Sequel to Morgana's Christmas Carol

Speaking from the Heart

He was her prisoner and yet she allowed him to leave if he wanted to. It was Christmas kindness from his nemesis and he knew not why. All he could see was sadness and regret. There were celebrations in Camelot, everyone would be having a good time and Morgana would still be in this dreaded forest, alone.

The door was open and he could leave but didn't. He closed it again and sat opposite of her.
"What are you doing?" She asked confused.
He showed a rare, genuine smile "No one should be alone for Christmas."
"You're impossible." She sighed.
"So are you. I mean, first you're glad to capture me and then you're miserable and letting me go."
Morgana got up and poured two glasses of Agravaine's wine. One of the reasons she was doing this was because the Cailleach said that today was a crossroad, that she could change her destiny. She couldn't say 'no' in case he was the key to change it. She would have to explain.
"I've seen what is to come, much like I've always done. This time, however, I saw a more distant future."
Her voice almost sounded melancholy and for once Merlin was sure she wouldn't fight him if he asked for more.
"What did you see?"
"Magic was free but I wasn't the one to make it so. Arthur died, I died and even the druid boy we saved in Camelot had died. Now that I know these things, I seek a way out."
"You want to become the victor." Said Merlin with slight disappointment.
"No. If... If I can live my life in peace, I will give up my claim to the throne."
She wasn't laughing or crying but he could tell she had stepped beyond her pride.
"You're serious."
"It's freedom that I want. If magic is free and I am no longer being hunted, that would be enough." Replied Morgana.
"Maybe it would be the same for Arthur."

Merlin paced through the corridors until he finally saw him.
"You're an idiot and a fool to have missed the celebrations. Where were you, anyway?" Asked Arthur.
"I had a run-in with Morgana." Replied Merlin.
"And then you ran away, I get the point. There is still some ale left over but I'd hurry to the kitchen if I were you. Percival might-"
"We spoke."
"And yet you breathe."
"She wanted me to give you this letter."
Arthur opened it and began to read.

Arthur,

For years I have tried to fight you for the freedom of magic and only now do I realise I've gone about it the wrong way.
I should never have resorted to blood and death to achieve my goals and I fear I have gone beyond the point of no return.
It was foolish of me to act in the name of my kind because I never had their interest at heart.
I wish that our struggle may come to an end but conditions have to be made on both sides.

One, you must lift the ban on magic.
Two, I will no longer seek your untimely demise.
Three, you will not be persecute me for my past crimes.
Four, I will give up my claim to the throne.
Five, you will return to me the home of my parents.

I hope these conditions are to your satisfaction and that we may never see each other again.

Yours sincerely,

Morgana Pendragon

Arthur's face was filled with shock.
"What are you going to do?" Asked Merlin.
The King of Camelot took a deep breath. For his sister to give up her war against him was something completely unexpected. It was rare for him to outlast her stubbornness and he thought this would last forever. As King he had the power to do as she asked but his first responsibility was that to his people.
"I can't be bullied into this. I can't do it solely for her." He replied.
With conviction, Merlin replied, "How about Gaius and the druid boy we saved?"
"Gaius is happy and the druid boy is safe now, isn't he?"
It was clear to him that Arthur wouldn't do it unless there was more at stake, that he might reconsider if he were close to the fire.
"Would you do it for me?"
"Don't be such an idiot, Merlin. You don't have magic."
"But would you do it?"
"You don't have magic. It's a pointless question."
One more word and Arthur would leave out of annoyance and the moment would be lost and forgotten. Therefor Merlin had to choose that word very carefully. He raised his hand towards the unlit fireplace and spoke barely more than a whisper.
"Forbearn."

Arthur's eyes had doubled in size. If Morgana's letter hadn't shocked him enough, this had.
"I don't understand." Said Arthur.
"Ask." Merlin would gladly help him make sense of it all.
Questions, mysteries, answers, so many things popped up inside the young King's head.
"How long?"
"Since before Camelot."
"Did you ever use it against me?"
"When you were an insufferable prat."
It should've shook him up even more but the familiarity of his words put Arthur at ease. This was still Merlin he was talking to.
"Who else knows?"
"Gaius, Lancelot, Will and my mother."
Arthur couldn't help but notice the absence of a name.
"So Morgana doesn't know?" he asked.
Merlin only shook his head in agreement.
"When did you about her magic?"
The warlock had feared that dreaded question. He wished he could be as cryptic as the dragon was but honesty was the best policy.
"I knew what the nightmares really were but as long as she didn't suspect she had magic, I wasn't going to tell her. It may seem cruel, I know, but I didn't know what good would come of it."
"What happened when she did find out?"
"She asked for my help and I told her where to find the druids. I couldn't teach her, couldn't answer the questions of 'why'. Then, I feared I would teach her the wrong things and now I regret it. If I had told her, she might not have turned to Morgause so easily."
The story told by Merlin illuminated the darkness of the path Morgana had walked but still it wasn't more than twilight. Arthur barely knew Morgause but knew enough to say she was the one that led Morgana astray. They all bore scars of lies and deceit but none as heavily as Morgana, her kind was outlawed by the King's laws... his laws, that also made Merlin an outlaw.

Under the cover of night, Morgana awaited Merlin's return. It had been hours since he left with the letter and she had not changed her mind yet. It felt like ages before she finally saw Merlin's lanky figure move through the equally skinny trees.
"Merlin." She called him over.
She did wish he would hurry up.
"Well?" She asked impatiently.
"You're free."
She almost forced him to the ground with her sudden hug.
"Thank you." She said as she let go of him.
A heavy burden had fallen off her shoulders and to Merlin she looked at least a few years younger.
"I don't know the state your parents' home is in but it's yours. Just keep in mind Arthur hasn't lifted the ban yet. The announcement hasn't been made yet."

"Morgana?" Said a voice.
She turned around to see Arthur lean against a nearby tree.
"What are you doing here?" She asked.
"I came to apologize. Merlin explained to me that your dreams were part of your magic and magic alone doesn't decide who you are. I should have seen it sooner."
Morgana turned to Merlin, "You haven't even told him half of what I've done, have you?"
The warlock smiled and replied, "Nor will I."
"Morgana," Arthur asked her attention once more, "I wish you luck and goodbye."
"Arthur, don't trust Agravaine and you'll be fine." With those words, Morgana went back into the forest while Merlin went back to Camelot with Arthur.