"Mirror, Mirror, stuck on a wall."

"Mirror, Mirror, watching Morgana fall."

"Mirror, Mirror, Camelot's going to have a ball."

"Mirror, Mirror, just waiting on Morgause's call."

Mirror, Mirror, Morgana and Morgause a danger to us all."

Morgana gritted her teeth; her moody mirror was an annoying piece of glass. Just hanging around, reciting ridiculous poetry in her chamber. Maybe, it was his voice or his accurate predictions. Or, how sit implied that she was stupid and foolish. Unable to conduct a plan, he was just mean.

"You're a royal pain," Morgana screeched. Waving her hands above her dark hair. "I thought you were here to help me! All you do is scream at me and taunt me. Just mean!"

Morgana didn't expect the mirror to actually laugh at her. It was a rumbling deep melodious sound. He enjoyed her pain. Crestfallen, Morgana stared at herself. Big tears shimmered in her green eyes.

"Lady Morgana, my name is Alvarr. Once upon a time, I was a great warlock until I caused mayhem in Albion. My deeds earned me a lifetime in this reflecting torment. You annoy me. You tried to murder your best friend, to be queen. But, you want everyone to love you. Pick a side. So, stay on track or repent. Heed my words; your actions will have dire consequences for all of the players of the game, especially you.

Bob watched Mother folding clothes; he laid on his stomach as bright sunrays warmed his little body. His head rose slightly. His nostrils flared as something new floated around their cozy home. His head dangled; he scooted his scaly body closer to the table. He eyed Mother; she hummed softly. She's thinking of that blonde human. He had to go home. Bob didn't like him; he wanted Mother's attention. Bob didn't like to share or hear the word, "No."

He dug his claws into their wooden floors. His leathery wings raised his body until he could see a bowl of red things resting on the table. Bob lowered his head until he could see little beige seeds. He flicked his pink tongue to grab a berry.

Strong hands grabbed Bob from the table. "Watch it, little fella," Merlin relied." Bob shut his eyes. Where did skinny one come from? I want my red thing.

"Camelot, I came from Camelot, Bob. They are called strawberries."

Bob's blinked in surprised, he can read my mind. "Mother," Bob whined.

Gwen stood with her arms folded and gave her baby a stern look. "Did you try to steal food again?"

Bob wriggled in Merlin's arms. He made whimpering noises until Gwen raised her arms. Bob jumped into his mother's arms, and rested his small head on her shoulders. "You can't steal food. You can't eat stray bones. Don't put things in your mouth, Bob."

Merlin felt guilty watching Gwen with her child. She would make an amazing mother. Yet, she had to wait for Arthur. This stupid, foolish plan to return Gwen to Camelot was dangerous. Sometimes, did Arthur think about his actions? No, his desire for Gwen placed her in harm's way.

"Merlin, how are you? Is all fine in Camelot?"

Merlin watched Gwen dropping berries into Bob's waiting mouth. She's so trusting; it never occurs to her that Bob is an animal. A wild animal, he could snap her fingers at anytime.

"Well, Uther is a tyrant. Morgana is insane. Haven't chatted with Morgause in awhile. However, she should be around to kill us all, sooner or later. Gauis…. He's still raising his eyebrow , and making me clean the leech tank. Nasty little buggers. "

Merlin rubbed his chin and smiled at Gwen. 'Elyan is busy. Molding and crafting things. Oh…Oh… Gawain, he's causing soooo much trouble in Camelot. His favorite place is ," Merlin wiggled his dark eyes; "the tavern." Merlin twisted his lips as he swallowed a giggle. "He's always on time for training." Merlin rubbed his head. "Leon is tall. Tall, and always delivering tidbits from Uther. Spoke to Kilgharrah. He's cranky as ever, full of advice like a nagging hag. That's everyone."

Bob curled into a ball on Gwen's lap; she smiled sweetly at Merlin. "You haven't forgotten anyone? " Marlin shook his head. "No, not really… I thought I covered everyone," Merlin teased. He smacked a hand against his forehead. He smiled brightly "Arthur, he gives me chores. Have to muck the stables. Polish his armor. Chew his food, rub his feet."

Gwen gave Merlin a strange look. "You chew his food and rub his feet?"

Merlin wondered if Gwen was afraid that Arthur had strange habits that she didn't know about.

"Just kidding."

'Oh."

Merlin reached and grabbed Gwen's small hand. "He misses you, cranky as a bear, moody as weather, and picky as a cow. However, his hands are still able to write a chore list.

Gwen grinned sadly at Merlin. "You' re such a good friend to me, Merlin."

Gwen's sadness touched his heart; he knew exile was difficult for her.

"Gwen?"

"Yes."

"Arthur has a plan to marry you." Gwen's eyes widen in apprehension at his words. "He's going to have a great ball, and, you're going to come," Merlin muttered.

Gwen couldn't believe her ears; Arthur wanted her to return to Camelot, for a ball. He expected her to return to Camelot; where deranged Morgana resides in her fancy room. Or how would they explain her presence to Uther. What about Bob? Her baby dragon couldn't fly around Camelot.

"Is he mad?"

Merlin felt uncomfortable; he knew it was a crazy plan, dumber than most of his. Yet, he came to inform Gwen of Arthur's plan.

"Well, it's a masquerade Ball, you'll wear a mask. In fact, Uther said Arthur could marry anyone. He can marry you."

Gwen shook her head. Her eyes watered. "I can't… Merlin…I can't… go, back to Camelot."

Maybe, this was ill-advised.

Gwen wiped her face. "Merlin, sometimes, late at night, … when I'm asleep. I relive it."

'What?"

"What Morgana did to me. I feel my flesh burning. Screams in my ears, smoke clouding my nose, and a constant pain. I'm so afraid of her."

"I'll protect you."

"You didn't last time," Gwen whispered. "She was so sneaky with her attack."

Merlin knew that he failed Gwen. He thought she was okay. And, she's not. Her hair was long and curly. Her skin brown and glowing. She smiled and laughed. But, he didn't heal in the pain in her heart and mind. He didn't know if Gwen would ever recover.

"Stay here, with Bob. I'll explain to Arthur."

Gwen wiped her sad eyes. "He'll be angry."

"Isn't he always?"

A/N: Happy Thanksgiving! Without the Pilgrims, I wouldn't have a week off from school. Yay, no students! Thanks to Great Britain! Mary goes to see Gwen, and the ball gets underway!