A/N - First off, I'm sorry that I didn't update sooner, I've been really busy lately and had a bad case of writers block on this chapter. Second, I want let you guys know that this is still a Leon/Morgana fic even though it doesn't really seem like it (it'll probably take another two or three chapters before I get to them, but I it'll be worth it!). Lastly, I wanted to say a big thank you to everyone who has put this story on alert, favorited it, reviewed, or just taken the time to read it. It really means a lot to me! :) Now, on with the story! :D

Esme strode briskly through the castle, she needed to find Merlin, and now. Ever since yesterday, when she had witnessed him using magic, her mind had been in a constant state of confusion. She couldn't even begin to comprehend why someone with magic would defend the life of one who would see him dead. She needed answers before all her questions drove her mad. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted Sir Leon heading towards her. Great, she thought, just what I need right now.

"Good morning, Esme!" he called cheerfully. She offered the knight a weak smile and nod,

"Leon."

"Listen, I was wondering if you would like to go on a picnic with me?" he said with a hint of nervousness.

"Now?" she frowned. He gave a hesitant nod. "I would love to Leon, I really would, but I'm a bit busy at the moment." The knight's face fell at her reply,

"Oh, well if-"

"Perhaps tomorrow would work?" she quickly interrupted, not wanting to hurt his feelings. Immediately his face lit up,

"Yes, that will be just fine." Esme gave a quick nod and hurried on her way. She decided to check the physician's chambers next, though she doubted Merlin would be there as he was usually mucking out the horses or polishing at this time of day. She tapped lightly on the door,

"Come in!" Gaius called.

"Ah, Esme. What can I do for you?" the physician asked as the young woman made her entrance.

"I was just wondering if you knew where I could find Merlin?" Gaius motioned to the room behind him, Esme smiled at the elderly man and hurried over to Merlin's bedroom door.

"Merlin?"

"Be right there!" he called. In a few moments the manservant popped his head through the doorway, giving Esme a cheeky grin,

"Nice day, isn't it?"

"Merlin, I need to speak with you." she stated solemnly, then glanced over her shoulder at Gaius who was working busily on a potion. "Alone." Merlin's smile dropped and he motioned for her to enter, shutting the door behind them. Neither spoke for a moment, they simply stared deep into one another's eyes, both searching for answers. "Merlin..." Esme began. "I saw what you did yesterday." The servant's heart skipped a beat, had she witnessed him using magic?

"What are you talking about?" he asked a bit too innocently. Esme glanced around the room to make sure they were completely alone, then leaned close to Merlin's ear.

"Magic." The servant's eyes grew wide, he didn't know what to say, she knew he was a sorcerer and there was no way he could deny it. "Don't worry, I'm not going to tell anyone, I just wanted to know why you were protecting Arthur. He would have you burned at the stake if he knew you were a sorcerer." The servant said nothing, he only stared down at the floor. "Please, Merlin. I want to know why you would risk your life for someone who would see you killed."

"It's hard to explain." he finally spoke up.

"Tell me."

"I've been told that it's my destiny. I was born to protect Arthur, to make sure that he stays safe."

"And you're risking everything simply because someone told you that it's your destiny to do so?" she scoffed.

"Esme, it's been foretold that one day, with my help, Arthur will unite the land of Albion. When that happens the ban on magic will be lifted and I won't have to hide who I really am anymore. That's why I've been protecting him, so that one day people like me can be accepted rather than hunted." Esme's eyes widened,

"But that means that you're... You're Emyrs!" Merlin did a double take,

"How did you-"

"When I lived in the forest, I visited the Druids, the told me stories about you... the greatest warlock who ever lived." her voice trembled with awe as she gazed at the man before her. It was almost too much to believe that she was standing in the presence of the mighty Emrys. "It's an honor to meet you!" she bowed. Merlin blushed,

"You're my friend, you don't need to bow to me." Suddenly, an idea popped into his head, "Esme, would you come back here around midnight? I want to show you something."

"Of course."

"Great!" he grinned.

"I better get going, trainings in less than an hour. You know how Arthur is about being on time for things." Esme laughed before heading out the door. Merlin smiled and watched as she exited the room, soon after, Gaius popped his head in,

"What on earth did she want?"

"Nothing." Merlin quickly replied, not wanting to hear an hour-long lecture about how he need to be 'more careful' about using his magic. With that, the warlock skipped off to finish his chores, leaving behind him a very skeptical looking Gaius.

A/N - Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. I'll try to be quicker with my updates so you won't have to wait as long. Cheers! :)