Sun rays streamed from the cerulean sky as Merlin lay his head in the lap of Vivienne, Lady of the Lake. The lady rested against a tall hawthorn tree growing on the edge of a lush field. Vivienne ran her hands through the wizard's hair, and he smiled, pleased to be with his love on such a fine day as this one.

"Merlin," Vivienne spoke. "I want you to teach me."

The king's wizard cracked open an eyelid. "Teach you, my sweet?" He chuckled. "But I already have. I've taught you everything I know."

Vivienne's eyes blazed. "Or so you say. I know there's more, Merlin; there's more spellwork you're keeping back. I want to be a great witch! I must know all of your secrets, every single charm you've picked up in your travels."

Merlin shook his head. "You must trust me, Vivienne – I swear to you that you know all of my secrets already. I am not omniscient, though it may seem so at times."

Vivienne nodded, satisfied, and once more began stroking her lover's head. He smiled and once more shut his eyes. The warm day soon worked its magic, and Merlin retreated into slumber.

Vivienne had waited for her love to doze, and as Merlin emitted a few first light snores, she slowly eased his head away from her body and placed it gently on the grass of the flower-littered meadow. Now that she was certain she knew all of his magic, it was time to eliminate the threat to Avalon posed by the king's wizard, even though she loved him dearly. The lady of the lake collected a few branches from the hawthorn, and a few minutes later saw her ritual preparations complete. A single hawthorn wand was left from the stack she had gathered, and this she brandished, reciting the words of a spell. A glow rose from the circle of branches she had place around Merlin, herself, and the hawthorn tree. The light obscured her vision for several moments, until it died down and Vivienne found herself and Merlin and the very top of a tall, brown stone tower. A single branch protruded from the roof.

Merlin slept through the whole thing. Vivienne then sat again, this time against the circular wall, and once more placed her lover's head in her lap.

When Merlin awoke, Vivienne looked intently for any sign of surprise or shock on his face or in his eyes, but instead it was she who was surprised when nothing of the sort crossed his visage. There was only a slight spark of recognition.

"So it has happened," he said, and sighed.

"What are you talking about?" Vivienne snapped sharply, pushing his head off of leg. "You do not ask where we are, or how we came to be here? You do not ask what I have done, or why I have done it? Speak!" she cried, when her questions raised no answers. Merlin raised himself from his prone position on the floor and stared the lady in the eyes.

"I know," he said simply. "I've known for ages of your plots and plans, my dear, of your desire to stop me from aiding my king, who you do not approve of, but I have also known that I was unable to prevent you from carrying them out." Vivienne's face contorted with surprise.

"You knew?" she asked, astounded. "But how –"

"Vivienne, my love, how could I not? I saw this fate long ago, and with this sight came the knowledge that I was powerless to act against my future. If the goddess wishes this for my destiny, who am I to speak against her? She always has her reasons, and I am not one to doubt them.

"I knew from the moment we met that I was doomed to love you, Vivienne, even though you would be the instrument to my demise."