Hunith woke slowly, warmer and calmer than she had felt upon waking for a long time. Excitable, energetic children like Merlin did not make for gentle starts.

Something was different, something fundamental that should be easy to identify she thought, reaching over to check Merlin and remembering abruptly why she felt warmer, noticing the arm around her and a once familiar scent. She had more than half expected to wake up to an empty space beside her again. Merlin had shifted during the night, looked like he had managed to scramble over his father to get an arm of his own. She was loathe to get up and break the tableau, the sense of rightness, but knew there was no other option, they did not have the luxury of time to indulge sentiment.

Aine was already up and moving, clearly she had tried to allow the family a little more time together before waking them, and it warmed Hunith, her feelings about the woman's deception twisting and conflicting inside. She would have done the same thing, she knew she would have. Hunith was hardly the model of honesty and openness. As many virtues as she had, truthfulness was not one of them. Yet to be on the other side left her deeply uncomfortable, and irrationally wondering if she hadn't made a mistake following the woman. Handing Hunith a mug of nettle tea Aine sighed. "Come, we do not have much time before the boys must be woken. I lied to you about certain aspects- well, withheld some of the truth- but I have never been dishonest about my care or motives. You crossed the border last night, just barely, the ground we are on right now is no longer Uther's domain. It is not safe. It is not far, but we are one step closer this morning to refuge."

Aine smiled, bitter-sweet, nodding towards Balinor and their child, "The man there, holding your son close, he is my son. He has made many mistakes, but he is a good man. Merlin is my grandson by blood, and in spirit, I leave the decision about whether to grant him that knowledge fully in your hands Hunith. If you choose not to share it, know that it will not change my feelings or behaviour towards him, I will not resent it, and it will not change how I feel towards or treat you either. Everything you do is done putting Merlin's welfare first in your considerations, and you know him best so I will follow your lead. We seek the same thing you and I, without this secret between us I believe it will be easier for us to achieve."

Hunith looked at the older woman with renewed caution "What is that exactly?"

"Simply to find a safe place for our children to live, for them to know more than being hated and feared."

Put like that it really did sound very simple, Hunith set her jaw and nodded sharply. "Then let's find one. If we can't, then we'll make one."

A proper smile lit Aine's features then, "There's the staunch, caring woman my son fell in love with." The old woman placed a warm hand against Hunith's cheek, "I am proud of you both, it has not been easy for any of you. It will likely never be easy, but you have done more in a matter of hours than some do in a lifetime to forgive and heal pain, even as raw wounds are being laid down. If there is any way I can help, please don't hesitate to ask. Morning tea is a poor offering."

She looked at her son and his father, Merlin beginning to rouse, trying to burrow deeper into his side in a way she had never had the pleasure of seeing before, seeming to reject the dawn for once. Perhaps he was simply exhausted from using such energy yesterday, perhaps a subconscious part of him recognised who was holding him, it was time though, the next patrol might be looking for bandits, but there was no guarantee they wouldn't spread out this far if any were inexperienced. Uther was happy to lie quite blatantly about bigger things than crossing borders.

Kara and the older boy were rousing now too so Aine began to dole out the tea, it's warmth appreciated for the simple relief from the early morning chill.

Kneeling by her boys Hunith shook one, a little more roughly than necessary, before catching herself, clearly there was still anger she would need to work out, speaking gently to the other and mumbling an apology as Balinor's eyes snapped open, hand going automatically to his sword. Hunith cursed that she had forgotten how alone the man had been, of course he would wake in fight or flight frame of mind, her hand covered his as the fog cleared. "You need to get up, we're leaving soon, your mother made tea for everyone. Merlin complained, not wanting to move, Hunith gave up on him voluntarily leaving the warmth of the furs and scooped him up. "Come on, you need some breakfast before we go, it's going to be a very busy day and you'll need the energy."
"No, I don't want 'nother busy day." He yawned. She hoped he would feel more energised after eating something, travelling with tired children was slow and she had lost his volunteer carrier.

Balinor had already rolled up the sleeping mat when she turned around to ask him and handed them their bowls. "No fruit Mummy?" Merlin asked wistfully, seeing the gruel.

"None this morning love, maybe later we can find something."

He tried not to look disappointed, it was a treat anyway, "Can I help look?"

Hunith smiled, glad to see her son beginning to show a little more confidence again, "Of course you can help look, you are great at helping." He saw Mum's friend catching her eye and looked puzzled before returning his attention to the food, you could never be too careful with meals, the next one didn't always appear when it should. "Can I use my other hand today?" He whispered into mum's mind, hearing the smile in her reply, "Of course Merlin, you can use it for small things like steadying a bowl."

'Of course' was absolutely not how she felt, but if it was what helped him learn not to accidentally explode things or stop time, then 'of course' would be her answer every morning 'til she crossed the veil.

Balinor smiled, "Well done dear, I felt what that cost you. He didn't." His pride in her was clear, "If you don't mind I have some dried apple and nuts he could have later, not now obviously, since he has been told to wait, but when you think he can. Good energy food."

"Thank you. I'll see how he goes, but maybe mid morning? The days are getting longer after all."
"Yes. Beyond that, he used a lot of energy yesterday, it likely drained him and he'll take a bit to recover. Extra will hasten that recovery." Hunith let her interest show, it hadn't seemed to be significant before, but now that he pointed it out, the connection was clear, after big expenditures of magic, Merlin did often get lethargic. "Ok, keep an eye on him then, and when you see him flagging, offer him some."
It felt strange allowing anyone else to have responsibility for Merlin, but as she did so the realisation that this was what normal families did struck her heavily. It wasn't a bizarre anomaly for anyone but them, William would often go practice hunting with his father, as well as to the fields with his mother, he learned more whittling than spinning, he spent time in his auntie's care playing with cousins. This was her first proper glimpse into what that truly meant. Balinor, coming up behind her rested his chin on her shoulder and a hand on her waist, "Ssh, don't overthink it. Right here, right now, we are together, we can go one hour at a time if you want, you don't need to work everything out by noon. If he does tire, I'll carry him. If not, he can find whatever he is looking for." Merlin's eyes flicked towards them and something niggled at the back of his mind, something important he thought, but not more important than breakfast, so he concentrated on that and took his things to wash up, like he was supposed to. This time several pairs of eyes watched him carefully. Kara had quickly noticed that there was a change in the dynamic that seemed to be due to the addition of the other traveller. He didn't seem to be a warrior by choice, more druid-like in aura, but definitely not a true druid. It made her uncomfortable to have such a man close to the woman she had followed so far. She must have been broadcasting some of her emotions because when she looked to her side Aine appeared. "I understand, Kara. You can rest easy on this point. That man is family to me. He will not betray us, and Isildur will rejoin you later, he is fulfilling a task that needed his skills, he knows our companion and can vouch for him if you wish it of him. They defended us together."

"Didn't he lead Uther's men to us only yesterday?" There was anger in Kara's tone still. Aine met it with soothing and calmness, "No, quite the opposite in fact. Uther's men led him to us. He was travelling this way, which I did not know, and believed they may have discovered the destination he had in mind. He was stalking them before they attacked us and he had to change his plan. The man is safe for you, but not very sociable right now. He is unlikely to answer any questions and quite likely to read you rather accurately without invading your mind."

"You are sure of this, Aine?"
"Certain. I've known him since he was very young, and it has contributed to keeping him alive this long."

Kara snorted. "You'd better be right, or we'll all be paying dearly for it."

Aine let the frustration flow over her, "I am. Don't doubt that if he wasn't several more would now be lying dead alongside our attackers. I saw four die at his hand myself. If you cannot be thankful for your life, at least try not to make judgements without seeing someone."

Kara hesitated before replying. "How can I be sure you are not deceived by him after such a long time."

Aine smirked, "I said I knew him as a boy, not that it was when I last saw him." Her expression sobered, "Do not make the mistake of thinking you are the only one to suffer at Uther's hand, or you will lose some very valuable allies and friends. You are good at 'seeing' people's true selves Kara, allow yourself to see them."

The elder left her to finish packing what little she had and restore the place as best she could. Still weary from the day before, and emotionally drained she didn't immediately notice their newest companion joining her until he waved a hand over the place muttering words that could get him executed without trial, and her head jerked up. His expression blank his eyes flicked towards hers. "I saw you speaking to Aine. Whatever she said of me, I want you to ignore, make your own decision. Every choice we make in this life, the consequences are our own to carry, you must be at peace with yours. I do not wish you harm, or any one of us under persecution, we all share that oppression. The only way I ever come up against you, is if you pose a threat to Merlin or Hunith. Cause them no harm, you and I will never have a problem. You've seen me, and did not meet me as a quiet traveller, I arrived after a battle, I don't expect you to consider me safe, but you can expect me to defend you all against whatever may come against us."

He raised an eyebrow, and gestured towards the two he had claimed as specifically his priority.

"I don't expect you to trust me either, none of us here trust anyone easily. "

Kara agreed and studied him, following his gaze, brows meeting, "Why?"
He understood 'why them', and answered flatly without turning to look at her, "They're different."

Which left her with more questions than she had to begin with and no way to politely ask them. "Come on, the hearth needs scattering before we leave." Rejoining the woman and child he didn't give her a backwards look and she went to follow what she assumed was an instruction. He didn't seem as though he'd be very good at following them himself, which was disturbing if she thought about it, but there was someone waiting for her, and the very last thing any of them needed was to be worried about being delayed by her or picking up on borrowed anxiety.

They were ready to leave shortly afterwards, the signs of any occupation minimal. No one wanted to use significant amounts of magic, that might be traceable, especially after Merlin's loss of control the previous day. Anyone even slightly sensitive in the area would have felt the aftermath, though not the cause. Aine didn't like it. Or the prickling on the back of her neck.

With Aine at the front, Balinor took the rear, adopting the position of a guard apparently without being asked, despite making his priorities clear earlier when she regarded him with open suspicion. Kara tried to concentrate on the flora they were passing, there was a good chance they could make some proper stew later, if they could get further from the border. She wasn't naive enough to believe that an invisible line would prevent the poisonous ideas of Uther's laws from spreading and they were still far too close to Camelot. The other boy who remained with them stayed very close to her, jumping at every sound, clearly unnerved. It must have been his first direct attack she thought, hoping rather than expecting his mother to find them with Isildur later, if they didn't then she or Devin would have a new ward. As the morning wore on it began to look more and more likely.

Merlin walked beside his mother for the most part, picking up on her rather subdued mood, his steps far more stable and measured than before her intervention Kara was pleased to note, observing his gait. The child had a long way to go to catch up to where he ought to be, but seemed to be a fast learner, which could only be a good thing given that he was..well.. Him.

She was conflicted about withholding that information, yet she could understand why it hadn't been offered, that wasn't the sort of knowledge one could take back, and to be burdened by 'destiny' as a child was cruel. On the other hand, what would happen if he was given no preparation or understanding? Gods she wished she'd been born in less confusing times. There must have been some. Times where girls like her were not expected to make decisions that could impact on the balance of the world. Worlds really. Times that didn't have the spirits of legends walking alongside people like her, or skipping next to young mothers oblivious that their sons were wrapped in prophecies, hunted by Destiny and Fate. One where she wouldn't look at the child Emrys and know his nemesis was somewhere out in the world, just waiting to find him, may well be stalking him even now. The wrongness of it all choking her. Aine looked back, catching and holding her gaze.

"No. Not like that. The story never goes so simply. You think two strangers meet and instantly have the depth of connection to battle in such a raw manner as to break through the bonds of time? Prophecies are not just some sweet lie told to a druid child for lessons Cara. No. They are more like… like echoes. Like a cry that ricochets through a cave system. A whisper may carry a little distance, but to reach the depths? No. That needs an intensity that comes from the very soul of a person clinging on at the brink. Not everything is pre-decided. We heard an echo through time, the seers and the prophets, and it was visceral. The scream of someone begging the goddess, but for what? We cannot yet know. The players begin to assemble, yes, but you can be sure that when Emrys rises and his greatest opponent does, it will not be some stranger. Of course raw power contributes, but it is not enough alone, without passion. He will know them, and know them well enough for the screaming of two souls to echo down to the very beginning of our world. It is very unlikely that someone who means so much to Emrys would already be old enough, or interested enough, to hunt him. Nor will looking for the bane of Emrys mean you locate his great enemy. Besides, how do you know that by pursuing one you would not introduce him to the other? A prophecy is a dangerous thing my dear, never forget that. I would not hand an untrained child a sharpened sword, I will not hand them a prophecy that they may one day live."

Kara was silent. She had a great deal to consider, and didn't particularly wish to draw any more attention since it was apparently a day for lectures and chastisement. Somehow that was also the wrong thing to do as her lack of animation was drawing the attention of a man she still didn't have a name for, causing her to frown. Cursing her distraction it took only seconds for him to be at her side. "Stay alert Kara, we can't risk another ambush."

She nodded, and narrowed her eyes at him, "Who are you really?" she almost whispered.

He was no druid, but no knight either, too noble in bearing to be a serf. "Would you rather I give a false name or to choose one for me?" Her mouth dropped open as a surge of realisation swept over her, and the shocked look was met with his wry smile of understanding.

"You're one of them. You were someone before." Someone specific, commonly known of by name, if not in person, those who shed their names even in safe company weren't just running from the widespread persecution, they were being hunted, those with a bounty on their heads or wanted for a reason.

"There it is."

"Were you his?"

"Does it matter? I doubt you can say you were this before."

Kara remembered the smoke and the screams. "It matters."

Balinor sighed. "You will not find the answers you seek by demanding, or anger. I am no man's, I never have belonged to any man, and none can ever hold a claim over me. I stand alone Kara. If it troubles you not to have a name try Bran, it's short enough for warning, and could be one of a hundred. Ignorance may not be a defence, but if I was looking for someone, I'd know a reaction to a name, and so would they. Without mine you can't flinch. Secrets save lives now, better get your head around that, lass. You'll keep friends better if you don't poke at their pain." He gave her a quick flash of his mood to let her know he was not making any veiled threats and it almost knocked her sideways. Whoever he was, his mind was not… normal. Not in her experience anyway. He cocked a brow at her, almost as though he were daring her to challenge it, and a tension she hadn't noticed ebbed from him as she bit back her questions and offered a tentative smile. "Um… Let me start over Bran?" She asked it without knowing what to expect in response,

"No. You don't get any start overs. No-one ever does. The past can't be changed, you shape the future by your present. I respect you for who you are Kara, not who you would change yourself into given infinite time."

"Okaaay. Give me time Bran, who I am now is suspicious and defensive, and on very good days, a healer."
Balinor nodded, satisfied. "Yes, so I've seen, it serves your friends well. Thank you for helping Merlin, there are traces of your magic just around the edges of his mind when he walks."

"I didn't do anything really, just showed him the patterns."

Balinor caught her eyes, all evidence of lightness gone, "No Kara, it was more than that; you showed him how to take the first step."
He was gone from her before she could form an adequate response to that, having heard clearly the double meaning of his words, sidling back over to where Merlin and Hunith were walking.

As he bent his head to whisper in the other woman's ear a suspicion began to form in her mind, but rushing to conclusions was dangerous, so she'd observe and wait. Hunith appeared to smile up at him in response, not one she'd seen before, new and almost fragile.

Balinor approached Hunith carefully and placed his hand lightly on her lower back, he didn't want to spook her, but desperately needed to assure himself that she was real, solid and warm beside him. "Do you think he's been well behaved enough to have some yet?"

Hunith looked down at Merlin and noticed how scattered and distracted his attention was, he looked dazed, almost panicked and concern shot through her. The sharp inhale drew Balinor's attention to his son and a light mental touch told him everything he needed to know. He gave Hunith's hand a quick squeeze, "I've got this love, let me help him?" she nodded.

Merlin was alert as someone wanted to speak to Mum when her feelings were.. Strange… Feeling other people's emotions was new, and he wasn't at all sure he liked it. Before he knew about silent talking he'd never felt them like that, just like something pushing against his mind a bit. He knew other people being happy made him feel happy, and when other people were sad, he often felt sad, but that happened to lots of people, the heavy clouds around people had been a jumble though, and now it was like someone had washed off the dust. He was worried it might be his fault for exploding, maybe he'd broken something again. Mum hadn't told him off though. Maybe she just hadn't noticed? She been very busy today and yesterday, especially after her friend came. He thought Aine might know, she kept looking back to him, but she wasn't angry either. He could feel worry, and happiness from her? He could feel someone being afraid and didn't like it at all, he knew it wasn't him being afraid, that was different. Easier. There were too many feelings, too many blurry words..

Balinor reached down, his warm fingers on a frail shoulder made Merlin jump, but Balinor didn't move, just waited for Merlin to see him and concentrate on him, "That's it, well done, focus on me, ignore the others, just look at me. I'm going to do something for a minute and you don't need to be scared ok. I want you to try and listen with your mind just to me ok? Like when you are trying to hear a deer moving, or a hare. Let the other voices melt away, just me for a minute. Brilliant."
Merlin's eyes were now fixed on his father's. "It's alright. Try not to panic, ok? People
can be so careless with their feelings and minds, can't they. Sharing too many things and being all confusing! I'm going to open mine and let you have a wee bit to hold onto, just like holding your mum's hand to not get lost. We'll work on it together later so you don't need to always have it. Your mind is a bit like mine. It's made to be able to grab on to another and share these things, but usually you'd be a bit older. People like us have to build some defences. A bit like a castle, more like the earth kind than stones, but we start small and practice together." He did exactly that, and Merlin could feel the offered stand reach out to him, then stopping. "You have to take it Merlin, I won't push like the others. Concentrate and reach out just to me." closing his eyes the little warlock did so, stumbling forward as a sense of calm and quiet filled him, it was as though the others had suddenly been shut out. Catching his son easily Balinor stood up, taking the boy with him, "You are amazing you know, don't let anyone tell you different." He stroked the dark hair back from his face. "Now before we saw what was happening I'd come over to offer you some of the dried apple and nuts from my pack, I hope you haven't changed your mind about fruit after I've even got your mother's official permission." He winked lightly at the boy, hoping a distraction would help, however minor for an adult, and relieved when it did, finding Merlin as delighted at the prospect of such a treat as ever.

Hunith's fear hadn't eased watching the conversation between the two, if anything increasing, but she appreciated that Merlin was more like himself afterwards. The rhythmic rocking movement and sheer relief tipped Merlin over the edge into a restful sleep.

Hunith saw Balinor exchanging a meaningful look with his mother and an aching sadness in the older woman's eyes.

"What was that, Bal?"

He sighed in resignation. "That was something that shouldn't have happened until he was much older and had far more understanding. Merlin's efforts yesterday with his innate capacity seem to have triggered it early. He is hearing and feeling what others are. What everyone is, and it is overwhelming. I've extended my defenses to protect his mind for now, but if he was anyone else that would break him. His mind is hard to explain. It's difficult even as an adult."

Hunith found herself reminded of what Aine had told her and forced herself to calm.

"Try. For me, just try."

"Then we need to use the other way."

Hunith shrugged, "Losing my patience now Bal."

"Dragonlords are bound to the dragons as firmly as they are to us. It is more than a forced obedience, they obey us because of that connection. Dragon and dragonlord are soul-kin and that requires our minds to be able to adapt to the presence of another, the scale of a dragon, dragons are almost immortal Hunith, the mind of a creature thousands of years old requires an entirely different structure, to be able to absorb more. To deal with that we build up a kind of mental armour, calluses, but Merlin has very little, for age and inexperience. Without it he gets drawn into the whirling chaos easily or has to fight, like ducking punches. It's exhausting. Being able to accomodate the mind of a thousand year old dragon means being able to hear tens of people at a time. His voice may be young and excited, but he doesn't yet know how to shut this off, a dragon would fill the space and keep it from being troublesome, give a focus. We do not have a dragon. We have me. For now I can cover it and give him a distinct point of focus. Lock down my own emotions tight so he cannot sense them. Dragonlords do tend to be calmer and have better self control that most full human men, simply because of the damage that can be done with a single dragonlord's fury. One command Hunith can devastate a kingdom. Far more easily than Uther's single command has. I feel no less rage, grief, even hate for him, what he did, but without the extra mental strength, Kilgarrah would have razed the whole kingdom to the ground long ago, and without a dragonlord to stop him doing just that, they would be utterly helpless against him. What I want and what is sane and forgivable are not the same. Every Dragonlord must be able to control their desires Hunith. This is one of the ways we learn that rigid control, but no one has ever been required to do so as young, except one, and I am scared of getting it wrong. Absolutely terrified love. He thinks he broke something and you will be angry. When he wakes, can you assure him that he has not broken or damaged anything, that no one is hurt."

Hunith felt like she was falling, like she'd been falling since she first met the man, "Full human, as in you are not."

Balinor sighed. "Creature of the old religion love. I never hid being a dragonlord from you."

"You left. Balinor! You left and I had no idea about any of it."

"Look, you can be as angry as you want later, I didn't realise that the meaning was lost on you,

or believe me I would be been a lot more thorough before asking you to tie the knot with me. I had no idea until yesterday that Merlin even existed. By rights we should have had a lot longer to prepare for any of this at all, and to be honest, I'm still in rather a lot of shock, but at least the practise of tying up emotions for processing later is useful for that. It's not Merlin's fault that he was born in such unstable times, or his choice to whom he was born. I chose you Hunith because of who you are, because of your heart, your spirit, not what you were born or to whom. I..I believed you had done the same with me. If I made a mistake I am truly, deeply sorry. We're human enough, or we wouldn't be able to have a child together, dragonlords are just a bit extra. That's all."

"You said lock up your emotions!"

Balinor did not roll his eyes. "So do most parents, we are just better at it! Would you rather I couldn't and left him drowning in everything here? The other kid's terror, Kara's suspicion, our turmoil, the traumas that brought us all here, the hope, the emotions of memories. How would that be better?"

Hunith brushed a tear off her cheek angrily, "No, no I wouldn't , I just wish he didn't have to deal with any of this, that we didn't have to run, or- or live like we' were ashamed. I just wish that- that he was- we were.."
"Normal?" Offered Balinor gently. Hunith bit her lip hard, more silent tears following the first, nodding once. Unable to say the words.
"I know. I know my love, but more importantly, so does Merlin. He knows that you love him absolutely and completely, but he's trying desperately to be something he is not, that he can never healthily be. I used to be scolded by my mother if I tried to tidy my room or do dishes with magic. She called it laziness and avoiding a 'natural consequence'. Allowing him to be whole doesn't mean that we teach him to go out with no skills, or misusing it, it means we show him how to not be tripped up by accidental magic or paralysed by fear. You saw him before he could find my mind. Imagine that in an adult, with greater power as he grows, unpractised. Easier to give healthy boundaries now, and guides for how to cope if a new ability manifests, than leave it unguided and wild, only instinctive. Wild magic serves a purpose, but without understanding it can be so easy for a witch or warlock, 'or dragonlord'" he mumbled, "to be swept up into the beauty and chaos and glory. You've seen drunkenness, it can occasionally happen with the wild magic, and really, a magic user needs to know when to go home."

"Have you ever..?"
He chuckled, "Every stupid kid goes and drinks an obscene amount of ale at least once, of course I did, we all do, but then it was safe. Believe me, Beltaine and Yule? If we don't teach these kids properly, you'd better hope they imbibe a ridiculous amount of alcohol to cover an accidental magic binge. Not least because it's not only humans who try and take others of the Old Religion home. Unless you fancy having a half nymph grandbaby, there are things every magical teen should know. Blocking emotions is an early one for us, because eventually we have to block thoughts, and there are some thoughts that should come with a warning. I can help put a filter on a very small band for Merlin if that occurs precipitously."
"Balinor?"

"Hmm?"

"Are you still doing it?" She indicated Merlin slumped on his father's shoulder, a sweet ache spreading in her chest.

He looked confused for a moment before understanding, "Of course. I'm not about to trick him into sleep and give the poor child nightmares he can't wake from. I don't know if it'll hold when I sleep. Haven't tested it before, but as long as he needs a dampener, he has one." He grimaced. "I might have to speak to my mother about detours though. We're coming up to a fork in the river and there's a decision for direction there."

"You seem to know the area well."

He flashed her a bright grin, one she had forgotten she had even been missing, "I spent a long time flying love, it's like nothing you can imagine. I rarely get lost. My father wanted us to learn the land we lived in, not only one little patch of it. I loved the sky, still do though it is far out of my reach now. I 'know the area well' as you say from Dalraida to Cerniw, and Connacht to Kent. I was never to go further, I'd be a poor protector indeed if I invited war to our lands for the sake curiosity. I suppose I turned out to be a poor guardian indeed in spite of that obedience."

Hunith felt remorse prickle through her painfully, "I'd really appreciate if you didn't do that quite so loudly love, organising two different sides is tricky and I'm out of practice."
"Uhm..Sorry. I just- I'm sorry Balinor. I know it can't be easy for you either."

"Don't be, you are forgiven. We'll figure it out. Probably in a way that infuriates both of us some of the time, perhaps we can consider this a rehearsal."

Hunith smiled sadly, "I thought it was you who said we never really got trial runs without consequence."

"Ignore past me. Past me was an idiot."

Hunith reached up to brush back his hair, "Past you was a wise man, most of the time. It's never a rehearsal, only a link in the infinite chain that links the beginning to the end, to the rebirth. Perhaps this isn't our trial, but our rebirth."

"Don't even think it, every new world is born from the ashes of the old one. I've no intention of living a legend with you my love, I want our happy ending."

"Really Balinor, you know I always hated endings, I want to live the journey. If the gods are kind, I may even get to walk some of it beside you."
"Let's just get to our most immediate destination first love."

Hunith leaned up to place a light kiss on Balinor's stubbled cheek, unaware of her observers.

"You are a good man Balinor, and you are a good protector. Maybe you weren't there when we wanted you, but you came when we needed you."

Aine smiled to herself, things might be complicated and not what any of them had anticipated, but she believed the goddess may just have some sort of plan, and no one else but a high priestess could have helped Merlin in the same way.

Kara looked on, and felt an uncomfortable twang of envy in her heart. 'Bran' was clearly one of those that Hunith and Emrys had lost. They already had each other, and now here he was returned, it wasn't fair. No one ever came back for her. She refused to give in to the tight ache in her throat, clenching her fists against it choosing anger over pain, anger was always easier to deal with.

The silent comfort of a hand wrapping around her own, helping it to unclench was unexpected

for Kara. Isildir had provided some continuity to her since the loss of her family, but the quiet friendship she had found with Devin offered warmth.

"This isn't you. You wanted Em- Merlin to be cared for, doesn't it look to you like you were heard?" His voice was soft enough not to carry, "There isn't enough happiness in this world not to share in it where it is found, none of us can afford to let bitterness consume the remaining goodness. You can't tell me Emrys doesn't look adorable like that." He chuckled and nudged her, "I bet you never thought you'd see Emrys drooling on a man's shoulder."

"Never thought I'd have to show him not to trip over or listen to why he likes ants either. Thanks Devin. You're right, I should be happy for them, promise you'll remind me if I forget it again."

"That's what friends are for." He stroked a circle over her palm. "Anyway, you would be terrible at being bitter, even your elixirs and potions are laced with honey or birch syrup. You care Kara, and you didn't give up on me. Come on, let's see if we can't get another mile or so while he sleeps before we do any resting."

Watching the exchange unobtrusively Aine allowed herself to relax a little, wondering if she would end up having to tweak Kara's memories, hoping she never would. She'd done it before, to avoid killing, but it wasn't a skill she enjoyed employing, at all. Not one she'd ever wish to use on her friends, if they were to pose a risk to her family though, she'd do it to save lives.

Having someone to anchor you to the right path- the light path, was especially important for their younger magic users, the ones without experience of waiting, choosing the right times, accepting that the result did not alway justify the means. It was something she worried for with Merlin. So much power without an anchor could wreak havoc. He would need that, she hoped Destiny had included one in his life's path, not just a loving mother, or king to serve. Some prophecies mentioned strong bonds between them, the friends of Emrys, but not every friend was a good influence… She squashed that line of thought, glad she wasn't his mother. Having a dragonlord for a son had been responsibility enough!

She could feel the barrier that Balinor had stretched over his son, impenetrable on the outside, and layered if he'd done it properly, as she had taught him to, she'd seen her grandson fidgeting and getting agitated over the morning but had failed to identify the exact cause, in not wanting to overwhelm him. She would have struggled anyway with that. When it happened to Bal he was older, knew what to expect, had dragons to plug the gap if it got too bad, and a brotherhood of Dragonlords to help. If it had happened to Merlin in Ealdor, so young, he'd have risked injury, and been left wide open to others, though around people less able to communicate that way. Without guidance he'd most likely have tried to shut all of that side of himself down and block it to avoid being overwhelmed by others, or his empathy warping. Empathy was good, it was necessary even in a warlock so strong, helped keep them in touch with their humanity, but it could be misused by those with gifts like Nimue's, and the High priestess would likely have felt the wrinkle in time, though it may not make sense to her yet.

When they began to get close to where two rivers met, Balinor lengthened his stride to catch up to her.
"Is it what I think?", she glanced between Balinor and Merlin,

"Yes it is, but you knew that already."

"Take a break everyone. We could all use something to eat and drink, and we're making good time and putting distance between them and ourselves."

There was a collective sigh from all but a small warlock, still held in his father's arms, exhausted from everything and finally not on guard.

Aine eased herself down to sit on a rounded looking rock, and rearranging Merlin, Balinor did the same.

"Where were you taking them?"
"You know where Bal,"
"No, I really don't, though I've suspicions enough."

Aine sighed. "Nemeth initially."
He carefully controlled his reactions, "And now we've reached that land mother, where were you going to go?"

"Gedref, Balinor. You know it is ours, and without the priestesses, where else was I to seek advice? The Isle is Nimue's stronghold, the valley of fallen kings is too close to our hunters, I daren't risk taking Merlin so close to the Cave either. Our kin are in a difficult enough position with Camelot without having to conceal our visit, and I do not know if Uther has sent Rodor ambassadors, the risk was too high."

"And this was not? There is more that you are hiding mother, I don't like it, I hate feeling distrust of you."

"I know dear, but you are in my position with your beloved. There is such a thing as too much knowledge, and you know that. I am not hiding anything I believe is safe to share with you, and you know I wouldn't."
Balinor couldn't argue that point and looked down, soaking in his son's peaceful expression. "Really mother, Gedref? That's what you went with?"

"Well, you know it is heavily protected, even Uther daren't attack there, and Merlin would get to see a unicorn while Hunith and I worked out a plan with the High Priest and Anhora. At least he's more sensible than Taliesin is rumoured to be. I couldn't take them north through Rheged, that runs too close to a Catha base, and I'm hardly adequate to stand against one of them, let alone many. We are not warriors Balinor. Those of us stable and with defence training are outnumbered by traumatised youngsters, The priority was getting Merlin and Hunith away from those who betrayed them, and away from Uther's men. Isildir dealt with the bandits along the way, and did not attack the men who destroyed Hunith's preparations in order to not give away our presence. They fled with almost nothing dear, we cannot travel any great distance without this being remedied. You are accustomed to this life now and had better preparation than many, albeit without any expectation of such a life. Hunith never did. That they have survived is a miracle in itself. What are you intending to do my son?"

Balinor sighed. "I have to keep him with me until the balance of his mind settles. There is a message that I can't avoid taking, a small village just to the south, not far from the coast. Not too close to Alined's lands though, if he noticed them he'd enslave the whole damn village. I helped a woman and her two children to escape to there, they are 'visiting' and aunt to help take care of her and the chores while she recovers from an illness. They were waiting on her husband to join them, but he was arrested."
"Magic?"

Balinor shook his head, "Gods no, not a drop in his veins, but the twins initially accused definitely did have. They were also only nine years old, had no idea what had happened until the smithy started tying 'em up and calling for wood." Aine closed her eyes, already sure where this led.

Keeping his mental voice steady Balinor made himself continue. "He asked if I could get them out and away from there if he gave them a scary replacement sorcerer to chase. They'd already seen him. Said no child should ever face the fire, I didn't realise he planned to get caught until he shoved the letters into my tunic, and then it was too late. Edwin was right though, they had caught the blood frenzy and someone had to die. I didn't say goodbye or he'd have died for nothing."

She reached up and gripped his shoulder, "You did the right thing son. He died to save those girls and give them a chance. He had no intention for you to stay or free him, there is nothing for his spirit to forgive. He sounds like the kind of man who would have found you next Samhain if you had compromised a child's safety to go back for him."
"Probably."

"Did it work?"

The darkness faded from Balinor's eyes. "Well enough. I took them up into Rheged, just far enough, gave them new names. Managed to place them in the same hamlet, but no-one could take two together, so while one has was apprenticed to a brewer and the other was placed with an innkeeper needing a serving girl, so they'll still see each other, but be less feared. The mother was driven out years ago for 'consorting with demons'." He sighed, "The world is full of fools."

It really was, thought Aine, glad that the woman had at least chosen not to expose one of them, or believed they shared one soul.

"That's good. If they are looking for two girls together it will be less obvious. Even giving them a clean death would have been mercy over allowing a child to burn, and your friend knew it."

Balinor frowned. "No. He has a daughter only a little younger. He did it because he looked at them and saw her, mother."

"I don't believe that dear, but even if that had been the only reason, would it really matter? Those girls saw only that not everyone fears them, and someone will be willing to defend them. They saw compassion."

"And what about the child who lost her father? What can I tell her to ease that pain?"

"You tell her that her father was a brave man, who gave his whole life to save little girls like her and did the right thing even when it was hard. You tell her he protected children from things they could not fight alone."

"Do you really think that will be any comfort to them? You saw more of the consequences to Hunith and Merlin's from my absence. Did such trite words help then, feel like enough?"

"No. No words fix such losses though, all we can do is acknowledge them and share their memory. Especially in a world where our physical remains go unmarked." Aine let her disgust colour the words.

"It's wrong. I have tried so hard, but suppressing the rage and the desire for vengeance was twisting into bitterness. Finding Hunith and Merlin is- I think it might be what saves me Mother. Their existence in this world changes everything, and I'm afraid of what it means for us all, what I might be capable of if such a bond snaps into place so strongly already."

Aine rolled her eyes. "Balinor. You know what you are. You've always known. If you didn't feel instinct like this I'd worry." It would contribute to Merlin's effectiveness as Emrys the Guardian, the loyalty and bonds formed by dragonlords were unlike anything found between Others. Warlocks were similar in their tendencies to form close relationships with witches and those would likely contribute to his most traumatic experiences. Damn prophecies. What she wouldn't give to just see her grandson as a little boy with possibilities ahead of him, consider where they might run to outside of Albion openly. She didn't want to tell her son who Merlin was, it would be too cruel. Yet some of her choices wouldn't truly make sense with that omission, and there was a very real possibility that her son would hate her when he did discover it and fit the pieces together. Destiny was a cruel mistress indeed.

"Well, unless there is a particularly timed important ritual we are required to arrive for then, we need to go south first, take the last words of a good man to his wife, and if the situation is unchanged seek refuge in Gedref. I don't like it, but you are correct that Uther will not attack there, we will be safe while Merlin practices some control with me. If you wish to speak with Rodor it should be safe for you to travel alone to visit without us, you never do stay long… and I know that you are eager to see his new daughter, even though she cannot know you."

Aine made no denial of it. "Of course I am, and better now, before she can remember than later. I can't take anything magical lest it endanger members of his court on visits to their neighbours, but a talisman or toy may be accepted. It always did frustrate me that noble girls were only given pretty dresses and shiny trinkets, as though we needed to form a horde of our own. Stupid when one considers that men trade them like goods themselves."

Balinor huffed, "Yes, perhaps taking Mithian a toy dragon or dagger with inspire her to fight this life she's born to. She's a baby mother."

Aine raised a brow pointedly at her son. "So was prince Arthur. Never too young to discover something they love."

He felt Merlin shift against him and smiled softly, "Nor too old."

Looking about them and seeing Hunith cautiously watching the silent pair she waved the young woman over, "Please, sit with us, we leave in a few minutes anyway."

Hunith did so immediately, having waited so long only because she knew the Aine had given her opportunity to speak to her son last night so that she could. "As Balinor said, there is a choice of routes here, South together or East alone, there is an errand that must be completed which we disrupted, and there shouldn't be any attacks between here and the village. Merlin right now needs support until her can form his own defences, which will take time and help from another with a mind like himself. If we travel with him it shouldn't take more than an extra couple of days to get to the place I was taking you, and there would be an opportunity for everyone to have a proper meal and rest before the last push. I think that Kara and Devin would benefit from the stop, both are more unsettled than they want us to know by the attack, and may be able to help each other better given some stability."

"You think there's something there?"

"I think there could be, if they are able to trust each other, and that they deserve the chance."

"They're so young."

Aine chuckled, "No younger than you and Bal were when you first met, and this so called 'Purge' has caused many to grow up far faster than you may think. Families have become more like man made mosaics than the natural world. Make no mistake though, you can create something exquisitely beautiful from broken pieces. It just takes time and willing hands."

"Hunith looked over to where the pair sat, closer than they had been before, coaxing the older child to have travelling food, and distracting each other. The older woman was right, they all deserved a rest.

"Alright. Let's finish this errand Bal, and then we are going to talk about what happens next. If we change direction will Isildir be able to track us, or continue to where we were going?" She didn't like surprises and unknown variables, and there had been far too many recently.

"He'll find us. I've known him a long time dear, he'll know where we've gone."

Hunith examined her- well what was Aine to her she wondered? She's work it out later. Once she decided how much to tell Merlin about his family. Balinor looked concerned as he tried not to wake his shifting son, but content with the proposed plan, and Aine looked frustratingly serene. She'd just have to trust them for now, it wasn't as though she had any other options, and if she had she definitely wouldn't have trusted those, so this was probably the best she was going to get for now. At least they had made it to a kingdom that wasn't operating on Uther's rabidly anti-magic ideology.