AN: And so it begins…

-oo—

Part 13

As he was leaning back while he lounged on the particular piece of land, he couldn't help but think that somehow all he does is wait. Wait for the war to end, wait for the safety of his people, wait for someone to get him out of the cave, wait for his plan to come together, wait for its resolve in the future. Always waiting it seems.

This entire wait has to amount to something; all of this could not simply be in vain. He had come to the realization that going against ones nature for the greater outcome in the future is almost impossible but necessary. He needed to alter the never ending darkness that had become him during the course of his past.

Change comes slowly most of the time and you need to be prepared to make the necessary steps in its direction to alter it to your benefit. While he was prepared to do so, he cannot be so sure that Arthur is willing to do the same. Also, he fears that all this tragedy that somehow follows the path of Camelot, the inevitable doom and death of his kind will somehow put Morgana on the path that will lead to a destruction that could become the biggest threat towards Camelot.

Thankfully, he sees the unwavering belief in good that Morgana has and it keeps him humble and on course for improvement himself. She calls him the powerful warlock and still he doesn't feel so. He feels he is the one who stands in the presence of a fierce and powerful priestess. One that not only knows and has a steadfast knowledge of her own weaknesses and strengths that she can adapt to all the changes that seem to happen around her.

Yet he feels that she is the center of it and he is just an observer. Observing the greatness she will no doubt become. An unstoppable force for good, for she will be the one that will piece together the connection between Camelot and his kind. He will merely help out along the way.

For that connection to be established he needed Arthur on his side. As much as he had his doubts, Morganas conviction towards the prince had even Merlin thinking that this could happen. Albion can finally rest after years of suffering.

As he watched the world move around him, he just knew that this place was worth saving. It needed someone who will guide it and he will be the one to get the dice of destiny rolling. When it comes to it, he doesn't need fame or coin, all that he needs is to finally feel at peace. He hoped after all if this he could just rest, no need for power and wars leaving waste lands behind them.

Hearing the steady thump of horses' hooves, he knew that the time has come and it was time for that dice to roll. The complete halt and the rustling of clothes as they finally touched ground with heavy feet had him turning his head in their direction.

Morgana and Arthur walked in silence, yet he saw the tense shoulders on both of them and he could guess that there was an unspoken agreement that there was something more to it. Finally, he saw that Morgana has noticed him and her eyes said everything she didn't have the strength to. A moment after, Arthur's eyes settled on him and he saw the suspicion and anger smolder just beneath the surface.

Turning his gaze towards Morgana, Arthur could only cautiously ask as he clearly connected that she had a hand in this.

"Morgana, what is the meaning of this? Why is Merlin here?"

The questions seemed to tumble faster as his temper rose, but a quiet calmness that Morgana exuded could not be dithered by it.

"There is no need for theatrics Arthur. Merlin means you no harm. I just figured that this conversation needed to be held away from prying and curious eyes at Camelot that would rush and inform daddy dearest."

Arthur seemed to calm after that, realizing that there was no need for him to pull out his swards on which his hand rested on. Still, cautiously looking at Merlin he was left in a tense stance.

"Well Merlin, what can possibly be the reason for you to drag me in middle of nowhere and away from Camelot? What all must I do for servants," he muttered more to himself but both raven haired companions heard him perfectly.

A smile stretched on Merlin's face as Arthur said that and without waiting any longer he confidently strode towards them.

"Arthur, do you still believe me to be just a simple servant. Even I couldn't believe you to be so empty headed. Morgana claimed otherwise."

Quickly returning his gaze towards her, he continued.

"Morgana, you are going to wait for us here. Arthur and I are going to take a little walk. As you see it is such a wonderful weather."

Conflicted, almost needing to argue with his statement, she stepped back and turned to head for the horses. Casting one last look towards him, she gave him a reassuring smile instead.

"If I don't see you boys back here soon, I will be forced to take matters in my own hands. We wouldn't want that would we, Merlin? So you two better come to an agreement as I will be forced to wait for you here. Truly that is not dignified for a lady."

With a relaxed smile and a confidant stride while motioning Arthur to come with him, he called back.

"I am looking forward to your impervious insults and tirade on our stupidity when we get back Morgana."

With that he continued down the path, feeling that this road that stretched out before him would be a start of something good. And after all this time it felt good to have hope. He needed to keep the spark in Morgana for as long as possible. That will only happen if this went their way.

Quickly glancing towards Arthur and seeing him walking with purpose behind him, he let himself believe in that great destiny all seem to share in whispers through ages. The one of once and a future king and a silent helping hand beside him that will bring Albion to an everlasting age of peace.

As he finally stood to a halt on a clearing and Arthur's steps stopped just beside him he felt the dice of destiny begin its roll.