Hello! I'm sorry it's been so long but guess what... I moved out and am living on my own now! Life has been crazy and it's hard to find the time to even open my laptop let alone upload a chapter. But I'm hoping now that I've started to settle in I will find more time to write.

Thanks for sticking with me :)

o}O{o

Morgana had wanted him to go see Gaius when they had gotten back. But Mordred hadn't told her he would, instead he hurried to Arthur's chambers. The prince was probably angry with him and would likely throw him in the stocks. But this time Mordred would not complain, knowing he deserved it. Arthur hadn't done anything to earn Morgana's wrath and Mordred felt responsible. If he hadn't tried to tell his secret to Morgana, none of this would have happened. She was letting her fear turn into anger and control her. And Mordred wanted to tell Arthur that it wasn't Morgana's fault.

When he arrived at Arthur's chambers, he knocked quietly and gathered his courage. His stomach felt all twisted with nerves which worsened when Arthur called him to enter. The prince was sitting in his chair, staring to the side out the window. Daylight poured through the glass panes, softening the edge of Arthur's face and glaring gold in his hair. He was brooding heavily, not even glancing at Mordred when the door shut behind him.

The silence felt like a beast waiting to pounce on its pray, just waiting for it to make a noise. "I-I'm sorry," Mordred offered softly. The beast continued to stalk around the chambers but then Arthur allowed himself a short sigh.

Arthur glanced at Mordred and looked away. "It's not your fault," Arthur said to Mordred's surprise. "You did exactly as I trained you to do."

Mordred looked down, his face falling. "It feels like my fault. I never meant t-"

"Hey," Arthur called, and Mordred looked up again. "You did good. And when Morgana stops being insane, she'll see it too."

Mordred felt a surge of heat warm his chest and he could have beamed if he did not feel so guilty as well. It was for that reason he couldn't leave it alone. "But you didn't deserve what she said. You saved us. You- you…"

"Mordred, look. Morgana… she's been tired recently. Not herself. She didn't mean those things."

That was very understanding of Arthur. So much so, that Mordred was suspicious. "You're not angry with her?"

Arthur laughed bitterly. "I didn't say that." Arthur took in a deep breath but looked away, containing whatever words he was going to say. "It will be dinner time soon," he said instead, "and I don't want it late."

Mordred bowed, something he hadn't done it weeks. "Yes, Sire," he said.

He stopped at the door and looked down slightly. "I just want you to know… that I'm grateful for everything." For saving them from the druids, for Merlin, for giving Mordred a chance. But Mordred didn't say those things. He gave a final smile to Arthur before leaving the chambers.

He did not head to the kitchens right away, knowing he had time to go to the physician's chambers first. Merlin might be back and the child might be able to cheer up Arthur. Mordred knew that Merlin would certainly be able to cheer him up. But when he entered the physician's chambers, no one was in. He scowled suspiciously, knowing that Gwen would have delivered Merlin back to Gaius by now. But if the physician was called away, which was the only reason he could think of that Gaius was not here, he would bet that Merlin was off exploring the castle.

"Merlin?" he called out and strode to the back room just to make sure. Upon peering into the room and finding his brother conspicuously missing, Mordred uttered a long sigh. A pang a worry caused his eyebrows to contract but he closed his eyes and concentrated. 'Merlin?' His lips did not move, but his voice rang clear in his mind. Mordred looked at the mess Merlin had made while waiting for him to reply. For some reason all of the covers were off the bed and their few clothes were scattered on the floor. Merlin didn't like cleaning up after himself.

'I'm with the dragon,' Merlin's voice echoed back, quiet due to distance.

Mordred was moving before the boy finished speaking. 'I told you not to visit him without me!'

Merlin did not reply back, his silence feeling sulky to Mordred. Speaking mentally came easy to both of them, but it was harder to get a feel for a person. Mordred had no problem with it and let his annoyance show. While he truly was grateful that Kilgharrah was a safe haven for Merlin, Mordred did not trust him. He wanted to, but Gaius was very adamant that the dragon was not to be trusted.

His footfalls were customarily quiet as they trod down the stone hallway and he could hear the distant tumult of voices coming from the courtyard. He avoided the square, instead taking a route which twisted away from it and led to an out of the way stairwell which descended downward to the depths of the castle where the dragon was kept. There were no servants in this part of the palace and no curious guards to impede his path.

A cold draft lingered on the lower floors, cutting through Mordred's shirt and prompting the boy to block it by closing his cloak around him. He could smell the damp stone and eventually when he neared the cavern, the faint taste of the dank underground river rested on the tip of his tongue. Mordred did not bother wasting time by grabbing a torch for lighting his way down the final staircase. He wordlessly summoned an orb of light and the moon like glow danced on the walls. His shadow preceded him down the steps and when he entered the dragon's cave, he found Merlin giggling his head off with Kilgharrah staring at him with a quietly confused glint in his golden eyes.

"Hello," Mordred greeted and couldn't help but smile when Merlin turned to him still laughing. "What's he laughing about?"

Kilgharrah tilted his head. "He seems amused by the story I told him."

Merlin rushed to Mordred, grabbing his shirt and letting himself sway. "He flew into a tree!"

"I was teaching him the value of looking before one leaps," Kilgharrah said dryly.

Mordred spared the dragon a fleeting smile before looking down at Merlin. "Were you good, Merlin?"

Merlin bobbed his head up and down before grabbing Mordred's hand and pulling him closer to the ledge. "Can I have another story?" the boy asked the dragon.

Kilgharrah chuckled, low tolls of scratchy laughter which surprised Mordred. It never occurred to him that the dragon would be able to laugh. "I think not, young warlock."

Unlike when Mordred told him no, Merlin did not try and beg for another one. "Next time?" he asked instead, widening his eyes for Kilgharrah's benefit. The dragon nodded his head and settled it on his scaled paws.

"We have to go get Arthur his dinner," Mordred said to Merlin.

"Can I have dinner too?" Merlin wondered quickly.

Mordred could not fight a smile. "Of course, now say bye to Kilgharrah."

"Bye, dragon," Merlin said with a spot of sadness in his voice.

"And…" Mordred prompted. Merlin blinked before squinting his eyes. "Kilgharrah was nice enough to tell you stories."

A small gasp escaped Merlin's lips. "Thank you!" he yelled to the dragon and his voice echoed deep into the cavern.

"You are most welcome," Kilgharrah replied in an amused tone of voice.

Mordred then guided Merlin towards the exit and the boy quickly scrambled up the stairs on his hands and feet. The older boy supposed the events of today had shaken him more than he had thought because he hesitated before leaving. "Thank you," he said to the dragon. "I don't think I've asked you before if you minded keeping watch over him."

Kilgharrah stared at Mordred shrewdly. "Not at all. I enjoy his company." Mordred's lips curved upwards, but it was a sad smile. "You seem lost, young guardian," Kilgharrah noted. His eyes were deep with profound knowledge, wise and cunning, ancient golden orbs that had seen so many things.

"I… can I come back later?" Mordred questioned.

"If that is what you wish," the dragon complied. Mordred nodded and turned away from the dragon. He hurried up the stairs and away from Kilgharrah's intimidating eyes.

o}O{o

"What are clouds made of?" Merlin asked as he stared out the window. The boy had wrestled a chair before it so he could climb up and now was looking upward at the dark bottomed clouds milling in the late afternoon sky. Mordred glanced at Arthur to find the prince was already looking at him, passing off the answer as quickly as he could by stuffing a forkful of potatoes in his mouth. "How come they float? Why are they white?" Merlin continued.

"Why don't you ask Gaius when we get back, Merlin?" Mordred suggested to Arthur's amusement.

Merlin turned to look at him shortly before pressing his nose against the glass. Mordred pouted, knowing he'd have to clean the smudge. "Gaius knows everything," Merlin said happily. "He can write and count really high too." His interest in the clouds suddenly gone, Merlin hopped off the chair. As his feet touched the ground he lost his balance and pitched forward.

"Merlin!" Mordred called worriedly while Arthur rolled his eyes.

"Oww," Merlin whined from where he was sprawled on the floor. When Mordred picked him up, Merlin lifted his elbow and pulled his loose sleeve down. The child sniffled at the red mark and looked wide eyed at Mordred.

"Do you want me to make it better?" Mordred asked the boy quietly.

Merlin lips wobbled while he gave a nod, tucking his chin down to his chest. Mordred leaned down and kissed Merlin's elbow, not caring what Arthur would think. Merlin took a deep shuddering breath and hugged Mordred in thanks. The older boy rubbed his back and looked over at Arthur who was taking a sip of his wine only to choke slightly when Merlin turned to look at him hesitantly.

"Can Arthur make it better too?" Merlin whispered to Mordred.

The older boy glanced at Arthur to see the prince looking decidedly uncomfortable. But before Mordred attempted to gently let down Merlin, there was a knock at the door. Merlin angled himself so Mordred was blocking him completely from view as the servant stood up.

"Come in," Arthur called, relief colouring his tone. His face fell however when it was Morgana to walk in. She looked as uncomfortable as Arthur and did not make a move to speak right away, instead glancing at Mordred and then Merlin who peeked curiously out from behind his brother.

"Merlin fell," the prince quickly explained.

Their argument temporarily put aside, Morgana turned to Merlin in concern. "Are you alright, Merlin?" she asked worriedly. To Mordred's surprise, Merlin nodded and leaned in closer. His eyes were flicking between Arthur and Morgana as if sensing the tension between them.

Realizing that he most likely did, Mordred spoke up. "I was just about to bring him to Gaius actually," Mordred said to her and Arthur. It was a good excuse to give the two space, and not even a lie since he decided he really would do that. Then he and Merlin could eat dinner as well.

Morgana studied Merlin in alarm but then relaxed before realizing Mordred's ploy. She smiled at the servant and then back at Merlin. "I'll see you later then," Morgana told Merlin and then blew him a kiss. Merlin squealed and extended his hands to catch it.

The prince shook his head as Mordred began to lead Merlin out of the chambers by way of the side entrance. "Bye, Arthur," Merlin called back.

"See you later, Merlin," Arthur replied and then nodded to Mordred.

"Bye, Morgana," Merlin added before they disappeared around the corner. He was still waving even when they exited the secret door and filed into a corridor which was hidden by a tapestry depicting an epic battle. It was when they had travelled down several flights of stairs, Merlin turned to Mordred. "Are they fighting, Mordred?"

"Yes, but they'll be better soon," Mordred answered.

"What happened?"

"They just got into an argument, Merlin."

"About what?"

"I don't know," Mordred lied.

"Do you, do you think Arthur made fun of her?"

"No"

"Do you think Morgana called him a name?"

"I'm sure she called him several names," Mordred mused.

"That's not nice," Merlin commented sagely.

"No it's not," Mordred laughed and squeezed Merlin's shoulder. "It hurts people's feelings. Now does your elbow still hurt?"

"Mmm, no," Merlin reported, though he didn't look at Mordred.

"Are you lying to me?"

Merlin pouted at him. "A little," he mumbled.

"Merlin." Mordred stopped in front of the boy and crouched down. "Let me see."

"Are you mad?" Merlin asked softly, bending his arm to reveal his bruised elbow.

"Yes," Mordred said, leaning back to avoid being hit.

"But you're always sad when I get ouchies," Merlin whined.

"That doesn't mean you're allowed to lie to me," Mordred said and glared at the bruise. "You need to be more careful, Merlin."

"Sorry," Merlin offered.

"Promise not to lie to me again," Mordred said. Taking inspiration from Arthur, he pointed his finger under Merlin's nose. The boy went cross-eyed trying to look at it. He nodded before trying to bite Mordred's finger.

"Alright, I forgive you," Mordred told him and reached out his hand to inspect Merlin's elbow for the last time before he got up. If it wasn't so bony, Mordred didn't think the bruise would be as bad. His stomach dropped when he felt his eyes glow with magic. The discoloured skin returned to normal and both Mordred and Merlin looked around the hall in alarm. An identical sigh of relief passed their lips upon finding no one. When Mordred looked back at Merlin, the boy had a reproachful expression anchored on his face.

"You're not 'posed to do magic," Merlin scolded.

Mordred would bet that Merlin had been waiting a long time to say those words to him. So he used Merlin's custom defence. "It was an accident," Mordred said dryly. "Come on, let's hurry home."

"Can you give me a horsey ride?" Merlin asked after Mordred had stood up. He was looking at the older boy with such a hopeful expression, Mordred felt he had no choice but to comply.

"Only if you don't tell on me," the young servant stated as he knelt down.

Merlin climbed onto his back and wrapped his arms around Mordred's neck. "Okay"

The moment Merlin laid eyes on Gaius however, the truth was spilling from his lips. Mordred supposed it was only fair.

That night, after Mordred finished tending to Arthur and Merlin was in bed, he travelled back to the dragon's cave. Kilgharrah was waiting for him, amusing himself by blowing on the lights Merlin had created months ago. They twirled around the cavern, illuminating the perpetual night of Kilgharrah's cage. Upon descending into the cave, Mordred watched the baubles of light settle at the dragon's command.

"With what are you troubled, young guardian?" Kilgharrah wondered.

Mordred hesitated and refrained from sitting, not wanting to become even smaller in the dragon's eyes. "I almost told Morgana about my magic," he admitted, looking down and staring at the rock. Kilgharrah said nothing so Mordred looked up.

"And what stopped you?" Kilgharrah asked.

"You're not angry?" Mordred requested, "I mean, you're always telling Merlin to not tell anyone."

"Morgana is realizing her own powers," the dragon stated, shifting his wings.

Mordred frowned. "Can she do more than see the future?"

"That remains to be seen," Kilgharrah noted.

The dragon was not generous with his information, causing Mordred to become frustrated. "So… should I tell her or not?"

Kilgharrah smirked down at him. "That is up to you, young guardian."

If it was up to Mordred, he would have told Morgana already. "But won't it just make her more scared?" he pressed, "she doesn't know it's magic, not really."

"Then she will simply be left wondering."

Mordred peered at the dragon through furrowed eyebrows. "It's like you want me to tell her."

Kilgharrah dipped his head, in neither affirmation nor denial. "Your destinies are entwined just as much as Merlin's and Arthur's. Her path will follow yours, and yours will do the same. If one of you falls, so will the other."

"What is that supposed to mean?" Mordred demanded, angered that a long answer from the dragon was just as confusing as a short one.

Kilgharrah paused. "It means, young guardian, that you need her."

"But what does that mean?" he repeated with a great deal more frustration.

"You have a large decision to make. I suggest you sleep on it," Kilgharrah dismissed.

Mordred's mouth dropped open incredulously as the dragon lifted his great wings in preparation for flying away. "Wait!" he shouted, "that's it?"

The dragon merely handed him a glance before he pushed off from his rocky perch and flew deeper into the cavern, the chains around his neck clinking heavily. Mordred could do nothing but glare for a while but after realizing that it was pointless he huffed and turned his back. His boots hit the stone beneath him with angered intent and his thoughts ambushed him as he fled the dragon's cave.

What happened if he told Morgana everything, and she grew even more fearful of her dreams? What if she grew scared of Mordred? But on the other hand, what if she found peace with the answers? Mordred nearly growled with frustration and he hid himself in an alcove to think. Two suits of armour were standing in front of the columns which casted his hiding place in shadow. He stared at the torchlight reflecting brightly on the steel and sank down to the floor. Mordred drew his knees up to his chest and entered a debate with himself. But the more he thought about it, the more he found he could not reach a decision. Maybe he could wait, and Morgana's dreams would go away.

Mordred shook his head. They wouldn't stop, they had only been getting worse. And he knew on top of dealing with the nightmares, Morgana was scared of what she might be. Her fear unsettled Mordred who was used to knowing her as such a strong person. He would be confirming her fears. But… if he showed her that he was born with magic, perhaps Morgana would not be so scared. She wouldn't be alone.

His turquoise eyes looked away from the armour and rose to his feet. He'd tell her now. But I can't, he told himself. It was late and Morgana might be sleeping. Mordred did not want to wake her if she was getting actual rest. He admitted to himself that he was relieved at delaying the conversation. The guards were easy to evade as Mordred made his way back to the physician's chambers. He could have always said he was running an errand for Arthur but avoiding the guards had become a habit since starting out as a game when he sneaked away to train.

Gaius was still asleep and snoring when he got back and when Mordred climbed the stairs and into his room he found that Merlin was sprawled over the bed, arms and legs spread haphazardly on the mattress. Mordred sighed and tugged the blanket down from where it was floating over the boy and tucked it around him. Not wanting to take even a small risk in waking him, Mordred went to the other bed and laid down, shedding his boots and cloak to the floor. He curled under the blankets and closed his eyes but sleep did not find him right away even though he was exhausted. Thinking is hard work, he surmised. The minutes took their time in passing but eventually Mordred fell asleep, the wrinkle in his brow clearing as his thoughts were taken over by oblivion.

o}O{o

Hope you guys enjoyed the chapter! Next update won't be so long in coming, pinky promise.

Please review if you liked it :)