A/N: I own nothing of Merlin. Give the credit to BBC. Aurora is my own made up character along with her extended family.

An Tales de Aurora Alden

Arthur and I had announced our courtship to the court two months ago and there was opposition from the council. It was during this time that I found myself on the training grounds with Arthur and the knights more than before. Half the council saw me a threat and the other half a great asset to the kingdom.

It had been a busy time, so when Arthur approached me with us going off to my estate for a couple days I agreed to it. We had been here for three days so far catching up. It had been raining all day, but at around dinnertime, a thunderstorm had rolled in with a big clap of thunder. We had gone and put a big thick blanket on the floor in front of the fireplace where we sat with some cups of wine.

"Too bad we can't do this all the time," I commented.

"I know, I feel like we don't get time to be together," replied Arthur. "That's why I wanted to come out with you mainly, but there is another reason."

I took a sip of wine and looked into the fire. I could see Arthur's shadow moving, hearing him put his goblet down. I felt his hand on my shoulder and I turned to face him. He was on one knee, a small chest in his hand.

"From the moment I meet you in the square, you held my attention, I was attracted to you like a moth to light. You told me off for arresting Merlin and for be rude. You impressed me when you told my father off. I wanted to get to know you and I did, still am to this day. Every day is a new adventure with you. I'm utterly in love you and I trust you with my heart and soul," he said taking my hand in his.

"Arthur…what…"

"My father wants my marriage to bring an alliance to Camelot, but I want to be married to someone that I love and care for with all my heart. You, Aurora fit in both those categories perfectly."

"Are you…asking for…?"

"Aurora Igraine Alden, I love you more than anything in this world. I would give up everything if just so I could have you by my side every single day of my life. Will you do me the honor of being my wife, princess, and future queen?" he asked.

He opened the box and I sat the ring set that I had designed long before I meet him. He had them changed slightly, instead of sapphires there were rubies and emeralds. The crest of Pendragon and Algar etched on the bands. I looked up at him, tears in my eyes. There was only one answer I could give him.

"Yes I'll marry you. Yes, Arthur, yes," I replied as he took the emerald encrusted band out and slipped it on my finger.

He closed the chest saving the fancy ring for our wedding. I threw my arms around him and pressed my lips to his. We kissed until we needed air, Arthur's left hand in my hair, his right hand on my side. My arms wrapped around his neck.

"you've made me the happiest man in the world right now," he whispered.

"And you've made me the happiest woman in the world right now," I whispered back.

We were kissing again and thing's got out of control, but I did not care that I gave myself to Arthur before we were married. That night I had the best sleep ever, snuggled in Arthur's arms.

XXX

The next morning we woke up early get ready to return to Camelot. I watched Aurora slip on her engagement ring and smiled knowing she was mine now. She was in her riding attire, which was forest green and brown. I went out and saddled the horses making sure everything was secured properly as she came out of the house.

She held Duchess in her arm as she check to make the door was locked. She came to over to her horse and slipped Duchess into the saddle bag before mounting the horse and waiting for me. we rode back and arriving just before breakfast. We had come up with a plan along the way on how to tell Morgana and father that we were getting married. We entered the dining room to see Morgana and my father eating.

"well, you two returned earlier than we thought you would be. Sit down and join us for breakfast," said Father.

We sat down and our plates were served shortly after.

"Did you have a good time out at the Alden estate Arthur?" asked father.

"It's was wonderful," I replied. "Aurora's family has a nice piece of land."

I looked over at Aurora who was beaming with excitement.

"You seem very happy Rora. Anything you like to clue us in on?" asked Morgana.

"Should we tell them?" asked Aurora.

"Probably," I replied.

"Tell us what?" asked father.

"Do you think your father can handle it?"

We watched morgana and father share a look.

"I don't know, do you think Morgana can handle the news?"

"Handle what?" asked Morgana. "Tell us what you two are on about."

I saw Merlin and Gwen walk in with pitchers of wine most likely. Looking just as curious. Aurora held up her left hand for everyone to see the ring.

"We're getting married," we said together.

Morgana and my father both stood at the same time as Merlin dropped the pitcher in his hand.

"When did this happen?" asked father.

"I propose to her last night. I'm sorry I did not tell you beforehand father, but I had to take the chance while we were away," I replied.

I saw Morgana, Gwen and Aurora jumping up down in excitement. Morgana and Aurora were discussing wedding ideas while father and I discussed the politic aspect. There was a lot to do before the ceremony could take place. Aurora's family had to come, announcements to be made, invites to be sent, and Aurora had to make her dress. It would months before we married.

XXX

I had sent a letter requesting my whole family to come to Camelot as soon as they could. I also requested to have my mum picked up and brought to Camelot. I need a break from all the early planning of the wedding that wasn't happening for another six months at least, so I was out with Merlin helping him with his chores.

"So how goes the planning?" asked Merlin.

"Great, I've completed my sketches for three different versions of my dress. Morgana is working on the invite list, Uther and Arthur are being the middle men with the council, and I'm just waiting on responses from my families," I said. "I can't wait until we really get into wedding planning."

"You think mum will be pleased?"

"I can't see why not."

Merlin looked up toward the main entrance into Camelot.

"Mother!" he shouted walking through the crowd to mum.

I smiled and followed him. I hadn't talked to mum since I found my real parents. Yet I was surprised to see her here before my real parents came.

"Mum! What are you doing here?" I questioned.

That when I saw the black eye that looked rather angry.

"What happened? Who did this to you?!" asked Merlin.

"Let's get you to Gaius and then we'll get an audience with the king," I said wrapping an arm around Hunith.

We led her to Gaius, where he looked her over and gave her a healing salve for her eye; soon we were in the throne room. Hunith stands before Uther and the small court. I stood with Morgana.

"The winters are harsh in Ealdor, and there are many children. Some of them just won't be strong to survive. We barely have enough food as it is, and Kanen takes our harvest, our children won't live to see another summer. Please, we need your help," begged mum.

I felt Arthur's eyes on me; I had been one of the lucky ones to make it through.

"I have the deepest sympathy for you and would have this barbarian wiped off the face off the earth," said Uther.

You'll help us?" questioned mum.

"I wish I could."

"Surely we can spare a few men?" asked Arthur.

"Resources are not the problem," answered Uther.

I felt my heart dropped. I could say that I was not liked in Ealdor, but those people had did their best to care for the children.

"Then what is?" asked Morgana.

"Ealdor lies beyond the Ridge of Essetir. For an army of Camelot to enter it would be an act of war."

I watched mum drop to her knees while I locked eyes with Arthur.

"I know you're a good king, a caring man. I'm begging you, help us, please."

"The accord we've struck with Cenred was years in the making. I cannot risk hundreds of lives for the sake of one village. I'm afraid Camelot cannot help."

Morgana and I both went to my mum and escorted her out. I left them and headed back to my chambers and started packing a bag of clothes, my bow and quiver, and took Duchess to Gaius to be watched while I was gone.

XXX

I stood on the battlements looking over Camelot. I figured Aurora would be with Hunith and Morgana. I noticed Merlin walking up next to me.

"I'm sorry, if it were up to me, we're be on our way there now," I stated.

"You tired and thank you for getting an audience with the king," replied Merlin.

"I wish Camelot was able to help people regardless of how far away they lived."

"I'm going back to Ealdor."

"Of course. Make sure to say good bye to aurora."

"It's been an honor serving you"

"You'll be coming back. Aurora wants you at the wedding."

"Well, it's my mother. I have got to look after her before anyone else. You understand?"

"I'd do exactly the same. Well, you've been terrible. Really, I mean it. The worst servant I've ever had."

"Thank you sire. I leave Aurora in your care."

"Merlin, good luck. I want you at my wedding."

I watched him walk away. Aurora would be upset when she found out that Merlin would leaving to return home. She would worry herself for the both of them. She wanted her adoptive family at our wedding and that was up in the air.

XXX

I was at Gwen's house packing for my trip back to Ealdor. I had gone and looked for Aurora after saying good bye to Arthur, but I couldn't find her.

"Here," said Gwen handing me a sword.

I started to reach for the sword and noticed that she sucked in her breath. I grabbed the hilt.

"Tell me how it feels?"

"Yeah. Yeah that feels…that feels really good. It's very, erm, you know…swordy," I replied.

Gwen raised her eyebrows.

"I've packed some armor for you."

"I won't be able to carry all that."

Morgana and Aurora both entered dressed in trousers and corseted tunics. Aurora had her bow around her shoulder and a sword on her hip.

"You won't have to. We're coming with you," said Morgana.

"What do you mean?"

"You're going to need all the help you can get. I can mend armor and sharpen swords," stated Gwen.

"And I know how to fight," said Morgana.

"I can fight as well," said Aurora.

"But y-y-you can't. I mean, why would?" I said. "Besides Aurora you have a wedding to plan and Arthur will be furious if you got hurt."

"Arthur will have to get over it," she said taking up a pack and headed for the door.

"If it was the other way around, you'd help us. You already have. You saved my life," explained Gwen.

"And helped me get the druid boy out of Camelot. We owe it to you. Both of us."

I had gone back to the castle while the girls made sure they had everything. I had say good bye to Gaius and to get the food that he had prepared.

"You got food I prepared for you?" he asked one last time.

"Yes," I answered for the fifth time.

"be careful with the wine. You know what you're like one whiff of a barmaid's apron and you're singing like a sailor."

"I'll be fine."

"Are you sure you don't want an extra blanket?"

"It's okay, really. I'll be alright."

"Well, make sure you are. Do whatever it takes."

Gaius hugged me and I hugged back, he was like a father to and I would miss him. Soon, Morgana, Rora, my mother, Gwen, and I were riding for Ealdor. That night we camped in the woods, me Aurora, and mother were sitting around the campfire talking.

"They shouldn't be. Aurora you should be planning your wedding. isn't Lady Morgana the King's ward?" stated mother.

"We know, but we had help. Those people might not like, but I won't stand back in a castle knowing they might die because no one was willing to stop this man take their food and their safety," said Aurora. "I'm going to turn in. Night mum."

"Rora kissed mother's cheek and headed for her bed roll on the other side of the fire.

"Morgana and Aurora are probably the only people in Camelot not frightened of him," I said after Rora was gone.

"It won't make any difference to Kanen that they're woman."

"I know, but I couldn't talk them out of coming."

"Promise me that you and your sister will be careful. No one can find out about you two."

"They won't. They never do. Aurora barely uses her abilities now."

"Get some rest."

Mother goes to lay down in her bed roll. I take a burning stick from the fire and blow some flecks into the air.

"Draca."

The glowing flecks take the shape of the Pendragon dragon. I shifted in my sleep and hear a horse in the woods. I draw my sword and I head to search through the dark. Someone puts a sword against my back.

"I'd ask you for money, but I know you don't have any," a familiar voice.

"Arthur!" I said whipping around.

I watched as Arthur ducks as the sword swings near his head.

"Put the sword down, Merlin. You look ridiculous."

Arthur takes my sword and walks toward our camp.

"How much further is it?"

"Er, maybe a few hours."

"How many men does Kanen have?"

"Erm, I'm not sure. I think, from what my mother said, maybe as many as forty."

"You should get some rest. It's going to be a long day tomorrow."

"Thank you. Erm, I know you didn't have to come."

"You have my betrothed. Get some rest."

Arthur walked over to where Aurora was asleep at and lay down next to her. I could see that she woke up a bit when he sat down beside. They made the perfect couple.

XXX

The next morning we ate a light breakfast and got ready to head on. I was face with a upset Arthur, we hadn't spoken all morning until now. I knew we would eventually argue about it, which what was happening.

"You should have stayed in Camelot," said Arthur as I finished putting my saddle bags on my horse.

"I'm helping my people Arthur," I replied.

"I won't let you put yourself in danger before our wedding."

I whipped around to face him.

"Our wedding isn't for months. As much as you do not like it, I am going to Ealdor and helping those people fight. I know you want to protect me but you won't always be able to."

He pulled me into his arms and looked into my eyes.

"Just be careful okay."

"I will."

We mounted our horse and set off to Ealdor. I rode next to my mother as we entered the village that looked very much the same, but being terrorized. I saw one of the men threating a small girl, I pulled bow out and took aim shooting the man in the shoulder before dismounting stepping in front of the girl.

I had been doing well, the little girl had gotten away, then I found myself pinned and my sword gone from my hands. I lifted my hand and flung the man across the village and into the field.

"You have magic!" I heard a very familiar voice.

I turned to see Arthur standing there angry and a hint of hurt in his eyes. I suddenly felt like I should being running away, but instead my feet took me toward him.

"Arthur, please, let me explain!" I said grabbing onto his arm.

He yanked his arm out of my hand and walked off toward Merlin who was speaking to William. He could have killed me but he didn't.

"Arthur!" I shouted.

He completely ignored me. I looked at Morgana and Gwen briefly before I took off for my mum's hut. After I had a good cry, I watched from the doorway as Arthur stood on a crate and talked to the people of Ealdor.

"I know Kanen's he'll be back. And when he is, you must be ready for him. For of all, we have to prepare for…," said Arthur.

"Am I only one wondering who the hell this is?" shouted Will.

I rolled my eyes at the idiot that I had once called a friend.

"I'm prince Arthur of Camelot," answered Arthur.

"Yeah, and, er, I'm prince William of Ealdor."

"Keep quiet. He's here to help us just like Aurora and Merlin," said Mum.

"But he's made thing's worst. Kanen will be back, and when he is, he'll be looking for revenge. You've just signed our death warrants."

I marched over the large group.

"Will shut the hell up!" I shouted.

"Why do you care? You just like him!"

"He's my fiancé!"

Will looked shocked while I chanced a glance at Arthur to see the same look in his eyes. I backed away, hoping to blend in as I felt Arthur's disappointed glaze on me.

"He's saved Matthew's life!"

"That's alright, Hunith. This is his village. What would you have us do?" stated Arthur.

"We can't fight against Kanen. He has too many men," said Will.

"So what's the alternative?"

"Give him what he wants."

Everyone shakes his or her heads.

"Then what? Those of you who don't starve to death will face him next harvest! And the harvest after that."

"We'll manage. We'll survive."

"How?" said the villagers.

Will was a loud mouth. we barely making by when Merlin and me were still here.

"The only way he can be stopped is if you stand up to him," stated arthur.

"No. you just want the honor and the glory of battle! That's what drives men like you! Look, if you want to fight, then go home and risk the lives of your own people, not ours!" shouted Will walking away.

"Will," called Merlin following after the man.

"I'll follow you. If I'm to die, then I want to go out fighting," said mum.

"That goes for me, too."

The rest of the village soon followed. We all split up and I went to my horse and started taking my bags off and carried them into my mum's house. I saw Arthur watching me, but I ignored him. I was making up the bed for Morgana and Gwen when I felt someone watching, turning to find Arthur standing just pass the doorway.

"I didn't think you would want to around me now that you knowing deadly dark secret," I commented continuing with my work.

"Were you ever going to tell you?" he asked.

"Someday when I didn't fear you would kill me. which I'm wondering why you haven't yet," I replied. "Unless you're going to run back to your father and let him kill me."

"I can't see you dead either."

Turned to face once more and stared at him.

"Then I'll be riding to Ibelle after we defeat Kanen," I said slipping m ring off and handing it to him. "I won't be needing this."

He walked toward me and closed my hand around the ring.

"I want an explanation first before we are calling stuff off."

"I was born with magic; I'm assuming my mother was as well. I've never used it for evil, unless you ask old man Simmons how I accidental lit him on fire, but I've only used it for good, defensive really. It's a part of me Arthur, it's who I am," I told. "I'll understand if you don't want to marry me. I'll go to Ibelle after this and you won't have to look at me. You can forget about me."

I was near tears again, knowing that I might not see Arthur or my friends ever again. I was pulled into a strong comforting embrace.

"It'll take time for me to accepted it, but it a part of you and there's nothing to change it. There is no way I'll stop loving you even if you leave. You'll just have to be careful around my father," he whispered.

"Really?"

"Yes really, as long as you don't use it unless absolutely necessary or in dire situations."

"I promise Arthur, with my life."

He took my ring out of my hand and slipped it back on.

"Now that we've come to agreement. There much to do before Kanen comes back."

We kissed and he went to help where he could while I helped mum get food cooking and sleeping arrangements sorted. I had lit the fire and was making sure there was enough wood for the night, when I heard something. I looked to my left and saw a little girl standing just next to me.

"Hello there," I said smiling at the girl who I recognized as the girl I saved early.

"You saved my life earlier. I wanted to thank you," said the brown headed girl.

"You're welcomed. I couldn't see you die," I replied.

"Thank you again," answered Felicity.

I found mum talking with Gwen and Morgana. I went over to them.

"Ah, there you are Rora. we'll keep your secret," said Morgana.

"Thank you. We should collect the armor and weapons and start getting them fixed up," I said.

"Of course."

Soon we were all curled up in our beds. I was next to Merlin while Arthur slept nearest to the door.

"Have you always slept on the floor?" asked Arthur.

"Yeah. The bed I've got in Camelot is luxury by comparison," answered Merlin.

I rolled over facing away from them.

"Must've been hard."

I was beginning to hate their chatter while I was trying to sleep.

"Mmm, it's like a rock."

"I didn't mean the ground. I meant, for you and Aurora. It must've been difficult."

"Mmm, not really, we didn't know any different. Life's simple out here. That's why Aurora loves the outdoors. You can do what you want without having to answer to someone. It's freedom."

"Sounds…nice."

I closed my eyes and went to sleep. Arthur and Merlin's voice fading into the background.

XXX

The next morning, I ate her breakfast, while Merlin grabs Arthur's jacket. I had seen Arthur eat, but I knew that porridge wasn't something he was used to.

"You still not learned how to dress yourself?" asked Morgana.

I giggled a bit and I saw Arthur look at me.

"You don't have a dog and fetch the stick yourself. No offense merlin," said Arthur walking toward us.

"None taken," replied merlin.

"Prince Arthur, you didn't finish your breakfast," said mum.

"didn't i?"

"Come on, eat up," commented Morgana.

Arthur takes the bowl he had early and pretends to eat.

"Mmmmm."

Arthur hands me the bowl.

"Right. Let's get going. We wood, and lots of it."

"Of course," stated Merlin walking out the door with Arthur.

I finished off Arthur's breakfast. I took it back to mum so she could wash it.

"Arthur said it was good," I said grabbing the basket for gathering fruit.

"I understand. At least you got a little extra. You're going gather some fruit?" commented mum.

"Yeah."

I kissed her cheek before I headed out the door. I saw Arthur instructing the men and Merlin and Will heading into the woods. I saw Will and Merlin stop to wait for me to join them. I walked up to Arthur and tapped him on his shoulder.

"Yes," he said.

I raised up on my toes and gave him a kiss before walking away. I joined Merlin and Will.

"I can't believe you're marrying a prince," said Will.

"I can't believe you're talking to me. I'm royalty as well, a princess of Ibelle," I commented walking toward the berry bushes.

I heard the boys walk off while I started picking berries.

I filled the basket and headed back to the village for lunch. I took the berries to mum and helped get lunch ready.

XXX

I was getting a drink of water when I was suddenly surrounded by three familiar women.

"Looks like the battle's already fought and lost," said Morgana.

"They'll toughen up," I replied.

"They need to," said Gwen.

"How are we doing for weapons?"

"There isn't much, but we should be able to scrape together what you need," said Aurora.

"It's not the weapons that worries us. It's not having enough people to use them. We think the women should be allowed to fight."

"You haven't enough men. if they were trained soldiers, maybe you'd stand a chance, but they're not."

"It's too dangerous," I replied.

I walk back toward the resting men.

"Right! Back on your feet! Come on, let's go!"

XXX

I was helping mend the armor that we had collected, while Morgana and Gwen were still sharpening weapons. Suddenly a scream broke out and we looked up to see a horse riding in with Matthew dead. The men poured out of the common building. As Arthur had the village men get Matthew off the horse.

We all gathered around as Arthur took the note that had been attached to te arrow in his back.

"What does it say?" asked Merlin.

"Make most of this day, it will be your last," he read outloud.

"Matthew! No! no! no!" screamed his fiancee.

"You did this! Look what you've done! you've killed him!" shouted Will.

"It wasn't his fault," stated merlin-defending Arthur.

"If he hadn't been strutting around, treating us like his own personal army, this would never have happened!"

I glared at Will has he blamed Arthur for the misfortune of the village. Before I locked eyes with Arthur.

"These men are brave enough to fight for what they believe in, even if you aren't!" said Arthur.

"You're sending them to their graves! Even you're fiancee! You killed one man. How more need to die before you realize this is a battle that can't be won? When Kanen comes, you haven't got a chance. You're gonna be slaughtered."

I wanted to march up and knock Will about his head; maybe this was the moment where Arthur would see the truth of the matter. That night we all gathered into the common building for Arthur to explain the plan.

"Tomorrow morning, the women and Children should gather what belongings they can carry and go to the woods," he said.

"We're not going anywhere!" stated Gwen standing.

"I know you want to help. The women can't stay here. It's too dangerous," explained Arthur.

"The women have as much right to fight for their lives as the men do!" I said standing alongside Gwen.

"The more of us there are, the better the chance we stand!"

The rest of the women step forward.

"This is your home. If you want to fight to defend it, that's your choice. I'd be honoured to stand alongside you. Kanen attacks tomorrow. Kanen's brutal. He fights only to kill, which is why he will never defeat us. Look around. In this circle, we're all equals. You're not fighting because someone's ordering you to, you're fighting for so much more than that. You fight for your homes. You fight for your family. You fight for your friends. You fight for the right to grow crops in peace. And if you fall, you fall fighting for the noblest of causes: fighting for your very right to survive! And when you're old and grey, you'll look back on this day, and you'll know you earned the right to live every day in between! So you fight! For your family! For your friends! For Ealdor!"

The villager's stand with swords raised.

"For Ealdor! Ealdor! Ealdor! Ealdor! Ealdor! Ealdor! Ealdor!"

I walked up to Arthur and gave him a kiss.

"You did good, darling," I whispered in his ear. "I'm proud of you."

He looked down at me with a smile. He arm went around my shoulder, pulling me to him. I went to talk Will. I knew that I should have long time ago. I knocked on the door, before walking in to see him packing. He turned around to look at me.

"What do you want?" he asked.

"I just wanted to say sorry. We have always butt heads because we're both just as bullheaded. Arthur's a good man and a good husband. He went against his father and a treaty to Ealdor. I just wanted to say that I won't judge you for running," I answered.

"I seen you and him together. You are both good for each other. I've always seen you as a sister and I'm glad you're happy that you found you're true place. You always seemed too good to be in this village. You had the air about you like 'I'm suppose to in a noble court with handsome knights drooling all over me'. I'm glad you're happy."

"You always knew didn't you."

"I had a guess that you were a knights daughter since you back me into that tree when you sixteen. Just never thought you were a princess."

"I better go before Arthur goes insane. He's very protective."

"He should be. Any man would kill to have you."

I smiled at him and walked away. I headed for home I walked home and went to the shared room. Arthur was setting on the bed.

"I want you to stay with Morgana in the morning," He said.

I nodded fully understanding. I wasn't going argue with him tonight.

"If you got to use magic. I don't care as long as you are safe. I don't want to find you hurt or worst."

"I understand," I said as I sat down on the edge of the bed.

He moved to make room for me to lie down next to him. His arm wrapped around pulling closer to him. It was tight but it did not matter.

"I will always love Aurora."

"I will always love as well."

We kissed, our tongues battling for what could be the last time. We stayed like that, falling asleep in each other's arms.

XXX

I leaned up against a tree, standing watch. I heard the snapping of twigs and turned to see my Fiancée with a bowl of porridge.

"Arthur, Mum made you some food," she said holding out the bowl.

"Thanks," I said.

I could see her turn to leave.

"I think."

"Damn it Arthur! Food is scare for them, stop being a royal prat!" she said whipping around.

I stare at her, her hands goes over her mouth.

"I'm sorry. I-I should have said that. I'm sorry."

"Ro."

She starts to leave.

"I'm sorry. I let my temper get to me. I'm sorry."

"Aurora!"

She turns to face me.

"Thank you. You're right. And you were right to speak up. I'm glad you put me in my place. We're going to need all the help we can get."

"We'll be fine."

"How can you be so sure?"

"Because I have faith in you. We all do. Also because I love you."

"Thank you."

XXX

I stood in Hunith's house and as Merlin starts to help me put on my armour.

"No, not today, put on your own," I said to Merlin.

We dressed for battle. Merlin struggles with the buckle on one of his bracers. I helped him.

"You ready?"

"My throat's dry."

"Me too."

I held out my hand and Merlin shakes it.

"Its been a honor."

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

"I won't. It's alright to be scared, Merlin."

"That's not what I meant."

I turned to look at him.

"What is it? If you've something to say, Now's the time to say it."

Aurora came into the doorway at that moment.

"Arthur, they're crossed the river."

We all left the house. I walked down the line of villagers, shaking hands.

"Are you ready?" I asked

"Ready," replied the villagers.

"For Ealdor."

I reached for Aurora and look at her.

"Are you frighten?" I questioned.

"Not in the slightest," she answered.

I pulled her into a hug and kissed her passionately one last time. We headed for our hiding positions. Kanen and his men ride out of the woods and into the village.

"Hold. No one moves until they give the signal."

"Kanen and his men stop and look around the 'empty' village.

"Hold."

"Come out, come out wherever you are."

Gwen and a villager pulled up the hidden gate, tapping the riders inside. Morgana and Aurora were trying to light a fire with flint.

XXX

I looked to Morgana who was also struggling light the fire. I held up my hand and said the simple spell.

"Baerne," I said.

The fire trapped the riders and the men rushed out to fight. I grabbed my sword and jumped in. Somehow I wound up with back against Arthur.

"Hello prat," I said swinging at the man in front of me.

"Not now Ro," he replied.

We were soon separated again, until Merlin came up to me, I looked around frantic looking for Arthur. I finally found him on the ground and I wanted to go to him.

"There's too many," said Will.

"Not for us there isn't," Merlin stated. "Cume thoden."

Merlin conjured up a windstorm and I said a spell that made the branches fall down on the ones nearer the woods.

Arthur had stood up and I saw that he saw the windstorm that Merlin had did. The villagers start winning and the remaining bandits flee. I ran to Arthur and hug him.

"We did it!" I said. I felt his arm wrap around my waist his hand just over my baby bump.

"Pendragon!"

Arthur let me go and step toward him. They started fighting and Arthur runs him through. He marched towards Merlin and Will.

"Who did that?" he asked.

"What?" replied Merlin trying to lie.

"Wind like that doesn't just appear from nowhere. I know magic when I see it. The branches were Aurora I know that. One of you made the wind happen."

"Arthur..."

Kanen picks up a crossbow and aims it t Arthur.

"Ahh!" I screamed.

"Look out!" shouts Will.

Will pushes Arthur out of the way and gets hit himself. Kanen dies.

"Oh god!" I was freaking out I back away from them.

"Will!" shouts Merlin.

"You just saved my life."

That was the last thing I heard before I ran away and hid in my mum house. I didn't know why it bugged me now, I've seen death, but this time it really bugged. To see that arrow being aimed at Arthur. I sat on my cot and cried.

XXX

We carried Will in inside. I noticed Aurora had disappeared which probably wasn't good.

"That's twice I saved you," he said.

"Twice," I replied.

"Yeah, it was me. I'm the one that used magic."

"Will, don't," butted in Merlin.

I looked at Merlin.

"You're a sorcerer?" I asked.

"Yeah. What are you gonna do? Kill me?"

"No. Of course not. Do what you can for him."

Merlin nods. I put my hand on Will's shoulder and then I led Morgana and Gwen out. Once outside I asked about Aurora.

"Where is she?"

"She's at Hunith," answered Gwen.

I headed for the house. I walked in and could hear her crying.

"Aurora?" I asked.

She looked up with red puffy eyes tears still running down her face.

"I don't know what's wrong with me. It wasn't bugging me earlier, but the minute I saw the arrow aimed at you, I freaked out," she said still sobbing.

I sat down next to her on the bed and wrapped my arms around her. I held her to me and let her cry.

"Hush, everything is fine. I've got you. It's okay," I whispered, pressing kisses into her hair.

She eventually stopped crying and we just held each other. Soon we stood at Will's funeral pyre with the rest of the village. Aurora stands with Morgana and Gwen, while I stood with Merlin.

"I'm sorry. I know he was a close friend," I said.

"He still is," said Merlin.

"You knew he was a sorcerer, didn't you? That's what you were going to tell me?"

"Yes. It was."

I didn't say anything. I knew Ro would hit me if I did. I walked back to the girls. Aurora followed Hunith up to Merlin's side.

XXX

I walked up next to my mum I had to say goodbye to her and possibly Merlin.

"You two better be going," she said.

"Good bye Mum, I'll be seeing you at the wedding right?" I said.

"Of course. You have your real family now, but to me you're still my little girl," she replied kissing my cheek. "You take care and you let Arthur take care of you."

I nodded and walked away toward where Arthur waited for me. He helped me mount my horse and then we waited for Merlin to join us, which he did. Soon we rode off toward Camelot, I couldn't wait to be able to sleep in a large bed with Duchess at my feet.

XXX