Chapter 3 Healing

Merlin and his mother had been taking care of Morgana for over two weeks. Morgana had made great strides in that time period. Morgana had mostly slept the first few days. Regular meals had taken away the gauntness of captivity to some degree. Color had returned to her face. She even smiled whenever Vivian was around. As she had gotten stronger she had gotten up and helped with Vivian when Merlin was out or Hunith was busy.

Vivian had taken an immediate liking to this once strange woman. Morgana found when she looked in her babies eyes, or saw her smile, or laugh, everything she had suffered fell away. This baby was her sanity, her inspiration when she was imprisoned in the Sarrum's pit. Now that she was with Vivian, her soul was minute by minute renewed and refreshed. She hadn't had the strength to bring up leaving. How could she ever leave the joy and happiness she was experiencing here in Hunith's home. Watching Merlin with her baby filled her with a hunger for the family life Morgana had never acknowledged.

Morgana would watch Merlin's eyes light up when he saw Vivian. Vivian would run towards Merlin when he came in the room and squeal his name, "Merlin!" Vivian would reach up to him. In turn, Merlin would pick her up and swing her around. Vivian would throw her arms around Merlin's neck before giving him wet baby kisses on his cheek. Merlin would sit down in a chair with Vivian in his lap. If she wanted to stay, he would read her a story, or he would play with her and the toys he had made for her before putting her back down on the floor.

Morgana often thought she wasn't going to stay. She was going to take her daughter away. However, she was still too weak from her injuries and starvation experienced in captivity with the Sarrum.

The non-judgmental, calm, loving, accepting air around Hunith kept her there. Hunith was a paragon, a well of unconditional love and stability in an unstable world. Hunith's care to her wounds was not just a comfort to her body, but a balm to her battered soul and mind. It wasn't something she wanted to give up anytime soon.

Morgana's feelings for Merlin were a mess. She really didn't have the strength to deal with them currently, so she didn't. She let herself soak up the calm and the peace exuding from Merlin and Hunith as they took care of her and her child.

It was maybe 21 days from when she arrived that neither Merlin or Hunith were in the house. Morgana had been laying in her bed watching her baby sleep when Vivian stirred and started to whimper.

Morgana reached a hand to her daughter.

Vivian grabbed Morgana's finger and stuck it in her mouth.

Morgana smiled and started to hum a tune from her childhood that had popped into her head.

Vivian instantly calmed and went back to sleep.

Hunith had just come in and paused at the sight. She quietly closed the door, smiled, and went about her work. There was definitely something worth saving about this woman who had given her a grandchild.

Things were going more smoothly. Merlin and Morgana didn't necessarily speak to each other unless they had to. Merlin often found himself focusing just on Vivian. Things were easier when he did so. What surprised him was as he was watching Morgana with Vivian, or Hunith working around the house. He found himself referring to them all as his girls. These females were so important to him.

Sure Arthur was important and his destiny was important. But these three, Vivian, Hunith and Morgana took away the loneliness he had never labeled, filled the hole in his heart, filled his soul with contentment and joy he had never known. The dream he had about himself and Morgana happily married with children had been recurring almost every night in more detail. He didn't dare say anything out loud. It was so new and fragile

Merlin knew he would have to let Arthur know what was going on, not necessarily all the details. That was an explosion he did not want to ignite. He wasn't going to tell Arthur he had Camelot's most wanted staying at his mother's house while he was nursing her back to health. That would be a real piece of news "O Arthur I am a father and the mother is Camelot's most wanted. I can't leave right now because if I do, Morgana will take my daughter and I will never see her again." Merlin snorted at the very thought. Yeah, Arthur would jump for joy at the news, he thought sarcastically.

Merlin had finally written Arthur. He was helping his mother and would be detained for an unknown time.

Merlin had his hands full caring for Morgana and his daughter during the day. Clothing for Morgana had become problematic. Merlin had taken the scraps they had cut from Morgana's body, cleaned them with magic and repaired them into a beautiful dress. He had changed the color and the style to be more modest and comfortable. He figured Morgana didn't need any reminders of her time with the Sarrum.

When Morgana had commented on the beauty of the garment, and asked where he got it, Merlin had shrugged. Hunith had quickly thrown in that it was something she had been saving.

Hunith had wanted Merlin to reveal his magic to Morgana. However, she had respected his autonomy to reveal his secret. She encouraged him by telling how Morgana had come to her her before her captivity, in pain and full term pregnant. Hunith had helped Morgana deliver Vivian. Morgana had told her Merlin was the father at that time. Hunith had promised to take care of Vivian and not to share this information with Merlin so long as Morgana eventually told Merlin the truth

Merlin had always admired his mother's strength and kindness. That admiration grew exponentially as Hunith's actions had brought Morgana and now the truth of Vivian to him.

Merlin was enjoying his time with his daughter. They often went out to feed the animals together. He would play with her on the floor. Ignoring Morgana was easy when he focused on Vivian.

Merlin's nights were unsettled. He had nightmares of what he would be willing to do if Morgana ran. the possibilities frighted him. He always kept an eye open just in case.

It had been a long day. Merlin had been doing repairs, working in the garden, and chopping wood for winter. Supper was over. The dishes were washed and put away. Merlin had read Vivian a story, sang her a song and put her to sleep. He had been sitting by the fire pretending to read a book as he watched over his girls as they slept.

The fire was low. Merlin had fallen asleep in the chair. It was after midnight and dark out when he heard Kilgarah in his head telling him Sarrum and his men were just outside Ealdor and coming for Morgana and Vivian.

Merlin, who had not undressed for bed, jumped up and was out the door in a shot.

Morgana, who was sleeping, started tossing and turning and woke with a jerk as she screamed. She threw off the blanket covering her body.

Vivian started to cry.

Morgana cursed her dreams as she picked Vivian up and held her close, rocking her back and forth. "Shh I will not them take you my baby, my beautiful girl! They will not take you my Vivian!"/

In her distress, Morgana did not notice Merlin was no longer in the room.

Hunith came running in with only her nightgown on and her hair in a braid. "What is wrong? I heard you scream."

Morgana was too busy controlling her breathing and talking to her baby to explain even though she turned her head and opened her mouth to answer.

At that same moment, both women heard a roar and then screams of men.

Hunith and Morgana ran to the window to see a fire breathing dragon shooting flames at Sarrum and his men who were frantically and unsuccessfully running away.

Merlin was riding on the back of this fire breathing dragon.

All the air left Morgana at the scene. How could Merlin be riding on the back of a dragon?

Her focus shifted to the dragon fire and the screaming men that where being consumed by it.

She could hardly breathe due to the events unfolding before her eyes.

She would have dropped Vivian if Hunith had not been next to her to steady her.

Morgana recognized those burning men. It was her enemy, the Sarrum.

Merlin was riding a dragon. That same dragon was burning the Sarrum.

Moments later, the women saw Merlin jump from the back of the dragon, check to make sure the Sarrum and his men were no longer alive and there were no more threats.

Merlin then turned and patted the dragon on his snout instructing him to dispose of the bodies and the evidence of a fight.

Morgana was shocked to her core by what she saw next. The dragon bowed to Merlin and followed his instructions.

She was awed at the display of power and couldn't tear her eyes away.

This awe was compounded when Merlin raised his hand. His eyes glowed gold causing the burn marks on the ground to disappear. He waved his hand again. Green plants and grain suddenly covered all evidence of violence.

Morgana saw Merlin nod in satisfaction at his handiwork before turning towards the house.

Both women were stunned at what they had just witnessed and stood open mouthed until it registered that Vivian was still crying.

Morgana kissed the top of her head and bounced the toddler in an effort to calm her when Merlin opened the door.

Merlin had some explaining to do later. For now, Morgana wanted to thank him.

Morgana ran to him with a still somewhat tearful Vivian in her arms as she whispered "Thank you , ...thank you ….thank you." over and over into his chest as her tears mixed with Vivian's, wetting Merlin's shirt. Morgana cried in relief that her enemy was gone, no longer able to hurt her or her daughter.

Vivian sniffled.

Merlin was so relieved and fired up. He was still coming down from the anger and adrenaline that had caused him to jump up and fly with Kilgarah to destroy the enemy of his kin. Riding the dragon had been exhilarating

Destroying the Sarrum left a bad taste in his mouth. However, he was relieved Kilgarah had done the killing. Rejuvenating the fields had rejuvenated himself. Things seemed more fresh, more new. A threat to his women had been eliminated. Merlin was pleasantly surprised when Morgana ran to him and flung herself into his arms.

Merlin held and kissed his once enemy, his most precious women, his Morgana, his Vivian. He just wanted to savor the moment without all the torrid past interfering. He threw himself into the moment. "I'm here!" he soothed, running his fingers through Morgana's and Vivian's hair. "No one is ever going to hurt either of you as long as I have breath in my body."

Merlin never thought he would utter something like that to his previous enemy. He felt an extreme protectiveness as he held Morgana and his child tightly knowing to his toes that he meant every word.

Merlin's words soothed Morgana's quivering fright. Merlin was so much more than she had ever imagined. Morgana had never before let anyone past her defenses intentionally. And once again, Merlin had managed to find his way past all of them.

Things had changed. Merlin was light. Merlin was the father of her precious daughter. Merlin had shown he could protect her. Merlin was powerful and magical. Morgana found she could believe every word he had just uttered into her hair as he stroked it. He was stroking away the grime of the pit the Sarrum had held her in for two years. He was stroking away her fears and the insanity she had fought while in that dark hole with Aithusa. He was stroking away her anger from their torrid past. Morgana wanted so badly to put the past behind her for Vivian's sake.

Morgana found herself believing Merlin when he said no one was ever going to hurt her or their child as long as he had breath in his body. His arms had come around her and warmed her icy heart. Her tears soaked Merlin's shirt, as Merlin's gentle embrace continued. Morgana clung to Vivian between them. She wrapped her other arm around Merlin's waist pulling him closer.

Hunith smiled in the background. Her boy who had left over ten years ago had turned into a man. She smiled in satisfaction and relief. This drama was not over, of that she was sure. She knew the two new parents had issues to discuss, problems to solve. She turned back to her bed leaving them to care for each other.

Merlin took Vivian as he had done every night he had been with her since she was born. Vivian calmed immediately at his familiar embrace and routine as he hummed a lullaby to her that his mother had sung to him as a child.

"Lay down your head and I'll sing you a lullaby

Back to the years of lu li lai lay

And I'll sing you to sleep and I 'll sing you tomorrow

Bless you with love for the road that you go

.

May you sail fair to the far fields of fortune

With diamonds and pearls at your head and your feet

and may you need never to banish misfortune

May you find kindness in all that you meet.

May there always be angels to watch over you.

To guard you each step of the way.

To guard you and keep you safe from all harm

Lu li lu li lai lay

May you bring love and may you bring happiness

Be loved in return to the end of your days

Now fall of to sleep I'm not meaning to keep you

But to sit for a while and sing lu li lai lay

May there always be angels to watch over you.

To guard you each step of the way.

To guard you and keep you safe from all harm

Lu li lu li lai lay

Vivian fell asleep before Merlin gently put her to bed.

When Merlin turned around, he saw Morgana gazing at him with something he never thought he would see anywhere but his dreams. Was it love?

Morgana had been enchanted and amazed by the melody and words Merlin had sung to their daughter.

While the melody had put their daughter to sleep, it had also calmed and enchanted Morgana. She found herself staring and getting lost in the beauty, light and magic of Merlin's aura not wanting to ask anymore hard questions tonight. Part of her just wanted to hug and kiss Merlin and never let him go.

However, she stopped herself because her curiosity was whirling. There were so many questions floating through her mind about the dragon and the recent violence. However the words that came out as she watched Merlin were, "How is it you can ride a fire breathing dragon roasting people one minute and sing something so calming the next? How is it your eyes glow gold and a once burnt field turns green and lush?"

Merlin panicked a bit as he never told Morgana about his magic and barely realized what her words indicated. Morgana had seen him ride Kilgarah. He was sure she had seen him regrow the burnt vegetation. Yet she had ran to him and thanked him and held him as if he would disappear.

Merlin sighed. The time for lies was passed. He closed his eyes praying for strength, then lifted his chin. "I have magic. I am a Dragon Lord. It is a gift I inherited from my father after he died. I commanded Kilgarah to find the Sarrum and help me destroy him.

Morgana's eyes grew large. "Why?" She knew the answer. However, she still harbored some reservations as to his intentions. There was also a realization that Merlin's magic was more powerful than her own. She had felt it roll off him even when a wall and window separated them minutes ago. His answer would confirm or destroy her previous assumptions when he held her making promises shortly after he had entered the house.

Merlin looked at his daughter then at her. He looked away for a moment taking a deep breath before turning to her again and locking his gaze on her. "The Sarrum threatened my daughter. He was after you. I had to remove the threat."

Morgana felt the air leave her lungs. "Why would you care? I have done horrible things."

Merlin sighed, "You said the Sarrum is the reason you have been running. I don't want you to run or be afraid anymore. I want my daughter around. I want you to feel safe here so both of us can enjoy Vivian. To do that, I had to eliminate the threat to you and Vivian."

Morgana's jaw dropped "You want me? Here?"

Merlin nodded, walked to her and placed his hands on her shoulders as he looked deeply into her eyes. He wanted to see Morgana. Merlin wanted Morgana to really see him as he gazed deeply into her eyes. This would be the beginning of trust for himself and for her. He wanted her to know his true heart regarding her and his child, regardless what it cost him. "Believe me when I say, I have tried to hate you Morgana. You have done horrible things in the past. Despite the past, the games, the hurt, I care for you Morgana I always have. "

Morgana felt warmth tingle along every cell of her body. She felt his sincerity and it made her want to erase the past. Her impetuosity won as she blurted out, "Merlin, I am so very sorry I ever tried to hurt or manipulate you." Tears started to fall from her eyes all over again as her head went down. Merlin moved his hands from her shoulders to encompass her frail shaking body

Morgana just let herself melt into Merlin's embrace as he kissed the top of her head and whispered assuring words

Morgana's legs gave out as her tears increased. These past weeks with Hunith, Merlin and her baby, their care and kindness was cracking the hard shell of hate that had been forming so long under Morgause's tutelage.

Merlin picked Morgana up bridal style, walked to the chair, sat down, pulled Morgana into his lap, and rocked her. He stroked her hair and just let her cry as she continued to apologize. "I wanted you so badly. I thought being Le Belle Dame sans Merci, threatening you, playing the seductress was the only way you would come to me." she sobbed, "I am so sorry."

Merlin chuckled. "It may have started as a game but you are so much more to me. You always have been the fire in my blood Morgana"

"Really?" Morgana looked up, even though I used the fomorrah to control you?"

"Are you sorry you did?" Merlin asked.

Morgana looked him in the eye. "No."

Merlin would have pulled back except for Morgana's next words. "When we came together that night, I experienced your love. Our actions gave us Vivian. I catalog and have referred to it often as the greatest night of my life. I have no regrets."

"Really, you have no regrets about taking my memory?" Merlin asked looking deeply into Morgana's eyes

"I am sorry about that. I shouldn't have taken that from you." Morgana's lip started to tremble as the tears came once again. "I am sorry Merlin."

Merlin continued to rock her for a moment soaking in her apology like a wilted plant being refreshed by water. "If it is any comfort to you, I have dreamed of that night frequently."

Morgana looked up shocked. "How could you remember Merlin, the fomorrah's magic wipes all memory."

Merlin chuckled. "For a long time, I had dreams of us intimately together. I thought it was my fevered brain making me mad."

"You had dreams about me?" Morgana asked unsure, "about that night?"

Merlin paused. "My dreams were incomplete, so they were somewhat frustrating. I didn't always remember the love words you must have mentioned to my mother. I thought they were only dreams until you revealed Vivian was mine." Merlin said with a bit of a twinkle in his eye.

Morgana almost smiled at the look in his eye. "So how did you find out?

"I used my magic... and some meditation techniques just after you came. Those techniques and magic helped me to view the time you took me into your hovel. I finally heard the love words we spoke."

Morgana's eyes grew wide. "Morgause said even the most powerful magic users would not be able to resist or remember after being subjected to the fomorrah." she paused squinting at him, "Who are you really?"

Merlin took a deep breath. "Maybe we can save that discussion for another day."

Morgana's eyes narrowed and she drew back, as anger filled her heart. "So we are back to the game. All the time in Sarrum's pit, you knew I was there. You and Arthur knew." Her eyes came up in accusation.

Merlin felt his anger rise. He stopped rocking. "How could you think I knew or would work with a man such as the Sarrum? I saw those whip marks and scars on your body when mother and I were dressing your wounds. My dragon killed the Sarrum just so you could be safe. We have had games between us, but you must know I would never hurt you."

Merlin's look and words held power Morgana had never seen. It was that and his previous kindnesses that drove her response now."I know that Merlin. Deep down I have always known you would never intentionally hurt me. I am sorry I accused you."

Somewhat still miffed, Merlin asked, "So this accusation is your Pendragon pride and Morgause's training spiking up to play games with my head?"

Morgana felt her anger and defensive mechanisms rise. However, she could feel Merlin's magic waiting to strike. The fear of it helped her quell the anger and apologize. The vision of Merlin riding a dragon and roasting the Sarrum and his men just to protect her tempered that fear. Instead of her usual snarky return, she nodded her head, swallowing her pride. "I'm sorry Merlin. I guess old habits die hard. I'm sorry for falsely accusing you."

Morgana's apology soothed him somewhat and Merlin let some of his anger drain away, but now he was suspicious of her sincerity. "Morgana I want to trust you. I want to believe you are truly sorry. But I have heard similar words before and the games started. I can't do that again. My heart cannot take it."

Morgana saw the heartbreak and heard it in Merlin's voice. She fisted his shirt. " I won't do it again Merlin." Morgana words rushed out desperately. "I can't lose you again Merlin. When I was down in that pit, I thought of Vivian, I remembered you. I would cry because I had lost you. I had used you cruelly, cast you away." Morgana started to sob uncontrollably. "I'm so sorry Merlin. I'm so sorry. I don't blame you if you never forgave me. But I am sorry I abused your heart and played with your emotions. After what you have done to save me from the Sarrum, I could not ever hate you. You are the father of my Vivian. She was created on a night I will never forget, nor ever regret. She is so like you. I never told you before when you could remember. So, I will tell you now. I love you Merlin. I always have. Vivian is the manifestation of that love."

Morgana's words washed over Merlin like a spring rain. Before he knew it, he grasped her shoulders tightly and kissed her passionately

Morgana found herself responding eagerly as hands and lips roamed.

"You loved me! I loved you!" Merlin felt his breathing speed up as he pulled her closer.."

"It was the most beautiful night of my life." Morgana responded between kisses, holding him tightly as well.

"I had dreams of you Morgana."

"Morgana saw the insecurity and the doubt in Merlin's eyes. Many years ago, she might have reveled in his insecurity. Now it just harrowed her soul to the depths that she had ever toyed with this man as Morgause had taught her. Morgause had been so wrong.

This man had killed her enemy. He had vowed to save and protect her. It was better than a blood oath. She wanted to return his pledge. She wanted to help him protect their daughter. More than anything, she wanted to feel the love and the warmth she had been denied in the pit. "I love you Merlin."

The words were barely out of her mouth before Merlin's lips claimed her own again.

It was several minutes later before they pulled away breathless only to reconnect again and again.

Their kisses were joyful, passionate, burning. The flood gates of their pent up emotions unlocked and flooded them sending euphoric waves through their bodies. Their magic mingled and lit up the room as lips and hands wandered. Words of love that had been buried since the fomorrah incident, were spoken and promises that had been spoken were sealed in every fiber of their beings.

Merlin pulled away. "I want to do this right Morgana. The past will not equal our future. I love you. I grew up without a father, I grew up with a mother and watched her suffer the sneers and backstabbing words of neighbors. I don't want that for our child."

Morgana stood amazed and stunned at this confession. She had never heard of Merlin's hardships.

Merlin pressed on at her silence thinking he still had to convince her. "You know what it is like not to have parents. Your father died when you were 10 years old. Don't you want our daughter to have two parents who love her rather than one?" Merlin stared into Morgana's depths trying to convey to her with every fiber of his being how truthful and sincere he was in his statement.

What Morgana saw and felt from Merlin was mind boggling. Her feelings toward Merlin had purified over the short time she was here. It was because of Vivian's unconditional baby love. It was Merlin's and Hunith's care. Merlin wasn't her enemy anymore.

She looked up at Merlin. This wasn't the boy she had first met back in Camelot. Merlin had always been more than a servant and a good friend. The time with Merlin in her hovel all those years ago was proof. She had no regrets that Merlin was the father of her child.

The angry part of her no longer seemed to have the power it once had. What had been revealed to her this night, his desires and passion for her were evident. She found herself trusting him. She wanted him to trust her. "I have known I loved you, Merlin since before that night in my hovel. Vivian is proof of that love. I want to quit running. I …." Morgana was stopped suddenly in her ramblings by Merlin who covered her lips with his own devouring her. Morgana returned his passion and again, they were just lost in the touch and taste of each other.

Merlin stopped for a moment to whisper against her. " I love you Morgana. Some how, we will find a way."

Morgana looked into his deep blue eyes. She found herself drowning in the passion and the promise, the faith and the hope. More than anything, that is what she had been missing for so long. Warmth filled her to brimming as she grabbed Merlin firmly around his shoulders, "Yes!" she gasped, "We will find a way!"

Merlin's smile spread across his face. As he stood up with Morgana in his arms and swung her around in his joy and happiness laughing out his relief. Until Morgana gasped in pain as one of her wounds opened and started to bleed again.

Merlin gently put her down on the bed again looking sheepish, "Sorry..." he stepped back. "Maybe you should rest and we should get you better before we get too carried away."

Morgana wanted to cry at the loss of warmth. But she too stepped back. "Yes.."

Merlin treated her open wound and changed her bandages again then tucked her in. He kissed her forehead. "Sleep well my love."

Morgana's heart danced with joy at his words. She didn't want to be without that warmth Merlin held for her and their child in such abundance. It was that thought that motivated her hand to grasp his, "Stay"

Merlin hesitated for a moment. There was gratitude, vulnerability, trust and love in her gaze. It drew him in as his eyes swept over her. "Your wounds are bad Morgana. I don't want them to open up again."

"Please!" The longing in Morgana's eyes stopped his objections long before her words had.

"I can sit in the chair next to your bed." Merlin said as he pulled a chair close to the bed and sat in it so his knees were touching the bed and he could hold Morgana's hand.

Morgana smiled, "Thank you Merlin!" She pulled his hand to her chest and held it there with both of her own.

Merlin smiled back at her. Morgana's gratitude had been rare and he found himself smiling and taking several moments to admire her beauty as her eyes closed.

Morgana's breathing deepened as the exhaustion and terror bled out of her pores. This was what she had been looking for, family, a place where she was loved and protected, free to be who she was. This was home. It was a dream come true. She stifled the part of her that wasn't sure if it was real.

Tomorrow she would make a decision. Somehow she knew if Merlin did not object, which at this point, she knew he wouldn't, she would stay for as long as she could. She impetuously grasped Merlin's arm, holding it close and pulling him closer with a plea that caused Merlin to deposit his boots and jacket and crawl in next to her on the bed being very careful of her newly wrapped injuries.

The adrenaline from the previous activities evaporated with the warmth between their bodies.

Merlin was relieved he had taken care of the Sarrum. He sent a quick telepathic message. "Thank you Kilgarah!'"

" My pleasure young warlock!" Kilgarah answered in his mind. "We will talk later. It is something of vital importance we must discuss. "

Merlin felt exhaustion and relief overtake him as he silently breathed out the last words he would speak that night. "Yes we will speak tomorrow." Merlin smiled to himself. Tomorrow would be a busy day, He needed time with Morgana and Vivian. He didn't want to give Morgana a chance to change her mind. From his current position, he was almost positive she would not.

It was still mostly dark when Merlin's eyes fluttered opened feeling a warm presence curled into his side, possessively holding him around his waist. He looked down at the raven haired beauty in his arms and just savored the feeling. This woman who had been his enemy was at the moment so much more. He would be happy to wake up every day like this.

Morgana's face was more relaxed. A smile graced her lips as she sighed into his shoulder and her arm tightened around his waist. Her dream must be a good one that included him. At least he hoped it was.

The little doubt that it wasn't about him vanished when he heard her murmur "Merlin" in her sleep. The way she said it fired his heart and mind with possibilities and brought a smile to his face.

Hunith had asked him to find a way to make Morgana stay. Her utterance gave him confidence that he was close to filling that mandate, hopefully with less struggle, and soon. The thought made him happy. He felt he had to do this the right way though. He couldn't let himself take advantage of Morgana with her injuries as they were.

Cold weather was coming. Merlin couldn't have his mother sleeping on the floor all the time with Morgana needing a bed to herself. He had practically reopened Morgana's wounds the night before swinging her around. The deep circles of fatigue under her eyes that had been so prominent when she first arrived, had dissipated somewhat with sleep and care. She was still incredibly emaciated. He knew she had not been fed much in captivity. As Merlin held Morgana, he knew one night, one week, or a month would not solve all the physical problems or the emotional problems. He had ideas what the Sarrum had done. He had been treating many of Morgana's injuries daily.

Merlin had seen men after the trauma of battle. He knew it took weeks, months, even years, to come to grips with the atrocities of war. Matters of the heart were tricky and so much more complicated than the physical wounds he had seen. Gaius' voice came to his head, " If the soldiers feel safe and have a routine, their healing will be quicker."

Merlin wanted to make Morgana feel safe. There were so many factors. Merlin's earlier dream of his future family was something he wanted to make real with every fiber of his being. Before he and the dragon had attacked the Sarrum, the dream was the only proof he had that it was even possible. Now Morgana's words and confessions of love made that dream more real. He wanted that happiness. He was so excited but was also tired from all the previous events. His eyes closed as his head rested on the bed.