Merlin stayed with the Druids several days. He knew it was only a matter of time before Arthur would come searching for him, so he hoped and prayed that Morgana would make an appearance soon. Rowan introduced him throughout the camp and made him feel more comfortable. Merlin soon discovered that he had no problem growing accustomed to the ways of the Druids. They were a peaceful people, concerned only for the welfare and protection of their own. They taught Merlin healing spells he had never even heard of before.

"Merlin," Rowan said as they were both walking in the forest, collecting herbs, "I'm sorry."

Merlin looked over his shoulder, puzzled. "Sorry…for what?"

"For not sending word to you as I promised about Morgana."

Merlin shrugged. "There wasn't much you could have done."

"I could have tried a little harder."

Pausing briefly to pick the last herb on the list, the young warlock gazed at Rowan intently. "Then why didn't you?"

"My path never really crossed with Morgana's, and by the time I returned to my people, she was gone. From what I've heard of her, she wants to be alone."

"But why didn't someone tell her I was still alive? Your people knew. That's what I don't understand."

Rowan shook his head. "I am sorry. We are also a secretive people. I'm sure the leaders had a reason for not telling Morgana."

"They thought she would return to Camelot, didn't they?"

"Perhaps. But I think we both know that Camelot is the furthest place she should be right now, if she wants her powers to continue growing."

"I know. But it's just…not the same without her. Uther is a broken man. He might surprise us all and welcome her back.

"Would she even want to return? Merlin, what if this is her destiny, to be here? And what if it's yours…to focus all your powers and energy on Arthur? He needs you more than Morgana. Perhaps…" Rowan paused, thinking intently on his next words, "perhaps this is why I was sent to you all along, to help both you and the Lady Morgana."

"You just might be right," Merlin agreed. "But she should know I'm alive, and I want to see her again."

"I know how much she means to you."

Rowan patted Merlin on the back and set back for the camp, herbs in tow. "You coming?" he asked.

"No…I'll stay out here for a little bit, if you don't mind."

Nodding, Rowan turned and left. Merlin picked up a wiry stick and began swiping at the tall grass as he meandered through the forest. What if he was causing more harm than good by waiting for Morgana? Would she be happy and shocked to see him? Or…disappointed? One thing he knew for certain: he didn't want to lose her again. Being separated from her for 8 months had proven that to him.

A twig snapped in the distance. Merlin glanced up, head swiveling from side to side. Was it Rowan returning for him? He could definitely hear footsteps approaching. Light footsteps. Erring on the side of caution, Merlin hid behind a tree and waited for whoever it was.

Then he saw her. She was dressed in a simple dark green dress with a moss-brown cape, her raven-black hair flowing freely around her. She was carrying a basket of supplies with her, just as the Druid had said. Merlin was struck by how different she looked, dressed in muted tones…so different from the vibrant colors she wore in Uther's court. Merlin couldn't help but smile. She still looked beautiful to him.

Without thinking, he leapt from behind the tree, directly into her path.

"Morgana."

She visibly jumped and stared, blinking rapidly.

"Morgana, it's me. Please don't be scared."

She stared at him several moments longer, and then finally spoke, her voice low and shaky.

"That's impossible. Merlin is dead."

"No, I survived. That wasn't me in the fire…it was Rowan. Please, Morgana, you have to believe me."

"Who are you?" she screamed, drawing her dagger, her eyes menacing.

Merlin held up his hands. "Whoa, Morgana! It's me…really! Look, I can prove it to you…"

With one flash of her eyes, Merlin found himself crashing against the nearest tree. When he finally sat up, back aching, she was looming over him.

"I don't know who you are, but you're not him." Her green eyes flashed dangerously.

"Morgana!"

Morgana's head snapped around as she laid eyes on the Druid leader, who was marching toward her.

"Morgana, calm down."

"This man is an imposter…he must be punished."

"Morgana, he is not an imposter. He is who he claims to be."

Morgana looked close to tears as the Druid took hold of her hands. She pulled herself away. "It's impossible. Why wouldn't you tell me?!"

"There were many reasons we chose not to tell you. Your purpose was here…in the forest…to learn and grow. You are a gifted person, and your time here has proven that, my lady."

Morgana threw the basket of herbal remedies onto the ground. "I had a right to know the truth," she said through gritted teeth.

Merlin stood up warily, rubbing his back as he did so. "Morgana, I'm sorry you're just finding this out now, but you have to believe us. Arthur and I have been searching for you for months."

"Is Arthur here?" she asked suddenly.

Merlin swallowed, feeling a lump in his throat. This was not how he planned their reunion, talking about Arthur. He was hoping for a hug…at least. This Morgana? She was cold and distant.

"No, I came alone." Merlin tentatively walked closer to her. "Have you heard nothing about Camelot while you've been gone?"

Morgana continued to eye him cautiously. She shook her head. "No, I've wanted nothing to do with Camelot ever since…" she lowered her gaze.

"But don't you see? It's alright, Morgana. I'm here. It was all a big misunderstanding."

"I'm sure Uther feels that way as well," she scoffed.

"Uther shut himself away from the people as soon as you disappeared."

This perked her interest. "He is not…well?"

"He hasn't been for some time. Arthur has stepped in as the leader for now."

Morgana fell quiet. The Druid gently touched her arm. "Morgana, why don't we walk back to the camp where we can discuss these things in greater detail?"

Surprisingly, Morgana agreed and picked up her basket. Merlin knelt down to pick up one of the vials, and their hands brushed for just a second, until Morgana quickly pulled hers back. Merlin sighed as she walked ahead of him to the camp, keeping as much distance between him and her as possible. Was he disappointed? Yes. But Merlin also realized that he should have been more prepared for her reaction. Jumping out and surprising her was probably not the smartest idea.

Still, Morgana was alive. That was enough for him.