Hime: I do not own Merlin, unfortunately... :(

They were just another day's ride to Ealdor, much to excitement of the knights who were eager to see what Merlin's birthplace was like. After setting up camp for the night, Gwaine left for the forest as usual to gather firewood. He, along with his knight comrades didn't like that Merlin always did the work so he and the knights split up the work; while Merlin cooked, Gwaine took care of the firewood, Percival would feed the horses, Leon would look for fruits whilst Mordred cleaned the dishes afterwards which was previously Elyan's job.

The handsome knight whistled as he gathered his firewood but then the sound of running footsteps made him stop. He closed his eyes so that he could focus better on his hearing.

Sounds like the footsteps of a child?

He opened his eyes when the sound stopped and to his surprise, he saw a small boy peeking out at him from his hiding place behind the tree in front him.

But the scary thing was that they boy had an uncanny experience to Merlin.

"He looks so small" Gwaine mused. "A toddler?"

But why does he look so much like Merlin? He can't possibly be-

Gwaine shook his head, as far as he knew Merlin wasn't seeing anyone and the boy looked no more than 3 so it couldn't have been some secret someone Merlin had before Gwaine came to Camelot.

Gwaine rubbed his eyes, maybe he was just seeing things?

To his relief, the Merlin-lookalike had disappeared.

Maybe I should take everyone's advice and lay off the alcohol…

Gwen insisted on helping Merlin with dinner so Arthur was left alone thus he decided to take a walk alone in the woods to think about some things.

What would happen if Gwen is the one incapable of producing children?

The Council surely make me find someone to bear my child.

There is no way I could do that but then what would happen to Camelot?

But what if it it's me?

What if I'm the one incapable?

What would happen to Camelot's future then?

Meanwhile, Layla decided to pass some time by taking a quick dip in the nearby waterfall while her son went to collect fruits to eat with their dinner. She also wanted to wash off the grime from hunting for her food earlier on and freshen up a bit. She smiled at the fact that she managed to arrange for her son and herself to have deer for later on.

Layla slowly ambled towards the water's surface; her sore legs were begging for the sweet relief the cool water would offer. She took off her shoes and stepped out of her clothes. Layla sauntered into the water until it was at her knees, she sighed softly as she curled her toes in the soft sand-like mud beneath the water. She ventured into the water deeper until she reached the waterfall.

Arthur sighed, troubled by his thoughts until the sound of someone singing reached his ears. Deciding that he needed something to take his mind of things, he followed the voice, listening intently to the sweet tune, as he got nearer, he also heard the roar of water.

What a beautiful waterfall

Then his eyes traveled downwards to see a woman, with her back facing him, bathing.

Shoot!

He should turn but he found that he couldn't. He was entranced.

She was nude; her long, dark hair a spectacular contrast to her beautiful peaches and cream skin tone. Her long legs were underwater, her feet reaching the bottom of a waterfall's home ground.

For some reason, her singing calmed him and put him at ease but he knew he couldn't stay. It would be wrong not just for the woman in front of him but to his wife as well.

He turned to leave but he stepped on a twig, alerting the woman that she was not alone.

"Who is there?" she called. "Myrddin sweetie is that you?"

Arthur blinked, was Myrddin her lover?

"No couldn't be", reasoned the nobleman in his mind.

She called him in a voice a mother would call for her child but just what are they doing in the woods?

Suddenly, he heard her gasp and saw that the woman had made a swift turn and saw him. Clearly, she was afraid for herself but he needed to get closer to talk to her.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to to come upon you like this. I don't mean any harm."

Layla stood stock still, her eyes wide and chest rising and lowering with every worried breath.

ARTHUR? OF ALL THE DAMN PEOPLE IN THE WORLD?!

She didn't dare turn around, didn't dare allow the man behind her to have any chance of recognizing her.

Please don't ask me to turn around…

"I'm married, I do not have any ill intention towards you."

Seeing that she was still stiff, Arthur wondered what was it had to say to relax her. It finally came to him.

"I'm not going to ask you to turn around, seeing as how you are ahem, not uhm appropriate" he coughed.

That made Layla laugh causing Arthur to relax as well.

"I'm definitely not now am I?"

Arthur couldn't help but think she had a nice laugh.

"Are you here alone?"

"I'm waiting for my son to return from collecting fruit" she told him.

"What about your husband?"

"He is occupied with work at the moment. My son and I will be camping out here in the woods by ourselves for a while until things are settled at home."

"What happened? Did something happen with your husband?" Arthur knew he was being nosy but he was curious.

"No, no. My husband and I are fine. It's just that my mother-in-law will have visitors in our home so she needed the space."

"So your mother-in-law and your husband kicked you out for these visitors?"

Layla shook her head, "No silly, we left on our own willingly. My husband does not live with us, he works in another kingdom."

Arthur nodded, slowly processing the new information in his mind.

He was about to ask for her name until he heard Merlin calling him.

"ARTHUR! YOU PRAT! DINNER IS READY!"

Layla giggled at the nickname her husband used for his king, "You should leave milord."

Arthur frowned, "How did you know I am a nobleman?"

"It's hard not to recognize the King of Camelot" she teased.

Arthur chuckled nervously, "I suppose. Well I'm off, I apologize for interrupting you. Please take care of yourself."

Layla nodded, her back still facing him, "Oh I will. All the best to you on your journey."

"Thank you"

With that, Arthur left and Layla let out a huge sigh of relief.

That was way too close...

Hime: Please review! :D