So many paths that wind and wind…
Disclaimer: Merlin and its characters belong to the BBC.
Chapter 1
"There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered."
~ Nelson Mandela
Morgana had never looked so neglected. Her clothes were frayed, her hair was disheveled, her milk-white complexion was marred by dirt. However, appearances were deceiving - she had never felt more cared for than in this past year.
Morgana scooped up some mud from the ground and began to rub it on her arms. She had only one objective and to meet that, certain disguises were necessary. As she stepped barefoot over a stream, she examined her reflection in the water. With a tilt of her head, she took up the edge of her dress and tore it. That should complete the look.
The morning patrol was underway and Sir Tor was frustrated. Not only was the army leaving for war the next day, but he also had to attend a banquet send-off and on top of it all, he had been put in charge of morning patrol. Which he didn't really think was necessary at this time.
The knights turned their heads suddenly and unsheathed their swords when they heard a rustle in the bushes. Disarrayed and unkempt, a dark-haired lady stepped into the clearing and approached them with faltering steps.
Sir Tor kept his sword out and demanded to the stranger. "Who are you and what is your business in Camelot?"
One of the knights dropped his sword and exclaimed, "Lady Morgana!"
Sir Tor rushed forward to support the Lady who looked near exhaustion. As he held her, she looked up at him and said in a feeble voice. "At last, I am home." And with that, she fainted.
Merlin paced back and forth at the foot of the staircase leading to Morgana's chambers. The entire castle was bustling with news of the Lady's mysterious return. Uther had declared the send-off banquet as also a celebration of Morgana's homecoming. The servants were moving about with joy to prepare for the evening's festivities. Arthur and his knights took the return of Morgana as a good omen and were doing their last minute training with renewed vigor.
Merlin was feeling removed from the surrounding atmosphere of jubilation. He was relieved to see her alive, but his next thought was fear of what this meant for him and for Camelot. At the same time, Merlin was consumed by guilt of what he had done to her.
He looked up to see Gwen descending. "How is she? Has she said anything?"
Gwen looked happy, but also slightly anxious. "Gaius is talking to her now." Gwen took Merlin's arm and said, "But Merlin, she doesn't remember anything! The last thing she recalls is everyone falling asleep before the Knights of Medhir came. She needs to rest now, but Gaius thinks she will be well enough to attend the banquet this evening."
"Aren't you to stay with her?" Merlin asked.
"I'm going to fetch her some food from the kitchens. You didn't bring her flowers this time, Merlin?"
Merlin knew she was teasing him, so he forced a grin and she smiled knowingly at him before heading off to the kitchens.
The trumpets sounded as Uther entered the hall with Morgana on his arm. Amidst cheerful applause, Uther walked to the head table where Arthur was already waiting. Arthur smiled at Morgana warmly and Uther patted his ward's arm as he turned to address the gathering of nobles and servants alike.
"My dear subjects and friends, I had never dreamed that today would be so joyful a day. My ward, the Lady Morgana, was finally returned home to us. We have all missed her presence greatly in court." Uther reached for his goblet and raised it. "To the Lady Morgana!"
Everyone drank to the King's words and Morgana smiled affectionately at the crowd. Uther continued to speak. "It is my hope that her arrival will inspire our army to defeat Alvarr and his magicians. I have no doubt that victory will come swiftly our way since our armies vastly outnumber his. But this is not the end in the fight against magic, my people. The witch Morgause should not go unpunished for kidnapping my ward."
At these words, Morgana looked up sharply at the King. Merlin caught the look and this made him nearly spill the wine he was pouring for some of the nobles. He barely registered the next few words of what Uther was saying.
Uther raised his arms. "Let the banquet begin," he declared. Uther clapped Arthur's shoulder on the way to his throne and Morgana took her place at Uther's right.
The servants entered the hall with large platters of food and the musicians began to play a cheerful melody. Soon, everyone was engrossed in conversation.
Uther turned to his son. "I have full confidence in your men. Show those vile magicians no mercy, Arthur. We should never be troubled by them again."
Arthur twirled his crown in his hands and he looked up at his father, noticing that a weight seemed to have been lifted off his shoulders with Morgana's return. "Yes, my lord. I will do my best," he said.
Uther surveyed the hall and said, "I know you will look after your men. But, look after yourself too." He drank from his goblet, finally met Arthur's eyes and lowered his voice. "I'm proud of you, my son. Never forget that."
Arthur nodded and noticed Morgana's gaze on them. "At least Morgana will be here to keep you in line when I'm away, Father."
Uther chuckled and squeezed Morgana's hand.
A nobleman approached the head table and began a discussion with Uther about some complaints the commoners had about the crop divisions. Arthur's eyes followed the servants as they moved from table to table. He absent-mindedly stood up and excused himself saying he needed rest.
Merlin watched as Arthur left the hall. He looked at Morgana again and her eyes were downcast. For the first time, even in her bejeweled cream dress, she looked like she didn't belong in the chair that she had previously occupied countless times.
She suddenly looked up directly at him and before Merlin could look away, she gestured him to her table.
It's now or never, Merlin. Merlin let out a deep breath and walked forward. He felt as though time itself had slowed down, even though he hadn't done any magic. Through the corner of his eyes, he noticed Gwen leaving the hall and some drunken noblemen who had begun to sing.
"Have you been avoiding me, Merlin? Why haven't you come to see me?" Her smile was wide and innocent, but Merlin had never felt more uncomfortable in the presence of the lady.
She raised her glass so Merlin could pour her more wine. "I didn't want to disturb you while you rested, my lady. Also, I've been busy preparing to leave for tomorrow's battle."
"You are truly a servant of Camelot. You always do whatever it takes to keep Camelot safe, Merlin."
Although her tone indicated admiration, Merlin sensed a shadow cross her face as she spoke. Merlin ignored the voice of doubt in his head and tried to speak warmly. "I thank you for your kind words. I'm happy to see you are safe, my lady."
She dismissed him with a nod and he walked away slowly. He paused at the doorway and chanced a glance back in her direction, only to notice that her gaze was still on him.