Gaius has just sorted the new vials, which are already almost all filled again with various tinctures. Some have even remained whole when Aredian searched the physician's chamber. Merlin bends over different parchments, trying to sort the loose pages into the proper books. He keeps rubbing his head in confusion. Gaius leans against the rack and watches him, smiling. The old man is still rather weak on his feet and needs rest every now and then. He knows that Mary and Merlin are worried about him. Often the two are near him and help clean up where they can. The advantage is that the two talk to each other more and their friendship deepens again. The king has kept his word and paid for everything that was destroyed.

Mary has just come in with new pots and bowls that she bought at the market, since the others were all broken. She still looks very fragile and the worry about her protector makes her frown worriedly. Clattering, she sets the dishes down on one of the tables. She glances at Gaius and approaches him, "How are you?"

He waves it off with a smile, "I'm fine. Don't worry so much. It's starting to look almost the same here."

Mary looks around and nods. Gaius sees that something is bothering her and asks, "What's wrong?"

She sighs, "Oh, I ran into Dena at the market."

Gaius raises an eyebrow, "Isn't she a druid girl?"

"Yes she is, it was dangerous for her to come here. But she asked if I would stop by sometime soon. Leya has her hands full and needs some assistance. One of the druids is expecting twins and Leya is still young and inexperienced. She's only been to one birth. She feels insecure."
Gaius nods, "So you offered her your support?"
Mary shrugs, "Yes, but actually I want you to come with me. Twins aren't often seen here either and I don't know if I can handle it."

The old man smiles fatherly at her, "Remember Mia, the miller's daughter? When she gave birth to twins, you did most of it because I was held up. You are doing wonderfully and have all the knowledge in your clever head. Take Merlin with you. He's been wanting to drop in on the druids for a while now. Then you'll have help and he can get me some of the rare herbs they have there. Don't look at me so horrified."

Merlin looked up from his parchments when Gaius called his name and Mary also looks at her old friend in horror, "We're not going to leave you here alone."
"I'm not fit enough to come with you yet, Mary. I promise you I'll take care of myself. I'll probably recover faster that way, too, when you two aren't around. With all these adventures you keep getting into..." Gaius smiles.

Mary looks at her hands, "I don't want to leave you alone, Gaius. And yet Leya needs my help. I will go with Dena tomorrow to the druids in the forest of Ascetir. But only stay as long as it takes me."

Gaius puts his hand on her arm, "Please don't worry. I am getting better every day. The fresh air will do you good. Merlin will accompany you. He, too, needs a change of environment or he'll sour on me here in front of my books and notes."

Merlin looks uncertainly from Gaius to Mary. He still feels unsure how to act around the girl. Mary looks up and says, "Very well. Then write down what herbs and plants you need and give the list to Merlin. I want to ride out in the morning."

Gaius sits down with Merlin and helps sort through the loose papers. Mary watches him closely. He actually seems a little stronger each day. She will ask Gwen to check on Gaius daily while she is gone.

The sun is just coming up as Mary and Merlin get ready. They stand outside the gates of Camelot to avoid attracting attention as they meet Dena, the druid girl there. Gwen stands next to them and Mary hugs her friend. Gwen says, "Take care of yourself. I'm glad you're not going all alone."

Mary gives Gwen a warm hug, "I'm just going to the Druids. We will take the safe way via the main path. There are always Camelot's patrols there, too. Please promise to check on Gaius."
"I will. Every day when I get to work and before I go home again."

Mary mounts and helps Dena onto the horse in front of her. The Druid girl is perhaps 13 years old and has probably never been on a horse before. Anxiously, she holds onto the animal's mane. Mary puts her arms around the girl and takes the reins in her hand: "Don't be afraid. Mel, that's the horse's name, is a lovely animal. I ride her most of the time. Just tell me when you need a break. Nevertheless, we will try to be with your people as soon as possible. The babies could come any day." Dena nods bravely to Mary and tries to relax a bit.

Gaius walks up to Merlin, who is still tying the blankets and luggage to his horse, "Take care of yourselves. Please try not to go on any adventures." Merlin winks mischievously at the old man, "Adventure? We never do. Are you sure I shouldn't stay here with you?"

"No, go...you've been wanting to stop by the Druids for a long time. I'll be fine here and enjoy my peaceful time without you two."

Merlin laughs and mounts his horse as well, "Arthur expects me back in a week at the latest. I'll be back then."

Gaius stands next to Gwen and the two of them continue to watch the travelers ride away for a long time.

Towards evening it starts to rain and Mary finds a small cave where they can spend the night. They quickly build a fire and cook a soup. After the three have eaten, Dena lies down and immediately falls asleep. The journey on the horse has exhausted her. Mary puts a blanket over her and throws some more wood on the fire. Merlin feeds the horses and rubs them dry. Since the cave has a high entrance, he lets the horses stand in the dry and ties them up.

Since they want to continue early the next morning, they both go to sleep as well. Mary lies awake for a long time thinking about Gaius. She hopes that he is well. Then she worries about the young woman who is about to give birth. She hopes that she can assist her properly and is a little nervous about the event. Sighing, she turns to the side and looks at Merlin, who is lying a little apart. His face is relaxed in sleep and Dena's breathing is also calm and regular. Mary closes her eyes and listens to the crackling of the fire, the snorting of the horses and the dripping rain. With a smile on her lips, she drifts off to sleep.

She is awakened abruptly and looks around, startled. Dena is lying next to her, still fast asleep. Mary sits up and tries to figure out what woke her. The embers of the fire dimly illuminate the cave. Suddenly she hears a low whine coming from Merlin's direction. Quietly, she gets up and walks toward the young warlock. She sees that he is having a nightmare. Restless, he tosses and turns, breathing rapidly and intermittently.

Hesitantly, she reaches out and shakes him lightly by the shoulder. But Merlin is too deeply caught up in his dream. "No, no...don't do this...it's my fault."

Mary frowns and grabs Merlin a little tighter, "Merlin! Wake up. You're having a nightmare."

The young man flinches and opens his eyes. Without understanding he looks around the cave and takes a moment to know where he is. Slowly he sits up and runs a hand through his hair. Mary sees that he is trembling. But Merlin smiles at her and says, "I'll be all right. I got a fright in my dream. Lie back down and rest. Sorry I woke you up."

Mary lies back down in her seat and watches Merlin. He also lies back down and takes a few deep breaths in and out as if to calm himself.

Mary whispers: "Merlin, that was more than a mere fright! You had a nightmare. Do you have that often?"

She sees Merlin shrug his shoulders, "Once in a while."

"Is it always the same dream?"

"Yes..." Merlin remains silent.

"Do you want to talk about it? Sometimes it helps."

Merlin shivers and pulls his blanket under his chin. He doesn't say anything for a long time and Mary thinks he's already fallen asleep again when he starts to speak softly after all: "I keep seeing Will in front of me. How he is afraid and takes his last breath. His death haunts me. That will be my punishment."

"What do you mean by punishment?"
"Will told Arthur that he has magic so that I can continue to guard my secret to fulfill my destiny one day."

Mary begins to understand. She stands up once more and puts the blanket around her shoulder before sitting down next to the sorcerer. She places her hand lightly on his arm and says, "Merlin, do you think you are to blame for his death?"

"Am I not? If I had reacted faster, I could have saved him from the arrow. Or I could have told Arthur about my gift from the beginning, then maybe it never would have come to this."
"Maybe, but maybe not. Will decided to jump in front of the prince himself. And he saw how important you are to Arthur and took your secret with him to his death because of it. Arthur isn't ready to know your secret yet. I take it Will didn't have magic?"

"No...he just knew about it. That was the reason Mother had sent me to Gaius. She was afraid the whole village would find out. But Will would never have told anyone about it."

"Yes, he was a good friend to you. Right to the end, Merlin. Remember the good times you had and don't blame yourself. You were by his side when he left this world. That counts for much more. I can't take away your guilt, but I know Will wouldn't want you to torture yourself with it."

Merlin sighs, "Yeah, he probably would have smacked me around the head a long time ago if he were here now."

Mary nests in her herb bag and pulls out some lavender from it. "Here, take this, it will help you sleep peacefully."

Gratefully, Merlin takes from it and sinks back onto his pillow. Mary takes her hand from his arm and lies back down as well. Merlin still feels her warmth and then says, "Mary?"

"Hmm?"

"Thanks! I missed this…"

Mary remains quiet, gazing up at the night sky outside the cave. The rain has stopped and the stars are twinkling in the now clear sky.

Mary wakes Dena the next morning and gives her a cup of tea. Merlin is already packing the horses again. After a short time the three are on their way to the forest of Ascetir again. The journey goes on without any major surprises and when it is already dark again, they reach the cave of the druids. Iseldir, the highest ranking, comes out and greets the arrivals in a friendly manner. "It is good to have you here. You must be tired and hungry. Come in."

The horses are taken over by two druids and led away. Dena runs into the cave to her mother, who is already waiting for her and gives her a proud but relieved hug. Mary looks around and asks, "Where is Leya?"

Iseldir looks at her with a smile, "She's with Eostra right now, the young woman who is expecting. But she will surely come to you later and inform you about everything. Come, warm yourself by the fire first."

Merlin and Mary sit down by the inviting fire and are both given a bowl of stew. Silently, they eat. They haven't spoken a word to each other since last night. Iseldir sits down with them and watches the two.

A little later Mary looks for Leya, who is still with Eostra. She finds the two women in the back of the cave. It is quiet there and a fire is burning to give some warmth and light. Leya smiles when she sees Mary: "Mary! How nice that you are here. This is Eostra. She was in and out of labor today, but the children don't seem to be in a hurry. She is already very tired. I don't know what to give her so she can get some rest."

Mary kneels down to the young woman, who is lying comfortably on furs and blankets. She checks the heartbeat of the mother and children and is satisfied so far, as all seem to be doing well. Eostra looks at Mary and says softly, "I've heard a lot about you Mary. The last time you were here, I didn't have the pleasure of meeting you."
Mary brushes a few strands of hair from the woman's sweaty face, "The pleasure is all mine. The children are doing well, as far as I can tell. It may be some time before they are really ready to be born. I see you are tired and need rest. I'll give you something that will make you a little sleepy and ease some of the cramping. It is important that you are strong enough at the end to help the babies into the world."

Gratefully, Eostra drinks the tincture Mary holds out to her and then sinks back onto the pillow.

Mary and Leya stand a little apart and Mary says, "It would be good if she wasn't alone anymore."

Leya nods, "Her husband is here. He will keep watch over her."
"Good, I will check on her regularly. It's best to have a pot of warm water and fresh cloths ready at all times. I think this is going to be a long night for all of us."

Leya looks to the fire in the main part of the cave, "You brought Merlin with you."
"Yes, he came to visit you and learn about the druids. Who is sitting with him?"
A young blonde girl sits next to the young warlock and talks to him. They seem to be having a good time. Every now and then they laugh. Leya rolls her eyes, "That's my sister Jayla. She feels she is of marriageable age and approaches every young man who comes under her nose. She literally ensnares them. Perhaps Merlin will fall for her...I should warn him."

Mary goes to her sleeping place and lies down. She wants to rest and collect herself before the birth is imminent. She is sure that the babies want to be born this very night. Nervously, she kneads her fingers and chews on her lower lip. Again and again, she goes over the birth process in her mind and sincerely hopes that she will do everything right. She notices how suddenly her necklace vibrates slightly and becomes warmer. Surprised, she looks up and sees a Druid boy in front of her. As he steps out of the shadows, she gasps in surprise and smiles, "Mordred!"

"Hello Mary, Iseldir told me you were here. I wanted to see how you were doing."

Mary points to a seat next to her and the boy sits down. His bright blue eyes look at her with concern, "The last time I saw you, my magic hurt you...I had to escape...but I didn't mean to hurt you."
Mary remembers the power of the boy's magic and how he had killed some soldiers with it. Quickly she says, "Oh no, Mordred...you did nothing to me. Rather, you protected me from your own magic. Or so Merlin explained it to me at the time. I'm sorry you had to think all that time that you hurt me."

The boy looks at her with joy and wraps his arms around her, "Then I'm glad. I need to lie down now...tomorrow I will go to another druidclan so my training can continue."
Mary looks at the boy uncomprehendingly, but he has already stood up and waves goodbye to her once more.

She is awakened after a few hours by a gentle shaking. Merlin kneels beside her and says quietly, "Mary, Eostra has been having pretty strong contractions for the last hour. We were going to let you sleep a little longer, but now it needs you." Mary sits up with a jerk and looks nervously at her shaking hands. Merlin notices and takes her, cold hands into his, which are quite warm. Mary wants to pull her hands back in fright, but Merlin holds them gently but firmly: "Mary, you can do it! I know it. And Gaius knows it, otherwise he wouldn't have sent you alone. You must believe in yourself. Leya is already there and will help you in whatever way she can." Mary lifts her gaze uncertainly and looks into the warlock's blue eyes. Convinced, he looks at her and smiles. She lowers her eyes, takes two deep breaths and exhales, then stands up. Calm and focused, she walks to the area of the cave, prepared for the birth.

Merlin sits down at the main fire in the front of the cave. Although it is late, he cannot sleep. Lost in thought, he gazes into the flames, not noticing Iseldir siting down next to him. "You can't sleep?"

Merlin looks up and smiles, "No. There's too much going on tonight."

Iseldir nods and looks at Merlin more closely, "Why did you come with Mary?"

The young man shrugs, "The Druid people fascinate me and I wanted to know more."
"Know more about what?" Merlin looks back up into the flames. Iseldir asks, "About you? Your destiny? I'm afraid I can't tell you much about that." He sees Merlin's shoulders slump and says, "You don't sleep well...do you have nightmares?"

Surprised, Merlin looks up, "How do you know?"

"You seem tired, even if you try to cover it up with your cheerful manner. What is your dream about?"
"Mostly about losses I couldn't avert, even though apparently I'm supposed to be the most powerful sorcerer," Merlin replies bitterly.

Iseldir puts a hand on his shoulder, "Emrys, you still have much to learn and experience that will make you what the prophecies tell us you are. Some of these experiences are difficult. You may be a sorcerer by birth, but your heart is human. You react with love, joy, anger and sadness to the events around you. Keep that humanity, it makes you who you are. But don't let it bring you down. You can't control all things in your life. Not even with magic."

Merlin nods and rests his chin on his knees. His gaze still follows the dancing flames.

It is already light outside again when a sense of relief and joy fills the inside of the cave. Mary comes wearily forward from the back of the cave, brushing a strand of hair from her forehead. Rod, Eostra's husband quickly approaches her, "Is she okay?"
Mary smiles and puts her hand on his arm, "All three are fine. The birth was exhausting and they need rest. But you get to see them, of course. Congratulations. You have a perfectly healthy girl and boy."

Rod looks at her with joy, "Thank you Mary!" then rushes as fast as he can to his wife and the newborns.

Mary walks through the cave and stands outside in the fresh morning air. She closes her eyes and breathes in and out in a relaxed manner. The birth had taken a lot of her energy and for a brief moment things had gotten hectic when the second baby wouldn't turn right. But Mary then remembered the words of Gaius 'Let nature work...usually it will come to good.' Mary smiles and cries with joy as she remembers the crying bundle that she was then allowed to place in the arms of the exhausted mother. Slowly she makes her way to the nearby river to wash. Iseldir looks after her and follows a few minutes later.

The cool wet awakens her spirits a bit and she sits down on the bank of the river. Suddenly she hears footsteps behind her and when she turns around, Iseldir is standing in front of her. He smiles at her, "You did well. Eostra is fine and Leya has lain down exhausted. You should rest as well before you then make your way back to Camelot."

"I know, but I was still too exhilarated to lie down."
Iseldir sits down beside her, "How are you, Mary?"
She looks at him questioningly, "I'm fine...why do you ask me that?"
"Well, I've noticed that something has changed between you and Merlin since the last time you were here. Do you want to talk about it?"
Mary looks down at her feet, "Not really...I just got to know the real him."
Iseldir remains silent for a while. Finally he says, "And that scares you? He is still the same young man."
"Yes, but with more risk! Especially if he lives in the heart of Camelot. I've already lost enough people because of the king's hatred against magic." She glances at Iseldir, "So you know what gift Merlin has."
"Yes, and I know it won't work without him. You have other people in your heart like Gaius, or us Druids...all of whom also live a high risk. And yet you do not turn away from us. You are stronger than you think, Mary."

They sit silently until Mary asks, "I met Mordred yesterday. He said he was going to a new druid clan today. He's just a boy...is that a good thing if he keeps switching?"
"Well, it's really only those of us who want to promote that do that. He has a gift and we want him to learn as many different ways as possible until he chooses one. Each Druid people is devoted to a different element and has different strengths. We here, call the element of earth ours. We specialize in healing the sick and injured. No matter where they come from or where they go. With us, everyone is treated. Mordred has been with us for a few months now. This morning he was accompanied by one of our druids to the Wæter people. As you have probably already understood, they work primarily with the element of water. We place a great deal of importance on Mordred. He is an exceptional boy and will go far. But come, you must rest. Let's go back to the cave."

Mary supports herself with her hands and slowly stands up. As she does, her necklace slips out of her blouse. Iseldir quickly takes it in his hands and asks, "Where did you get that necklace?"
Mary takes it from him again and hides it back under her clothes, "A gift from my mother."
"You must take good care of it. Probably its the only one left of its kind. As far as I know, all the others have been destroyed."
"Yes, I know...so Uther won't get his hands on one."

Iseldir nods seriously, "You're taking a risk carrying it. Do you know what it does?"

"Yes, whenever there is magic in near around me, the stone vibrates and it heats up. But once it knows the magic, that action doesn't seem necessary."
"Hmmm...what do you mean?"
"Well, when I'm near Merlin, the stone just warms up a little more. But it doesn't react anymore...it's like it knows I'm always around his magic often."
"Yes, that's so. But if you don't have that magic around for some time, the stone will react again, like it did in the beginning. Or if Merlin approaches you without you being aware of it. Then the stone will also react. The stone feels safe only when you are aware of the magic around you."

Mary looks at Iseldir, "There seem to be different strengths of magic. With Gaius, the stone vibrates only very gently. With Merlin, Morgana, or Mordred, it is much stronger and the stone heats up considerably. Although it heats up the most with Merlin."
"Yes, there is another increase. The stone even glows when the Old Religion is strongly present. Keep it near you at all times!"

Mary nods and reaches for the pendant she feels through her blouse. Together they walk back to the cave, where Mary once again lies down on her sleeping place and soon falls asleep.

Before Merlin and Mary leave on the morning of the following day, they both stop by Eostra to see her and her infants. The young woman has recovered well from the birth and Leya has just been with her. Everything is healing as it should. Eostra places one of her infants in Mary's arms and says, touched: "I thank you for your faith that everything will go well. If you don't mind, I will name the girl Mary Leya."
Tears come to Mary's eyes, "I am honored, Eostra! I will come visit you again soon so I can see them both grow up."

Merlin stands by somewhat helplessly, but can't take his eyes off the little bundle of life in Mary's arms. Mary notices and hands the little baby to him. Surprised and somewhat awkwardly, he holds it in his arms. The infant sleeps peacefully and is not disturbed. Merlin feels an inner peace flow through him as he looks into the innocent face. Astonished, he looks at Mary. She smiles knowingly: "That's what all these sweet little ones have in common. They give you an inner peace and contentment. Why do you think I love going to visit newborns?"

Merlin looks at the baby with a smile and says wistfully, "I wonder if such a miracle will be mine one day."

Eostra looks from Merlin to Mary and then to her baby, "I'm sure you'll both be wonderful parents yourselves someday!"

Mary clears her throat, gives Eostra a farewell hug, and heads for the horses. A short time later, Merlin follows her. Iseldir and his people watch them go.