Chapter 3

Morgana POV

I sure did regret mentioning Merlin's mysterious girl to Arthur. He had dragged me all the way to Gaius's and now it was raining and we were stuck. There was no way I was leaving in the pouring rain. The funny thing about the situation was that Merlin was not even here. Gaius had said that he and … Fern had gone off for a picnic. Even though the sky had been looking gloomy all afternoon!

I glared at Arthur; this whole mess was his stupid fault. He smiled sweetly at me and I scowled back. Suddenly the door opened and in walked a dripping wet Merlin and his 'friend'… Fern. They were laughing hysterically and as they entered Merlin said "Oh no it was so not going to rain, I hate to say I told you so but ……I told you so!"

"Don't be so childish Merlin, besides it was fun. Where is your sense of adventure?" she replied.

"Its wet at the moment, you had better take your cloak off or you will freeze, you can change in my room and I'll wait." He replied still smiling.

It was only then that I could really get a good look at Fern. She was stunningly beautiful with stunning red hair, forest green eyes and a pale complexion. What was most alarming of all though was how heavily she was armed. Two big swords were strapped to her back and she carried a wicked looking knife at her belt.

Merlin had still failed to notice our presence but he sure did notice how heavily armed she was.

"What is one sword not enough anymore," he joked.

Fern was about to answer when Arthur cleared his throat loudly, he sure could be a big git at times.

Merlin looked slightly startled to find the crown prince and myself waiting in his house. Then again Merlin always seemed to look slightly startled.

Fern was the fastest to recover, smiling she curtsied "Forgive me, sire… milady I did not see you there. If you would excuse me I must change." She said as she swiftly made her way past us and into Merlin's room.

"Well, well, well Merlin what have you been up to… you look like a drowned rat," Arthur sure could be an arse.

"Fern and I went for a picnic, since I get so little time off we had to make the most of the time I do get," he said smiling. Then again Merlin always seemed to be smiling… lately.

"So Merlin who is your friend and will she be staying in Camelot long?" I asked. Someone had to cut straight to the point.

Merlin looked around uncertainly, "Well Fern is an old friend I have known for awhile. I am not sure how long she will be staying for… hopefully a month or two. He replied.

I pouted; he really did not tell me anything I had not already worked out for myself.

"Come on Merlin; don't pretend to be all interesting. Are you two a couple or what?

Arthur sure did cut to the point and from the look on Merlin's face I really wish he hadn't. He looked absolutely furious and looked like he was on the verge of having a go at Arthur before Fern interrupted.

"Merlin you had better get changed before you catch a cold," she said smiling.

"Yes of course," he responded but it was pretty obvious that there was no way in the world he would leave Fern alone with us. "Arthur was there something you wanted?"

"Just wanted to make sure you remembered that I need you to serve me at the feast tonight," he lied.

Merlin looked unconvinced but he nodded. I then took that as our que to leave.

"I think their just good friends Arthur," I said as I reached up to place a comforting hand on his shoulder only to be brushed off. The next few weeks were not going to pleasant for Arthur.

Merlin POV

Who the hell did Arthur think he was barging in and asking about my personal life? I was his servant, yes. But that did not mean that he had to be privy to everything that went on in my life.

I did not want him getting too close to Fern. She was like me…….magic. Well not exactly like me but still she had power. The first day we met was the day I had chopped a tree down using magic. She had suddenly appeared out of no where and berated me for abusing the forest using the ancient magic. She said it was an abomination to nature or something.

Since then we had become my lifeline. Sure Gaius was great but he did not understand like she did. It was hard when she travelled but as the Forest Keeper she had matters to attend to. Her duty was to the forests, the magical creatures and the ancient promises. Mine was to protect Arthur. It sure did make life difficult.

"Merlin, I have a present for you," said Fern as she bounced into the room and sat down on the edge of the bed. She reached into her bag and pulled out a book. One I had seen her with many times… writing.

"Oh, wow you finished it," I exclaimed. I took it from her and began to flick through the pages. It was incredible, a full summary of all the lands and their rulers. There were hand drawn maps and pictures of different types of herbs. Like Gaius she was a healer of sorts.

"You are the only one I have shown this to," she said nervously.

"Its amazing Fern, you really should show Gaius,"

She laughed, "Your are so biased Merlin, but thanks I will think about it… but only Gaius."