The Hermit is…Balinor! Well done to Riley for guessing correctly. (And yes, I'm pretty sure that 'Princess' is a fan nickname, but it's stuck and I like it, so I figure there's no harm in using it.)

Thanks to Riley and the electric phantom for reviewing and guessing!

Enjoy!

IX – The Hermit – Balinor

Key Phrases – Discrimination, fear of revealing a secret, wanting to be alone.

Balinor was in hiding in a small village known as Ealdor. It was outside Uther's realm, so the Dragonlord hoped he was beyond the tyrant's reach. He cursed the King's name.

The woman he was staying with – Hunith – placed a bowl of food beside him, which he ignored. Her gentle voice chastised him.

"You must eat."

"There is no point."

Hunith came round to stand squarely in front of him, her voice bolder.

"You should never just give up on life."

Balinor stood and faced her, eyes flashing with anger.

"All is lost to me. I can make nothing of myself now."

Hunith moved forward, unflinching in the face of his fury.

"You don't know that until you try."

The Last Dragonlord paused. Her words made sense, penetrating through the fog of rage and despair he had mired himself in. For the first time since he arrived in the village, he looked at the woman who had kindly taken him under her roof. And gazing at her now, Balinor suddenly realised how beautiful she was. His anger subsided and his voice was quiet.

"How? How can I?"

Hunith gently took his hand between her own, her voice gentle once more.

"Start again. I know you'll be able to find happiness. You only have to look for it."

Balinor moved his hand to cup her chin. A smile tugged at his lips.

"I think I might have found it already."

Aw. I'm such a sap. I was surprised that Merlin and Balinor were able to form such an emotional connection in just a few scenes together. Once again the talents of the writers, directors and actors put my scepticism to rest. Also, when Hunith says 'you don't know that until you try', it is a direct reference to when Merlin says it to Arthur in 'The Coming of Arthur.' I thought it'd be a nice way to link Merlin with his Mum. ^_^

Thanks for reading! Next time is The Wheel of Fortune! (I'm talking about the card, of course. I've never seen the game show.) Your clue this time is simply: who's always talkin' 'bout destiny?