I apologize in advance for any errors- inform me will you and comment.

Arthur, though he was an equal, he still chose to stick with his own kind, since he was more familiar with the knights, he could comfortably knock about with them. They were just thankful he was alive. Merlin was lucky – in some form- he fitted in anywhere, especially today, he could banter with the knights and rush back to have a safe and yet dirty game of tag with the real peasants.

No one was allowed in the palace after a certain time, so everyone entertained themselves outside in the bustle. Boys were running around and passing livestock, and girls were having embroidery races.

There were stands set up for different activities, for those who didn't like to rough it and play independent games, so usually the over 30s stuck to the stands. The Archery area was always packed- so it was more than likely someone was going to get hurt. Merlin had already gone on it twice while cider drinking with some of the men. He nearly shot the keeper in the arse, luckily he had an extra large money belt to preserve it.

He sought further fun down the main street when Gwen emerged from a nearby stand. "Oh hello." She looked very pleased with herself, with lush green apples in both hands. "I've been bobbing!"

Merlin laughed at her excitement, her eyes sparkled with delight, more than what he had seen in a long while, if only Arthur could see it- he would simply fawn over her. And Speaking of fawning- where was Morgana?

"Good to see you're not doing chores, let your hair down!" Merlin realised he had to yell over a group of lads who had chosen to break out into song next to them.

"Do you know how long it took me to put my hair up?"

"Can't hear you!" He indicated, and Gwen waved it off pulling him aside. "Better."

"Have you been on the pole?" She asked quickly before nibbling into her apple, she ate like a rabbit and it was most endearing. "I looked out for you there, or any of the knights...got lumbered with a lecherous tax collector." Though she sniggered it off- it did put a damper on things.

"First thing I went on, you should stick around with me I'm sure I could find Arthur to keep you occupied." Gwen playfully thumped him in the arm unable to retort due to having a mouth full of fruit. "Hey it's true, I bet he was looking out for you too!"

She choked down her segment. "His father would not approve...where is he?"

He didn't really want to think about it; the guardian of the prince and the ward. "He was showing some children how to fence- and yep, you heard me right." Well it was an odd sight, Uther being normal around children – that weren't his own- and peasants at that. This really was a momentous occasion. It was time for the nonchalant but sly query. "Is Morgana enjoying herself?"

Gwen lost interest in her apple aware that things could get interesting. "I don't know...Haven't seen her unfortunately." He spotted her curiosity and concern that was going to formulate into a lecture aimed at him.

"Before you say anything; I'm just asking- for all we know she could have shut herself away." Trying to convince that very sceptical face leering at him. "She might rust." Merlin and the maid threw their heads back and laughed to their heart's content, before sobering. "Sorry...we shouldn't, she's probably going through hell just to please the King."

They shared a cheeky grin. "We're awful...She wouldn't miss this for the world, she has been checked by his majesty himself and he is in possession of the key, she's probably off somewhere listening to some poetry." This was invaluable information that would benefit half of the kingdom – the male half that is.

"You probably shouldn't spread that about, get into the habit of avoiding the question entirely."

Gwen took a sharp intake of breath. "Of course! You're right, I'm so careless- the King could be mugged."

He politely elbowed her. "Now you know. Now it's up to the King to look after the key, and not abuse his position. As long as the key isn't in plain sight...no one will be tempted, even him." He was getting slightly hungry, he had drunk and not eaten- and the banquet wasn't for a few hours. Gwen had already begun on her second apple. He smacked his lips together. "I think I'd better go bob for some grub." He left her with her deadly secret, well at least someone had a secret- his was ceremoniously stripped from him.

As he strutted down the dirt road which was getting steadily more churned up by the heavy crowds, he saw a gaggle of girls throwing a bouquet between each other. He stalled for a second, not quite sure why- though he assumed because he caught a glimpse of long raven hair, he thought that Morgana was bonding with them. Alas, his tormented mind was not satisfied, though it was hard to distinguish their faces from a distance, plus his eyes weren't up to scratch. But by deduction; these girls were too young and impressionable- and were about to see he was watching them – 'Get moving, they'll think you're lusting after them!' It was a little too late when the ring leader giggled, and a dozen set of adolescent eyes trained on him. He stalked off like a coward and managed to latch on to another gang of lads who were about to bob for apples.

Submerging one's head helps to clear it- because all you're thinking about is how long it will take before you drown. He opened his mouth and managed to collect nothing but water and maybe a stick of hay, until his teeth bumped into something with a bit of give and knew immediately it was a prized apple. He wrenched his head up, showering people around him with a wild thrash of his water slicked hair. He unclamped the apple from his jaws- hm red apple, not his favourite, but he'll take anything.

Someone had already taken his place so he couldn't bob for more. He care-freely turned as he chomped and made himself scarce, the crowds were getting restless like him. More girls in their finery skipped by and a sudden sense of familiarity and an essence of passion washed over him, it was paralyzing. He twisted round just in time to see a flicker of black hair disappearing around a corner. He dropped his apple, a new hunger coming over him.

The crowds weren't a hindrance compared to the ache of deprivation he hadn't quite understood until it pressed heavily upon his chest. He was moving fast, getting in everybody's way. He went by stand after stand, hardly aware of the people and the corners he was turning. He heard raised voices and became alarmed and curious at once, he skidded to a halt in the square…

A fight had broken out amongst some young men who obviously had a little indiscretion. A fist was thrown, another fist connected, a girl nearby screamed and the ruckus worsened. The men were knocking each other to the ground, slinging mud, it seemed only Merlin was brave and decent enough to step in. "Hey hey hey, what's started this?" He had to seize one of the men's jackets- they were the same height luckily. "Well?"

Onlookers were grumbling because he had intruded on their entertainment. "What concern is it of yours?"

"Hang on…I don't wish to quarrel with anybody." He held up a calm negotiating hand to those around him. "Now, what's your excuse?" He added turning to the two muddy individuals.

"He approached meh' woman! - Slapped her on the arse he did."

"- Sweetheart… leave it be, he merely brushed me with his money belt." A woman soothed, her man wasn't having any of it.

"-Ssh no…I saw him!"

The accused merely smiled. "Look even your woman has to defend your wrongs and herself- by the looks of it – Can't you let it rest? She is sweet for me, it sounds as if she's going to be dropping you soon anyway."

Merlin face palmed himself mentally, and closed his eyes as the accuser delivered a severe head butt – a terrific gasp rung around them as the man collapsed into the dirt. Merlin felt silly standing there as a negotiator with an unconscious man before him. "This is supposed to be a day of peace. You shouldn't have done that-"The man looked pained. "Now you've given yourself a headache haven't you?..You were only defending your pride, not the woman you love- you wouldn't even listen to her."

"Do you want some 'n'all?" The man seized his shirt in his meaty fist, pulling him close to his face. Merlin inhaled drink and manure, it was the second time he realised he was well and truly mortal- shit, he was going to be pulled apart!

"What have I done to deserve the pleasure?" He countered, still inches from this man's teeth, does this man eat cow dung or something? "Do you enjoy picking fights with any and everybody with no cause?"

"What are you…a guard?" The man snarled, he had been humiliated by a younger man, and even though his girlfriend was begging for him to stop, the man's grip was becoming even more hostile. The ex-warlock heard a yell in the bustle about him and thought nothing of it.

He remained poised nevertheless. "Walk away, take your girlfriend and enjoy this day, don't put yourself into more trouble- that won't impress anybody." He tried, the man tugged him closer before releasing him roughly, he landed heavily on his bottom. That is what he got for helping someone- He thought too soon; a feminine presence had swooped down to pick him up. He felt their hair spill over his shoulder, there were ribbons entwined with it. "My lady."

"-It's Morgana…don't be silly, I am one of you remember?" He ambled to his feet, reversing onto her toes. But he jumped around so quickly it caused no pain. He just felt so grateful and overcome now seeing her in all her attire, the indiscretion was a blur. "That was very brave."An Ivory dress hugged her form, and long sleeves of patchwork lace lightened her skin. His thumbs pressed into her, forcing her to face him directly, she was abashed by his immediate intimate attention- in public. "And now you're preventing the circulation in my arm."

"Oh sorry." He mumbled, retracting his eager hands and eyes from her person. "You look...nice. Uh…Where have you been?" He finished earnestly- his edge giving Morgana a little excitement.

"You were looking for me." She stated, her lip curling in an enticing manner. "I'm sorry I kept you." She brushed by him, throwing a look over her shoulder which could only mean she wanted him to follow. Like a puppy- No- like a wolf- he hastened his step until he was nearly on top of her.

"So what have you managed to do so far?"

"Embroidery, archery, and pastry making…so some of what you will be eating tonight would have been made by my hand."

"Can't wait-" Feeling silly he composed himself. "-As I'm a little hungry, and enjoy banquets when…given the chance to sit."

"Aww sorry…but now we can sit together." Morgana smiled knowingly. "We can't have you starving yourself until then, you need to keep your strength up for tonight."

He had every reason to be over the moon with this; he was a mere servant, she was a very attractive woman, they were well acquainted, she wanted him fit for dancing- she wanted to dance with him- she is very attractive- and she would be dancing with him– she is also very attractive– he would also have enough reserves for other and more strenuous activities. He was probably being a little too hopeful.

They were about to pass an open stable door, and he forced himself to circumnavigate so he didn't end up shoving her in and committing treason."Erm…Have you eaten mila-Morgana?"

"You don't have to sound so formal." She joshed. "Who are you trying to impress?"

"No one."

"Shame." She drawled, sharing a firm look with him, he was forced to break it so he didn't walk into any stands. "Days like these make you a little haphazard…though what's new?- But you are less uptight, I thought you would be steering clear of me."

"Why would I want to do that?" It suddenly burst from him, and she turned slowly to halt them both.

"Well…Because you find me tiresome, because I have misbehaved, because I don't set a good example as a noble woman-"There was so much more she wanted to say but a long finger pressed itself to her lips.

"I think you set your own standards Morgana…don't let your temporary hormonal 'thing' spoil today." His finger lingered a bit longer than intended on her posy lips, he ended up forcing it off with a dragging motion. "All is forgiven and all is forgotten." –But will be stored forever in his frustrated and adolescent brain. Traces of her were still on his finger- Don't think about it. He clenched his fist.

Morgana was on her best behaviour, she still had a certain power over him – and everybody else. She strode over to the nearest stand, picked up a bowl of fruit and walked off with it, Merlin was forced to pay what she owed, though he didn't really care because they were most likely sharing anyway. Well he would make her. When he had managed to catch up with her, she was perched on a wall next to the drawbridge. "Why have you come all this way out here, everybody's down there?" He said on approach.

"Too many people." She called across, the grapes gradually disappearing into her gob. As he occupied the space next to her, she turned to him."Open." It was automatic, his mouth was open in a shot and a grape was popped into it, he delayed closing his mouth to avoid tasting her fingers. Crushing the fragile fruit between his teeth while she watched was like signing a contract- he was going to be sticking around a while longer. "It's good to see you eat."

"I do eat…just you have never seen me when I do, I'm either in the kitchen or in my chambers – I eat quite a lot."

Morgana sniggered, it took one clueless look from her companion for her to shut up and explain herself. "Your annoyance makes you cuter. And eating…well…I'm sure you do." She tampered with his clothes that clung to him loosely. "If I ate you, I would still be hungry."

"Can you hear yourself; If I ate you?"

"Desperate times call for desperate measures, is there any other flesh you wish to consume?"

"If leaves and rats were no longer an option- then yes; I would gladly consume you." He thought about it, his gaze lingering on her, the flesh around her neck and then down… "The men would fight over which portion."

A conscious cough churned the once still air and they continued with their fruit with equal ferocity. To them it was their own private banquet, and they had the privilege to eat as loudly and as messily as they liked- though of course Morgana as a refined woman, ate tenderly but with speed, enough to cause juice to spill from the corner of her lip and taint her skin. Merlin saw, the distraction nearly gave Morgana time to finish the bowl, had he not stole a bunch of red grapes from under her nose. "Hey!"

Merlin basked with his prize. "Well after you ran off I had to pay for what you stole!" He teased, leaning back from her. She didn't take it to heart, but continued with this game.

"You could have told me. Scolded me in front of the other equals- made me pay."

True. "You never gave me the chance." He never would have though.

Morgana smirked knowingly, creeping her fingers along the front of his white tunic. "You're too soft with me, where's that demanding severe Merlin of days gone by?" He should be use to her touching him by now, being in her presence when she laughed- having memories of him fighting her off, or forcing her down on a bed. They had been through a lot, and yet they had never gotten far – he must have impressive restraint? No- his restraint was due to his issue, that was no longer a problem- but he still had a choice, he didn't need to be forced.

"I'm sorry I inflicted that upon you."

She shook her head. "You were stern, wrong at times…I won't hold a grudge against you, denying yourself…even when a noblewoman requested it." She toyed with his hair, and he jarred.

"So you weren't on about my roughness, but the fact I didn't heed to your commands?" He sounded sharp, and Morgana could taste the bitterness.

"I have offended you, for that I'm sorry." She stroked his face at the same time turning it towards her. "Today I'm not a noblewoman…I'm not afraid of saying sorry, I never have been afraid. But I am afraid of being rejected by you as I am now." Hearing her sincerity, how could he be harsh with her now? The manservant reached for her hands, and clasped them together in prayer.

"It wasn't a protest Morgana, denying you. I wasn't angry because of the class difference, you didn't make me feel obligated…" Well maybe a little? A witch's choice remember? "I was ill, as were you." He flinched, he needed better words. "And just because we are equals doesn't mean we do stuff willy-nilly, I know it may look like peasants have less rules and regulations in their own domain but there are still barriers. Peasants still refuse each other." He looked at her near perfect hands, untouched by work and hard graft compared to his callous ones – they were still both pale, If not his looked slightly bronzed- but that was the mortal blood running through his veins.

"We're still good friends aren't we?" She said during the silence while he studied her hands.

"Of course…I'd say we're closer." He was taking a risk there – sidestepping the more than friends area. A sudden brush by his thigh had him looking down in bewilderment- she was stealing his grapes!"Hey!"

"Friends share." She retorted cockily, and she plucked one off with her teeth and held it there.

"You'd better pay me." He drawled, spying her secreting the rest of the grapes into a seam in her dress. He could have followed it, if she weren't a girl.

When the grape was gone -"I will pay you back in kisses." She flattened his ears with her palm and placed a delicate kiss on his forehead before slipping to his nose, she felt his ear twitch beneath her hand and cooed as she straightened. "You're tickled pink." Though she was surprised to find him staring up at her as if she had done something frightfully wrong.

"What's the matter with you…a woman can't kiss a man in gratitude or in payment?"

It appeared to have unsettled him, something so pleasant could render that kind of reaction from a man- he was a strange man indeed. It was gone after he had double checked no one was watching. "That was close."

Morgana huffed. "I can feed you, you can hold my hands…but I'm not allowed to kiss you, are you ashamed?"

"We've stumbled back into odd territory- one move like that again and we could be finished." He began to mumble incoherently to himself, rubbing his trousers in an erratic fashion. "It's just one more day…just one more day…what if he's wrong- damn the time-one more day…I can cope." He looked over at her dubiously, judging her and himself – and the possibilities- it had seeped into his mind earlier- but it felt safer earlier. There's no such thing as a safe and innocent romp! Quickly changing the subject-"Have you seen Gwen or Arthur?" He was still jittery- so his pitch was out.

"-No I haven't." It came out brashly, she stood to attention. "And what do you mean by one more day? It's like you are on another level- you toy with me…" He gaped; that was not true! "You seem constantly offended and alarmed by everything- you're hiding something - is it fear? Because I'll never be like you- because I'm…I'm a witch!" Merlin's hand flew up to calm her and she instead placed grapes and a gold coin in his hand. "You will always have the upper hand, won't you?"

If she hadn't already handed him the stuff – he believed she would have thrown it at him. The woman marched off with a storm cloud above her head, Merlin stumbled over the fruit bowl as he made to follow her- it had given her a few extra seconds to get away. Probably should have taken those kisses.

He returned to the square-the bustle of the festivities. A fire had been lit just outside the walls, meaning; the banquet tables were being lined up. The heat was enticing, so he headed to grounds to get some fresh air, and to maybe lick his wounds. Some peasants were milling by the tables assisting Gwen laying out the cutlery- Working again! Arthur and Sir Kay were fencing with candlestick holders- Not doing anything useful…again. After a while he watched smugly as Arthur shamelessly showed off to Gwen, Gwen being the humble girl she was shyly acknowledged him.

Merlin had a good idea, he shuffled closer. "Gwen! Leave the work to the boys and come dance with me!" This gauged a reaction from everyone, absolutely miffed he had suggested that a maid abandon her work to frolic- Arthur grudgingly took the cutlery from Gwen, trying to recover his chivalry. He shot his former manservant a wry smile. Ha, and there was nothing he could do! The fair fellow mortal- Gwen, glided over to him by the fire.

"You're mad." She uttered from the corner of her mouth. "Arthur is going to kick you up the bottom, and genius…there's no music!"

"Tough…we can make our own!" Merlin bounced from one side of Gwen to the other while she watched bemused, a sudden whistling sound had her jump out of her skin.

"Try humming, silly."

"You hum, I'll whistle!" His bobbing from one foot to another was drawing more attention from inside the kingdom, Gwen was trying her best to go with the flow- but the sudden clapping from nearby almost made her stop from embarrassment. "You look lovely…Don't stop." Gwen covered her face as she circled him to the beat of the claps.

"Nice one Merlin!" Sir Kay called over, he kidnapped a poor maid close at hand, and forced her into a Volta. This seemed to start the dancing among everybody else brave enough to make their own music, until finally someone brought out a lute and Bodhrán, and everybody was in high spirits as they bounced around the fire like heretics. Uther had somehow wiggled into the dance with another noble woman- but was sticking to the rules of dance thoroughly, to Arthur's humiliation. It was time to hand over his companion; Gwen to her rightful suitor – The prince. The tension was of course hot and unbearable between the two- so he left them to it in their shy calm manner.

He caught Gaius looking gravely in his direction and Merlin latched onto it. "Didn't think this was your scene, dancing and merriment." He jested.

"Nonsense, I was young once, nothing gives me more pleasure than seeing youth celebrating." Merlin saw the fire light and the silhouettes of peasants dancing on his mentor's features, though probably Gaius could see everything better than he could. But he had to admit; he was the most relaxed he had been for quite some time.

After a minute of watching maiden's sweating by the fire, Merlin frowned. "There is a sort of rawness about being here among them, as one of them- it's very spiritual, euphoric even." The wise old man looked on unamused. "Even though there's this danger lurking, I mean...I'm vulnerable- but not as scared as I was a couple of hours ago." A dazed smile split his face. "I feel good." He added, rounding it off completely.

Gaius was processing everything even when it appeared he was being ignorant. "It's nice to hear, you're being honest for once, unfortunately this euphoria and blindness to danger is actually the pheromones influence." He saw Merlin's face drop.

"What?" He knew he had heard, and his mentor merely gave him a condescending look.

"Surely you can work out that soon as the magic was stripped, not only was your body no longer fighting anything and gave you no side effects, you would now be exposed to the pheromones. I had contemplated the other formula after you became mortal but I thought- No...it would be too risky, too many chemicals in your system." Gaius breathed a sigh of relief, glad to get it off his chest.

Merlin looked around him for signs of eavesdroppers before retaliating. "But I'm not you know, I'm not going to do anything...you know that, right?"

Gaius tried to get above scolding the boy for being silly. "Merlin, I know you're a fighter...just try and be firm and strong. Don't get sloppy, if you weren't in my care I would say 'go on lad', but just think just one day and you will be free of the ritual- you won't have to, it will just pass over your head. It's about whether you are strong enough…resist temptations of the flesh." Gaius shared a caring look with his boy, but what he was getting back in return was something cynical.

"You don't trust me, again."

Gaius released a single bark of laughter that was lost in the music."Be cautious Merlin, be cautious." His mentor's finger was wagging before him. "And be a good boy and fetch me some cider." Gaius said with his formal expression.

"What happened to equality?"

Gaius's expression darkened- but just for show, he could easily read the amusement on his Merlin's face. "I am an old man Merlin, and I am parched."

Merlin smiled knowingly, "Yeah…let's hope I can see the table!" And he toddled off to do this small favour.