Third Peron's Point of View

In the woods that night there was not a sound save the pop and crackle of fire, the three travelers sticking close for warmth. Guinevere was moments from sleep beneath her furs, gazing blankly into the flames. Arthur watched her through the flames, tugging irritably at his tunic. His brow furrowed in thought as he gazed at her, wondering if she felt just as uncomfortable as he.

They were a person short, and it was felt throughout the group, like an aching wound. Morgana's absence nagged at Arthur, and for a reason he wasn't quite able to identify it made him nervous. Not to mention surprisingly unsure of himself.

Merlin sat close by, all too aware of Arthur's fidgeting. Unlike him, Merlin was only slightly plagued by unease, an emotion that was overwhelmed by the dizzying feeling of excitement and happiness.

He'd kissed her, placed his lips upon hers, and it had become nearly the most wonderful moment of his life. Goosebumps rose on his arms at the mere thought of their stolen moments together, hidden in the far corners of his mother's home.

His upset would have been greater if he wasn't so sure he would see her again. He knew, deep inside, that he would be seeing her soon, and that feeling alone stifled any nerves he'd previously felt.

His joy at their moment was only overshadowed by his excitement at returning to Camelot, and seeing Gaius once again. Arthur had explained as they'd begun their journey that he would be smuggled into the castle walls under the guise of a prisoner, his head cloaked to disguise him. He would be allowed to reside in his old rooms with Gauis - discreetly - as to give Arthur some time to prepare the coming changes.

Everything he had worked for, everything he had sacrificed would soon prove worth it. It would never make up for what he had done to Morgana, but it was a start to the world she deserved to live in.

Morgana was certainly not used to physical labor, as it had never been a part of her upbringing with either her father or Uther. But she found she almost enjoyed the daily repetition of working Hunith's small plot of land. Hunith was patient with her, diligently teaching her everything necessary to provide for oneself. She found that not only included cooking and cleaning, but sewing, gardening, and so much more that it made her dizzy trying to remember it all.

"Morgana?" she looked up, sweeping her braid over her shoulder. Hunith stood in the doorway to her ivy-covered house, waving a letter above her head. Morgana smiled, lifting the skirts to her borrowed dress as she climbed to her feet. She brushed dirt from the knees of the mossy green cotton, hurrying across the path towards her parental figure.

Hunith had been pleasant enough on her one former trip to Ealdor, though obviously distracted by the circumstances of the time, so their interaction had been minimal. This time was different, and Hunith had made it clear that she valued her help and was happy to house her for as long as she needed.

"Who's it from?" she asked curiously, accepting the letter with dirt stained fingers.

"I can't say, I didn't open it." Hunith turned and walked back inside, poking at the beginnings of a fire in the hearth. Morgana shut the door behind her, taking a seat on the cot against the wall.

With her thumbnail she broke the plain wax seal and unfolded the thick creamy paper, her eyes narrowed at the fluid black handwriting.

Morgana,
Things in Camelot are progressing quickly. Arthur says the ban will be lifted in only a matter of days, and though you initially protested I know in my heart you will come home soon. Though I hide in my chambers with Gauis as my reluctant chaperon I find myself unable to sit still. The changes to come keep me as excited as ever. I remember you once told me you hoped people could one day see magic as a force for good. Perhaps that day is no longer so far from fruition. I miss you, and I wonder how it is I've managed to go so long without seeing you. That last moment we spent together runs through my mind endlessly, and I have to ask if it plagues you as it does me. I'll write again soon. Send my mother my love.
Merlin

Morgana blushed as she re-folded her letter, "Who was it then?"

She jumped, hoping her cheeks weren't as alarmingly red as she imagined they were. "Oh, it was Merlin."

"Oh?" Hunith turned away, polite enough to hide her knowing smile. "What did he have to say?"

"He sends you his love. And he says Arthur's laws will be in effect any day now." she murmured, clearing her throat in an effort to regain her bearings.

"Isn't that wonderful news?" Morgana smiled tightly.

The pain she felt at not being able to participate in such wonder was overshadowed some by the happiness she felt for her kind. No longer would they be forced to hide, scared for their very lives. They would have the freedom to walk the streets without fear for being themselves.

A laugh burst from her lips, and for reasons she couldn't quite understand, quickly turned to a cry. Hunith came to sit beside her, wrapping a comforting arm around her shoulders. She gasped despairingly as she attempted to get her voice back, only to be dropped in the memory of being held in someones arms so very much like this.

Morgana stood and ran.

"Your Grace." Arthur lifted his gaze from the documents on his desk.

"Sir Leon."

"There have been repeated sightings of a druid clan lingering near the border. Shall I dispatch a group of knights?"

Arthur leaned back in his chair, his fingers drumming the edge of his desk. "No. I will go. Alone." He stood, holding up a hand as his friend began to protest.

"But-"

"The druids are a peaceful people. They would not attempt to attack me, and they would be much too fearful of the repercussions should they kill their King." he laughed at the bewildered expression on Leon's face, clapping him soundly on the shoulder. "Trust me."

Leon bowed his head, "Always."

Merlin was bored beyond belief. He sat cross legged on his cot, fingers picking at a loose thread from his tunic. For more than two weeks he'd been stranded in his room with not a thing to do, trying in vain to distract himself by cleaning everything in sight.

Any time he attempted to sneak away Gauis caught him and he'd been quickly chastised. Merlin sighed, leaning against the wall and stretching his legs out in front of him. He shifted uncomfortably, if he hadn't been taking daily walks around the perimeter of his room he'd think bed sores were developing.

A knock came at the door and he sat up straight, ready to bolt under the bed at a moment's notice. "Gauis?" Arthur's voice came through the door. "Merlin?"

Relieved, Merlin slipped from the room into Gaius'. "Thank God, I thought I was about to die of boredom." Arthur nodded, but his distraction was plain to see. "What is it?"

"I've been informed there are druids nearby. I think this is a good opportunity to extend to them a peace-offering, in hopes they'll feel more comfortable once the ban is lifted." Merlin smiled, Arthur was sounding more and more like the King he'd always imagined he would become.

"That's amazing Arthur! When do you leave to meet them? Who are you taking? Not too many knights I hope-"

"I'm leaving now. And I don't think bringing any knights with me is a good idea, it could give the wrong impression. They've learned to fear the red cloaks, so I thought I'd bring you, Merlin."

"Me?"

Arthur shrugged, smirking. "Well you are one of them, who else would I bring you idiot?" he rolled his eyes, "Be ready in an hour."

Tension mounted between Merlin and Arthur as they neared the hastily pitched tents of the druids. The laughter of children and the scent of smoke surrounded them, and Merlin felt himself beginning to relax in the calming familiar atmosphere.

There was a shout as they rode into view, and dread consumed Arthur as women and children were ushered away for protection.

"Arthur Pendragon." A tall, dark skinned man draped in worn red robes stepped forward, his eyes narrowed with well-founded suspicion. Arthur nodded in return, slipping down from his horse. Merlin did the same, holding the reins of both mounts. "I pray your visit is a peaceful one."

Merlin studied him, filled with distant recognition. Arthur bowed his head, stepping forward carefully, all too aware of the stares directed at the sword worn on his hip. Hoping that he was making a wise decision, he slid the sword from its scabbard, and slowly placed at the feet of the druid leader.

"I've come to you and your people, in the hopes of making amends. I have nothing but regret for the actions taken against you and your kind, for I know you have only ever been a peaceful people."

The druid tilted his head, "Why do you come to us now?"

"I am the King now. My father has passed, and with him his reign of tyranny and intimidation. I plan to change things in my rule, for one the laws against magic. I thought it best to inform you and your people of my intentions as not to take you off guard, and to avoid the chance that you may think it a trap."

Satisfied, the druid leader nodded and stepped forward, over the sword. He offered Arthur his hand, a wide smile stretching across his face as the King graciously accepted. "My name is Albius. Perhaps you have met my brother," he turned pointedly to Merlin. "He was the leader of our clan before me. His name was Aglain."

Merlin stiffened, his gaze resting on his feet. His recognition revealed. Aglain had been the kind and gentle man to have found Morgana when she had been in need, stung by a scorpion the night she had left Camelot to search for the druid's and seek their help. He had been on his way to helping her realize and control her powers when Uther had sent a search party to retrieve her, leading to the druids persecution for their supposed involvement in her "kidnapping".

"I am so sorry for your loss." he murmured.

"A loss we suffered because of you." he spat.

"Merlin?" he looked up at Arthur's confused face.

He had explained the truth behind Morgana's kidnapping some time ago, but hadn't gone into the details regarding the druids themselves. "I came to warn Morgana that Uther had sent men after her, to help her return to Camelot. I was too late, and the knights followed my trail. Aglain was killed trying to help her escape with them."

Arthur's jaw tightened and he looked away. "I as well am sorry for your loss. I wish I could go back, but alas, all I can do now is provide a safer future, and put an end to these unjust executions. Perhaps we could continue our talk?" he asked hopefully.

Albius shot another glance at Merlin, but nodded, leading Arthur further into camp. Merlin followed at a distance after tethering the horses to a tree.

Emrys. A whisper reached his ears and he stopped, confused. The druids continued on in their daily lives in somewhat strained relaxation, watching their leader and the King as they cooked or cleaned.

Emrys. He whirled around. His jaw dropped, and he stepped back. "Mordred."

In the village of Ealdor, Morgana touched her head as a wave of pain erupted in her skull. With her lips parted in a scream with no sound, she dropped, unconscious, into the flowerbed of the garden she'd been tending.

hey, so this one came faster than the other right? i hope.. anyway sorry I'm not the best at updating. I've just been so stuck lately it's hard to write when im not sure where the stories going so im working on doing an outline so it's not so difficult. hope this chapters okay, I know its short but im doing this so I get chapters out sooner to you guys. please review they make my day!