A/N –Hello, dear readers! Please forgive my tardiness in updating. Life has been busy. I read LOTR for the first time this summer (took me 4 solid weeks), and I've had other projects in addition to work.

I also apologize for the brevity of this chapter, but it's introducing how I intend to cover the majority of season 2 and 3, as it is unrealistic that Hunith and Arthur would cross paths enough to develop the mother/son relationship I'm going for. So this chapter takes place between seasons 1 and 2 and is post "A New Son".

Thank you to those who reviewed the last chapter! I'm glad you're enjoying them.

Disclaimer - I own not Merlin, in case you couldn't tell.

Beginning Correspondence

Hunith sealed the letter as quickly as she could, and sent it off with the merchants who were headed towards Camelot. Idly, she wondered if the prince would respond, but she decided she would not worry. She had sent a letter to Gaius also, so one way or another, she would learn how her unknowingly adopted son was doing.

-x-x-x-x-

A few days later, the letter found its way to the lower town of Camelot. From there, it was passed to a guard, who gave it to a knight, who finally handed it to Arthur. Mentally exhausted after the day's dull council meeting, the prince was actually looking forward to Merlin's usual nonsense in hopes that it might clear away the cobwebs.

Needless to say, the reception of the letter was unexpected. Thanking the knight, Arthur hastened to the privacy his chambers. Luckily, his chambers were empty upon his arrival, for Merlin had yet to arrive – his tardiness working in the prince's favor for once. Arthur crossed over to his desk and opened the letter. He was pleasantly surprised by its contents.

Dear Prince Arthur,

I hope you are doing well, sire. Has your shoulder fully healed? Did you give Merlin any unnecessary trouble whilst you recovered?

I pray all is well in Camelot. May you and Merlin be safe.

God be with you,

Hunith

As he read the brief letter, Arthur felt warmth blossom in his chest (why would the mother of his servant continue to inquire about his condition?) and sheepish guilt (he had only met her twice, and yet Hunith knew how he behaved – how did she know?!). Hunith was a puzzling woman. She didn't tolerate disorder or disobedience, and yet she was caring and gentle. He admired that about her.

At that moment, Merlin burst in carrying Arthur's lunch tray and prattling about something or other. For reasons unknown nor understood to him at the time, Arthur quickly tucked Hunith's letter in his desk, not desiring his servant to discover the contents of the parchment. He silently vowed he would respond to her before he retired for the night so it could be sent out the next day.

-x-x-x-x-

Hunith was gratified when she received Arthur's response less than a fortnight after she sent her initial letter. As soon as she had a moment, she sat down to read it.

Dear Lady Hunith,

Thank you for your letter. My shoulder has recovered significantly – Gaius has permitted me to return to normal training though not patrol duties.

I assure you, Hunith, that I know of no such excess behavior of that you implied. For surely any grief I give Merlin is well deserved.

All has been well and quiet in Camelot since I last saw you. I'm grateful for that…I'm not quite sure what I would do should Camelot fall under attack while I am unable to protect her. I would rather be fully healed when the next threat appears.

Safe is a relative word when it comes to Merlin. He often puts himself in the peril of being placed in the stocks because of his great tendency to be tardy. Is there any way he can be cured of this, my lady?

Are you well? How is Ealdor faring? Please inform me of anything that Cenred refuses to aid you.

God be with you,

Arthur

Hunith couldn't help but smile. Amid his characteristic stubbornness, Arthur was considerate and passionate. It warmed her heart that he confessed his reservations to her. While she hoped he eventually would do so, she did not expect it to be so soon. Hunith also found herself praying that Arthur also shared those reservations with someone else at the citadel – at least Merlin. Such thoughts shouldn't be kept to oneself nor only shared with a woman he barely knew in a different kingdom. She was humbled he shared them with her nonetheless.

It also made Hunith feel light that Arthur had asked about her village. And asked after her. It was possible it was a simple formality since she inquired about him, and it would be improper not to reciprocate in turn. Immediately, Hunith dismissed this thought. And while the same doubt could be applied to Arthur's inquiry after Ealdor, his insistence to be informed if they needed aid suggested to the contrary. Arthur cared about justice and providing it for anyone he could. Hunith had a feeling Merlin probably helped foster that passion. And if she could further help encourage it, like any mother, she was going to do it.

With a contemplative smile, Hunith pulled out a piece of parchment, a quill, and ink and began her reply to Arthur.

I promise the next one will be longer! I'm still in the process of typing it up from my notebook. Hopefully see you soon!