A/N- Sorry for the long wait, everyone! But summer is here now :) which means that I will be writing a lot more.

Thanks to my lovely beta, Paralelsky. What would I do without you!

o}O{o

"Oi! Have you seen the state of this room!?"

Mordred woke with a jolt and an arm elbowing him in the cheek. Both he and Merlin shot up surprised in their bed. Mordred blinked at Gaius while Merlin rubbed his eye and yawned widely.

"It's his fault." Mordred pointed at Merlin when Gaius' scolding caught up with his sleepy brain. The child promptly smacked Mordered with his pillow. The older boy only blinked groggily at the sunlight playfully dancing about the room.

"Just his?" Gaius raised an eyebrow at him.

"It's like he does it in his sleep. He can be very messy, can't you, Merlin?" Mordred replied.

The boy nodded before slowly blinking and then shaking his head with an outraged expression on his face. Mordred snickered a little and looked back to Gaius significantly.

"Ah," Gaius realized what Mordred was saying. "Well both of you need to clean it up. When you are done, I want you to deliver this," Gaius said and fished out a vial from the pocket of his robes. "To Morgana. Poor girl is suffering from nightmares."

"Alright," Mordred said and climbed out of bed. He arched his back and stretched his arms and Merlin followed to mimicked him.

"Afterwards, I want you to come with me to get some herbs." Gaius said.

"In the forest?" Mordred asked excitedly.

"No, in the library," Gaius smiled dryly before shaking his head good naturedly and leaving the room. Mordred felt a tug on his night shirt and he looked down to see Merlin's confused expression.

"Oh, he was joking Merlin. The herbs are in the forest."

Merlin's lips formed an 'o' shape and then he nodded. He scrambled to collect his shirt and his cloak which were on opposite sides of the room. Mordred did the same and they raced to see who could get ready first. Merlin won, but only because he slowed down time. At least that is what Mordred maintained.

o}O{o

Merlin was practically skipping alongside Mordred as they made their way through the market place, and the older boy often had to grab his arm to keep him from tripping. They were slowly making their way back to the physician's quarters. Morgana had let Merlin pick the dress she would wear to the feast and he had picked the red one solely for the gold leaves on it. Morgana had given him a sprig to wear on his cloak.

Many people walking by gave them curious glances. It seemed that word spread fast here in Camelot because everyone knew of the two boys saved from the evil sorcerers' clutches by their prince. Furthermore, the people were just as impressed that the court physician had taken them in- unbeknownst to either boy, they were the talk of the city. Not that it mattered, because Mordred and Merlin were too busy drinking in every detail of Camelot- the modern buildings, the trade, and the marketplace, the people, culture and of course the castle.

They took in the atmosphere as they walked; they were still getting used to the bustle of the city compared to the quiet of the forest. Mordred was not sure how he felt about the constant chatter of the crowds or the myriad of smells in the air but Merlin seemed to enjoy it. Mordred was glad that the boy was shy or else he might have had to run after Merlin like the many mothers were doing with their children.

Merlin was excited for the feast, and his excitement was contagious. Only, Mordred felt that the cause for it – the innocent deaths of those that practiced magic - was like a wet blanket dampening his eagerness quite a lot. Suddenly Merlin gasped excitedly beside him and Mordred followed his gaze to see Prince Arthur walking alone through the market place. Mordred thought he should have noticed sooner due to the energized buzz stirring within the crowd. As if sensing their gaze, the prince turned his head toward them and came to a halt. Merlin's hand quickly slipped from Mordred's and he weaved like a squirrel through the crowd to Arthur. Mordred felt a thrill of fear shoot through him at seeing Merlin's tiny form make its way through the people towering over him- it would be so easy to accidentally bowl the child over and hurt him.

Mordred followed on his heels and got to him when Merlin stopped shyly in front of the prince. Arthur tilted his head at him and looked as if he was fighting a smile.

"Sire," Mordred bowed and studied Arthur after putting his hands on Merlin's shoulders. The dragon had said that the prince had freed Isaac, and now Mordred felt a tad guilty of his harsh words the day before.

"Mordred. Hello, Merlin," Arthur said awkwardly. Merlin beamed at him. Mordred and Arthur stared at each other for a few seconds, not quite knowing what to say.

"So, how are you two liking Camelot?" Arthur broke the silence.

"We are getting used to it, but it is quite remarkable," Mordred gave him a small smile and his keen eyes noticed some of the tenseness leave Arthur's shoulders.

"Excellent. That is excellent." Arthur put his hands on his hips and then switched to crossing his arms over his chest.

"Tell me, Sire," Mordred could not hold it in any longer and unconsciously copied Arthur's pose. "Does Camelot purge its people often?" It came out with more of a sting then he'd intended.

Arthur's eyes narrowed slightly. "Not that often, no." Merlin started to bite his nails upon sensing the sudden tension.

"But sometimes." Mordred cursed himself- he had never had a problem keeping his mouth shut before. They were oblivious to the people who were stopping in the street to watch the prince of Camelot converse with two children.

"Sometimes the fight for peace costs li-" he broke off and glanced at Merlin. "Costs."

A harsh derisive laugh escaped Mordred's lips. "Yes, fighting for peace. Fighting people who have not harmed others."

"Yet," Arthur said far too quickly.

"Oh yes, punish the man who has never done evil in his life. It makes perfect sense."

"I would watch your words if I were you," Arthur's tone became hard. Merlin glanced between them and bit his lip.

Mordred ducked his head. Isaac's face swam through his mind and he looked at the prince once more. Mordred searched the prince's eyes and could not read them which told him that Arthur had something to hide. "I am sorry, Sire, it is not your fault that things are the way they are after all," he said softly. His tone was sincere.

Arthur blinked at his apology. He opened his mouth to say something but his eyes flicked to view something behind Mordred. The boy turned swiftly to see Gaius coming toward them. The old man had a curiously strict look on his face which sent many people going on their ways.

"Good morning, Sire," he greeted.

"How are you, Gaius?" The edginess was not quite gone from Arthur's voice.

"I am well, thank you. I was just off to collect some herbs, when these two failed to show up." He glanced at Mordred.

"Sorry, Gaius," Mordred said and shifted uncomfortably. Merlin meanwhile hopped toward the physician and touched the basket he was carrying while dancing from foot to foot.

"Well, someone is excited to see the forest," Gaius said to Merlin. The boy nodded and tugged the basket from the old man's hands. He could not wrap his arms all the way around and the sight caused three smiles to be directed toward him. Mordred had never seen Merlin this happy before and it caused joy to burst in his chest.

"Then I will see you all at the feast," Arthur said.

"Yes," Gaius nodded to him. "Come along, boys."

Mordred bowed to Arthur before following Gaius, putting his hand on Merlin's shoulder to lead the laden boy. But Merlin stopped and glanced back at Arthur. Mordred knew what he wanted but he wasn't quite sure that he'd like Arthur to come with them. Luckily Gaius spoke up. "I think that the prince is too busy with his duties to come along with us, Merlin."

Arthur had a hard time looking into Merlin's devastated eyes. "Yes, I'm sorry, Merlin. Maybe next time."

Merlin looked down at the basket in his arms and the prince took it as his queue to escape.

"Come on," Mordred said and this time the boy went along easily.

"Hm," Gaius said thoughtfully when they had walked a few paces, "I think that is the first time that he has ever apologized to anyone."

Mordred smiled up at the physician, "Merlin has that effect on people." They shared a glance and could not help the laughs that carried through the street. Many a backward glance was sent their way as the people of Camelot watched the court physician laugh like an indulgent grandfather with two of the city's newest citizens.

o}O{o

Merlin's mouth was still open in wonder ten minutes after they had entered the banquet hall. He just couldn't help it, for a boy who had spent most of his life in the woods the banquet was an amazing sight. Food as he had never seen lined the tables, lavish ornaments decorated the walls, candles warmed the room, and lords and ladies were dressed splendidly in their best. Merlin himself felt very smart with the gold leaf Morgana gave him pinned to his sleeve. He had left his cloak at home because he wanted people to see the pretty leaves. Mordred had found him a blue scarf that tapered down to his chest and it hid his throat wonderfully. Had he noticed that in fact many people were staring at him- he most likely would have felt uncomfortable and hid behind Gaius.

Trumpets then sounded and everyone standing took a seat at a table and he craned his neck to try and see the horn bearers. He was already sitting beside Gaius, luckily at the end so he could view the head table. The old man drew him up to stand on the bench as the doors opened to admit King Uther. Merlin's cobalt eyes searched again for Morgana and found her standing to the left of the ornate wooden throne meant for Uther. Merlin purposely avoided looking at the scary king who had just walked in and contented himself by looking at Morgana and Gwen. The fair skinned lady caught his eye and gave him a wink which almost caused him to giggle. But like always, the laugh died before it thought of living. He settled for clasping his hands shyly in front of him.

After smiling at Morgana, his eyes looked to Mordred who was standing with Arthur's servant beside the prince. Gaius thought it would be a good idea for Mordred to help out. The former druid met his glance the moment Merlin looked to him and he smiled. Merlin then tugged Gaius' sleeve and pointed to Mordred. The old man smiled patiently at him, pulling his hand down and shaking his head.

Merlin sighed but got over his disappointment quickly for he caught Arthur's gaze. His hand immediately blurred in a wave and he gave a cheek hurting grin when the prince smiled at him. Gaius brought his hand down again.

The chatter died down as the king reached the front of the room. Everyone hung onto his every word as he began to speak, only Merlin turned to hide his face in Gaius' sleeve. "We have enjoyed twenty years of peace and prosperity," his voice echoed imperiously throughout the hall. "Although it has been difficult, we must always remember the small victories we gain. These two boys," Uther gestured to Mordred and then Merlin. The older boy visibly stiffened where he stood and Merlin tensed his shoulders upon sensing the many eyes that focused on them. "Have been rescued from evil hands by my son, and are now free to live the lives they deserve." Clapping broke out in the hall and many a lady giggled to their friends beside them.

"And we know that this hard won prosperity over magic has brought the kingdom, and myself many pleasures. But few can compare to the honour of introducing, Lady Helen of Mora," Uther said proudly and gestured to the lady standing at the end of the hall.

Applause broke out once more and the people sat down. Merlin peered down the hall to see the creepy woman from before. He extended his arm and pointed to Lady Helen. Gaius quickly pulled his hand down and held it within his own. Merlin certainly did not mind and leant further into Gaius' side. The physician ruffled his hair.

The musicians began to play their sweet music prompting the elegant lady to start singing a haunting aria and glide down the hall. Merlin blinked when he noticed that people were falling asleep. Even he knew that was rude so he turned his head to exchange a glance with Mordred only to find that the boy was covering his ears with an anxious expression on his face. Mordred's turquoise eyes bored into his and Merlin slammed his hands against his ears, immediately feeling less tired. He twitched when cobwebs crept over the table and the lady across from him. And he gasped when they crawled over a sleeping Gaius.

Merlin looked back to Lady Helen and felt a shock of fear at the severity of her gaze. He hurriedly followed it and felt an even greater pang when his eyes found the sleeping prince.

Lady Helen's song began heightening with intensity and Merlin froze in fear when she pulled a dagger out of her sleeve. Just as the volume reached a crescendo she raised her arm high in the air and Merlin's fear burst out in a tempest - throwing Lady Helen back and loudly shattering the all of the windows in the hall into tiny pieces.

A stir then inched through the guests and everyone woke out of their slumber. Everyone looked around confused, clearing away the cobwebs that cocooned them. Arthur followed his father's lead as he stood up and confused whispers broke out in the hall when everyone's gazes landed on the fallen Lady Helen. But their whispers rose to surprised gasps when the lady sat up and revealed her true face. The old woman, Mary Collins gazed hatefully at the prince. With a speed that surprised everyone, she launched the dagger from her hand and it began spinning rapidly toward Arthur.

Merlin acted instinctively; with a flash of his eyes, he bent time to his will and slowed it severely. Mordred jumped when he realized what Merlin had done and wasted no time in sprinting toward the prince. Merlin looked on feverishly as Mordred used his entire body weight to pull the prince toward him. Merlin deflated with relief and let time free- the dagger hurtled into the splintering wood and the guardian and prince fell to the ground.

Both Arthur and Mordred slowly sat up, looking at the dagger implanted in the chair where the prince's heart would have been. Everyone looked on as Mary Collins stared at Arthur.

Gaius quickly grabbed Merlin and held him close; making sure his face was turned away from the old lady as she plunged a dagger into her chest and collapsed to the ground dead. A collective gasp rang out through the hall and everyone stared at the dead woman.

Arthur and the king then looked to Mordred who was still sitting and looking to Mary Collins with wide eyes. He snapped to his senses when he noticed their gazes and sprang up, rubbing the back of his head.

"You saved my son's life. A debt must be repaid," Uther stared at the young boy. Mordred blinked. He could not get his voice to work, feeling the gaze of the king."You shall be rewarded."

Mordred ducked his head and the king continued. "This merits something quite special. You shall be awarded a position in the royal household," his tone became loud as he announced; "You shall be Prince Arthur's manservant."

Applause broke out and Mordred could hardly believe his ears. He and Arthur stared at each other and did not notice when the guards removed Mary Collins' body. Only when she was gone did Gaius deem it safe to release Merlin. The boy still clung to him though and he patted his head gently. Mordred gave Arthur one last stupefied look before hurrying to Merlin and grabbing him from Gaius' arms.

"Good job, Merlin," he whispered causing Gaius to take in the shattered windows in a whole new light. He quickly grabbed Mordred and steered him swiftly out of the hall, leaving behind an excited crowd who couldn't wait to spread around the latest gossip.

o}O{o

Later that night, Mordred sat at their wobbly desk quietly with Merlin on his lap. They were both staring at the flickering candlelight casting warm shadows throughout their room. Merlin was tired, but he did not want to go to sleep.

The door squeaked open and Gaius came through holding something wrapped in a red cloth. He smiled and said loftily, "Seems you are a hero."

Mordred looked down at Merlin. "Merlin's the hero. He is the one who stopped her and slowed down time for me to get to Arthur."

"Both of you are," Gaius smiled, "you worked together to save him." Mordred looked back up at Gaius. "It is your destinies after all."

Gaius then hobbled closer. "This book was given to me when I was younger."

Mordred stood up and placed Merlin on the chair. He blinked tiredly at the covered book in Gaius' hands. "And I have a feeling that it will be of more use to you than it was to me." He set the book into Mordred's hands and the boy peeled away the cloth to find a beautiful leather book. He unlatched the locks and leafed through it.

"This is a spell book," he breathed and smiled.

"Which is why you must keep it hidden. It belongs to both of you now."

Merlin straightened on the chair and peered up. "Thank you, Gaius," Mordred grinned happily at the physician.

A knock sounded from outside, breaking their happy moment.

"Mordred, Prince Arthur wants you right away," a voice called.

"You better find out what he wants," Gaius tilted his head toward the door. Mordred nodded and set the book down.

"Will you put Merlin to bed for me?" Mordred asked.

"Of course."

"Goodnight, Merlin, I'll be back soon," Mordred ruffled Merlin's hair and set out to the prince's chambers.

He smiled as he walked- things were looking up in Camelot. They had begun their destinies.

o}O{o

There, the end of the first episode! What did everyone think? And I know not much was changed this episode but wait for it! This was still the intro phase. But we are moving on now ;)

So now that I don't have any more homework, I can finally reply to reviews again! So please review away and tell me what you think. We can chat a bit!