Morgana first noticed him when he came scurrying down the rocks.

"No, Merlin," she said under her breath, wishing he would turn around and leave.

She didn't expect him to suddenly fly backwards. Her hands flew to her mouth as she watched it happen. She waited for him to get up, to show some sign of life, but he didn't. She knew he had to be unconscious after suffering from such an impact. Without thinking, Morgana raced outside. Kneeling down beside him, she touched the back of his head and could feel the lump beginning to grow.

Morgana stared at him briefly before making a decision, even though she already knew what she was going to do. She gently brushed back a strand of stray hair that had fallen across his forehead. It felt strange, having Merlin right in front of her, when all this time she had thought he was dead. The countless nights of crying herself to sleep…blaming herself for his death…and here he was. She had mourned him and tried to start a new life for herself. A quiet, peaceful life with the Druids. And she had almost succeeded. She still couldn't believe he was alive. It was as if she had been handed a second chance. She had missed him, more than she cared to admit.

Mustering up all her strength, Morgana took Merlin by the arms and pulled him toward her hut.

Merlin's eyelids fluttered open. He found himself staring up at sagging, wooden planks that didn't look like they would hold up for much longer. His mind raced. Where was he? What had happened? Then he remembered. He had slipped and fallen. He rubbed the back of his head and immediately pulled his hand away. There was some sort of ointment there…he smelled his fingers but couldn't place what it was. Slowly, he sat up and took in his surroundings. He ignored the wooziness he was feeling and glanced around him. There were dried herbs hanging from the ceiling and potion bottles placed all over the room.

"You're awake."

Merlin jumped and swiveled around. Morgana.

She walked slowly toward him, her appearance slightly altered since he last saw her. She had changed into a black lace gown, slightly torn in various places. Her hair hung unkempt around her face.

"Morgana…you found me."

"Of course I did. I knew you would follow me…I just didn't think you would be foolish enough to hurt yourself in the process," she snapped, her expression blank.

"Did you…do this?" Merlin lightly touched the back of his head.

Morgana nodded. "Your head will be throbbing for the rest of the day, but the concoction I made will help the swelling."

"Thank you."

Morgana looked down and cleared her throat. She seemed uncomfortable. "It's what anyone would have done, under the circumstances."

"No…really. Thank you, Morgana. Today hasn't been easy for you."

"I don't know what you're talking about. I'm fine."

Merlin winced as he gingerly pushed himself to a standing position. "You've been through a lot these past months. I shouldn't have surprised you the way I did…I was just so excited to see you."

Morgana whirled around. "Merlin, lie back down! You shouldn't be standing," she said, placing her hands on his arms as she attempted to push him back onto the cot.

"Morgana, I'm fine," Merlin said slowly as he steadied himself by placing his hands on her shoulders. Morgana froze, unable to move. It had been so long since they had been this close…both so vulnerable. Feeling the blood rush to her head, Morgana tore her eyes away from his and tried to be rational

"You suffered from a painful blow…you need to rest and heal or—"

Morgana was stopped mid-sentence by the feel of Merlin's lips gently brushing hers. Shocked…surprised…but finding she didn't quite mind, Morgana pulled him closer. Up until now she didn't realize how much she had missed him…how much she had missed this. When he finally pulled away, she was quiet.

"I'm sorry…I shouldn't have done that," he said, bringing his hand up to his head, wincing slightly as his fingers brushed his wound.

Morgana stepped back. "You still have feelings for me?"

"I always have, Morgana. I've never stopped loving you."

Morgana stared at him intently. "You…love me?"

"You know I do. Morgana, I've been searching for you all these months…I couldn't sleep not knowing where you were. It was driving me mad."

Merlin stepped closer even thought she continued backing away. "Morgana, I know you feel the same. Ever since…that time with Frederick…I thought we had an understanding."

"Understanding?"

"I mean…that's not what I meant. I thought you felt the same toward me…don't you?"

"It doesn't matter how I feel, Merlin—"

"Please don't say that…"

"Merlin," she said gently, "you know how much I…care for you. But everything is different now. We can never go back to how the way things were."

"Why not? We could try. I can't lose you again."

"You're making this even more difficult…I have magic, and everyone in Camelot knows it. Uther would never take me back, and I don't think I belong there anymore."

"Please, just let me tell Arthur that I found you. He can speak to his father. I know Uther regrets his actions…he may see reason and accept you."

Morgana shook her head vehemently. "No, it's impossible. The damage has been done."

Merlin sat back down again and stared at his hands. "Can I come back to visit you?"

Morgana was silent for several seconds before responding. "I would like that."

"Really?"

"But only you…I don't want Arthur or Gwen to see me here…living like this."

"But Morgana—"

"Is that understood?" she said pointedly.

"Yes, understood," he finally agreed. "Are you comfortable here, Morgana?"

"I have a roof over my head and solitude. It's enough. How is Gwen?"

Merlin was surprised at the sudden change in conversation. "She's holding up…she misses you."

"And Arthur?"

"Arthur has more responsibilities than he can handle at the moment, but that's what he has me for," Merlin said, prompting a rare chuckle from Morgana.

"Arthur would be lost without you, I think. But he's always had it in him to be a great man…a great King. He will rule Camelot one day with fairness."

"I think so."

After a brief pause, Merlin's expression turned hopeful. "Morgana, please come back with me."

"Merlin, I—"

"I know you think it's impossible, but we can find a way."

"Merlin, stop. My place is here. My magic has grown stronger these past few months, and I'm not hurting anyone this way. If I return, there's no guarantee Uther will forgive me. And I don't seek his forgiveness. Now please don't argue with me anymore about this. My mind is made up."

"Alright, but I'm sorry it has to be this way."

"How are you feeling?" Morgana asked as she lightly touched the back of his head.

Merlin winced slightly. "It's getting better. Guess I should be off soon…wish I didn't have to leave."

Morgana looked down at her hands and cleared her throat. "I wish you didn't either."

Merlin slowly rose to his feet, with Morgana assisting him. "Are you sure you feel well enough to leave?" she asked, a trace of concern in her voice.

"I think I'll be fine. Arthur's probably frantic without me…who knows what sort of trouble he's been getting himself into."

Morgana was quiet as she walked him to the door. Merlin turned hesitantly to face her. "Well, I guess this is goodbye…for now."

"I'm coming with you."

Merlin blinked. "Wha- what did you say?"

"Just until you reach Camelot. I'll go no further. I want to make sure you're well enough to travel back."

"I think I'm feeling better already," Merlin responded gleefully as he kissed her on the cheek.

Eeeeeek, what do you think? Finally some Merlin/Morgana fluff! I know you all have been waiting for it. Thank you for putting up with my infrequent updates while I'm busy dealing with boring, adult stuff. Wish I could write more! Once things settle down here, I'm hoping to finally get this story done. You know me...I like closure, but I also like to lead into another story. So...that may or may not be happening with this one. Remember to comment-I always love hearing your thoughts! :)

~Sara