It was not something that Arthur was entirely happy with. He got the impression that Uther was less than keen, but it meant staying in the unspoken, and probably childish, competition that seemed to be running. So Morgana calmly road next to him, while the six other knights, Gwen, two more servants and pack horses travelled along with them.

"What's the matter with you?" Morgana asked as Arthur shifted in the saddle for what seemed like the hundredth time. She herself was attuned enough to the forest to know there wasn't any danger. For years she had ridden out and hunted with Uther, Arthur and the knights. They were well protected, she even carried her own sword just in case.

"I just…" he started and then paused, giving Morgana a careful look. He leant towards her, just so he could minimise who heard what was said. "Just don't start about the druids, you know father is still angry about what you did."

Morgana glared at him. Arthur leant back a little.

"You can't honestly agree with him!" she hissed back. Behind them Gwen pretended to be very absorbed in admiring the scenery. She happened to be the only one within hearing range of the conversation.

"Morgana, you can't exactly disagree with him! Look what happened when that thing got into the water supply. That was sorcery, we were just lucky Gaius happened to identify it!"

"And you got to kill it," she hissed back at him.

"That's my job," Arthur murmured, moderating his tone carefully, glancing guiltily back at Gwen. She gave him a light smile to accept the apology, her father having died from that disease. With that settled he turned back to Morgana, who was glaring at him.

"And what about that old man, Aulfric, and his daughter, they had magic and they tried to kill you!"

"I was protecting you," Morgana snapped.

Arthur gave her a sharp look. Gwen hid the small smile that threatened. Morgana looked around, staring at the scenery. Gwen wasn't entirely sure what had suddenly put Morgana's mind onto attending this meeting. The information Percival had passed onto Gwen had certainly put her mistress' mind at rest. Gwen didn't think the knight was lying, it was a well known fact that many druids had migrated into Cenred's kingdom. The king and Merlin didn't seem to openly defend them, but nor did they persecute them in any fashion, which meant nobody feared their presence.

There was only a small suspicion in Gwen's mind, regarding Morgana and magic. Although there had never been any overt signs of Morgana having any talent, she had sometimes known things, dreamt things. The incident with the girl Sophia and her father had been a clear point. Morgana from the start had been suspicious of them and their motives. The point had been proved when Morgana had tried to take them both on. It was lucky, Morgana had been lucky, the man had been caught using magic, nearly killing her in the process. The pair had both been dealt with by the guards. Morgana had perhaps regretted the results of her actions, but she had seemed convinced that Arthur's life was in danger.

"Well?" Morgana demanded into Arthur's silence.

"Just don't rock the boat."

"I hardly intend to do that, but I'll be good, and polite to the prince and Lady Hunith."

Arthur gave her a careful look, again his gaze moved to Gwen who pretended to be reaching for the water skin that was hanging from her saddle, and seeming to have nothing to do with the conversation occurring in front of her.

"Water, My Lady?"

"I'm fine, Gwen, but help yourself."

"My Lord?"

"No, thank you," Arthur said, then after a glare from Morgana added. "Guinevere. We'll take a short break once we reach the river," he said loudly to the men. Most of them looked quite relieved. They had pushed towards the meeting place. They had made good time and would no doubt reach the assigned spot by dusk, if not before. It seemed sensible to stop now, not that Morgana afforded him much peace.

"What do you think I am likely to do?" Morgana asked while they paused.

"You've made your opinions quite clear over the years, you need to think more carefully."

"Like you do! You just agree with Uther, you don't say a word to him as he slaughters people."

"And you've seen what sorcery can do. Over seventy people in the lower town died because of that thing in the water, and you were convinced that Sir Valiant was up to no good, although we won't know now."

Morgana looked away, her jaw tensing. Arthur decided to leave it alone. Gwen scurried off to offer the knights some fruit and more water.

"He was and you know it!" Morgana hissed at him and walked away. Arthur knew she would refuse to talk to him for the rest of the journey. A very big part of him felt nothing more than relief.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxX

It reset itself into a tight knot of anxiety as they got closer. The sun was fading and they had to make camp. Through the trees there was a glimmer of light that meant Merlin had already established his position. Arthur bit down on his lip, there was another shred of level ground, just close by, and they could use that to set up.

"They have made provision for us Sire," the knight who had scouted said.

Which became the point that Morgana set her jaw and kicked her horse.

"Then to stay anywhere else would be quite rude, and rather unsafe. Come on Gwen, we'll go say hello."

Arthur clenched his hands and rode after her, pulling level and then deliberately slowing down.

"Morgana, we're not riding into battle."

To prove that point Arthur dismounted a short distance away. The horses would have been heard so he walked up, taking the lead and moving through the trees, and despite her annoyance Morgana jogged to catch up and walk alongside him. But she was not entirely trusting, since her hand strayed to the dagger on her belt.

Moving close to the circle of light they paused for a moment. A hearth had been set up for cooking, and Arthur's stomach rumbled as he smelt the deer that had been spitted and currently roasted. He watched the woman carefully moving around organising two servants, she looked very well dressed but competent at what she was doing. Arthur guessed her to be Merlin's mother, but he couldn't make any assumptions, until she looked up and shouted.

"Merlin, I will not tell you again!"

Over the far side of the clearing Merlin huffed, he started to pull the thick woollen material onto his shoulders. Morgana sniggered as a woman with dark blond hair appeared from a tent and casually smacked Merlin around the ear, causing the prince to drop his jaw. Percival sitting nearby gave a snigger, shifting the warm coat he was already wearing around on his shoulders. Merlin glared at him, but then smirked as April wandered past Percival and smacked him across the back of the head as well.

"Don't be smug!" she snapped at him. None of the other men looked surprised by what was occurring, they looked as if they were entirely used to seeing the unfolding scenario. The blonde woman stepped away, heading towards the hearth, when suddenly she looked up, which caused both Percival and Merlin to follow her gaze.

Realising they had been spotted Arthur and Morgana led their entourage into the camp. At a signal from Arthur the two servants they had brought with them took his and Morgana's horses.

"Bring them this way, we're set up," Lancelot said, stepping forward. He was dressed as a servant. Merlin was still trying to work out how to deal with Lancelot, but for the moment he made a nice innocuous servant, but one that could, if called upon, fight. It allowed Merlin to hedge his bets and Lancelot acquiesced to the order, looking almost as confused as Merlin felt. He let those servants head away as he took the reins of Guinevere's horse.

"Thank you," Gwen said carefully dismounting, Lancelot reached out to take her arm to steady her.

"My pleasure," Lancelot said politely. Morgana smirked as she watched the interaction, seeing Gwen blush even in the dim light. Merlin saw Percival scowl, although it only lasted a moment, but Merlin guessed that was Morgana's pretty maid, who had made quite an impression on the knight.

Merlin walked across the camp to greet them. Hunith, a little nearer, got there first, going straight to Morgana and taking her arm.

"We were getting worried about you, come on, you must be tired, let's get you settled."

Morgana smiled. "Thank you."

She let herself be led away. Percival moved past Merlin to get to Guinevere before Lancelot could come back, he reached out to take her arm.

"You must be tired too," he said.

"Thank you," Guinevere said letting Percival lead her behind Hunith and Morgana. Merlin could see his mother talking, Morgana answering her, looking polite but almost confused. Merlin turned back to Arthur and held out his hand in greeting.

"I'm not taking your arm, this will do."

Arthur smirked and met Merlin's hand, they shook tentatively, testing each other's grip before they let go.

"Merlin, don't leave Arthur getting cold over there!"

"No, Mother. Please tell me you brought a warm coat."

"I've got a cloak," Arthur said following Merlin as they headed down into the clearing.

"Put it on when you are told," Merlin advised him. Arthur raised his eyebrows, then he was distracted as Hunith, having settled Morgana by the fire came to him, she reached out to gently grip his arms just above his elbows and then leant in, reached up to kiss his cheek. Arthur's eyes widened at the familiarity. For a moment his mind reeled, until as she pulled back he thought, she wasn't brought up as nobility, and she had never been trained. It was her instinct and natural friendliness that made her behave as she was. That was possibly why Morgana had been thrown for a moment. Both of them had been expecting something formal, they were used to that. It explained why Morgana was now sitting quietly by the fire, taking a goblet of wine from the dark blonde woman who appeared to be Hunith's maid. They had also sat Guinevere down, giving her water, just to momentarily revive her before she dealt with Morgana's things.

"Come and sit down for a moment."

"Not for long," Arthur said. "I need to supervise the setting up."

"Just take a moment. You've had a harder journey than us, we've been in the area for the last two days, we've had time to settle," Hunith said.

"We spent time in Ealdor," Merlin added. "I sent two knights out to set up and a few of the villagers came to help."

"The village is nearby?" Arthur asked.

"It's past the ridge," Merlin said, putting it firmly in to his territory. "While the knights were resting the villagers rode over to help."

"That was good of them."

Merlin smiled, almost indulgently. "They were happy, they had enough food to see them through winter, and they got to see my mother. They hadn't laid eyes on her for years. Come on, it's won't take long if we help, let's get the tents set up."

He turned and whistled and his knights, and servants came over, realising that Merlin expected them to help.

"Come on, it won't take us long."

Arthur stood up, a little stunned, and nervous. He had never done anything like this before and it wasn't happening as he had been taught. His father had always told him how to behave, openly friendly but show some contempt and arrogance. You couldn't give ground to anyone. But if this was some kind of subtle plan Arthur couldn't fathom it. Merlin was openly friendly, his mother was organising everything. Everyone appeared to be pitching in to help them set up, their camp was organised in no time, Arthur almost dazed as he requested certain things and then were done. As his servants had said what needed to be done Merlin's entourage obliged.

"Right, are we sorted?" Hunith asked, as Morgana reappeared with her hair pinned away from her face but flowing down her back, wrapped in a warm gown. "How about dinner?"

XxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Dinner proved pleasant. Hunith didn't allow any separation between the two groups of knights. She had Morgana sat next to her, with Gwen assisting April and Hunith made sure they sat down to eat, as she did everyone else. Merlin and Arthur sat side by side, thankfully managing to concentrate on eating rather than saying anything.

"Sorry about my mother, it's kind of her trip to, I don't want to say anything."

"It doesn't matter," Arthur said. "I wouldn't know about mothers. It looks nice though."

He had no idea what possessed him to suddenly say that. His father would have seen that as admitting weakness. But Merlin turned and looked at him, staring at Arthur with sympathy. It wasn't pity, there was just something that made Merlin consider what it would have been like.

"The area is clear of bandits now?" Arthur asked, deciding to go back to practicality.

"Appears so, but I don't think that if you cut off the snake's head you'll kill it. There are hundreds out there just like Kanen, they'll take their chance, I think we just killed off everyone, and none of it was a loss."

Arthur turned to look at Merlin in surprise, who appeared quite calm when talking about the slaughter of over forty men.

"You think more might come?"

"The council is right, there is a limit to how often we can stretch the forces to the outlying areas, we need to make sure the problem won't reoccur."

"You start sending more patrols through this area, then my father is bound to do the same."

"Probably why it's a good idea to sort the border out," Merlin said. "Otherwise the raiders will get away with it because our forces will be too busy clashing with each other."

Arthur shrugged. "Which seems idiotic. Besides, on our side, there isn't anything but forest. Most of the villages are far enough in that the border issue hasn't been important."

"If they are using the forest it might be," Merlin said. "We do have two settlements this side of the ridge, which makes it a concern for us."

"You're just trying to get us to pay attention to this so we will increase our patrols through the forest. That will make your life easier."

Merlin gave him a sidelong glance and then turned his gaze back to the fire.

"Maybe," he drawled, before giving Arthur another sidelong look and the corners of his mouth quirked up in a smirk. Arthur tried to look disapproving but the smirk proved slightly infectious and he couldn't seem to help returning it. Arthur controlled it by biting down on his lip and decided, since the moment seemed right to try and bring up a rather more delicate subject.

"There's also the issue about other people using the forest to cross from our kingdom to yours."

The phrase 'other people' was broad enough, but on the other hand it made the subject quite obvious. Merlin's face darkened. Arthur shifted uncomfortably, looking away from him. He steeled himself, and got ready with something to say, in his defence. Truthfully he could say that he didn't agree with his father. The druids didn't seem like a threat to him, but people that went to them, for help, for medicine, were then put under suspicion of sorcery. It didn't always mean that they were dragged in for questioning or executed. Uther wanted to use them to track the people he really wanted. But, Arthur asked himself, what was wrong with seeking help to save people's lives.

Merlin didn't answer, instead Hunith interrupted them.

"You'd better not be talking business now, Merlin. Arthur's bound to be tired, they've travelled a long way."

"We've travelled to," Merlin pointed out

"I don't mind," Arthur said, a little chagrined at not being able to get what he wanted to say across.

"Nonsense!" Hunith said. "Merlin, we've only come from over the ridge from Ealdor. We've had more time to get ready. Arthur and Morgana have ridden from Camelot. They'll be tired…"

Arthur backed that up by giving an involuntary yawn. "I'm fine," he managed to mumble afterwards.

"No, the pair of you are not. You can talk in the morning," Hunith announced cutting Arthur off. He felt oddly stricken. He had wanted to say something about their previous meeting, and the boy he had been chasing. However, Merlin, as he always did, obeyed Hunith, saying something about bandaging up the horses legs. So Arthur, frustrated and defeated, never got to say his piece.

As Hunith sternly said, they would have plenty of time in the morning.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Morgana simply bided her time. There was something around the horses, which Merlin seemed to take interest in. Then he went to his tent and didn't come out. Morgana picked out the thickest of her nightgowns to sleep in, just so she could make her move when she needed to. She didn't want to Gwen to worry, and she did not want to annoy Lady Hunith, who seemed to have control of the camp. Something which didn't worry Morgana, she had other things on her mind.

She stayed awake and waited, keeping an eye out on what was happening in the camp. The guards changed over, the camp stayed quiet, until quite suddenly Merlin left his tent, carefully looking around before heading toward the horses and then to the left, walking into the shadows around the campfire.

Morgana grabbed her cloak and pushed aside the tent flaps, leaving Gwen sleeping inside and she followed him, looking at Merlin as he walked. She stepped carefully, not wanting to make any noise, but Merlin moved as if such stealth was natural. It was not the gentle sway that Arthur had when he hunted, this was something else, almost predatory. She watched Merlin walk up the incline that sheltered them and tensed as she realised, to her embarrassment, that she had almost walked into one of the guards; one of Merlin's. She had been so focused on Merlin, she hadn't seen him. For a moment she hesitated, unsure what to do, however the guard looked at her and then Merlin, who had crouched down at the designated boundary of the camp. The soldier glanced at her again and then nodded at her politely heading away. The soldier either expected no harm to happen to her, or he realised she was following the prince. She dragged the cloak tighter around her body and walked up towards him. Merlin glanced over his shoulder, turned slightly and then stood up, bowing to her.

"Lady Morgana. Are you all right?"

"I was curious. I couldn't sleep, I don't sometimes. I was curious as to what you were doing."

As she spoke a series of barks rang through the air. She jumped, taken by surprise, Merlin hardly flickered.

"Foxes," Merlin said. "They ran over the boundary."

Morgana frowned, tensing a fraction as Merlin's eyes glowed. The foxes danced into view, Merlin's gaze turned to follow them. One of them paused to assess them, the animal's eyes glittering in the moonlight.

"Boundary?" Morgana asked tentatively.

"It's just a security precaution," Merlin said in a reassuring tone. Morgana raised her eyebrows.

"Sorcery?"

"Yes," Merlin said. "They're a mating pair."

"What?" Morgana asked. Merlin nodded in the direction of the two foxes, controlling his amusement at her shocked tone.

"Those two."

Morgana turned to look at the two animals. They were barking as they pranced around the trees, the bigger one dashing to prevent the smaller one from getting away. Morgana felt an odd shiver, and she pulled her cloak tighter around her, aware of Merlin glancing at her. He stepped back and leant against a nearby tree, as if sensing her sudden discomfort.

"It's nothing to worry about, the boundary," Merlin said.

"What is it? Where is it?" Morgana asked. Merlin indicated to a point on the ground just ahead of her.

"It goes around the entire camp, I always do it."

Morgana stepped forward, passing over the point that Merlin indicated. She felt nothing but glancing up she saw the glitter in Merlin's eyes and as she backed up again the flash happened again. Merlin could sense it.

"Why do you do that?"

"It's useful," Merlin said.

"And you could sense the foxes."

Merlin shrugged. "I knew they weren't a threat, but they kept crossing over, so I just came to look."

"Doesn't that get a bit irritating, if things keep crossing it?"

"Not really," Merlin said. "Most of my men know I do it, so they are careful to stay within it."

"You didn't tell Arthur though."

"I know how… sensitive… people from Camelot can be about sorcery."

Morgana raised her eyebrows. Merlin smirked.

"But you just told me, what if I tell Arthur?"

"Are you planning to?" Merlin asked her. Morgana frowned.

"No," she said, sounding a little irritated.

"Well then," Merlin said with a shrug. "If you wish I can remove it."

"It doesn't matter," Morgana said. She turned back to look at the foxes, they were almost lost to the shadows. The smaller one, presumably the female, looked less like she wanted to run away, staying still as the male moved around her, watching him carefully as he paced, sniffing her on occasion. Morgana felt very aware of Merlin watching her, watching them. She turned back to him.

"I know Sir Percival told Gwen, but I just wanted to ask…"

"Mordred?" Merlin asked, in a low tone, not sounding surprised. Morgana looked around, wanting to make sure that no one could hear, that no one could see. Arthur would not be happy if he heard that she had sought Merlin out. He would no doubt know the topic of conversation.

"Yes."

"You saved his life," Merlin said.

"Not everyone in Camelot thinks like Uther," Morgana said with more than a little venom. Merlin raised his eyebrows.

"I didn't presume that they did."

"He's all right then, Mordred?"

"Perfectly, he's living in a druid camp within the northern forest. My old tutor is looking after him."

"You were taught by a druid?"

Merlin nodded. "I didn't need much instruction in how to perform magic, but learning some control was fairly useful. I don't think my father wanted me to keep randomly setting fire to the hangings in the throne room."

Morgana blinked, eyes widening in shock. "How did you do that?"

Merlin, this time, was the one that carefully glanced around. The soldier who had been on duty had removed himself from the immediate vicinity, and he had been chosen for his level of discretion. Crouching down Merlin picked up a small branch, and staring at it whispered a word. Morgana jumped as the end of the branch ignited. Merlin looked up at her, his face caught in the light of the fire he had created.

"I was only six at the time, and kind of got a little enthusiastic about igniting the torch. The nearby hangings were unfortunate victims."

Morgana giggled. "I dare say that didn't go down well."

"Father was fairly impressed with the force I used, especially as I was only little, but I don't think he wanted me randomly destroying the kingdom in the process."

"What about other kingdoms?" Morgana asked.

"I'm not a fool," Merlin said dropping the branch and standing up put his foot on it to stamp out the fire. He didn't say anything more, so Morgana didn't quite understand what Merlin meant. She never got a chance to ask him, Merlin's gaze shifted and Morgana turned to see Leon walking towards them. There was a frown on his face, his gaze moving from Morgana to Merlin.

"My Lady, are you all right?"

Out of the corner of her eye she saw Merlin raise his eyebrows, probably guessing what Leon might be thinking. She knew the knights had been given strict instructions about her, and her protection. Arthur had not been allowed to have anything to do with the conversation. Uther himself had delivered the orders, although Arthur had also heard them.

"I couldn't sleep," Morgana said. "I thought some night air would help."

"Did Gaius not provide you with a sleeping draught?" Leon asked.

"Yes, but I haven't taken it yet, and I heard the foxes," Morgana added, determined to deflect Leon. Merlin said nothing, simply waiting, Leon frowned.

"Foxes?"

"There was a mating pair, they moved quite close to the camp," Merlin explained. "I heard them as well.

Leon frowned as he glanced out into the darkness, but the foxes had run out of range, although their calls could still be heard.

"I'll escort you back," Leon said, holding his arm out to Morgana. She gritted her teeth and put her hand on his arm. Merlin gave a polite bow.

"Good night, My Lady," Merlin said politely. "Sir Leon."

Merlin moved away, deciding to check the rest of the boundary. He guessed that he probably shouldn't rock the boat too much. Morgana decided the same.

"You should be careful, My Lady," Leon murmured.

"Why?" Morgana asked in an innocent tone. It made Leon look uncomfortable. She wasn't stupid, she knew why. The last thing Uther wanted was Merlin learning of her sympathies towards people with sorcery. Morgana couldn't help but feel intrigued by Merlin, who was clearly powerful, and seemingly very aware of it. Yet on the flip side, he didn't appear to use his power in the ways she had seen other sorcerers do.

Leon delivered her to her tent.

"Should I wake Guinevere, My Lady?" Leon asked.

"No, thank you Leon, I can look after myself." Morgana disappeared into her tent and let the material close behind her. Gwen remained asleep, which was fine with Morgana. She wanted to think in peace. Unfastening her cloak she settled down by the table, where Gwen had carefully placed a mirror. Morgana picked up her hairbrush and began running it through her hair. Gwen had also carefully left the sleeping draught on the table. Morgana didn't feel like sleeping, she wanted to think, considering Merlin's words.

As she pondered, the distant sounds of the foxes rippled through the darkness.