Arriving back into Camelot was a rather awkward experience for Merlin and Arthur. It didn't help that the young prince had come back with nothing to brag to his father about, but what was worse was the fact that nearly every person outside had stopped to watch them. Obviously Leanne was attracting more attention than they expected.

Merlin attempted to gather her into his chest more than she already was, hiding her from the gazes of the curious villagers. Arthur just stared straight ahead, blaming the embarrassment on Merlin in his head. When they got to the castle Merlin carefully de-mounted the horse and staggered behind Arthur who was marching full-speed into the castle.

"Why so grumpy?" Merlin joked, "Did you want to hold the baby canog instead?"

"Shut up, Merlin!" Merlin's smile instantly dropped. "Those people probably thought I shot her down!"

"Why would they think that?" Leanne gave a small noise in the back of her throat.

The prince sighed, "Look at her. She's bleeding and deadly white. And it just so happens that I have been out hunting and come back with her."

"Ah, I see. Well, I'm sure we can convince everyone later." Merlin felt Leanne shift in his arms and looked down. Her eyes were now open and were observing the area around her. Anyone could clearly tell she was weak.

"Hey girl. How are you doing, huh?" Merlin crooned as the girl snuggled further into him. "Don't worry. We'll fix you up soon."

Arthur gave her a little pat on the head, "If my father lets her stay."

Merlin's head shot up at this, "If?"

They had already reached the main hall and Arthur strolled towards the throne where the king sat.

"Ah, welcome back, Arthur. I trust your hunting went well?" Uther stood to greet his son.

Arthur rubbed the back of neck nervously, "Well the thing is..." He motioned for Merlin to come towards them.

Uther's face held nothing but shock when he took in the sight before him. "What on earth is the meaning of this?"

Arthur went to stand next to Merlin, who held Leanne protectively from Uther. "We found her in the forest, father. She's been abandoned and she's been injured."

Uther loomed over Merlin and glared at Leanne, "Why were you living in the forest? Where do you come from?" Leanne could only shake her head. "Speak girl!"

Leanne whined loudly and hid her face under Merlin's chin. Arthur bounced in front of them, "She can't speak, father. You see, she's...a...canog."

Uther frowned and stepped back, "And, pray tell, what is a canog?"

Arthur looked to Merlin for some help. He moved forward, "A canog is a part human, part canine, Sire. Leanne here is only a puppy. They can read and understand us but they cannot speak, Sire."

Uther sent another glare towards the pup and faced his son, "And why did you bring this creature here?"

"We wanted your permission to keep her."

Uther's face turned red, "Keep her! Why would you want to keep some useless beast in the castle!"

Leanne let out a tiny growl only Merlin could hear. Arthur groaned loudly, "Father, she is no threat to anyone. You see her yourself. She's more scared than anything. Merlin and I can look after her."

Uther glanced between the two men and after what seemed like hours the king finally spoke, "You may keep her as long as she stays out of the way and out of my sight."

Both men thanked him and headed back to Arthur's chambers with a shaking and bleeding pup in tow.