A/N: I have succeeded in getting two of my roommates hooked on Merlin. They have some interesting thoughts about it; one of them is certain that Gaius is going to die at some point. I don't think either of them have started to suspect Morgana yet. That might change when they meet Morgause in a few episodes.
Arthur and his knights are engaged in an intense battle with a very odd creature in front of the cave. They've reached the cave early by riding straight through the night and well into the following afternoon. The beast resembles a rather large bear with large and pointy teeth, sharp spikes on its back, and hard scales along its stomach which acts as a sort of shield, impervious to their swords. It is very quick and seems not to feel any pain when struck.
"Go straight for its heart through its back!" Arthur instructs; however, the beast is careful not to turn its back to them. Arthur dodges the creature as it swings at him with menacing, pointed claws. He aims an attack at the beast's legs, hoping to knock it off balance. This does not have the desired effect as the creature avoids the blow, but it does distract it and Percival is able to land the fatal blow, his sword stabbing through the great beast's back and into its heart. It falls, dead.
Arthur turns towards the mouth of the cave and is surprised to find a small female child standing there. Her skin is covered with what looks to Arthur like some ancient text and there is a strange air about her.
"You are not worthy of the flower." The girl whispers, and it sounds like she is whispering right into their ears. "You shall not enter my cave."
"Please," Arthur says, slowly approaching her, "we're not here for ourselves."
"What do you wish?" She is deeper in the cave now, having vanished and reappeared several paces back. Arthur enters the cave warily.
"The Druids are very sick. If we don't bring them the flower, they will die."
"You are Arthur Pendragon. You are no friend of the old religion."
"That can change. It's already started to change."
"Has it?" The girl cocks her head to the side. From within the cave, her voice seems to come from everywhere. Arthur can hear it all around him; he can feel it resonate. The girl gives him a disapproving look: "Does magic not remain outlawed in Camelot?"
"Yes, but—"
"And do your people not fear it?"
"Yes, but they—"
"You are not worthy."
Arthur wracks his brain for something—anything—that will convince her.
"Would I be here if I were an enemy of the Druids, of magic?" Arthur asks her carefully, "I want to save them. I don't want my people to live in fear of magic any longer. My manservant, Merlin—"
"You speak of Emrys." She looks at him with shining eyes. He has her attention now.
"He is my closest friend and most trusted ally. It was he who told me of this place."
"Emrys sent you here?"
"Yes. He would have been here with me, but we were attacked."
"Attacked..." the girl breathes, her eyes unimaginably wide. "Does he live?"
Arthur hesitates.
"I don't know," he admits, bowing his head. The girl holds out her hand and, for a moment, Arthur thinks he's meant to take it, but then she starts to whisper in an otherworldly voice that pierces Arthur's very soul and in the palm of her hand, a flower appears. It is golden and it glows brilliantly. Even Arthur is able to feel the power emanating from it.
"Take it and hurry to Emrys or all shall be lost. If Emrys dies now, Camelot will fall. Take it now and promise me, Arthur Pendragon, that you will prove yourself worthy."
"I promise," Arthur vows, taking the flower.
"Only when magic returns to Camelot will Albion be nigh. Albion must be born of magic." She warns him, but it is a warning that Arthur does not need. "Go now. Make haste."
Morgana sits on one of two thrones to the kingdom of Espythia, the kingdom ruled by Obsidian. A crown shines resplendently atop her head and Morgana is genuinely pleased. All is going to plan. Tonight the King will die and he has just named Morgana as the heir apparent. By this time tomorrow, she will be the sole ruler of Espythia. With an entire army at her command, she will finally be able to take Camelot once and for all. Of course, she mustn't begin her rule with a declaration of war. Morgana is smart enough to know that there is a whisper spreading across the kingdom, sewing seeds of mistrust. Morgana must gain the trust of her new subjects before she can lead them into war. This might take time, but Morgana hopes that the process will be sped along with the help of Alyss, whom the kingdom adores. Alyss must remain close to her for this plan to succeed, but Morgana isn't worried about this. The girl adores her, taking her for the mother she never had.
The timid child peeks her head into the throne room, which is full of well-wishers and wedding attendees. The ceremony took place that morning and the rest of the day is now dedicated to festivities.
Alyss approaches the two thrones where Morgana and her father sit. She curtsies before presenting Morgana with a flower crown she'd made right after the wedding. Morgana smiles warmly at her and invites the child to place it upon her head, surrounding the real crown.
"Morgana, I'm so very happy!" Alyss tells her with a wide smile, "I—" but Obsidian cuts her off as a servant whispers something in his ear.
"Let us reconvene in the dining hall!" He announces, "A grand feast has been prepared to celebrate this most holiest of unions."
Morgana and Obsidius both stand, Obsidius taking Morgana's hand.
"After the feast." Morgana promises Alyss before being whisked away.
Guinevere, meanwhile, is left to run Camelot in Arthur's absence.
"Your Highness," A knight bows deeply before Guinevere. Behind him stand three other knights. The four of them have been tasked with searching for Morgana in this new world. "We believe we've found her."
"Where?"
"Just this morning, as we entered the low-lying villages of a kingdom called Espythia, we heard some merchants talking about the sudden marriage of their King to a woman matching Morgana's description. The time of her arrival matches perfectly the time of Arthur's return. We hurried back as soon as we heard."
"I feared she'd try to gain power in such a way. How far is this kingdom?"
"About a day's ride north of here."
"That's too close for comfort... If it is her and she has gained power, she could have an army upon us very quickly. Instruct the knights to maintain a constant lookout and to be ready in case of attack."
"Yes, your Highness." He bows again before leaving the throne room with the other knights. Guinevere stands and walks towards a window, peering outwards. Night has fallen and the sky is full of stars. She places a hand on her stomach and thinks of Arthur.
"Morgana?" Alyss has finally caught her alone. The feast has ended and it is nearly time for bed. Morgana is in the king's chambers, but Obsidius has not joined her yet. She smiles at Alyss as she approaches.
"Alyss," she greets her. She is surprised when the child wraps her arms around her. Morgana pats her back.
"I wanted to give you something, to welcome you to the family." Alyss starts slowly, "But I couldn't think of just the right thing. I went to market with one of the maids after the ceremony this morning. She helped me pick out just the right thing. At least, I really hope you'll like it." She presents her with a silver, heart-shaped locket. The front of the locket bears the inscription, 'móðir.'
"It's beautiful!" Morgana enthuses, genuinely touched.
"And I have one too!" Alyss shows her the locket around her own neck, which bears the inscription, 'dóttir.' "We'll always be together now, right?"
"Of course, sweet child." Morgana presses her lips to the girl's forehead. "I'm not going anywhere." Alyss hugs her once again. Morgana wraps her arms around the small girl, giving a slight squeeze.
Obsidius enters the chambers with eyes only for Morgana.
"Go to bed, Alyss." He says without looking away from his young wife's face.
"Goodnight, Mor—"
"Bed, Alyss!"
The young girl hurries from the room, closing the door behind her.