A/N: In this story, I will be focusing more on Merlin and Mordred's friendship. I will also be giving I favourite warlock some background story along the way. I hope you enjoy.
While everyone else headed back to Camelot to celebrate their victory, Merlin and Mordred set out to find Morgana.
"If we go through the night, we should reach Ealdor by dawn. There we can rest and gather a week's supply of everything we'll need," Merlin said as he drew a map in the dirt with a stick next to the blazing fire. "Also I can see my mother."
"How long has it been since you saw her?" Mordred asked.
"A few years," Merlin replied. "With Arthur being king, I never really had the time off to go see her. We kept in touch though. I would send her letters and some extra money."
"You miss her, don't you?" Mordred guessed.
"Yeah I do," Merlin stated. "Now after Ealdor, We'll head for Mercia..."
As planned, the two men traveled through the night and made it to Ealdor as dawn approached. As they got closer to the village, Merlin could already hear he's mother's voice and feel her gentle touch.
When they walked into the village, several people, who were already outside working, stopped what they doing and looked at them with, hateful looks.
"Why are they looking at us like that?" Mordred asked.
"We have magic," Merlin summed up as he looked around to see if his mother was already outside.
He quickly spotted her coming down the road carrying a basket full of what appeared to be half of the village's laundry. The warlock left Mordred's side and went to assist her.
"Here let me get that, Mother," Merlin said taking the heavy basket away from her.
Hunith just stared at him as she allowed her hands to fall away from the basket. "Merlin."
Merlin set the basket down next to him and embraced his mother with a hug.
Merlin and Mordred sat on the floor next to the fire, each eating a small meal that Hunith prepared for them.
"I've read all your letters, but I haven't received any in months. Why's that?" Hunith asked as she repaired a dress.
"Things have been a little busy at Camelot. I couldn't find the time. I'm sorry," Merlin apologized.
"It's quite alright. I'm just glad your safe," Hunith said. "So what brings you home?"
"You heard about the battle at Camlann?" Mordred asked.
"Yes I have. Word spreads so quickly these days," Hunith replied.
"While Arthur is heading back to Camelot, alive, Mordred and I are setting out to find Morgana and cleanse her," Merlin explained. "Ealdor is on the way to her location. We traveled through the night, just to get here. We don't have enough to supplies to last us the journey. Arthur could only provided us with swords and food for a couple of days."
"What do you need?" Hunith asked.
"Week's supply of food, two horses, and bedrolls," Mordred listed off.
"That shouldn't be to hard to gather. We've had an excellent crop season. And there are two young, but fully grown horses in the stables, ready for adventure ," Hunith said.
"Great," Merlin smiled.
"How long will you be staying?" Hunith asked.
"We'll be leaving when the sun rises tomorrow," Mordred answered.
While Mordred slept by the fire, Merlin walked around the village with his mother, talking about his latest adventures.
"You're such a brave man, Merlin," Hunith stated with a smile.
"Do you mind telling that to Arthur?" Merlin asked. "Even after all the times I've saved him, he still thinks I hide behind trees."
"He's just teasing you," Hunith said.
"I know," Merlin replied. "Anything else you want to know?"
"Do you truly trust Mordred?" Hunith questioned.
"I didn't at first, but after everything that happened with the Disir, I began to trust him. I couldn't understand why at first. But after talking to Arthur about my magic, I realized that Mordred's destiny was changed. Instead of killing Arthur, he is to protect Arthur and I with his life," Merlin explained. "I willingly put my life in his hands everyday, knowing that he will protect it."
"You're not worried about him betraying you?" Hunith asked.
"I still think that somewhere down the road he'll do something unforgivable, but no sense in worrying about something, that might never happen," Merlin answered
Hunith nodded in agreement. He son had grown up to be such a fine young man with a good head on his shoulders. He no longer played with wooden swords, pretending to be a knight or bandit. He had real sword and fought in real battles. If his sword failed him, he would use his magic.
"Where will you be heading to after you leave here?" Hunith asked.
"Mercia. I'm hoping that Lord Bayard will grant us safe passage through his land," Merlin answered.
He also hoped that Bayard didn't remember him from ten years ago, but he didn't voice that hope. He didn't want to worry his mother more than she already was.
"Promise me that you'll be safe?" Hunith requested.
Merlin looked at the seriousness in his mother's eyes. "I promise."