'Treason!?' Morgana was the only one with energy as they stood in a tired room in the castle. Thalia had been dragged away from her dinner when Arthur came back bearing news he had arrested Gwen's father, Tom, for consorting with a known sorcerer. She was leaning on a small table with Arthur at the other end, filling a goblet with wine to keep herself occupied while Morgana was speaking to an also tired Uther.

'Yes, Morgana, treason. The blacksmith was consorting with a known enemy.'

'Enemy? What enemy?'

Arthur didn't even bother the lift his head. 'Tauren. The leader of a band of renegade sorcerers sworn to bring down the King.'

'And where is this Tauren now?'

Now Arthur looked tired and annoyed. 'He escaped.'

Morgana scoffed. 'Well, then how can you be sure?'

'Because Arthur saw him with his own eyes.' Uther had turned away from the window.

'Well, even if the man is who you say he is, you can't sentence Tom to death for just being seen with him!?'

'We have reason to believe he was forging weapons for Tauren.'

'Rubbish! He would never do such a thing,' Morgana snapped.

'Every man has a price.'

Arthur slid a smooth gold lump into the middle of the table. 'Found this on the blacksmith.'

'…So he was paid! He's a blacksmith. He could've been paid for shoeing Tauren's horse!'

Uther was patient. 'In gold?'

'This is madness! You condemn a man with no proof!'

'I have enough proof.' He gestured to the gold between Arthur and Thalia.

'Arthur! Have you nothing to say?' Morgana turned to him for help.

'Father, the blacksmith committed a crime, but we don't know for certain he meant treason.' Arthur was still leaning on the table.

'No. You're right. Nothing's certain. Save one thing. The law stands or this kingdom falls.'

'But the law must give him a fair trial!' Morgana was getting hysterical.

'He'll get a fair trial, and he'll be found guilty, 'cause that's what he is.'

'Thalia?'

'…' Thalia glanced at Morgana before returning her weary eyes to the table. 'Sire, Tom is a decent man, I'm sure given a day or so I can prove his innocence. He is a very good blacksmith, and has always tried to do what he can for Camelot. It may not have been weapons he was making, he may not have even known it was sorcery until he saw the gold.'

'Then why did he pick it up?'

'Perhaps in disbelief or curiosity, perhaps to collect evidence when he saw it was sorcery. This evening there was a magical ringing in my head, I am confident from Tauren. But I cannot tell you what happened if I do not know. Give me a day.'

'Of course, as always. But if you can't prove anything then he will be killed.'

Thalia nodded. She may not like it but by Uther's perspective Tom was guilty, with the evidence suggesting what he believed. It was understandable.

Morgana had a different view. 'You execute Gwen's father, and I will never forgive you. Never.'

And with that she stormed out.

'I'll investigate this, my lord.' Thalia straightened up slowly.

'As you will. Arthur, Tauren slept somewhere, he fed somewhere. Find anyone who helped him in any way. They must be punished. The people must see the laws of Camelot are not to be trifled with.'

'Yes, Father.'

Thalia was waiting with Merlin and Gaius while Gwen was around the corner talking to her father through bars. She came round with her face streaked with a few tears.

'What did he say?'

'He said Tauren came to him at the forge, offered to pay him a fortune for his help, not to make weapons, for an experiment or something.'

'What kind of experiment?'

'Tauren didn't say. But he used some kind of stone...some kind of magic...'

Thalia moved her weight off the wall. 'Thank you, Gwen, I think I know where to start.'

Thalia had just gotten rid of her dress and was clothed in a red shirt and pants when the familiar sound rang through her head. Either the magic was being used again or someone had found a magical object. She knew there wasn't much time.

Merlin stood watching in horror as people were marched by guards into the castle. 'They're to be executed?'

'Yes, Merlin.' Arthur was grim.

'By order of the King?'

'They committed a serious crime.'

Thalia stayed silent.

'Giving a man a bed for the night?!'

'Not a man. A sorcerer.'

'Maybe they didn't know that.'

'It is not for you to question my father's actions. Is that understood?' Arthur's venom was also filled with reluctance.

'Yes, Sire.'

'Now go get on with whatever you're meant to be doing, you-'

'STOP!' Arthur's last word was drowned out by Thalia's shout. Everyone around them turned.

Arthur looked at her uncertainly and said through gritted teeth; 'Thalia, what are you doing?'

'Release these people!'

The guards looked at each other. One spoke up. 'My lady, we are under orders from the king to-'

'Do it!'

'…'

Arthur and Merlin glanced at each other.

When it became clear to the guards that Thalia's hard face was not going to relent they sighed and stepped away from the people.

'Go home. I am sorry for this misunderstanding.'

They thanked her and hurried away.

'Thalia, what are you doing?!' Arthur was worried. Uther would no doubt have her punished for this.

'Being fair. Why?'

'My father is going to kill you.'

'I'd like to see him try.'

Arthur recognised that reckless tone with ease. 'Thalia…'

'Oh, relax. I'm not going to do anything brash.'

'A… dge…' Arthur spluttered. 'You've just undermined his authority!'

'… Yes, and?'

'Thalia…' Arthur's tone became sad.

'Well if you won't be fair and just, someone has to be. Now if you'll excuse me I have to go deal with Uther.'

'Thalia, care to explain yourself?'

'Sire, if you kill everyone who happens to unwillingly provided service to a sorcerer or passed one in the streets then your kingdom is going to be running short of subjects.'

At this point, it could go either way. Most of the time, Uther would see sense and discuss things rationally or…

'How dare you do such a thing!'

Thalia kept her tone calm. She'd never been thrown in the dungeons by Uther, nor punished because she always spoke slowly and logically whenever these kinds of situations arose. 'Sire, you are known for being fair and just. But by having those people executed you would be proving the opposite. I had already spoken to them and they gave me their apologies and did all they could to help catch Tauren. They are ashamed of what they did, even though both men did not know who the man is and it was not their fault. I apologise for not speaking to you beforehand but as I saw them when they were being marched to execution, there was little time to find you in this monstrous castle.'

'… I hear what you say.'

'I'm glad. Thanks to the two men who you had sentenced to death I am a lot closer to finding the sorcerer.'

'… I'm sorry. I understand your actions and reasons. Now catch that damn sorcerer, he's a thorn in our side.'

Thalia grinned. 'With pleasure.' Tauren was responsible for Tom's imprisonment and that alone meant she would catch him. But he had sworn to bring down Uther and she would not let that happen either.

Bells. It was always the bells. Thalia sighed and raced out of her room. She found Uther and Arthur in the Council Chamber of Doom. She'd always liked the name.

'He's just proved his guilt. You will kill him on sight.' Uther paced ahead of his son and Thalia but noticed the look on her face.

'But the trial, Father!'

'The trial is a formality. Now I want him dead. And an end to it.' He noticed the look on Thalia's face once more and sighed as he turned around. 'Thalia. Let's hear it.'

She spoke quickly. 'Sire, breaking out of prison I understand and agree to the penalty of death whether innocent or guilty. But do not think so badly of Tom for doing so. The situation he is in has little hope. Tauren is slippery and I have not rested for days trying to find him. Tom's trial was to be in the morning and I could not have possibly found Tauren by then. The human instinct to survive is incredibly strong. So if you, sire, regardless of whether you were innocent or guilty, if you knew that there was no hope for you would you rather be executed or go down fighting if you had the chance?'

Uther smiled. 'I understand. Thank you, Thalia. Though for this Tom will be killed, I will not hold it against him. I admire his courage.'

Thalia bowed her head. 'That is all I ask.'

Uther walked out and Arthur glanced at Thalia. 'You really are something; you know that, don't you?'

Thalia paced the same two yards in front of her bed. Soon Gwen would be told the news. When she heard someone go past her door in a reluctant walk she knew they were going to Gaius' chambers where Gwen was staying. Thalia hurried out of her chambers, past Arthur's, past the spare ones, down some stairs and a corridor, down the last flight of stairs and to the courtyard outside. She saw the wagon in which Tom's body lay and waited. Soon Gwen came to the top of the outside stairs and ran past Thalia.

'Noooo!' she walked behind the wagon, wailing. 'No, Father!'

Thalia ran after Gwen and held her in a tight hug as together they continued to follow the wagon. 'No, Father!'

Thalia went with Gwen the morning and when Gwen had calmed down a little, brought her back to Merlin's room. She sat on Merlin's bed with Gwen and rubbed her back, holding her hands with her other.

Soon Merlin came in. 'All right?'

'Oh, Merlin, when you have a moment, tell Gaius I give him permission to use one of my books. If he's researching alchemy then he'll want to have a look at them.'

Merlin nodded as silence fell once more. Then with a teary voice Gwen spoke.

'I just don't understand. Why did he try to escape? His trial was this morning.'

Before Thalia could open her mouth to explain there was a knock at the door which opened slowly. Arthur peered round the corner and stepped in. Gwen stood up and Thalia stood with her.

'Sire.'

'Guinevere, I...want you to know that your job is safe. And that your home is yours for life. I guarantee you that. I know that under the circumstances it's not much but, erm, anything you want, anything you need, all you have to do is ask.'

Thalia also said her bit. 'And Uther acknowledges your father's courage and bravery. He knew the situation was hopeless and decided that if he had to go, he would go fighting, and for that Uther holds the utmost respect for him.'

Gwen's eyes widened in disbelief.

'And should, or when, rather, I prove your father's innocence his memory will be named courageous and loyal. It's the least we can do.'

Arthur looked with a hint of pride at Thalia. He began to leave but turned to face Gwen solemnly. 'I'm sorry.'

'Thank you, Sire.'

Thalia squeezed Gwen's shoulders. 'Sit down, Gwen.'

'My Lady, you have other things to do, don't worry about me.'

'Nonsense.'

Gwen began to protest but Thalia held her arms firmly.

'Gwen.' Gwen's eyes still held protest. 'Guinevere! Early last year, when I lost my mother, you did everything you could. From your point of view it may seem like you did nothing but you did so much. I would return that favour ten times over.'

Merlin and Arthur left Thalia with Gwen. As they were walking through the castle Merlin's curiosity got the better of him.

'I didn't know Thalia lost her mother.'

Arthur's solemn face became grave. 'Mm. That was hard.'

'Were they close?'

'Very. Thalia's father was killed in a battle when she was three.'

'When you say she lost her mother…'

'She died of typhoid.' Arthur didn't enjoy the memories he had of Thalia screaming. He'd hated seeing her like that.

Merlin sighed sadly and marvelled at the thought. 'You wouldn't think it by looking at her. Only last year and look at her now. Still cheeky and happy.'

A small smile visited Arthur's face. 'Mm.'

'I can't imagine her being pulled down by anything.'

'She wasn't pulled down by it, she just fell.' Arthur guessed Merlin couldn't grasp his meaning but he could remember the sudden change in Thalia at the time. He didn't want to see that happen to Gwen or anyone else.

Merlin sighed once more. 'There's so much I don't know about Thalia. Were her parents sorcerers?'

'Mm. Her father.'

'… she says you've known each other for years.'

'Since we were fifteen.' Arthur, without realising it, had become conversational.

'Wow, no wonder you're so close.'

'Mm.'

'What was she like when she was younger?'

Arthur looked at Merlin with slight humour. 'Very much the same as she is now. Resilient, independent, deadly, skilled, sharp…'

'Observant,' Merlin added.

'Oh, very. Knowing.'

'Reckless.'

'Wise.'

Merlin had an idea. 'She was like that when she was 15!?'

'Yes. She's probably the one that made me grow up.'

'I can see that.'

Arthur glanced at his servant's cheeky remark but he supposed anyone could see how well they understood each other. 'Oh, and she's always had that glint in her eye.'

'The one she only gives you?'

Arthur gave Merlin a small shove. 'No, the constant one. You know the… the…' he waved his hand near his head, trying to find the word. 'The…'

'Calculating?'

'Yes, but not quite the… calm! There's always been that calm glint in her eyes.'

Merlin laughed. 'Always?'

'Yep.'

Merlin sprung his trap. 'Was she always beautiful?'

'Ha-ha!' Arthur laughed. 'Oh god, yes. I can remember; the first time I saw her face, I-' He stopped just in time, finally aware he had become conversational.

'You… what?'

Then he caught on. 'MERLIN!'

The grinning Merlin darted out of the way as Arthur went to shove him over.

'What did you do?' Merlin was laughing and walking backwards.

'Merlin…!'

'Was it embarrassing?' Merlin turned and ran, leaving a now chuckling Arthur.

'Alchemy, alchemy…' Thalia opened one of her books and flipped the pages, opening to a random one. She sat in a chair by the window and began to read when there was a knock on the door.

'Enter.'

'Permission to crash?'

Thalia waved a hand. 'Go ahead.'

Thalia's bed made a sudden noise as the falling weight of Prince Arthur fell on it.

'How goes the day?'

'Wrr, furr r-ar-ar oh n-'

'Arthur, I can't understand a word you're saying when you're speaking with your head down.'

A noise which sounded like an 'oh,' came from Arthur as he turned his head with great effort.

'Well, first Morgana stands up to my father and gets thrown into the dungeons, that was yesterday-,'

'Yes, I heard.'

'-, and then today I swear to my father she's learnt her lesson and won't challenge him again which took some time. Then I have training with new knights.'

'Ah, they're always the worst. Sorry I wasn't there to help.'

'No, it's alright. You are the one trying to catch Tauren, after all.'

'Mm.'

Arthur frowned when he noticed the bookshelf.

'One of your books is missing.'

'Oh, I'm letting Gaius use it. He's as curious as I am.'

'About what?' Arthur shifted into a more comfortable position.

'Alchemy, we think that's what Tauren's experiment he was paying Gwen's father for was.'

'That's impossible.'

'Not with magic. And Tauren is a sorcerer.'

'So he was trying to make gold?'

'mmm… no, he's sworn to bring down the king. There's got to be a motive.'

'… Well, my brain's hurting.'

'Yes and you've only been thinking for thirty seconds.'

'Sorry. I think I'm gonna fall asleep.'

Thalia looked at Arthur. He was in his usual spot, lying horizontal on the bottom half of her bed. 'Your bed is right around the corner.'

'Exactly.'

'Alright, then.'

Sometime later there was a knock on the door.

'Thalia?'

'Sire?'

'Have you seen Arthur?'

Thalia looked at the blonde haired prince. He still looked like he'd fallen onto her bed, arms and legs out like a scarecrow, but he'd stolen a pillow for under his head which was turned away from her. He was out like a candle.

'What were you after him for?'

'I was wondering if he knew where Knight James is.'

'Umm… is it urgent?'

'No, why?'

'Well… um…'

The door opened quietly and Uther walked in. He looked around for his son and laughed softly when he saw him.

'I see. I'll ask him later.'

'Probably best, yes.'

'Well, good evening Thalia.'

'Good evening, my lord.'

The next morning Morgana, much to Thalia's surprise, had set out with Uther on a pilgrimage to her father's grave at first light. Realising what Morgana must have been planning she began immediately to set out. Merlin burst into her chambers.

'Thalia, Morgana has-!'

'Shhhhh!'

Merlin gave her a questioning look.

Thalia pointed to her bed and Merlin giggled.

'Now, what is it?'

'Morgana's-!'

'Yes, I know.'

'I don't know what to do. Is Uther good for Camelot?'

'Arthur looks up to his father and is happy. Uther can be reasoned with and despite what you may think, is very wise. If you're volunteering to go save him I won't stop you. It's just after first light, after all. You're already dressed, you might as well go.'

Merlin nodded, went out, came back in, passed her the book Gaius borrowed and ran off again.

Thalia put the book back on her shelf and slid back into her bed.

Arthur woke up a couple of hours later with a frown. His chambers looked different. And why was he sleeping along the bottom half of his bed? Then he remembered.

He'd fallen asleep on Thalia's bed. He moved his head and expected to see her also sleeping but didn't. It was obvious she'd already gotten up; the sheets were messy.

'Don't tell me you're awake?'

Arthur groggily turned his head and saw Thalia eating breakfast at her table.

'Mm. Pass me a pear.'

She tossed one at him. Arthur caught it lazily and took a bite.

'Morgana's plotting to kill your father as we speak.'

'What?'

'Don't worry, I've sent someone to take care of it.'

'Reliable?'

Thalia smirked. 'More than you know.'

In the afternoon Merlin walked up to Thalia during training. She was only watching at that moment and Arthur was distracted so Merlin seized his opportunity.

'Thalia?'

'Hm? Oh, hey Merlin.'

'Arthur wouldn't tell me yesterday. We were talking about you and how you're not really different from when he first met you and he came so close to telling me what he did the first time he saw your face. What did he do?'

Thalia laughed heartily and looked across the grass to Arthur who was watching two men spar. 'Well...,' she began with a smile, 'I pulled my hood down and he just stood there.'

'He stood there?'

'Yep, he just went; "ughmmm".' Thalia imitated the croaky voice.

Merlin burst out laughing. He didn't even need to imagine a young Arthur doing that; he could easily see Arthur as he knew him now doing it.

'Seriously? Just "ughmmm"?'

'Seriously. Then he panicked when he realised he'd been staring for too long and after a moment or two of that said; "Hello."'

'"Hello"?' Merlin laughed even harder.

'Yep.'

'That's hilarious.'

'Indeed. And then after forgetting my name he made a joke about the weather!'

Thalia and Merlin were clutching their sides with one hand and holding onto each other for support with the other.

Hysterical laughter rang through the training ground as everyone slowly figured out where it was coming from. Arthur recognised both laughs and his eyes scanned the area around him. With a frown he saw Merlin and Thalia clutching their sides while trying to hold each other up. He rolled his eyes exasperatedly as they noticed everyone's confused stares. They sobered up slightly but then when they saw him they burst out laughing again, if anything louder and fell to the ground on their knees. Arthur moved his head, slightly unnerved. What was so funny about him?

Eventually Thalia and Merlin quietened down and Thalia went back to training and Merlin to his chores.

'Merlin…'

'Yes, Arthur?' Merlin placed a pot on the table and poured Arthur wine.

'What was so funny on the training ground?'

'Huh?'

'This afternoon.' Arthur sighed and rolled his eyes impatiently. 'You and Thalia were laughing like maniacs.'

Merlin snorted as he remembered why, nearly sending the wine all over the table.

'Careful!'

'Sorry, sire.'

'Merlin…'

'Sire?'

'What was so funny?' Arthur was glaring patiently now.

Merlin decided to have fun with this. 'Ughmmm…' he mimicked the exact noise Thalia had made when she was impersonating the young Arthur.

The said Prince frowned. 'What?'

Then Merlin stared at Arthur like a startled rabbit, mouth twitching slightly as he tried his best not to giggle.

Arthur became uneasy. 'What are you doing?'

'Ugghmmm…'

'Merlin!'

'Arth- sorry, I've forgotten your name.'

'… It's. Arthur.'

'Arthur, right, of course. Isn't the er…. Weather nice?'

Arthur raised his eyebrows and looked at Merlin like he was going mad. 'Merlin, we've been over this. You need to stay off the cider.'

'I'm not the one on the cider, sire.'

Arthur frowned. 'What?'

Merlin knew his time was limited. 'Will that be all sire?'

'Mer-!'

'It will? Good, I'll be off then. Bye, goodnight…!' Merlin shuffled backwards toward the door.

'Merlin…' it was the same voice he always used when threatening his servant.

Merlin felt behind him and found the door handle. He kept a straight, serious face. 'Sire.'

And then it clicked. Arthur's eyes became peeved and enraged. He stood up. His eyes darted to the handle when he heard it click and lunged forward. 'MERLIN!'

As fast as he could Merlin wrenched the door open, twisted out and slammed it shut again and sprinted down the corridor, hearing the door open behind him. He hurtled down the stairs and, avoiding some surprised guards and people, made it outside where he leapt down the steps and darted to the corridor underneath.

Arthur appeared moments later and Merlin moved his legs, prepared to run. The prince turned and turned before by chance noticing his servant's head watching him.

Merlin wasted no time in slipping through the doorway and back into the castle. He grinned when he came to an area which had four different ways to go and he chose the middle left, knowing it would get him to Gaius' chambers and his bed the quickest. He ran round a corner and froze against the wall. Arthur would hear his footsteps if he kept running.

Arthur let his boots skid along the floor to stop himself when he saw where he had arrived. Four ways to go… Merlin had got away. With a very angry 'Grh!' and a hit to a barrel which toppled over he walked back out.

Merlin grinned, hearing the Arthur's exclamation and the barrel.