Disclaimer: I DON'T OWN MERLIN!

My thanks to Merthur, Elite Warrior, xSapphirexRosesxFanx, emrysmorgan, Meri Ley, Number 2415 L.S, trekmel, Annoymous, animexchick, Adele, NCVII, Poppy-Twin, Cat Ciolko, Latifun Kanurilkomori, teenwriter827, Straight Gate, Thalosen, Leannegeorgiabirks18, the only daughter of Pluto, daemon452, JustARandomFandomer, Merlin Perseus Potter, Anony, Covley Hatake, and stargaryen1831 for your reviews I greatly loved them and so sorry for the long wait.

Number 2415 L.S- To answer your question, Galdra is in the north so think Hadrian's wall-ish, and this is sooooo not historically accurate. Galdra is from Ríki Galdra, which translated from Icelandic means Kingdom of Magic, when I was creating this kingdom I wanted a kinda different name and well just thought of that. And no they are not a Saxon kingdom, think more Picts or Scottish Highlanders. At this point in history (around 6th-7th century, at least in my head, I know there's different ideas for when the legends stem from but I like it before the Dark Ages though I am using some Middle Age ideas like in the show for some aspects, so it's more like a hodgepodge of different time periods, like I said not accurate at all!) the Romans had already abandoned the British Isles but they never made it past Hadrian's wall because of the Picts/Highlanders. Also some of these people, are mentioned to have come from Viken which is where some believe the name Viking originates from as it was a region in Scandinavia during that time period.

And to all those who've favorite and followed this story, I write this with you all in mind! Thanks and sorry for the long wait!

Chapter 7

Galdra

Hunith's first view of Galdra was a spectacular one. The countryside of rolling grassy knolls, she could see small but well-maintained villages dotting the landscape but it was her first look at the port city that truly took her breath away.

The city it's self was large, larger than even Camelot, the town sprawled out, curving around the natural harbor, with its glittering sea, and moved up around the hills surrounding it. At the apex of the city seeming to have been carved out of the hill side standing tall and grand with white spires was the Galdraian castle.

It looks like it's out of a fairy tale, Hunith thought as they started descending.

"Magnificent, isn't?" Balinor yelled, all Hunith could do was nod. Quickly they got closer to the ground before Pyrrhus landed in the courtyard. Hunith had been half expecting to see people running in fear but many were just going about their business.

"Welcome back," Hunith heard someone say as she slid off Pyrrhus into Balinor's waiting arms. When she turned she was met with a truly beautiful young woman closely followed by two men, one roguishly handsome, close to her son's age, and the other just as handsome but older. By their bearings she knew they were of high rank, she dropped into a curtsey.

"Oh please don't," The older gentleman said. He held out his hand to her and in taking it she felt its roughness. It had to have taken years of hard work to get calluses such as these, she thought as she straightened.

She took note of the mischievous glint in his eye before suddenly she was pulled into a bone crushing hug. She was shocked when her breath rushed out of her but even more so when she heard a cacophony of laughs.

"Stop manhandling my wife," Balinor called his voice full of mirth as he rested a hand on her shoulder, Hunith half-way expected the man to cut down Balinor for his tone but he surprised her with a heart-felt laugh as he released her. Hunith took in the smiling faces and felt tears come to her eyes unexpectedly.

"Hunith?" Balinor asked concerned.

"I'm sorry, it's just, you are all so different from what I imagined."

"Is that why you didn't come here once you found out that you were pregnant?" Everyone turned to Gwaine, surprised by his question. "What? I grew up outside of Galdra, not all royals are as accepting as you lot."

"But she's married to Uncle, and-"

"I didn't believe that he had made it back." Hunith supplied wiping at her tears.

"You thought he died?" Runa asked softly. Hunith's only answer was a nod.

"And you thought they wouldn't believe you about your child being his, if he wasn't there to vouch for it." Gwaine filled in. Once again Hunith only nodded. They could see that Hunith felt guilty but she had done the best she could and she had raised an amazing young man, despite the difficulties she had most likely faced.

"Well there's no reason to dredge up the 'what if's', it's done. All we can do now is move on." The group looked at the princess with varying expressions but her sincere countenance waylaid Hunith's worries and she offered a smile in return.

"Would you like to see Merlin?" Those words said so softly brought reality back.

"Yes," Hunith answered with tears growing in her eyes. As a group they silently started making their way toward the grand entrance, vaguely Hunith could hear the dragons taking flight and saw the bows that their group received but she didn't take notice, her thoughts solely on her son.


Morgana's consciousness slowly rose to the surface, at first she registered the sounds of voices talking at a low volume then the slight weight in her hand, finally her memories of the day came rushing back making her eyes jolt open, only to be met with the sight of Merlin's still form. She laid there with her head on the bed but brought up her hand to smooth away the one stray curl from his face.

His hair's gotten longer, she thought to herself, it looks good on him. Maybe I can convince him to keep it this way.

The noise level rose as she heard more voices coming their way so she lifted her head, running one hand through her hair trying to make sure she looked presentable. The first to enter the Wing was Runa who was soon followed by…

"Hunith," Morgana half-whispered clutching Merlin's hand a little tighter. Upon hearing her name Hunith looked toward Morgana, taking in the young Lady's appearance.

She's lost weight, Hunith thought, and some of that fire I saw in her has dimmed. Hunith's eyes went soft looking at Morgana and as she step toward her she finally took note of the person on the bed. Her breath caught and tears rushed to her eyes again. She quietly moved to his side, cupping his pale cheek brushing her thumb across his sharp features that had been made so much sharper.

"My baby boy," she crooned as she grasped his other hand in hers bringing it to her cheek.

"I'm so sorry." The remorseful words were whispered so softly the Hunith almost didn't hear them but when she looked up into Morgana's tearful green eyes she could see the agonizing regret that seemed to permeate the young lady's being.

"It's all my fault." As the tears started falling Hunith moved around the bed and embraced the young woman, who still refused to release Merlin's hand. Morgana kept mumbling that it was her fault and all Hunith could do was to offer the young woman comfort until she calmed down enough to listen to reason.

She knew grief, had seen it enough, had experienced it herself, but Morgana's grief was misplaced, at least she hoped it was. Hunith pulled back slightly before cupping the young woman's face in her hands making her look in her eyes.

Morgana had been expecting an accusing look to be present in Hunith's eyes despite the comfort she could feel radiating from the kind woman but all she saw was empathy. She had only ever seen that look from Gwen, when she knew that Morgana was unhappy being forced to do something at Uther's orders, or Merlin, when she was panicking about one thing or another, and sometimes Gaius when she spoke about her dreams and her restless nights. She had even see it in the Galdraian royals, but for the majority of her life she had only ever seen pity in someone's eyes. It was refreshing to once again see that not all people were like those in Camelot.

"Morgana my dear it is in no possible way, your fault."

"But-"

"No buts. That woman…"

"Morgause." Morgana supplied.

"Yes, her," Morgana was a little taken aback by the maliciousness in Hunith's voice. "She is the one to blame. Not you, and I'd think Merlin will be worried when he wakes up if you still feel that way." Morgana could see the almost painful hope radiating out of Hunith but Morgana knew that same painful feeling resided in her heart.

The two women were broken out of their bubble when someone cleared their throat. When they looked up they could see the kind looks the others were giving them. Both women gave them small smiles back, a little watery around the edges but a smile none the less. They moved away from each other and sat down, then Hunith turned to the healers.

"When will he wake up?" The healers looked a little uneasy causing both women's hearts to sink. They could read the silence, there was a very good chance Merlin would never wake up. Tears started pooling in Hunith's eyes while Morgana's face took on a look of gut-wrenching guilt.

Both women looked back down at Merlin. Hunith felt Balinor lay a hand on her shoulder in comfort. The three people crowded around Merlin's bed did not take notice of the look that passed between father and daughter nor the slight nodding of his head or the look of determination that overtook the princess's features.

"I might have an idea that may help." Morgana, Hunith, Balinor and Gwaine all looked towards her with varying expressions. Morgana and Hunith's expressions were mostly full of hope while Gwaine and Balinor were cautiously suspicious.

"What is it?" Morgana asked not even trying to hide her hope.

"I'm gifted in magics of the mind and soul," she started. "I've done this before but you have to understand before I explain that this is exceptionally dangerous." Both women just nodded back to her encouraging her to continue.

"I can get into Merlin's inner consciousness, where his soul and mind meet where I might be able to convince him that he is somewhere safe, that-"

"He doesn't know you though," Morgana interrupted, and almost immediately she ducked her head embarrassed at her outburst. Runa just gave her a proud smile.

"You are correct, he doesn't know me, which is why I'm going to create a bridge, for lack of a better word, for you to find him and bring him back."

"Me?"

"Why Lady Morgana? Wouldn't I be the better…" Hunith petered off when Runa shook her head.

"I can't do this with just anyone. Lady Morgana has magic which offers her a protection that I can't give once she's in."

"You have magic my lady?" Hunith asked genuinely surprised. The only thing Morgana could do was nod her head.

"Morgana's magic is innate like it seems Merlin's is."

"Oh yes, he's has been using magic since he was born." At her words everyone looked to her with absolute shock.

"Since he was born?" Balinor asked slowly as if he could not believe the words coming out of his own mouth. Everyone was still looking at Hunith but she had her eyes on her son, not taking notice of the looks.

"Yes, his first cry made all the candles and even the hearth go out only to have his second cry relight them."

Now everyone was looking at the young man in the bed then back at each other, in complete and utter shock. They had never heard of such a thing, magic going out of control, yes, someone having innate magic, uncommon yet known, but to have used it since his birth, unheard of.

Runa waved off anymore questions until after Merlin was better and they had had the chance to speak with the Druids and even the Royal Seer; everyone nodded.

"That's quiet something, we can talk about that later but I believe time is not on our side, yes?" Runa said pointedly toward Lenus who nodded his head.

"What do I need to do?" Morgana asked.

"You need to open you mind and soul to me, just allow me in and I can do the rest."

Hunith moved from her seat so that Runa could sit down across from Morgana. When Runa held out her hand to Morgana, she took a deep breath before placing her hand within Runa's. Both women took one of Merlin's hands closing the circle.

"Good, now before I start, my lady, you must be careful in there, if your soul is destroyed you will die."

"I understand but I have to do this. He would have done the same."

"Okay, Morgana, I want you to take deep breaths and slowly clear you mind." Morgana did as she was asked, soon she started to feel herself floating as her eyes drifted closed, Runa's soft voice lulling her as she felt her soul wonder.

Morgana opened her eyes when she felt a soft breeze caress her face. What she saw was not what she expected.

She was surrounded by trees. When did I go outside? She thought.

"Morgana do not be distracted." She heard Runa's voice in her mind. "You need to find Merlin as quickly as possible. And again please be careful."

Morgana nodded her head to no one in particular and started calling for Merlin. She searched and called and searched and called, but she found nothing.

It feels like it's been hours, she thought as she took a rest. I hope it hasn't been. She knew little about magic but even she knew that the longer someone used it at once the more dangerous it was for the castor, that was one of the few things the Druids had been able to teacher her before the knights came 'to her rescue'.

She sat down with a frustrated huff before leaning her head back against the tree's trunk, closing her eyes.

'Morgana'

Morgana's eyes shot open as she sat up looking for the source of the voice.

'Morgana'

She stood, looking around.

"Merlin?" She shouted and continued to shout as she tried to follow the voice. She didn't notice that the forest around her grew darker and denser the further in she went until the light was almost completely blocked out.

This was the first time she felt fear since she had enter this place. The air felt wrong, the darkness unnatural and eerie, but she could see a peculiar light emanating farther down the path. She made that her destination rushing towards it. What met her on the other side made her heart stop.

"Merlin!"

He didn't react to her scream. He was pinned to a tree by dark creeping vines and roots, but what concerned her the most was the dark cloud that surrounded him.

"No!"

Merlin's yell propelled Morgana forward. Immediately she was pushed back by an unnaturally strong wind. She put up her hands to protect her face but she could feel the cutting winds slicing through her clothes, then wetness as blood ran down her arms.

Morgana gritted her teeth against the pain and pushed on but she was being battered from all sides by this wind. No, she thought. I can't stop. I won't stop. I will not be beaten by this!

Morgana felt a swelling in her chest that spread before it over flowed, swiftly the roaring of the winds stopped. When she opened her eyes and looked around she took note of the differences her outburst had caused, the most glaringly obvious one was the number of vines and roots holding Merlin to the tree had diminished and the dark cloud had shrank as well. In fact the dark cloud didn't look so much like a cloud anymore and had taken on a more human-like form and it was choking Merlin!

"Let him go!" she screamed as she ran towards them. The dark shadow turned toward her throwing out an arm sending a powerful gale in her direction. Morgana ducked out of it's destructive path along with the other ones the shadow sent her way. Undeterred from her path she pushed forward.

As she pushed forward the miasma shadow solidified even more taking on the form of a woman. Morgana could hear a voice that sent shivers down her spine as it spoke poisonous words, words that turned into miasma, surrounding Merlin once again. What truly alarmed her was the fact that Merlin wasn't fighting as he had been. When she was finally close enough she saw that his eyes had become hallow, almost dead.

"No!"

Morgana pushed forward into the miasma wrapping her arms around his waist, burying her head in his chest.

"You can't give up," she yelled. "I won't let you!"

Once again there was a feeling swelling in her chest followed by a roaring in her ears then suddenly there was a dazzling light that surrounded them. Morgana could hear a high pitched shriek then as the light faded she felt the weight of Merlin drop into her arms. Quickly she laid him on the ground. His eyes were closed but what worried her was the dark veining that she could see that was covering his entire body.

"Wh-what is this?" Morgana asked to no one in particular.

'It is dark magic.'

It was the same voice that had led her to Merlin in the first place but when Morgana looked around she found no one there.

'You must purge it from his body.'

"How?"

There was no answer but Morgana knew she was running out of time, so she followed her instincts. At first she placed her hands over his heart and tried to will her magic to flow through her hands into Merlin. She felt nothing and the veins were getting darker.

"No, no, no…"

Morgana was looking around franticly then her gaze fell upon his lips, remembering her dreams of Merlin's adventures. She took a deep breath and with a quick look to the darkening sky pressed her lips against his. Almost instantly her magic bubbled to life overflowing around her.

As she poured her magic into Merlin she didn't notice his hand twitch, nor as it rose to her cheek, but when she felt his caress she jolted from the heat the sudden touch brought. She pulled back quickly finding his beautiful eyes staring at her. She felt a smile of pure relief take over her face.

"Merlin," she breathed out, bring up her hand to hold his.

"Mor-"

He was interrupted by a blinding light, instantly Morgana felt herself being pulled back. She gasped as she opened her eyes finding herself back in her body. She looked around taking in all the curious faces but at Merlin's groan her gaze was immediately brought back to him.

Merlin's face scrunched up in pain before he blinkingly opened his eyes. At first he just stared at the ceiling with hazy eyes.

"Merlin?"

He turned at his name

"M'gana?" he rasped out confused.

"Merlin?" Hunith said coming to his other side.

"M-mother?"

He still seemed confused but everyone could see he was processing everything.

"Wh-Where am I?"

"Safe."

Merlin turned to the unknown voice through hazy eyes but he couldn't focus without making his head hurt worse than it already was. Finally that one word registered, one word that did the one thing Morgause's torture never could.

He broke.

Morgana and Hunith were alarmed as tears started trickling down the side of Merlin's face, at their alarmed faces Merlin pressed the heel of his hand into his eyes to try and stop the flow. However the tears continued and he could feel a sob building in his chest. Then he felt a soft caress against his cheek. He turned and looked into his mother's eyes and saw nothing but pure relief and love shining through.

"It's okay sweetheart."

Those words made his tears intensify.

Mother and son didn't take notice as Runa, Gwaine and Brynjarr left, giving their well wishes to Balinor, but Merlin did take notice when Morgana tried to leave. As she pulled her hand from his, instinctively Merlin tightened his grip.

A part of Morgana was pleased that he wanted her to stay. Then Merlin turned toward her and a look of guilt overtook his features before releasing her hand.

"Sorry Milady."

Those two words seemed to be filled with remorse that far exceeded holding her hand. The guilt in his eyes seemed to be too much.

"You have nothing to be sorry for." She tried to make him understand that no matter what he felt guilty for was no fault of his.

"There is so much I have-"

Morgana squeezed his hand stopping him.

"There is no such thing." Her gaze softened as a blush overtook Merlin's features and he gave a slight nod.

"Well I believe I'll leave for a bit, so you and your parents can talk."

Merlin took on a look of distress but then her words fully registered and he turned to the man who was behind his mother with new eyes. Both men seemed at a loss for words. Quietly Morgana left, nodding to the healers who were trying to give the newly reunited family some privacy.

Runa and Gwaine seemed to have waited for her. Runa gave her a proud smile before enveloping Morgana in a hug. Morgana relaxed into her embrace needing the support it brought.

"You did a good thing here Morgana."

She turned to Gwaine who had spoken, and saw pride, in her, for what she had done and accomplished.

"Let's get something to eat."

As they ate Runa and Gwaine asked Morgana about herself, what it was like living in Tintagel, living in Camelot, other questions along that same track. So Morgana regaled the two with stories of her childhood and of her exploits with Gwen and Arthur when they were younger. The entire meal calmed her.

"Princess Runa."

All three looked up to see an older rather severe looking maid.

"Yes?"

"Lady Tali wishes to see you."

"Okay. Well I better be on my way. Morgana-"

"Lady Tali also wishes to see the Lady Morgana as well."

Morgana was taken by surprise she had only met with a handful of people, but when she looked to Runa she just shrugged her shoulders.

"Thank you Constance, we'll head over if there's nothing else."

"Yes Princess."

Gwaine parted from them claiming if he skipped anymore practice the head knight would chew his head off. They walked in silence for a bit, Morgana's mind overflowing with questions.

"You can ask."

"Hm?"

"You can ask all those questions I can see going through your mind."

"Am I that easy to read? I thought I was better at hiding my emotions."

"I suspect you are in normal situations but I don't think this situation constitutes as normal." Morgana let out a small laugh but had to agree, this situation was far from normal. Morgana went through the numerous questions in her mind before deciding on one.

"Who is Lady Tali?"

"I usually call her Seer Tali. She's been Court Seer for almost 50 years."

"Oh and who is your Court Sorcerer?"

"We don't have a Court Sorcerer, mostly because so many of us use magic as is, and true Seers are rare and precious but can usually be pretty fragile especially in this age of unrest."

"What do you mean?" Morgana was truly curious.

"It depends on the Seer. There are some who are taken over in a trance like state and sprout predictions, some that might have to do with what is going on at the time or some far off future. Those are the rarest but it is the other type that are the most, I don't know a better way to put this but they are the most haunted in this tumultuous time.".

"Like me?" Runa looked to Morgana and nodded sadly.

"It seems so."

Wanting to change to topic Morgana started to pepper Runa with questions until Runa stopped in front of a door. When they stepped in the room was not what Morgana had expected. It was bathed in light and almost seemed to be a garden within the tower and in the middle was a woman with long pure white hair.

She turned toward them when the door latched and that's when Morgana noticed that the woman had her eyes covered. Is she…?

"Welcome daughter of Viviana. Yes, I am blind, but that by no means that I cannot see. Come, sit." The woman gestured to the pillows across from her. Morgana looked worriedly up to Runa who gave her a reassuring smile. As the two young women settled down Morgana began assessing the Court Seer.

She doesn't look like she's been Court Seer for almost half a century, Morgana thought as she could only see the faintest lines around the woman's softly smiling mouth.

"Why did you call us here?" Runa asked after she was seated.

"I felt a shift when you returned two days ago yet you did not come see me." Runa winced at the slightly accusatory tone. "I decided to give you a couple of days to rest before I called upon you. I was planning on call on you tomorrow but then I felt a surge. Care to explain."

Runa and Morgana took turns explaining what had happened, but as Morgana talked about her mother's bracelet Seer Tali stopped her.

"Describe the bracelet please."

As Morgana described her mother's bracelet she couldn't understand why the Seer's face took on a dark look.

"I knew Morgause was vile I just didn't know she was that vile."

"What do you mean?"

"The bracelet you just described was crafted for your mother specifically to suppress her."

"What?" both young women exclaimed.

"Where did she even find that vile thing?"

"Seer Tali," Runa said trying to regain the Seer's attention. "What do you mean?"

"Viviana's first husband was a wretch-"

"First husband?" Morgana asked never having heard about this.

"Yes, she was forced to marry him by order of the king previous to Uther. He was an absolutely despicable human, both Lord Vincent and King Ubel, but it was Lord Vincent that had that bracelet crafted to control your mother and curb her Sight."

"Is that a bad thing?" Morgana asked.

"Yes, doing that to a born Seer can be detrimental."

"How?"

"It can cause paranoia at the least and at worst drive the wearer insane."

"How did he get her to wear it?"

"He used her family's crest to create it and since almost everything concerning her family was gone, she saw it as a kind gesture not thinking he could be that detestable. Unfortunately once she had put it on she could not take it off."

"I was able to take it off-"

"Because it was crafted for your mother, not you, so it's unremovable effect was negated." Tali continued explaining but Morgana's mind was in turmoil. Runa noticed that Morgana was no longer listening. She placed her hand on Morgana's knee bring her attentions back.

"Are you okay?" Morgana's lips trembled and shook her head, as silent tears started down her face again. Runa moved closer to her, offering comfort.

"Why?" Morgana questioned. "Why did she do any of this? I thought she was helping me but she was using me all along. Why-"

Morgana broke down again not understanding why she was even surprised anymore or why she was still shedding tears for that woman. The woman who used her and tried to break the only person who had actually tried to help her, as misguided as his attempt had been.

She felt Runa holding her as she cried for the umpteenth time that day, then she felt someone brush away the tears on her face. When she looked up with hazy eyes it was Seer Tali's face and even though she couldn't see her eyes, she could feel the compassion that seemed to encompass her whole being.

"No one can truly understand another's mind or why they did something the way they did. We are only responsible for our actions and no one else's."

Morgana just nodded at the wise words before taking a deep breath and blinked away her tears. Tali smiled softly at her then got up, making her way to a chest next to a window. She rummaged around for a bit before pulling out a bundled up cloth, then she sat back down.

"Here," she said as she handed the bundle to Morgana. "This also belonged to your mother, but this was crafted by your father who asked me to enchant it to help your mother. After she passed he sent it back to me in hopes that someday I would give it to you."

"But-"

"He knew of your sight Morgana, and it would not surprise me if he was planning on sending you here at some point for your own protection, he just never got the chance."

Morgana looked between this kind old woman and the bundled cloth she had placed on her lap. With shaky hands she unwrapped what she found to be another bracelet, however this one was vastly different than the one Morgause had given her.

At its center was a large smooth white stone that was held in place by thin metal that had been intricately woven and intertwined to create a tree that laid over the white stone. Morgana was mesmerized by it. It had a warmth about it that she couldn't explain.

"The stone is well known for helping seers focus their sight. The metal is silver and was twisted and woven into the form of a tree, which represents the connections between the Realms of Land, Sky and Sea. The enchantment is not meant to curb your sight but to allow you to focus it, and in some sense control it, but to use this enchantment correctly you need practice. I will teach you."

"Really?" Morgana said clasping the bracelet over her heart.

"I taught your mother, it'd be my honor to teach you."

"Thank you!"

"Now that, that is out of the way, Morgana can you tell us what you saw within Merlin," Runa asked. Morgana nodded and started her tale but when she finished and looked at the two others she took in their stricken faces.

"She used that spell?" Runa choked out.

"What was she thinking?" Tali harshly whispered.

"You know what that was?" Morgana asked, wanting clarification about their reactions.

"Sweorcan sê heortscræf in translation means 'Darken this heart'. It's a vile horrid spell that is one of the few that can forcefully change the heart of someone with magic." At Morgana's confused expression the Seer continued. "Magic cannot go against the heart of its wielder, so even if the mind of someone with magic is controlled their magic will not be used in ways they wouldn't normally use it. In that way magic can usually protect one from such things but this spell requires that the person be almost completely, if not completely, drained of their magic for it to work."

"What would have happened if I hadn't…" Morgana couldn't finish, not even wanting to think about what could have been.

"Merlin could have been lost forever," Runa said, saying the words Morgana couldn't and didn't want to.


~The next night~

Runa was walking the Royal gardens as the moon shone bright above her. She felt restless. So much had happened in the last month, but to be honest it was more so the last couple of days that made sleep nigh on impossible. So much had changed in the last two days alone, Runa mused. Merlin had been between the waking world and sleep ever since Morgana had cleansed him. Morgana had also refused to leave his side after Runa and Seer Tali had told her the truth of the spell used on him.

I suppose she's fearful that she didn't get rid of it all, even though we've assured her she has, Runa thought to herself. She shook those thoughts away as she tried to work though what had originally brought her out to the gardens, the meeting that was set for the next day. Some of the lords were already giving her a headache, demanding that something be done about the treatment that Merlin had most assuredly been subject to while in Camelot.

Apparently they spoke to the Healers, but we don't know the entire truth as Merlin has not been able to stay awake long enough to tell us about his life in Camelot, Runa pieced together. Morgana doesn't know where Merlin received the older scars, well she said the mace wound was most likely from Prince Arthur from one of the many times he used Merlin as a sparring dummy. The mere thought of that roused her anger. Why did he spar with someone who has never even held a sword or a mace in the first place? It's absurd!

Runa continued to be lost in her thoughts as she aimlessly wondered around the gardens. She was pulled out of her musings when she caught sight of someone seated on one of the benches. At first she couldn't identify who it was but as she approached she caught sight of the fire he held in his hands as it illuminated his face.

"Merlin?"

Merlin jumped, instinctually ending the spell, as he turned to the voice. It was vaguely familiar like he had heard it through a dream but then he placed it. She was there when I woke up, he remembered.

"I- I'm sorry I don't remember your name. Uh-"

"I'm Runa, your cousin." She said as she sat down next to him.

"Cousin?" He said confused but then it dawned on him. "Wait that means you're the princess!"

"And you're a prince."

"No I'm not." Merlin denied as he made a face.

"You are, by birthright and by deeds."

"Deeds?"

"Morgana told us about what you've done in Camelot-"

"How does she know about that? I never told her." Merlin interrupted a little confused. Runa raised a brow at him, trying not to smile when he fidgeted under her stare.

"Yes, she was shown your adventures in Camelot, in the Citadel and Lower town, nothing outside of that I'm afraid, and a part of her is still supremely annoyed that you didn't trust her enough-"

"It's not like that! I just- I just couldn't." When Runa gave him a confused look her elaborated. "I've never toldanyone. If they knew it's because they saw me use it."

"No one's ever figured out you have magic?" Merlin shook his head but then he stopped himself.

"No one but the Druids."

"Well the Druids are special. But I hear you told a girl that was cursed?" Her comment made Merlin flinch.

"Her name was Freya."

"You knew her far less than Morgana yet you trusted her."

"I-I-I wanted to so much but she's Uther's Ward it's different."

"Mhm."

Silence stretched between them. Runa felt bad about putting Merlin on the spot but she had been curious about some of the things Morgana had told them and some of the expressions she had tried to hide.

"I-I think I told Freya because I couldn't tell Morgana." Merlin said pulling Runa out of her thoughts.

"Explain that to me." Runa asked, confused but curious.

"I'd been warned by multiple people to either keep my distance from Morgana, that she was above my station, while others said that I shouldn't tell her about my magic. I-I was just so lost about what to do for Morgana, so when Freya came I just wanted to do for her what I couldn't for Morgana."

Runa contemplated his reasons and considering she had not lived his life, nor lived with the fear he had, she could accept his reasoning, but she also knew he was going to have a hard time convincing Morgana of that.

"She knows that you were talked out of helping her by Gaius and Kilgharrah, but she's still annoyed with you."

"I can live with that."

Silence descended again but it was a comfortable one. They sat there neither talking but taking in the moonlight drenched garden.

"What brought you out here tonight?" Runa asked.

"I-I- I just needed some fresh air."

"I'm surprised any of the Healers let alone Morgana would have let you come out here alone." At her raised brow Merlin turned his face away guiltily.

"They… don't know." His words made her brow rise higher.

"The Healers I might be able to believe but Morgana as well?"

"Well…" His drawn out word made the corners of Runa's mouth twitch.

"What did you do?"

"I can tell she hasn't slept. She needs her rest too." His words started to make the picture a little clearer.

"You didn't?" Now Runa was really fight back a smile.

"I used a sleep spell." He mumbled but she heard him, she let out a roaring laugh. "It's not funny!"

"That's where you are wrong dear cousin. Is Morgana going to be angry at you tomorrow when she finds out that you used magic to make her sleep?"

"Most likely," he muttered a little annoyed at Runa's glee in his impending doom. Well at least here I won't be burned for using magic, the thought sent tremors through his body that once started wouldn't stop.

"Merlin? Merlin, what's wrong?"

"I-I can't go back."

"Back where?" Runa asked confused.

"Camelot." His words made her rear back confused and a little shocked.

"Why would you go back?"

"Destiny-"

"Destiny?" Runa interrupted him. "Merlin the first thing our Court Seer taught me about destiny is that there are numerous ways to reach it and that it's not always right."

"But-" There were such contradicting expressions on his face that Runa couldn't help but want to console him.

"Merlin, if you were chosen for a destiny then you were chosen for a reason and despite what powers you have that reason would be your heart. One's heart is who they truly are."

"But my destiny is so much more than me. I-" Merlin stopped himself as he felt tears start down his cheeks. He quickly tried to brush them away but they kept falling. Then he felt a hand come up to his cheek cradling it as a thumb brushed away his tears. Finally he looked up into Runa's eyes seeing her compassion.

"Merlin, there is no destiny that is worth losing who you are. You've done enough. You can rest now."

Merlin broke down into Runa's arms as she hugged him offering the comfort that he desperately needed at that moment. Runa rocked him as she assured him that his sacrifice was enough and in the back of her mind she was determined to make it so.


Sorry for the long wait! I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Please leave a review!