Written due to my Merlin withdrawals that are quite frankly driving me mad. This is my way to remedy the said madness. Hope you'll enjoy!

-Born to Die-

One: Reunion

[Merlin]

Her mother always told her that it was simple things in life that defined us as humans. For Merlin, things like fighting sorcerers, saving her beloved kingdom, and living a life of a servant were things that defined her. It was not a easy life by any means; in fact, her life was often cruel and dark, filled with despair and anger. In a way, it was a vicious cycle, and Merlin often doubted that it would ever truly end. However, not once had she ever regretted her life, nor her service to Arthur or Camelot. For a while, she was haunted by the lives she took, by people she had killed with her own two hands to protect her home. But she grew to accept the idea and the burden of performing such deeds after so many years.

Life, it would seem, was all about moments. One of the fondest, most remarkable memories in Merlin's memory was the day she watched Arthur get crowned as the King of Camelot. She remembered very well the feeling of pride that surged through her body once Arthur took his seat on the throne as the rightful ruler of the lands.

So it was at that moment when a clear, sharp voice cut through the air did Merlin's heart skip a beat. It was unquestionably a male voice; low, yet oddly soft, demanding presents but only because to her ears it was hauntingly familiar. She heard it only few times before, seemingly many years ago now. It was nowhere near as deep or as soothing back then; instead it was more boyish, shy almost. She could still remember his voice gently echoing in her mind, strangely soothing because she was in the presence of another just like her.

But he was different now; older, handsomer, and still just as powerful. She could feel his supressed power wrapping around her and Arthur as he approached them, her own magic meeting his midway. It was a familiar feeling – their magic had connected once before, back when they were both still young, creating an unbreakable bong between them. She should have known better than to expect them parts ways like that after everything they've been through.

Last time they met, she betrayed him. Last time they met, his eyes stared down at her with anger and accusation, for she not only betrayed him but also others of their kind.

It was unforgivable. And so were his parting words to her: "I shall never forgive this, Emrys, and I shall never forget!"

His promise was dark and full of rage, eyes swimming with betrayal when he spoke her druid name, a name that was a sign of her destiny. Back then she felt guilty, she even feared that she would be the one to blame if he decided to kill Arthur after all, just like Kilgharrah told her he would all those years ago. Just like she saw in the vision shown to her by the dying druid.

Arthur's Bane.

He approached them steadily, and their eyes met, everything else fading. Her breath suddenly got stuck in her chest, his eyes capturing hers and holding them in place as he spoke. "Shouldn't we leave it to the Lady Morgana to decide their fate?"

His eyes the same mesmerising mixture between blue and green finally moved away from her, breaking their staring contest. Air seemed to fill her lungs, and a shaky breath escaped her lips, her eyes immediately following him as he moved to approach Arthur.

Merlin tensed immediately, her guard snapping right up, her lips parting as if prepared to mutter the first spell that came to mind if she needed to protect Arthur. This boy – man, she reminded herself instantly – approached Arthur carefully, offering his hand to the fallen king. Merlin's fists clenched, mistrust flooding her system as she glared holes into young man's back.

He was taller than her now, his features pleasantly round, once straight black hair now a soft mane of curls that seem to add to his almost innocent appearance. He was dressed in dark clothes, most likely for making blending in easier. They were also abnormally warm, far warmer for this kind of climate. Clearly, he was dressed for travels up North and for going to places much colder and darker than here.

Arthur only hesitated for a split second before accepting the offer of help, and letting the man in front of him hoist him up. Merlin still didn't let her guard down even though there seem to be no immediate danger.

"You don't remember me, do you?" he spoke lowly, noting the confused look on Arthur's face as he stared at him. "You saved my life once, many years ago."

There was a moment of silence between them, broken only by Merlin's almost breathless acknowledgement.

"Mordred."

AN: Short, but this is more of a teaser to see if any of you are interested. This is obviously Merlin/Mordred because I loved their interaction during all seasons. However, I believe a lot would have been different in Season 5 if Merlin had accepted Mordred instead of shunning him the way he did. (In fact everyone but Morgana would have probably lived). This is exploration of that 'what if'. What if Merlin wasn't so quick to judge? What if Merlin gave Mordred a fair chance to prove himself?

Also since I find gender-bending quite interesting to write, I decided to try doing a Fem!Merlin. Hope it's okay so far.

Another thing: for the sake of this story the age difference between Mordred and Merlin is only four years.

Regards.

A.