After a year and a half of wondering the woods of Albion, Merlin was still filled with grief. He couldn't help it, he felt haunted by the events of that day, if only he had acted faster, then Arthur would still be here. Everywhere he went seemed to be filled with memories, memories of his friends whom he'd failed to protect, and the memories of those who'd probably never forgive him. He wasn't sure where he should go, he could go back to Lake Avalon, but that would be incredibly boring, Arthur had no reason to rise. He could go to his mother, she'd be glad to see him. He couldn't go back to Camelot, he just couldn't.

Merlin was about to wonder his way to his mom's, when he herd a mysterious voice.

"Merlin."

The voice seemed dream like. Merlin seemed drawn to it. He followed the mysterious voice, which kept calling his name. Merlin lost track of time and his location, he just followed the enchanting voice.

"Merlin, you can stop now."

Merlin did stop. He finally took in his surroundings. He was near Camelot, he'd recognize it anywhere. Why am I here? He thought.

Suddenly, a beautiful woman appeared. She looked no more than 16, and had long beautiful golden hair, kept in a fancy updo. She wore two necklaces, one a magical looking yellow gem on a golden chain. The other, a heart shaped pendant on a gilded chain. On her forehead, was a spider shaped birthmark, that had a crown on one of it's legs and what appeared to be another crown on the abdomen. Around her wrist was a bracelet that was made of beads of different colors. As soon as the two made eye contact, a wave of purple light flashed over their eyes.

"Who are you?" Merlin finally managed to say.

"I'm Vona, I'm here to tell you that Guinevere has lifted the band on good magic, and knows you're a sorcerer." The Girl answered.

"What?"

"You herd me. Although disappointed, you're forgiven by Aunt Gwen and the other knights. They understand how you feel, and why things happened the way they did."

Merlin didn't know what to say. Everyone knew? They didn't hate him? Wait, did Vona call Gwen her aunt? Vona seemed to read his thoughts.

"You must return." Vona continued, "Gaius told everyone, you mustn't be afraid. You can't run from your troubles, you have to face them. And I'm sure you'll find that mourning with others, is the best way to heal."

"Is that true?" Merlin couldn't believe it.

"Yes, it is. As an immortal, you'll have to learn that." Vona kept eye contact. She had never looked him in the eyes before today, she liked it.

Merlin was shocked. "An, im…im…immortal?" he stuttered.

"Yes. Apparently you're frozen in time until Uncle Arthur returns." She smiled, and removed the heart pendant from her neck. "I must go now, for I'm from the future and don't wish to mess up the time line." Merlin looked puzzled, but before he could say something, Vona continued, "Keep this magic pendant, and always wear it, it's how we'll keep in touch." She then put the pendant around his neck, and disappeared.


Merlin walked into the castle. He had managed to get there undetected, he wasn't sure how, but he did. He made his way to the Throne Room, where he found Gwen and Gaius, restored to his place as Court Sorcerer/Physician. He also saw a lavish cradle next to Gwen's throne, and beside it was a servant.

"Merlin, is that you?" Gwen asked. She could hardly believe her eyes.

"Yes, it's me. I came back." Merlin answered.

"You look like a Wild Man."

Merlin felt embarrassed. He hadn't taken care of himself in the past 18 months. He had also been a loner, keeping a big distance from other people. The only exceptions, were the occasional pity he got from strangers, and Lailoken, an ex-warrior, who had gone mad after he let his leader get killed at a battle. The two of them had become fast friends, with a lot in common, except Lailoken had no magic. Merlin had helped him regain his sanity, as a seer, who had ran shortly afterward to tell a local village what he had seen, and to be babtized into Christainity. Wanting to change the subject, he said, "I heard you lifted the ban on magic."

"Yes, I have. Gaius told me everything." Her expression confirmed what Vona had said about him being forgiven. "Albion owes you a great debt"

Merlin smiled. "I know. As for the debt thing, I wasn't trying to be a hero, I just..."

"Merlin," Gauis said, "you're humble, but you shouldn't deny what you're rightfully owed."

OOO

The three friends spent the rest of the afternoon catching up. The most surprising thing was, well to Merlin it was, when Arthur died, Gwen was pregnant. The Crown Princess, Sara, was in her Cradle Throne, which Gwen had specially made for the Throne Room.