Leon walked the corridor leading to the royal quarters. The silence of the halls and the echoing of his footsteps in the once lively castle stood out as a stark reminder of the new normal that had come over the kingdom. Arthur had been gone nearly a month now and the pall that still reigned over the castle and Camelot in general was evident.

Guinevere was doing her best to maintain composed in an uncertain time, but he knew she was struggling. He saw it at their daily Round Table meetings: the faint creases growing at the corners of her eyes and her once cheerful demeanor taken on that of a widow—and sovereign—faced with a new reality.

Compounded with the loss of Arthur was Merlin's absence. He may have been a servant in name, but only now did Leon realize how important his influence had been—on Arthur, Guinevere, even himself. Still, knowing that he was a sorcerer—possibly the strongest in the entirety of all five kingdoms—left him uneasy.

He hadn't known his friend at all.

Guinevere said that Merlin had made a brief appearance in Camelot a week and a half prior—long enough to drop off some letters for her and Gaius and leave without so much of a word to anyone else. That pained him too—that neither he, nor Percival, received a letter. There was still so much unresolved between them, so much he wanted to ask...but he hadn't a clue where his old friend was or if he'd ever appear in Camelot again.

He made it to the royal chambers and knocked. Guinevere's maidservant Meliora opened the door. "The Queen will be with you in a moment," she said, her voice quiet. She was a new addition, had only been in the position a week—after much insistence on his part after seeing just how run ragged the queen had become.

Guinevere hadn't wanted one, especially after the experience with Sefa some months prior. But enough of his nagging and she finally agreed.

"Thank you, Meliora," Guinevere said, placing down a paper she'd been perusing, rising from the table that Arthur once sat at. "Can you leave us for a few minutes? It's a nice day. Perhaps take a stroll around town? I shall be fine here for awhile.""

Meliora nervously brushed a strand of dark hair from her face. "Are you certain, your Majesty?"

"Quite." It was a simple word, but her tone was firm.

Meliora nodded. "I shall be back later, your Majesty," she said, curtseying. Guinevere let out a sigh once she left.

"She's a dedicated worker," she said. "Maybe a little too much so."

"Then she's doing her job well," Leon said. "Remember, you aren't a maid anymore. You've been doing entirely too much on your own."

"Yes, I know, we've talked about it. A dozen times," Guinevere said. "It'll take some time for me to adjust. As it has with everything else." The last part came out a little more strained and he watched as her eyes watered. Quickly, she changed the subject.

"I called you here because I have a favor to ask of you," she said. She turned back to the table and picked up an envelope, sealed with the red royal wax stamp. "Can you find me a trustworthy messenger?"

Leon had a feeling who the letter was for and brought it up. "Is that for Merlin?" He asked. Guinevere hesitated, and he knew it was likely due to the hurt he'd expressed about his lack of one.

"Yes," she said. "Gaius was able to say goodbye in person. This...this is mine." The tears she'd held back spilled down her cheeks and she quickly wiped them away. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't be reacting this way."

"Of course you should," Leon said. "He was a dear friend and his absence is just as hard as..." He stopped, before mentioning Arthur. He stopped himself, a thought coming to his mind. "Perhaps, my lady, I could be the messenger?"

Guinevere hesitated. "Are you certain that would be wise?"

"If you are concerned about my duties here, Percival can take charge in the short time I am gone," he said. "As you know, things have been quiet as of late, the remaining Saxons having been pushed back to the northeastern border and—"

"That's not what I meant," she said. "I know he was a good friend of yours, and you've been trying your best to hide how much his absence has affected you, too."

He clamped his mouth shut, trying to put to words what he was feeling. Expressing such things had never come easy for him. " I never realized how often he'd helped us on those many journeys around the realm—how many times he'd saved us. The way he didn't return, without so much as a goodbye to the rest of us..." He shook his head. "I'd like to try and convince him to return."

"You know as well as I that Merlin is steadfast in his decisions. Nothing anyone says or does will convince him otherwise." She paused. "I believe you want to deliver this letter for your own peace of mind and unanswered questions."

Leon remained silent. She'd known him too well over the years. "Perhaps that is part of it."

She nodded, seeming to be coming to a decision. "And that's what I am afraid of," Guinevere said, sighing.

"My lady, I will find another messenger if you wish," he said. "I will not go against you."

"I know that, Leon," she said. "Your loyalty and obedience has never been in question." She closed her eyes and he knew she was coming to her final decision. "All right. You may deliver the letter." She handed it to him. "Merlin is in the village of Ealdor just east of the ridge of Essetir in Lot's kingdom, about a day and a half ride from here."

"I will head out in the morning."

Guinevere placed a hand on his arm in friendly support. "When you see him, remember the reasons why he kept his secret from us for so long. And…that he's grieving too." Her eyes watered but she maintained her strength.

"I shall keep that in mind, my lady," Leon said, knowing it would be difficult. Maybe it would finally give him that peace of mind about Merlin's departure and secret.

Or, it would make it worse.

Two days later

The mid-morning sun on that late May spring day shone with the warmth and promise of summer on the horizon through the forest canopy. Della took in a deep breath of the mossy smell of the earth around her. She hadn't much time recently to pick wild herbs but managed to head out just past dawn that morning. She smiled, remembering the kiss goodbye Merlin gave her as she walked out the door. He was asleep as usual but managed to stumble out of bed, still in his nightshirt, and caught her as she was leaving.

"What are you—" Before she could finish, he wrapped an arm around her waist, brought her close in one swift movement, and kissed her sweetly.

"Just wanted to say good morning before you left," he said, his eyes still clouded with the haze of sleep, a half grin on his face.

"Good...morning," she said. She blushed, glancing over at Hunith at the other end of the room, who was pointedly looking away with a smile on her face. She pulled out of his embrace, feeling a little uncomfortable with such displays of affection in front of Hunith, even though she'd been more than supportive of their budding relationship. Merlin knew this too and was trying in his way to help her grow more comfortable—like these surprise moments.

He gave her one of his endearing smiles as she turned and left, her heart pounding in her ears.

She smiled to herself as she picked the chamomile, replaying in her mind their first kiss, the one that opened her entire world, brought hope and light to her life again—and all the ones at random moments since then. Her face burned thinking about it, how every touch of his lips on hers made butterflies in her stomach and fire in her veins.

Every touch from him made her weak in the knees, even though they'd been officially together for a week now. They'd grown closer much faster than she realized in that time, spending their evenings at sunset walking around the small village, talking and laughing. She'd almost forgotten what it was like to be happy—to feel actual joy. And though the grief still lingered overhead for them both, they took comfort in one another and that was enough for now.

She continued picking her herbs, humming a tune to herself as she thought of her handsome warlock. Suddenly, she heard the words of her tune being sung aloud behind her in that ever recognizable deep voice.

"As I walk'd thro' the meadows, To take the fresh air, the flowers were blooming and gay; I heard a fair damsel so sweetly asinging, Her cheeks like the blossom in May." Merlin continued to sing the song with a smile on his face as he came closer, his hands on the strap of the travel bag slung over his shoulder. "Said I, Pretty maiden, how came you here, In the meadows this morning so soon?"

She stood up to greet him, beaming and continued the song in response. "The maid she replied: For to gather some may, For the trees they are all in full bloom."

He sang the next verse as he closed the gap between them, plucking a white flower from her basket, his blue eyes full of mirth. "Said I: Pretty maiden, shall I go with you, To the meadows to gather some may?" He took the flower and traced it along her cheek.

Della blushed and laughed, taking the flower and casting her eyes down demurely. "O no, sir, she said, I would rather refuse, For I fear you would lead me astray." She looked back up at him with a teasing smile.

He chuckled, his voice going quieter. "Then I took this fair maid by the lilywhite hand; On the green mossy bank we sat down; And I placed a kiss on her sweet rosy lips—" he paused and leaned in, his hand cupping her cheek as he touched his lips to hers. "While the small birds were singing around."

Della couldn't stop smiling. "Well that was unexpected," she said quietly, still holding his hands, their foreheads nearly touching. "But I doubt you came all the way out here to serenade me."

Merlin smiled and made a face in mock offense. "And what if I did, hmm? Perhaps I just wanted to sing a love song to my pretty maiden."

Della rolled her eyes and giggled. "First off, you only started singing when you heard the tune I was humming," she said. "Second, you have your travel bag with you. You wouldn't be taking that just to come help gather herbs."

He sighed playfully. "Ah, can't pull anything past you, can I?"

Della shook her head. "So. Are you going to tell me where you're going or do I have to just stand here and wonder?"

"I'm off to Engerd. I have a thing or two I wanted to pick up."

"Such as?" Della inquired.

He smiled that endearing half grin of his. "Well, you'll just have to wait and see." He kissed her once more, slow and lingering. "I just wanted to say goodbye—and maybe take a kiss or two for the journey."

"So there we have the real reason," she said.

"As good a reason as any," he teased. "I'd travel over all the Five Kingdoms just to have one kiss from you."

Della rolled her eyes at his obvious flirting. "Now you're just being silly."

"That's just part of my charm," he said, winking. He let go of her hands and clasped his together in front of his mouth and uttered a word. "Blóstma." He opened his hand, showing a small red rose in his palm. "Here," he said, handing it to her. "A rose for my fair May bloom."

Della took the rose and felt her cheeks warm. "You never cease to amaze me," she said.

This time, it was his turn to turn red at her compliment. She knew he wasn't accustomed to hearing such things and she was endeavoring to change that. She wanted to make sure he knew just how appreciated he was, even if it would take him some time to get used to hearing it.

"Thank you," he said. "I could say the same for you." He kissed her gently on the forehead and ran a palm over her hair. "I ought to get going. I'll see you in a few hours, right? Maybe you could make some of that split pea soup?" He asked the last part tentatively.

She smiled. "Of course," she said. "You'll have something to look forward to when you get back."

"Oh, I already am," his eyes focused on her lips. She playfully hit his shoulder as he turned and walked away down the forest path, whistling the tune as he walked. His whistling faded with the accompanying sound of the whirlwind from his teleport spell.

She sighed dreamily, turning the rose in her hand. He'd managed to conjure one without thorns. The little thoughtful gestures like that warmed her heart.

She tucked the thornless rose in her hair and went back to picking chamomile, unable to stop smiling. Just a few more and she would have enough to replenish her store of the tonic she used on Owen, though she'd have to find creative way to store it without the bottles.

Perhaps Merlin could help her—

The image of a galloping horse suddenly appeared at the edge of her mind. Her breath caught as she felt the ever familiar unwelcoming invisible fog slowly encase her.

"No!" She cried, crumpling over onto the ground, clutching her head. Not now. Not out here, alone where anyone could find her. Yet no matter how much she fought, the mist infused itself around her mind. Dizziness assaulted her as her senses were shifted to another place and moment in time.

A horse clad in the regalia of a knight of Camelot. The knight edged the horse forward to an all too familiar clearing—the village of Ealdor in the distance.

He ran a hand through his curly blonde hair, determination in his eyes as he edged his horse towards the village.

Della's heart beat faster in trepidation. Not him. By the gods, not Leon.

Leon sat in the cottage across from Hunith. "When will he return?" He asked.

"Not much longer now," Hunith said, a hesitant smile on her face.

A new scene flashed in her mind. Merlin was there, his eyes full of hesitation. He looked as if he wished he could turn around and run out the door in which he came.

"Hello, Merlin," Leon's voice was restrained and monotone. "It's been awhile."

"Sir Leon." Merlin's voice and countenance were guarded. "May I ask why you made such a long journey here?" Merlin asked.

Leon stood up and handed him a letter. "From Guinevere." His voice was stilted. "At least she was afforded the decency of a farewell."

Della couldn't help but feel anger course through her at his words. That arrogance hadn't left in the years since she'd last seen him.

She tried to focus more on the scene, to see what else would be said. But she wasn't strong enough to maintain it and the scene shifted again, this time outside.

Leon was talking with little Owen, though she couldn't make out what was being said. Suddenly, his face looked over at Merlin, who stood behind him, a mask of confusion on his face.

"Tell me more about this guest of yours."

Then, the vision ended, just as suddenly as it had come on. For once, she wished she could conjure the picture again in her mind, to see further forward. She focused on the quickly receding fog, trying to reach out and call it back. For the briefest of moments, Leon's face appeared in her mind again, but she was unable to hear any words that came from his mouth. She couldn't maintain the vision and the image faded so quickly that the immediate nausea that often accompanied the end hit her with more force than usual.

She retched what remained of her breakfast, and kept vomiting until her stomach had nothing but bile. She shook uncontrollably as the rose from Merlin tumbled out of her hair.

Confusion assaulted her. This was the first vision she had that didn't end in mayhem or death. What good did this serve if only to show her ahead of time that her unwelcomed past was coming for a visit?

She let out a yell of frustration. What the hell use was this vision?

She picked up her rose with shaky fingers and leaned against a nearby oak. Her forehead was damp with perspiration, loose strands of hair sticking to her face and the base of neck.

She took a few steadying breaths, trying to acclimate to her surroundings. Each vision took more out of her, even one as seemingly non-threatening as this. Was her curse of foresight growing more? By the heavens above, she wished that weren't the case.

Della smoothed the now wrinkled petals of her rose, concentrating on the texture. She wished Merlin were here right now, sitting next to her, his comforting arms around her. Tears pricked her eyes as she continued to rub her finger over a petal. Why did Leon have to come here? She hoped she'd never have to see his face again after that day in the woods, prayed that would be the last time their paths nearly crossed.

And now it looked as if he'd discover her whereabouts. The last thing on this earth she wanted.

She thought back to the vision. It was going to happen today, that much she knew. Merlin was gone on his errand and she hadn't been back to the cottage in the images. He'd come delivering a letter from the queen for Merlin, and apparently, felt the need to have to confront him about his refusal to return to Camelot. And Merlin would have to face his past yet again, to relive the pain of his departure and the reasons for not returning once more.

She wished with all her heart she could prevent that. But if there was one thing she knew, her visions would happen regardless of what she did.

Suddenly, she realized she herself did not feature in the vision. She watched as an observer, like the majority of the ones she had in the past.

Perhaps this vision wasn't as much of a curse as she'd thought. It warned her of his arrival, and from what she saw, there was no guarantee Leon would see her this day.

Yet, that would leave Merlin to face Leon alone. She should be there for him, to support him as he had done for her so much already.

But that would mean confronting the past she tried so long and so hard to keep buried and forgotten. How long had she struggled against the thoughts to just give up and let sorrow consume her? It nearly had once and she wasn't brave enough to face that again. Her now empty stomach churned in fear at the thought.

She leaned her head back against the tree. Go back or run, go back or run. The words matched the increasingly faster cadence of her heart.

She stared blankly into the green of the forest around her. More memories of the past assailed her: Uther's verdict of execution for her mother, her cry of anguish echoing in the Great Hall, and Leon-his face stoic, unmoving. She used magic. The king had made his judgement. There's nothing more that can be done. The words he'd said to her when she begged him to speak to Uther.

She shook her head, trying to dispel the memory. "I can't do it," she said aloud. Gods have mercy on her, but she wasn't strong enough to face him. Fear won out this day.

She got up on shaky feet and steadied herself against the tree. She wouldn't return back to the village until she knew Leon was far away from here. "I'm sorry, Merlin," she said, dropping her dirty and damaged rose to the ground. "I guess you won't be getting that stew today."

The song from earlier that morning remained on Merlin's lips as he made his way back to Ealdor, new goods in hand. He smiled, imagining the look on her face when he'd bring back his surprise. His travel bag was heavy with the various sized empty glass tonic bottles. He knew she didn't bring many back with her from Havenswood and hoped this might help.

He also managed to find something else: a bolt of beautifully woven linen cloth, the color of the deepest green of the forest. He immediately thought of Della, how the color would look paired with her hair and brown eyes. He knew she'd only had the two simple light brown dresses, one of which still had a patched up hole from her arrow wound. He wanted her to have something new and promising.

He stopped just on the edge of the forest clearing and picked a sprig of lavender. He smiled and tucked it in the twine of the package holding her new gift, his heart light with happiness in anticipation of seeing her again. You are utterly besotted, his mother had told him that morning after Della left.

Yes, I am. He'd replied. And it was a glorious feeling. He never thought anyone could make him feel such joy again.

His stomach interrupted his thoughts and he smiled thinking about the meal that Della had promised. He quickened his steps as he came within sight of the village, greeting his neighbors with a jovial wave and smile.

"Happy again, eh Merlin?" his old friend Geralt said, calling from the field edge. "Perhaps it's related to a certain pretty redhaired young woman?" he winked.

Merlin chuckled. "Perhaps."

Geralt waved a finger at him. "See, didn't I tell you? I knew you had eyes for her the moment you came back to Ealdor. Granted, the whole village did but—"

"Yes, yes, I know," Merlin said. "You all were right. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a pretty maiden to return home to."

"Oh, of course, don't let me stop you," Geralt said smiling back.

Merlin waved and began to head down the street towards the cottage, a smile on his face.

He turned the corner on the small village street and suddenly stopped dead in his tracks. What the hell…

A horse was tied on the post just outside of their cottage. Not any horse—Sir Leon's chestnut brown mare. He knew all the knight's horses well from their countless journeys. Wasn't he the one who often had to take care of each one every night while on their quests?

His thoughts immediately returned to Della. By the gods, was she home when that unwelcomed part of her past just showed up at the door? Merlin muttered another curse as he now ran to the cottage.

As he approached, his mind reeled with questions as to why Leon was here. Gaius said he'd figured out that he was a sorcerer. Surely he didn't ride a day and a half to confront him on that. Could something be wrong in Camelot? Or with Gwen or Gaius?

He opened the door, ignoring the heavy feeling in his stomach as he entered the cottage. His eyes adjusted to the darkened interior as he saw Leon sitting at the table with his mother. He quickly scanned the cottage for Della.

She was nowhere to be found.

Where are you, Della?

"Hello, Merlin," Leon said. His expression was more stoic than usual; gone was the former relaxed air Leon once had around him. "It's been awhile."

"Sir Leon," Merlin said, putting down his bag and parcel. What should he say now? Leon seemed to be at a loss for what to say next as well. The silence between them was deafening.

Hunith stood up from her seat and walked to the door, placing a reassuring hand on his arm. "I'll leave you two to talk," she said.

Merlin stopped her before she left, lowering his voice to a near whisper. "Do you know where Della is?" he asked. "Was she here when he arrived?"

Hunith shook her head. "I haven't seen her since she left this morning."

Damn it. Where could she be? Did she see Leon coming?

Hunith squeezed his arm. "Perhaps she's visiting Ceridwen. I'll check for you."

Merlin nodded and she left, leaving him alone with Leon.

He cleared his throat and walked towards the table. He went right to it, skipping any uncomfortable small talk. "So," he said, "May I ask why you made such a long journey here?"

Leon stood up and handed him a letter. "From Guinevere." His voice was stilted. "She asked that this be delivered to you. At least she was afforded the decency of a farewell."

The words cut him to the heart. He sighed, knowing his departure had been the cause of Leon's coldness. "I am sorry for that," he said. "But surely you can understand why I decided not to return. I have no place in Camelot anymore. What use is a king's manservant when there's no king?" His voice broke with the last words.

"You were much more than just a servant, Merlin," Leon said, the light of new recognition mixed with hesitation in his eyes. "Only now do I realize just how much you kept hidden, for so long and from so many. To keep your true self hidden from everyone, even while so close to Uther and then Arthur…" He shook his head.

Merlin swallowed. "I had no choice," he said. "I'd have been executed without a second thought under Uther. And Arthur…" he shut his eyes, remembering the same hurt and betrayal and misunderstanding in his eyes as were reflected in Leon's now. "He understood at the end, but only just. If he had lived, I'm still not sure I'd have told him. The fear and uncertainty of anyone who had magic was so ingrained in him."

"Can you blame him for that?" Leon said. "After all our years fighting off various sorcery threats, Morgause, Morgana…can you see why he felt that way? Why I feel that way?"

"I don't blame him or you for that matter," Merlin said. "I blame Uther and his relentless pursuit of anyone who even came near magic and was executed without mercy." He paused, seeing Leon's further hesitance. "For so many years, Uther's purge spread fear and distrust. It helped breed people like Morgause and Morgana. Uther's fear of magic was so deep, he killed children for it. Children, Leon. And plenty of innocents who had the misfortune of using magic to heal, to bring good."

Leon remained silent and looked away, and Merlin could see him trying to come to terms with what his former king had done. "I know that Uther's methods were extreme," Leon said, finally meeting his eyes again. "And there were times I questioned such harsh actions, especially on those who did not use it for ill. I know I watched people die that never should've…" He trailed off, his eyes focusing on a distant past and Merlin wondered for a moment if he was thinking about whatever incident connected him to Della. He stopped and switched the topic. "Did anyone else know your secret, besides Gaius?"

Merlin was taken off guard briefly and hesitated. "One other. Lancelot." The pain of his death—twice—was still a raw wound, especially after everything that happened with Gwen and his shade's appearance.

Leon stiffened. "You shared it with someone who betrayed Arthur?"

Merlin sighed. "That wasn't Lancelot. It was a shade, a shadow of him, raised by Morgana. And Gwen was enchanted."

Leon's eyes widened in disbelief. Merlin hoped Lancelot's name could be cleared now, though Arthur would never know, which pained him. "And he knew for years, just after he killed the griffin...I enchanted his lance which killed that creature and he heard me say the spell."

Leon sat down heavily on the bench. He stayed silent for a time, staring off in the distance. "All those times when I thought that luck or fate saved us…when it was really you, protecting us—protecting Camelot from the shadows. If anyone ever deserved to be a knight, it's you."

Merlin felt his face burn. Lancelot once said something similar. "I'm not sure about that," he said. "You've seen my skill with the sword—mediocre at best." He half joked.

Leon smiled. "But who needs a sword when you can call lightning from the heavens?"

Merlin's smile faded, remembering the two times he had to use such power—and the devastation it caused both times. "Would you have figured I was the sorcerer at Camlann if you hadn't gone to Havenswood?"

"No," Leon said. He seemed to be considering his next words. "Would you have told us—Percival and I—if we hadn't?"

Merlin hesitated. "I don't think so." He'd lied to him enough already, and the least he deserved was an honest answer.

Leon nodded. "I am sorry, Merlin, that you felt you couldn't trust us, despite everything we've been through together with our band of brothers over the years." He heard the pain in his voice and saw the hurt in his eyes. "And then for you to disappear after Camlann like that without a goodbye. You may not have thought yourself a knight, but we felt your loss as surely as any other comrade—if not more so. Can you see why I question our friendship?"

Merlin swallowed the rising lump in his throat. "I can. It was wrong of me to not send you letters along with Gwen's and Gaius. I guess…I guess I felt that you wouldn't want anything to do with me after my failure to protect Arthur."

"That is the furthest from the truth," Leon said, looking at him incredulously. "You've done more for him than any of us. You did not fail him, Merlin. It was fate that he died that day, even if we are all loathe to believe it."

Merlin said nothing. Leon didn't know of the years of prophecy that he'd single-handedly failed to fulfill due to his poor decisions. But he would remain silent on that regard.

"I'm trying to put myself in your position," Leon said, breaking the heavy silence which descended upon the room again. "What would I do if I had your power? What would I have done if I couldn't save Arthur? And I'm slowly seeing why you kept such a secret, why you took the burden of the world on your shoulders. Perhaps I would've left Camelot as well."

"You have no idea how much I hated keeping that part of myself from everyone," Merlin said. "But after awhile, it just became my life - going around as two separate people, living like a shadow."

Leon nodded. "Well, I am glad to finally be able to see a glimpse of the true person you are."

"I'm still the same person you knew. Just with a little more power, " Merlin said with a smirk.

Leon returned the grin. "That's a relief." His smile faded. "But, I have to be honest. Magic still makes me…uneasy. And I'm still unsure if it would be completely wise to allow it to be practiced unchecked."

"I think that's wise," Merlin said. "The people aren't ready for it yet. Too many still are fearful of magic, and recent events have only made that fear more widespread. It will take time and effort for magic to be accepted again, not only in Camelot, but here in Essetir and throughout the land." He paused. "Though I do hope that a death sentence is not the punishment for it."

"On that accord, I agree," Leon said. "As does Guinevere. She has been in talks with the Council about easing the ban's punishment."

Merlin smiled, relief and gratitude filling his heart. "That's a promising start." He paused. "I would appreciate it though if you could keep my secret a little longer. Even here, my childhood home, no one knows about me. And even if they do, I'm not sure how well it'll go over." He thought back on the events with Nerys and Della and could just imagine that old woman's glee at finding out he was a sorcerer.

Leon nodded. "I understand. I have already given Guinevere my word; I will give you my word too, on my honor as a knight of Camelot, I will tell no other your secret."

"Thank you," Merlin said. He sighed. "I really am sorry for you finding out the way you did. I'm sorry I hurt you, and Percival. I still view you both as good friends, even if I didn't treat you as such."

Leon nodded. "I know that now. And I accept your apology. And please accept mine in return. For all the times in the past I made you doubt your regard and importance."

"Of course," Merlin said, feeling a bit overwhelmed at Leon's apology. "That means more to me than you realize."

Leon clapped him on the shoulder in solidarity and stayed silent. What else could be said? Merlin felt that at least now, they could part in peace as friends.

"So. Is there really no way to convince you to return with me to Camelot? I'm sure Guinevere would make a position for you on the Council."

Merlin took a breath. The thought of returning was still too painful for him to consider. To go back, to see that empty chair where Arthur should be, but wasn't…

"I appreciate the offer and I do miss everyone but..." He shook his head. "I can't. Perhaps someday, but not yet." He smiled sadly. "You see, Leon, I'm not as brave as you think." He remembered his trip back the week prior and how close to breaking down again he'd been.

Leon nodded solemnly. "I understand. I will not push you further on it. I hope that someday you'll reconsider." He stood up again and Merlin followed suit. "I'll be heading back today. Your mother offered me a place to stay tonight, but I think I'll head back towards Engerd for the evening."

Merlin held back a sigh of relief. That certainly would not have gone well with Della—who still hadn't returned. "I wish you a safe journey back, my friend."

Leon nodded. "And you a prosperous life here in Ealdor." He brought Merlin into a quick embrace and let go.

They went out the door into the bright sun and Leon walked towards his horse. He stopped though and smiled, as young Owen stood next to the horse with Ceridwen, who was holding his hand. Owen jumped up and down when he saw Leon. Merlin again noticed Della was nowhere nearby.

"Mama, look, a real knight!" He said, excited as could be.

Leon chuckled and Merlin held back his own smile. Leon gave a quick smile to Ceridwen—and Merlin saw a light blush tinge her cheeks—as he knelt down to Owen's eye level. "Good day to you, my fine fellow," he said. "How are you?"

"Good!" Owen said, excitedly. He looked up at Ceridwen, a question in his eyes. Ceridwen nodded once and he continued. "Mama said I had to wait and ask you if I could pet your horse. May I?"

Leon chuckled again. "Of course!" He said. He led him over to the mare. "She really likes to be pet right here," he said, stroking the mare's side.

Owen gently pet the mare, a huge smile on his face. "She's so soft," he said, in awe. "And BIG! Is it scary to ride her?"

"Not at all," Leon said. Merlin watched an idea flicker across Leon's face. "If it is all right with your mother, I can show you."

Owen's jaw dropped in sheer excitement. He looked up at Ceridwen. "Can I, Mama? Can I? I promise I'll be good forever if you let me!"

Ceridwen laughed. "I highly doubt that," she said. She looked up at Leon and smiled, relaxed in her countenance. "But yes, you may take a ride. A short one." She added, and Leon nodded once.

Owen was so excited, he nearly jumped in exultation. He shifted from foot to foot in a happy little dance. Merlin wished Della could be here to see this; his joy at the simple moment was curtailed with worry for her.

Leon helped Owen onto the mare's back. "All right, now hold tight while I walk her to the end of the street and back."

Owen nodded as he gripped the mare's mane and Leon led her down the street.

"He'll never stop talking about this now," Ceridwen said, lightheartedly. She looked back at Merlin. "I didn't know you knew such handsome knights. And kind too."

Merlin smiled. "There's a few."

"I can't imagine what Camelot would be like compared to here," she said. "And you won't go back?"

Merlin sighed. "I don't know," he said. "Maybe someday. I can't now though."

Ceridwen nodded. "You were close to Arthur, weren't you? Closer than just his servant." She paused and continued. "I mean, not many royals would travel to their servant's hometown to save the people from bandits."

Merlin nodded. "Yes. He was one of a kind. I saw him like the brother I never had."

"I'm sorry," she said. "The world has far too few people like that, especially those in power."

"That it does," Merlin said. There would never be another Arthur and that pained him the most.

Ceridwen spoke again but changed the topic. "So, Hunith came by earlier looking for Della," she said. "I haven't seen her all day. Is she all right?"

Truthfully, he wasn't sure and the anxiety on that front was hard to hide. "She's probably still out gathering herbs," he said. "I'm sure she'll come back later."

Ceridwen squinted at him, as if she could tell he was lying, but she didn't say anything. "Yes, you're probably right." She said nothing more as Leon came strolling back with Owen.

"Did you have fun?" Ceridwen asked as Leon helped Owen off the horse.

"Oh yes! It was the best thing EVER!" he said. His enthusiasm made Leon chuckle and Merlin smiled at his exuberance. It had taken his mind off the heavy topics discussed earlier.

"What do you say to Sir Leon, Owen?" Ceridwen asked.

Owen turned and smiled. "Thank you so much for letting me ride your horse, sir!"

Leon chuckled again. "Of course. It was my pleasure."

Owen then tugged at his mother's apron. "Do you think Della will come back in time to meet Sir Leon?"

The smile on Merlin's lips faded as Owen mentioned her. Damn it.

A shadow of recognition crossed Leon's face, his smile frozen. "Is she one of your friends?" he asked. His eyes locked with Merlin's for a moment.

Owen nodded. "She's new here. She came with Merlin. She's a grown up like you though. She helped heal me when I was really, really sick. No one else could but she did!" He then beckoned Leon to come closer and lowered his voice—though still loud enough for Merlin to hear every word clearly. "Lots of people think she used magic!"

Merlin watched as the color drained from Leon's face. There was no mistaking Leon's reaction.

Ceridwen immediately pulled her son back. "You'll have to excuse him," she said quickly. "He will repeat anything the townsfolk say. Even if it's wrong." She looked at her son, who bit his lip. "We don't spread rumors about other people, Owen, remember?"

He nodded sheepishly.

"Well, she sounds like a special friend indeed," Leon said, his voice stilted. "Would your friend be around perchance so I could meet her?"

Merlin jumped in, hoping to steer the topic away. "She's unfortunately out picking herbs, so I don't think she'll be back in time before you leave."

Leon looked at him curiously and Merlin could tell he had a hundred questions for him—questions he didn't want to answer.

Ceridwen looked between them, apparently sensing something was off. "I'm sure Sir Leon has a long journey ahead of him, dear one. We shouldn't keep him."

Owen nodded and looked back up at Leon. "Goodbye, Sir Leon. It was very nice to meet you."

"And an honor to meet you, lad," he said. He nodded at Ceridwen. "You as well, mistress."

Ceridwen smiled and nodded back, a quick tinge of pink dusting her cheeks as she took Owen's hand and headed back for their cottage.

Merlin waited with baited breath, knowing Leon wouldn't leave as easily now.

Leon turned back to him, meeting him head on. "Tell me more about this guest of yours," he said.

Merlin shrugged. "There's not much to tell," he said, scratching the back of his head nervously.

Leon took a few steps closer, closing the distance between them. "You're hiding something," he said. "You must've used all your powers of deception keeping that secret of yours because in every other regard, you're a terrible liar."

"I'm not sure why you're so interested," Merlin countered. "Unless of course, you think she's someone of importance to you." Merlin crossed his arms.

Leon looked away, a muscle in his jaw clenching. "I can't be sure but her name…it's the nickname of someone I once knew who was very dear to me. And the fact she healed that young boy on the verge of death…" He shook his head. "I'd never thought I'd ever see her again."

Merlin's mind raced with his own questions, uncertain if he was ready for the answer. "And who is she to you, Leon?"

Leon swallowed and his voice was so quiet, Merlin almost didn't hear him. "My sister."

A/N: A few notes for you, dear readers.

If anyone is curious about the song Merlin and Della are singing at the beginning, it's a traditional English folk song called As I Walked through the Meadows. The version I used as inspiration was sung by Magpie Lane (on YouTube) but there are a few live versions scattered around online too.

The town Merlin is visiting was featured in the episode The Last Dragonlord, when he and Arthur were searching for Balinor in Essetir. I looked at a Camelot map online and figured that would be the closest "big" town to Ealdor that wasn't Camelot.

Anyone recognize the rose spell? Yes, it's the same one from the Lady of the Lake episode. Only now he knows how to conjure one up without thorns.

And… I know a few of you may be quite angry at Della for her decision not to go back to stand by Merlin as he confronted Leon. Unfortunately she let the fear and pain from the past take over. I know, poor Merlin She's not as perfect as he thought…

Did anyone see Leon's connection with her coming? More to come in the next chapter! And yes, I promise that Merlin will return to Camelot someday (sooner than he thinks).

Thanks again to my fabulous beta readers, Requiem17 and Jewelsmg. I think I may have killed poor Jewels with that ending though ;) And thank you to my faithful readers and reviewers!