Alls Well That Ends Well

It seemed that for every positive action made, a negative one had to occur as well. She'd freed herself from Morgause's firm, and she'd been able to get Arthur and Gwen safely to the airport. Uther's abduction, however, was an invasive dent. She didn't blame her father; if she allowed herself to think any more about it she would begin to blame herself, for not considering putting any sort of magical enchantment to defend him in her steed. She laid in Merlin's bed after getting out of her shower. Her hair was still slightly damp after she'd wrapped it in a plait. She'd have to get up in the morning to get more of Uther's things, her things, and Mordred. Morgause's words haunted her. What if she was making Merlin waste his time on an antidote and her father never recovered?

She reluctantly got off of the bed, found a larger shirt of Merlins and walked back to Uther's room. Her father still remained propped up on the bed with the lamp on. It was difficult changing him, but it was the best she could do for now. He looked at her as if he recognized her, but his mouth remained agape.

"I'll get your things tomorrow. I'm sorry you have to remain in those trousers," Morgana said, she sat on the bed next to him. "Merlin's going to look for a cure, to undo whatever Morgause did. He's a good man, a smart man, I'm sure we'll be able to undo it."

Still he stared at her.

"I'm going to help you go to bed now," she said. "Get you rested and all that."

He blinked. She threw the blankets back and she could feel him wanting to help her. With his head on the pillow and the comforter over him again, his eyes closed, drifting off into sleep. Morgana turned off the lamp and walked out of the room, closing the door behind her. A trail of books floated their way into Merlin's study. She walked over, seeing Merlin fretting between different books.

"He said your brothers name earlier, bit choppy, but I'm sure that it's a good sign so I'm looking for anything that can work with that," Merlin said glancing up at her.

She walked closer to him, wrapping her arms around his waist.

"Let's go to bed," Morgana said.

"I have to find this cure for your father," Merlin protested.

"He's safe, for now. That's what matters. And tomorrow we'll have to run errands."

He sighed, looking over his books. He called out a spell and the books organized themselves into piles. Morgana grinned as Merlin put his arm around her. She got under the covers of their bed as Merlin changed out of his attire into pajama's.

"So, tell me about these errands we'll do tomorrow," Merlin asked her as he got into bed.

"Well, I'll need to grab Mordred and some of my things from my flat," Morgana started. "I can do that with the tube, it's not very far. Although I will request that you drive me to the estate so I can grab Uther's things. He can't keep wearing the same trousers day by day while we figure it out. Ah, and we'll probably have to do a grocery run since I don't know how well he'll react to solid foods. Do you think Gaius or Gwaine could stay with him while we do that? I just don't want to leave him alone, for his own health and if Morgause tries to go after him again."

"I can definitely ask Gaius first."

"Good."

He pulled her into his arms so she was laying on his chest.

"You're brilliant, you know. Best quality you have," he said.

"I'm just... practical," Morgana responded, flushed.

"Don't sell yourself short."

She closed her eyes and allowed her shoulder's to relax in a sigh.

"Merlin," she asked.

"Yes love?" he said.

"Would you still love me if I became like my father? Not a reigning tyrant, but. Helpless. Old and helpless and not quite senile but..."

"I would. And I would watch after you until my last days, until your last days. Every day. And I would still love you because I knew you loved me. But I wouldn't think on it too hard, Morgana. Your father's been cursed against his will. And, if we're being completely honest. I don't think you're meant to necessarily grow old."

"What do you mean?"

"I've never seen you age very far in life. In any of your reincarnations. Hypothetically, because of our bond, I would guess that you're meant to become immortal like I am. I'm not sure when or how that would work. But I would think time was waiting for this. When everything started to fall into place for Arthur's revival. You're just as powerful as I am, I'd believe."

She pushed herself closer to him, and she felt him pull the blankets closer to them as well. He waved his hand and the lights in the room turned off, leaving the moonlight to grace them.

"I'm afraid of growing older," she admitted. "It's stupid and superficial. I'll be turning twenty nine next year, and then that's closer to thirty. And it's not that I've ever cared about other people's opinions... But soon enough I'll be out of my twenties and then it becomes retaining what I look like at twenty for the rest of my life and blasted for not retaining an unattainable ability. Because people don't care how successful how you are as a woman unless your pretty. Everything comes down to being pretty."

"You could become a troll for all I care and I would still love you for everything you are beyond your attractiveness," Merlin said.

The image of Uther in royal regalia with a troll as a wife crossed her mind from her past life. She laughed and felt her hand hammer on Merlin.

"You're awful!" she forced out laughing.

"I think I have a brilliant sense of humor," he beamed.

"Of course."

Her breathing evened out as the laughter left her. She propped herself on her elbow, looking at Merlin.

"I think you would look handsome with some silver in your hair," she mused.

"You want me to go grey!" he asked, almost horrified.

"Not total George Clooney. But, I don't know."

She rested her arm on his chest, and rested her head on it. He rubbed his hand over her hair.

"Maybe growing old wouldn't be that bad, not if it was with you," she said.

His hand cradled her face before bringing her closer to his. He kissed her deeply and she pulled herself to be closer to him. His lips were soft against hers, careful with her being.

"I'm sorry I've delayed our trip to Avalon," Morgana forced out, pulling away from his embrace and laying against his side once more.

"I don't care, Morgana. Your father is important to you, and Morgause cursed him. It's not your fault. I admire that you've been wanting to take care of him. Besides, Avalon's not going anywhere. I just thought it would be easier for you to train your abilities there, and with us delaying it, maybe we could even get Gwaine to come along," Merlin responded.

She smiled, nuzzling into him. Yes, yes this was the right choice. This man was her other half, if she ever needed one. Still, she did feel a tinge of guilt for delaying it. But he was right, it wasn't her fault Morgause had cursed him, and it would be irresponsible if she'd simply abandoned her father. Not when he had done her any major wrong in this life.

Her dreams were new. Fleeting. She was in a meadow with druids, but these looked different from the druids of her past life. There was a woman with deep skin and dreadlocked hair holding what looked like a baby, and it was smaller, although they looked more diverse, and there was an older man with painted markings on his face. And then she saw Arthur on a throne, a white cape and red formal wear, and Gwen was on a throne next to him in a white dress and large diamond tiara. Then she saw chaos manifested. It shifted too fast for her to process. People gathered in the streets, and gathered again in London, and it was everywhere and she saw people pushed back in the crowd from policemen. And there was darkness and smoke and fire. She felt her face scrunch being overwhelmed. The gas from the vision faded. There was a castle on a hill, old, but she knew at one point it held great power. And her vision jilted as she saw herself in front of a cottage, at least the exterior meant to mimic it. And she saw herself walk out of it with Merlin.

Morgana walked into her flat, greeted by a very annoyed Mordred. She closed the door sighing.

"I'm very sorry," she told him.

He walked off. She looked around the flat. For as long as she had lived it in it always looked too pristine too manufactured. It never really felt like a home. Originally they had planned to leave what would have been tomorrow for Avalon. She assumed that whenever Uther recovered they would leave. Initially she was going to keep having the rent pulled out while they were gone, but now it seemed moot. Morgana went into her room and grabbed her overnight duffel. More clothes went into the pack than usual, more sweaters as well. She looked in her closet for what shoes she might possibly need as well.

Then she packed a tote bag with Mordred's things, which mostly contained toys at this point. She huffed, knowing that Merlin kept a spare dish at his place since they visited often. It would've made more sense to keep more of her belongings at his place but it felt too personal. She put one of her candles in her duffel. The lights were off in the flat, everything was organized. Mordred slunk around on the table. She propped the tote open for him. He jumped in and she put the strap over her shoulder.

The tube seemed more quiet as she went into the city once more. Mordred stayed in the tote unnoticeable, although she was sure that nobody would mind him if they did see. There was always the occasional dog with an emotional support or service tag that never seemed quite trained. The robotic voice announced her stop and she lifted her duffel along with Mordred's tote.

Her phone beeped.

Merlin:
Just outside the station. I got Gwaine to watch your dad for us.

A half smile formed on her face. She walked up the stairs and sure enough the familiar Lexus was parked front. Merlin stepped out of the car and helped her put the duffel in the car while she put Mordred in the back.

"So, the estate?" he asked once they got in the car.

"Uh huh," she responded. Somehow she couldn't find herself to say more words.

Space Oddity played on the radio.

They reached the manor. The door opened to her father's butler Bingley. He was an older man with a face resembling a basset hound and dark grey hair.

"Miss Morgana," he smiled.

"Hello Bingley, this is my friend Merlin," Morgana said.

"Ello," Merlin forced out.

"May I take your coats?" Bingley asked.

Morgana took off her shrug and Merlin waved off Bingley taking his bomber jacket. She stepped out of the foyer, trying to figure out what felt wrong with the house.

"No maids today?" she asked Bingley.

"It's just me today Miss," Bingley responded.

"Who was with my father yesterday?"

She felt Merlin burning holes in her.

"I made my usual rounds in the morning. Missus Porter was in the kitchens. Your father dismissed me at noon for the day. Then there was a maid who came to the door, Elaine, I believe her name was just as I was leaving and Sir assured me that Missus Clark had taken her on," Bingley said. "Is something wrong?"

"My father has taken ill, unfortunately. I was just wondering if anyone would have noticed anything odd yesterday," Morgana said. Not a complete lie. "He'll be staying with Merlin and I in the city. Merlin here is a practicing physician and probably has a better idea of what could be wrong with him."

Bingley looked appalled, and remorse filled his eyes.

"Is there anything I can do?" Bingley asked.

"We were planning on gathering some of his things just to make his stay a little more comforting," Morgana said.

"Of course, to his suite."

Bingley led the way to Uther's bedroom. Morgana felt a level of remorse for lying to Bingley, or hiding a significant portion of the truth. The man had been a constant presence in her childhood and always felt more like an uncle almost.

"Shall I grab his suite case or something more fitting for a carry on?" Bingley asked her.

"One of his smaller suitcases should do," Morgana said.

"I'll be right back with that for you."

He walked out of the room. The four poster bed was made up with the usual velvet red comforter and the red curtains were pulled away from the window. Merlin looked at her concerned.

"Bingley's been with my family for ages," she said. "Perhaps it was a good idea to take him to your flat. Wouldn't have wanted to weaken Bingley's poor heart."

He nodded in understanding.

"Now, we need to grab some of his jams, and then maybe one of his suits in case he wants to leave presentably."

Merlin dug around in the walk in closet for one of Uther's suits. Morgana grabbed various lounge style t-shirts Uther had, along with set pajama's Uther had. Merlin walked out with a dark brown suit of Uther's that had patches on the elbows.

"Is there a dress shirt that goes with this?" he asked.

"In the side dresser in there are some of his button ups. He'll want a white one and a red tie," Morgana said.

Bingley walked in with the suitcase and helped her pack away the clothes. He also packed in Uther's toiletry bag.

"Would he want his throw with him?" Bingley asked.

"Yes, yes I'm sure he would," Morgana forced out.

She adjusted the suitcase with the button up Merlin gave to her.

"And his slippers. The brown ones with wool on the inside," she told him.

The shoes went in. She closed the suitcase and zipped it up. Bingely gave her the throw blanket. It was half red velvet with a gold lion embroidered on it while its inside was made of wool. Bingley insisted on carrying the suitcase out when Merlin attempted. Merlin got in the car after Bingley loaded the suitcase.

"Is there anything else I can do Miss?" he asked her.

"Keep the house running for us please. And minimize the staff, just the ones that have been with us long term for now," Morgana instructed. "I'll make sure to give the house a call when he's ready to move about again."

"I'm sorry I couldn't have been there for him."

"Bingley, he trusts you. You've been a loyal member of the family. Do not blame yourself, please, for my sake at least."

"Very well Miss Morgana. Your friend, I can tell he's a good one."

She smiled and Bingley opened the door for her.

"How did everything go?" Merlin asked.

"Not bad, bit of a confuffle getting him to the bathroom but, nothing too bad mate," Gwaine said. He turned to her. "Sorry bout your dad, I'm glad I could be of help for what it's worth."

"Thank you, Gwaine," Morgana said with a forced smile.

"I've got to go, hot date tonight," he said.

"Of course you would," Morgana smirked.

"Most eligible bachelor in London here," Gwaine said offended.

"Have a good time," Merlin said.

Gwaine grabbed his jacket before walking out. Morgana reasoned that he truly did look identical to his previous incarnation now that she'd had more time with the man. An ache filled her heart knowing what she'd done to him in her past life... even if it didn't mean much now.

Merlin helped her change Uther. He muttered an incantation and a glow appeared over Uther.

"Whatever's in his system isn't destroying him, we have time to find a cure," Merlin said.

"Good, good whatever she's given him isn't lethal so far," Morgana repeated.

He put an arm around her and held her in a sort of side hug. Mordred jumped onto Uther's bed. He sniffed Uther's face who had no reaction as he'd had. Mordred pawed at his shoulder before Morgana swatted him away. He rolled himself in a ball at Uther's side.

"Weird, but at least he has company now," Morgana said.

Merlin pulled away from her, and she observed him going into his study. She looked at her father and Mordred, somewhat content by their state. It looked as though Gwaine had pulled open the curtains earlier. She went into the bedroom she shared with Merlin and pulled out her laptop. It was smaller than the one she'd been given by Morgause but she didn't want to risk Morgause having any modern spyware on her.

She started a face time with Gwen, hoping her friend would answer. It opened to what looked like Gwen in a gym studio, slightly flushed and sweaty.

"Morgana! How are you? What's going on?" Gwen asked.

"I'm... fine," Morgana forced out. "I've officially left Morgause's but my trip with Merlin to Avalon got delayed. But I'm sure we'll reschedule that when we get to that bridge."

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear about that."

"Nevermind about me, how are you and Arthur? How's it been moving in? Is the new job up to your standards?"

"Oh I love it. I've even got a couple of parents requesting that I do more one on one sessions so I've been working that out with the studio. And Arthur's been stressed by the new job but he loves it, I know he does. And the house is splendid, Morgana!"

Morgana forced a smile. At least Gwen and Arthur were happy and safe. Gwen had her contemplative look on her face.

"Seriously, Morgana, what is going on? I don't mind that you're reaching out but something is bothering you, I can tell," Gwen stated firmly.

She bit her lip.

"Morgause poisoned Uther with something, and I didn't want to tell Arthur just because I didn't want him to worry. And whatever it is it's not something we can take to a regular doctor and... Merlin's trying to work on a cure or something and it just completely pushed our trip back. But I'd rather take care of him then leave him with Bingley when nobody knows what's actually affecting him. And then I want to kick myself because I'd really rather not look after him myself but who else would do it?" Morgana rambled.

"He'll recover, I'm sure he can. Some of my memories I guess have started coming back and making sense. I think I would trust Merlin on this, which is difficult for me to say but I know he cares about your family," Gwen said sympathetically.

"I know, I'm just..."

"You're strong, Morgana. I won't tell Arthur myself because I know that's information that's... I mean, I would but I won't because I respect how you want to go about it. But please tell him. But also don't let it weigh you down. Plenty of people support you and don't forget to take care of yourself too."

"Thank you, Gwen."

Gwen nodded.

"I have to go now but keep in touch," Gwen said.

"Will do, bye," Morgana said.

She felt a weight lifted off of her shoulders. Or at least ten kilos out of the world.

Merlin was visibly stressed as he sorted through his books again before she had to convince him to take another break. Uther appeared to be up when she went into his room in an attempt to feed him with apple sauce. It was mildly successful. She thought of the druids in her dream.

Authors Notes: WOW this was a fast chapter to write! Not quite sure how long it'll take to get the next chapter up because of this quick turn around, but hoping you'll stay tuned. I actually surprised myself with this Uther's Semi-Comatose storyline and how that's turning out, and not quite sure how long I want it to go on and if it's gonna be resolved nicely or like fucking tragic. Some more cameo's and Morgana's perspective. Feel free to leave a review, and I'll never be able to stress enough how much I appreciate everyone that's left reviews so far. x