana walked arm in arm with Arthur and Merlin. The sun beat down from above them, the sky was clear and blue and the flowers were all in bloom. Morgana stopped by a particular rose bush, as she did whenever she visited. The two men leaving her to her thoughts. The rosebush had been planted by her when she was a child, she had carried it here from the gardens in her own home, a cutting from a flower that her mother had planted. She smiled as she smelled one of the roses, then looked up at the two princes, who were quietly talking to each other. Her face suddenly fell, and she screamed. The two looking at her as she pointed. The sky went dark for an instant, the two men looking up as the Great Dragon flew overhead. Screams issued from the people as it landed with a thud in the courtyard, the two princes and Morgana rushing towards the castle. The dragon roared as they approached, and a bearded man jumped off it landing easily. At the entrance of the castle, Uther, Vivienne and Glorious ran out to see what the commotion was.

"Balinor" Uther muttered, as a woman dropped down the other side of the Dragon, a young woman with her.

"Uther, how long it has been" Balinor said.

"What are you doing here?" demanded Vivienne. Balinor looked at her unimpressed, as the woman and young girl approached to stand next to him.

"I thought the celebrations were open to all… old friends" he said. "my Wife, Hunith, my daughter, Morgause, and of course, you know Kilgharrah" he said indicating the two women and the Dragon.

"You're not welcome here" Uther warned him. "Now I suggest you get back on your pet and leave" he said dangerously.

"And I thought we might be able to work past our differences" Balinor muttered insincerely. "ahh well, win some lose some" he said. Then he looked up at Uther.

"don't think you can chase me out this time Uther. I'll be around" he told him, then mounted the dragon with Hunith and Morgause. He then he turned to the three children.

"And I'll be seeing you very soon Merlin" he said, then the Dragon took flight, roaring as it did so, the two princes and Morgana running up to their parents.

"What did he mean?" asked Arthur. "Who was that?" Uther clenched a fist.

"An old enemy" he said softly. "a very dangerous one" he added, then he looked at Merlin. His son, his brave boy who even now showed no trace of fear. Merlin, who had just been singled out by his enemy…


"It is strange" said Nimueh, later that day as Uther, Vivian, Glorious and the their children stood with her. Nimueh, for her part sounded angry.

"Normally I would be able to sense a Dragon far before it was seen, yet he managed to fly it here with no problem" she said.

"no one is blaming you" Merlin said looking at her. Nimueh smiled at him and nodded her thanks.

"Still, I must look into this" she said. "Especially seeing as how the Dragonlord singled out Merlin" she added. Uther nodded at her.

"I will first place wards around the rooms of the castle" she offered. "even if he does manage to get back in, as soon as he's inside I'll know about it" she said.

"Thank you Nimueh" Uther said. She smiled and bowed, leaving the audience chamber. The room fell silent for several moments, then Uther spoke up again.

"Come, we must all prepare of the feast tonight" he said.

"Father, is it wise to hold a feast when that man is loose out there?" asked Arthur stepping forwards. Uther held up his hand.

"We must show that we are not intimidated by him. Cancelling the feast will be a sure sign he has unnerved us" he said.

"Yes father" Arthur agreed slowly, looking at Merlin. He smiled and put his hand on Arthur's shoulder.

"I can take care of myself" Merlin assured him. Arthur smiled tightly and nodded. Vivienne stood, looking at Morgana.

"I've had one of the maids assigned to see to your needs while you're here" she said. Morgana nodded her head.

"That is most gracious" she replied. Uther stood as well, looking around the group.

"I shall see you all in two hours" he said, then walked out. The group looked at each other, when Vivienne cleared her throat.

"Merlin, would you show lady Morgana to her chambers please" she said. Merlin bowed.

"Of course" he replied, opening the door. "My lady" he gestured. She smiled at him as they walked out.

"why…" began Arthur, causing Glorious and his mother to look at him. "Do I get the feeling I just missed something really important there?" he asked. Vivienne smiled and patted his hand.

"you'll find out later" she assured him.


"I thought you would have been more scared" said Morgana as she walked along slowly with Merlin as he led her through the hallways. Merlin shrugged.

"it's not the first time me or Arthur have been targeted, you get used to it after a while" he said.

"Yes, from irate kings or people who think it will be easy to get to you" she said. "A Dragonlord though?" she said. Merlin smiled at her.

"I'll be fine" he assured her. Morgana nodded at him as they stopped outside her assigned Chambers.

"Just make sure you are" she told him, kissing his cheek. Merlin went red and Morgana chuckled, before he went to his own room to change.


The Two princes were dressed in their finest attire for the evening, Arthur in a white shirt, black trousers, Merlin in a Red shirt with Blue Trousers, Uther as usual was in his ceremonial armour, Vivienne, in a flowing purple dress. She was talking quietly with Uther, when the doors opened and Glorious walked in, Morgana on his arm. He, like Uther was dressed in the ceremonial armour of his family, Morgana however caused the crowd to gasp. Her hair was tied back, exposing her bare shoulders, the green flowing gown starting just below, where it fell down to the ground, trailing slightly behind her. Uther stood as they approached, smiling at them. Merlin and Arthur following her progress, both open mouthed. Nimueh stood near the two princes, unwilling to leave them for long at the moment. They bowed at Glorious as he approached. And offered nods to Morgana. They allowed the two guests to take their seats, Arthur sitting at the end of the table, Merlin next to him, and next to Morgana. Nimueh took her seat at the end of the nearest table to where Arthur was situated. Uther stood up and looked out at the people gathered in the room.

"Friends, nobles and knights of Camelot, we tonight hold a feast celebrating three special occasions" he began.

"Three?" muttered Merlin looking at Arthur, who shrugged.

"Firstly we celebrate my son, Merlin's twentieth year and his advancement into the age of knighthood" he said. There was applause all around the room, and smiles at Merlin. "Second, we celebrate my son, Arthur's rise to crown prince of Camelot" he continued. Again more applause. "And last, but most certainly not least, we celebrate the union of the houses Pendragon and Glorious through marriage" he said. Arthur, Merlin and Morgana all blinked at that.

"As you know, the houses of Pendragon and Glorious have been firm friends for over a quarter of a century, so what better way to cement that relationship through their joining. The Lady Morgana shall be wed to my son, Merlin" he announced, the room erupted with applause. Merlin and Morgana looking at each other. Arthur just looking pale.

"Did you know about this?" hissed Morgana. Merlin shook his head.

"No" he whispered back. Morgana looked past him to Arthur.

"You?" she asked.

"I never get told anything important" he replied.

"I was expecting happy birthday" Merlin continued.

"Instead you get happy birthday, by the way you're getting married" Morgana said.

"At least you get to undress your present" Arthur sniped. Merlin and Morgana both looked at him, glaring daggers. Finally Morgana sighed and looked at Merlin.

"Well as arranged marriages go it could be worse" she admitted, taking Merlin's hand.

"How?" asked Arthur.

"It could have been you" she replied pointing. Then the three fell silent as they became aware of everyone in the room watching them. Slowly they plastered smiles on their faces, Uther nodding at Merlin.

"You have to make a speech" Arthur said through clenched lips. Merlin took a deep breath and stood.

"Ladies and nobles of Camelot, Mother and Father" he said, looking at them. "I have no words to describe how I feel at the moment. Knowing that I am to be wed to Lady Morgana is a blessing" he said, surprised how naturally the words were coming. "I hope that in the days to come, I can prove myself worthy of her hand" he continued. Morgana smiled up at him, still holding his hand. Merlin looked down at her and smiled. Slowly he picked up his goblet.

"I propose a toast" he said. "To the houses Pendragon and Glorious!" he said. The toast was taken up around the room, followed by applause. "Let the celebration begin" he said, sitting down. He looked over at his father, Uther nodded at him and smiled.

"That was wonderful" Morgana said, drawing his attention. Merlin smiled at her.

"Well, it is an honour to be getting wed to the most beautiful woman in the five kingdoms" he admitted. Morgana smiled, and kissed him softly.

"Oh brother" Arthur muttered, rolling his eyes at them. They chuckled and looked over at him.

"Don't worry, we still love you" Morgana teased him. Arthur shook his head, and picked up a chicken leg, biting into it. Across from him, Nimueh smiled at them, before turning to her own food.


The feast went on for what seemed like hours, before finally the music started up. The customary dance to finish the evening off. Arthur, Merlin and Morgana watched as couples took to the floor, dancing softly to the low music. Beside Morgana Merlin shifted, then took her hand.

"My lady?" he asked.

"Oh, no I can't dance" she said. He smiled at her.

"Neither can I he admitted"

"Go on, he is to be your husband after all" Glorious told her. Morgana rolled her eyes, but was smiling as she stood, Uther and Vivienne doing a double take as Merlin led her out to the floor, and around them a few people were clapping as they did so.

"Just do what I do" Merlin said, putting his arms around her. Morgana did the same, looking up at him, smiling as they began to sway softly with the music.

"I thought you couldn't dance" she whispered. Merlin chuckled.

"I might have lied" he admitted. She laughed and put her head on his chest, closing her eyes briefly. She'd always liked Merlin and Arthur both, but Merlin had always been the kinder of the two towards her she felt. So yes, she was annoyed at her father and Uther for dropping this on her. But at least it was with the brother she already loved.

"You're quiet" Merlin said, breaking into her thoughts. She looked up at him again smiling.

"Just thinking" she said.

"Oh?" he queried.

"I could learn to like dancing" she admitted. Merlin smiled at her.

"So could I" he agreed. Then he leant forwards, their lips meeting.


"Look at them" said Vivienne, smiling.

"He's a fast one that Merlin of yours" Glorious said good naturedly.

This was when the windows exploded inwards sending glass everywhere. Uther short to his feet, as did Arthur and the knights, Merlin and Morgana both looked over to the broken windows. Kilgharrah was hovering outside the window, looking in, a moment Balinor climbed in, crunching glass beneath his feet.

"You might have put wards around the doors witch" he sneered at Nimueh. "But you really should put better security on your windows" he added.

"Seize him!" roared Uther, the knights moving to obey. They had barely gotten three feet when they were sent flying, a moment later, Morgause stepped through the window, to stand by her father.

"Really Uther, I thought you'd have known better. Seize him" Balinor muttered with contempt. He turned to face Merlin and Morgana, shaking his head.

"How nice" he muttered, and then frowned as Nimueh stepped next to them.

"I will not let you harm them" Nimueh said, holding up her hands. Balinor laughed at her.

"Oh, I've already done my part" Balinor stated. "Well, my daughter has" he added, he nodded at her and she climbed back through the window.

"Corsairus" she intoned as she looked back in, Balinor, jumping out a moment later.

"Have a nice death Pendragon!" he yelled, as Kilgharrah swooped away. Morgana looked at Merlin.

"Merlin?" she asked softly. Nimueh watching him as well. Behind them there was a sudden clatter; the group turning as Arthur staggered, gripping his throat, before he collapsed. Merlin and Nimueh were there as quickly as they could be, Uther and Vivienne were already knelt by their son.

"Do something!" Uther snapped at Nimueh through teared eyes. Vivian was holding Arthur's hand.

"We must get him to the pharmacy" she said. "Gaius! Alice!" she called.


Merlin and Uther carried Arthur into the pharmacy, where they laid him on the pallet.

"Loosen his shirt" Gaius instructed, Alice doing so, while Merlin pulled his father back to let them work. Nimueh ran in a moment later, pushing past them both, and kneeling down by Arthur. She opened his eyes, looking into them, and then held her hand out over his chest.

"Solo lanma castas vortch kalas, salima tos nor" she intoned, her eyes glowed yellow, and she looked down at Arthur.

"Well?" asked Uther, as Vivienne ran in with Glorious and Morgana. Morgana went to Merlin, who put his arm around her, holding her tight. Nimueh shook her head.

"It's not working.. Why?" she whispered. She held her hand back out over Arthur.

"Solo lanma castas vortch kalas, salima tos nor" she intoned again. Again there was nothing. She slammed the side of the bed, enraged.

"Gaius?" she called over.

"I'm looking!" he called back as he and Alice looked through the books.

"I have it!" Alice suddenly said, handing Nimueh the book. She looked at it, her eyes closing.

"Morteaus" she growled.

"Can you treat him?" asked Vivienne as she clutched Uther's side.

"I can slow the effects, but I cannot treat him" Nimueh said softly.

"There must be someway" Merlin said, looking at his brother.

"The only way to do so would be to get the leaf of the same flower, and they only grow deep in caverns, on the roots of the Morteaus tree" Nimueh said. "And they are always heavily guarded" she added.

"Tell me where" Merlin stated.

"No" Uther said breaking in. Merlin looked at him, his eyes wide.

"I can't let him just die Father!" Merlin snapped. Uther whirled on him.

"And I cannot allow you to go charging off, not with Balinor out there!" he snapped.

"I'll take my chances" Merlin said.

"I forbid it, you're far too important Merlin, I face the prospect of losing one son, do not let me face the prospect of losing you both!" Uther roared.

"I won't go alone, I'll take Lancelot and Leon with me" Merlin said.

"NO!" Uther roared.

"Can you honestly stand there and watch Arthur die!" Merlin roared back at him. "We have a chance to save him, Nimueh can keep him alive long enough for me to get the leaf and get back" Merlin said. Uther looked away, at Vivienne. Merlin stepped forwards, and put his hand on Uther's arm. "He's your son father, and far more important than me" Merlin said. Uther shot him a dirty look.

"Never think that, not ever" he hissed. Merlin nodded, but did not step away.

"Let me go father" Merlin whispered. Uther blinked, then pulled Merlin into a tight embrace.

"Make sure you come back to us" Uther said.

"I will" Merlin replied. He turned to Nimueh then.

"Where?" he asked again. Nimueh handed him the book and he took it.

"These trees are native to Oden's kingdom" he stated. Slowly he smiled and nodded. "Best get started then" He kissed his mother goodbye then turned to Morgana.

"See you I hope" he said. She put her arms around him and kissed him, before pulling away.

"You'd better" she replied. Merlin smiled and nodded, then rushed out of the room. Uther looked at the door, then at Nimueh.

"I will do what I can to aid them both" she promised.


"How could you get the wrong prince!" Balinor roared at his daughter. Hunith watched the exchange silently, while Kilgharrah was laughing his head off.

"One of them or the other, does it really matter?" she replied. "You were going to kill them both anyway" she added.

"She does have a point" Kilgharrah stated. Balinor looked at the dragon.

"When I want your opinion Dragon, I will ask for it" he snapped.

"Enough!" Roared Hunith. "What's done is done" she stated. "With Arthur dead, the king will become despondent anyway. So let matters take their course and be done with it" she sneered. Balinor looked at her, then back at his daughter and sulked away. Morgause moved to Kilgharrah, stroking his leg softly.

"Don't fret young one" the dragon soothed her. "I believe this is going to turn out even better than he had wished" he added.

"What do you mean?" asked Morgause.

"Merlin goes for the antidote even as we speak" Kilgharrah said. "A very… dangerous undertaking" he added.