Sorry for the Star Trek quote found within but I love the sentiment and it fits the story

...

Merlin's pregnancy was progressing with the winter. The weather meant he was confined indoors more than he would have liked although he did make a couple of trips down to the markets. Even if Arthur insisted in wrapping him up so much that he had no fear anyone would every fond out his true sex "It will take me an hour to remove all this, and it weighs a ton" he complained to his husband.

"Its that or you stay in" Arthur smirked until Merlin whispered back

"You wait till I get my magic back I have such plans for you, I have had a long time to thing of retribution. My people have a staying 'Revenge is a dish best served cold' Merlin threatened.

It hadn't helped his mood that when his mother had visited that morning that when his mother had visited earlier Sophia had been with her and made several comments about Merlin's expanding waistline. Merlin already felt as if he were waddling like a duck. So far Arthur had managed to keep out of trouble for a few days but everyone was beginning to walk on egg shells around Merlin and his mood swings. Sophia had ended up not only upsetting Merlin and being told by Merlin to take Aithusa for a walk. The small dragon dragged the lady in waiting through more mud than Sophia had ever seen. It had ruined her dress and shoes in the process. But also by extension Hunith and Arthur. She found herself being given a heap of embroidery that would take her months to finish. And Arthur had threatened to keep her husband away for the summer as well and worse still send her to join him. Sophia was used to the comforts of the castle and the thought of having to travel with hr husband and stay in a provincial castle horrifying.

Arthur had received the go ahead from his father to ask Sir Leon to take Mordred as his Squire. Although worded as a request Leon had no choice, not that he minded he liked the young Prince. In turn Mordred was thrilled to be starting the next stage in his life. He was terrified of Leon but soon settled into his new role. As a Prince he had not served as a page first so this was an important step for him, his first step to manhood. He was slightly younger than many new squires as it was seen as important that Princes were knighted before their contemporaries. The Lady Sophia foolishly petitioned the King to delay until Mordred's parents returned so they could have input "I believe Sire that they wished my husband to have the privilege"

Uther glared at the woman "It is not the Princes parents place to assign a knight but mine. You will hold your tongue and tell your mistress that the decision has been made and is irrevocable"

Sophia sent a letter to her Mistress explaining the situation, she was glad that she didn't have to give the news personally. When Morgana and Agravaine received the letter they were furious, believing rightly that Arthur had had a hand in the appointment. Morgana was also less than pleased to hear of Sophia's new posting, it did give her a spy in Queen Hunith's staff, but she had wanted her son better watched. The fact that Sir Valliant was also absent added to her suspicions that her brother was involved. She consulted with Morgause and planned to return to Camelot the minute travelling would be safe.

Tristian and Mab had arrived in Tintagel. Mab was only too pleased to have the chance to interfere in Morgause's plans. The small forest spirit travelled in a lined box on Tristian's belt. When she wasn't flittering about. As expected as soon as the nobles in Tintagel heard the 'trader/smuggler' had some of the famous liquor from Gangani for sale he was invited up to the castle. Knowing him from previous visits they didn't question his presence in their Kingdom. While Tristian bargained with the nobles Mab made her way about and listened in to find out what Morgause had planned. She soon discovered that the Priestess had been spending a lot of time with Princes Morgana. So as the two women walked in the gardens, certain in the knowledge they could not be overheard, they were discussing their plans candidly. Mab listened in from her position among the herbs. She was soon convinced that they intended harm to her friend Merlin. Her face twisted into a satisfied smirk as she continued to listen. She would foil the plans of her greatest enemy once and for all.

Leaving the garden Mab went to find Agravaine. And looked into his hard heart it find his greatest fear. What she found made her chuckle in glee as she left to return to Tristian. The spirit trusted Tristian totally, she knew already his deepest fears and would do her best to protect him from them. She knew above all he feared losing his beloved Isolde. Mab had a long time ago looked into Isolde's heart and knew her fear was to lose Tristian, they were truly soulmates. Many people thought Mab evil, due to her abilities, but if she liked you she could be your greatest friend. But cross her and she would take great delight in making your fears become reality, threaten her beloved Emrys and she would show no mercy, twisting your fears until they consumed you. She already knew Morgause's greatest fear, but as yet had not managed to make them become a reality. Morgana she would visit later although she could guess what her fear would be.

Tristian was soon summons by Agravaine who had heard of his arrival. "I understand you have some prime products for sale. I am upset that you did not contact me before meeting with others"

Tristian bowed "I would have Sire had I known you were here. I had understood you were in Camelot. My sincere apologies"

"Accepted. But I do expect the first offer on all your stock" Agravaine told the trader his face hard and cold.

Tristian was never intimidated especially by bullies. "My Lord you can buy whatever you require if the price is right. I have my overheads to consider, also my regular customers. I would be foolish to forget them, when you are not always here to buy"

Agravaine was not amused to be talked to thus "I could just take what I wanted after having you arrested" he snarled

Tristian grinned "No you couldn't. I am not fool enough to bring my stocks where that could happen. My trade is a dangerous one and my mother did not rear fools. Now do we deal or do I go elsewhere"

They bargained for several hours before a deal was done "I will bring your goods in the next few days. It has been a pleasure doing business with you, Oh and remember I am not easy to double cross so please no tricks, I have been in this business to long to be double crossed" Tristian warned his customer. "Not only that but I am the only trader who can get this product, so if you want more you need me free and alive."

Tristian left the castle and headed towards Isolde's present home. Having heard he was in Tintagel she was waiting for him. Hugging each other Tristian spoke "I want you to marry me and leave here. I have a good home in Gangani and the Crown Prince is happy for me to return with you. Please say you will come I do not want to be apart any longer".

Isolde kissed the trader "I will I am already packed, oh and Mab is here waiting for you" she paused "Should I be jealous of the spirit?"

"You well know that Mab is a good friend no more, if she had a heart for a human it would be Emrys not I" Tristian grinned back. "We have more work to do before we can leave. I am here on business for King Balinor, The Pure One is in danger, and Morgause and Morgana plotting against her."

Isolde shrugged "So what do I do to help? Because you needn't think I am letting you have all the fun. Emrys is my friend as well"

"You've only met Emrys once!"

"That's enough, your friends are mine. Please don't argue with my help we can be gone all the sooner.

Tristian was proud of this love and the two sat down with Mab and decided on a plan of action. That night Tristian released a raven with a message back to Gangani and they waited. Mab was as excited as Tristian had ever seen her, and excited forest spirit made life interesting to say the least.