"So the pendant doesn't work?" asked Arthur blinking, leaning on a rock in the grassy ditch of the forest, and coming to awareness what the realities of the moment was. The day was drawing to a close. The pinkish hues of twilight casted over Arthurs face in a humanizing way. The reality of the pendant not transporting Merlin and Arthur back to Camelot was a blow.

"No."

"I can't believe that peasant women lied to us!"

"She probably didn't even know how it worked... Maybe she didn't think about whether it would take us back."

"Obviously." Arthur said lowering his head down in a sort of worry. He fidgeted with a planted stem as he stared off into deep concentration. He couldn't even get mad because he was so worried. He couldn't come to terms the devastating position he was in.

If they were to walk to Port Burry and take the ship back to Camelot, it would take at least a half a day. Luckily, as Merlin pointed out, since it was night time, Uther wouldn't know Arthur was missing. But if Uther discovers Arthur is missing in the morning, Uther would probably do something harsh. Arthur imagined Uther declaring war on the neighboring kingdoms in speculation they kidnapped or harmed Arthur, or go one full verge attacks on anyone and everyone. Arthur shuddered the thought. That left Arthur with around 9 hours of leeway to try to get back to Camelot before Uther usually found Arthur at the breakfast table. It would take around 5 hours to walk to Port Burry and possibly 9 hours or so –

"Well why do we want to go back to Camelot? We intended to be here..." asked Merlin

Arthur glared at Merlin for interrupting his train of thought.

"I need to get back to Camelot otherwise father may send out Camelot's army to search for me, maybe even attack other kingdoms.. I can't let him think I've been kidnapped or killed. Now that I know Alvarr is here in Carmarthen, I will return... but later. Plus, I need my men to help with the search."

"But it's not like your father has an army to attack another kingdom. He sacked them."

"He's reinstated the knights Merlin!" said Arthur snapped annoyed. "Remember he's already imprisoned the knight who 'leaked' his plans. The rest are free of accusation therefore back in the army. I'll need them to help me hunt for Alvarr."

It struck Merlin odd when Arthur said Alvarr's name. Now that Merlin was in Carmarthen, the plan to capture Alvarr was becoming more realistic. He didn't know if he liked it. But if he didn't capture Alvarr, it would mean deaths of Camelot citizens.

Merlin then had an idea.

"What if we return, and tell your father we killed Alvarr already… Then we won't have to come back to Carmarthen and your father will be happy, and the hunt will end! What- why are you looking at me like that?"

"Because it's not true!!"

"So what?"

"You want me to lie to the king? And then days later have Alvarr attack us?"

"How do you even know Alvarr is that bad?"

Arthur turned to him suspiciously.

"Why are you so keen on not killing Alvarr?"

"I am keen! I just am lazy. And - it's just, Do you really know what's-"

"Here's the deal. We are going to find a way to get back to Camelot, and then I'm going to bring my knights back here. You – you are going to stay back in Camelot." Arthur said facing Merlin and jabbing his finger in Merlin's chest. "Then, I will come back with Alvarr and have him executed if not killed. The end."

Merlin thought hard and felt conflicted. He essentially agreed that heading back to Camelot may be the right thing to do. He certainly didn't want Uther to panic and declare war on anyone else because he thought they kidnapped Arthur. It then occurred to him!

"Maybe you should try using the pendant! Maybe it's a one travel per person thing," he said stuffing the necklace in Arthur's hand. Arthur reacted apprehensively, holding the necklace with his index finger and thumb, gracing a shameful expression.

"Merlin, I CAN'T USE this necklace. If you remember, my father has forbidden magic."

"We aren't in your father's kingdom! Look Arthur, I'm fine with walking and sailing if you are – what is it- five hours and sailing on a ship for nine hours... and then having to face the angry king for returning to Camelot by afternoon…"

Arthur stared at Merlin irritated but considered what he said. He flickered his eyes between the necklace and Merlin and shook his head.

He took a deep breath. The pendant felt a bit warm at the tip of his index finger. He closed his eyes. ..And opened it in fear… then closed it... rolled his eyes... took a quick breath… straightened up...looked up…closed his mouth...looked straight ahead… shook his arms… looked ahead…

"Arthur, it's not going to hurt…"

Arthur ignored what Merlin said. He closed his eyes and clutched Merlin's hand...

"To Camelot"

He opened his eyes and flung the pendant in the air in anger after realizing it didn't work.

"Well that worked real well!!"

Merlin thought for a moment while fetching the pendant.

"Well, we got here using magic…. Do you think maybe we can get back using magic? Maybe... maybe there's a sorcerer here that can help us?"

Merlin noticed Arthur flinch.

"I was afraid you'd suggest that. I too think that might be the best way. There's no way we can get to Camelot quick enough otherwise."

Merlin's genuinely lifted his brows. He thought he'd have to argue a bit more.

"Well, we just have to find this sorcerer I suppose. Maybe we can ask around."

Arthur sighed.

"Yeah. First, I got to get rid of this chainmail." Arthur said taking his chainmail off. "I don't want anyone knowing a prince of Camelot is asking for a sorcerer. You, Merlin, are going to do most of the talking."

Arthur messed up his hair, bent over a soft path of mud, scooped some up, lathered it in his hands, and started patting mud on his face. He noticed Merlin observing him slightly repulsed.

"I need a REAL GOOD disguise." said Arthur, plastering in mud in his hair.

The breeze blew soothingly as the shores crashed onto the shore. Alvarr and Morgause managed to buy fish from the local market. Actually, Morgause seemed to convinced the seller to give it to her for free. It was a relief that fish came in such abundance in Carmarthen. They walked down the path towards the boat under the twinkling stars. Alvarr tasted the salty air and felt the mist tickle his face.

"Maybe we should collect some twigs for fire." said Morgause softly. She went towards a large branch laying along the path.

Alvarr agreed.

"Morgause?"

"Yes..?" answered Morgause, looking up with subtle hope.

Alvarr was in the middle of bending over to pick up a branch on the ground, and then looked at her.

'Have you told Morgana about your relationship with her?"

Morgause looked slightly ashamed while looking down.

"No. I have not."

Alvarr watched her. She was standing fidgeting with the branches she was holding, obviously troubled. He walked up to her.

"You must tell her Morgause. If she finds out another way, she will feel upset." He said gently.

"I know… and one day I shall."

"Morgause, perhaps you should tell tomorr-"

Morgause looked up, and met Alvarr's eyes. Alvarr was startled a little by Morgause's soft eye contact. For the first time Alvarr has seen, vulnerability surfaced in Morgause.

"I know...it's just... how am I supposed to tell her after so long…Sometimes I think she will just leave me .. and leave with Mordred… and never look back…it's just that… Morgana and Mordred's relationship… it's getting stronger Alvarr… and then Morgana's and my relationship is weakening… I mean… I know the longer I wait, the worse it will be… but... I am just... I… am...afraid..."

Morgause sighed. She was feeling very comfortable speaking to Alvarr about it.

"And... I just have an unnerving feeling…. as though something is going to happen soon Alvarr, something horrible! I just have an unnerving feeling about Mordred… about our trip here… about Mordred's statements earlier… about those three men in the sea…about you even."

She looked up and gazed at an concerned Alvarr. She looked back down and continued.

"I feel like you are the only one who would understand how I am feeling… the only one I can relate to...I feel… I mean I feel lucky to have you here… I know I don't show it but... I am just... I'm just...."

She felt a warmth flood her face and quickly changed the subject.

"And now you've met Emrys… and he had no advice to give us... I know I am just sounding like a big blabbering weak fool – I just... "

She felt choked up. She tried to restrain her tears.

Alvarr stared at Morgause in concern, came closer, and looked deeply into her eyes. The last time Morgause shared her worries to him was when they were younger, living in Bossiney. He understood Morgause very well and understood all she needed was a bit of support, a bit of hope to wipe her fears away.

"Morgause, I do understand you, I do." He said gently, tucking her hair behind her ears as her head was lowered. "You are doing well Morgause, but you are hard on yourself. It is hard without the leaders we grew up with in Bossiney - To give us guidance, reassurance and comfort. Our leaders made it seem so easy –as if to be courageous does not waver in your heart; that hardship will not cause you to fall at times; that worries can never enter your mind. But I can assure you they went through the same hardship you and I are going through.

We will overcome this Morgause – Morgana will not feel upset at you but will embrace you as her sister, she has to- " Alvarr smiled lightly in reaction to Morgause's slight simper. "You have taken good care of her and have been a great sister. And Mordred? I know what you are feeling, but I remind myself that he is just a child Morgause. He just needs a bit of guidance like we had when we were children."

Morgause smiled modestly, looked up, and found him very close.

Speaking to her so closely, so privately, caused his heart to drum. He tried to prevent his locked away feelings from flowing out and immediatly resented speaking to her with his heart when he realized it was too late.

He gazed tenderly into her eyes in tortured heartache. For so long, he had tried to win her heart, only to find it unrequited. Now for the first time in a long time, Morgause was being so open to him. He said nothing else, just softly looked into her eyes, allowing her to just understand, however long it took. Morgause gazed back timidly as her heart pounded. Alvarr gradually lowered his gaze onto her lips, his heart longing, his mind warning him of heartbreak, and lingered at that moment. His heart paced rapidly and slowly leaned forward. Alvarr gently kissed her. Morgause responded genuinely for a few moments and then broke away. Alvarr stood there flickering his gaze at her eyes in quiet shock as a heart ache emerged.

"Morgana may see us..." Morgause said flushed while feeling nervous. She trembled, walking away unfocused, picking up her leather parcel.

Alvarr walked up and faced her.

"So what if she does?" he asked determinedly, heart thumping. She stared at him for a few seconds, conflicted.

"She fancies you."

"I don't fancy her. You know how I feel about you! Ever since we were young! You know that…" Alvarr said earnestly.

Morgause stared at Alvarr for a moment, but looked down, and closed her parcel shut.

"Alvarr. I'm sorry – I just- I can't! I'm sorry- I shouldn't have…"

Morgause couldn't finish her sentence. She stood for a few moments in shame and headed towards the boat.

Alvarr stared into the sand blankly, feeling very gutted, feeling very heartbroken.

----

Heh heh. I was a bit worried about putting this last scene in. I feel so bad for Alvarr. But it had to happen!