Chapter 1 Arrival
Maybe it was the relief of finally telling the truth. Maybe it was that she had a night to rest from running the last few weeks from the Sarrum. Maybe it was because she had seen her beautiful daughter, Vivian was okay. Maybe it was infected wounds the Sarrum had inflicted on her tender flesh that weakened her. Whatever it was, Morgana's strength left her as she practically fell to the floor before Merlin caught her. Morgana's eyes rolled to the back of her head and darkness took her.

Hunith, directed Merlin to take Morgana to the only bed in the house. Merlin's training as Gaius' medical assistant kicked in and he was all business. He and Hunith removed Morgana's velvet cape and noticed blood seeping through the dress the Sarrum had given her before she had broken free.

Merlin and Hunith both gasped in shock and anger

"Get some water Merlin. I will get the bandages and ointment!" Hunith exclaimed.

Merlin gently laid Morgana on the bed before he grabbed the bucket and ran outside. He was back moments later to put the water in the cauldron over the fire to boil. He found some wine in the cupboard to sterilize Morgana's wounds and the needle they would use for stitching.

It was a good thing two year old Vivian, Merlin's newly revealed daughter, that had been staying with Hunith in Ealdor since her birth, hadn't woken during all the ruckus.

Hunith went to the kitchen for her medical kit containing salves, bandages, thread and needle. She came back to Morgana noticing the places where her dress stuck to her body. "Merlin hold her up so I can get a better look."

Merlin pulled Morgana to his body so her head was resting on his shoulder while his mother examined the damage on her back.

While Morgana's dress was fairly new, Merlin noticed it was dirty with dried mud and blood which made the material stiff and discolored from old wounds, while fresh blood soaked through other places

Merlin felt anger come to the surface as the visual evidence pointed towards extreme suffering.

Despite what Morgana had done, she had not deserved this. Whoever was responsible for her current condition would pay.

Merlin wasn't surprised at his strong emotions. Ever since the game of seduction between them had begun, his feelings had only gotten stronger and more tangled. He wanted to kiss her, hold her, protect her, and he wanted to throttle her. He put his feelings down to focus on the task at hand.

Hunith used the wet cloth to moisten Morgana's dress and gently started to peel the fabric. Both mother and son frowned at the marks crisscrossing Morgana's back and arms as more of it was exposed. They had to use a knife to cut away the damaged dress. She put the pieces in a sack asking Merlin to look at it later and maybe see if he could repair it with his magic, but make it look different so Morgana wouldn't suspect he had used magic on it.

Merlin thought was a good idea as Morgana didn't seem to have any extra clothes with her.

Hunith gently cleaned away soil, blood stain and infection on Morgana's back and arms, stitched up the deep wounds, put salves on the shallow ones that had not yet healed, and carefully bandaged everything.

"Merlin we should check the front of her. Lay her down." Hunith ordered.

Merlin gently laid her on her back noticing then the wounds on her chest and arms were seeping.

They repeated what had been done on Morgana's back cleaning and treating the damaged flesh. As the wounds were treated by Hunith, Merlin covered Morgana's stomach and some of her lower half with some extra cloths. He went and got some more water and rags to clean Morgana's feet and legs. His clinical side made it possible for him to treat the wounds without blushing uncontrollably.

Morgana moaned occasionally when they hit spots that were more seriously damaged, but she did not wake./

Merlin finished up while Hunith retrieved a gown from her chest. It was her best and not near good enough for a lady. However, it was all she had. Hunith put the dress on Morgana and covered her with several blankets

Hunith looked at Merlin with some relief and extreme fatigue before saying. "Merlin there is no way this woman is leaving our home with my grandchild. Morgana told me this child was made with love by her and yourself. You must find a way to work things out with her so she will stay. She has been through enough."

"Mother!" Merlin protested in a whisper, "What can I do to keep her here? She hates me! The Sarrum is after her and she is putting Vivian in danger!"

"Hunith's eyes grew steely with each excuse. " You have magic! You are a Dragon Lord! You have found ways to protect Arthur from incredible odds. Surely you can figure something out!"

Merlin was beside himself knowing she was right, and struggled to find a way past the tangled mess of his emotions.

Hunith sighed and patted his hand before holding it firmly. She paused and looked deeply into Merlin's eyes. "My darling son, I trust you to do the right thing." Her firm, calm, loving nature demanded sanity and kindness in the midst of anger, cruelty and fear just as it always had for Merlin. Hunith was a rock he could depend on to keep him grounded.

"I know this is difficult for you Merlin. I may not know all the details. However, when Morgana came to me she said this child was made with love by the both of you. Deep down you must love her and she must love you. That love must be salvaged for Vivian's sake, your sake, and Morgana's. Stop the fighting. I know you will find a way." Hunith gently stood and kissed Merlin's forehead before getting up to arrange another place for herself to sleep.