It was hours before the mysterious stranger woke up. Hours that Morgana had to herself to ponder how to approach the situation. There had been no one in this cell before her. The guards had taunted her saying as much. That she'd forever be alone as it was designed for only the most valuable - dangerous - sorcerers. Sarrum only collected prizes worthy of his time. Whoever was unconscious across from her was very powerful in their own right.

Aithusa had been similarly drawn to the figure and was cooing the entire time. Morgana could here him nudge the body occasionally, and even heard a small whimper. She had stopped trying to call him over since every time he heard his name, he cried out.

Morgana rehearsed what she would say to her new companion. Each time she went over it she was filled with glee. That of a young courtier meeting eligible suitors. Morgana hadn't felt like that in a very long time. It was a testament to how awful she felt. This stranger held her whole attention and yet she knew nothing about them.

It could be someone she knew, someone she hated, but she didn't care. She'd take any human company right now.

As the person stirred Morgana gulped what little saliva she could procure in a weak attempt to loosen her voice. It was lucky she'd had the water that day, otherwise she doubted she'd be able to say much.

The chains clanged and rattled, echoing in the dark as the form, presumably, sat up. There was a tapping at the wall. They were testing their new prison.

"Tospringe." A deep male voice called out.

Nothing happened. Joy ran through her. She was among her own kind, he would understand her. Even if they were unable to use their magic they were together and could discuss it. She would have a new ally once they managed to break free.

"Unspanne bas maegp!" His thundering voice wavered.

He was injured. Of course he'd be injured, no other way sarrum could have brought the sorcerer here.

Morgana was about to say something when she heard a near deafening coo. Aithusa was just as excited as she was. The loud noise was followed by the distinct sound of the other prisoner falling over, tackled by a young, eager dragon.

"Merlin, stop it!" She scolded. Or... tried to. She wasn't sure how much of it was intelligible because her voice sounded as smooth as bark.

The man muttered a sorry in reply.

"How did you-"

"Find a dragon?" She interrupted, the giddiness she felt earlier creeping into her voice. "He found me."

The stranger did not reply immediately. He was still being pinned by the adolescent dragon that had tackled him to the ground. As Aithusa licked his wounds he let out a full laugh.

Morgana could only imagine the type of man it belonged to. He sounded not much older than her, but she could not be sure because of the damage to his voice. Even damaged it was a beautiful voice.

"Merlin, come here."

The dragon didn't move on it's own. He was mostly being pushed as the stranger tried to sit up again.

"Who are you?" He asked.

Either the man didn't know who had captured him, or news had not spread of Morgana's capture. She hardly thought Sarrum would refrain from gloating about his latest trophy. The fearsome lady Morgana.

"I'm.." she couldn't do it. She had been naive to think all sorcerers were alike when she lived with her sister, but now, this man could be another one of the blood traitors who despised her. She needed him to understand. "I'm like you. Magic flows through me. Blessed by the goddess. Merlin here could sense it and came to me."

At least she thinks that's what happened. Aithusa came to her in her hour of need, right after she used all her strength to pray to the triple goddess for mercy. What else could Aithusa be than an answer to her prayer

"Merlin?" There wasn't a hint of gaiety in his voice, he actually seemed more worried. "You named a dragon after a bird?

"I didn't name him." She said with the faintest hint of disgust. Of all the names she would have never chosen to name such a majestic, magical creature after Arthur's bumbling treacherous manservant. "It's the only name he'll answer too. I don't know much about dragons, but it's possible they have inherent names like goblins."

"Inherent names...?"

Morgana was beginning to realize he knew next to nothing. She'd never had a pupil before. He was as good as any. Better even, considering they had a shared enemy who only captured those of incredible magical ability. It didn't matter who this man was. He was her's now.

"Names have power and sway with the fabric of this side, some creatures are born of the other side with a name." She began steadily going from a level, studious tone to a more playful, intimidating voice. "What might yours be?"

"M..."

He shuffled a bit, resting then beginning to speak again only to stop. What should have been a simple question had created an unbearable silence that was irking Morgana. While she wanted to snap at him to say something, she did not want to scare him into longer silence. Morgause said a gentle approach was sometimes needed. This must be one of those times, The high priestess thought. Even still, it was really hard waiting for this timid, naive, sorcerer to answer. He might lie.

"Well?"

There was no warning, nothing to prepare her for his response.

"They call me Emrys."


AN: I'm probably gonna say this on the newest chapter of half my fics, but the reason for slow updates will almost always be work. Thanks for your patience, ~Myrien