The company of seven began their journey as the King's party continued in the ballroom, music drifting on the wind to meet their ears as if to wish them well. Arthur was sad that he had to abandon his father in the middle of it all but when Camelot's men called for aid it was never without reason. If he had stayed Morgana would have probably attempted to persuade Arthur against his father once more but the Prince was sick of hearing such things. It did not help that now she was in his mind she was also the only thing distracting him from the task at hand as he allowed his thoughts to wander whilst they rode on. Théa was on her horse, the reigns for the moment tied to that of the Prince's for safety. Merlin rode behind them with the guards situated around the core of their company to protect them from any danger lurking in the mists. Merlin had made an internal decision that if the time called for it he would use his magic despite what Gaius said. He would not stand by and simply play witness to anything that threatened their safety. He had done that far too many times and still he could not forgive himself for how close Camelot had come to collapse because of it.

They were making good time: Arthur informed them two hours after their departure that they were almost halfway to the west and that his promise to be back in the castle by the next day would be fulfilled but it was only met by polite smiles from Théa and Merlin. The fog was gradually increasing in density, obstructing simple bushes and trees from view and, though they were more familiar with the land than any other, it still managed to make it difficult for the guards to navigate. Their progress would soon be wasted.

The coldness of the night was drawing closer and after another half an hour Théa was visibly shivering from beneath her heavy fur. It impressed Merlin that she didn't complain - years of travelling had obviously hardened her to the elements and she was battling through despite her obvious discomfort. Her coat was threatening to fall from her shoulders without her notice, so drawing his horse up beside her in a chivalrous move, Merlin went to right it for her. Théa smiled in appreciation of his gesture and thanked him quietly so as not to disturb the ranks. Their quiet companionship was welcomed by Arthur, who, though originally had told Merlin to stay behind, was happy that a familiar face was close by. Théa might have won Merlin round so quickly after they had got off on the wrong foot but Arthur was not so quick to trust.

"Another two hours or so should see us there in good stead," Arthur announced to them, trying to cover up the fact he too was frozen to the bone. Merlin could see everyone's breath billowing out infront of them and he was instantly reminded of the dragon. He had not seen him for over a few weeks now, the guards having been doubled everywhere in the castle in the wake of the rise of magic. The news of their travels, though meant to be heartening, only served to make Merlin long for the time when they would turn back and return home. If he'd managed to have a few drinks at the Kings party he may have been able to stay warmer for longer. As it was, he had left without much food or water to sustain him. Not that he would tell Arthur this. Weakness in the face of royalty and indeed a lady was not very good for his reputation - and that wasn't particularly grand in the first place.

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A mere hour passed before Théá requested they stop and rest the horses as well as themselves. If Arthur hadn't been so obviously cold he would have perhaps made a show to carry on, but he knew when he was beaten. The guards were coughing in the fog and the horses had slowed down considerably under the strain of battling the weather and heavy terrain. The seven made base camp in a small clearing, several miles from their destination. It pained Arthur to stop so close to their destination but a lesser group would have more than likely halted some time ago. They were not abandoning their men - a few hours rest and the company would be back on the trail and giving them the aid they required.

The centuries were put on duty in their heavier and warmer coats, having made a temporary shelter for the three castle members with canopy tied between trees. It did little to cut out the frost of the night, but being in close proximity to one another served to share their heat.

"Three hours, then we ride again," Arthur told them, sniffling slightly as he padded down a fur that he could lie on. "The sooner we get to the men the sooner we will be back in Camelot."

"And the sooner we can sleep properly," added Merlin, tugging his coat around him. "I haven't been this cold in... I can't remember when I was this cold..."

"Put your mind on something else," advised Arthur. "Once day breaks this will clear."

Théa had remained quiet through this exchange, keeping her attention on something outside. Though she seemed to be drowsy Merlin noticed an alertness in her eyes that the Prince appeared to have missed.

"Is everything alright?" asked Merlin but Théa simply nodded.

"I thought I saw someone but I fear the rolling fog is playing tricks on me - it was a fawn."

"No doubt your eyes are tired. This rest will do us good. I would normally offer to leave this shelter for the lady alone, but as it transpires..."

"It is your right, my lord... a royal should not sleep outside the shelter and risk the many dangers that may haunt him in such circumstances. I am a guest at your leisure. That you are sharing this privilege with me is an honour."

Arthur was pleased by this answer and showed it with a nod of agreement. "I am glad you think so. Merlin inform the guards that we are beginning to rest. Let no-one disturb us unless it is the strictest emergency."

"Yes, Arthur..."

When Merlin passed on the message to the guards and Arthur lay down his head upon the ground, Théa chanced another glance from beneath the shelter to the trees outside. Repeating to herself that her concerns were unfounded, that she was seeing things, she watched the figure she had seen before stand motionless whilst trying to convince her mind to stop these tricks. It was the figure of a woman, dressed in clothes not fit for the fog and temperature around them. Her eyes were keen and fixed on the shelter, like a wolf ready to attack but Théa bit her tongue. The guards had obviously not seen her. It must be a figment of her imagination. Eventually settling down, albeit with a nervous roll of her stomach, Théa turned her thoughts to elsewhere whilst Merlin returned to occupy the remaining space. A few moments passed, and the three were soon in a deep but uncomfortable slumber.