Morgana's purple cape bellowed around her as she gracefully wandered through Camelot's deserted streets. Moonlight caressed her beautiful face as her spiteful green eyes scanned shabby homes shrouded in darkness. A smirk curved her harden face.

"One day, this will be mine."

A large owl screeched as Morgana walked under his home. His feather ruffled when Morgana shot him a dark look. "Be afraid." Nocturnal animals fled from her presence as she entered their domain.

"Sister."

Morgana brightened at the sight of Morgause standing alone in the darkness. Their hands quickly clasped as they stared deeply into each other's eyes. Morgana watched Morgause's luminous brown eyes quivered with anticipation of their schemes.

"Arthur is withdrawn. Distant from Arthur."

"Yes, to lose your beloved is horrible."

"He watched Gwen burn."

"You burnt her in front of Arthur," Morgause asked hesitantly. Morgana dropped her cold hands as her face twisted in distaste. "Yes, I lit her sleeve during dinner. Arthur stood there motionless as she burnt."

Morgause quickly masked her shock at Morgana's thrill to burn her former friend. " How horrible."

"I'm waiting for Arthur to crack."

"What does he do?"

"He watches us with sad forlorn eyes, Sister."

"Be careful, Morgana."

"Why?"

Morgause smiled gently at Morgana. "Our time is near."

"My time is near. I will be Queen Morgana of Camelot."

Morgause swallowed nervously as Morgana's dark words made her flesh shiver. She tried to believe that it was a cold wind. She noticed darkness, hardness in Morgana's eyes. A new desire to destroy.

"Of course."

Igraine gently traced Arthur's sleeping face. Her mother's love beamed from her sapphire blue eyes. Her hearts swelled with pride as she remembered all of Arthur's accomplishments. His ability to see good in people. His sense of honor and valor; deep in her heart, she knew Arthur was truly her son; he didn't posses any of Uther's traits of foolishness, obsession, and deception. Igraine leaned over and placed a gsoft kiss on Arthur's cheek.

"Sleep well, my son. Listen to my words, leave Morgana behind. She does not travel to Ealdor with love in her heart. Her presence will bring danger to you and yours. Her heart is black to its very core "

Igraine's grip tightened on Arthur's hand. Reluctantly, she released his hand and rose from his bed. Her soft steps filled Arthur's chamber. Her slender figure disappeared into a glowing light.

Merlin stood outside of Camelot with Gawain as they waited for Arthur to depart. Merlin's feet tapped an impatient beat. His fingers fiddled at Arthur's saddle.

"You look shifty."

"This could ruin everything, "Merlin gritted. "She's going to ask to come. Then, her sinister sister will appear. Cenred tagging along and his warriors. How are we going to explain Gwen?"

Gawain shook his dark head. "I don't know. I'm not the planner. I'm the brawn."

Merlin rolled his blue eyes. "I'm tired of planning. I should just stomp to Arthur and tell him …'

"Tell me what?"

Merlin's shoulder sagged. He scrunched his nose at a grinning Gawain. Merlin missed Gwen. She knew her part and played it well. She loved chasing after evil doers. She gave a signal that Arthur or Uther were near. She didn't ask difficult questions. She listened unconditionally to my goofy schemes. Not Gawain. He's pretty and cheery, but he's not a good companion in secret endeavors. No, he did help with recovering the trident. Still, I'm just missing Gwen. Merlin felt tears forming in his eyes.

"Merlin."

Merlin turned to face Arthur. "Not now, you aren't the only one that misses her." Arthur watched Merlin stomp away. His jaw dropped in disbelief. "Let him go," Gawain advised. "They were close."

"How would know you?"

Gawain. "I saw them together in Camelot. She helped save me at the Tavern. Stop being so suspicious."

Arthur crossed his jaw and gritted his teeth. "Tell me that everything is right."

Gawain arched a dark eyebrow. "Nothing is right. Everything is wrong. You can't see the forest for the trees."

"What does that mean?"

"It means you should have trust in a fateful friend. Look to others for their treachery." Gawain walked away following Merlin's steps.

Arthur threw his hands up. I need to clear my head. Just say goodbye to her. Then, everything will be normal again. A new normal. A normal without her.

"What time do we depart?" Arthur turned to face Morgana. Morgana stood before dressed in her traveling clothes. A heavy grey sweater covering her upper body; brown trousers stuffed into tight brown leather riding boots. Her long dark hair pulled in a tight braid.

Arthur's blue eyes met her green ones. Arthur noticed her smile seemed tight and it didn't reach her eyes. "You're not going."

Morgan's lips quivered. "Why not?"

"It's dangerous."

Arthur noticed a gleam flash in Morgana's eyes. "I've been to Ealdor."

"Well, that was before Cenred held a knife to your neck. You stay here."

"You're not King of Camelot. I'll ask Uther."

"I already spoke to Father. He agreed. I'll see you in a fortnight, Morgana."

Arthur noticed her hands curled in tight balls. A dark anger flashed from her slender body. Arthur watched Morgana struggle with her emotions. A delicate hand smoothed her dark hair. She smiled prettily.

"Of course, Arthur."

Gwen watched Mary tracing her velvet hearts. Her tiny fingers felt each curve as she smiled at Gwen.

"Are you in love, Guinevere?"

Gwen blushed in surprise. "What?"

"Do you have a lover?"

"Of course not," Gwen protested. "What do you know about such things?"

Mary watched Gwen with Arthur's eyes. Gwen took a step back. Her hand reaching for the door. "I know you love Arthur Pendragon."

Gwen gasped. Her eyes cloudy with fear. " I don't know him."

"Don't be afraid, Guinevere," Mary stated tenderly." I know the pain of loss. Love unreturned. A fate so cruel and beautiful. Elusive like a butterfly on a hot Summer's day. He's coming to Ealdor. Pack your bags. Merlin will come for you tonight. Trust the dragon."

"What?"

"Don't think. Just listen. Promise me that you'll love him. Only him forever."

"I don't understand."

"Faith, trust, and love, give them to him."

"Promise."

"I promise."

Mary smiled as she skipped out the door.

"GWEN! Can you hear me?"

Gwen eyed Mary curiously as the little girl arranged her hearts around the table. "Why are you still here?"

Mary giggled. "I'm waiting on my cookies."

"You just left."

Mary twisted her red lips. "No, I want my cookies. I won't leave without them. I didn't leave."

Gwen looked around Hunith's home. Everything was in place. "Maybe, I need a nap."

"What about my cookies?'

"Of course."

Mary smiled gently as she watched Gwen fumbling with a few dishes. Her small brown hands resting on her waist. "Don't forget to pack."

"What did you say?"

"Make a small bag for my grandmother."

A/N: Nest up, Merlin talks with the great Dragon. Hansel and Gretel, but Merlin style. Arthur smells Gwen at Hunith's house. There is something about Mary! Thanks to Puppeteer, who gave me an idea about Mary. Morgana's traveling outfit, it's a sweater. I can't think of a medieval word for sweater. Yeah, how do they explain that one?

Thanks for all of your reviews on all my stories.