Well...it's been awhile! I had part of this chapter written and just sitting in my files...and each night I would stare at it and come up with absolutely nothing. But finally...the writer's block has passed! It's been an insanely busy past six (!) months. I went to England and Scotland for my very first time back in May, and I had some major geek out moments, like getting to see Stonehenge and Loch Ness! I'm not sure if any of you are even still following the story, but I hope it all ties together. It's actually coming to the end soon...and then I'll have to figure out if I want to torture you all again with my famously long updates. ;) Looking forward to hopefully hearing your thoughts!

Drip…drip…drip…

Merlin sighed as he stared blankly at the washcloth he was ringing out.

It had been three months. Three, long, tedious months. And still no word from Morgana. Arthur had been more irritable than usual, now that he had more tasks due to his father's inability to lead. The only bright spot was having Frederick back. The young prince had decided to stay and offer his services as long as they were needed. He had arrived in Camelot those three months ago on a matter of business between the two kingdoms, but upon his arrival had found Arthur and his knights setting off on a rescue mission to find Merlin.

On his hands and knees, Merlin methodically scrubbed the wooden floor. Nothing was enjoyable to him anymore, not even after his chores were all finished. So it didn't really seem to matter what time he completed all his tasks for the day. Sometimes Merlin wondered if he had made the right decision. He could have joined Morgana and left all of this behind. He could have been free to be himself…no restrictions, no hiding. No, Morgana was never coming back. He scrubbed the floor harder.

After he completed his chores, Merlin strolled outside, passing the training grounds. A few knights were still practicing their swordplay, but Arthur was noticeably not among them.

"Merlin!"

The young warlock turned to see who had called him. "Oh, hello, Frederick."

The prince wiped the sweat off his brow and laid his sword down. "Are you alright, friend?"

"What makes you think I'm not?"

Frederick raised his eyebrows. "I've never seen such a long face. Come now, you look miserable."

Merlin stared off into the distance, taking his time to respond. "She's not coming back."

"You and I both know that Morgana does things in her own time. She'll come back when she's ready."

"I'm afraid…I'm afraid I'll never see her again. Why would she want to come back here…to a place where she's not free?"

Frederick took his time responding. He knew of both Merlin and Morgana's magic from their previous encounter. He had not only gained both of their trust, but had also stepped aside when he discovered Morgana's feelings for Merlin.

"Morgana is led by her emotions and her heart more than her head. I think we both know what will win in the end." Frederick rested a hand on Merlin's shoulder and gave it a slight squeeze before turning to leave.

"Frederick!"

The prince whirled around.

"I'm glad you're here."

Frederick nodded and returned to the castle.

The next morning, Merlin stood by Arthur's side in the Great Hall as the prince heard various requests from the villagers, as was his father's custom. The widow Mary was a regular in the court, always complaining about the streets being too bumpy, or some other trivial topic.

"If I have to sit through one more of her rants…" Arthur grumbled to Merlin right as she came forward.

"Now, now, Sire, it is your duty, after all," Merlin smirked.

"Easy for you to say!"

As soon as she opened her mouth, Sir Leon rushed forward and approached Arthur. Merlin stepped aside and watched intently as Leon whispered something into Arthur's ear. The prince's eyes widened. Whether it was out of fear or shock, Merlin couldn't tell. Leon stepped away. "What shall you have me do, Sire?"

Arthur sat still for several more seconds. You could hear a pin drop in the hall, until Mary piped in. "What about my request, Sire? I've been pulling out me 'air tryin' to get them rowdy boys to listen to me!"

Arthur suddenly stood. "I am sorry to say, but this matter will have to rest until the next session. I must ask you all to leave, at once."

Several murmurs erupted in the crowd, and Mary especially scowled and voiced her disapproval. Leon ushered everyone out and shut the doors behind them.

"Arthur, what's going on?" Merlin asked as Arthur returned to the throne, a strange expression on his face.

"I don't know."

"Leon, what's going on?" Merlin repeated to the knight. Arthur seemed to be in some sort of trance as he stared ahead.

Leon spoke in a hushed tone. "The Lady Morgana has just arrived in Camelot and has requested to see the prince."

Now it was Merlin's turn to be shocked. "Wh-at? When? Just now?"

"She arrived not 15 minutes ago, with a guest. A princess, I believe. I escorted them both to a private section of the castle before they were seen out in the open. I didn't know what else to do, Merlin. Under normal circumstances I would have been compelled to arrest her immediately…but with the king being indisposed…"

"Morgana is here. In the castle." Merlin seemed to be speaking more to himself than to Leon.

"She rode up as she always did before. Demanding to see Prince Arthur without even flinching. I didn't know what to do…"

"Show them in, Leon," Arthur requested suddenly.

Both Merlin and Leon turned to the prince. "Sire, are you sure?" Leon asked hesitantly.

"I've never been surer of anything. Go get them…at once."

Leon left the hall quickly, leaving a silent lull in his absence.

"She came back," Merlin said hopefully.

"Yes, but why?" Arthur responded. "She's not alone."

"She must have her reasons. The important thing is that she's here."

"What if…what if she is our enemy, Merlin? She could be plotting to defeat Camelot for all we know."

"No, not her. Not the Morgana I know. Just trust her, Sire. Hear her out. This was a huge act of bravery for her, coming back to Camelot."

"I've dreamed of this so many times. Morgana returning at last, and everything going back to the way it used to be with my father. But we can never go back, can we?"

"Only forward," Merlin said optimistically.

"You're a good friend, Merlin. I don't think I've said that enough."

"You haven't."

"Hang on—"

Before Arthur could continue, the door burst open and Leon entered. Merlin and Arthur braced themselves as the two women followed. The knight carefully shut the door before any prying eyes could glance inside. Merlin waited with bated breath as he stared at Morgana, her cloak hiding her form and her hood covering most of her face. He could still tell it was her. He barely glanced at the girl standing next to her, also wearing a dark cloak and hood.

Arthur stood, shakily, but he stood and mustered up all the courage he had.

"Morgana?"

Morgana let down her hood, her raven ringlets dancing around her face. "Arthur."

"Please, come forward. You, and your guest."

The girl next to Morgana also brought down her hood, and stared at Morgana for confirmation. She nodded, and both of them walked forward. Merlin's breath caught as he locked eyes with Morgana briefly. The girl she had brought along was very beautiful. Her brunette hair also hung freely around her shoulders. She had a slender, petite frame, with the fairest skin Merlin had ever seen. As he got closer he could see the dark circles under the girl's eyes, and the frightened, desperate look on her face as they approached Arthur. Merlin wished for a smile, a nod, anything from Morgana, but she remained stoic.

"Sire, may I present Princess Mithian, daughter of King Rodor, ruler of the lands of Gedref."

Arthur looked somewhat surprised as he stood and glanced between the two women. "Princess Mithian, it is an honor to finally make your acquaintance."

"Yours as well," Mithian replied and promptly curtsied.

"Forgive me for being blunt, but I'll cut to the chase and explain why we are both here."

"It's good to see you too, Morgana," Arthur said, slightly smirking.

Ignoring his remark, Morgana continued. "Mithian came to me several days ago in the forest. She had been captured but managed to escape, so she stumbled upon my cottage. I took her in, and after hearing her story, I believe you are the only person who can truly help her."

"Oh? And what is your story, Princess?"

"My father and I were on a hunting trip two weeks ago, when we were suddenly ambushed and captured by Cenred and his men. There has been a bitter rivalry between the two kingdoms for as long as I can remember. We were in the borders of our kingdom, but of course Cenred and his men claimed that we had trespassed and hunted down some of their wildlife on their land. On the third night of my captivity, my father helped me to escape. I didn't want to leave him…I begged him to come with me. But when it became clear that Cenred had no intention of releasing us, he knew something was wrong. He urged me to find help if I could, but I know his main intentions were to see me safe. After I escaped, I wandered days through the forest…until I met Morgana by happy chance. She fed me and listened to my story, and that is when she told me that you could help."

"Tell him who else you saw with Cenred, Mithian," Morgana interjected.

"Oh, yes. I saw a beautiful woman, with long, blonde hair. Cenred kept referring to her as the Lady Morgause, but I never had any contact with her. The two of them were constantly whispering and making plans together. Morgana seems to believe this is of some importance to you."

Arthur's face was grave indeed. He addressed Morgana. "Morgause is consorting with Cenred?"

Morgana nodded. "Morgause chooses her allies well. She knows how easily Cenred is manipulated. With the two of them working together, they will be a very strong enemy."

"Yes, but why the kidnapping? Was she involved?"

Mithian shook her head. "I don't know, all I know is that my father is still being held captive, and I'm begging you to help me rescue him. If everything I've heard about you is true from Morgana and different reports, I know you will help me."

Arthur seemed to be pondering her words carefully. "You know I would do everything in my power to help you, but will you let me consider the situation? I will give you an answer by tomorrow morning. Meanwhile, let Sir Leon escort you to the guest chambers. You need to rest I am sure."

Mithian smiled for the first time. "Yes, thank you."

Morgana remained where she was as Mithian was escorted out of the room. "I knew I came to the right person. Surely you're not thinking of asking for your father's permission?"

Arthur rubbed his forehead. "This could turn into a more complicated task than you think, especially with Cenred involved. But no, I will not go to my father. He is still in no state to make any decisions. He hesitatingly added, "I think it would do him good to see you."

Morgana looked to Merlin, and then Arthur. "No, not yet. Who knows how he'll react to seeing me."

"He misses you. I believe he regrets his decisions."

"I'm still not ready. It was enough just coming here, having no idea how I would be received."

"I'm glad you came. Will you stay?"

"I…I don't know. I was hoping you would make a decision right away."

"It's already mid-afternoon…too late to gather up an army. If we go to rescue Mithian's father, it will be first thing tomorrow morning. Please, stay."

Morgana was hesitant but finally gave in.

"Morgana, I am happy to see you, I hope you know that."

She managed a small smile. "You as well, Arthur."

"Merlin will show you to your chambers. You can have your old room back if you like."

"No escort is necessary. I know my way."

"Of course."

"It would be an honor, Lady Morgana, to escort you to your room. I need to check to make sure it's suitable for you."

"That's really not—"

"I insist!" Merlin practically leapt out of the room. Morgana dubiously followed.

As Merlin escorted her to her chambers, an awkward silence fell between the two. Merlin wanted to say so many things to her, but he didn't even know where to begin.

"I-I'm so glad you're back," Merlin said finally as she reached for the handle of the doorknob.

Morgana didn't turn around.

"Merlin, you know this isn't permanent."

"Oh…I know." Merlin scratched the back of his head and looked at the floor.

Morgana whirled around to face him. "I'm sorry. I just don't see how anything could really change. I don't want to raise your hopes. I see now that I shouldn't have even come."

"Why? What are you so afraid of?"

"What am I afraid of? Being trapped again! In the forest I am free to do as I please! No restrictions…no rules. I may still be executed here for all I know. You made your choice to come back here, and I understand. You have your duties, and I have mine. Mithian needs my help."

"It must have been…"

"What?"

"…lonely."

"It was. I would be lying if I said I didn't miss you...and Arthur. And Gwen. When Mithian happened upon my doorstep, it was a welcome relief."

"Morgana, if Arthur decides to rescue Mithian's father, will you also go?"

"I feel it is my duty to."

"Even if it means seeing your sister again?"

Morgana winced. "Yes."

Merlin wanted to ask her so many more questions, but he could see how weary she looked.

"Er…your room. I'll check and see if it's made up proper…"

"Merlin," Morgana rested her hand on his arm. "it's fine, thank you."

"Right…um, I'll let you have some privacy. If you need anything, don't hesitate to call. Oh, and I'll get Gwen! She'll be thrilled to see you!"

"Gwen." Morgana smiled, the first genuine smile she had shown since she arrived.

"Morgana?"

She opened the door again ever so slightly. "Yes?"

"I missed you."

"I know."