Six Months Later

"Merlin, your determination is impressive, I'll admit it. But I for one would like a nice, hot meal."

"Then turn around and get yourself one," the young warlock snapped back.

Arthur and Merlin were on horseback at a crossroad. The sun was sinking lower on the horizon, causing Arthur to glace up several times.

"Look, I know you want to continue this just as much as I do, but we need to turn back."

"We need to find her, Arthur."

Arthur sighed in frustration. "I know that. But clearly, Morgana doesn't want to be found. It's been how many months now…five, six? She threatened my father using magic…I don't believe he'll ever get over the shock. "

"She was scared. And he lied to her...tricked her into going with the knights just to get her away from the castle."

"We've gone over this before. I'm well aware of my father's wrongdoings, but I'm still accepting the fact that Morgana has magic. I can only imagine what he's going through. And I still say you're lucky to even be alive."

"Right…yeah." Merlin nodded, his mind clearly elsewhere as he glanced all over the forest.

"Merlin, we need to head back."

Merlin gave in. Shrugging, he turned the horse around. "Fine, you win…as usual."

"Knew you would finally see reason."

They traveled in silence the rest of the way. Merlin had grown more serious in recent days, his mind preoccupied with finding Morgana. Uther had shut himself away from the people, forcing Arthur to step in for many major decisions. The day after the incident took place, Arthur pleaded his case for Merlin. Uther, in his state of shock over Morgana, did not argue with Arthur when he claimed that the only logical explanation for Merlin escaping from the pyre was because of Morgana's spell, and that the book must have belonged to her all along.

Merlin warily took his place as Arthur's servant yet again. Rowan stayed for another month and even helped them in their search for Morgana, but Merlin could see he was growing homesick for his people. Soon after, Rowan left Camelot, promising Merlin that he would send news if his path crossed with Morgana's.

Arthur couldn't bring himself to look for Morgana at first, but he soon changed his mind when Merlin began searching for her alone.

"Do you think Morgana's still alive?" Arthur suddenly blurted out.

"Of course she is," Merlin answered, his mouth set in a firm line.

"Where could she have gone?" Arthur asked, more to himself than to Merlin.

"She revealed herself to everyone. She's probably hiding because she doesn't know what else to do."

"I just can't believe that she's been practicing magic all these years. How long do you think she knew?"

Merlin swallowed. "Who knows," he fibbed. "But I'm sure she was terrified the whole time. Magic seems to come naturally to her…I can only imagine how scared she felt, especially having Uther as a guardian."

"I still can't believe it…I wish she had confided in me. I'm afraid for my father. His health is failing. I can barely get him to do anything anymore."

"He needs to find something to live for again. I think he's still in shock over Morgana."

"And to think that we spent all that time looking for her, and here we are again."

"I know," Merlin said, glancing over at Arthur. "We're going to find her."

"That's the funny thing, Merlin. What do we do when we find her? She's a sorceress. My father won't exactly welcome her back with open arms. And I have a feeling that Morgana doesn't want to be found."

"Maybe it's time for some things to change in Camelot," Merlin said, surprised at his own boldness.

"You mean welcome magic? Not while my father is still the king."

"Don't you think…with Morgana having magic…that he might be persuaded to think differently?"

"I…I don't know. He's a stubborn man. And frankly, I don't even know what to believe anymore."

"Oh," Merlin said in response, deciding to let the subject drop.

Camelot loomed up ahead and Arthur sighed. "That's a welcome sight! First thing I'll have you do when we return is draw up a hot bath."

"Lord knows you need it," Merlin muttered under his breath.

"What was that?"

"Nothing…"

Two Months Later

Merlin was discouraged. He rode out to search for Morgana at least a few times every week, sometimes alone. And every time he came back to Gaius with the same long face…and no Morgana. He had even enlisted the help of Kilgharrah, who had protested bitterly at first. While up in the air, Merlin had diligently scanned the surrounding areas, but to no avail. He believed Morgana was hiding somewhere in the forest, but where he couldn't even begin to guess. His greatest fear was that Morgause would find her. If this was the case it might already be too late.

Merlin set out for the Darkling Woods alone one night, hoping that changing the time of day would make a difference, even though it never had in the past. He urged his horse forward as the animal slowed its pace as they went deeper into the forest. Merlin immediately tensed…magic was around him; he could feel it. Dismounting, he led his horse to a tree and tied the reins around it loosely. He knelt and looked down in the ravine below him. His instincts were usually never wrong, and he could feel the presence of magic increasing even more. He jumped slightly at the sight of people in long, dark robes and carrying lanterns making their way down the path he was watching.

Druids.

Squinting to see better, Merlin continued to watch as they slowly proceeded along. One of their members caught his interest. Yes, Rowan! He would recognize that profile anywhere. He quickly scanned the rest of the crowd…hoping to see her. But he was only met with disappointment. She was not there.

"Emrys, it is good to see you again."

Startled, Merlin swiveled around and stood. Standing in front of him was the same Druid he had seen before. Their spokesperson…or leader. He wasn't sure exactly what his role was.

"Hello," he said timidly, feeling foolish for being caught spying. Some mighty warlock he was.

"I think I know why you are here."

"You do?"

"Come with me, and we can talk."

As Merlin walked alongside the Druid man, his curiosity was piqued. "Have your people been living here in the Darkling Woods, even after Uther attacked you?"

"We've moved around, to keep him off our trail. Although in recent days there's been no need to leave these woods. Uther has been strangely quiet."

"I'm sure you know why."

"Yes, Emrys. He misses his ward. I fear he will never get over his loss."

"Then you know about the Lady Morgana?"

"Oh yes, we know."

Merlin felt more hopeful now than he had in months. "Have you…seen her?"

The Druid paused briefly and turned to face Merlin. "Yes."

"When…where?" Merlin asked excitedly.

"We took her in after she left Camelot. She was beside herself for the first few weeks…mourning your death."

Merlin blinked. "She still thinks I'm dead?"

"As far as I know, yes."

"Is…is Morgana here?"

"No, Emrys."

"Then where is she?"

"Morgana has isolated herself…she lives in a hut somewhere in the Darkling Woods."

"So she is nearby…will you tell me where I can find her?"

The older man sighed. "She does not want to be found, Emrys. She's kept herself hidden for a reason. After she left our camp, she made it quite clear that she would come to us if she was ever in need of anything."

"Have you seen her since she left?"

Again, the Druid seemed hesitant. "We see her…occasionally. She shares her herbal remedies with us from time to time."

"Herbal remedies…?"

"Yes. During her time with us, we taught her to channel her gifts toward something that would keep her mind occupied. She has a true talent."

"So she's doing well then? I want to see he—"

"Emrys," the Druid interrupted, "the Lady Morgana is expected any day now with a delivery. You are welcome to stay with us if you wish to see her."

Relieved, Merlin laid a hand on the Druid's shoulder. "Thank you…thank you. You have no idea what this means to me."

The Druid nodded solemnly in response and led Merlin to the campsite. "I must warn you though, Emrys."

"Warn me of what?"

"Morgana is much altered since you last saw her. These past months have changed her."

"I know she's the same person, no matter what's happened to her."

"You will soon find out for yourself."

I usually don't like stories that jump too far ahead in the future, but I felt like it was important to the story to make the time pass. Love receiving all the reviews and different thoughts...glad I still have readers sticking with the story!