Arthur stood still against a tree as Merlin treated a small wound on his neck. The king watched his actions and noticed that his friend was so focused on his job that he didn't even once look at him. Or maybe he didn't want to, but suddenly the warlock's eyes met Arthur's face.

"Are you mad at me?" the king asked.

"What?" Merlin stopped what he was doing.

"I know you warned me about Mordred."

Merlin shook his head. "Glad you're still alive…," he went back to dressing Arthur's wound. "Prat," he added.

Arthur chuckled, which made Merlin smile. "You could do it with your magic."

"I know, but I'm still learning," he replied; "how to be a good physician."

"Physician?" the king frowned.

"Yeah, I didn't have much choice when I was helping Gaius, but then I liked it. It's really rewarding…," Merlin said. "I would use magic if it was necessary, but you're not dying so…," he shrugged.

"The man of many talents, who could believe it?" said Arthur.

"Something like that," Merlin nodded and patted the king on the shoulder. "It's done."

"Thank you."

They turned towards the knights who were watering the horses. Galahad was the only one sitting on the ground and staring at them confused.

"Could anyone tell me what is going on?" he asked and everyone's eyes were laid on him. Arthur exchanged knowing glances with Leon.

"Once Mordred, the young man with curly hair, was one of us," said Leon after a beat.

"I heard," Galahad narrowed his eyes, remembering; "that he was destined to kill Arthur."

"And he almost did if it wasn't to your mother who saved our king," Merlin sat next to the knight.

"I sentenced Mordred's woman to death for an act of murder. Many people have died and the lives of others were in danger. Nevertheless I was willing to let her go, but she said she had no regrets," Arthur sighed and joined them.

Galahad nodded. "I think that he understood what you have told him here," he glanced from Merlin to Arthur. "He's lost, and still he is choosing the wrong path. Do you think he will come back?"

"Better not or I'll kill him myself," Gwaine interjected.

"Yeah, if he won't knock you out first," Percival teased him.

"Well, why didn't you tell us he's a druid, Arthur?" Leon looked at the king.

"I've never seen the need for all of you to know. Except Merlin, he knew, I suppose."

"What a pity," said the warlock. "If I knew that you knew about Mordred I would've told you earlier that I'm a sorcerer."

"It could be fun," said Gwaine. "If I were the only one who would know, Merlin and I would've been the kings of pranks."

"Gwaine, you only have one thing in your head," Arthur laughed, as did the rest. "Wait, I thought you knew about Merlin's magic."

"I wasn't certain."

"Okay, but better we go if we want to be in Ealdor before dusk," Leon said.

They were just half an hour away from the Merlin's hometown, and their way went surprisingly smoothly. When the sun was just about to set behind the horizon, they saw the roofs of the houses and smoke rising in the air from the chimneys. As they entered the village some villagers stopped doing their evening chores and gave them curious glances. "It's king Arthur with his knights!" Someone yelled and people started to leave their homes. Hunith was also among them. She just ran out when he heard Arthur's name, knowing that Merlin must be with him, too. She stood in front of other villagers and saw a bunch of raven hair that she knew very well. Hunith made a few steps forward, a big smile appeared on her face as Merlin and his friends dismounted their horses and walked towards her.

"Mother!" Merlin grinned and fell into her arms.

"My boy," she said, hugging him tightly.

"How's it going? Everything's all right?" he looked at her.

"Yes, everything is fine. How about you? We've heard about the battle and there's been no word from you," there was a concern in Hunith's voice.

"I'm sorry," Merlin said with an apologetic tone. "But now we're all okay, you do not have to worry."

His mother nodded and smiled slightly. "Good. I hope you stay here for a while."

"Of course we do," the warlock smiled.

Arthur walked over to them and nodded towards the woman with a smile. "Hunith," he said and gently took her both hands. "Hope you're feeling well and no one's disturbing you or all the residents."

"We live peacefully, thank you for your concern, Arthur," she replied. "We all are really grateful for your help."

"Oh, that was nothing."

"Did something happen? You brought your knights," Hunith looked over the king's shoulder.

"We were to visit your king. The kingdoms of Essetir and Camelot are at peace at last."

"I'm glad to hear that our people will live without fear," she smiled. "You're a good king, Arthur."

Arthur nodded and smiled at her in return. "Merlin wanted to see you and I couldn't refuse him," he glanced at his friend.

"All right, boys," Hunith put her hands on Merlin's and Arthur's shoulders. "We're going to find you accomodation for the night. I have one spare room in my house where your knights may sleep, and one spare bed which you and Merlin can take."

"Anything would be fine," Arthur thanked her.

"Come on! You're all probably hungry. I made a stew today," she said aloud to everyone.

Hunith led Merlin, Arthur and the knights to her house. They all sat at the table waiting for the meal to be served. There was a little bit of chill inside, but the room was very cozy and it seemed a way different than it was before when they last visited Ealdor. The woman grabbed a huge pot of stew and hung it above the extinguished hearth.

"A lot has changed here, for the better," said Merlin. "For you, too."

"We cannot complain," she replied, glancing at her son. "There are many rumours about the king Lot, but he is good for his people. Since he took the throne, we lack nothing. We are fine."

"Today we saw it for ourselves," Leon agreed.

Hunith nodded. "I've got the help of villagers, too. We're helping each other as much as we can. As the big family," she smiled to herself. "This fireplace makes my life easier. It's finally warm here in the winter. Tristan has done it."

"Tristan?" Merlin frowned.

"Oh, you don't remember?" she looked at them. "He was with you when you came in search of hiding. Poor man, it's been tough on him after the death of his beloved Isolde. Ealdor was the only place he knew, so he came here and decided to live peacefully, helping us."

"So you mean that he's here? How is he now?" Arthur asked.

"Yes, he's doing fine now."

"Tristan is a good man."

"Indeed," Hunith nodded. "Merlin, could you light a fire, please?" she pointed at the hearth under the pot.

"Yeah, of course," Merlin stretched out his hand towards the fireplace and said. "Forbearnahn," his eyes flashed gold and the flames wrapped around the black pot. At the same time they heard a clink as if something had fallen to the floor and they all turned their eyes to Merlin's mother, who was standing near the fireplace holding in one hand seven plates and with the other hand she was covering her mouth. Hunith's eyes were widened and her face paled as if she had just seen a ghost. There fell a terrible silence and Merlin just realised what he had done.

"I forgot to tell you," he rushed to her side and took plates from her and then he picked up the spoon from the floor. She glanced from Merlin to Arthur in search of an answer.

"Arthur and the knights know about my magic, there's no need to worry," said the warlock looking at her, concerned.

"Really?" Hunith asked with uncertainty in her voice.

"Yes, I don't have to hide anymore," he smiled.

The woman sighed in relief and Merlin walked her and sat her at the table across from Arthur.

"It's fine, no harm will come to Merlin, I promise," the king smiled reassuringly and glanced at Merlin. The corners of the warlock's lips rose slightly, it made his heart warmer at these words.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you like that," he said and handed everyone a plate.

"It's all right," said Hunith and chuckled. Her smile was bright at the thought that her son can finally live free and he has friends who care for him. She didn't have to fear for his life anymore.

"So," Merlin smiled; "I'll pour the soup."

They had supper in a very good atmosphere, telling each other everything that had happened to them since their last visit to Ealdor. When it was quite late and tiredness took over, they all went to their long-awaited sleep. But Merlin didn't forget what he had to do. He looked to the left, where Arthur was lying next to him, and leaned over to make sure he was asleep. The king was snoring softly, and there was no sign of waking him. Merlin slipped out of bed and quietly, trying not to knock over anything, for which he had incredible talent, he tiptoed out of the house. Two buildings away was the stable where their horses were located. He took the reins of his black stallion and walked him out. The horse seemed slightly anxious, as if he felt something bad in the air. He neighed, resisting.

"Shh…, be quiet, please," Merlin whispered.

Slowly, he finally managed to lead his stallion out of the village. He mounted the horse and headed to the Forest of Merendra. It was full moon night so Merlin saw the path clearly. With the help of his abilities he could rush as fast as his horse could do, because the warlock guided himself to his destination. All this to return to Ealdor before dawn.

After an hour of riding Merlin saw from a distance a familiar place. He slowed down the horse and rode a little closer, noticing that tree branches were broken as if a gale had passed through the forest. Moments later the entrance to the cave was shown to his eyes. He jumped off his stallion and tied him to one of the trees. The path to the cave was led by stones which were put in the water. The warlock was so focused on his thoughts that he didn't even notice traces on the ground. A sudden chill seized him as he entered the damp cave, and in that moment he regretted he hadn't taken anything to cover himself with. He rubbed his hands and breathed on them, trembling, but not from fear of what he might encounter there. This place was associated with his father, therefore he had a feeling there was nothing to be afraid of.

Suddenly Merlin sensed something, a magical presence. He couldn't resist it because it drew him like a magnet. However, he was aware enough to see ahead of what awaited him in the dark tunnel. The warlock's eyes flashed gold and he ran with his mind towards the source of what caused him this strange feeling. At the end of the tunnel there was a beam of light, probably getting through a crack in the rock, which was falling on a round white stone-like object, but it seemed to be moving, because the top of it was rising steadily up and down. Merlin came back to himself gasping. Without a second thought he ran fast towards it, creating in the meantime a globe of light in his hands to see his way. He stopped a few feet from the white thing and held his breath. It was still moving up and down slowly and it was snoring. The warlock took a closer look and he just couldn't believe his eyes. The snoring object had a head and a tail covered with its wing, and it was nothing but a dragon. Grin appeared on Merlin's face. He never expected that in that very cave he would find Aithusa.

The dragon moved slightly as if it felt Merlin's presence. She slowly opened her big, light blue eyes which were quickly fixed on the warlock's face. Aithusa yawned, making a howling sound and pretending she didn't care about Merlin, but then she turned her snout to him and spit fire. The warlock, in a flash, sprang out his hand creating a transparent barrier with the other hand to protect him from the dragon's flames. He crouched down and covered his face under the pressure of the air. The dragon howled again and Merlin spoke the voice of a dragonlord.

"Nun de ge dei s'eikein kai emois epe'essin hepesthai!" said Merlin and Aithusa softened, tilting her head down. "I mean you no harm, I'm your friend," he continued with a gentle tone. "I'm Merlin."

Aithusa looked at him with sadness and uncertainty. He stretched out his hand in order to stroke her, but she backed away sharply.

"I'm sorry, I just want to help you. I know what has happened to you, what they have done."

"You know nothing," spoke a soft, flat voice in Merlin's head. The dragon turned its back to him.

"You can speak," the warlock breathed after a beat, bewildered. "But… how?"

"Aithusa," he said calmly when he didn't get the answer.

"Kilgharrah," she said. "He found me after the battle and helped me to get my voice back."

"The battle?" Merlin frowned. "The battle of Camlann?" The dragon nodded.

"Where is he now? I've tried to reach him," the warlock asked.

"He's not well, needs time for himself," Aithusa said.

"All right. So that's why you're not with him? Why are you here?"

"Why do you ask? What do you want from me?" there was nervousness in her voice.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to overwhelm you. I'm just trying to understand," said Merlin slowly. "Look at you," he pointed at her, referring to her size. "You can't be hiding like this."

"I'm hiding because I have nowhere to go. I'm hiding because too many people hurt me. And I don't want to live in fear, better like this, in hiding," the dragon said, eyeing Merlin.

"I understand you more than anyone. And I know there was someone who maybe understood you better than me," the warlock sighed. "I also know that you healed Mordred," he said after a moment looking into her eyes. "The same way you saved Morgana, why? Did you really choose to be against us?"

"Against you?" she snarled. "I'm not on anyone's side. I saved Mordred because he didn't deserve to die, he's a good heart like Morgana was, but you knew better, Emrys."

Merlin let out a breath, getting the impression where the conversation with the white dragon would be coming to.

"You turned your back on her and left her alone. She was my friend," said Aithusa bitterly.

"I truly am sorry," said Merlin after a beat, his voice cracked. "I'm sorry for what has happened to you and Morgana. I've been blaming myself to this day for what became of her. She was one of us, but I was too late, too selfish and too focused on fulfilling my destiny that I'd lost the moment and didn't show her the right path," he paused for a beat gathering his thoughts.

"She was lost," he continued. "I should've listened to my heart, that's what I've been always telling others, but I was blind and instead of being a friend to her I became her enemy and that's my fault. I have made many mistakes in my whole life and this is the one that I truly regret. And this time I won't give up on you! I won't fight you, because you're my kin!" he cried. "What else can I say?"

Aithusa listened to him carefully, understanding every word. She felt his emotions and she knew that Merlin spoke the truth.

"I only wanted to help Arthur build a fair and just kingdom, to finally bring magic back to Camelot, and to bring peace in Albion," the warlock said resignedly and shook his head.

"I think that you've already achieved half of it," the white dragon said. "But peace cannot be achieved by war."

"War?" Merlin frowned. "Of course not, and Arthur knows about it," there was a moment of silence until the warlock spoke again. "I thought you were a sign of better times," he walked closer to the dragon asking for permission to stroke her. Aithusa nodded and let Merlin put his hand on her snout.

"Oh, how small you are for such a great destiny," he sighed and smiled slightly, stroking her.

"Destiny?" she looked at him with her big eyes.

"The Great Dragon said that you boded well for Albion and for the land Arthur would build."

"And how will we do this, young warlock?" Aithusa asked, taking her snout away from Merlin's hand.

"It is yet what I do not know," he replied. "I guess we have to learn it for ourselves."

"But I am a free dragon, I won't let you imprison me," Aithusa stood on her paws, but she was not much taller than Merlin.

"And yet you have lived as a slave for so many years," the warlock said quietly, the white dragon didn't say anything. "But I never meant to do something like that to you," he shook his head. "You're not safe here, Mordred and Vortimer are looking for you. I don't know why and for what, but I'm pretty sure they mean nothing good."

Their heads snapped towards the dark tunnel when they heard as a tiny pebble rolled on the ground.

"Someone's here," Merlin whispered and jumped into a run as he heard footsteps that hastily began to recede from them.