Hi guys, so here's the next chapter. This chapter takes place about 3-4 weeks after the previous one. Sit back and enjoy!

Disclaimer: Never owned Merlin, never will...

Previously on Careful Choices:

She cried for all the mistakes she had made. She cried for all her loved ones who had perished from battles fought during the war. She cried for all the broken friendships she had. She cried for all the loss throughout the tough years.

Soon, she succumbed to her fatigue and the darkness took over.

Chapter 2

At the castle in Camelot

A beautiful lady in a velvet red dress embellished with gold embroidery and fur trimmings stood at the highest balcony of the castle which faced the vast wideness of the lands and forests of the kingdom, as far as the eye could see.

In the distance, the peaks of the mountains were wreathed in a necklace of snow. The sun was coming up behind one of them, looking like a glowing torch as its full majesty was blocked by the mountains' enormity.

The lady gazed out into the distance from where she stood, silently watching the beautiful and peaceful scenery in front of her. A cold gust of air blew towards the lady, causing her to shiver and begin rubbing the palms of her hands together in an attempt to warm herself. Letting out a small sigh, she shook her head as nostalgic memories from the past came to mind.

How fast time went by. It had been more than five years since the huge battle at Camlann. The battle… the battle in which her beloved had passed on. How she missed him, her dearest husband, her majestic and brave king.

"Oh Arthur…" She whispered out sadly.

"Years have passed since you've been gone my love… and yet my heart still aches the same way it did on the very day when I found out that you were not returning back. I miss you so very much..."

Sweet memories of the blonde-haired man that she held dearly to her heart played in her thoughts over and over. A single tear trickled down the side of her face as she reminisced the good days when her love had still been alive.

"Your Majesty? Are you… is everything alright? I called you a few times but you didn't reply," A familiar, gentle voice came from behind her, bringing her out of her reverie.

She quickly raised a hand up to her cheek and wiped away the wetness on her face. She turned around to see her dark-haired friend watching her with a pair of worried looking sapphire eyes.

"Oh, why hello Merlin, I'm sorry I didn't hear you back there. Everything's alright…I was just… I was thinking of Him is all…" She said to the man in front of her with a sad, small smile on her face.

A look of understanding appeared on his face as she spoke and he gave a slight nod. She was glad that Merlin was around. He had been a good friend to her as always, helping to protect the kingdom and being her advisor in ruling the kingdom throughout the long years.

She remembered the day he had returned to Camelot after the battle in such a broken and depressed state. His expression was so grief-stricken that no words were needed to tell her what had happened to her beloved.

Both had broken down into tears as deep sadness washed over them. They had lost someone really important to them that day, a best friend to him, a beloved husband to her. They comforted each other in the days to follow after the battle. He also finally confided in her regarding his magic.

Not long after that, word arrived at the citadel that Merlin was being sought out by the magical community. A group of druids appeared outside the castle steps, wanting to meet him. It was revealed that they were now without a sovereign and they were divided.

The druids wanted him to return with them as they felt that he was the best person to unite and lead their people. They believed that he was the most suitable individual to govern over the magical community since he was the great Emrys after all.

After much discussion with Gwen and inner circle of advisors, Merlin decided to accept the offer. Deep down, he knew it was the right choice since it would also allow him to fulfil his duty of bringing magic back to Albion.

And so, Merlin had set off with the druids and he began his gruelling journey in becoming a leader for those with magic. Bit by bit, he helped to rebuild the magical community. Many a time, he would travel extensively back and forth between Camelot and where the druids were in order to settle diplomatic issues.

Because of this, Gwen had soon after, anointed him as one of her advisors and Camelot's ambassador for magic. Magic was slowly allowed back into Camelot and over time, the kingdom thrived greatly in peace. Merlin was now Gwen's closest and most trusted friend.

"I don't wish to disturb you Your Majesty but the council meeting about the creation of the new village will be beginning shortly. I just came to find you since no one had seen you in the last few hours." Merlin spoke again, pulling her out of her thoughts.

"Right, yes the meeting. Thank you for the reminder Merlin, I best be off making my way to the council chambers now then. Oh, and please do just call me by my name. Friends do not have to be so formal with each other. Besides, you are practically on the same status level as I am now." Gwen replied with a smile as she started walking out into the castle corridors.

"Sorry. Force of habit, I guess. Oh and no matter how long it's been, I don't think I can ever get used to the fact that I'm now considered a sort of royalty. It's weird! I mean, even with the title and status I have now, I don't think that makes any difference. I'm still me. Still as clumsy as I was back then too." Merlin said with a laugh.

Gwen joins in the laughter and the two of them continue conversing and joking away merrily as they head towards the council chambers.

"Hmm Merlin, I think I'll be making a visit to the market place tomorrow. It's been quite some time since I was last outside of the castle and out on a lovely stroll through the town. It's a rather good idea is it not? Besides, I would like to meet with the townsfolk and villagers before we get further into the winter season and the weather becomes too cold to be out of the castle walls. A good queen is one who in touch with the people in her kingdom correct? Yes, I think that this will be a good idea and-"

Gwen paused from talking when she saw him break into a grin she was well acquainted with. She knew all too well what that familiar grin meant. She often saw him smiling like that when he got amused at how much she could talk without stopping.

"I'm rambling, aren't I?" Gwen asked, slightly embarrassed.

He let out a chuckle and they both began to laugh heartily.

"Anyways, I was wondering if you would care to join me tomorrow. I know that Samhain is on the morrow and you will be returning to your own lands after this council meeting to prepare for the festival but I would much appreciate the company. It's been awhile since you've been around town too hasn't it? You have been so busy and haven't visited Camelot much these past few months." Gwen said wistfully.

"It's no trouble at all Gwen. I can just teleport here tomorrow and stay for a few hours. I need to leave before sunset though. I have to lead the magical rituals that will be performed at dusk tomorrow." Merlin responded.

"Thank you, Merlin! It'll be fun!" Gwen said happily.

He nodded his head in reply and then paused as they stood on front of the doors to the council chambers.

"Well then my lady, looks like we're here. Shall we make our way inside? We better not keep them waiting." Merlin gestured towards the doors.

Gwen merely smiled at him and the both of them headed into the room.

~0~0~0~0~0~0~

In Morgana's Hovel

"Is it twrue mama? Is it true? Is it rweally morrow mama? Is it mama, is it?" The little boy asked with barely contained excitement.

Morgana smiled lovingly as she watched Mordred looking up at her enthusiastic, wide eyes.

"Yes, my little Mordred. Tomorrow will indeed be the day in which you were born." She said gently.

Mordred's eyes lit up with joy as he heard the words his mother had spoken. He began to jump up and down happily clapping his hands in glee at the idea of turning five.

"Hooray, yay, it's my birthday! Mama, mama, do I get pwesents? Can I ride on Thusy?" Mordred asked with a wide grin.

Morgana giggled at her son's antics. He could be so adorable at times.

"Well darling, if you want, we can go to the marketplace in Camelot tomorrow and get you a gift. But you must promise mama that you'll behave and be a good boy. Only then can we go to the marketplace. As for riding Aithusa, well you'll have to ask her yourself when she visits. I can't force her to give you a ride, now can I?" Morgana said with a chuckle.

"Pwomise mama, I promise! Mordred will be a good boy." He said nodding his head so seriously that Morgana began giggling once more.

"Oh, mama, mama, I think Thusy will lets me ride her. She says I'm a dwagoon lord and she will do whatever I want! Wait… mama, what's a dwagoon lord mama?" Mordred questioned.

"Hmm? Oh love, it's a dragon not dwagoon. Well, a dragon lord is… is like… like a king, ah yes, a king of dragons. All dragons must obey their dragon lords."

Mordred's eyes widened considerably upon hearing her. His jaw dropped in disbelief before he closed it and a huge grin appeared on his face.

"Whoa! Rweally mama, I'm a king mama? I'm the king of dragons? Yay, mama! I'm the king of all dragons!" Mordred shouted out with glee.

Morgana just shook a head as she watched her son run about the room screaming at the top of his voice that he was a mighty dragon lord. She walked towards him and kneeled down to his height.

"Now then little one, I think that's pretty much enough excitement for one day. It's time for bed. If you want to go to the marketplace tomorrow you need to wake up bright and early." Morgana said gently.

Mordred nodded his head eagerly and merrily bounced off towards the direction of the little cot he slept on.

"Goodnight mama!"

~0~0~0~0~0~0~

Early the next morning at the marketplace

The marketplace was bustling with people. Everyone was busy going about their own business, trading, buying and selling goods. The air was filled with the noisy cries of vendors calling out their prices. Goods were proudly placed on display.

Farmers had their colourful vegetables arranged in neat rows. Women carried their baskets full of fresh, carefully selected produce. Children ran about playing catch. He smiled as the sounds and sights hit him.

Merlin walked with a smile as he took in the sights of the marketplace. To his right, Gwen walked alongside him with two guards following behind her. She had a happy look on her face as she too looked around the marketplace.

"Isn't this lovely Merlin? I should visit here more often. It's really relaxing to just take a walk through here and see all the goods that are being sold" Said Gwen sweetly.

"I agree my lady, it is rather wonderful thing to do…" He trailed off as he glanced in her direction.

His attention was suddenly caught by a familiar figure of a dark-haired woman with a young boy next to her, standing at a stall quite a distance away from behind where Gwen was. His breath hitched. No, it couldn't be.

She had died all those years ago. He had witnessed it himself. Merlin blinked and looked towards the stall where the woman and the child were. They were gone. In their place stood a few other shoppers who were taking a look at the goods from the stall.

"Merlin, is everything alright? What are you looking at? Merlin, are you listening to me?" Came Gwen's voice.

His head snapped towards her direction quickly as he was brought back to the present. Gwen had a slightly concerned look on her face as she glanced up at him. He quickly plastered a fake smile onto his face in order not to worry her.

"Sorry Gwen, I was looking at the stalls and I suddenly remembered that I had to buy some things. I was deciding on which stall to go to first. Say, if you don't mind, could I go off on my own for a while to get what I need. I won't be long my lady." He said.

"Sure Merlin, I don't mind at all. I was just going to suggest it too. I was about to take a look at the stalls selling cloth and jewellery and I doubt you'll have any interests in those things. Shall we meet back here in a few hours then?" Gwen asked with a beam.

Merlin nodded his head and they both made their way off in different directions. Merlin walked up towards the stall where he had previously seen the woman. The vendor of the stall was a young woman who was busy arranging wooden toys and books at her stall.

"Excuse me miss, if you don't mind me asking, could you tell me if a young dark-haired woman and a little boy happened to pass through here not too long ago?" He asked politely.

The woman looked up towards him with a smile and nodded her head.

"Why, yes kind sir, there was indeed a beautiful lass and a cute looking child who passed here not long ago. She bought a few toys and books for the little lad and he sure looked happy. The boy said it was his birthday. His mama was buying him some gifts. They went off in that direction if you're wondering."

Merlin simply nodded his head and thanked the woman for her help. He then made his way in the direction which the woman had pointed out. He was silent but his mind was in a whirlwind at what the woman had said.

The young boy he had seen earlier was HER son? But, how was that possible? Surely, he must have heard wrongly. He shook his head to clear his thoughts and looked around the busy market place.

And that was when he spotted her and the boy once more. They were walking amongst the other peasants dressed just like common people, fitting in together with the whole crowd. However, to him, they stood out from everyone else immensely.

His heart pounded in his ears and before he knew it, he was walking briskly towards them.

~0~0~0~0~0~0~

"Hmm, what else should I buy?" Morgana thought to herself as she looked at the stalls around her.

She then looked down towards young Mordred and couldn't help but smile as she saw her son clutching his new books and toys closely to his chest like they were his most prized possessions. As if feeling her gaze on him, he looked up towards her and grinned widely.

"Thank you for the gifts mama! I love them! I rweally do!" He said happily with a bounce in his steps.

Morgana nodded at him and continued walking. They passed a few stalls selling crops and clothes. Just as they were about to turn the corner into another part of the marketplace, Morgana suddenly remembered that she needed to buy a few ingredients for their meals.

"Wait Mordred, mama needs to buy some vegetables for cooking. We don't have them in our herb garden at home. Come, let's turn back to the stalls that were selling them." She said to her son and he nodded towards her.

She turned around, looking up and that was when her whole world stopped. Her entire body froze up and her face paled as she saw the man she had known for so long, standing still in middle of the crowded street.

Sapphire eyes locked onto emerald ones. His deep gaze was soul piercing. She couldn't move. Her mind was screaming at her to run but she was rooted to her spot.

"Mama, mama what's wrong mama?! Mama can you hear me?! Mama!" Her son's voice called out, hitting her like a bucket of cold water had been thrown onto her.

Her mind raced and she stared at her son, terrified for his life. They had to get out of the place immediately before it was too late. She had to find a way to escape.

"Mordred, listen to mama very carefully now, it's important. There is a very dangerous person who's seen us. I want you start walking with me very quickly. We need to go before we get caught, do you understand?" She said urgently.

Mordred's eyes widened in fear and he glanced around wildly. Morgana quickly grabbed his small hand and tugged him along with her. She began walking hurriedly, pushing her way through the crowd.

She turned around and her fear rose when she saw that HE too was trying to squeeze through the packed marketplace and follow them. She quickened her pace, walking faster and faster.

"Wait! Stop there!" His voice rang out from behind her.

The moment he called out to her, all her courage and calmness fled and she went into a full panic mode. She broke into a run clinging on to Mordred's hand so tightly.

And thus, began the chase.

~0~0~0~0~0~0~

The moment she started running, he too followed her actions. It was her, there was no mistaking it. But she had looked so scared and frightened, unlike the evil witch she once was. He saw how she had grabbed the young boy and went off in a mad dash.

He had to catch up to them. He needed to know what was going on and he wouldn't stop until his questions were answered. He wouldn't lose them. He watched her make a right turn into a corner at the end of the street and he grinned in triumph.

From what he remembered, that corner was a dead end. As he stood at the entrance of the dead end he watched as she turned to face him, her eyes looked about wildly, trying to find a way out and finding none.

The little boy stood trembling slightly, hidden behind her skirts. Merlin could see that the both of them looked extremely frightened and scared.

He took a hesitant step forward and the woman's hand shot upwards aimed towards him.

"Stay back or you'll regret it!" She snarled out like an animal that had been cornered.

Hearing that, he glared at her and folded his arms against his chest.

"Well someone's still feisty after all these years… tell me Morgana, how is it you are still alive after the battle?" He asked sharply.

"Wouldn't you like to know Merlin." She sneered back.

"Leave me alone, I haven't done anything to take the throne anymore. So just go away!" She continued quickly.

"You would love that wouldn't you Morgana? Sadly, things don't always go the way you want it to in life. Oh, and did you really think I would actually let you go after all you did? I don't think so. Now answer my question, how are you still alive?" Merlin said coldly.

Silence ensued. She was not going to answer him. Then, the quietness was broken by a small voice.

"Mama, why is that man asking you that mama? Mama I'm scared, who is he?"

Morgana's eyes widened and she let out a small gasp remembering exactly who was with her. She looked down at where Mordred stood behind her clinging on to her skirts.

Seeing her becoming distracted, Merlin took another step forward. It was a big mistake on his part. The sudden movement startled Morgana and she raised her hand towards him once more.

"Ástríce! (I strike!)" She shouted out.

Morgana's eyes flashed gold and Merlin was thrown backwards forcefully. He landed onto the ground with a loud thud and groaned at the breath was knocked out of him. He had hit his head hard upon the impact.

As soon as she saw that Merlin was down, Morgana saw her chance to escape. She grabbed Mordred's hand and shouted out a teleportation spell.

"Bedyrne ús! Astýre ús þanonweard! (Conceal us! Guide us away from here!)"

A strong wind began to blow around both Morgana and the boy. It got stronger and stronger each passing second. Merlin tried to stop the spell but he was too disorientated to do so. He could only watch on helplessly as they made their escape.

His gazed at the young boy and their eyes met. The second he made eye contact with the boy, a powerful wave of magic flowed through his whole body filling him up until he felt like he could burst. The overwhelming power charged through him like a wild fire, causing him gasp out aloud.

The boy must have also felt the strange sensation for he too let out a surprised gasp of air and his eyes widened. Merlin then heard thousands of voices in his head, muttering, whispering and uttering things that he couldn't make out.

Then, out of nowhere, a nasty shrieking voice rang out in his head causing him to close his eyes in pain at the sound. The terrible voice screamed out seven words to him.

"Kin! Heir! Throne! Destiny! Future! Dragon Lord!"

The words rang loudly in his head as he struggled to get up from where he lay on the ground. He looked at the boy once more and noted that the boy's eyes flashed in a shocked recognition. Wait… recognition?

That was his last thought as both the mysterious boy and Morgana faded away into thin air and then, his entire world fell into darkness.

Thanks for reading everyone! To those who've left a review, I really appreciate the comments so thanks a lot. That's all for now, until next time! Don't forget to hit that button below and leave a review!

~Faye

(Updated: 31/05/2020)