Another's Favor by ebhg

Rating: T

Pairings: Merthian/Arwen

Spoilers: Series 1-4 and up to episode 4 of Series 5.

Disclaimer: Merlin belongs to BBC.

A/N: Thank you for your reviews! Can I just say right now, this is probably one of my favorite chapters? ;)


Vows

After his first council meeting as Arthur's advisor, Merlin found himself in the unexpected position of hero amongst the servants. Even those that had been less than pleased about his sudden promotion were now greeting the warlock in the hallways with a wide smile and a nod of respect. Merlin had been a bit confused about the sudden change of heart, till he realized that word of his thoroughly putting Lord Vidor in his place had spread like wildfire on a dry summer day. The corpulent lord had long been the bane of the castle servants; their vicarious triumph over Merlin's success helped their tongues wag even faster. Merlin had no doubt that, with the rate the gossip was spreading within the city, the news of his and Mithian's betrothal would soon spread beyond Camelot. It had already spread to Ealdor; a letter had been dispatched to inform Hunith of her son's impending marriage.

Merlin was in yet another council meeting when a knock on the door interrupted Lord Gevin's droning speech on increasing the land share for pig farmers. Merlin was glad of the interruption since Lord Gevin had the misfortune of resembling the animal he was so fond of eating and Merlin had to clench his teeth to keep from laughing aloud every time the unfortunate man snorted.

"Sire," the guard said, bowing as he entered the council room.

"What is it Perrin?" Arthur asked.

"There is a visitor for Lo-, er, for Merlin, Sire," the man stumbled over how to properly address the former manservant.

"Send them in," Arthur allowed, ignoring the guard's gaffe as the man stood aside to reveal the visitor.

"Mother!" Merlin called, jumping up from the table to greet Hunith.

"I suppose that ends our meeting," Arthur said, much to Lord Gevin's dismay.

"Merlin!" Hunith exclaimed. "I understand that much has happened since your last letter!"

"Yes, there is someone I would very much like for you to meet," Merlin said, grinning like a fool and taking his mother by the hand to meet his betrothed. Hunith smiled as Merlin excitedly dragged her along behind him. She hadn't seen her son this unreservedly enthusiastic since he was a small boy, enthralled by his newfound ability to set the cooking fire alight with merely a thought.

Mithian was dining with Gwen when Merlin burst unannounced into the king's chambers as he often had as Arthur's manservant.

"Mithian!" he called out joyously, pulling his mother to stand beside him at the table. "I'd like you to meet my mother, Hunith."

"It's a pleasure to meet you! Merlin has told me so much about you," Mithian said, standing to grasp Hunith's hands and pull the older woman into a hug.

"I feel I am at a great disadvantage," Hunith said, entirely astonished by how friendly the princess was. When Merlin's letter had arrived, Hunith had been very worried that Merlin was being used in a political maneuver and that he would be discarded as soon as he was no longer useful. But Hunith recognised exactly what everyone else had within just a few moments of seeing Merlin and Mithian together. There was something there, which would surely deepen with time into a great love; Hunith could see that they were already well on their way.

Hunith was happy for her son, but she couldn't put aside her anxiety for him until she could speak to him privately. Though it seemed that privacy would have to wait; Mithian took her leave of the queen and joined Merlin in escorting Hunith to her guest chambers. The peasant woman wasn't sure how much Mithian had been told, and the prospect of Merlin's secret coming out at an inopportune time set Hunith's nerves alight.

Though she had never yet laid eyes on Merlin's mother, Mithian had recognised the fear hidden in Hunith's expression for what it was. It was well concealed; Mithian had no doubt that was a skill that the peasant woman had honed while Merlin was still just a foundling. However, the princess had not become a shrewd stateswoman for being unobservant. Thus, she felt she needed to put Hunith's fears to rest as soon as possible.

"You'll be sleeping in a room fit for royalty, Mother," Merlin said as he opened the door with a flourish. His smile was undeniably one of the widest Mithian had ever seen on the warlock's face. He laughed joyfully at Hunith's awed expression as she turned in place and took in the quarters she would be staying in.

"This is beautiful," Hunith whispered, smiling at her son's pleased expression. Merlin looked at Mithian, then to his mother, hoping they would fall easily into friendly conversation as only ladies seemed able to do.

Mithian latched the door quietly, ensuring their privacy as she turned to Hunith and walked pacifyingly towards her.

"I know," Mithian began suddenly, causing Hunith to look at the princess in alarm.

"What?" the peasant woman whispered, hoping that it wasn't what she feared.

"About Merlin's magic," Mithian explained gently, then she smiled at Hunith. "I've known since before our betrothal. I saw him using magic to save King Arthur and my father. His secret will not be revealed by me," she vowed.

Hunith visibly relaxed and let out the breath she'd been holding.

"I am very relieved to hear you say that," Hunith admitted, smiling gratefully at the woman who would shortly be her daughter-in-law.

"Perfect. Who's hungry?" Merlin asked, utterly giddy and completely unfazed by what had just passed between the two women.


"How are you doing, my son?" Hunith asked as Merlin escorted her along his favorite walking path early the next morning.

"Good."

"Just good?"

Merlin looked at his mother searchingly for a moment, but Hunith had long since mastered her expressionless gaze. It had been a necessary part of raising such a powerful and stubborn boy on her own.

"I'm happy, excited, euphoric, scared, overwhelmed and perhaps a bit nervous," Merlin admitted.

"I thought as much," Hunith replied with a knowing smile.

"Do you remember the cursed girl I told you about? Freya?" Merlin asked softly.

"I do."

"Something I didn't tell you was that I almost ran away with her," Merlin admitted, looking sheepishly at his feet to avoid his mother's astonished gaze.

"Truly?!" Hunith asked, shocked. Merlin merely nodded.

"She was a druid, all alone in the world, and very pretty. She was the first person besides you to say that my magic was beautiful."

Hunith nodded, but said nothing. She could see the conflicted confusion on her son's face.

"I fell in love with her before I had known her even two full days. I was going to take her out of the city and abandon Arthur and my destiny. Then she died," Merlin trailed off.

"What makes you mention this Freya?" Hunith prompted after a few moments of silence.

"Am I foolish to believe myself in love with Mithian?" Merlin asked after a long moment of silence.

"Of course not," Hunith replied simply. "No more foolish than you were to believe in your love for Freya. Love is the easiest gift to give, after all."

"In all the years since Freya died, I've never entertained the notion of loving another. I thought that I had grown up and moved beyond the love-at-first-sight trappings of youth. But Mithian is different. I'm different. It feels like a much more mature feeling than it did with Freya. But is this happening too fast?"

"I've never told you how I fell in love with your father," Hunith said in response. Merlin looked at his mother with wide eyes.

"You've barely said anything about my father," Merlin countered.

"Balinor came to Ealdor as the sun was setting behind the distant hills. He was exhausted, hungry, and grieving for his fellow dragonlords and dragon kin. He asked for me by name, and when the others directed him to me, he handed me a letter from my uncle. I had not seen Gaius in many years, but he knew I would help Balinor. I looked into your father's eyes and he said to me, 'Gaius never mentioned that you were so lovely.'"

"That's it?" Merlin whispered, trying valiantly to swallow past the lump in his throat. Hunith smiled.

"Of course not, Merlin. You must understand, the heart has its own time, and it doesn't keep with the sun in the sky or the seasons of the year. By the end of his second day in Ealdor, I knew I loved Balinor, and when he left just a few weeks later, I knew that I would love him till the day I died. But that also does not mean that I will never love again."

"Then I suppose I got my heart from you," Merlin mused. Hunith smiled at her son fondly.

"Your father was very much like you," Hunith answered. "You got your heart from the both of us."


Time seemed to be passing inexorably faster with every day. Merlin however, was determined to make the most of the month of courting he had negotiated. He and Mithian dined together for most meals and took a ride or a walk together every morning after breakfast. Often, they were accompanied by Arthur and Gwen or sometimes by Hunith or Rodor. But when they could get away on their own, Merlin had delighted in showing Mithian the beauty of magic.

It was on such an outing, with less than a week till their wedding, that Merlin and Mithian were able to escape the harried preparations back at the citadel.

"There is one other thing that you should know about me, before we wed," Merlin said nervously once he was sure there was no one around them.

"You haven't got six toes on each foot, have you?" Mithian deadpanned. Merlin chuckled, but shook his head.

"Nothing so simple, I'm afraid."

"Simple? Tell that to the man with twelve toes," Mithian joked, trying to lighten Merlin's mood.

"It has to do with my father, actually," Merlin began, chuckling.

"Oh?" Mithian asked, curious. "You've told me he had magic and that he escaped the purge with help from Gaius. Was there something else?"

"Yes. You see, he didn't just have magic-"

"Was he a warlock, like you?" Mithian asked, causing Merlin's brow to wrinkle.

"You know, I don't even know. I'm not sure if my mother or Gaius would know either. All I know is that before my father died, he saw me use magic to throw the man who'd dealt him the fatal blow. He said, 'I see you have your father's talent,' so I know he had magic. He was skilled with healing spells. He was a good swordsman; he stepped into the path of the blade meant for me, instead of using magic, so I don't think he was very skilled in defensive magic. I know I avoid swords if I can. It's much easier to use magic when possible-"

"Your father?" Mithian asked, pulling Merlin back on topic; he smiled sheepishly.

"Whether or not he was a warlock, he did have a special gift that he inherited from his father. He was a dragonlord."

Silence reigned as Mithian processed Merlin's words. Finally, Mithian slowly nodded.

"And why is it so important that I know this?"

"Because the gift is passed from father to son upon the death of the father. My father died nearly seven years ago."

"You are a dragonlord as well then?" Mithian asked with wide eyes. Merlin nodded.

"As our sons will be, should we have them, when I have passed on."

Mithian blinked in surprise. "And the dragon that you sought counsel from?"

"Is still very much alive, and technically under my command," Merlin answered. Mithian nodded in awe.

"Is it then possible for me to meet the dragon?" Mithian asked curiously.

"I'll introduce you to him soon, but probably not till after the wedding. I wouldn't be entirely surprised if he has already foreseen something of it, though. In any case, while I do have the power to command him, he is rather fond of scolding me. I think it would be better to tell him that we are married than give him the chance to protest."

"Better to seek forgiveness than permission?" Mithian teased.

"Something like that."

"You do not think he would be happy for you?" Mithian asked sadly.

Merlin smiled ruefully and shook his head.

"He tries to be empathetic, but dragons are solitary creatures. He's referred to me as a creature of magic before, and as a dragonlord, my soul and his are brothers. I think Kilgharrah sometimes becomes so focused on that kinship and on my destiny as Emrys that he forgets that at heart, I'm just Merlin, a peasant farmer from Ealdor."

"A creature of magic?" Mithian asked curiously.

"In some ways, he is correct. I was born with magic; it is an essential part of who I am. As far as I understand it, I do not draw upon the magic of the earth as another sorcerer's gift would allow them. Instead, I draw upon my own magic within. In a sense, I am magic and magic is me. But I am still human. I've sacrificed a lot in my quest to fulfill this destiny and maybe it's selfish of me, but now that I'm so close to something I want very much, I don't want Kilgharrah to tell me that I'm being foolish and to stop ignoring my destiny."

Mithian nodded understandingly and smiled at what Merlin had admitted.

"You want to marry me 'very much'?" she asked slyly. Merlin smiled and ducked his head.

"I don't think it's so hard to believe. You are a beautiful and charming princess, who consented to marry a rumpled, foolish peasant," Merlin teased.

"I never saw a foolish peasant," Mithian countered, then grinned teasingly. "Maybe a little rumpled, though." Merlin shook his head fondly.

"A month ago, to everyone else, I was little more than a fool whom Arthur sometimes thought wise. But now, I can actually lob him over the head if he gets stupid and call it advice."

Mithian laughed delightedly at the thought.

"So an all-powerful warlock of prophecy and a dragonlord. Anything else interesting hidden within your depths?" Mithian teased.

"Not that I'm aware of. Though I'm constantly surprised by how many people know more about me than I do," Merlin laughed. "I'll let you know if I find out anything else shocking."

"I don't think my father knew quite what he was getting into when he offered you my hand!"

"Most people don't know what they're getting into when it comes to me," Merlin chuckled.

"I think they see the most important parts," Mithian refuted. Merlin raised an eyebrow in question.

"They see your kindness, your loyalty, your friendship and your bravery. I know that is what my father saw. It is what I see in you. Though you have powerful magic, it is not what makes you who you are. You may believe that, but I don't. You and your morals and ideals are what make you strong. The magic just makes you stronger," Mithian finished softly. Merlin smiled at her gratefully.

"Here's where we're stopping," Merlin said as the shallow creek came into view. He quickly spread a blanket on the grass and pulled their picnic from the basket as Mithian settled herself.

"My father was right, you know. You are an uncommon man, Merlin," Mithian said as Merlin sat beside her. He blushed, ducking his head at her compliment.

"Such beauty requires a token," Merlin said, tired of talking about himself and seeking to change the subject. He held out his hands and whispered, "Blóstmá."

Mithian gasped as a red rose blossomed within Merlin's cupped hands. He held it out to her imploringly and Mithian reached to take it. She was pleasantly surprised, however, when Merlin grasped her hands in his and leaned in to place a lingering, passionate kiss upon her lips.


"Leon, what, if anything, have we heard from the training patrol?" Arthur asked during his weekly debriefing of his knights. The overdue patrol had left just a day before Mithian had ridden into Camelot in the dead of night.

"Aside from the communication from them two weeks ago, Sire, there has been nothing. We know only that they were planning on making another loop of the southeastern border. They should have been back by now, though, My Lord."

"Send a few scouts in their direction; they've been gone too long, even for a training patrol," Arthur instructed. It wasn't unusual for such excursions to take three to four weeks, but they had been gone for nearly five.

"Yes, Sire," Leon nodded.

"Who is on that patrol?" Arthur asked, knowing who it was, but wanting confirmation all the same.

"Sirs Caridoc and Brennis are leading the training. It is Sirs Bellvue, Orrin and Mordred's first patrol."

"Keep me informed," Arthur ordered, dismissing the knights. As they filed out, Merlin met Arthur where he stood in the middle of the council room.

"Was there a reason they decided to make another loop of the border?" Merlin asked, raising his eyebrow curiously. Arthur shook his head.

"A messenger from a village to the southeast brought a missive from them detailing their plans, but not the reason for them."

"Patrols don't usually go missing in that area," Merlin said, his brow furrowing. He was still highly distrustful of Mordred, though he couldn't be sure if it was his own instinct that caused the distrust, or if it stemmed solely from Kilgharrah's warnings or the vision shown to Merlin by the Lochru.

"No, and it concerns me that we don't know where Morgana is," Arthur admitted.

"You think she had something to do with the missing patrol?"

"It wouldn't be the first time, would it?" Arthur scoffed.

"No, it wouldn't," Merlin conceded regretfully.

"If the scouts find a trail, we'll have to go after them."

"That might be a bit difficult, Arthur," Merlin countered.

"Why? We've done it plenty of times."

"I'm supposed to be getting married in two days. I don't think Mithian or Rodor would appreciate it if we left Camelot before then."

"Listen to you, one might think you were excited to get married," Arthur teased.

"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't."

"It's not much to get anxious over. You won't remember a thing of the wedding. The feast will be a blur. It's what comes later that-"

"Arthur!"

"What? I'm imparting crucial advice here that a man is supposed to hear from his father at some point in his life," Arthur explained.

"As much as I appreciate the gesture, Gwen is one of my best friends. I'd like to be able to look her in the eye again," Merlin grimaced. Arthur and Merlin sat in silence for a few moments, then Arthur snorted. Merlin began to chuckle and then the both of them burst out laughing. After a moment, Merlin grew serious again.

"We'll find out what happened to the patrol. If it was Morgana, we'll be ready for her. She will not succeed."

Arthur clapped Merlin on the shoulder and laughed anew at Merlin's wince.

"Gwaine still 'congratulating' you, then?"

"Every chance he gets."


Two days later, Merlin gasped into wakefulness before the sun had even risen when his bedcovers were suddenly ripped off his body, assaulting his senses with the crisp morning air. It was only through great restraint that he managed not to smash his blanket thief into the far wall with a wave of raw, defensive magic.

"Rise and shine!"

"Time to get up!"

"Today's the big day!"

"Or should we say tonight's the big night?"

"Gwaine, don't be crude."

Looking blearily around himself, Merlin groaned in frustration and dropped his head back to his pillow. His blanket thieves chuckled at his reaction and he grimaced in reply to Arthur, Leon, Percival, Gwaine and Elyan all standing around his bed, grinning like fools.

"What sort of greeting is that?" Arthur asked, though it was obvious that the king was highly amused. "What happened to all the annoying, endless energy that fueled you when you were yanking me from my bed to drop me on the floor?!"

"He yanked you out of bed and dropped you on the floor?!" Gwaine asked gleefully.

"Repeatedly," Arthur growled, smacking Merlin's socked foot in retribution. Merlin yelped and sat up with a start, lunging at the king to pry his covers out of Arthur's hands as the others snorted into their fists at the impromtu wresting match.

"I knew there was a reason I liked you, Merlin," Gwaine chuckled as the former manservant and the king tugged the blankets back and forth.

"What are you even doing in here?" Merlin groaned, winning his covers back and throwing them over his head as he flung himself back onto his bed.

"Don't tell me you've forgotten what today is," Arthur groused, his hands on his hips.

"The wedding isn't until the third bell of the afternoon," Merlin replied with a muffled voice. "Why are you in here before the sun has even risen?"

"Merlin, Merlin, Merlin," Gwaine said in mock disappointment. "We're here to get you ready!"

In the end, Merlin discovered that Gwaine did not mean getting the warlock dressed. Rather, his blanket was taken once more and he was forced, bleary-eyed, into a chair at the table where they all took a seat. Looking around the table at the knights' and Arthur's smug grins, Merlin suddenly had a very bad feeling that he wasn't particularly going to like this preparation.

"So tonight, you'll really become a man," Gwaine began. Merlin only just managed not to vanish the man's mouth in a fit of temper.

By the time the king and his knights deemed him 'ready,' Merlin's face was entirely red and he wasn't sure he'd be able to look anyone in the eye ever again. He hadn't wanted to get that talk from Arthur, let alone from five of his closest friends at the same time, and in excruciating detail. It was the most embarrassing unofficial meeting of the Round Table that Merlin had ever experienced.

A timid knock on the door revealed the breakfast platters that Arthur had requested. Merlin was grateful for the respite from the advice the knights had so freely imparted. After the plates were mostly cleared, Merlin was pleasantly surprised when Gaius and his mother came in to offer their best wishes and place a motherly kiss upon her son's brow. Though Merlin was happy that Hunith left soon after to help see to Mithian. As much as he loved his mother, Merlin hadn't been able to keep the blush from his cheeks when Hunith asked if Merlin was ready. He wasn't about to try and explain why he was suddenly rather red-faced and tongue-tied by the word 'ready.'

Then the knights took a good deal of pleasure in stuffing Merlin into his wedding clothes before they left him to Gaius' care in order to prepare themselves for the festivities.

"I didn't think I'd ever see this day," the older man said proudly.

"Neither did I, to be honest," Merlin agreed.

"If anyone deserves this happiness, it's you," Gaius continued. "You are coming ever closer to fulfilling your destiny, I'm sure of it."

"Thank you, Gaius," Merlin said, trying not to get choked up. His elderly mentor nodded, but remained tight-lipped as he patted Merlin's shoulder affectionately. The warlock chose not to mention the tears brimming in Gaius' eyes.

Before he could even blink, it seemed, Merlin was standing before the dais at the front of the great hall as their guests filed in. Arthur and Gwen were presiding over the ceremony, seated in their thrones on the dais while Geoffrey of Monmouth stood just below them on the first step, waiting to perform the ceremony.

Merlin thought he was doing well; that he could tell Arthur that he was a dollop-headed idiot for not remembering his own wedding ceremony. Then the guards at the entryway pulled open the massive doors at the end of the hall. Merlin was instantly struck dumb as King Rodor led Mithian up the center aisle, her white-and-silver gown resplendent in the sunlight streaming in through the windows. Her face was veiled in Nemethian tradition; Merlin was reminded of the first time he had lain eyes upon the princess all those years ago. Merlin took in a huge, shaky breath. Though her face was covered, the gauzy fabric could not hide the ecstatic sparkle in her eyes.

Once again, Merlin was struck at how beautiful and radiant Mithian was. Not only that, but she was being escorted towards him in order to become his wife. It was all he could do to keep his mouth from gaping open like an imbecile.

Merlin reflected later that it was a good thing he managed to remember how to speak when it was required and had thus gotten through the ceremony without being prodded like a clueless lamb. As soon as Mithian's hand had been placed in Merlin's, Geoffrey's deep, resonant voice had suddenly sounded as though he was speaking from under a jousting helmet. There was something about Merlin wishing to become one with Mithian, (of course he did) and did she wish to be one with Merlin. The warlock was then surprised to realize that their hands were already entwined within a garland.

"...kiss your bride."

Suddenly, before he fully realized what he was doing, Merlin was grinning as he lifted her veil. Then he cradled her face as he had the first time he had kissed her, and pressed his lips to hers. The crowd fell away as his lips moved over hers, reluctant to pull away from their intoxicating draw. Finally, he pulled back and looked into her shining eyes, only vaguely aware of their clapping, cheering audience. Only once Geoffrey had retrieved the ceremonial garland did they start to move again.

"We're married," Merlin said stupidly, his mind still in awe as he led Mithian back down the aisle on his arm. Mithian laughed delightedly as they reached the hallway and moved towards the Great Hall for the feast.

"We are," she agreed, then leaned closer. "And there weren't even any dragons to say nay," she whispered conspiratorially into her husband's ear.

Merlin laughed joyously, then paused and leaned in to kiss his bride once more.

"Save it for later," Arthur entreated them as he and Guinevere followed shortly behind the newly wedded couple. The king looked pointedly at the tapestries until Merlin finally pulled back from Mithian and continued down the corridor, their smiles irrepressible. Gwen was nearly weeping for joy, she was so glad to see her friends deliriously happy.

The feast was grand; only the king and queen's wedding celebration had been more opulent. Merlin delighted in having his mother there to enjoy it. He knew that Hunith had never seen so much food in one place in all her life. Even still, Merlin was proud when Hunith took her seat beside Mithian's father and conversed with him and Gwen as easily as if she were born to rank.

As the night wore on, Merlin made it a point to refuse anything the knights pushed his way. He did not feel like repeating the drunken magical shenanigans nor the hangover experience from their betrothal feast, especially after all the embarrassment he had suffered through that morning. After Gaius, King Rodor and Hunith bid them goodnight and the older guests retired from the feast, the knights began climbing upon the tables to give more and more ridiculous speeches.

Merlin shook his head at Gwaine's antics with fond exasperation, then looked to Mithian and raised his eyebrow, the barest hint of a grin on his face. Mithian smiled and gave a subtle nod of agreement. The both of them slid their chairs back slowly, not wanting to draw the attention of their exuberant and intoxicated friends. Merlin saw Gwen smile knowingly at them and he put his finger to his lips, silently pleading with her to help them escape unnoticed. The queen smiled in response and drew Arthur's attention to keep the newlyweds' departure as quiet as possible.

In the dim, quiet corridor, Merlin smiled impishly and took Mithian's hand to lead her running and giggling through the deserted halls to their chambers. Once at the entrance, Merlin surprised Mithian by gathering her up into his arms and opening their door with a wordless touch of magic as he placed a tender kiss upon her lips.


By the next morning, Merlin had to concede that Arthur had never been more right. The ceremony was an utter blank after seeing Mithian enter the hall. He could hardly remember what he had eaten at the feast and he was sure that he would never recall the speeches and toasts that had been made.

But what came later, Merlin would remember for the rest of his days. Beautiful and wonderful had been Mithian's words, but for Merlin, it had been profoundly eye-opening as well as literally earth-shaking.

Merlin had known from the first few days that Mithian had been in Camelot that he held her in high regard. After the quest to save her father and the three nights following that they spent conversing beside Gaius' fire, Merlin had known that he cared a great deal for her. Within three weeks of courting her, he knew that he preferred her over any other woman. But on their wedding night, Merlin had known without a doubt that he loved Mithian, and that he would love her for all of his life.


Three days later, Merlin joined Mithian in the courtyard to bid Hunith and King Rodor farewell. Hunith kissed both their cheeks and patted Merlin's fondly before climbing onto the horse Arthur insisted on giving her when the peasant woman outright refused an armed escort. Merlin raised a hand in farewell and watched his mother ride out of the gates. Hunith turned back one last time and returned the wave, nodding at her son and turning back towards Ealdor once more. Rodor stepped forward then.

"Mithian, darling," the King of Nemeth said, taking his daughter by the shoulders and smiling proudly at her.

"I will miss you," Mithian said, smiling gently at her elderly father.

"And I, you, of course," Rodor chuckled. "But it does my heart glad to see you wed, and so happy."

"I am," Mithian agreed. Her father smiled joyfully and moved to address her husband.

"Merlin," Rodor said, gripping the warlock's forearm and nodding his approval. "You've done me proud. I've heard that Lord Vidor still hasn't gotten over your words of wisdom."

Merlin nodded, looking down at his boots to hide his puckish grin.

"Take care of her, Merlin" Rodor said, all sense of joviality gone. Merlin raised his head to meet the King of Nemeth's eyes.

"You have my solemn promise to do so."

Rodor smiled again at Merlin's candor and finally stepped back to join his escort from Nemeth.

"Be sure to keep me informed should I become a grandfather," Rodor said, smiling at the now blushing newlyweds. Merlin laughed, understanding yet again where Mithian had gotten her playful nature. After Rodor's company had moved out of sight, Merlin turned to Mithian.

"Did you need me for anything?"

"No, I'll be fine. I know you wanted to drop in on Arthur's meeting for his private Round Table."

"It's not until after the midday bell," Merlin shrugged, then smiled. "You would fit quite well at that round table."

"Because it's so big?" Mithian asked facetiously, her eyes wide and innocent.

"No," Merlin laughed but then grew serious. "You are strong, intelligent and loyal. All things that those at the Round Table share."

"You flatter me once again, Merlin."

"I never flatter any one. Arthur would be the first to tell you, I'm no bootlicker," Merlin chuckled, taking Mithian by the hand and leading her towards their favorite walking path. They did have some time before the meeting after all, and Merlin meant to spend it well.


"I wondered when we'd be seeing you next," Arthur chuckled when Merlin showed up at the meeting that afternoon.

"Merlin!" Gwaine shouted happily. The rest of the knights called out their greetings as Merlin took a seat at the table and let out a huge yawn.

"Tired, Merlin?" Arthur drawled.

"Something keeping you up at night?" Gwaine chimed in, much to the other's humor. Merlin said nothing, but his blazing face set the knights laughing again.

"I take it the wedding night was a success?" Gwaine asked. "Admit it, our advice was invaluable and well worth it!"

"I refuse to dignify that with a response," Merlin replied impishly, sending more chuckles through the room.

"Speaking of your wedding night, did you feel that tremor?" Arthur asked curiosly. Merlin instantly bit back his initial response. He didn't think it prudent to tell Arthur that of course he felt it, he had caused it.

"I'll bet they were too busy playing backgammon to have felt such a thing," Gwaine teased.

"No, Fox and Geese. A much more appropriate game for one's wedding night," Percival interjected with a snort.

"Well Merlin? Did you feel the tremor that night?" Leon asked with false innocence. Merlin rolled his eyes at their juvenile antics, which only made them laugh all the more.

"Believe me, I felt it," Merlin assured them. It was the truth, after all.

"It wasn't as noticeable as the quake at the tomb, but they were fairly close together, time-wise. I wonder if the two were related?" Arthur mused.

"I think that's likely," Merlin ventured, skirting the truth.

"What do you know about earth tremors?" Arthur asked in disbelief.

"Plenty," Merlin defended himself. "I r-"

"Read it in a book," Arthur finished. "Is that your answer for everything? Where are all these mysterious books with answers for everything?"

"Have you not met Gaius?" Merlin asked incredulously. "I kid you not, I think he does in fact have a book for everything. And who do you think Gaius has had doing half his research for the better part of ten years?"

"I'm guessing it wasn't Arthur," Percival chuckled.

"Do you think, then, all-knowing First Advisor, that we should gather some surplus provisions in case we see more of these quakes?" Arthur teased, cutting off what he was sure would have been an impressive rant by said advisor.

Merlin willed his face not to flush as he looked at Arthur as innocently as possible and said, "Spare provisions are never a bad idea. You never know when an earthquake might strike."

"My Lord," a breathless guard shouted as he burst into the room. Arthur's first thought was to reprimand the guard for entering his chambers in such a way when the state of the man made him hold his tongue.

"What is it?" he demanded.

"The scouts are returned from the southeast; they'll be in the city within the half-hour."

"Is there any sign of the training patrol with them?"

"There appears to be one injured man among them, My Lord," the guard admitted regretfully.

"Have them report to me as soon as they arrive."

The guard nodded sharply and bowed low before scrambling from the room. Arthur looked around at his most loyal friends.

"Let us hope they bear good news," he murmured.

No more than twenty minutes later, the leader of the search party reported to Arthur's chambers. The knights all stood a little taller and Merlin and Arthur both sat up a bit straighter at the solemn look on the scout's face.

"Your Highness, I've come to report on the missing patrol."

"Please, tell us anything you can," Arthur entreated.

"My men and I traveled to the village that the patrol sent the missive from. There we found that the villagers had told the knights of rumors that there had been sorcerers in the forest. Sirs Caridoc and Brennis decided to take another loop around the southeastern border to see if they could discover any signs that such activity was taking place."

"What were the rumors of sorcerers?" Merlin asked, wondering if it was Morgana or a rogue group like Alvarr's had been. Or even a peaceful group like the druids.

"There had been strange happenings. Strong, healthy trees being felled without a storm; animals falling prey to all manner of deformities. Strange lights and sounds from the forest. Terrified screams. The villagers were understandably frightened."

Merlin looked gravely to Arthur, only to find the same expression on the king's face. There was little doubt that Morgana was behind the strange happenings.

"Did you find any further sign of the patrol?"

"Yes, Sire," the scout confirmed.

"And?" Arthur prompted. The knights all stepped forward, fearing the worst.

"Sirs Brennis, Bellvue and Orrin are dead, though only Bellvue had obvious wounds. Sir Mordred is missing. Sir Caridoc is with the physician as we speak. He was only able to tell us one thing. Morgana."


Arthur wasted no time in going to Gaius' chambers and Merlin followed right on his heels. Gaius was in the middle of spooning one of his tonics into the injured knight, who lay propped on a mountain of pillows on the patient's cot.

"Sir Caridoc," Arthur greeted, moving to stand beside the bed.

"He needs rest, Sire," Gaius interjected.

"I only need a moment, Gaius," Arthur insisted. Gaius pursed his lips and glared, but held his tongue.

"Caridoc?" Arthur began again.

"I am sorry, My Lord," the man rasped.

"He has several broken ribs, Sire," Gaius complained, though Caridoc held up a hand to quiet the physician, and related the incident with Morgana.

"I think they thought I was dead. The witch ordered the others to grab Mordred and then they disappeared into the trees. It all happened in the span of a minute or two. By the time I was able to move, they were long gone and I realized that I couldn't even get up with my ribs injured. I lay on the forest floor for a day and a night until the search party found me."

"Thank you, Sir Caridoc. Your information is invaluable."

Arthur and Merlin looked gravely at one another; Merlin knew immediately what Arthur intended to do. Without another word, Arthur spun on his heel and strode briskly from the room. Merlin looked momentarily at a worried Gaius, then hurried after his king.

"You can't tell me that you intend to go after Mordred on your own," Merlin said as soon as he caught up with Arthur.

"No, that's exactly what I'm telling you."

"Arthur, it's madness. This is Morgana we're talking about. She's probably done this just to get you to come to her!"

"He is one of my knights. I cannot leave him in her hands."

"How do we know he's an unwilling captive? He's worked with her before!" Merlin argued.

"That's exactly why we have to go after him. He literally stabbed Morgana in the back to save my life. How do you think Morgana will react to that?"

"I cannot approve of this, Arthur," Merlin insisted, ignoring the king's question.

"It's not your job to approve."

"Really?! I thought being First Advisor meant something. Or did you do that just for Rodor's sake?" Merlin asked, stopping Arthur in his tracks.

"Do not question my motives, Merlin. I made you First Advisor, but I am still king. Mordred is as good as my brother. I cannot leave him to Morgana's mercy for she has none."

"Then I'm coming with you," Merlin vowed.

"You've only just been married. You said yourself that Mithian wouldn't appreciate it if you took off any time soon."

"Mordred may be as good as your brother, but you,"Merlin said, jabbing his finger into the king's chest, "Are as good as mine. I'm coming, Mithian will understand."

Arthur smiled gratefully at his friend, clapping him on the shoulder.

"Then tell the others. We ride at dawn."


As always, thanks for reading! ;)