Merlin's back cracked loudly as he rose from the floor. Gaius was sitting at his bench, cutting more herbs.

"You are lucky I had just cut Fireflower leaves. You would be dead had I not." Gaius stood from the bench and took Merlin's head in his hands, twisting it to see the cut. It was a nasty deep red, and was beginning to pucker into a nasty scar. "There isn't much I can do at this point. People will wonder how you just got a new scar, but after you go out you can't use magic to heal it. Then they will be suspicious. The Fireflower has also restored your blood count. An interesting little plant." Gaius then looked at him sternly. "When you get home from dinner, we will work on your control." Merlin's eyes went wide.

"Oh no! Dinner! What time is it!?" He yelled, frantically trying to look for his backpack, but Gaius pushed him back down.

He pulled out a slightly rumpled white dress shirt, and black trousers. He ran to the back of the room and opened a cabinet to find a nice, clean suit jacket. He snatched it off the hook and ran.

"It's 5:30, but Merlin the scar!" Gaius yelled as Merlin sprinted out the door. Merlin neither heard, nor cared. He had to get to Leon's. He sprinted the entire way there, only stopping at the bathroom to change, and skidded to a halt in front of the restaurant. Morgana stood in front of his with a very peculiar expression on her face. Her face shifted as she saw the red cut.

"Merlin!" She exclaimed. The man she was standing next to turned round and Merlin realized Arthur, clad in a dark black suit. Merlin noticed the top button was carelessly left open. He looked back to Morgana and noticed her gorgeous emerald gown. "What happened to your face?" Morgana was still in shock. The red line was slightly puckered, but she could tell it was fresh.

"Erm… bottles and Gaius… I have to go." He slipped past them and into Leon's.

"Well that was odd." Arthur said.

"Yes very…" Morgana had an uneasy feeling, like she had seen Merlin's cut before.

"Well he will probably be late. Do you want to wait in the bar?" Arthur proposed.

"Yes I guess we should." Morgana sighed and glided toward the door.

Merlin spotted Freya as soon as he entered the restaurant. She was sitting in the bar, sipping what looked like whiskey. Her expression was scaring any men who dared go near her. Merlin's Adams apple bobbed as he swallowed. She did not look happy at all. He strode over and took the stool on her left.

"Scotch, neat." He told the bar tender. It took a minute before Freya set down her drink. "You know, you're only 17 right?" Merlin asked.

"Well living with you throws out all age laws." He voice was cool and her stare was icy. "Now what in the bloody hell happened!" She was outraged, but Merlin could see the concern in her eyes. The bartender put Merlin's drink in front of him, who nodded a thanks.

"I was with Gaius and I became very angry, in turn bottles flew. I tackled Gaius, because most of the glass was flying for him. And that's when I got this." He pointed to the cut. Freya nodded, prompting him further. "I lost, a lot of blood, so if I pass out, I'm sorry."

"Why in bloody hell would you pass out," a deep voice asked from behind him. Merlin froze with his drink halfway to his mouth. "Odd I never took you for the scotch type." Merlin turned to find Arthur, as Morgana had already taken the stool next to Merlin.

"Why I would pass out is none of your business," Merlin answered.

"Ah quite the contrary, as your friend, I am obligated to know." Morgana said. Her voice was confident and smooth. Freya leaned around Merlin to stare curiously at Morgana, who blushed and drew herself back in. Arthur watched his sister in awe. Merlin didn't miss the look Arthur was giving Morgana and raised an eyebrow. Arthur noticed but shook his head slightly, as if saying 'Not now."

"Anyway this is my sister-"

"Freya!" Arthur said loudly. Merlin and Morgana both paused and looked at him.

"Arthur and I met earlier. I was trying to find my way here, but then Gaius texted me," Freya explained to them. She gave Merlin an icy look. Clearly Gaius never texted her. "And you must be Morgana, Arthur's sister." Freya smiled warmly at Morgana who returned the smile shyly.

You know too much, Merlin teased in his mind. Freya nudged his shoulder and smiled.

What else happened? She asked.

Gaius shoved Fireflower leaves into the cut. Which in turn- Merlin began.

I know. I saw. Freya interrupted. Merlin slipped his arm around her waist and drew her into a side hug. Only a few seconds had passed, so Morgana and Arthur didn't notice their silence.

"How old are you Freya?" Arthur asked curiously. Merlin looked around and found the bartender on the other side of the room. He nudged Freya to answer.

"Seventeen." She whispered quietly. Morgana continued to sip her drink as if it was nothing, but Arthur glared at Merlin.

"Why are you letting her drink? For that matter, why don't your mother or father know about this?!" Arthur's eyes flashed as he spoke. Freya froze at his words. She didn't have to look at Merlin to know what was there. She could feel it. Rage, pure and wild swirled within Merlin. Arthur thankfully stopped talking. Merlin's anger was practically coming off in waves.

"I let her because she is more mature and aware than her age group usually is, as well as most of the adult population. She is very capable of fighting her own battles and making her own decisions as an adult. Freya is not a child, but an adult that had to grow up too quickly without any parents. I did my best, but I think I did pretty damn good if she is the result." Morgana's eyes were glazed and glistening as she put it all together. Arthur was shocked still.

"Merlin I'm-" he began, but Merlin turned away.

"Shall we get a table?" Merlin interrupted, turning to Freya.

"No I think it's a good night to curl up on the couch, plus I found something I want to show you." Freya replied. She stood from her stool and drank the rest of her drink. Merlin followed suit, but turned to Morgana.

"I shall see you tomorrow then?" Morgana nodded, but threw her arms around his neck before he could protest.

"He is such an ass. I am truly sorry and apologize for his behavior." She whispered in his ear. He hugged her back, but quickly extracted himself with a small nod of the head. Freya led the way to the bar's exit. As they walked out, a tall, older man walked through. He had a commanding demeanor and held his head high. Merlin felt his heart increase in speed as he recognized the man. It had been nearly five years, but he would recognized him anywhere. The man looked at Merlin as they walked by with a tilted head. He turned back and snatched Merlin's arm.

"I am sorry, but do I know you?" Merlin looked into the man's steel grey eyes, wishing his eyes would change color.

"No I'm sorry I don't believe so." Merlin removed his arm from the man's grasp and held out his hand. "Martin Earl." The man shook firmly.

"Uther Pendragon. Nice to meet you. Have a nice night." Uther turned to find his children staring. Merlin glared in Arthur's direction as well as at Uther's back before following Freya out the door.

And of course Arthur fucks it up. Aw well hope you like it so far! Pleeeease review!