Enchanting Laney with tales of the princess, she had become quite the idol in her own eye, unaware they were in fact one in the same. Edwin had kept her next to him and to everyone's astonishment they at last saw a glimmer of blue skies slithering through the heavy block of clouds that hung above them.

She thrived with each member of the company chipping in with what Elaina had achieved, as well as her values and strengths.

'she helped defend my village, fighting to save my people and with Gwen her handmaid, kept Arthur in check when he was throwing a prissy tantrum.'

'yeah well Merlin, speaking of Gwen did you know she saved her from outlaws once despite being a noble, even going as far as facing off some wilddeoren.'

"then there is also her favourite, when the princess found a way to disenchant a king under a troll's love spell."

'hmm, who can forget that, but she is utterly fearless sometimes; hating to see people getting bullied due to their station. Everyone is equal and that's what shapes her into being her.'

"a fight isn't lost when you have her next to you. An honest and loyal friend."

'a saviour for those most needing of saving, she leaves no friend behind and sees in their soul what they cannot when their judgement is clouded.'

Funny, as Edwin bobbed Laney on his knee her reasoning for being conjured was working in the exact opposite of what it intended to do because she was doing what many find impossible and found wonder in herself, even if she wasn't aware of it. Smiling gleefully, she absorbed every tale and looked at Elaina without fear as the voices were seemingly drowned out, when she was fixated on listening to others.

if they could keep the child sweet, then the hurricane she could call upon to lay waste to their journey will stay at bay and their travels bothersome free.

Her hand crept up and tickled his scarred cheek, steady without a single quiver. Children in his lifetime had always been the first to whimper in fear for how the burns had distorted his face. Whether they feared him or the reality of the cruelness the world entails he did not know. However, it was like her hands as they traced his right chin, cheek and brow, were moulding him to how she remembered Edwin. He could see that she was confused that she had recognised him in this state and a man grown but could not deny that he was her Edwin.

Then she withdrew her hand and speculated it just as she had him and curled her tiny fingers in the palm of her hand.

"your grown-up Edwin…"

And he could guess her question without her asking, 'then why haven't I grown too.'

It was a curious thing what Elaina had managed to create into the world because essentially this was her, as she had been at this age and all memories she had made up until this point, were second nature and would just come into grasp as easy as breathing. Only, beyond this age then it would take immense focus for her channelling in on what lay dormant as she had become a woman. If familiar and kept close to her heart that seemed to be the easiest thing for her to recollect, like himself, Arthur and merlin but the stories had worked in distracting her from boredom in carrying out this process, that would bring her up to date with what was going on and who this 'princess' actually was.

He excused it with playfully whispering, "oh, I don't know…remember your magic."

She beamed brightly at him and with a finger patting her lips, hushed him and darted an amused glance at Arthur, who was none the wiser. she apparently found it funny now that she had this great secret to keep from him, while merlin earned a knowing smile.

The young warlock had been intrigued by the whole thing. In all her years of growing, Elaina still maintained qualities of her childhood that indicated to Merlin how well her father had held her by the hand in teaching her right from wrong. In doing so, he gave them a good resource for a future to be built, by the hope he created in his daughter being a part of the world.

It made him wonder how morgana could possibly, with the same upbringing, end up like she has. people are not moulded but enfold into who they are meant to be and when she came to the castle, morgana forgot to nurture the goodness inside of herself and solemnly focused on the negative things happening around her, while Elaina despite those dark times, dedicated her every move and action around love, even when there was a weight of sadness about her.

"well, if the lake is at the top of this mountain we only have a short way to go from here."

They all stared at the snake like road, unnervingly thin and the more it continued to climb up on the rock, the more dangerous the edge looked with a drastic fall for them to plunge down if there were any missteps.

Merlin swallowed the lump at the back of his throat, wondering if Kilgharrah would fry him to a crisp if he summoned the Dragon for a friendly lift. It was a tempting idea, one that settled the nausea in his stomach only he had been warned to use his dragon Lord status with a bit more respect.

"how is she?" Arthur asked. He had done this occasionally, not wanting to see her if the markings on Elaina's skin were like a timer, making him more anxious than he wanted to be.

The fact that Laney was still present was a good indicator that Elaina was still kicking, since her powers were making this illusion last as long as it has. Edwin just wished that it would have an effect on her body and ease the poison, which was marring a prized bloom. There were no changes since his last casting of the freeze spell however, which they could be thankful for, but the time where that ran up was unknown to him and Edwin was dreading the moment he needed to repeat it after the previous one.

"let's just say I'm happy we have made it this far when we have."

Gaius had given Elaina a day, which technically speaking they still had a few more hours, since the incident transpired in the late afternoon. But if Edwin could not do what he has done for Elaina's sake as he was losing faith in the ability, then that could be cut to mere minutes.

He was troubled by the ticking of a clock and rubbed his head with a throbbing headache that hadn't given up, added on top of the exhaustion draining him physically as well as emotionally.

Again he tried to take in the mountain, the distance upward seeming fair enough yet merlin had to chip in with a concern they had forgotten about.

"do we have time to let the horses rest before the ascent?" the servant asked. They were Sam's pets more or less, who they were entrusted to while not being used to these long distances. It would be kinder for them to let them drink and rest from hauling the wagon after the the period they have been made to.

Edwin's jaw clenched, but Arthur could not decide if it was his own need to rest or a want to just naturally go against Edwin where he could, that allowed merlin this break.

"a few minutes," he groaned, "No more."

Merlin's face lit up with a cheeky poke at Laney's ribs making her squeal, "thank goodness, I'm glad to stretch my legs."

He hopped out and stretched, mimicking what Arthur does before training, just without an ounce of muscle on his spindly limbs. Arthur twisted his face in disapproval since it was like a scarecrow dancing before him, "oh yes, poor you merlin."

He was still mid lunge, his hands perched on his hips, "I'm only saying! pins and needles in your backside isn't a good sensation."

Arthur rolled his eyes at him, whispering 'idiot' under his breath and not for the first time in his life, which made Laney giggle.

"all good Laney?" Arthur asked, finding it strange that he could feel the connection that bonded him to Elaina through this thing mimicking her, yet at the same time by using a nickname and seeing her at an age he hadn't before, it was almost like she was a separate individual as well.

It was a curious thing at work here, he could not deny it and probably could never figure out how it was happening. Again, he looked to the forest which Edwin blamed for her arrival, only he was not so sure…

The little girl was humming to herself, giving him the indication he needed and left her to carry on sitting in the wagon where she seemed happy to do so now and wandered over to where merlin was checking the horses over.

Merlin noticed Arthur's approach as he made sure no horse was struggling in any way, though truthfully he didn't know exactly what to look for beside what might be obvious in a failing horse. He just knew that Sam would want them returned in the same condition as they were given due to his fondness for the animal. After what he had done for them, Merlin thought they owed him as much.

"I'll be glad when this is over. Any idea what your father will say on our return?"

Silently, Arthur could be angry with his father. A reserved sort of rage, that was owed to him being a parent and ruler, otherwise his outbursts on the occasions he himself saw the evil everyone claimed to be within Uther would know no bounds, as he has tried countlessly to defend the man though Uther fights him every step of the way.

often, Arthur just wanted to call the king out on his wrong doings and sheer arrogance upon those around him. He was a king but that did not entitle him to hurt people and think himself above them. He was only such because they allow it. He is one man, the people are many. if he pushed them too far then it would not take much for them to overthrow him, since Uther was so good at making enemies. even with the knights at his side, if Arthur had trained them well then they would not harm any civilian and Arthur would not want them to fall in honour and grace due to following a ruthless king.

these revelations happened more and more, with Arthur recently very rarely shocked by his father and was saddened that the king could disappoint him as much as he did. Despite that, Arthur still wanted nothing more than to please him, which was becoming harder to do when they did not think in the same way.

"it doesn't matter. Elaina will be safe and alive; Any punishment will be worth that."

Seeing her walk the halls of Camelot, shout up at his window when confined to his room and push notes under his door, with the ringing of her musical laughter echoing throughout the kingdom... Just for those moments alone, would make any punishment worthwhile.

However, Merlin envisioned himself in the stocks again with rotten fruit and veg firing at his face like cannonballs. He had been there so often it was like his third home from his mother and Gaius's quarters. He stunk for weeks after, though hearing Elaina scream bloody murder when he chased her for a smelly hug…that would be nice to do again.

Still merlin grimaced, "only your father would punish us for saving his ward's life."

Edwin could see Laney was content and if everyone else was taking in the benefit of a brief pause, he didn't see why he shouldn't if he could not sway them to continue on in the climb they needed to accomplish to get to the lake. An hour was all they needed, then it will be done. An hour and this would be over with.

Meanwhile, He had been listening to the inseparable pair, taking in all the talk about Uther which added to his annoyance that was already present with their lack of urgency and would rather act like fools and waste precious time. His jaw that hadn't remained stiffened, wiggled with antsy grinding his teeth together.

The sorcerer waltzed over to them, "I'd imagine it would be different if she were morgana. No expense spared as we all know."

The issue of morgana, she was just another residing within Camelot Edwin was grateful not to cross paths with again. No matter how hard he fought to better himself, tests popped up to see if he was strong enough to rise above them. When he found out it was she who had done this to Elaina, the darkness he had lived in for many years certainly threatened to engulf him once more. His hand still flexed at the thought of morgana, because he would not waste his magic on the cretin and would instead prefer to feel her throat within his own grasp. He would snuff out her very breath if Elaina's should be taken also.

Pity he had not finished her off when he had the chance those years ago, yet the last he had seen of her Morgana had been this pitiful thing like a frightened pup about the place. Elaina was radiant compared to her yet was down casted by society since morgana had the king's favour. Funny how Uther cosied up with those who were cold hearted, even if it did come to stab him in the back. After all, he had been more than happy to welcome Edwin and had been tricked by others with the same dark intentions.

He and morgana were one and the same where he was concerned, undeserving of Elaina only she had insisted on remaining with them. If it were not for morgana, Edwin had imagined that her choice would have been simpler to come join him. If that had happened, where would they be now?

So many what ifs, so many people he could and wanted to blame…

It was getting harder to accept that it was no one else's decision but Elaina's. the more he watched her practically decay in the wagon; the more bitter he was becoming that her noble quest for Albion, had led her to this and there were none he believed were deserving of her sacrifice, which is another reason why he wouldn't allow her to die for them.

That he should lose her for their sake and their stupidity, as it was a driving force for her seeking what was a suicidal act for freedom under the weight of the responsibilities she felt, that was causing her so much pain.

Then to hear that Uther did not care for what Elaina represented and had resigned easily to the notion she would die, it disgusted him.

Arthur detected the sinister tone in Edwin's voice, wary of where he was leading the conversation and tried to deter him from going any further, saying his piece and turning his back again to him.

"I'm sure he'll be glad to see Elaina returned. They don't get on the best, but she is his best friends' daughter and he promised him to care for Elaina."

Edwin sneered and nearly choked on his cackle. The prince was not just a fool, he was a blind fool it seemed and he grabbed the prince's shoulder thrusting him back to look at the sole person alive who could not admit that their father was a monster. The proof of such a claim was there burnt onto Edwin's flesh, how could Arthur question who Uther truly was with Edwin? it would be as if denying birds could fly.

"I'm certain Gorlois wouldn't count his 'best friend'leaving Elaina to rot on her deathbed as part of that promise."

Arthur threw Edwin's arm away, his fingernails nearly piercing his skin without his customary chainmail within their hardened grip. He didn't like to be touched by Edwin, or by anyone with a talent for magic like it soiled him too and wasn't trusting of what they may be doing, as they were hardly forthright in their fights and were sneaky in how they did things. A touch could be a deadly enchantment for all he knew. Whether it was true or not, it didn't matter because Arthur understood, he would always be uncomfortable around sorcerers due to his upbringing and so far little had been done by others to change his opinion.

His own teeth were gritted now, while controlling his words carefully, "I thought we were mature enough to put our differences behind us for Elaina's sake?"

They had been together too long with a tension brewing to a boil, making the insults now jump out the pot like sputtering water without anything to contain them.

The truce wasn't going to last with the history the prince and sorcerer had, which made them enemies from before they had even learnt their first words. In some ways it was like the men were reflecting merlin's conscience, how one part of him wanted to save his kind at all costs, but then he had his own angers and distrust for what his own kin had done upon his friends. Its wasn't so cut glass as they always tried to one up the other, those with and without magic.

He knew he had to somehow find a way to be the bridge between the two, but he was a man allowed to feel as he wanted and for years it was just confusion as to who this Emerys was and where did he hide within Merlin in order to achieve this destiny before him. Because until these arguments within himself could be settled, there was no way he could lead others to do the same and end the war.

He cowered into a horse needing Elaina with him to help settle things, as she always had a reassuring hand that instilled belief but as he turned to look, it was only Laney he could see at first glance. However, it wasn't a carefree child's expression. She was raised on her legs with her eyes wide and bewildered with shock as she let the arguing men's words sink in.

Then Merlin understood why.

He tried to catch their attention, "uh guys…"

Nothing was getting in the way of their fight with Edwin finally being able to tell the prince exactly what he thought of him, having been holding it inside since Elaina had tried so hard to convince him that Arthur was this great once and future king.

"-our differences, you can say that again! Tell me, how many executions have you stood by and watched without uttering a word? Must take a real man with a heart of stone to do such a thing."

Arthur's face went red with anger caught in his biggest shame, witnessing people who die without trial and how many committed no crime but one, driving in that nail that people are simply people. Many factors define who they are, magic being but one thing. it doesn't have to villainise them because of the actions of a few.

Lately, he has wanted to scream that belief out loud for everyone to hear. However, how can he when another person appears trying to destroy his kingdom and home, as well as those he loves. Every instance he feels he has taken a step forward; someone is always there to knock him straight back into is father's fierce teachings.

"seriously you're one to talk, you were quite quick to want to commit murder yourself and also want to take Elaina's choice if she wanted to be with you."

Merlin tapped furiously at Arthur's shoulder wanting to say something, but Edwin over spoke before he had the chance tensing merlin's body who flayed around to do what he could to try and make them shut up.

"you have no idea," Edwin hissed, "when you watch your parents burn alive, when you have felt fire on your own flesh, speak to me then what that does to your soul. I cannot even thank the man who saved me, not since your father saw to Gorlois's death as well."

Merlin froze, but his mouth was still able to scream, "GUYS!"

Thankfully they took notice at his girlish shriek and he pointed in Laney's direction, who up until their argument thought they had been taking her to Gorlois and the woman at her feet was a princess. Now, they had shattered her fantasy declaring the death of her father loudly to break her heart all over again, while using her name allowed her to fit the puzzles together and deduce that there was no princess and she saw her future self-dying before her very eyes.

"Elaina…" Edwin whimpered, but as soon as he took a step towards her, she took the woman's hand into hers. In a split second everything fell into place and she was caught up with the memories she carried right up to the point Edwin had joined her within elaina's own mind and then quickly dispersed, leaving her with that realsiation of what the lake meant.

Laney dropped Elaina's blackened arm, drawing back in terror with her eyes wild with the accusation of being lied to by the people she cared about. Then with a cry, the whole world became shrouded in a thick fog wiping out everything around them in a blank canvas.

This allowed Laney to run into a void vanishing before them and if that wasn't enough of a problem, her unearthly cry sent the horses bolting with Elaina in tow just as she began drawing breath again.

This time, it was Edwin's turn to scream.