Leaving his weapons, cloak, and satchel with Gaius, Merlin made his way towards Morgana's chambers, using the least traveled route. He raised his arm to knock but found the door ajar and thought better of it. The door made a slight sound as it was pushed open, alerting the only occupant of the room of another's entry. Morgana was behind the changing screen trying on a dress, her face turned from the prince giving him a good view of the pale, naked skin of her neck and upper back, Merlin couldn't take his eyes away. He had always longed for her but Morgana was the one that could never see him as more than an infatuated boy.

"I've been thinking about Arthur, I mean, the man's a total jest. I wouldn't touch him with a lance pole. Just because I am the King's ward doesn't mean I have to accompany him to the feast; don't you agree?" Her voice broke him out of his thoughts, he took a stabilizing breath before replying in a tone just as light "Oh, most definitely my Lady, in fact, I was hoping you would provide me the honor of your company at this evening's event, in the stead of my wayward brother".

The statement had the desired effect and Morgana, who had by now managed to adjust her clothing to more than concealed her modesty, thank the gods, spun around to confront the intruder in her room. She was about ready to call for the guards when what the man said triggered her attention, my wayward brother. She looked closely into the eyes of the stranger standing before her and whispered "Merlin"? Her voice still unsure because the man who stood in front of her was so different from the young boy she remembered and played with that she had to make sure she was right with her assumption.

"It has been too long Morgana and you have grown more beautiful than my imagination could ever comprehend." He smiled and held out his arms in welcome and without hesitation, Morgana ran into them. Their embrace was not as long as the one he had shared with Gaius but it was just as sweet.

"You've changed," she said pulling away.

"I have been told it is an inevitable conclusion to the process of growth over time" he replied smirking back at her.

"I see your studies have done you well".

"Why thank you, I was quite diligent. Now about my offer do you accept"?

"Offer? Oh, the feast, I would be honored to accompany you my Lord" she said bowing to him.

"Good…" before he could continue however, they were interrupted by a call of "My lady" from the door. There stood Guinevere, the Once and Future Queen, no, not yet, just a maid for now. Merlin shook himself from his musings and addressed the young woman "Gwen"! he exclaimed turning towards her and stepping forward "You probably don't recognize me it's been about five years" he said mischievously.

"I'm sorry, my Lord, I do not" she paused and hurriedly added, "recognize you that is, I'm sorry".

"You haven't changed in the least" he replied to her comment with laughter in his eyes.

"It's Merlin, Gwen, he's back"! Morgana exclaimed helping her maid put context to this serendipitous meeting.

Gwen immediately faced the stranger once again to take a closer look at him, toes upwards, but only when her gaze reached his eyes did recognition hit. "Prince Merlin"?! she looked embarrassed "Forgive me, sire, I should have realized" following up her reply with a low bowed curtsy.

"Nonsense! You couldn't have known it was me". He lifted her from her bow by the shoulders, forcing the girl to look up at him. "We used to be friends Gwen, you never bowed to me in private before and I don't expect you to do so now. Am I clear"? though the voice was gentle Gwen couldn't help but pick up on the slight command underlying the words.

"Yes, sire" she smiled back.

"Good now that that's cleared up, Morgana I will come to receive you this evening for the feast. Now I need to make a much overdue visit to my dear twin brother and my father. Gwen, may I ask that you not spread the news of my arrival among any of the castle staff for the moment? I require it to be kept quiet for just a while longer".

"Of course, my Lord".

"And that's another thing, in private please go back to calling me, Merlin".

"Yes sir- Merlin" she smiles. Merlin nods to her before turning to Morgana once again, lifting her hand to his mouth and placing a light kiss on the back of it, before smiling at her through his half-lidded eyes. He then promptly stepped back and left the ladies to their own devices.

"I can't believe it's him, he seems so different" Gwen expressed to her mistress once the prince was out of earshot.

"True, he's a man now. One thing is for certain though"

"What's that my Lady"?Gwen asked as she watched her mistress' face fall into a mischievous expression as she turned from the doorway to give her response.

"He is most definitely capable of giving Arthur a run for his money. Now… if I am to accompany our dear prince Merlin to the feast". Morgana stated as she went behind the changing screen and returned with what must have been the most provocative gown she could find. "I feel I should wear something worthy enough to appropriately welcome him back, don't you agree"? Both women's laughter could be heard quite a distance down the passageways.

Merlin slowly made his way through the halls once again keeping to the concealed routes until he reached the passage leading directly to the training fields. There he watched the goings-on from one of the many small alcoves that acted as doorways to the grass lawns of the field. It took Merlin's eyes less than a moment to find his twin brother and what he saw he found far from impressive. In fact, it filled Merlin with a cold fury he hadn't experienced in a long time.

Arthur stood there with a few of his knights, Merlin wondered at they were worth the title, as they jeered while his dear brother bullied a servant into becoming a moving target! Merlin marched towards the party and stood just off to the side in perfect position to execute his plan. As the servant moved right with the target, he nudged the boy with just enough magic to ensure that he dropped the wooden shield he was carrying and another nudge to allow the shield to roll until it came to a rest at his feet.

"That's enough my friend" Merlin stated loud enough for Arthur to pick up on it. As his brother turned and blinked, for just a moment, Merlin wondered if his twin recognized him. They did share the same womb after all and had always been close because of it. However, Arthur's next words erased any doubt of recognition.

"What"? he said as he walked towards Merlin. Gwen, who had been dusting a bedspread out from Morgana's window got a clear view of the confrontation between the brothers.

"You've had your fun" Merlin replied

"Do I know you"?

"I don't think so" because Merlin definitely did not know this Arthur. The brother he remembered was always caring, benevolent, never a bully.

"And yet you call me friend"

"You're right, it was my mistake" Merlin deliberately looked the blond prince directly in the eye before saying "I could never be friends with a person who uses others as playthings for their own enjoyment".