'Morning, Merlin,' said Thalia, wiping sleep from her eyes as she passed him in the corridor.

'Morning!' he said, hurrying past.

'And where are you going in such a rush?' she asked, turning as he flew past her.

'Nowhere,' he said, also turning for a moment, continuing to walk.

'Ri-i-ght…' she said, raising an eyebrow.

Merlin gave her an innocent look, one that always meant he was up to something he shouldn't be. She let it slide; it was probably something to annoy Arthur.

A minute later she was walking back to her chambers, having decided she needed a cloak when Merlin darted past her again, hearing a clanging from Arthur's chambers, a sound that could only mean Arthur had thrown something at his manservant. The servant in question was carrying something wrapped in cloth which smelled remarkably like ham.

'Merlin…'

'Hi!' he said.

She squinted at him, turning her head.

'Uh,' he said, smiling and shrugged, then running at the sound of further movement from Arthur.

'Make sure it's hot enough!'

'If you're bathing I'm out of here,' said Thalia, rising from her chair.

Arthur chose not to respond and continued to change behind the screen.

Thalia didn't leave immediately, watching as Merlin poured in water to the bath he'd fetched. He tested it, and found it to be too cold. Looking around, he shrugged.

'Onhǽte þá wæter.'

'Is it ready?'

'Yep. Freshly heated.'

Thalia looked ready to say something when Arthur came around the screen with a towel wrapped around his waist. He noticed Thalia and immediately went to say something as he tested the water, dipping a foot in.

'Arth-,'

Thalia was too late and Arthur yelled in pain, jumping back. 'You bumpkin! It's boiling!'

'Boiling?' echoed Merlin, frowning at the water.

'You are half asleep today!' Arthur yelled.

'I'm sorry, Sire. Erm, I'll get you some cold.'

Arthur bent down. 'No, I'll get you some.' He picked up a pitcher and Thalia dove out of the way from near Merlin as Arthur splashed him with cold water.

Merlin stood there, covered and dripping, hand still outstretched in protest.

'That woken you up?' Arthur marched back behind the screen.

'Raring to go, Sire.' Merlin still hadn't moved.

'God you're a spoilt brat,' said Thalia, walking out.

Arthur tutted and said nothing.

By later in the morning Arthur had gotten out of his bath and found Thalia already at the chambers for the morning. Uther was sat on his throne and Thalia had chosen to sit in her chair for once which sat next to Arthur's further right of Uther's central throne. It was an unusual positioning, as normally she would be on his left, between Uther and Morgana, but Uther had long since put the two side by side, as they were both the leaders of his army.

After a few people came and went, a man Thalia had grown to (almost publicly) despise entered. He was fat, face covered in unflattering stubble, two small daggers wedged into his bulging belt. He walked like a rich man, and talked like what he was; a bounty hunter.

'Ah, Halig.' Uther, on the other hand, had paid the bounty hunter a lot over the past years for his capture of sorcerers. 'You've come bearing gifts?'

'Yes, Sire. A druid girl. But she escaped last night here in Camelot.'

Thalia's eyes glinted in satisfaction.

'Well, don't worry. We'll soon find her. Have some guards help with the search.' Uther gestured to a knight behind Halig.

The knight bowed and left the chambers.

Halig spoke. 'You need to warn them, Sire. The girl is dangerous. The informer told me she was cursed.'

'How so?' Uther replied.

'He didn't know, but he said even the druids were frightened of her. They cast her out of their camp.' Halig suddenly looked a little frightened.

'It's against all the druids believe to reject those in need of care,' said Gaius from where he stood.

'Why would they do such a thing? Thalia?' asked Uther, turning to her.

'Only if she was dangerous,' said Thalia, looking at the king and nowhere near Halig. 'If she does have a curse that harms others, it would explain why the druids would have had no choice but to cast her out.'

'I dread to think,' said Gaius.

'Set up sentries on all the gates.' Uther ordered immediately.

'We should search the lower town, Sire. Someone may be harbouring her.' Halig's eyes darted to people around the room, as if trying to be dramatic.

'You think she had help?' asked Gaius, stepping forward slightly.

Thalia's eyes crossed the room to Merlin, who was doing his passive face unconvincingly.

'I saw two figures running away.'

Merlin saw her watching him and looked back, unsure of where else to look. She stealthily raised an eyebrow in question.

'Give Halig all the help he needs. I want this girl and her accomplice found.' Uther leant back in his chair. 'Thalia, I require your service.'

'You want me to hunt her?' she said in a tone that told Uther she was ready to refuse.

'We don't know what kind of magic she possesses. She must be found immediately.'

'Must she,' muttered Thalia, making Arthur look at her in question.

'Any luck so far in finding the girl?' asked Arthur as he sat down to his dinner.

'No,' said Thalia, sitting in a chair next to him, 'though I haven't been trying very hard.'

'I saw you searching houses and looking very threatening,' Arthur said, 'you know, I've almost forgotten what you look like when you are hunting sorcerers.'

'You haven't done it recently, have you?' asked Merlin conversationally from the door where he was stood with a water jug in his arms.

'Not for a while, no,' answered Thalia.

'But she's skilled at it,' said Arthur, happily singing her praises, 'very impressive, really. All the knights back away slightly.'

Merlin chuckled, easily able to see that. Arthur picked up a drumstick and began to eat.

'Would you like some water with that?' asked Merlin suddenly, advancing with the jug.

'Mmm,' Arthur responded, pointing at his goblet.

As soon as he'd emptied the jug, Merlin used magic to knock Arthur's knife off of the table, looking at Thalia sheepishly as Arthur frowned and bent down to pick it up. She didn't even bother to raise an eyebrow as he made a drumstick fly through the air, catching it in the jug.

'I had two drumsticks.' Arthur caught their attention by frowning at his plate.

'No you didn't.'

'Merlin, I had two drumsticks.'

With another innocent face Merlin pointed away. 'Maybe it fell on the floor.'

Arthur frowned and leant over again to check. Next Merlin took the sausages. Thalia hid her smirk in favour of sending him another questioning look. Merlin looked ready to explain via eccentric and complicated charades, when Arthur's head reappeared.

After a moment of looking down at his plate, he looked straight ahead, leaning back in his chair. 'I had sausages!'

'You sure?' asked Merlin. 'They must've fallen under the table.' With a shake of his head he advanced, kneeling on the floor and looking underneath.

'Merlin!' growled Arthur.

'What? You can search me, I haven't taken them.'

'Well, where have they gone?'

'Strange,' said Merlin, as if agreeing with Arthur.

'Very,' said Arthur in chagrin, leaning forward threateningly.

'Sure you didn't eat them?' Merlin asked.

'I haven't had the chance!'

Thalia chuckled at Arthur's irritated outburst.

Merlin gave Arthur a look normally reserved for parents when their children made up stories.

Thalia giggled and Arthur's jaw set harder as he continued to glare at Merlin.

'Fine!' he said suddenly, throwing his arms out.

Merlin smiled at his victory and went back to the door while Arthur sighed and picked up a tomato.

'Do you think my father has considered,' began Arthur, sitting in Thalia's chambers, throwing a key up and down in the air, 'the druids' real intentions?'

'In general?' asked Thalia, adjusting her leg, 'yes, but I don't think he ever thought too hard. If it weren't for the fact they practice magic they'd be considered kind and generous people, instead of dangerous.'

'You protect them?' asked Arthur, slightly quietly.

'I always have tried to, yes.'

'Like that time…,' said Arthur, trailing off.

'The raid?' she asked, looking up from her book.

'Mm. I never thanked you for that.'

'I didn't do much. By the time I took control…,' she shrugged as she trailed off. 'There were few to save.'

'I still regret it.' It shone in his eyes.

'Mm. At least you have a conscience for them,' she sighed. 'Uther thinks they're spending everyday plotting to overthrow him.'

'Are they?'

'Certainly not; they're druids.'

Arthur chuckled. 'This girl… does she deserve to die?'

'At a guess? No, no she doesn't. I pity her if even the druids cast her out.'

Arthur went to say something, but before he could, a call came from the other side of Thalia's doors.

'My Lady!'

'Yes?' called Thalia.

'Halig has sent for you!'

'Why did Uther make me help him?' she muttered, 'what's he doing?' she asked, closing her book.

'He's questioning a boy in the dungeons.'

'I pity whoever it is, he'll beat them to a pulp.' She stood up. 'Who is it?'

'Merlin, my lady.'

With a look to Arthur, who sprang up, the two ran over the clean stone to the doors and down to the dungeons.

'What the hell does Halig think he's doing?' Arthur growled as they hurtled down a staircase.

'People are often rude to servants.'

'But Merlin?'

'Halig's got guts if he's willing to beat the prince's servant up,' she agreed.

'If Merlin hasn't passed out already,' Arthur muttered.

'He's not that weak.' Thalia jumped the last three steps and they continued their fast walk down, as if gliding.

They reached the dungeons.

'Where's Halig?' asked Thalia.

A guard pointed around the corner, where Halig's voice could be heard.

'Hold him. I think you're lying to me.'

They heard Merlin shriek; 'I'm not!'

Arthur started forward.

'I don't believe you.'

They came into view, to see Merlin held down by two guards, Halig's fist raised.

'Halig!' said Thalia, stopping the man in his greed.

He turned to see the prince and the crowned warrior standing just outside of the cell.

'What do you think you're doing?'

'We caught the boy behaving suspiciously, Sire.' Halig said, standing upright, self-importantly.

Thalia's eyes narrowed.

'My Lady,' he added quickly.

'Merlin?' Arthur asked.

'He could be harbouring the girl, and he's gonna tell us where.' Halig turned back to Merlin, fist raised.

As Merlin shut his eyes Arthur grabbed Halig's fist, pulling it back and pulled Merlin out of the chair. Thalia took Halig's arm away from Arthur and pushed the man away from Merlin, outside of the cell.

'Leave him alone,' said Arthur, glaring at Halig, who had gone slightly pale at Thalia and Arthur leaning on either side of the door. 'Merlin is my servant. He has my absolute trust. If you have a problem with him, you come to me. Do you understand?'

'Sire. My Lady.' Halig bowed. 'Goodnight, Merlin. Don't forget your dinner.'

Thalia's eyes looked to the ceiling for a moment as Arthur noticed his sausages on the floor by Merlin's feet.

'Thank you,' said Merlin, looking at the two of them, then noticed Arthur's gaze. He looked down. 'Ah.'

'Are those my sausages?' asked Arthur, looking back up at Merlin's sheepish face.

'Mmm,' Merlin nodded.

'You took them.' Arthur was looking at him, peeved and with a sigh.

'To keep you in shape,' replied Merlin quickly, bending down to pick them up.

'Are you saying I'm fat?' Arthur said, riled.

'No. Well, not yet,' said Merlin with a cheeky grin, pointing at Arthur's stomach.

'I am not. fat!' Arthur exclaimed bluntly.

'You see?' said Merlin, 'It's working.'

He then walked out, past Thalia who winked at him and out of the dungeons.

Arthur turned to Thalia, after looking at his stomach. 'Judging by your silence back then you saw him stealing them?'

She nodded. 'It was pretty funny.'

Arthur glared at her with a slightly cheeky undertone. 'Well thank you for that,' he said.

'You must be tired if you didn't notice. Have an early night.'

'Yeah, okay,' he shrugged and led himself out of the dungeon.

Thalia followed him, humming to herself, though her mind had a darker tune.

'Arthur, get out of bed!' Thalia said, walking in. She looked around his chambers as she stood. 'Where's Merlin?'

'Getting my breakfast.'

'Well get up, then,' said Thalia.

'Why?' Arthur dragged himself off of the mattress.

'People have been killed in the lower town.'

'By what?'

'No one knows.' She opened his cupboard and threw a clean shirt at him.

'Breakfast!' called Merlin, walking in. 'Morning, Thalia.'

'Morning, Merlin. He's got five minutes.'

'Understood,' he smiled, glancing at the wobbly and sleepy Arthur. 'We may need ten.'

'Five,' she repeated and left to find the knights.

'My Lady!' came a call from behind her. Several guards were pacing after her.

'There you are. I need you to go down to the lower town and try to track the killer.'

'Yes, My Lady.' They waited for her to step aside and politely walked past her.

She took the long way to the lower town looking in the usual hiding places for criminals and so by the time she reached the hut, Arthur was there.

'Anything?'

'No luck,' he replied, looking around.

'We can't assume it was a simple creature.'

'Magic?' he asked, catching on.

She tilted her head in a quick shrug. 'Possibly.'

'Thalia!' called a voice.

Gaius was walking through the uneasy, murmuring town.

'Here,' she waved him over.

'Arthur.'

'Gaius.'

'Morning, Gaius,' said Thalia, looking at his calculating eyes for a moment before turning attention to Uther, who was fast approaching.

'Gaius,' he said as soon as he'd arrived.

'Sire,' he said.

'Anything you know?'

'Come and look at this, sire.' Gaius led them to the bodies, covered in deep gashes.

Arthur looked on unhappily.

'I think they've been killed by some kind of wild animal,' said Gaius.

'Have your men been able to track the creature?' Uther asked Thalia.

'No,' she replied. 'It's strange.'

'What's strange?' asked Uther.

'The ground,' she replied.

Arthur knelt down. 'That's the strange thing, 'cause the ground is soft. Obviously a bear or wolf would leave some mark. But there are no tracks.' He stood and looked around in the dented mud.

'Then what are these?' asked Gaius, looking at the dirt in front of his own feet.

'Human footprints,' said Arthur and Thalia at the same time.

'But they're leading away from the bodies. Did someone escape the attack?'

'No one's come forward.' Arthur looked around again, as if searching for a clue he'd missed on the previous times he'd done the same.

'Could the person who made these be responsible?' Uther asked, looking at the footprints.

'I don't believe so,' said Gaius. 'These wounds could only have been inflicted by a beast of considerable size.'

'Thalia, could a sorcerer have done this?' Uther turned to her, eyes focused.

'Unlikely,' she said, indicating the gashes on the victims, 'this isn't clean enough to be magic, the skin is ripped far too unevenly. If magic cut these wounds, they'd be neater and straighter. It's also unlikely,' she continued, turning her head to look at Uther, 'that this would be the favorite method to use in this kind of situation. They take far too long and the victim can easily dive out of the way.'

Uther nodded as he finished listening. 'And if this was done by neither a man nor beast, there's only one other explanation. It must be the work of a magical creature.'

'If it can fly it can explain the lack of a trail,' Thalia agreed grimly.

Arthur looked to the sky. 'Is it likely to come back then, if it can fly anywhere?'

'If it got this much meat in one night,' Thalia said, nodding pointedly at the bodies, 'I'd be surprised if it wasn't lurking somewhere, waiting.'

Uther's jaw set and he looked around. 'Then we must take precautions. Thalia, hunt it down.'

'Halig has already tried to injure multiple innocent people in his search or the druid girl; I can't let him run wild on his own.'

'Very well,' said Uther, 'put a knight in your place with Halig. This beast must take priority.'

'I agree,' she said, then turned to a guard. 'Tell Sir James he's to take my place keeping Halig under close eye.'

The guard nodded and walked away.

'Where are you going now?' asked Arthur as Uther also left.

'Hunting,' she said, 'want to join?'

He shrugged and followed her as she set off.

'Where do we look?'

'We start with the edge of the forest, then all those annoying gullies and secret caves.'

'As long as we don't find anything else we'll have to kill I'm on board,' Arthur replied.

She laughed, a sound that made Arthur smile, and hooked her arm through his. He looked at her in surprise, though not startled. His smile softened and he tightened his arm, pulling it properly forward, pulling her to his side. They walked out the city gates smiling and in conversation, Arthur getting hit over the forehead for making a joke about Merlin's intelligence.

They returned to Camelot a few hours later, pushing each other over.

As they walked through the courtyard Arthur shoved into Thalia's side with enough force she was knocked over into the front of a cart.

Arthur felt worried for a moment, until he began to laugh. His amusement had an abrupt death, however, when he was shoved over onto the damp stones, scattered with a little hay. He closed his eyes as he winced and when he opened them found himself looking up at his father, who was laughing at him at his feet, Thalia standing next to him.

'Arthur, Thalia. Any luck?' he pulled his son up.

'Not in the woods, father, no.'

Uther nodded. 'Well done, anyway.' He clapped Arthur on the arm and walked away.

'Thank you for that,' said Arthur, brushing himself off.

Thalia chuckled and kept walking to the steps.

When they were going through the corridors a few minutes later Merlin appeared at the other end of one, carrying a dress.

He didn't notice them until they'd paused for effect. His face dropped slightly, though the two kept walking a moment later, after frowning at him.

After taking a few steps, curiosity got the better of them.

'What are you doing?' asked Arthur before Merlin had taken a step.

'Er, running an errand for Gaius.' Merlin had turned round with a small wince.

'For… Gaius?' echoed Arthur flatly, with the slight raise of an eyebrow, enjoying winding Merlin up.

'Yes.'

'Strange,' said Arthur, frowning.

Merlin looked down at the dress for a moment, then half laughing said; 'Oh, I don't think it's for him.'

'As long as you do a decent day's work, Merlin, that's all I care about,' said Arthur, making Thalia shake as she held in her laughter. They turned and continued walking.

'No, no. It's not for me.'

'What a man does in his spare time is completely up to him,' Arthur said, turning with Thalia to walk backwards a couple of paces.

By this point Thalia was biting a cheek.

'No, you- you've got this wrong.'

'Colour suits you, Merlin,' Arthur called as they rounded a corner, a grin on his face.

Thalia broke out into a silent laugh, leaning on Arthur for support for a moment and they spoke no more about Merlin with the dress.

'I'm thinking we should try the higher places of Camelot for the beast,' Arthur said a minute later.

'Worth a try,' she agreed.

Arthur glanced at her feet, where there was a lack of flowing skirt; she was wearing pants again. 'Race you to the roof!' He tore off down the corridor, down to the left, and had started to hurry down the stairs to go to the staircase to the roof when Thalia shot past him, through the air, having jumped from the top. She hit the floor at the bottom and rolled, waited a second for her balance to catch up and ran, making Arthur shout.

'Oi!'

'The beast has struck again?' asked Uther.

'I'm afraid so,' said Gaius. 'The wounds match those of the previous victims.'

'The man who saw it spoke of a huge black cat with wings,' said Arthur.

'Then we were right. This is not the work of a natural creature.' Uther looked tired once more.

'Are there any tracks this time?' asked Gaius.

'Just human footprints again,' Arthur answered.

'Thalia, can it be conjured?' asked Uther.

'Unlikely, not without an enormous torrent of smoke,' she replied seriously.

'Can either of you identify this monster?' Uther looked between Thalia and Gaius.

'I will need more time to investigate,' replied Gaius, glancing around.

'Oh, come on. You always have theories in these matters.'

'This time, Sire, I prefer to wait till I'm certain.'

Thalia frowned at Gaius, suspicious.

'There is no time to waste, Gaius,' Uther pressed, now frowning also.

'I'll report back to you before the day's out, Sire,' Gaius promised.

Uther nodded and walked away.

'Gaius,' said Thalia, 'what are you doing?'

Glancing to make sure Arthur was too far to hear a whisper, Gaius leant closer. 'I think you should talk to Merlin, My Lady.'

Thalia noticed the use of "My Lady." 'Why? What's he done?'

'The druid girl,' said Gaius quietly, and walked away.

Thalia watched him before turning on her heel and hurrying away. She found Merlin in a corridor leaving her chambers.

'Alright, Merlin, what have you done, where's the girl?'

'What?'

'Merlin, I let it go before I knew she is cursed to be a Bastet.'

'Thalia, please, no I-,'

'Merlin where is she?' Thalia paced toward him.

'I won't tell you!'

'Merlin!' Thalia yelled suddenly, making the warlock jump in shock. 'I am not Arthur and I am not Uther. What do you take me for? Now where is she?' Thalia immediately saw the protectiveness Merlin had grown for the druid.

Merlin looked like he'd been hit over the head when he realised what he was doing.

'Hurry up,' she said bluntly. 'We need to get her out of Camelot now.'

Merlin spoke quickly and hushed. 'She's in the lower town. Her name's Freya. She's scared and alone.'

'I want to meet her before I risk my life for her.'

Merlin nodded and began to lead Thalia from the castle.

'I stole those sausages for her.'

'Yes, I guessed.'

They made their way into the lower town, into the large open cavern made by the city walls.

There, Thalia could see traces of movement. When they rounded a few more corners, they were greeted with the sight of a young woman sitting in a very tattered red dress in the dust, a small circle of stones with burnt out wood and ashes in the middle nearby.

'Freya! This is Thalia. She's the Crowned Warrior.'

At Merlin's cheerful, careful introduction Freya sprang up to her feet and backed away slightly, brushing her clothes off respectfully.

'She's also uh…,' Merlin trailed off, waiting for Thalia's nod. He smiled when she did so. 'A High Priestess. She has magic.'

'M… My Lady,' said Freya, highly unsure.

Thalia held out a hand. 'Freya, listen to me. Whatever curse you have, with powerful magic it can be undone. I know the druids cast you out, but that doesn't mean we will. I can take you to the Isle of the Blessed tomorrow, but first we need to get you out.'

'I've already stolen that dress,' said Merlin.

'Good start,' said Thalia, smirking, 'we wait until night and we get you out.' She said it so firmly Freya believed her.

She took Thalia's hand. 'Thank you, Thalia.'

The warrior stiffened for a moment, before leaning her balance around and nodding. She held Freya's hand tightly for a moment then turned and walked away. 'Don't mention it,' she said darkly as she walked from sight.

Freya watched her go, slightly confused. 'M … Merlin…,'

'Yeah?' he asked, putting a hand on her shoulder as Freya finally lowered her hand.

'She's… what happened to her?'

'Nothing… she's just in a bad mood. Uther asked her to help the bounty hunter track you down.'

Freya looked surprised and fearful, but let out her breath and showed a weak smile. 'Be kind to her, Merlin,' she said, 'She carries a heavy burden.'

Merlin looked at Freya in surprise. 'She's alright, though,' he said, as if trying to convince both of them.

Freya said nothing, only looking at where the Warrior had faded with a sad, slightly pained expression.

When the evening hit, Thalia was walking along the battlements on patrol, admiring the colours of the evening. Arthur had been looking for her for a while, and finally seen her after climbing the large amount of stairs and opening the door, dark blue dress matching a tiny strip of the sky in the far east where it had begun to darken.

She slowed her walking as he watched, a stupid warm grin on his face, eyes darting down to look at her in full view until returning his focus to her face when she turned her head from the path to out over Camelot, a smile on her face, half of which he saw when her straight hair flew back in ripples.

Her eyes shone like gold when the sun behind him caught in her irises, something that made him blink in surprise. He watched her for a moment more, then called out.

'Thalia!'

She turned around, smiling at the sound of his voice. Her paces stopped and she waited for him to catch up. Arthur jogged toward her, grinning. He took her hand as he reached her and they walked side by side.

'Lovely evening,' he said, looking around.

'Mm,' she agreed, looking to where the dark blue was slowly turning black.

They walked happily in silence for a few minutes over the battlements.

'There's been something I've been meaning to ask you for a very long time,' Arthur said suddenly.

'Which is…?' she asked, eyeing him teasingly and suspiciously for a moment.

'My father told me the high priestesses were girls taken from their families, and only nine would ever be of that rank at once. So… how are you one?'

'Fair question,' she said, tilting her head. 'You're right. But I was born of magic, unlike all but one other in this world. The first time my father took me to the Isle of the Blessed there were only two high priestesses at the time. The Old Religion chose me.'

'So you're even more of one of a kind,' he said.

'Perhaps,' she smiled.

'I don't know why I was never scared of you,' Arthur said, looking out over the lower town. 'Though I certainly did a double take when my father told me you were a High Priestess,' he added, nodding in her direction.

'Yes, I remember well,' Thalia replied.

'I still don't understand how he could trust you when he hates everything else to do with magic.'

'He certainly didn't take a lot of convincing. Perhaps he was power hungry, it would satisfy his ego if a High Priestess swore allegiance to him, or perhaps to have control over the next generation of magic if there was one.'

'My father's always been a mystery,' sighed Arthur. 'I can't believe he does business with people like Halig. That man takes pleasure in killing things.'

'You go hunting,' Thalia pointed out.

Arthur sighed in irritation. 'But he tortures them! I saw the cage that girl was kept in. No one should have to be put in something like that.'

'Not even Oden? Or Nimue?'

'No,' said Arthur determinedly, 'not even them.'

Thalia's eyes narrowed, and she tilted her head, surveying Arthur.

'What?' he asked, glancing around.

'Nothing,' she said and turned around to head away from the darkening sky.

Arthur turned after her, a frown over his face. 'What?'

'You're very fair, Arthur,' said Thalia simply. She frowned suddenly, looking down toward the lower town where Freya lay hiding. 'Always remember that.'

Arthur, a confused and boyish glint in his eyes, looked at her. He nodded, smiling as he admired her. 'Are you joining my father for dinner?'

'Yes, I am.'

'Well, we should go down now.'

Thalia was walking around the corridors of the castle until after the sunset, waiting for the time to go for Freya. It was a few hours before she and Merlin were going to leave, and Arthur had taken himself to his chambers for a nap before going to bed.

She hummed to herself, nodding and exchanging chatter with knights she passed. At one point Uther had come the other way, and said goodnight with a grin.

She had moved onto another few songs when her head echoed in a desperate attempt from far away.

'THALIA!'

'Merlin?!'

'She's gone, Freya's gone!'

Thalia spun on her heels, running for the castle doors, shirt and hair blowing back slightly. 'Did you see her at all, do you know where she went, Merlin?'

'No, I don't know where she is.'

'She won't have transformed yet, we've got a few minutes.'

'Okay,' said Merlin, 'I'll try to find her in the town.'

Thalia was about to reply when the bells began to clang around the castle. 'Merlin, they're ringing the bells,' she said, breathless and worried.

A second later further bells began to ring.

'Here, too. What do we do about Arthur?'

'With any luck we'll find her first. I'm going for Halig, you find her.'

She was at the stairs to the front doors when Arthur ran after her.

'Thalia! What's going on?'

'They found the girl. We have to stop Halig from finding her.'

Arthur stopped for a moment, feet planted on the smooth stone. Swallowing, and without looking away from her, nodded in a promise. He ran the few steps to catch up to her and they took off together down into the yard.

When they reached it, a group of knights met them. Halig was also there, but the two ignored him.

'Where to?' asked Arthur, turning to look at Thalia as the knights unsheathed their swords.

'The lower town,' said Halig, marching off.

The knights followed them as they ran over the bridge and down the street.

Uncomfortably, Arthur and Thalia followed.

A flash of tatty red caught their attention on a far wall as Freya made a run for it.

'There she is! Stop!'

'That's a dead end!' Arthur whispered to Thalia as they watched Freya's shadow turn.

They had no choice but to run after her, as the knights followed Halig.

They ran around the corner to see Freya facing them. 'Please let me go,' she said, and her eyes widened when she saw Thalia.

'No one escapes from me,' said Halig confidently, walking toward her.

Freya froze, fearing her transformation was beginning. Arthur stood in his place and Thalia's heart became heavy. With glances between Freya, who was watching her in fear and concern, and Halig, who was now right in front of Freya, she gritted her teeth in resign and stepped forward, swinging her sword.

Freya's eyes widened and she jumped back as Halig crashed to the ground, howling and clutching his side. Thalia couldn't have spared his life if he was to lie and tell the tale to Uther.

Arthur jumped to work, masking Thalia's movements by leaping in front and ordering the knights to be on their guard, pointing his sword at Freya, planting the idea in their heads that she had attacked.

'Secure the street,' Thalia ordered, 'try and find her accomplice, they must be around.' She knew Merlin could take care of himself.

The knights left as Freya began to shake. The bells chimed for midnight and Thalia watched on in agony herself. Unable to run and help her, she and Arthur instead had to jump back, pretending to be scared as Freya turned into a Bastet.

Freya fell to her knees screaming as the moon hit her, tatted dress ripping as her back expanded and her fists turned to claws. Black wings sprouted from her shoulder blades and her eyes turned green, as pitch black fur grew over her body.

Arthur watched in horror as she screeched, writhing her head around.

Halig jumped up in front of them, pulling two puny daggers from his belt.

As Freya finished transforming, he leapt at her before she could recover.

'NO!' Arthur and Thalia yelled, but he sliced through her abdomen.

Seething, and no longer caring, Thalia leapt forward and shot her sword through Halig's back, piercing his heart. He dropped to the dusty street as Freya whimpered.

Arthur pushed her upward, trying to get her to fly.

Freya ignored Arthur's urge for a moment and looked to Thalia.

'Go,' nodded the Warrior.

Freya's green eyes softened as she took off.

When she did, the knights returned.

'He's been injured!'

Arthur looked down to see Thalia kneeling beside Halig.

'One of you, send for help! The rest, follow me.'

Arthur held his hand out with a tiny grin. Thalia, without looking up, took it and they walked briskly back toward the castle.

'Merlin, she's injured but she's in the air, where are you?'

'I'm checking the market.'

'Go to the castle courtyard.'

'Okay, did you find Halig?'

'He's dead,' she replied bluntly, 'we have to stage this well, I need you to do the magic; I'm too close to the knights.'

'I'll be there,' Merlin promised.

'There!' one of the knights yelled, pointing to where Freya was flying against the clouds.

'On me!' called Arthur.

Freya had landed as they charged, and so they slowed, stalking her like prey.

Freya looked around in panic as she saw the focus in Thalia and Arthur's eyes.

'Heads up,' came Merlin's call.

Thalia looked up to the top of the wall, making Arthur follow her gaze. A gargoyle was falling toward them.

They separated and dove to the sides. Freya flew as best she could into the air.

'Nice,' congratulated Thalia, seeing him at the other end of the square, 'go, Merlin.'

'Thank you, Thalia,' replied the warlock.

She nodded, an action he could barely make out, and he turned and ran.

Thalia picked herself up and went over to Arthur as the knights looked around, uncertain.

'She's long gone,' Thalia addressed them. 'Go back to your patrols.'

They nodded and bowed, walking away in flurries of red cloaks.

'Couldn't pull me up, could you?' asked Arthur.

She turned around and grabbed his arm.

Arthur groaned as he was bent back a little. 'Will she make it out of Camelot?' he asked.

'She should. But whether or not her injury from Halig is fatal I don't know.'

Arthur sighed sadly, bowing his head in exhaustion as dust settled on his face and in his hair. He put a hand on her shoulder. 'I'm sorry.'

'We tried, that's all we can do. I'm proud of you, Arthur.' She looked up at the sky. 'Thank you.'

Thalia was lying on top of her bed the next morning, having not slept a second, when Merlin's voice rang through her head.

'She's gone.'

'I'm sorry, Merlin,' she sighed.

'She was happy,' he continued.

'I'm glad.' With a heavy sigh she rolled over and swung out of bed.

It was half an hour before she was dressed and left her chambers, in a shirt and brown pants with her hair tied behind her head. She found Arthur a while later.

He nodded his greeting and smiled at her, as he pushed open a door to his left.

'Ah, Merlin. I've been looking for you,' said Arthur, walking in.

Thalia followed him a moment later. Merlin was sitting on a low bench, scrubbing one of many pairs of boots. He looked tired, weak and sad, and looked up at the two with heavy eyes, continuing to scrub the leather.

'Yeah, right, er, you're gonna ask me to polish your armour and to, er, wash your clothes and clean your room.'

After a brief moment of watching him, Arthur sighed and sat down on Merlin's left.

'Something's been upsetting you, hasn't it?' he asked, watching the Warlock.

'Maybe,' replied Merlin, shoulder lifting in a small shrug.

Thalia, naturally, leant on the door.

Arthur frowned slightly, looking out into the room for a moment. 'Was it when I threw water over you?' he guessed after a moment.

A breath left Merlin in the form of an exasperated laugh.

Thalia smiled at him.

'It wasn't very nice,' said Merlin, looking at Arthur.

'It was a bit unfair,' admitted Arthur. 'Like when you called me fat,' he said, a small growl in his voice.

Merlin put an innocent look onto his face. 'Why was that unfair?'

'Because I am not f...' Arthur trailed off as he saw the knowing, cheeky look on Merlin's face. Deadpan, yet slightly peeved, he grabbed Merlin's shoulder and put him in a headlock, rubbing his knuckles over Merlin's head, who dropped the boot he was holding.

He squeaked slightly and tried to pull Arthur's arm off. 'Ow! Ah!'

'Still think I need to get in shape?' Arthur was smiling as Merlin continued to squeak.

'No! No! No, no, no, no!'

From the door, Thalia let a chuckle out.

Merlin considered asking her for help, as Arthur looked up, laughing as well. He let Merlin go, who shot out and upright, rubbing his head and wincing.

Arthur and Thalia watched him, before Arthur controlled his laughter. He smiled at Merlin. 'That's better.'

Merlin shook his head slightly. 'Thanks?'

'You are right, though,' said Arthur, becoming serious. 'You need to polish my armour, wash my clothes, and clean my room.'

Merlin laughed as Arthur stood up, slowed as he walked past Thalia as she put a hand on his arm, and disappeared through the doors.

Merlin had picked up the boot, chuckling slightly.

Thalia sat down next to him where Arthur had a minute before. 'Where did you take her?'

'The Lake of Avalon,' Merlin replied, frowning at a scuff he'd scrubbed.

Thalia said nothing for a long moment, during which Merlin glanced at her, surprised. She seemed to be in thought.

Merlin wondered what she knew about the lake.

'I'm sorry Merlin,' she finally sighed, 'we tried to save her.'

'I know,' Merlin nodded, looking at her with a smile.

Thalia returned it, with the same touch of sadness, and leant back. 'Here, pass me a boot.'

Merlin laughed and gratefully passed her one, a spare cloth between his fingers.