The murky water washed over Arthur as he fell, eyes closed. His body was lax, motionless. He sunk farther and farther, tiny little bubbles leaving his mouth and rushing to the surface, where a hand stretched out. It wasn't to catch Arthur. The girl stood there, above Arthur, watching him sink lower and lower.

With a strangled gasp Morgana opened her eyes. "Arthur!"

Arthur prowled through the forest, his crossbow outstretched. Kneeling, he took careful aim at the deer. One finger to release the trigger and…he was knocked over by a tall force.

"What is it?" Merlin asked breathlessly. Arthur turned around, teeth clenched. "You really are a total buffoon, aren't you Merlin?"

The younger brother shrugged. "I was just asking."

"Who? Me, or the deer? We're supposed to be hunting! It requires speed, stealth and an agile mind!" Arthur tapped Merlin on the forehead angrily.

He rolled his eyes. "So you're able to get two out of three then?"

Any response Arthur might have made died suddenly when a girl's scream resonated through the forest.

"What was that?" Merlin asked, glancing around the trees.

"Quiet." Arthur ordered.

"Help!" A faint scream again, and the eldest prince grabbed his sword, running toward the sounds in an instant. Merlin blew out a breath and followed him.

The two arrived unseen. Five bandits, two were holding down a figure in a yellow robe, and one was aiming his sword at an old man on the ground, who was begging for mercy.

"Merlin, shoot!"

"What-" The younger prince managed before Arthur shoved him, and Merlin decided not to argue. Fitting a bolt to the crossbow, Merlin aimed and fired, the bolt hitting the bandit who was threatening the man.

Arthur immediately charged at them, sword raised. All five of the bandits had spotted them and with a vicious yell met the attack steadily. Admittedly five to two was not great odds, but if you added in the greatest swordsman in Camelot and a warlock, the odds suddenly changed. Merlin raised his own sword, dodging a blow and returning one of his own. Briefly checking to see if the two victims were alright, he quickly caught sight of Arthur parrying one bandit while another was getting off the ground behind him. With a quick glance at a branch above the threat, Merlin murmured softly, "Forbærne firgenholt."

The branch snapped with a large crack and fell directly on the bandit's head. He fell, stunned. Merlin grinned, before quickly smacking the hilt of his sword onto a man trying to sneak up to him. Four down. The last one took one look at the two brothers before running away desperately. Arthur looked up at the tree and then Merlin, saying wryly, "Stroke of luck."

Merlin ignored him in favor of shouting to the running bandit, "And let that be a lesson to you!"

Arthur turned and rolled his eyes.

"What? I was covering your back."

Arthur came up to the man and the figure hidden in the folds of the man's arms. "Are you alright? They didn't hurt you?"

The robed figure turned, lowering her hood and breathing escaped Merlin. The girl was beautiful in a way he hadn't seen in a long time. She had rich brown hair and startling blue eyes, with a round face and gentle smile. Arthur looked struck too, and Merlin shook himself. Arthur could make himself look like a fool but he would not.

"No, thanks to you." The girl answered in a melodious voice.

Arthur didn't reply, staring at the girl, frozen.

"I'm Sophia, and this is my father." The girl introduced, gesturing to the old man behind her.

Merlin bumped Arthur subtly, and the eldest prince smiled and took Sophia's hand. "Arthur Pendragon, at your service."

Merlin rolled his eyes and said from behind his brother, "Merlin Pendragon. Are you traveling through?"

Sophia responded softly with that soft smile still decorating her face. "Yes, we were heading for the castle when we got attacked."

"Well," Arthur said grandly. "Allow me to escort you."

Back in the dimly lit throne room, Sophia and her father stood before Uther and the council members.

"My name is Aulfric, heir of Tirmawr. This is my daughter Sophia."

The two were better dressed now, clean and bright. Sophia was holding a staff with a bright glowing jewel on top. Merlin had double-taken at the sight. Most glowing jewels were magic.

Uther, it seemed, was just as wary. After a moment he said, "You're a long way from home. What brings you to Camelot?"

"Our home was sacked by raiders, we barely escaped with what few possessions we could carry."

Arthur made a little sympathetic noise in the back of his throat from where he was standing against the pillar.

"These are dangerous times," Uther ceded. "What will you do?"

"We travel west to Caerleon where we have family, and I hope, a new life."

"You must stay here a while," the king decided, "break your journey."

Arthur smiled dreamily and Merlin smirked at the eldest prince. Someone was obviously in love.

Uther continued. "A noble family like yours is always welcome in Camelot."

The two bowed and left, Sophia stealing one more glance at Arthur. The crown prince watched her thoughtfully. Merlin simply rolled his eyes.

"I'll make sure she's put into a decent room," Arthur murmured as the two brothers entered his room.

"The one next door is empty," Merlin suggested.

"The next door one is fine. Excellent, in fact."

Arthur caught sight of Merlin's face and said, turning away, "Shut up, Merlin."

"I didn't say anything," Merlin said innocently.

"You didn't have to. I want to make it clear that my intentions toward Sofia are purely honorable."

Merlin just nodded, watching the eldest put on his signature red jacket. Arthur hesitated then said softly, "I'll put her in a room on the other side of the castle. It's warmer more comfortable"

Merlin barely covered a snigger. Watching Arthur in love was like watching a cat dance on its hind legs. Terribly funny but terribly awkward. "Of course, those wind drafts are terrible on this side. She is…very beautiful."

"Yes, she is." Arthur agreed.

"And if your intentions are honorable…"

"Oh, they most definitely are."

"Then what's the problem with her staying next door?" Merlin asked, eyes wide with innocence.

Arthur furrowed his eyebrows at the question, seeming to take it deep in thought. "There isn't one." He concluded. He turned to Merlin who was waiting with a slow smile. "You've convinced me. I'll have her in the room next to me."

At Merlin's grin Arthur turned to throw his brown jacket at his brother's head. The youngest prince ducked. It wouldn't do to have his hair ruffled when there was a beautiful lady in the castle.

Merlin stepped out of Arthur's chambers to be immediately swarmed and taken away by someone. He blinked and realized Morgana had taken him by the arm.

"Who is that?"

Merlin's brain took a second to connect his sister's question to Sophia, who had just walked into her chambers. "Uh… Sophia Tirmawr. We rescued her in the woods. Well, Arthur did most of the rescuing."

"She can't stay here." Morgana said, alarmed.

Merlin frowned and turned to look her in the eyes. "Well, Father said she and her father were welcome in Camelot."

When Morgana did nothing but continue to stare where Sophia had disappeared, breathing harshly, he asked, "Is everything okay?"

Morgana pulled a smile. "Yes. Thank you…Merlin."

Merlin watched her go with a frown. Something was definitely not right. She was hiding something from him. Hadn't they already talked about this?"

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to disturb you." Morgana said as she entered Gaius' chambers.

"Nonsense, my child." Gaius took a small vase off a burner and turned to her. "My favorite patient is always welcome." The old physician hugged her, smiling.

Morgana smiled back, as Gaius continued, "Sorry about the mess. Most of it is Merlin's, when he comes to visit. If I knew you were coming I would have cleaned up."

"Your bench is on fire." A new voice said, and Gaius and Morgana turned to see that Merlin had entered and was raising his eyebrows.

"My bench is on fire? What are you-" Gaius turned to see that the wooden work table had erupted into small flames. "My bench is on fire!"

Merlin rolled his eyes and as Gaius grabbed the tongs the fire went out without a sound, like blowing out a candle.

"Thanks, sire." Gaius put down the tongs. "Why are you both here in this dark corner?"

With a glance at Merlin, who was leaning against the door, Morgana said softly, "I had another dream."

"I see," Gaius said neutrally.

With another glance at Merlin, Morgana continued, "I saw Arthur lying under water, drowning. And there was a woman, standing over him, watching him die. I saw Merlin lying next to a wall, looking dead. And the woman is here, in Camelot."

Merlin frowned, Morgana's dreams had turned out to be true so many times that this warning shouldn't be ignored, but Gaius simply said, "The mind plays tricks. It borrows from everyday life and plays out its own fantasies."

"But I had this dream before she came to Camelot," Morgana was on the verge of tears.

"You must be mistaken."

"I know what I saw." Morgana turned to Merlin. "It was so real. So vivid." She pleaded. "I saw him die, Merlin. She's going to kill him."

Her wide eyes bore into Merlin and he fought the urge to look away. Her dreams had come real in the past, so could this actually come true? Merlin shivered.

Gaius put his hands on her shoulders, rubbing them while saying comfortingly, "These are just dreams, Morgana, nothing more. Are you taking the sleeping drought I made up or you?"

Morgana shook her head. "It doesn't help."

Gaius walked over to his bench. "Here. Try this. It will induce a deeper sleep." he looked deep in her eyes. "You've nothing to fear."

Morgana sighed. "Thank you, Gaius."

"Yes. And Morgana, don't bother the king about this. No need to worry him."

Morgan nodded, and meeting Merlin's eyes, walked out. Merlin, after staring at Gaius, followed.

"Morgana!" Merlin whispered, coming next to her. "Why didn't you just talk to me? Gaius won't believe you but you know I will."

Mogana was rubbing her arms. "I know. I'm sorry, I just didn't want you to become all worried and unhappy."

Merlin waited a moment before saying, "You're absolutely sure you saw Arthur die by the hand of Sophia?"

"Yes!" Morgana said vehemently.

Merlin frowned. "It's just that although your other dreams came true they didn't come true in the way you thought they did." He would be careful around Sophia, but he couldn't cast suspicion on her yet. She was a nice girl; pretty. He didn't think she would have the guts to kill anyone, least of all the crown prince.

Morgana glared at him and turned away. Merlin sighed.

"I'm taking Sophia out for a ride today - you know, show her around."

Merlin looked up from his scrolls. "You have to be on patrol this morning. You can't skip your duties."

"That's why I need you to cover for me."

"What, and lie to Father?"

Arthur rolled his eyes. "You're excellent at lying."

Merlin pointed his quill pen at his brother. "No, no way. He'll see right through me."

"Merlin, I need you to do this for me."

"I'm a terrible liar. I start sweating, my vision blurs, my brain stops working."

"Well no change there then."

Merlin glared at him.

"Look," Arthur said, plucking the quill pen from Merlin's fingers. "I promised Sophia I'd take her out, and if I don't turn up, it'll blow my chances."

"You like her then?"

"Yeah. What's not to like?"

Merlin scoffed, leaning back on his chair.

"I want to spend some more time with her, but I need to get Father off my back. If you do this then you'll be my favorite brother forever."

"I'm your only brother."

"And possibly my favorite…"

Merlin rolled his eyes. "Go on then. You don't want to keep her waiting. But Arthur…be careful. Keep your love struck eyes open."

"I will. Thanks Merlin! I won't forget it!"

Merlin groaned and covered his eyes as his door slammed closed. How was he going to lie to his father?

Merlin was waiting in the throne room. Uther walked in, still putting on his cloak. He paused when he saw Merlin.

"Merlin. Where is Arthur?"

"I'm not sure where he is. I think there's been a mistake. But it's not his fault - Arthur's I mean."

Uther sighed. "Merlin, stop gibbering and tell me where he is."

"It's probably - no it's definitely my fault."

"Where is Arthur?"

"He's not here, Father."

"I can see that." Uther growled.

"I sent him on an errand."

"You sent him on an errand?"

"I'm sorry, my lord."

"If it were anyone else they would have been flogged."

"But since I'm not we'll let it go just this once?" Merlin asked, hopeful.

Half an hour later and Merlin was scooping out horse dung. "I forgot how fun this was." He groaned.

Arthur guided Sophia down a log and said, stepping in with her, "The rivers are not too far. It's just down here."

Sophia, with her golden yellow robes and blue stone staff smiled and followed. "Arthur,"

The eldest prince turned at the soft voice. Sophia leaned her staff against the log. "Wait."

"What is it?"

The golden girl took Arthur's hands and looked up at him. All he could do was stare into her eyes, a never ending blue. Distantly he heard her speak but he could not break concentration from those two pools.

"You there!"

Arthur was pulled sharply by a voice, a man's voice, and it was not happy.

"Halt!"

In one second Arthur realized what was about to happen, heard the twang of a crossbow, and with one fluid motion the crown prince tackled Sophia to the ground. Her shriek was cut off as they landed on the ground, hard, but Arthur was up the next moment, furious.

He brushed aside the guards' guilty apologies. "You nearly shot a crossbow in my face!"

Most importantly, they had almost killed Sophia. Something had almost happened. He knew it.

After a quick and enraged scolding, Arthur turned back to Sophia. She was standing, a shaken look on her face, and wrapped tightly in her robe.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes, thanks to you." She smiled up at him, the admiration beaming on her face.

"They were searching for the bandits that attacked you yesterday." Arthur responded, willing himself not to fall for Sophia too hard and fast. He turned, spotting Sophia's beloved staff and picked it up, extending his hand to give it to her. "Here-"

"Don't touch that!" Sophia said sharply, lunging to grab it out of Arthur's hands.

Arthur furrowed his eyebrows. "I'm sorry," he said, a little miffed that Sophia would reject a kind thought. "Maybe we should head back,"

Sophia shook her head. "It's fine. I'm sorry I was don't let this spoil our day together."

Arthur frowned. Something had changed, but he was unsure what it was.

"We were having such a good time. Let's go down to the river," Sophia continued.

Arthur reached a decision and pulled Sophia forwards. "I'm taking you back to Camelot."

Not only because it wasn't exactly safe, but also because he wasn't sure what had just happened and the prince wanted to understand first, before he continued with Sophia. Maybe he would ask Merlin. He seemed to know a lot about girls. "Your father will never forgive me if I let anything happen to you."

Will did a double-take when he saw Merlin walk into his chambers that evening. "Were you playing with your food again?"

Merlin scowled and trudged over to his changing area. "I had to scoop out horse dung."

Will raised an eyebrow, confused. "What did you do to make the king give you chores?"

"Nothing," Merlin replied sulkily.

Will just continued to stare at him.

Merlin rolled his eyes as he took his shirt off, caked in dung and mud. "Honestly, it wasn't my fault. Arthur wanted to get out of going on a patrol with Father and the guard. So I covered for him and took the blame."

Will set out the tub and clean clothes. "And Arthur was prepared to let you do this?"

"It was his idea." Merlin said innocently.

Lugging a bucket of water over, Will asked, "What made him neglect his duties like that?" He paused, a growing smile on his face as he said, "It must've been something terribly important."

Merlin grinned. "Sophia."

"The girl from the forest?"

Merlin nodded in confirmation, stepping forward to the tub as he said mischievously, "He wanted to take her out for the day."

The younger prince held his hand out on top of the cold water and muttered a spell. Steam rose instantly from the previously still water. Slipping in and relaxing, Merlin continued. "He is besotted."

"But they've only just met."

"I know. I guess it must've been love at first sight."

Will grinned. "I suppose it must be. Of course, you would know."

Merlin's face turned red. "How do you even know about that? You weren't in Camelot when I was a child."

"Morgana told me." Will said slyly.

When Merlin was about ten summers or so he had experienced a crush on a noble's daughter and insisted to his siblings that it was love at first sight. For years after Arthur and Morgana had teased him mercilessly, and he knew now it was never going to go away.

As Arthur rode back to Camelot with Sophia, his thoughts about the beautiful girl twisted and turned in various directions. She could just have emotional issues and snapped at him because of the stress of the situation. Yes. That was it, Arthur was sure.

And as Sophia almost ran off before he could ask if she was okay, Arthur made sure to tell himself she was deep in thought.

"Yes," Sophia replied to his question, looking like she wanted to go to her room and punch something. Then her expression relaxed and she said gently, "Thank you for today." She leaned forward and pressed a small kiss on his cheek, meeting his eyes, smiled tantalizingly, bid a goodnight, and walked off.

Arthur watched her go in amazement. How could he have doubted her? She was a perfect, beautiful girl.

Merlin, after a horrible night awake thinking about Morgana's warning, got up early and barged into Arthur's room. He blinked at the absence of Arthur, and then turned at the sound of footsteps to see his brother dressed and gathering his things.

"You're dressed." Merlin said in surprise. Usually it was a nightmare to get Arthur up early.

"Nothing gets past you, does it Merlin?"

Merlin frowned. "You're supposed to be wearing your armor. Father is bestowing a knighthood on one of your men this morning."

"I'm giving it a miss." Arthur said nonchalantly.

Merlin gaped at him. "You know Father will not allow that."

"He will if you cover for me. By the way, thanks for yesterday. I heard you ended up with the horses - bad luck."

Merlin leaned against the table. "I'll put you in the horses." He threatened.

Arthur smiled and rolled his eyes. "If it's any consolation, I think it was worth it."

In sudden interest, Merlin leaned close. "It went well?"

Arthur grinned. "It went great. Fantastic." Arthur grew thoughtful, and Merlin could see the love in his eyes. "She's incredible."

Already regretting what he was about to say, Merlin lightly punched Arthur on the arm. "Don't worry. I'll find a way out of it."

Arthur smiled, then leaned over and ruffled his little brother's hair. "Don't get into too much trouble."

Merlin rolled his eyes. "Yes Mother. Besides, I won't. I think I'm getting the hang of this whole deception lark."

"Why do I do this?" Merlin sighed as he brushed his dung-soaked bangs aside and dug his fork into the hay. He bit down on his impulse to snap at the stable hand staring at him. It wasn't every day that you saw a prince doing chores. Although lately it looked like it would occur more than often.

"Wait!" Arthur called as Sophia raced down the hill, her dress following her like a shadow. "Be careful!"

The young girl spun with a big grin. "Don't worry." She stepped forward until she was close to Arthur and looked in his eyes with big blue ones. "I will be. Túce hwón frec ðu, Arthur, -"

"What are you doing?" Arthur asked, eyes flitting between hers. She merely took his hand and continued. "Þec feoh nom gyse. Cume morðor rice ær. Túce hwón frec ðu, Arthur."

The eldest prince stared at her as his eyes flashed crimson red to match Sophia's intense gaze.

"Sire, not again." Will said as Merlin tramped inside.

"You would think that by disgracing the king by letting his son do normal "servant" work he wouldn't do it twice, but no! The son must be taught a lesson!"

"I heard that Arthur wasn't at the knighting ceremony."

Merlin groaned, flicking his fingers to clean himself with a spell. "Yeah, he wanted to make the most of his time with Sophia."

"So you helped him?"

Merlin's voice was muffled by the pulling of the shirt over his head. "I'm his brother. I have to."

Will's silence said everything and Merlin sighed, walking over to a bowl to wash his hair.

"Prince Merlin!"

Merlin turned at his name to see Gaius walking down the hall.

"Gaius," Merlin greeted warmly, letting the old man catch up to him.

"Where was Prince Arthur this morning? Sir Geraint was disappointed his prince wasn't there."

"He was spending time with Sophia."

Gaius was silent for a moment, and Merlin turned to see him frowning, thinking deeply.

"Merlin, can you come with me to my chambers? I must speak to you."

Merlin frowned. "Of course Gaius, but we have to be at the council meeting soon so it can't be long."

The old physician nodded, a hand on the young prince's arm. When they closed the door, Gaius turned and asked shortly, "What do you know about seers?"

Merlin's confusion deepened at the question. "Not much. They're supposed to be able to see the future like prophets. Why?"

"I fear Sophia may not be all that she seems. It's an innate ability. Those who have it are born that way. Some aren't even aware that what they see is the future. It comes to them in their dreams."

Merlin narrowed his eyes. Gaius seemed to be hinting at something else. "What's this got to do with Sophia?"

Gaius walked over to his bookshelf and said, "The night before she and Aulfric came to Camelot, Morgana had a dream. Sophia was in it."

"I know. I was there when she told you."

Gaius sat down at the table and said carefully, "I've been watching Morgana since she was very young. And though I've tried to persuade myself otherwise, I realized that some of the things she said she'd dreamt came to pass."

Merlin came to sit besides Gaius, intent on his explanation. Could he tell him Morgana and the younger prince already knew she was a seer?

"I kept it a secret from your father, of course. The gift of prophecy is too close to the work of magic."

"You think Morgana is a seer?" Merlin asked, though he already knew.

"I don't think it. I fear it. Remember Morgana said she dreamt that Sophia killed Arthur?"

"Wait, Gaius, stop." Merlin paused Gaius's telling with a hand. "We both already know she is a seer. But her dreams don't always come true in the way she thinks they do, and so I told Morgana Sohpia was probably harmless, but to watch her. Are you saying that Sohia might actually kill Arthur?"

Gaius was staring at him. "Morgana already knows?"

"Yes, I'm her sister, Gaius. I'm teaching her what she knows."

"I have proof that Sophia is not what we think she is. Aulfric caught me in Sophia's room, and in a flash of anger, his eyes changed color."

Merlin's eyes widened. "Who are they?"

"It's not who they are that worries me, it's what they want with Arthur."

That night, Merlin told his guards to inform him if Aulfric left his room. The knock came just after dinner.

"Your highness, Sir Aulfric has left his room."

"Thank you," Merlin said, waving the guard back to his duty. With a quick spell, he changed his clothes to black, and crept away from his guards using an invisible spell. He went straight to Sophia's room, guessing he would go there first. His guess was correct, for as he rounded the corner, Aulfric was walking quickly down the hall, his staff in hand. Merlin pulled his hood over and, eyes glinting with anticipation, followed the man.

He had gone to the outskirts of the forest of Camelot when Aulfric stopped before a lake. Merlin quickly stepped behind a tree.

"I seek an audience with the Sidhe Elders. Dotiag-sa ar idbairt do denam!"

I come to make you an offering. Merlin thought. What offering?

Aulfric raised his staff, and Merlin's breath caught as a blue tinge covered the lake. It was as bright as the moon and just as ethereal. Little bright lights popped out of the lake and danced over the surface, and Merlin's head ached from trying to track them. Without conscious thought, the world stopped, and Merlin felt his core pulse with energy. The weeds and branches slowed, the water waved slowly, and the prince could at last see the bright lights. They were creatures, small and blue, with delicate wings that buzzed too quickly even with the spell to see. They pranced around the lake, skipping through the water to cast little droplets everywhere. Merlin felt himself smile from the sight and energy he could feel radiating from the creatures, and he let go of the spell, letting the light wash over him.

"I come before you to plead for the chance to win passage back to Avalon and a life of immortality!"

Aulfric's harsh voice ruined the moment, and Merlin's gaze snapped back to him.

A blue swell rose in the air in front of Aulfric, and raised a pointed finger at him. "Your punishment for killing another Sidhe is a mortal body and a mortal life."

Merlin's eyes word had come up twice now, Sidhe. He knew he had heard it before but the prince could not recall where.

"You will never be able to return to Avalon."

"The crime was mine, not my daughter's." Aulfric pleaded.

"The Gates of Avalon remain closed to your daughter unless the soul of a mortal prince be offered up to them."

Merlin blinked. A mortal prince? So they were interested in Arthur, as a sacrifice!

"Thank you." Aulfric said gratefully. "An immortal life for my daughter is all that I desire so I promise you the soul of the greatest prince of all - Arthur Pendragon!"

And there was confirmation. Feeling slightly jealous that Arthur was the 'greatest prince of all,' it was more concerning that they obviously wanted to kill his brother. And that was unacceptable.

"Avalon - what you saw at the lake." Gaius said urgently the next morning. "It's Avalon, it must be."

"What's-"

"The land of Eternal Youth. Mortals are only supposed to glimpse it the moment before death."

Merlin's eyes were wide. "I've seen it and I'm still here."

"Extraordinary." Gaius breathed. "What did it look like?"

"Does it matter? They're going to sacrifice Arthur, and we don't even know what they are yet."

"We do now." Gaius said, walking over to his books and pulling out a large one. "I found writing like this on the top of Aulfric's staff. It's Ogham - an ancient script."

Gaius read the page, and Merlin frowned. Gaius translated, saying, "To hold life and death in your hands. From the writing on his staff and what you saw at the lake, I'm afraid I'm now certain we're dealing with the sidhe."

"That does not sound like a good thing." Merlin said, his eyebrows furrowed.

"They're masters of enchantment."

Merlin's eyes widened at the implications. "Do you think Arthur's been enchanted?"

Gaius nodded. "Almost certainly. I'm afraid Morgana's dream is coming true."

Later, when Merlin was in his chambers trying to think of a plan, a knock came and a guard peeked his head in.

"Prince Merlin, your father has summoned you to the throne room."

The throne room? What could his father possibly want?

When Merlin stepped in the large room, his face dropped. Arthur stood with Sophia, off the side with the council members. Merlin took his usual place next to Uther and cast a questioning glance at Morgana, who ignored him. He frowned. Arthur didn't look particularly enchanted.

"I requested this audience, Father, to discuss a matter of great importance." Arthur began. "It cannot have escaped your attention that I and Lady Sophia Tirmawr have grown very close."

"Not too close, I hope," Uther said with a laugh. Arthur didn't join in.

"We're in love," Arthur said shortly.

Uther looked over at Merlin and Morgana, as if to ask did you encourage this?

"Which is why," Arthur continued, "I come before you today to ask your permission to marry."

Uther burst out laughing, but Morgana and Merlin exchanged glances. This was not a good development.

"I assume you're still joking." Uther said.

"No." Arthur said, completely bewildered. "I'm going to marry her."

Sophia, in the background, was staring intently at Arthur.

"But you only met her two days ago." Uther replied, leaning forward in his throne.

"We're in love," Arthur spelled out, slowly, as if they explained everything.

"In love." Uther repeated, eyebrows raised.

"We had no idea you were such a romantic had we, Merlin?"

Which was code for, did you do anything about this?

"No, he's full of surprises." Merlin replied, eyes wide and trying to catch Arthur's eyes.

"I'm going to marry her." Arthur started, his voice low and dangerous. "I don't care what either of you think about it."

Uther's voice matched his sons. "I thought you'd come to ask permission."

"Out of courtesy, nothing more." Arthur, it seemed, was done with the conversation, for he turned and took Sophia's hand, ready to leave. Uther, seeing this, said shortly, "Guards, door."

The uniformed men shifted their spears in front of the large wooden door in one smooth move. Arthur halted and turned, anger in his eyes.

He certainly seems enchanted now, thought Merlin, watching the scene with unbelieving eyes.

Uther had stood up, his red Pendragon cloak falling behind him to give him a more impressive figure. "Have you forgotten whose court you're standing in?"

"You won't stop me." Arthur said determinedly. "If I want to marry her, I will."

Merlin glanced at his father as he looked down. "Arrest Sophia and Aulfric Tirmawr."

The guards came up to do so, and Arthur strode forward, furious. "What are you doing?" He demanded.

Uther wasn't done. "And inform the executioner his services will be required tomorrow morning."

It was only the practice Merlin had at being at court his whole life that he didn't open his mouth to gape. Killing someone simply because King Uther didn't want his son to was something that crossed his lines. The only reason the younger prince didn't interfere was because Uther could be bluffing in hope to dissuade Arthur from marrying Sophia. Hopefully. Although his father was certainly capable of killing innocents (in the king's eyes anyway) while remaining aloof. It was just another reminder he had no idea what lengths his father would go to if he were to discover Merlin's magic.

Arthur was in his fathers face now. "You can't do this."

"Yes, I can." Uther retorted. "And unless you show me some respect, I will."

Arthur, for once, seemed to swallow the words, and he backed down, still reluctantly, to bow his head.

"Release them." Uther ordered with a wave of his gloved hand. "You've got your whole life ahead of you. Sophia is no doubt your first love, but she certainly won't be the only one. Enjoy yourself while you can."

With those wise words ringing in Arthur's ears, he bowed his head and left. Uther waited only a few moments before rising and striding out the room. Merlin and Morgana followed without hesitation.

"Neither of you are planning to be springing surprises on me, are you?" Uther asked, amused.

"Don't you think you should be taking this a bit more seriously?" Morgana asked, agitated.

"He's young, foolish and in love. Give it a week and he'll be chasing another girl." Uther turned to gesture at Merlin. "You'll get your chance, too."

Merlin rolled his eyes.

"Sophia will never let that happen." Morgana gritted her teeth.

Uther looked up. "Have you got a grudge against our guest?"

"There's something about her I don't trust. You see it too, don't you Merlin?"

Merlin, unsure if he should even bring this to the king, caved and said, "You've seen the way Arthur changed since she arrived, Father."

"He's a fool, in love."

"She's dangerous." Morgana stated.

"Dangerous? To whom?" Uther asked incredulously.

"Arthur."

"Why do you say that?"

Morgana hesitated. "I just have a sense, a feeling."

Uther looked to Merlin as if to say, girls. Merlin smiled weakly back.

"And what has she done to make you have this feeling?

"Nothing yet." Morgana replied. "It's what she's going to do." She bit her lip then looked at Merlin, who shook his head. "I don't know how to tell you this."

"Try." Uther said, coming to a stop. "Whatever it is, you can tell me."

Merlin's eyes widened from where he stood behind Uther. Was she going to tell him? Didn't she know that was a spectacularly bad idea? She hesitated for a long moment, then glanced at him and said softly, "I've just seen girls like this before. They string men along and then plop them. I don't want to see him get hurt."

Uther looked a second away from rolling his eyes. As it was, he sighed and said, placing a hand on her shoulder, "I know you do. But we all have lessons to learn for ourselves. He'll hurt for a week and then Sophia will be forgotten."

Morgana looked down. "I hope so."

"Are you sure there's nothing else behind this?"

"Yes, it's nothing."

Uther nodded and walked away, leaving Merlin and Morgana standing there.

"Look after him, Merlin. Make sure Sophia doesn't get her grimy hands on him."

"I will." Merlin said strongly, already starting to walk to Arthur's chambers.

When he got there, Arthur was already dressed in his armor, stuffing clothes in a bag. Arthur heard his footsteps and looked up, anger clear on his face. "Get out."

"I thought Father was a bit harsh."

"I don't need sympathy, especially from you, Merlin."

Merlin, who had heard that phrase many times in his life, ignored him and continued, "But I did think he has a point."

Arthur turned and narrowed his eyes at him. "I ordered you to get out, now leave me."

"I know you think what you're doing, and I know you think your in love with Sophia -

"Who are you to tell me what I'm thinking?"

Merlin paused, keeping the eye contact steady. "I'm your brother."

"No, Merlin. You're the younger prince no one cares about."

Swallowing down the hurt that comment brought up, Merlin followed Arthur around. "You don't know what you're doing. She's cast a spell on you. You're enchanted."

"I told you people would try to keep us apart." a cool voice said from behind them. Merlin and Arthur turned to see Sophia, staff in hand and her father next to her.

Arthur seemed besotted at the sight of her. "I know. I won't let that happen."

Merlin gritted his teeth. "No, don't listen to her. She's controlling you." If they had been alone, Merlin would have used magic by now, but as his rule he had established when young (learned from an embarrassing experience), reason first, magic last. Plus he really did not want fairies to know he had magic.

Sophia was walking slowly toward the eldest prince. "We can elope together," she suggested softly. "Get away from this place, these people."

Merlin narrowed his eyes. She was putting on a convincing show of innocence, but he would not fall for it. "I saw you." the younger prince stated. "I followed him." Merlin turned back to Arthur, pleading. "They're planning to sacrifice you!"

Aulfric scoffed and moved forward, clutching his staff. "You let your younger brother talk to you this way?"

"I know what you're going to do because I followed you to the lake and I heard everything." He spun around and took hold of Arthur's shoulders. "You have to believe me!"

"Don't listen to him, Arthur."

It was so obvious to Merlin that the Sidhe was layering the spell with every word she spoke; the magic was thick, electrifying the air.

"Let's go, let's leave tonight."

Merlin stared into Arthur's dazed eyes. "She's going to kill you. Sophia plans to sacrifice you to buy a life of immortality. If you go with her you'll die."

Arthur was shaking his head confusedly. "I-it doesn't make sense. We're in love."

Arthur was trying to shake off the spell. Come on Arthur, you can do it! Merlin silently cheered.

"They're magical beings. Look at the writing on their staff," and Merlin rushed forward to grab the staff.

Aulfric tore it away as quickly as humanly - magically - possible and his eyes glowed red, illuminating the anger on his face.

Merlin stepped back. "See, Arthur? Look at his eyes, they're red-"

His words were cut off as he spun back to see Arthur's eyes the same shade of red, unnatural and terrifying. "I see everything," Arthur growled.

Merlin stood stock still for a moment, feeling the tension and danger in the air. His brother was gazing at him with red eyes, under a spell, Sophia and Aulfric standing in front of the door with their staffs in their hands. Merlin tried to make a run for it anyway.

"Na þing biþ!" Aulfric enchanted quickly, and a beam of brilliant blue light hit Merlin in the chest, flinging him to the wall where his head hit the stone with a crack and he fell, boneless, to the ground. The younger prince watched blurrily as Sophia led his older brother away, and then his vision danced away from him and his world went black.

"Gaius, he's gone. Arthur's gone, she's taken him. I searched for Merlin in his chambers but he's not there and what if Sophia took him too?" Morgana burst into the physician's chambers, panicking, her eyes wide.

"Slow down," Gaius suggested, confused.

"I know you don't believe me, but I'm so sure it's going to happen, my dream is going to come true."

"I do believe you," Gaius said gently, taking her shoulders.

"We have to find Merlin, if we don't Arthur will die!"
"Where did you check?"

Morgana stuttered, her eyes flying around the room, still clearly panicked. "H-his room but that's all, I had to tell you immediately-"

"Did you check Arthur's room?"

"No, I-"

"Let's go there first then."

Morgana nodded, pulling on her dress, and let Gaius lead her.

They saw him slumped against the wall, eyes closed and limbs slack.
"Merlin!" Morgana gasped rushing toward him. "What happened to you?"

Merlin groaned and stirred as Gaius shuffled closer. "It was Aulfric." He mumbled.

Morgana grabbed his arm and helped him up, the young prince swaying as he slurred, "Where's Arthur? I have to go after him." He shook his head and winced. "What's that buzzing noise?"

Morgana exchanged a worried look with Gaius. "Careful, Merlin, you can barely stand up."

"I have to go."

"You can't." Morgana said flatly, holding his arm. Gaius nodded. "She's right; not in this state."

Assuming that Aulfric had used magic on the prince, Gaius continued, "You owe it to your powers that you survived at all."

Merlin gestured lazily, trying to rip free from their grasps. "I'm fine, he needs me."

Gaius sighed. "Has the buzzing stopped?"
"Yes," Merlin said, clearly still wincing.

"Liar."

"I have to go Gaius, if I don't, he'll die."

"I'll go." Morgana volunteered, already making her way out.

"No!" Merlin shouted, then winced again, bringing a hand up to his forehead. "You don't know how to use your magic!"

"The Sidhe are vicious people." Gaius agreed, "You cannot go, Morgana, you do not know enough. Merlin, you must be careful."

Merlin smiled. "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing." and he started to walk out.

Morgana bit her lip. "Merlin, this way." she said, pointing to the doorway.

Merlin looked at the window he had been walking to, and raised a finger, correcting himself. "Just testing."

Morgana watched him sprint out worriedly.

He ran. The trees and branches were against him, the wind attempting to slow him down, and the ground rising to trip him. He would not let them defeat him. Arthur was in danger and he would not let his big brother get killed because of a stupid love spell. Merlin ran fast, panting, his side aching, but he did not slow down. He had already been tearing through the forest for about a minute, and based on following Aulfric the distance had been ten minutes. Running would probably cut it down to five.

The prince suddenly tripped and landed hard, smarting his palms. He was up the next second, not even hesitating. He could hear Sidhe now, belting out a spell. With a final jolt of energy, Merlin rushed forward. Darting behind a tree, he watched, trembling with panic, as Aulfric faced the lake, both his hands held out, overseeing Sophia as she stood in the water, alone. There was no sign of Arthur. Already knowing what had happened, Merlin looked widely around for something that could help him, and his gaze fell on the staff Sophia had set on the ground. Swallowing down his harsh breathing, he quickly incanted under his breath, "Ongebringan."

The staff came flying toward him, and he caught it awkwardly. Without daring to take another moment lest a Sidhe notice him, Merlin pointed the staff at Aulfric and said in one breath, "Swilte, gold beorþ!"

Sophia's father turned at the noise but had no time to react as the blue of the spell hit him. He exploded into tiny pieces that floated away and Sophia turned in shock. "Father!" She screamed, wading through the water. Merlin didn't let her, shouting, "Acwele!" and she exploded like her father. Throwing the staff down, he undid his cloak and ran to the water. "Arthur!" he shouted desperately. The younger prince didn't notice the shock of the cold Autumn water and dove in, searching for the gray or blonde of Arthur. It took three distressed dives before he found the still form of his brother, laying on the floor of the lake, his armor weighing him down. Merlin pulled him out with a gasp, laying Arthur on his chest to keep him out of the water.

Please don't be dead, please don't be dead. Merlin thought frantically as he felt Arthur's chest for any intake of air. It was faint, but it was there. Arthur was alive.

Arthur moaned. His brain hurt, like that time he had worked on his numbers the entire day.

"Arthur?"

That was new. What was Merlin doing in his room so early? "What happened?" He asked, not opening his eyes. "Where am I?"

Gingerly, he opened his eyes and sat up. He was in bed, Merlin and Gaius sitting in chairs on his left side.

Merlin was leaning forward. "Can you remember anything?"

His head was throbbing now. He brought up a hand. "Oh, my head."

Suddenly an image came into his head. "There was a girl - Sophia, she…" He paused. "I asked Father something about her. I asked him…" He thought hard, and when the answer came he sat up straight in bed, mortified. "What had I been thinking?"
"Well, we did wonder," Merlin said cheekily. Arthur stared at his brother. Merlin looked down, a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Especially when you eloped with her last night."

"I did what?" Arthur said, his eyes wide in disbelief. He had never, never, in his life nurtured the thought of eloping if his father disapproved. Merlin must have had the time of his life.
Gaius nodded solemnly. "Merlin had to bring you back to Camelot."

"I don't recall any of this!" Arthur said, still hoping that his brother was just messing with him.

"Well you did get magicked by a powerful fairy." Merlin deadpanned.

"What fairy?" Arthur gritted his teeth.

"Sophia. She was perfectly innocent. Until she wasn't, of course."

Arthur shook his head, bringing a hand up to forehead. He just wanted to forget all of this. According to his memory it had never happened anyway so… Pointing a finger at the two of them he ordered sternly, "No one can know about this. Any of it. Is that understood?"

His younger brother and Gaius looked at each other before giving a little nod. For extra effect, Arthur tapped Merlin's head harshly. That was for barely being able to keep back that amused smile.

"When you failed to show up for patrol this morning, I'd feared you'd eloped with Sophia in a fit of passion." Uther said sternly. Arthur rolled his eyes and turned to Merlin. He stepped forward with an apologetic smile. "Arthur told me to tell you that he was going for a hunt…but I forgot. Sorry, Father."

Uther walked slowly over to him. "This is becoming a nearly daily occurrence for you."

"Yes well, I'm not Arthur's servant so he should have told you."

Arthur glared at him.

Morgana raised an eyebrow. "And killing things mends a broken heart?"

Arthur stared at her with a - for real? - expression before he composed himself as his fathers attention turned to him. "No, but it's good fun." He said brightly.

Uther sighed. "Do you need a lesson in how to memorize things?"

"No." Merlin said defensively. "Arthur has a servant to do those things!"

Arthur simply looked to the ceiling with a sigh. Merlin scowled at him.

Later that night, as Morgana came in for a draft of sleeping potion, Gaius said to Merlin quietly, "You must teach her well, Merlin."

"Is she like me?" He asked curiously.

"No one is like you, Merlin."

The prince scoffed. "But she can become powerful with her magic refined?"

"Yes." Gaius said shortly. "And you need to teach her the right ways."

Merlin nodded solemnly. He would try his best. He himself sometimes felt like impulsively revealing his magic to Uther, and he was his father. What would Morgana do, in rough times?

A/N: I actually did not mind this chapter, it has some hilarious parts in it, which unfortunately, i wasn't able to find a way to integrate into this chapter. (Merlin's interaction with Uther, the 'yOu mAnAgEd tO kNocK mE oUt?' and some more ;) Can I just say that Merlin looked amazing in that red jacket at the end of the episode? And though I have re watched this series about four times, I'm only seeing now how OBVIOUS Merlin and Morgana's relationship is. I was thinking to maybe put that in here, but decided it was too much of a hassle, plus this Merlin thinks of her as a sister, and to change that now would be chaos. (And I already have a ship for Merlin, but it doesn't come into play until the last seasons...you can probably guess it.) Please forgive all my mistakes, they are my own.

Thank you so much for reading, and thanks to those who reviewed and followed! Hopefully I can get the next chapter out soon!

P.S. Did you notice the foreshadowing in the last sentance? It gives a huge clue to how this AU plays out!