Sorry this is late, I'm on break right now and visiting family so I haven't had a lot of time to write. The next chapter might also be a little later because of this. But to make up for it I have written a good chapter that bad is twice as long as my chapters usually are. Thank you to my loyal readers that I feel terrible about making you wait for this. Thanks for reading! Review of you having any questions, concerns, etc. Thank you HPuni101 for your review. I'm thinking about next chapter being made up of flashbacks, any thoughts readers?

Chapter 7:

The courtyard was popular that afternoon, Audrey the cook had just gotten her monthly supply of food from the farms delivered to the castle and all the servant boys were currently moving them to the kitchens. Elaine was sitting on the steps, reading as she watched the going-ons of the castle, there was a sudden clattering and guards rushed past her. You can always tell if something exciting was happening if guards were hurrying about.

"Guards!" One guard shouted leading the others, "In here."

Elaine stood up and set her book down on to the steps, her curiosity getting the better of her. Someone bumped into Elaine from behind and caused her to stumble forward. She turned around wondering who had knocked her down, "Merlin!" She said, surprised by his rudeness. "No apology?"

Merlin stopped walking down the stairs and faced her, his eyes continued to look around as if he was searching for something or someone. "Hmm? What?" He asked her, confused not fully realizing what she was talking about.

"You knocked me over." She reminded him, what's wrong with Merlin? Then again, when isn't there something wrong with Merlin?

"Oh, I'm sorry." He said in a half-hearted attempt at an apology as he bolted away.

Elaine frowned at his back, leaving her book behind, she followed after him from a distance. He stopped at the foot of the stairs, his face focused on something on the other side of the courtyard. When the guards rushed by again, he walked with a hidden urgency to one of the servant entrances underneath the steps. He motioned towards someone, Elaine was surprised when a boy appeared behind a cart and ran over to Merlin.

"Hey, there he is!" A guard shouted chasing after the boy.

Elaine looked back at Merlin, their eyes met, his seemed to plead with her; Merlin grabbed the boy, turned away from the guards and ran with him.

Without thinking of the consequences, she dashed off, planning to meet up with them. She knew where that entrance headed and she could get there before they would. Merlin, what kind of trouble have you gotten into? Elaine ran down the hall, her only concern for the two boys that were currently being chased.

She ran into Merlin and the boy, literally crashing into them; she grabbed onto Merlin's arm and the boy's cloak. "Merlin, what is going on?" She asked him confused.

Merlin stared at Elaine at loss for a response before he managed to stammer out a response, "The boy, they're after him."

Elaine looked at the boy she was currently holding onto. His eyes. They were made of the clearest and purest of blues, making him look so calm and wise. If it weren't for the fact that they were on the boy, she would have thought they belonged to an old man that was as enlightened and experienced as his years.

"They went this way." The disembodied voice of a guard yelled.

Merlin and Elaine looked at each with worry, "This way." She told him distinctly, leading them to safety. Holding on to both of them, she lead them up a set of stairs inside the castle that went to the noble chambers. This one, I think. She gestured towards one of the doors, "You first," She told Merlin, he nodded at Elaine and entered with the boy in tow. Making sure that there was no guards in sight, she ducked in after them, shutting the door forcibly behind her.

"Elaine, Merlin, have you forgotten how to knock?" Morgana asked staring at them disbelievingly.

"I'm sorry." Elaine told Morgana, smiling sheepishly at her as she caught her breath.

"The guards are after him." Merlin added, nodding at the boy and holding him protectively.

"I didn't know where else to take them." Elaine added.

Morgana stared at them, deep in thought, concern written all over her face. It wasn't until a guard knocked on her door and asked for her, did she spring into action. "Over there." She told them, nodding behind some curtains. Elaine, Merlin, and the boy darted behind them, while she went over to the door.

They pressed themselves against the wall, Merlin and Elaine each holding one of the boy's hands. Unexpectedly the boy started to droop until he was altogether collapsing. Merlin held on to him, letting the boy fall on top of him as they slid down the wall until they were both sitting on the ground.

"I'm sorry to disturb you, my Lady." The guard told Morgana, "We're searching for a young Druid boy. We believe he came this way."

Elaine checked the boy's body, wondering what had caused the boy to faint. It wasn't until she saw the symbol on his right collarbone did she consciously hear the guard's words. Druid boy.

"I haven't seen anyone. It's just me and my maid." Morgana replied, feigning innocence.

"Best keep the door locked until we find him."

"Of course. Thank you." The door closed then Morgana was abruptly by their side. She went to the boy, watching with clear concern when she saw Merlin's hand with the boy's blood on it. They looked at each with the utmost of worry, wondering what they were going to do.

They had tied a makeshift bandage around the boy's arm, and we're all sitting in Morgan's room waiting for the boy to wake up. Gwen had left because of her other chores around the castle, but she promised she would come back when she was done. Morgana sat at her table, nibbling on grapes distractedly. Elaine sat next to the boy, braiding and unbraiding a certain section of her hair. Working with her hands while she was worried, usually managed to keep her calm. Merlin was sitting by the window, his gaze focused on the boy while he seemed to be lost in his thoughts.

Oh no, Elaine sat up quickly, letting go of her hair. She turned towards Merlin with a furious look. "Merlin!" She whispered shouted, not wanting to wake the boy before he was ready to wake up, but wanting to dislodge Merlin from his thoughts.

"Hmm?" He asked unconsciously, not paying any real attention to her.

Elaine stood and went over to him, smacking the back of his head as she did so. "Damn you!"

He jumped up, rubbing the back of his head where she hurt him. "What was that for?" He asked bewildered.

"You made me forget my book." She told him, hitting him again.

"He-Hey!" He managed to dodge the second time, and moved a safe distance away from her. "What are you talking about?"

Elaine followed after him, "My book!" She went to hit him again, but thought better of it. He already has such little brains, don't want to make them even smaller. Instead of hitting his head, she lightly punched his arm. "I was reading it on the steps in the courtyard when you made me leave it behind."

"How did I make you leave it?"

"Because you were sneaking around, acting all suspicious with the boy. So I set it down- you know you really need to learn how to look conspicuous. Then the guards were chasing you, and you just had to flash me your blue doe-eyes. Which made me help you and leave my book behind in the process." She told him, preparing to hit him again in frustration.

"I have doe-eyes?" Merlin asked, tilting his head to side, confused and curious by the notion.

Elaine glared at him, and started to hit him repeatedly. "That's what you got out of all that?!"

"No, calm down it was just a book." Merlin told her, grabbing on to her hands to keep her from hitting him anymore.

Elaine pulled out of his grasp, her mouth opened wide. Just a book? "Just a book?" She asked incredulous, she then laughed thinking that he was joking. Elaine turned serious again when she realized that he wasn't. "Just a book?!"

He nodded, confused on why she repeated her question. He held his hands in front of him as if he could protect himself from her wrath.

"It's not just a book. It's the book. An illuminated manuscript also with a special edition with the artist on the cover. Just a book" She scoffed at the words. Elaine smiled inwardly when she noticed Merlin start to get a glimmer of understanding. "It is Apuleius's Metamorphoses. An epic story about a hero who must find a way to become himself. It was my only copy, and I love that book."

Merlin stared at Elaine, looking remorseful. He looked at Morgana for help; she continued to stare at them amused by their behavior.

"What are you waiting for Merlin?" Morgana asked him, a smile tugging at her lips, she had been trying not to laugh. "Go get her book!"

"Yeah, go get it." Elaine repeated, and started pushing him out the door before he could protest. "It's your fault it's all by its lonesome so you're the one that needs to go get it." She told then slammed the door in his face.

Elaine was sitting next to the druid boy again, running her fingers soothingly through his hair, while Merlin and Morgana watched the courtyard from the window. Gwen had been able to scrounge up some blankets and linens to place behind the curtain in the little alcove so that the boy had something to lay on. Merlin glanced back at the boy worriedly, the execution of the man that was taking care of the boy was happening below.

"People of Camelot," King Uther's speech could be heard from inside Morgana's room, the courtyard of stone could really make the sound carry. "The man before you is guilty of using enchantments and magic. Under our law, the sentence for this crime is death. We are still searching for his accomplice," ELaine looked away from the boy and at Merlin while he looked at the boy with an odd sense of wariness. "Anyone found harboring the boy is guilty of conspiracy, and will be executed as a traitor." Elaine frowned and pulled the boy closer to her, wishing that she could shield him and herself from Uther's words. "Let this serve as a warning to your people."

"You have let your fear of magic turn into hate." The man bravely called out to the king. "I pity you."

Morgan shook her head and turned away from the window, "I can't watch this." She came over to Elaine and the boy, hugging the other side of the boy. Elaine and Morgana shared a look, the same emotions that Elaine was feeling was reflected in Morgana. A mixture of concern, worry, doubt, and a motherly instinct towards the boy. They both flinched when the sound of the axe hitting wood thudded in the room. In the next second, the luxurious window Morgana had, shattered; Elaine and Merlin sharing a look of astonishment.

Later in the evening, Elaine and Morgana were sitting at her table; Morgana watched the boy sleep while Elaine read her newly found book. There was a knock at the door, it startled Morgana having been used to the quiet. Elaine closed her book and set it on the table as Morgana went over to the door to open it. Merlin entered when she did, a bundled up package tucked under his arm that smelled suspiciously like bread.

"How is he?" Merlin asked as they walked over to then behind the curtain. Elaine watched them before returning back to her book. As she continued to read, Elaine kept listening to them in case she was needed or if she wanted to comment on their conversation.

"He's sleeping," Morgana told Merlin, pulling back the curtain. "He's very pale, I worry he may have lost a lot of blood."

"Has he said anything at all?"

"Nothing," Morgana looked at Merlin. "He won't even tell me his name."

"Give him time," Elaine interjected. "He's been through alot." She frowned, knowing what his situation must feel like. She looked up from her book and at the two looking at Elaine. "He'll talk when he has something to say."

Morgan and Merlin nodded, understanding but still disappointed. Merlin looked at Morgana and leaned awkwardly against the wall; he smiled and scratched his brow embarrassedly. "You know, for a moment there earlier, I thought you were gonna hand us over to the guards."

"I'm glad you have so much faith in me." Morgana said, hurt by his lack of trust in her.

"No- no, sorry… Um." Merlin stumbled over himself to repair the fix he got himself into. "I meant, you're the King's ward. You're taking a huge risk helping the boy."

Way to point out the obvious, Merlin.

"I wouldn't see an innocent child executed." Morgana looked away from Merlin and peered at the boy. "What harm has he done anyone?"

"Uther believes he has magic, that makes him guilty." Merlin said, with a hidden undertone that only Elaine could read into.

Oh Merlin, Elaine looked at him with pity.

"Uther's wrong," Morgana said with a fierceness that made Elaine and Merlin gawk at her.

"You believe that?" Merlin asked with hopefulness and a faint smile.

"What if magic isn't something you choose?" Morgana asked then lowered her tone. "What if it chooses you?"

Elaine looked at Merlin, wondering how he was taking this. Exactly as I think he would. For such a big secret of his, not to mention life threatening one, he is a terrible liar and at hiding his feelings.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Morgana asked with a confused smile.

"Nothing." Merlin said quickly, dropping his foolish look and staring at the ground.

"Why are you helping him?" Morgana asked teasingly, although there was a hint of serious curiosity in it.

Merlin stared at her, and exhaled deeply. "It was a spur of the moment decision."

Yeah, right, and I'm a monkey's uncle.

Morgana seemed slightly disappointed by his answer and Elaine wasn't surprised when she turned to Elaine with the same question. "Why are you helping the boy, Elaine?"

"Don't have anything better to do." Elaine said sarcastically, a small smile on her face as she looked at them. Morgana saw through her lie and gave her a hardened look causing Elaine pursed her lips. Knowing that she couldn't tell her friend the truth, no matter how much she wanted. It was her burden and she couldn't make the choice to share it with someone who would soon need to make her own choice.

Elaine's eyes darted to Merlin, he was also looking at her like Morgana was. His lips pressed together, and frown lines marring his face. His thoughts were clear on his face, he was wondering what her motives were; why did Elaine make the choice to help him with the boy? Why did she always seem to be there, ready to help? How much did she know? Questions like these were forming in his brain, Elaine's non-answer only further provoking his suspicions of her. They stared at each other and it seemed like Merlin and Elaine were the only ones there in that moment. Their thoughts focused solely on each other, as if they were having their own conversation. She could practically feel his mind racing to figure her out— to understand her, and failing to do so.

"What do you think we should do with him?" Elaine asked Morgana, diverting Merlin's attention off of herself and back to the boy. "He can't stay here."

"We have to find a way to get him back to his people." Morgana said, her eyes shifting between the three of them.

Later that evening, Elaine was left alone with the boy; Morgana having to go eat dinner with the king, and Merlin having to see his duties as Arthur's servant. Elaine was sitting on the floor next to the Druid boy, combing his hair back with her fingers and reading aloud her book to him, "Lucius is a fool." She heard a boy's voice say. Elaine froze, slowly she lowered the book from in front of her face and looked at the boy, he stared up at her from where he was lying next to her leg. Her mouth was open as she proceeded to gape at the boy like a fish.

"You talked." She said dumbly, her eyes moving from the book to the boy then back again. Her thoughts returned to a normal pace and she registered what he said. "Oh- um.. Lucius he just doesn't understand. He's ignorant."

"Are you?"

"I like to think that I'm not, I like to learn about things." Elaine chuckled, looking at the illustration in the book. "But I bet I'm better than him, at least."

Elaine looked at the boy, he was giving her a cheeky grin as if he knew something that she didn't. "What is it? Is there something on my face?" She asked, lifting a hand to her cheek and patting her skin to make sure there was nothing on it.

"No."

Her eyes widened, her mind stumbling over itself to process what he was doing. "You- You're talking… in my head?

"I am."

Elaine fumbled, dropping her book onto the floor. "I should go get Merlin. He'll want to know about this." She told the boy.

"Elaine, there's no need for you to act like this. We both know that you have experienced odder things than this."

Elaine frowned, "What are trying to insinuate?" She asked him then quickly got to her feet, heading for the door. "It doesn't matter, I will go get Merlin." She barely got two feet from the alcove when the boy called out for her.

"Elaine, I need- to speak with you." The boy said, his voice more strained than before.

She turned her head, seeing him trying to sit up with a painful expression. Elaine hurried to his side, helping him up. "Don't say anything. Emrys, he already knows. He- He is-" The boy didn't finish, his eyelids drooping while Elaine held him. She watched as he fell back on unconscious, wondering why he would mention Emrys.

Morgana and Elaine were anxiously waiting for Merlin to return that night, having told them that his wound was not getting any better, Merlin went to go try to research what to do for the boy. Morgana was making herself sick from worry, she refused to leave the boy's side. There was a knock at the door, Morgana darted over to it and opened it for Merlin. "What took you so long?" She asked him, annoyed with his tardiness, as they rushed over to Elaine and the boy.

"Sorry," Merlin said apologetically. "Once Gaius gets talking about basic anatomy, there's no stopping him."

Elaine chuckled, even with the tension filling the room, she could appreciate a joke. The two observed Merlin as he used a brush to apply a paste on to the wound, peering over his shoulder like two worried mothers. "Are you sure you know what you're doing?" Morgana asked doubtingly.

"I'm doing my best." Was Merlin's simple reply, they had no choice but to trust that was true.

Morgana wasn't eased by it, but she did believe him. "I'll get you more water."

"Thank you, Emrys." Elaine heard the boy say, once again surprising her by the lack of warning.

Merlin paused and looked at the boy in astonishment. "Emrys? Why do you call me that?"

Assuming that Merlin didn't know Elaine could hear their conversation, she decided to keep out of it. Quieting her mind like she was taught, making sure that there wasn't any thoughts that could be heard by them.

"Among my people, that is your name."

"You know who I am? How?"

The boy's eyes went to Elaine, their quiet intensity caused Merlin to look at her too. "We both know who you are."

Elaine leaned back against the stone wall, contemplating the boy. He was smart, she would give him that, obviously his teacher was a well versed man. Her thoughts quieted when she noticed Merlin staring at her with his suspicious look again. Merlin turned his eyes to the boy, assuming, and rightly so, that Elaine wouldn't answer his questions. "How?" He asked again in louder tone. "Speak to me!" He whispered, but, once more, the boy had fallen unconscious.

"I don't know if he can't speak, or if he's just too scared to." Morgana said sadly, returning to the alcove and breaking the hidden tension.

Elaine got her to her feet and backed away from them, wanting to ease herself away from Merlin and put to rest any of his suspicions he has. She wasn't sure if he had come to any conclusions, but Merlin was no simpleton and it was matter of when not if that he would figure it all out. She feared it: afraid of his reaction, whether he would understand her then forgive her. Mostly she feared what she was hiding, and if her fear would make her do something Elaine would regret.

Merlin continued to stare at the boy, a frustrated look in his frowning face. He stood up abruptly, "There's nothing more I can do. Come get me if there's any change." He told Morgana. "I have to go, Gaius will get suspicious." He strode away from them, giving a quick glance as he walked past her. His look suggesting a hidden message that Elaine could not decipher.

Before the door could fully shut behind him, Elaine was giving Morgana a poor excuse about she too had to leave. She peered down the hall outside of Morgana's room, watching as Merlin disappeared down one of the corners in the opposite directions of his and Gaius' quarters. Without a second thought, Elaine followed after him, making sure that her shoes made only the softest of sounds on the stone floor. He led her through many different halls and staircases; Elaine began to wonder if Merlin even knew where he was going or if he was just wandering. They almost got caught when Merlin led them past a room full of guards searching for the druid boy.

Elaine was standing at the top of a large, gated staircase when she lost Merlin. Although there were no windows to prove whether she was right, Elaine felt that they were far beneath the castle. Torches no longer lit the hall, having ended a few places back, and the darkness ahead of her made it impossible to tell where Merlin had gone. Her eyes darted around as instantaneously she heard his voice say, "Why are you following me?" Two gold orbs flashed, a torch was lit and revealed Merlin standing several steps down the staircase. His long legs carried him up it, bringing him to Elaine as she fought to contain her shock at his appearance.

"Merlin, you scared me!" Elaine said in a hushed voice, putting a hand to her heart to feign astonishment.

Merlin didn't fall for her evading of his question, "Elaine. You didn't answer my question." He said, stepping around her with his gaze scanning her body.

"I wasn't following you. I- I wanted to talk to you." She told him, turning her nose up at his suspicious gaze. "Is there something wrong with that?"

"No, not if that was the truth." Merlin told her, "Though I suppose this is good, I have questions for you."

"Oh, well- I don't- Now probably isn't the best time." Elaine told him sheepishly, stepping away from him. Her plan on finding out what Merlin had been doing was back-firing, the very thing she was trying to avoid was now being served up to her.

"Why haven't you told Uther about my magic?" Merlin asked her, his voice harsh, but his eyes showed he was honestly confused by it.

"Oh- not going to start with any easy questions. No?" He continued to stare at her, "Okay. That's fine. Well… um- why haven't I told the King about your magic… huh. Well…"

"Your stalling." Merlin said bluntly, clearly not amused by it either.

Elaine blushed furious, "I'm- wha? No… psh-" She stammered, waving her hand melodramatically at Merlin. "Please. You think that I'm-" She stopped when she noticed the look Merlin was giving her. "Okay, fine."

Merlin raised his eyebrows, Elaine's behavior somewhat surprising him, though he was mostly frustrated by it.

Elaine exhaled a large breath of air, she could handle this or at least she told herself she could handle this. Whether she believed it or not was a different story. "I like you Merlin. I like your head and your neck is fine too. It would be a shame to see them be detached from each other."

Merlin's eyes widened, his right right rubbed at his neck uncomfortably. "Is that the only reason?" He asked, his voice no longer as strong as before.

"I also don't agree with Uther's laws against magic. I think he is a tyrant that loses his head when someone says the word magic."

"Oh." Merlin said and looked away from her, hiding the disappointment in his eyes, but unable to in his voice.

"Was that not the answer you wanted?"

"Well- no it's not." Merlin said a little too frankly, he hurried to correct himself. "I- well, I kind of thought that- well, you might have other motives for it." He said vaguely, though the look he was giving her very clearly implied something magical.

"Hmm." Elaine hummed noncommittally, "Any other questions? I suppose we should get them all out now since I'm in such a sharing mood." She said sarcastically, half expecting him to pull out a list of questions from his pocket.

Merlin nodded, not realizing that she evading. "How did you find out about my magic? Gaius said you figured it out and confronted him about it. He also said that we can trust you with it." He said very confused by it, Merlin didn't understand why Gaius seemed to think so strongly that Elaine would be helpful with Merlin's destiny.

Elaine smiled, "You're not a very very good liar or sneak."

"Oh, that's true." Merlin grimaced and started gesturing, "I start sweating, my throat closes up, I just become this mess."

"You should probably work on that." Elaine said, his behavior causing her to grin.

Merlin smiled back, but it faded when he turned serious again. "Why does Gaius trust you?" He stammered, "Not that you have shown to be untrustworthy, but he wasn't upset at all when he told me that you knew."

Elaine sighed, she glanced away from Merlin and rubbed chin nervously. "Well, he trusts me because he has known me since I was a child and he knows many things about me."
"Like what?"

"I- um… Merlin, that isn't really-"

"Elaine, do you have magic?" Merlin interjected, his frustration with how she had been dancing around his questions causing him to strike out.

"Merlin," Elaine said dejectedly. "It's not-"

"It's a yes or no question, Elaine." Merlin said, flabbergasted by how Elaine could choose to dance around even this question. Becoming even more suspicious on her motives to refuse answering.

Elaine blew out a puff of breath, glaring at Merlin underneath her eyelashes. "It's not as simple as that."

Merlin stepped towards her, raising the torch above their heads so the flame wouldn't be in their faces."Can you do a spell?"

"Merlin-" Elaine refused to look away from his eyes, she spoke as if it was out of her hands, that the truth couldn't be expressed in simple words.

He continued, knowing by her tone that she about to answer his last question with another vague answer. "What did the boy mean when he was talking about you? What did he mean about me?"

Elaine scrunched up her face, "How should I know?"

"Do you have magic?!" Merlin yelled, his feelings breaking from how he had been trying to keep them bottled. She had been doing enough avoiding of the question, a part of him knew that she had been avoiding this long before he had confronted her about it.

Elaine's eyes darted around desperately as if searching for an escape or a threat. Her eyes met Merlin's, the fire's light dancing in the blue irises. "Yes," She answered quietly, her voice hoarse from her turbulent emotions.

Merlin stepped back from her, confusion written over his face. "What?"

"That's what you've been dying to know isn't it? That's what you been trying to figure out? What you been hoping for?" The words were formed as questions, but Elaine asked them as if she already knew the answer. A resounding yes.

"Now look who's asking the questions." Merlin said, having the audacity to be cheeky in this moment, a small smile lifting up the corner of his mouth.

Elaine tilted her head to the side, trying to keep her face angry so that he would think that she wasn't amused. "Seriously?"

"How come you been trying to keep this a secret? You know about my magic," Merlin asked, his smile growing. "I would never tell Uther is that's what you're afraid of."

"That's not what I'm afraid of," Elaine asserted. "I just-" She said deeply, "I don't like to talk about it."

"Why not?" Merlin asked astounded, "This is great news. Now we can use both of our magic-"

"No!" Elaine interrupted vehemently, fear flaring in her eyes. She hurried to hide it from Merlin, it would only cause more questions. "I don't use my magic for any circumstance."

Merlin's eyes scrunched up in confusion, "Why? You can do it around me, I already promised that that I won't tell anyone about it."

"It's not that, Merlin." Elaine shook her head, "Look, I just… don't use it. My magic is not meant to be used."

"Magic isn't bad, Elaine." Merlin told her gently, assuming that she thought it was.

"I know, it's a tool. Like a sword is not evil, but it's not good either. It's.. It depends on the wielder, and when I wield it… bad things happen."

"Elaine-"

"This is not something you can change, Merlin. I have accepted it, now you must too." Elaine told him; when he didn't argue with her, a breath of air escaped from between her lips. Feeling relieved that the subject of her magic was settled. "What are you doing down here anyways?" Elaine asked, glancing behind him at the dark stairs that led downward.

Merlin grinned mischievously, "Want to find out?" He took her hand and led her towards the stairs, his torch casting light on the steps.

"Can't you just tell me?" Elaine asked, feeling apprehensive about the dark tunnel. She usually made it a rule her herself to avoid dark tunnels that led to who knows where.

"This not something you can explain. It's something you have to show." Merlin told her cheekily. "I came down here to speak with something."

"Something?"

Merlin and Elaine reached the bottom of the stairs and entered an opening to what was an enormous cavern that seemed to stretch forever, the ends of it not being within sight. Out of nowhere, there was a loud roar; it caused Elaine to jump, trip over her feet, and fall back on to her butt. Holy mother of all things holy! Merlin tried to hide his own fright at the appearance of the dragon by appearing annoyed by it. Elaine scrambled to her feet as she watched a large, golden dragon climb its way on the side of the cave. Elaine took a step behind Merlin, using him as a shield, when the dragon continued to get closer.

"Do you have to do that?" Merlin asked, regaining his composure and giving the dragon a disapproving look. "You scared the life out of me." He looked at Elaine, cowering behind him. "Uh… us." He corrected himself, Elaine straightening her back to appear less affected by the giant lizard with wings.

The dragon moved away from the rock wall, and flew to what was a small mountain that overlooked the perch Merlin and Elaine were standing upon. It crouched down, now level with the two and most of its bulk hidden, so that they could have a conversation without feeling threatened. "The young warlock," The dragon said disinterestedly, his voice distinguishing him as a male dragon. He spared Elaine a glance, "You brought a guest. How sweet."

Merlin frowned, "Her name is Elaine." He corrected the dragon, irritated with him.

Elaine slapped Merlin's arm, "Don't tell him my name." She whispered harshly, she didn't want the scary beast to her know her name.

"Elaine-"

"Quit saying it!"

"Enough," The dragon said yawning, revealing the gigantic and sharp teeth attached to his jaws. "I'm not here to be shown as entertain nor to listen to children squabble."

"Children?" Elaine repeated offended. Who does he think- nevermind, scary dragon can call me whatever he wants as long as he doesn't eat me.

"You're right, that's not why we are here." Merlin said, ignoring Elaine and giving her a look to calm down.

The dragon seemed to purse his lips, "Yes." He said sounding the word out slowly. "No doubt, you're here about the druid boy."

"How did you know?" Merlin asked surprised.

"Like you, I hear him speak."

"Why does he call me Emrys?"

"Because that is your name."

"I'm pretty sure my name is Merlin, always has been." Merlin quipped, shaking his head in bewilderment.

Elaine stifled a chuckle, Merlin being mouthy to a dragon had its perks.

"You have many names."

"Do I?" Merlin asked doubtingly, "How does the boy know who I am? I've never even met any Druids."

"There is much written about you that you have yet to read." The dragon replied condescendingly, looking down his snout at them.

"Written?" Elaine asked confused, stepping out from behind Merlin to look at him clearly. "Are we talking about the same Merlin here? I don't think there is anything written about this guy."

"Oh- um… actually, there is this whole thing written about me." Merlin told her awkwardly, he waved his hand around. "I have a destiny to save Arthur-"

"-The Once and Future King." The Dragon added, his seriousness causing Elaine to laugh.

"Once and Future King? Who came up with that name?" Elaine asked with forced disbelief, a fake smile growing on to her face.

"Elaine, try to be serious." Merlin spoke, rolling his eyes.

"Ooookay," Elaine said, drawing out the word then realizing that she was laying it a bit too thickly, she straightened her shoulders. "Go on, about the druid boy." She prompted the dragon.

The dragon stared at the girl, his gaze intimidating Elaine to step back behind Merlin again. Slowly his dark eyes moved from Elaine to Merlin, his intimidating gaze causing even Merlin to shrink away. "You should not protect this boy."

"Why? He has magic." Merlin reminded the dragon, shocked and confused by what the dragon said. He reached behind him and took Elaine's hand, "He's just like me." He argued strongly, his gesture implying a 'we' not a 'me'.

"You and the boy are as different as day and night." The dragon said in a harsh tone.

"What do you mean?"

"Heed my words, Merlin." The dragon told him with finality, and flew away from his perch.

"Why should I not protect him?" Merlin yelled, trying to get his voice heard over the beat of the dragon's wings.

"Does he always do this?" Elaine asked him, the both of them watching the form of the dragon fade away. She frowned at the floor, since she could no longer direct her anger at the stupid beast.

"Usually."

"What are we going to do?" Elaine asked him, her eyes going to their conjoined hands, a small smile playing with her lips. A piece of her, and she would deny it to her grave if anyone pointed it out, was immensely happy that she was a part of a 'we'.

"I don't know."

The next morning, Elaine met up with Merlin on the way to Morgana's. And by that, I mean I waited, since the sun went up, outside of Morgana's chambers for Merlin so that we could decide what to do. When Merlin saw Elaine, he shook his head, signalling that he didn't want to talk about it.

Merlin knocked on the door, "It's us." He called through the door in a hushed voice.

They heard footsteps from the other side of the door, Gwen opened it a second later. Elaine and Merlin entered the room, the three of them going straight to the Druid boy's side. "How is he?" Merlin asked, standing a step away from the rest of them.

"He's getting weaker," Morgana told him in a tone that sounded as if she was blaming Merlin for it. She continued to wipe at the boy's head with a wet cloth. "What you did yesterday hasn't worked. We have to ask Gaius for his help."

Merlin sighed and shifted uncomfortably, the thought of telling Gaius obviously gave him distress. Elaine pursed her lips and looked at the boy; telling Gaius seemed like a horrible idea, but letting the boy suffer or even die seemed way worse.

"After all you've done, you can't give up now." Morgana pleaded with Merlin, "Please. If he doesn't receive treatment, he'll die."

"Okay," Merlin reluctantly agreed, exhaling a long breath and rushing off to fetch Gaius. Hopefully Gaius will help us because there's nothing else we can do for the child.

Merlin returned moments later with a very disapproving Gaius; he was giving the adolescents scolding looks, though Gwen and ELaine were also getting looks of surprise along with disappointment. He went to the boy, kneeling beside him and examining his body. "I will treat the boy," Gaius told them, his eyes on Merlin. "But as soon as he is well, you must get him out of Camelot. And woe betide anyone caught helping him." Elaine and Gwen shared an equally concerned look at his words. We already know this, but it doesn't make it any easier we are reminded of it.

Gaius continued helping the boy and removed the bandage covering his wound. "Well, one thing we know for certain."

"What's that?" Merlin asked, biting his thumb.

"You're no physician." Gaius said teasingly, turning his head to look back at Merlin.

Elaine laughed quietly, garnering a look from Morgana; she patted Merlin's back amiably as Merlin gave Gaius an exasperated look.

The four of them stood in the market attempting to look nonchalantly by standing in one of the stalls. They observed the guards as they searched everyone and everything for the Druid boy. "The guards are searching everyone leaving the town." Elaine said hopelessly, we are never going to be able to sneak the boy out of here.

"There is another way out." Merlin told them, drawing all of their attention. "There's a secret door in the armory. It leads to the lower town. I'll take the boy out that way."

"No, it's too dangerous." Morgana said with an air of finality. "I'll do it."

"I'm good with secret doors and things.." Merlin stammered, protesting against Morgana doing it as Elaine scrunched up her face at his words.

"If you get caught, Uther will execute you." Morgana said in a logical tone. "The boy's my responsibility, I'll smuggle him out of the castle."

"She's got a point," Elaine agreed with Morgana. "She's the only one that could get out of this alive."

Gwen chuckled and nudged Elaine, "You could try to hide your optimism."

Elaine gasped dramatically, "Was that sarcasm? My sweet Gwen, I do believe I am rubbing off of you."

Merlin still seemed doubtful of the prospect, Morgana giving Elaine and Gwen looks that showed her disapproval of their joking around at this time. "You'll need the key for the door." Merlin told Morgana, not protesting anymore.

"Who has it?"

"Arthur."

Gwen was helping Mergana get ready for tonight while they were waiting for Merlin in Morgana's chambers. The boy and Elaine were sitting on the floor watching the two girls; the boy's color had returned. "It will have to do." Morgana looked apologetically at Gwen, "I feel I have put you in danger without ever stopping to ask how you feel about t. I'm sorry."

"I know how it feels to face the threat of execution," Gwen said causing Elaine to look away from them, disappointed in herself for that ever happening. "And I wouldn't wish that on anyone."

Before Morgana could reply, there was a knock at the door. "It's Merlin." They could hear his voice say.

Gwen went to the door to let Merlin in while Morgana came over to Elaine and the boy. She knelt down, "We're going to get you out of Camelot. I won't let let anything bad happen to you, I promise."

Elaine frowned at Morgana, while she wanted to help the boy as much she did, she knew the power in promises and failing to keep them didn't pan out well. She also didn't have much faith in their plan, it had too much holes in it.

Merlin stopped next Morgana and held out the key to her, "Are you ready?"

Morgana nodded and stood, "The keys?" She asked checking to make sure, taking them from Merlin.

"Yeah. The door is behind the shield at the far end of the armory." Merlin instructed.

"We'll pack you some food and water for the journey." Elaine told Morgana, nodding at Gwen and standing up off of the floor.

"Be careful." Gwen told Morgana, squeezing her hand gently.

"I hope they're okay," Gwen fretted as she and Elaine packed Morgana's supplies for her journey with the boy. The three of them had arrived at Gwen's home not to long ago, Morgana and the boy were due to arrive at any minute. "Morgana really cares about this boy. I've never seen her like this with anyone."

"I'm sure she just wants to protect him." Merlin said soothingly, rolling a fruit between his hands.

"Hmm," Gwen hummed as a form of agreement, but she didn't seem as convinced.

Merlin looked at Elaine for help, but she shook her head, signaling to him that his lies were still terrible and she wasn't about to help him. Seriously you think he would have learned by now, or at least have gotten better at it.

Elaine's thoughts were interrupted when the citadel's warning bells began to ring. They looked at each with worry then at the front door, half expecting or half hoping that the duo would enter at any time now. They didn't, and as the seconds went by they grew more worried.

Merlin went over to the door, cracked it open so that he could look out into the street to watch for Morgana. Gwen was pacing by the fireplace; Elaine stood by the table, her hands gripping on to the wood with her face devoid of expression. Her eyes watching Gwen pace.

"They're coming," Merlin said abruptly, startling them and bringing relief at the same time. He opened the door for them and shut it quickly once they entered. "There's enough food for three days." Gwen told Morgana as Elaine helped Morgana put on the bag.

"Your horse is fed and watered." Merlin said, "I'll take you to it."

"No," Morgana argued hurriedly. "There's no point in all of us risking our lives."

"What about you?' Gwen asked concerned, reminding Morgana that there was risk for her too.

"I'm the king's ward. I'll take my chances."

"Morgana-" Gwen started to say before Morgana interrupted her.

"I couldn't live with myself if anything happened to any of you."

Elaine frowned, she didn't like it, but the logic was sound and Morgana was as stubborn as Arthur. They would waste too much time arguing about it also. "Then you must go." Elaine told her firmly, looking at Merlin and Gwen to silence their disagreements. Her eyes went to the small boy, a smile garnering on to her face, quickly she hugged the boy before handing him over to Morgana. "Take care of him."

Morgana nodded, "I will." She acknowledged Gwen and Merlin with a tilt of her head then rushed out of the door, pulling the boy along with her. The boy looked back at Merlin and Elaine, "Goodbye Emrys. Take care of each other."

By the next morning, Elaine had been able to get word from the guards that Morgana and the boy had been captured. The boy was being held in the dungeon and waiting for an execution that was to take place the following morning.

"It took me forever to find you." A voice called out from behind Elaine, the gangly boy climbing out on to the wall walk.

"Merlin," Elaine said tiredly. "I should have known."

"That I would come find you?" He clarified, sitting next to Elaine on the ground far from the embrasure. He could only see the forest peeking out from behind the stone work, all of Camelot being blocked by the crenulations.

"Yeah," Elaine said then blushed furiously when she accidently sniffled. She pulled her knees closer to her chest and rested her chin on them, turning her face from Merlin. "You know Merlin, usually when someone goes to an isolated place, it generally means that they want to be left alone." She muttered, because she was refusing to look at him, as if her not acknowledging would cause him to disappear, Elaine felt rather than saw his goofy smile.

"Generally yes, but you're not like normal people."

Elaine fought herself from smiling by pressing her lips against her skirt. "How can you make a joke? I thought I asked Gwen to give you the news."

"She did, I spoke with Morgana. She plans on helping the boy escape."

"We lost the battle," Elaine said bitterly, although she thought she was being realistic and not deluding herself. "Morgana just doesn't know when to say enough." She murmured more to herself than to Merlin.

"I think she does," Merlin replied, his hand hesitantly reached towards Elaine but he was unable to actually touch her. "She is saying enough to what Uther has been doing for the last twenty years. You got to admire her for her courage."

"Courage is for fools."

"I agreed to help her."

Elaine sighed and rested her forehead against her knees, "Of course you did." She rolled her eyes. "And why are you telling me this?"

"I thought-" Merlin stuttered, taken aback by her pessimism. He hadn't seen her like this before, he knew she was sarcastic and usually made negative comments, but he thought it was an act or defense mechanism. "I need your help. I thought you would want to."

Elaine looked at Merlin, her red eyes causing him to wince. "And if we get caught? We are not Uther's wards, he will not let us off with a warning. You are a servant, and I'm- I'm nothing to him. He will kill us. And I can't let myself die like my parents. I won't give him the satisfaction of it." She told Merlin vehemently, blinking furiously at the tears gathering in her eyes. "Can you guarantee our safety, Merlin? If we get caught, who will break us out?"

Merlin stood up, "I understand." He said in a quiet voice, "I'll tell them that you won't help."

Elaine sighed, "Don't do that." She said, also standing up, her hands clenched into fists with her nails digging into her palms. "I'm going to help you."

Merlin gaped at her, "Wha- what?" He asked, confused by the turn of events.

"Did I stutter?' She asked sarcastically. "I'm going to help you. King Uther would have us killed if he finds out about his, but that wouldn't matter anyways." She looked at Merlin firmly, believing that she wasn't brave by doing this. "Because I couldn't live with myself if I let this happen without me." Elaine dusted off her dress, setting her chin as she strode past Merlin. "And close your mouth, we don't need you catching any flies."

Merlin quickly shut his mouth, a grin contouring it. "You're nothing like I thought you were."

And you are nothing like I thought Emrys is supposed to be. "Thanks, and you're not as stupid as you look." Elaine said in her sardonic voice, rolling her eyes heavenward. "So what's our first move?"

"We need to see the dragon."

"I need to know why you told us not protect the boy the boy!" Merlin shouted at the lounging dragon pretending to be asleep.

The dragon raised his head, "You seek my counsel, and yet you choose to ignore it." He chided them, looking down at the two.

"You haven't given us any evidence as to why we shouldn't," Elaine explained, crossing his arms in front of her.

"If the boy lives, you cannot fulfil your destiny." The dragon said frankly in the vaguest way possible.

"What does he have to do with my destiny?" Merlin asked nonplused, "You said it's my destiny to protect Arthur."

"Then you have the answer you seek."

That doesn't make- oh… It felt like there was sudden bad taste in her mouth, Elaine making a sour expression at this revelation.

"You're telling me, that little boy is going to kill Arthur?" Merlin asked, he seemed a lot calmer about this than Elaine; she looked like she was about to blow.

"It seems that is up to you." The dragon said in his cool and collected voice.

"No, you can't know that for certain."

"You have it in your power to prevent evil."

Elaine suddenly burst into laughter, earning a reproachful look from the dragon. "This is ridiculous!" She yelled, "He's just a boy! He is not some "great evil" that is going to hurt Arthur. There is no such thing as destiny."

The dragon made a sound that sounded a lot like a growl causing Elaine to take a step back, "I'd be careful if I were you." He told her menacingly.

Merlin held his hand in front of Elaine, "No, she's right. There must be another way. The future isn't set in stone."

"You must let the boy die." The dragon said in an unyielding and commanding tone, which is pretty much his only tone.

Merlin stared at the dragon, a sense of awareness and realization coming into his eyes that Elaine didn't particularly like. There was a sort of informal agreement that passed between him and the dragon in that second, and afterwards Merlin left the large cavern without another word spoken.

"Merlin, listen I know what you might be think, but trust me it's a bad idea." Elaine said, trying to reason with him as she trailed after him. "Merlin!" She said sharply when he didn't make any acknowledgement of her. "Listen to me!"

Merlin stopped and turned around, facing Elaine with a look that showed how much he was weighing over this decision. His eyes causing Elaine to stop mid-stride. "You asked for my help, and I granted it to you. So that means I'm going to give you advice, and you will listen to my opinion before you decide to make some decision based off of something a dragon told you." She took a steadying breath, "We should help this boy. Only me, you, and scaly-face back there have to know about this destiny or whatever. The two of us can get the boy and with Morgana's help, he'll be safe away from Camelot for good. No one else has to know. It will be-"

"Arthur knows," Merlin told her, wincing when her jaw dropped.

Elaine frowned doubtfully, "Prince Arthur, son of King Uther, is going to help us save a Druid boy?" She clarified.

"Yes."

"What?!"

"Morgana persuaded him."

Elaine facepalmed, a long tired sigh escaping from her mouth; she waited until she got her anger under control before she said anything else. "And why would you let her involve him?"

"Nobody "let"s Morgana do anything."

Elaine paced down the corridor to Merlin, muttering words that were too incoherent for Merlin, but they sounded a lot like curses. She shoved her finger in his face, causing him to move his head back to keep his face being poked. "You listen to me right now, Merlin, and you listen good. You have to help us save this boy. If not for the boy or for me, then for Prince Arthur. We will not be having him risk his neck for magic and then get it hurt if Uther catches them. Then where would you be with this so called destiny?"

Merlin nodded quickly, "Okay." He agreed in a quiet voice.

"So what's the plan?"

"Arthur will get the boy, I get a grappling hook and meet Arthur at the locked gate that blocks their exit. I will have Arthur horse to help me remove it, then Arthur will use the horse to get the boy to his people."

Elaine nodded, it's not a bad plan, but not foolproof either. Morgana couldn't be a part of the plan, she already got caught once. Uther probably had a dozen guards assigned just to her. "Okay, I can get the grappling hook. You get the horse and we'll meet by the gate."

"You're going to go through with this?"

"I've already promised that I was going to help, I'm not going to go back on my word just because scaly-face said that something is written about a destiny." She told him in a hard tone, she laid her hand on his shoulder. "You shouldn't either."

Night had already fallen and the moon was high over-head by the time Merlin met with Elaine. Her dark green cloak was wrapped tight around her small body to prevent the cold from seeping in. The last thing she wanted was to catch a cold from the chilly autumn air. I'd be just my luck, save a boy from death and the universe would give me a cold.

"Merlin!" Elaine whispered sharply, when she heard the thud of hoofbeats and footsteps. "About time you got here."

Merlin strode over to Elaine, leading Arthur's horse behind him. "Sorry, there was a… um… hold up."

"Second thoughts." Elaine said plainly, she pursed her lips and led the way to the gate where they were to meet Arthur.

"Yeah," Merlin admitted. "How'd you know?"

"Please," Elaine scoffed and waved her hand. "I know everything."

Merlin snorted, but didn't say anything to rebuke her. He knew all too well that she could throw a mean punch.

They reached the gate without a hitch, though they had to duck behind some odd places whenever guards would get too close. Merlin went over to the bars and held on to them with his hands, "Hey." He called quietly, getting Prince Arthur's and the boy's attention.

Arthur whirled around, a look that could kill sat on his face and pointed it directly at Merlin. "Where the hell have you been?"

"We had trouble getting out of the castle."

"We?" Prince Arthur repeated then noticed Elaine standing sheepishly behind Merlin. He scrutinized her and looked back at Merlin, his eyes clearly questioning as to why she was there. The echoing steps of the guards farther down interrupted him from saying anything about Elaine. "Get this grate off. They're coming." He commanded.

Elaine handed the hook over to Merlin and he attached it to the gate, they pulled on to the rope with all of their strength; it creaked before it suddenly gave way, popping off of its hinges.

As Merling lead Arthur to the horse, Elaine followed them and held on to the boy's shoulder. "Here," She whispered quietly to the boy and handed him a small package wrapped in cloth. The boy gave her an uncertain look as he took the gift. "It's the book… from earlier… You never got to finish it." She said, a blush coming to her cheeks. "But um- now you can. If you can read it- can you read? Um- if not I'm sure someone can teach you. Druids usually can read. It's one of my favorites so I'm sure you'll like it. Or well… I hope so." Elaine babled, the boy giving her a warm smile that made one grown on her face. He held the book close to his chest as Merlin lifted him on to the saddle with Arthur.

"If my father asks where I am, I've gone on a hunting trip." Prince Arthur told Merlin, he looked at the both of them as they backed away from his horse. "You better make yourselves scarce, or they'll execute you in his place." He looked at Elaine, his mouth opening as if he wanted to say something more to her.

"Goodbye Emrys," The boy spoke, looking at them with his unnerving blue eyes. "Thank you for everything. Someday, we'll all meet again."

The next day, Elaine was lounging in the library, the afternoon light making her sleepy. She was leaning back in her chair with her feet propped upon on to Geoffrey's desk. She had long forgotten about her chores with the books, and had opted instead for a good nap. "Ahem," A voice said, clearing his throat in front of the desk and snapping Elaine out of her dozing. She rubbed her eyes and yawned, not paying any attention to who it was.

"What d'you want?" She asked tiredly, closing her eyes again and crossing her arms tighter across her chest.

"I came here to thank you," A distinctively male voice then added bitterly. "Lady Elaine."

Elaine winced and cracked open an eyelid, the voice being put to a face. "Prince Arthur, keep coming to talk to me and I might actually begin to think that you care."

Arthur frowned and looked around, "You know I do care about you." He told her annoyed by how she was acting. "That's why I'm here."

Elaine chuckled and stood up from the chair, she laid her hands on the desk and leaned forward towards Arthur. "So you're not here to thank me?' She mocked him, giving him a look that was asking for trouble.

"No." Arthur said, giving her a scolding look with his lips pursed. "I'm here to tell you that you shouldn't have gotten involved."

Elaine laughed in his face, "Are you joking?"

Arthur glared at her sullenly, "No, I'm not. This is dangerous things and you could get hurt, or worse-"

"That's rich considering you are in the midst of danger right next to me." Elaine argued, coming around the desk to get closer to him.

"Elaine-" Arthur said exasperatedly, facing her and having to look down at her.

"No." Elaine said, and poked his chest with her fore-finger. "Did you tell Merlin to not get involved?" She didn't wait for him to answer, knowing that his answer was 'no'. "You have no right to do this."

"I'm… your Prince. Your safety of my concern. "

"Wrong, you're my prince meaning that your safety is my concern. "

"Elaine, I made Phillip a promise."

Elaine glowered at him, "You are not my brother. There is no promise. He isn't here to keep it and I don't need you to."

Prince Arthur hesitated, "You can't blame him for what happened. It was a tragic accident." He tried reminding, not knowing that the truth was something else entirely.