Hello readers! I hope you all had a lovely Thanksgiving. Okay, I'm EXCITED about this chapter. Lots happens here. If you need your memories refreshed about anything or anyone, I'll explain at the end. But I hope you enjoy this one!

Morgana was quiet as she walked alongside Merlin. Merlin cleared his throat as he glanced over at her.

"Do you get lonely…out here by yourself?"

"I did at first, but now I've grown to love it. I'm free to be myself out here in the forest. No rules…no inhibitions. I can practice magic whenever I want to, without fearing for my life. It's actually wonderful."

"That sounds…nice," Merlin replied wistfully.

Morgana paused. "Merlin, why don't you stay here…with me?"

Merlin stopped and swiveled around. "Stay here? What…permanently?"

"Yes! You would be free to practice your magic here as well. You would never have to hide from anyone anymore. It would be perfect. And…" she added slowly… "we wouldn't have to be separated anymore."

"I…I don't know. I wish I could…"

"Why can't you?"

Merlin scratched his head. "I can't leave him."

"Who…Arthur? He's a big boy now…surely he can manage."

"It's not that…it's my…destiny, remember? I have to protect him."

"So you have to give up everything, your whole life, to serve someone who doesn't even support magic?" Morgana took hold of his hands and came closer. "Merlin, I just found you, and I can't bear the thought of losing you. You must break free from Camelot. Come, stay with me. Imagine what we can do together!"

Merlin pulled away. "No…I can't. I just can't abandon him and everyone like..."

Morgana's eyes flashed. "Like who…me? If you recall, the reason I left in the first place was because of you."

"No, I didn't mean that. I'm sorry. But if I leave Arthur now, it would be a mistake."

"Merlin, I want you to stay with me…I need you to stay with me. Please, I'm begging you. I said I preferred to be alone, but it's not true. It gets terribly lonely at times. Don't you see, we've been giving a second chance!"

"Morgana, I'm sorry…I'm so, so sorry. You know I'll come see you as much as I can. But if I left now it would be a terrible mistake."

Morgana slowly backed away, fear and hurt registering in her eyes. "I wish you had never come to find me."

"No…don't say that. Morgana, please." Merlin followed her as she continued to back up. He knew that look. She was panicking…running.

"Don't run away from me again. We can figure this out…together."

"No, Merlin, I don't think we can," she responded, tears welling up in her eyes.

"Why not? I don't understand. You know how I feel about you. I love—"

"Shhh, do you hear that?" Morgana interrupted him, her body tense.

"Hear what?" Merlin sighed, frustrated at the interruption.

"Horses." Morgana turned to him, wide-eyed. "Is someone looking for you?"

"Could be…I've been missing for days. Or it could just be a patrol. Quick, let's hide." Merlin grabbed her arm, looking for a safe place.

"Hurry, we're too exposed here! I swear, if Arthur finds us…" Morgana hissed.

"I'm trying!" the warlock said as he frantically searched for a spot.

"Merlin?"

Merlin and Morgana swiveled around and set their eyes on the one person they least expected to see.

"Frederick?" Merlin exclaimed.

Morgana's expression was almost as comical as Merlin's as they both stared at the handsome prince, mouths agape.

"Lady Morgana!" Frederick quickly bowed and glanced between the two. "I can't tell you how good it is to see you both." The prince and Merlin exchanged a quick hug while Morgana remained rooted to where she stood.

Merlin laughed in relief. "I-I can't believe it's you! I didn't think I'd ever see you again. What are you doing here?"

"It's a long story, but I've been out searching…for you. The whole patrol has."

Morgana shot a warning look over to Merlin and began backing away.

"I understand they've been searching for you as well, Lady Morgana," Frederick said as he observed Morgana's behavior.

"I'm sure they have," Morgana responded, a panicked look on her face.

"Morgana, wait," Merlin pleaded.

"Let me go, Merlin. Just let me go," Morgana held up her hands in a threatening manner.

"Woah," Merlin jumped and raised a hand to his face, not sure what to expect.

"Morgana, please don't be afraid."

Everyone turned to see who had just spoken. Merlin didn't need to turn but he did anyway.

Arthur.

He looked noble…like a king, as he sat atop his horse with his knights around him.

"Arthur," Morgana said softly.

The young prince dismounted his horse and walked toward her. Morgana continued to keep her hands in front of her, prepared to attack if necessary.

"Morgana, don't be afraid, not of me. I don't wish to harm you." Arthur pulled his sword from its hilt and flung it to the ground. "See? Now please, can't we talk this over like the old friends that we are?"

Morgana's icy resolve seemed to be slipping. Her hands slowly dropped to her sides, but she continued to eye Arthur warily. "You know what I am. You know I have magic."

Arthur briefly glanced at the ground and nodded. "Yes."

"And you still consider me a friend?"

"Yes," he repeated.

"Why?" Morgana inquired, genuinely confused.

"Because we are like brother and sister, the two of us. In a way, we're family. I would never abandon you."

Morgana let out a gasp and covered her mouth to restrain herself from sobbing. Arthur came closer and pulled her into an embrace. She didn't resist.

"Morgana, I am truly sorry for what you have suffered. We've been searching all these months trying to find you. Camelot hasn't been the same since without you. Please, come back with us."

Morgana wiped the tears from her face and attempted to maintain her composure. "You and I both know that it would be impossible."

"Why? Why is it so difficult?"

"Because I threatened your father and performed magic in front of the entire town!"

"No, it's alright. We'll make up some story…we can say you were enchanted. My father isn't the same man he used to be. He misses you terribly."

"I want to believe you. Truly, I do."

"Please, Morgana. I don't wish to harm you. You have my protection, I promise."

"And your father?"

"He is not the same man. I've never seen him so weak."

"Is he…dying?"

Arthur glanced down. "I'm not sure. Morgana, I believe he bitterly regrets his actions. I know he misses you. Please, won't you return with us?"

"I…I don't know. I'll need some time to think it over. If you don't see me by the end of the week, you'll have your answer."

"So there's nothing I can say to persuade you to leave with us today?"

"I'm afraid not. It was good to see you again, Arthur. You were always a good man."

Morgana turned and locked eyes with Merlin, who watched her wistfully.

"See you in a few days," he said hopefully.

Morgana smiled sadly and turned to leave. Merlin wondered if it would be the last time he would ever lay eyes on her.

He wanted to call out to her and tell her to come back. He wished he could chase after her and persuade her to change her mind. But this was a decision she had to make for herself. Either way, it would be her decision.

The hard part would be waiting for it.

So have any of you read my other story, A Suitor for Morgana? Do you remember Frederick? Well, I'm BRINGING HIM BACK! Either that is good news or bad news for you, but for the most part I think he was well-liked, so I hope this excites you! Also, I never liked how Arthur and Morgana's relationship dropped after Season 1. They never had any good interaction later on. Especially when she becomes evil in the series. It's like they hardly knew each other anymore. I for one liked their dynamic together and I really missed their scenes. So I was very excited to write this scene with the two of them. I thought it was important for Arthur to be open and honest with her, and I think this would be a realistic response from him. I'm excited to hear what you all think! :)