Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin.

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Merlin tucked Mordred into their shared bedroll. Tomorrow would be a difficult day, no doubt the fellow prodigy would insist of fighting beside her regardless of his age. The boy settled after a long mental argument about going to sleep without her. Despite his instance that he couldn't sleep without her beside him, he was out in a few moments. Merlin smiled fondly, stroking his hair and chubby cheeks, imagining the handsome man he would grow to be. When she shuffled around the cottage, she saw her mother sitting on a bench. There was haunted look in her eyes.

"Merlin, come here." Merlin obeyed sitting beside her mother. Her hand gently caressed her daughter's cheekbone, staring lovingly at her. Merlin had to grow up so quickly, there were so few moments that she never got to be a child. This was one; when her mother would adore her, touch her with maternal love, Merlin always felt like a child, warm and safe. So rare, for her to feel safe from the world, vying to kill or control her.

"I do love you, my girl." Hunith murmured. She had that look again, that 'you're my everything' look. Merlin knew her father had never been in the picture, she had been raised without him. Hunith had been called a whore because she kept her baby. It was painful, probably; to see the face of the man she so loved, knowing he abandoned her. But this was more than that, Merlin sensed her unease.

"What's wrong?" She questioned, breathlessly. Hunith dropped her hand, the warm security vanished.

"I should have never gone to Camelot. I've ruined everything for you."

"You haven't, I objected, yes, but it was the right course of action."

"I know what you're planning to do." Merlin looked away but did to deny it.

"I protect these people, Mother, I swore to. I'm all they have, their only chance in absence of an army."

"You know what will happen."

"Of course I do."

"You'll never be able to come back."

"I know."

"You know what Cenred will do to you."

"I do."

"Then why do you persist. You're all I have, you and Mordred. And gods know that boy won't leave your side for anything. I can't lose you, not after everything else."

"You won't lose me, Mother. This I swear."

X

Merlin was dressed in chainmail provided by Gwen. Her long hair had been plaited tightly down her back. Mordred was tidying up the rooms, trying to find his lucky bracelet Merlin made for him on the engagement ceremony. He did find it and gave Merlin a long stare. He had been entrusted, by Merlin to escort the children out and keep them safe. Oh yes, there was plenty of ranting and raving on his part, but he complied. Mordred would do anything for his Emrys. He exited, not sparing a glance for Arthur. In her mind, Merlin heard a faint "I love you", she returned the sentiment and he left. A more formal goodbye would come later. After Merlin straightened her chainmail, she noticed the plate mail that was Arthur's. She took it in her hands, and moved toward him. But he shook his head.

"You're no servant, not to me. Put on your own." Merlin blinked. While everyone had told her she would serve Arthur, it was Arthur himself who first regarded her as his equal. She complied though. Despite being unfamiliar with armor she could manage her gauntlets. Arthur put his own on surprisingly fast. He watched her struggle with a buckle. Arthur stepped forward and fastened it for her. She glanced up and their eyes met. He had blue eyes, Merlin noted, lighter than her own, periwinkle, like the flowers. Arthur pulled away and put his hand on her shoulder. He watched her and the hand moved up to cup her cheek. She pulled her head away and Arthur, looking embarrassed, replaced the hand on her shoulder.

"You ready?"

"Ready." He pulled his hand away and held it out to her. Recognizing it as a gesture of men, she took his hand. It was gesture of equality and respect.

"It's been an honor."

"Same to you." They pulled away and finished gearing up.

"Whatever happens today, please don't think any differently of me."

"I won't."

"You've never seen me fight with magic, it may disturb you."

"Not if it's you." Morgana's words, her mother's words, the dragon's and every druid she ever met, their words came to her. The Once and Future King would love her best, Mordred would impede it. The King would love her, but she was destined for another, Merlin could never be his.

"You'll change your mind." She insisted, best to nip the whole affair in the bud.

"I won't." She tensed.

"Arthur, they're crossed the river."

X

Merlin ventured outside. Men's gazes fell to her, their warrior witch, the one they loved. Merlin had no time for them. She found what she was looking for quickly as Arthur rallied the men. Mordred was gathering up the last of the children, his hood down so as not to frighten them. Merlin approached as he soothed a crying babe in his arms. Mordred caught sight of Merlin and dropped all he was doing, handing the babe to an older girl of course, in favor of Merlin.

"Emrys!" He spoke rarely and when he did, it meant something. The boy latched onto her front, his forehead meeting her bosom. Merlin returned the embrace and knelt down. She pushed the hair away from his face, his emotions a turmoil through their bond. She could feel him and he, her. They were one and they would remain one. She tapped her forehead to his, sinking into feeling one another. Mordred gripped at her hair. He was not happy that he was leaving. She was happy he would be safe. They didn't speak, they didn't need to. They know each other's thoughts and sentiments. Mordred did not look away, not for a moment, he drunk in her image, her beauty. Merlin kissed his brow tenderly and before Merlin could move away, Mordred planted a quick kiss on her mouth. Merlin's brain stopped working.

They had never kissed on the mouth before.

Mordred led the children away with a sad, but cocky smirk. Merlin only smiled sadly back, shaking her head at him. Then she went to her destined place, Arthur's side. He rallied the best of the men and Gwen. Then he turned to her, his warrior witch. She followed him as he ran off with Gwen disappearing in a different direction. They watched the tree line as the men emerged. They rode out shouting like banshees. They scurried to where the men were waiting and stayed in place, waiting for the moment Arthur said otherwise.

"Hold." He said as the men began searching.

"No one move until I give the signal." He insisted as the men began searching in earnest.

"Hold." He insisted again as things grew tense, the bandits know where they were.

The gate went up. Gwen had done it. But there was no fire to accompany it. Arthur began to panic, so Merlin dashed off to help. Her magic would be more than enough to stat the fires. She ignored Arthur's pleas for her to return. She dashed through the open, her braid swing and skin shining with sweat. Merlin was narrowly missed by two arrows, deciding not to count on luck further, she dashed to Morgana. With a wave of her hand and an uttered word, the fire started. It worked as planned. The fire panicked the horses and the riders. As they turned back, Merlin heard Arthur shout and the men rushed out to fight. Merlin swung he sword blindly, unfamiliar with crude weapons. It disproved into chaos. Men were ripped from their horses and beaten, Morgana and Arthur cut down man after man. It faintly reminded her of that day, so long ago. The day the tents burned, children drowned and women raped. The day she almost died with Mordred in her arms. The day Arthur saved her. The he met destiny. Her fear of battle dissolved and strength replaced it. She would not falter.

She was absorbed in fighting, they were all untied. She surprisingly cut one man down. She examined her kill with a sense of pride. So much pride she did not see the man behind her, waiting to strike. She also did not see Will leap from the roof to save her by knocking the man off his horse. She didn't notice until Will was on the ground, pulling a sword from the man's chest. Merlin's heart swelled with pride for her friend. He stood proud, dressed in his father's chainmail. He just killed a man, to protect her, the woman he loved.

"Didn't think you were coming." She smirked. A wild grin etching her features. Will returned the expression, his face red from exertion.

"Neither di I."

They fought back to back, like comrades do. For a bit they held the people off. Then they saw Kanen, he was mowing the villagers down, swinging his great axe. The people fought with bravery, but they villagers, not fighters. Horror sunk in. They could not win in this fight without help.

"There's too many of them." Will echoed her thoughts. Merlin shook her head.

"Not for me there isn't." She didn't think of the consequences. She didn't think of Arthur's fear. She didn't think of Cenred stealing her away. She thought of the village, those that accepted her whenever she came. So Merlin put out one hand and summoned a whirlwind. It grew and grew; everyone ran or ducked for cover. Merlin watched as men were blown about like ragdolls. Some knocked over. The horses spooked and reared, tossing their riders from their backs. She felt Arthur's gaze on her back, but she ignored it, in favor of her spell. The bandits fled like birds. They chased off by villagers, stragglers were killed. The men cheered. Everything was alright, until Kanen returned.

"Pendragon!" Kanen removed his cloak and helmet, and then he struck. Arthur fought back and Merlin bit her lip. Her body thrummed with hate. She thought of the knight who tried to rape and murder her, much like this man wished to do. Even when he drew a blade, fought dirty, Arthur was still better. Arthur without hesitation stuck the sword deep in his gut. Kanen collapsed to his knees and then died, or at least it seemed so.

Arthur walked to Merlin victorious, his smile etched into his cheeks. Merlin smiled back and went to hug him. Arthur lifted her up and spun her so her back was facing Kanen, so she wouldn't see. He allowed himself an indulgence, his hand running over her cheek, whilst Will looked on enviously. It wasn't until the last minute Will noticed Kanen with the crossbow. He barely managed to push Merlin and Arthur away in time.

"Look out!" The bolt buried itself in Will's gut and Kanen collapsed, finally dead.

"Will!" Merlin shrieked. She grabbed before he fell, making his descent gentle.

"You saved us." Arthur sputtered incredulously.

"Don't know what I was thinking, Merlin in danger, I acted."

"Get him inside!" Arthur shouted and men hurried to help. Merlin latched onto his hand, comforting him. His was a death wound. No magic could save him. They hurried him in Merlin's home, and laid him on the table. Merlin's face was slick with tears.

"Merlin, your magic, they'll tell."

"Will… Don't worry about it."

"Say it was me. I refuse to have you stolen, even if I'm not here to see it."

"Will…"

"Take care of her Pendragon, she's more than you deserve." Will's face contorted in pain, and Merlin bit back another sob.

"Do what you can." Arthur left with a comforting touch of his shoulder, a thank you. Gwen and Morgana followed. Her mother left. Merlin nodded and placed a hand near his wound. Will turned his head o her as magic seeped into him, numbing the pain.

"Love you so much, Merlin, love you." His whispered his other hand reaching for her. Merlin touched both his hand with both of her own.

"I know, I know."

"I wanted, I wanted…"

"Will, don't talk."

"Gotta say it. I wanted, to marry, you."

"I know Will, you would have been a wonderful husband."

"I would've. That baby better, better take care of you, never, ever, take you, for granted."

"He won't, he'll love me forever." Merlin assured him, stroking his face. Will started shaking.

"Merlin, Merlin, I'm scared." Merlin struggled not to cry more, holding onto his hands.

"Don't be, I'm right here, I'm not leaving you anymore." One hand leaving his and stroking his hair.

"Scared…" He insisted. Merlin did the only thing that came to mind. She lied, to give him peace and gave him what he wanted of her.

"I'll always think of you, and all you've done Will. I'll always love you." A lie was what he needed now, no harsh truth. He needed comfort and she gave it. She sealed her lips to his. Both of her hands cupped his cheeks. One shaking hand came up and gripped her hair, savoring it. He was going to die, but he would die kissing the woman he loved. She didn't remove her lips until the shaking stopped and the hand fell limp from her head. Merlin drew away, blood on her lips. She put her forehead to his and sobbed, cradling his body long after it was cold. He had left her this time and finally she could see why it caused so much pain.

X

She was despondent. He had died for her. Arthur didn't approach her, but Mordred did. She was sitting on the table, the dead man's head resting on her lap. She didn't acknowledge his entrance, didn't even move. Mordred went to her, gently touching her hand, probing her thoughts with his own. he coaxed her away from the body so rites could be performed. The minute she was no longer touching the body, she fell to her knees and hugged her betrothed. She sought his comfort and his love, both he gave without hesitation. Mordred would always be with her, stand beside her. In a world where people were given and taken from Merlin, only Mordred was constant. He was her rock, and she was his. Mordred wished he was taller, older, so he could hold her like the Pendragon and Will could. He wished he could lift her into his arms and kiss her fears away. But for now, they would have to content themselves with hugs and caresses.

X

They watched Will burn. Merlin had cried out all of her tears, now there was only emptiness. Will was among the first in the village to accept her. He was kind to her and lived to make her life interesting. They had been friends, her first friend not born of magic like herself.

"I'm sorry, I know you were close." There was a pregnant pause between them.

"He wanted me to stay, to become his wife. He loved me." Mordred tighten his grip on her hand.

"I'm sorry."

"He died for me. I'll remember him, always care for him."

"I will do as he asked." Merlin finally tore her gaze away, her solemn and stony.

"What?"

"I will always look after you, and protect you, this I swear, Merlin." He walked off without another word. Merlin turned her gaze to the flames once more. Hunith approached her.

"To anyone who asks, it was Will who wove the magic, you'll be safe." Merlin said nothing; her safety shouldn't have been paid with the life of a friend. She watched the flames awhile longer.

"I'm leaving tonight, with Mordred. We can't afford to be here much longer." She said at last. Hunith looked down.

"Where will you go?"

"North this time, I think, but we will return to Camelot soon."

"To live in its forests?"

"They give us shelter, we'll be fine."

"I wish you could stay with Arthur, he needs you." Merlin sighed.

"You need him too, you should stand together, two sides of the same coin."

"Listened to all lectures did you?" She whispered. Hunith said nothing. Merlin hugged her mother and Mordred joined.

"I'll miss you."

"Me too." Mordred added.

"And I will miss both of you, sweet children." She drew away.

"When you were born, you were so small, so weak in face of the destiny before you. Now look at you, both of you. You've both become so great. I am so proud, my daughter and my son." She kissed Merlin's brow and did the same for Mordred.

"When the time is right you will be able to stand beside him, but not before then."

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Princess: The end of the saga of Ealdor. Merlin and Mordred have their first kiss, the cuties. Arthur flirts some more but Merlin keeps running to Mordred. I was thinking recently how I portray Merlin mentally. I don't picture Merlin as a conventional beauty just like the male Merlin. Though personally I feel that Colin Morgan is one of the most attractive human beings alive, his looks are not conventionally considered good looking. It's why I often describe her as striking, unusual but pleasing to the eye and stay away from beautiful and other clichéd words with a hundred yard stick. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, it's unusual set of good looks coupled with her demeanor and talents that make her and instructing figure, different from most women. I hate to think I write the cliché of everyone falling in love with her, but not all of them love, some just find her to be a valuable asset not unlike an heirloom or weapon. Her value is in her reputation. As Will said, all would want to bed the Great Emrys.

I dunno, I try to make Merlin a little more savvy that the original. She grew up in a hostile environment, while Canon! Merlin had to keep a secret; his life was probably far more peaceful. In this story, Merlin spent every day of her life on the run, praying that she won't be killed. It makes the trust everyone a little less, save for Mordred. They trust unconditionally.

Anyway, I'm done rambling.

Reviews:

Hitomi65: Thank you.

Guest: Well things will become more heated as Mordred approaches adulthood.

Readmy64: Well you were sort of right, he tried and she kind of brushes him off.

HeartFyre: Well there was a bit of Merdred, they'll be hot Mordred in the future.

sKyLaR KnIgHt: There was a bit more of him here.

Narutoske: It does cause a predicament.

Guest: Here it is!

KhaalidaNyx: Well thank you must be reading something different from my English Teachers.

Natasya Ivashkov: Well they do, Mordred and Merlin at least.