(((Please read)))

Hello, Merlin fans and readers! :) I've finally decided to continue the story of Merlin and Morgana through another series. I'm very nervous and excited about embarking on another story, but I wanted to focus on the magic aspect a little more, and I also wanted to explore the prophecies surrounding both Merlin and Morgana, but mainly Morgana. Also, and this is very important, this story is a continuation of all my other Merlin/Morgana stories. So yes, they're connected. I hope that won't make it too confusing for new readers, but I'll try the best I can to elaborate on any major events that happened in the previous stories. If you're interested in my other stories, it's best to read them in order: There is Another Way, A Suitor for Morgana, Morgana Meets Kilgharrah, and First Impressions. In these stories (besides First Impressions, which is just for fun), Morgana fights against the temptation of joining up with Morgause. She firmly believes that she and she alone is in control of her destiny, despite the prophecies. Merlin has been helping her control her magic, and they have also formed a romantic attachment. There's more, so if you have any questions, please PM me! I really hope you enjoy this new series. It will definitely be the darkest one (eventually). Enjoy! :)

I have to save him.

Morgana ran faster than she thought was physically possible. She tore through branches and vines, not even sure if she was on the right path. But she wouldn't let anything deter her, not even when her dress snagged and tore on a thorn bush she had recklessly crashed into. Without wasting any more time, she ripped at the satin gown's seams and slipped out of it, not needing the extra weight. She ignored the blood that was slowly beginning to trickle down her leg. The thorn must have gone through the fabric, but she had no time to worry about something so minor, let alone the fact that she was practically naked as far as society was concerned. But what did she care that she was traipsing through the forest in her undergarments? She had one goal and one goal only in her mind.

To save Merlin.

One week earlier

"Merlin!"

Merlin stumbled down the stairs, a bleary-eyed look on his face. Gaius was standing before him with a cross expression.

"W-what? I thought I would be allowed to sleep in at least a few more minutes since Arthur's not here."

"Merlin, Arthur might be off on a hunting trip, but that doesn't mean you'll be allowed to neglect your other duties. And I would like to point out that you've slept well past your usual time."

Looking befuddled, Merlin glanced out the window. "What? What time is it?"

"Late enough!" Gaius bellowed.

"Alright, alright! I'm getting dressed." Merlin plodded back up the stairs. "It was the first good sleep I've had in years since looking after that prat," Merlin mumbled.

"What did you say?"

"Er, nothing," Merlin replied before shutting the door.

Later that day, Merlin continued to mutter as he still managed to get stuck with the task of mucking out the stables. "Can't even get a day off…like to see him cleaning out horse dung…"

Merlin was so lost in his thoughts and his shoveling that he completely missed the soft patter of footsteps coming up from behind.

"Oh…what…Merlin!"

Merlin whirled around, and to his horror, found the Lady Morgana standing there, with particles of horse dung splattered across her hair, face, and gown.

"Morgana! I am so sorry! Here…let me…" Merlin pulled out his handkerchief and attempted to clean off her face. Unfortunately, he just made the streaks worse.

"Merlin, just stop," Morgana said, waving his hand away.

Merlin continued to prattle on. "I feel terrible…I didn't even hear you…I hope your dress isn't ruined...what can I do? I know! I'll bring a new dress out to you so no one sees you like this…no…bad idea…and…Morgana? Are you…smiling? Laughing?"

Morgana began laughing hysterically, much to Merlin's confusion…and relief. Merlin joined in, even though he wasn't really sure why. Once Morgana had gained control of herself again, she breathed in deeply.

"I don't think I've laughed so hard in ages!"

"Well, I'm glad you're laughing. I thought I was dead for a minute."

"I must look a sight," Morgana said as she inspected the front of her gown.

"Yeah, and you don't smell so good either." Merlin grinned mischievously.

"Oh really? Well, the same might be said of you," Morgana smirked as she playfully shoved him into the straw. Merlin winced as he realized what he had been shoved into.

"Well, I guess I had it coming," he said as he slowly stood up and brushed himself off. "So what brought you to the stables today anyway?"

"You."

"Me?"

"Yes. I've been looking for you all day. I need help with…something. It has to do with a certain book," Morgana whispered as she glanced around her to make sure no one was listening. Some months ago, Merlin had given Morgana his book of spells to help her in her process of learning magic. Every so often she would come to him, asking questions concerning any spells she was having difficulty with. They had to be discreet. If Uther were to discover that his ward had magic or was in possession of the book, the situation would become grim indeed.

"Morgana," Merlin said, lowering his voice a decibel, "I thought we usually saved these conversations for later." Merlin was referring to their nightly lessons they would have every so often.

Morgana was persistent. "Yes, but it's been weeks since we've been able to talk. You know I wouldn't come to you unless it was important."

Merlin stepped closer. "Alright, what is it?"

"I was practicing…in my chambers—"

"Practicing in your chambers?!" Merlin interrupted. "Morgana, what if someone saw you…Gwen is loyal, but you still can't risk it."

"Will you just let me finish?"

"Fine," Merlin sighed.

"As I was saying, I was practicing…in my room. It was a simple levitation spell."

"I thought you had that one down."

"I do, but I hadn't practiced it in awhile. Merlin, it happened again."

Merlin's expression turned serious. "What happened again?"

"I lost control."