Thanks so much for the reviews so far! I hope you enjoy this next chapter. :) I'm sorry if it's going a little slow...there will definitely be some major things happening later on. Interested to hear your thoughts on this one...especially as you get towards the end. Hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Merlin stepped closer. "What do you mean, 'lost control'?"

"I was practicing with two of my candles…which I know was foolish. I was trying to lift the flames, like I've seen you do."

Merlin nodded. "Go on."

"I finally lifted them both, but instead of floating they started growing larger. Merlin, I was afraid."

"What happened?"

"I-I don't know. Before I knew it, the candlesticks were on the floor and I was stomping out the flames."

Merlin's eyes widened with concern. "Were you hurt?"

"No, I'm fine. I finally remembered to use magic. The spell put out the flame…but Merlin, something else happened." Morgana paused and wrung her hands nervously. "As soon as I cast the spell, the glass in my mirror cracked."

Merlin looked relieved. "Is that all?"

"What do you mean, 'is that all?' Last time I lost control of my powers I managed to shatter an entire window and nearly burnt my room to a crisp."

"No, that's not what I meant." Merlin scratched the back of his head, trying to find a way to ease her mind. He slowly brought his hands to her shoulders. "Look, I'm sure it's nothing to be worried about. You probably got your spells confused…you could have said anything. You were scared. It's happened to me before."

"Really? You're not just saying that?"

"No, no. I'm telling you, everything will be alright. You just have to be patient. I'm sorry I've been neglecting you lately, but I promise we'll study again…soon."

"Good, because I feel like I'm losing control, and it's only then that things like this happen. But my magic feels stronger, in a way. That can't be right, can it?"

"I…don't know." Merlin stammered.

The sound of footsteps approaching snapped them both to attention. Merlin quickly lifted his hands off her shoulders and pretended to be engrossed with mucking the stables.

"Well, thank you for the report on Stargazer, Merlin. I'm glad to hear she's doing so well," Morgana said loud enough for anyone to hear. Stargazer, Morgana's horse, had been poisoned a few months back and had died, but Morgause had made a sacrifice to bring the horse back to life. Ever since then, Stargazer had been strong and healthy.

"You're welcome, my lady," Merlin replied as equally loud.

"Can we meet tonight?" Morgana whispered.

"Umm, I'm not sure." Merlin scratched his cheek.

"Please, only for a little bit."

Merlin nodded. "Alright. Just for a little bit…and be careful."

"Always am."

Almost as soon as Morgana walked out, Gaius entered. His eyebrows were scrunched together, a common expression of his when he was displeased.

"Merlin, what was Morgana doing in here with you?"

Merlin shrugged. "Nothing…she had a question about her horse."

"You and I both know she wasn't in here asking about her horse." Gaius came closer and spoke in barely a whisper. "Merlin, don't think I haven't noticed the way you two have been looking at each other when you think no one is watching."

"Don't know what you're talking about," Merlin mumbled.

"Merlin! I know very well what I'm talking about. If Uther discovers—"

"I know!" Merlin responded through gritted teeth. "He'll have my head. Look, I'm trying to be careful, but I can't stop her from coming to me."

"Coming to you? Why does she seek you out, hmm?"

Merlin whirled around. "Sometimes she'll ask for my help, alright? She's confused. Her magic is still a mystery to her."

"Merlin, does Morgana know about you?"

"No…" Merlin winced inwardly at the blatant lie.

Gaius shook his head, his frown deepening. "I've told you time and time again not to get involved. If Uther discovers that not only his ward has magic, but that you've been helping her, he'll have both your heads. Merlin, you need to stop this. Now."

"Look, clearly this is something we don't agree on. I can't stop helping her, Gauis. I won't."

"I have to get back to the apothecary, but we're not done with this discussion. I need you to pick a few herbs for me when you're done." Gaius handed him a list. Merlin perused it and curtly nodded.

"Don't you need the list?"

Merlin counted the plants on his fingers. "You need motherwort, fennel, sage, saffron, mint, and chamomile. Yep, got it."

"You can take the list. I don't need it."

"I said I've got it," Merlin said irritably as he turned to finish mucking out a corner of the stable.

Gaius sighed and walked to the door. "Merlin, I wish you wouldn't be cross with me. I know we disagree, but I'm only worried for you both. You know that."

"I understand," Merlin replied.

Gaius hesitated before finally leaving. Merlin let his thoughts wander as he finished his chores. The subject of Morgana would always be a sore spot between them. He had never understood why Gaius had refused to take Morgana under his wing. Yes, there was always the risk of Uther finding out, but Gaius didn't seem to understand Morgana's need to confide in someone. If the Druids hadn't helped her, Merlin wasn't sure where she would be now. And if he wouldn't help her understand her powers, what would stop her from seeking out Morgause? No, he couldn't in his right mind stop teaching her.

After finishing gathering herbs, Merlin begrudgingly made his way back home. He didn't want to continue the conversation from earlier with Gaius. He wasn't too keen on Gaius discovering that Morgana knew about his magic. Bracing himself before entering the apothecary, Merlin slowly opened the door. To his surprise, he saw that Gaius was not alone. There was a boy with him, and Gaius appeared to be instructing him on mixing some kind of elixir.

"Ah, there you are, Merlin," Gaius said, turning briefly from his work. He picked up a rag to wipe his hands with and patted the boy's arm.

"Merlin, I'd like to introduce you to Rowan. He arrived just this afternoon. He's an aspiring young physician and is in search of a mentor."

Merlin, still slightly taken aback, held out his hand in greeting. Rowan appeared to be around the same age as him. He was shorter in stature, with brown hair and brown eyes flecked with goldish tints. He seemed pleasant enough, but Merlin couldn't help but get the feeling that he was being assessed by Rowan as they shook hands.

"Pleasure to meet you, Merlin."

"So you're interested in medicine?"

"Yes, I've been traveling for the past few days to get to Camelot. I wasn't sure what I was going to do when I arrived, but as soon as I saw the sign for an apothecary, I decided I would take my chances. And…well, here I am."

"And you're already showing great promise," Gaius said. "Oh, Merlin, did you gather those herbs?"

"Uh, yeah…here you go." Merlin handed the bag over, still scrutinizing the newcomer.

"Well, guess I had better see if the inn has a room." Rowan began collecting his belongings.

"Nonsense, you'll stay here tonight," Gaius quickly offered.

"He will?" Merlin blurted out.

"No, I wouldn't dream of it. I'll take my chances at the inn."

"I'm serious. You'll stay with us. You can sleep in Merlin's room. There's enough room for the both of you."

"Is there?" Merlin crossed his arms, raising an eyebrow.

"Of course there is. Here, Rowan, give me those bags. Merlin, help bring these upstairs."

"I really don't want to inconvenience you like this. Are you sure?" Rowan looked from Merlin to Gaius.

"Positive. And Merlin doesn't mind sharing his room, do you, Merlin?"

Merlin managed a weak smile. "Not at all."