Hello once again to the two people that have reviewed I am very sorry that it has taken so long for me to up-date again. I have explained all of the reasons for this many times before so I don't want to bore anyone with it again. The simple thing is that it is up to all of you how long the gap between chapters is. My work is all done, and so are my exams, that means that I am able to up-date more often, that is if you want that. I am on break, work won't pile up again till about the end of January. So I can up-date possibly once or twice a week from now till then, BUT as I said before that is up to you. I would also like to know why so many people have stopped reading, reviewing the story. That way I can try and fix it if I can. Is it to long, has it dragged on for to long, is it the content of the story, the title, summary.

LightningBolt21. Thank you for giving me the idea. I thought he should stand up to him a little more. Also I never really thought of it as Arthur lying. He does mean to change things when he is king. He just doesn't want to be tied to doing something before he knows more about it. So he says enough to keep the peace without making any real promises, so he has room to do what he thinks is right when he knows more. I thought it was a little smart. Thank you, and sorry it took so long.

Dawn Ruthless. I like that too. I never liked that in the show he kind of needed Morgana first then Merlin and Gwen to guild him to do the right thing, be smart. When he clearly can make those choices for himself. I wanted to try and make Arthur and Merlin stronger on their own. Yes you did, thank you very much. You are the only person that has entered. If no one else entries, as I think will happen, then you can choose what prize you would like.

As their journey went on, Merlin started to fidget in his saddle, a million thoughts racing through his head. While he knew they would not be seeing Morgana at the end of their journey, there was a good chance that they might come face to face with someone else that too was destined to play a very large part in his and Arthur's shared destiny, In a very negative way.

"Would you like a cushion." Arthur broke the silence.

Merlin was pulled from his own thoughts. "Huh."

"I asked if you would like a cushion to sit on." Merlin looked confused. "You're fidgeting."

"No I wasn't."

"Yes you were."

"No-"

"Are we really going to have this argument…..again."

Merlin was about to respond when he saw a cloud of smoke crawling up into the sky form the top of the trees ahead of them. Lowering his gaze, he could just make out what had to be the druid camp. The bright coloured material that was used to make their tents grew clearer and brighter in the late summer sun as they road closer. Arthur soon saw the signs of the camp too led his horse to a nearby tree, which he tired its rains around after he dismounted. Merlin followed and did the same. As carefully as they could, as not to make any real noise and alert the camp of their presence they moved towards the tents of bright colours. Arthur made a point of not drawing his sword. This both frightened and delighted Merlin in equal measure.

When they where only a few metes form the camp, Arthur bent his knees and moved forward at a very close level to the ground. Merlin stopped in his tracks and watched the Prince crouching his way forward. He was trying very hard not to laugh out loud. After a while Arthur noticed that Merlin was not following him. Looking back he saw his man servant standing up tall, fighting back a smile. With his right hand he gestured towards Merlin than down to the ground. Merlin in response with a goofy grin still on his face, lifted his arms and shrugged his shoulders. His face now turning red, Arthur mouthed the words "Get down and crawl." Merlin shook his head and gestured with his hand to his ears that he hadn't heard him.

"I find it hard to believe you could fail to hear anything with those ears." Arthur now spoke at a normal volume.

"I thought we were trying not to be noticed. You shouldn't talk so loud." Merlin spoke in a low voice just above a whisper.

"Get down." Arthur spoke through gritted teeth.

Merlin finally did as he was told. On bent knees they moved closer to the camp. A sudden noise to Arthur's right cased him to turn to face towards it. Were he met the eyes of two young boys, about thirteen or so. Arthur froze as they watched him with curious expressions on their faces. His hand had automatically gone to his sword, he slowly lowered his hand down. He felt Merlin moving past him on his leaf side, having not noticed the two boys. They had been much quieter than they had been and without trying. Turning away from them, he reached out to grab hold of Merlin's jacked to stop him going forward. Merlin was taken of guard and feel back landing painfully on the ground. When he turned to look at Arthur he finally saw the two boys. Who were now laughing out loudly. Arthur moved to stand up, as he did he lifted his arms into the arm. Merlin knew the words "We mean you no harm" Or something similar were not far from leaving his mouth.

Before he could say anything, the slightly older looking boy with bright red hair spoke. "You look like a pair of idiots."

Merlin had to cover his mouth with his hand, so as not to laugh out loud. Arthur looked like he was fighting back the urge to retaliate with a similar insult. It was only a few people that he would let get away with talking to him like that.

The slightly younger looking boy with a mop of dark curls was the next to spoke. "Come on, Morgan will want to see you." He flatly stated, gaining control over his laughter.

The two boys quickly turned and headed back the way they had come, the prince and warlock followed them awkwardly into the camp. The camp seemed rather empty, despite it's size. If they looked closely into the tents they would see the people keeping out of their way. Surprisingly those that didn't keep to their tents and walked about the camp paid little attention to the two newcomers. If they paid them any attention it was give them harsh stares. They must have known prince Arthur was in the area, without back up. What could a camp of those with magic have to fear form a single man with a sword. regardless of who that man was. They were not the ones that needed to be scared.

In the centre of the camp was the large remains of a fire that had burnt out. Just behind that was a large layout of wooden shelves that were arranged in a square shape. The shelves were filled with many different bottles and containers of varying sizes. Each had a different item inside it. Some were plant based, others Arthur was sure he didn't want to know anything about. In the far corner of this make shift room was a large caldron. A young women with her light brown hair pulled back in to a braid was in the middle of this web of wood. Her back was towards them, moving things about on the shelf in-front of her.

When they reached the burnt out fire, the girl turned her head. They thought she was going to turn all the way round but she stopped half way, looking to her right. Following her gaze they watched as a slightly hunched figure entered the makeshift kitchen. The figure wore a black cloak, with the hood pulled tightly over their head, covering their face fully. From under the cloak they pulled out a worn woven basket, which was then placed on the shelf nearest to them. The girl gave the figure a light hug, before the figure pulled down the hood of their cloak. Straightening up their body as they did.

As the figure stood to their full height, their face was seen for the first time. The first thing they noticed was the shock of grey hair that was revealed. As they looked then to their face their attention was drawn back to the hair. As the hood feel to hang around their neck, the hair darkened form bright grey to deepest black. When their eyes returned to the face gone were the wrinkles of age. In their place smooth pale skin returned.

She turned her head and caught a glimpse of them in the corner of her eye. Her breath caught in her throat. A second later she undid the Butten of her cloak, letting it fall to the ground. Revealing a bright simple green dress with gold trimmings. Leaving the fence of wooden shelves she walked slowly towards them.

"Morgana." Arthur sounded just as he had when he had first seen her walking through the mist after being gone for a year. Just like that day Merlin was silent, standing behind Arthur. With a million different emotions showing on his face. The only difference was Morgana. She looked as shocked as she had back then, but that had only been an act then. Now it seemed genuine.

"Arthur." She said, thinking of nothing else as she continued to walk towards him. When she was a few from him she stopped, not knowing what to do or say next.

Arthur was the first to move, opening his arms out wide to her he closed the distance between them in a few steps. Morgana quickly responded, lifting her arms, wrapping them tightly around her brother.

From where he was standing Merlin could see Morgana's face as she rested it on Arthur's shoulder. She looked happy to see Arthur. He had worried how they would react to seeing each other, he was pleased it seemed to be genuinely happy to see each other. When she first hugged him, Morgana had closed her eyes. For a brief second as she relaxed, relived that Arthur did not seem to hold any great anger about her leaving Camelot a little over a year ago. When she opened them as the siblings pulled apart, her eyes opened and met Merlin's. Though he couldn't be sure, he believed he saw Morgana's face twits for a second into a smile. It was only for a second or less, but he chose to believe it was a smile.

"You look well." Arthur stated, lowering his gaze to look her over as he did. His hands on her shoulders. In case she tried to move away.

It was true she did look well. However Merlin could see the dark circles under her eyes, and while her pale completion had gotten better since he last saw her, she still looked drained. He also noticed her trying to subtly try to shack Arthur's hands from her shoulders so she could pull up the shoulder line of her dress at the back, as to hide the scar he knew was on her right shoulder blade.

"So do you." Suddenly her lose hair, and handmade dress seemed very shabby to her. "What are you doing here."

"We had report of a druid camp here. I was sent to confirm if it was true or not." He saw her pale eyes widen. "I will tell him that we found nothing but the remains of a camp that had moved on."

She nodded. "We should tell Aglain. I'm sure he'll want to leave in the morning to be safe." Finally able to free herself from Arthur's hold, Morgana moved to as she said.

Arthur moved to follow Morgana, but stopped and turned to Merlin. Telling him to return to the horses and bring them here. Once the relief of the positive reunion he had just witnessed had worn off, he quickly remembered someone else that might be here.

"He's not here. Don't fear, your secret and Arthur's life are safe….for now."

His eyes shoot up to watch Morgana her back turned to him, as she and Arthur entered a red tent. Her teasing voice ringing in his head after he lost sight of her. She had been teasing he knew that, but he was still nervous about her bound with Mordred. With nothing else he could do, he did as Arthur had told him.

Despite the thin material that made up the tent, a wave of warmth hit Arthur as he followed Morgana inside. A large figure in a long robe that matched the tent turned to greet them. A warm smile on his face.

"Aglain, we have a visitor." Morgana said, the affection she felt for the man in front them clear in her voice.

"Prince Arthur Welcome." The older man walked over to them, holding out his hand to shack Arthur's. Once he held it he placed his other hand over Arthur's shacking it as he continued to smile at the prince.

Arthur took his time to study the face before him. "Have we met before." He asked.

A look of sadness fell across Aglain's face. Despite how warm he was as a person, it was clear that this look of sadness was not a unfamiliar one for his face to fall into.

Morgana quickly moved forward. Saving Aglain from having to say anything. "He helped me, when I first found out about my magic."

"You where at the same camp." Arthur spoke, piecing together the story. Morgana and Aglain nodded. "I am truly sorry-"

"You believed someone you cared about was in danger." The wise man stated, clearing this to be the last said on the topic.

While Arthur wanted to say more he didn't push it. instead he explained why he was there, and Morgana and Aglain then made plans to be ready to leave the next Morning. He then suggested that Morgana showed Arthur around the camp while dinner was being made. As it was getting late, and there was no way Arthur and Merlin would make it back before nightfall. So they were going to have to spend the night. As they left the tent, the two boys that had found Arthur and Merlin ran across their path.

Reminding Arthur of what they had said earlier that he was confused about. "Who is Morgan."

Morgana answered as if it was one of the obvious things in the world. "I am."

Arthur still a little confused asked another question. "Can they…..not say your name…." He whispered.

"Of course they can." Morgana affirmed. "It's just Morgan attracts less attention than Morgana." They now began to walk around the camp. She turned to look at him a smile on her face "Your one to talk." She teased.

"What do you mean."

"Gana." The witch flatly stated.

"That was a nickname. A term of endearment." The prince clarified with the hint of a laugh.

"No it wasn't."

"What else was it then."

"A way to torment me."

They were silent for a while, enjoying the easy peace between them. It had been such a long time since that had been able to talk this freely with each other. There was still much left to talk about. Feeling brave and generous Morgana was the one to bring up the delict subject. "How are things in Camelot."

He maintained his silence as he tried to think of the best way to answer that, were to start. "Fine." Was all he could come up with.

She stopped in her tracks, grapping hold of his arm to stop him too. Giving him a look that let him know she did not believe him. He was very used to that look form her. "I asked Guinevere to marry me." He said avoiding looking at Morgana.

It was now her turn to be silent and think of the best response. Though she already knew about this piece of news, it was different hearing it from Arthur himself. Finally she forced a smile onto her face. "I am pleased for you both."

"Morgana-" He wasn't fooled.

"I am pleased for you." She stated again, with more conviction. "I know you will be very happy."

He believed her, it did not change the fact that he, prince of Camelot was surrounded by people with magic. People that had almost most likely lost someone they loved because of the laws against magic. His father's laws, that he enforced. He had to be carful about what he said. Especially to her. He did not want to antagonise her again, push her to far. After all who knew how long it would be before they say each other again.

"I hope so." He said almost to himself.

"You will be." Morgana affirmed, gaining a sceptical look from Arthur. "I have seen you both sitting on thrones. The great hall filled with people cheering." As she spoke she saw the hint of a smile cross his face. "And you only have eyes for each other." She teased, with a hint of really admiration for such real love. Tentitivly she placed a hand on Arthur's shoulder, casing him to look directly at her. "When I hear news of your wedding and coronation-"

"Hear news."

"I will be truly happy to hear it. You both deserve to be happy and not have to hide it."

"You'll be there."

"No Arthur-"

"You say it in a vision."

"Yes."

"Then you'll be there." Like with Merlin she wanted to point out that it did not work like that, but he went on. "you have to be."

"I can't."

"He won't be king." Arthur said as if it fixed everything.

"It's not that simple."

They had stopped walking as their conversation went on. Coming to a stop near the centre of the camp. Morgana now tried to move on, but Arthur took hold of her arm.

"Is it about Gwaine, the knight he fought."

She did not want to lie to him, but could not risk ruining the peace between them. "We did hear of that. I was very glad he was unhurt."

Arthur let her arm go, shocked at how detached she sounded. HE knew it was her way of comping, but it shocked him. "When you left, I had hoped it was maybe to find him."

Morgana didn't know what to say to that. So she choose to ignore it. "I had to leave, I can't be there."

"I know." Taking pity on her he didn't try and press the matter anymore. After a few seconds they began to move on in a comfortable silence. They past the web of wooden shelves. Giving Arthur a way to change the conversation. "What were you doing. When we arrived."

"Uninvited." She added with a smile. "I was retuning form a delivery."

"Delivery."

"To support ourselves we sell drafts and ointments in the villages we pass."

"Magic."

She looked away from him. "Yes Arthur magic." She never gave him a chance to say more. "We have to get money somehow. Magic is our greatest asset."

She would have said more, but she didn't want to get herself wound up. If she said what she really wanted to, she would end up ranting and raving at him like a mad women and that would do no good. They had to keep this peace if they were ever going to move forward.

"It's a business." The prince stated.

She smiled a little. "Yes it's business." She confirmed proudly.

"So how is business. "

"None of yours."

He let out a faint laugh. "Why were you." He gestured to his face.

"It's called an aging spell." From the corner of her eye she saw him look even more confused. "It's best I go unnoticed. Also who would you rather have treat you, Gaius or Merlin." She say the look of understanding in his eyes. "People associate age with wisdom."

He nodded. "Sometimes I wonder why I even trust Merlin to bring me my meals."

Morgana had to try very hard to fight back the smirk that so badly wanted to cross his face. It truly amazed her how Merlin was able to continuously fool everyone into believing that he was a total fool. what would they all make of the real Merlin she wondered. It was also a source of great frustration that he was still getting away with it, and she had fallen for it like everyone else. As if on cue Merlin appeared walking towards them having feed and watered the horses.

"The meal is about to be served. They wanted your help." He addressed Morgana. She nodded and walked ahead to where the meal was being made.

Merlin and Arthur followed. Once they arrived they were made to sit around the now lit fire. Logs had been positioned around the fire to sit on, which would later by added to the fire as people returned to their tents to sleep. To the left Morgana and others were making the meal. Both Merlin and Arthur watched her cutting up what they guessed was a carrot, as it looked to small and not orange enough to be sure. It was strange to see the lady doing such domestic duties. Then neither of them was really knew how the lady Morgana lived now. Before the cooking was finished Morgana joined the others round the fire. Her job being done. She sat down next to Merlin, as it was the closet empty space near to Arthur. The other druids around the fire looked over at Arthur every now and then, muttering to each other. She wanted to run interference if anything happened. Arthur had to learn not to fear them.

After what felt like an eternity to Arthur, who felt contently like he was being judged, the food was ready. He was served first. Which did not help with the dirty looks he was getting. He picked up a piece of food from his bowl with his hands, no cutlery had been provided. He looked it over before he put it in his mouth. A loud crash from the other side of the fire, just before he put the meat in his mouth caused him to drop it onto the ground.

"I will not eat with him!" A man about the same age as Arthur pulled himself to his feet and walked away from the fire, stepping on the bowl he had through onto the ground as he did. Two others got up to join him. Form the looks of it, his mother and younger brother.

"You must forgive him. He lost his father during a raid by Camelot's knight." Aglain said, trying to keep the peace.

"It's quiet alright." Arthur said as he once again focused all of his attention onto the bowl of food in his hands.

"Arthur." Morgana hissed. "Do you remember how Gwen told you, you were being an ass turning up your nose at the food in Ealdor." His eyes lifted to meet hers. "Well you are being an ass now. As hard as it was for them to get food, it is ten times harder for us. We are outlaws after all." Arthur nodded and placed the questionable meat in his mouth. "After you were given the best cut too." She muttered under her breath.

Morgana now too was getting a few unpleasant looks. She was clearly being blamed for Arthur presence here. Feeling guilty he made an effort to eat more. Picking up another piece of meat, he noticed something odd about it as he lifted it to his mouth. A small grey feather rested on the top of the cooked meat. Picking the feather off with one hand he looked more closely at it. Laughter started to grow around the fire, it was to hard to hold it back any longer. Arthur looked around him, at the bright smiling faces, the warm glow of the fire shinning in their eyes. The fires glow even warmed up Morgana's pale complexion. She was smiling the most, a real smile, like neither Arthur or Merlin had seen form her in a long time. It reminded them of the old Morgana, and how beautiful she was.

"You made me eat rat." She explained with a laugh.

Merlin now joined the laughter. Earning a harsh look from Arthur, he didn't have the heart to care about.

"What." He asked his sister.

"I think you got off easy. Pigeon isn't that bad." Arthur looked form the smiling Morgana to the Laughing Merlin. "He never told me." Morgana defended Merlin form more of Arthurs anger. "Just like he never told me about the extra holes in your belt." She added, while look down at her bowl instead of the anger prince.

Arthur did a surprisingly good job of not showing how annoyed he really was. Despite her warm smile, that she was truly enjoying being able to humiliate Arthur, and get him in trouble in a friendly way. It was clear to Merlin that Morgana was nervous about having him and Arthur here. The truce between them was tentative, adding more hurt and angry people could break it. Once the meal was eaten people started to disburse. Some went to clean up after the meal, others to bed. Morgana was carried away not very long after finishing eating by a group of three young girls. Who wanted her to tell them one of the stories she had read in a book before their mother's but them to bed.

Merlin watched her go, still amazed by how much like her old self she was. How comfortable she was here. Mainly because he knew it was in part an act. An act done for the benefit of the people she wanted to help, and for herself. So she could fit in here. Feel like she belonged. For a second he felt sorry for her. She always had to put on an act to fit in. He played the fool, but he never played a part as she did, never all the time, never fully. A little later he left to feed and check on the horses. Who were now tied to a tree closer to the camp.

When he returned her saw Arthur and Aglain sitting in-front of the fading fire, their backs to him. The only people left at the fire. He stopped moving towards them, wanting to let them talk. He too remembered Aglain. He was a good, wise man. How different things would have been if Morgana had been able to stay with him and the druids all those years ago. There was little the older man could say to the prince about magic, that Morgana had not already said. Hopefully coming from a calmer more reasonable voice would make a difference.

"Maybe he can succeed were we both failed." He slowly turned to face Morgana. Now wearing a black coat over her green dress. "Though you have to try to first in order to fail. Don't you think Emrys."

Her tone, as it had been all day had been affectivity teasing. Though he did not miss the slight bite to it when she spoke to him.

"I agree Morgan le fay." He turned to face her fully as he spoke. "How is King Lot." He choose to just be direct with her. They were past formalities now.

"Well." She answered forcing her face to be as blank as possible.

Before he could press the matter any further Morgana turned and walked away from the camp. Stopping once she noticed Merlin had not followed her. Tilting her head toward the forest she moved on again, this time he followed her. Nor sure if he should.

Thanks of reading, hope you liked it. I don't really like the Merlin Arthur part at the start, when they were riding the horses, I don't think it works. At least it was a small part. I know that Aglain dies in the show, I just couldn't think of any other druid characters that could be used, plus I liked him. The way I see it the knights think he is died, leave him but he is healed by the druids. Mordred scared runs away and lived from then on with another group of druids, where he met Alvarr. As before I would love to hear what you have to say, and that will lead to the next chapter being up-dated sooner.

One last thing about the chapter. There is a link to the dress that Morgana wears on my profile. It is under green gold dress. There is also a link to the coat she wears at the end of the chapter too. It is just below the first one, under green black dress. It is like the cloak she wears now in season 5. I found it about a year ago before this season. When I was looking to make sure the links till work I noticed how similar there were. I thought that was a little cool. I would love to know what you think of the clothes.

Also there is still only one entry for the competition. All the details are on the notes for chapter 6 and 7. If you have any more questions or an entry you can PM.

I am looking forward to the last two episodes, but I am also worried. I'm not going to go into a rant about it, but I just feel like I will be annoyed and disappointed by it. Not sure if I will or can watch them. I may have to read what happens before I watch it. So I can go in prepared. I hope that those of you that watch it will be happy with it. As I hope you will be happy with the ending of this story.