A/N: Thank you for the review, the follows and the favourites. I don't own Merlin.
Morgause got ready to go to Camelot while Rose watched her from the table. She was half watching her pack half reading a book. She loved it so much being around Morgause being able to practice magic without having the fear of being executed. She also enjoyed Morgause's company because she was like a mentor.
"I am going to make sure it's safe for you to go back, then let you know" said Morgause.
"Why are you wearing knights gear?" asked Rose. Noticing the chainmail and the helmet that she held under her arm.
"I am going to battle Arthur to see if he is worthy of having you back" said Morgause.
"Okay, seems a bit extreme but it is you," said Rose. Morgause smiled before heading towards Rose.
"I am going to be gone for a few days but don't panic, this place is well protected no one comes unless I want them to, there are books in the library down the hall and food in the kitchen" said Morgause. She kissed Rose the cheek before leaving on her horse. Rose went through to the library and found a few books. She took them to the outside area before sitting down. She drank some water from a water skin.
Morgause was back in a few days like she said, and Rose spent the whole-time reading books, practicing magic and eating food, she had also written to Mordred to let him know what happened with the witch finder and to check to see if he was okay. He had sent a letter back saying he was in a druid camp south of Cenred's kingdom and was safe telling her to stay safe herself. Morgause found Rose in the outside part of the castle reading a book. Rose looked up when she arrived and ran and gave her a hug. Morgause sat down with Rose and wrapped his arm around her.
"Is it safe for me to go back?" asked Rose.
"Yes, Arthur and Merlin should be on their way here" said Morgause.
"Do they know I am here?" asked Rose.
"No, it's a surprise" said Morgause.
"Did you beat Arthur?" asked Rose.
"I did, get up I'll show you" said Morgause. Rose got up and Morgause got up as well. Morgause gave Rose a sword and they started their sword fight. She showed her how she managed to de-sword Arthur.
"Did he react well to being challenged" asked Rose.
"No, I came in and killed a few guards on my way in to show I meant business, chucked my gauntlet on the floor in front of him, I think they were knighting a few of the soldiers, anyway he picked it up and asked me to reveal myself, I took my helmet off and everybody in the rooms jaw dropped to the floor" said Morgause.
Rose laughed she could imagine all their faces just like have you never seen a woman in chainmail and knights' clothes.
"When will they be here?" asked Rose.
"They should arrive tomorrow afternoon" said Morgause giving her a smile.
"Did you see Morgana," said Rose.
"Yes, actually I need to tell you something" said Morgause. Rose nodded and waited for Morgause to start talk "I was born in Camelot, Morgana is my half-sister, I was smuggled out of Camelot after my birth and entrusted to high priestess".
"How come you have to be smuggled out?" asked Rose. She was finding it interesting to hear about Morgause's background.
"I showed magic abilities and it was just after the great purge and it was Gaius actually that saved me" said Morgause.
"Gaius is nice like that though; he's been in charge of my schooling," said Rose. Rose explained to Morgause how things worked in Camelot. Missing out Merlin's magic and Kilghara unsure of how Morgause would react to the fact she was friends with the last dragon.
The next day Rose was feeling mixed feelings half excited to be going back to Camelot and half disappointment because she had to go back to hiding her magic. It was so much easier to not have to worry about being alive. Morgause had given her tips about how to keep it under control in stressful situation. They were sat in the room that Rose had been sleeping they were sat by the fire.
"When you're scared or in distress you magic will give of a distress signal to any magic users in the area" said Morgause. She listened carefully wondering if Morgause was going to miss having Rose hang on her every word "you can control this by thinking about one magic user". Rose nodded it made complete sense narrow it down get help quicker.
There was movement outside Morgause signalled for Rose to stay put in the room while she went outside. She looked out the window to see that Merlin and Arthur had arrived she stood so that she could see them, but they couldn't see her. She watched Morgause tell Arthur to put his head on the chopping block which he did. Rose couldn't hear what was going on, but she could completely imagine Merlin down there protesting like crazy. She knew that Morgause wasn't going to kill Arthur if she would have done it already, she was high priestess if she wanted too, she could kill him without even trying. He straightened up and looked around he looked so surprised. "Rose you can come down" said Morgause in her head. She didn't need telling twice she ran out the room and ran down to the courtyard where they were. She walked down the steps and both men looked up to see her.
"Rose!" said Merlin he ran over to her and hugged her tightly and she hugged back equally as tight, gosh she had missed him and his smell of herbs. Arthur came over as well and pulled Merlin of her and then hugged Rose. He pulled away but kept Rose on his arm.
"What is she doing here?" asked Arthur to Morgause.
"I found her in the woods not far from here weak, alone and afraid, so I took her to the castle, and I looked after" said Morgause. Rose nodded at the story.
"Thank you for looking after her, you said you knew my mother, tell me all you know about her," said Arthur.
"Perhaps you would like to see her" said Morgause.
"I want that more than anything," said Arthur. Rose noticed that his grip on Rose seemed to tighten at the mention of seeing his mother. It was like he was using her to ground himself. She held back tightly.
"As you wish" said Morgause. She beckoned for Arthur to follow her which he did and took Rose with him.
They got to a part of the castle that was stunning to look at it had flowers everywhere and the vines came down making the place have a mysterious feeling. She attempted to give Arthur some space, but he kept her there. She just shrugged and went along with it. Morgause started to light some candles.
"Are you sure you want to do this" asked Merlin in a quiet voice.
"If you were granted the same opportunity, would you not want to meet your father," said Arthur. Rose turned to face them both.
"A bit of below the belt comment, yeah it is possible that people want to see their dead relatives, its normal" said Rose attempting to comfort Arthur.
"Uther won't forgive you he finds out that you worked with a sorcerer," said Merlin. Seriously who's side was Merlin on he was meant to be changing mind towards magic not scaring him from it.
"What if my father's attitude to magic is wrong," said Arthur.
"You really think that?" asked Merlin looking hopefully at Arthur.
"Morgause hasn't done anything to harm us, and she looked after Rose, surely not everyone that practices magic is evil," said Arthur. Morgause turned around to face them with an interested look on her face.
"It is time" said Morgause. Arthur let go of Rose and moved forward towards Morgause she took his hand and lead him to the centre of the yard area they were in. There was a massive amount of magic in the air, and it was so interesting to feel it "close your eyes". Morgause chanted a long spell, and everything was in slow motion while Ygraine's spirit arrived into the clearing. She was a pretty young woman with blue eyes she looked very similar to Arthur it was so weird how much they looked like each other. Ygraine said Arthur's name and Arthur opened his eyes and looked at his mother.
"Mother" said Arthur.
Rose could hear the emotion his voice she couldn't help thinking about her own parents dead maybe she would be able to bring them back for a chat.
"My son" said Ygraine she ran hugged Arthur and he hugged back. She suddenly felt like maybe she shouldn't be watching this, but it was like she couldn't take her eyes of it. "When I last held you, you were a tiny baby. I remember your eyes. You were staring up at me. Those few seconds I held you were the most precious of my life."
"I am so sorry," said Arthur.
"You have nothing to be sorry for" said Ygraine.
"It was my birth that cause your death," said Arthur. That feeling was so real, wait did that mean that Arthur's mother died in childbirth they had more in common than Rose had ever realised before.
"No, you are not to blame" said Ygraine.
"I cannot bear the thought that you died because of me" said Arthur.
"Do not think that it is your father that should be sorry not you" said Ygraine. Rose moved closer to make sure she didn't miss any of this conversation.
"What do you mean" asked Arthur.
"It is unimportant, the important thing is your alive" said Ygraine. She looked so young and must have died so young to produce an heir to the throne. Arthur begged for more information on why Uther should be feeling guilty "Your father, he was desperate for an heir. Without a son, the Pendragon dynasty would come to an end. But I could not conceive".
"Then how was I conceived" asked Arthur he sounded even more distressed Rose just wanted to go over and hug him, but she also didn't want to ruin the moment with mother and son they not have much time left.
"Your father betrayed me. He went to the sorceress Nimueh and asked for her help in conceiving a child... You were born of magic" said Ygraine.
Rose's jaw dropped Uther had used magic and it didn't go his way, so he killed everyone with magic as revenge. She was so done with Uther's hypocrisy he was ready for magic user all to drop dead and tortured while he can just use magic and not be held accountable.
"That can't be true," said Arthur.
"I'm sorry, Arthur. Your father has deceived you as he deceived me. To create a life, a life must be taken. Your father knew that" said Ygraine.
"No." cried Arthur.
"He sacrificed my life so the Pendragon dynasty could continue. It makes you no less my son, nor me any less proud of you. Now I see you, I would have given my life willingly. Do not let this knowledge change you" said Ygraine with that sentence she disappeared the spell was over.
Arthur looked back up to see that she was gone he looked so heart broken and sad. He also looked very angry indeed.
"No, bring her back" said Arthur desperately.
"I cannot, once the door is closed it is closed forever" said Morgause.
"I am so sorry Arthur, it must be hard knowing that your father is responsible for your mother's death, even in cases of normal woman dying in childbirth it's not the child's fault" said Rose she tried to say it in a soothing voice, but her throat was dry.
"It is an unforgivable betrayal" said Morgause. He stared in silence while Morgause and Rose said their goodbyes and Morgause went back into the castle. He stood there a bit longer.
"Arthur are you okay," said Merlin. Rose walked closer to Arthur unsure of what he might need right now a hug, a punch in the arm or a squeeze on the shoulder.
"Fetch the horse, we ride to Camelot" said Arthur he took Rose's arm and walked her to the horses that Merlin was fetching he was shaking with anger. Merlin was arranging his saddle so that Rose would go on his saddle "no she goes on mine". Before Rose could protest Arthur had already put her on his horse and then got behind her.
"Maybe I can choose for myself" said Rose cautiously.
"No" said Arthur flatly. He was trembling with rage and anger. She decided it was best not to argue with him.
They arrived back in Camelot in the evening and wow was Arthur angry. He got of the horse got Rose of the horse grabbed his sword and went to straight to the council chambers taking Rose with him. He dragged her down the corridor until they arrived at the council chambers. They walked in and Uther looked up.
"Arthur, Rose it's so good to see you, I have been worried, we had search parties out looking for both of you," said Uther.
"I know what you did to my mother" breathed Arthur in complete and utter rage.
"Leave us, don't let anyone enter," said Uther. Leon nodded and left the room with a bow. Rose attempted to follow him, but Arthur stopped her "what are you talking about?"
"You were so desperate for an heir you were prepared to use magic" said Arthur his voice was level but was raising in volume as time went on.
"Did Morgause tell you this, she is lying," said Uther.
Rose could not believe how easy it was for him to just flat out lie and sound convincing if she hadn't got the information for Ygraine herself she would believe him.
"My mother is dead because of your selfishness and your arrogance; her blood is on your hands," said Arthur.
"No that's not true, Morgause would have you believe that," said Uther.
"This is what fuels your hatred of magic, for those who practice magic, instead of blaming yourself, you blame them," said Arthur. Rose was not enjoying the tension build up that was happening in this room. Why wouldn't Arthur just let her leave this was his argument with Uther not hers.
"You would believe a sorcerer's lies over your own father? I can only imagine that Morgause has enchanted you," said Uther.
"Morgause looked after Rose after she escaped from the cells, she was weak after what you let the witchfinder do to her she wasn't a sorcerer and yet you were told she was and let a witchfinder weaken her, she is a child, you have hunted Morgause's kind like animals, but she showed nothing but kindness," shouted Arthur. He took a deep breath and continued "How many have you condemned to death to ease your guilt, including woman and children for doing the crime of being born"
"Those who practice magic will stop at nothing to destroy us, I have only done what is necessary for the kingdom," said Uther.
"Did you not hear me, I said that Morgause took care of Rose, that doesn't look like she is about to destroy us, necessary to drown all those children in the druid camps," said Arthur. He had a disgusted look on his face. Arthur looked hurt and angry, but she knew that as soon as he calmed down, he would regret harming Uther. "You speak of honour and nobility but all you are is a hypocrite and a liar".
"I am your father and your king you will show me some respect," said Uther. Arthur took of his gauntlet and chucked it on the floor.
"Arthur don't," said Rose.
"Pick it up" hissed Arthur at Uther an anger in his eyes that scared Rose.
"I will not fight you," said Uther.
"Arthur don't, you don't want to lose both parents, just think it through you will regret this later," said Rose.
"He hunts down magic users, he would not show them the same respect, if you refuse to defend yourself, I will strike you where you stand," said Arthur.
"You are my son; you will not strike an unarmed man in front of a child," said Uther.
"I know longer see myself as your son," said Arthur. Rose got her sword out ready for the hit, Arthur didn't notice her sword coming out.
Arthur went to strike Uther, but Rose took the blow with her sword, and he pushed her out the way. They fought against each other until Arthur had Uther pinned up against the throne. The door opened and Merlin burst in the door.
"Arthur, don't, I know you don't want to do this" said Merlin urgently.
"My mother is dead because of him" said Arthur he had tears in his eyes. Rose approached Arthur and put her hand on his shoulder gently. He let her keep her hand there.
"Killing him won't bring her back" said Merlin
"You have already lost one parent do you want to lose another," said Rose.
"Listen to them Arthur," said Uther. Arthur attempted to straighten his sword on Uther, but Rose hand kept his arm still.
"Arthur, please, put the sword down" said Merlin moving closer to the three people at the end of the room.
"You heard what my mother said, after everything he has done, do you believe he deserves to live, he executes people with magic even though he has used it himself," said Arthur. Rose looked to Merlin the only way out of this was back pedal. He seemed to read her mind.
"Morgause was lying, she's a high priestess" said Merlin it was breaking his heart to say this, and Rose could see that, but it was better than Arthur killing Uther. "She tricked you, that was not your mother you saw it was an illusion, everything…" he took a deep breath "Everything your mother said to you those were Morgause's words".
"You don't know that" shouted Arthur he was loosening his grip on the sword.
"This has been her plan all along to make you hate the king, you kill him you become a broken king, the kingdom will be destroyed that is what she wants," shouted Merlin.
"Listen to him Arthur, he tells the truth," said Uther. It was a few minutes of everyone in the room panting with emotion and exertion.
"Promise me you never hurt my mother," said Arthur.
"I promise, I loved you mother, there isn't a day goes by I don't miss her, I wouldn't do anything to hurt her," said Uther. Arthur stood panting her a few minutes before dropping his sword and then dropping to the floor by the throne taking Rose with him. She rubbed circles in his back.
Rose made the first excuse to get away from the situation and went straight to find Morgana. She hugged her for a long time and the next morning Rose was pleasantly surprised to see that Morgana wasn't having a bad dream. She got out of bed and got dressed before heading to see Merlin in Arthur's chambers. She listened at the door.
"I had become confused, it is once again clear to me, that those that practice magic are evil and dangerous, and that's down to you," said Arthur.
"Glad I could help," said Merlin. Rose could hear Merlin's emotion in his voice, so she walked into Arthur's chambers. Arthur turned around.
"Thank you for being there for me yesterday, sorry I dragged you with me to confront him, you just have a calming way about you," said Arthur.
"I have no ill feelings towards you Arthur, can I take Merlin for the rest of the day" asked Rose. Arthur nodded and before Merlin could protest Rose dragged him out of the room. They walked to Merlin's chamber.
"Are you okay?" asked Rose.
"Yeah, it's just difficult being the reason he hates magic," said Merlin.
"It won't always be like this," said Rose. They walked in silence after that until they got to the physian's chambers. Merlin took off his backpack before turning around to see Uther reading something.
"Sire" said both Rose and Merlin they bowed.
"I wanted to thank you both in person for your actions yesterday, you Merlin are loyal servant to Arthur, I am most grateful," said Uther. "Rose you are good addition to castle; you bring a lot of light to it"
"I was just doing my duty," said Merlin.
"You have proven yourselves to be trusted allies in the fight against magic," said Uther. Rose looked to Merlin who was shocked. "Rose, I was arranging for you to be released, I sent someone down to get you and you were gone, I would have never left to the mercy of Aredian".
"Thank you, sorry for running away its just he was chucking water at me and not letting me eat or drink," said Rose. Uther nodded in understand before turning back to Merlin.
"Those who practice magic will seek to exploit Arthur's inexperience, we must be extra vigilant," said Uther.
"I will keep my eyes peeled," said Merlin.
"Me to," said Rose.
"I know you will, oh and Merlin, if you ever speak of what happened yesterday between me and Arthur, I will have you hanged," said Uther.
Merlin nodded and Uther left the room. Rose and Merlin stared after in complete confusion, had he ever heard of thanking someone without it ending it with a threat. Gaius came through the door a few minutes later.
"Was that Uther I just saw," said Gaius.
"He popped in to say hello," said Rose.
"What did he want?" asked Gaius looking concerned and confused.
"He wanted to thank us for being great allies in the fight against magic," said Merlin. Rose and Merlin both sat down slowly completely in awe about what had been happening.
"How you two keep a head on your shoulders is a mystery beyond our greatest mind, Uther should be grateful," said Gaius.
"It would have been easier to let him die, but I knew Arthur would regret it so I ended up catching the first blow which was meant for Uther with my sword, not that I had much of a choice he dragged me into that room" said Rose.
"You must have been tempted," said Gaius.
"I was for a moment, like Rose said he would have never forgiven himself," said Merlin.
"I'm proud of you both," said Gaius. Merlin and Rose stared at each other and then looked at Gaius it was a very strange day overall.
"Arthur's thanking us," said Merlin.
"Uther grateful," said Rose.
"Your proud," said Merlin.
"I don't think we have ever been this popular!" said Rose and Merlin together. Gaius gave them a kind smile.
"Don't expect it to last," said Gaius.
"Just let us enjoy the moment" said Rose and Merlin together. Merlin put his feet up at the table and Rose put her feet up on Merlin. They all started laughing.
The end
