Disclaimer: We don't own Merlin or any external references relating to the Arthurian Legends or otherwise.


Estella, though very much captivated by the man who smiles easily with the reins of his horses held loosely in his hand, realizes that she and Morgana are in danger of being discovered. She tugs her dark-haired companion's arm urgently and hisses into her ear, "Morgana. I realize that you must be drowning in that man's blue eyes but we must leave. Now."

Morgana reluctantly tears her gaze from the golden haired man and directs a scowl towards her cousin, which is easily deflected by a cheerful grin. "I was not captivated by that man cousin, but you are right. Let us leave before mother sees fit to give us another earful in front of the others."

Carefully, the two women stand gracefully from their crouch and melt into the shadows of the forests, hidden once more from men who knew nothing of the magic running freely through the women's blood. It is a short journey back to their own camp, and soon Morgana and Estella find themselves amidst the throng of milling people getting ready for their usual meal together.

"Daughter, Estella." Morgana and Estella turn to find an elegant woman dressed in midnight blue standing before them with an exasperated expression colouring her face, though the younger women are relieved to see a hint of affection and amusement in her eyes as well. Vivienne, Morgana's mother. "Did you have a nice walk outside the camp, my dears?"

Morgana bites her lip; she could never really lie to her mother. But before she can conjure up a believable excuse, Valeria, twin sister to Vivienne and mother to Estella now stands before them as well, and next to her is a young man who looks so out of place Morgana cannot help but feel a stab of pity for the bewildered young man. She throws a small smile at him and is immediately responded by a lopsided smile that makes the boy even younger than he looks.

Valeria smiles to her daughter and niece before pushing the young man forward, "This is Merlin or as we call him, Emrys." The girls' eyes fly wide open as they stare at the furiously blushing young man, stunned to know that this unassuming Merlin was in fact, prophesied to be the greatest warlock of all. Valeria and Vivienne exchanged identical smiles of satisfaction and smugness before turning to leave their daughters to acquaint themselves with the newcomer. Valeria's voice floats back to Morgana and Estella, "Do be nice to him love."

Estella stares back at the lanky Merlin with incredulity and all the dark haired boy could do was wave abashedly and grin yet another crooked grin as he tugged at the red neckerchief hanging about his neck. "Hi, I'm Merlin."


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